Cost of Living

Canadians have to pay attention to the trade war — the majority of our exports go to the U.S. But what do Americans in the heart of the U.S. auto sector think? Also, we explain why more friends are opening joint bank accounts together and chat with actor Ben Mackenzie (Ryan from The O.C.) about his new anti-crypto documentary Everyone is Lying to You for Money.

At the last minute, trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. have fallen apart. Now, with 50 per cent tariffs on some Canadian exports, Prime Minister Carney says we have no choice but to fight back. Former NAFTA negotiator Barry Appleton explains how that fight could go, and how things fell apart in the first place. And we look at what a continuing trade war could mean for small businesses — and prices. 

Actor Ben McKenzie is best known for his role in The O.C. as the bad boy heartthrob. But the role he's most passionate about is in real life, fighting what he calls "the fraud" of cryptocurrency. He talks about his documentary, Everyone Is Lying to You for Money. Also, we share a hack for stopping identity thieves from getting their hands on your money, and we look at why more Canadians are finding job security in "boring businesses."

Craving a popsicle? Boxes of 'em are available at the grocery store. So why do we run for the ice cream truck like it's our last chance for frozen refreshment? We explore AI's growing influence in the music industry and whether it's really a problem. And we talk to Skyler Chan about his dreams of building a hotel on the moon. Yup. A moon hotel.

Should Canada invest in guns (defence)? Or butter (schools, roads, hospitals)? Military spending is already way up in this country, and is expected to keep rising. Host Paul Haavardsrud discusses the implications of this with Eugene Lang at Queen's University. Plus, the phrase "hot girl walk" is trademarked in Canada. Yes, really. We look at the growing appeal of trademarking viral phrases. We also examine how the relationship between Scholastic, a for-profit U.S. company, and Canadian schools became so unshakeable.

Sure, if you compare our economies based on GDP per capita. But is GDP per capita the best way to measure our standard of living? From donuts to chia seeds, we explore why so many products have their own national day on the calendar. Plus, is putting all your hard-earned cash into a house really the best decision for you? We explore the case for renting versus buying.

The price of services, like haircuts, is climbing, but the price of some goods, like microwaves, is dropping. So what gives? Something called the Baumol effect. Also, we look at the growing popularity of "admin parties," and ask if being yourself at work can be a career-killer when Paul Haavardsrud speaks to Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, author of Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity is Overrated.

Many see critical minerals as an untapped resource and major economic opportunity for Canada. But could their real value be more strategic than economic? Plus, we explain how all the weird food ends up at HomeSense and Winners, and look at what's behind the resurgence of old-school film cameras.

Today's tech billionaires are rich in a way the world has never seen, and they're not shy about flaunting the power that comes with it. It has some people asking: "Should there even be billionaires?" Plus, we ask if braces are the new midlife motorcycle and explore the long, and sometimes hilarious, history of corporate blunders. 

Back in the day, bike thieves could snip through cheap cable locks, but they were stymied by the more expensive U-locks. Then, one power tool came along and changed everything. Also, why more women are travelling solo and and why many of us are just one "turning point moment" away from chucking it all and quitting our jobs.

There's more than one way to save, so why not try something new? Like an "unbreakable piggy bank"? Plus, how much do Canadians need to save to enjoy retirement? We explore why we over-value the things we save, and hear from a money coach who says if you want to save big you've got to think big, and stop feeling guilty about buying those daily lattes.

AI agents can do all sorts of tasks for us — including shopping — but how do we know the bots are working for us, and not the company that made them? Plus, we ask if 99 cent price tags are finally being phased out, and make the case for why we might be in the golden age of free TV. So let's enjoy it while it lasts.

Thousands of Canadians have launched GoFundMe campaigns this year, asking for help with everyday expenses. But, as more of us struggle with the cost of living, is crowdfunding the best way to keep up? Also, just how much does it cost small towns to maintain giant roadside attractions? And we ask: what does the rise of Elon Musk, the world's first trillionaire, say about capitalism in the 21st century? Paul Haavardsrud speaks to Quinn Slobodian, co-author of Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed.

Canada's free trade deal is up for renegotiation and the stakes are high. More than 70 per cent of our exports head south. So does Canada need to play tough at the CUSMA table? Also, we hear from small businesses across the country about their hopes and worries for trade talks and take a closer look at Canada's sacred cow: supply management.

Switching jobs is always a risk, but with high unemployment and iffy economic vibes, right now it feels even riskier. That's why more Canadians are hanging onto their jobs, which is not so great for them — or the economy. Plus, we explore why tinned fish is reeling in a sea of protein-hungry consumers. And, this year’s World Cup is expected to be the biggest money-making event in sports history. So, who gets a piece of that pie?

High quality "superfakes" are on the rise, and luxury shoppers are lovin' it. They cost a fraction of the real thing, but who loses when everyone's buying knock-offs? Plus, shrinkflation is everywhere. So what’s being done in Canada to stop it? And, we explore how the Google search bar is changing and why it matters.

The feds are considering it, and countries like Spain and the U.K. have already gone that way. We looks to their example for what Canada can learn. Plus, the pros and cons of buying a rebuilt car and a conversation with economist Justin Wolfers about why he's trying to bring economics to the people.

Canada imports 20 times more avocados today than three decades ago — and that's no accident. We explore how the green fruit went from exotic specialty to kitchen staple. Also, how theatres are squeezing more money out of fewer customers and why some divorcees are still living with their ex.

Betting on a future event — like, who will be a bridesmaid at Taylor Swift's wedding — is the whole point of prediction markets. Every year, Americans spend billions on these kind of bets, but Canada hasn't fully opened the door to them. So, should we let this type of trading in, put restrictions on it, or just say no? Also, what's old is new again as more Canadians take up film photography. And we find out how Nike lost its cool factor.

Buying real estate is seen as a surefire way to build wealth. But it's not the only option. With prices coming down and more rentals being built, the case for renting in Canada is looking better than it has in years. Also, have you been diagnosed with ADHD? Well, there's a financial planner for that. And we talk to the Canadian planning to build a hotel on the moon.

The food aisle at Winners is like the land of misfit toys, with egg white spaghetti noodles next to matcha-flavoured protein powder. But is the randomness simply an accident? And, from donuts to chia seeds, we explore why so many products have their own national day on the calendar. Plus, could Anthropic's Mythos give cyber-criminals the tool they need to hack the world's computer systems? We talk to Jaxson Khan, director of the AI Competitiveness Project at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.

Yep, if you compare our economies based on GDP per capita, but Paul Haavardsrud looks at how that measure for our standard of living has its limits. Plus, why you shouldn't be too secretive about your inheritance plans, and a chat with transportation expert Matti Siemiatycki about the pros and cons of a proposed high-speed train between Toronto and Quebec City that comes with a whopping price tag.

More Canadians are finding job security by charting their own path. They're buying so-called "boring businesses," like vending machines, dry cleaners and sign shops. But is it the road to the easy life? Also, we look at the chances of stagflation happening in Canada and explain why we're becoming a nation of candy lovers.

Staying out 'til the wee hours of the morning? That's not happening as much anymore, and restaurants and bars are feeling it. Also, how to find Lego for 2 cents at Walmart and author Danny Funt talks about his book: Everybody Loses: the Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling. (Originally aired November 23, 2025)

As CUSMA negotiations approach, U.S. President Donald Trump is downplaying Canada's importance. Not to brag, but America still depends heavily on Canadian aluminum. Plus, feeling buried by your to-do list? Maybe it’s time to throw an “admin party.” And, we ask housing economist Mike Moffatt if falling home prices are a blip or a sign of larger change.

Artificial intelligence is making scams harder to spot and Canadians are losing millions every year to fraud. So is it worth it to pay for personal cyber risk insurance? Also, we explain why older job hunters are botoxing their resumes and ask: Could the global oil shock change the conversation around Canada's future as an energy superpower?

The war in Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz have interrupted critical oil supply chains. Now gas prices are rising. Energy analyst Rory Johnston, who writes the Substack Commodity Context, explains what an oil shock could mean for the Canadian economy, and what might happen next.

Some services, like barbering and childcare, cost way more than they did in the past and keep going up in price. On the other hand, a lot of manufactured goods, like TV's, have become less expensive. And the "Baumol effect" could explain why. Plus, we look at the rise of extra spicy foods on restaurant menus and what's at stake as cargo ships sit idle near the Strait of Hormuz.

As Iran counter attacks by targeting energy infrastructure in neighbouring countries and threatening to shut off access to the Strait of Hormuz, we explore how Canada moves forward in a global economy dealing with even more chaos and uncertainty. Paul Haavardsrud talks to Stephanie Carvin, a professor of International Affairs at Carleton University.

Roughly a quarter of the world's oil supply is at risk as the biggest military strike in decades unfolds in the Middle East. Rory Johnston is a geopolitical analyst who writes the Substack Commodity Context. He talks to Paul Haavardsrud about how this conflict play out for Canadian crude and the global economy.

It may feel like there’s an affordability crisis but is it really all that bad? Also, we explain why more Canadian women are getting financially lit and look into the idea of a mandatory national service for young folk.

Today's tech billionaires are insanely rich in a way we've never seen before, and they're not shy about flaunting the power that comes with it (we're looking at you, Elon). Now, the rise of this uber-wealthy class has some people asking: "Should there even be billionaires?" Plus, the financial complications of marrying in mid-life, and Trump's tariff defeat.

Back in the day, bike thieves could snip through cheap cable locks, but they were stymied by the more expensive U-locks. Not anymore. An ex-thief explains how one power tool has made it way easier to take off with your fixie. Also, how AI chatbots are levelling the playing field when it comes to dealing with experts. And we talk to Peter Nowak, the journalist behind a new Substack focusing on monopolies and oligopolies.

With gold prices reaching historic highs, more people are channeling their inner prospector. They're combing through thrift stores, estate sales — even riverbeds. Also on the show, why Canadians are choosing to pay out of pocket for minor car accidents rather than make an insurance claim. And with tech optimists and doomsayers predicting wildly different things from artificial intelligence, we talk to an AI realist who says it will be transformative (but just not yet).

The U.S. President would like to see Canadian auto jobs move to the United States. But how likely is that to happen? Also, why Canadians have a tough time switching banks and why it could be hard to redevelop the historic Hudson's Bay buildings.

Al Lewis, who writes Business Blunders on Substack, explains why big companies make big mistakes (Hint: it's money). We'll explore why your money problems may call for a financial therapist, and not just an adviser. Also, we ask Chris Sands of Johns Hopkins University what could happen if the U.S. Supreme Court rules that Trump's tariffs are illegal.

Canada's trade deal with China is good for canola farmers, but for automakers? Not so much. So what does that say about the federal government's hopes for the economy? Also, why many of us are just one "turning point moment" away from chucking it all and quitting our jobs. And, why more women are travelling solo.

Scholastic has been selling books, pens and posters to students for decades. Along the way, it's become one of the world's largest publishers of children's books, with titles like The Hungers Game and Harry Potter. So how did the relationship between a for-profit U.S. company and Canadian schools become so unshakeable? Also, we ask: Does happiness breed success, or is it the other way around?

If it feels like the price of everything from airfares to juice boxes never stay put — you're not wrong. And artificial intelligence could make those prices even more slippery. Also, we explain why more travellers are opting for a seat upgrade and explore how YouTube at the world.

This week, we answer some of your burning questions about the economy. Like, why does Canada import stuff that we produce here? Should you pay in CAD when travelling abroad? And, how expensive is the #rvlife (Originally aired October 12, 2025)

Hallmark's holiday movie formula is as polished as a glass snow globe. And why not? Between product placements and sponsorships, the movies are a winner for the card company. We take a look at the business sense behind the sensibility. Also, we make a spirited defense of IRL shopping and ask: How did Canada's economy weather a stormy 2025?

Pricey VIP experiences are increasingly for sale in places like theme parks, concert venues and ski resorts. So what does it mean for us to be divided into the haves and the have-mores? We examine what the sale of Warner Bros. could mean for the future of entertainment. And why are Canadians paying through le nez for French butter?

The U.S. used to be pretty hands off, let the market do its thing. Now it wants to be the puppet master. So what happened? Also, we explain why advent calendars have become so commercial and we talk to a historian about why certain toys catch lightening in a bottle. Remember Tickle Me Elmo?

Did you roll your eyes the last time someone said "inflation is coming down"? Yeah, that's fair. Your personal inflation rate can vary wildly depending on where you live, how old you are and whether you rent or own. We ask two Canadians to walk us through their personal inflation calculator and economist Mark Blyth explains how these differences may be partly responsible for the rise of polarization. Also, we dig into why Canadians are holding onto their cars longer.

Staying out 'til the wee hours of the morning? That's not happening as much anymore, and restaurants and bars are feeling it. Also, how to find Lego for 2 cents at Walmart and author Danny Funt talks about his new book: Everybody Loses: the Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling.

A lot of people are calling critical minerals a major opportunity for Canada, but we explain why their real benefit may be more strategic than economic. We ask why the price of toilet paper is so d@#m hard to figure out and talk to author David Thomas about his new biography of Prem Watsa — the richest, savviest Canadian you've never heard of who is behind one of Canada's most successful companies.

When David Chilton self-published The Wealthy Barber in 1989, it turned into a personal finance phenomenon. Paul Haavardsrud talks with him about the new updated version of his book. We explain why more Gen Z's are "vibe investing" and look at how realistic it is for Canada to go whole hog on "Buy Canadian."

If it feels like the price of everything from flights to juice boxes never stay put — you're not wrong. And artificial intelligence could make those prices even more slippery. Also, we look at the rewards and risk of credit card churning and why so many people are suddenly talking about digital sovereignty.

AI has all the ingredients needed for a bubble. So if it pops, could it put us all at risk? We also revisit a Halloween favourite about buying and selling haunted houses and we speak to author Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic about why being yourself at work is overratedWe'd love to hear from you! Complete our listener survey here.

Creative destruction is a way of explaining how new ideas destroy the old in an economy. In an ideal world, these changes make us all healthier and wealthier, right? Right?! With AI promising to upend the economy, we speak with Avi Goldfarb from the U of T's Creative Destruction Lab about how to prepare for it. We also look at why more First Nations are getting into the housing business and why cheap eats are so hard to find at the airport.