Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

'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.

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

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 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.

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.