This is VANCOLOUR
This is Vancouver’s bona fide culture and politics podcast. Hosted by Mo Amir, parse through the relevant issues with the city’s most colourful personalities. With its heart on its sleeve and caution thrown to the wind, this is a podcast that is provocative, informative, and sometimes emotional. This is VANCOLOUR
Mandy Gill / BC Bob / Neena Savage
Self-improvement done right (and wrong)
Already feeling burnt out to start 2026? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir presses resilience expert Mandy Gill on the truth behind the “January slump”. How does “New Year, New You” set so many people up to fail? Plus, Now You Know BC’s BC Bob (Bob Kronbauer) opens up about his accidental sobriety journey and how quitting drinking for over 500 days has reshaped his outlook on life. Finally, why are some young men smashing their faces with a hammer? This is VANCOLOUR’s resident zoomer, Neena Savage, exposes “looksmaxxing”: a dark, online subculture promoting...
B.C. Political Forecast: 2026 (Jarryd Jäger / Western Standard)
B.C. Political Forecast: 2026 (Jarryd Jäger / Western Standard)
This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir and Western Standard journalist Jarryd Jäger forecast the politics of British Columbia in 2026, including the Conservative Party of BC leadership race, top issues for the province, B.C. budget, and the impact of the BC Greens, OneBC, and four independent MLAs sitting in the B.C. Legislature.
Jarryd Jäger is a multimedia journalist for the Western Standard and managing editor of the West Coast Standard.
Should B.C. repeal DRIPA? (Trevor Halford / Conservative Party of BC)
What is DRIPA? And, what would actually happen if DRIPA was repealed? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with Conservative Party of BC interim leader Trevor Halford to unpack why his party wants British Columbia to repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act immediately. How do the Conservatives believe Reconciliation should move forward without it?
Recorded: January 5, 2026
BONUS PODCAST EXTENSION (with Trevor Halford and Angelo Isidorou) begins at 16:36
‘Progress’ is a chronic delay under Premier Eby
A MOment: From schools and hospitals to transit and major infrastructure, the BC NDP government makes big announcements — followed by years of delay. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir is fed up with the professional management of decline, under B.C. Premier David Eby. It’s time for British Columbians to demand results!
Recorded: January 5, 2026
When should kids learn the truth about Santa? (Mario Canseco & Dino Archie)
THE LOW ROAD REPORT: At what age should parents tell their children the truth about Santa Claus? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir is joined by two dads — pollster Mario Canseco (Research Co.) and comedian Dino Archie — to take the low road on parenting, holiday traditions, and how “Merry Christmas” is making a big comeback in Canada.
Recorded: December 15, 2025
Is the BC NDP to blame for B.C.’s rat problem? (Kareem Allam)
Four of Canada’s five most rat-infested cities are in British Columbia. Why? And who can we blame? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Vancouver mayoral candidate Kareem Allam (Vancouver Liberals) what’s driving the explosion of rats in B.C. and what city halls across the province can do about it.
Recorded: December 15, 2025
Dr. Melissa Lem / David Long / Kyla Lee
Canadians can’t afford food, but waste a lot of it
How can a country throw out billions of dollars in food while millions of people face food insecurity? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Greater Vancouver Food Bank CEO David Long to explain the unsustainable surge in food bank demand across British Columbia. What can be done to bridge the gap between food waste and hunger? Plus, is there a legal remedy to hold major food wasters — like grocery chains or producers — accountable for the public good? Kyla Lee delivers her verdict on Kyla’s Court! And...
Chris Wilson / Ivan Decker / Neena Savage
Comedians in cars, confessing crimes
B.C.’s finest comedians in “22 minutes”! Chris Wilson from CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes impersonates polarizing Canadian figures like Pierre Poilievre and Justin Trudeau. But how does he make sure he’s not adding to an already toxic political culture? Plus, Juno Award–winning comedian Ivan Decker “confesses” an Evo Car Share “crime” to This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir. Will the truth finally set him free? And VANCOLOUR’s resident Zoomer, Neena Savage, spills the ‘Z’ on the infamous Gen-Z stare. Maybe older generations just need to chill?
Recorded: November 25, 2025
Sam Cooper / Blair Mantin
Extortion, debt, and B.C.'s next big decision
In British Columbia, extortion and debt are becoming increasingly worrisome. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with investigative journalist Sam Cooper (The Bureau) to break down the escalating wave of extortion threats and violence in B.C. Who is driving this crime surge and how must our laws evolve to stop it? Then, Blair Mantin, President of Sands & Associates, explains what rights British Columbians have when debt collectors come calling. What are the lessons from a recent Consumer Protection BC case, where Scotiabank was ordered to pay $34,000 af...
Does B.C. support a new pipeline... or not?
MOment: Prime Minister Mark Carney, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe discussed a new oil pipeline to B.C.’s north coast without B.C. Premier David Eby. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir breaks down the stakes of this generational decision for British Columbia and outlines Premier Eby’s contradictory signals on whether B.C. supports a northern pipeline or not.
Recorded: November 24, 2025
Kyla Lee / Tamara Taggart / Dr. Martin Haulena
Ostriches, Orcas, and Overwintering Pollinators
It’s all about the animals in British Columbia! This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Kyla Lee (Acumen Law) to break down the legal drama behind the international story of the Edgewood, B.C. ostrich cull. What legal authority gave the government the right to kill over 300 ostriches? What rights do British Columbians actually have to protect their animals? Then, Dr. Martin Haulena, Director of Animal Health at the Vancouver Aquarium, explains why most marine mammals in coastal B.C. waters are thriving while the beloved southern resident killer whales continue to de...
Chief Aaron Pete: ‘Zero bodies’ and the Cowichan land ruling bombshell
This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with Chawathil First Nation Chief and Nuanced podcast host Aaron Pete to break down major B.C. stories reshaping Canada’s understanding of history and identity. Aaron explains the truth behind the possible burial sites at the former Kamloops Residential School and responds to the commentators and politicians insisting that the findings amount to “zero bodies.” Then, he unpacks the Cowichan Tribes’ landmark land-title victory in Richmond — the first ruling in Canada to recognize Aboriginal title over modern private property. What does it mean for B.C. homeowners? What happens next? And is there stil...
This new CBC show flips the celebrity interview on its head (Lucas Gates & Sean DeVries)
This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir welcomes Lucas Gates, a longtime VANCOLOUR fan now starring in CBC’s bold new series The Assembly, alongside producer Sean De Vries (Small Army Entertainment). The series gives autistic and neurodivergent adults the mic to interview Canadian celebrities like Howie Mandel, Russell Peters, and Jan Arden in conversations that are raw, honest, and refreshingly real. Lucas puts his new interviewing skills to the test against Mo himself.
Recorded: November 3, 2025
Tired, moody, unmotivated? It’s not always SAD (Aeryon Ashlie)
Feeling low as the days get darker? You’re not alone! But it’s not always SAD — Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with Aeryon Ashlie (CEO, Aeryon Wellness) to unpack the difference between the clinical condition and the more common “winter blues.” From simple daily habits to mindset shifts, she shares realistic ways to boost energy, motivation, and mood through B.C.’s darkest season.
Recorded: November 3, 2025
The real reason we’re being called back to the office (Ron Butler)
Across Canada, employers are doubling down on return-to-office mandates. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Angry Mortgage podcast host Ron Butler what’s really driving this shift. Is it about collaboration and productivity? Or, are Canada’s commercial real estate interests calling the shots?
Recorded: November 3, 2025
Chris Ferguson / Fiona Forbes / Jesse Ferreras
This is VANCOLOUR's Halloween Spook-tacular!
It’s Halloween on This is VANCOLOUR! Host Mo Amir welcomes a trio of guests for a frightfully fun — and occasionally terrifying — night of local conversation. Oddfellows Pictures producer Chris Ferguson (Longlegs, The Monkey, Dangerous Animals) explains why horror is hot right now. What does our appetite for fear say about us? Plus, should we really be reviving the spirits of dead celebrities to keep entertaining us from beyond the grave? Celebrity whisperer Fiona Forbes investigates how celebrities and their families feel about the curse of A.I. Finally, Vancouver author Jesse Ferreras revea...
Emily Lowan / Angelo Isidorou / Neena Savage
What is Gen Z’s Problem?
It’s all about Gen Z! This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with Emily Lowan, the newly elected (Gen Z) leader of the BC Green Party, to unpack the surprising connection between a proposed B.C. liquefied natural gas terminal — Ksi Lisims LNG — and both Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump. Then, Angelo Isidorou, Executive Director of the Conservative Party of BC, explains Gen Z’s growing pull toward political extremes — does it affect their dating lives? Finally, CHEK personality Neena Savage “spills the Z” on why her generation is so anxious, angsty...
BONUS: The political culture debate (with Angelo Isidorou and Kareem Allam)
BONUS PODCAST: This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir, Kareem Allam, and Angelo Isidorou unpack the state of political culture in Canada, including lawfare, political extremism and violence, culture wars, and more.
Kareem Allam is the Vancouver mayoral candidate for the Vancouver Liberals.
Angelo Isidorou is the Executive Director for the Conservative Party of British Columbia.
RECORDED: October 20, 2025
A.I. was supposed to cure cancer but all we got was Will Smith eating spaghetti (Dr. Daniel Kalla)
Wasn’t Artificial Intelligence supposed to change the world? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with Vancouver Emergency Room physician and bestselling author Dr. Daniel Kalla (The Deepest Fake) to explore whether AI is truly living up to the hype. From the promise of curing cancer to the reality of slop like Will Smith eating spaghetti, Dr. Kalla explains the perils and promise of AI.
Recorded: October 13, 2025
Ken Sim and JK Rowling aren't fans, so what's the point of Vancouver's Park Board? (John Coupar)
After J.K. Rowling made international headlines slamming Vancouver’s Park Board, This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with former three-term Park Board Commissioner John Coupar about why Vancouver is the only major city in Canada with an elected Park Board. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim wants to abolish it, but is there value in keeping it?
Recorded: October 13, 2025
Her dating application went viral — and Monica Lewinsky took notice (Krista Nugent)
When Victoria realtor Krista Nugent posted a “dating application” on Instagram, she didn’t expect to go viral — or to get a shoutout from Monica Lewinsky (yes, that Monica Lewinsky). This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir talks to Krista about why she took her love life public, how the post blew up online, and what it’s been like to have the internet — and a few celebrities — cheer her on.
Recorded: October 13, 2025
Fiona Forbes: What are parasocial relationships — and are they bad for us?
THE FORBES REPORT: Why do we get emotionally attached to people we’ve never met?
Beloved Vancouver media personality Fiona Forbes joins This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir to unpack the rise of parasocial relationships — those one-sided emotional connections we form with celebrities, influencers, and online personalities.
Fiona shares how to stay a healthy fan without crossing the line into a full-blown “Stan” with a heartwarming story about Pamela Anderson, to boot.Recorded: October 6, 2025
Laura Ullock explains why we eat for likes
Why is everyone on their phones when they dine out?
This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with Laura Ullock, one of British Columbia’s leading food and lifestyle tastemakers, to explore how social media has changed restaurant culture — from taking food photos and chasing viral dishes to how influencers shape where we eat and what we order. They unpack the impact of Instagram, TikTok, and digital dining trends on how we experience food today.
Recorded: October 6, 2025
Are people getting ruder?
Is civility on the decline? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir takes a MOment to explore how everyday rudeness and bad manners seem to be everywhere. What can we actually do to bring respect and empathy back into daily life?
Recorded: October 6, 2025
Is Trump living rent-free in Canada's head? (Lynda Steele)
U.S. President Donald Trump is the show that we can’t turn off. But is he living rent-free in Canada’s heads? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks legendary broadcaster — and familiar CHEK face — Lynda Steele about Trump’s impact on the Canadian psyche and political culture.
Recorded: September 29, 2025
Are we done with "Elbows Up"? (J.J. McCullough)
THE CRUNCH: Should Canada finally retire the rallying cry of “elbows up”? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks YouTuber J.J. McCullough about what makes this successful election slogan such a bad metaphor for Canadian foreign policy.
Recorded: September 29, 2025
The Amazing Race Canada winners on the power of friendship!
They had the brains. They had the brawn. But The Amazing Race Canada winners Jesse Haringa and Jonathon Braun tell This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir that it was their friendship that made them champions.
Recorded: September 29, 2025
Gen Z is flexing with Labubus. Here's why! (Neena Savage)
SPILL THE Z: What’s up with Gen Z’s monster doll obsession? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks CHEK’s own resident Zoomer, Neena Savage, to unbox the Labubus hype.
Recorded: September 22, 2025
Can Bitcoin heat your community pool? (Colin Sullivan / MintGreen)
Could Bitcoin mining really heat community pools, like Kitsilano Pool, as Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has suggested? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks MintGreen CEO Colin Sullivan to explain why it’s not as far-fetched as it sounds.
Recorded: September 22, 2025
Are we in a "Sex Recession"? (Dr. Carolin Klein)
Are couples and singles alike suffering from less intimacy? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks psychologist Dr. Carolin Klein (West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy) why Canadians are hitting record lows between the sheets.
Recorded: September 22, 2025
Claire Rattée / Adriane Gear / Kyla Lee
Healthcare in B.C. on trial
If long wait times in British Columbia’s healthcare system actually harm your health, can you sue the government? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks criminal defence lawyer Kyla Lee for her verdict in the latest edition of Kyla’s Court. Plus, in March 2024, B.C. became the first province in Canada to establish minimum nurse-to-patient ratios — a policy meant to protect nurses from burnout and create better health outcomes for patients. But are those ratios really being implemented? BC Nurses’ Union President Adriane Gear explains. And first, B.C.’s Ministry of...
Do Canadians like being “woke”? (Dino Archie & Mario Canseco)
THE LOW ROAD REPORT: Do Canadians actually support being politically correct? Pollster Mario Canseco and comedian Dino Archie reunite with This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir to unpack the numbers, the nuance, and the punchlines. Mario shares his latest polling and Dino reports back from the “Low Road.”
Recorded: September 8, 2025
Are we over-labelling our kids? (Tamara Taggart)
TEA TIME WITH TAMARA: Are we too quick to slap labels on kids against our idea of “normal”? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with beloved broadcaster Tamara Taggart about the rise in behavioural labels, how they differ from medical diagnoses, and what happens when “normal” becomes the goal. Tamara even shares a label she was diagnosed with.
Recorded: September 8, 2025
The BC NDP is failing students
Students across British Columbia are back in class, but some of their learning resources aren’t. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir explains how the BC NDP government is underdelivering on education, and how these cuts could have political consequences.
Recorded: September 8, 2025
B.C. Premier David Eby defends controversial government decisions
It’s the special one-hour season finale of This is VANCOLOUR — featuring B.C. Premier David Eby! Host Mo Amir presses the Premier on some of his government’s most controversial decisions: walking back the promised grocery rebate; greenlighting a BC Ferries shipbuilding contract awarded to a Chinese shipyard; and pushing through Bills 14 and 15 despite vocal opposition from external stakeholders, including some First Nations leaders. Plus, is Premier Eby trolling John Rustad and the Conservative Party of BC? And is the Premier actually a fan of Vancouver rapper bbno$?
Recorded: June 20, 2025
BONUS: Angelo Isidorou (Conservative Party of B.C.)
BONUS PODCAST: This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir and Angelo Isidorou compare and contrast the 2025 federal election with the 2024 B.C. provincial election. Plus, they discuss recent B.C. Conservative controversy and "drama".
Angelo Isidorou is the Executive Director for the Conservative Party of British Columbia.
Should we turn to celebrities for self-care advice? (Fiona Forbes)
The Forbes Report: Do social media influencers and celebrities — like CHEK's Paul Haysom — always provide the best self-care advice? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Fiona Forbes about what to consider and how to spot beauty trends that might do more harm than good!
Recorded: June 16, 2025
Is Gen Z lazy? (Neena Savage)
Currently, Gen Z Canadians are experiencing the worst youth unemployment rates in decades. Is it because they're lazy? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks This is VANCOLOUR editor Neena Savage about her generation’s approach to the workplace, from coining terms like “quiet quitting” and “bare minimum Mondays” to walking away from hustle culture altogether.
Recorded: June 16, 2025
A black bear has taken over your yard. What do you do? (North Shore Black Bear Society)
Why did a black bear pick This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir’s yard to rip open stolen garbage bags and throw a backyard bash? Holly Reisner from the North Shore Black Bear Society explains bear behaviour — and how we can all be a little more bear-aware.
Recorded: June 16, 2025
Fool-Proof Marriage Hacks from Jacob Samuel
This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Juno-Award winning comedian Jacob Samuel (Big Talk) about his "marriage optimization hacks" to help you level up your relationship.
Recorded: June 9, 2025