Did your family use the dishwasher growing up? Samantha Lui and Alisha talk about why using the kitchen appliance feels like “a treat.”By HuffPost Canada

Al’s visit to Chinatown’s “living room,” involves mahjong, red date tea, a renoviction, and a chat with Hannia Cheng about the art of unravelling.By HuffPost Canada

When the pandemic hits, Alisha’s grandmother finds her groove; her brother and mother reflect on intergenerational differences; and our host breathes, as deep as she can.By HuffPost Canada

The Liberal government revealed a mini-budget chock full of new spending — but it’s the pitch to keep the spending taps open, to inject up to $100 billion into the economy after the pandemic, that has financial experts turning their heads.In this episode: HuffPost Canada Ottawa reporter Zi-Ann Lum; Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux; Kevin Pa…

The path to electoral victory for the Conservative party involves building a bigger tent and floating a few trial balloons — during a pandemic. We ask insiders for their first impressions of Erin O’Toole’s first 100 days as Conservative leader.In this episode: Stephen Harper’s former campaign manager Jenni Byrne, former Harper PMO advisor Dennis Ma…

While it seems debates over free speech have been on a rolling boil south of the border, the topic has also dominated francophone TV and radio in recent weeks, giving new breath to old debates about how Quebec’s voice is represented in Ottawa.In this episode: Bloc Québécois MP Stéphane Bergeron, Conservative MP Gérard Deltell, Liberal MP Joël Light…

Ahead of season three, our podcast reanimates with a Halloween special! In this spooktacular episode: Al digs into Filipino folklore with fellow podcaster Motzie Dapul and cartoonist Jason Loo shares what it's like to live in an intergenerational house ... that's also haunted.By HuffPost Canada

The U.S. election cycle feels like it has its own gravitational pull and two candidates signal different opportunities — and potential challenges — for Canada. In this episode: Eurasia Group vice chairman Gerald Butts, former Globe and Mail energy reporter Shawn McCarthy, former federal Conservative minister James Moore, CBC News’ Washington-based …

Annamie Paul is the first new leader of the federal Green party in 14 years. As she tries to move the party beyond Elizabeth May’s shadow — spectres have been raised by former leadership contenders about the integrity of the race.By HuffPost Canada

The throne speech has been read. The Conservatives and Bloc have signaled their displeasure, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh finds himself kingmaker, again.In this episode: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and pundits Karl Bélanger, Greg MacEachern, and Kate Harrison. Hosted by Althia Raj.By HuffPost Canada

Months into a pandemic, the initial political unity in Ottawa has disintegrated. Historic economic packages have been approved at breakneck speed, but some Canadians are still being left behind.In this episode: Government House Leader Pablo Rodriguez, and pundits Karl Bélanger, Greg MacEachern, and Kate Harrison. Hosted by Althia Raj.…

Al and Alisha return for a sex-themed special with guest Anasimone George, recorded live in November for Hot Docs Podcast Festival's "Sounds of the Six."By HuffPost Canada

As the government whips through 2020 with minority numbers, the Liberal’s No. 1 dissenting MP sits down for a candid talk about how he's found a balance between his own “principled independence” and toeing the party line. In this episode: Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, NDP MP Peter Julian, Conservative MP Bruce Stanton, and Liberal MPs James M…

With a cabinet decision due over the fate of Teck Frontier, a massive new oilsands mine project, the Liberals face another test on how serious they are about reducing carbon emissions.In this episode: Energy and environmental economist Andrew Leach, Liberal MP Kody Blois, NDP MP Laurel Collins, Bloc Québécois MP Kristina Michaud, and Tory MPs Tim U…

The Liberals have returned to Ottawa in need of dance partners to get things done. We speak to current and former House leaders on the moves they’ve learned — and the missteps they’ve witnessed in other minority governments.In this episode: Former Liberal house leader Ralph Goodale, former Conservative house leader Jay Hill, NDP national director A…

The podcast ends its six-part series with stories reflecting on love, immigration, and loss: a bus route heads towards a timeless romance, the pain of distance after coming out, and how a mother’s holiday cheer lives on.By HuffPost Canada

We’ve made it to the end of the rainbow. The Liberals have been re-elected with a strong minority, with equally strong divisions across Canada. We look at how election night unfolded at the different party headquarters, and what’s next. In this episode: HuffPost Canada reporters Zi-Ann Lum, Emma Paling, Melanie Woods and senior politics editor Ryan…

A mom gives us an earful on bonding, the team digs deep into a forgotten Polish lullaby, and a baby heals family rifts.By HuffPost Canada

The hosts struggle with whether they really love themselves. Josephine grapples with the idea that “Africans don’t get depressed.” Without having roots in culture or place, Kamini copes by drinking— until they’re forced to reckon with their addiction.By HuffPost Canada

Love stories from Canada’s version of Ellis Island. An Ontario steelmill worker writes a letter, postmarked to Italy and in hopes of finding his one true love. Alisha shares the story of her parents’ long-distance, personal-ad fuelled courtship. A war bride crosses the Atlantic to reunite with her soldier husband and live on his nation’s reserve.…

Tony makes some R-rated discoveries on the family computer, a sex therapist shares what really happens behind closed immigrant-family doors, and Mari debunks a virginity myth for their mom.By HuffPost Canada

A couple "keeps it halal," and a matchmaker shares her woes. Al orchestrates a blind date at a familiar place, and a comedian riffs on the love secrets we keep from our immigrant families.By HuffPost Canada

Parliament has adjourned and, we’re told, a nasty campaign lies ahead. Our pundit panel reviews how the Liberals have done after nearly four years and if Andrew Scheer’s “blandness” actually gives him an edge. In this episode: Government House Leader Bardish Chagger. Pundits Greg MacEachern, Karl Bélanger, and Kate Harrison. Hosted by Althia Raj.…

Social media has given politicians more platforms than ever to engage with the public. But the temptation to package sound bites into spicy content has seemingly encouraged a more casual relationship with the truth — and raised questions about politicians' responsibilities.In this episode: NDP MP Nathan Cullen, Conservative MP Peter Kent, and Liber…

Two motions put climate change at the top of the agenda in Ottawa this week. Elizabeth May doesn’t think it’s a coincidence. But as the debate unfurls in the last weeks of Parliament, frustration mounts in the back benches about rules in the House of Commons.In this episode: Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, Liberal MP Frank Baylis, and Deputy Spea…

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's former principal secretary has kept a low-profile since testifying about the SNC-Lavalin affair. Now, he speaks candidly about that, his new relationship with the PMO, and the unexpected realities of political fame. In this episode: Gerald Butts, former principal secretary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Hosted by …

Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott’s ejection from the Liberal caucus has opened yet another chapter in the SNC-Lavalin affair — and a robust debate from their political colleagues.In this episode: Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett, Liberal MP John McKay, and Daughters of the Vote delegates. Hosted by Althia Raj.…

It’s make or break for the Liberals as they begin to pitch their election-year budget. But are its goodies strong enough to change the channel on SNC-Lavalin? We go behind-the-scenes with insiders about what goes into crafting one. In this episode: Edward Goldenberg, former senior political advisor to prime minister Jean Chrétien; Rachel Curran, fo…

Jody Wilson-Raybould unleashed scorching testimony that burned her party. As her fate in the Liberal party remains unclear, veteran NDP MP Nathan Cullen sits down to talk about his own exit. In this episode: HuffPost Canada senior politics editor Ryan Maloney, NDP MP Nathan Cullen. Hosted by Althia Raj.Detailed show notes:(5:12) Ryan Maloney on one…

The Liberal government is eager to have its pipeline review bill pass through the Senate before the election. These senators say, not so fast.In this episode: Independent Senators Doug Black, Paula Simons, and Tory Sen. David Tkachuk. Hosted by Althia Raj.By HuffPost Canada

Jody Wilson-Raybould’s cabinet resignation seemingly blindsided the prime minister. Her high-profile departure tests the government’s resiliency in an election year.In this episode: House of Commons justice committee chair Anthony Housefather and HuffPost Canada senior politics editor Ryan Maloney. Hosted by Althia Raj.Detailed show notes:(3:41) Br…

Happy Valentine's Day, Born and Raised listeners! We have a heartfelt message for you to say thanks for listening to our first mini-series on food, and give you a taste of what's to come in our next season. Enjoy <3By HuffPost Canada

The House has returned to new digs — both physically and in terms of election-year partisan burns. Our politics panel weighs in on the early strengths and vulnerabilities of the leaders and parties ahead of this fall's crucial vote.In this episode: Harper and Associates senior associate Rachel Curran, Proof Strategies senior VP Greg MacEachern, for…

Who knew you could experience separation anxiety with a building? We tour Centre Block one last time before it closes for at least a decade for renovations and learn some of its wild stories.Detailed show notes:(3:54) Joe Clark shares his first Centre Block memory(6:53) Folklore of Pierre Trudeau’s statuette-breaking stunt(13:15) Revealed: the secr…

A Quebec First Nation’s land claim to Parliament Hill tests the Liberals’ promise to build a nation-to-nation relationship. In this episode: Algonquin Elder Albert Dumont, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett, AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde, and Ottawa reporter Zi-Ann Lum. Hosted by Althia Raj.Detailed show notes:(4:25) Touring …

We all want to belong. Sometimes, blending in based on the foods we eat is a desire to be like those around us. Other times, it’s about survival.By HuffPost Canada

The former Tory veteran and now leader of the People's Party of Canada says he’s not opposed to immigrants or legitimate asylum seekers when he advocates admitting fewer newcomers. Maxime Bernier expands on his message and the risk of how it can be misinterpreted. Hosted by Althia Raj.Detailed show notes:(4:20) “I don’t want to play with the emotio…

Whether you agree or disagree with him, Maxime Bernier is a newsmaker. We sit down with the People’s Party of Canada leader to talk about his turning point with Andrew Scheer and his brand of "smart populism based on serious policy." Hosted by Althia Raj.Detailed show notes:(4:36) Bernier on why he backed out of supporting Scheer(9:20) “Christmas g…

Mom knows best, especially in the kitchen. She magically makes food taste better than anyone else’s. But is it possible to adapt our immigrant mothers’ recipes and cook as well as they do ... or even better?By HuffPost Canada

How immigrant families make and eat food is important. But what about the ways we talk about it and describe it? And what happens when food is lost in translation as it's shared between parents and children? Host Angelyn Francis and reporter Al Donato dig into the tie between food and language in this episode of "Born And Raised: Food." They explor…

As the NDP and Tories piled on the Liberal government for deepening Canada's deficit, they face some deep troubles of their own. In this episode: Liberal MP Scott Simms, Conservative strategist Rachel Curran, Liberal strategist Greg MacEachern, and former NDP national director Karl Bélanger. Hosted by Althia Raj.Detailed show notes:(2:55) Panellist…

Family restaurants are a part of life for many immigrants in Canada. Parents work long hours in the kitchen and in the dining room serving tables so their children can have better opportunities. It can be gruelling work. So what happens when the kids want to enter the food biz themselves? Host Angelyn Francis and reporter Al Donato present stories …

We all have favourite foods, but there's always “that one dish” that transports us into childhood memories, reminds us of people we care about, and can even play a role in fostering who we are today.When people emigrate, they may leave everyone and everything behind, but they find a way to put their culture on a plate — and connect to the next gene…

Have you eaten? A delicious preview of our first mini-series, “Born & Raised: Food.”By HuffPost Canada

Three years into their mandate, how are the Liberals doing with their ambitious agenda to grow Canada's middle class? Have partisan politics and economic realities dimmed the government's hope of bringing “real change”?In this episode: Former parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page, Infrastructure and Communities Minister François-Philippe Champagn…

A new UN report gives humanity 12 years to get its act together to curb rising temperatures and avoid unprecedented environmental disaster. The House of Commons even held a special debate, but most MPs didn’t show up. So what political will is there in Canada to actually curb climate change? In this episode: Environment and Climate Change Minister …

Canadian schmoozing is back at the United Nations as the Justin Trudeau government ramps efforts to secure a seat at the Security Council table. Former diplomats talk about RLBs (Rotten Lying Bastards) and get frank about Trump's effect on the Liberals’ current campaign. In this episode: Former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy; current Canad…

Jagmeet Singh was supposed to be a fundraising magnet, but his first rocky year as NDP leader has been a bust. The party calls a regroup in B.C. Also: Two outgoing veteran NDP MPs get real about the “Real Change” that blocks them from getting things done.In this episode: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, party strategists Karl Bélanger and Robin Sears, NDP…

While Maxime Bernier tried to steal headlines from the start of the Conservative party policy convention in Halifax, 3,000 delegates focused on positioning their party for the 2019 election. In this episode: Andrew Scheer’s chief of staff Marc-Andre Leclerc, ex-Harper war room strategist Jason Lietaer, Alberta Tory delegate Natalie Pon, Tory MPs To…

This session of Parliament comes to an end with the legalization of recreational marijuana — a day after the Liberals were smoked in a rare byelection loss. Is this a taste of what’s to come? In this episode: Government House Leader Bardish Chagger. Hosted by Althia Raj.By HuffPost Canada