Stay ConnectedBig 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.
Copyright: Copyright © CBC 2024
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 Nathan Niigan Noodin Adler.
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.
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.
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 as a doc, or whether it’s able to dig deeper beyond Martha’s carefully curated public image.
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.
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.
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.
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 never work in China again.
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 University of Toronto, about why there’s a controversy around the English translations of Han Kang’s books, and whether they are faithful to the original text.
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.
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.
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.
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 the making of a big budget superhero movie.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'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.
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.’
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.
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 Indigenous communities have for wrestling.
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.
'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 - South Asian Music Recording of the Year. Jeevan Sangha, whose been covering the rise of Punjabi hip hop in Canada, discusses what this new award means to the music community.
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.
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.'
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.
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.
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.
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 Giller Prize and the National Book Awards for Fiction this year are published by one publisher, Penguin Random House.
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'.
‘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 vu on the red carpet.
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.
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.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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 in a wealthy enclave of Nantucket.
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.
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.
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 American distribution.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 issues the new HBO docuseries raises.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 his films.
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. .
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.
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.
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.
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 Facility.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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 heritage and Rema's musical legacy.
'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 Hadaway joins Elamin to discuss the buzz behind the hard-hitting and surreal EA College Football 25.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Abercrombie pulled off this makeover.
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.
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 Elamin about how much influence Hollywood could have on Biden’s campaign.
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.
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.
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 Elamin about why all eyes are on Mumbai this weekend.
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.
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 books they’re reading.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Music critic Ann Powers journeys through the life of Joni Mitchell in her unauthorized biography 'Traveling'.
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 loud.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 Kohn talks about how the movie addresses death and grief.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 - and the implications it could have for the future of reggaeton.
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.
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?'
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.
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.
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 Apple TV+ series The Big Cigar, which centres on Black Panther Party founder Huey P. Newton as he leverages the Hollywood machine in his attempt to flee the U.S. to Cuba.
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.
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.
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 buzz surrounding the film 'Universal Language' at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
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.
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.
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.
Elamin is joined by culture writers Niko Stratis, Suzy Exposito, and Dalton Higgins to talk about Apple Music’s controversial 100 Best Albums list
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.
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 and Commotion regular Alyssa Bereznak.
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.
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."
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.'
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 revival of the beloved 90s cartoon is being called the best X-Men adaptation to date.
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.
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 medium’s rising popularity has also brought greater scrutiny to its non-unionized work practices, its algorithm-driven content generation, and non-diverse casting.
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 new song, and how it's being received.
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.
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.
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.
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 realtors, and what it’s like to watch this show during a housing crisis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 studios and distributors hit a stalemate. Elamin speaks with screenwriter Anthony Q. Farrell to find out what’s at stake in these negotiations.
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.
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.
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 show became a lightning rod for an ongoing debate about the ethics of reality TV. Welcome to Split Screen, an examination of the utterly captivating, sometimes unsettling world of entertainment and pop culture. From reality TV gone awry, to the cult of celebrity, each season of Split Screen takes listeners on an evocative journey inside the world of showbiz. Ex-contestants, producers, and cultural critics uncover complicated truths behind TV’s carefully curated facades, and question what our entertainment reveals about us. Split Screen: sometimes reality is twisted. More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/pOex8i6P
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.
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-competitive board game options.
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 about its use in pop music.
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 comedy thriller translates to TV.
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.
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 media including vinyl, CDs, DVDs and cassette tapes.
Culture critics Rad Simonpillai and Omar El Akkad unpack Alex Garland’s new film "Civil War."
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.
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.
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.
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 big companies like Google, Meta and Open AI are going to in order to develop the smartest artificial intelligence models.
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.
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.
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.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
