(Photo by Ray Sangga Kusuma/UNSPLASH)

(Photo by Nathan Dumlao/UNSPLASH)

Alongside expert insights, the episode also features voices from everyday people caught up in the Labubus buzz, drawing playful comparisons to past fads like Beanie Babies. Together, they explore what Labubus says about the speed of digital culture today and what it might reveal about the future of trends.

They'll also be hosting a demonstration on Parliament Hill on that date from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and they're back to tell us all about what's in store for next week. As a non-profit, they're running a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of organizing the demonstration and they encourage the community to join them in advocative for systemic and legislative change. 

Then, we introduce a brand new podcast on CHUO 89.1 FM. The Kardinas: Navigating Community, Consciousness and Balance is a five-part series hosted by Karine Coen-Sanchez and Dina Idriss-Wheeler. Stay tuned to hear all about this thought-provoking new podcast from CHUO's studios!

Then, we expand on the finale of the Outaouais Film Festival, a staple celebration of Francophone culture taking place in Gatineau.

Then, Arya Gunde provides analysis on propaganda in today's world. And finally, we discuss the recent arrests by the Ottawa Police Services targeting Pro-Palestinian protestors. Clips in this segment come from our personal archives as well as the Ottawa Palestinian Youth Movement's social media. 

Then, CHUO's Christelle Dorvil speaks with Ottawa influencer Chantsy about body positivity online and the significance of a diverse representation of body types on social media. 

Then, CHUO's Arya Gunde talks anti-nuclear advocacy with Ban the Bomb Ottawa member Rory Lewis.

Today, you'll hear from Dongjae Kim who lived in the country's capital Pyongyang. He discusses the elitist structures around the government and educational institutions. Dongjae speaks about famine, modern-day slavery, and his story of escape.

We discuss life under the regime, a famine that killed hundreds of thousands, the culture of fear in North Korea, and how they escaped. 

Then, Arya Gunde dives into the study of mycology with extensive interviews and research.

Then, a conversation with Haitian turntablist, soundchemist, and electronic music producer Val Jeanty. We discuss the cultural influences of her work, particularly Haitian Vodou and her family's legacy of music in relation to Occide Jeanty. 

Then, we look ahead to the Ottawa Black Business Expo coming up this weekend (18:18).

Also this weekend, Nigerian-American actor and singer will be performing in the capital. Cécile Tala walks us through the artist's career and music ahead of his performance in the Byward Market (19:24).

And then Bushra Ben Hamed brings us an in-depth film review of the classic 2015 movie, Spotlight (20:56).

Then we turn towards the 107th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge (23:21). We remember the battle and the sacrifices that were made on those days in Northern France. 

Lastly, we remind Ottawa School of Art members about the upcoming deadline for its portrait contest (27:08). The winner will receive a generous commission of $5,000 to create a portrait of Canadian astronaut and engineer, Colonel Chris Hadfield!

Then, a conversation in the studio with local artist Ryan Mendoza, who's been cast to play Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the Lost Baggage Theatre Company's production of Guys and Dolls later this month (9:32). We discuss the influences in his career of music production and his journey into the Ottawa theatre scene. 

Finally, Marcela Gonzalez brings us an explanatory update on Canada's carbon tax issue (29:55). The climate policy has been criticized as a "dumpster fire," but today she clears some confusions. 

Then, we look ahead to the Ottawa Black Film Festival this weekend (29:59). We outline some of the events that are planned and walk listeners through the information they need to know.

And finally, James Brennan returns with an episode of Point of Skew (31:33). In his segments he usually examines media bias, but today he's speaking with professor Lauchlan Munro about Bhutan's Gross National Happiness index as a Point of Skew. 

(Photo credit: Melki Films)

Then, we speak with Carleton film studies professor Laura Horak about her upcoming screening of Cinema's First Nasty Women, a collection of silent-era films highlighting queerness, gender diversity, and racialized women's stories (10:30).

Finally, Marcela Gonzalez outlines Charlotte Cardin's recent performance in Ottawa (33:54). She brings you to the concert and outlines the star's path to securing a record-breaking amount of Juno Award nominations.

Photo credit: Richard Ackerman/Flickr

Then, we move into censorship in Israel's war against Hamas (18:26). We hear from religious studies scholar Norman Cornett about how religion is being weaponized in the violence we've seen since Oct. 7, particularly as it applies to recent threats of attack on Rafah at the start of Ramadan.

Then we discuss the current state of the war in Ukraine as it recently passed the two-year mark (26:15). Arya Gunde delves into the international perception of the grinding war, and the potential cases of a stalemate.

Finally, Marcela Gonzalez walks us through Mexico City's water crisis, and the nearing future for the city to completely run dry (28:54).

Then, we take a step back in time to hear about the beginnings of Lansdowne Park (18:55). CHUO's Marcela Gonzalez walks us through the many roles the park has played since its creation in 1868.

We also discuss the Ottawa Public Library's celebration of Freedom to Read Week (21:35). The Library is holding a variety of events and discussions. Tomorrow, they're hosting a talk with author Lawrence Hill about censorship in literature, particularly regarding Black Canadian lives. 

Finally, James Brennan brings us another episode of Point of Skew, aimed to address areas of bias in today's media landscape (22:25). Today, he tackles the issue of media conglomerates, specifically analyzing Postmedia. 

Then, we go through some of Mosaic's greatest interviews and documentaries in honour of World Radio Day (Feb. 13)

Then, we speak with one of Ovarian Cancer Canada's top fundraisers, Jennifer Smyth (5:44). She's been making chocolate truffles to fundraise for Valentine's Day, and we talk some more about her fundraising journey and the importance of hope.

(Photo credit: Asinabka Film Festival)

Yasaman Ravanbakhsh attends a Wellness Week event at the OAG (11:06). She speaks with coordinator Louisa Harkouk about what the weekly events bring to students at this time.

Then, Fathia Tijani walks us through Winterlude as its set to commence tomorrow (13:08). 

Finally, James Brennan returns with Point of Skew to unpack media biases in todays journalistic landscape (14:11). 

Then, Arya Gunde walks us through the upcoming day of remembrance for the 2017 Quebec City mosque attack (10:41). He talks about right-wing terrorism, and Islamophobia in the country.

We celebrate the World Day for African and Afrodescendant culture with members of the Pan-Afrikan Coalition of Canada (12:40). Fathia Tijani sits down with the organization's president, Daniel Eji, and members Charles, Idris, and Steve. They discuss the work the organization does to keep immigrants, children, and residents in touch with African culture.

In light of the recent Provincial Women's Pinball Championship in Ottawa, we hear from Megan Sprague of Pinball Women Ottawa (31:07). We discuss her introduction to the game, this weekend as the first provincial championship in Ottawa, and the role of women and gender-diverse folks in the pinball community. 

Wrapping up the show, Tyler Beauchesne reports from the Sports Corner (49:20). He covers the suspected closure of Sports Illustrated, 2018 World Junior Hockey team members facing sexual assault charges, and much more!

Then we hear from Tyler Beauchesne in the Sports Corner about uOttawa's recent victories leading to the Capital Hoops game in February (4:01). He then highlights NFL plays, and talks on the impending trade of the Raptor's Pascal Siakam. 

Finally, James Brennan returns for a Point of Skew segment (15:51). Employing media studies he dives into state affiliated broadcasting in the cold war and today, addressing certain misconceptions around it. 

Then we take a look at Chamberfest's City Concert going on tonight, featuring a renowned Ukrainian performer with the country's national instrument, the bandura. 

We move on to cover the opening night of Saunders' Farm's frightful Sawmill exhibition at Lansdowne.

And finally, we introduce a segment reviewing movies, focusing today on the fall-favourite You've Got Mail.