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Closer Look

by Village Media Inc. · English · News

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find. This podcast from Village Media — ‘Closer Look’ — is all about the stories we tell. Every Sunday morning at 8, hos

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 26 min
Latest: 11 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

11 Oct 2026 · 29 minNew

Away from the cameras, 'Rick the Temp' hid a dark secret

For a generation of Canadians, Rick Campanelli has been one of the most recognizable faces on television — the energetic, always-grinning “Rick the Temp” who turned a MuchMusic contest into a remarkable career in broadcasting. But behind that smile was a struggle few people knew about. In his new memoir, Tempted, Campanelli opens up about his rise to fame, his years-long battle with gambling addiction, and why he’s ready to share his story with the world. Campanelli is our guest on this week'...

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

4 Oct 2026 · 26 min
NHL's rookie of the year takes a shot at joining our podcast
Matthew Schaefer was the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft — and he definitely lived up to the hype. In his first season, the talented defenceman put up Bobby Orr-esque numbers, tallying 23 goals and 36 assists on his way to being crowned the league’s rookie of the year. Off the ice, Schaefer has shown resilience and maturity way beyond his years. When he was only 16, he lost his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer. In the time since, he has used his star power to honour her legacy and ...
27 Sep 2026 · 36 min
Far-fetched or not, Carney is right to prepare for U.S. military action
Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed this week that he has studied the possibility of U.S.-led military action in Canada. In a lengthy New York Times interview published Wednesday, Carney said it would be irresponsible not to prepare for what he called an “extreme tail risk.” “That’s just risk management,” he said. “That’s not a base case, but it would be irresponsible not to [prepare].” How realistic is a Trump-ordered military invasion? Considering the U.S. President's musings about a 51st s...
6 Sep 2026 · 24 min
Navdeep Bains has some things to say about Doug Ford
In November, the Ontario Liberals will elect a new leader — the party’s third in six years. Five candidates are on the ballot to replace Bonnie Crombie: Navdeep Bains, Stephanie Bowman, Lee Fairclough, Eric Lombardi and Dylan Marando. At this point, Bains is widely considered the frontrunner. The former federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development is a recognized name in and out of the party, and he currently leads all candidates in fundraising. Bains is our guest on this ...
16 Aug 2026 · 17 min
Should Trump's ambassador to Canada get the boot?
At last count, nearly 200,000 people have signed an online petition demanding the expulsion of Donald Trump's ambassador to Canada. The petition — which will be presented in the House of Commons this fall — calls on the federal government to declare Pete Hoekstra persona non grata and remove him from Canada. The petition accuses the ambassador of making statements that undermine the Canada-U.S. relationship, and of intervening in Canadian political discourse in a manner inconsistent with dipl...
9 Aug 2026 · 33 min
Our last conversation with Lloyd Robertson
For countless Canadians, Lloyd Robertson was more than a trusted voice. He was a fixture of their nightly routine. The chief anchor of CTV News for nearly three decades, Robertson helped people across the country understand the moments that shaped our nation and our world. "That's the kind of day it was," he said at the end of every newscast. Robertson died this week at the age of 92. In 2022, long after he retired, Robertson sat down for in-depth interview with Village Media's Scott Sexsmith...
2 Aug 2026 · 30 min
Why this could be a 'turnaround decade' in the fight against Alzheimer's
Researchers have identified a new blood test that could reveal signs of Alzheimer’s disease decades earlier than ever before. The potential breakthrough is just the latest piece of positive news when it comes to identifying and treating dementia patients — including the recent approval of a long-awaited drug that slows the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. On a recent episode of Village Media’s Closer Look podcast, we sat down with one of Canada’s leading experts on dementia: Dr...
19 Jul 2026 · 15 min
Meet the Zamboni-like robot cleaning Ontario beaches
When you’re at the beach this summer, you might notice something pretty cool: a Zamboni-like robot that meticulously cleans the sand. It’s called a BeBot, and it was unveiled for the first time in Canada last year by the not-for-profit group Pollution Probe. The vacuum-like device — which can cover 3,000 square meters per hour — sifts through sand in search of small pieces of waste. Last summer, while deployed to shorelines on all five Great Lakes, the BeBot collected a whopping 43,375 pieces...
5 Jul 2026 · 25 min
The Wealthy Barber is closing up shop
Released nearly four decades years ago, The Wealthy Barber helped countless Canadians understand money management and sound investing strategies. Last year, author David Chilton released a fresh rewrite of his iconic book for a new generation — and also stopped by our Closer Look podcast for a chat. Amid news that Chilton is retiring at the end of 2026, we decided to revisit some of the sound advice he passed our way. Reach out to Frisco and Scott
28 Jun 2026 · 19 min
Not even your gift cards are safe from fraudsters
If recent headlines are any indication, gift card scams have become a lucrative enterprise for organized criminals. On this week’s episode of Village Media's Closer Look podcast, we revisit an eye-opening conversation we had with Ritesh Kotak, a lawyer and cybercrime expert. He explains how these scammers operate, why gift card fraud is on the rise — and how you can protect yourself as a consumer. Reach out to Frisco and Scott
14 Jun 2026 · 23 min
CTE is a devastating brain disease, but there is hope
If you're a sports fan, you've no doubt heard of the acronym CTE. It has made plenty of headlines in recent years. CTE — chronic traumatic encephalopathy — is a devastating, degenerative brain disease triggered by repetitive head injuries. It often impacts athletes, but also soldiers and victims of intimate partner violence. At the moment, the condition can only be diagnosed after death. But a team of researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is working hard to change t...
7 Jun 2026 · 29 min
Spot the difference? How fake merch inflicts very real harms
This week, Toronto police displayed the fruits of a massive seizure of counterfeit soccer merchandise worth millions of dollars. The haul included 16,000 fake name-brand jerseys and flags — including FIFA, Nike, Adidas and Puma — and even two counterfeit FIFA World Cup trophies. At first glance, it’s easy to downplay such a bust as a “victimless crime.” But don’t tell that to Toronto lawyer David Lipkus, whose firm, Lipkus Law LLP, tipped off the cops to this operation. A leading intellectual...
31 May 2026 · 20 min
Here’s what you need to know about Ontario’s new auto insurance rules
Here's a piece of advice: Take a good look at your auto insurance policy. Starting July 1, Ontario is introducing some significant reforms to auto insurance rules. Simply put, some coverage that is now mandatory will soon become optional — including certain accident benefits like income replacement and death and funeral costs. Those in favour of the new system say it gives drivers more choice and flexibility — and potentially lower rates — while some experts worry the new rules could leave pe...
24 May 2026 · 18 min
Why we’re spending billions to attract more people into skilled trades
Last month, Mark Carney’s Liberal government announced a $6-billion plan to help recruit, train and hire up to 100,000 new skilled tradespeople over the next five years. The plan acknowledges a longstanding concern: that Canada has an urgent need for more carpenters, plumbers, millwrights and heavy equipment operators. Among the new initiatives is a $5,000 bonus when a worker completes their Red Seal certification, a process Ottawa also wants to modernize by introducing online exams, digital ...
17 May 2026 · 27 min
Voting really matters, but our democracy demands so much more
In communities across Ontario, nominations are now open for October’s municipal elections. It is local democracy in action: candidates put their names in the hat, lay out their promises — and you vote. But is that enough? Does democracy demand more of us? On this week’s episode of Village Media's Closer Look podcast, we revisit a very timely interview with an author who has some urgent things to say about the state of democracy around the world — and why it's really not enough to simply cast ...
10 May 2026 · 45 min
Don Cherry's son talks about his dad, ‘you people’ and Ron MacLean
Even at 92 years old, Don Cherry is never far from the headlines. Back in February, the longtime co-host of “Coach’s Corner” was appointed to the Order of Ontario. A month later, a Conservative MP started a push to honour Cherry with the Order of Canada — a movement that continues to gain steam. And now there’s a new book out, authored by Cherry’s late daughter, Cindy, who passed away unexpectedly in 2024. The book — The Don Cherry Story: Part II — is the second instalment of a two-book serie...
3 May 2026 · 27 min
Why banning kids from social media is a terrible idea
Back in December, Australia became the first country in the world to ban social media for kids under 16. Simply put, popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat were ordered to block all Australian children from their sites or face hefty fines. Should Canada follow suit? The momentum is growing. Last month, Culture Minister Marc Miller said the Carney Liberals are “very seriously” considering a social media ban for kids after the party adopted a motion at its recent convention. Mani...
26 Apr 2026 · 26 min
Our prime farmland in Ontario is rapidly disappearing
The Ford government says it wants to limit the foreign ownership of prime Ontario farmland, all part of proposed legislation aimed at boosting food sovereignty across the province. But some experts say the government’s focus on foreign ownership is missing the real crisis: Ontario’s rapidly vanishing farmland. Over the past 35 years, Ontario has lost 2.8 million acres — or 18 per cent — of farmland to non-agricultural land uses like housing developments and aggregate mining. To put that anoth...
19 Apr 2026 · 27 min
Canada’s ‘Princess Warrior’ stops by our podcast (minus the sword)
Mary Walsh is so much more than one iconic character, but for countless Canadians she will always be Marg Delahunty, Princess Warrior. Her sword-wielding alter ego — who ambushed politicians, cornered them with uncomfortable questions, and even kissed one would-be prime minister on the lips — was a favourite on This Hour Has 22 Minutes, the long-running sketch show she created. But Marg is only one small part of her story. Walsh’s new book — Brassy Bit of Aging Crumpet: A Memoir in Pieces — l...
10 Apr 2026 · 17 min
Nothing stays the same, and our podcast is no exception
Every day, our Closer Look podcast chases the same mission: to learn something new. Whether we're dissecting a pressing issue, or speaking to a prominent guest, we try to leave the conversation knowing a bit more than before. We hope you've learned some things, too. Starting next week, we're shaking it up a bit. Closer Look is moving from a nightly podcast to a weekly show, with new episodes dropping every Sunday morning across the Village Media network. Shifting to a weekly show gives us mor...
10 Apr 2026 · 22 min
This is why Canada’s Wonderland adopted a new chaperone policy for kids
Canada’s Wonderland rode a roller coaster of headlines this week when it announced a new chaperone policy for kids. After 4 p.m., all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult in order to stay at the iconic park. Any guests 15 or younger found inside Wonderland without a chaperone during those hours will be “immediately subject to removal.” Canada’s Wonderland insists the new policy wasn’t triggered by a specific incident, but rather in response to "unruly" behaviour report...
9 Apr 2026 · 28 min
AI robots for seniors? Time we start talking about our aging population
In Ontario, the number of people over the age of 80 is set to soar — and advocates say we're not doing enough to prepare for the demographic shift. We are definitely not alone. Countries around the world are grappling to prepare for the inevitable rise in elderly populations. Could AI dolls help combat loneliness among seniors? Are robots the answer, a hi-tech way to help elderly people perform basic tasks? Those options — and many more — are on the table. On tonight's episode of Villag...
8 Apr 2026 · 34 min
As final game looms, voice of the Leafs looks back on ‘dream’ career
For 44 years, Joe Bowen’s signature voice has been the soundtrack of Leafs Nation. But this season will be his last behind the mic — and with the Toronto Maple Leafs officially out of playoff contention, Bowen’s legendary career is down to its final few periods. His last game on the airwaves will be April 15. On tonight’s episode of Village Media’s Closer Look podcast, we revisit our recent interview with the voice of the Leafs — and the pride of Sudbury — who has received plenty of love from...
7 Apr 2026 · 20 min
Every teenager needs to listen to this interview about jobs of the future
Our guest on tonight’s Closer Look is Ian Howcroft of Skills Ontario, an organization that empowers youth to explore careers in skilled trades and technologies. Reach out to Frisco and Scott
2 Apr 2026 · 17 min
Minimum wage is going up, but it’s still nowhere near a living wage
Ontario's minimum wage is set for another bump later this year, rising 35 cents to $17.95 an hour. But is that a living wage? Not even close. On tonight’s episode of Village Media’s Closer Look podcast, we dig deeper into the numbers with Craig Pickthorne of the Ontario Living Wage Network. Reach out to Frisco and Scott
2 Apr 2026 · 29 min
These hi-tech mugshots help police track down Canada’s most wanted
Six months ago, we told you about the latest list of Canada's 25 most-wanted fugitives. The hi-tech mugshots are released annually by Canada’s Bolo program — “Be on the Lookout” — which is dedicated to helping police forces track down notorious murderers, drug traffickers and gang members. In the last month alone, three of those high-profile fugitives have been located and arrested — including the number one person on the list: accused murderer Bryan Fuentes Gramajo. On tonight’s episode of V...
1 Apr 2026 · 22 min
Ford plus Carney equals more housing across Ontario?
Joining us on tonight’s Closer Look podcast is Aidan Chamandy, a reporter at TorontoToday who covered Monday's announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney, Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. Reach out to Frisco and Scott
30 Mar 2026 · 24 min
You have one more day left to tell the government about your banned guns
Six years ago, the Trudeau government made the decision to ban more than 2,000 makes and models of assault-style firearms, including the notorious AR-15. The legislative change raised the obvious question: If a person purchased one of those guns back when they were legal, what now? The answer took a long time to materialize, but the promised federal buyback program is now live. In fact, tomorrow — March 31 — is the deadline for gun owners to declare those firearms and qualify for compensation...
27 Mar 2026 · 27 min
Everything you need to know about Doug Ford’s latest unbalanced budget
The Ford government unveiled its latest provincial budget on Thursday — a record $244-billion fiscal roadmap (with a projected deficit of $13.8-billion). Joining us on tonight’s Closer Look podcast to break down all the numbers is Jessica Smith Cross, editor-in-chief of our Queen’s Park team at The Trillium. Reach out to Frisco and Scott
27 Mar 2026 · 28 min
Play ball! Blue Jays broadcaster Dan Shulman joins us for Opening Day chat
The Toronto Blue Jays came oh so close to capturing a World Series title last season — uniting fans from coast to coast in the process. Can they finish the job this year? Does the latest version of the Jays have what it takes to go on another magical run? The journey begins Friday with an Opening Day match-up against the Oakland Athletics. Our guest on tonight’s episode of Village Media’s Closer Look podcast is a person who knows this team as well as anyone: Dan Shulman, the Sportsnet broadca...

About Closer Look

Closer Look is a English news podcast from Village Media Inc.. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Village Media Inc.
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 26 min
Latest episode: 11 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1620228460

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