The F-35 decision is made — so why is Saab still lobbying? Richard Shimooka cuts through the noise and explains why the Swedish Gripen jet can’t compete on cost or capability. With Canada part of the F-35 development consortium, any deviation now would be a costly political move, not a strategic one.

Plus: a deeper look at the idea of a NATO defense investment bank, and why it’s less about war profiteering and more about solving critical gaps in funding for military innovation. Shimooka explains how modern procurement works, why private capital is reluctant to invest in defense, and what a remilitarized world economy could look like.

GUEST:
Richard Shimooka

To eat well in Canada, a family of four now needs nearly $17,000 a year. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois breaks down new numbers from the Canadian Food Sentiment Index, showing just how much the grocery landscape has changed. Loyalty is gone, trust is shaky, and couponing is out — shoppers want savings now, or they go elsewhere.

From the emotional shift in grocery experiences to rising volatility in beef, chicken, and produce, this episode explains what’s really driving price perceptions — and what policymakers must target to restore stability and dignity to the food system.

GUEST:
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois
@foodprofessor

Part 1 | Richard Crouse - Why 4,000 Iconic Interviews Vanished — And What Remains

What happens when a generation’s worth of Hollywood interviews disappears overnight? Richard Crouse shares the bittersweet reality behind losing over 4,000 tapes from his long-running TV show, revealing how decades of entertainment history were wiped away — and what he's doing to preserve what’s left.

Inside, Crouse reflects on the evolution of his podcast archive, the challenges of media preservation, and why curating by curiosity still matters. From Alice Cooper and Elvis Costello to an upcoming chat with Will Arnett, he offers a peek behind the mic. Plus, they cover Bridget Jones’s new statue, the politics of public art, and a lawsuit over the name "Swim Shady."

Discover what’s lost, what’s saved, and what it all means for the future of cultural memory.

Part 2 | Booze and Reviews: Wicked for Good: Big Performances, Bold Cocktails, and a 5-Hour Movie Experience

Is a five-hour movie ever worth it? Richard Crouse returns with a take on Wicked for Good, the second half of one of the most ambitious musical adaptations in years. While the runtime may be massive, Crouse argues the payoff — especially from Ariana Grande’s surprising performance — might just be worth the sit.

Alongside his review, Richard blends his signature “booze and reviews” with a cocktail lineup straight from the Emerald City: sugar-rimmed ruby drinks, pop rock fizz, and bright green martinis to match the fantasy. Plus, a few fun facts about forgotten liqueurs and what happens when your bottle of Galliano collects dust for a decade.

A movie conversation that’s equal parts critique, nostalgia, and mixology.

GUEST:
Richard Crouse
richardcrouse.ca