Why we're watching 'loneliness influencers'

Is Russia losing the war with Ukraine?

Ukraine is hitting key energy targets inside Russia. And US President Donald Trump says the US will give Ukraine licence to make Patriot missiles, saying Volodomyr Zelenskyy has "done an amazing job", praising his recent attacks inside Russia. Tim Mak, a journalist based in Kyiv and the founder of The Counteroffensive, joins guest host Catherine Cullen, for a look at Ukraine's battlefield gains. And Alexander Titov, a Lecturer in Modern European History, at Queen's University Belfast, who specializes in Russian foreign policy and politics, discusses whether attitudes about the war inside Russia are shifting -- and what it could mean for when and how the war ends.

Why we're watching 'loneliness influencers'

"POV: you live alone, have no friends, this is how you spend a Friday night". These types of videos have taken off on social media. The creators behind them are called 'loneliness influencers'. Guest host Catherine Cullen speaks with content creator Lana Isa aka @LanaSoloLife about why she makes these videos and with Atlantic writer Faith Hill about what their popularity tells us about the moment we are in.

Hamas says it’s ready to hand over power. What comes next?

Hamas announced this week it was ready to dissolve its government after being in charge of Gaza for more than a decade. Israel says it's a trick move because the military group will be in charge as long as it stays armed. Guest host Catherine Cullen speaks with Diana Buttu, Palestinian Canadian lawyer, who tells us what this means for Palestinians. And  Aaron David Miller, breaks down the role of the Board of Peace and if there's a way for the stalled peace plan to move forward.

Controversy as World Cup quarterfinals kick-off

It's been a wild ride so far this World Cup. With the quarterfinals underway we’ve got your World Cup roundup. The highs, the lows, the final games to come. And the controversy – Could US President Donald Trump's call to Gianni Infantino cost the FIFA head his job? And has VAR (Video Assistant Referee) contributed to questionable calls? Guest host Catherine Cullen speaks with Laurent Dubois, author of Soccer Empire and The Language of the Game and Tim Elcombe, Professor of Kinesiology at Wilfred Laurier University, who is currently writing a book on FIFA and its role as a geopolitical body.

Stampede Politics! Separatism, pipelines & pancakes

Politicians of all stripes are out in full force at the Calgary Stampede, squeezing into jeans and cowboy boots. This year's focus: The upcoming referendum on Alberta separatism. Federal politicians are there in droves making their case for national unity. Independent pollster Janet Brown and CBC writer and producer Jason Markusoff join guest host Catherine Cullen to talk Stampede politics. And we'll hear what some Albertans are thinking when it comes to their province's future in the federation.