Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by members of a remarkable volunteer organization to celebrate more than a century of compassion, craftsmanship, and community service.

The Needlework Guild began in Dorset, England in 1882, founded to help children orphaned by mining disasters in Wales. The movement spread across Britain and North America — and today, the Toronto branch proudly stands as the only remaining North American chapter.

Each year, its 300 dedicated members knit, sew, and purchase new clothing and essential items for 21 frontline social service agencies across the GTA. Last year alone, they donated over 22,000 items — from baby layettes and winter coats to hats, mittens, blankets, and personal hygiene products.

You’ll hear inspiring stories from longtime members:

• Sue Garskey, who first got involved through her mother, has held many roles including president, and still supports the Guild even after moving to Ottawa.
• Joyce Hisey, recipient of the Order of Canada, who has spent a lifetime organizing volunteers and is now the Guild’s membership coordinator.
• Cathy Reith, who joined about nine years ago, stepped in as secretary and then president, and now helps lead the Guild through a new generation of giving.
• Brenda Rathbone, who joined eight years ago and now runs social media and outreach, helping connect the Guild’s mission to the wider community.

Together, they share how knitting hats, mittens, and baby layettes has become both a craft and a calling — a tradition that blends creativity with compassion.

And fittingly, this interview airs on the same day as the Guild’s annual Distribution Day, when all their year’s work culminates in delivering thousands of handmade and purchased goods to people who need them most.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Danielle Nonog, a former adult entertainer turned branding and confidence coach, for a frank and fascinating conversation about the impact of pornography on relationships, intimacy, and our broader culture. Drawing from her personal experience in the adult industry, Danielle argues that pornography can act as a gateway drug — desensitizing viewers, distorting expectations, and normalizing transactional relationships. We explore how this culture shapes dating apps, “sugar baby” dynamics, and the influencer economy of platforms like TikTok and OnlyFans.

Their discussion goes beyond judgment to ask harder questions:

• How does porn consumption affect empathy and connection?
• Why do some people escalate toward more extreme content?
• Can men and women rediscover healthy, authentic relationship models?

Danielle also shares her story of reinvention and self-empowerment, helping others especially women build confidence, purpose, and identity beyond the adult industry.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Sarita Samaroo, real estate broker, investor, and founder of Property Investment Hub, to discuss her bold warning about Canada’s housing market — and why she believes a major correction may be underway. Sarita and Brian break down the warning signs: rising mortgage delinquencies, power-of-sale listings, falling condo prices, and stalled new developments. They explore the ripple effects on homeowners, renters, and developers, and how policy, interest rates, and investor psychology are combining to reshape the market. She argues that what’s happening isn’t just a cyclical dip, but a structural shift — one that could reset affordability and investment strategies for years to come. We also discuss how investors can protect themselves, what opportunities might emerge from the downturn, and what governments should (and shouldn’t) do next.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by two leading voices on Canada’s Arctic — Stephen Van Dine, City Manager of Yellowknife and longtime expert in northern governance and sustainable development, and Dr. Rob Huebert, Professor of Political Science at the University of Calgary and one of Canada’s foremost authorities on Arctic defence and security.

Together, we explore how Canada’s North is becoming the new frontier for both economic opportunity and national security. Stephen Van Dine shares his first-hand perspective from Yellowknife, a community at the crossroads of mining, infrastructure, and Indigenous-led development and discusses the ambitious Arctic Economic Security Corridor, a proposed 900-kilometre highway to the Northwest Passage. Rob brings a defence and geopolitical lens, outlining the urgent need for Canada to invest in Arctic sovereignty, critical minerals strategy, and military infrastructure. They discuss China’s expanding presence in northern waters, Russia’s submarine activities, and the international debate over control of the Northwest Passage and what it all means for Canada’s future.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Christina Caron, economist, author, and former senior policy advisor to two Prime Ministers. Christina has served as a federal public service executive, think tank economist, and diplomat and now focuses on how environmental deterioration is reshaping our economy. Together they discuss her powerful argument that rising food prices are not just a temporary or local issue, but a global and systemic consequence of environmental damage. As climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution intensify, they erode productivity growth, strain agricultural yields, and ultimately make us all poorer.

Christina explains how the loss of “natural capital” — our forests, soils, water, and ecosystems is undermining prosperity and driving the persistent rise in real food prices worldwide. They also explore what policy actions Canada must take to reverse this trajectory: investing in renewable energy, protecting biodiversity, and recognizing that environmental sustainability and economic growth are not opposites, they’re inseparable.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Charles Burton, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and one of Canada’s foremost experts on China. A former diplomat at our embassy in Beijing and longtime professor at Brock University, Charles brings decades of experience studying China’s political evolution, security strategy, and its growing influence on Western democracies. Together they discuss his upcoming book, "The Beaver and the Dragon: How China Outmaneuvered Canada’s Diplomacy, Security, and Sovereignty", exploring how Canada’s policies toward China have evolved — from early optimism during the reform era to today’s growing concerns over espionage, human rights, and global power shifts.

Charles shares vivid memories from his time in China during the Mao and Deng years, offers insight into the fate of democratic movements after Tiananmen Square, and reflects on the lessons Canada must learn to defend its independence and democratic institutions.
"The Beaver and the Dragon" launches October 21.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Michael Schuster, Ontario’s first Real Estate Divorce Specialist (since 2011) and Certified Divorce Specialist (since 2019), for an insightful discussion on how divorce changes the rules of real estate. Michael shares lessons from his work helping couples sell their homes amid emotional and financial upheaval—explaining why divorce sales are not like ordinary listings. Together they explore the legal and psychological complexities of matrimonial home sales, from consent and sabotage to post-separation adjustments, and how to navigate them without losing money—or your sanity.
He also shares advice from his book "Divorce and Selling Your Home", including how to choose the right professionals, when to stage (and when not to), and why neutrality and preparation are key to closing successfully.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Jim Stanford, economist and director of the Centre for Future Work, for a vital discussion on the future of Canada’s auto industry amid rising U.S. tariffs and shifting global trade dynamics. Together they examine the latest moves by Stellantis and General Motors — from Jeep production moving to the US to GM’s paused EV van line in Ingersoll — and what these developments mean for Canadian jobs, manufacturing, and sovereignty. Jim explains how Donald Trump’s tariff strategy could unravel decades of integration under the Free Trade Agreements and the Auto Pact before that and why Canada must rethink its industrial policy to protect and grow our manufacturing base. Jim also shares his vision for a stronger, self-reliant industrial strategy — one that safeguards good jobs, embraces the EV transition, and positions Canada for long-term competitiveness.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with Amanda Christmann Larson, an American writer and humanitarian currently living in Ukraine, documenting the human side of war. Amanda shares her firsthand experiences from Kyiv and communities near the front lines, where she’s gathering stories for her upcoming book about resilience, courage, and cultural survival amid Russia’s invasion. Together they discuss the extraordinary spirit of the Ukrainian people, how creativity and community endure under siege, and why defending Ukraine is vital for the future of democracy and cultural identity. Amanda offers rare insight into everyday life under threat—schools built underground, families staying strong, and volunteers rebuilding what’s been destroyed.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Philip MacKellar, analyst, portfolio manager, and General Manager of Contra the Heard Investment Newsletter (since 2023; with Contra since 2011). Together, they dig into their contrarian, value-oriented approach to U.S. and Canadian markets—how they hunt for unloved, undervalued names and sometimes step into M&A and other special situations, including bonds, preferreds, and converts. They cover the AI boom: opportunity, bubble risks, and why shorting hype can be hazardous, balance-sheet tells: cash, current ratio, debt, and avoiding dilution traps, forced selling and other contrarian entry points, ETFs: when they help, when they hurt, and holding 20–35 positions with multi-year horizons—no day trading, no fads.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Linda McQuaig, award-winning investigative journalist, Toronto Star columnist, and author of eight national bestsellers, to discuss her first novel, The Road to Goderich. Set against the backdrop of the 1837 Rebellion in Upper Canada, the novel follows a young Scottish woman, Calandra, whose journey of love, betrayal, and self-discovery unfolds amid the struggle against the undemocratic “Family Compact” elite. Linda and Brian explore how this often-forgotten uprising helped shape Canadian democracy—and how its themes still echo in our politics today. They also discuss her sharp critiques of PM Mark Carney’s climate change and defence spending policies, her views on Canada’s democratic evolution, and what inspired her to shift from nonfiction to historical fiction.

On tonight's episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian begins this episode with Sherry Double, author, entrepreneur, and transformation coach. Together, they explore the power of reinvention: how to rebuild, reimagine, and redefine your life at any stage. Sherry shares her remarkable journey of starting over after profound personal and professional challenges from burnout and loss to surviving a life-threatening medical error. 

Brian concludes his show with an uplifting and empowering conversation with Pat Browne and Penelope Mathieson, co-hosts of the brand-new Sauga 960 AM show NEXT CHPTR CHATS, a show about reinventing life after 55, airing Mondays at 3 PM & 7 PM and Saturdays at 10 PM!

Tonight on the Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Heather Exner-Pirot. Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot, Executive Director of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute’s Natural Resources, Energy and Environment Program, examines how excessive environmental regulation and bureaucratic lawfare constrain Canada’s growth. She argues that well-meaning environmental policies now block investment, stall infrastructure, and deepen the housing and affordability crises. The discussion covers the Impact Assessment Act, Canada’s stalled critical mineral strategy, and global energy security. Heather highlights Indigenous-led assessments as a path forward and warns that global climate policies can worsen energy poverty abroad.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Aled ab Iorwerth, Deputy Chief Economist at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), for an in-depth discussion on the state of Canada’s housing market. Together, they explore the surge in mortgage delinquencies and powers of sale, the decline in housing starts, and the pressures facing Toronto’s condo market. Aled shares his insights on how rising interest rates, unemployment, and fiscal deficits are reshaping the market—and warns that capital leaving construction could trigger a boom-bust cycle in the years ahead. This conversation also looks forward: how to boost private investment, reduce development fees, and improve productivity to address Canada’s housing supply shortage.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie hour, join Brian for a powerful and timely conversation with Vivian Bercovici, former Canadian Ambassador to Israel, as we discuss the extraordinary and emotional developments in the Middle East. Vivian shares her firsthand perspective on the release of 20 hostages held by Hamas, describing the profound mix of relief, grief, and resilience felt across Israel. We explore how President Trump’s rapid diplomatic negotiations, led with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, achieved the release within ten days — and what this means for future peace efforts.

Together, they also examine Mark Carney’s recognition of a Palestinian state, the contrasting strategies between Washington and Ottawa, and the broader implications for Canada’s role in the region. Vivian offers a rare window into Israel’s mood today — the celebration of freedom, the scars of captivity, and the enduring hope for lasting peace. Tune in for a candid discussion about rebuilding Gaza, the call for a “denazification-like process” to root out extremism, and the delicate balance of power involving Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt.

This Thanksgiving Monday at 6 PM on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian brings you a special conversation about one of the most important qualities we can cultivate: empathy.
He interviews Dr. Anita Nowak, professor at McGill University, author, and leading voice on empathy in business, leadership, and life. Anita believes that “Empathy is humanity’s superpower”—a force that not only strengthens our personal relationships, but also drives better workplaces, more compassionate politics, and healthier communities. As you sit down with family and friends this Thanksgiving, join us for an inspiring discussion about how empathy can bring us closer together.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, you can expect a double author showcase with acclaimed Canadian authors. First, Brian sits down with Aamir Hussain, whose debut novel "Under the Full and Crescent Moon" imagines a matriarchal Islamic city in the 8th and 9th centuries and explores the roles of women, religion, and freedom across Saudi and Canadian contexts. Together, they discuss female imams, the diversity of Islamic traditions, and how fiction can illuminate complex cultural and spiritual questions.

Then, Brian welcomes Merilyn Simonds, Governor General’s Award finalist and author of "Walking with Beth: Conversations with My Hundred-Year-Old Friend". Her book chronicles her friendship with Beth, a remarkable 105-year-old woman whose life embodies resilience, curiosity, and joy. Together we explore themes of aging, ageism, friendship, and living fully at every stage of life. Tune in for two rich, thought-provoking interviews that span centuries of ideas and the wisdom of long lives well lived.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Join Brian for a fascinating conversation with Carrie-Anne Mercer, seasoned marketing leader and executive advisor, as we dive into the future of artificial intelligence. Together, they explore how AI is transforming marketing—enhancing efficiency, scale, and personalization—while still relying on human creativity and discernment. Carrie-Anne shares insights from a recent global conference in Cambridge, UK, where experts from around the world gathered to discuss AI for good and inclusivity, with inspiring examples of companies using AI to serve underserved communities. They also discuss the ethics of AI, the risks of concentrated control in a few corporations, and the challenges it poses for education and society. Carrie-Anne offers an optimistic yet realistic perspective: AI won’t replace human jobs but will evolve them, and with the right oversight, can become a force for positive change.
Tune in to hear about AI’s potential, its pitfalls, and why human judgment will always matter.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, join Brian for a powerful and eye-opening conversation with Paul Smetanin, President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis. Paul introduces the concept of “Ponzinomics” — his term for how Canada has treated infrastructure spending as a political prop rather than a long-term economic necessity. He explains how decades of under-planning and short-term announcement politics have left our country worse off than Mexico when it comes to infrastructure certainty, costing us $600 billion in lost economic potential.

Together they explore why housing starts are at a 30-year low and what this means for young Canadians, how infrastructure delays can erase up to $144 billion in potential benefits, and why housing in Ontario is uniquely taxed at 36% of its value. They even touch on what systemic changes from a national infrastructure plan to multi-year funding and transparent ledgers could turn things around. Don’t miss this candid discussion on why Canada’s infrastructure and housing crisis is a matter of intergenerational fairness and how we can start fixing it.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Ron Butler, one of Canada’s most outspoken mortgage brokers, for a hard-hitting conversation about the surge in power-of-sale and foreclosure listings across the Greater Toronto Area.

Together They Explore: 

• Why power-of-sale listings have risen by 20% each month over the past four months,
• How the collapse of the foreign student housing market has left many homeowners unable to carry their mortgages,
• The growing impact of unemployment, rising property taxes, and vanishing private lending options on mortgage defaults,
• What the slowdown in new residential construction means for housing supply,
• And Ron’s bold ideas for fixing affordability – from cutting development fees and taxes on new homes to opening land for much-needed housing.

Ron doesn’t pull punches. If you want to understand what’s really happening in Ontario’s housing and mortgage markets – and what it could mean for you – you won’t want to miss this!