This is VANCOLOUR

This is VANCOLOUR

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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

Episodes(40 episodes)

Amelia Boultbee: From BC Conservative to NDP — What Changed?
Former Penticton-Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee joins This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir to reflect on her tumultuous two years in B.C. politics. Boultbee candidly discusses her journey from BC Conservative to independent to New Democrat, her clashes with John Rustad, sexism at the B.C. Legislature, her treatment by the media, and whether the personal cost of politics was worth it. Plus, why is she now backing the very Premier and government that she campaigned to defeat just two years ago?Recorded: October 19, 2026
Published: Oct 23, 2026Duration: 21m 48s
Aaron Gunn: Are these still his BC Conservatives?
Conservative MP Aaron Gunn joins This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir to discuss B.C.’s provincial election and the political movement he helped revive. Gunn makes the case that the BC Conservatives are ready to govern, addresses whether they’re still the party he helped build, and reflects on his decision not to pursue the provincial leadership. Plus, what could the BC Conservative experiment mean for Pierre Poilievre and the future of conservatism in Canada?Recorded: October 9, 2026
Published: Oct 16, 2026Duration: 22m 57s
Rick “The Temp” unmasked: MuchMusic, addiction, and regret
Rick “The Temp” unmasked: MuchMusic, addiction, and regretCanadian media icon Rick “The Temp” Campanelli joins This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir for a candid conversation about MuchMusic, fame, addiction, regret and the secrets behind his wholesome public image. He also shares stories about interviewing Donald Trump and Sarah McLachlan. Rick’s bestselling memoir, TEMPTED: My Story, is available now at bookstores everywhere.Recorded: October 3, 2026
Published: Oct 9, 2026Duration: 21m 51s
Is egg freezing selling false hope?
Are fertility clinics overselling women on egg freezing? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks investigative journalist Lori Culbert. Plus, The Tyee’s Jen St. Denis discusses the impact of overlapping municipal and provincial elections in B.C.Recorded: September 28, 2026
Published: Oct 2, 2026Duration: 21m 13s
A’aliya Warbus on what happened to the BC Conservatives
How did British Columbia’s Official Opposition go from the brink of government to political chaos? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA A’aliya Warbus, the former BC Conservative House Leader, to unpack the collapse of Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership. Plus, Warbus discusses her approach to Reconciliation, her position on repealing B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and what should replace it. Finally, after witnessing an ugly and cynical side of provincial politics, what gives her hope — and why is she still here?*** At the time of this in...
Published: Sep 25, 2026Duration: 22m 41s
Are Canadians bad at patriotism?
Are Canadians bad at patriotism?Is B.C. Premier David Eby’s new U.S. border sign patriotic… or just cringe? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir talks with political commentator and YouTuber J.J. McCullough about performative Canadian patriotism amid the trade war with the U.S. Plus, are B.C. cities and towns actually getting louder or are we just getting whinier? Pollster Mario Canseco (Research Co.) and comedian Dino Archie unpack what’s driving British Columbians crazy about noise. Finally, why does AI-generated food look so gross? Comedian Alannah Brittany discusses the rise of AI-gen...
Published: Sep 18, 2026Duration: 23m 10s
Can you trust Loblaw when you “Buy Canadian”?
Can you trust Loblaw when you “Buy Canadian”?  Can Canadians trust grocery-store labels when they’re trying to “Buy Canadian”? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir discusses Loblaw’s country-of-origin labelling controversy and “maplewashing” with Finch Media principal Kylie McMullan. Plus, the kids are back in school! As AI becomes an increasingly powerful tool for students, how should parents set boundaries — and could kids become too dependent on it? Broadcaster Charis Hogg talks parenting in the age of artificial intelligence. Finally, criminal defence lawyer Kyla Lee (Acumen Law) and Now You Know BC host BC Bob Kronbauer debate whether Meta Ray-B...
Published: Sep 11, 2026Duration: 22m 21s
These summer activities could accidentally make you a criminal (Kyla Lee)
KYLA'S COURT: What are the most common ways British Columbians accidentally break the law during the summer?This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks criminal defence lawyer Kyla Lee (Acumen Law) about the surprisingly common summer activities that can lead to fines, tickets, or even criminal charges. From beaches and parks to roads and waterways, are ordinary British Columbians unknowingly breaking the law every weekend in the summer? Recorded: May 25, 2026 
Published: May 29, 2026Duration: 6m 16s
Will the FIFA World Cup leave Vancouver with a legacy… or just a bill?
The FIFA World Cup is coming to Vancouver! But who really benefits?Is Vancouver even excited to be one of the sixteen host cities?This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir discusses FIFA’s potential impact on Vancouver with SFU City Program director Andy Yan and First United executive director Amanda Burrows. Will the World Cup leave behind meaningful infrastructure, civic pride, and economic benefits… or intensify concerns about affordability, displacement, policing, and the city’s ongoing social challenges? As Vancouver prepares to host seven FIFA World Cup matches, what will the city actually be left with after the crowds...
Published: May 29, 2026Duration: 12m 28s
David Eby fast-tracks building... without building
British Columbia’s government says it’s “fast-tracking” urgent projects. But where are the results?This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir takes a MOment on Premier David Eby and the BC NDP’s obsession with “fast-tracking” infrastructure, housing, and energy projects while British Columbians continue waiting for hospitals, transit projects, supportive housing, and other major construction. Is the government delivering “real action” as promised… or simply fast-tracking announcements? Recorded: May 25, 2026  
Published: May 28, 2026Duration: 2m 44s
Lynda Steele / Mario Canseco & Dino Archie / Kylie McMullan
Is the Internet making us less human?This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir explores three questions about technology, addiction and modern discourse in the internet age. First, Vancouver communications strategist Kylie McMullan (Finch Media) breaks down the “dead internet theory”. Is this once-fringe conspiracy theory becoming reality? Plus, comedian Dino Archie and pollster Mario Canseco hit the Low Road to discuss Canada’s apparent gambling boom. From sports betting apps to bizarre wagers on platforms like Polymarket, how do Canadians really feel about gambling? Finally, veteran broadcaster Lynda Steele (Change My Mind podcast) explores whether we watch the new...
Published: May 22, 2026Duration: 22m 14s
What are the real risks of travelling this summer? (Claire Newell)
Flight cancellations. Jet fuel shortages. Rising baggage fees. Global instability. Hantavirus! Is travelling becoming more stressful than enjoyable? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks travel expert Claire Newell, founder and president of Travel Best Bets, about the chaos facing travellers in summer 2026. Should you still book that European vacation? What can you do to protect yourself? Does travel insurance actually protect you? Should you still take that cruise after the hantavirus outbreak? Recorded: May 11, 2026  
Published: May 15, 2026Duration: 7m 32s
Will B.C. millennials ever get to retire? (Mark Ting)
For younger Canadians, retirement is starting to feel like a fantasy. With housing costs, inflation and everyday expenses continuing to soar in British Columbia, can millennials and Gen Z realistically expect to retire by age 65? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks financial columnist and Foundation Wealth partner Mark Ting about the harsh financial realities facing younger generations and the opportunities that may exist for them to build wealth. Is the traditional middle-class life path disappearing? Is saving for retirement a pipe dream? Is there any hope? Recorded: May 11, 2026
Published: May 15, 2026Duration: 7m 50s
Did Vancouver peak at Expo '86? (Fiona Forbes)
THE FORBES REPORT: Did Vancouver’s greatest moment happen forty years ago? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks local legend Fiona Forbes to fire up the time machine back to Expo ’86. From SkyTrain and BC Place to Expo Ernie, McBarge, The Unicorn, The Royal Family, and even a then-unknown Tony Hawk, Expo helped transform Vancouver into a “world-class city.” Just how big of a deal was Expo ’86? Can Vancouver still dream that big today — or did the city peak in 1986?  Recorded: May 11, 2026  
Published: May 15, 2026Duration: 6m 53s
Has Canada’s official bilingualism… failed? (J.J. McCullough)
Canada has two official languages: English and French. But outside Quebec, relatively few people can actually speak French. So who is bilingualism really for? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with political commentator and YouTuber J.J. McCullough about his controversial argument that official bilingualism is out of sync with reality. What are the consequences if it has failed? Is it time to rethink a key pillar of Canada’s national identity?  Recorded: May 4, 2026  
Published: May 8, 2026Duration: 7m 33s
Can psychedelic drugs actually treat addiction? (Dr. Melissa Lem)
Psychedelic drugs (hallucinogens) are getting a lot of attention — from podcasts to politics — with growing pressure to fast-track them as treatments for addiction, including high-profile voices like Joe Rogan urging U.S. President Donald Trump to speed up research. But is this a real medical breakthrough, or is the hype getting ahead of the science? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with family doctor Dr. Melissa Lem about what the evidence actually shows. From psilocybin (magic mushrooms) for smoking cessation to ketamine for alcohol use disorder, how effective are these treatments? And what are the risks?  Recorded: May 4, 2026
Published: May 8, 2026Duration: 7m 10s
Is Vancouver doomed to lose the Whitecaps to Las Vegas? (Kareem Allam)
Sorry, Southsiders! The Vancouver Whitecaps may be on their way to Las Vegas. After an investor group submitted a formal bid to relocate the team, is this the final whistle for Major League Soccer in Vancouver? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir presses Vancouver mayoral candidate Kareem Allam (Vancouver Liberals) on whether the team can actually be saved. What would it take? Does Vancouver even have a path forward — or is the deck stacked against us?  Recorded: May 4, 2026
Published: May 8, 2026Duration: 7m 22s
Why are immigrants leaving B.C.? (Andy Yan)
For the first time since the 1800s, British Columbia’s population is shrinking — and some of the people leaving just got here. What’s driving newcomers out? And, what does it mean for the province’s future? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with SFU City Program director Andy Yan about affordability, job opportunities, and whether B.C. is failing the very people it depends on to grow. If immigrants are choosing to leave, what does that say about the province’s economic future?Recorded: April 27, 2026  
Published: May 1, 2026Duration: 7m 7s
Has reconciliation gone “too far”? (Regional Chief Terry Teegee)
A majority of British Columbians now say reconciliation has gone “too far.” Is reconciliation the problem or how it’s being talked about? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee about the growing backlash to DRIPA, the Cowichan land controversy, and separating political spin from legal realities. As B.C. Premier David Eby faces criticism from all sides, are misunderstandings about Aboriginal rights fuelling the backlash? Is there ever an end point to reconciliation?Recorded: April 27, 2026
Published: May 1, 2026Duration: 11m 1s
The truth about B.C.'s "unceded" land (and your home)
Home ownership in British Columbia feels straight-forward. But what if the foundation it’s built on isn’t so simple? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir takes a closer look at private property rights in B.C., the legal reality of unceded land, and why the province’s real estate system rests on a history that many would rather ignore. From the Royal Proclamation to Supreme Court rulings on Aboriginal title, what does it really mean that most of the land in British Columbia is “unceded”?Recorded: April 27, 2026  
Published: May 1, 2026Duration: 3m 7s