Would more inconvenience make us happier?

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? 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

It's a story that rivals a Hollywood blockbuster. A Canadian man who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics as a snowboarder, who then went on to become one of the most notorious drug lords in North America - landing himself on the FBI Ten Most Wanted list - who was on the run for a decade in Mexico, has now been arrested and faces arraignment today.Investigators say Ryan Wedding turned himself into the US Embassy in Mexico last week. He's facing several charges including drug trafficking and murder.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Calvi Leon, crime reporter for the Toronto Star, to dig into the latest update of the Wedding case, the details of the self-surrender, and how this could all play out for the former Olympian. 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

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show, In This Economy?!If you're in the market for a new truck or car, you might face sticker shock!The average price for a new vehicle in the Canadian market is now more than $60,000, and used vehicle prices are on the rise, too. So what options are you left with if you're looking for a new ride but can't afford the inflated price tag? How do tariffs play into the list price? And how will Prime Minister Mark Carney's trade deal with China affect the EV market?Host Mike Eppel speaks to Barish Arkurek, VP Insights and intelligence for Autotader.ca, to discuss what consumers can expect. 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

Catch up on Canada’s top stories, with insight from reporters across the country. From breaking news to politics, sports, climate, and culture, Big Headlines makes staying connected to the pulse of the country easier than ever. Perfect for busy Canadians on the go! Big Headlines premieres Monday January 26th 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

They say it's about collaboration and face-to-face interactions - but you're still expected to join your virtual meeting in a private call booth.So, what's really behind these RTO mandates? If the research shows better work-life balance and productivity when employees have the option to work remotely, what's the big push for the big return? Does work-from-home still exist six years after the pandemic?Host Catherine Jette speaks to Kathy Chow, a Toronto-based writer who wrote a piece called "Welcome Back to the Office. You Won’t Get Anything Done.". The two discuss corporate culture's inability to prioritize the employee, how women are disproportionately affected by RTO mandates, and how surrounding suburbs of big cities can fall victim to the return to the office. 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

As immigration raids continue across the US - specifically in Minnesota where thousands of protesters are taking to the streets denouncing ICE following the shooting death of Renee Good - political polarization couldn't be more rampant.Earlier this week, the US Department of Justice subpoenaed at least five Minnesota officials for their alleged involvement in obstructing ICE officers from doing their jobs. It falls against the backdrop of US President Trump threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jeanne Meserve, journalist and international security analyst to discuss the transformation of immigration enforcement under Trump's second term, and how Americans are reacting to this deepening domestic policy crisis within their country. 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