Podcast
Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Hosted by CBC · EN
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.
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83episodes
Episodes
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The Canadian artists dominating 2026 (so far)
1w ago00:25:11Tap to summarizeIt's Canada Day, which means the first half of the year is over. Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critics Jackson Weaver, Riley Yesno and Eugénie Lépine-Blondeau to look back on the Canadian artists making the biggest impact on pop culture this year so far (Hudson Williams! Drake! Charlotte Cardin! Matt Johnson! Angine de Poitrine!) and what they are most looking forward to in the next half of the year (North of North! Carly Rae Jepsen! Mico! Celine Dion! More Matt Johnson!).
Transcribe →What the Jackass movies teach us about male friendship, and Glenn Lewis' new album
2w ago00:25:15Tap to summarizeCulture critics Matt Hart and Niko Stratis talk to Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai about the enduring appeal of the Jackass franchise, and what it teaches us about male friendship, vulnerability, and getting older. Plus, CBC senior contributor Morgan Campbell discusses ‘Overture,’ the first new album in almost 10 years from Canadian R&B artist Glenn Lewis.
Transcribe →Why Supergirl crash landed at the box office, and an NFB film collection in France
2w ago00:27:06Tap to summarizeCommotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai is joined by culture critic Sonya Ballantyne and CBC film critic Jackson Weaver to discuss 'Supergirl’ - the latest installment in James Gunn’s DC Universe franchise.Also, the newly opened Museum of Animated Film in Annecy, France includes a permanent exhibition of works created by Canada’s National Film Board—including two works by Montreal-based Oscar-nominated animator Theodore Ushev, who will discuss the significance of having his work featured in the museum, the crucial role the NFB has played in the evolution of animation, and the importance of having a museum like this as AI infiltrates creative industries.
Transcribe →The CN Tower's hold on pop culture
2w ago00:25:58Tap to summarizeWith the CN Tower celebrating its 50th birthday today, culture writers Michael Barclay, Niko Stratis, and Dalton Higgins reflect on the various ways—from Drake to Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie—the tower has shown up in pop culture over the years, and how it remains a potent symbol of Canadian identity even for people far outside Toronto.
Transcribe →How Siphe November changed ballet in Canada, and a floating convenience store goes viral
2w ago00:25:11Tap to summarizeSiphe November took his final bow as principal dancer at the National Ballet of Canada in Wayne McGregor’s adaptation of MADDADDAM this past weekend. As Siphe prepares to join the Dutch National Ballet as soloist, culture critic Syrus Marcus Ware and ballet critic Martha Schabas join Elamin to talk about his meteoric rise at the National Ballet and the pressure he’s faced as the second Black dancer to be made principal at the company.Also, a public art piece featuring a floating convenience store has enchanted Torontonians and people around the world. Some have even swam and paddled up to it, hoping it might just be real. Elamin Abdelmahmoud chats with Charlene K. Lau, an art critic and public art curator, about the unexpected ways people engage with public art.
Transcribe →Young people are leading Quebec sovereignty's new cultural wave, and Clive Davis
2w ago00:27:56Tap to summarizeSaint Jean Baptiste Day is the day when Quebec celebrates what makes it distinct. But this year, more young Quebecers are embracing the idea of an independent Quebec. Culture writers Eugenie Lepine Blondeau and Dominc Tardiff join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the culture that’s coming out of the sovereignty movement.Plus, Elamin is joined by pop culture academic Professor Mark Anthony Neal to look back on the 60-plus year legacy of pop music mogul Clive Davis who died this week at 94.
Transcribe →Canada is locked in on the World Cup, and a strange music heist
3w ago00:25:11Tap to summarizeFollowing Canada’s resounding victory over Qatar Thursday, it’s safe to say World Cup fever has finally taken hold across the nation. In advance of this week’s match-up against Switzerland, CBC sports reporters Shireen Ahmed and Laurence Watt explain how the World Cup is resonating with Canadians at this moment, be it on the streets of the host cities or through viral social-media moments. Plus, The Globe and Mail reporter Josh O’Kane walks Elamin through the latest developments in a heist involving money that was intended to help independent Canadian musicians. While a settlement has been reached between FACTOR and Scotiabank, the thief – or thieves - are still at large.
Transcribe →Do we really need another Toy Story movie, and why some are going analog
3w ago00:28:55Tap to summarizeWith the release of Toy Story 5 Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai is joined by CBC film critic Jackson Weaver and Mashable film editor Kristy Puchko to review this latest installment in the popular franchise -- and how it holds up amongst past releases.Is the culture really shifting away from smart phones? Are landlines becoming a thing again? Internet culture journalist Kate Lindsay joins Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to talk about the trend, and whether it has staying power.
Transcribe →Weekly Wrap: new Zoon album, Polaris Music Prize, Oliver Tree's death
3w ago00:26:32Tap to summarizeAhead of National Indigenous People’s Day, Cree radio producer Kaitlyn Swan, nêhiyaw musician Marek Tyler, and Anishinaabe writer Riley Yesno join the Group Chat to talk about the new album from Anishinaabe artist Zoon, and the Indigenous indie-rock artists experimenting with the noisy-yet-soothing sounds of 'moccasin gaze.' The group chat also shares their thoughts on the recently revealed Polaris Music Prize long list, and reflect on this week's passing of alt-pop star Oliver Tree and the bizarre conspiracy theories that have proliferated on the internet.
Transcribe →How the Knicks' win is landing in this political moment, and Widow's Bay
3w ago00:26:48Tap to summarizeAfter the New York Knicks won its first NBA championship in 53 years the city will celebrate on Thursday with a massive parade. Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critic and New Yorker Jay Smooth to talk about what this win means to him as a fan. But also, the moment this win is landing in. Jay talks about the current political climate surrounding these big ticket sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup.Also, the finale for one of the buzziest shows on TV right now drops on Wednesday (June 17). Film & TV critic Eric Marchen talks about the first season of 'Widow's Bay,' and why audiences are so drawn to a comedy that's packed with terrifying scenes.
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