Weekends with Joanne Vrakas

What food defines Montreal? The smoked meat, the poutine, the bagel, the legendary poutine? None of the above says Virgin Radio’s Mike Chaar. His answer may surprise you.

As Mark Carney inches closer and closer to a majority, many believe he may call an election. Political analyst Sandy White says the Prime Minister may not need the victory right now.

Looking for a place to play with puppies? Do you want to help them socialize on the way to their forever homes? Then Studio Woof is made for you. Owner, François Duchesneau joins Joanne Vrakas.

Sugar shack season is right around the corner. Montreal expert Thom Sievewright takes a look back at the history of sugaring off and sugar shacks in Quebec. Thom Seivewright is a tour guide turned social media star. He can be heard every Saturday at 7:40 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing hidden gems and facts you may not know about Montreal.

Are you grocery shopping in your PJs? The food Professor Sylvain Charlebois says it’s becoming a trend and it’s changing the way we shop. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor’, is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Satur...

Jonathan Kalles, Vice President at McMillan Vantage, a national public affairs firm, and former advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, joined Jay Farrar on CJAD 800. Jay was filling in for Joanne Vrakas.

Dr. Arsenio Paez, Executive Director of the Canadian Sleep Society, joined Jay Farrar to tell us what that lost hour actually does to our bodies. Jay filled in for Joanne Vrakas.,

Should your two-year-old be screened for high cholesterol? Canada's Paediatric Society says yes. Dr. Christopher Labos explains why. Dr. Chris Labos, cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology and a regular contributor on CJAD 800. You can hear him every Sunday on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas at 7:20 a.m.

The conflict in Iran is raising some serious questions here at home. How is Canada's intelligence community responding, and how exposed are we? Cybersecurity expert Steve Waterhouse joined Jay Farrar, sitting in for Joanne Vrakas, on CJAD 800.

The Food Professor from Dalhousie University, Sylvain Charlebois, joined Jay Farrar to talk about higher fuel prices equalling higher food prices. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor’, is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday...

Liberal MNA for Westmount-Saint-Louis, Jennifer Maccarone announced she was having a hot flash at the National Assembly. In a now viral moment, she said “it’s menopause and we should talk about it”. And she did just that with Joanne Vrakas.  

Trump’s MAGA base is divided. They voted for a “no foreign wars” president and are facing anything but. Can Trump bring back his base ahead of the midterms? Former Quebec delegate to New York and Washington and political analyst John Parisella weighs in. John Parisella is a special advisor for National Public Relations and a fellow in International Relations at the University of...

As the U.S. and Israel continue their strikes on Iran, they’re asking Iranians to resist local forces and take back the government. McGill University political science lecturer and author, Daniel Daouk says it will be no easy feat. He joins Joanne Vrakas.

As many question America’s decision to strike Iran, many in Montreal’s Iranian community are celebrating. Darius Lagarki has family in Iran and says this could not have come soon enough. He spoke with Joanne Vrakas.

The PQ is coming off some historic wins but will they temper referendum talk to reach a larger base? Political analyst Sandy White says they’ll never fully back down but modify instead.

Why did the Americans choose to strike Iran now? Former Quebec delegate to NY and Washington John Parisella on what motivated the latest U.S/Israeli combat operations on Iran and how allies are likely to react.

The U.S. and Israel have launched major combat operations in Iran. CJAD 800 political commentator Tom Mulcair on what comes next.

Are major grocery stores opening enough grocery stores or are they pushing out the competition? The Food Professor Sylvain Charlebois explains how fewer stores means bigger bills. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor’, is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends...

Low fat, low calorie or low carb- nutritionist Kim Arrey wonders are all diets created equal? Registered dietitian nutritionist Kim Arrey joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 6:40 a.m. with tips to keep healthy.

Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles can be heard every Saturday at 8:40 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas to discuss issues affecting children's mental health.

Looking for a great meal but don’t want to break the bank? Food Guy Montreal continues his series on the city’s high quality budget bites. Dustin Gilman, better known online as Food Guy Montreal, joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Sunday at 7:50 a.m. He shares his insight for some of the best eats in and around Montreal. Image: Café Le Den

Are wine scores a good guide or marketing gimmick? Wine expert Jon Cerone says we should be weary of all those bells and whistles.   Jon Cercone is a sommelier at Taverne Sur Le Square in Westmount. He can be heard regularly on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing his wine recommendations.

Meet the woman committed to affordable groceries. Marieve Breton started Liquidation Marie to challenge best-before dates and while making sure Quebecers don’t feel robbed at the grocery store.

Would a tax on sugary drinks reduce consumption in Quebec? Dr Christopher Labos says it’s not so simple. Dr. Chris Labos, cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology and a regular contributor on CJAD 800. You can hear him every Sunday on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas at 7:20 a.m.

Another floor crossing and members going rogue. Is it time for Pierre Poilievre to go? Political analyst Sandy White says a change is coming.