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
The people in your life are aging you faster! (Tamara Taggart)
Can the people in your life actually make you age faster? New research suggests that “hasslers” — the difficult, stressful people in your life — can increase your risk of chronic disease and accelerate aging. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with broadcasting legend Tamara Taggart about the real health impacts of toxic relationships, why stress from certain people hits harder, and how cutting people off may be just like exercising and eating your vegetables.
Recorded: March 30, 2026
Self-driving cars are everywhere. Why not in B.C.?
KYLA'S COURT: Self-driving cars are already operating around the world — and even in parts of Canada — so why not in British Columbia? This is VANCOLOUR Mo Amir speaks with lawyer Kyla Lee (Acumen Law) about what’s stopping autonomous vehicles from being legal in B.C., what changes the government would need to make, and what could happen if drivers try to use self-driving features today.
Recorded: March 30, 2026
Is buying a home in B.C. still worth it in 2026? (Steve Saretsky)
With rents easing and home prices softening across British Columbia, is now the time to buy — or are you better off renting? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with real estate analyst Steve Saretsky (The Loonie Hour; The Saretsky Show) about what’s really happening in the housing market, whether affordability is actually improving, and if homeownership still makes financial sense for first-time home buyers in 2026.
Recorded: March 30, 2026
Are big grocers scamming the “Buy Canadian” movement?
Canadians want to support local but are they being misled? The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has fined Loblaw grocery stores for “maplewashing” twice in 2026, raising questions about misleading “Product of Canada” labels. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with marketing communications expert Bob Stamnes (PS&Co.) about the gap between Canadians’ desire to buy local and the reality of higher prices, how companies capitalize on that tension, and where the line is between branding and deception.
Recorded: March 23, 2026
Who is pushing conspiracy theories in Canada?
Conspiracy theories are everywhere online but who’s actually behind them? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with journalist Jen St. Denis (The Tyee) about the nature of Canadian conspiracy content on your social media feeds, who is creating and amplifying it, and whether it’s part of a coordinated effort to push conspiracy narratives. What impact does constant exposure to conspiracy content have on you, even if you don’t believe it?
Recorded: March 23, 2026
Why does everyone miss the 1990s? (Fiona Forbes)
THE FORBES REPORT: The 1990s are having a moment! But why is everyone — including Gen Z — so nostalgic for that era? How did we navigate the world before smartphones, social media, and streaming services? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with local legend Fiona Forbes about life in the ’90s and what Vancouver was like back then. What did we have then that we’ve lost now?
Recorded: March 23, 2026
Are B.C. family doctors being asked to do too much? (Dr. Maryam Zeineddin)
Family doctors in B.C. are under growing pressure — not just from administrative burdens, but from a system that isn’t equipped to handle the rising demand for mental health care, leaving family doctors to fill the gap. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with Dr. Maryam Zeineddin, founder of Zili Care and former president of BC Family Doctors about how the gap between mental and physical care is affecting patients and what needs to change to ease the strain on primary care.
Recorded: March 16, 2026
Is Canada just one big “situationship”? (J.J. McCullough)
THE CRUNCH: From Quebec and Alberta separatism to Indigenous sovereignty, Canada often feels like it’s in a constant state of re-negotiation. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks political commentator and world-famous YouTuber J.J. McCullough whether the country is stuck in a political “situationship” on the verge of a breakup — and why it never quite falls apart.
Recorded: March 16, 2026
Are dating apps fueling toxic dating trends? (Amy Chan)
Ghostlighting, shrekking, sledging — modern dating is getting messier. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with dating expert and author Amy Chan (Un-Single: How to Date Smarter and Create Love That Lasts) about whether dating apps are driving toxic behaviour, what’s behind these trends, and how singles can navigate dating in 2026.
Recorded: March 16, 2026
Are these “miracle drugs” changing how we shop? (Steve Mossop / Leger)
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are helping millions lose weight and improve metabolic health. But could they also reshape consumer behaviour? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with Leger Executive Vice President Steve Mossop about new data showing how people taking these medications are reshaping spending habits — from the grocery store to other unexpected parts of the economy. If these “miracle drugs” keep growing in popularity, what industries could be affected positively and negatively?
Recorded: March 9, 2026
Will permanent daylight time improve your sleep? (Adrien Sala / WikiSleep)
B.C. Premier David Eby wants to end the twice-a-year clock change by moving the province to permanent daylight saving time — but will that actually help people sleep better? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with WikiSleep founder Adrien Sala about the debate among sleep experts over whether darker winter mornings could leave people feeling more sluggish. Is ending the clock change really the sleep fix many people think it is? Plus, what can you do if you’re already struggling to get a good night’s sleep?
Recorded: March 9, 2026
Does Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim have a credibility problem?
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim admitted repeating a false allegation about city councillor Sean Orr after supposedly seeing a photo shown to him — raising questions about accountability and misinformation in local politics. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir breaks down the mayor’s explanation and wonders whether his response truly counts as taking responsibility.
Recorded: March 9, 2026
Christy Farrell / Julie Kim / Kyla Lee
Why is “female rage” all the rage?
From Olympic controversy to pop culture to public safety, are we living in a new era of female disillusionment? After U.S. President Donald Trump’s congratulatory call to the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team sparked backlash, the moment quickly escalated into a broader cultural debate. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks 96.9 JACK FM’s Christy Farrell (a lifelong hockey player herself) what the moment revealed about sexism in sport. Then, is “female rage” just a trend, or a deeper cultural shift? Canadian Screen Award–winning comedian Julie Kim, host of...
Christy Clark on Eby, BC Conservatives, and 'liberal' voters
Christy Clark, the 35th Premier of British Columbia, joins This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir for a candid conversation about B.C.’s shifting political landscape. Clark weighs in on current B.C. Premier David Eby’s leadership, the Conservative Party of BC leadership race, and whether demonizing “liberal” voters could ultimately hurt conservatives trying to build a winning coalition. As political polarization deepens across the province, where do socially liberal but fiscally cautious British Columbians go — and is there still room for a BC Liberal Party in 2026? Clark also reflects on the collapse of the BC Liberal / BC United brand: Was i...
Will B.C.’s disability funding model actually help kids? (Tamara Taggart)
TEA TIME WITH TAMARA: The B.C. Government unveiled a new, revamped funding system for children and youth with complex developmental disabilities, including autism with intellectual disability and Down Syndrome. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with broadcast legend and disability advocate Tamara Taggart about how the new model works, whether or not the government (finally) listened to families, and why some children could see their support reduced. What does this major policy shift mean for thousands of B.C. families?
Recorded: February 16, 2026
Why does the BC Conservative leadership race matter? (Azim Jiwani)
The race to replace John Rustad as leader of the Conservative Party of BC is underway. But what is this contest really about, and why should British Columbians even care? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with former chief of staff to the Official Opposition Azim Jiwani about the stakes, the competing visions inside the party, and what it takes to win a leadership race. With a crowded field of candidates, the outcome could shape B.C. (and not just its politics) for years to come.
Recorded: February 16, 2026
What the Tumbler Ridge shooting says about Canada
In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir reflects on how political leaders across the country set aside their differences to mourn. While fringe voices tried to exploit the moment, the country’s main leaders chose unity. What does that response say about Canadian values in times of crisis?
Recorded: February 16, 2026
B.C. could owe you money — and you might not know it (BC Unclaimed)
Millions of dollars are owed to British Columbians. Could you unknowingly be one of them? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with Sherry MacLennan, Executive Director of BC Unclaimed, about how money goes missing, why it’s so common, and how easy it is to check if you’re owed cash. BC Unclaimed acts as the province’s lost and found for money — and you might be surprised by what’s waiting for you.
Recorded: February 2, 2026
Is another oil pipeline in B.C. just a pipe dream? (Stewart Prest)
Talk of a new oil pipeline to B.C.’s North Coast is back — again. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants it. So does Prime Minister Mark Carney. But B.C. Premier David Eby isn’t convinced. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with UBC political scientist Stewart Prest about why the pipeline debate in British Columbia may be different this time. Is the real barrier engineering and cost, or politics and consent? And is Canada once again repeating pipeline history?
Recorded: February 2, 2026
Can Canada block Hasan Piker from entering the country?
KYLA’S COURT: Independent B.C. MLA Tara Armstrong and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) are calling on Ottawa to deny U.S. livestreamer Hasan Piker entry into Canada — despite him having no criminal record. Politics, free speech, and Canada’s visa and entry rules collide: Can Canada legally block entry of a U.S. citizen based on what they’ve said online? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir is joined by lawyer Kyla Lee to break down Canada’s visa laws, who actually has the authority to deny entry, what qualifies someone as a “terrorist” und...
Brad West on B.C. Premier Eby, BC Conservatives, and B.C.'s political culture
This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down for an extended, candid conversation with B.C.’s most popular mayor, Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West, to unpack what B.C. Premier David Eby’s governance. From delayed action on urgent files to the failure of bold policies like decriminalization and DRIPA, what forces shape decision-making in the province? Why do voters feel ignored? Plus, with the B.C. Conservative Party launching a leadership race to replace John Rustad, why does a party that surged by promising change already feel like a reboot of old politics? What does that say about B.C.’...
Niki Sharma / Lance from The Serfs
Should Canada ban X?
At what point does Canada need to consider banning a social media platform? As X — Elon Musk’s chaotic remake of Twitter — launches a legal challenge against British Columbia, This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma to understand what’s at stake and why her government isn’t backing down. Plus, while Ottawa says it’s not considering a ban on X, political commentator and popular Twitch streamer Lance from The Serfs weighs in on Canada’s hands-off approach on the AI-generated sexual abuse, hate speech, and chaos spread...
Social media turns death into entertainment
A MOment: Social media now rewards outrage, hypocrisy, and dehumanization — often at the expense of truth and real people. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir examines how online culture blurs the line between opposing ideas and celebrating violence. With recent online controversies involving Rachel Gilmore, Bryan Passifiume, and Andrew Scheer, social media has clearly become a modern town square for public hangings and witch hunts, driven by vanity and tribalism, not truth or principle.
Recorded: January 19, 2026
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...