On Wednesday, Ontario’s Auditor-General, Bonnie Lysyk released an investigative report into the province’s decision to open up 3,000 hectares of its protected Greenbelt area for development. The Ford government claims this will be beneficial for the housing crisis but her report found that they have a different agenda.Jeff Gray is a Queen’s Park reporter for The Globe and Mail and he will be talking to us about the problems around the Greenbelt plan and where the Ford government went wrong.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

On Wednesday, Ontario’s Auditor-General, Bonnie Lysyk released an <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ontario-greenbelt-auditor-general-report-critics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">investigative report</a> into the province’s decision to open up 3,000 hectares of its protected Greenbelt area for development. The Ford government claims this will be beneficial for the housing crisis but her report found that they have a <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ontarios-auditor-general-report-says-fords-greenbelt-plan-unnecessary/?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">different agenda.</a><a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/jeff-gray/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeff Gray </a>is a Queen’s Park reporter for The Globe and Mail and he will be talking to us about the problems around the Greenbelt plan and where the Ford government went wrong.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

Ford accused of playing favourites in Greenbelt plans

You’re never far from a parasite, no matter where you are. They’re responsible for illnesses like malaria that cause death around much of the world; the word itself is a derogatory term for something freeloading and disgusting.They’re also very important to the health of ecosystems.Parasite ecologist and University of Washington associate professor Chelsea Wood makes her case for parasite conservation, and why they’re actually complex forms of life that need to be protected.This episode originally aired on August 16, 2022.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

You’re never far from a parasite, no matter where you are. They’re responsible for illnesses like malaria that cause death around much of the world; the word itself is a derogatory term for something freeloading and disgusting.They’re also very important to the health of ecosystems.Parasite ecologist and University of Washington associate professor <a href="https://fish.uw.edu/faculty/chelsea-wood/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chelsea Wood</a> makes her case for parasite conservation, and why they’re actually complex forms of life that need to be protected.This episode originally aired on August 16, 2022.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

Why we need parasites

No one really knows what dark matter is. We just think it exists. And we believe it makes up 85 per cent of all mass in the universe. So how do you solve the mystery of something that is currently unknowable?Enter SNOLAB. This underground, clean lab is located in Sudbury, Ontario, and researchers there are running experiments to try to solve this cosmic query. Decibel producer Madeleine White, along with Globe science reporter Ivan Semeniuk, go two kilometres underground to visit SNOLAB and bring you up to date on the lab’s quest to discover dark matter.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

No one really knows what dark matter is. We just think it exists. And we believe it makes up 85 per cent of all mass in the universe. So how do you solve the mystery of something that is currently unknowable?<a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-the-new-hunt-for-dark-matter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Enter SNOLAB</a>. This underground, clean lab is located in Sudbury, Ontario, and researchers there are running experiments to try to solve this cosmic query. Decibel producer <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/madeleine-white/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Madeleine White</a>, along with Globe science reporter <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/ivan-semeniuk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ivan Semeniuk</a>, go two kilometres underground to visit SNOLAB and bring you up to date on the lab’s quest to discover dark matter.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

The hunt for dark matter, two kilometres under Sudbury

Curly hair often gets a bad reputation for being too high maintenance but research has shown that it plays an important role in our evolutions – and even our brains.Dr. Tina Lasisi, a biological anthropologist who focuses on studying the evolution and genetics of human hair and skin, will talk to us about the importance of curly hair.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Curly hair often gets a bad reputation for being too high maintenance but research has shown that it plays an important role in our evolutions – and even our brains.<a href="https://www.tinalasisi.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Tina Lasisi</a>, a biological anthropologist who focuses on studying the evolution and genetics of human hair and skin, will talk to us about the importance of curly hair.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

The evolutionary advantage of curly hair

The James Webb Space Telescope has been getting some of the most detailed information and images from space since it launched a year and a half ago. And soon, there’s going to be a big boost in research on exoplanets – planets outside of our solar system – particularly ones that might be able to host life.Dr. Heidi White is an astrophysicist and science communicator with the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets at the University of Montreal, which is one of the groups that will be using the telescope to study exoplanets. She tells us about the bizarre and fascinating planets that have already been discovered, and how close we are to finding life beyond Earth.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

The <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/the-decibel/article-how-the-james-webb-space-telescope-will-take-us-back-in-time/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Webb Space Telescope</a> has been getting some of the most detailed information and <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-james-webb-space-telescope-photos/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">images from space</a> since it launched a year and a half ago. And soon, there’s going to be a big boost in research on exoplanets – planets outside of our solar system – particularly ones that might <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canadian-scientists-starry-eyed-over-james-webb-space-telescope-weve/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">be able to host life</a>.<a href="https://exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/en/team-member/heidi-white/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Heidi White</a> is an astrophysicist and science communicator with the <a href="https://exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets</a> at the University of Montreal, which is <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-donation-of-26-million-boosts-cosmic-research-in-montreal/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">one of the groups</a> that will be using the telescope to study exoplanets. She tells us about the bizarre and fascinating planets that have already been discovered, and how close we are to finding life beyond Earth.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

How we search for planets that could host life

In September 1969, two baby girls were born in a tiny hospital in rural Newfoundland, a few hours apart. A simple accident led to both of their lives being changed forever.Over 50 years later, the truth serendipitously revealed itself and their lives changed again. Journalist Lindsay Jones unravels the mystery of how these two women were switched at birth.This episode originally aired on September 26, 2022.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

In September 1969, two baby girls were born in a tiny hospital in rural Newfoundland, a few hours apart. A simple accident led to both of their lives being changed forever.Over 50 years later, the truth serendipitously revealed itself and their lives changed again. Journalist Lindsay Jones <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-switched-at-birth-newfoundland-hospital/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">unravels the mystery</a> of how these two women were switched at birth.This episode originally aired on September 26, 2022.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

How two Canadian women were switched at birth

Western preconceived notions about bears being deadly have led to dire consequences for bears. But the relationship and safety around bears is different with Indigenous communities and wildlife conservation groups, which have long learned how to coexist with the big mammals.We are joined by Joy SpearChief-Morris, a staff reporter with The Globe and Mail. She’s going to break down bear misconceptions and tell us how to respect bears when you encounter them.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Western <a href="https://thenarwhal.ca/bears-indigenous-teachings-waterton-alberta/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">preconceived notions </a>about bears being deadly have led to dire consequences for bears. But the relationship and safety around bears is different with Indigenous communities and wildlife conservation groups, which have long learned how to coexist with the big mammals.We are joined by <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/joy-spearchief-morris/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Joy SpearChief-Morris</a>, a staff reporter with The Globe and Mail. She’s going to break down bear misconceptions and tell us how to respect bears when you encounter them.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

What we get wrong about bears

An ongoing class-action lawsuit against the Calgary Stampede alleges that for decades the organization did not properly protect children from a sexual predator.Carrie Tait is a reporter for The Globe’s Calgary bureau and she explains what’s behind the case.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

An <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alberta/article-calgary-stampede-sex-assault-allegations/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ongoing class-action lawsuit </a>against the Calgary Stampede alleges that for decades the organization did not properly protect children from a sexual predator.<a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/carrie-tait/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carrie Tait</a> is a reporter for The Globe’s Calgary bureau and she explains what’s behind the case.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

Sex abuse allegations at the Calgary Stampede

Ticks are awful. They can give you Lyme disease, brain swelling, and can make you allergic to red meat. And as the world warms, they’re steadily creeping further north.After Dr. Vett Lloyd contracted Lyme disease from a tick, she made it her mission to study these parasites. She tells us where ticks are, what to look out for, and what to do if you find one.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Ticks are awful. They can <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-tick-bite-lyme-disease/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">give you Lyme disease</a>, brain swelling, and can make you allergic to red meat. And as the world warms, they’re steadily creeping further north.After Dr. Vett Lloyd contracted Lyme disease from a tick, she made it her mission to study <a href="https://www.lloydticklab.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these parasites</a>. She tells us where ticks are, what to look out for, and what to do if you find one.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

Why ticks – and Lyme disease – are spreading further north

The ongoing actors and writers strikes in the U.S. are having huge implications for film production – including here in Canada, as productions slow to a trickle. Film unions in B.C. just signed an agreement that some worry could lead to ripple effects in the industry as well – because there aren’t any new stipulations around the use of generative AI.Josh O’Kane covers the intersection of arts and business for The Globe. Today, he tells us about this agreement in B.C., and why some are worried it could have long term consequences for the film industry.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

The ongoing actors and writers <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/article-strike-by-hollywood-actors-screenwriters-enters-second-week-with-no/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">strikes</a> in the U.S. are having huge implications for film production – including <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/article-actors-strike-affect-canada-productions/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here in Canada</a>, as productions slow to a trickle. Film unions in B.C. just <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/article-bc-film-unions-contract-extension/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">signed an agreement</a> that some worry could lead to <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/article-bc-film-union-contracts-ai/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ripple effects in the industry</a> as well – because there aren’t any new stipulations around the use of generative AI.<a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/josh-okane/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Josh O’Kane</a> covers the intersection of arts and business for The Globe. Today, he tells us about this agreement in B.C., and why some are worried it could have long term consequences for the film industry.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

B.C. might become a haven for movie studios using AI

Context is everything. Join us Monday to Friday for a Canadian daily news podcast from The Globe and Mail. Explore a story shaping our world, in conversation with reporters, experts, and the people at the centre of the news.

The past three weeks on Earth have been the hottest since records began, and the effects of global warming are becoming increasingly deadly as temperatures continue to climb.The 2021 heat dome in B.C. led to the deaths of 619 people — it’s the deadliest weather event in Canadian history. Temperatures rose to above 40 degrees and stayed high even at night. In June 2022, the province’s coroner service released a report with recommendations to prevent deaths in the future.Frances Bula is a frequent Globe contributor who reports on urban issues in British Columbia. She’ll explain how the urban landscape contributes to the deaths, what’s being recommended to help cool B.C. buildings and what the rest of Canada can learn from it all.This episode originally aired June 9, 2022.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

The past three weeks on Earth have been the hottest since records began, and the effects of global warming are becoming increasingly deadly as temperatures continue to climb.The 2021 heat dome in B.C. <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-british-columbia-hot-weather-deaths/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">led to the deaths of 619 people</a> — it’s the deadliest weather event in Canadian history. Temperatures rose to above 40 degrees and stayed high even at night. In June 2022, the province’s coroner service <a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/death-review-panel/extreme_heat_death_review_panel_report.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">released a report </a>with recommendations to prevent deaths in the future.<a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-cooling-in-new-buildings-tree-canopy-vital-during-heat-waves-bc/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frances Bula</a> is a frequent Globe contributor who reports on urban issues in British Columbia. She’ll explain how the urban landscape contributes to the deaths, what’s being recommended to help cool B.C. buildings and what the rest of Canada can learn from it all.This episode originally aired June 9, 2022.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

Why we can’t air condition our way out of extreme heat

On Wednesday, the Trudeau government unveiled a major cabinet shakeup. The reset comes at a time when the Liberals are facing criticisms over poor communication, Chinese interference in Canadian elections and the handling of a housing affordability crisis facing many Canadians.Ottawa reporter Shannon Proudfoot is on the show to explain what the Liberal government is trying to accomplish with these moves and whether it will have an effect on their recent sagging poll numbers.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

On Wednesday, the Trudeau government <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-trudeau-cabinet-shuffle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">unveiled a major cabinet shakeup</a>. The reset comes at a time when the Liberals are facing criticisms over <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-mendicino-paul-bernardo-prison-transfer-memo/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">poor communication</a>, <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-majority-of-canadians-want-public-inquiry-into-chinese-state/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chinese interference </a>in Canadian elections and the handling of a <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-politicians-point-fingers-on-housing-crisis-but-calls-growing-for-more/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">housing affordability</a> crisis facing many Canadians.Ottawa reporter <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/shannon-proudfoot/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shannon Proudfoot</a> is on the show to explain what the Liberal government is trying to accomplish with these moves and whether it will have an effect on their <a href="https://abacusdata.ca/conservatives-lead-by-10-on-the-heels-of-the-federal-cabinet-shuffle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">recent sagging poll numbers</a>.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

What Trudeau’s summer shakeup says about the Liberals’ health

While conversations about movies are being dominated by ‘Barbie’ and ‘Openheimer’, another movie currently sitting in third place has become a surprise – and controversial – summer blockbuster.‘Sound of Freedom’ has already made US $125-million, despite being a low-budget film from an indie studio. Critics say the movie (about a former government agent’s pursuit to take down child-sex traffickers) is QAnon-adjacent and is stoking political conspiracy theories.The Globe’s Deputy Arts Editor and Film Editor, Barry Hertz is on the show to explain how this movie became a runaway hit and why it’s so controversial.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

While conversations about movies are being dominated by ‘<a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/article-barbenheimer-box-office-strike/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barbie’ and ‘Openheimer’,</a> another movie currently sitting in third place has become a surprise – and controversial – summer blockbuster.‘<a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/article-how-sound-of-freedom-became-the-shocking-hit-of-the-summer-and-the/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sound of Freedom</a>’ has already made <a href="https://www.tribute.ca/movies/boxoffice/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">US $125-million</a>, despite being a low-budget film from an indie studio. Critics say the movie (about a former government agent’s pursuit to take down child-sex traffickers) is QAnon-adjacent and is stoking political conspiracy theories.The Globe’s Deputy Arts Editor and Film Editor, <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/barry-hertz/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barry Hertz</a> is on the show to explain how this movie became a runaway hit and why it’s so controversial.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

‘Sound of Freedom’ becomes a controversial blockbuster hit

Dozens of asylum seekers have been sleeping on the streets of Downtown Toronto for weeks as a political stand-off between governments took place. While governments have been arguing over jurisdictional responsibility, community groups have stepped in.Toronto’s Revivaltime Tabernacle Church in North York has opened up its doors to over 230 asylum seekers, with volunteers donating their time and resources. We speak to Dustin Cook, The Globe’s Toronto municipal affairs reporter, about what he found out when he visited the church.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Dozens of asylum seekers have been <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-advocates-urge-aid-for-asylum-seekers-in-toronto-amid-shelter-funding/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sleeping on the streets</a> of Downtown Toronto for weeks as a political stand-off between governments took place. While governments have been arguing over jurisdictional responsibility, community groups have stepped in.Toronto’s <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-community-groups-welcome-toronto-plan-to-house-refugees-but-decry/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Revivaltime Tabernacle Church</a> in North York has opened up its doors to over 230 asylum seekers, with volunteers donating their time and resources. We speak to <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/dustin-cook/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dustin Cook</a>, The Globe’s Toronto municipal affairs reporter, about what he found out when he visited the church.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

How government infighting led to a refugee crisis in Toronto

Cities across Canada have been dealing with the impacts of wildfire smoke this year – the smoggy skies and health effects. And while we’ve been seeing more smoke in big cities, remote Indigenous communities often bear the brunt of the negative effects of wildfires. Since 1982, 98% of smoke-related evacuations have been in Indigenous communities.Dr. Nicole Redvers is an associate professor at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario and an expert on the impact of forest fires on Indigenous communities. She joins us to discuss the consequences of this year’s unprecedented wildfire season.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Cities across Canada have been dealing with <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-bc-coroner-issues-safety-alert-over-wildfire-smoke-after-childs-death/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the impacts</a> of wildfire smoke this year – the smoggy skies and <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-globe-climate-the-dangers-of-breathing-wildfire-smoke/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">health effects</a>. And while we’ve been seeing more smoke in big cities, remote Indigenous communities often <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-a-multilayered-affront-indigenous-communities-face-harsher-effects/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bear the brunt</a> of the negative effects of wildfires. Since 1982, 98% of smoke-related evacuations have been in Indigenous communities.Dr. Nicole Redvers is an associate professor at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario and an expert on the impact of forest fires on Indigenous communities. She joins us to discuss the consequences of this year’s <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-almost-900-wildfires-burning-across-canada-as-provinces-and/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">unprecedented wildfire</a> season.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

The people most impacted by wildfire smoke

Canada’s national women’s soccer team is protesting unequal treatment by the sport’s governing body. The players say Canada Soccer is not transparent with its finances, and that they won’t agree to be paid less than the men. The men’s team supports them.Rachel Brady is The Globe’s sports reporter, and she’ll tell us about the dispute, the growing business case for equally funding women’s sport, and how that’s fuelling professional women’s soccer in Canada.This episode originally aired February 17, 2023.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Canada’s national women’s soccer team is protesting unequal treatment by the sport’s governing body. The players say Canada Soccer is not transparent with its finances, and that they won’t agree to be paid less than the men. The men’s team supports them.<a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/article-soccer-canada-women-dispute/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rachel Brady</a> is The Globe’s sports reporter, and she’ll tell us about the dispute, the growing business case for equally funding women’s sport, and how that’s fuelling professional women’s soccer in Canada.This episode originally aired February 17, 2023.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

Inside Canada Soccer’s equal pay fight

Ozempic and other medications for type-2 diabetes have shown to be effective treatments for obesity. But this discovery has led to many people, who do not medically need the drug, using it for vanity reasons.Not only has this led to supply shortages and concern around less discussed long-term effects, but it’s also changing the way we talk about body image and the body positivity movement.Dr. Sarah Nutter, Assistant Professor in Counseling Psychology at the University of Victoria, whose primary research is on weight stigma, explains how this may be harmful in the chase of a so-called ‘ideal’ body and how we treat our bodies as trends.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

<a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-weight-loss-drug-ozempic-wegovy-obesity/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ozempic </a>and other medications for type-2 diabetes have shown to be effective treatments for obesity. But this discovery has led to many people, who do not medically need the drug, using it for vanity reasons.Not only has this led to <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ozempic-bc-pharmacies-us-residents/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">supply shortages</a> and concern around less discussed <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-dont-swallow-the-promise-of-weight-loss-drugs-whole-hog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">long-term effects</a>, but it’s also changing the way we talk about body image and the body positivity movement.<a href="https://www.uvic.ca/education/psychology/people/faculty/nuttersarah.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Sarah Nutter</a>, Assistant Professor in Counseling Psychology at the University of Victoria, whose primary research is on weight stigma, explains how this may be harmful in the chase of a so-called ‘ideal’ body and how we treat our bodies as trends.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

Ozempic's effect on the body positivity movement

We’re all familiar with the cycle now: Inflation is too high, so central banks keep raising interest rates. The hope is to get inflation back down to 2 per cent. But why 2? If we accept that things are going to keep getting more expensive, what difference does it make if it’s 2 or 3 per cent? Or 2.8?Report on Business reporter Mark Rendell explains why we’re aiming for 2-per-cent inflation, whether that target will change and what he learned from a recent interview with Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

We’re all familiar with the cycle now: Inflation is too high, so central banks keep <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/economy/article-bank-of-canada-interest-rate-july/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">raising interest rates</a>. The hope is to get inflation back down to 2 per cent. But why 2? If we accept that things are going to keep getting more expensive, what difference does it make if it’s 2 or 3 per cent? Or <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-canada-inflation-june-economy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2.8</a>?Report on Business reporter <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/mark-rendell/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Rendell</a> explains why we’re aiming for 2-per-cent inflation, whether that target will change and what he learned from <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-bank-of-canada-tiff-macklem-interview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a recent interview</a> with Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

Why is it so important to get inflation down to two per cent?

Car thefts have surged in Canada, with some provinces seeing increases of 50 per cent in a year. And Canada has become particularly popular for this type of crime.Today, The Globe’s wealth management and insurance reporter Clare O’Hara tells us what’s behind the rise of car thefts, and how you can best protect your own car from being stolen.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Car thefts have <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-car-thefts-reach-national-crisis-levels-soaring-close-to-50-per-cent/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">surged in Canada</a>, with some provinces seeing increases of 50 per cent in a year. And Canada has become particularly popular for this <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/household-finances/article-car-theft-insurance-value/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">type of crime</a>.Today, The Globe’s wealth management and insurance reporter <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/clare-ohara/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clare O’Hara</a> tells us what’s behind the rise of car thefts, and how you can best protect your own car from being stolen.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

Behind the rise of car thefts in Canada

At the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, Turkey agreed to support Sweden’s bid to join the alliance. This paves the way for Sweden to become the 32nd member nation following closely behind Finland, which became a member earlier in the spring. The expansion of NATO is something Russia and President Vladimir Putin have used as a key rationale for the war against Ukraine – saying it jeopardizes Russia’s security.Timothy Sayle is an associate professor of history and director of the International Relations Program at the University of Toronto. He’s also the author of Enduring Alliance: A History of NATO and the Postwar Global Order. He’s on the podcast to explain the history and tension between NATO and Russia and what more countries joining the alliance tells us about the current state of global affairs.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

At the <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-the-vilnius-summit-was-a-success-including-for-ukraine/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NATO summit in</a> Vilnius, Lithuania, <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-turkeys-support-for-swedens-nato-entry-tied-to-goals-on-eu-membership/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Turkey agreed</a> to support Sweden’s bid to join the alliance. This paves the way for<a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-how-sweden-can-collaborate-with-canada-as-part-of-nato/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Sweden to become the 32nd member nation</a> following closely behind Finland, which became a member earlier in the spring. The expansion of NATO is something Russia and President Vladimir Putin have used as a key rationale for the war against Ukraine – saying it jeopardizes Russia’s security.<a href="https://www.history.utoronto.ca/people/directories/all-faculty/timothy-andrews-sayle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Timothy Sayle</a> is an associate professor of history and director of the International Relations Program at the University of Toronto. He’s also the author of <a href="https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501735509/enduring-alliance/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Enduring Alliance: A History of NATO and the Postwar Global Order</a>. He’s on the podcast to explain the history and tension between NATO and Russia and what more countries joining the alliance tells us about the current state of global affairs.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at <a href="mailto:thedecibel@globeandmail.com">thedecibel@globeandmail.com</a>

Why NATO is back to Cold War strength

The Decibel

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