Weekend Listen: Do loyalty programs still pay off? Breaking down changes for Canadian consumers

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show 'In This Economy?!'One of the original travel rewards programs in the Canadian market is getting a major rebrand.Air Miles, which has been around since 1992, will soon be called Blue Rewards, as owner BMO refreshes the brand to highlight that it’s about more than just travel. At the same time, a longtime Air Miles partner, Shell, is making a move of its own—joining the Scene+ program operated by Scotiabank.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Patrick Sojka, founder of RewardsCanada.ca which is a Canadian loyalty rewards database, to break down what these changes mean for consumers, and take a broader look at the more than 180 loyalty brands competing for Canadians’ attention. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: Donald Trump threatens Canada again, the Conservative Party of Canada's annual convention continues in Calgary, the Prime Minister praises "Heated Rivalry" and does the 'empty nester' still exist? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected]  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Gen Z are having a hard time conceptualizing the reality of financial freedom, as Canada grapples with an affordability crisis. That's especially so for residents of two of the country's most expensive cities, Toronto and Vancouver.And while people in their 20s struggle with affording a place to stay, their parents struggle with watching them struggle, and inevitably end up opening their doors as they finish post-secondary and hunt for a job, a career, a place to stay or even a purpose in life.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Claire Gagné, editor for Macleans and author of 'Why Gen Z Will Never Leave Home'. The two discuss the possibilities of multigenerational living to benefit Canadians struggling with money - and loneliness, and how Canada could improve its lagging productivity issue. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: a First Nation in Northern Quebec is under lockdown, General Motors is moving forward with job cuts, we're hearing from Donald Trump's border czar, and Pierre Poilievre has a leadership review. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected]  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

After an unremarkable blow in last year's federal election - at both the national and riding level - all eyes will be on Conservative Leader, Pierre Poilievre's leadership abilities during the Conservative Party Convention in Calgary. Beyond the losses, Canadians seem to have questions as to whether or not Poilievre is meeting the moment amid renewed annexation threats from US President Trump.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jamie Ellerton, political strategist and Principal at Conaptus to discuss what could possibly come of this weekend's leadership review, and the work that lies ahead for the Federal Conservatives who work to bridge the gap between their platform and the man running it. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: Canada's premiers are meeting in Ottawa, immigration enforcement crackdowns continue in Minneapolis, a woman now officially leads the Church of England, and do we need more inconvenience in our lives again?Bank of Canada holds key rate steady as CUSMA talks loom over its outlookKingsbury, Thompson named Canada’s flag-bearers for 2026 Olympic Games  We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

What if we told you the key to a more fulfilling life is by making yourself a little....uncomfortable?We're not just talking about reducing scroll time on your phone or fighting the urge to binge watch a show.We're talking about doing the grocery shopping for a friend that you're about to pick up from the airport, or actually following through on dinner plans you committed to even though you maybe aren't in the mood anymore. The things that inconvenience us, but help create a sense of community and genuine belonging.Host Catherine Jette speaks to Israa Nasir, psychotherapist and author of Toxic Productivity. She also authored a Substack called 'A good life is inconvenient. We need to escape the cult of convenience'. The two discuss how to master the art of friction-maxxing, how to draw back on the systems and technologies that replace basic skills, and how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Find Israa's article here: https://israanasir.substack.com/p/a-good-life-is-inconvenient We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus ICE could be accompanying US staff to the Olympics in Italy, the latest from Iran's crackdown on anti-government protests, and will NATO be able to outlast Trump's second term? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected]  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

After exclaiming that a reality where Greenland isn't owned by the US wasn't possible, President Trump has seemed to take the gloves off and use an approach he hasn't necessarily been reaching for lately - diplomacy.Last week, Trump announced a framework to a future deal in respect to Greenland and the Arctic as a whole. Although annexation threats have calmed, the vulnerabilities of Canada's portion of the Arctic have come into clear focus.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Robert Baines, President of the NATO Association of Canada to discuss the ways Canada should diversify and strengthen its defence forces with Trump's eyes still on the Arctic, and how NATO could be at risk amid the US President's nuanced outlook on international partnerships. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus the Bank of Canada could pause any interest changes for the year, the historic snowfall across Canada and the United States, and ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding is behind bars. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected]  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky