Best TvOS Podcasts (2025)

1
Who is The Agenda's last guest? 16:12

Play Pause

3M ago16:12

16:12

The Agenda is coming to an end after 19 seasons. We present the show's final guest: Steve's dad. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By TVO | Steve Paikin

1
Steve Paikin Signs Off The Agenda 4:20

3M ago4:20

4:20

After 19 seasons as anchor of TVO's flagship current affairs program The Agenda, Steve Paikin signs off with a final goodnight. As well, a brief highlight reel, including Jean Chretien, Salman Rushdie, Doug Ford, Janice Stein, Elizabeth Dowdeswell among others, offers a glimpse of the range and depth of what the show covered over the years. See omn…

1
What Will Future Generations Look Back On in Horror? 37:17

3M ago37:17

37:17

Smoking in elevators, movie theatres, or airplanes. Goaltenders playing hockey in the NHL without a mask. Burning tons of coal to generate electricity. Today, we look back at these practices and wonder, how did we ever allow that to happen? Because today, of course, we know better. But what about the future? What do we do today that future generati…

1
This is Not Your Grandparents' Retirement 21:33

3M ago21:33

21:33

After a long, successful career in journalism, Cathrin Bradbury was at loose ends, post-retirement. How should she spend her time and still-abundant energy? In her latest book, "This Way Up: Old Friends, New Love, and a Map for the Road Ahead," she charts a fresh direction, including a new identity as a writer, grandmother, and freer spirit. See om…

1
How Has Medicine Advanced Since 2006? 34:48

3M ago34:48

34:48

Since its launch 19 years ago, The Agenda With Steve Paikin has highlighted scientific discoveries and new insights into health. So what's changed over the course of over two decades-and what kinds of challenges and breakthroughs do experts anticipate seeing in the decades to come? To discuss, we're joined by Keith Stewart, University Health Networ…

1
Surviving the Michipicoten 12:14

3M ago12:14

12:14

Now retired, Kent Knechtel, a former second engineer aboard the freighter Michipicoten, recounts the day a 13-foot hull crack changed everything. Thanks to calm waters, clear skies, and the swift response of the United States Coast Guard, disaster was narrowly avoided. One year later, Kent reflects with gratitude and quiet resolve on the incident t…

1
What is Thermal Comfort? 8:28

3M ago8:28

8:28

Toronto is adapting to climate change with new Thermal Comfort Guidelines, developed after a city-wide study by DIALOG and Buro Happold. With the number of days exceeding 30 C projected to rise from 10 to 55 annually by 2080, we're examining how the city is reimagining public spaces to stay livable throughout the year. Field reporter Jeyan Jeganath…

1
A Canadian Picture Book at the U.S. Supreme Court 15:46

4M ago15:46

15:46

How did a Canadian author's alphabet book end up at the United States Supreme Court? And what does this mean for 2SLGBTQ+ books for kids in Canada? We welcome Robin Stevenson to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By TVO | Steve Paikin

1
How Much Has the World Change in 20 Years? 34:09

4M ago34:09

34:09

What has Canada learned from its participation in the war in Afghanistan? Is a two-state solution the only way forward for Israel and Palestine? And while the West sees Russia as a destabilizing force on the world stage, is there another legitimate interpretation of what they're doing in Ukraine? Over 19 seasons of The Agenda, we've revisited these…

1
Is the World Falling Backwards? 5:31

4M ago5:31

5:31

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and then the end of the Soviet Union in 1991, many thought the world was going to be a much better place going forward. That has not turned out to be the case. 9/11; the failed promise of the Arab Spring; the Middle East still on fire; Russia-Ukraine; political tribalism. Does it sometimes feel as if the wo…

1
If We Had a Choice, Would We Invent Social Media Again? 37:13

4M ago37:13

37:13

In 2004 Facebook was created. Two years later in 2006 Twitter was founded AND the very first episode of the Agenda aired here on TVO. Fast forward to 2011 and social media was seen as helping sow the seeds of democracy in the Middle East during the Arab Spring. And many were optimistic that these growing connections would help harness the wisdom of…

1
What Went Wrong with the Carbon Tax in Canada? 21:01

4M ago21:01

21:01

Preston Manning. Bob Rae. Jean Charest. Paul Martin. Former NDP premier of BC, Michael Harcourt. What do they all have in common? Well, they were all part of the now defunct Ecofiscal Commission, which advocated for a carbon price in Canada. Chris Ragan was the chair of that commission. He is also an associate Professor and the founding director of…

1
Holding on to Bilingualism in Sturgeon Falls 17:39

4M ago17:39

17:39

The TVO series "Crossroads: Beyond Boom and Bust" focuses on Ontario communities that have moved away from their own origin stories. Sturgeon Falls is one such town with a rich French-language heritage. We welcome James Hyslop, executive producer, and Michel Gervais, Sturgeon Falls resident and performer to talk about why it's important to stay foc…

1
Can Ontario Get Energy Planning Right? 24:28

4M ago24:28

24:28

Ontario minister of energy and mines Stephen Lecce oversees portfolios the government says will drive economic growth in the province in the years ahead. And he's got some big jobs ahead of him. His office is laying the groundwork to meet what the Independent Electricity System Operator says will be a 75 percent increase in electricity demand by 20…

1
Is Pride Still a Protest? 32:06

4M ago32:06

32:06

With Pride month underway, The Agenda looks back at how conversations around 2SLGBTQIA issues have changed since the show first began in 2006. Has Canada become a more tolerant or more accepting place for Queer communities? Callie Metler, Executive Director of Capital Pride Ottawa; Derrick Biso, Director of Education and Operations at Trans Wellnes…

1
How the Liberals Ended the Tory Dynasty 40 Years Ago 35:54

4M ago35:54

35:54

40 years ago, something quite extraordinary happened at Queen's Park. The opposition parties combined forces to defeat the Progressive Conservative government of the day, thus, bringing to an end, 42 straight years of Tory rule. The previous time a government had changed hands on a lost confidence vote? 1871! So this was rare. And even a few months…

1
When Richard Nixon Came to Prince Edward County 20:08

4M ago20:08

20:08

In 1957, Richard Nixon ventured to Prince Edward County for a "boys weekend" of fishing and golfing. Steve Paikin catches up with author Thomas Harrison in Picton's Royal Hotel to discuss his book, "Searching for Richard Nixon: Finding Refuge and Making a Home in Prince Edward County ," which documents his movements in the region. See omnystudio.co…

1
Why are Wildfires Getting Worse? 9:46

4M ago9:46

9:46

Wildfires are increasing in number and intensity around the world. Why is that? And how can Canadians better prepare for wildfire season? We discuss with Anabela Bonada, Managing Director of Climate Science at the University of Waterloo's Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Have Canadians Cared Enough about Climate Change? 34:11

4M ago34:11

34:11

19 years after The Agenda began, the conversation around climate change has shifted dramatically. What has gone well in terms of Canadian efforts to fight climate change, and what are we struggling with? We discuss with Tim Gray, Executive Director of Environmental Defence; Jessica Green, Professor in the department of political science and the sch…

1
How Much Progress Has Canada Made on Indigenous Relations? 34:58

4M ago34:58

34:58

Relations between Canada and Indigenous Peoples have certainly evolved since The Agenda first began covering these issues in 2006. There was Stephen Harper's historic apology to former students of Residential Schools in 2008. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission that followed, led by the late Senator Murray Sinclair. The Idle No More movement of…

1
What's on the Table at the G7 Summit? 9:39

4M ago9:39

9:39

With global trade being the focus of this month's G7 summit, can Canada reach an agreement with the U.S. to resolve their trade dispute? For more about the policy implications of the G7, Paul Samson, president of CIGI, the Centre for International Governance Innovation joins Steve Paikin to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati…

1
Inequality, Populism and the Great Recession 4:50

4M ago4:50

4:50

The Agenda's week in review looks at whether inequality has gotten worse since the Great Recession; and what the future of populism might look like in Canada. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By TVO | Steve Paikin

1
Can Better Data Improve Policing in Ontario? 19:13

4M ago19:13

19:13

As part of the Community Safety and Policing Act, Ontario appointed Ryan Teschner as the first Inspector General of Policing. A year into his role, he has released the organization's first spotlight report highlighting the complexities of policing protests and major events across the province. The Agenda invites Teschner to discuss how he will help…

1
Did The Great Financial Crisis Ever Really End? 29:20

4M ago29:20

29:20

Housing affordability and lagging productivity in Canada. The economic rise of China and the global south. The surge of the tech economy in the U.S. According to our panel, the beginnings of all of these can be traced back to the Great Financial Crisis of 2008. There's an argument to be made that the world is still living in the shadow of that bank…

1
How Can Canada Deliver On Its Renewed Natural Resources Ambition 27:42

4M ago27:42

27:42

The world may be changing rapidly, but one thing is not – its demand for natural resources, many of which Canada has supplied for generations. Oil, natural gas, metals and timber. And our new Liberal government seems to be embracing this country's past as a provider of raw materials, as well as increasing numbers of Canadians. But how can the gover…

1
Is the U.K. the Key Ally Canada Needs? 32:04

4M ago32:04

32:04

Canada's relationship with the U.S. may go back a long way, but our relationship with the United Kingdom goes back even further. And, with Canada-U.S. relations being as contentious as they now are, can or should Britain fill the role America used to play and become our number one ally once again? Host Steve Paikin asks: Mel Cappe, Canada's Former …

1
Do Politicians at Queen's Park Really Hate Each other? 15:32

4M ago15:32

15:32

Has the level of toxicity in Ontario politics today gotten out of hand? Does Premier Doug Ford ever come across the floor and talk to the opposition members? And how big of a problem is it for the Ontario Liberals that their leader, Bonnie Crombie couldn't win a seat in the last election? Parliamentary leader for the Ontario Liberals and the MPP fo…

1
The Hunt for Tradition 8:49

4M ago8:49

8:49

The annual deer harvest at Short Hills Provincial Park is a traditional Haudenosaunee practice that manages the overpopulation of deer, protects the ecosystem, and honors Indigenous cultural traditions and Treaty Rights. Since it began in 2023 it has faced both support and controversy. Field producer Jeyan Jeganathan explores how this harvest helps…

1
Should Canadian Millionaires Pay More? 25:26

4M ago25:26

25:26

Members of the Canadian chapter of Patriotic Millionaires believe the wealthy should contribute more in taxes - and they're hoping they can help change minds and policies. How would their approach change conditions in this country, and can they actually convince other well-heeled Canadians to follow their lead? To discuss, we're joined by Emma Davi…

1
What's the Future of Populism in Canada? 30:18

4M ago30:18

30:18

In 2022, the Freedom Convoy brought the nation's capital to standstill. In 2025, so-called technocrat Mark Carney and the Liberals triumphed in the federal election. How have populist movements and impulses changed - and in what ways could they shape our politics going forward? To discuss, we're joined by Lawrence?LeDuc, political-science professor…

1
Has Inequality Grown Since the Great Recession? 38:17

4M ago38:17

38:17

The first episode of The Agenda aired in September of 2006. Two years later we were in the midst of the Great Financial Crisis. From there, the Occupy movement put the concept of the 1% and the issue of inequality front-and-centre. In the nearly two decades we've been having conversations about the economy and politics here on The Agenda, have we b…

1
Bill Browder: Why Putin Will Not End the War 20:03

4M ago20:03

20:03

After more than three years, is there an end in sight to Russia's war on Ukraine? Is Vladimir Putin serious about peace negotiations? And how has Donald Trump's second term changed Russia's place and power in the world? Bill Browder, CEO of Hermitage Capital, Head of the Global Magnitsky Justice campaign, and author of "Red Notice" and "Freezing Or…

1
Are Tariffs a Wake-Up Call for Ontario's Growers? 7:58

4M ago7:58

7:58

Over recent months, unpredictable U.S. tariffs have thrown Canada's food supply chain into disarray, sparking vital debates on diversifying trade partnerships and strengthening domestic production. Jeyan Jeganathan looks at what it takes to secure a resilient future for Canadian food and farming-and whether that vision can evolve without relying on…

1
Can Canada Stay United? 6:47

4M ago6:47

6:47

The Agenda's week in review looks at how Canada can stay united amidst regional tensions, and why Indigenous leaders oppose the Ontario government's Bill 5. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By TVO | Steve Paikin

1
The Woman Behind a Legendary Timmins Mining Scandal 20:05

4M ago20:05

20:05

Viola MacMillan, owner of Windfall Oils and Mines, was a rare woman in the Canadian mining industry. In 1964, after three decades in the business, she became the central figure in a Timmins mining scandal that led to regulatory changes at the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Ontario Securities Commission. Author Tim Falconer tells her compelling stor…

1
Canada Geese Takeover 9:58

4M ago9:58

9:58

The Canadian Wildlife Service reports that there are approximately seven million Canada geese across North America, making their presence more noticeable than ever. The Canada goose is often hailed as a national symbol for Canada. However, many Canadians and Americans have had frustrating encounters with Canada geese, from their loud calls to their…

1
Whatever Happened to Transit City? 26:14

4M ago26:14

26:14

One of the most widely debated issues in Toronto in the last two decades has been transit. A plan called Transit City launched 18 years ago. In the intervening years, the City of Toronto and its transit funding partners have had many plans, and stops and starts on infrastructure building to move people around the GTHA. For a look back, and forward,…

1
Conrad Black: Canada, the U.S. and the Baron of Crossharbour 38:17

4M ago38:17

38:17

In 2006, TVO launched a new nightly current affairs program called "The Agenda." Its first ever guest was none other than Conrad Black, newspaper proprietor, member of the British House of Lords, and prolific author. As The Agenda winds down, we invite Conrad Black back to discuss U.S.-Canada relations and his life almost 20 years later. See omnyst…

1
Does Bill 5 Miss the Mark for Indigenous Communities? 23:42

4M ago23:42

23:42

Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched his most controversial piece of legislation this session, Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act. Sparking much debate from Indigenous communities and the opposition, The Agenda invites, Chief Peter Wesley of Moose Cree First Nation, Chief June Black of Apitipi Anicinapek Nation and Indigenous r…

1
Fareed Zakaria: Why Liberal Democracy is Worth Fighting For 16:10

4M ago16:10

16:10

Why is a nuclear peace deal between the U.S. and Iran key to stability in the Middle East? What would the global consequences of a full-scale trade war between China and America be? Is the world headed towards another arms race? How should Canada respond to Trump's repeated threats of annexation? And why is liberal democracy worth defending? This i…

1
Does the RCMP Need an Overhaul? 28:06

4M ago28:06

28:06

Two-thirds of the RCMP's resources go to contract policing in 11 provinces and territories. Does that leave enough resources for federal policing? Prime Minister Justin Trudeau proposed major structural reform for the force as he was leaving office. Are his ideas the right way forward? We discuss with Catharine Tunney, Kent Roach, and Jason Easton.…

1
David Lepofsky: A Lifetime of Crusading for People with Disabilities 20:53

4M ago20:53

20:53

The Agenda has welcomed to this studio this country's perhaps best known and most tireless advocate for the rights of the disabled over the years. David Lepofsky has been blind since he was a teenager. And he'd love it if this province were just a bit more mindful of its nearly three million citizens who are dealing with some kind of disability. He…

1
How to Pursue National Unity Amidst Resurgent Regionalism 36:00

4M ago36:00

36:00

At a time of serious conflict with our neighbours to the south, perhaps a more concerning conflict might be coming from within. As calls for separation in places like Alberta grow louder, it brings up the question of how a nation can operate with respective regional interests? And, can Canada keep itself from coming apart? Joining to discuss these …

1
Fareed Zakaria: What Revolutions Teach Us About Politics Today 20:26

4M ago20:26

20:26

How have the Glorious, French and Industrial revolutions shaped modern politics? How did the Left versus Right divide come about? Might a potential U.S.-Iran nuclear deal be a gamechanger for peace in the Middle East? And how seriously should Canada take Trump's relentless 51st state threat? CNN's Fareed Zakaria joins host Steve Paikin for a wide-r…

1
How Canada's Geopolitical Role is Changing 11:31

4M ago11:31

11:31

The Agenda's week in review features an interview with Canada's ambassador to the UN, Bob Rae, on Canada's place in an unpredictable world, a debate on whether the province should be building a spa at Ontario Place, and whether tariffs are causing grocery store prices to go up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Does Gaming Have a Predator Problem? 25:01

4M ago25:01

25:01

TVO original documentary, Dangerous Games: Roblox and the Metaverse Exposed, follows three gamers as they investigate a network of extremists, predators and illicit content in a game designed for children. The Agenda invites Ann Shin, director and producer of the film; Jacques Marcoux, director of research and analytics at the Canadian Centre for C…

1
Are Tariffs Driving Up Food Prices in Ontario? 30:30

4M ago30:30

30:30

President Donald Trump's trade threats and tariffs have brought uncertainty to markets worldwide. Canada has responded with its own counter tariffs. Should Ontarians expect to pay more at the grocery store? And is there a risk that companies could exploit the chaos and bump up sticker prices regardless? We discuss with Stuart Trew, director of the …

1
The Case For and Against a Spa at Ontario Place 33:53

4M ago33:53

33:53

Ontario Place was once a go-to summer destination on Toronto's waterfront. It has since fallen into disrepair. The Ontario government has a controversial plan to revitalize the site including a partnership with a private spa company. To debate that plan, we hear from Adam Vaughan representing Therme Canada, and Ann Elisabeth Samson on behalf of Ont…

1
Why is Toronto's Waterfront Development So Complicated? 27:26

4M ago27:26

27:26

Toronto has a complicated relationship with its waterfront, which is separated from downtown by the Gardiner Expressway. But groups including Waterfront Toronto, The Beltway and Hoverlink are drawing up plans to attract more people to the shores of Lake Ontario, a stretch of 2.5 km representing billions of prime real estate. A look at current and f…

1
David Frum: The Reconfiguring of American Democracy Under Trump 25:30

4M ago25:30

25:30

Is President Donald Trump really reconfiguring American democracy? Should Canada entertain the notion of becoming the 51st state? And has his definition of what it means to be a political conservative changed over the years? Former George W. Bush speechwriter and staff writer for The Atlantic, David Frum, joins host Steve for a wide-ranging discuss…