Do we still need gendered awards categories, and Maple Leaf Pro wrestling is back
Bella Ramsey is weighing in on the debate over gendered categories at awards shows – arguing women need their own category, separate from men. But the Last of Us star, who identifies as non-binary, says there’s still a lot of work required to figure out how to make actors like them feel valued and comfortable, if they don’t neatly fit in a gender-specific category. Mel Woods joins guest host Ali Hassan. Plus, with the return and rebrand of Maple Leaf Pro Wresting in Toronto this Saturday, guest host Ali Hassan is joined by wrestling fan and culture critic Sarah Kurchak for a brief look back on the history of the Maple Leaf wrestling brand and what its return might signal for the future of wrestling in Canada.
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23:52
From The Archives: A searching conversation with Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha
Mosab Abu Toha, a Palestinian poet and essayist, has just won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary for his writing in The New Yorker. Here's our conversation taped in April 2024. Elamin spoke with Mosab Abu Toha - whose home in Gaza was destroyed - about how he and other artists are able to keep creating in the face of destruction.
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21:43
Canadian film creators respond to Trump's tariff threats, and Scaachi Koul's AI generated biography
Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 100 per cent tariff on films produced outside of the U.S. And despite Trump saying later he would consult the film industry before making any moves, there’s still a lot of uncertainty in Hollywood North. Elamin chats with Kate Ziegler, the president of ACTRA Toronto and Miles Dale, a film producer who won an Oscar for ‘The Shape of Water.’ Plus, Slate columnist Scaachi Koul talks to Elamin about discovering an AI-generated biography about her life, 'From Shattered Dreams to Unstoppable Voice', while promoting her memoir 'Sucker Punch.'
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28:08
Highlights of the 2025 Met Gala, and Niko Stratis's new book
The annual Met Gala isn’t just about who’s wearing what, it’s when fashion truly becomes art. This year’s theme is a celebration of Black fashion and style – inspired by professor Monica L. Miller’s book 'Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.' The morning after, Elamin Abdelmahmoud talks with J Wortham and Tyler Foggatt about some of the best looks and how the theme was interpreted. Plus, Elamin chats with Niko Stratis about her debut book, 'The Dad Rock That Made Me A Woman' - a collection of essays about how songs can help you find a different story about yourself.
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33:13
The Rehearsal, and how Nathan Fielder leans into the absurd
Vancouver’s own Nathan Fielder is making some of the most original, tender and absurd comedy on TV. Amil Niazi, Angelo Muredda and Adam Nayman join Elamin to talk about season two of 'The Rehearsal.'
Big laughs. Smart takes. Every day. Commotion is where you go for thoughtful and vibrant conversations about all things pop culture. Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud calls on journalists, critics, creators and friends to talk through the biggest arts & entertainment stories of the day, in 30 minutes or less.Subscribe to Sounds Good: CBC's Podcasts newsletter for the finest podcast recommendations and behind-the-scenes exclusives.
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