Detangled

This week Allison and guest host Vicky Mochoma discuss Canada’s long road to legal weed with Globe and Mail politics reporter Adrian Morrow. Then we talk to urbanist and author Shawn Micallef and WestBank’s Jonah Letovsky about the end of Honest Ed’s and the future of Mirvish Village. We cap off the show with a Fun Quiz about 2016 in The News with Buzzfeed Canada’s Jane Lytvynenko. Allison is reading H is for Hawk by Helen McDonald. Vicky is reading Ghana Must Go by Taiye Selasi. TUNES: Coconut Kiss by Niki & the Dove The Future is Female by Madame Ghandi The Happiest Man Alive by Macho Montano

Should Donald Trump be banned from Twitter? We ask The Ringer’s Kate Knibbs. Professor Moshe Milevsky tells us what will happen if millennials never buy houses. AND a discussion of our favourite feminist films of 2016 with Catriona Wright and Brooke Lockyer. Allison is reading Boys in the Trees by Carly Simon. Vass is reading Essays Against Everything by Mark Grief. TUNES: Red Bone by Childish Gambino Shut Up Kiss Me by Angel Olsen Peg by Steeley Dan

On this week’s show we convene a panel on Internet hoaxes, fake news and the need for social media reporting with Buzzfeed Canada’s Ishmael Daro, Gawken’s Nick Zarzycki and Metro’s Vicky Mochoma. Then we talk about the never-ending drama that is the Future of the CBC and interview author Heather Tucker about her new novel The Clay Girl. Allison is reading A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin. TUNES: Kimberly by Patti Smith While I’m Alive by STRFKR Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush

On this week’s show we are joined by members of Vass’ uber-talented basketball team, the Good Deed Sheeds! Film critic Adam Nayman on his new book “Confusion and Carnage” about director Ben Wheatley. Director Amar Wala on the new Viceland show Payday, which follows millennials as they hustle through one pay period. Iain Soder on his conceptual art collective Tough Guy Mountain. Filmmaker Chelsea McMullan on our favourite basketball movies. TUNES: The Fall by Industrial Estate Desire by Dilly Dally Coo Coo by Weaves

On this week’s show Allison and Vass talk to Jo Flatt about the prospect of Toronto changing the rules around laneway housing. Snazzy new rental stock anybody? Then, we talk to journalist Navneet Alang about the world’s newfound Fake News problem. Lastly, we interview legendary Toronto activist Ceta Ramkhalawansingh about the role and impact of female city-builders. Vass is reading Swing Time by Zadie Smith. Allison is reading Bluets by Maggie Nelson. TUNES: Sad Song by How to Dress Well Happy by Mitski Since K Got Over Me by The Clientel

On this special CIUT FUNDRAISING episode, Allison and Vass discuss their sadness over Hillary’s loss and how to move forward in this terrible world. Also, *Insert Epic Marie Heinen Rant Here.* Then, we talk to journalist Sarah Reid about Ontario’s climate change plan and whether Donald Trump and his climate change denying pals can throw it off. Lastly, we interview Noah Zon about Ontario’s basic income pilot and why there are some policies that leave us feeling optimistic. Vass is reading Dark Age Ahead by Jane Jacobs. Allison is reading What is a Witch by Pam Grossman. TUNES: Heavy Hands by Cold Specks NIV by Lambchop That’s No Way To Say Goodbye by Leonard Cohen THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED TO CIUT ON BEHALF OF DETANGLED.

We finally break the number one rule of BUNZ and talk about BUNZ. Bloomberg business reporter Gerrit De Vynck joins us to talk about the growth of Toronto’s biggest trading community and where it’s going next.  Then, we talk to CBC’s Pat Kelly about his new book This Is That’s Travel Guide to Canada - a satirical guidebook for the country that loves poutine, hockey and geo-blocking. Lastly, we talk to political gurus Chris Copperwaithe and Karim Bardeesy about open-source democracy building and the brooding U.S. election.  Vass is reading an advance copy of Shawn Micallef’s Frontier City: Toronto on the Verge of Greatness. Allison is reading The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin by Masha Gessen. TUNES: Don’t Dream It’s Over by Flock of Dimes feat. Sylvan Esso No Matter Where We Go by Whitney This is Love by Weyes Blood

On this special WITCHY episode, Allison and Vass talk to professor Dr. Kim Stratton about the history of witching as a way to subvert authority. Then, we talk to friend-of-show Emily Keeler about the Tumblr Witch and why Internet Feminists are getting into potions. Lastly, we interview musician Witch Prophet, founder of the collective 88 Days of Fortune, about past lives, the most spiritual place in Toronto and her AGO First Thursday’s gig. Vass is reading Redesigning Work: A Blueprint for Canada's Future Well-being and Prosperity by Graham Lowe and Frank Graves. Allison is reading We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. TUNES: Season of the Witch by Donovan I’d Rather Be Burned as a Witch by Eartha Kitt Architect of Heartbreak by Witch Prophet

On this week's episode, Allison and Vass discuss how the 2015 federal election may have marked the end of youth voter apathy with Samara Canada’s Laura Anthony. Then, we talk to documentary filmmaker Hannah Donegan about her awesome new film Sugar Sisters. The doc explores Hannah’s foray into Toronto's secret gig economy: Sugar dating.  Lastly, we interview author Elisa Albert about her brilliant essay for Hazlitt called “Snarling Girl.” Elisa’s piece tackles the competing impulses of ambition and creativity and why being an artist in NYC is a lot like campaigning for office. Vass is reading You Too Can Have A Body Like Mine by Alexandra Gleeman and The Sharing Economy: the End of Employment and the Rise of Crowd-Based Capitalism by Arun Sundararajan. Allison is reading The Best Kind of People by Zoe Whittall. TUNES: Bright Whites by Kishi Bashi Master’s Hands by Charlotte Gainsbourg Conceptual Romance by Jenny Hval

On this week's episode, Allison and Vass discuss the resurgence of Jane Jacobs, “The Patron Saint of Stoop-Sitters,” with Globe and Mail architecture critic Alex Bozikovic. In our second segment, we talk about the (female) voices of Artificial Intelligence with Tech Girls Canada’s Saadia Muzaffar. Lastly, we interview comic journalist Sarah Glidden about her amazing new graphic novel “Rolling Blackouts,” which documents a 2010 reporting trip to Turkey, Iraq and Syria. Vass is reading “Future/Sex” by Emily Witt. Instead of reading, Allison is attending a literary event at the TIFF Bell Lightbox featuring a screening of Julie Taymor’s “The Tempest” and a discussion of Margaret Atwood’s new book “Hag-Seed.” TUNES: “Edge of My Dreams” by Only Yours, “Bleeding Heart” by Regina Spekter and “Shelter from the Storm” by Bob Dylan.

On this week's episode, Allison and Vass interview the brilliant Dr. Sarah Kaplan, head of the University of Toronto’s Institute for Gender + the Economy, about the rise of gender capitalism and the dangerous myth of meritocracy. In our second segment, we talk to Dr. Marina Adshade about “Dollars and Sex,” relationship contracts and Why Your Mother is Not a Whore. Allison is reading “Hot or Not: 20th-Century Male Artist” by Jessica Campbell. Vass is reading “What If We Were Wrong” by Chuck Klosterman. TUNES: “Truth is the Freshest Fruit” by Jennifer Castle, “You’re the One” by Kaytranada and “You Know Me Well” by Sharon Von Etten.  

On this week's episode, Allison and Vass are joined by NOW Magazine photographer Tanja-Tiziana to discuss her new photography book “Buzzing Lights,” which documents North America’s last neon signs. In our second segment, we talk to tenant rights lawyer Jonathan Robart about new Ontario laws that make it easier for survivors of domestic violence to get out of a lease. Lastly, Studio Fitzroy owner Angela Pastor joins us to talk fashion, pop-ups and her new rental-only dress shop. Allison is reading “I Love Dick” by Chris Kraus. Vass is reading “The Best Kind of People” by Zoe Whittal. TUNES: “Confession” by DIANA, “Borderline: An Ode to Self Care” by Solange and “Catherine the Great” by The Divine Comedy. TIME STAMPS 01:52 - Segment 1 18:05 - Segment 2 36:50 - Segment 3 49:45 - What We Are Reading

**NOTE TO LISTENERS: One of our mics is too low for the first three minutes of the show. Don't worry and keep listening. The sound levels are great just a few minutes in.  On this week's episode, Allison and guest-host Sarah Soteroff welcome the National Post’s drinks columnist Adam McDowell to discuss his boozy new book “Drinks: A User’s Guide.” In our second segment, we talk to Metro News columnist Matt Elliott about Toronto’s parking lot problem and discover why street parking is cheaper than a storage locker. Lastly, marketing guru Ron Tite joins us to discuss creativity and why we should bring an artistic mind frame to all the work that we do. Allison is reading The New York Times’ endorsement of Hillary Clinton. Sarah is reading Heroes of the Frontier by Dave Eggers. TUNES: “You’re Not Good Enough” by Blood Orange, Arm’s Length by Kacy Hill and The Lucky One by Pure Bathing Culture.

In this week's episode, we hear from Stephen Metcalfe, host of the Slate Culture Gabfest, on why Hillary Clinton has become the stand-in for all of post-industrial America’s anxieties. In our second segment, we talk to urban planner Nicole Hanson about #CemeteryUrbanism, because “If you think Toronto is too crowded now, just wait until you die.” Lastly, we discuss Jessica Bennett’s new book “Feminist Fight Club” with the Globe and Mail’s Zosia Bielski. Subtle workplace sexism, Obama’s Smurfettes and WW(Josh)D!? Allison is reading “The Story of a New Name” by Elena Ferrante. Vass is reading “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverence” by Angela Duckworth. TUNES: “Your Best American Girl” by Mitskie, “Car” by Porches and “Am I Wrong” by Anderson .Paak.

In this week's episode, we get a dispatch from the frontlines of TIFF’s opening weekend from arts and culture writer John Semley. In our second segment, we make some predictions about the upcoming political season with National Post reporter Ashley Csanady.   Lastly, we discuss Colour Code, the Globe and Mail’s new podcast on race, with one of the show’s co-hosts Denise Balkissoon. Allison is reading Finding Raffi by Sheila Heti in Vulture. Vass is reading “Here I am” by Jonathan Safran-Foer. TUNES:  Unsinkable by Overnight; Real Love Baby by Father John Misty; Old School by Metronomy.

In this week's episode, guest host Jasmine Frolick of ERA Architects steps in for Allison while she is touring Europe. She and Vass talk to TIFF's Chandler LeVack about #feministlivereads -- what started with an casual tweet has come to lady-championing life and reminds us of the lack of quality roles for women. Solution? DIY.  In our second segment, we are joined by Art Spin's Layne Hinton to talk about the transformative in/future festival coming up at Ontario Place. How did such a novel site become so irrelevant to Torontonians? Gear up for 10 days with a Jurassic Park vibe.  Lastly, we discuss the NXT City Prize competition that opened this week with Mackenzie. Under 35? Then re-imagine public space in a cheap and cheerful and win $5,000. There's a party, too!  Jasmine is reading a book about the Pope called "The Great Reformer," and trying to figure out why so many men whisper HEY after doing it with you (Jezebel).  Vass loved "Homegoing" and is reading “Serial Monogamy" by Kate Taylor and trying to fig

In this week's episode Vass and Allison discuss the new Wall Street thriller “Equity.” It’s like all those other Wall Street films, but with women! In our second segment, we are joined by financial advisor Shannon Lee Simmons to talk about how the media portrays millennials in the real estate market. Why are our living situations either sensationalized or shamed? Lastly, we discuss how new technologies such as Instagram and Airbnb are spreading the same hipster aesthetic across the world with tech pro Christina Hug. Allison is reading “What is Obscenity” by Japanese manga artist Rokudenashiko. Vass is reading “Chaos Monkeys: Obscene fortune & random failure in Silicon Valley” by Antonio Garcia Martinez. TUNES: Fever Boy by Femme; Damn That Valley by U.S. Girls; and Big Boy by Charlotte Cardin.

In this week's episode Vass and Allison discuss sexist broadcasting at the Rio Summer Olympic Games with Toronto Star sports reporter Laura Armstrong. Does Cosmo Magazine’s "36 Best Olympic Bulges" make up for it? (Answer: No). In our second segment, we talk about the ongoing craft beer craze in Toronto with blogger The Thirsty Wench. She can’t wait until craft beer become “basic.” Lastly, we discuss a new Canadian web series called Babes, which Buzzfeed Canada just ranked Number 1 on its list of “7 Queer Web Series You Should Be Watching Right Now.” We talk to the show’s creator AJ Ripley and director Victoria Clowater. Allison is reading The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Vass is reading The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. TUNES: Emotions and Math by Margaret Glaspy, Everybody Wants to Love You by Japanese Breakfast and Ode to Viceroy by Mac DeMarco. 

In this week's episode Vass and Allison are joined in studio by Park People's Jake Garrett to discuss Toronto’s proposed #RailDeckPark. How do we make sure the bold plan for downtown green space isn’t nibbled away? In our second segment, we ask Spacing magazine writer Alex Steep whether co-housing developments are the way of the future, or just another urbanist summer daydream? Lastly, we talk to comic artist Diana Tamblyn about a new Betty & Veronica reboot by Adam Hughes. The series is marketed as a feminist triumph, but it may have fallen flat. Allison is reading The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson. Vass is reading How to be a Person in World by Heather Havrilesky.

In this week's episode Vass and Allison are joined by Globe and Mail business reporter Karen Ho to discuss digital detoxes and summer camp for adults.  We discuss Ontario's new culture strategy and getting Canadian books in the classroom with Coachhouse Press editor and all-around-Book-Person Emily Keeler.  In our final segment, we talk to Dr. Miranda Campbell about her new Maisonneuve cover story about the lack of female talent at summer music festivals.  Allison is reading Sweetbitter by Sephanie Danler.  Vass is reading You'll Grow Out of It by Jessi Klein.