Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

CBC

Big laughs. Smart takes. Every day. Commotion is where you go for thoughtful and vibrant conversations about all things pop culture. Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud calls on journalists, critics, creators and friends to talk through the biggest arts & entertainment stories of the day, in 30 minutes or less.Subscribe to Sounds Good: CBC's Podcasts newsletter for the finest podcast recommendations and behind-the-scenes exclusives.

The race for Best Picture and the politics of Oscar campaigns

The race for Best Picture and the politics of Oscar campaigns

Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critics Radheyan Simonpillai, Teri Hart, and Jackson Weaver in front of a live audience to talk about the 2025 Oscars, the races that are capturing their attention and the politics of Oscar campaigns.

Feb 21, • 27:12

Kennedy Center cancellations, and the film Morningside

Kennedy Center cancellations, and the film Morningside

For most artists, performing at the Kennedy Center is a career highlight. But after U.S. President Donald Trump fired the board and decided to take over, speakers and performers who were booked are pulling out in protest, including some Canadians. Guest host Rad Simonpillai speaks with Louise Penny and Amanda Rheaume. And culture critic Huda Hassan and filmmaker Catherine Hernandez discuss the new Canadian coming of age film 'Morningside.'

Feb 20, • 26:21

The White Lotus S3, and hockey nationalism

The White Lotus S3, and hockey nationalism

Comedian Cassie Cao and culture critic Nicole Froio talk about the premiere of The White Lotus, season three, set in Koh Samui, Thailand with guest host Rad Simonpillai. And the fierce hockey rivalry between Canada and the U.S. will be on display tomorrow as tensions between the two countries risk boiling over again on the ice. Musician, writer and hockey player Dave Bidini talks about the symbolism of the Four Nations Final.

Feb 19, • 23:44

Captain America: Brave New World is a mess

Captain America: Brave New World is a mess

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ was supposed to be an exciting new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Anthony Mackie starring as the first Black Captain America. Podcaster Ashley Ray, and film writers Adam Nayman and Kaiya Shunyata explain why the film is receiving such a harsh response from critics, and why it seemed doomed even before production completed.

Feb 18, • 25:16

Dog Man, Paddington in Peru, and Lilly Singh's return to YouTube

Dog Man, Paddington in Peru, and Lilly Singh's return to YouTube

Writer and culture critic Amil Niazi and entertainment reporter Teri Hart join Elamin Abelmahmoud to share their thoughts on the new kids' movies Dog Man and Paddington in Peru. And culture critic Jeevan Sangha talks about Lilly Singh's return to YouTube.

Feb 17, • 24:52

Drake and PartyNextDoor's collab album, and Bridget Jones is back

Drake and PartyNextDoor's collab album, and Bridget Jones is back

Just in time for Valentine’s day, Hanna Flint, Mastermind and Jackson Weaver join guest host Rad Simonpillai to talk about ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy’ and Drake and PartyNextDoor's new album, ‘Some Sexy Songs 4 U.’

Feb 14, • 27:15

Where do we go from here with Kanye West, and the season finale of Mo

Where do we go from here with Kanye West, and the season finale of Mo

Music journalist Ian Cohen and writer/rapper Rollie Pemberton (a.k.a. Cadence Weapon) discuss the latest series of extreme publicity stunts and antisemitic provocations from Kanye West, and the media's role in platforming his problematic views. Plus TV critic Saloni Gajjar talks about the series finale of Netflix’s comedy drama Mo, and why it was so powerful to see Mo Amer’s character return to his homeland, Burin, in the West Bank.

Feb 13, • 25:11

Two new docs spotlight Jamaican music, and the Juno noms are out

Two new docs spotlight Jamaican music, and the Juno noms are out

'Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story' and 'Play It Loud' are two new music docs coming to TV and streaming next week. You'll hear how these two films are celebrating the legacy of Jamaican and Jamaican-Canadian music. Commotion guest host Rad Simonpillai is joined by culture critics Danae Peart and Dalton Higgins. Plus, Richard Trapunski of Billboard Canada runs down the nominations for the upcoming Juno Awards on March 30, and what they tell you about the current moment in Canadian music.

Feb 12, • 25:07

An Update On Our Family reveals the troubling side of family vlogging, and Disco's Revenge is here

An Update On Our Family reveals the troubling side of family vlogging, and Disco's Revenge is here

Parenting columnist Amil Niazi and author Jen Sookfong Lee join guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to discuss Crave’s 'An Update On Our Family', a three-part docu-series about the rise and fall of an influencer family called the Stauffers. Plus, former MuchMusic veejay Michael Williams shares his thoughts on the new documentary 'Disco's Revenge', which is a deep dive into the genre's history and legacy.

Feb 11, • 23:46

How Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show landed, and remembering Irv Gotti

How Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show landed, and remembering Irv Gotti

Culture critics Marlon Palmer, Matt Amha, and Pablo The Don join guest host Rad Simonpillai to break down Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime performance on Sunday.Also, they look at the legacy of Irv Gotti, the hip-hop producer and DJ who co-founded Murder Inc. Records. Gotti died on February 5. He was 54.

Feb 10, • 25:14

The global struggle to hold back American cultural dominance

The global struggle to hold back American cultural dominance

This week we’re talking about culture as a form of resistance and power against the backdrop of US tariff threats, and talk that Canada should become the 51st state. Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critics Michelle Cho, Louise Bruton & Matt Amha to look at how places like South Korea, Ireland and Nigeria, have resisted American cultural influences, and are now cultural powerhouses exporting their own content to global audiences.

Feb 7, • 25:20

Trinidad Killa and an Inuit slur, and BookTok hit I Who Have Never Known Men

Trinidad Killa and an Inuit slur, and BookTok hit I Who Have Never Known Men

Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by Dr. Jay De Soca Prince, culture critic Sharine Taylor, and Inuk writer and culture critic Jamesie Fournier to react to two recent song releases from Trinidad Killa (with Nicki Minaj) and Kendrick Lamar that use the same

Feb 6, • 24:51

Boycotting America and the meaning of cultural resistance in Canada

Boycotting America and the meaning of cultural resistance in Canada

As tariffs still loom and Donald Trump keeps musing about Canada becoming the 51st state, what does cultural resistance look like? It’s a lot easier when you’re talking about shopping to buy Canadian and skip made-in-America. But how are we thinking about the pillars of national cultural identity: the music, movies, and TV we chose to consume? Columnist and chair of the Canada Council for the Arts Jesse Wente has been thinking a lot about this, not just lately, but throughout his entire life.

Feb 5, • 27:52

Tariff uncertainty and what it means for Canadian studios and creators, and Fernanda Torres in I'm Still Here

Tariff uncertainty and what it means for Canadian studios and creators, and Fernanda Torres in I'm Still Here

Though the proposed tariffs on Canadian goods that were supposed to take effect on February 3 have been momentarily paused for 30 days, the threat still looms over Canadian industries bracing for their impact. The Globe and Mail’s Film and Deputy Arts Editor Barry Hertz checks in to explain how they could affect the Canadian film and television industries, from production to consumer demand. Plus, culture writers Nicole Froio and Jackson Weaver discuss Fernanda Torres’s Oscar-nominated performan

Feb 4, • 25:32

Highlights and big moments of the 2025 Grammys

Highlights and big moments of the 2025 Grammys

ulture critic/podcaster Pablo the Don and music journalists Carl Wilson and Rosie Long Decter give us their morning-after reactions to the biggest highlights, surprises, and snubs from last night’s Grammys.

Feb 3, • 25:08

Emilia Pérez star embroiled in controversy over offensive tweets, and The Weeknd's new album is here

Emilia Pérez star embroiled in controversy over offensive tweets, and The Weeknd's new album is here

Culture writer Reanna Cruz, comedian Marlon Palmer, and arts reporter Jackson Weaver chat with Elamin about the latest controversy around the movie Emilia Pérez and its lead actor, Karla Sofía Gascón, and they discuss The Weeknd’s new album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow.’

Jan 31, • 25:56

YouTube star Ms.Rachel's move to Netflix, and highlights of Sundance 2025

YouTube star Ms.Rachel's move to Netflix, and highlights of Sundance 2025

Ms. Rachel is moving to Netflix. The YouTube star toddlers love is part of a revolution in kids' TV .. Kathryn VanArendonk and Amil Niazi join Elamin to talk about it. Plus, film critic Hoai-Tran Bui talks about some of her highlights from the Sundance Film Festival, including 'Kiss of the Spider Woman,' and 'The Wedding Banquet.'

Jan 30, • 25:03

How Tom Green changed TV

How Tom Green changed TV

Media personality Matt Hart and TV creator Derrick Beckles discuss the new Tom Green documentary, ‘This Is the Tom Green Documentary’, and how his notorious gonzo talk show from the late-’90s revolutionized television and anticipated the YouTube era.

Jan 29, • 24:56

Rebecca Yarros dominates with Onyx Storm, and a new Broken Social Scene documentary

Rebecca Yarros dominates with Onyx Storm, and a new Broken Social Scene documentary

Book lovers Arizona O’Neill and Lu Aburawi talk to Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the phenomenon of Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series as the third book 'Onyx Storm' hits shelves. And music journalist Tabassum Siddiqui reviews a new documentary

Jan 28, • 24:58

The Brutalist's AI accent controversy, and rewatch podcasts

The Brutalist's AI accent controversy, and rewatch podcasts

With controversy swirling around the use of AI to perfect the Hungarian accents for the actors in the Oscar-nominated film ‘The Brutalist’, Elamin is joined by Rad Simonpillai and Kristy Puchko to discuss the public reaction, and what it says about our comfort level with the intersection between art and AI right now. And culture critic Niko Stratis joins host Elamin to talk about why she got into the world of rewatch podcasts, both as a host and as a listener.

Jan 27, • 24:53

Oscar noms are out, SZA and Keke Palmer's buddy movie, Mac Miller's new record

Oscar noms are out, SZA and Keke Palmer's buddy movie, Mac Miller's new record

Culture writer Reanna Cruz and rapper Rollie Pemberton, a.k.a. Cadence Weapon, chat with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the nominations for this year’s Oscars, the hit new Keke Palmer/SZA buddy comedy ‘One of Them Days’, and the surprising new posthumous Mac Miller album, 'Ballonerism.'

Jan 24, • 25:19

Canada Reads 2025 books reveal

Canada Reads 2025 books reveal

The Canada Reads 2025 champions are revealed! Five celebrities each champion a book they think all of Canada should read, and after a week of debates, one will be crowned the winner.

Jan 23, • 25:17

Is Spotify good for music? And the Australian Open serves animated tennis

Is Spotify good for music? And the Australian Open serves animated tennis

Elamin Abdelmahmoud chats with Liz Pelly, author of '‘Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Cost of The Perfect Playlist’ and music critic Ian Kamau about how Spotify became the dominant power in music streaming. And CBC Sports correspondent Morgan Campbell talks about the Australian Open’s decision to livestream its matches on YouTube using Nintendo-like digital avatars to depict the action.

Jan 22, • 25:05

The cultural significance of Trump’s inauguration

The cultural significance of Trump’s inauguration

The day after Donald Trump was sworn into office as the 47th President of the United States, culture critics Vinson Cunningham and Tyler Foggatt join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to read the inauguration’s cues: what the new President’s choices tell us about where the culture is heading and what cultural resistance might look like.

Jan 21, • 27:34

TikTok’s uncertain future and Severance season 2

TikTok’s uncertain future and Severance season 2

The future of TikTok is in limbo. After going dark in the U.S. for several hours over the weekend, it’s back, for now. Vass Bednar joins Elamin to talk about what this means for the millions of creators who use it, and ​where things go next. And TV critics Eric Deggans and Jeevan Sangha to discuss the highly anticipated season 2 of ‘Severance.’

Jan 20, • 25:05

Remembering David Lynch, The Last Show Girl, and the Robbie Williams biopic

Remembering David Lynch, The Last Show Girl, and the Robbie Williams biopic

Film critics Rad Simonpillai, Kristy Puchko and Hanna Flint discuss the legacy of David Lynch, and review the new films, 'The Last Showgirl' starring Pamela Anderson and 'Better Man', a surprisingly great biopic on Robbie Williams.

Jan 17, • 27:07

Why everyone is raving about Nickel Boys and how Neil Young tried to change streaming

Why everyone is raving about Nickel Boys and how Neil Young tried to change streaming

Film critics Sarah-Tai Black and Jackson Weaver discuss the new film adaptation of Colson Whitehead's book ‘Nickel Boys’ with Elamin Abdelmahmoud and whether the praise it's receiving is valid. And ten years after its failed launch, music journalist Nate Rogers explains why consumers were so hostile to Pono, a digital-music platform and player developed by Canadian rock legend Neil Young.

Jan 16, • 25:07

Why aren't more TV shows and movies taking on climate change?

Why aren't more TV shows and movies taking on climate change?

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have many people thinking about climate change. So why aren’t we seeing more TV or film addressing this pressing global issue? Allison Begalman, co-founder of the Hollywood Climate Summit, and Kendra Pierre-Louis, climate reporter with Bloomberg, talk with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about what’s keeping Hollywood from reflecting our environmental reality. Plus, culture writer Rebecca Jennings explains why Beast Games, from the extraordinarily popular YouTuber Mr

Jan 15, • 26:49

'The Culture' exhibit and how hip-hop is valued in major art institutions

'The Culture' exhibit and how hip-hop is valued in major art institutions

Elamin is joined by hip-hop academic Mark Campbell and emcee/academic Galac to discuss the Art Gallery of Ontario’s first international hip-hop exhibit, ‘The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century’ and what it can tell us about the way hip-hop is valued in certain cultural spaces. Plus, as the fires rage in and around L.A., so much of the attention is focused on the celebrities who’ve been displaced and lost their homes. They are amplifying fundraising efforts, but also fuelin

Jan 14, • 27:12

The end of fact checking on Meta, and the future of social media

The end of fact checking on Meta, and the future of social media

Mark Zuckerberg's decision to get rid of fact checking on all of Meta's platforms is being called an extinction-level event for the idea of objective truth on social media and an 'extremely dangerous time' for journalism and democracy. But is it really all that bad? Elamin is joined by wrtiers Robyn Urback and CT Jones to talk about how this decision could change the way we live.

Jan 13, • 25:25

Bad Bunny's new album, and how the relationship between artists and fame has changed

Bad Bunny's new album, and how the relationship between artists and fame has changed

Culture writers Niko Stratis, Matthew Ismael Ruiz, and Reanna Cruz join the Commotion Group Chat to discuss Puerto Rican rap icon Bad Bunny’s new album, the new Netflix documentary on the life and untimely death of Swedish superstar DJ Avicii, and the radical new release from rising indie artist Ethel Cain.

Jan 10, • 27:49

How the comedy series North of North depicts Inuit culture in a new way, and the latest Wallace & Gromit movie

How the comedy series North of North depicts Inuit culture in a new way, and the latest Wallace & Gromit movie

Inuk writer Napatsi Folger and Swampy Cree filmmaker Sonya Ballantyne discuss the new sitcom North of North, a comedy about a young Inuk mother in the remote fictional town of Ice Cove, Nunavut. The show, starring Anna Lambe, premiered on CBC Gem and APTN, and will have its global debut on Netflix later this year. Plus, Devon Ivie, staff writer at Vulture, talks about the new Netflix claymation film, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, and how it features one of the best cinematic villains of

Jan 9, • 25:11

What Justin Trudeau’s relationship with pop culture tells us about the moment

What Justin Trudeau’s relationship with pop culture tells us about the moment

As the curtains close on Justin Trudeau's almost 10 years in office, Elamin is joined by Riley Yesno, Justin Ling and Jen Gerson to talk about the power – and the shortcomings - of his particular brand as our first influencer Prime Minister. And we also dig into how Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre uses the internet quite differently, and what that says about this particular moment

Jan 8, • 36:56

WWE's flagship show Monday Night Raw enters its Netflix era

WWE's flagship show Monday Night Raw enters its Netflix era

With last night’s debut of Monday Night Raw on Netflix, Elamin is joined by wrestling fans Pablo The Don and David Dennis Jr. to discuss the event and how it sets up this new era of the WWE’s flagship TV series. Also, author Craig Davidson pays tribute to his friend and fellow writer Andrew Pyper, the acclaimed Toronto-based horror novelist died on Jan. 3 at age 56.

Jan 7, • 25:11

Awards season kicks off with surprise wins at the Golden Globes

Awards season kicks off with surprise wins at the Golden Globes

Entertainment journalists Teri Hart and Aramide Tinubu join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to review the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, which officially signal the start of awards season in Hollywood. Plus, Teri reports on the legal drama between 'It Ends With Us' co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.

Jan 6, • 25:25

What Bob Dylan experts are saying about A Complete Unknown

What Bob Dylan experts are saying about A Complete Unknown

Music journalists Vish Khanna, Caryn Rose, and Ian Grant weigh in on the new biopic 'A Complete Unknown,' starring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, and explain how the folk music hero has remained such a enigmatic and iconic figure in pop culture for over 60 years.

Jan 3, • 43:43

Beyoncé at the Grammys, Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl: The music stories we're watching for in 2025

Beyoncé at the Grammys, Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl: The music stories we're watching for in 2025

Culture critics Pablo The Don, Tristan Grant aka Wolfcastle and Rollie Pemberton aka Cadence Weapon join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about what the music industry has in store for 2025, from Beyoncé at the Grammys, Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl to new music from rising stars Tia Wood and Doechii.

Jan 2, • 25:20

What we're watching in 2025: Severance, Star Trek and more

What we're watching in 2025: Severance, Star Trek and more

Elamin is joined by entertainment reporter Teri Hart, Mashable film editor Kristy Puchko, and NPR TV critic Eric Deggans to look ahead to the TV shows and films that will keep us glued to our screens in 2025.

Jan 1, • 26:57

Canadian literature's tumultuous year

Canadian literature's tumultuous year

From protests at the Giller Prize to revelations around the late author Alice Munro, we look back at the controversies that changed Canadian literary institutions in 2024. Reporters Josh O’Kane and Michelle Cyca join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about how there’s no going back. Plus – their picks for the best books of the past year.

Dec 31, 2024 • 25:37

Celebrating L.M. Montgomery's 150th and the many lives of Anne Shirley

Celebrating L.M. Montgomery's 150th and the many lives of Anne Shirley

This year marks the 150th birthday of Lucy Maud Montgomery, the lauded Canadian writer best known for her internationally-acclaimed novel Anne of Green Gables. The story of a spunky red-headed orphan who learns how to live and love on Prince Edward Island has transcended time and space, charming generations of readers with its wit, pastoral landscapes and rich characters. Today on Commotion, scholar Laura Robinson, playwright Kat Sandler and TV writer Kathryn Borel join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Dec 30, 2024 • 25:16

The most underrated movies and TV shows of 2024

The most underrated movies and TV shows of 2024

For all of the shows and films that made the best-of lists, there’s a LOT of great stuff that flew under the radar in 2024. Culture critics Rad Simonpillai, Thomas Leblanc and Ashley Ray join guest host Ali Hassan to talk about the best things they watched this past year — that most of us never heard about.

Dec 27, 2024 • 26:59

Squid Game is back at last — but can season 2 deliver on expectations? (No spoilers)

Squid Game is back at last — but can season 2 deliver on expectations? (No spoilers)

It’s been three years since Squid Game came out and surprised everybody by becoming a gigantic hit. As season 2 drops today, Michelle Cho, Regina Kim and Kathryn VanArendonk join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud for a spoiler-free group chat about the return to the world of Squid Game.

Dec 26, 2024 • 27:32

Does Get Millie Black get Jamaica right?

Does Get Millie Black get Jamaica right?

Commotion guest host Ali Hassan is joined by culture critics Sharine Taylor, Danae Peart and Jovanté Anderson to discuss HBO's new Jamaica-set crime series Get Millie Black, and the way the show centers trans and queer Jamaican people. Plus, film critic Teri Hart talks about how Dwayne Johnson's new Christmas comedy, Red One, pulled in a record breaking 50 million views on Prime Video after a disappointing box office run.

Dec 24, 2024 • 25:22

The big stories in fashion that shaped 2024

The big stories in fashion that shaped 2024

Fashion writers Danya Issawi, Joan Summers and Gianluca Russo look back on the year in Fashion, from John Galliano’s dolls, Charli XCX’s Brat summer and Zendaya’s red carpet moments for Challengers and Dune: Part II.

Dec 23, 2024 • 25:15

The winners and losers of pop culture in 2024

The winners and losers of pop culture in 2024

As the year winds down, Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Niko Stratis and Rad Simonpillai chat with host Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the pop culture highs and lows of 2024.

Dec 20, 2024 • 27:49

YouTube, and how kids TV is changing

YouTube, and how kids TV is changing

Increasing numbers of young viewers are abandoning traditional kids TV shows in favour of creator-produced online content. The Wrap’s TV reporter Kayla Cobb explains the impacts of this shift on both children and the entertainment industry at large. Plus, the ongoing protests against the Giller Prize, this country’s most prestigious literary award, has sent shockwaves through CanLit. Elamin speaks to Noor Naga. She's one of many authors who've boycotted the Giller Prize. She talks about what cha

Dec 19, 2024 • 38:21

Balatro and the highs and lows of gaming in 2024, and Jamie Foxx's Netflix special

Balatro and the highs and lows of gaming in 2024, and Jamie Foxx's Netflix special

2024 was a year of highs and lows for the video game industry. There was a labour strike, mass layoffs and controversies around diversifying the gaming world. There were also long-anticipated new releases from big franchises and surprise indie successes from smaller developers. Culture writer Jonathan Ore and podcast host and producer Camille Salazar Hadaway join guest host Ali Hassan to talk about how the past year played out in the video game industry. Plus, comedian and culture critic Ashley

Dec 18, 2024 • 25:11

Canadian music in 2024 and who ruled our playlists

Canadian music in 2024 and who ruled our playlists

Music journalists Rosie Long Decter and Natalie Harmsen reflect on the year in Canadian music, highlighting the artists, albums, and trends that defined the sound of Canada in 2024.

Dec 17, 2024 • 25:10

Snoop Dogg teams up with Dr. Dre again, and why The Brutalist is getting awards season buzz

Snoop Dogg teams up with Dr. Dre again, and why The Brutalist is getting awards season buzz

With the release of the album ‘Missionary’ - the first full-length collabo between Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, music critics Mastermind and A. Harmony join Elamin to review the new release, and how it holds up to the duo’s classic album collaborations - ‘The Chronic’ and ‘Doggystyle.’ Plus, 'The Brutalist' has been nominated for seven Golden Globes and critics are calling it a ‘New Great American Masterpiece.’ But is it really? Radheyan Simonpillai joins Elamin to talk about 'The Brutalist'.

Dec 16, 2024 • 25:35

What Hawk Tuah and the tradwife trend tell us about the internet in 2024

What Hawk Tuah and the tradwife trend tell us about the internet in 2024

It’s been a year on the internet. A pygmy hippo in Thailand captured our hearts, a model taught us how to make Cocoa Puffs from scratch, a woman turned a word-on-the-street interview into a media empire — and that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface. Elamin is joined by culture critics Samantha Cole, Jackson Weaver and CT Jones to look back on everything that went down online this year.

Dec 13, 2024 • 28:03

The potential consequences of the Jay-Z allegations, and the TV adaptation of Interior Chinatown

The potential consequences of the Jay-Z allegations, and the TV adaptation of Interior Chinatown

With news of a lawsuit accusing Jay-Z of raping a 13 year-old girl after an awards show more than two decades ago along with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Elamin is joined by culture critics Kathleen Newman-Bremang and Rania El Mugammar. They'll discuss the allegations, the online response, and discuss how we might hold space for believing those who come forward with these types of claims, while considering other factors that might sway our moral compass. Plus, Jen Sookfong Lee chats with Elamin about Int

Dec 12, 2024 • 25:11

One year after the Buffy Sainte-Marie investigation, what has changed for Indigenous artists?

One year after the Buffy Sainte-Marie investigation, what has changed for Indigenous artists?

It’s been just over a year since the CBC show The Fifth Estate aired its documentary about Buffy St. Marie, raising questions about her claim to Indigenous ancestry. In this group chat, we explore what's shifted in Indigenous art and music in the past year or so. Our guests are - Marc Meriläinen, an Ojibwe musician and producer who runs a record label called Meriläinen Music. He’s also created a program that aims to verify the identity of Indigenous musicians. And Michelle Cyca, a freelance Jour

Dec 11, 2024 • 31:56

The online reaction to the suspect in the insurance CEO killing, and Interstellar is back in theatres

The online reaction to the suspect in the insurance CEO killing, and Interstellar is back in theatres

Moments after we learned that Brian Thompson, the head of a healthcare insurance company, had been shot in midtown Manhattan – the internet was full of speculation about the suspect’s motives. What we did not see coming were the memes or the look alike contests that were held in New York over the weekend. Internet culture reporters Miles Klee and Rebecca Jennings join Elamin to talk about it all. Plus, this past weekend, one of the top-grossing films at the box office was the 10th-anniversary th

Dec 10, 2024 • 26:06

How the Eras Tour changed everything – for Taylor, and for the music industry

How the Eras Tour changed everything – for Taylor, and for the music industry

With Taylor Swift’s epic Eras Tour wrapping up in Vancouver this past weekend, the Commotion Group Chat—Toronto Star writer Aisling Murphy, music journalist Suzy Exposito, and Swift Alert app creator Kyle Mumma—convenes to talk about the tour’s massive impact on the music industry, on fan/performer relationships and rituals, on social-media behaviours, and on Taylor herself as she closes this eventful chapter of her career and embarks on another.

Dec 9, 2024 • 34:41

The maple syrup heist TV show, and what makes a Christmas movie work

The maple syrup heist TV show, and what makes a Christmas movie work

'Tis the season for holiday movies, and the group chat is here and they're not all Grinches. Thomas Leblanc, Radheyan Simonpillai and Kathryn VanArendonk wade through what deserves your time and how holiday movies have changed. They also chat with Elamin about The Sticky, the new TV series based on the infamous $18 million dollar maple syrup heist in Quebec.

Dec 6, 2024 • 26:54

What Disney gets wrong about Moana

What Disney gets wrong about Moana

As Moana 2 breaks box office records, a critique that came up during the first Moana movie is resurfacing - how the movie flattens the identities and the traditions of indigenous Pacific Islanders. Anne Keala Kelly, an Indigenous Hawaiian journalist, podcaster and filmmaker, shares why she thinks Disney can do better.

Dec 5, 2024 • 21:59

Brain rot and this moment in online culture

Brain rot and this moment in online culture

"Brain rot" is the Oxford word of the year. Maybe you know a bit of what that feels like in this world where social media plays a gigantic role in our lives. Culture writers Rebecca Jenkins, Jackson Weaver & Mel Woods share some personal experiences of brain rot and what it says about this moment that we're in.

Dec 4, 2024 • 30:26

Why some Canadian screenwriters are pushing back against AI, and Dune: Prophecy is here

Why some Canadian screenwriters are pushing back against AI, and Dune: Prophecy is here

Writers Guild of Canada president Bruce Smith and guild member Anthony Q. Farrell join Elamin to discuss a recent experiment where the WGC fed famous lines from Canadian movies and TV shows into ChatGPT to see if the AI could improve upon them, and while the results were predictably awkward and humorous, they highlight the threats that professional screenwriters face as AI continues to encroach on the entertainment industry. Plus, Alison Herman discusses the latest installment in the Dune franch

Dec 3, 2024 • 24:54

How AI is shaping the future of book publishing, and the Céline Dion musical Titanique

How AI is shaping the future of book publishing, and the Céline Dion musical Titanique

The world of book publishing is about to get disrupted in a big way. There’s a startup that wants to use AI to edit, proofread, design and distribute 8-thousand books next year. Guest host Radheyan Simonpillai chats with book industry insiders Jen Sookfong Lee and Nathan Maharaj about how AI is shaping the future of book publishing. Plus, the movie Titanic gets the musical treatment and recasts Céline Dion as the story’s main star. Thomas Leblanc reviews ‘Titanique’ opening in Toronto this week

Dec 2, 2024 • 25:11

Does Moana 2 deliver on the hype, and viral celebrity lookalike contests

Does Moana 2 deliver on the hype, and viral celebrity lookalike contests

The Moana sequel is in theatres with a whole lot to live up to. How does it measure up to the original? And also, what’s with all the celebrity look alike contests popping up around the world? Elamin chats with culture critics Amil Niazi, Jason P. Frank and Riley Yesno.

Nov 29, 2024 • 25:44

The barriers facing Canadian Black artists, and Silo season 2 is here

The barriers facing Canadian Black artists, and Silo season 2 is here

With the release of ADVANCE: Canada's Black Music Business Collective’s new report on the state of the industry for Black artists and music professionals in Canada, Elamin is joined by ADVANCE’s Executive Director Keziah Myers and artist and culture critic Ian Kamau to discuss the report and some of its findings. Plus, Elamin is joined by film & television critic Leila Latif to talk about Silo season 2, and why the series has such loyal fans and what it says about the moment we're in now.

Nov 28, 2024 • 23:37

Kendrick's surprise album, and Drake's surprise legal action

Kendrick's surprise album, and Drake's surprise legal action

With Kendrick Lamar’s surprise release of a brand new album, and Drake launching a legal petition accusing Universal Music Group and Spotify of inflating the popularity of Kendrick’s Drake diss track ‘Not Like Us,’ Elamin is joined by culture critics David Dennis Jr., Pablo The Don, and Matt Amha to review Kendrick’s new album and unpack this latest chapter in his feud with Drake.

Nov 27, 2024 • 25:17

Why people can't stop talking about Emilia Pérez

Why people can't stop talking about Emilia Pérez

Culture critics Cristina Escobar, Sarah-Tai Black and Reanna Cruz review the polarizing Netflix crime musical Emilia Pérez, which tells the story of a transgender cartel boss in Mexico.

Nov 26, 2024 • 33:32

Our relationship with 'Do They Know It's Christmas?', and Rust premieres

Our relationship with 'Do They Know It's Christmas?', and Rust premieres

This month marks the 40th anniversary of 'Do They Know It’s Christmas?' the all-star UK benefit single for Ethiopia famine relief that became a defining moment in the intersection between celebrity and charity. However, despite raising millions of dollars for Ethiopia, the song has come to be seen by many as perpetuating negative stereotypes of Africa. Culture writer Nels Abbey and music journalist Maura Johnston reflect on the song’s legacy—as well as a whole new controversy surrounding the new

Nov 25, 2024 • 25:11

Gladiator II and Wicked are finally here

Gladiator II and Wicked are finally here

Movie studios are eagerly waiting to see if 'Glicked' fever sweeps the box office this weekend. Critics Hoai-Tran Bui, Rad Simonpillai and Jackson Weaver join Elamin to talk about Gladiator II and Wicked.

Nov 22, 2024 • 27:38

Shawn Mendes leans into folk on comeback album

Shawn Mendes leans into folk on comeback album

After taking a highly publicized break from touring for mental-health reasons in 2022, Canadian pop phenom Shawn Mendes is back with his first album in four years, 'Shawn'. Music journalists Rosie Long Decter, Natalie Harmsen, and Suzy Exposito discuss his roller coaster journey from viral teen sensation to mature adult artist, and whether his pivot toward a folkier sound bodes well for his return to the limelight.

Nov 21, 2024 • 25:24

My Old Ass charms audiences, and do we still need the Sexiest Man Alive?

My Old Ass charms audiences, and do we still need the Sexiest Man Alive?

Sarah-Tai Black and Roxana Hadadi review the new Canadian film 'My Old Ass', a tight time travelling coming-of-age dramedy with a surprising punch. Plus, with People magazine naming John Krasinski,‘Sexiest Man Alive’, Elamin is joined by culture critic and Vulture writer Nicholas Quah to discuss the online backlash to the announcement and whether these types of declarations from pop publications are still relevant.

Nov 20, 2024 • 25:11

Author Ian Williams on the Giller Prize and navigating the tensions in CanLit

Author Ian Williams on the Giller Prize and navigating the tensions in CanLit

The Giller Prize was handed out yesterday, and Anne Michaels took home the prize for her novel, ‘Held.’ Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Toronto outside the gala to protest the Giller Foundation and its lead sponsor, Scotiabank. Past winner Ian Williams joins Elamin to reflect on the divisions and discontent in Canadian Literature, and why conversation is key to a way forward.

Nov 19, 2024 • 31:31

Jake Paul v. Mike Tyson, and Say Nothing and its depiction of the Troubles

Jake Paul v. Mike Tyson, and Say Nothing and its depiction of the Troubles

Elamin is joined by Morgan Campbell from CBC Sports to react to the results of the highly anticipated fight between boxer and social media personality Jake Paul and former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. And culture writers Séamas O'Reilly and Louise Bruton talk about the new show Say Nothing, which tackles The Troubles in Northern Ireland and the little known history of the women of the IRA.

Nov 18, 2024 • 39:48

What happens when Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour comes to town?

What happens when Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour comes to town?

The numbers are astronomical - the scale, totally unprecedented. There has NEVER been a tour like Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. The morning after her first Canadian date – Elamin and the Commotion group chat take stock of how Taylor changes a city

Nov 15, 2024 • 40:16

Are reality shows keeping their contestants safe, and what X looks like post-election

Are reality shows keeping their contestants safe, and what X looks like post-election

After last night’s finale of ‘The Golden Bachelorette,’ TV reporter Shivani Gonzalez and culture critic Amil Niazi reflect on the scandal-plagued first season of the latest Bachelor Nation spinoff with Elamin, and discuss whether reality TV shows are doing enough to keep their contestants safe. And internet writer CT Jones reports from the front lines of X, formerly known as Twitter, which has lost followers since the American election.

Nov 14, 2024 • 24:45

What the Grammy nominations tell us about pop music right now, and the Megan Thee Stallion documentary

What the Grammy nominations tell us about pop music right now, and the Megan Thee Stallion documentary

Elamin is joined by music and culture critics Pablo The Don, Reanna Cruz and Andrea Williams to discuss this year’s Grammy nominations and the new doc ‘Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words'

Nov 13, 2024 • 24:49

Heretic gives us a sinister Hugh Grant, and Somebody Somewhere's final season

Heretic gives us a sinister Hugh Grant, and Somebody Somewhere's final season

Heretic is a part of a new slate of films where organized religion is the setting for a thriller. Entertainment reporter Teri Hart and podcaster Ashley Ray join guest host Rad Simonpillai to weigh in whether it works. And Sarah-Tai Black talks about the quietly comedic portrayal of small towns, grief and found family in Somebody Somewhere.

Nov 12, 2024 • 24:52

Filmmaker Steve McQueen tackles race and class in World War II film Blitz

Filmmaker Steve McQueen tackles race and class in World War II film Blitz

Film critics Rad Simonpillai, Jackson Weaver and Hanna Flint join Elamin to talk about Steve McQueen’s new World War II film Blitz, and how our remembrance of war is shaped by cinema.

Nov 11, 2024 • 20:28

What Yellowstone tells us about America right now

What Yellowstone tells us about America right now

As Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone returns with new episodes, culture critics Johnnie Jae, Karolina Waclawiak and Brooks Barnes discuss how it reflects American politics and why it speaks to viewers on different sides of the political spectrum.

Nov 8, 2024 • 25:06

Tyler the Creator at the top of his game, and My Dead Mom

Tyler the Creator at the top of his game, and My Dead Mom

Culture critic/podcaster Pablo the Don and rapper Rollie Pemberton – a.k.a. Cadence Weapon – weigh in on the new album from Tyler the Creator, Chromakopia, and his ongoing transformation from rap’s resident enfant terrible to one of its most esteemed auteurs. Plus, entertainment reporter Teri Hart talks about the new show 'My Dead Mom,' and how it explores grief through comedy.

Nov 7, 2024 • 25:11

What Trump's win says about pop culture's role in Presidential races

What Trump's win says about pop culture's role in Presidential races

Elamin is joined by Pablo The Don, Scaachi Koul and Radheyan Simonpillai to look back at the role social media culture and celebrity endorsements played in the U.S. election, and does it need to change..

Nov 6, 2024 • 25:31

The brilliance of Quincy Jones

The brilliance of Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones is widely understood as one of the greatest -- if not the greatest -- music producer of all time. He died this week at 91. Jones built a vast and legendary musical legacy, producing hits from Aretha Franklin to Ella Fitzgerald to Ray Charles to Michael Jackson. He also helped create beloved television shows like MadTV and the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. We spend time celebrating the late, great Quincy Jones.

Nov 5, 2024 • 23:53

Kamala Harris on SNL, Tom Hanks's new film Here and the Hallmark Christmas movie season has started

Kamala Harris on SNL, Tom Hanks's new film Here and the Hallmark Christmas movie season has started

Culture critics Teri Hart, Amil Niazi and Anne T. Donahue discuss this week’s big headlines from the world of film and television, including Robert Zemeckis’ Here, which reunites his Forrest Gump dream team of Tom Hanks and Robin Wright; and Hallmark launching a new reality show to cast its next Christmas movie star amid accusations of ageism leveled at the network.

Nov 4, 2024 • 25:32

Three CBC defenders respond to calls to defund the CBC

Three CBC defenders respond to calls to defund the CBC

Part two in our series on the future of the CBC. We’ve heard the case for defunding the public broadcaster, today we make space for why it matters. Max Fawcett, Nana Aba Duncan and Jonathan Torrens argue that it’s a vital asset that should be nurtured and publicly funded, now more than ever.

Nov 1, 2024 • 40:39

Tony Hinchcliffe and mixing comedy and politics, and Indigenous horror

Tony Hinchcliffe and mixing comedy and politics, and Indigenous horror

After the comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made offensive jokes about Puerto Rico at a Trump rally, artists reacted in anger and it became a rallying cry. Elamin chats with Hershal Pandya, comedy reporter for Vulture, and Raquel Reichard, deputy director of Refinery 29 Somos about comedy’s role in this year’s US election. Plus, Waubgeshig Rice joins Elamin to talk about contributing to the book Zeegajimo, a horror anthology with stories by all Indigenous writers and edited by Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm and

Oct 31, 2024 • 25:12

Three critics on the future of the CBC

Three critics on the future of the CBC

As calls for the CBC to be defunded get louder, and as a new President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada gets set to take over in the new year, Elamin sits down with three critics of the CBC - Harrison Lowman, managing editor of The Hub, writer Rupa Subramanya of The Free Press, and freelance writer Sabrina Maddeaux. It's the first in a two-part series on the future of the public broadcaster. On November 1st, you'll hear the other side: why CBC matters and why it should be protected.

Oct 30, 2024 • 44:53

The legacy of Vince Carter, and the backlash to WWE's Bad Blood

The legacy of Vince Carter, and the backlash to WWE's Bad Blood

With Vince Carter becoming the first Toronto Raptor to have his jersey retired, Elamin is joined by sports reporter Kayla Grey and culture critic Dalton Higgins to assess the impact Vince Carter has had on Toronto and pop culture writ large. Plus, Elamin is joined by culture critic David Dennis Jr. to discuss David’s piece covering the recent fan backlash to the WWE’s lack of Black wrestlers at its Bad Blood event earlier this month.

Oct 29, 2024 • 26:46

Beyonce at the Kamala Harris rally, and a new Martha Stewart documentary

Beyonce at the Kamala Harris rally, and a new Martha Stewart documentary

Presidential candidate Kamala Harris pulled off the biggest celebrity endorsement of the election when Beyonce showed up in her hometown of Houston to support the Vice President’s rally on Friday. Culture writer Culture writer CT Jones joins Elamin to talk about how Beyoncé’s appearance went and why campaigns rely heavily on celebrity endorsements. Plus, TV critic Aramide Tinubu and culture writer Bee Quammie weigh on whether the new documentary 'Martha' is another celebrity puff piece disguised

Oct 28, 2024 • 25:11

Does the Vatican thriller Conclave preach to our times, and Hasan Minhaj's Netflix special

Does the Vatican thriller Conclave preach to our times, and Hasan Minhaj's Netflix special

Commotion regulars Teri Hart, Ashley Ray & Syrus Marcus Ware give us their takes on the new Catholic thriller ‘Conclave’ and Hasan Minhaj’s new Netflix special.

Oct 25, 2024 • 28:29

The horror movies haunting our spooky season

The horror movies haunting our spooky season

Horror fans Amil Niazi, Mel Woods and Matt Hart join guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to talk about what’s scaring them this week, from the box-office topping 'Smile 2' to Quebec indie film 'Red Rooms,' and more.

Oct 24, 2024 • 25:15

Why Andrew Garfield's sincerity is working

Why Andrew Garfield's sincerity is working

Andrew Garfield is promoting his new film 'We Live In Time,' but he seems to be doing something different. Maybe even – unintentional? Whether it’s going on a Chicken Shop Date with Amelia Dimoldenburg, or talking with Elmo about missing his mom, he’s showing up in a way that seems deeply sincere, deeply vulnerable. Or maybe it’s all a brilliant act. We’ll get in to it with culture critics Niko Stratis and Kathleen Newman-Bremang.

Oct 23, 2024 • 25:47

Anora is already an Oscar frontrunner, and Fan Bingbing’s return to acting

Anora is already an Oscar frontrunner, and Fan Bingbing’s return to acting

Ever since it premiered at Cannes last May, Anora has been the talk of the film world. With the film receiving a wide release this week, critics Kristy Puchko and Peter Knegt explain why this gritty comedy about a New York sex worker and her wealthy Russian suitor has generated such an intense degree of Oscar buzz. Plus, film critic Rachel Ho talks about Fan Bingbing's return to cinema, and why she thinks her latest film 'Green Night,' a film set in South Korea, is proof that Fan Bingbing will n

Oct 22, 2024 • 25:11

How The Daily Wire's film Am I Racist? shapes the culture war, and Han Kang's translation

How The Daily Wire's film Am I Racist? shapes the culture war, and Han Kang's translation

Guest host Ali Hassan is joined by culture critics Barry Hertz and Vinson Cunningham to discuss the rise of Conservative media company The Daily Wire, and what their approach might say about the role politics plays in the type of entertainment we consume. Plus, Han Kang’s recent win of the Nobel Prize in literature has put the spotlight on Korean fiction. Her work has also fueled a debate about literary translations. Ali Hassan speaks with Michelle Cho, an East Asian Studies professor at the Uni

Oct 21, 2024 • 25:12

How Liam Payne's death has been covered

How Liam Payne's death has been covered

Elamin is joined by culture critics Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Syrus Marcus Ware and Joan Summers to reflect on the life of One Direction star Liam Payne, who died at 31. Plus, reactions to Norwegian reporter Kjersti Flaa sharing her past interviews with celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Blake Lively.

Oct 18, 2024 • 29:46

Two Palestinian artists reflect on how the war has affected their art

Two Palestinian artists reflect on how the war has affected their art

A year since Israel invaded Gaza, Palestinian artists, writers, filmmakers and poets are working hard to ensure their culture remains strong, despite so much destruction. Elamin chats with author Saeed Teebi and composer and pianist John Kameel Farah about how the war has affected their art.

Oct 17, 2024 • 27:43

Dragons' Den goes viral over boba tea, and Culinary Class Wars

Dragons' Den goes viral over boba tea, and Culinary Class Wars

A recent Dragons' Den episode where guest judge Simu Liu raised the issue of cultural appropriation with the owners of a new bubble tea-styled product has generated a lot of online backlash. Elamin chats with the Toronto Star's food reporter Karon Liu about what this moment can teach us. Plus, the Korean reality show Culinary Class Wars has upended the formula for food competition TV. Elamin chats with Michelle Cho and Roxana Hadidi about why other cooking shows should be taking notes.

Oct 16, 2024 • 25:11

Who gets to claim Fred Perry? And The Franchise

Who gets to claim Fred Perry? And The Franchise

The Fred Perry polo was popular in UK subcultures for decades, but, in recent years, it's become known as the de facto uniform of an extreme right-wing organization. Fred Perry's denounced its association with the Proud Boys, meanwhile a new wave of artists are reinstating the polo as a symbol of inclusivity. Elamin talks to Rollie Pemberton and Jon McCann about the evolution of the Fred Perry brand. Plus, film critic Rad Simonpillai talks about the new HBO series The Franchise, a satire about t

Oct 15, 2024 • 24:50

K-os's iconic album Joyful Rebellion turns 20

K-os's iconic album Joyful Rebellion turns 20

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of K-os’ acclaimed album ‘Joyful Rebellion,’ Elamin is joined by music critics Dalton Higgins and Susana Ferreira to reflect on its impact then and now.

Oct 14, 2024 • 21:21

Alfonso Cuaron's new show Disclaimer is finally here, and Ali Wong's new special

Alfonso Cuaron's new show Disclaimer is finally here, and Ali Wong's new special

Elamin is joined by film critics Rachel Ho, Radheyan Simonpillai and comedian Cassie Cao to discuss the new Apple TV+ series Disclaimer, the Netflix comedy special Ali Wong: Single Lady and the latest controversy around the upcoming Western film Rust.

Oct 11, 2024 • 29:12

Kamala's interview on Call Her Daddy, and the Slow Horses finale

Kamala's interview on Call Her Daddy, and the Slow Horses finale

Culture writer Joan Summers talks about Vice President Kamala Harris’s appearance on 'Call Her Daddy' with Alex Cooper, and what we lose and what we gain when politicians give their time to entertainment podcasts over conventional news outlets. Plus, Elamin chats with Elamin chats with TV critics Saloni Gajjar and Sophie Gilbert about the 'Slow Horses' finale, and why it's one of the best shows on TV right now.

Oct 10, 2024 • 26:22

The Tragically Hip docuseries and who defines the legacy of the Hip

The Tragically Hip docuseries and who defines the legacy of the Hip

With the recent release of The Tragically Hip docuseries ‘No Dress Rehearsal’ and a new, band-authorized coffee table book, ‘This Is Our Life,’ out this month, music journalists Michael Barclay, Vish Khanna, and Lisa Christiansen discuss how the legendary Canadian rock band is preserving their legacy, and how these new releases are changing the way we think about the Hip.

Oct 9, 2024 • 26:05

Mustafa's new album, Dunya, is a masterpiece

Mustafa's new album, Dunya, is a masterpiece

'Dunya' is the debut album from acclaimed Toronto musician Mustafa.You'll hear why his laser focus on his Regent Park community has made him one of the most important artists of his generation.

Oct 8, 2024 • 36:40

Jewish creators reflect on Oct. 7 and how art shapes memory

Jewish creators reflect on Oct. 7 and how art shapes memory

As we reflect on what happened on October 7, we ask Jewish creators how art can be of service, making sense and giving shape to a very dark day, and how their lives have changed. Elamin speaks with writer Emily Tamkin and artist Dina Goldstein. Plus, Elamin chats with Israeli filmmaker Yariv Mozer about his new Paramount+ documentary, ‘We Will Dance Again.’

Oct 7, 2024 • 37:12

The film Saturday Night, and SNL's ongoing identity crisis

The film Saturday Night, and SNL's ongoing identity crisis

The film 'Saturday Night' looks back on the origins of the long-standing sketch comedy show, created by Lorne Michaels, just as it starts its 50th season. Critics Eric Deggans, Adam Nayman and Cassie Cao discuss SNL’s legacy, and where it stands in today’s political climate.

Oct 4, 2024 • 27:14

Wrestling with Vince McMahon's legacy, and The Death Tour brings wrestling to the north

Wrestling with Vince McMahon's legacy, and The Death Tour brings wrestling to the north

Elamin is joined by podcasters Damian Abraham and Pablo The Don to talk about the new docuseries on Netflix, ‘Mr McMahon,’ and how it tackles the legacy of World Wrestling Entertainment and the controversy surrounding its former chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. Plus, Elamin chats with Sonya Ballantyne, the co-director of the documentary ‘The Death Tour.' It's a wrestling tour that is legendary for giving wrestling stars like Chris Jericho their start, but also highlights the intense love remote

Oct 3, 2024 • 25:11

Ellen DeGeneres' farewell to comedy, and the steamy new medical drama Doctor Odyssey

Ellen DeGeneres' farewell to comedy, and the steamy new medical drama Doctor Odyssey

With the release of Ellen DeGeneres’ first Netflix comedy special since the controversial end of her talk show, Elamin is joined by comedian Ashley Ray and culture critic Niko Stratis to discuss the special and other questions around her legacy. Plus, the trailer for Doctor Odyssey starring Joshua Jackson set a record for being the most-watched trailer for a new broadcast TV show ever. Now that the first episode is out, Elamin speaks with TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk for her review.

Oct 2, 2024 • 25:09

How the TV series So Long, Marianne reimagines the muse, and a new South Asian category at the Junos

How the TV series So Long, Marianne reimagines the muse, and a new South Asian category at the Junos

'So Long, Marianne' tells the story of Leonard Cohen’s relationship with Marianne Ilhen on the Greek island of Hydra during the early 60s. The new series on Crave gives shape to a transformative period in the poet’s life, but also illuminates the woman who was so much more than his muse. Filmmaker Brian D Johnson and Commotion regular Teri Hart join Elamin to talk about whether the series holds up even if you’ve never heard of Leonard Cohen. Plus, The Juno Awards have added a new prize for 2025

Oct 1, 2024 • 25:07

How Indigenous Futurism is changing the conversation

How Indigenous Futurism is changing the conversation

On this special episode of Commotion airing on the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation, musician Marek Tyler, writer Waubgeshig Rice, and visual artist Susan Blight discuss how the concept of Indigenous Futurism inspires artists across all disciplines, and how its forward-thinking philosophies reimagine narratives and promote Indigenous self-determination.

Sep 30, 2024 • 25:08

Megalopolis is divisive, and the return of George Clooney and Brad Pitt

Megalopolis is divisive, and the return of George Clooney and Brad Pitt

Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has made what might be his most divisive film yet. ‘Megalopolis’ is a sprawling science fiction epic that took Coppola 40 years to finish. Elamin chats with critics Rachel Ho, Kathryn VanArendonk and Jackson Weaver about what makes this film so polarizing. Also, they talk about the return of George Clooney and Brad Pitt in 'Wolfs.'

Sep 27, 2024 • 25:55

What the Diddy allegations mean for the music industry, and the allure of The Wild Robot

What the Diddy allegations mean for the music industry, and the allure of The Wild Robot

Commotion guest host Ali Hassan is joined by culture critics Kathleen Newman-Bremang and David Dennis Jr., to react to the latest news around the Sean 'Diddy' Combs case, and the response from within the hip-hop community. Plus, Montreal illustrator and avid The Wild Robot enthusiast Arizona O’Neill checks in to discuss whether the DreamWorks’ adaptation of the popular children’s book lives up to expectations.

Sep 26, 2024 • 25:11

What Will & Harper gets right, and how Sally Rooney became a brand

What Will & Harper gets right, and how Sally Rooney became a brand

Culture critics Niko Stratis and Mel Woods talk about the Netflix documentary Will & Harper. The film follows actor Will Ferrell and former SNL head writer Harper Steele on a road trip across the U.S. as Harper navigates her new reality living out as a trans woman. Plus, Elamin chats with journalist and book critic Michelle Cyca about why Sally Rooney is the 'it' author of the moment, now that her latest book 'Intermezzo' is out.

Sep 25, 2024 • 25:11

Trudeau's late-night TV debut with Stephen Colbert, and the adaptation of My Brilliant Friend

Trudeau's late-night TV debut with Stephen Colbert, and the adaptation of My Brilliant Friend

Reporter Justin Ling and writer Amil Niazi join Elamin to talk about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's appearance on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' and whether the PM's appearance could move the dial on his popularity, and up his pop-cultural currency. Plus, TV critic Rafaela Bassili talks about 'My Brilliant Friend' on Crave, and what makes the TV adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s lauded novels so successful.

Sep 24, 2024 • 24:42

Mr. Beast's reality show is a mess, and the dominance of Penguin Random House

Mr. Beast's reality show is a mess, and the dominance of Penguin Random House

Mr Beast is currently filming the largest reality show in history, with at least 2 thousand contestants competing for 5 million dollars. Now the production is the subject of a class-action lawsuit, with contestants alleging unsafe work conditions. Elamin Abdelmahmoud speaks with Steven Asarch, a reporter who has spoken with dozens of contestants and crew members. Plus, Elamin is joined by writer and book critic Maris Kreizman to talk about how more than half of the books longlisted for The Gille

Sep 23, 2024 • 22:56

How The Substance tackles aging in Hollywood, and Katy Perry's messy album rollout

How The Substance tackles aging in Hollywood, and Katy Perry's messy album rollout

Culture critics Amil Niazi, Mel Woods and Sarah-Tai Black discuss Demi Moore’s powerful performance in the body horror film 'The Substance,' and talk about the cursed roll out of Katy Perry’s album '143'.

Sep 20, 2024 • 29:34

The exploitation of Black artists, and recycled red carpet looks

The exploitation of Black artists, and recycled red carpet looks

‘Paid In Full’ is a new CBC/BBC docuseries that looks at the ways Black artists have been exploited by the music industry over the decades. Elamin is joined by music critic MK Asante and musician Cadence Weapon to discuss the new doc and what it says about the state of the industry today. Plus, at this year's VMAs many stars channelled iconic looks made famous by celebrities like Britney Spears and Madonna. Elamin speaks with Joan Summers from Paper Magazine about why we’re seeing so much deja v

Sep 19, 2024 • 26:38

HBO's The Penguin is finally here, and LL Cool J's new album

HBO's The Penguin is finally here, and LL Cool J's new album

Film and TV critics Roxana Hadadi and Rad Simonpillai join guest host Ali Hassan to talk about The Penguin, and whether it lives up to the hype. The miniseries is yet another Batman spin-off, but it looks more like a sequel to The Sopranos than anything in the bat-verse. Plus, music critic A.Harmony talks about LL Cool J’s latest album, The Force.

Sep 18, 2024 • 24:34

How an onstage fight ended the Jane's Addiction reunion tour, and how is Raygun ranked No.1?

How an onstage fight ended the Jane's Addiction reunion tour, and how is Raygun ranked No.1?

Music journalists Suzy Exposito and Maura Johnston discuss last weekend’s dramatic onstage fight between members of legendary L.A. alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction and the subsequent cancellation of their remaining North American tour dates. Plus, with news of Australian breaker Raygun’s new ranking as the top female breaker in the world, Elamin is joined by pioneering B-boy Crazy Legs to talk about the Raygun controversy and the larger cultural issues it seems to have exacerbated.

Sep 17, 2024 • 30:04

Highlights from the 2024 Emmys, and a surprising winner at TIFF

Highlights from the 2024 Emmys, and a surprising winner at TIFF

'Shogun' and 'The Bear' were both big winners last night at the Emmys. Meanwhile, at the end of the Toronto International Film Festival, 'The Life of Chuck' was the surprising winner for the People's Choice Award. Today on the show, you're going to hear all the highlights of the Emmy Awards and everything you need to know, now that TIFF is over.

Sep 16, 2024 • 25:41

TIFF in 12: The controversy over the Russians at War documentary

TIFF in 12: The controversy over the Russians at War documentary

It's the final episode of TIFF in 12, and we're wading into a controversy at the festival -- we're talking about the festival's decision to pause screenings of 'Russians at War' due to 'significant threats' to festival operations and public safety. Elamin is joined by film critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Teri Hart to talk about the film, and the fallout from TIFF's decision.

Sep 13, 2024 • 12:08

Beyoncé’s CMA snub, Kendrick at the Super Bowl, Linkin Park’s new singer

Beyoncé’s CMA snub, Kendrick at the Super Bowl, Linkin Park’s new singer

Elamin is joined by culture critics Pablo The Don, Reanna Cruz and artist Cadence Weapon to talk about Beyoncé’s nomination snub at this year’s Country Music Association Awards, the backlash to the announcement of Kendrick Lamar as the headliner for the Super Bowl Halftime show, and the controversy behind Linkin Park’s new lead singer Emily Armstrong.

Sep 13, 2024 • 27:34

TIFF in 12: The profound horniness of Babygirl, and the dilemma of Canadian movies

TIFF in 12: The profound horniness of Babygirl, and the dilemma of Canadian movies

Film critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Teri Hart join Elamin to talk about standing ovations, Nicole Kidman's performance in the erotic thriller 'Babygirl,' and where Canadian films belong at the festival.

Sep 12, 2024 • 11:44

The eliminated Juno categories, and The Perfect Couple on Netflix

The eliminated Juno categories, and The Perfect Couple on Netflix

In the wake of news that the Juno Awards would be dropping the reggae and children’s music categories among others, music journalist Dalton Higgins and Taes Leavitt of Juno Award-winning children’s music group Splash N Boots discuss how the loss of these awards will impact their communities, and what their elimination says about the future of these genres. Plus, TV critic Roxana Hadadi talks about Netflix’s latest hit, The Perfect Couple, a murder mystery and comedy starring Nicole Kidman, set i

Sep 12, 2024 • 25:12

Why the U.S. presidential debate made for great TV, and Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala

Why the U.S. presidential debate made for great TV, and Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala

Donald Trump has long been known as the presidential candidate that TV created - but now Kamala Harris might be beating him at his own game. The morning after the debate, The New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham and Tyler Foggatt join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about how the political showdown made for great television, and Taylor Swift's surprise endorsement.

Sep 11, 2024 • 24:36

TIFF In 12: How body horror shows up in films like Nightbitch, The Substance, and The Shrouds

TIFF In 12: How body horror shows up in films like Nightbitch, The Substance, and The Shrouds

Film critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Teri Hart join Elamin to talk about their favourite moments at TIFF, and how body horror shows up in films like Nightbitch, The Substance, and David Cronenberg's The Shrouds.

Sep 11, 2024 • 12:07

What the Netflix movie Rebel Ridge gets right, and the fight to release The Apprentice

What the Netflix movie Rebel Ridge gets right, and the fight to release The Apprentice

Elamin is joined by film critic Sarah-Tai Black and culture critic David Dennis Jr. to review the new Netflix cop thriller film ‘Rebel Ridge’ and how well it lands its mining of the historic tensions between law enforcement and Black communities. Plus, Elamin speaks with Canadian film producer Daniel Bekerman about ‘The Apprentice,’ a dramatized depiction of Donald Trump’s rise in the 1970s and ‘80s. The film premiered last spring at Cannes, but has faced a number of roadblocks to securing North

Sep 10, 2024 • 25:11

TIFF in 12: Emilia Pérez is the surprise at the festival, and The Bibi Files documentary

TIFF in 12: Emilia Pérez is the surprise at the festival, and The Bibi Files documentary

Film critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Teri Hart join Elamin to talk about the Toronto International Film Festival - the captivating performances in the musical film Emilia Pérez, starring Selena Gomez, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Zoe Saldaña. Plus, Rad talks about 'The Bibi Files,' a documentary that uses leaked police interrogation footage of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and how it made its debut at the festival.

Sep 10, 2024 • 11:56

TIFF In 12: Rad & Teri's chaotic weekend, Anora, and Paying For It

TIFF In 12: Rad & Teri's chaotic weekend, Anora, and Paying For It

Elamin is joined by film critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Teri Hart to talk about opening weekend at TIFF, and two films getting a ton of buzz - 'Anora' and 'Paying For It'.

Sep 9, 2024 • 12:04

How APTN changed Indigenous film and television

How APTN changed Indigenous film and television

APTN celebrates its 25th anniversary as a national broadcaster with the launch of APTN Languages, a channel dedicated to programming in 18 different Indigenous languages. APTN co-founder Jim Compton, musician Marek Tyler and culture critic Riley Yesno join Elamin to talk about the legacy of APTN and how its new channel can contribute to revitalizing languages.

Sep 9, 2024 • 30:40

What you need to know about TIFF 2024, and Beetlejuice returns

What you need to know about TIFF 2024, and Beetlejuice returns

Commotion regulars Teri Hart and Radheyan Simonpillai tell you how Tim Burton’s new Beetlejuice sequel measures up to the iconic 1988 original, and they’ll also give you a preview of the biggest, buzziest movies premiering this week at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Sep 6, 2024 • 25:25

The controversy surrounding ELLE Canada’s list of influential Canadian women

The controversy surrounding ELLE Canada’s list of influential Canadian women

ELLE Canada recently published an article celebrating 8 influential Canadian women. However after getting some backlash, they made changes to the piece online, and those changes are not sitting well with a lot of people. Elamin chats with Niko Stratis, Michelle Cyca, and Matt Amha about the controversy.

Sep 5, 2024 • 27:27

The English Teacher tackles woke culture in the classroom, and a new era in MILF cinema

The English Teacher tackles woke culture in the classroom, and a new era in MILF cinema

Culture critics Rad Simonpillai and Mel Woods talk about the surprise fall hit The English Teacher, a comedy starring Brian Jordan Alvarez as a high school teacher navigating wokeness and teenage malaise in a modern day classroom. Plus, writer Rachel Handler talks about the cinematic trend of hot moms on the big screen in 2024.

Sep 4, 2024 • 25:11

The brilliance of Pachinko, and champion eaters Chestnut and Kobayashi go head-to-head

The brilliance of Pachinko, and champion eaters Chestnut and Kobayashi go head-to-head

Film critic Rachel Ho and Korean media professor Michelle Cho discuss the Apple TV+ series Pachinko, which follows the hopes and dreams of a Korean family in the grips of Japan's occupation. Plus, Elamin's joined by Matt Hart to talk about the legendary face off between Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi on a live hot dog eating contest on Netflix.

Sep 3, 2024 • 25:11

All the fall TV shows you need to know

All the fall TV shows you need to know

There’s a lot of TV coming out over the next few months, more than 100 shows! Elamin chats with TV critics Saloni Gajjar, Emily Longeretta and Kathryn VanArendonk about what to watch for this fall.

Sep 2, 2024 • 25:03

Why is Ronald Reagan so hard to capture in film? And, Only Murders in the Building returns

Why is Ronald Reagan so hard to capture in film? And, Only Murders in the Building returns

Elamin is joined by film critics Rachel Ho, Radheyan Simonpillai and Adam Nayman to discuss the new biopic Reagan, the return of ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ and the Winnipeg-set comedy ‘Universal Language’ being named as the Canadian entry for Best International Feature at next year’s Oscars.

Aug 30, 2024 • 25:27

The Paralympic Games start in Paris, and Netflix's Worst Ex Ever

The Paralympic Games start in Paris, and Netflix's Worst Ex Ever

Paralympic athlete John Loeppky will join Elamin to talk about the opening ceremonies of the Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 and his one big hope for the games: That the athletes who are competing don’t get described as inspiring. Plus, Niko Stratis and Alison Herman discuss Netflix’s new true crime docu-series Worst Ex Ever.

Aug 29, 2024 • 25:27

What we can learn from the end of Bennifer 2.0, and the surprising history of Krautrock

What we can learn from the end of Bennifer 2.0, and the surprising history of Krautrock

Culture critics Bee Quammie and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd track the rise and fall of Bennifer 2.0, and what our cultural fascination with their relationship tells us about our hopes for love. Plus, music journalist Christoph Dallach discusses his new book Neu Klang, which documents the surprising political history and cultural influence that arose from the ‘70s German subgenre, Krautrock.

Aug 28, 2024 • 25:11

Don't look back in anger: the Oasis reunion is happening. How we got here.

Don't look back in anger: the Oasis reunion is happening. How we got here.

Almost 15 years to the day since Oasis broke up, Noel and Liam Gallagher have announced a reunion. Culture critics Rich Pelley, Maura Johnston, and Oasis cover band member Alex Spears join Elamin to talk about whether the brothers can put their differences aside and pull off a reunion that most fans believe could never happen.

Aug 27, 2024 • 24:51

Why don't men read fiction, and are the Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial plays actually good?

Why don't men read fiction, and are the Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial plays actually good?

It's not just a stereotype, there's hard data out there that shows men don't read a lot of fiction. Elamin chats with Nathan Maharaj, director of content marketing at Rakuten Kobo and Pavan Sodhan, who reviews every non-fiction book he reads, about why men aren’t picking up novels. Plus, New York Times theatre critic Houman Barekat talks about two plays at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival based on Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski trial last year, and how the courtroom drama comes to life on stage.

Aug 26, 2024 • 25:31

The Crow reboot, and what Lil Jon, Jason Isbell and the DNC performances mean for the election

The Crow reboot, and what Lil Jon, Jason Isbell and the DNC performances mean for the election

Culture writers Liisa Ladouceur, Kristy Puchko and Jackson Weaver join the Group Chat to discuss the reboot of the cult-classic gothic thriller ‘The Crow’ and the lingering legacy of the original 1994 version; how music became a big part of the messaging at this week’s Democratic National Convention; and whether Sabrina Carpenter’s new album can keep her Hot Espresso Summer going into the fall.

Aug 23, 2024 • 25:17

How racism shows up on book covers and what this says about the publishing industry

How racism shows up on book covers and what this says about the publishing industry

Writers Tajja Isen and Jael Richardson join guest host Ali Hassan to talk about how book cover designs can be fraught for racialized authors. Plus, the huge success of 'Tiger King' put the director of the series, Eric Goode, in the spotlight as an animal rights activist. So in order to get the access he wanted with his interview subjects for his next project “Chimp Crazy,” he hired someone else to pretend to be the director. Sam Adams, writer and senior editor at Slate, discusses the ethical iss

Aug 22, 2024 • 24:49

Chappell Roan, Halsey, and when fan culture goes too far

Chappell Roan, Halsey, and when fan culture goes too far

Chappell Roan is the latest celebrity to call out fans for crossing the line, for getting too personal in the comments section and invading her privacy in public, stuff that many people believe is just the price of fame. Culture critics Niko Stratis and Tyler Foggatt along with musician Eliza McLamb weigh in – on what is normal fan behaviour, and what - if anything - artists can do about it.

Aug 21, 2024 • 25:57

Looking back on the legacy of daytime TV pioneer Phil Donahue

Looking back on the legacy of daytime TV pioneer Phil Donahue

Film critic Teri Hart and author Devin Gordon join Elamin to unpack the legacy of talk show icon Phil Donahue, who died this week at the age of 88. Plus, Slovakia’s right-wing government recently ousted the directors of its national art gallery and theater in a move that critics are calling a politically motivated purge. Musician and Eastern European historian Gregor Kwiatkowski explains why far-right governments in the region are clamping down on cultural institutions.

Aug 20, 2024 • 25:11

Anna Marie Tendler's new memoir digs deep into her own mental health and past relationships

Anna Marie Tendler's new memoir digs deep into her own mental health and past relationships

Culture critic Fran Hoepfner talks about Anna Marie Tendler’s new memoir Men Have Called Her Crazy, from the raw and vulnerable scenes from her hospitalization to the absence of her ex-husband John Mulaney from the book. Plus, film critic Rad Simonpillai talks to Elamin about whether Alien: Romulus lives up to the mantle of the iconic franchise.

Aug 19, 2024 • 25:11

Post Malone's turn towards country music, and the Eras Tour resumes again

Post Malone's turn towards country music, and the Eras Tour resumes again

Music writers Niko Stratis, Rosie Long Decter, and Rollie Pemberton join the Friday Group Chat to talk about Post Malone’s new country album, Ice Spice running full-length commercials at her concerts, and the fallout from the foiled plot to attack the Taylor Swift show in Vienna, as her Eras tour continues.

Aug 16, 2024 • 27:14

The backlash towards that John Krasinski Rogers ad, and Tyler Perry's latest film

The backlash towards that John Krasinski Rogers ad, and Tyler Perry's latest film

Canadian union actors are angered after watching U.S. actor John Krasinski appear in a new Rogers ad. The frustration stems from a two year labour dispute between some actors and Canadian ad agencies. Actor and screenwriter Fiona Highet joins Elamin to explain why the Krasinski commercial is so controversial. Plus, culture critic David Dennis Jr. discusses the critical reactions to ‘Divorce in the Black’, the latest movie from Tyler Perry -- and the long standing criticisms that have surrounded

Aug 15, 2024 • 25:11

The rise and fall of 90s TV psychic Miss Cleo, and the Kneecap movie

The rise and fall of 90s TV psychic Miss Cleo, and the Kneecap movie

A new biopic explores the rise and fall of Miss Cleo, the controversial queen of the psychic hotline era. Podcaster and comedian Ashley Ray joins Elamin to talk about whether the backlash against her was appropriate -- and Miss Cleo's place in popular culture. Also, Dublin-based culture critic Louise Bruton talks about the political and cultural influence of hip-hop trio Kneecap, who rap primarily in Irish, and the new film that retells their origin story. .

Aug 14, 2024 • 25:45

It Ends With Us and the Colleen Hoover fandom, and Industry’s season 3

It Ends With Us and the Colleen Hoover fandom, and Industry’s season 3

Sadaf Ahsan and CT Jones join Elamin to discuss the box office hit It Ends With Us, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Plus, culture writer Kathryn Van Arendonk talks about the hype surrounding the third season of HBO’s Industry, a fast-paced show about young professionals in the finance business.

Aug 13, 2024 • 25:19

A star-studded Olympics wrap

A star-studded Olympics wrap

The Summer Olympics in Paris had something for everyone – even if you couldn’t care less about sports, the memes were golden and the celebrities were out in full force. The group chat wraps up the Olympics in Paris.

Aug 12, 2024 • 25:51

Why celebrities are celebrating Vybz Kartel's prison release

Why celebrities are celebrating Vybz Kartel's prison release

Culture critics Dalton Higgins and Danae Peart and DJ and MC Walshy Fire join guest host Rad Simonpillai for a conversation about one of dancehall music's greatest names - Vybz Kartel. The group chat discusses his recent release from prison, his music and cultural influence.

Aug 9, 2024 • 29:32

Will Kamala's Hollywood glow hurt her on election day, and the prison drama Sing Sing

Will Kamala's Hollywood glow hurt her on election day, and the prison drama Sing Sing

Celebrities are lining up to show their support for Kamala Harris, but will those endorsements translate into votes? Brea Baker joins Commotion guest host Rad Simonpillai to talk about the celebrity glow emanating from Kamala’s campaign – and whether there could be a downside on election day . Also, film critic Sarah-Tai Black & CBC Entertainment reporter Jackson Weaver review the prison drama ‘Sing Sing,’ based on the real-life rehabilitation theatre program at the Sing Sing Correctional Fa

Aug 8, 2024 • 25:11

Dirty Pop doc and the fraud behind your favourite 90s boy bands

Dirty Pop doc and the fraud behind your favourite 90s boy bands

Music journalist Maura Johnston joins guest host Rad Simonpillai to talk about 'Dirty Pop,' a Netflix documentary that explores Lou Pearlman's life, the mastermind and con man behind boy bands like N'Sync and Backstreet Boys. Plus, Stephen Yan from ‘Wok with Yan’ is making his first public appearance in 30 years. The Toronto Star's food reporter Karon Liu talks about growing up watching Stephen Yan, one of Canada's first celebrity chefs.

Aug 7, 2024 • 25:11

House of the Dragon finale, and why everyone is talking about Didi

House of the Dragon finale, and why everyone is talking about Didi

Guest host Rad Simonpillai is joined by culture critics Sean T Collins and Alison Herman to respond to the season finale of HBO’s ‘House of The Dragon’ and discuss whether this prequel to ‘Game of Thrones’ has what it takes to stand on its own. Plus, film critic Rachel Ho explains why director Sean Wang’s debut feature, ‘Didi,’ is a coming-of-age film like no other.

Aug 6, 2024 • 25:11

How The Matrix shaped our relationship to technology and politics

How The Matrix shaped our relationship to technology and politics

With this year being the 25th anniversary of the release of The Matrix, Elamin is joined by film critics Bilge Ebiri and Rad Simonpillai to look at its impact on film then, and pop culture now.

Aug 5, 2024 • 25:33

Some fans are mad that Robert Downey Jr. is back as Doctor Doom. Will it pay off for Marvel?

Some fans are mad that Robert Downey Jr. is back as Doctor Doom. Will it pay off for Marvel?

Elamin is joined by CBC sports journalist Shireen Ahmed, culture critic Mel Woods and the CBC's senior entertainment reporter Eli Glasner to talk about some of this week's big stories in arts and culture, including Robert Downey Jr return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom, and the women's soccer quarter final at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Aug 2, 2024 • 37:34

How Cigarettes After Sex became the cult band of the moment,and why surfing is so boring to watch on TV

How Cigarettes After Sex became the cult band of the moment,and why surfing is so boring to watch on TV

Music journalists Suzy Exposito and Reanna Cruz unpack the unlikely success of Cigarettes After Sex, the enigmatic and extremely chilled Texan indie-pop band who are selling out arenas this summer and racking up Spotify streams that rival the world’s biggest pop stars. Plus, sports journalist Adam Skolnick talks about the Olympics paradox: why is surfing—one of the most exciting daredevil sports on the planet—so boring to watch on television?

Aug 1, 2024 • 25:12

How streaming and TikTok have changed the Olympics

How streaming and TikTok have changed the Olympics

How are you watching the Summer Games in Paris? You’ve got streaming platforms offering more live coverage than ever, and Olympians are creating their own content on TikTok. Culture writers Mel Woods and Morgan Campbell join Elamin to look at how we’re watching - and how it’s changing the Games.

Jul 31, 2024 • 25:18

Commotion Introduces | Olympic FOMO: Canada's Golden Girls

Commotion Introduces | Olympic FOMO: Canada's Golden Girls

Olympic FOMO is your daily Olympics recap, in 20 minutes or less. Besties Mark and Jem go behind-the-scenes bringing you the wins, losses, and hot goss from the Athlete's Village. They’ve got next-level access to Paris 2024 so you never have FOMO (fear of missing Olympics) again.More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/93XjKZot

Jul 30, 2024 • 14:36

NewJeans, Hybe, and the battle at the heart of K-pop, and Rema's new album HEIS

NewJeans, Hybe, and the battle at the heart of K-pop, and Rema's new album HEIS

There’s a very messy and public fight between Hybe and the CEO of its subsidiary label ADOR, Min Hee-jin, who produces the popular K-pop group NewJeans. Michelle Cho and Jennifer Zhan look at what this feud says about the high stakes of the K-pop economy and the future of NewJeans. Plus, Afrobeats superstar Rema continues to reinvent himself with his new album 'HEIS'. Music journalist Matt Amha talks about why this album is significant not only for the artist, but also for upholding African heri

Jul 30, 2024 • 26:55

How Miranda July's All Fours became the book of the summer, and College Football 25

How Miranda July's All Fours became the book of the summer, and College Football 25

'All Fours' by Miranda July follows an artist in her mid-40s as she navigates the breakdown of her marriage, and how perimenopause changes her relationship with her body. Culture critics Heather O’Neill and Jennifer Wilson talk to Elamin about why this novel is resonating so widely with readers. Plus, it’s been more than a decade since video game giant EA Sports put out a game for college football, and the hype surrounding its latest game in the series has been intense. Gamer Camille Salazar Had

Jul 29, 2024 • 25:13

Can Deadpool and Wolverine end the Marvel slump? And the return of the Olympics

Can Deadpool and Wolverine end the Marvel slump? And the return of the Olympics

Culture critics Rachel Ho, Radheyan Simonpillai, and Teri Hart join Elamin to discuss Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s blockbuster match-up in Deadpool & Wolverine, and whether the film can revive the MCU’s flagging fortunes. And with the Summer Games in Paris kicking off this week, they’ll also discuss the myriad ways in which the games are trying to keep audiences watching.

Jul 26, 2024 • 27:28

Childish Gambino's new album, and a look at Donald Glover's career

Childish Gambino's new album, and a look at Donald Glover's career

Elamin is joined by culture critics Ian Kamau, Sarah-Tai Black, and David Dennis Jr. to react to the latest and reportedly final album from Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover), and also talk about the longstanding criticisms surrounding him.

Jul 25, 2024 • 25:23

Apple's streaming service has the best shows, why is no one watching? And K-pop goes primetime

Apple's streaming service has the best shows, why is no one watching? And K-pop goes primetime

Despite Apple spending more than $20 billion on tv and movies, its streaming service gets fewer views in a month than Netflix gets in a day. Vulture TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk looks at why people aren’t tuning in to Apple TV+. And culture critic Laura Sirikul talks about the first K-pop concert that will air live on primetime TV this weekend in the U.S. and Canada.

Jul 24, 2024 • 25:12

Kamala Harris and the meme campaign, and breakdancing at the Olympics

Kamala Harris and the meme campaign, and breakdancing at the Olympics

After Joe Biden dropped out of the race, he gave Kamala Harris his endorsement. But the internet is very familiar with Kamala as a subject of some of the biggest memes in recent memory. Today on the podcast Kamala and the meme campaign. Plus, Mark Strong aka “Strizzzy” and Adrian Bernard aka “Switch B.” chat with Elamin about what it means for breaking to be making its debut as an Olympic sport.

Jul 23, 2024 • 25:10

Twisters makes Glen Powell a star, and the millennial midlife crisis

Twisters makes Glen Powell a star, and the millennial midlife crisis

Elamin is joined by film critic Rad Simonpillai and culture critic Anne T. Donahue to discuss ‘Twisters’, the standalone sequel to the original film ‘Twister’ and how this blockbuster follow up fares at a time when real climate change continues to be a hot button topic. Plus, culture critic Amil Niazi talks about Halle Butler’s latest book “Banal Nightmare,” which is getting a lot of buzz for its depiction of millennial midlife.

Jul 22, 2024 • 27:09

The photo of Trump’s assassination attempt, in pop culture and memes

The photo of Trump’s assassination attempt, in pop culture and memes

Writers Drew Magary, Marina Fang, and Jason P. Frank join the group chat to discuss how the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and the naming of author J.D. Vance as vice-presidential running mate have reverberated through the world of pop culture this week.

Jul 19, 2024 • 31:22

Katy Perry's botched comeback, and the New York Times best books of the 21st century

Katy Perry's botched comeback, and the New York Times best books of the 21st century

It’s hard to come up with a song that’s been more critically panned than Katy Perry’s latest track 'Women’s World'. And it was supposed to be her big comeback. Elamin is joined by music journalist Reanna Cruz. They are in Los Angeles. And Stereogum's Abby Jones joins the Group Chat for her first time from New York. Plus, author Jen Sookfong Lee unpacks The New York Times’ Best 100 Books of the 21st Century, and tells us who she thinks got left out.

Jul 18, 2024 • 25:11

Dozens of Canadian writers protest the Giller Prize’s relationship with Scotiabank

Dozens of Canadian writers protest the Giller Prize’s relationship with Scotiabank

As dozens of authors pull out of contention for the Scotiabank Giller prize – to protest the lead sponsor’s investment in an Israeli arms manufacturer, we ask what the path forward is for this country’s most prestigious literary prize. Former Giller Prize winner and author Omar El Akkad joins Elamin to weigh in.

Jul 17, 2024 • 25:11

Eminem's legacy and the death of Slim Shady

Eminem's legacy and the death of Slim Shady

Hip-hop artists D-Sisive and Ian Kamau, along with music critic Maura Johnston, join Elamin to discuss the pop and rap legacy of Eminem, and the controversial cultural debates the Detroit emcee has sparked over the decades.

Jul 16, 2024 • 29:24

American politics is broken, what's the role of late night and political satirists?

American politics is broken, what's the role of late night and political satirists?

What’s the role of late night - and political satirists - at a time like this in American politics? Hershal Pandya and Ashley Ray join guest host Rad Simonpillai. Plus, Abercrombie & Fitch ruled the mall in the 1990s and 2000s, and the clothing retailer was famous for selling an idealized preppy vision of youth. But after falling out of fashion, a complete rebrand has made the fashion retailer more successful than ever. Chantal Fernandez, a features writer at The Cut, explains how Abercrombi

Jul 15, 2024 • 24:26

Is Nicolas Cage's Longlegs the scariest movie of the year so far?

Is Nicolas Cage's Longlegs the scariest movie of the year so far?

Film critic Rachel Ho, entertainment reporter Jackson Weaver and media personality Matt Hart join the group chat to talk about the mega-hyped new horror flick Longlegs and whether it is indeed the scariest movie of the year; the disastrous box office performance of Kevin Costner’s historical saga Horizon and what it means for the rest of this would-be franchise; and the controversy surrounding the recently released trailer for Gladiator II.

Jul 12, 2024 • 27:41

Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us video, and Hollywood turning its back on Biden

Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us video, and Hollywood turning its back on Biden

Kendrick Lamar's music video for his Drake diss track Not Like Us has been out for a week and is already one of the most liked YouTube videos this year. Critics call it a victory lap for Kendrick and a moment for L.A. unity. Toronto's Mastermind and Matt Amha talk about why this video hits differently north of the border. Plus, some big Hollywood players are saying publicly they want President Joe Biden to drop out of the U.S. presidential race. Wendy Lee, a reporter at the LA Times, talks with

Jul 11, 2024 • 25:11

Like many of her characters, Alice Munro betrayed her own daughter

Like many of her characters, Alice Munro betrayed her own daughter

Andrea Robin Skinner, Alice Munro's youngest daughter, bravely revealed she'd been abused by her stepfather as a child and her late famous mother chose to forgive him. Michelle Dean, Michelle Cyca and Zoe Whittall join Elamin to talk about how Andrea's devastating story changes how they read the Nobel laureate's intimate stories about the inner lives of women and girls in rural Canada.

Jul 10, 2024 • 25:09

How Despicable Me became a juggernaut franchise, and Emma Stone's freak era continues in Kinds of Kindness

How Despicable Me became a juggernaut franchise, and Emma Stone's freak era continues in Kinds of Kindness

Culture critics Rad Simonpillai, Teri Hart and Sam Adams talk about how Despicable Me 4 became the biggest animated franchise in film history and weigh in on director Yorgos Lanthimos and actor Emma Stone's latest film Kinds of Kindness.

Jul 9, 2024 • 24:10

Why some artists are turning to OnlyFans

Why some artists are turning to OnlyFans

OnlyFans has become a popular marketplace for sex work, and recently artists have joined the platform to sell their own explicit content. Andrea Werhun and Reanna Cruz join Elamin to talk about what this trend tells us about how viable it is to be an artist today, and what it means for sex workers. Plus, the son of the richest man in Asia is getting married this weekend. Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding will be one of the biggest spectacles of the year. Aparita Bhandari talks with Ela

Jul 8, 2024 • 25:11

The year in music so far, and what is the song of the summer?

The year in music so far, and what is the song of the summer?

Music experts Suzy Exposito, Rosie Long Decter, and Carl Wilson join the Commotion Group Chat to deliver their Mid-Year Music Report, highlighting which artists have held our attention in a highly competitive year for blockbuster pop releases, and which single deserves to be crowned 2024’s Song of the Summer.

Jul 5, 2024 • 28:58

Is Will Smith's comeback complete?

Is Will Smith's comeback complete?

Since the Oscars slap, Will Smith's been on a redemption tour. This summer he stars in a new Bad Boys movie and performed a new song at the BET Awards. Entertainment writer Jackson Weaver and radio personality Marlon Palmer talk to Elamin about how the movie star's comeback is going. Plus, culture critic Laura Kipnis discusses the upcoming AI reading companion Rebind that allows readers to ask an AI version of herself, as well as Margaret Atwood, Roxane Gay and Lena Denham, questions about the b

Jul 4, 2024 • 25:11

Why Fancy Dance is a turning point for Indigenous cinema

Why Fancy Dance is a turning point for Indigenous cinema

The new film Fancy Dance, starring Lily Gladstone and directed by Erica Tremblay, is set on a reservation in Oklahoma – not far from where Killers of the Flower Moon was set. Angela Sterritt and Marek Tyler talk about how the two films are in conversation with each other – and why they agree, it’s Lily Gladstone’s most important role to date.

Jul 3, 2024 • 25:09

Kanye gutted a house by a famous architect, and The Last Timbit musical

Kanye gutted a house by a famous architect, and The Last Timbit musical

Architect and journalist Naomi Pollock discusses the ethics of subjecting rare, artistically unique homes to radical renovations – as Kanye West recently did to a Malibu beach house designed by legendary Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Plus, Elamin chats with CBC Entertainment writer Jackson Weaver about “The Last Timbit” and whether a show about Tim Hortons, created by Tim Hortons, is worth biting into.

Jul 2, 2024 • 23:00

Carley Fortune brings out Canada's romantic side

Carley Fortune brings out Canada's romantic side

When Carley Fortune released her latest novel 'This Summer Will be Different,' it shot to the top of The New York Times Best Seller list. It's a romance novel, set on Prince Edward Island. Elamin is joined by culture writer Kathleen Newman-Bremang, author Farah Heron, and Book Influencer Alicia Foshay to talk about why romance novels are having a moment right now, and how Carley Fortune's books are making Canada sexier.

Jul 1, 2024 • 25:27

The Bear is back, what does it tell us about friendship?

The Bear is back, what does it tell us about friendship?

Rad Simonpillai, Jackson Weaver and Hanna Flint join Elamin to talk about the week's big arts and pop culture stories, starting with The Bear's highly anticipated return for a third season, and how the new movie The Bikeriders explores the rise of the Outlaws motorcycle gang.

Jun 28, 2024 • 27:38

How Slave Play changed the conversation around theatre, and Céline Dion's new doc

How Slave Play changed the conversation around theatre, and Céline Dion's new doc

With the release of the doc ‘Slave Play. Not a Film. A Play’ - Elamin is joined by culture critic Kathleen Newman-Bremang and award-winning playwright Amanda Parris to discuss the controversial stage production that inspired it, and its creator Jeremoy O Harris’ provocative approach to mining U.S. slavery, interracial relationships and anti-Blackness. Plus, cultural commentator Thomas Leblanc reviews “I Am: Celine Dion”, which is out now on Amazon Prime.

Jun 27, 2024 • 25:12

How Joni Mitchell shaped how we talk about music

How Joni Mitchell shaped how we talk about music

Music critic Ann Powers journeys through the life of Joni Mitchell in her unauthorized biography 'Traveling'.

Jun 26, 2024 • 27:30

A new podcast about the internet's most viral moments, and why aren't people wearing headphones?

A new podcast about the internet's most viral moments, and why aren't people wearing headphones?

Writers Niko Stratis and Clare Martin discuss Jamie Loftus’ new podcast on viral internet phenomena, Sixteenth Minute (of Fame), and what it says about how we behave online. Plus, have you noticed people seem to be giving up on headphones? Blaring music on portable speakers, watching the game or scrolling through reels on their phone -- for everyone around them to hear. Erik Piepenburg wrote about it for the New York Times .. he joins Elamin to talk about why we seem to be OK sharing so much out

Jun 25, 2024 • 25:00

Living in Charli XCX's Brat world, and how the alt-right is co-opting dance music

Living in Charli XCX's Brat world, and how the alt-right is co-opting dance music

Culture critics Reanna Cruz and Scaachi Koul unpack why popstars are following in Charli XCX's Brat footsteps. Plus, with reports of some alt-right communities co-opting popular dance songs to push their agendas via social media and streaming platforms - digital culture writer Kieran Press-Reynolds joins Elamin to discuss this trend and what it might mean for dance music artists and that industry writ large.

Jun 24, 2024 • 25:11

Bonus: How to celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day all summer long

Bonus: How to celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day all summer long

Today we have a special bonus episode for you from our sibling show Unreserved, a fearless space for Indigenous voices. Host Rosanna Deerchild is ready to Indigenize your summer with a tastemaker’s guide to the best books, movies, podcasts and more. More episodes of Unreserved are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/ATYuMWIP

Jun 21, 2024 • 52:00

Remembering Donald Sutherland, highlights at the Indspire Awards and the new cheerleading movie Backspot

Remembering Donald Sutherland, highlights at the Indspire Awards and the new cheerleading movie Backspot

Donald Sutherland, Canadian actor and icon, has died at the age of 88. Entertainment reporter Teri Hart joins guest host Amil Niazi for a look back on his legacy. Plus, culture critics Angela Sterritt, Falen Johnson and Marek Tyler review the new cheerleading film Backspot starring Mohawk actor Devery Jacobs and celebrate the latest recipients of the Indspire Awards.

Jun 21, 2024 • 25:24

What Hollywood gets wrong about age-gap relationships, and the new Black Barbie documentary

What Hollywood gets wrong about age-gap relationships, and the new Black Barbie documentary

Age gaps involving older women and younger men are having a moment in Hollywood. Guest host Amil Niazi is joined by Kathleen Newman-Bremang and Sadaf Ahsan to talk about the trend. Plus, culture critic Syrus Marcus Ware discusses Netflix’s new Black Barbie documentary.

Jun 20, 2024 • 25:11

How Tubi became a streaming giant, and A24's film Tuesday

How Tubi became a streaming giant, and A24's film Tuesday

The free, ad-supported streaming platform Tubi is currently posting higher viewership numbers than more prestigious subscription services like Paramount+ and Disney+. Culture writers Kaiya Shunyata and Anne T. Donahue join guest host Amil Niazi to explain what’s behind the platform's surprising success – and it’s not just about because it’s free. Plus, the A24 film 'Tuesday," starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, tells the story of a mother whose teenage daughter has a terminal illness. Writer Sophie Ko

Jun 19, 2024 • 25:11

Celebrating Céline Dion ahead of her upcoming documentary

Celebrating Céline Dion ahead of her upcoming documentary

With next week’s release of ‘I Am: Celine Dion,' guest host Amil Niazi is joined by Thomas Leblanc, Véronique LeVasseur and Carl Wilson for a brief look back on the singer’s pop career and reaction to her public struggle with Stiff Person’s Syndrome - a condition that has raised questions around Céline Dion's ability to perform again.

Jun 18, 2024 • 26:14

Getting ready for summer theatre season, and Wu-Tang Clan's rare album finally sees the light

Getting ready for summer theatre season, and Wu-Tang Clan's rare album finally sees the light

Theatre critic Aisling Murphy talks about the success of the Stratford Festival, its latest summer season and highlights upcoming shows across Canada. Plus, Jay Connor tells the story of Wu-Tang Clan's controversial album 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin', the most expensive piece of music that, until recently, few people in the world had ever listened to.

Jun 17, 2024 • 25:01

Does Inside Out 2 make puberty fun? And the new action/comedy Hit Man

Does Inside Out 2 make puberty fun? And the new action/comedy Hit Man

Film critic Rachel Ho, entertainment reporter Teri Hart, and media personality Matt Hart join the Commotion Group Chat to discuss Pixar’s long-awaited sequel to the animated pop-psych masterpiece 'Inside Out', Glen Powell’s star turn in Richard Linklater’s action-comedy 'Hit Man', and Seth Meyers's late-night talk-show band getting laid off.

Jun 14, 2024 • 25:23

Presumed Innocent and why everything seems to be getting a reboot

Presumed Innocent and why everything seems to be getting a reboot

Film and TV critic Leila Latif joins guest host Amil Niazi to talk about the remake of “Presumed Innocent,” a legal thriller that starred Harrison Ford back in the 90s and now stars Jake Gyllenhaal, and why everything seems to be getting a reboot these days. Plus, Laura Sirikul reviews the latest entry in the Star Wars canon: The Acolyte, starring Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-Jae.

Jun 13, 2024 • 22:54

Does the true crime genre do justice to the story of Reena Virk's murder?

Does the true crime genre do justice to the story of Reena Virk's murder?

Guest host Amil Niazi is joined by film/tv critic Rad Simonpillai, culture critic Aparita Bhandari and writer/journalist Angela Sterritt to discuss the new Disney+ series 'Under The Bridge', about the horrific real life murder of 14 year-old Reena Virk in 1997, and whether the true crime format did justice to one of Canada's most harrowing teen murder cases.

Jun 12, 2024 • 31:41

How a lawsuit could change the future of reggaeton, and the new doc How Music Got Free

How a lawsuit could change the future of reggaeton, and the new doc How Music Got Free

Commotion regulars Niko Stratis and Rollie Pemberton join guest host Amil Niazi to talk about the new documentary, “How Music Got Free.” It explores the massive disruption of digital pirating and how it almost ruined the record business, but also kickstarted a digital music revolution. Plus, Ewan Simpson (intellectual property lawyer and chairman of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association) discusses the Steely & Clevie copyright infringement lawsuit filed against numerous reggaeton artists -

Jun 11, 2024 • 25:21

Why are women still underplayed on Canadian radio? And Netflix's Dancing For the Devil

Why are women still underplayed on Canadian radio? And Netflix's Dancing For the Devil

Sarah Berman and Ashley Ray join Commotion guest host Amil Niazi to talk about the new Netflix series "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” - and why is music by women, especially racialized and trans artists, still severely underplayed on commercial Canadian radio? Jada Watson, who authored a recent report on the issue, and Desiree Dorion, a Cree country artist, weigh in on where we go from here.

Jun 10, 2024 • 25:18

New Alec Baldwin reality show and "Wah Gwan Drake?"

New Alec Baldwin reality show and "Wah Gwan Drake?"

Elamin is joined by Ben Ozakawa, Kevin Bourne and Teri Hart with their takes on a new Alec Baldwin reality show, whether CRTC's new policy that forces streamers like Netflix to boost their Canadian content will actually work, and reaction to Drake's feature on the song 'Wah Gwan Delilah?'

Jun 7, 2024 • 27:20

The fight to make orchestras and music schools safer for women

The fight to make orchestras and music schools safer for women

Elamin is joined by Globe and Mail reporter Josh O’Kane to talk about the Calgary Philharmonic’s decision to remove two of its musicians after an investigation looking into ‘deeply troubling comments posted online’. Then, he speaks with Canadian violinist Lara St.John about how to make music schools and orchestras safer for girls and women.

Jun 6, 2024 • 24:53

What does the popularity of Tires on Netflix tell us about comedy?

What does the popularity of Tires on Netflix tell us about comedy?

What do we do with 'Tires'? The controversial comedian Shane Gillis leans in to his persona in his new hit series set in a fictional auto repair shop. But is he making fun of his character? Or just being himself? Elamin is joined by entertainment writers Jackson Weaver and Angie Han to talk about whether something can be considered satire if the audience doesn’t get the joke. Plus .culture critic Amanda Hess explores why Kafka, a century after his death, has become so popular on TikTok.

Jun 5, 2024 • 25:11

Celebrating the Nelly Furtado-sance, and the Big Cigar

Celebrating the Nelly Furtado-sance, and the Big Cigar

Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado is gearing up for a major comeback in 2024: her music is being rediscovered by younger generations on TikTok, she recently entered YouTube’s billion-stream club and she’s set to release her first new album in seven years. Music journalists Suzy Exposito and Rosie Long Decter explain why Nelly’s music is connecting with new audiences now, and whether her new music can compete in today’s pop landscape. Plus, Elamin is joined by David Dennis Jr. to discuss the new Ap

Jun 4, 2024 • 25:11

Is this the best season of Hacks yet? And a CSA recap

Is this the best season of Hacks yet? And a CSA recap

Cassie Cao and Kevin Fallon dive into season 3 of Hacks and why its approach to cancel culture in comedy has critics calling it its strongest season yet. Plus Teri Hart gives us a recap of this year's CSA's gala.

Jun 3, 2024 • 30:59

Ilana Glazer's new movie Babes, and Lizzo's name-drop on South Park

Ilana Glazer's new movie Babes, and Lizzo's name-drop on South Park

Jen Sookfong Lee and Sarah-Tai Black join Elamin to discuss Babes, Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau’s new pregnancy comedy. Plus, they talk about South Park’s TV special, The End of Obesity and share some weekend recommendations.

May 31, 2024 • 26:57

From Jennifer Lopez to The Black Keys, why aren't concerts selling well?

From Jennifer Lopez to The Black Keys, why aren't concerts selling well?

In recent weeks, big-name acts like The Black Keys, Jennifer Lopez, and Bad Bunny have either cancelled shows or reorganized their tours reportedly due to low ticket sales. Are these merely isolated setbacks, or do they point to a more troubling future for the big-ticket concert industry in the streaming age? Music journalists Jem Aswad and Maura Johnston will explain the challenges even popular acts are facing in the current climate. Plus, film critic David Ehrlich joins Elamin to discuss the b

May 30, 2024 • 25:48

What's the way out of Hollywood's box office crisis?

What's the way out of Hollywood's box office crisis?

The summer blockbuster was back last year with Barbie and Oppenheimer killing it at the box office. This year is a very different story. Culture critics Bilge Ebiri and Kristy Puchko imagine a future where theatres are full, if only studios started taking a few risks.

May 29, 2024 • 25:36

Can 50 Cent be trusted with the upcoming Diddy documentary? And Netflix's big bet on Korean TV

Can 50 Cent be trusted with the upcoming Diddy documentary? And Netflix's big bet on Korean TV

Elamin is joined by culture critics Jay Connor and Tayo Bero to talk about how following a bidding war, rapper 50 Cent clinches a deal with Netflix to distribute his upcoming documentary chronicling the career of beleaguered rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Plus, Regina Kim talks about how Netflix and other streaming services disrupted the Korean television industry.

May 28, 2024 • 25:11

The finale of the Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, and the King’s portrait

The finale of the Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, and the King’s portrait

Elamin is joined by culture critic Jackson Weaver and comedian Cassie Cao to react to the season finale of ‘Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show’ and what Jerrod’s approach to mining his own personal trauma for this series could say about the shifting line between comedy, reality shows and their audiences. Plus, we get into the controversy around recent portraits of King Charles and the Princess of Wales with the artist Erin Finley, who says the reaction says a lot about the divided times we live in.

May 27, 2024 • 25:08

Did Apple Music's list of 100 Best Albums make you mad?

Did Apple Music's list of 100 Best Albums make you mad?

Elamin is joined by culture writers Niko Stratis, Suzy Exposito, and Dalton Higgins to talk about Apple Music’s controversial 100 Best Albums list

May 24, 2024 • 29:01

How Black Twitter changed the culture

How Black Twitter changed the culture

Commotion regulars Marlon Palmer and Syrus Marcus Ware join Elamin to talk about a new docuseries called 'Black Twitter: A People's History,' and how a community transformed pop culture and became a force for change on Twitter (now X). Plus, psychotherapist Jhanelle Peters talks about a new trend, TikTok Therapy.

May 23, 2024 • 25:11

Billie Eilish is a different kind of pop star

Billie Eilish is a different kind of pop star

Elamin is joined by Aisling Murphy and Reanna Cruz to review 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' - the latest album from Billie Eilish. Plus, Scarlett Johansson said no to Open AI when they asked if they could license her voice to be its new virtual assistant. But despite her refusal, the latest ChatGPT voice sounds a lot like hers. Open AI has pulled it – for now. But they say that any resemblance to the real Scarlett is coincidental. So - how similar is too similar? Elamin is joined by L.A. Times Editor

May 22, 2024 • 25:12

Megalopolis, Furiosa, and all the highlights from Cannes 2024

Megalopolis, Furiosa, and all the highlights from Cannes 2024

Elamin is joined by film critics Rad Simonpillai and Hoai-Tran Bui to talk about some of the highlights at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

May 21, 2024 • 25:16

How Stax Records changed music forever

How Stax Records changed music forever

Elamin is joined by Rob Bowman, Ericka Blount and TJ Armour to discuss the historic legacy of Stax Records with the release of the new documentary "Stax: Soulsville U.S.A."

May 20, 2024 • 24:12

Bridgerton is back, and why no one seems to like the Amy Winehouse movie

Bridgerton is back, and why no one seems to like the Amy Winehouse movie

Culture critics Leila Latif, Louise Bruton and Jael Richardson weigh in on the first half of Bridgerton season 3, and the Amy Winehouse biopic 'Back to Black.'

May 17, 2024 • 28:19

Can Oprah make amends for her role in popularizing diet culture, and the new X-men '97 adaptation

Can Oprah make amends for her role in popularizing diet culture, and the new X-men '97 adaptation

Oprah Winfrey is back and she wants to talk about losing weight. Again. She’s hosted a series of specials on the topic, stepping up to acknowledge the role she's played in creating a toxic diet culture. But she's also thinner, thanks to weight loss drugs she admits to taking. Elamin is joined by writers Scaachi Koul and Gianluca Russo to talk about this massive rebrand for the weight-loss industry. Plus, comic book superfan Frankey Smith will be on Commotion to talk about X-Men ‘97 and why this

May 16, 2024 • 25:11

Remembering Alice Munro

Remembering Alice Munro

Alice Munro, Canadian master of the short story and Nobel winner, has died at 92 years of age. Her longtime publisher Douglas Gibson, and writers Heather O’Neill and Madeleine Thien join Elamin to talk about her life and legacy.

May 15, 2024 • 25:15

What needs to change when the WNBA comes to Canada, and soap operas done TikTok style

What needs to change when the WNBA comes to Canada, and soap operas done TikTok style

With the news that Canada has won the bid to have its first WNBA team, Elamin is joined by sports journalist Shireen Ahmed (who broke the story) and sports fan and culture critic Andrea Williams to react to the news and the moment the WNBA has been having this year. Plus, Elamin is joined by Rolling Stone journalist EJ Dickson to talk about vertical-video apps, which are attracting millions of viewers with their schlocky soap-era-style shows delivered in short 90-second episodes. However, the m

May 14, 2024 • 25:11

The most political Eurovision in recent memory, and Randy Travis's AI song

The most political Eurovision in recent memory, and Randy Travis's AI song

Eurovision was the most political it’s ever been this year because of the war between Israel and Hamas. Elamin speaks with Commotion Eurovision correspondent Karen Fricker about what happened. Then, it was a devastating blow to country music when legendary singer Randy Travis lost his voice to a stroke in 2013. With the assistance of artificial intelligence, he’s released his first new song in more than a decade called Where That Came From. Elamin speaks with music writer Steacy Easton about the

May 13, 2024 • 24:53

Baby Reindeer's real Martha speaks, and that Apple ad

Baby Reindeer's real Martha speaks, and that Apple ad

The Commotion Friday Group chat convenes to talk about this week’s top stories in the world of arts and entertainment. This week, Elamin is joined by pop culture experts Leila Latif, Vikram Murthi, and Paul Myers to talk about the latest twist in the ‘Baby Reindeer’ saga; the new high-energy reboot of Doctor Who starring Ncuti Gatwa, and the angry reaction to Apple’s latest iPad ad.

May 10, 2024 • 27:50

Misogynoir underscores the Drake and Kendrick beef, and John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in L.A.

Misogynoir underscores the Drake and Kendrick beef, and John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in L.A.

Elamin is joined by rap culture critics Clarkisha Kent and Charles Holmes to unpack the latest developments in the Kendrick Lamar and Drake rap feud, and the way gender and misogyny have intersected with this feud and across rap music history. Plus, Elamin speaks with Kathryn VanArendonk about John Mulaney's Netflix show, Everybody's in L.A., and how live events like this just might be the future of streaming.

May 9, 2024 • 25:11

Is the music industry built for mothers?

Is the music industry built for mothers?

When Lily Allen opened up about being a mom recently, her comments went viral. She said that in terms of pop stardom, having kids ruined her career. Guest host Amil Niazi is joined by musician Amy Millan and psychotherapist Tamsin Embleton to talk about the realities of juggling a career as an artist and being a mom.

May 8, 2024 • 23:05

The 2024 Met Gala highlights and Luxe Listings Toronto

The 2024 Met Gala highlights and Luxe Listings Toronto

The annual Met Gala isn’t just about who’s wearing what, it’s when fashion truly becomes art. This year’s theme is “the garden of time.” The morning after, Elamin talks with Danya Issawi and Gianlucca Russo about who won the red carpet. Plus, reality shows about luxury real estate have been streaming powerhouses for years, and Toronto’s finally entering the conversation with Luxe Listings Toronto. The CBC’s Jackson Weaver talks about the version of Toronto the show is selling, the cast of realto

May 7, 2024 • 25:12

The Fall Guy and the future of the blockbuster

The Fall Guy and the future of the blockbuster

Elamin is joined by film critics Barry Hertz and Teri Hart to talk about the new Ryan Gosling/Emily Blunt film ‘The Fall Guy.’ Plus, artist and poet Ian Kamau discusses the legacy of his late father Roger McTair, one of Canada’s first Black filmmakers.

May 6, 2024 • 25:01

Anne Hathaway's Idea of You, and Dua Lipa's star moment

Anne Hathaway's Idea of You, and Dua Lipa's star moment

This week on the group chat, how much does Dua Lipa reveal about herself on her new album, Radical Optimism? And in the movie The Idea of You, one of the characters is rumoured to be based on Harry Styles. But will this film satisfy audiences hungry for romance? Elamin Abdelmahmoud sits down with Suzy Exposito, Kathleen Newman-Bremang and Jennifer Wilson.

May 3, 2024 • 28:27

Did Kendrick win the beef? And Seinfeld says the 'extreme left' killed comedy

Did Kendrick win the beef? And Seinfeld says the 'extreme left' killed comedy

Commotion regulars Dalton Higgins and David Dennis Jr. join Elamin with reaction to Kendrick Lamar’s latest diss response to Drake - ‘Euphoria’ - and the criticisms the track lobs at Drake and his credibility. Plus, Jerry Seinfeld turned 70 this week, and he's blaming wokeness for the death of comedy and bemoaning the end of the movie business, just as he releases a new film. Comedian Ali Hassan talks about why curmudgeonly Jerry is having a moment, and why he might be wrong.

May 2, 2024 • 25:29

MAILBAG: The Tortured Poets Department and this moment in Taylor Swift

MAILBAG: The Tortured Poets Department and this moment in Taylor Swift

For Commotion's inaugural mailbag episode, host Elamin Abdelmahmoud sits down with fellow Swifties Emma Godmere and Amelia Eqbal to answer questions from listeners about everything we've learned after listening to The Tortured Poets Department on repeat for a week, and what the album says about this moment in time for the current biggest artist in the world.

May 2, 2024 • 54:48

What happens to TikTok now? And the new Bon Jovi docu-series

What happens to TikTok now? And the new Bon Jovi docu-series

Elamin is joined by music critics Niko Stratis and Maura Johnston to talk about the new docu-series "Thank you, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story," and whether it does justice to the band's legacy. Plus, Elamin speaks with culture writer Ana Diaz of Polygon about the so-called Tik Tok “ban” and what it means for the future of the hugely popular app.

May 1, 2024 • 25:11

Why Burton Cummings is trying to stop his old band from playing his songs

Why Burton Cummings is trying to stop his old band from playing his songs

Elamin sits down with Burton Cummings, the former frontman of The Guess Who, to talk about the legal action he's taking against his old band. It's aimed at preventing the current version of The Guess Who from performing the classic songs that Burton wrote while they're out on the road. Burton Cummings explains why he's taking these unprecended measures. Plus, last week the Writers Guild of Canada voted in favour of striking should its current negotiations for a new labour deal with Canadian film

Apr 30, 2024 • 24:20

Why people can't stop thinking about Baby Reindeer, and the plight of Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi

Why people can't stop thinking about Baby Reindeer, and the plight of Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi

Stand-up comedians Ashley Ray and James Mullinger talk about the hit Netflix show Baby Reindeer, which is based on star Richard Gadd's real experiences of being stalked early in his career. Plus, Samira Mohyeddin shares the powerful story of Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, who was recently sentenced to death by the Iranian regime.

Apr 29, 2024 • 25:11

Weinstein's court win, and Zendaya's moment in Challengers

Weinstein's court win, and Zendaya's moment in Challengers

Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Jackson Weaver, and Hanna Flint respond to news that Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction was overturned by a New York appeals court and what that says about the #MeToo movement today. They also discuss the moment Zendaya is having with her brand new film Challengers.

Apr 26, 2024 • 28:06

Commotion Introduces: Split Screen: Kid Nation

Commotion Introduces: Split Screen: Kid Nation

The controversial reality TV show known as ‘Kid Nation’, which borrowed its premise from Lord of the Flies, was cancelled shortly after its 2007 debut. Producers took 40 kids into a makeshift desert town to fend for themselves and create their own society. Was the series an opportunity to discover what kids are capable of? Or simply a ploy for ratings? With access to former ‘Kid Nation’ contestants, their families, and the show’s creators, culture journalist Josh Gwynn uncovers how this cult TV

Apr 25, 2024 • 36:42

The lasting influence of soul artist Jackie Shane

The lasting influence of soul artist Jackie Shane

A new documentary tells the extraordinary story of Jackie Shane, a trailblazing transgender singer from the south, who had a flash of fame in Toronto in the early 1960s. But just as she was about to become a star, she vanished. Rodney Diverlus and Ravyn Ariah Wngz talk about Jackie Shane's legacy, and why she still matters so much today.

Apr 25, 2024 • 24:54

Unpacking the Shōgun finale, and can we Scrabble Together?

Unpacking the Shōgun finale, and can we Scrabble Together?

As the epic series "Shōgun" airs its final episode on Disney+ this week, TV critics Inkoo Kang and Kaiya Shunyata talk about what sets this adaptation of James Clavell’s novel apart from others before it, and how its emphasis on Japanese dialogue over English enriches our understanding of the story. Plus, Elamin is joined by Slate’s Dan Kois to discuss the backlash to ‘Scrabble Together,’ a more inclusive alternative to the iconic board game that is reportedly inspired by Gen-Z's demands for non

Apr 24, 2024 • 25:12

Do true crime stories help or exploit? And unpacking Drake's new diss track

Do true crime stories help or exploit? And unpacking Drake's new diss track

It's been ten years since the first episode of the hit podcast Serial came out, and we've been riding this wave of true crime entertainment ever since. Sarah Weinman and Karen K. Ho join Elamin to talk about how the genre has grown over the last decade, and where it still falls short. Plus, David Dennis Jr. reacts to Drake’s latest Kendrick diss track entitled ‘Taylor Made Freestyle,’ and talks about how the use of AI in this song and throughout this particular rap feud is raising new concerns a

Apr 23, 2024 • 25:12

How theatres are being tricked by AI, and  the dark comedy The Sympathizer comes to TV

How theatres are being tricked by AI, and the dark comedy The Sympathizer comes to TV

Guest host Ali Hassan speaks with theatre critic Aisling Murphy to talk about her recent article in The Toronto Star where she outlines how some theatre companies have been duped by AI-generated reviews, and what that says about the role of criticism today. Plus, Viet Thanh Nguyen wrote his novel The Sympathizer as a response to movies about the Vietnam War like Apocalypse Now, which sidelined Vietnamese voices. Ali also talks to Inverse entertainment editor Hoai-Tran Bui about how the dark come

Apr 22, 2024 • 24:59

Diving into Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department

Diving into Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department

Culture critics Tyler Foggatt, Cassie Cao and Adam Sternbergh join guest host Ali Hassan with their thoughts on the latest album from Taylor Swift and the new series Conan O’Brien Must Go.

Apr 19, 2024 • 27:14

An Israeli artist's statement on the world's biggest art stage

An Israeli artist's statement on the world's biggest art stage

The 60th annual Venice Biennale opens this weekend, but one exhibit will be closed to the public. Ruth Patir, the artist representing Israel, is refusing to open her exhibit until “a cease-fire and hostage release agreement is reached.” Elamin speaks with Kate Brown, senior editor at Artnet News about how Ruth's protest is making waves in the art world. Plus, Elamin is joined by The Verge’s tech writer Emma Roth and music journalist Marc Masters to talk about the resurgent popularity of physical

Apr 18, 2024 • 25:11

Civil War is at the top of the box office, but what is it trying to say?

Civil War is at the top of the box office, but what is it trying to say?

Culture critics Rad Simonpillai and Omar El Akkad unpack Alex Garland’s new film "Civil War."

Apr 17, 2024 • 24:24

How covering O.J. Simpson reshaped entertainment

How covering O.J. Simpson reshaped entertainment

In the wake of O.J. Simpson's death last week, writers David Dennis Jr., Jael Richardson, and Eric Harvey reflect on how O.J.'s murder trial in 1995 pushed conversations about race, privilege, domestic violence, and narcissism into the national spotlight, and how the unprecedented media hysteria over the trial set the table for the TMZ-driven, true-crime, reality-TV-obsessed world that we're living in now.

Apr 16, 2024 • 25:24

Kill Tony is one of the biggest comedy shows right now, and The People's Joker is finally out

Kill Tony is one of the biggest comedy shows right now, and The People's Joker is finally out

Elamin is joined by Commotion regular Matt Hart and comedian Ali Hassan to talk about how the chaotic, unapologetically crude, and competitive stand-up showcase "Kill Tony" became one of the most popular comedy podcasts in North America. Plus, Josie Riesman explains why Vera Drew’s "The People’s Joker" is the most compelling take on one of the most iconic villains in cinema.

Apr 15, 2024 • 24:50

Fallout, Netflix's Ripley, and J.Cole's diss track saga and whether artist rivalries make for better art

Fallout, Netflix's Ripley, and J.Cole's diss track saga and whether artist rivalries make for better art

For this week's group chat, Elamin Abdelmahmoud sits down with culture critics Niko Stratis, Rad Simonpillai, and Pablo,The Don. They respond to news of O.J. Simpson's death. Plus, they review the shows, "Fallout" and "Ripley" and talk about the backlash J.Cole is receiving after apologizing for a diss track he wrote about Kendrick Lamar.

Apr 12, 2024 • 25:51

Scoop and the interview that ended Prince Andrew’s career

Scoop and the interview that ended Prince Andrew’s career

After a disastrous interview with the BBC in 2019 about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew stepped away from royal duties and public life. The story behind how that interview came to be is the focus of “Scoop” on Netflix. Elamin speaks with UK film critic Hanna Flint and royal watcher Ellie Hall about the enduring desire to see the Royals portrayed on-screen. Plus, Elamin is joined by technology reporter Cade Metz to talk about The New York Times investigation into the length b

Apr 11, 2024 • 24:58

A searching conversation with Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha

A searching conversation with Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha

It's been just over 6 months since Hamas attacked Israeli civilians, which led to the war in Gaza. Elamin speaks with Mosab Abu Toha - a Palestinian poet whose home in Gaza was destroyed - to talk about how he and other artists are able to keep creating in the face of destruction. Mosab Abu Toha recently wrote an essay for The New Yorker about his harrowing journey out of Gaza.

Apr 10, 2024 • 21:43

Where did all the blunt cultural criticism go?, and trouble in the small press world

Where did all the blunt cultural criticism go?, and trouble in the small press world

Elamin is joined by culture writer Niko Stratis and Delia Cai to talk about Delia's pop up blog, Hate Read (which invites critics to write anonymous reviews of art they hate). Plus, Small Press Distribution suddenly closes up shop, leaving hundreds of independent publishers in the lurch. Jane Friedman unpacks what happened and how the world of small press is struggling in the aftermath.

Apr 9, 2024 • 24:50

WrestleMania 40 was a turning point for WWE

WrestleMania 40 was a turning point for WWE

Elamin is joined by wrestling fans Damian Abraham (of the band F*cked Up) and culture critic Pablo,The Don to discuss highlights of WrestleMania 40, and also the state of the franchise, given its new deal with Netflix and the controversy surrounding its former CEO Vince McMahon.

Apr 8, 2024 • 25:30

Jerrod Carmichael's new show is so uncomfortable, and Dev Patel's directorial debut

Jerrod Carmichael's new show is so uncomfortable, and Dev Patel's directorial debut

For this week's group chat, Elamin Abdelmahmoud sits down with Sarah-Tai Black, Rad Simonpillai and Jackson Weaver to talk about Dev Patel's new action movie Monkey Man, which he wrote, directed and stars in, and comedian Jerrod Carmichael’s surreal, intimate new reality show.

Apr 5, 2024 • 27:51

The evolution of Kurt Cobain's legacy, and Robert Lepage's SLAM!

The evolution of Kurt Cobain's legacy, and Robert Lepage's SLAM!

This week marks the 30th anniversary of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain’s death by suicide. Since that moment, Kurt's legacy has evolved in fascinating ways. Nirvana biographer Michael Azerrad and music journalist Suzy Exposito discuss how Cobain continues to shape music and pop culture today. Plus, La Presse journalist Dominic Tardif tells you about the day he spent with Quebec theatre giant Robert Lepage talking about his passion for wrestling, and his new exhibit.

Apr 4, 2024 • 37:09

How Jewish creators are navigating their work after Jonathan Glazer's Oscars speech

How Jewish creators are navigating their work after Jonathan Glazer's Oscars speech

When Jonathan Glazer accepted his Oscar for "The Zone of Interest," he used that moment to take a stance on what's happening in Gaza. That speech prompted hundreds of Jewish creatives in Hollywood to sign an open letter, criticizing his speech. Elamin speaks with three Jewish creators — writer Emily Tamkin, musician Josh Dolgin (a.k.a. Socalled), and comedian Jess Salomon — about how they’re navigating their work amid deep divisions within the Jewish community.

Apr 3, 2024 • 24:44

A deep dive into Beyoncé and the ambition of Cowboy Carter

A deep dive into Beyoncé and the ambition of Cowboy Carter

With the release of Beyoncé's latest album and first country project, "Cowboy Carter," music journalists Andrea Williams and David Dennis Jr. as well as comedian Ashley Ray join host Elamin to discuss the release — and what it might say about the future of Black country music.

Apr 2, 2024 • 25:07

How did the Bible become cool again?

How did the Bible become cool again?

Not only is the series The Chosen and the film Cabrini hits at the box office, Martin Scorcese is making a movie about Jesus. What's more, Mel Gibson is working on a ‘Passion of the Christ’ sequel. So, what happens when you mine the Bible for entertainment? The group chat weighs in on this moment of Christianity and pop culture.

Apr 1, 2024 • 25:22

Can artists still make it in Halifax?

Can artists still make it in Halifax?

Halifax is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, but it’s getting harder to make a living — and artists are having to move farther afield just to stay afloat. Musicians Maggie Andrew and Adam Baldwin, comedian Aba Amuquandoh and filmmaker Tara Thorne join Elamin at the Commotion table in Halifax to talk about what the capital of Nova Scotia has to offer artists today, and what’s at stake when artists can’t make ends meet there.

Mar 29, 2024 • 28:00

A startling look at parenting influencers, and Richard Serra's legacy on the art world

A startling look at parenting influencers, and Richard Serra's legacy on the art world

For the last couple of years, journalist Fortesa Latifi has been reporting on the stories of the grown up children of parenting influencers. Her article and Cosmopolitan's documentary about it offer a startling look behind the camera — and how some sharenters are addressing the criticism or making the decision to stop using their children in content creation. Plus, CBC producer Lise Hosein pays tribute to the late American sculptor Richard Serra — who died this past Tuesday at the age of 85 — by

Mar 28, 2024 • 24:18

Without corporate title sponsors, can Canada's cultural festivals survive?

Without corporate title sponsors, can Canada's cultural festivals survive?

Canadian arts organisations have relied heavily on big companies to be their title sponsors: the Toronto International Film Festival had Bell, Luminato had L'Oréal, and the CONTACT Photography Festival had Scotiabank. But now, more and more of these corporate sponsors are pulling out — and no one is stepping up to fill the gap. Darcy Killeen, the CEO of CONTACT, tells host Elamin Abdelmahmoud about what it was like to lose their lead sponsor, and arts reporter Josh O’Kane explains what’s at stak

Mar 27, 2024 • 22:58

A look back at the history of Freaknik, and examining Israel's entries into Eurovision

A look back at the history of Freaknik, and examining Israel's entries into Eurovision

With the release of the new doc Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told, Elamin is joined by veteran Atlanta hip-hop journalists Sonia Murray and David Dennis Jr., for a brief look at the history of one of Atlanta’s most iconic 90s Black street parties. Plus, one of the non-european countries participating in the Eurovision Song Contest this year is Israel, which has sparked debate on its place in the competition, espeically amidst the war in Gaza. Journalist and Eurovision expert Karen Fricker t

Mar 26, 2024 • 24:26

Recapping the 2024 Junos — Canada's biggest night in music!

Recapping the 2024 Junos — Canada's biggest night in music!

Elamin is joined by artists and culture critics Cadence Weapon, Tristan Grant and Haligonian music journalist Morgan Mullin to react to the 2024 Juno Awards. They'll also unpack Maestro Fresh Wes' induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Mar 25, 2024 • 25:19

Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, comedy's man of the moment Ramy Youssef and new horror flick Immaculate

Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, comedy's man of the moment Ramy Youssef and new horror flick Immaculate

The Commotion Friday Group Chat convenes to talk about this week’s biggest pop-culture stories, including Netflix’s epic new series 3 Body Problem, brought to you by the creators of Game of Thrones; the new stand-up special from comedy’s man of the moment, Ramy Youssef; and Sydney Sweeney's highly polarizing “nunsploitation flick” Immaculate. Joining Elamin are film critic Radheyan Simonpillai, comedy writer Cassie Cao and culture reporter Leila Latif.

Mar 22, 2024 • 25:22

Quiet on Set: how Nickelodeon failed to protect its child actors

Quiet on Set: how Nickelodeon failed to protect its child actors

Some say the early 2000’s was a golden age for children’s television. But in the new docuseries Quiet on Set, audiences learn that behind the scenes at Nickelodeon, it was anything but. Culture writer Scaachi Koul and former child actor Michael Seater join host Elamin to discuss the revelations from the docuseries and what it’s really like to make children’s TV.

Mar 21, 2024 • 24:51

BONUS: Are the changes to the Griffin Poetry Prize hurting Canadian poets?

BONUS: Are the changes to the Griffin Poetry Prize hurting Canadian poets?

Two Canadian translators have made the longlist for this year's Griffin Poetry Prize. However, among the ten books that are up for the award, none of the writers are Canadian. And there are no Canadian publishers. Paul Vermeersch joins Elamin to react to the news and unpack how recent changes to the prize's criteria might impact the future visibility of Canadian poets on the international stage. It’s also the first year since those changes were implemented that none of the writers up for the awa

Mar 21, 2024 • 13:50

Commotion Introduces: PlayME | First Metis Man of Odesa

Commotion Introduces: PlayME | First Metis Man of Odesa

PlayME is transforming the way we experience theatre by turning contemporary plays into bingeable audio dramas. In this episode, First Métis Man of Odesa (Part 1), a real-life love story that spans continents, a pandemic and an invasion. Matt, a Canadian Metis playwright, falls for Mariya, a Ukrainian actor, during a theatre workshop in Kyiv. They kindle a year-long romance through emails before meeting in Toronto, igniting a whirlwind love affair. But as they face the challenges of a long-dista

Mar 20, 2024 • 34:37

What Sydney Sweeney has come to represent

What Sydney Sweeney has come to represent

Sydney Sweeney has been everywhere since her breakout performance in Euphoria. Recently, she's starred in the hit rom-com Anyone But You, the terrible superhero movie Madame Web, and now she plays a nun in the horror film Immaculate. But lately, the discourse around Sydney Sweeney hasn’t been about her acting roles. But rather, it’s been about how she breaks the unwritten rules of celebrity when it comes to politics and class. Plus, film and tv critic Rachel Ho joins Elamin to talk about why the

Mar 20, 2024 • 24:57

How gang violence has impacted local musicians in Haiti

How gang violence has impacted local musicians in Haiti

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the situation in Haiti a “humanitarian and security catastrophe.” With gang violence on the rise, the country’s music industry has begun to feel the impacts in a big way. Miami Herald reporter Jacqueline Charles explains how local musicians are getting caught in the middle of this conflict.

Mar 19, 2024 • 22:38

Did Hollywood fail Ava DuVernay’s movie Origin? Plus, satire and Magical Negroes

Did Hollywood fail Ava DuVernay’s movie Origin? Plus, satire and Magical Negroes

FIlm and culture critics Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Sarah-Tai Black and Jackson Weaver join Elamin to discuss the new film The American Society of Magical Negroes and whether the disappointing box office performance and lack of Oscar nominations for Ava Duvernay’s latest film Origin has anything to do with reported tensions between Duvernay and Neon, the film’s distributor.

Mar 18, 2024 • 25:21

Diving into queer thriller Love Lies Bleeding, the SXSW boycott and Justin Timberlake's comeback attempt, Everything I Thought It Was

Diving into queer thriller Love Lies Bleeding, the SXSW boycott and Justin Timberlake's comeback attempt, Everything I Thought It Was

The Commotion Friday Group Chat convenes to talk about this week’s biggest pop culture stories, including the queer erotic thriller Love Lies Bleeding starring Kristen Stewart; the mass band boycott of SXSW due to the event’s sponsorship ties to the U.S. military and defense industry; and pop star Justin Timberlake’s latest comeback attempt, Everything I Thought It Was. Joining Elamin for this week’s chat is culture writer Niko Stratis, Mashable film editor Kristy Puchko and music journalist Suz

Mar 15, 2024 • 25:19

What the Kate photo says about our current information dystopia, and Grey's Anatomy debuts its 20th season!

What the Kate photo says about our current information dystopia, and Grey's Anatomy debuts its 20th season!

News agencies are refusing to run the most recent photo of Kate Middleton and her kids because they could see it had been doctored. Charlie Warzel says nothing showcases the choose-your-own reality information dystopia we’re living in better than this photo blunder. Plus, Grey's Anatomy's 20th season debuts this week without its titular character (sort of). Entertainment journalists Sarah Hunter Simanson and Emily Longeretta join Elamin to talk about how this show became such an iconic staple of

Mar 14, 2024 • 29:18

The popularity of TikTok series "Who TF Did I Marry? and HBO's new political satire The Regime

The popularity of TikTok series "Who TF Did I Marry? and HBO's new political satire The Regime

Reesa Teesa recently blew up on TikTok with her fifty part "Who TF did I Marry?" series detailing her previous toxic marriage. CT Jones and Amanda Hess join Elamin to discuss what Teesa’s viral moment says about the platform’s growing popularity amongst 40+ audiences. Plus, TV critic Hanna Flint shares her thoughts on HBO’s new political satire, The Regime. Kate Winslet stars as an authoritarian leader in an unnamed central European country. But is the show strong enough to hold HBO’s coveted Su

Mar 13, 2024 • 25:12

The future in standup without Just for Laughs, and did Wendy Williams really consent to the docuseries about her?

The future in standup without Just for Laughs, and did Wendy Williams really consent to the docuseries about her?

Just for Laughs, the world's biggest comedy festival, is cancelled this year due to financial problems. Ali Hassan and Cassie Cao read the tea leaves and imagine a future for standup comedians like themselves without the festival. Plus, a new series about Wendy Williams – the iconic former talk show host – documents her slide into dementia. But it’s unclear whether she consented to the way she’d be portrayed. Tayo Bero calls it a voyeuristic mess and says Hollywood should know better. She’ll sha

Mar 12, 2024 • 24:49

The Oscars were last night, and here are the highlights!

The Oscars were last night, and here are the highlights!

Following two Hollywood strikes and an exciting year for film, the 96th Academy Awards have finally arrived. Entertainment journalists Eli Glasner, Rachel Ho and Johnnie Jae join host Elamin to unpack the highs and lows of this year’s Oscars.

Mar 11, 2024 • 25:21

Ariana Grande's new album, and Heather O'Neill wins Canada Reads!

Ariana Grande's new album, and Heather O'Neill wins Canada Reads!

The Commotion Friday Group Chat convenes to talk about this week’s big blockbuster pop release — Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine — and why some fans have turned on her. Joining Elamin this week are music journalist Maura Johnston, and culture writers Niko Stratis and Anne T. Donahue. Plus, The Future by Catherine Leroux, translated by Susan Ouriou and championed by Heather O’Neill has won Canada Reads 2024. Heather and Catherine join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to recap the week of debates and bask in

Mar 8, 2024 • 25:36

BONUS: What went into a dog actor's performance in Oscar nominated Anatomy of a Fall?

BONUS: What went into a dog actor's performance in Oscar nominated Anatomy of a Fall?

There is zero Oscars buzz about one of the best performances of the year, and that's because it's not by a human. Messi — a seven year old Border Collie — plays Snoop in Anatomy of a Fall. We’ll talk with a dog trainer about what went in to his incredible performance and why no matter how good AI gets, it will never be able to replace real animals on screen.

Mar 8, 2024 • 12:36

What do we want from award show speeches?

What do we want from award show speeches?

Ahead of the Oscars this weekend, writers Hunter Harris, Kathleen Newman-Bremang and Omar El Akkad join Elamin to talk about the greatest acceptance speeches of all time and why more people aren’t taking advantage of the platform to amplify the causes they care about.

Mar 7, 2024 • 25:23

The uncertain future of Just for Laughs, and does the Love is Blind experiment actually work?

The uncertain future of Just for Laughs, and does the Love is Blind experiment actually work?

On Tuesday, the comedy world was rocked by the news that Montreal’s Just for Laughs festival was canceling its 2024 edition after financial hardships. Montreal Gazette writer T’Cha Dunlevy checks in with a local perspective on the impact JFL’s absence will have on the city, and whether the festival can bounce back. Plus, on the Netflix reality show Love is Blind, men and women get engaged before ever seeing each other in person. The show has earned Emmy nominations and more than a billion viewer

Mar 6, 2024 • 23:29

Are biopics rewriting history?

Are biopics rewriting history?

Film and culture critics Bilge Ebiri, Rad Simonpillai and Niko Stratis join Elamin to discuss biopics and what it means when they are seen as more fact than fiction, and families and estates are involved in making them.

Mar 5, 2024 • 25:18

The appeal and the burden of the personal essay

The appeal and the burden of the personal essay

On top of giving interviews and hosting reading events, many authors are often pressured by their publishers to write personal essays about topics related to their book for various media outlets, as a means of selling themselves to a wider audience. Writers Tajja Isen and Vivek Shraya explain why book publishers, media sites, and readers alike have become enamored with the personal-essay format and why many authors aren’t pleased about the additional work being required of them. Plus, culture wr

Mar 4, 2024 • 25:04

The JLo Cinematic Universe, and why influencers aren’t journalists

The JLo Cinematic Universe, and why influencers aren’t journalists

Culture critics Lainey Lui, Jackson Weaver and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd join Elamin to unpack the confusion and reaction to J-Lo’s latest multi-format project and weigh in on the tensions between influencers and entertainment journalists.

Mar 1, 2024 • 25:17

Live Nation's dominance of the music industry, and where's the Princess of Wales?

Live Nation's dominance of the music industry, and where's the Princess of Wales?

Live Nation recently announced record-breaking earnings of 22.7 billion for 2023, a 36% increase over the previous year. The concert promotion conglomerate is infiltrating all aspects of the live-music experience, from ticketing to merchandising to venue ownership. Guardian reporter Adrian Horton and Toronto club-owner Shaun Bowring discuss the impact that Live Nation’s dominance is having on the music industry, on consumers, and if their dramatic growth is sustainable. Plus, where’s the Princes

Feb 29, 2024 • 25:10

How fans transformed Code 8 from a short film into a Netflix franchise

How fans transformed Code 8 from a short film into a Netflix franchise

How does a crowdfunded indie sci-fi film make it into Netflix's top 10? Ask Canadian cousins and actors Stephen and Robbie Amell. They join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the success of their film, Code 8 and how the fan-funded feature led to their new Netflix film, Code 8: Part II. Plus, your first impression of the past year in film might be that women dominated the box office because of Barbie. But a new study shows that the number of Hollywood films led by women is lower than it’s be

Feb 28, 2024 • 25:11

What Dune: Part Two gets right

What Dune: Part Two gets right

Science fiction epic Dune: Part Two opens in theatres this week. Film critics Rad Simonpillai and Rachel Ho have both seen it and say it’s Denis Villeneuve’s best film yet. They’ll tell us why the movie is a must see and what it has to do with another series that’s out this week: Shogun, set in 17th century Japan.

Feb 27, 2024 • 25:21

Was Shane Gillis the right choice to host Saturday Night Live?

Was Shane Gillis the right choice to host Saturday Night Live?

Controversial comedian Shane Gillis hosted SNL on Saturday. Critic Kathryn VanArendonk and comedian Cassie Cao react to Gillis’ hosting debut and the backlash both he and Saturday Night Live have received because of his past racist and homophobic comments. Plus, after wrapping up its 11-season run in 2021, The Walking Dead saga is back from the dead with the premiere of new spinoff series, The Ones Who Live. Walking Dead aficionados Matt Hart and Kaiya Shunyata tell us what we can expect from th

Feb 26, 2024 • 25:11

Can Law & Order Toronto work? And Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender adaptation

Can Law & Order Toronto work? And Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender adaptation

Amil Niazi, Syrus Marcus Ware and Michelle Cho join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to share their first impressions of Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, and Netflix’s new live action adaptation of the beloved fantasy series Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Feb 23, 2024 • 27:19

Selena and Yolanda, and who is entitled to tell Selena's story?

Selena and Yolanda, and who is entitled to tell Selena's story?

Mexican-American music icon Selena was murdered in 1995. Now, a docuseries sheds new light on the beloved star, It also includes an interview with her convicted killer from prison. Culture writers Suzy Exposito and Alessa Dominguez unpack what the series adds to Selena’s legacy and whether the series goes too far. Plus, you'll hear from a gallery curator about selfie mishaps, but also the upside of capturing yourself with the art you like.

Feb 22, 2024 • 24:14

True Detective Season 4 finale, and what are the potentials of new AI tech Sora?

True Detective Season 4 finale, and what are the potentials of new AI tech Sora?

As True Detective Season 4 is drawing to a close, Elamin is joined by film/tv critic Sarah-Tai Black to discuss the season’s Indigenous themes and where it stands against past seasons of the acclaimed franchise. Plus, it’s still hard to believe your eyes when you see what Sora — the latest AI advancement that turns text into video — can do. Sinead Bovell explains Sora’s potential — and pitfalls — and what she wants to see put in place before it’s released to the public.

Feb 21, 2024 • 21:36

It's been a long time coming, but the Hollywood heartthrob is back!

It's been a long time coming, but the Hollywood heartthrob is back!

For years, the quintessential heartthrob has been missing from the roster of beautiful young celebrities in Hollywood. But now he’s back! We’ll get in to why he's reappeared and why it matters, with Manuel Betancourt, Lainey Lui and Jen Sookfong Lee.

Feb 20, 2024 • 23:31

How Beyoncé changed the country music conversation

How Beyoncé changed the country music conversation

During the Super Bowl on Sunday, Beyoncé seized the media spotlight by releasing two new country style songs to announce her upcoming album, Act II. She’s just one of several major pop stars plotting a country crossover at the moment, so on this edition of the Commotion Friday Group Chat, we’re going to dig our boots into this phenomenon and discuss what it says about the current socio-political landscape in North America.

Feb 16, 2024 • 36:18

What does One Love say about Bob Marley's legacy?

What does One Love say about Bob Marley's legacy?

The highly anticipated Bob Marley biopic One Love was released yesterday. Elamin is joined by Marlon Palmer, Danae Peart and Dalton Higgins to review the film and discuss what it says about the legacy of the late Marley.

Feb 15, 2024 • 24:44

Is the romantic comedy making a comeback?

Is the romantic comedy making a comeback?

After years of handwringing that the genre might be dead, the romantic comedy appears to be making a big comeback. Two romcom experts join host Elamin to talk about what makes the perfect romcom, why the genre has experienced so much turbulence over the last few years, and what the future may have in store for happily ever afters on the big screen. Plus, CBC Entertainment News reporter Jackson Weaver checks in to share his thoughts on Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Donald Glover’s TV reboot of Brangelina’s 2

Feb 14, 2024 • 28:21

The Professional Women's Hockey League is making history, and is Jon Stewart still the right person to host The Daily Show?

The Professional Women's Hockey League is making history, and is Jon Stewart still the right person to host The Daily Show?

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is almost halfway through its first season. CBC reporter Karissa Donkin and TikToker goalie Sianna Gerelus celebrate this historic moment for hockey and talk about where it's headed. Plus, The Daily Show has finally found its new host — sort of. Writer Devin Gordon tells Elamin about why it’s such a surprise to see Jon Stewart back in the host chair, and why he thinks his nostalgic return is a step in the wrong direction.

Feb 13, 2024 • 25:00

Usher, Beyoncé and everything that happened at Super Bowl LVIII

Usher, Beyoncé and everything that happened at Super Bowl LVIII

It is the day after the Super Bowl! Pop star Usher headlined the halftime show and Taylor Swift was in the stadium cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, continuing her streak of giving the NFL a big bump this season. Elamin is joined by Kathleen Newman-Bremang and David Dennis Jr. for a post Super Bowl reaction, their assessment of where the NFL’s image sits in the pop realm right now and how they're feeling after Beyoncé's surprise country album announcement.

Feb 12, 2024 • 24:25

Taylor Swift at the Super Bowl, and Tracy Chapman's post-Grammys newfound popularity

Taylor Swift at the Super Bowl, and Tracy Chapman's post-Grammys newfound popularity

The Commotion Group Chat weighs in on this week’s big pop-culture stories. The Taylor Swift effect on this weekend’s Super Bowl and the post-Grammys celebration of Tracy Chapman among fans new and old.

Feb 9, 2024 • 26:02

Benefits with Friends tackle topics best friends never touch, and a new show about clay art

Benefits with Friends tackle topics best friends never touch, and a new show about clay art

Do you and your best friends have to like the same movies, music and shows? What happens if you don’t? Comedians Mae Martin and Sabrina Jalees are best friends and their new show Benefits with Friends is out through Audible Originals — where they tackle topics so many friends never touch. Plus, there’s a whole new kind of throw down coming to a TV near you. Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud chats with ceramic sculptor Susannah Montague about The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down, a new reality competitio

Feb 8, 2024 • 29:57

The legacy of Indigenous categories at the Junos, and why fashion week front rows are full of Gen Z influencers

The legacy of Indigenous categories at the Junos, and why fashion week front rows are full of Gen Z influencers

To recognize the 30th anniversary of the inclusion of Indigenous categories to the Juno Awards, Elamin is joined by Alan Greyeyes, Tristan Grant and Susan Blight for a brief look at the legacy of the Indigenous categories at the Junos and the contentious history around who gets to claim Indigeneity as musicians. Plus, New York fashion week kicks off Friday and the front rows of Haute Couture shows are filled mostly with Gen Z influencers — which has some fashion insiders feeling less than impres

Feb 7, 2024 • 27:24

Why readers love Sarah J. Maas' romantasy novels, and what music festival posters can tell us about the state of the music industry

Why readers love Sarah J. Maas' romantasy novels, and what music festival posters can tell us about the state of the music industry

Novelist Sarah J. Maas sits atop the ever-popular romantasy genre — a mix of fantasy and romance — that's dominating social media. With her new book House of Flame and Shadow, Heather O'Neill, Kathryn VanArendonk and Makda Mulatu discuss why Maas attracts such a large fanbase. Plus, the inherently hierarchical structure of festival posters – between the artists in large font and the ones at the bottom in tiny lettering – serves as a lens to analyze the current state of the music industry. With a

Feb 6, 2024 • 26:36

Highlights from the Grammy Awards — music's biggest night!

Highlights from the Grammy Awards — music's biggest night!

Music journalists Reanna Cruz and Maria Sherman give us a morning-after report on the big winners, the surprises, the snubs and performance highlights from the 66th Grammy Awards.

Feb 5, 2024 • 24:15

Universal Music Group pulls music from TikTok, Megan and Nicki's beef and how Elmo became the internet's therapist

Universal Music Group pulls music from TikTok, Megan and Nicki's beef and how Elmo became the internet's therapist

For this week’s Friday Wrap, culture writers Sarah-Tai Black, Niko Stratis and Justin Curto join host Elamin to discuss Universal Music Group’s decision to pull their music from TikTok, the diss track drops between Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj and how Elmo became Twitter’s main character this week.

Feb 2, 2024 • 27:51

How did The Smiths end up on Donald Trump's rally playlist?

How did The Smiths end up on Donald Trump's rally playlist?

1980s rock band The Smiths used to represent a generation of misunderstood and anguished liberal teens. But ever since lead singer Morrissey has become an icon for the far-right, now they’re on Donald Trump’s rally playlist. Journalist and Smiths’ fan Luke O’Neil breaks down the conservative embrace of the band. Plus, Sofia Vergara plays real life Colombian cartel boss Griselda Blanco in a new Narcos spin-off. We’ll check in with Colombian pop culture writer Manuel Bettancourt about Griselda and

Feb 1, 2024 • 23:54

Will the Taylor Swift AI deepfakes finally make governments take action, and what Amanda Parris learned in making For the Culture

Will the Taylor Swift AI deepfakes finally make governments take action, and what Amanda Parris learned in making For the Culture

Last week, AI-generated explicit images of Taylor Swift’s likeness were shared on X, previously known as Twitter, without her consent. These photos racked up millions of views before being taken down. Reporters Sam Cole and Melissa Heikkilä — who have been tracking the rise of deepfakes for years — talk about why this story has hit a nerve with Hollywood and Washington. Plus, Writer, host and executive producer Amanda Parris joins Elamin to talk about her new CBC series For The Culture and what

Jan 31, 2024 • 25:10

Netflix's major wrestling deal, and Jus Reign's new dramedy Late Bloomer

Netflix's major wrestling deal, and Jus Reign's new dramedy Late Bloomer

Elamin is joined by Comedian Marlon Palmer and culture critics Jackson Weaver and Stacy Lee Kong to discuss the latest moves from Netflix, the new dramedy Late Bloomer starring former YouTuber Jus Reign, and why online creators making the jump to traditional TV is more complicated than we think.

Jan 30, 2024 • 25:22

We Are the World: behind the scenes of the greatest night in pop

We Are the World: behind the scenes of the greatest night in pop

The new Netflix documentary ‘The Greatest Night in Pop’ takes us behind the scenes of the making of “We Are the World,” the 1985 benefit single that brought pop legends together to raise money for famine relief in Africa. Music journalist Maura Johnston and arts writer/broadcaster Garvia Bailey share their thoughts on the film, and the complicated relationship between celebrity and charity. Plus, Jacqueline Novak’s new Netflix special, ‘Get On Your Knees,’ is a 90-minute monologue focused entire

Jan 29, 2024 • 26:36

Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig, and who actually got snubbed at the Oscars?

Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig, and who actually got snubbed at the Oscars?

Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Rad Simonpillai and Rachel Ho talk to Elamin about the Oscar nominations and who got snubbed. Plus, the group chat reviews Lulu Wang and Nicole Kidman’s ambitious new Amazon Prime series Expats.

Jan 26, 2024 • 26:16

How did Dad TV get so popular?

How did Dad TV get so popular?

With the finale of Reacher Season 2, the arrival of Masters of the Air, and the return of The Terminal List, it seems like Dad TV is more popular than ever. TV critic Eric Deggans and culture commentator Matt Hart get into what defines the comfort genre, who exactly is watching, and why Dad TV seems to be hitting its peak now. Plus, after nearly two decades, rock band Tokyo Police Club is calling it a day.

Jan 25, 2024 • 22:14

Is the GQ merger the end of Pitchfork as we know it?

Is the GQ merger the end of Pitchfork as we know it?

Elamin sits down with former Pitchfork editor Jillian Mapes, music critic Niko Stratis and musician — and former Pitchfork writer — Cadence Weapon to react to the recent Pitchfork layoffs and announced merging with GQ. We'll also look back on the publication's rise and legacy up to this moment.

Jan 24, 2024 • 30:49

Remembering legendary Canadian filmmaker Norman Jewison

Remembering legendary Canadian filmmaker Norman Jewison

Commotion remembers the great Canadian filmmaker Norman Jewison — who passed away on Saturday at age 97 — with a group chat featuring his friend and colleague Rick Mercer, filmmaker Clement Virgo and Globe and Mail film critic Barry Hertz

Jan 23, 2024 • 26:49

1984: the year that gave us the Macintosh and more

1984: the year that gave us the Macintosh and more

January 22nd marks the 40th anniversary of Apple’s famous 1984 themed — a nod to George Orwells famed dystopian novel — Macintosh ad, which aired during the Super Bowl. The event officially kicked off the home-computing craze in North America. But that was just one breakthrough moment in a year that's become one of the most pivotal in modern history. Music journalist Michaelangelo Matos and media studies professor Siva Vaidhyanathan explain how the major evolutions in technology, pop culture and

Jan 22, 2024 • 25:22

Is Drake still hip-hop, Ava DuVernay's Origin, and what's J-Lo doing making a movie?

Is Drake still hip-hop, Ava DuVernay's Origin, and what's J-Lo doing making a movie?

Comedian Marlon Palmer and culture critics A. Harmony and David Dennis Jr. join Elamin to dig into the week’s big stories: the ‘Drake hip-hop’ debate, Ava DuVernay’s latest film Origin and the trailer for the new J-Lo movie that's gotten everyone confused.

Jan 19, 2024 • 26:53

The internet's obesession with CruiseTok, and exposing the Ashley Madison hack

The internet's obesession with CruiseTok, and exposing the Ashley Madison hack

CruiseTok — the daily stream of TikTok videos made by passengers on Royal Caribbean’s unprecedented nine-month cruise around the world — is the current hottest reality TV show. Culture writers Becky Hughes and Anne T. Donahue explain why you just can’t swipe away. Plus, You might know the actor Sophie Nélisse for playing the young Shauna in Yellowjackets. Now she’s the voice of another harrowing story: a podcast about the Ashley Madison hack. Where people who used the site to cheat on their part

Jan 18, 2024 • 25:11

The Curse's absurd finale, and are pop culture clues on Jeopardy cursed?

The Curse's absurd finale, and are pop culture clues on Jeopardy cursed?

The Paramount+ series The Curse turns a funhouse mirror on white liberal guilt, gentrification, the art world, reality television and other aspects of modern life. Culture critics Falen Johnson and Amil Niazi weigh in on The Curse’s absurd finale. Plus, Jeopardy contestants were recently stumped by a pop culture clue, even when shown a photo of the person they had to guess, which was the late rapper Mac Miller. Elamin chats with 23-time Jeopardy champion Mattea Roach about how hard it is to keep

Jan 17, 2024 • 24:07

What's so interesting about the Zone of Interest, and Terry Ryan goes pro again, sort of

What's so interesting about the Zone of Interest, and Terry Ryan goes pro again, sort of

Jonathan Glazer’s new film The Zone of Interest has received rave reviews and awards-season attention for its unconventional approach to retelling the Holocaust from the perspective of a rich Nazi family that lives next to Auschwitz. Rad Simonpillai will explain what makes The Zone of Interest so compelling, while fellow critic Katarina Docalovich will explain why she was put off by the film. Plus, Former Montreal Canadiens player Terry Ryan never stopped playing hockey – even AFTER he started a

Jan 16, 2024 • 28:21

Calling all True Detectives, and South Korean artists remember Lee Sun-kyun

Calling all True Detectives, and South Korean artists remember Lee Sun-kyun

The fourth season of True Detective premiered on Sunday, and critics are raving about it. TV critics Kathryn VanArendonk and Jackson Weaver talk about leading performances by Jodie Foster and newcomer Kali Reis and the storytelling prowess of showrunner Issa Lopez. Plus, South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun died by apparent suicide late last year, following a highly publicized investigation into alleged drug use. Korean pop culture expert Michelle Cho explains why South Korea’s top artists are callin

Jan 15, 2024 • 25:00

Is the new Mean Girls movie musical finally making fetch happen?

Is the new Mean Girls movie musical finally making fetch happen?

The new Mean Girls movie musical comes out today. Culture critics Sarah-Tai Black, Niko Stratis & Cassie Cao join Elamin to review the latest adaptation of the classic teen movie. Plus, they unpack the backlash to the controversial New York Times op-ed that speculates on Taylor Swift’s sexuality.

Jan 12, 2024 • 24:43

Book lovers, rejoice — it's time for Canada Reads!

Book lovers, rejoice — it's time for Canada Reads!

Commotion is proud to announce the most highly anticipated reading list of the year. Elamin will reveal the five Canadian celebrities and the five books they'll be championing, and give each panelist a thirty second preview of what's to come.

Jan 11, 2024 • 22:55

How did Barack Obama become a tastemaker?

How did Barack Obama become a tastemaker?

Almost a decade after his presidency, Barack Obama is still a cultural force. Jennifer Zhan and Eric Deggans get into Obama’s lasting cultural relevance — and why artists may not want to be on his year-end lists. Plus, are Canadians being left off of best-of lists? Music journalist and author Michael Barclay offers some theories as to why Canadian music may have fallen off on the international stage.

Jan 10, 2024 • 24:33

BONUS: Why is Katt Williams dragging these high profile Black comedians?

BONUS: Why is Katt Williams dragging these high profile Black comedians?

Did Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer steal jokes? Katt Williams seems to think so. Comedian and podcast host Ashley Ray joins Elamin for a special episode of Commotion, where the pair dive into the explosive comments Williams made during a recent interview on the Club Shay Shay podcast.

Jan 9, 2024 • 13:21

Argylle's mystery author, and The Runner's cancellation

Argylle's mystery author, and The Runner's cancellation

Argylle, a highly-anticipated spy thriller novel by debut author Elly Conway, is out today — and fans speculate that Taylor Swift might actually be behind it. Elamin chats with author Heather Marshall and professor Elly McCausland about the role fandoms play in publicity. Plus, theatre critic Aisling Murphy explains the controversy surrounding a cancelled staging of the award-winning play The Runner, about violence in the middle east, in B.C.

Jan 9, 2024 • 25:05

Golden Globes highlights, and music we're looking forward to this year

Golden Globes highlights, and music we're looking forward to this year

Entertainment reporter Teri Hart checks in with a morning-after recap of the highlights and surprises from the 81st Golden Globe Awards, the first to be held since the dissolution of its scandal-plagued organizing body the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Plus, music journalist Maura Johnston and Vulture’s Switched On Pop podcast producer Reanna Cruz tell us about the big albums and dominant trends we can expect from the world of pop music in 2024.

Jan 8, 2024 • 24:58

Good Grief, the Golden Globes are here!

Good Grief, the Golden Globes are here!

The Golden Globes are this Sunday, which means awards season is finally here! After a year of blockbuster films and Hollywood strikes, Elamin chats with comedians/podcasters Ashley Ray and Trevor Campbell, and film critic Kristy Puchko about who they think deserves a golden statue. Plus, the Friday Group Chat gives us their takes on Dan Levy’s directorial debut, Good Grief, following his mega-hit series Schitt’s Creek.

Jan 5, 2024 • 25:17

What books does 2024 have in store?

What books does 2024 have in store?

With a new year comes new books! Writers Jen Sookfong Lee, Makda Mulatu and Tajja Isen join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the titles they're looking forward to reading this year. They also discuss the technologies and trends shaping what gets published, and why so many books never make it to the readers who might love them.

Jan 4, 2024 • 24:04

Why cancel culture in comedy is nothing new

Why cancel culture in comedy is nothing new

Kliph Nesteroff joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud for a chat about his new book, Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars. The Canadian comic and comedy historian shares what the past can tell us about current tensions around free speech and cancel culture.

Jan 3, 2024 • 24:03

The Color Purple, Ferrari and this year's film forecast

The Color Purple, Ferrari and this year's film forecast

Culture critics and friends of the show Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Sarah-Tai Black and Rad Simonpillai join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss the biggest films that came out over the holidays, The Color Purple and Ferrari, and look ahead to the films they're excited to watch in 2024.

Jan 2, 2024 • 25:21

The TV we're excited to watch in 2024

The TV we're excited to watch in 2024

TV in 2023 had some clear highs, like The White Lotus and Succession, but the season took a turn when Hollywood's writers and actors went on strike. With the labour dispute now behind us, what does 2024 have in store for viewers? Culture critics Kathryn VanArendonk, Chris Murphy and Mel Woods join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to kick off the new year with a look at what's coming to the small screen.

Jan 1, 2024 • 26:50

The winners and losers of 2023

The winners and losers of 2023

In the world of arts and pop culture, who are the winners and losers of 2023? Culture thinkers Niko Stratis, Amil Niazi and Matt Hart join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud for a special edition of Commotion, recorded in front of a live audience in Toronto's Glenn Gould Studio as part of the CBC's annual food drive, Sounds of the Season.

Dec 29, 2023 • 25:21

The musicians we lost this year

The musicians we lost this year

Today on Commotion, we pay tribute to some of the big musical icons we lost in 2023 — Gordon Lightfoot, Tina Turner, Sinéad O'Connor and Robbie Robertson — by revisiting the conversations we had this year with the people who knew them, and devout fans who had their lives changed by their music.

Dec 28, 2023 • 25:20

Hip-hop at 50: South Korea's booming music market

Hip-hop at 50: South Korea's booming music market

Up next in Commotion's celebration of hip-hop's 50th anniversary is hip-hop’s growing influence in South Korea. Haekyung Um, a music professor at the University of Liverpool, takes us on a tour of rap history in the region with a special playlist featuring Suga, Yoon Mirae, Verbal Jint and more. Plus, journalist Deirdre Kelly talks about her book Fashioning The Beatles, and why The Fab Four’s sense of style was important to their success and influence as their music.

Dec 27, 2023 • 30:09

How Wicked changed Broadway for good

How Wicked changed Broadway for good

Wicked, the lauded musical prequel to The Wizard of Oz, celebrated its 20th anniversary on Broadway this year. To commemorate the occasion, Wicked experts Stacy Wolf, Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about what makes this now-classic show so timeless, and how it changed the landscape of musical theatre for good.

Dec 26, 2023 • 29:53

The movies were SO back in 2023

The movies were SO back in 2023

For this edition of Commotion's Friday Group Chat, movie critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Teri Hart join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to look back at the year in film. The panelists share their favourites from the year, the biggest disappointments, the most underrated films and the most annoying trends.

Dec 22, 2023 • 30:57

Was this the year of mid?

Was this the year of mid?

Why does everything feel so….mid? Our pop culture, from the music we listen to, to what we watch or share online, has all become a bit bland. At a time when everyone is releasing their best-of-the-year lists, Elamin chats with culture critics Niko Stratis, Kyle Chayka and Bilge Ebiri about this “mid” feeling dogging pop culture — and why that might be exactly where industry execs want us.

Dec 21, 2023 • 23:50

'Loving hard and out loud': a tribute to Charles Officer

'Loving hard and out loud': a tribute to Charles Officer

Earlier this month, we lost Canadian filmmaker, producer and writer Charles Officer, whose award-winning work spanned features, documentary and television. Filmmakers Amanda Parris, Wendy 'Motion' Brathwaite and Randall ‘R.T.’ Thorne join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to look back on his life and legacy of centering Black voices and characters.

Dec 20, 2023 • 22:50

The hits and misses from this year in fashion

The hits and misses from this year in fashion

From the runway to the retail rack, what can we learn about ourselves from what we wore this past year? Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud looks back at the good, the bad and the ugly of 2023's trends with fashion writers Gianluca Russo, Olivia Petter and Bee Quammie.

Dec 19, 2023 • 23:41

How do you solve a problem like Kanye West?

How do you solve a problem like Kanye West?

Kanye West is gearing up to drop a new album, but his reputation has fallen dramatically in recent years as he’s embraced MAGA politics, conspiracy theories and anti-semitic rhetoric. Yet, he remains an object of fascination for the media. Music journalists Dalton Higgins and Leor Galil unpack the Kanye conundrum. Plus, The Gilded Age is a period drama set against a pivotal time in American History – where rapid economic growth was common but any display of new wealth was often shunned. As the s

Dec 18, 2023 • 25:10

The Goodreads plot that tanked a writer's debut, and Leave the World Behind

The Goodreads plot that tanked a writer's debut, and Leave the World Behind

For this Friday's wrap panel, Jael Richardson, Syrus Marcus Ware and Sarah-Tai Black join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the bizarre drama on book review platform Goodreads that led to a debut writer’s book deal getting cancelled, plus Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali’s poignant Netflix thriller Leave the World Behind.

Dec 15, 2023 • 25:10

Wonka, and Hollywood's complicated history of casting little people

Wonka, and Hollywood's complicated history of casting little people

Danny Woodburn is an actor with dwarfism who has spent his long career fighting for roles that aren't stereotypes. While he’s seen progress, he’s frustrated that Hollywood still casts regular sized actors to play little people — like Hugh Grant playing an Oompa Loompa in the new movie, Wonka. He tells host Elamin Abdelmahmoud about Hollywood's complicated casting history.

Dec 14, 2023 • 22:32

The year that was for indie musicians, and The Boy and the Heron

The year that was for indie musicians, and The Boy and the Heron

As part of Commotion’s year-in-review, Elamin sits down with rapper Rollie Pemberton (a.k.a. Cadence Weapon) and veteran indie rock musician/activist Damon Krukowski to talk about all the different ways that life for an independent musician became more difficult in 2023. Plus, CBC entertainment reporter Jackson Weaver explains why The Boy and the Heron is shaping up to be the most successful North American release in Japanese animation icon Hayao Miyazaki's storied career, and where it fits into

Dec 13, 2023 • 24:56

Shohei Ohtani's historic deal, and why we can't get enough of Godzilla

Shohei Ohtani's historic deal, and why we can't get enough of Godzilla

Why would any sports team pay $700 million for a single player? Well, when that athlete is Shohei Ohtani, it seems almost reasonable. It turns out the answer has a lot to do with who’s watching — and who’s paying to advertise. Sports writer Morgan Campbell gets into it. Plus, with the latest installment in the Godzilla franchise becoming the highest grossing Japanese film ever released in the U.S., Godzilla superfan and expert William Tsutsui and Asian culture critic Michelle Cho join Elamin to

Dec 12, 2023 • 29:54

Love Actually and Elf at 20: are they true holiday classics?

Love Actually and Elf at 20: are they true holiday classics?

Love Actually has become a rom-com that fans watch over and over again, especially around the holidays. The film turns 20 this year — and so does Elf, the whimsical holiday comedy starring Will Ferrell. Film critics Hanna Flint and Rad Simonpillai dig into these beloved Christmas movies and how well they have or haven’t aged.

Dec 11, 2023 • 25:11

What's the best way to critique our faves?

What's the best way to critique our faves?

For this week's wrap panel, culture critics Rad Simonpillai, Kathleen Newman-Bremang and Sarah-Tai Black join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to weigh in on Vulture’s controversial critique of Beyoncé, Time Magazine's Person of the Year cover story with Taylor Swift, and what the online reaction to them says about the state of celebrity criticism today. They also discuss Todd Haynes’ psychological dramedy May December, and Netflix’s dubious efforts at marketing it.

Dec 8, 2023 • 28:06

Will Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn leave a sour taste in your mouth?

Will Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn leave a sour taste in your mouth?

Director Emerald Fennell’s latest film, Saltburn, is proving to be even more polarizing than her controversial 2020 debut, Promising Young Woman. Guardian film critic Adrian Horton explains why this tale of class mobility, queer lust and murder has divided audiences between those who think it’s a stylish, sexy, satiricial thriller, and those who think it’s just empty provocation with nothing interesting to say about privilege. Plus, Guy Fieri recently signed a 3-year deal with the Food Network w

Dec 7, 2023 • 25:00

How The O.C. changed pop culture history

How The O.C. changed pop culture history

If there is one show that could serve as a time capsule for the early aughts, it's The O.C. The series launched indie music careers, and turned comic book nerds into heartthrobs. 20 years after its premiere, creator Josh Schwartz and executive producer Stephanie Savage join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to reflect on the ups and downs of making the hit show.

Dec 6, 2023 • 24:59

Commotion Introduces: Stuff the British Stole

Commotion Introduces: Stuff the British Stole

Hosted by Marc Fennell, Stuff the British Stole peels back the true histories behind objects acquired by the British Empire that sit in museums and galleries across the world, and meets the people that want them back! The first two seasons of the podcast are available now on CBC Listen. You can also stream the television series now on CBC Gem. Here, Fennell tells the true story of Matoaka - a young Powhatan girl who you probably know as Pocahontas. This is the mystery of a child, a hidden histor

Dec 5, 2023 • 35:15

Should the British Museum return the Parthenon marbles?

Should the British Museum return the Parthenon marbles?

More than 200 years after the Elgin — or Parthenon — marbles were torn from one of Greece's most sacred landmarks and shipped to the U.K., the Greek government continues to fight for their return. Now, the marbles are at the centre of a diplomatic row between the two countries. Elamin talks to Marc Fennell, the host of Stuff The British Stole, about the latest on this historic case study and the questions it raises about how museums are decolonizing — and what’s getting in the way.

Dec 5, 2023 • 25:18

Honouring Myles Goodwyn and Charles Officer, plus Nicolas Cage's legacy in film

Honouring Myles Goodwyn and Charles Officer, plus Nicolas Cage's legacy in film

Former April Wine singer Myles Goodwyn died this weekend at the age of 75. Craig Northey, one of the founding members of the band Odds, helps us remember Goodwyn's impact and how April Wine's music became an essential part of Canadiana. Elamin also remembers Toronto filmmaker Charles Officer, a giant in Canadian film and television who passed away this weekend after a long illness. Plus, writers Keith Phipps and Anne T. Donahue, as well as former Nicolas Cage stand-in Marco Kyris, stop by Commot

Dec 4, 2023 • 37:27

Beyoncé hits the big screen, Dolly becomes a rockstar and Noah Kahan takes over

Beyoncé hits the big screen, Dolly becomes a rockstar and Noah Kahan takes over

For this week's wrap panel, culture critics Niko Stratis, Rollie Pemberton and A. Harmony join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé and how much the famously private superstar pulls back the curtain on her record-breaking world tour, Dolly Parton’s debut rock album, and whether Noah Kahan is bringing back “stomp and holler” music.

Dec 1, 2023 • 27:22

Spotify Wrapped, remembering Shane MacGowan and decolonizing museums

Spotify Wrapped, remembering Shane MacGowan and decolonizing museums

‘Tis the season for Spotify Wrapped, when the music streaming service delivers a personalized and highly shareable breakdown of users' annual listening habits. Richie Assaly and Chris Murphy explain how Spotify Wrapped became a social media phenomenon, and how it helps generate a lot of goodwill for a company often seen as the Scrooge of the music industry. Plus, more than 50 artists have signed an open letter about how Canadian cultural institutions are failing to Indigenize and decolonize thei

Nov 30, 2023 • 25:11

With Wish, has Disney lost its magic touch?

With Wish, has Disney lost its magic touch?

The latest Disney animated film, Wish, was supposed to be a holiday blockbuster, but a lukewarm opening weekend and harsh reviews suggest it won’t be the next Frozen-level phenomenon. This comes on the heels of other recent box-office disappointments like The Marvels and the latest Indiana Jones film, that have put a damper on the company as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. With Disney hosting its annual town hall meeting for investors this week, we speak to film critics Bilge Ebiri and Kris

Nov 29, 2023 • 25:22

Remembering Karl Tremblay, and Squid Game: The Challenge

Remembering Karl Tremblay, and Squid Game: The Challenge

Karl Tremblay was a national hero in Quebec, and the province is still mourning after the lead singer of Les Cowboys Fringants died earlier this month. Fan and culture journalist Dominic Tardiff helps us remember him. Plus, the new competition show Squid Game: The Challenge is getting a lot of heat for glossing over the anti-capitalist message of the original, dark drama it’s inspired from. But despite that, many critics say this adaptation is surprisingly compelling. Alison Herman and Nicholas

Nov 28, 2023 • 30:24

Celebrating Buffy Sainte-Marie is more complicated now

Celebrating Buffy Sainte-Marie is more complicated now

A new documentary about Buffy Sainte-Marie’s life just won an International Emmy, after a CBC report raised questions about her Indigenous identity. Freelance journalist Michelle Cyca joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about what this win means, and how we move forward with Buffy's legacy as an artist. Plus, for our ongoing celebration of hip-hop's 50th anniversary, Elamin sits down with veteran music journalist and filmmaker Nelson George to look back at the rise of the culture and hip-hop

Nov 27, 2023 • 28:52

Napoleon, Matt Rife, and the state of Hollywood post-strike

Napoleon, Matt Rife, and the state of Hollywood post-strike

Film critics Sarah-Tai Black, Rad Simonpillai and Hanna Flint join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to chat about how Hollywood is holding up post-strike, Ridley Scott’s unique press tour for his new film Napoleon, and what happened when TikTok’s favourite comedian Matt Rife put out a Netflix special.

Nov 24, 2023 • 27:05

Is Taylor Swift responsible for safety at her concert?

Is Taylor Swift responsible for safety at her concert?

Taylor Swift’s first Eras Tour show in Rio de Janeiro was met with an intense heat wave. A 23-year-old woman named Ana Clara Benevides Machado died during the show, and the tragedy has fans grappling with accountability. Culture journalists Nicole Froio and Niko Stratis unpack how fans are feeling about their safety at shows, and how unprepared we are to meet the far-reaching impacts of climate change. Plus, Crocs have been around for more than two decades, and they’re more popular than ever. Cu

Nov 23, 2023 • 25:09

OutKast, then and now: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Aquemini and André 3000's new album

OutKast, then and now: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Aquemini and André 3000's new album

This year marks the 20th anniversary of OutKast's Grammy-winning album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, and the 25th anniversary of their acclaimed album Aquemini. Plus, member of the duo André 3000 just released his first solo album, New Blue Sun. With lots to celebrate, OutKast and Southern hip-hop academic Regina Bradley and veteran music journalist David Dennis Jr. join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to share their reactions to the old and new tunes.

Nov 22, 2023 • 24:32

When artists aren’t allowed to speak about the war in Gaza

When artists aren’t allowed to speak about the war in Gaza

As the Israel-Hamas war continues, there has been an unmistakable upheaval in the art world. Writers Maris Kreizman, Josh Gondelman and Jen Sookfong Lee are grappling with the consequences of speaking up. They join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud and arts reporter Josh O’Kane to share their thoughts on the cancelled exhibits, protests, and the people who’ve lost jobs and opportunities for sharing their points of view — and what's at stake within our cultural institutions.

Nov 21, 2023 • 25:20

Cassie settles her lawsuit against Diddy, and what's going on with Coyote vs. Acme

Cassie settles her lawsuit against Diddy, and what's going on with Coyote vs. Acme

With news of musician Cassie’s launching a suit against music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs that included allegations of rape, abuse and trafficking — and then privately settling a day later — Kathleen Newman-Bremang and David Dennis Jr. share their reaction and early analysis to the case. Plus, Wile E. Coyote voice actor Eric Bauza tells us about how social media outrage over Warner Brother’s decision to shelve the film Coyote vs. Acme just might help save it.

Nov 20, 2023 • 25:11

The Crown, The Curse and Scott Pilgrim, oh my!

The Crown, The Curse and Scott Pilgrim, oh my!

For this week's wrap panel, culture writers Jackson Weaver, Chris Murphy and Anne T. Donahue join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to weigh in on how the new season of The Crown handles Princess Diana’s death, whether Nathan Fielder’s new series The Curse is the most uncomfortable television show of the year, and if the new animated series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off delivers for fans of the Toronto-based cult classic.

Nov 17, 2023 • 27:39

Funflation and why concerts are disruption-proof

Funflation and why concerts are disruption-proof

A new term, "funflation," has been coined to describe how spending on entertainment is way up despite the fact that many people are struggling to make ends meet. Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud makes sense of it with Mark Harrison, founder of the MH3 Collective and Black Talent Initiative who’s been crunching the numbers, and Amelia Eqbal, a self-proclaimed poster girl for funflation who’s seen 11 concerts in the past year.

Nov 16, 2023 • 27:31

The state of stunt work, and what's going on with the Banff Centre

The state of stunt work, and what's going on with the Banff Centre

A new HBO documentary, David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived, explores the special bond between actor Daniel Radcliffe and his Harry Potter stunt double David Holmes, who was paralyzed in an on-set accident. Veteran stunt coordinator Kirk Caouette and actor/podcaster Carolina Bartczak share their thoughts on how the field of stunt work is changing for the better, and worse. Plus, journalist Josh O’Kane explains why one of Canada’s most respected arts organizations, the Banff Centre for Arts and Creati

Nov 15, 2023 • 24:32

The bimbofication of online discourse

The bimbofication of online discourse

The “bimbo” archetype has been showing up a lot lately, whether it's on TikTok or in movies like Barbie and Mean Girls: The Musical — but for reasons you might not expect. Host Elamin Abdemahmoud chats with culture writers Rayne Fisher-Quann, Rebecca Jennings and Andrea Werhun about why people are self-identifying as bimbos, and whether you can really reclaim an identity intended to disempower you.

Nov 14, 2023 • 26:39

Hip-hop at 50: rap music’s history in Quebec

Hip-hop at 50: rap music’s history in Quebec

As part of our series celebrating hip-hop at 50, CBC broadcaster and emcee Nantali Indongo joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to explore hip-hop's musical history in La Belle Province, and the role language played in the rise of some of its most noteworthy rap acts.

Nov 13, 2023 • 23:13

The Marvels, Rap Sh!t and Missy Elliott's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction

The Marvels, Rap Sh!t and Missy Elliott's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction

Culture critics A. Harmony, Ashley Ray and Eli Glasner join guest host Amil Niazi to react to The Marvels, the latest installment in the MCU, the second season of Issa Rae’s series Rap Sh!t, and why Missy Elliott becoming the first female rapper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was a bittersweet moment for some hip-hop fans.

Nov 10, 2023 • 25:28

SAG-AFTRA reaches a deal, and Priscilla's story enters the limelight

SAG-AFTRA reaches a deal, and Priscilla's story enters the limelight

The Hollywood actors' union says their strike is over. Vulture critic Kathryn VanArendonk joins guest host Amil Niazi from L.A. to walk us through the drama that unfolded before the tentative agreement was reached. Plus, Sofia Coppola takes on Priscilla Presley’s story in her new film, shedding a different light on the Elvis fans knew as a beloved performer. Culture writers Alison Willmore and Jackson Weaver share their thoughts on the film's reception and how it fits into Coppola's cannon.

Nov 9, 2023 • 24:47

What the MuchMusic doc remembers, and forgets, about the channel's legacy

What the MuchMusic doc remembers, and forgets, about the channel's legacy

Former MuchMusic personality Craig F. Halket and journalists Liisa Ladouceur and Dalton Higgins join guest host Amil Niazi to share their takes on what Sean Menard’s documentary, 299 Queen Street West, gets right about the Nation’s Music Station — and what’s been left out of the narrative. Plus, culture writer Niko Stratis reacts to the news that Urban Outfitters will be selling refurbished and retrofitted iPods.

Nov 8, 2023 • 25:02

How The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill changed hip-hop forever

How The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill changed hip-hop forever

It can be easy to forget that Lauryn Hill only put out one solo album. And that's because of its unbelievable impact on hip-hop and people's lives. Today on the podcast, A. harmony helps break down what was going on behind the scenes of the album production and why it continues to be so relevant to this day. Plus, how one art historian is questioning, what is the story of art without men?

Nov 7, 2023 • 33:55

What's it like to get trolled by an HBO CEO?

What's it like to get trolled by an HBO CEO?

Last week, HBO’s CEO apologized for creating fake social media accounts to clap back at TV critics who wrote negative reviews about the platform's shows. Vulture critic and friend of Commotion Kathryn VanArendonk talks about what it was like to see her tweets discussed by HBO bosses. Plus, radio host Nantali Indongo explains how Québec's Félix Awards are a testament to the strength of the province's music scene.

Nov 6, 2023 • 23:43

Hasan Minhaj fights for his reputation, with Roy Wood Jr. and Ali Hassan

Hasan Minhaj fights for his reputation, with Roy Wood Jr. and Ali Hassan

How much does the truth really matter when it comes to comedy? Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud talks to former The Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood Jr. and comedian Ali Hassan about Hasan Minhaj’s efforts to justify his approach to comedy following a profile in The New Yorker detailing instances where he stretched the truth in his stand-up routines.

Nov 3, 2023 • 24:26

The miraculous final Beatles song, Now and Then

The miraculous final Beatles song, Now and Then

Against all odds, today the world receives a new single from The Beatles. To celebrate, Commotion’s resident Fab Fourologists Paul Myers and Maura Johnston join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to share their reactions to the song, Now and Then, and unpack the fascinating, decades-long story behind its creation.

Nov 2, 2023 • 19:00

The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame's latest inductees, and the return of legendary cartoonist Bill Watterson

The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame's latest inductees, and the return of legendary cartoonist Bill Watterson

On the eve of Snow’s Informer and Bran Van 3000’s Drinking In L.A. being inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, music critics Dalton Higgins and Stuart Berman look back on the impact these two acts and their music had on pop culture then and now. Plus, author and publisher Michael Hingston chats with host Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the legendary cartoonist Bill Watterson’s mysterious reclusion, and what the Calvin and Hobbes creator's new picture book, The Mysteries, might say about

Nov 1, 2023 • 24:19

Introducing: Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Introducing: Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Introducing our new show: Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud! Every weekday, culture writer and professional fan Elamin will bring you thoughtful and vibrant discussions in just 30 minutes. With the help of superfans and experts alike, Elamin will cover the most urgent and joyful stories in arts, pop culture and entertainment. Welcome to the group chat!

Nov 1, 2023 • 2:18

Remembering Matthew Perry, and Five Nights At Freddy's

Remembering Matthew Perry, and Five Nights At Freddy's

Known around the world for his sardonic wit as Friends' Chandler Bing, the late Matthew Perry is also being remembered as an advocate for those dealing with substance abuse issues. Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud sits down with writer and editor Kevin Fallon to commemorate the Canadian-American actor. Plus, Commotion’s resident horror expert Matt Hart explains how the creepy indie videogame Five Nights at Freddy's became a massively successful franchise.

Oct 31, 2023 • 24:05

Buffy Sainte-Marie and who gets to claim Indigenous identity

Buffy Sainte-Marie and who gets to claim Indigenous identity

According to an investigation by CBC's The Fifth Estate, musician and icon Buffy Sainte-Marie may not be who she claims to be. Anishinaabekwe musician ShoShona Kish and Cree writer Michelle Good join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to share their reactions and reflections following the latest reports about the trailblazer's ancestry.

Oct 30, 2023 • 32:46

Britney Spears finally tells her own story

Britney Spears finally tells her own story

Britney Spears’ musical legacy in pop is so big that it’s hard to define — and yet, that legacy is often overshadowed by the way she was exploited in the press for years. Now, Spears is addressing it all in her new memoir, The Woman in Me. Writers Lisa Whittington-Hill and Alessa Dominguez join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss revelations from the book, and how her story has been framed by the men in her life.

Oct 27, 2023 • 26:45

Do we need celebrities to weigh in on war?

Do we need celebrities to weigh in on war?

It’s been almost three weeks of war in the Middle East — and three weeks of posts by celebrities letting us know where they stand on the issue. Today on Commotion, tech reporters Alyssa Bereznak and Mike Isaac, along with friend of the show Rad Simonpillai, join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss how celebrities influence our feelings about war, and why that matters.

Oct 26, 2023 • 35:51

What does Killers of the Flower Moon get right?

What does Killers of the Flower Moon get right?

Martin Scorsese's highly-anticipated film about a series of murders in the Osage Nation during the 1920s has finally arrived in theatres. Author Angela Sterritt and culture critics Johnnie Jae and Jesse Wente join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to react to Killers of The Flower Moon and what it might suggest about who gets to tell Indigenous stories in 2023.

Oct 25, 2023 • 25:21

Rethinking the legacy of Milli Vanilli

Rethinking the legacy of Milli Vanilli

"Milli Vanilli" is a new documentary that unpacks the lip sync scandal behind one of the biggest acts of the '80s. The doc's executive producer Hanif Abdurraqib and music journalist Craig Seymour join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss the legacy of the scandal, and what the media and fans might've missed when it first broke. Plus, Pitchfork contributing editor Philip Sherburne explains why people are concerned for the state of music-sharing website Bandcamp after a recent sale to music-licensi

Oct 24, 2023 • 25:10

Sufjan Stevens' big feelings on his tenth studio album Javelin

Sufjan Stevens' big feelings on his tenth studio album Javelin

Sufjan Stevens is a songwriter of big feelings, and his tenth studio album, Javelin, proves he’s still at the top of his game. Culture critics Craig Jenkins and Mel Woods talk with host Elamin Abdelmahmoud about how the album, dedicated to Stevens' late partner Evans Richardson IV, is a study in grief, love and honouring the big relationships in your life. Plus, CBC Sports senior contributor Shireen Ahmed discusses the hottest rivalry in the NBA, between star reporters Adrian Wojnarowski and Sha

Oct 23, 2023 • 33:33

Is Jada Pinkett Smith's memoir worth a read?

Is Jada Pinkett Smith's memoir worth a read?

Jada Pinkett Smith has always been known for sharing intimate details of her personal life, but with the publication of her memoir Worthy, readers are realizing there's a whole lot she's kept secret until now. Culture critics and friends of Commotion Kyle Buchanan, Kathleen Newman-Bremang and Bee Quammie talk with guest host Amil Niazi about how Pinkett Smith is taking charge of the conversation. Plus, they share their thoughts on Drake’s son Adonis Graham's first single and A24's first movie mu

Oct 20, 2023 • 28:17

Hip-hop at 50: the decades-long evolution of rap music in India

Hip-hop at 50: the decades-long evolution of rap music in India

As Commotion continues its coverage of hip-hop's 50th anniversary, guest host Amil Niazi looks at India’s rap history with Hip-Hop-N-More website founder and Mass Appeal India exec Navjosh Singh.

Oct 19, 2023 • 23:06

How KAWS has redefined art for the masses

How KAWS has redefined art for the masses

Brooklyn’s KAWS has become the toast of the global street art scene and collectible toy market. Toronto Star contributer Sue Carter and Heistdro of Toronto designer toy boutique Collective explain why some critics in the art world aren’t happy about him receiving his own exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Plus, LA Times critic Suzy Exposito talks about Bad Bunny’s surprise album, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana, and what his massive success means for Latin music and culture.

Oct 18, 2023 • 30:38

Paw Patrol is on a roll. Is it unstoppable?

Paw Patrol is on a roll. Is it unstoppable?

Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie earned the biggest North American opening for a Canadian movie in over a decade. Barry Hertz and Syrus Marcus Ware, parents and culture critics, talk with guest host Amil Niazi about Paw Patrol’s dominance and the social criticisms it’s drawn. Plus, theatre director Marc Gourdeau explains why companies are fighting to change a law in Quebec that bans actors from smoking on stage.

Oct 17, 2023 • 25:11

Commotion Introduces: Let’s Make A Horror

Commotion Introduces: Let’s Make A Horror

They’re the hosts that brought you the Webby award-winning Let’s Make A Sci-Fi – one of The New Yorker’s Best Podcasts of 2022. They brought the heart and humour with the follow up season, Let’s Make a Rom-Com. This time they’re going to make you laugh while they try to make you scream. Over 10 episodes, Maddy, Mark, and Ryan will learn what it takes to make truly frightening horror. They’ll meet the creators who make horror such an enduring genre. They’ll meet the people who love to be scared a

Oct 17, 2023 • 35:40

Does Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour hit different on the big screen?

Does Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour hit different on the big screen?

The biggest pop star on the planet became the world’s biggest movie star this weekend with the opening of the highly-anticipated concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. Swifties Amelia Eqbal and Eva Zhu join guest host Amil Niazi to talk about whether it lives up to the hype. Plus, Elamin Abdelmahmoud speaks with veteran music journalist and filmmaker Nelson George about a brand new CBC doc he executive produced, called Black Life: Untold Stories.

Oct 16, 2023 • 19:32

Netflix's Beckham, and the concert movie renaissance

Netflix's Beckham, and the concert movie renaissance

For this week's wrap panel, culture critics Rad Simonpillai, Anne T. Donahue and Dalton Higgins weigh in on Netflix’s David Beckham docuseries, and the way Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour film is ushering in a concert movie renaissance.

Oct 13, 2023 • 25:42

Regulating Canadian podcasts, and the problem with Audible

Regulating Canadian podcasts, and the problem with Audible

The CRTC announced that streaming services like Spotify and Netflix will need to register their information with the CRTC as it implements the Online Streaming Act passed in April. Podcast critic Nicholas Quah, policy expert Vass Bednar and podcast host Mattea Roach discuss how the podcasting industry, both in Canada and abroad, has reacted to the news. Plus, author Cory Doctorow explains why he goes out of his way to sell the audiobook versions of his books without Amazon.

Oct 12, 2023 • 31:02

The Exorcist's staying power, and the tensions within Punjabi-Canadian hip-hop

The Exorcist's staying power, and the tensions within Punjabi-Canadian hip-hop

Although critics are slamming the new Exorcist movie, it's still number one at the box office. Horror fans Jen Sookfong Lee and Matt Hart make the case for the original Exorcist, and weigh in on why we love to be scared at the movies. Plus, Sikh hip-hop academic Sara Grewal discusses the political fallout from an IG post made by Punjabi-Canadian hip-hop artist Shubh and how that, along with ongoing tensions between Canada's and India’s respective governments, is shaping how Punjabi-Canadian arti

Oct 11, 2023 • 24:45

Where have all the small concert venues gone?

Where have all the small concert venues gone?

As concert ticket prices continue to skyrocket and the richest pop stars keep getting richer, small neighborhood music venues — the places where future stars are born — have been shuttering from coast to coast. Today on Commotion, Toronto music promoter Jonathan Bunce, Pop Montreal founder Dan Seligman and Vancouver musician/playwright Leah Abramson join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to diagnose the root causes of the problem and identify potential solutions for revitalizing local music scenes.

Oct 10, 2023 • 24:23

Why we love celebrity power couples

Why we love celebrity power couples

From Jay-Z and Beyoncé to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, we have a cultural fascination with power couples. But what makes for a good power couple, and how transactional is love when you get to a certain level of celebrity? For this special edition of Commotion, culture writers and show regulars Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Rad Simonpillai and Niko Stratis join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to weigh in on all of this — in front of a live audience, onstage at Toronto's Buddies in Bad Times theatre.

Oct 9, 2023 • 29:38

Drake's For All The Dogs, and Love is Blind's messiest season yet

Drake's For All The Dogs, and Love is Blind's messiest season yet

For this week's wrap panel, culture critics Mastermind, Sarah-Tai Black and Marlon Palmer join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to react to Drake's new album, For All The Dogs, and the latest messy and explosive season of Love Is Blind on Netflix.

Oct 6, 2023 • 26:06

Late night TV returns, and Sphere lights up Las Vegas

Late night TV returns, and Sphere lights up Las Vegas

Late night shows were the first casualty of the writers' strike and, after being dark for 5 months, they’re the first to be back on air — but did anyone really miss them? Entertainment reporters Teri Hart and Eric Deggans discuss how the writers' strike changed late night TV, and what might lie ahead. Plus, music journalist Steven Hyden shares a first-person account of U2’s grand-opening show at Sphere, the new $2 billion video-dome venue in Las Vegas that sets a lofty new standard for live ente

Oct 5, 2023 • 25:09

R.I.P. NFTs, and the mission of Ballet Black

R.I.P. NFTs, and the mission of Ballet Black

Are NFTs dead? Tech reporter and friend of Commotion Alyssa Bereznak recaps the NFT goldrush of the 2020s as a whirlwind of money and celebrity endorsements that ultimately crashed. Plus, host Elamin Abdelmahmoud speaks with Cassa Pancho, the founder of the groundbreaking company Ballet Black, about how she’s shaking up the world of ballet.

Oct 4, 2023 • 26:09

What we know now about Tupac's murder, and the future of Hollywood post-strike

What we know now about Tupac's murder, and the future of Hollywood post-strike

Culture critic Ian Steaman joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to react to the latest arrest in the murder of Tupac Shakur, and why after 26 years this unsolved case continues to resonate within today's zeitgeist. Plus, screenwriter and showrunner Anthony Q. Farrell and culture critic Kathryn VanArendonk talk about what the Hollywood writers' strike actually changed, and what we can expect in the future.

Oct 3, 2023 • 24:31

Hip-hop at 50: the rise of Indigenous hip-hop

Hip-hop at 50: the rise of Indigenous hip-hop

As part of Commotion’s celebration of hip-hop at 50, host Elamin Abdelmahmoud explores the emergence of Indigenous rap as a crucial outlet for social commentary across Canada with Vancouver rapper JB the First Lady, Toronto-based producer David Strickland, and Winnipeg MC Sly Skeeta.

Oct 2, 2023 • 24:34

What ET Canada's cancellation signals for the industry, and The Golden Bachelor

What ET Canada's cancellation signals for the industry, and The Golden Bachelor

ET Canada, Corus Entertainment's flagship TV entertainment program, was cancelled this week after 18 years on the air. What does it mean for entertainment journalism in Canada to lose a show like this? Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud gets into that, plus what's new with The Golden Bachelor, with culture writers Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Amil Niazi and author Jael Richardson.

Sep 29, 2023 • 28:24

The legacy of the Super Models, and the newest inductees of Canada's 'Rock' of Fame

The legacy of the Super Models, and the newest inductees of Canada's 'Rock' of Fame

The most iconic super models of the late '80s and early '90s are reuniting on the cover of this month’s Vogue magazine, and for a new Apple TV+ documentary series. Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud talks about their staying power — and how they changed the game — with models and culture critics Hanna Ellis and Bee Quammie. Plus, on the eve of their induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame, ‘80s rock trailblazers Lee Aaron and Carole Pope talk about the different paths they took as women disrupting the Canad

Sep 28, 2023 • 27:21

Taylor Swift steps out with Travis Kelce, and American Horror Story returns

Taylor Swift steps out with Travis Kelce, and American Horror Story returns

The Kansas City Chiefs football game on Sunday was dramatically overshadowed by the presence of Taylor Swift, who cheered from a private viewing suite after being publicly courted by star tight end Travis Kelce for months. Culture writers Tyler Foggatt and Mel Woods join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss the publicity politics at play. Plus, Mel Woods talks about the return of anthology series American Horror Story and the effectiveness of stunt casting.

Sep 27, 2023 • 25:01

The Hollywood writers' strike reaches a tentative conclusion, and the KW Symphony is no more

The Hollywood writers' strike reaches a tentative conclusion, and the KW Symphony is no more

The Writers Guild of America is poised to end its five-month strike after reaching a tentative deal with the studios. Writers Kathryn Borel and Jackie Penn join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to share why they have their hopes up. Plus, with news that the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony has ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy, Orchestra Canada's Executive Director Katherine Carleton shares her reaction to the news and what it might say about the future of Canada’s live orchestra industry.

Sep 26, 2023 • 25:09

Creating a K-pop girl group for TV, and seeing text on screen all the time

Creating a K-pop girl group for TV, and seeing text on screen all the time

HYBE and JYP, two of Korea’s biggest music labels, are launching new girl groups on reality shows. But instead of casting just East and Southeast Asian performers, they’re open to artists of any background. What does it mean to create a girl group in the style of K-pop? Michelle Cho and Crystal S. Anderson tell host Elamin Abdelmahmoud about how the experiment is playing out on YouTube. Plus Alison O’Daniel, a visual artist and filmmaker on the deaf spectrum, talks about why she thinks we should

Sep 25, 2023 • 27:12

Has Hasan Minhaj crossed a line?

Has Hasan Minhaj crossed a line?

Hasan Minhaj is in the news this week after The New Yorker published an exposé revealing that some of the personal stories the comedian told in his stand-up weren't true. It's raising the question: how much are comedians allowed to stretch the truth? Comedians Cassie Cao, John Cullen and Brandon Ash-Mohammed join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to get into this as well as the recent praise the series Sex Education is receiving.

Sep 22, 2023 • 27:09

How books get blurbed, and turning webtoons into TV

How books get blurbed, and turning webtoons into TV

We’ve all heard the line “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but millions of us are nonetheless swayed by a good blurb on the cover. Authors Jen Sookfong Lee and Anakana Schofield join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to delve into the power of blurbs — and how they’re more about personal connections than a book’s real merit. Plus, the season finale of the superhero series Moving, based on the popular webtoon by Kang Full, dropped this week on Disney+. Regina Kim talks about why so many webtoons are bein

Sep 21, 2023 • 28:19

The allegations against Russell Brand, and fashioning The Beatles

The allegations against Russell Brand, and fashioning The Beatles

Facing allegations that include rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse, British comedian Russell Brand claims the mainstream media is working against him. Reporters Kat Tenbarge and Alyssa Bereznak unpack the story and explain why Brand’s YouTube subscribers are primed to distrust the media. Plus, journalist Deirdre Kelly talks about her new book Fashioning The Beatles, and why their sense of style was as important to their success as their music.

Sep 20, 2023 • 22:12

BONUS: Debby Friday on her 2023 Polaris Music Prize win

BONUS: Debby Friday on her 2023 Polaris Music Prize win

In this special episode of Commotion, host Elamin Abdelmahmoud chats with Montreal’s Debby Friday about last night's Polaris Music Prize gala, where the singer won the top prize for her debut album, Good Luck. She talks about what it felt like to win an award based on artistic merit alone, why she is so passionate about producing her own music, and what it means to her to represent Montreal on the Polaris stage.

Sep 20, 2023 • 10:25

Jann Wenner's controversy, and who counts as a musical genius

Jann Wenner's controversy, and who counts as a musical genius

When it comes to music, who decides what’s good? From boomers to kids on TikTok, the goal posts are constantly shifting. Culture writers Kelefa Sanneh and Niko Stratis wade into the debate around Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner, who is facing backlash for profiling seven white male rock musicians in his new book The Masters — at the exclusion of everyone else.

Sep 19, 2023 • 39:34

Movies about recent history, and the story behind Drake's IG video of his dad

Movies about recent history, and the story behind Drake's IG video of his dad

Vulture pop culture and film critic Nate Jones joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the new comedy Dumb Money, inspired by the 2021 GameStop stock controversy, and what it says about Hollywood's thirst for quick turnarounds ripped from the headlines. Plus, Toronto music historian Daniel Tate explains how rare video footage he procured of Drake’s dad, Dennis Graham, became part of the rollout plan for the rapper’s new album, For All the Dogs.

Sep 18, 2023 • 25:02

Artist-specific reporters, the return of Diddy and the end of TIFF23

Artist-specific reporters, the return of Diddy and the end of TIFF23

USA Today is hiring two new reporters — one focused on Taylor Swift, and one dedicated to Beyoncé. These job postings raise all sorts of questions about the state of pop culture journalism today. For this week's wrap panel, host Elamin Abdelmahmoud chats with culture critics Eli Glasner, Kathleen Newman-Bremang and Mastermind about this and other big stories of the week.

Sep 15, 2023 • 27:27

Filmmaker Thom Zimny shows us another side of Sylvester Stallone

Filmmaker Thom Zimny shows us another side of Sylvester Stallone

Filmmaker Thom Zimny discusses his new documentary, Sly, which takes an intimate look at the life of Sylvester Stallone and celebrates the cinematic auteur lurking behind his muscle-bound action-hero image.

Sep 14, 2023 • 22:38

How boyhood during Y2K influenced the toxic masculinity we see today

How boyhood during Y2K influenced the toxic masculinity we see today

Vancouver author Alex Kazemi joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss his audacious debut novel, New Millennium Boyz — a no-holds-barred account of late '90s adolescence that posits the crass youth culture of the Y2K era as a harbinger of the toxic masculinity and online hostility that permeate our lives today. Plus, with the final season of Netflix’s UK crime series Top Boy out now, culture critic Ian Steaman talks about the show’s legacy and why it resonated so much with fans on this side of the p

Sep 13, 2023 • 25:15

What’s rotten with Rotten Tomatoes?

What’s rotten with Rotten Tomatoes?

Journalist Lane Brown investigated the popular film review site Rotten Tomatoes — and found out just how skewed the rankings really are. He joins film critic Rad Simonpillai and host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss what's going on with the business of film criticism more broadly. Plus, Drew Barrymore has announced her daytime talk show is back in production amid the Hollywood writers' strike. Entertainment reporter Teri Hart unpacks this choice, and the fallout so far.

Sep 12, 2023 • 25:10

What made Louis C.K.'s comeback possible?

What made Louis C.K.'s comeback possible?

When Louis C.K. was accused of sexual misconduct by a group of women, he did something different: he admitted it, said sorry. Then, he turned his experience into one of the most successful comedy tours in recent history. Two filmmakers join Elamin to talk about how the saga illuminates so-called cancel culture. Plus, Alison Herman explains why the new live action version of the popular manga series One Piece has been more successful than past attempts.

Sep 11, 2023 • 28:12

Olivia Rodrigo's gutsy sophomore album, and what's going on at The Tonight Show

Olivia Rodrigo's gutsy sophomore album, and what's going on at The Tonight Show

For this week's wrap panel, Kathryn VanArendonk breaks down Rolling Stone Magazine's investigation into the culture behind The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, plus Niko Stratis and Falen Johnson share their reactions to Olivia Rodrigo’s new album GUTS, and explain why some are calling the latest episode of the final season of Reservation Dogs required viewing for all settlers.

Sep 8, 2023 • 25:04

Farhad Delaram's return to film, and the problem with Quebec's comedy club scene

Farhad Delaram's return to film, and the problem with Quebec's comedy club scene

Farhad Delaram’s film Achilles is having its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. He sits down with Elamin to talk about the cost of making art in Iran. Plus, Coralie LaPerrière is a comedian in Quebec who regularly calls out the province’s "boys club" comedy culture. She talks about the range of reactions to her calls for more diversity in lineups, and what systemic changes she hopes to see in Quebec’s comedy scene.

Sep 7, 2023 • 24:08

Bottoms and the new era of teen sex comedies

Bottoms and the new era of teen sex comedies

Canadian filmmaker Emma Seligman has a big hit on her hands with the teen sex comedy Bottoms. Culture writers Madeline Ducharme and Mel Woods join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to share their thoughts on the wonderfully absurd and hilarious movie, and look at how queer coming-of-age is growing up on screen. Plus, Bloomberg reporter Ashley Carman explains how white noise podcasters have cut into Spotify’s annual profits by $38 million dollars.

Sep 6, 2023 • 25:06

How the Hollywood strikes are affecting this fall’s TV lineup

How the Hollywood strikes are affecting this fall’s TV lineup

TV experts Kathryn VanArendonk, Nina Metz and Emily Longeretta look ahead to the fall television season and discuss how the ongoing labour disputes in Hollywood will affect what we’re going to see on our screens. Plus, we remember musicians Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth and Jimmy Buffet, who died over the weekend.

Sep 5, 2023 • 25:17

Is TIFF the people's film festival?

Is TIFF the people's film festival?

As the opening to TIFF grows closer, film fans are watching how Hollywood actors are navigating the red carpets and cameras at the Venice International Film Festival. Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud chats with film critics Elena Lazic, Teri Hart and Rad Simonpillai about how the ongoing actors’ strike is affecting international film festivals, and what they're seeing at the unofficial start of Oscar season.

Sep 4, 2023 • 33:46

Are we in an Adam Sandler-ssance?

Are we in an Adam Sandler-ssance?

For this week's wrap panel, culture critics Ashley Ray, Morgan Campbell and comedian Natalie Norman join Elamin to discuss Adam Sandler's new Netflix film, You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah, this week's viral moment surrounding track star Noah Nyles, and whether Ontario's ban on gambling ads featuring celebrities and athletes is a good thing.

Sep 1, 2023 • 25:12

Defining yacht rock, and the rise of #BamaRush TikTok

Defining yacht rock, and the rise of #BamaRush TikTok

JD Ryznar and Dave Lyons, co-creators of the mid-2000s comedic web-series Yacht Rock, discuss how the joke genre they coined led to a legitimate smooth-music renaissance in pop culture — and how that’s led to a distorted definition of what yacht rock is all about. Plus, journalist Anne Helen Petersen takes us inside the online phenomenon known as RushTok: the real-time TikTok dispatches of young women vying for a coveted spot in the University of Alabama’s elite sororities.

Aug 31, 2023 • 36:22

Sam Lipman-Stern turned found footage from a shady workplace into an HBO documentary

Sam Lipman-Stern turned found footage from a shady workplace into an HBO documentary

HBO's new docuseries Telemarketers follows a pair of work buddies who find themselves in the middle of a massive scam — and it's one of this year's surprise hit shows. Co-director Sam Lipman-Stern joins Elamin to talk about how he knew this story needed to be shared, and what it was like making this docuseries over the last 20 years.

Aug 30, 2023 • 22:55

How Madonna changed pop music

How Madonna changed pop music

Madonna turned 65 this year, and she’s set to go on tour this fall. Culture critics Craig Seymour, Maura Johnson and Syrus Marcus Ware join Elamin to look back at Madonna’s reign as the Queen of Pop — including the hits, misses and criticisms — and how her legacy holds up all these years later.

Aug 29, 2023 • 24:19

What students gain from bringing pop culture into the classroom

What students gain from bringing pop culture into the classroom

British professor Elly McCausland explains why she’s launching a Taylor Swift-inspired literature course at Belgium’s Ghent University this fall, while hip-hop historian Dalton Higgins details his experience teaching a Drake-themed course at Toronto Metropolitan University, to highlight the value of bringing pop culture into the classroom. Plus, author Jael Richardson tells host Elamin Abdelmahmoud about what she says to anyone who thinks that listening to an audiobook doesn’t count as reading.

Aug 28, 2023 • 24:57

And just like that, the Sex and the City reboot wraps up Season 2

And just like that, the Sex and the City reboot wraps up Season 2

The Sex and the City spin-off, And Just Like That..., wraps up its second season this week. For this week's wrap panel, culture critics Amil Niazi, Chris Murphy and Lainey Lui join guest host Talia Schlanger to discuss how Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha's New York City exploits continue to leave an indelible mark on our culture, as well as the resurgence of Suits and the return of NSYNC.

Aug 25, 2023 • 27:15

Does Ahsoka do justice to the beloved character?

Does Ahsoka do justice to the beloved character?

Culture critics Ryan Britt and Hannah Flint join guest host Talia Schlanger to review Ahsoka, the latest stand-alone series in the Star Wars canon, and whether this live action take on one of the franchise’s most beloved animated characters does justice to its legacy. Plus, Leela Gilday is a Canadian musician who had to evacuate Yellowknife due to wildfires. She talks about music’s power to heal and reflects on her own relationship to the environment through her music.

Aug 24, 2023 • 24:31

Will an antitrust suit against Amazon help booksellers?

Will an antitrust suit against Amazon help booksellers?

With the Federal Trade Commission in the U.S. expected to pursue antitrust action against Amazon’s monopolistic bookselling practices, authors Jen Sookfong Lee and Anakana Schofield talk about how the online retail empire has impacted the publishing industry and their own careers. Plus, Canadian translator Yilin Wang’s original translations of Chinese poetry were used by the British Museum in London in an exhibit without her permission or crediting her. She tells guest host Talia Schlanger about

Aug 23, 2023 • 27:14

Is Fyre Festival really happening again?

Is Fyre Festival really happening again?

Fyre Festival produced the saddest-looking sandwiches you ever saw, stranded party-goers in the Bahamas — and landed its organizer in jail. But after serving time for fraud, Billy McFarland is selling tickets to Fyre Festival 2. Alyssa Bereznak explains how we got here. Plus, Suzy Exposito and Shaad D’Souza tell guest host Talia Schlanger about why pop artists are struggling to breakthrough, and how a middle class of stars have demonstrated a new model of career sustainability.

Aug 22, 2023 • 24:40

What to expect from this year's TIFF

What to expect from this year's TIFF

Film critics Sarah-Tai Black and Rad Simonpillai join guest host Talia Schlanger to discuss the lineup announcements and their favourite films appearing at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, and how the ongoing strike might affect this year’s festivities. Plus, Vulture culture critic Kathryn VanArendonk talks about HBO's unconventional true crime docuseries Telemarketers, created by two former telemarketers.

Aug 21, 2023 • 23:37

Bradley Cooper's prosthetic nose for Maestro, and Oliver Anthony’s unlikely hit

Bradley Cooper's prosthetic nose for Maestro, and Oliver Anthony’s unlikely hit

For our end-of-week group chat, culture critics Niko Stratis, Richie Assaly and Chandler Levack join guest host Amil Niazi to discuss Bradley Cooper’s controversial prosthetic nose for his role as the Jewish composer Leonard Bernstein in the upcoming biopic Maestro, and two very different viral hits currently breaking the internet: Virginia country singer Oliver Anthony’s conservative-leaning protest song Rich Men North of Richmond, and DJ Crazy Times’ retro dance pop satire, Planet of the Bass.

Aug 18, 2023 • 26:57

Netflix's Depp v. Heard docuseries, and what's next for The Hills' Heidi and Spencer

Netflix's Depp v. Heard docuseries, and what's next for The Hills' Heidi and Spencer

When the court case between ex-spouses Johnny Depp and Amber Heard was livestreamed, it opened a window into a celebrity marriage gone wrong. Culture writers Kat Tenbarge and Izzy Ampil join guest host Amil Niazi to discuss the new Netflix docuseries retelling the defamation case, and to look back on the internet’s vitriolic attacks on Amber Heard. Plus, comedian and podcast host Jessi Cruickshank talks about The Hills reality stars Heidi & Spencer’s latest chase for fame.

Aug 17, 2023 • 32:07

Is the HBO series Winning Time a slam dunk?

Is the HBO series Winning Time a slam dunk?

Sports culture critic Morgan Campbell and comedian/podcaster Ashley Ray join guest host Amil Niazi to discuss what the HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of The Lakers and the breaking controversy surrounding the Oscar-winning sports biopic The Blind Side might say about where the appropriate line should be between fact and fiction. Plus, music journalist Michael Tedder discusses his new book Top Eight: How MySpace Changed Music, and what made the site’s convergence of indie music and social medi

Aug 16, 2023 • 25:32

Do LGBTQ films get harsher content ratings?

Do LGBTQ films get harsher content ratings?

The new queer-themed romance films Red, White & Royal Blue and Passages respectively received R and NC-17 ratings from the Motion Picture Association. CBC News correspondent Jenna Benchetrit explains why films about queer romance have historically been held to a different, more restrictive standard by ratings boards. Plus, culture critic Stacy Lee Kong and romance author Farah Heron talk about what happened when an NHL hockey team welcomed attention from BookTok for its real life players, and ho

Aug 15, 2023 • 25:41

What happens when real life bleeds into reality TV?

What happens when real life bleeds into reality TV?

Culture critic Teri Hart joins Commotion guest host Amil Niazi to discuss the controversy surrounding a recent episode of Below Deck Down Under and what it might say about where the line between reality show and real life sits in 2023. Plus, tech writer Chris Stokel-Walker looks at what AI could mean for the future of video creation and the relationships creators have with their audience.

Aug 14, 2023 • 24:04

Celebrating 50 years of hip-hop music

Celebrating 50 years of hip-hop music

For the latest installment of Commotion’s hip-hop 50 celebrations, veteran music journalist Dalton Higgins, DJ Mel Boogie and Mastermind join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud for a look back at the rise of one of Canada’s oldest and world-renowned hip-hop cities: Toronto.

Aug 11, 2023 • 24:45

Remembering musician legend Robbie Robertson

Remembering musician legend Robbie Robertson

Robertson's friends and musical collaborators Daniel Lanois and Tom Wilson help us remember the legacy of the rock 'n' roll powerhouse. The Canadian guitarist, singer and songwriter is one of the founding architects behind The Band. Plus, we also pay tribute to the late American singer-songwriter Sixto Rodriguez.

Aug 10, 2023 • 21:24

Are you Ready For It? Taylor Swift is bringing the Eras World Tour to Canada

Are you Ready For It? Taylor Swift is bringing the Eras World Tour to Canada

Canadian Swifties are on the hunt for tickets to the Eras World Tour. Taylor Swift announced last week an extension of her tour which includes six dates in Toronto. Plus, rapper Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion.

Aug 9, 2023 • 25:10

Cigarettes are making a TV comeback, and how influencers are changing the landscape for film critics

Cigarettes are making a TV comeback, and how influencers are changing the landscape for film critics

At a time when there’s been an increase in cigarettes and vaping, particularly among young people, culture writers Olivia Rose Rushing and Anne T. Donahue dig into why viewers might be seeing a lot more smoking on TV and movies right now from shows like The Idol, Stranger Things and movies like Oppenheimer and Top Gun: Maverick. Plus, these days film critic reviews take a back seat to the power of the social media influencer. Film critic and actor Manuela Lazic talks about what this new dynamic

Aug 8, 2023 • 25:10

Hip-hop at 50: the rise of UK rap, and the importance of DatPiff.com

Hip-hop at 50: the rise of UK rap, and the importance of DatPiff.com

Hip-hop might have begun in NYC, but the culture is undoubtedly a global phenomenon. DJ and music journalist Jesse Bernard joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to take us on a brief journey through the history of UK rap. Plus, New York Times writer Brian Josephs talks about the legacy of mixtape site DatPiff.com, and why archiving the catalogues of sites like DatPiff is important.

Aug 7, 2023 • 24:42

The allegations against Lizzo, Shortcomings, and the latest TMNT reboot

The allegations against Lizzo, Shortcomings, and the latest TMNT reboot

Lizzo is the rare celebrity who seemed to use her power for good, but a recent lawsuit from three former dancers is casting doubt on her inclusive, joyful brand. For this week's wrap panel, comedian Ashley Ray joins writers Hanna Flint and Jen Sookfong Lee, along with guest host Amil Niazi, to unpack the story. Plus, the panel review two new films, Shortcomings and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.

Aug 4, 2023 • 27:35

The Deepest Breath and the ethics of extreme sport docs

The Deepest Breath and the ethics of extreme sport docs

Netflix’s documentary about freediving, The Deepest Breath, has becomes one of the sleeper hits of the summer. Writer Adam Skolnick and climber Brette Harrington look at the growing appeal of extreme-sports documentaries — and the ethical issues they raise. Plus, the animated show Bluey is beloved by kids, grown-ups and TV critics. Vulture's Kathryn VanArendonk looks at what makes Bluey one of the best shows on TV right now.

Aug 3, 2023 • 28:44

Has TikTok ruined the art of the long joke?

Has TikTok ruined the art of the long joke?

TikTok has turned some comedians into household names — but others say these viral one-minute videos are killing the art of a long joke. Comedians Andrea Jin and John Cullen tell guest host Amil Niazi about what's gained and what's lost in this era of TikTok comedy. Plus, shark movies have been a rite of summer for decades. The sharks tend to get bigger and bigger, and the plots weirder and weirder. Culture commentator Matt Hart takes on The Meg 2, which opens in theatres this Thursday.

Aug 2, 2023 • 24:23

Remembering Paul Reubens, a.k.a. Pee-wee Herman

Remembering Paul Reubens, a.k.a. Pee-wee Herman

Culture writer Paul Myers helps us remember Paul Reubens, the iconic actor best known for his beloved '80s character Pee-wee Herman. Plus, striking Hollywood writers and actors are no closer to a deal with the studios. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, some people are cancelling their streaming subscriptions to put some pressure on the studios. Guest host Amil Niazi speaks with a Canadian who’s done just that, and entertainment journalist Teri Hart about why consumers don’t have a whole lot o

Aug 1, 2023 • 27:32

What's next for Kevin Spacey?

What's next for Kevin Spacey?

After being acquitted of sexual assault charges in a London court last week, actor Kevin Spacey has vowed to make a comeback — but will Hollywood let him? Film producer Kate Wilson and culture writer Jason P. Franks talk about what happens when disgraced entertainers are legally exonerated of wrongdoing, but still deemed guilty in the court of public opinion. Plus, The Bear's sophmore season is finally available in Canada. Toronto line cook and TV fan Grace Onasanya explains why it was worth the

Jul 31, 2023 • 24:27

Carly Rae Jepsen declares summer 2023 The Loveliest Time

Carly Rae Jepsen declares summer 2023 The Loveliest Time

For this week's wrap panel, comedian Ashley Ray joins culture critics Sarah-Tai Black, Peter Knegt and guest host Amil Niazi to discuss Carly Rae Jepsen's latest album, what the new Netflix series Survival of The Thickest can tell us about body positivity in 2023, and why Doja Cat’s recent treatment of her online fans is actually nothing new.

Jul 28, 2023 • 25:30

Remembering musician and activist Sinéad O'Connor

Remembering musician and activist Sinéad O'Connor

Irish-Canadian writer Anakana Schofield, culture writer Niko Stratis and music critic Maura Johnston join guest host Amil Niazi to look back at the life and career of outspoken Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor, who died yesterday at the age of 56.

Jul 27, 2023 • 23:16

Why can't musicians organize like their Hollywood counterparts?

Why can't musicians organize like their Hollywood counterparts?

The writers' and actors' strikes in Hollywood have sparked renewed conversations in the music industry on whether songwriters and performers could also take similar action to improve their working conditions and royalty rates. Journalist Luke Ottenhof and industry veteran Allison Outhit discuss the structural barriers that make labour organization more difficult for musicians, and where the opportunities for mobilization exist. Plus, Canadian voice actor Kelly Sheridan played Barbie in Mattel’s

Jul 26, 2023 • 23:37

How PinkyDoll's eccentric livestreams went mainstream

How PinkyDoll's eccentric livestreams went mainstream

If “ice cream so good” doesn’t mean anything to you, you probably haven’t come across PinkyDoll. Internet culture experts Rebecca Jenkins and Samantha Cole talk about how the Montreal-based TikTok livestreamer became famous overnight — and why that matters. Plus, author Elizabeth Winder tells Commotion guest host Amil Niazi why The Rolling Stones would never have become rock 'n' roll legends without four women behind the scenes who made them who they are.

Jul 25, 2023 • 23:27

Jason Aldean's big controversy with Try That In a Small Town

Jason Aldean's big controversy with Try That In a Small Town

Journalists Andrea Williams and Emily Nussbaum join Commotion guest host Amil Niazi to discuss the polarizing reactions to Jason Aldean’s latest single, Try That In A Small Town. Plus, if streaming changed the Hollywood business model, how much will AI disrupt it? Futurist Sinead Bovell unpacks why actors want to have made it a key part of their labour negotiations.

Jul 24, 2023 • 24:50

I am become Barbenheimer, double-feature of the decade

I am become Barbenheimer, double-feature of the decade

The Commotion Friday Group Chat convenes to celebrate the cinematic event of the summer — Barbenheimer Day! Panelists Chandler Levack, Kristy Puchko and Jason P. Frank give their reviews of Greta Gerwig's Barbie and Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, and discuss how a fun comedic tribute to a beloved doll and a dark biopic about the inventor of the atomic bomb became such strange bedfellows in the world of online memes.

Jul 21, 2023 • 26:27

Rebooting Project Greenlight, and Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper

Rebooting Project Greenlight, and Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper

Veteran filmmaker Jennifer Holness and film critic Sarah-Tai Black react to the latest reboot of the filmmaking reality series Project Greenlight, and whether new celebrity mentors Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani are able to overcome the diversity challenges the original series faced. Plus, Christian Cooper, host of a new show on National Geographic, joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about bringing birding to new audiences.

Jul 20, 2023 • 25:01

Sound of Freedom, and the legacy of Jane Birkin

Sound of Freedom, and the legacy of Jane Birkin

Film critic Nick Allen and journalist Justin Ling explain how Sound of Freedom, a small independent film released by a faith-based studio, became the surprise movie success story of the summer — and how it’s become a lightning rod in the divisive culture wars currently raging across North America. Plus, fashion critic Mosha Lundström Halbert joins Elamin to discuss the life and legacy of singer and fashion icon Jane Birkin, who passed away on Sunday.

Jul 19, 2023 • 23:54

The Hollywood actors' & writers' strikes are already impacting Canada's entertainment industry

The Hollywood actors' & writers' strikes are already impacting Canada's entertainment industry

The ongoing strikes by actors and writers in Hollywood means work is grinding to a halt here in Canada – with devastating consequences. Canadian actor Carolina Bartczak and Canadian screenwriter Anthony Q. Farrell tell host Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the impact, and why some Canadians in film and TV feel their U.S. counterparts are fighting the fight on their behalf.

Jul 18, 2023 • 23:02

When did therapy become entertainment?

When did therapy become entertainment?

If you watch TV these days, you may have noticed it feels like everyone is in therapy — from sitcoms like Ted Lasso and Never Have I Ever to reality shows like Bling Empire. And it’s not just TV; movies, podcasts and TikTok influencers have all begun to turn therapy and mental health into entertainment. Culture writers Delia Cai and Ishani Nath talk about how it impacts us, for better and for worse.

Jul 17, 2023 • 24:38

SAG-AFTRA is joining the WGA on strike. What happens now?

SAG-AFTRA is joining the WGA on strike. What happens now?

Hollywood actors are now on strike, Hollywood writers have been on strike since May, the studios and streamers are perhaps more powerful than they’ve ever been — and there are a lot of questions about where the industry goes from here. In this special edition of our end-of-week group chat, Vulture writer Kathryn VanArendonk, Vanity Fair writer Chris Murphy and WGA strike captain Kathryn Borel explain just how broken the business of entertainment is, and what we can expect to happen next as the s

Jul 14, 2023 • 30:28

Will SAG-AFTRA join the Hollywood writers on the picket line?

Will SAG-AFTRA join the Hollywood writers on the picket line?

SAG-AFTRA, the union representing Hollywood’s actors, will either join screenwriters on picket lines or sign a new transformative deal. Teri Hart breaks down the key issues at the bargaining table and how this will affect the WGA strike. Plus, culture critics and Beastie Boys super fans Niko Stratis and Stuart Berman discuss the impact of the Beastie’s fifth studio album, Hello Nasty, in honour of its 25th anniversary.

Jul 13, 2023 • 24:42

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and Joy Ride kick off summer blockbuster season

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and Joy Ride kick off summer blockbuster season

With summer blockbuster season upon us, culture critics Rad Simonpillai, Cassie Cao and Sarah Hagi sit down with host Elamin Abdelmamoud to share their thoughts on the latest installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise, and why the new film Joy Ride has got critics talking.

Jul 12, 2023 • 25:08

Is Xavier Dolan really done with filmmaking?

Is Xavier Dolan really done with filmmaking?

Celebrated Quebec filmmaker Xavier Dolan recently declared that he’s done with making movies. Writer/filmmaker Chandler Levack and Montreal Gazette film columnist T’Cha Dunlevy explain why his comments have struck such a deep nerve in the film world. Plus, as #BookTok grows, the owner of the social media platform is getting into the publishing business. Jael Richardson talks about TikTok's reported approach so far, and digs into how #BookTok has upended the publishing industry.

Jul 11, 2023 • 24:46

Is Threads the Twitter killer?

Is Threads the Twitter killer?

It’s not a secret that things at Twitter are chaotic, but the conversation about its future took an interesting turn last week after Meta launched its Twitter clone, Threads. In the battle for social media dominance, could Threads be the first app to kill Twitter? The Ringer's Alyssa Bereznak and media studies professor Siva Vaidhyanathan discuss what might happen next. Plus, last Thursday, Sterling Larose’s video for Damn Right by Snotty Nose Rez Kids won the annual Prism Prize for best Canadia

Jul 10, 2023 • 24:51

Speak Now (Taylor's Version), and other contenders for song of the summer

Speak Now (Taylor's Version), and other contenders for song of the summer

For this week's wrap panel, culture writers Tyler Foggatt, Joe Coscarelli and Jen Sookfong Lee talk about the re-release of Taylor Swift's 2010 album Speak Now, the arrival of Threads, Instagram's Twitter rival, and the current contenders for song of the summer.

Jul 7, 2023 • 26:05

BONUS: Speak Now (Taylor's Version) is better than revenge

BONUS: Speak Now (Taylor's Version) is better than revenge

Taylor Swift has re-released her 2010 album Speak Now, the first record she wrote entirely on her own. Tyler Foggatt, Joe Coscarelli and Jen Sookfong Lee talk about the new version, and how Taylor Swift has managed to get even more popular over the pandemic.

Jul 7, 2023 • 35:29

How did we end up in a Barbie World?

How did we end up in a Barbie World?

Even if you hate Barbie, you’re living in her world right now. As the anticipation for Greta Gerwig's latest movie reaches new heights, culture critics Niko Stratis, Gabrielle Drolet and Jason P. Frank join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the massive film marketing campaign that’s unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Jul 6, 2023 • 25:06

Was HBO's The Idol really that bad?

Was HBO's The Idol really that bad?

After arriving in a storm of controversy and bad reviews, The Weeknd’s sleazy music-industry satire The Idol concluded its five-episode run this past weekend. Vulture writers Nate Jones and Hunter Harris talk about whether the show managed to redeem itself in the end, and how its rocky reception might affect The Weeknd’s brand going forward. Plus, Rob Gronfors lovingly restored a whole archive of Super 8 concert footage shot by his friend in the 1970s. He tells host Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the

Jul 5, 2023 • 25:16

How some sex workers feel about No Hard Feelings

How some sex workers feel about No Hard Feelings

Jennifer Lawrence is back in a comedy called No Hard Feelings, where parents hire her character to sleep with their timid 19-year-old son. Escort-turned-author Andrea Werhun and stripper/sex advice columnist/academic Alex Tigchelaar provide a sex worker’s perspective on what the film says about where we are with sex comedies. Plus, culture critic Ian Steaman shares why Dear Mama, the new Disney+ docuseries on the life and legacy of Tupac Shakur, might be the best ‘Pac documentary to date.

Jul 4, 2023 • 24:56

Are sports documentaries manufacturing drama?

Are sports documentaries manufacturing drama?

In recent years, there have been a bunch of docuseries released that offer viewers an inside look at the world of professional sports — from soccer and golf, to cycling and F1 racing. The aim of these shows is to bring in new fans, but some insiders say when the series are presented like a sporty reality show, it misses the point of sports entirely. Professional athlete Michael Woods and sports journalists Morgan Campbell and Kaitlyn McGrath examine how these series are driving new audiences to

Jul 3, 2023 • 23:59

Crazy In Love turns 20, and the 50 greatest films directed by Canadians

Crazy In Love turns 20, and the 50 greatest films directed by Canadians

For this week's group chat, culture critics Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Sarah-Tai Black and Rad Simonpillai drop by to talk about 1) Beyonce’s hit single Crazy In Love turning 20 this summer, 2) the backlash some influencers have faced for supporting fast fashion giant Shein, and 3) the CBC’s list of the 50 greatest films directed by Canadians.

Jun 30, 2023 • 24:39

The state of animation, and how festivals define 'jazz'

The state of animation, and how festivals define 'jazz'

With Elemental having the worst opening ever for a Pixar film and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse still dominating the box office, Elamin Abdelmahmoud checks in with entertainment critics Corey Atad and Petrana Radulovic about the creative shift happening in animation right now. Plus, jazz fan and media personality Garvia Bailey explains why so many jazz festival line-ups include artists from other genres.

Jun 29, 2023 • 25:05

Gen Z concert-goers are drinking less, and Samantha Irby is Quietly Hostile

Gen Z concert-goers are drinking less, and Samantha Irby is Quietly Hostile

After barely surviving the pandemic, music venue operators are now faced with a new existential threat: a significant decrease in drinking among younger concert-goers, which is starting to impact venues’ most important revenue source – bar sales. Pitchfork writer Cat Zhang explains why this is happening, while Toronto venue manager Shawn Creamer shares how venues are adapting to this generational shift. Plus, writer Samantha Irby talks about some of her pop culture obsessions, writing for the Se

Jun 28, 2023 • 24:50

Black Mirror's meta take on Netflix, and the end of The Cursed Child

Black Mirror's meta take on Netflix, and the end of The Cursed Child

Netflix's Black Mirror has always been hailed for its prophetic critique of modern technology — and this season, it's taking aim at Netflix itself. Culture critics Amil Niazi and Kathryn VanArendonk discuss the meta-AI episode that has everyone talking. Plus, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child had a record-breaking run in Toronto — but if it weren’t for the pandemic, could it have lasted longer than 13 months? Theatre critic Glenn Sumi talks about the costs of producing such a magical show, and t

Jun 27, 2023 • 25:04

The podcast turns 20

The podcast turns 20

It’s been 20 years since the first podcast was shared with the world. Today on Commotion, podcast producer Kattie Laur and podcast critic Nicholas Quah explains how the medium has changed our culture, and what the future of podcasting sounds like.

Jun 26, 2023 • 22:54

Asteroid City, Kelly Clarkson's new album and Canada's Eras Tour snub

Asteroid City, Kelly Clarkson's new album and Canada's Eras Tour snub

For this week's wrap panel, culture critic Amil Niazi, comedian James Mullinger and music critic Lindsay Zoladz discuss: 1) Wes Anderson’s new meta-narrative film Asteroid City, 2) Kelly Clarkson’s long-anticipated divorce album Chemistry, and 3) Taylor Swift leaving Canada off the Eras Tour schedule.

Jun 23, 2023 • 27:09

The rise of hip-hop nostalgia concerts, and the internet's reaction to a missing submersible

The rise of hip-hop nostalgia concerts, and the internet's reaction to a missing submersible

Culture critic Dalton Higgins and concert promoter Ian Andre Espinet discuss the rise of hip-hop nostalgia concerts and what they might say about the way we value older rap demos today. Plus, with news of a missing submersible in the Atlantic Ocean dominating social media, New York Times tech reporter Mike Isaac explains how this grim story so quickly inspired a deluge of jokes and memes — and what that says about us.

Jun 22, 2023 • 24:28

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, multidisciplinary artist Santee Smith, Inuk artist Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory, musician Raven Kanatakta and Cree author and playwright Tomson Highway stop by Commotion to help us celebrate the power of Indigenous art and artists to create the change they want to see in the world.

Jun 21, 2023 • 21:37

How The Blackening challenges historic tropes around Black characters in horror

How The Blackening challenges historic tropes around Black characters in horror

Culture writers Sarah-Tai Black and Ian Steaman stop by Commotion to talk about the new horror-comedy film The Blackening, and the ways it pays homage to the horror genre while challenging historic tropes around Black characters. Plus, Alyssa Bereznak of The Ringer explains why Reddit’s most dedicated users are staging a revolt on the site, and what it means for the future of how we use the internet.

Jun 20, 2023 • 25:14

For the scene kids: How Emo defined the early 2000s

For the scene kids: How Emo defined the early 2000s

Chris Payne, author of the new emo oral history Where Are Your Boys Tonight?, explains how this underground punk subgenre reshaped the sound of pop music in the 21st century. Plus, we bid farewell to Writers & Company host Eleanor Wachtel ahead of her retirement at the end of this season after 33 years with the celebrated national program.

Jun 19, 2023 • 25:12

The Flash is out, two-part movies are in, and the HFPA is no more

The Flash is out, two-part movies are in, and the HFPA is no more

Culture critics Niko Stratis, Rad Simonpillai and Cassie Cao join our weekly wrap panel to talk about: 1) The Flash and the controversies surrounding star Ezra Miller, 2) what the sale of the Golden Globes could mean for the future of the embattled awards show, 3) whether cliffhangers in big screen franchises actually work, and 4) Harry and Meghan's split from Spotify.

Jun 16, 2023 • 24:35

Elizabeth Gilbert delays her latest novel, and Every Breath You Take turns 40

Elizabeth Gilbert delays her latest novel, and Every Breath You Take turns 40

Elizabeth Gilbert, the best-selling author of Eat Pray Love, is delaying publication of her latest novel after facing a backlash from some Ukrainians who said it's the wrong time to put the novel — which is set in Russia — into the world. Authors Jen Sookfong Lee and Laisha Rosnau unpack Gilbert's response, and the ethical dilemmas facing fiction writers today. Plus, music critic Maura Johnston helps us mark the 40th anniversary of The Police’s hit single, Every Breath You Take.

Jun 15, 2023 • 25:04

Elliot Page's new memoir, and the artists forced to escape Sudan

Elliot Page's new memoir, and the artists forced to escape Sudan

Elliot Page’s memoir, Pageboy, offers an intimate look at his journey from coming out first as queer to later as trans, and the challenges he faced not only growing up in Nova Scotia but also as a famous actor in Hollywood. Culture writer Mel Woods joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to review the memoir. Plus, as the war continues in Sudan, certain museums have been caught in the crossfire. New York Times correspondent Abdi Latif Dahir explains what is lost when art is destroyed, and the ongoing eff

Jun 14, 2023 • 25:10

Could subtitles change the future of tv?

Could subtitles change the future of tv?

With more and more younger viewers turning on the subtitles when they watch their favourite shows, host Elamin Abdelmahmoud dives into the latest viewing habit shaking up television with culture writer Devin Gordon and Korean pop culture scholar Michelle Cho. Plus, New York Times reporter Robin Pogrebin talks about why art critics are up in arms over Hannah Gadsby’s feminist, comedic take on Pablo Picasso for The Brooklyn Museum’s new exhibit, “It’s Pablo-matic.”

Jun 13, 2023 • 25:13

The Joni Mitchell show of a lifetime

The Joni Mitchell show of a lifetime

For years it seemed like Joni Mitchell might never perform again — but this weekend, the folk icon headlined her first concert in more than 20 years. Guest host Talia Schlanger speaks with concert attendee Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the show of a lifetime. Plus, as David Byrne gets set to bring his disco musical Here Lies Love to Broadway this month, he’s facing resistance from the local musicians' union. Reporter Chris Willman explains why this isn’t a simple case of a production trying to cut c

Jun 12, 2023 • 24:27

Janelle Monae releases their first album in five years, and Apple looks into the future

Janelle Monae releases their first album in five years, and Apple looks into the future

Culture critics A. Harmony, Jackson Weaver and Stacy Lee Kong join guest host Talia Schlanger to discuss: 1) the new Janelle Monae album and backlash to its first music video, 2) what the layoffs at Spotify might say about the state of podcasting, 3) initial reactions to the announcement of a Law & Order Toronto spinoff, and 4) whether the new Apple virtual reality headsets are a hit or a miss.

Jun 9, 2023 • 23:23

Have we forgotten how to behave at concerts?

Have we forgotten how to behave at concerts?

With some artists complaining about audiences that are full of people holding up their phones, we have to ask: have people forgotten how to enjoy live music? As we head into the summer concert season, guest host Talia Schlanger gets to the bottom of it with Commotion regulars Amil Niazi and Richie Assaly. Plus, Jury Duty is a docu-style comedy about the inner workings of an American jury trial where everyone is an actor — except for one guy. Director Jake Szymanski talks about what it took to pu

Jun 8, 2023 • 34:50

Hollywood actors union votes to authorize strike, and KPOP's short-lived but meaningful Broadway run

Hollywood actors union votes to authorize strike, and KPOP's short-lived but meaningful Broadway run

This week, the Screen Actors Guild voted to proceed with a strike if a new labour deal with Hollywood studios can’t be reached by the June 30th deadline. Entertainment reporter Teri Hart explains the immediate and long-term impact that an actors' strike would have on what we watch. Plus, the musical KPOP was the first Broadway production about a Korean story, written by Korean artists, with a predominantly Asian cast. It got three Tony nominations, for its score, costumes and choreography, but a

Jun 7, 2023 • 30:34

James Beard Awards, and interactive performance: merging theatre with gaming

James Beard Awards, and interactive performance: merging theatre with gaming

The 2023 James Beard Awards were handed out Monday night. Grace Onasanya and Ivy Knight discuss how the awards have been mired in controversy over recent years. You'll hear about some big winners — and why some chefs aren't feeling too celebratory. Plus, a new immersive theatre project merges the stage with videogames. Creator Sebastien Heins joins the podcast to talk about No Save Points, the experience of allowing the audience to control his performance, and why he wanted to relinquish control

Jun 6, 2023 • 24:26

The season premiere of The Idol, and a new podcast pays tribute to the life of playwright Daryl Allen

The season premiere of The Idol, and a new podcast pays tribute to the life of playwright Daryl Allen

Culture critics Rad Simonpillai and Sarah-Tai Black unpack the controversy surrounding the new HBO series The Idol and what it all says about the allure of toxic masculinity in TV storylines. Plus, Resurrection is a new podcast that tells the story of Daryl Allen, an amateur playwright who died of AIDS more than 30 years ago. Dane Stewart is the young playwright who brought his story back to life in this new podcast.

Jun 5, 2023 • 25:09

The new Spiderman movie, American Born Chinese, and the future of live-action film

The new Spiderman movie, American Born Chinese, and the future of live-action film

Culture critics Jackson Weaver, Cassie Cao and Niko Stratis join Elamin to review the new animated movie Spiderman: Across The Spider-Verse, the Disney+ series American Born Chinese and what the slew of Barbie trailers released over the last two years can tell us about the tone of the upcoming live-action film.

Jun 2, 2023 • 29:47

Brandon Taylor book review, and Fetty Wap's federal drug trial

Brandon Taylor book review, and Fetty Wap's federal drug trial

In a recent review of Brandon Taylor’s new novel The Late Americans, the reviewer comments on how much funnier Taylor’s Twitter feed is than his book. Authors Jen Sookfong Lee and Heather Marshall talk about what’s fair game in a book review, and this latest blurring of the lines between art and artist. Plus, Fetty Wap's recent drug trafficking sentence has been extended due to prosecutors' belief that his music glamorizes the drug trade. It raises the age-old question: Should rap lyrics be all

Jun 1, 2023 • 25:10

The collapse of Girls Gone Wild and summer reads for 2023

The collapse of Girls Gone Wild and summer reads for 2023

Journalist Scaachi Koul takes us behind the scenes of her epic Huffington Post profile on the unapologetic porntrapaneur Joe Francis. Plus, Ainslie Hogarth and Makda Mulatu recommend their favourite reads for the summer.

May 31, 2023 • 23:54

BONUS: The stunning rise and fall of Joe Francis and Girls Gone Wild

BONUS: The stunning rise and fall of Joe Francis and Girls Gone Wild

In the late 90s and early 2000s, Joe Francis made a fortune selling Girls Gone Wild on VHS tapes and DVD. The franchise has had a monumental impact on the visual culture and sexual culture and the ways we talk about consent and sex and privacy. Throughout his decade of wild success Francis wracked up a long list of convictions and spent several stints in jail. Freelance writer Scaachi Koul tells us about her interview with Francis at his villa in Mexico, which she writes about in the Huffington

May 31, 2023 • 28:09

Celebrating two Quebec legends: Michel Côté and Celine Dion

Celebrating two Quebec legends: Michel Côté and Celine Dion

The late Michel Côté wasn’t a household name in the rest of Canada, but in Quebec, he was as loved as Celine Dion. Culture critics Nantali Indongo and Thomas Leblanc talk about the two stars, and how their paths help us understand Quebec’s unique celebrity culture. Plus, if the Hollywood Writers’ Strike has you missing your weekly hit of sketch comedy — here's a novel recommendation: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld.

May 30, 2023 • 23:47

A deep dive into the Succession finale

A deep dive into the Succession finale

[This episode contains SPOILERS!] The morning after the Succession season finale, culture critics Hunter Harris, Chris Murphy and Kathryn VanArendonk take stock of one of the greatest shows ever. Did anyone truly succeed? And how did the show help us understand the cost of success?

May 29, 2023 • 40:10

Little Mermaid’s live-action remake, and The Ultimatum: Queer Love

Little Mermaid’s live-action remake, and The Ultimatum: Queer Love

In this week’s wrap panel, culture critics A. Harmony, Sarah-Tai Black and Kathleen Newman-Bremang discuss 1) the new Little Mermaid live-action remake 2) the latest season of The Ultimatum, which features an all-queer cast, and 3) the legacy of the late Queen of rock ‘n’ roll Tina Turner.

May 26, 2023 • 25:08

Remembering Tina Turner

Remembering Tina Turner

The Queen of rock ‘n’ roll, Tina Turner has died at the age of 83. To celebrate her life and music, Jully Black, Michael Williams, Garvia Bailey and Amanda Hess join in conversation about the legacy of the late legend.

May 25, 2023 • 24:18

Barry comes to a bittersweet end, plus new music from Sparks

Barry comes to a bittersweet end, plus new music from Sparks

This week, HBO's Barry, winds down after four nail-biting seasons. Vulture’s Ben Rosenstock and The Hollywood Reporter’s Angie Han tell us what made the show so unique. Plus, Sparks will release their 26th album this Friday, The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte.

May 24, 2023 • 24:01

The 76th annual Cannes Film Festival is underway

The 76th annual Cannes Film Festival is underway

Film critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Kyle Buchanan are live from this year’s Cannes Film Festival to discuss some of the most buzzworthy films and stories. This year’s feature films include Killers of The Flower Moon, the latest from director Martin Scorsese, and Strange Way of Life, starring Pedro Pascal and Ethan Hawke.

May 23, 2023 • 25:06

An oral history of the groundbreaking Broadway show Shuffle Along

An oral history of the groundbreaking Broadway show Shuffle Along

Caseen Gaines, the author of When Broadway Was Black, documents the history of the musical Shuffle Along — the first production by an all-Black creative team on Broadway.

May 22, 2023 • 22:00

Martha Stewart's latest gig, and the return of the Fast and Furious franchise

Martha Stewart's latest gig, and the return of the Fast and Furious franchise

For this week's wrap panel, culture critics Teri Hart, Amil Niazi and Matt Hart discuss: 1) Martha Stewart's Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover, 2) the release of Fast X and what it means for Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson’s long-simmering beef, and 3) the Canadian premiere of the buzziest reality-TV show of the moment, Jury Duty.

May 19, 2023 • 24:42

BONUS: Rob Harvilla on his podcast, 60 Songs That Explain the '90s

BONUS: Rob Harvilla on his podcast, 60 Songs That Explain the '90s

Rob Harvilla’s podcast, 60 Songs That Explain the '90s, was originally supposed to be just that. This week, its third season dropped — bringing the fan-favourite series to a whopping 120 episodes (three times its intended length). The show's creator joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to go deep in to the 90s, and what makes his podcast so addictive.

May 19, 2023 • 35:59

Harry and Meghan and the politics of the paparazzi

Harry and Meghan and the politics of the paparazzi

Prince Harry and Meghan released a statement saying they were "relentlessly" chased by paparazzi after an awards event in New York City. Culture writer Ellie Hall breaks down what we know about the story so far, while economist and author Allison Schrager demystifies the workings of American paparazzi. Plus, music critic Craig Seymour talks about the new documentary, Little Richard: I Am Everything, and the role Black queerness played in the rise of one of the architects of rock 'n' roll.

May 18, 2023 • 25:04

How the Hollywood writers' strike is impacting Canadian creatives

How the Hollywood writers' strike is impacting Canadian creatives

The Hollywood writers' strike is in its third week — and it’s not just productions south of the border that are being affected. Screenwriter Anthony Q. Farrell and makeup artist Joan Chell explain why some Canadians feel their U.S. counterparts are fighting the fight on their behalf. Plus, illustrator Gary Taxali helps us remember influential graphic artist Frank Kozik.

May 17, 2023 • 25:06

The balancing act of admiring an artist’s work…and desperately wishing they’d stop talking

The balancing act of admiring an artist’s work…and desperately wishing they’d stop talking

Sarah-Tai Black talks about Master Gardener, the new movie from acclaimed filmmaker Paul Schrader, and how his controversial statements over the course of his career have affected their ability to appreciate Schrader’s artistic body of work. Plus, culture writers Tanya Chen and Jacqueline Kantor talk about the evolution of Peloton and what you get from connecting with your favourite instructor.

May 16, 2023 • 25:10

Succession, Ted Lasso, and the art of a good final season

Succession, Ted Lasso, and the art of a good final season

Succession and Ted Lasso both started out strong winning awards, building loyal audiences, and earning critical acclaim. But where one keeps soaring, the other is a shadow of its former self. TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk talks about how the two shows offer an important lesson about when it's time to end a good thing. Plus, in honour of the release of Tears of the Kingdom, Sarah Hagi and Niko Stratis talk about how The Legend of Zelda keeps pushing the envelop of open world games.

May 15, 2023 • 25:09

Queen Charlotte’s sex and politics, plus the BTS book breaks publishing

Queen Charlotte’s sex and politics, plus the BTS book breaks publishing

For this week's wrap panel, culture writers Jael Richardson, Jen Sookfong Lee and Jackson Weaver discuss: 1) Queen Charlotte, the new Bridgerton prequel show dominating the #1 spot on Netflix, 2) the Blackberry movie that hits theaters today, and 3) the mystery book that made the top ten list on Amazon before anyone knew anything about it.

May 12, 2023 • 27:09

The epic highs and lows of Vice Media

The epic highs and lows of Vice Media

With the recent news of Vice’s potential bankruptcy, Commotion has corralled a cast of former Vice associates to talk about the company’s unlikely transformation from a scrappy Montreal punk zine to a dominant global media empire, and how it found itself in its current financial predicament.

May 11, 2023 • 28:31

Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra and who gets to claim Egyptian history

Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra and who gets to claim Egyptian history

Culture critics Syrus Marcus Ware and Pacinthe Mattar discuss the controversies surrounding the new Netflix series Queen Cleopatra and what it suggests about the influence of race and identity on viewers' interpretations of both our own histories and that of others. Plus, journalist and Eurovision expert Karen Fricker joins us from Liverpool, England to talk about this year's contenders for the song competition.

May 10, 2023 • 24:57

Could AI derail the Hollywood writers' strike?

Could AI derail the Hollywood writers' strike?

Writers are striking in Hollywood to demand better pay and working conditions. But artificial intelligence can write TV scripts, too — and AI doesn’t need a salary or health benefits. Tech reporter Alyssa Bereznak talks about how AI is complicating the writers' strike. Plus, Dr. Jay de Soca Prince shares his thoughts on soca legend David Rudder’s 70th birthday concert this past Saturday, after the artist recently announced the show would be his last at that scale following a Parkinson’s Disease

May 9, 2023 • 23:06

Did King Charles's coronation live up to the hype?

Did King Charles's coronation live up to the hype?

Culture reporter Ellie Hall shares the highlights from King Charles’s coronation, and considers what the event suggests about the kind of monarch he might be. Plus, director and producer Megumi Inman talks about her new BBC documentary, Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-Pop, which examines the allegations that a high-profile figure in Japan’s music industry sexually abused young boys who joined his agency with dreams of becoming pop stars for decades.

May 8, 2023 • 25:06

Is the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy worth the watch?

Is the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy worth the watch?

Rad Simonpillai, Kathryn VanArendonk and Ian Steaman review the final installment in the MCU's Guardians of The Galaxy franchise, and consider what the Hollywood writer’s strike might mean for the future of the late night talk format.

May 5, 2023 • 26:48

Is the Star Wars franchise lost in space?

Is the Star Wars franchise lost in space?

The Star Wars universe keeps expanding, with a new title out almost every year. But with more misses than hits, people are wondering: has Star Wars lost its way? On this May the Fourth, we talk about how the galaxy's biggest franchise is falling short with fans. Plus, prolific childrens' author Jacqueline Woodson shares her connection with Judy Blume’s work, and why she made it her life's work to make sure young Black kids could find themselves in books.

May 4, 2023 • 29:46

The fight for the right to write TV (again)

The fight for the right to write TV (again)

Hollywood writers are picketing today. Entertainment reporter Teri Hart explains what’s at stake with the latest WGA strike. Plus, Michael J. Fox’s story is being told in his own words through a new documentary called STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie. Film director Davis Guggenheim shares stories from behind the scenes and reveals what he’s learned most from Michael.

May 3, 2023 • 25:08

Remembering Gordon Lightfoot

Remembering Gordon Lightfoot

Q’s Tom Power and Commotion’s Elamin Abdelmahmoud co-host this special tribute in remembrance of Gordon Lightfoot (Rainy Day People, Sundown, If You Could Read my Mind). The acclaimed singer-songwriter died on Monday night at age 84, ending a career that spanned more than five decades, and included honours such as the Order of Canada and an induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Tom and Elamin talk to some of his closest friends and listen to his legendary music.

May 2, 2023 • 1:15:47

John Mulaney is at the top of his craft with his new special Baby J

John Mulaney is at the top of his craft with his new special Baby J

John Mulaney’s new Netflix special, Baby J, is the affable comedian’s first stand-up showcase since undergoing rehab for cocaine and prescription pill addiction in 2020. Culture writers Carrie Battan and Izzy Ampil tell us how he’s changed his act since embarking on the road to redemption. Plus, Vass Bednar gets into the implications of the controversial Bill C-11 regarding online streaming.

May 1, 2023 • 25:04

How Jerry Springer changed television, and Ed Sheeran’s latest legal troubles

How Jerry Springer changed television, and Ed Sheeran’s latest legal troubles

For this week’s wrap panel, culture critics Syrus Marcus Ware, Kathryn VanArendonk and Ian Steaman join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss the legacy of The Jerry Springer Show after news of the notorious host's passing, the guilty charges laid against rapper Pras, and Ed Sheeran’s latest copyright infringement case.

Apr 28, 2023 • 24:39

The Judy Blume-aissance is (finally) upon us

The Judy Blume-aissance is (finally) upon us

With a new documentary out as well as the first screen adaptation of her hit novel Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Judy Blume is seemingly everywhere right now. Culture writers Amil Niazi and Jen Sookfong Lee tell guest host Vivek Shraya how Judy Blume changed their lives as kids, and why they believe she matters now more than ever before. Plus, Eli Glasner joins us from Cinemacon to talk about the world premiere of DC’s The Flash, and the controversy surrounding the film’s star.

Apr 27, 2023 • 23:21

What’s new in Canadian theatre, and remembering Harry Belafonte

What’s new in Canadian theatre, and remembering Harry Belafonte

You might call this the first so called “normal” summer theatre season in Canada since the start of the pandemic — but on the other hand, it’s anything but. Theatre creators Weyni Mengesha, Sherry J. Yoon and Yvette Nolan talk about the shows they’re working on now, and their newfound sense of purpose. Plus, Buffy Sainte-Marie helps us remember the late artist and activist Harry Belafonte.

Apr 26, 2023 • 24:44

Tucker Carlson's swift exit, and the Ontario Science Centre's uncertain future

Tucker Carlson's swift exit, and the Ontario Science Centre's uncertain future

Tucker Carlson was the most popular host on the most popular news network in the US. David Folkenflik and Mattea Roach explain how Tucker Carlson made the news into entertainment, for better and for worse. Plus, with the Ontario government revealing its plan to tear down the Ontario Science Centre and relocate it to Toronto’s waterfront, Toronto Star columnist Shawn Micallef explains why the OSC is an architectural work of art unlike any in Canada, and should be preserved as such.

Apr 25, 2023 • 25:08

The mental health toll of touring on musicians

The mental health toll of touring on musicians

Tours take a big mental health toll on musicians and touring crew. Psychotherapist Tamsin Embleton and Radiohead’s Philip Selway talk about the challenges of life on the road, and the new book Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual. Plus, the English band Breezer were tired of waiting for Oasis to get back together — so they made their own record using AI. The Guardian journalist and Oasis superfan Rich Pelley talks about how the result is actually really good.

Apr 24, 2023 • 23:16

Buzzfeed News shuts down, and Frank Ocean bows out of Coachella

Buzzfeed News shuts down, and Frank Ocean bows out of Coachella

Culture critics Sarah-Tai Black, Niko Stratis and A. Harmony consider the fallout of Buzzfeed News shutting down, review Ari Aster’s new film Beau Is Afraid, and dive into Frank Ocean’s controversial Coachella performance last weekend — including his subsequent departure from the festival’s lineup.

Apr 21, 2023 • 26:13

What do we do about good art made by bad people?

What do we do about good art made by bad people?

What do we do with art that’s made by people who’ve done bad things — or are alleged to have done bad things? Culture writers Yara El-Soueidi and Judith Shulevitz get into the complexities of separating the art from the artist.

Apr 20, 2023 • 24:01

Remembering Jeff Barnaby, and the remarkable longevity of Metallica

Remembering Jeff Barnaby, and the remarkable longevity of Metallica

On this Canadian Film Day, Elle-Maija Tailfeathers and Michael Greyeyes ask listeners to spend time watching one of the late Jeff Barnaby’s films. They join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to take stock of the impact he had on a new generation of Indigenous filmmakers. Plus, with the recent release of Metallica’s 11th album, 72 Seasons, our resident metalhead Lisa Christiansen tells us how the band has stayed relevant over 40 years into their career.

Apr 19, 2023 • 24:29

How A24 became a Hollywood powerhouse

How A24 became a Hollywood powerhouse

Once an upstart indie film distributor known for strange arthouse horror movies, A24 is now known for producing Oscar-winning fare like Moonlight and Everything Everywhere All at Once, and buzzy TV shows like BEEF; it’s even spawned an iconic merchandising brand. With the company set to release Beau Is Afraid this week — its most expensive film to date — movie critics Nate Jones and Kristy Puchko explain to us why A24 seems to be doing everything, everywhere, all at once. Plus, freelance culture

Apr 18, 2023 • 24:35

The Canadian Screen Awards took a risk with a new format. Did it pay off?

The Canadian Screen Awards took a risk with a new format. Did it pay off?

Culture critics Kathleen Newman-Bremang and Jesse Wente discuss whether the decision to air a packaged version of this year's Canadian Screen Awards was a good one, and react to Netflix's massive fail with its live Love Is Blind reunion. Plus, Slow Art Day encourages people to stand in front of a piece of art for 10 whole minutes to really take it all in. AGO curator Melissa Smith talks about what we can learn from Slow Art Day, and the value of lingering — even in spaces outside of a gallery.

Apr 17, 2023 • 24:33

AI Week wraps up, and why BEEF is the talk of the Internet

AI Week wraps up, and why BEEF is the talk of the Internet

Culture critics Jen Sookfong Lee, Michelle Cho and Rad Simonpillai discuss the acclaimed Netflix series BEEF and what this show about rage, depression and class might signal for the present and future of Asian American filmmaking. Plus, the panel reflects on the end of Commotion's special week exploring all things AI.

Apr 14, 2023 • 27:01

AI Week: AI is in its 'wild west' era

AI Week: AI is in its 'wild west' era

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E and Midjourney promise to make us all artists in seconds — but those tools are being trained using the work of real artists. Sinead Bovell and Michael DeForge break down why AI is in its "wild west" era, and how artists are being affected. Plus, AI-generated stories and artworks have been bombarding science fiction magazines like Clarkesworld recently. Editor Neil Clarke explains why this is happening — and what he’s doing about it.

Apr 13, 2023 • 24:50

AI Week: can artificial intelligence break down language barriers in the world of film?

AI Week: can artificial intelligence break down language barriers in the world of film?

On Day 3 of Commotion's AI Week, we're learning about how artificial intelligence is already making movies. The Hollywood director Scott Mann tells us about how he is using AI to make movies he never dreamed could be possible — but not in the way you might think. Plus, entertainment reporter Teri Hart gets into the latest episode of Succession and how it has reignited the debate around spoiler etiquette.

Apr 12, 2023 • 30:46

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