Best Cottage Life Network Podcasts (2025)

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Are we becoming less concerned with data breaches? 17:57

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1d ago17:57

17:57

A data breach used to be big news. It was disconcerting to those impacted and was normally followed by a class action lawsuit. But as they become more ubiquitous, are we caring less? And if you're a victim of a data breach, what is the financial impact to you? Host Mike Eppel speaks with Mike Hortobagyi, Senior Manager, Solutions Engineering at Otk…

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June 28 2025 - When the Heat Hits Home and Trailblazing Surgeon Sees Stars 23:14

7d ago23:14

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June 28 2025 - When the Heat Hits Home and Trailblazing Surgeon Sees StarsThis week’s punishing heat dome hospitalized scores of people and highlighted the realities of heat illness, which McGill University cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos says can creep up on you, and needs to be taken seriously.And Libby Znaimer had a conversation with legendar…

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What can you expect from the economy in the second half of the year? 24:01

9d ago24:01

24:01

It's the mid-point of the year and it's the economic question everyone is asking - what's going to happen with interest rates? On this episode of In This Economy - you'll hear from an expert about whether our economy is weakening and what that means for you. Host Mike Eppel speaks with Royce Mendes, Managing Director of Macro Strategy at Desjardins…

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How do we REALLY deal with the issue of affordable housing? 18:50

15d ago18:50

18:50

Housing affordability is a buzz word lately but how likely is it that it will actually become reality? Actual action on the issue has been really slow and housing starts aren't running at a pace that's it would need to be from a supply standpoint to make a meaningful difference. So what are the issues? What are the barriers to fixing this serious p…

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Are there implications for Canada from Trump's so-called "Big Beautiful Bill"? 27:33

16d ago27:33

27:33

In this crossover with The Big Story, you'll hear about the potential impact to Canadas economy from Trump's so-called "Big Beautiful Bill". The bill could potentially have implications for Canadian investors and pension plans. Host Mike Eppel breaks down what it all means with guest Stephen Johnston, Director of Asset Management for Omnigence. Do …

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June 14 2025-Vacationing Caregivers and Tourism Travel Crackdowns 21:35

20d ago21:35

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June 14 2025-Vacationing Caregivers and Tourism Travel CrackdownsThere are 4 million family caregivers in Ontario providing support to ill or aging loved ones and while it’s meaningful work, they experience high levels of burn out, so getting away on a summer vacation is an important time to recharge. If you’re caring for a vulnerable loved one, pl…

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June 8 2025-Remembering Marc Garneau & What's Trending in Home and Kitchen Design 20:35

27d ago20:35

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June 8 2025-Remembering Marc Garneau & What's Trending in Home and Kitchen DesignTributes are pouring in for Marc Garneau who died this week at 76. He was the first Canadian to fly in space and then went on to enjoy a career in federal politics. Our Libby Znaimer spoke with Marc Garneu last October, on the 40th anniversary of his first space flight…

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Interest rates weren't cut this week. Why? It's complicated. 26:47

29d ago26:47

26:47

Interest rates weren't cut this week. Why? Well, it's complicated. The Bank of Canada didn't give borrowers a break when it set policy on Wednesday, as Tiff Macklem cited the need to wait for more data points. The word "uncertainty" is being thrown around, although ironically, the economy was actually stronger in the first quarter than forecast. Ho…

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June 1 2025-Canadians' Attitudes Towards the Monarchy & A Major Expansion at Shaw Festival 24:20

1M ago24:20

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June 1 2025-Canadians' Attitudes Towards the Monarchy & A Major Expansion at Shaw Festival In a historic move, King Charles delivered the first throne speech in Canada by a monarch since 1977, amid tensions with the US. Without mentioning Donald Trump by name, he told Canada’s 45 th opening of Parliament, that this country is indeed strong and free…

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May 25 2025-A Closer Look at Prostate Cancer & Travel Trends this Summer 21:30

1M ago21:30

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May 25 2025-A Closer Look at Prostate Cancer & Travel Trends this Summer The late-stage cancer diagnosis of former U.S. president Joe Biden has some medical professionals wondering how the disease was able to go undetected. The 82-year-old has been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, considered the most advanced, that’s now spread to his bon…

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Buying a Cottage? In This Economy!? 15:52

1M ago15:52

15:52

The pandemic was a boom time in the cottage industry. As people decamped out of the city, the prices for cottages skyrocketed. However, in this softened real estate market, it's not easy to hold on to two homes, and that's becoming more obvious with the amount of cottages currently on the market. Host Mike Eppel digs into cottage life with Kingsley…

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May 18 2025 - How Our Siblings Impact Us & The Cost of For-Profit Nursing Agencies for Ontario Hospitals 19:28

2M ago19:28

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May 18 2025 - How Our Siblings Impact Us & The Cost of For-Profit Nursing Agencies for Ontario HospitalsNew research suggests siblings have a profound impact on each other's lives. In her book, The Family Dynamic: a Journey into the mystery of sibling success, author Susan Dominus explores some high-achieving kids and how their brothers and sisters…

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No federal budget this year: what does that mean for Canadians? 16:39

2M ago16:39

16:39

A big week on the budget front, for multiple reasons. Not only did Ontario release a budget that aims to get the province through the trade war, we learned that the new Liberal government will NOT be releasing a spring document. Host of "In This Economy" Mike Eppel digs into the consequences of all the budget news this week and has a sneak peek on …

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May 11 2025 – Sue Hincenbergs' Debut Novel "The Retirement Plan" & Alberta's Separatism Movement 22:24

2M ago22:24

22:24

May 11 2025 – Sue Hincenbergs' Debut Novel "The Retirement Plan" & Alberta's Separatism MovementMany Zoomers dream of writing a novel, but making that dream a reality is no simple task. And if you’re not famous, selling the book and finding an audience is even harder. But ZoomerMedia alumnus Sue Hincenbergs is celebrating the perfect debut with her…

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May 4 2025-The Link Between CT Scans and Cancer & A History of Attempts to Reform English Spelling 22:35

2M ago22:35

22:35

May 4 2025-The Link Between CT Scans and Cancer & A History of Attempts to Reform English SpellingCT scans are a popular diagnostic tool but a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a link between the scans and cancer. Dr. Derek Tsang, Radiation Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, explains the…

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Post-election, digging into whether or not our economy will fall into recession 14:44

2M ago14:44

14:44

We now have clarity now on Canada's new government, but predictions about the state of economy going forward are murkier. There are signs the economy is contracting, so what does that mean for you? Host Mike Eppel speaks with Dawn Desjardins, Chief Economist at Deloitte Canada. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be ha…

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Quick listen: How Monday's vote is impacting markets and looking at the challenges ahead 9:55

2M ago9:55

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Monday's vote is being closely analyzed, both to finalize the results, and to determine what the impact on the market and economy will be. In this episode of "In This Economy", host Mike Eppel looks at what happened last night, and what the upcoming challenges will be with guest Randall Bartlett, Deputy Chief Economist of Desjardins Group. Do you h…

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April 27 2025-How a Papal Conclave Works & What's Hot in Ontario Cottage Real Estate? 21:25

2M ago21:25

21:25

April 27 2025-How a Papal Conclave Works & What's Hot in Ontario Cottage Real Estate? More than 200 Cardinals from around the world--including five from Canada--have gathered in Rome preparing for the Conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis. We’ll take a look at what may happen behind closed doors. Guest host Kathy Hyde speaks with Father R…

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Looking at the plight of small businesses in this very challenged year 10:04

2M ago10:04

10:04

Owning a small or medium sized business is never easy, and this year, it's been even more challenging. The small business sector is the country's largest employer and they're facing a ton of uncertainty from tariffs and the threat of higher inflation and a potential recession. Host Mike Eppel talks to Simon Gauldeault, Chief Economist and VP of Res…

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April 20 2025-Cancer Research in Jeopardy and the Rising Tide of Book Bans 20:12

3M ago20:12

20:12

Cancer Research in Jeopardy and the Rising Tide of Book BansCanadian cancer researchers received over 40 million in US funding last year for their life-saving work. Now, amid Donald Trump’s tariff war, seven-in-ten Canadian cancer researchers are concerned about the impact on both this year’s funding, and the future of collaborative projects with U…

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April 13 2025-Discovery of Hormone Used in Obesity Medications & The Revival of Vinyl Records 23:18

3M ago23:18

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April 13 2025-Discovery of Hormone Used in Obesity Medications & The Revival of Vinyl RecordsIt may not be a household name yet but a Toronto-based doctor has just won this year’s prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, considered the Oscars of the scientific community. Dr. Daniel Drucker, along with his colleagues, have been recognized fo…

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Minding your mortgage in the midst of a trade war 14:40

3M ago14:40

14:40

It's a fluctuation that would - and did - send anyone over the edge, even those in the Canadian real estate market. Although the volatility didn't burn this side of the border nearly as much as it did to the south, the question still stands: what's in store for those Canadians cued up for a mortgage renewal this year?Host Mike Eppel speaks to Victo…

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April 6 2025-Navigating The Threat of President Trump's Tariffs & Spring Cleaning Tips for Zoomers 20:43

3M ago20:43

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April 6 2025-Navigating The Threat of President Trump's Tariffs & Spring Cleaning Tips for ZoomersFor many people, Spring is the perfect time to do a purge of all that “stuff” you’ve acquired over the last year. Kristen Wall, Owner and Lead Organizer of Miss Kris & Co gives tips for Zoomers navigating the process. And Tariffs and counter-tariffs co…

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How short-sighted was Trump's Liberation Day? 28:19

3M ago28:19

28:19

US President Donald Trump dubbed it 'Liberation Day', and it seemed like numbers across the North American stock market took the word 'liberate' and headed south. Besides the historic plunging of some of Wall Street's benchmarks as a result of the Trump's latest tariff announcement on April 2, his long-term goal of a stronger America seems more far…

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March 30 2025-How, Where and When to Vote this Federal Election & Michael Kovrig on Execution of Canadians by China 21:10

3M ago21:10

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March 30 2025-How, Where and When to Vote this Federal Election & Michael Kovrig on Execution of Canadians by China It will cost $570 million and create 200,000 short-term jobs. We will head to the polls on April 28 after the shortest federal campaign allowed under Canadian law. And there are more options on when, where and how to vote this time. I…

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Is Canada's economy in a strong place these days? 15:51

3M ago15:51

15:51

A Canadian economy once regaining its strength and gusto, is seeming to slip in its grip on success. GDP numbers from Statistics Canada were on the up to start off 2025...but the data now shows a different picture. So, where do we go from here? What's in store for Canada's economy amid Trump tariff threats? Are we in for a 'stagflation' scenario? A…

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March 23 2025-Amb. John Bolton on US President Trump's Tariffs & Fighting Noise Pollution in Toronto 21:00

3M ago21:00

21:00

March 23 2025-Amb. John Bolton on US President Trump's Tariffs & Fighting Noise Pollution in TorontoLibby speaks with John Bolton, former US Ambassador to the UN and National Security Adviser during President Donald Trump’s first term. Bolton offers some words of advice to Prime Minister Carney on dealing with President Trump. He also reacts to the…

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March 16 2025-The History Of America Wanting To Annex Canada & Be Aware of These Scams 18:55

4M ago18:55

18:55

March 16 2025-The History Of America Wanting To Annex Canada & Be Aware of These ScamsMost Canadians are shocked about US President Donald Trump’s designs on annexing Canada. But there is a long history of those expansionist ideas and a record of both political and military failures in that effort. I reached Dr. Patrick O’brien, an expert in early …

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How Canadian business operators are dealing with so much uncertainty 10:18

4M ago10:18

10:18

Trying to run a business in this economy is anything but easy. Uncertainty, unease and pressure from so many different factors are creating a very difficult situation for Canadian operators. Host Mike Eppel speaks with Mike Tzimas, president of the Napoleon Group of Companies about the current situation, the impact on tariffs, and how difficult it …

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March 9 2025-How US Tariffs Made The Great Depression Worse & Defining and Diagnosing Obesity 19:54

4M ago19:54

19:54

March 9 2025-How US Tariffs Made The Great Depression Worse & Defining and Diagnosing Obesity Is the Trump trade war deja vu all over again? Economists and experts agree that tariffs made the Great Depression of the 1930’s a lot worse and a lot longer. Libby is joined by Dr. Patrice Dutil, Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administ…

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Forecasting what's next...In This Economy!? 14:59

4M ago14:59

14:59

It's been another week of uncertainty for the financial markets. With back and forth announcements on tariffs happening this week, it's been next to impossible to gauge what will happen next. Host Mike Eppel is trying to make sense of it with Avery Shenfeld, Chief Economist at C-I-B-C. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'…

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March 2 2025-Does Ontario Need A Seniors’ Advocate & Have You Had Your Shingles Shot? 19:43

4M ago19:43

19:43

March 2 2025-Does Ontario Need A Seniors’ Advocate & Have You Had Your Shingles Shot?What is the role of a Seniors’ Advocate and does Ontario need one? Those questions were at the heart of CARP’s AGM this past weekend and I chatted with BC Seniors’ Advocate Dan Levitt after he delivered a keynote speech.Have you had your shingles shots? Over 90,000…

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February 23 2025-Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert on the Return of Hostages & Retro Cooking with Chef Cori Doern 19:42

4M ago19:42

19:42

February 23 2025-Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert on the Return of Hostages & Retro Cooking with Chef Cori DoernWill the latest horrific revelations around the release of the bodies of four Israeli hostages affect the ceasefire? Or is the release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas terrorists imminent and would it mark the end of the war in ga…

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Where to find the money to make an RRSP contribution 12:09

4M ago12:09

12:09

You want to save for your retirement - but where do you find the money? Head's up - the RRSP deadline is coming up on March 3, 2025. Host Mike Eppel is talking to an expert on why it's imperative to start saving for your retirement and how to make it less stressful. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig i…

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February 16 2025-60th Anniversary of Canada’s Flag & Rethinking Cancer Drug Trials 18:59

5M ago18:59

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February 16 2025-60th Anniversary of Canada’s Flag & Rethinking Cancer Drug TrialsWere you flying our flag this weekend? February 15th marked the 60th anniversary of the red and white Maple Leaf and with Donald Trump’s continuing threats against our sovereignty and economy, Flag Day took on a special meaning. I talked with Historica Canada’s Anthon…

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How far are you willing to go to buy Canadian? 11:52

5M ago11:52

11:52

The "buy Canada" movement remains strong in the wake of tariffs levied against Canada, with more being tariffs reportedly on the way. So how far would you go to buy Canadian? Host Mike Eppel speaks to retail analyst Bruce Winder about economic show of patriotism and whether or not it's sustainable in this economy. Do you have a topic that's confoun…

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February 9 2025-Buying Canadian Amid Tariff Tensions With US & The Pivotal Role Zoomers Play In the Music Industry 16:15

5M ago16:15

16:15

February 9 2025-Buying Canadian Amid Tariff Tensions With US & The Pivotal Role Zoomers Play In the Music IndustryCanadians are united in their response to the threat of tariffs from Donald Trump and the “buy Canadian” movement is growing. Retail analyst Bruce Winder joined us to explain what “buy Canadian” actually means and what you should look f…

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Is anything making sense anymore in this economy? 16:47

5M ago16:47

16:47

Is anything making sense anymore in this economy? Between the ping-ponging markets, the on and off tariffs and the latest economic data, the week's been far from boring. To make sense of it all, host Mike Eppel speaks with Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist at the Conference Board of Canada. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? W…

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February 2 2025-How, Where, When to Vote in the Ontario Election & Troubling New Statistics About Poverty Among Older Adults 18:54

5M ago18:54

18:54

February 2 2025-How, Where, When to Vote in the Ontario Election & Troubling New Statistics About Poverty Among Older Adults February 27 is election day in Ontario. With more than 10.8 million eligible voters, the team at Elections Ontario is busy behind the scenes, with just weeks to organize this rare winter campaign. Voting is already underway, …

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Wintering in Florida? In This Economy!? 11:52

5M ago11:52

11:52

Going to Florida to escape the Canadian winter - pretty normal for a large number of Canadians. Going to Florida in this economy? Anything but. With the tariff threat and the weakened Canadian dollar, it's all feeling upside down. And what's happening with Snowbirds who normally spend the entire winter in the warmer U.S. climes? Host Mike Eppel spe…

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January 26 2025- Cataract Procedures in Ontario & Bonny Reichert's "How to Share an Egg" 17:36

5M ago17:36

17:36

January 26 2025- Cataract Procedures in Ontario & Bonny Reichert's "How to Share an Egg"Having cataract surgery is stressful but even before it happens you can be faced with a number of options and fees. Dr. Tamara Daly, Professor of Health Policy and Equity at York University, spoke with Libby Znaimer about how to navigate your way through.And,Fir…

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What's going to happen to interest rates next week? 13:15

5M ago13:15

13:15

If you weren't sure what was going to happen with interest rates with the new U.S. administration in place, you're not alone. We're just days ahead from the first policy announcement from the Bank of Canada and it's to be interesting to see where it goes. Host Mike Eppel speaks with Royce Mendes, Managing Director and head of Macrostrategy at Desja…

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January 19 2025-A New Book About Chrystia Freeland & Tim Caulfield's "The Certainty Illusion" 18:31

6M ago18:31

18:31

January 19 2025-A New Book About Chrystia Freeland & Tim Caulfield's "The Certainty Illusion"When Catherine Tsalikis started writing her biography of Chrystia Freeland four years ago, she worried that her subject could fade from public view before the book came out. Instead, publishers had to rush it onto the shelves ahead of schedule after Freelan…

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January 12 2025-Selina Robinson's "Truth Be Told" & The Case for a "Damp January" 17:46

6M ago17:46

17:46

January 12 2025-Selina Robinson's "Truth Be Told" & The Case for a "Damp January" It was officially launched as a campaign in the UK in 2013. Since then, the challenge of going alcohol-free has become popular around the world. Now, a new alternative of a "Damp January" is gaining traction. I spoke with Public Health physician Dr. Barry Pakes who is…

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In This Economy week in review: fact checks, threats and the slumping Canadian dollar 20:05

6M ago20:05

20:05

Has the first week of January felt like A LOT? You're not alone. There are so many things going on in this economy right now that could impact you. Host Mike Eppel is here to break down all the headlines that have made up this very busy news week including the Canadian dollar, the threat of tariffs and takeover and Meta abandoning fact-checkers. Do…

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What does the Trudeau resignation mean for your finances? 12:29

6M ago12:29

12:29

There are still more questions than answers after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation this week. That includes legislation involving your finances. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Jamie Golombek, Managing Director of Tax and Estate Planning with CIBC Private Wealth about how people should treat changes around capital gains and a pr…

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January 5 2025-The Alarming Impact of Smoking on Life Expectancy & New Year's Resolutions 17:50

6M ago17:50

17:50

January 5 2025-The Alarming Impact of Smoking on Life Expectancy & New Year's Resolutions If your New Year’s Resolution is to quit smoking, researchers say it will extend your life expectancy. A new study in the UK quantifies the harm of cigarette smoking and finds it shortens life expectancy at nearly double previous estimates. British researchers…

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December 22 2024-Lawrence Hill Opens Up About "Book of Negroes" Ban by a London School Board & Lucy Waverman's Cookbook Recommendations 17:44

6M ago17:44

17:44

December 22 2024-Lawrence Hill Opens Up About "Book of Negroes" Ban by a London School Board & Lucy Waverman's Cookbook RecommendationsRenowned novelist Lawrence Hill is speaking out after a local high school teacher was ordered to stop teaching one of his award-winning novels because of its use of the N-word. The London District Catholic School Bo…

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Which economic predictions about 2024 actually came true? 21:56

7M ago21:56

21:56

It was a volatile year for the Canadian economy. Host Mike Eppel speaks with Doug Porter, Chief Economist at BMO about what predictions came true this year and what Canadians can expect in 2025. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: rogerspodc…

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December 15 2024-Missing Pensions in Canada & Stress-Free Grandparenting Tips for the Holidays 18:34

7M ago18:34

18:34

December 15 2024-Missing Pensions in Canada & Stress-Free Grandparenting Tips for the HolidaysA new report reveals a shocking number of missing pension plan members in Canada. In Ontario alone, nearly 200,000 pension plan members are considered missing, leaving behind $3.6 billion in unclaimed entitlements. And the National Institute on Aging repor…