The Craig Needles Podcast

Episode 53: Lori-Ann Pizzolato and Tense TVDSB Meeting

Chair of the TVDSB Board of Trustees, Lori-Ann Pizzolatto, joins the podcast to talk about Zorra Mayor Marcus Ryan's now viral argument with members of the board. What happened? And how can the working relationship between the board, administration and rural politicians become less toxic?

Episode 52: Jon Holmes and Organ Donation

It's National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week, and while it serves as a great reminder to make sure your donor card is filled out, Craig is also looking at ways to limit the number of transplants that need to happen. Jon Holmes is a Londoner who was diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a treatable illness, however, many provincial health plans - including OHIP don't cover the needed medication. That meant Jon had to get a lung transplant. He joins Craig on the podcast to share his story.

Episode 51: Return of the Friday Round Table, Steven Guilbeault

Craig's Friday Round Table, once a London talk radio staple, is back in podcast form as Ward 6 Councillor Mariam Hamou, political insider Ryan Gauss and former city councillor Cheryl Miller join Craig to talk about the top issues of the week, including TVDSB masking rules and the housing crisis. Then, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault (39:00) talks about Earth Day and the federal plan to combat the climate crisis.

Episode 50: Peggy Sattler and the Our London Family Act

London West MPP Peggy Sattler joins the podcast to talk about the delay in passing the Our London Family act at Queen's Park and look ahead to June's election. Then, Chef Stephen Clark from Chop Steakhouse (23:53) talks with Craig about changes to their menu. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.

Episode 49: Corrine Rahman, the Provincial Election and Masks at School

Thames Valley District School Board Trustee Corrine Rahman is hoping to be the Ontario Liberal candidate in London-Fanshawe for the provincial election in June. She joins the podcast to explain why she wants to become an MPP. Then, (8:30) they talk about her motion at the TVDSB to make masks mandatory in schools once again. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.

Episode 48: Scott Kitching and Moore’s Month Off

Blackburn Media News Manager Scott Kitching joins the podcast to talk about Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore's month-long absence from the media and his vacation to the Dominican Republic. Then a conversation about making up quotes for social media clout and why that's a problem - even if the politician targeted is one you don't like.

 

The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.

Episode 47: Craig Smith and Closed Schools

With two London schools - and likely more to come - closing due to a lack of staffing because of COVID-19, how are teachers feeling about their work environment? Craig Smith, Thames Valley President of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, joins the podcast to provide his thoughts on what the government and the board could be doing and more. Then (24:52) Craig Needles shares some thoughts on how COVID-19 is impacting the political discourse in Ontario, including the missing Dr. Kieran Moore and why the Liberal mask policy drips with political opportunism.

Episode 46: Jared Zaifman and Housing Affordability

The London Development Institute and the London Home Builders Association have put out a new report examining the types of houses being built in London - and in the surrounding area. It shows family homes are going up in places like Lucan, Thorndale or Ilderton, but not so much in London. Is there an exodus out of the city for families? LHBA CEO Jared Zaifman joins the podcast to examine the problem and discuss possible solutions.

Episode 45: Jeff Bennett and the Ontario Election

Former London West Progressive Conservative candidate Jeff Bennett stops by the podcast to talk about the vote coming up in June. What are the parties talking about, and what should they be talking about? He also discusses Conservative Party of Canada leadership race and more.

The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.

Episode 44: Jeff Preston and COVID Politics

Dr. Jeff Preston, Assistant Professor of Disability Studies at King's University College, joins the podcast to share his thoughts on the upcoming provincial election, whether the Ontario Liberals have opted out of COVID-criticism with their maskless rally (7:01), and what the key issues in the race might be (20:30). Then, Jeff and Craig talks about the Oscar slap and how it overshadowed other significant parts of the awards show (27:10).

The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.