Afternoons with Rob Breakenridge

Join host, Rob Breakenridge, as he offers his unique perspective on the most talked-about stories of the day every weekday afternoon.

News
1151
Why did Ottawa legalize weed?
Andy Hathaway is an associate professor in sociology and crime and criminal justice at the University of Guelph.  On the topic of legalization, he writes, "the goals of legalizing cannabis in Canada are two-fold: reducing criminal involvement in the sale of cannabis and reducing its availability to youth. But I have some doubt about these objectives of the government"  He explains why to guest host Zack Hewitt.
10 min
1152
What are you gonna do about it?
Guest host Zack Hewitt calls out the negativity from the text line and challenges the listeners to talk about the real impacts and potential solutions for the state Alberta is in today.  And they respond by picking up the phone.
24 min
1153
Support System
Service animals are becoming a bigger and bigger part of living in our modern society. Exactly what kind of growth has there been, and how is it helping?
7 min
1154
Turning down the taps
What are some of the broader implications of limiting oil? What might it do to consumer confidence? ATB Financial vice president and chief economist Todd Hirsch joins guest host Zack Hewitt to provide some perspective.
15 min
1155
Debbie Travis
After her successful TV career producing shows that aired internationally, Debbie Travis felt that she was missing out on the things and people that made her happy. Along came her plan to renovate a Tuscany farmhouse into a hotel retreat. Her new book, Design Your Next Chapter: How to realize your dreams and reinvent your life, is her own experience of how she made this happen.  Debbie joins guest host "Zack" Shane Hewitt to talk about the book and her journey.
19 min
1156
Funny Words
Ever wonder what makes some words funny?  Guest host Zack Hewitt speaks with Chris Westbury from the Department of Psychology at the University of Alberta.
19 min
1157
No More Heels
OHS is putting in rules so employers cannot make high heels mandatory in the workplace.  Labour minister Christina Gray joins guest host Zack Hewitt to discuss the changes.
7 min
1158
Do-Not-Touch Screens?
How clean are those touch screens we all use at fast food restaurants and supermarkets? New lab test results might leave you a bit queasy. Jason Tetro - "The Germ Guy" - joins guest host Zack Hewitt to discuss, plus, we talk about Jason's brand new podcast joining our Curiouscast family – the Super Awesome Science Show.
20 min
1159
Is Disruption Overrated?
Disruption is credited with often being the driver for innovation, but is stability more favourable?  Guest host Zack Hewitt talks with Dr. Terry Soleas, PhD Candidate in Education at Queens University.
20 min
1160
Video Gaming and Careers in STEM
Are your boys playing video games too much? It might not be a bad thing for them as it might help them land a better career in the STEM sector.  But the results of new research say for teenaged girls, the outcomes may not be as positive.
10 min
1161
Ed the Sock
The Canadian TV icon joins Rob to talk in advance of his show next week in Calgary.
11 min
1162
The Cost of Crossing
We’re learning the cost of irregular immigration into Canada after a new parliamentary budget report came out today. Calgary-Nose Hill MP Michelle Rempel weighs in.
18 min
1163
Oil Squeeze
On the same day the Premier announces Alberta is buying rail cars on its own to ship oil, the UCP is having its own conversation on the price differential. Official opposition leader Jason Kenney joins Rob to talk more about what he's proposing.
10 min
1164
The Needle Issue
A tweet from the National Post's Tristin Hopper about discarded needles in his neighbourhood has set off a firestorm on Twitter about safe consumption sites and living alongside those with addictions. He joins Rob to share his story and we hear from listeners about their experiences.
35 min
1165
Blue Plate Special
As one restaurant is on the market for a steal of a deal, two others are trying hard to find new and innovative ways to be in business.  Global business reporter Tomasia DaSilva joins Rob to talk about some of the stories she's uncovered in the restaurant industry in Calgary.
9 min
1166
Protecting Juror Privacy
There are concerns about juror privacy after two high-profile court cases in Atlantic Canada took a strange turn last week.  Juror advocate Mark Farrant joins Rob to talk about it.
13 min
1167
5G Concerns
Chinese telecom manufacturer Huawei is well-poised to help much of the world transition to 5G data networks. But should there be caution in pressing forward? Rob speaks with Michael Shoebridge, Director of the Defence and Strategy program at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
9 min
1168
The Gene Edit
A Chinese scientist is said to have created the world’s first gene-edited baby. Dr. Arthur L. Caplan from NYU Langone joins Rob to share his perspective.
11 min
1169
Abandon Mission
The body of a dead missionary shouldn’t be recovered from a remote village – that according to a group which deals with rights for tribal people around the world. Sophie Grig is a senior researcher with Survival International, and joins Rob to discuss.
13 min
1170
Balancing the Books
Members of the public are making presentations to city council to provide commentary on the city budget. The CTF is also showing up to tell council how it thinks the books can be trimmed.
10 min
1171
Booze Battle
The provincial government is launching a trade challenge against Ontario over unfair liquor policies that prevent Alberta manufacturers from accessing the Ontario market – and changing some of its own practices in the process. Minister of Economic Development and Trade Deron Bilous joins Rob to explain.
10 min
1172
Out of Work in Oshawa
General Motors is closing its plant in Oshawa, Ontario, among others in North America.  We get perspective on the announcement from Joseph McCabe, president and CEO of Auto Forecast Solutions.
12 min
1173
The State of the CFL
As the CFL gathers in Edmonton this week for Grey Cup 2018, Postmedia's Scott Stinson joins Rob to talk a little about the state of the game.
11 min
1174
After the Update
Jack Mintz from the UCalgary School of Public Policy joins Rob for some reflection on this week's fall economic update.
14 min
1175
Birth Tourism
Andrew Griffith is a fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and the Environics Institute and joins Rob to discuss birth tourism.
13 min