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The Decibel

The Decibel

By: The Globe and Mail
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Summary

Context is everything. Join us Monday to Friday for a Canadian daily news podcast from The Globe and Mail. Explore a story shaping our world, in conversation with reporters, experts, and the people at the centre of the news.2025 The Globe and Mail Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Why are drug deaths rising in Edmonton, but falling elsewhere?
    May 11 2026

    Canada has seen a decline in deaths related to drug overdose the past two years. But the reality at the local level is a little more complicated. In some cities, like Edmonton, this rate is increasing. The city saw its deadliest year for drug deaths in 2025.

    One of the Globe’s health reporters, Alanna Smith was in Alberta to figure out what’s going on. She’s here to share what she learned about why the situation in Edmonton is so bad, and the pushback against harm reduction policies, like safe consumption sites.

    Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com


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    26 mins
  • The pressure is on for Canada to meet growing energy demand
    May 8 2026

    The war in Iran has radically changed the way that oil and gas moves around the globe. Since the war began, North American energy exports – such as petroleum and liquefied natural gas – have increased. Now, there is pressure on Canada to meet the increased demand.

    The Globe’s energy reporter, Emma Graney, is on the show to explain how some Canadian companies are changing course to try to meet that demand, what’s getting in the way for other Canadian companies to do the same and what all this means for a transition away from fossil fuels.

    Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com


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    25 mins
  • Saudi Arabia’s vision for its future is crumbling
    May 7 2026

    Saudi Arabia has spent a decade pouring billions into investments to modernize their finance, entertainment, sports, technology and tourism industries, to help shift their economy away from oil. Now these efforts, called Vision 2030, are being challenged, in part, by the war in Iran, the missile and drone strikes against Saudi and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

    Doug Saunders is the Globe’s International affairs columnist. He’s on the show today to explain how Saudi’s vision for its future and relationships with other countries are now changing.

    Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com


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    24 mins
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