Explore every episode of the podcast This is Toronto

An all-star sports panel reflects on milestones of the year: Diana Matheson, founder of the Northern Super League, which starts play next spring; Teresa Resch, president of the Toronto Tempo WNBA team and Tessa Bonhomme, host of the PWHL's podcast 'Jocks in Jills.'

Yvan Baker, the Liberal MP for Etobicoke Centre, weighs in on the calls for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign, and whether it would have an impact on the party's chance of winning the next federal election. Plus, hyper-realistic baker April Julian comes in to challenge David and some guests to guess whether her holiday mug is real... or cake.

Gamal Mansour is a PhD candidate at U of T, who researches the Assad regime that he himself fled. Nasim Misrabi came to Canada in 2016. They speak with David about this historic moment in Syria's history, and where the country goes from here.

Kat Cassidy, aka @livingonaloonie, shares some tips for saving money at the grocery store, after a TikTok about a recent haul went viral. Plus, what happens when we run out of space to put all of our garbage? Waste management expert Calvin Lakhan digs into some solutions.

What's in a name? Teresa Resch, president of the Toronto Tempo, talks about how the new team name came to be. Plus, Ayami Sato will be the first woman to play professional baseball in Canada, after being signed to the Toronto Maple Leafs Intercountry Baseball League team. She joins David from Japan.

Ontario's Auditor General, Shelly Spence, joins David to talk about her report into the provincial government's Ontario Place redevelopment, opioid strategy, advertising and more. Then, three strategists discuss the fallout from the report and how it will land with Ontarians.

CBC's Ioanna Roumeliotis looks at what's fueling a surge in harassment and threats against politicians, especially women. Plus, the top boss at Metrolinx is out. Transit advocate Steve Munro looks at his legacy, and where the departure leaves major transit projects in the GTA.

Drug overdose is the leading cause of maternal death in Canada. Erin Lurie and Jasmine Saleh run a clinic to try to help drug users who are pregnant. Plus, Tarin Dhamrait has a unique job: barber to the stars of the NBA. He drops by to talk about how he ended up there... before heading out to take care of the Indiana Pacers.

Cafes, fast food joints, jewelry shops, websites: so many retailers now ask customers for tips. But Christine Birak from CBC's Marketplace looks into how often those tips actually go to employees. Plus, the newly crowned Toronto Sceptres are gearing up for their second season in the PWHL. Goalie Carly Jackson shares the story of what got her into hockey.

Rabia Sohail explains why she's turning her one-bedroom apartment into a meeting place for complete strangers. Also, you may know about the online conspiracy theory around 15-minute cities. The Toronto Star’s David Rider looked into the impact it's having on cities and towns across the GTA.

University of Toronto marketing and psychology professor Sam Maglio looked into how people react to abbreviations and short form, and the results may have you rethinking your texting habits. Plus, culture guru Elamin Abdelmahmoud breaks down the latest chapter in the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and what it means for those of us in the 6ix.

A viral clip from Dragon's Den gets at what it means to be an entrepreneur in an expensive city like Toronto. Barry Donaldson, the business owner at the centre of it, speaks out. Plus, what should Canada do about a proposed 25% tariff from the Trump administration? Veteran strategist Jaime Watt weighs in.

A new study says the number of family doctors is not keeping up with population growth. Family doctor and researcher Dr. Tara Kiran says many factors contribute to the crisis. If this makes you want to run away and join the circus, then you will want to hear from Torontonian Cirque du Soleil aerial artist Masha Terentieva.

Noah Rudder didn't think he was a good student, growing up. He shares the story of his path to the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Plus, with Canada tightening immigration targets, Ukrainians who fled the war are pushing for a pathway to permanent residency. A Ukrainian who fled to Canada makes the case, along with the director of the settlement group Pathfinders for Ukraine.

CBC guest host Jill Dempsey speaks to biking law specialist, lawyer David Shellnut about the government's move to protect itself from being sued by cycling or pedestrian victims in its bike lanes removal bill. Plus, former Wiggles star Emma Watkins, a.k.a. Emma Memma, comes to studio in costume. She kicks off the 2024 Santa Claus Parade.

John Allen is a Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and former Canadian ambassador to Israel. He weighs in on the arrest warrants issued against Israel's Prime Minister, and a Hamas leader. And tech analyst Carmi Levy explains why so many users are flocking away from Elon Musk's X, formerly Twitter.

Timothy Danson, the lawyer for the families of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy, reacts to news they aren't allowed to attend the parole hearing of Paul Bernardo. Plus, a measles outbreak in Canada? Immunologist and McMaster professor Dawn Bowdish explains.

Taylor Swift fans in Halton Region are out thousands of dollars in a ticket scam. Chris Pyke shares how his family was pulled into it, and digital forensics expert Ryan Duquette explains what you should look out for online. Plus, Ukraine's Consul General in Toronto reflects on the war with Russia, 1,000 days after the invasion.

Council of Ontario Universities president Steve Orsini argues the financial position universities find themselves in will prevent them from being able to accommodate more students in the coming years. And reporter Haydn Watters explains how Rail Deck Park, an idea for a greenspace above a rail corridor in downtown Toronto, has turned into a massive condo proposal.

A coroner's inquest deemed Soleiman Faqiri's death at the hands of correctional officers a homicide, but his brother Yusuf says the province still hasn't acted on key recommendations from the inquest. Plus, David Paterson went from being an auto industry executive, to Ontario's representative in Washington. He shares his plan for dealing with the Trump administration.

As the incoming U.S. President stacks his cabinet with people who have criticized Canada's immigration and trade policies - and even openly trolled Prime Minister Trudeau - three strategists weigh in on the political challenges and opportunities. Plus, armed with facts and figures, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow discusses how she plans to confront the province on their plan to rip out bike lanes.

Toronto Police Association president Clayton Campbell details what happened when officers doing a bail check got caught up in an enormous gun battle. And a very different police story - Hamilton's Andy Ganza describes his friend Erixon Kabera, who was shot and killed by police this past weekend.

Why 65-year-old Swiftie Carol Weaver is driving eight hours alone from Pennsylvania to see Taylor Swift in Toronto. Plus, meet the man at the helm of one of the most dramatic changes to a neighbourhood in this city's history - the revitalization of Regent Park.

After a bombshell resignation from Canada's Deputy Prime Minister, political strategists Ashley Csanady, Jeff Rutledge and Marion Nader join David to discuss the question on everyone's minds -- will Justin Trudeau step down?

Master Warrant Officer Stephen Thomas tells the story of how he saved lives in Afghanistan. And historian Michael Petrou outlines the ways he's helping to keep the voices of older veterans alive for future generations.

Ontario Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli outlines how the government will respond to the economic policies of President Trump. And Finn Johnson from the Carpenters' Regional Council explains why trade unions are joining an effort to fight the opioid epidemic.

Columbia University professor Heather Butts tells the story of Dr. Alexander Augusta, the first Black medical student in Canada. And Maclean's editor-in-chief Sarah Fulford breaks down the richest people in Canada.

Veteran U.S. campaign consultant Bruce Fisher breaks down where the Democrats went wrong in the election campaign. And strategists Jack O'Donnell and Michael Kracker discuss what the election results mean for the GTA and Canada.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown reacts to yet another violent clash between Hindus and Sikhs in Peel Region. And Toronto's City Manager, Paul Johnson, explains how registering for recreational programs is going to change -- and answers questions about removing bike lanes and the World Cup.

Sanjay Ruparelia, associate professor in Politics and Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University, breaks down a recent skirmish outside a Hindu temple in Brampton. And personal finance expert Shannon Lee Simmons makes the argument for starting your holiday shopping early.

Let's talk about the stories that have Toronto buzzing. Hosted by David Common.

Pamela O'Rourke talks about efforts to get her 64-year-old husband out of prison in the United Arab Emirates, after he was detained for possessing CBD products at the Dubai International Airport. Plus, it's a time of year when you may be looking to make a charitable donation. Financial expert Shannon Lee Simmons has some pointers on what to keep in mind.

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter weighs in on provincial legislation that gives cities more power to clear homeless encampments.

Premier Doug Ford is doubling down on his energetic threat to the U.S. But Mark Winfield, co-chair of the Sustainable Energy Initiative questions whether that will hurt Americans... or Ontarians. The Toronto Star's Rob Benzie gives some perspective on this... and the Ford government's last bill before the Legislature's 10-week break.

Joshua Cockerill, manager at Type Books in the Junction, suggests some of the year's best books in a holiday gift guide.

Paul Carson from the Security Guard Association of Ontario wants to draw attention to the dangers security guards face on the job, after a young guard was killed in Alberta. And Richard Marsella, head of Community Music Schools of Toronto, talks about the difference it will make for his music program in Jane-Finch to get an actual roof over its head.

CAMH's Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam explains why he helped develop de-escalation training for security guards and customer service workers. Plus, CBC's Anya Zoledziowski shares details about a proposed class action lawsuit against landlords using controversial AI rent software.

The new federal housing minister is Beaches-East York MP Nate Erskine-Smith. He joins the program to talk about his priorities and the future of the Liberal party. Plus, the internationally renowned muralist birdO talks about his latest work in Brampton.

At the start of a year of uncertainty, the political panel looks at how 2025 may shape up in politics.

Riyam Ojaimi is a student who's started a magazine dedicated to astronomy. She tells guest host Ramraajh Sharvendiran where her love of space comes from. Plus, with a new law around gig work coming, rideshare driver George Wedge and lawyer Ryan White explain why many gig workers still want more.

Political strategists Ashley Csanady, Marion Nader and Jeff Rutledge weigh in on what to expect from the Liberal, NDP and Conservative parties in a post-Trudeau world.

Journalist Michelle Shephard recounts her experience getting to know a convicted terrorist who is trying to turn his life around. Plus, the province is trying to secure the border, but will it work? Security expert Christian Leuprecht weighs in.

Nick Clemens moved to Los Angeles to work at the famed Getty Villa Museum -- a site he had to evacuate because of the southern California wildfires. Also, Vanessa Morgan and Giacomo Gianniotti stop by to talk about the new season of the CBC Gem series Wild Cards.

Stephen Gougeon lost his wife and son after they contracted food poisoning while staying at a resort in the Dominican Republic. He speaks with David about what happened, and why he's filed a lawsuit against the hotel and tour operator. Then, closer to home, if you head to Wychwood Barns Park, you'll find something unusual: a curling rink. Ice master Geoff Shoesmith explains how it came together.

The convenor of the Canadian Coalition for a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry, Gloria Fung, reacts to the Hogue commission's final report on foreign interference. Plus, Mahjong is becoming more popular among young people. Connor Wan co-founded a Mahjong club called Four Winds.

Political columnist David Moscrop shares his thoughts on the entrants in the Liberal leadership race. Then, Ben Parry was inspired to share knowledge... so much so, that he's started the Toronto Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. He's running a series of lectures called the Viaduct Series.

Erin Brubacher explains why she started the website 200dollars.ca to encourage Ontarians to donate the $200 cheques they'll be getting from the government. Plus, tow truck wars are heating up again in Toronto. Police Inspector Paul Krawzcyk discusses a new project to crack down on operators who are in the midst of a turf war.

With premiers starting to meet with the incoming U.S. administration, Ontario’s representative in Washington, David Paterson shares some of the conversations he's having right now. Plus, are you facing a crushing credit card bill after the holidays? Financial planner Shannon Lee Simmons has some advice for paying it down.

Retail analyst Bruce Winder on the transformation of malls around the city, with retailers like Ricki's and Cleo shutting down. Plus, Ryan McCue traveled all the way from Scotland, just to see his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs live. The Scottish fan explains where his love of the Leafs comes from.

It's an AI double-header today. Humber Polytechnic's Francis Syms shows the vastly different responses you can get from the DeepSeek AI platform, on issues that involve China. Then, University of Toronto professor Michael Inzlicht wanted to find out who's better at empathic responses: people, or ChatGPT. He explains how AI won the empathy contest.