Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

If you read headlines saying The Onion wants to take over InfoWars, Alex Jones’ far-right conspiracy talk show, no one would blame you for thinking it was all a big joke. But it’s true: last Friday, the satirical news site released its first parody of the show with new host, Tim Heidecker. The comedian did an uncanny impression of Alex Jones. Journalist Justin Ling and comedian Ashley Ray join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss the ‘new’ InfoWars and whether satire can still speak to this political moment.

Also, Iran just dropped out of the Venice Biennale. That's after the exhibition's entire jury resigned amid tensions over Israel and Russia. Arts reporter Kate Brown unpacks the various controversies swirling around this year's exhibition. She also profiles the artist representing Canada, Abbas Akhavan.

This year, the conversation about the Met Gala was less about looks, and more about the outrage. Billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez Bezos were the main sponsors and honorary chairs at this year’s ball, proving the most prestigious night in the fashion world can be bought. But can taste? Elamin Abdelmahmoud gets into it with fashion writer Joan Summers and culture writer Amil Niazi.

And the film ‘Blue Heron’ by Canadian director Sophy Romvari tells the story of a family tragedy and how childhood memories of a summer can loom over one’s life. Exclaim film editor Rachel Ho shares why it's already one of her favourite movies this year.

When was the last time you watched a romantic comedy in theatres? Rolling Stone's CT Jones joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to break down why studio execs are putting rom-coms on streaming platforms instead.

And FIFA’s rules around what other events can be held during the tournament means organizers of summer festivals in Toronto and Vancouver have to change their plans. Dominic Lai with Dragon Boat BC explains why the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival, North America’s largest dragon boat festival, is cancelled this summer.

Elamin is joined by culture critics Joan Summers, Lainey Lui and Taryn Finley to discuss ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’, the new album 'Middle of Nowhere' from Kacey Musgraves and the online buzz around the breakup between Megan Thee Stallion and NBA player Klay Thompson.

The romance genre is booming in Canadian literature. From romantasy to sports smut to paranormal erotica, readers are flocking to romance-themed bookstores and Booktok to share their love for spice. Deborah Aarts and Nathan Maharaj join Elamin to discuss what’s driving the romance surge and how its popularity could be changing the way readers and publishers value the genre.

Plus, Ella Langley’s surprise hit song 'Choosin' Texas' was at the top of both the Billboard pop and country charts for months. Country music journalist Marissa Moss explains why song is dominant.