Weekends with Joanne Vrakas

CJAD 800 is thrilled to be nominated for two Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Awards recognizing journalistic excellence among Canadian broadcasters. Among the 2026 nominations in the "Breaking News (Large Market)" category is CJAD 800's coverage of the passing of hockey great Ken Dryden. Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Spiders, tics and butterflies. McGill entomologist Dr. Christopher Buddle on how the colder weather is affecting insect life and when and where we should expect to see them.

Epidemiologist and cardiologist Dr Christopher Labos says the virus is serious and can be fatal but we should not panic. Dr. Chris Labos, cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology and a regular contributor on CJAD 800. You can hear him every Sunday on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas at 7:20 a.m.

Potential foreign interference, petitions and a feeling of being ripped off by the rest of the country. Political analyst Sandy White takes a closer look at what’s really going with the Alberta separatist movement. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Not invited to parties, left out of games? What happens wen your child is excluded? Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles on the importance of teaching kids not to chase likeability. Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles explores the findings and explains how a father’s mental health can shape the wellbeing of the entire family.

Cherry tomato confit burrata, lemon and ricotta poppy seed pancakes and yogurt parfaits! Chef Vanessa Gianfrancesco has you covered for Mom’s special day. Chef Vanessa Gianfrancesco shares simple, seasonal ideas you can pull together at the last minute, without sacrificing flavor.From a spring‑ready frittata to fluffy carrot cake pancakes, there are crowd‑pleasing dishes that make hosting feel effortless.  

Underground cells, public hangings and notorious criminals. Montreal expert Thom Seivewright takes a look back at where the city housed its prisoners, how they were treated and what happened to the old cells.

Over 4000 restaurants are expected to close in Canada this year. The Food Professor Sylvain Charlebois on how tough economic times and a dwindling middle class are hurting one of the country’s most vibrant sectors. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor,’ is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 7:10 a.m. to discuss everything from fluctuations in grocery prices to food trends.

Relationship expert Cheryl Besner weighs in on the so-called red flags to look out for and how you should actually be vetting your dates. 

Looking for that perfect place to take Mom but worried you won’t get a spot? FoodguyMTL Dustin Gilman shares his top picks for Mom’s special day.

Can a broken heart really kill you? Cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos on how you’re feeling and the health of your heart. Dr. Chris Labos, cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology and a regular contributor on CJAD 800. You can hear him every Sunday on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas at 7:20 a.m.

From steak subs, to chicken shawarma, Chef Vanessa Gianfrancesco keeps it simple with her one sheet pan recipes. Chef and TV host Vanessa Gianfrancesco can heard every Saturday at 8:20 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing her favourite recipes and kitchen tips.  

Increasing costs are pushing Canadians to steer clear of meat. The Food Professor Sylvain Charlebois says imported beef may give consumers a break come summer. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor,’ is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 7:10 a.m. to discuss everything from fluctuations in grocery prices to food trends.  

Nutritionist Kim Arrey on how ultra processed foods may affect an Alzheimer's diagnosis.  Registered dietitian nutritionist Kim Arrey joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 6:40 a.m. with tips to keep healthy.

Bell Media Public Safety Analyst and former Commissioner at the Ontario Provincial Police, Chris Lewis takes a closer at who dropped the ball and what this means for President Trump’s security moving forward.

Spaghetti fries, cheesecake bites, yakitori and fancy hotdogs! FoodguyMTL Dustin Gilman is back with a new list of restaurants to discover. Dustin Gilman, better known online as Food Guy Montreal, joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Sunday at 7:50 a.m. He shares his insight for some of the best eats in and around Montreal. Image: IG/@pubprincepub

What are peptides and do they really work for body building, skin care and injuries? U.S. Secretary of Health  RFK Jr is pushing for more access but Dr. Christopher Labos says buyer beware.   Dr. Chris Labos, cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology and a regular contributor on CJAD 800. You can hear him every Sunday on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas at 7:20 a.m.  

Mark Carney says he doesn’t wake up thinking about the U.S. As the Prime Minister focuses on building new strategic partnerships across the globe, political analyst Sandy White takes a closer look at Carney’s long game.

Lock downs, virtual learning and stressed out parents, how did the pandemic affect developing minds? Child Psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles on how too much parental oversight affected time management and planning skills. Image: Aditya Romansa  

From a historic U.N. agreement, to bike paths, to sustainable tourism. Montreal is doing all it can to fight climate change. Montreal expert Thom Seivewright on what the city is doing to become the continent’s greenest city. Thom Seivewright is a tour guide turned social media star. He can be heard every Saturday at 7:40 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing hidden gems and facts you may not know about Montreal. Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Food Professor Sylvain Charlebois explains where Montreal stands in terms of grocery prices compared to other Canadian cities. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor,’ is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 7:10 a.m. to discuss everything from fluctuations in grocery prices to food trends. Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

Climatologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, David Phillips says April is a write-off but that we’ll be getting a warmer than usual summer. Image: Etienne Delorieux

Co-owner of The Word, Brendan King-Edwards on what makes this McGill Ghetto institution so special and why he needs your help to give the 150 year old building some much needed TLC. You can donate by visiting thewordbookstore.ca/one 

Cardiologist and epidemiologist Dr. Christopher Labos says while the news is good for some, going cold turkey is not for everyone. Dr. Chris Labos, cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology and a regular contributor on CJAD 800. You can hear him every Sunday on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas at 7:20 a.m.

Political analyst Sandy White on how much money is actually coming in and why some Liberals think a hefty exit tax could keep more Canadians from leaving.

Sports participation for Canadian girls declines from childhood to adolescence. Child Psychologist Dr Tamara Soles on how puberty and competition can push some girls out of the game. Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles explores the findings and explains how a father’s mental health can shape the wellbeing of the entire family.

Chef Vanessa Gianfrancesco shares her best 3 burger recipes as we gear up for BBQ season! Chef and TV host Vanessa Gianfrancesco can heard every Saturday at 8:20 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing her favourite recipes and kitchen tips.

Fighting with the Pope, controversial posts and hoping for a Nobel prize. Concordia Political Science Professor, Graham Dodds on what, if any strategy, is guiding Donald Trump on the world stage.  Image: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

What makes Montreal’s architecture and urban design so distinct? Montreal expert Thom Sievewright on how our city came to look this way.     

Food Professor Sylvain Charlebois on what the new premier can do to cut costs now, before the next election. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor’, is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 7:10 a.m. to discuss everything from fluctuations in grocery prices to food trends.

Jennifer Russell is a psychologist and she joined Sue Smith to talk about trauma. Dr. Jennifer Russell joins Weekends With Joanne Vrakas every Sunday morning at 8:40am.

Raphaël Melançon joins Sue Smith, in for Joanne Vrakas, to preview this afternoon's CAQ leadership vote to determine Quebec's next Premier.  Raphaël Melançon is a political analyst for CJAD 800 and CTV Montreal and a columnist for the Montreal Gazette. He is also the president and founder of Trafalgar Strategies. Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

With the recent verdict holding Meta and Google accountable for online safety, what does that mean for your kids? Tamara Soles joined Sue Smith (filling in for Joanne Vrakas). Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles explores the findings and explains how a father’s mental health can shape the wellbeing of the entire family.

Graham Dodds, Professor & Associate Chair in the Department of Political Science, Concordia University, joined Sue Smith, who was filling in for Joanne Vrakas.

Is Quebec maple syrup pure? Dr. Sylvain Charlebois spoke with Sue Smith, filling in for Joanne Vrakas. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor’, is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 7:10 a.m. to discuss everything from fluctuations in grocery prices to food trends.

More adults than ever are identifying with ADHD, but is the condition truly on the rise, or is social media shaping how we label everyday struggles? Speaking with Joanne Vrakas is clinical psychologist Jennifer Russell breaks down what ADHD actually looks like in adults, the risks of self-diagnosis, and why getting a proper assessment matters.

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or Rosé,your go-to glass might reveal more than your taste. Speaking with Joanne Vrakas, wine expert Jon Cercone explores how choosing a wine is a small but very public decision, one that can hint at your personality, your mindset, and even how you want to be seen. Jon Cercone is a sommelier at Taverne Sur Le Square in Westmount. He can be heard regularly on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing his wine recommendations.

What do you do when a local cat keeps sneaking into your neighbourhood library? If you’re Dorval librarian Amanda Judd, you turn a problem into a charming solution.

Is breast really best, or is the debate more complicated than we’ve been told? As questions swirl around the baby formula industry, the long‑running breast milk vs. formula discussion is back in the spotlight. Dr. Christopher Labos breaks down the science. Dr. Chris Labos, cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology and a regular contributor on CJAD 800. You can hear him every Sunday on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas at 7:20 a.m.

Political analyst Sandy White weighs in and also looks to new polling suggesting franco voters may be leaning towards the Liberal Party.

Still wondering what to serve for Easter brunch? Chef Vanessa Gianfrancesco shares simple, seasonal ideas you can pull together at the last minute, without sacrificing flavor.From a spring‑ready frittata to fluffy carrot cake pancakes, there are crowd‑pleasing dishes that make hosting feel effortless.

New research is shedding light on paternal depression following childbirth. How does depression in fathers differ from what mothers experience, and what are the consequences when it goes untreated? Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles explores the findings and explains how a father’s mental health can shape the wellbeing of the entire family.

What if protecting your brain started on your plate? We’ve long heard the phrase “you are what you eat,” but growing evidence suggests your diet doesn’t just shape your body, it may also influence your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Joanne speaks with nutritionist Kim Arrey about the powerful connection between the gut and the brain, and how everyday food choices could help keep your mind sharper for longer. Registered dietitian nutritionist Kim Arrey joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 6:40 a.m. with tips to keep healthy.

Is the seven year itch a real thing? Clinical psychologist Dr. Jennifer Russell on when feelings actually change and why it's okay.

Does a wine list stress you out? Wine expert Jon Cercone has a step by step guide on how to ask for what you want at the restaurant.

In her new book, "A Montreal Cook," Lesley Chesterman writes a love letter to the city. Chesterman explores the city’s French-inspired food culture and what sets it apart.

Staged collisions are up 400% in Canada. Driving.ca’s Lorraine Sommerfeld on how would-be fraudsters are targeting you on the roads. Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Pascal Marchand

Ozempic is set to be offered in pill form soon. But before GLP-1 medications, diet pills were once all the rage. Dr. Chris Labos, cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology and a regular contributor on CJAD 800 takes a look at what was in those pills. You can hear him every Sunday on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas at 7:20 a.m.

Canada is set to increase its defence spending to 5% by 2035. Political analyst Sandy White says this is good news but it may take some creative accounting.

Put down the phones, grab some board games and go back to the 90s. Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles on why more and more parents are choosing to go analog with their kids.