Weekends with Joanne Vrakas

Sue Smith wis joined by wine expert Jon Cercone of Brommelier Montreal and Taverne Sur Le Square.

Andrew Fazekas, a.k.a The Night Sky Guy, joins Sue Smith, in for Joanne Vrakas on CJAD 800.

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.

Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles can be heard every Saturday at 8:40 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas to discuss issues affecting children's mental health.

Simon Hogue is a sailor participating in today's regatta in Lake Saint-Louis, located in front of the Pointe Claire Yacht Club. For more information, please visit https://www.regatepourlaqva.org/en/ Simon joined Sue Smith, who is 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.  

Montrealer podcasters Kyle Smith and Julien Corrado co-host Esti D’Franglais, a podcast that dives into what it means to be a Quebecer when language and identity is front and center in the culture.

Alphabet Café is putting Freddo Espresso on the map. Owner Tony Argiropoulos has served Justin Trudeau, the visiting Greek Prime Minister and has been featured on television in Greece. He tells Joanne why the Freddo has become so popular and why when it comes to coffee, it’s all  Greek to him. Image: IG/alphabet.cafe

From bloodletting, to leeches, to lobotomies and more, what were they thinking? Dr. Christopher Labos look back at some of the most bizarre treatments in medical history. 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.

Chef Vanessa Gianfrancesco joins Joanne Vrakas to explains picking your watermelon using the five S's: Spot, Shape, Shine, Sound, and Stem. 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.  

A new round of tariffs is heading our way leaving many wondering if and how the U.S. Canada relationship can ever be repaired. Concordia Political Science professor Graham Dodds takes a look at the high and lows of the relationship over the years and what comes next.

Montreal expert and tour guide Thom Sievewright on how this once rich part of town prospered, lost its money, merged with Montreal, and turned into a working class stronghold. Image: Josie Desmarais

Do super foods really exist? Can they help reset your body? From beets, to yogurt, to seeds and more. Registered dietitian nutritionist Kim Arrey investigates.

Ahead of the August 19th deadline on new 50% tariffs, Food Professor Dr. Sylvain Charlebois looks at what concessions may be made on U.S. alcohol and dairy in Canada. 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.  

WestJet flight attendants are officially on strike, raising concerns about potential disruptions for thousands of travellers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. What sparked the labour dispute, how could it affect operations across Canada, and what happens next? Joining us now is aviation expert John Gradek from McGill University. Photo courtesy of THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

A painful sunburn may fade in days, but its effects can last much longer. Dr. Christopher Labos explains what happens to the skin after sun damage and why protecting yourself from UV exposure is so important. 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 the environmental footprint of massive data centres to fears about job losses and the rise of rogue AI systems, many Canadians are questioning how artificial intelligence is reshaping society. Political analyst Sandy White takes a closer look at how fast its evolving how the country is preparing.

When is corn at its peak? How do you choose the perfect cob and how long should you boil it for? Chef Vanessa Gianfrancesco joins Joanne Vrakas with the 411 on corn. 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.  

Child Psychologist Dr Tamara Soles on what the defiance may be hiding and what parents can do to connect. Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles can be heard every Saturday at 8:40 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas to discuss issues affecting children's mental health.  

“Sell by”, “best before” and “expires on” labels are slowly disappearing from food packaging in California. Should the change make its way here? The Food Professor, Sylvain Charlebois weighs in. 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.    

What foods make us bloat and why can some people eat whatever they want without issues? What exactly is happening to the body when we bloat and are some foods worst than others? Registered dietitian nutritionist Kim Arrey joins Joanne Vrakas.

Can psychedelics treat mental health? From LSD, to microdosing, it’s all over social media. Psychologist Dr. Sonia Krol on how it works and who can actually benefit from the drug treatment.

Neurosurgeon Dr. David Fortin and his team in Sherbrooke say they have a found a way to “trap” Glioblastoma, a very aggressive form of brain cancer. Dr. Fortin joins Joanne to discus the next steps for this groundbreaking technology. Image courtesy: Dr. David Fortin

For 70 years Elena Faita and her family have been selling cookware and rifles at Quincaillerie Dante. They opened up an Italian cooking school and became a celebrity hot spot along the way. Owner Elena Faita looks back on the store’s decades long history in the city. Image courtesy: Quincaillerie Dante

From your brain, to your body, to your heart. What does stress trigger and how can it affect your heart? Dr. Christopher Labos explains. 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.

Donald Trump has announced yet another round of tariffs and the fate of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is once again in limbo. So what’s a Prime Minister to do? Political analyst Sandy White on what Canada should do next. Photo of the Gordie Howe Bridge courtesy of AP Photo/Paul Sancya

For years, screens have been blamed for rising rates of childhood anxiety, but new research suggests the root causes may run much deeper. Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Siles joins Joanne to discuss the findings and explains why screens may be more like “gasoline on an existing fire” rather than the match that started it. Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles can be heard every Saturday at 8:40 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas to discuss issues affecting children's mental health.

Entertaining with seafood doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Chef Vanessa Gianfrancesco joins Joanne to share smart, budget-friendly ways to serve delicious seafood dishes. She also walks through her recipes for a classic Po’ Boy sandwich and Pasta alle Vongole, proving great seafood meals can be both easy and affordable. 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.

Summer is peak season in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, known for their charming villages, lakes, and scenic landscapes. Montreal Expert Thom Sievewright explores the region’s rich history and highlights some of its most memorable destinations and hidden gems. Photo courtesy of THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

The cyclospora outbreak continues to spread in the United States as more contaminated food is consumed. Food Professor Sylvain Charlebois discusses how artificial intelligence could strengthen food safety systems, improve traceability, and help detect contamination risks before outbreaks grow. 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 people are reporting gluten sensitivity, but what exactly is gluten and who should be concerned about it? Nutrition dietitian Kim Arrey breaks down the facts, explains the difference between gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, and discusses who may benefit from avoiding gluten.

If you're over 50 and looking for work, is age holding you back? While many job seekers worry employers prefer younger, less expensive candidates, Mind HR’s Jessica Glazer says the bigger issue may be how older workers are searching for jobs.

What is an incel, and what drives some men to develop such deep resentment toward women? McGill psychologist and assistant professor Dr. Sonia Krol examines the online communities behind the incel phenomenon, the factors that fuel misogyny and isolation, and the warning signs that friends and families should watch for. 

A microscopic parasite is making headlines for causing severe gastrointestinal illness and what health experts call “explosive diarrhea.” Dr. Christopher Labos joins Joanne Vrakas to explain what Cyclospora is, how people get infected, the symptoms to watch for, and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family this summer. 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.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is travelling the globe, forging new partnerships and announcing major investments at home. But as Ottawa ramps up spending, many Canadians are asking whether the government’s big-picture economic vision is helping those struggling with the rising cost of living. Political analyst Sandy White takes a closer look. Photo courtesy of THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne

Downtown Montreal has become a seemingly endless construction zone, with major projects disrupting traffic, businesses, and daily life for years. When will it finally end? Peter-McGill City Councillor Leslie Roberts joins Joanne Vrakas to discuss the state of downtown construction, the impact on residents and merchants, and how much longer Montrealers can expect to wait before getting their downtown back.

The latest from your favorite celebrities. 95.9 Virgin Radio host, Kelly Alexander joins Joanne Vrakas for another edition of Hollywood 365.

Montreal’s highways were built with a bold promise: a city free of traffic. Instead, they helped create the congestion they were meant to solve. Montreal expert Thom Seivewright explains how decades of road-building, urban planning, and growing demand turned good intentions into daily gridlock. 

The Food Professor joins Joanne to explain why Canada's slowing population growth could reshape the grocery industry. From product selection to pricing and innovation, he breaks down how fewer consumers may change what ends up on store shelves in the years ahead. 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.

Feeling tired, weak, or short of breath? Low iron levels can affect everything from your energy to your concentration. Registered dietitian Kim Arrey explains why iron is essential, the signs of iron deficiency, and the best ways to restore healthy levels. 

With the ceasefire now over and fighting once again escalating in the Middle East, attention is turning to Washington and the role the United States could play in shaping what happens next. Political analyst John Parisella joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas to discuss the renewed conflict, the challenges facing world leaders, and why diplomacy may be the key to preventing a wider crisis. Image: AP Photo/Alex Brandon

How much should you spend on a wedding gift and what happens if you can’t make it to the big day? Etiquette expert Julie Blais Comeau joins Joanne Vrakas to share practical advice for wedding season, covering everything from gifts and RSVPs to guest expectations and common etiquette mistakes.

Planning a trip to Ottawa? Dustin Gilman, better known as FoodGuyMtl, joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas to share some of his favourite places to eat in the nation’s capital. From standout fine dining spots to hidden gems and local favourites, he offers recommendations for every taste and budget. Image: Courtesy La Bottega Nicastro

Milk, raw milk, cheese, yogurt and dairy in general is a staple in many diets, but is it actually good for us? Why can some people enjoy dairy without issue while others struggle to digest it? And what role does dairy play in gut health? Dr. Christopher Labos joins Joanne Vrakas to separate fact from fiction and explain what the science really says about dairy products and digestion. Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

As Prime Minister Mark Carney expands Canada’s trade relationships around the world, some of his newest partners are drawing scrutiny over their human rights records. Political analyst Sandy White discusses the challenge of balancing economic interests with Canadian values, and why ties with countries like Saudi Arabia are raising questions about how far Ottawa should go in pursuit of new trade opportunities. Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Twenty years ago, Chef Chuck Hughes opened up a restaurant with his friends in Old Montreal. The Garde Manger became a city stapple, defined an emerging culinary scene and he became a star. Chuck Hughes joins Joanne as he celebrates this milestone. Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Looking for a beach on the island this summer? Montreal expert Thom Seivewright on why we don’t have more beaches in Montreal and which ones are worth visiting. Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

A surprising new flavour for KD hits the shelves in Canada. Plus, Americans have had enough of our alcohol ban. 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.

When trying to lose weight, does timing make a difference? Registered dietitian nutritionist Kim Arrey compares intermittent fasting to a calorie restrictive diet to see if one really works best. Registered dietitian nutritionist Kim Arrey joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 6:40 a.m. with tips to keep healthy.

Microphones, algorithms and the latest in technology. Cars are relying on computers now more than ever. Driving.ca’s Lorraine Sommerfeld discusses privacy issues while driving. Image: AP Photo/Andy Wong