Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud
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- 13. Nov. 2026
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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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Are the Russell Brand and David Walliams scandals a watershed moment?
In the same week that comedian and actor Russell Brand was sentenced to more than a decade in prison for rape and sexual assault, a new Guardian and ITV investigation alleges comedian and former Britain’s Got …
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In the same week that comedian and actor Russell Brand was sentenced to more than a decade in prison for rape and sexual assault, a new Guardian and ITV investigation alleges comedian and former Britain’s Got Talent judge, David Walliams, has groomed fans as young as 15 years old. Journalist Kat Tenbarge, culture critic Hanna Flint, and comedian Nathan D’Arcy Roberts join Commotion with guest host Amil Niazi to talk about the latest on the allegations against David Walliams, the case involving Russell Brand, and whether this is a watershed moment in the U.K. entertainment industry.
Could a tax break really help Canadian artists? And using AI to tell stories of our past
The Liberal government is giving Canadian artists some tax relief: they won’t pay tax on the first $45,000 dollars they earn from their creative work. Prime Minister Carney says it’s a way of backing artists …
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The Liberal government is giving Canadian artists some tax relief: they won’t pay tax on the first $45,000 dollars they earn from their creative work. Prime Minister Carney says it’s a way of backing artists who tell Canadian stories – but will it make a real difference to struggling creatives? Artist Raymond Biesinger shares his perspective with guest host Amil Niazi
Plus, with the release of the generative AI doc initiative Memories of Black Toronto, which centers on Black Toronto history dating back to the 19th century, Commotion guest host Amil Niazi is joined by culture critics Syrus Marcus Ware and Ian Kamau to discuss the first series of docs that have been released, and whether the pros of visualizing this underexplored history, outweigh the issues associated with generative AI.
The Assembly changes the rules for celebrity interviews
Culture writers Sarah Kurchak and Sarah-Tai Black discuss the new season of CBC’s ‘The Assembly,’ where famous people like Hudson Williams and Zach Galifianakis field questions from a large group of autistic …
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Culture writers Sarah Kurchak and Sarah-Tai Black discuss the new season of CBC’s ‘The Assembly,’ where famous people like Hudson Williams and Zach Galifianakis field questions from a large group of autistic and neurodivergent fans, yielding more candid and unfiltered conversations than the typical celebrity Q&A allows.
Possible Love is getting love for its masterful social critique
Possible Love, the latest film by Korean director Lee Chang-dong, won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at Venice and many critics are calling it one of the best movies of the year. Film critic Radheyan …
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Possible Love, the latest film by Korean director Lee Chang-dong, won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at Venice and many critics are calling it one of the best movies of the year. Film critic Radheyan Simonpillai and East Asian studies professor Michelle Cho join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the film and why Lee Chang-dong is considered a master of blending social critique with poetic cinema.
Who is I Kill the Bear laughing at?
Entertainment reporter Teri Hart, podcaster Vish Khanna, and comedy historian Paul Myers discuss the new documentary SCTV: The Greatest Show You Never Heard Of and reflect on the legendary sketch comedy show’s …
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Entertainment reporter Teri Hart, podcaster Vish Khanna, and comedy historian Paul Myers discuss the new documentary SCTV: The Greatest Show You Never Heard Of and reflect on the legendary sketch comedy show’s legacy, and also weigh-in on the wild new series from the current king of Canadian TV comedy, Jared Keeso, I Kill the Bear.
Weekly Wrap: Godzilla Minus Zero, Wild Horse Nine, and Taika Waititi on the role of critics
Film critics Radheyan Simonpillai, Hoai-Tran Bui, and David Ehrlich join Commotion with guest host Amil Niazi to review the new monster blockbuster, Godzilla Minus Zero, and John Malkovich’s latest turn in Wild …
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Film critics Radheyan Simonpillai, Hoai-Tran Bui, and David Ehrlich join Commotion with guest host Amil Niazi to review the new monster blockbuster, Godzilla Minus Zero, and John Malkovich’s latest turn in Wild Horse Nine. They’ll also discuss director Taika Waititi clapping back at reviews of his work and what it says about the role critics play today.
The godfather of techno saw potential in sounds, and the midterms shift culture
It’s being called the beginning of the end of the Trump era. Culture critics Alyssa Mercante and David Dennis Jr. break down the cultural implications of the midterm elections – and look ahead to how things …
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It’s being called the beginning of the end of the Trump era. Culture critics Alyssa Mercante and David Dennis Jr. break down the cultural implications of the midterm elections – and look ahead to how things could change in the years ahead.
Also, recently the world of techno music lost one of its founding fathers: Detroit producer and deejay, Juan Atkins. Elamin is joined by Julian Chambliss to look back on Juan Atkins’ pioneering legacy and why techno music was always a playground for Black futurism.
Are 90 minute Instagram videos too long? And a fan fiction outage is causing panic
For a lot of us, Instagram just means an endless scroll, with creators competing for our attention with a constant stream of short-form content. But now, it’s experimenting with long form content: videos that …
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For a lot of us, Instagram just means an endless scroll, with creators competing for our attention with a constant stream of short-form content. But now, it’s experimenting with long form content: videos that run for up to 90 minutes. What’s behind the shift? And does it reflect a growing sense of fatigue with the bite-sized content that dominates our feeds? Culture critics Kate Lindsay and Nicholas Quah join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to explore Instagram’s unexpected turn towards long-form video.
Plus, in a shocking twist even the best fanfic authors couldn’t write, the fan fiction platform Archive Of Our Own, or AO3, is down — and no one knows for how long. Reactions were emotional, to say the least, for the millions of people who access the platform regularly. CBC Books producer Bridget Raymundo sits down with Commotion host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about what we know about the outage, why it came as such a shock to the fan fiction community, and what it could mean for the beloved online space going forward.
Patrick Stewart brought so many fandoms together, and the BioWare shut down
There's been an outpouring of tributes for actor Patrick Stewart after he died recently at the age of 86. He commanded the stage and screen, no matter the role, whether it was Macbeth, Jean-Luc Picard, or …
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There's been an outpouring of tributes for actor Patrick Stewart after he died recently at the age of 86. He commanded the stage and screen, no matter the role, whether it was Macbeth, Jean-Luc Picard, or Professor X. Culture critic Angelica Jade Bastién and Jonathan Church, artistic director of the Stratford Festival, sit down with Elamin Abdelmahmoud to pay tribute to Patrick Stewart's long career in theatre, TV and film.
Plus, the Edmonton-based video game studio BioWare is shutting down. Kawika Guillermo joins Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss why this happened, how fans are responding, and what it all means for the video game industry in Canada.
Are midnight book release parties back? And the TV series Cool Sweepings
'A Court of Shattered Harmony,' the sixth installment in Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses fantasy series, recently dropped and readers around the world flocked to bookstores for the launch. Romantasy …
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'A Court of Shattered Harmony,' the sixth installment in Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses fantasy series, recently dropped and readers around the world flocked to bookstores for the launch. Romantasy reader Riley Yesno and book industry insider Nathan Maharaj join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about how romantasy fans are bringing back the midnight book release party and how it feels like 2007 all over again.
Plus, the new Winnipeg-based comedy series 'Cool Sweepings' is the brainchild of Black Film Space Manitoba, and part of Bell Fibe’s roster of regional community programming. Comedian and content creator Marlon Palmer talks with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about why regional, community-focused shows like 'Cool Sweepings' are an important stepping stone for Canada’s local indie film and tv productions.
Weekly Wrap: k-os's new album, PISS, and Eurovision
Culture writer Niko Stratis, music journalist Emilie Hanskamp, and rapper/author Rollie Pemberton, a.k.a. Cadence Weapon join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss the new album --BLackneck -- from Canadian rap legend …
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Culture writer Niko Stratis, music journalist Emilie Hanskamp, and rapper/author Rollie Pemberton, a.k.a. Cadence Weapon join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss the new album --BLackneck -- from Canadian rap legend k-os, the bracing debut record from Vancouver punk band PISS, and Canada’s five finalists vying for a chance to represent the nation next year at the Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria. By the way, Canadians across the country have the chance to choose which of the five artists gets the coveted spot to represent Canada at Eurovision. Voting is open now until November 5. Cast your vote here
Remembering Eric Bauza, and the doc Once Upon a Time in Harlem
The animated voice acting world has lost one of the greats. We learned earlier this week that Eric Bauza died at the age of 46. He was a kid from Scarborough, Ontario who went on to be the modern voice of Bugs …
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The animated voice acting world has lost one of the greats. We learned earlier this week that Eric Bauza died at the age of 46. He was a kid from Scarborough, Ontario who went on to be the modern voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and other iconic Looney Tunes characters. Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by Romeo Candido, Jerry Beck and Bryn MacAuley to look back on Eric’s inspiring career. In this conversation, Jerry Beck shares a wonderful story about Eric Bauza performing at an animation conference just before he died. That video will be posted here
Plus, ‘Once Upon A Time In Harlem’ is a new documentary centering on interview footage shot during a 1972 gathering of the last living artists, writers and thinkers of the Harlem Renaissance. Elamin is joined by culture critic and New Yorker Jay Smooth to discuss the documentary and why these conversations captured half a century ago, still matter.
Canada's finalists for Eurovision, and the anthology Never Whistle At Night is bending horror
Canada is headed to Eurovision. The day after the Canadian finalists are announced, Eurovision expert and culture reporter Karen Fricker joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the performers vying for a chance …
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Canada is headed to Eurovision. The day after the Canadian finalists are announced, Eurovision expert and culture reporter Karen Fricker joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the performers vying for a chance to represent Canada at the world's largest music competition. Voting is open now until November 5. Canadians across the country have the chance to choose which of the five artists gets the coveted spot. Cast your vote here
Plus, this Halloween, there’s a new collection of short stories that you'll want to put on your bookshelf…if you dare. 'Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II' is a new horror anthology from established and up-and-coming Indigenous writers across North America. Book blogger Dani Roulette and author Alicia Elliott talk about this new collection, and what horror can do differently than other genres.
Amy Winehouse's Back to Black was a game-changer, and the horror series Yaga
On the 20th anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s breakthrough album, ‘Back to Black,' culture writers Hanna Flint and Leila Latif reflect on the album’s impact and its long-lasting influence on superstars ranging …
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On the 20th anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s breakthrough album, ‘Back to Black,' culture writers Hanna Flint and Leila Latif reflect on the album’s impact and its long-lasting influence on superstars ranging from Adele to Billie Eilish to Oliva Dean.
Plus, the new Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss horror series 'Yaga' just dropped on Friday. It's also Hudson Williams' first role since Heated Rivalry. But does it live up to its buzz? Kaiya Shunyata stops by Commotion with guest host Amil Niazi to give us their review of the supernatural show.
You Can See Everything challenges what's real, and Carrie confronts a new era of bullying
Nathan Fielder’s documentary about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes challenges the very idea of what’s real, what’s performance. and whether we can tell the difference. Commotion guest host Amil Niazi talks …
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Nathan Fielder’s documentary about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes challenges the very idea of what’s real, what’s performance. and whether we can tell the difference. Commotion guest host Amil Niazi talks with New York Times documentary film critic Alissa Wilkinson and Commotion regular film critic Radheyan Simonpillai why situating it within a specific tradition of documentary filmmaking helps us come to terms with what we just watched.
Plus, Commotion guest host Amil Niazi is joined by culture critic Syrus Marcus Ware to review the latest TV adaptation of Stephen King’s classic horror novel, Carrie — and unpack the praise and debate surrounding the series and its approach to bullying, online shaming and the original book’s notorious ending.
Weekly Wrap: Ali G, Wicker, and the return of Apu to The Simpsons
Commotion guest host Amil Niazi is joined by film and culture critics Sarah-Tai Black, Barry Hertz and Radheyan Simonpillai to discuss two new films: ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ and ‘Wicker,’ plus the return of the …
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Commotion guest host Amil Niazi is joined by film and culture critics Sarah-Tai Black, Barry Hertz and Radheyan Simonpillai to discuss two new films: ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ and ‘Wicker,’ plus the return of the controversial TV character Apu to The Simpsons.
Spoiler anxiety, and why Norm Macdonald was your fave comedian's comedian
With the release of Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s ‘You Can See Everything,’ spoiler anxiety might be at an all-time high. And it’s not just about protecting big twists, some fans don’t want to know …
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With the release of Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s ‘You Can See Everything,’ spoiler anxiety might be at an all-time high. And it’s not just about protecting big twists, some fans don’t want to know ANYTHING about the latest shows and films. So how does the anxiety of “ruining” a story affect the way we engage with film and tv? Critics Adam Nayman and Kathryn VanArendonk join Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to talk about spoiler culture, entertainment's fixation on the big reveal, and why sometimes there just might be a case for spoiling.
Plus, comedy historian Paul Myers discusses Judd Apatow’s new Netflix documentary on the late Norm Macdonald.
Why you should watch The Lowdown, and Fruit Fly is the hot new novel
Ethan Hawke is back as the wily gumshoe for season 2 of the neo-noir, mystery comedy The Lowdown. Film and tv critic Rachel Ho and musician Marek Tyler chat with Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai about …
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Ethan Hawke is back as the wily gumshoe for season 2 of the neo-noir, mystery comedy The Lowdown. Film and tv critic Rachel Ho and musician Marek Tyler chat with Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai about the show and why they feel the critically-acclaimed series remains a somewhat hidden gem.
Plus, culture writer Samuel Eli Shepherd talks about how Josh Silver’s satirical thriller ‘Fruit Fly’ became the literary sensation of the season, parlaying BookTok buzz into a tv development deal.
Mahershala Ali navigates faith, fatherhood and violence in his new thriller + Sally Rooney's UK book ban
Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai is joined by culture critics Shamira Ibrahim and Rania El Mugammar to discuss the new Mahershala Ali-led film ‘Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother’ and the …
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Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai is joined by culture critics Shamira Ibrahim and Rania El Mugammar to discuss the new Mahershala Ali-led film ‘Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother’ and the conversations it has sparked about Black single-fatherhood, religion and violence.
Plus, the Irish novelist Sally Rooney became famous for writing about millennial relationships. But even before she became a best-seller, she was an outspoken supporter of Palestine. Now, her books are set to disappear from UK shelves after she pledged to donate the proceeds from her book sales to a pro-Palestinian group, which the British government calls a terrorist organization. Irish culture journalist Aoife Barry joins guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to explain the decision, and describe the polarized reaction.
Is method acting in Hollywood a man's game?
During the press tour for 'The Social Reckoning,' Jeremy Strong has faced questions about whether he went too far to get the role of Mark Zuckerberg right. The infamous technique of method acting also made …
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During the press tour for 'The Social Reckoning,' Jeremy Strong has faced questions about whether he went too far to get the role of Mark Zuckerberg right. The infamous technique of method acting also made headlines this year after Anya Taylor-Joy and Kristen Stewart both denounced it for its machismo. Film critic Roe McDermott and theatre professor Ian Maxwell join guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to talk about the mythology behind method acting, why it’s so misunderstood, and why some women in Hollywood are speaking up.
Why the Oasis documentary will make you cry (in a good way)
Music journalist Maura Johnston and Oasis super-fan Alex Spears talk about Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger, the new documentary chronicling the Britpop legends’ 2025 world tour, and why it strikes a deeper …
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Music journalist Maura Johnston and Oasis super-fan Alex Spears talk about Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger, the new documentary chronicling the Britpop legends’ 2025 world tour, and why it strikes a deeper emotional chord than most rock and roll documentaries.
[SPOILER FREE] You Can See Everything is the most challenging film of the year
Comedian Nathan Fielder and filmmaker Lance Oppenheim have teamed up for a documentary about Theranos founder and notorious fraudster Elizabeth Holmes. Today on Commotion, film critic Adam Nayman, journalist …
Shownotes
Comedian Nathan Fielder and filmmaker Lance Oppenheim have teamed up for a documentary about Theranos founder and notorious fraudster Elizabeth Holmes. Today on Commotion, film critic Adam Nayman, journalist Alyssa Bereznak, and filmmaker Chandler Levack try to pull back the curtain on ‘You Can See Everything.’
[SPOILERS] You Can See Everything — How did Nathan Fielder do that?
Comedian Nathan Fielder and filmmaker Lance Oppenheim have teamed up for a documentary about Theranos founder and notorious fraudster Elizabeth Holmes. Today on Commotion, film critic Adam Nayman, journalist …
Shownotes
Comedian Nathan Fielder and filmmaker Lance Oppenheim have teamed up for a documentary about Theranos founder and notorious fraudster Elizabeth Holmes. Today on Commotion, film critic Adam Nayman, journalist Alyssa Bereznak, and filmmaker Chandler Levack try to pull back the curtain on ‘You Can See Everything.’
Does Alberta have its own distinct culture?
One of the fundamental tenets of independence movements is that you need a distinct culture if you’re going to have a nation. So what makes Alberta culture distinct – and how are people in both camps using …
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One of the fundamental tenets of independence movements is that you need a distinct culture if you’re going to have a nation. So what makes Alberta culture distinct – and how are people in both camps using culture to persuade Albertans to vote to leave, or stay in Canada? Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by strategist Zain Velji and singer songwriter Mariel Buckley to discuss.
What we learn about Jay-Z in a new docuseries, and the Black Zombie doc
With the release of the new HBO docuseries ‘Jay-Z in 8,’ Elamin is joined by culture critics Jay Smooth and Shamira Ibrahim to discuss the deep dive into the lyrics and director Rick Rubin’s approach to …
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With the release of the new HBO docuseries ‘Jay-Z in 8,’ Elamin is joined by culture critics Jay Smooth and Shamira Ibrahim to discuss the deep dive into the lyrics and director Rick Rubin’s approach to unpacking Jay-Z’s musical legacy.
Plus, from 'Night of the Living Dead' to 'Resident Evil,' zombies have endured in the public imagination for decades. But what if we’ve been getting the undead all wrong? A new documentary, 'Black Zombie,' traces their history back to the Haitian Revolution, breaking down how Hollywood co-opted a spiritual figure to produce a racist trope. Director Maya Annik Bedward joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about her film, 'Black Zombie,' and why zombies aren’t the monsters American cinema says they are.
The Social Reckoning and our changing relationship with Zuckerberg and Meta
Aaron Sorkin is back with another film about Facebook. While he says The Social Reckoning isn’t a sequel to the 2010 hit film The Social Network, it’s hard not to compare the two movies and look at how they …
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Aaron Sorkin is back with another film about Facebook. While he says The Social Reckoning isn’t a sequel to the 2010 hit film The Social Network, it’s hard not to compare the two movies and look at how they reflect our changing relationship with Mark Zuckerberg and Meta. Critics Fran Hoepfner Radheyan Simonpillai, and public policy expert Vass Bednar chat with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the new movie, and how it handles the current moment we’re in with big tech.
The magic and chaos of the 90s captured in photos
Music journalists Liisa Ladoucuer and Emilie Hanskamp and CBC art critic Charlene K. Lau discuss the new Art Gallery of Ontario exhibit showcasing the ‘90s-era photos of Hole/Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa …
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Music journalists Liisa Ladoucuer and Emilie Hanskamp and CBC art critic Charlene K. Lau discuss the new Art Gallery of Ontario exhibit showcasing the ‘90s-era photos of Hole/Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur, and how it captures the final days of a pre-digital culture that no longer exists.
Weekly Wrap: Below, Carrie, and remembering Sass Jordan
Music journalist Annie Zaleski, pop critic Sandra Mills, and film critic Kaiya Shunyata join the Group Chat to dig into Netflix’s Newfoundland-set thriller ‘Below’ and Prime Video’s new adaptation of the …
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Music journalist Annie Zaleski, pop critic Sandra Mills, and film critic Kaiya Shunyata join the Group Chat to dig into Netflix’s Newfoundland-set thriller ‘Below’ and Prime Video’s new adaptation of the Stephen King classic ‘Carrie.’ Also, they remember the late Canadian singer and songwriter, Sass Jordan and the blueprint she set for women in rock music.
Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney on how Anne Carson changed his life
This week, Canadian writer Anne Carson was announced as the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her masterpiece, Autobiography of Red, changed literature. Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney talks …
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This week, Canadian writer Anne Carson was announced as the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her masterpiece, Autobiography of Red, changed literature. Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney talks about how encountering Carson's work opened new doors for him.
Sharon Horgan's comedy magic in Youth, and an American is headlining the Grey Cup's halftime show
The Irish actor and creator Sharon Horgan has seen us through several stages of life with hit comedy-dramas like Pulling, Catastrophe, Motherland and Bad Sisters. Now in her 50s, Horgan is back with a new show …
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The Irish actor and creator Sharon Horgan has seen us through several stages of life with hit comedy-dramas like Pulling, Catastrophe, Motherland and Bad Sisters. Now in her 50s, Horgan is back with a new show called Youth. Culture critics Aoiffe Barry and Kathryn VanArendonk join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about Horgan’s trademark mix of sharp humour and genuine pathos – and why she’s such a unique voice.
American country music star Riley Green is headlining this year’s Grey Cup Halftime Show. Writer Steacy Easton and CBC Sports contributor Morgan Campbell stop by Commotion to talk about how Green has a history of wading into controversy -- and why this decision by the CFL misses the moment.
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