Weekend Listen: Are we ready for the full integration of AI in social media?

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!" A new survey from Angus Reid says most Canadians use social media--- and don't enjoy their experience. Privacy remains one of the top concerns, as a handful of companies have a near-monopoly on the most commonly used platforms. And with governments only just starting to talk about regulating social media for teens, are we as a society ready for the tidal wave that will be when AI is fully integrated? Host Mike Eppel speaks with Professor Richard Lachman from the RTA school of media at Toronto Metropolitan University to discuss what Ottawa can do and what Canadians could 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

Plus: Prime Minister Mark Carney is meeting with Quebec's new premier today, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is reflecting on his Artemis II mission with his crewmates as they readjust to life on earth, Canada Post is moving forward with its plan to end door-to-door delivery, Canadian bishops are speaking out about Trump's recent AI posts depicting him as Jesus, and how can Canadians help a NEET? 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

Ever heard of a NEET? Someone who's not educated, employed or training. According to a 2025 Statistics Canada report, 11% of the country's youth are NEET, with Black, Chinese and highly-educated immigrants being disproportionately affected. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Linda Nazareth, economist, futurist and host of the Work in the Future podcast to discuss how NEETs have long-term impacts on Canada's economy and how we can support young folks through this transitionary period. Linda discusses more in her new book The End of Entry-Level Jobs: How AI, Demographics, and Economic Pressure Are Rewriting the Talent Pipeline, which will be out later this year. 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 federal government is responding after a Canadian was killed in Lebanon, Health Canada has approved a needle-free treatment for allergies, a social media ban for kids could soon be in place, the Artemis II crew speaks to reporters, and more on the supplement market. 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

Why does it feel like everyone's a fitness influencer these days?! Posting workout videos without science-based advice is one thing, but promoting supplements that aren't only mislabeled but sometimes not even legally on the market is another. And it's more common than you think. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Rohil Daliwal, an associate researcher at Mass General Brigham to discuss the highly-saturated and barely-regulated workout supplement market. 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: Conservative leadership is now being called into question after a series of floor crossings in the House of Commons, a new drug to fight pancreatic cancer is into global trials, a new report shows Ontario high schoolers' attendance is lagging despite new legislation proposed by the Ford government, and what will Carney change with a majority government? 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 a trio of by-elections across Ontario and Quebec, Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured a majority government with 174 seats in the House of Commons. The transition comes after a handful of opposition of MPs - including 4 from the Conservative caucus - crossed the floor to join Carney's liberals. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Lori Turnbull, Political Science professor from Dalhousie University, to discuss Carney's approach to party politics, whether or not Canadians will feel any change in the aftermath, and how Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre could harness this moment for his own benefit. 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 Liberals suspend federal fuel excise taxes, in-person negotiations will reportedly continue in the Iran war, Global Affairs says an Ontario man has been killed in Lebanon, the wealth gap is widening, and why is Trump fighting the Pope? 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

An AI-generated image of US President Trump depicted as Jesus and an anti-Pope Leo rant on Truth Social has made shockwaves throughout America's Christian community - even for its Republican and far-right members. Host Maria Kestane speaks to André Gagné, a professor and the Chair of the Department of Theological Studies at Concordia University to break down why Trump has made the Pope his latest target, how the Trump administration has mobilized the Christian faith to justify its agenda, and whether or not religious members of his base are drawing the line. 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: more on three federal byelections across Canada today, Trump's new tactic with the Iran war and putting pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. president's criticism of Pope Leo, Quebec's governing party has chosen a new leader, Hungarian voters have ousted Viktor Orban, and the Artemis Two crew is beginning to debrief their mission. 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