The Craig Needles Podcast

Episode 148: Jeff Preston on Paratransit

London city council and the London Transit Commission have some big choices coming up on accessibility.

How can we make getting around London easier for everyone? Craig talks with Dr. Jeff Preston, who is an Associate Professor of Disability Studies at King's University College, about that and more on this episode of the podcast. They also very quickly talk about the deals the Leafs have made, before the flurry that came down on Tuesday afternoon.

Episode 147: Friday Round Table with Mariam Hamou, Ryan Gauss and Nathan Caranci

On this week's edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by former London City Councillor Mariam Hamou, as well as political insiders Ryan Gauss and Nathan Caranci.

They talk about the new plan to combat homelessness in the city, and calls to reform the bail system from London.

Episode 146: The Whole of Community System Response

After the City of London received an anonymous to battle homelessness in the community, leaders in the sector held a news conference to explain their plans for overhauling the system. Craig spoke with three people who were on the stage at the event and shares his thoughts on this edition of the podcast.

Episode 145: Friday Round Table with Shawna Lewkowitz, Carol Dyck and Scott Kitching

On this edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by former political candidates Shawna Lewkowitz and Carol Dyck, as well as Blackburn Media news manager Scott Kitching.

They talk about the Doug Ford wedding scandal and how that will impact him politically, John Tory's resignation and London city council's decision not to allow exotic animals at Reptilia.

Episode 144: Stag and Doug? Mike Schreiner on Ford’s wedding troubles

Critics are targeting Doug Ford's daughter's wedding - and the number of major developers who attended - as a source of scandal for the Progressive Conservative government. Also, Ford's daughter's stag and doe included $150 tickets and asks for gifts of up to $1,000.

Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner joins Craig to share his thoughts on what's happened and where the story may go next.

Episode 143: Friday Round Table with Cheryl Miller, Shawn Lewis and Mariam Hamou

On the Friday Round Table, former city councillors Cheryl Miller and Mariam Hamou join London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis to talk about the issues of the week.

They discuss federal polling showing Canadians believing the country is broken, health care funding negotiations and more.

Episode 142: Marit Stiles

The new Ontario NDP leader joins Craig to talk about her approach to the job, why healthcare needs to be at the forefront of the next provincial election and the housing crisis. Then, Craig shares a few thoughts on the federal political landscape and Pierre Poilievre's building coalition.

Episode 141: Friday Round Table with Jennifer Dunn, Kelly Elliott and Roger Caranci

On this week's edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn, former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott and former London City Councillor Roger Caranci to talk about the issues of the week.

They look at NIMBYism in London - including a uniformed police officer showing up at a public participation meeting - as well as party shopping in Ontario politics and what the media should do and say when a famous person who did bad things in their personal life dies.

Episode 140: Fund for Change and NIMBYism

Two topics on this edition of the Craig Needles Podcast.

First, Craig chats with Marcus Plowright the lead volunteer for London's Fund for Change - which was kicked off by a $25-million donation from an unidentified London family.

What will the next steps be for the fund? Craig and Marcus discuss.

Then, Craig shares his thoughts on a London police officer who showed up at city planning meeting in full uniform - and the NIMBY comments he heard during the meeting.

Episode 139: Friday Round Table with Nathan Smith, Shobhita Sharma and Ali Chahbar

On this week's edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes political insiders Nathan Smith and Shobhita Sharma as well as London Police Services Board chair Ali Chahbar to talk about the issues of the week.

They talk about a surgical backlog at London's Children's Hospital, the compassion of Londoners amid the city's homelessness crisis and Justin Trudeau facing a vicious backlash as he walked down a street in Hamilton.