Best beyondtheheadlines Podcasts (2025)

1
Doctrine, Diplomacy, and Influence: The Papacy and the Catholic Church on the Global Stage 1:02:03

23d ago1:02:03

1:02:03

As the Catholic Church enters a period of profound transition following the death of Pope Francis, questions are mounting over how it will navigate its dual role as a guardian of spiritual tradition and a global political and moral actor. Francis’s tenure as pontiff was defined by a renewed emphasis on social justice, migration, and interreligious …

1
The Costs of Protectionism: Professor Walid Hejazi on Trump's Tariff Policy, Economic Instability, and the Global Market 58:29

1M ago58:29

58:29

In his return to office, President Donald Trump has intensified the use of tariffs as a central instrument of U.S. trade policy. Recent measures have expanded tariffs on strategic imports, particularly from China, and continued the application of steel and aluminum tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, as well as broader sanctions u…

1
Planning Sustainability, Practicing Behavior: The TransformTO Challenge 37:12

1M ago37:12

37:12

In 2017, Toronto launched TransformTO, a comprehensive climate action strategy aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the city's resilience, health, economy, and social equity. The strategy set ambitious targets, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, with interim goals of a 65% reduction by 2030 and 45% by 2025, relative to…

1
Integrating Foreign-Trained Professionals into the Labor Market: The Role of Bridge Training Programs 55:34

1M ago55:34

55:34

Professional accreditation continues to be a major barrier for internationally trained professionals in Canada. Despite arriving with extensive qualifications and experience, many immigrants face difficulties re-entering their fields due to licensing hurdles, regulatory misalignment, and limited institutional support. Ontario’s Bridge Training Prog…

1
Energy as Leverage: NATO, Russia, and the New Geopolitics of Infrastructure 58:58

2M ago58:58

58:58

As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues to reshape the global order, energy security has emerged as a defining challenge for NATO and its allies. From pipeline politics to infrastructure sabotage and disinformation campaigns, the Kremlin has long used energy as a geopolitical weapon to exert influence and destabilize democracies. In re…

1
China’s Global Strategy: A Conversation with Michael Kovrig 58:56

2M ago58:56

58:56

Last week, reports surfaced that four Canadian nationals were executed in the People’s Republic of China earlier this year on drug-related charges. This deeply troubling development represents a new and grave chapter in the ongoing deterioration of Sino-Canadian relations. Beyond the human tragedy, these executions raise urgent questions regarding …

1
America First, Russia Approved? Dissecting the Trump Administration’s Kremlin-Inflected Narratives 59:00

2M ago59:00

59:00

Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has led a significant realignment of U.S. foreign policy - one that increasingly reflects Kremlin-supported narratives surrounding the war in Ukraine, NATO, and the global liberal order. From proposing ceasefire terms that favor Russian strategic interests to downplaying Ukraine’s sovereignty, the a…

1
Sustainable by Design: The Power of Low-Tech Solutions in Canada 39:28

2M ago39:28

39:28

The prevailing discourse on sustainability is often dominated by high-tech solutions—AI-driven emissions tracking, smart grids, and digital monitoring systems. While these technologies play an important role in measuring and managing environmental impact, they do not address the structural and systemic changes necessary to build a truly sustainable…

1
Redefining Borders: Trump's “America First” and the Future of Immigration 58:57

3M ago58:57

58:57

Since the 2016 election, Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine has reshaped U.S. immigration policy and the global conversation around borders, sovereignty, and national security. His administration implemented sweeping immigration restrictions, from the travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries to family separation policies and enhanced bor…

1
The Decline of American Soft Power: What’s Next for the Global Order? 58:30

3M ago58:30

58:30

Since his January 20th inauguration, President Donald Trump has advanced an increasingly isolationist approach to international relations. From imposing 25% tariffs on Canada to claiming Ukraine instigated the ongoing conflict with Russia and proposing the displacement of Palestinians as a solution to the war in Gaza, his administration has fundame…

1
Climate-Conscious Classrooms: Rethinking Children's Education Policy for a Sustainable Future 58:45

4M ago58:45

58:45

As the climate crisis intensifies, the need for comprehensive climate education in schools has never been more urgent. However, in Canada, climate awareness and sustainability are not consistently integrated into the national curriculum. Where climate change is addressed, it is often confined to science classrooms, leaving gaps in students' underst…

1
American Fascism and the Tech Barons of Authoritarianism: How Silicon Valley Enables Trump's Information War 59:00

4M ago59:00

59:00

Tech oligarchs have risen to dominate global politics and public discourse, posing grave threats to democracy and governance. Under Donald Trump’s presidency, the consolidation of power among Silicon Valley elites has exacerbated critical challenges, including the spread of misinformation, the weaponization of social media, and the unchecked develo…

1
Democracy on Trial: President Yoon's Impeachment and South Korea's Civic Engagement 58:59

4M ago58:59

58:59

South Korea finds itself at a critical turning point as President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment exposes deep challenges to its democratic framework. Allegations of misconduct and debates over the potential use of martial law highlight the fragility of democratic accountability and the lasting influence of authoritarian legacies. At the same time, the…

1
Ceasefires and Stalemates: Israel, Lebanon, and the Border Battles in the Middle East 58:55

5M ago58:55

58:55

The Gaza war has triggered widespread geopolitical repercussions, placing Lebanon at a critical juncture. Regional instability has intensified, exacerbating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel despite a recently brokered ceasefire. Israel’s continued military presence in southern Lebanon raises urgent questions about sovereignty, security, and th…

1
Navigating the Future: The AI Policy Playbook 58:06

5M ago58:06

58:06

How can policymakers, businesses, and individuals navigate the new era of Artificial Intelligence development? What should we do to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI systems? In which directions should regulations be moving? In this episode, we discuss how we can shape the future of AI by improving regulations to navigate and mitigate it…

1
Bridging the Gap: The Journey Through Energy Transition in Ontario & Beyond 58:40

6M ago58:40

58:40

Energy transition has become a question of high importance throughout the world. However, these changes raise many questions about affordability, reliability, and readiness. How can we modernize the grid while balancing consumer needs with industry demands? In this episode, we will discuss with our guests how Ontario can prepare for numerous change…

1
Exploring how Canada’s Higher Education System can bolster Global Academic Mobility, Knowledge Production, and Cultural Exchange 58:55

6M ago58:55

58:55

Canada has one of the most developed education systems in the world, while the University of Toronto has been ranked as the top university in Canada and 17th globally. Higher education obtained from one of the best universities in the world can open many doors to a promising future. In this episode, we explore how policymakers can enhance education…

1
New World Unfolding: Challenges, Transformation, and the Decline of the Liberal Order 57:59

6M ago57:59

57:59

As the world undergoes transformative shifts, the international liberal order—once the cornerstone of global governance—is facing unprecedented challenges. Mistrust in multilateral institutions, reconfigured global supply chains, and the advent of a new digital age are reshaping the rules of engagement. In this week’s episode of Beyond the Headline…

1
Shaping Canada’s Future: Key Issues in the 2025 Federal Election 58:00

6M ago58:00

58:00

The 2025 federal election comes at a critical juncture for Canada, with national conversations focusing on major challenges such as the rising cost of living, climate action, infrastructure development, and government transparency. These pressing issues are shaping the platforms of candidates and nomination contestants alike as they propose solutio…

1
America at a Crossroads: The Implications of Trump’s 2024 Victory 58:57

7M ago58:57

58:57

The re-election of Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election marks a pivotal moment in American politics, raising critical questions about the future of democracy, social policy, and international relations. With a strong conservative base and renewed Republican control in Congress, Trump's second term is likely to bring significant shift…

1
Crypto Jews in Iberia, the Spanish Inquisition, and Nation Building 58:11

1y ago58:11

58:11

One's identity frequently serves as a cornerstone for one's sense of belonging, often intertwined with their traditions and heritage. The case of Iberian Jews compelled to convert to Christianity, underscores their remarkable duality and resilience required to uphold their traditions and beliefs. These covert observances, deemed as Judaizing, were …

1
India Unveiled: Navigating Domestic Politics & Foreign Policy 58:59

1y ago58:59

58:59

India is playing an increasingly important role on the global stage, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Now the world's most populous country, India is in the midst of its largest general elections, with a staggering 969 million eligible voters, making it the biggest election the world has ever seen. While experiencing rapid economic growth and…

1
Sustainable Innovation and Carbon Markets: Paving the Way for a Net-Zero Future in the 21st Century 57:52

1y ago57:52

57:52

In our upcoming episode, we embark on a journey through the intricate realm of sustainable innovation and carbon markets, illuminating their profound significance in sculpting a pathway towards a net-zero future in the 21st century. As the spectre of climate change looms large, confronting humanity with unprecedented environmental challenges, the i…

1
Quantum Computing: Queries to Navigate the Future 1:13:06

1y ago1:13:06

1:13:06

In a day and age where technological innovation and information processing systems are driving economic development in society, there exists a frontier that promises to redefine the very fabric of computation. Welcome to Quantum Computing. In today’s Beyond the Headlines Podcast join us as we unravel and explore the future of how the principles of …

1
Crossroads of Crisis: COVID, Care, and Gender-Based Violence in Canada 54:24

1y ago54:24

54:24

In today’s episode, we delve deep into the critical issues surrounding gender equality in Canada, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the major challenges and developments in gender equality, paying special attention to the disturbing rise in gender-based violence during this period and how it varies across different regi…

1
Truth First: The Legacy of Canada’s Residential Schools 58:23

1y ago58:23

58:23

*Trigger Warning: This episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive, and potentially triggering themes including institutionalized modes of oppression, sexual violence, and violence against children. Today’s episode delves into the history and enduring consequences of Canada's residential school system. With a focus on understanding t…

1
China’s Evolution: From Reform to Retract 58:30

1y ago58:30

58:30

This episode examines China’s dramatic transformation over recent decades, transitioning from rapid economic growth and liberalization, particularly post its 2001 WTO accession, to a phase of increased tensions with Western nations. This shift, amidst rising geopolitical tensions and internal policy shifts, demands a deeper, more nuanced understand…

1
Two years of War in Ukraine 59:39

1y ago59:39

59:39

It has now been two years since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine. Last year, in February 2023, there was a prevailing sense of optimism and hope as the Ukrainian armed forces were able to hold back the Russian advance and even reclaim large swaths of territory. Now, 12 months later, that sense of optimism has been diminished to a great exten…

1
Demographic Shifts: Exploring the Global Decline in Fertility Rates 48:09

1+ y ago48:09

48:09

The global decline in fertility rates poses significant challenges for socio-economic structures, with Canada experiencing a notable decrease that mirrors this worldwide trend. This reduction in birth rates leads to an aging population, straining healthcare, pension systems, and altering workforce dynamics. In Canada, the fall in fertility rates ne…

1
Unraveling the ‘Comfort Women’ Issue 58:26

1+ y ago58:26

58:26

*Trigger Warning: this episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive and potentially triggering themes including sexual violence, torture, and death.* The Japanese Military Sexual Slavery, known as the “Comfort women” history refers to the system of sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese government during World War II. From 1931 and 1…

1
Demystifying Climate Science: Achieving Climate Justice in the Era of Misinformation 58:10

1+ y ago58:10

58:10

Climate justice is once again making headlines. On today's episode, we sit down with Assistant Professor Hanna Morris and Professor Kariuki Karagia from the University of Toronto to discuss climate change as an intersectional barrier to social justice. This episode is a collaboration with the Munk School Environmental Working Group. The EWG is a st…

1
Reimagining our Cities: Considerations in Urban Planning 57:01

1+ y ago57:01

57:01

The majority of Canadians, about 3 out of 4, live in one of Canada's large urban centres and Canadian Downtowns are growing more rapidly than ever before. In the rise of pressing urban policy issues like housing affordability, transportation, climate change and resilience, and social equity and inclusion, how do we imagine the future of our urban c…

1
Will Canada meet its Sustainable Development Goals? 43:41

1+ y ago43:41

43:41

In 2015, 193 member countries of the United Nations agreed to 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), to be achieved by 2030. The SDGs are meant to be a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity by improving health and education, reducing inequality, and spurring economic growth – all while tackling climate change and preserving our environment. …

1
Sheltering Futures and Building Tomorrow: Navigating Youth and Housing Policy in Ontario 59:27

1+ y ago59:27

59:27

Today, we’re honing in on the topic of the housing crisis and how Toronto can remain a resilient city in the future. Every level of government and nonprofits are working toward finding the best method to resolve the pressing housing crisis for the future generations. Jad El Ghali from New Majority will bring the perspective on the housing crisis an…

1
Fire and Frustration: Insurgency Dynamics in the Middle East 53:59

1+ y ago53:59

53:59

The Israel-Hamas war has taken an immense toll on both sides and caused thousands of casualties. As difficult of a topic as this is, shedding light on this war, with an objective and critical lens, is a vital endeavor in the hope that history should never repeat itself in this way again. Today, we take a step back to discuss the histories in the re…

1
10 years of China’s Belt & Road Initiative 58:20

1+ y ago58:20

58:20

This week's episode dives into the BRI's evolution over the last ten years where we take a closer look at BRI's as a tool of China's foreign policy, its impacts in the Global South, and its ongoing recalibration. Note: The figure at 39:03 is supposed to be $170 billion. “The African Development Bank estimates that Africa will need $170 billion a ye…

1
The Role of Peer Support in Mental Health and Addiction 44:23

2y ago44:23

44:23

Ontario has launched a new initiative called Roadmap to Wellness, which aims to develop a comprehensive and connected mental health and addiction system for the region. Over 1 million Ontarians face mental health and addiction issues each year, and the system faces challenges including long wait times, service fragmentation, and lack of evidence-ba…

1
Civics Education in the New Normal - Part 2 (Dimitri Pavlounis) 32:16

2y ago32:16

32:16

Are Canadian students being set up for success as adults in a democratic society? A functional democracy requires its citizens to participate fully in its collective institutions, which exist to serve the public interest and create public value. In this episode, we are looking at the role that civics education plays in creating a healthy, happy soc…

1
Civics Education in the New Normal - Part 1 (Rebecca Rajcak) 29:20

2y ago29:20

29:20

Are Canadian students being set up for success as adults in a democratic society? A functional democracy requires its citizens to participate fully in its collective institutions, which exist to serve the public interest and create public value. In this episode, we are looking at the role that civics education plays in creating a healthy, happy soc…

1
The Story of Canada’s Telecom Monopoly 58:48

2y ago58:48

58:48

For this episode, two guests join us to talk about the telecommunication monopoly in Canada, Professor Fenwick McKelvey from Concordia University and Mr. Joe Rowsell from Telus. With the ongoing merger between Shaw and Rogers, and the recent service outage experienced by Rogers’ users, we have seen rising concerns within Canada’s monopolistic Telec…

1
Canada’s Democratic Deficit 59:59

2y ago59:59

59:59

Low voter turnout has plagued Canada’s elections for decades, and people are increasingly apathetic towards the democratic process. In this episode we host a discussion to ask whether Canada has a democratic deficit. Are democratic institutions accurately representing the “will of the people” and are they providing goods & services that people valu…

1
A Possible Paradigm Shift? The War in Ukraine and Green Energy Transition 1:24:22

2y ago1:24:22

1:24:22

The war in Ukraine has fundamentally changed the way in which we think of numerous issues in public life and international relations, from refugees to food security to nuclear proliferation. However, one of the topics that has received considerable attention in the last year has been the relationship between fossil fuels, clean energy, and global s…

1
Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict 1:00:18

2y ago1:00:18

1:00:18

*Trigger Warning: today’s episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive and potentially triggering themes including sexual violence, torture, and death. Sexual Violence in armed conflict is not a new phenomena and this epidemic of sexual violence as “weapon of war” has existed for as long as there has been conflict. Sexual violence dur…

1
Trailer - Beyond the Headlines 3:30

2y ago3:30

3:30

Beyond the Headlines is a weekly one-hour current affairs radio show & podcast airing on Mondays at 11AM on CIUT 89.5. We are Canada’s premier student-led venue for informed & non-partisan policy discourse. Through discussions with leading Canadian and global experts, we aim to capture the essence of important public policy and global affairs issue…

1
A Grim Anniversary: One Year of War in Ukraine - Part 2 32:45

2y ago32:45

32:45

The war in Ukraine has reached its one year anniversary, a grim milestone few people in February of 2022 thought would be possible. Over the last year, the world has remained stunned, shocked, and enthralled by the conflict and its developments. These include the inspiring resilience of the Ukrainian people, the surprising shortfalls of the Russian…

1
A Grim Anniversary: One Year of War in Ukraine - Part 1 24:23

2y ago24:23

24:23

The war in Ukraine has reached its one year anniversary, a grim milestone few people in February of 2022 thought would be possible. Over the last year, the world has remained stunned, shocked, and enthralled by the conflict and its developments. These include the inspiring resilience of the Ukrainian people, the surprising shortfalls of the Russian…

1
Public Trust in Digital Healthcare 59:30

2+ y ago59:30

59:30

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly shaken healthcare systems around the world, many of which have already been struggling since pre-pandemic times. This is no different in Canada. The World Health Organization argues that digital healthcare has the potential to improve medical diagnoses, data-based treatment decisions, digital therapeutics, clin…

1
The Politics of Semiconductors in Canada and Abroad - Part 2 31:50

2+ y ago31:50

31:50

The semiconductor industry has become a lightning rod for geopolitical tensions between the United States and China. Competition in the technological frontier has become an arena where both the US and China are competing for dominance. In the latter half of 2022, the Biden administration signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law to bolster semicond…

1
The Politics of Semiconductors in Canada and Abroad - Part 1 31:08

2+ y ago31:08

31:08

The semiconductor industry has become a lightning rod for geopolitical tensions between the United States and China. Competition in the technological frontier has become an arena where both the US and China are competing for dominance. In the latter half of 2022, the Biden administration signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law to bolster semicond…

1
Sustainability: Resilience in Toronto - Part 2 38:25

2+ y ago38:25

38:25

Contributions are being made to tackle climate change on a scale. From government commitments, to corporate CEOs releasing their yearly carbon reduction targets. Though with every new promise for a better and brighter future, our present day news reports parts of the world working desperately to suppress major climate shocks. Today, we’re honing in…

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Beyondtheheadlines Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen