PODCAST · society
Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud
by CBC
Big laughs. Smart takes. Every day. Commotion is where you go for thoughtful and vibrant conversations about all things pop culture. Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud calls on journalists, critics, creators and friends to talk through the biggest arts & entertainment stories of the day, in 30 minutes or less.Subscribe to Sounds Good: CBC's Podcasts newsletter for the finest podcast recommendations and behind-the-scenes exclusives.
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Why is YouTube content for kids showing up on Netflix, and Trudeau's new production company
For years, parents have relied on Netflix as a source for quality children’s-television programming, particularly as YouTube has become increasingly dominant in the kids-media space with influencer-driven content. However, now some of that YouTube-spawned content is turning up in Netflix’s menu of kids programming, and TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk and digital policy analyst Vass Bednar explain why parents are seriously upset by this shift.Plus, Justin Trudeau recently announced he's starting up a new production company called Hope & Hard Work, focusing on Canadian content. Culture critic Nicholas Quah joins guest host Amil Niazi to talk about the former Canadian Prime Minister’s new venture, and what lessons can be learned from similar media companies created by Barack and Michelle Obama, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
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680
The moment Celine Dion's comeback concert had us holding our breath
For a while it seemed like Celine Dion might never sing again. She was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition four years ago. But she is SO back – and what a time it is to be a Canadian cultural icon with a comeback story for the ages. Elamin Abdelmahmoud meets up with Eugénie Lépine-Blondeau, host of Radio-Canada's Admission Générale podcast and Benjamin Locoge, Editor In Chief for Culture of Paris Match, the morning after Celine Dion’s first concert in Paris.
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Weekly Wrap: Toronto International Film Festival, and remembering 9/11
The Toronto International Film Festival is back! Filmmaker Atom Egoyan, and critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Sarah Hagi join guest host Amil Niazi to preview the 2026 festival and reflect on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
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678
The Shards, and why everyone is talking about the Korean film Hope
As Ryan Murphy’s television adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel The Shards reaches its season finale, television critics Kaiya Shunyata and Alison Herman discuss whether this tale of rich teens terrorized by a serial killer in 1980s Los Angeles is irresistibly trashy or irredeemably tacky.Plus, the new alien invasion thriller 'Hope' has already been a huge hit in Korea. It's the latest film from Na Hong-jin, the director who brought us The Wailing. East Asian Studies professor Michelle Cho joins Amil Niazi to talk about some of the themes explored in the movie.
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What should you watch on TV this Fall?
Film & culutre critics Roxana Hadadi, Riley Yesno, and Jackson Weaver join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the new season of North of North and other shows on their radar this Fall.
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676
The inevitability of SubwayTakes, and the Chinese indie film that became a surprise box office hit
SubwayTakes, the YouTube talk show featuring people sharing their hot takes while riding the New York City subway, is not only all over your algorithm, it’s also up for an Emmy this year. Critics Kathryn VanArendonk and Jay Smooth join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the popularity of SubwayTakes, and what it says about our viewing habits in 2026.Plus, a new indie film out of mainland China is set to take the world by storm. 'Dear You' is a family drama about a young man from China who travels to Thailand to find his grandfather, and uncovers a family secret he never expected. Film critic Rachel Ho joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to review the Teochew-language film and talk about its surprise success at the box office.
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675
TV has us falling in love by Canadian lakes
Going to the cottage in the summer is a beloved Canadian pastime, but with hit shows like Heated Rivalry, Sterling Point and Every Year After, it seems like the world is newly seduced by our trees, lakes and isolated retreats in the woods. Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk (Vulture), who coined the genre “sexy feelings by a Canadian lake,” as well as Canadian culture critics Amil Niazi (The Cut) and Sadaf Ahsan (Frequencies) to talk about how Canadian cottage country got a titillating makeover on TV.
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The backlash over the Ali G movie, and the Raygun documentary
Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critic El Jones, film critic Radheyan Simonpillai, and comedian Marlon Palmer to discuss the backlash to the return of Sacha Baron Cohen’s character Ali G in the upcoming film Ali G: Who Iz I? They also review the new Netflix doc on Australian breakdancer Raygun, who made headlines around the world at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
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Gloria Steinem -- a trailblazing feminist, and how Canadians are rallying around Lake Ontario
Gloria Steinem - feminist, author, activist and pop culture icon -- has died. She was 92. Culture writer Elizabeth Renzetti joins Elamin to talk about the life and legacy of Gloria Steinem, and how her feminism crossed over to pop culture.Also, musician Donovan Woods and journalist Elizabeth Renzetti talk about how U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to rebrand Lake Ontario as Lake America—in retaliation to stalled trade talks between Canada and the U.S.—has galvanized Canadians to express an even greater degree of national unity, and prompted expressions of solidarity from artists near and far.
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A verdict in the Tupac Shakur murder trial, and Cleo Sol's new album
This week, a jury found Duane 'Keffe D' Davis guilty of orchestrating the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur. Journalist Taryn Finley talks to Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the trial and what the verdict could mean for another case that has captivated hip hop fans for years -- the murder of Notorious B.I.G.Plus, there's a new album from English R&B singer Cleo Sol, and it might be one of the chillest ones of the year. Fusing soul and gospel underneath Sol’s chiming falsetto, Gentlewoman is a comforting listen that may just lower your blood pressure. Veteran hip hop broadcaster Jay Smooth joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the album, and why we could all use a little comfort music right now.
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How Erykah Badu shaped conversations in pop culture
With the release of ‘Before The World Blows’ the firs full-length album from Erykah Badu in more than a decade - Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critics Jamilah Lemieux, Naila Keleta-Mae, and Mark Anthony Neal to discuss the new album and Erykah’s influence on pop culture up to this point.
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Should AI be banned from music charts? And, Pope Leo's fashion statement
After an AI-generated cover of a Madonna track topped the national airplay chart in Australia, the music industry has responded by banning AI-created songs from its charts. The move comes as rappers like Tyga and Fenix Flexin are openly admitting to using A.I. in their work, while industry titans like Dr. Dre and Rick Rubin endorse the technology. Music journalist Maura Johnston and writer/rapper Cadence Weapon take stock of how the AI music landscape is shifting.Plus, Pope Leo XIV has been making international best dressed lists from Vanity Fair to Vogue to the New York Times. How did the American Pontiff manage to put his own spin on the traditional wardrobe worn by the head of the Catholic church — and what message is he trying to communicate? Fashion critic Vanessa Friedman (New York Times) talks about how Pope Leo caught the fashion world’s attention, and reacts to the Met Gala's breaking news about John Galliano.
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669
The singular genius of Aaliyah
Commotion guest host Amil Niazi is joined by Black pop academics Professor Mark Anthony Neal, DJ Lynnée Denise and Huda Hassan to look back on the influence of Aaliyah, the singer and actor who occupied multiple worlds and left us with a profound artistic legacy after her tragic death 25 years ago.
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668
How CanCon disrupted trade talks, and Coyote vs. Acme in theatres is a win for all
We’re used to hearing about things like the auto industry and liquor being sticking points in the Canada-US trade war, but one of the reasons the recent trade talks collapsed was about something less tangible. U.S. negotiators demanded that Canada drop the requirements for streaming companies like Netflix to promote Canadian content. Tech and public policy expert Vass Bednar chats with guest host Amil Niazi about why CanCon ended up being one of Canada’s dealbreakers. Plus, there has been so much anticipation about Coyote vs. Acme, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that it nearly didn’t make it to theatres. Despite being shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery for a tax break a few years ago, the critically acclaimed movie is finally out this week. Today, film critic Adam Nayman and journalist Paul Thompson gives us the lowdown on the film, its characters – Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner, and the lore behind it.
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How Dolly Parton made the world a better place
Dolly Parton was one of those artists who transcended generations. She gave us hits like Jolene, I Will Always Love You, and Coat of Many Colors. We’ve gathered musician Allison Russell and country-music aficionados Marissa R. Moss and Sarah Boesveld for a group chat with guest host Amil Niazi about the life and legacy of the country-music icon, who died yesterday at the age of 80.
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The debate is over: Graphic novels count as reading! And, Stratford's buzzy new rom-com
Everywhere you look, news stories and studies suggest people aren’t reading like they used to. At the same time, graphic novels have surged in popularity since the pandemic. Authors Jael Richardson and Arizona O’Neill join guest host Amil Niazi to discuss why people gravitate to graphic novels over text-only books.Plus, there’s a new play out of Stratford from Canadian playwright Jovanni Sy, and it’s called The Tao of the World. It’s a riff on both the Restoration comedies of the 1700s and modern-day Asian rom-coms. Theatre critic Joshua Chong talks about how this new play updates a centuries-old genre with contemporary guile.
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Justin Trudeau's hot girl summer, and the celebrity gossip around the novel Life of M
There has never been a post-political life like Justin Trudeau’s. He was Canada’s first real influencer prime minister – a politician whose political fortunes were tied to his celebrity and his pop-cultural currency. And while most former political leaders write a memoir or join a think tank – Justin Trudeau is leaning in hard to fun – travelling the world with his girlfriend Katy Perry, hyping his son’s music career, and doing it all very publicly online, for all of us to see.Plus, Rachel Cusk, called the “queen of autofiction” by The New Yorker, has a new novel out called ‘Life of M.’ The novel has two main characters, a writer who resembles Cusk and an actor whose resume appears identical to Natalie Portman’s. Montreal writer Heather O’Neill dives into the publishing intrigue around ‘Life of M,’ and how it interrogates fame and anonymity in the lives of two artists.
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Weekly Wrap: Harry & Meghan + Hayden Panettiere + the Benny Blanco controversy
Commotion guest host Amil Niazi is joined by culture critics Pablo The Don, Reanna Cruz and Jay Smooth to discuss Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's return to the U.K., what the new blockbuster ‘End Of Oak Street’ brings to the dinosaur movie sub-genre, the new album from producer Benny Blanco and the controversy surrounding it - plus the Neutrogena consumer backlash in the wake of the death of actor Hayden Panettiere.
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The Tragically Hip - 10 years after their final show, and the film Camp Miasma
Today marks ten years since The Tragically Hip bid farewell after their final concert in Kingston, Ontario. Music journalist Vish Khanna and music critic Niko Stratis join guest host Amil Niazi to reflect on the Hip’s final performance, and their legacy as one of the most prolific bands in Canadian history. Also, writer-director Jane Schoenbrun’s latest film is – Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma. The film is about an independent film director who is rebooting a slasher franchise, and becomes obsessed with casting the original film’s ‘final girl.’ The film is provocative and fantastical, and film critic Kaiya Shunyata joins guest host Amil Niazi to talk about how the film brings a new twist to the slasher genre and whether it lands.
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The rise of surveillance chic, and Caitlin Clark's 1st Canadian WNBA game
If you’ve noticed more celebrities wearing those AI glasses or wondered why Palantir – the software company ICE uses to help identify people for deportation – is dropping exclusive fashion items, there’s a new name for that: ‘surveillance chic’. Culture critics Cat Zhang and Kate Lindsay join guest host Amil Niazi to discuss why Big Tech has gone high fashion. Plus, Caitlin Clark is the most famous women’s basketball player in the world, and Tuesday night she made her Canadian debut against the Toronto Tempo at a sold out arena. Culture critic and professor El Jones talks about why Caitlin Clark is such an exciting player to watch and the growth of women's sports in North America.
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661
The cultural legacy of Sade Adu
With Sade being inducted into this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Elamin is joined by Professor Mark Anthony Neal, DJ Lynnée Denise & Sade superfan Tola Ositelu to discuss the pop legacy of the band’s lead singer and why her music continues to resonate with so many fans to this day.
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Queen Mab is a darkly funny tale about postpartum psychosis, and Vogue's bland September Issue cover
The group chat dives into Emily McBride's debut novel Queen Mab, a story about a new mom who becomes convinced her baby has been replaced by a changeling. Culture critics Sarah Wheeler (The Cut) and Martha Schabas (Globe and Mail) talk to guest host Amil Niazi about why the book feels so timely, especially as Lindsay Clancy's trial puts postpartum psychosis at the centre of a tough public conversation.Plus, Vogue revealed the cover for its highly-anticipated September 2026 issue featuring Kaia Gerber and Homer Gere. It's the first September issue without Anna Wintour at the helm, and critics are likening it to a "back-to-school" catalogue. Culture critic Joan Summers talks about backlash and what it says about the current state of fashion.
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659
The Bourdain biopic 'Tony' is a satisfying 'one perfect summer' movie
Anthony Bourdain was a hero of the hole in the wall. The celebrity cook and TV host reached cult status for exposing people to kitchen culture, new cuisines and a different way of seeing the world. Canadian filmmaker Matt Johnson's new biopic Tony aims to show a lesser known side of Bourdain: his first summer in the kitchen as a 19-year-old who thought he knew everything. Food writer and former line cook Ivy Knight, Globe and Mail film critic Barry Hertz and TV host Michelle Jobin join guest host Amil Niazi to discuss what director Matt Johnson’s latest film serves up.
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Why are older filmmakers obsessed with Gen Z's sex lives? And, Zuckerberg's AI manifesto
Two new movies, One Night Only and I Want Your Sex, are generating a lot of conversation about Gen Z and sex right now. Both filmmakers, Will Gluck and Gregg Araki, say they were inspired by studies indicating that Gen Z is having less sex than previous generations. Gen Z sex educator Megan Wallace and culture critic Lux Alptraum join Commotion guest host Amil Niazi to talk about what these films are missing, and what they get right.Plus, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, just released a lengthy 6500-word manifesto about AI. Tech and public policy expert Vass Bednar chats about the AI future that Zuckerberg is envisioning for us.
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657
Sterling Point, and the Canadian Museum of History's controversial new guide: an AI chatbot
Sterling Point is a new drama from Amazon Prime about a group of teenagers spending a summer in cottage country. Culture critics CT Jones and Jackson Weaver join guest host Amil Niazi to talk about the hype around the show, why Muskoka is essential to the story and what creator Megan Park gets right about writing teenagers. Plus, the Canadian Museum of History has just implemented MUSEO, an AI-powered chatbot built on in-house data for guests to ask questions to. Ottawa Citizen journalist Michael McBean explored the museum with the chatbot and gives his review of the experience.
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656
Is the age of influencers over? And, the worst concert trend ever
A sign declaring “no influencers” in a Nantucket store recently unlocked a lot of strong feelings online around influencer fatigue. Internet culture reporters Madison Malone Kircher and Kat Tenbarge join guest host Amil Niazi to talk about the reaction, and whether the age of the influencer is over.Plus, there’s been a pretty gross trend emerging at some of the biggest concerts over the past few years: fans wearing diapers, and often using them, to ensure they remain at the barricade and as close to their idols as possible. Music journalist Megan LaPierre talks about this nasty epidemic and if concert culture has really gone down the toilet.
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Furious hits hard at a post-Epstein world, and how paintings from this Canadian art gallery ended up at Value Village
The crime drama Furious follows two women: a serial killer targeting powerful men from her past and the FBI agent tasked with tracking her down. TV critics Roxana Hadadi and Alison Herman join Commotion guest host Amil Niazi to discuss why this show about female rage has turned into such a hit.Plus, when a trove of art popped up at Value Village in Penticton, B.C., people quickly discovered it had been donated by the Penticton Art Gallery. It was all art that had been donated to the gallery for fundraising purposes. Art critic and curator Charlene K. Lau talks about the backlash to the gallery's decision to drop it off at Value Village where it says it would get "maximum exposure."
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Ariana Grande's new album and the public scrutiny about her body
Commotion guest host Amil Niazi is joined by music critic Pablo The Don, and culture critics Scaachi Koul and Syrus Marcus Ware to discuss ‘Petal,’ the brand new album from Ariana Grande, along with the polarizing debate around Ariana’s body and health, and where a celebrity’s right to privacy sits within that conversation.
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653
What happens if people stop reading, and the video game Big Walk
We've known for a while now that reading for pleasure has been on the decline. But in her essay for The Atlantic, Rose Horowitch argues that we are entering into an age of post-literacy, with enormous implications for life as we know it. Rose Horowitch joins Commotion guest host Amil Niazi to explain what she now understands about why reading matters as much as it does – and what happens when we stop. Plus, ever since the pandemic, an emerging genre of multiplayer video games has taken off: Friendslop. These are games made by small independent studios working on smaller budgets, and they focus on cooperation and socialization rather than combat. Today on Commotion, digital journalist Jonathan Ore talks with guest host Amil Niazi about Big Walk, a game that seems to be taking the genre in a different direction.
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652
Ted Lasso, and why BTS won't submit their album to the Grammys
'Ted Lasso' started out strong – winning awards, massively loyal audiences, and critical acclaim. But later seasons struggled to capture the same magic. Now season 4 is here, with Ted, played by Jason Sudeikis, taking on the challenge of coaching a women's football team. Commotion guest host Amil Niazi chats with TV critic Roxana Hadadi and sports journalist Signa Butler about the legacy of 'Ted Lasso,' and if this latest season recaptures the show's glory days.Plus, BTS have decided they won’t submit their comeback album, ARIRANG, for the 2027 Grammy Awards. They released a statement that said, “We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.” Many critics saw this as a rejection of the Grammys newest category: Best Asian Pop Music Performance. Professor Michelle Cho talks about the delicate identity politics surrounding this story, and why fans are standing behind the seven-member K-pop group.
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651
Why so many songs this summer are bummers
With each summer comes the race to crown the definitive song of the season. But when you look at the songs dominating the discourse this year—from Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” to Olivia Rodrigo’s “the cure” to Charli xcx’s “SS26”—the vibe is not very fun-in-the-sun. Music journalists Emilie Hanskamp, Carl Wilson, and Reanna Cruz explain why, in the world of pop music, this summer has been a real bummer.
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650
The best audiobooks for your summer road trip
There’s a month of summer vacation left, which means there’s still time for a good old Canadian road trip. Who’s in the car, where are you going and, most importantly, what audiobook are you listening to? Audiobook enthusiasts Jael Richardson, Arizona O’Neill and Nathan Maharaj share their suggestions with host Elamin Abdelmahmoud.
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649
Weekly Wrap: Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Johnny Depp's return, and remembering Glen Hansard
Film critics Rad Simonpillai and Kristy Puchko, and culture writer Maura Johnston chat with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about Tom Holland’s latest turn as Spider-Man, the return of Johnny Depp to the Hollywood spotlight after years of scandal and controversy, and the career of musician Glen Hansard who died this week at the age of 56.
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648
Is Christopher Nolan's screenwriting 'abysmal'? + Fantasia Film Festival
It’s not often you hear someone call director Christopher Nolan’s screenwriting “abysmal.” And that’s just one of many critiques translator Emily Wilson had for Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey. Her review has caused quite a stir online, partly because Nolan credits her work with helping him write the adaptation. Adam Nayman and Soraya Nadia McDonald join Elamin Abdelmahmoud on Commotion to discuss what Emily Wilson’s gets right and wrong about Christopher Nolan’s work.Plus, Montreal’s Fantasia Film Festival is considered to be the largest genre festival in North America - and this year it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Elamin is joined by Montreal film critic Justine Smith - who is also one of the festival’s programmers - to briefly look back on the legacy of Fantasia Fest and some of the big Canadian films premiering at the event this year.
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The Polygamist is sparking conversations, and Mary Beth Barone's comedy special
The Polygamist is a new Zulu-language show that follows the life of a wealthy married couple in South Africa as they deal with the pressures of infidelity. It’s currently one of Netflix’s most watched shows. You’ll hear why it has captivated audiences around the world and the conversations it has opened up with culture critics Tayo Bero in Lagos, Nigeria and Zanele Mji in Johannesburg, South Africa.Plus, stand up comedian Mary Beth Barone is known for her dead pan humour, her podcast Ride with comedian Benito Skinner, and her leading role on the college comedy, Overcompensating. Now, her new standup special, Galaxy Brain, is out. Comedian Ashley Ray joins Commotion to discuss if Barone’s Netflix debut lives up to the hype.
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A Tribute to Canadian Jazz Legend Oliver Jones
With the passing of legendary Canadian jazz pianist Oliver Jones, Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by principal Montreal Jazz Festival programmer Modibo Keita, jazz educator DJ Andy Williams, and Juno-award winning singer Molly Johnson to look back on Oliver Jones’ legacy and where they see it living on in today’s landscape.
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645
Restaurant Impossible returns to TV, and Tyla's new album A*Pop
Restaurant Impossible aired for 22 seasons on the Food Network before it was cancelled in 2023. Now it’s back, with Toronto restaurateur Jen Agg and celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez helping struggling restaurants across North America makeover their spaces and menus. Line cook Grace Onasanya and Michelle Jobin, former host of Toronto Dining, chat with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about how this restaurant reality show reboot lands during a time when the food industry landscape has changed so much because of the pandemic.Plus, when Tyla’s single Water came out in 2023, she rose to fame globally, and was credited with introducing many fans to amapiano, a style of South African electronic music. Now, she’s just released a new album. It’s called A*Pop. Elamin is joined by culture critic Matt Amha to discuss the new album and the discourse surrounding Tyla’s rise in North America.
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644
Weekly Wrap: New music from Shania Twain, Charli XCX, and The Strokes
CBC Music correspondent Natalie Harmsen, Exclaim editor Megan LaPierre, and culture writer Joan Summers join Elamin Abdelmahmoud for a group chat digging into the highly anticipated new albums from the queen of Canadian country – Shania Twain, pop provocateur Charli XCX, and indie-sleaze icons The Strokes!
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The music of climate change grief
Climate change isn't a new subject for Canadian musicians to sing about, going back to Neil Young and Bruce Cockburn all the way up to Tanya Tagaq, The Weather Station, Kaeley Jade and many others. In the face of forest fires raging across the country, what is the place of music right now? Culture critic Riley Yesno and musician Tamara Lindeman AKA The Weather Station join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss.
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The cultural impact of couple's therapist Esther Perel, and Clement Virgo's film Steal Away
Esther Perel has built an empire around helping people navigate relationships through her podcast and bestselling books. She recently served as a consultant on Olivia Wilde's couple's comedy The Invite, and was even a major inspiration for Penelope Cruz's character in the film. Culture writers Rebecca Jennings and Marisa Meltzer join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss how a couple's therapist infiltrated pop culture and why her ideas are resonating so widely today.Director Clement Virgo says his latest film Steal Away is his most ambitious yet. Film critic Sarah-Tai Black talks about how the movie applies many different genre lenses -- Afrofuturism, horror and political allegory -- on a story rooted in Black Canadian history.
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Why are celebs playing music trivia? And, Anya Taylor Joy's new TV show Lucky
Thanks to popular social-media accounts like Track Star, to be a music fan online these days is to be inundated with quick-hit clips of musicians being quizzed on their music knowledge, or being asked to name their Top 10 albums. Music critics Emilie Hanskamp and Rollie Pemberton a.k.a. Cadence Weapon chat about the rise of this content with Elamin Abdelmahmoud.Plus, Variety TV critic Aramide Tinubu shares her thoughts on Anya Taylor Joy's new thriller ‘Lucky’ on Apple TV. Based on a bestselling novel by Toronto author Marissa Stapley, the show follows the highly resourceful con-woman Lucky who is constantly on the run from FBI agents, mob bosses and her father's criminal legacy.
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A Messi end to the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup is over. It took over five weeks, 48 countries and we finally have a winner! Who were the heroes and villains of this World Cup? And what kind of legacy does this tournament leave for Canadian soccer? CBC Sports contributors Shireen Ahmed and Morgan Campbell, and culture critic Matt Amha join Elamin Abdelmahmoud for a look back at this year’s World Cup.
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WEEKLY WRAP: Does 'The Odyssey' deliver?
Film critics Hanna Flint, David Ehrlich and Radheyan Simonpillai join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to review Christopher Nolan’s epic adaptation of The Odyssey.
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How Climate Change is Threatening our Music Festivals
Wildfires, heatwaves, and flood risks are becoming increasingly more common across Canada, and many arts and culture festivals are being forced to adapt and prepare for multi-level climate emergencies. Festival organizers Julie Fowler, Troy Greencorn and Adi Winterbourne join Elamin to describe the challenges festivals are facing, and the types of changes they’ve had to make.
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Why Brittany Allen submitted herself for an Emmy nom + Canada's newest music prize!
Canadian actor Brittany Allen gave one of The Pitt’s most heart-wrenching performances of season 2 as the terminally ill mother Roxie Hamler. So when HBO decided not to submit her for Emmy consideration, Brittany submitted herself and is now a nominee in the category of Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. Brittany joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about her performance and why she decided to submit herself for Emmy consideration. Plus - Canadian music has a brand new prize .. and it was announced at the same time as the Polaris prize revealed its shortlist for this year. But unlike the Polaris – the Meridian prize is ONLY open to artists from the North and Western Canada. Elamim Abdelmahmoud talks with CBC music journalist Natalie Harmsen
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Why has this World Cup been so racist? + Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass
The World Cup has a way of bringing us together, but also highlighting our divisions and the colonial histories that brought us to this moment. CBC Sports’ Shireen Ahmed joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the racism called out at this year’s tournament, and how people are responding to it. Plus, "Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass” is the latest comedy from David Wain, who also directed the classic “Wet Hot American Summer.” Vulture writer Fran Hoepfner chats with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about why this film is best appreciated in a movie theatre, with an audience.
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The Tomi Adeyemi film controversy and why Jay-Z's NYC shows this weekend were a big deal!
The wait for the movie adaptation of the bestselling YA novel, Children of Blood and Bone, is nearly over. But the author and co-screenwriter, Tomi Adeyemi, says she will not be watching when it comes out in January 2027. Authors Jael Richardson and Catherine Hernandez talk to Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the story. Plus, with Jay-Z kicking off his ‘Jay-Z-30’ tour at Yankee Stadium in New York City to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his debut album ‘Reasonable Doubt’ - Elamin is joined by culture critic Ian Kamau, who attended two of the three NYC shows - to discuss the importance of Jay-Z’s debut album and this moment in Jay-Z’s touring history, as he officially transitions from touring to promote new material to touring to celebrate his legacy.
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Weekly Wrap: Son of Sara + Emmy nominations + Marc Messier
Film critics Corey Atad, Sarah-Tai Black, and Justine Smith join the Group Chat to talk about the new Canadian indie horror film Son of Sara: Vol. 1, and why the horror genre seems to be thriving in Canada right now. They’ll also weigh in on the nominations for the Primetime Emmy Awards, and pay tribute to Quebec screen star Marc Messier, who died this week at age 78.
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Little House on the Prairie confronts its racist past + Ray-Ban Meta glasses
Little House on the Prairie has been adapted countless times, and Netflix is adding their modern retelling into the Laura Ingalls Wilder canon. TV critics Johnnie Jae and Kathryn VanArendonk join guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to talk about what Little House on the Prairie has meant to the generations who grew up with it, and how much has changed with the representation of Osage characters in showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine’s version.Also, Commotion guest host Rad Simonpillai is joined by Vass Bednar to discuss the criticisms around Meta’s new AI glasses campaign featuring Kylie Jenner and what the rise of wearable technology means for how we understand privacy.
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The Invite is hilariously awkward, and big news for Raptors fans
Have you ever been to a friend’s house for dinner and suddenly realized they were fighting with their partner right before you walked through the door? That’s where Olivia Wilde’s latest movie, The Invite, begins and the tension never lets up - but does it deliver? Adam Nayman and Teri Hart stop by Commotion to give us their take on the new relationship comedy-drama.Plus, CBC sports reporter Morgan Campbell checks in to discuss the two major stories coming out of the Toronto Raptors camp this week: the return of star forward Kawhi Leonard to the team after seven years, and the retirement of Kyle Lowry, who, after a half-decade playing for other teams, is re-signing a one-day deal with the Raptors so that he can officially end his career with the team.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Big laughs. Smart takes. Every day. Commotion is where you go for thoughtful and vibrant conversations about all things pop culture. Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud calls on journalists, critics, creators and friends to talk through the biggest arts & entertainment stories of the day, in 30 minutes or less.Subscribe to Sounds Good: CBC's Podcasts newsletter for the finest podcast recommendations and behind-the-scenes exclusives.
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