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

Six seconds of creativity. No AI. No filters. That’s the pitch behind Devine — a revival of the original Vine concept that once ruled the internet. But in a landscape now dominated by TikTok’s scroll-and-sell culture, does Devine stand a chance? Ryan O'Donnell explains what made Vine special, why it failed, and whether this new version can capture that lightning again.

From nostalgic Vine compilations to blunt realities about monetization, this episode explores the evolution of online video culture — and whether we’ve lost our appetite for fun that isn’t trying to sell us something.

GUEST:
Ryan O'Donnell

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

When MPs are hiding behind curtains to fake a budget abstention, it’s not strategy — it’s cowardice. Rob Breakenridge joins to dissect how Parliament’s latest farce mirrors a scene from the Wizard of Oz — but without the charm. From performative politics to outright deception, Canadians are left asking: who’s really pulling the levers?

Rob also tackles Alberta’s plan for public-private doctor crossover and its controversial use of the notwithstanding clause. With constitutional battles brewing and federal transfer dollars at risk, this episode is a snapshot of political dysfunction coast to coast.

GUEST:
Rob Breakenridge
robbreakenridge.ca

Part 1 Earth to Massey Hall: Chris Hadfield’s Night of Wonder
From commanding the International Space Station to staging a one‑night‑only performance at Massey Hall, Chris Hadfield brings a unique mix of science, art and optimism. In this episode, he opens up about what it means to bring space‑faring perspective to everyday life, and why his upcoming show “Generator” matters now more than ever. Discover how he turned extraordinary experiences into everyday inspiration — and how you can too.

Part 2 The Real Gravity of Space: Chris Hadfield on Mortality & 30,000 Days
Chris Hadfield returns to Earth with a different kind of mission: helping others live on purpose. In this raw segment, the former astronaut and bestselling author shares how space forced him to reexamine relationships, time and dreams. The question that changed everything? “If everything goes perfectly from here, what would that even look like?”

GUEST:
Chris Hadfield
chrishadfield.ca

It shattered expectations — and a bank account. Lorraine Sommerfeld returns with a wild case of a $22,250 sunroof replacement that exposes how modern cars are built for style, not service. From panoramic glass that can’t be repaired to parts that are too specific for the aftermarket, car design has quietly shifted into something deeply disposable.

Lorraine breaks down why cars are now “Duplo,” not Lego — made from oversized parts that can’t be swapped or fixed. Plus: what’s really driving insurance hikes, why right-to-repair laws matter, and how manufacturers escape accountability for design failures. Weld it shut or pay the price.

GUEST:
Lorraine Sommerfeld

1998 was more than just another year — it was a cultural turning point. With memories of the Spice Girls’ MuchMusic takeover, Toronto’s downtown nightlife, and the low-tech intimacy of Speakers Corner, Ed Conroy returns to trace the energy of a time before digital dominance.

Along the way, he reveals how The Truman Show’s iconic director character was modeled on a Canadian media icon and reflects on why gathering places like 299 Queen Street (Much Music) made media magic — and why we still miss them.

GUEST:
Ed Conroy
@retorontario
retrontario.com

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