Zooming in on microplastics

We inhale and ingest them regularly. But what exactly are the microplastics ubiquitous in our bodies and in our environment? How do they affect us and what do we do about them? We’re joined by Chelsea Rochman, an associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Toronto, and Chris Carlsten, a professor of medicine and the head of the respiratory medicine division at the University of British Columbia. We also hear from Shannon Bainbridge, a professor of health sciences who runs the Placenta Lab at the University of Ottawa.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government issued its second budget this week. We break down what’s in it for you — including how the feds plan to boost the economy and address affordability. Our guests are Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Ottawa Bureau Chief for Politico and Sahir Khan, executive vice president of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy and former Assistant Parliamentary Budget Officer.

Like many people, Canadian actors Luke Hutchie and Matthew Finlan are dead sure they’ve seen ghosts. It’s the whole premise of their CBC web series, Ghosting. On Halloween, they join us to talk about amateur ghost-busting. We are also joined by Chris French, a prominent British psychologist who studies paranormal experiences, to answer your questions about how science explains people’s supposed encounter with the supernatural.

Americans will head to the polls on Tuesday to vote in the U.S. midterm elections. We’re answering your questions about the races to watch, what this vote could mean for Canada’s relationship with the U.S., and why many are calling this election a referendum on President Donald Trump. Our guests are Luke Broadwater, White House correspondent for the New York Times, and Justin Ling, columnist at the Toronto Star. 

Autonomous vehicle operator Waymo plans to launch driverless ride-hailing services in Canada in 2028, with vehicle testing already underway in Toronto. What do you want to know about self-driving cars? Would you ride in one? Liam Paull is an associate professor at the Université de Montréal. He’s also a member of Mila, the Quebec AI Institute for learning algorithms. Matthew Raifman is the research lead in policy and autonomous vehicles at UC Berkeley. 

Youth-led movements are popping up in many parts of Europe, including France, Belgium, Italy and Greece. We’re taking your questions about what’s driving young people to the streets, what makes Gen Z’s struggles different, and the impact of youth-led movements in the world right now.Cristina Flesher Fominaya is professor of global studies at Aarhus University in Denmark. Julius Fintelmann is the editor-in-chief of The European Correspondent.

Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney joins Just Asking to take your questions about the Alberta referendum, the future of the United Conservative Party and his case for a united Canada. He’s joined on the show by Alberta separatist organizer Angela Tabak.

On the eve of the Alberta referendum, political scientists Lori Williams and Julie Simmons field your questions about what led the province to this moment and how the independence question will shape the future of politics in Alberta and the rest of the country.

Thanksgiving weekend is the unofficial kickoff to a season of gatherings. You may be planning get-togethers for Diwali, Hanukkah, or the winter solstice in the coming weeks. And while there’s lots of merriment when you share space and food with friends and family, there’s also friction. Our guest experts offer tips on how to gather well despite our political, generational, and cultural differences. Kate Mulligan is principal at the department of neighbouring and associate professor at the University of Toronto. Lambers Fisher is a licensed marriage and family therapist. And Yasmeen Rafiq is a registered social worker and therapist.

The World Health Organization has issued its first-ever guidance on addressing a sharp increase in childhood obesity globally. Experts say the problem is driven by multiple factors, including ubiquitous ultra-processed foods, rising screen time, and a lack of safe physical activity spaces. We’re taking your questions about childhood obesity and how to address it without compounding weight stigma and negative self-image. Dr. Mélanie Henderson is a pediatric endocrinologist and researcher at CHU Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montreal. Amanda Raffoul is an assistant professor in the department of nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto.