PODCAST · news
Just Asking
by CBC
You’ve got smart questions, we’ve got solid answers. If googling got you nowhere, you can always call your friend Saroja Coelho. With guest experts, Just Asking turns the week’s news and latest trends into tips that help you make better decisions about your life. Whether it’s tech, money, career or health — we’ll hear you out, and help you out. The show takes live calls on CBC Radio every Saturday afternoon, and drops the podcast after the live show. Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]
Episodes
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Jason Kenney takes your questions on the Alberta referendum
Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney joins Just Asking to take your questions about the Alberta referendum, the future of the United Conservative Party and his case for a united Canada. He’s joined on the show by Alberta separatist organizer Angela Tabak.
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Alberta’s referendum: How we got here and what the future holds
On the eve of the Alberta referendum, political scientists Lori Williams and Julie Simmons field your questions about what led the province to this moment and how the independence question will shape the future of politics in Alberta and the rest of the country.
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How to gather when we don’t agree: navigating awkward moments at the holiday dinner table
Thanksgiving weekend is the unofficial kickoff to a season of gatherings. You may be planning get-togethers for Diwali, Hanukkah, or the winter solstice in the coming weeks. And while there’s lots of merriment when you share space and food with friends and family, there’s also friction. Our guest...
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Addressing childhood obesity is tough. Here’s some expert guidance
The World Health Organization has issued its first-ever guidance on addressing a sharp increase in childhood obesity globally. Experts say the problem is driven by multiple factors, including ubiquitous ultra-processed foods, rising screen time, and a lack of safe physical activity spaces. We’re...
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Does economic growth have to be at odds with environmental protection?
Environmentalists say Prime Minister Mark Carney’s plan to quickly build infrastructure comes at the cost of species and environmental protection. We explore what fast-tracking major projects, including a pipeline, would mean for the natural world — and whether climate protection has to be at…
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Defining professionalism in 2026
A viral internet debate about the appropriateness of walking into a job interview carrying an iced coffee has sparked a discussion about what professionalism means today. At a time when four generations share the workplace, how do we reach a consensus on what constitutes professional behaviour?…
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What role does the UN play in global security today?
The United Nations is considered the global stage of diplomacy, with a mandate to be the guardian of security around the world. But as the 81st UN General Assembly gets underway, there are questions about the effectiveness of the UN and its role in a changing world. Richard Gowan is the director…
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Alzheimer's disease: your questions answered
The Alzheimer Society of Canada estimates that by 2030, nearly one million Canadians will live with some form of dementia. We answer your questions about the evolving landscape of research, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Samir Sinha is a geriatrician and clinician scientist…
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Slow your roll: What you need to know about e-bikes and e-scooters
As e-bikes and e-scooters grow in popularity, municipalities across the country are grappling with how to regulate and enforce rules around them while emergency room doctors warn of rising injuries. Our guest experts take your questions about where these mobility devices belong, who should ride...
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Can an alliance between Canada and the EU bolster the middle powers?
Prime Minister Mark Carney wants to forge what he calls “an alliance for the future” with the European Union. We answer your questions about what exactly that alliance could look like — and what a stronger Canada-EU partnership would achieve on the global stage. Stéphane Dion is a former Liberal...
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Why we put things off — and how to break the cycle
If you’re tired of seeing the same items on your to-do list every day because you keep putting them off, this episode is for you. Learn about the psychology of procrastination, and what actually helps us get things done. Tim Pychyl is the author of the book, Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A...
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Your guide to shopping in the age of a trade war
The Canadian marketplace is shifting in response to U.S. tariffs, counter-tariffs and export bans. Let’s help you figure out what it means for your pocketbook. Our guests are: Eric Miller, President of Rideau Potomac Strategy Group and a fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute; Joanna...
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Canada’s data in foreign hands: why digital sovereignty matters
Canada’s overreliance on American tech infrastructure erodes its ability to control what happens to our data. We break down what it means to protect Canada’s digital sovereignty and what’s at risk if Google, Microsoft and other tech giants choose not to comply with Canadian law. Shion Guha is an...
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Kids and screens: What we should ban and what we should teach
As kids head back to school this fall, there’s a growing national debate around the value of banning cellphones in schools and outlawing social media use for young people. Our experts take your questions about best practices when it comes to helping kids develop healthy relationships with their...
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Postpartum mental health demystified
The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children, has prompted questions and speculation about postpartum mental health. In this hour of Just Asking, we answer your questions around mental health in the early months and years of parenting. Our...
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‘Bossware’ vs. mouse jigglers: How companies track workers and employees pushback
From screentime monitoring to tracking employees’ tone on calls, what do you want to know about why employers are turning to surveillance and how workers are pushing back? Our guests are: Krystle Shore, an adjunct professor and post-doctoral fellow in the department of sociology and legal studies...
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Donald Trump's 50% tariffs on Canadian goods are now in effect. Here’s what it will mean
Trade talks between Canada and the U.S. fell apart late Friday night, triggering President Donald Trump’s 50 per cent tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Canadian goods. We are bringing together analysts, journalists, and industry workers to break down the impact on Canadian businesses,...
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Prediction markets have arrived in Canada. Here’s what you need to know
Our guests took your questions about prediction markets, how they work, who stands to cash in, and the implications for Canadians. Ernest Biktimirov is a professor of finance at the Goodman School of Finance at Brock University. Caitlin Ostroff is a reporter with the Wall Street Journal. And…
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Living with fire: What Canada needs to rethink as wildfires redefine summers
We answer your questions about what means for communities to learn to live with fire, what a national emergency response organization could do and whether Canada should create publicly funded climate insurance. Jason Thistlethwaite is an associate professor in the faculty of environment at the...
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Where have ‘third places’ gone?
Where do you go when you’re not at home or at work? Is there a third public place you frequent, where you connect with neighbours and strangers? Placemaker Jay Pitter says, “Third spaces are the original sites of democracy.” Pitter, author of the book Black Public Joy: No Permit or Permission...
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Bob Rae on Canada’s peacekeeping role in the world
Canada is withdrawing its peacekeeping troops from longstanding UN-led missions in Cyprus, Kosovo, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Critics say this latest move spells the end of this country’s legacy as a peacekeeping nation. We’re joined by Bob Rae, Canada’s former ambassador…
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Emergency physicians field your questions about what’s plaguing Canada’s ERs
A study published this week in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reveals that one in 10 emergency room physicians is leaving the specialty, citing burnout and a "broken" system. ER doctors join us to answer your questions about what’s driving their colleagues away and how to fix the issues...
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Diving into the science of hydration
Drinking water sounds simple, so why does staying hydrated feel so complicated? How much water is actually the right amount? Should you enhance your drinks with collagen or electrolytes? And what’s hydration got to do with focus? Answering your hydration questions are: Toby Mundel, a kinesiology...
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Packing a provincial punch: a regional response to the latest tariff threat
Trump's latest tariffs hit different, and this time our provincial leaders may be in a position to hit back. A 50 per cent tariff on hundreds of new product categories reveals new vulnerabilities among the provinces -- disproportionately impacting Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. But among...
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Are we in a reading crisis?
Canadians have less time and attention for books these days, and experts say that trend is only getting worse. With the advent of smartphones, social media, and AI, our attention spans are shrinking and our ability to grapple with complex text is dwindling. Our expert panel explorew what is…
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Sleepless in Summer? Dealing with the impact of heat on sleep
Canadians tend to get less sleep in the summer months and, as temperatures spike across the country, the quality of our sleep is also being affected. Our experts explain the impact of heat on our bodies during sleep and what we can do if we’re struggling to get that shut eye. Charles Samuels is...
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New Weather Order: preparing for unprecedented temperatures and storms
Extreme climate events keep on hitting – from heat to tornados to record-setting rain. For many regions across Canada, the impact is unprecedented and this includes experiences with out-of-control wildfires, half of which are caused by lightning strikes. What’s the potential impact of extreme...
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Footing the NATO bill: What Canada’s growing defence budget actually buys you
Canada went to this week’s NATO summit in Turkey with a promise to spend 5 percent of its GDP in defence by 2035. But what does NATO, and Canada’s military strategy, really mean for everyday Canadian life? Lieutenant General the Honorable Andrew Leslie is a retired commander of the Canadian Army...
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Gut feelings: The surprising link between your brain and belly
Should you be fibre-maaxing? Get busy making kimchi? Could better gut health improve your mood? And how might gut-directed hypnotherapy help you? Tune in for answers about gut health and its sometimes surprising link to our overall wellness. Dr. Maitreyi Raman is a gastroenterologist and…
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Intimate AI: The risks and appeal of bonding with bots
Can we be good friends with AI? Can grief bots help us cope? What are the gaps in our lives that AI companions are filling? We’re taking all of your questions about intimate relationships between humans and artificial intelligence. Dr. Ashleigh Golden is a clinical psychologist researching AI and...
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Camp Just Asking: Your toolkit for surviving the outdoors
Scorching heat, a sudden storm, bugs, bears and ticks. Our panel of experts tackles everything that could go wrong when you’re out in the wilderness so you can make the most of your time outdoors. PJ Richards is an outdoor educator with Outward Bound Canada. Patricia Wilson is founder of Diverse...
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What you need to know about changes to pesticide regulation laws in Canada
A group of scientists is raising alarm bells over recent changes to pesticide regulation in Canada. Our guest experts explain those changes, and field your questions on pesticide use, impact and safety standards. Risa Sargent is a professor in the faculty of land and food systems at the…
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What the CUSMA review means for Canada
North America's free trade deal is up for review on July 1. We’re breaking down the stakes for Canada. Carlo Dade is a director of the New North America Initiative and International Policy at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy. Zi-Ann Lum is federal politics and trade reporter…
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Why sports betting is the shadow story of the World Cup
As betting sites report record-breaking activity in the first week of the World Cup, gambling addiction experts are warning that first-time sports bettors are being primed to keep wagering long after the tournament ends. Two guests join us to field your questions about sports betting. Danny Funt…
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Let’s put you on: Here’s your ultimate Indigenous Peoples Day playlist
This episode is a stacked playlist of unmissable First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists from across Turtle Island. Here to curate your playlist are three artists: Aysanabee, a Juno Award-winning Oji-Cree singer-songwriter; Wolf Castle, a Mi’kmaq rapper and producer; and Sara Kae, an Ojibwe and…
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Big boxes, bigger questions: Unpacking AI data centres
As the number of AI data centres grows across the country, so does the pushback against them. We delve into your questions about these centres and their impact on you and your community. Anne Pasek is an associate professor at Trent University, where she is the Canada Research Chair in Media,...
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Kicking above our weight: Canada in the World Cup and the World Cup in Canada
We're diving into your questions about the World Cup, Canada’s team, FIFA and what hosting the games means for Canada. Joshua Kloke is staff writer at The Athletic. Carrie Serwetnyc is a former Canada national team player and first woman in the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame. Alan McDougall is...
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What you need to know about the EV market as Chinese-made cars roll in
The first shipments of Chinese-made EVs arrived in Canada over the past month. As more EVs enter the market, our guests break down everything you need to know about buying and driving electric vehicles. Charlotte Yates is founder and president of the Automotive Research Policy Centre, a…
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Happiness researchers take your burning questions
Are people happier in the summer months? Does being on- or offline impact how happy we are? And is it really true that money can’t buy happiness? Two researchers field your questions about what it takes to attain and retain happiness. Ulrich Schimmack is professor of psychology at the University…
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Ebola, Hantavirus and Canada’s readiness
We’re tackling your questions about Ebola, hantavirus, and Canada’s readiness for a public health emergency. Jason Kindrachuk is an associate professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases at the University of Manitoba and the Canada Research Chair on Emerging Viruses. Dr. Andrew Pinto...
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Auditing Carney’s climate record
Three experts in environmental policy join Just Asking to take your questions about PM Mark Carney’s record on climate action. James Meadowcroft is a professor in the School of Public Policy at Carleton University. Jessica Green is a professor of political science at the University of Toronto.…
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Why seasonal allergies are getting worse and what you can do to save your sinuses
Why are pollen levels growing over time? And what does climate change and “botanical sexism” have to do with it? We took all your questions about seasonal allergies. Dr. Mariam Hanna is a pediatric allergist and immunologist. She hosts The Allergist podcast. Daniel Coates is a director at...
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The Alberta referendum question explained
Premier Danielle Smith says Albertans will vote in the fall on whether they want their provincial government to hold a binding referendum on separating from Canada. You’ve got plenty of questions about the referendum, and our guest experts tackled each one. Lori Williams is a political scientist...
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Your debt management questions answered
New data released this week shows too much debt is pushing more and more Canadians to file for insolvency. What do you want to know about managing your debt, and how to get good support when it becomes too difficult to deal with alone? Personal finance expert Bruce Sellery is CEO of Credit Canada...
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Coping with chronic pain: Advice, tools and finding support
Dive in for a conversation about finding good care, using new tools and building support while navigating chronic pain. Norman Buckley is an anesthesiologist and chronic pain clinician based at McMaster University. And Desmond Williams has lived with chronic pain for 30 years. He is a member of...
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Tips to weather the storm as Canada reports 6-month high unemployment rate
If you’re looking for work, how do you try and beat the odds of a tough job market? Should you consider switching careers? How do you start to think about your skills differently? Jermaine L. Murray is a career coach and founder of JupiterHR. Brendon Bernard is Indeed Canada's senior economist.
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How foreign actors are wading into the Alberta separatist discourse online
We’re fielding your questions about foreign influence on Canadian political discourse in the age of AI, paid actors and ‘slopaganda’. Brian McQuinn is an associate professor in the department of politics and international studies at the University of Regina. Mika Desblancs-Patel is a research...
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Ditching the 9-to-5: Is the skilled trades path right for you?
The Canadian government wants to invest $6 billion over five years to boost Canada’s skilled trades sectors. As more young people struggle to find entry-level work in 9-to-5 professions, are the skilled trades a viable option? What do you want to know about the demands and the opportunities of…
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More access, more questions as Canada approves generic versions of Ozempic
This week, Health Canada approved two generic versions of Ozempic. This will mean reduced cost, and therefore broader access, to a medication that’s been prohibitively expensive for many. What questions do you have about accessing and using GLP1 drugs? What do you want to know about both the…
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Not just a trend: what you need to know about “Looksmaxxing”
“Ascend your looks to be a better version of yourself” is Looksmaxxing in a nutshell, but young men in the movement are using increasingly radical measures to improve their appearances, including extreme dieting and “bone-smashing” to achieve a very specific look. What is this trend that is...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
You’ve got smart questions, we’ve got solid answers. If googling got you nowhere, you can always call your friend Saroja Coelho. With guest experts, Just Asking turns the week’s news and latest trends into tips that help you make better decisions about your life. Whether it’s tech, money, career or health — we’ll hear you out, and help you out. The show takes live calls on CBC Radio every Saturday afternoon, and drops the podcast after the live show.
Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]
HOSTED BY
CBC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Just Asking have?
Just Asking currently has 264 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Just Asking about?
You’ve got smart questions, we’ve got solid answers. If googling got you nowhere, you can always call your friend Saroja Coelho. With guest experts, Just Asking turns the week’s news and latest trends into tips that help you make better decisions about your life. Whether it’s tech, money, career or...
How often does Just Asking release new episodes?
Just Asking publishes regularly with 264 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Just Asking?
You can listen to Just Asking on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Just Asking?
Just Asking is created and hosted by CBC.
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