Shows
Closer Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterCLOSER LOOK: Is Canadian fentanyl really ‘pouring’ over the U.S. border?Send us a textAs trade negotiations drag on, U.S. President Donald Trump continues to insist that tariffs are justified because Canada isn’t doing enough to stop fentanyl from “pouring” over the border into American communities.The data doesn’t seem to back up the president’s claim — and neither does the evidence seen by one of Ontario’s top cops. During a recent episode of our ‘Closer Look’ podcast, we asked OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique to weigh in on Trump’s claim. He called it "misinformation.""There is very litt...2025-07-2312 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterTrump looms large as Ford hosts fellow premiers in cottage countrySend us a textCanada’s premiers are gathered in cottage country this week for a series of meetings that all revolve around the same man: U.S. President Donald Trump.Ontario Premier Doug Ford, chair of the Council of the Federation, is hosting his counterparts at the Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka — with tariffs and trade at the top of the agenda.Earlier today, the premiers met with First Nations leaders concerned about Bill 5, which gives the province the power to speed up the development of major infrastructure projects. Tomorrow morn...2025-07-2218 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterThe pandemic is long over — get back to the officeSend us a textIn cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.This new daily podcast from Village Media — ‘Closer Look’ — is all about the stories we tell.Every weeknight, hosts Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith go beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.On tonight’s episode: The death of remote work.With...2025-07-1621 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterFirst came the Stanley Cup win, then the viral videoSend us a textIf you’re a hockey fan, you’ve no doubt seen this viral video by now: Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice rewarding his fourth-line forwards in the waning seconds of this year’s Stanley Cup final.“I want you three f—ing guys out there for the last shift,” said Maurice, in a behind-the-scenes moment recorded on the bench. “You throw your sh— off when we win this.”Maurice was acknowledging the fact that his grinders — A.J. Greer, Tomas Nosek and Jonah Gadjovich — had played a pivotal role...2025-06-2821 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterInside the largest fentanyl bust in OPP historySend us a textIn cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.This new daily podcast from Village Media — ‘Closer Look’ — is all about the stories we tell.On tonight’s episode: One-on-one with Ontario’s top cop.Earlier this month, the Ontario Provincial Police announced the largest fentanyl seizure in the force’s history: 38 kg, or more than 380,000 street doses of the lethal drug. The massive bu...2025-06-2721 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterBill Barilko disappeared that summer, but his old hockey stick has resurfacedSend us a textBill Barilko is a familiar name to hockey fans — a talented Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman who famously scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal in 1951.But for most Canadians, Barilko is even more famous for his appearance in The Tragically Hip's hit song Fifty Mission Cap.Bill Barilko disappeared that summerHe was on a fishing tripThe last goal he ever scored, in overtimeWon the Leafs the cupThey didn't win another till 1962The year he was discoveredThis we...2025-06-2621 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterThis new robot cleans Ontario beaches like a ZamboniSend us a textNo, that’s not a Zamboni on the shoreline. It’s a BeBot — Canada’s first remote-controlled beach cleaning robot.The unique device was unveiled this week by the not-for-profit group Pollution Probe, which plans to dispatch the contraption this summer to various beaches across Ontario.The vacuum-like robot — which covers 3,000 square meters per hour — targets food wrappers, bottles, cigarette butts and plastic fragments. Melissa De Young, the CEO of Pollution Probe, joins us on tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’ to explain how the robot works, wh...2025-06-2520 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterCharlie Angus has some things to say to Donald TrumpSend us a textIn cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.This new daily podcast from Village Media — ‘Closer Look’ — is all about the stories we tell.Every weeknight, hosts Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith go beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.On tonight’s debut episode: Charlie Angus’ war.After serving...2025-06-2425 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matter‘Nightmare’ finally over for man wrongfully charged in Dominican RepublicSend us a textWelcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: Free at last.A nightmare vacation for a Burlington, Ont. man has finally come to an end — 71 days after he was arrested in the Dominican Republic and wrongfully accused of drug trafficking.David Bennett was innocent all along, but even after local authorities withdrew the charges, he spent weeks waiting for permission to finally fly home.Bennett's wife, Jane Wilc...2025-05-2932 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterIs this the solution to countering Trump’s tariffs?Send us a textWelcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: the urgent push to break down interprovincial trade barriers.Yes, you read that right: this week's show is a detailed discussion about interprovincial trade barriers.Why? Because a lot of people are trumpeting them as a key front in the battle against Donald Trump's punishing tariffs. WATCH: Mark Carney joins our podcast to talk Trump, tariffsS...2025-05-1830 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterMeasles is back with a vengeance, and we all know whySend us a textThis week on our 'Inside the Village' podcast: Eradicated nearly three decades ago, measles cases are soaring — fuelled by COVID fatigue and misinformation that spreads faster than the virus itself.Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: The spread of measles misinformation.Eradicated nearly 30 years ago, measles is back with a vengeance. The highly contagious virus is making a global resurgence, and Ontario is no exception.Sinc...2025-05-1029 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterAs election day looms, Mark Carney joins our podcast for an exclusive chatSend us a textOn Monday, Canadians will cast their ballots in what many are calling the most important election in generations.If you believe the polls, this is a tight two-horse race between Mark Carney’s Liberals and Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives.This morning, Carney visited Sault Ste. Marie for a campaign stop at Algoma Steel, the city’s largest employer. After the press conference, the Liberal Leader sat down for a wide-ranging interview with Village Media’s Inside the Village podcast.You can watch the full intervie...2025-04-2623 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterSteve Paikin has spent decades preparing for this momentSend us a textThis week on our 'Inside the Village' podcast: The moderator for next week's English-language leaders' debate tells us how he gets ready, what can go wrong — and his strategy for keeping things fair.Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: Prepping for the big showdown.Next week will be a crucial one in the ongoing federal election race, as party leaders take the stage for back-to-back debates on Wedn...2025-04-1233 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterBuy Canadian? It feels so good — and might actually make a differenceSend us a textThis week on our 'Inside the Village' podcast: As Donald Trump hits us with tariffs and muses about Canada becoming the 51st state, shoppers on this side of the border are punching back.Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: How to "Buy Canadian" — and why this boycott might actually stick.Although Donald Trump struck a much more respectful tone on Friday after a phone call with Prime Mini...2025-03-2935 min
Closer LookCLOSER LOOK: ‘Our only focus is getting David home’: Fight continues for man arrested in DominicanSend us a textTonight on 'Closer Look': We revisit our latest podcast episode featuring Jane Wilcox, who is working around the clock to free her husband after he was accused of drug smuggling in Punta Cana.The waiting continues for David Bennett, a Burlington, Ont. man arrested in the Dominican Republic for suspected drug trafficking — an allegation he and his family insist is a lie.Bennett was supposed to board a flight home from his Punta Cana vacation on March 7. Three weeks later, he remains in limbo.“We’r...2025-03-2903 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matter‘It's a nightmare,’ says wife of Ontario man facing drug charges in DominicanSend us a textThis week on our 'Inside the Village' podcast: We speak to Jane Wilcox, who is fighting around the clock to clear her husband's name — and bring David Bennett home.Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: A dream vacation spirals into a nightmare.Family and friends are rallying around a Burlington man who was arrested in the Dominican Republic earlier this month and accused of drug trafficking.Da...2025-03-2228 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterAlgoma Steel boss talks to us about Trump, pollution and looming job cutsSend us a textThis week on our 'Inside the Village' podcast: A wide-ranging conversation with Algoma Steel CEO Michael Garcia, an American citizen who holds a unique vantage point on the brewing trade war.Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: An in-depth conversation with the CEO of Sault Ste. Marie's largest employer.Michael Garcia is chief executive officer of Algoma Steel, a company that ships approximately half of its output so...2025-03-091h 25Closer LookCLOSER LOOK: Dr. Internet? Physician shortage leaves many with no other optionSend us a text'Perfect storm': A new survey found an alarming number of Canadians are depending on medical misinformation online because they don't have a family doctor.As Ontarians prepare to head to the polls on Feb. 27, the province's doctor shortage is one of the most pressing issues of the campaign.Each of the major party leaders has promised to solve the problem over the next four years — in their own way.In the meantime, more and more Canadians who don't have a family physician are turning to...2025-02-1504 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterINSIDE THE VILLAGE: For online gamblers, Ontario is the new VegasSend us a textThis week on the podcast: As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, nearly half of all viewers in Ontario are expected to place a bet — a process that's never been easier, or more enticing.Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: Betting on the Super Bowl (and everything else).In 2022, Ontario became the first province in Canada to regulate online gambling and single-sport betting, leading to what is now a mult...2025-02-0727 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterInside the Village: Election campaign? There's a cap for thatSend us a textThis week on our 'Inside the Village' podcast: Ontario will be in election-campaign mode over the next four weeks — and your local news outlet will be covering every step of the race.Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: Election season in Ontario!Like it or not, Doug Ford is sending us back to the voting booths a lot earlier than scheduled. Your local news site is ready to c...2025-02-0226 minCloser LookCLOSER LOOK: Inside the fight to keep a notorious schoolgirl killer behind barsSend us a textIn this new nightly feature, Village Media journalists break down the details of an important story making headlines around the provinceIn cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. Every night, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalist...2024-12-0607 min
COMMONSWORK 12 - The Crucible of ConfinementIn 2006, Zakaria Amara was arrested and imprisoned for planning what could have been one of the deadliest terror attacks in Canadian history. A ringleader of the so-called “Toronto 18,” he’s one of the most infamous Canadian convicts of the last few decades. But this won’t be an episode about the Toronto 18 terror plot. This is about what happened to one of the ringleaders after that plot was foiled. About his many years of incarceration. About the possibility of rehabilitation. And what role, if any, imprisonment and prison labour played in that.Featured in this e...2024-06-0535 min
cjffjcReporting with Care: Ethical Journalism in the Shadow of Intimate Partner ViolenceIn the lead up to International Women’s Day, the Canadian Journalism Foundation, in partnership with the Canadian Women’s Foundation, hosted a panel discussion on reporting intimate partner violence (IPV). With over 40% of Canadian women experiencing gendered violence from an intimate partner, this “shadow pandemic” demands sensitive and ethical journalism.
Our panel comprised seasoned journalists who shared their experiences and insights on the challenges and responsibilities of covering IPV. This event sparked a collaborative dialogue on establishing best practices for reporting IPV, ensuring victim support, and shaping public discourse for better policy responses and outcomes for survivor...2024-03-121h 02
Unreserved Wine TalkCandid Wine Conversations with Scott Sexsmith of Up Close & Personal and Matt Cundill of You May Also LikeHow do you choose the best wine pairings for dessert? When should you summon the sommelier? How can you improve your smell vocabulary and learn to distinguish between different aromas? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Scott Sexsmith of Up Close & Personal and Matt Cundill on You May Also Like. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights Is it normal to find it difficult to detect the tastes and aromas from wine tasting notes? 2024-02-1443 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterAccess denied: International students cappedSend us a textMichael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith are back for another episode of Inside the Village. The feds have announced they are putting a temporary cap on the number of international students being granted visas. This move will result in colleges and universities losing millions in revenue. How did we get here and how will that lost money be made up? Dr. Mike Moffatt from the University of Western Ontario joins us to fill in the blanks. Also, big layoffs at Algoma Steel, speed cameras and the ‘lead of the week’ from one of our newe...2024-01-2426 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterBlazing trails…safelySend us a textIt’s the kick off to season three of Inside the Village with Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith. With winter late out of the gate this year it has dramatically impacted outdoor sports and recreational activities, particularly snowmobiling. Lisa Stackhouse from OFSC stops by for some trail talk and also some tips as we celebrate Snowmobile Safety week in Ontario. Also on the show a new site launch is in the very near future and political junkies take note, Trillium Talk is here!2024-01-1721 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterDissecting the Greenbelt scandalSend us a textWelcome back to Inside the Village, a podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: Doug Ford does a complete 180.After losing two cabinet ministers, two senior staffers, and untold points in the polls, the Premier announced last Thursday that his government would walk back its Greenbelt land removals.Insisting he was “very, very sorry,” Ford also promised once again to not touch the protected area — the same pledge he broke in 2018 that led to his government’s biggest scandal to date. 2023-09-2225 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterOver asking: Inside Ontario's out of control housing marketSend us a textThe housing market in Ontario is off the charts right now. In the latest episode of Inside the Village, Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith try to get some clarity as to why from Tim Hudak, CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association. Also, free transportation to polling stations? One Cambridge city councilor is trying to make that happen for all residents of his community—and hopes other cities follow suit. And the city of Greater Sudbury has made a bold decision: to close all co...2022-04-2749 min
COMMONSWAR 3 - Tarnak FarmsBill Wilson and Chris Kopp were two of the first Canadian soldiers deployed to Afghanistan.One night in April 2002, they were at a training exercise at Tarnak Farms, Osama Bin Laden's old hideout outside of Kandahar.All of a sudden, they see a blast, and chaos surrounds them. What happens next would change their lives — and the Canadian military — forever. Featured in this episode: Chris Kopp, Bill Wilson, Michael Friscolanti, Eugene Lang To learn more:Friendly Fire by Michael Friscolanti“Lest we forget: Each year...2022-04-2744 minCloser Look (formerly Inside the Village) - Insightful, credible, unfiltered conversations that matterThe search for KatrinaSend us a textIn this debut episode of Inside the Village, Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith dig deeper into the disappearance of Katrina Blagdon, a former Canadian soldier who suddenly vanished in St. Catharines on New Year's Eve. We speak to Katrina's mother and sister to get an update on the massive search effort to find her. Also, as the situation in Ukraine worsens, we speak with an Echo Bay, ON woman who is opening up her heart—and her home—to a mother and daughter fleeing the war-torn country. And finally, Peter Hummel of Fergus play...2022-04-2039 min