Advertise on podcast: Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

THE MEDICAL RECORD: FLU SEASON UPDATE & THE CALL TO GET RID OF FAX MACHINES IN HEALTHCARE   An update on flu season and reaction to other healthcare news of the week. Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and former head of BC Cancer; Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing in Toronto; and Dr. Barry Pakes, Professor at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health and a former Medical Officer of Health for York Region. WHAT THE US MIDTERM RESULTS MEAN FOR TRUMP AND FOR CANADA The Democrats won big in the midterms and have taken control over Congress. What does this mean for President Trump and for Canada moving forward? Libby Znaimer is joined by Barry Appleton, Managing Partner of Appleton & Associates International Lawyers LP in Toronto. He is one of North America’s leading experts on trade law, and investment treaty arbitration. He also has a number of academic appointments including at the Balsillie Legal Advisory Centre at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. For the American perspective, Libby is joined by Matthew Wilson, Associate Professor of Political Science at Southern Methodist University and Matt Wylie, Republican political strategist. CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYER UNPACKS BRIDLE PATH HOME INVASION TPS CONTROVERSY  A criminal defence lawyer unpacks the Bridle Path home invasion story for us and breaks down the TPS controversy that followed. Libby Znaimer is joined by Kim Schofield, Criminal Defense Lawyer with Schofield Macchia.

RECOVERING POLITICIANS: PM CARNEY CALLS FEDERAL BYELECTIONS Prime Minister Mark Carney calls federal byelections, Ottawa investing in Cohere and where things stand in US-Canada trade war. Libby Znaimer is joined by George Smitherman, former Liberal MPP for Toronto Centre, Health Minister and Deputy Premier; Lisa Raitt, a former Deputy Leader of Conservative Party of Canada and Bob Richardson, a public affairs consultant. DO BANKS ALWAYS GIVE THE DOWNSIDES OF THE PRODUCTS THEY OFFER CUSTOMERS? Libby Znaimer is joined by Anthony Quinn, President of CARP to discuss banking and Canada Post.   MEET VIRGINIA HICKS: CANADA'S 2026 SILVER CROSS MOTHER Libby Znaimer is joined by Virginia Hicks, the 2026 National Silver Cross Mother who shares her late daughter's story.

ZOOMER SQUAD: PM CARNEY CALLING BYELECTIONS AND THE LATEST ON US -CANADA TRADE WAR  Prime Minister Mark Carney called numerous federal byelections, reaction to the latest in the US-Canada trade war. Libby Znaimer today is joined by Anthony Quinn, President of CARP, David Valentin, Principal at Liaison Strategies and Lorne Bozinoff, President of Bradgate Research Group. FORMER PM EHUD OLMERT ON ISRAEL'S HIGH STAKES ELECTION OUTCOME Libby Znaimer is joined by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for his assessment on the outcome of Israel's high stakes election and what comes next. OTTAWA UNVEILS ITS NEW NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY: REACTION Ottawa unveiled an updated National Security Strategy late last week, but it's vague. Is Canada really getting serious about security threats? Libby Znaimer is joined by Phil Gurski, a former senior strategic terrorism analyst at CSIS and author of 9/11 The Unfinished Battle: Why Jihadi Terrorism Is Stronger, Wider, and Far From Over and Dr. Alexander Lanoszka, an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and in the Balsillie School of International Affairs at the University of Waterloo.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: REACTION TO THE NEW MAKEUP OF TORONTO CITY COUNCIL Reaction to the results of the last municipal election and the changes to the makeup of Toronto City Council. Libby Znaimer is joined by Jon Burnside, re-elected City Councillor for Ward 16 (Don Valley East) and former Toronto City Councillor Karen Stintz. A LOOK AHEAD TO THIS AFTERNOON'S FALL ECONOMIC STATEMENT FROM THE FORD GOVERNMENT Libby Znaimer is joined by John Mykytyshyn, a Conservative Strategist and President of Bradgate Research Group for a look ahead to the Fall Economic statement being delivered by the Ford PCs this afternoon and the return of the legislature.   WHERE TO CATCH THE BEST GLIMPSE OF THE FALL FOLIAGE ACROSS ONTARIO Why do leaves change their colour, and where are the best places to catch a glimpse of the fall foliage across Ontario? Libby Znaimer is joined by Sean Thomas, Associate Dean Research, Daniels Faculty and Research professor at Institute of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Toronto.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: TERRY FOX FOUNDATION RECEIVES A RECORD DONATION What happens when you go off weight loss drugs, and reaction to a record donation to the Terry Fox Foundation. Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and former head of BC Cancer; Dr. Fahad Razak, general internist at St. Michael's Hospital and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto; and Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing in Toronto. THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ISRAELI ELECTION Reaction to the latest developments in the Israeli election. Libby Znaimer is joined by Shosh Bedrosian, a former Spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Host at Common Sense: The Real Story with Shosh Bedrosian followed by Vivian Bercovici, former Ambassador of Canada to Israel. MORE ON THE ISRAELI ELECTION More on the Israeli election and what it means for PM Benjamin Netanyahu's political future and the country. Libby Znaimer is joined by Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Attorney Maurice Hirsch, Senior Researcher at the The Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs.

RECOVERING POLITICIANS: THE WINNERS AND LOSERS OF THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION The panel reacts to the winners and losers of last night's municipal races. Libby Znaimer is joined by Cheri DiNovo, a former NDP MPP, Lisa Raitt, a former Deputy Leader of Conservative Party of Canada and John Mykytyshyn, a Conservative Strategist and President of Bradgate Research Group. WHAT IT IS LIKE RUNNING FOR OFFICE WITHOUT A POLITICAL MACHINE BEHIND YOU Libby Znaimer is joined by Nadia Guerrera, a former Candidate for Toronto City Councillor in Ward 4 Parkdale-High Park. Nadia Guerrera was defeated by the progressive candidate Diane Chan McNally in Parkdale-High Park. We caught up with her the day after the election to ask her about what it's like running for office especially without a machine backing you, and the challenges and sacrifices along the way. US PRESIDENT TRUMP'S LATEST APPROACH TO US-CANADA TRADE WAR Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Richard Leblanc, Professor of Law and Governance at York University for analysis on US President Donald Trump's latest approach to the US-Canada trade war.

ZOOMER SQUAD: IT'S ELECTION DAY & CONSERVATIVES WIN IN BC It's election day for Ontario municipalities and we get reaction to the election outcome in British Columbia. Libby Znaimer is joined by Anthony Quinn, President of CARP, David Valentin, Principal at Liaison Strategies and Lorne Bozinoff, President and CEO of Forum Research. WHO IS GADI EISENKOT: THE MAN LOOKING TO DEFEAT NETANYAHU IN ISRAEL'S ELECTION Who is Gadi Eisenkot, the man trying to defeat Benjamin Netanyahu in this week's election in Israel? Libby is joined by Vivian Bercovici, a former Ambassador of Canada to Israel followed by Amos Guiora, Professor of Law at the University of Utah and Author of Enablers: Normalizing the Unimaginable. SHOULD WE ABOLISH DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME We are soon changing the clocks. Libby is joined by Professor and Senior Director AGRI-FOOD ANALYTICS LAB at Dalhousie University to discuss.

Today on Free For All Friday: Libby Znaimer, listeners and guests discussed the final stretch of the municipal races in Toronto and Mississauga.  Libby was joined by Karen Stintz, a former Toronto City Councillor and John Mykytysyhyn, a Conservative Strategist and President of Bradgate Research Group.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: THESE ARE THE TORONTO WARD RACES TO WATCH The panel reacts to Lorne Bozinoff's new polling on four wards in the Toronto municipal race, and other news this week. Libby Znaimer is joined by Lorne Bozinoff, President and CEO of Forum Research followed by Toronto City Councillors Jon Burnside, for Ward 16 (Don Valley East), James Pasternak, for Ward 6 York Centre and former Toronto City Councillor Karen Stintz. WHY WINNING THE LOTTERY CAN MESS UP YOUR LIFE AND WHAT TO CONSIDER TO AVOID FINANCIAL MISTAKES Libby Znaimer is joined by Ted Rechtshaffen, President and CEO of TriDelta Financial Partners to discuss why winning the lottery can actually lead to messy outcomes and what to consider to avoid making financial mistakes if you end up winning the big prize. BRAD BRADFORD ON THE FINAL STRETCH OF THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN  Libby Znaimer is joined by Brad Bradford, Toronto Mayoral Candidate and City Councillor for Ward 19 (Beaches East York). Brad Bradford reacts to the latest polling in Toronto's mayoral race and talks about the final stretch of the municipal race.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: PLASMA DONATION CLINIC REOPENING & THE LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY FOR WAINWRIGHT INJURED Reaction to a for-profit plasma donation clinic reopening, the long road to recovery for burn victims in the CFB Wainwright tragedy and the latest on flu season. Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto; Dr. Malcolm Moore, a Medical Oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and former head of BC Cancer; and Dr. Barry Pakes, Professor at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health and a former Medical Officer of Health for York Region. THE LATEST MUNICIPAL POLLING FROM LIASON STRATEGIES' DAVID VALENTIN Libby Znaimer is joined by David Valentin, Principal at Liaison Strategies for an update on mayoral polling data which shows Brad Bradford at 49% and the incumbent Olivia Chow at 47%. NADIA GUERRERA ON RUNNING FOR CITY COUNCIL IN WARD 4 PARKDALE-HIGH PARK Libby Znaimer is joined by Nadia Guerrera, Candidate for Toronto City Councillor in Ward 4 Parkdale-High Park for a closer look at the key issues she's focused on for this ward. DANIEL TATE ON THE FINAL STRETCH OF THE MUNICIPAL RACE  Libby Znaimer is joined by Daniel Tate, Candidate for Toronto City Councillor for Ward 13 Toronto-Centre. He is running against the incumbent Councillor Chris Moise among other candidates. MISSISSAUGA MAYORAL CANDIDATE ALVIN TEDJO WANTS TO FREEZE PROPERTY TAXES FOR SENIORS Libby Znaimer is joined by Alvin Tedjo, Candidate for Mississauga Mayor to talk about his campaign pledge for seniors.

RECOVERING POLITICIANS: ALBERTA REFERENDUM OUTCOME & BRAD BRADFORD HAS THE EDGE ON OLIVIA CHOW IN NEW POLL The panel recats to Alberta's referendum decision and the latest polling on Toronto's mayoral race. Libby Znaimer is joined by George Smitherman, former Ontario Liberal Deputy Premier and Health Minister; Bob Richardson, a public affairs consultant; and Lisa Raitt, a former Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. BONNIE CROMBIE TALKS ABOUT THE MISSISSAUGA MAYORAL RACE Libby Znaimer is joined by Mississauga mayoral candidate Bonnie Crombie to discuss the latest in the race. REACTION TO AIR CANADA INTRODUCING $30 PHONE BOOKING FEE Libby Znaimer is joined by Martin Firestone, President of Travel Secure Inc. for his insight into this new travel charge.

ZOOMER SQUAD:  TRAGEDY AT CFB WAINWRIGHT & THE LATEST ON TORONTO'S MAYORAL RACE  Reaction to the tragedy at CFB Wainwright, and the latest on Toronto's mayoral race. Libby Znaimer is joined by Anthony Quinn, President of CARP, David Valentin, Principal at Liaison Strategies and Lorne Bozinoff, President and CEO of Forum Research. THE PAIN OF NAVIGATING COMPANIES' AI CUSTOMER SERVICE BOTS & THE PREVALENCE OF FAKE FIVE STAR REVIEWS The pain of navigating companies' AI customer service chatbots and the prevalence of fake five star reviews online. Libby Znaimer is joined by Carmi Levy, technology analyst and journalist. THE RIOTS IN FRANCE AND PRESENCE OF PRO-PALESTINIAN FLAGS Reaction to the presence of the anti-Israel mob within the violent riots that took place in France over the weekend. Libby Znaimer is joined by Shai Davidai, an advocate raising awareness about antisemitism and author of American Intellectual Antisemitism: The Anti-Jewish Movement Tearing Through Our Universities and Phil Gurski, a former senior strategic terrorism analyst at CSIS and author of 9/11 The Unfinished Battle: Why Jihadi Terrorism Is Stronger, Wider, and Far From Over.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: A CHARITY THEFT AND THE LATEST ON TORONTO'S MAYORAL ELECTION Mayoral candidate Brad Bradford attends press conference at Second Harvest following the Thanksgiving weekend theft of its catalytic converters, and the latest polling on Toronto's mayoral race. Libby Znaimer is joined by Toronto City Councillors Jon Burnside, for Ward 16 (Don Valley East), James Pasternak, Ward 6 York Centre and David Valentin, Principal at Liaison Strategies. BRAD BRADFORD DISCUSSES BIKE LANES, SECOND HARVEST THEFT AND AFFORDABILITY Libby Znaimer is joined by Brad Bradford, Toronto Mayoral Candidate and a City Councillor for Ward 19 (Beaches East York). Did Brad's attendance at the Second Harvest press conference this week give a big boost to his campaign? And, Brad talks about affordability and Toronto's bike lanes. WORLD FOOD DAY IS COMING UP AND THE COST OF GROCERIES FOR HOUSEHOLDS Libby Znaimer is joined by Michael Von Massow, Professor in the Department of Food Agriculture and Resource Economics at the University of Guelph ahead of World Food Day.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: THIS YEAR’S FLU SHOT & THE POPE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER A discussion about this year's flu shot availability, the strain of flu that is dominant this year and the Pope's lung cancer diagnosis. Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and former head of BC Cancer; Dr. Fahad Razak, general internist at St. Michael's Hospital and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto; and Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing in Toronto. ADAM PHAM, CANDIDATE FOR TORONTO CITY COUNCIL IN PARKDALE-HIGH PARK, JOINS THE SHOW Libby Znaimer is joined by Adam Pham, Toronto City Council Candidate for Ward 4 Parkdale-High Park to discuss access to High Park which is a key issue in that ward and also community safety. IAN CUNNINGHAM, CANDIDATE FOR CITY COUNCIL IN SPADINA-FORT YORK, JOINS THE SHOW Libby Znaimer is joined by Ian Cunningham, Candidate for Toronto City Council Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York to hear about what he has to offer in his platform and what he hopes to bring to City Hall should he defeat the incumbent Councillor Ausma Malik. DAVID CHILTON, AUTHOR OF THE WEALTHY BARBER, IS RETIRING Libby Znaimer is joined by David Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber. David is retiring. So, it's a great opportunity to touch base with him on his decision to make this life transition and to get some good advice for the older demographic.

RECOVERING POLITICIANS: RECORD TURNOUT AT ADVANCED VOTING IN TORONTO MUNICIPAL ELECTION The panel reacts to a new record set in advanced voting in the Toronto municipal election and a new Liaison Poll on the mayoral race showing the divide between renters and homeowners. Libby Znaimer is joined by George Smitherman, former Ontario Liberal Health Minister and Deputy Premier, Bob Richardson, a public affairs consultant and Lisa Raitt, a former Deputy Leader of Conservative Party of Canada. THEFT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AT SECOND HARVEST Several catalytic converters were stolen from Second Harvest vehicles early on Sunday and a wider conversation about this type of theft with a criminologist. Libby Znaimer is joined by Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest and Michael Arntfield, a professor of criminology at Western University and a former police officer for a wider conversation about this type of theft with a criminologist. LESLIEVILLE RESIDENT ON CRIME AND SAFETY Libby Znaimer is joined by Derek Finkle, a Leslieville resident, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth to discuss crime and safety as an election issue.