The Agenda in the Summer - Episode Guide

For centuries, we have grappled with the moment of creation: How did something come from nothing? Author and physicist Lawrence Krauss sits down with Steve Paikin to discuss the notion of a creator-less universe, and how science can be spiritual.

Filmmaker Trey Anthony discusses her film, ,How Black Mothers Say I Love You.,

Chuck Ealey, a former CFL player, and his daughter, author Jael Ealey Richardson, discuss how race contributed to their complex relationship.

George Elliott Clarke discusses his father's life as a black man in 1959 Halifax, the topic of his latest book.

Culture and personal meaning influence names, but how? Author Duana Taha discusses her book, "The Name Therapist."

Author and playwright Drew Hayden Taylor tells stories from his latest collection, "The Best of Funny, You Don't Look Like One."

Drew Hayden Taylor continues his conversation on The Agenda in the Summer with his approach to comedy and his interest in indigenous erotica.

Author Kamal Al-Solaylee discusses his new book, outlining the historical, political and social repercussions of having brown skin.

Author Kamal Al-Solaylee discusses race, ethnicity and identity and what it means to be brown-skinned in Canada.

Historian Matthew Bellamy gives a brief history of beer as the drink of choice in Canada.

Food waste is rampant in Canada. The Agenda in the Summer learns five ways to cut down on wasting food at home.

The Agenda in the Summer discusses the ingredients to success: perseverance and passion.

Filmmaker Kwame Mason on the experiences of Canada's black hockey players.

Humour writer William Thomas discusses his book,"The Legend of Zippy Chippy: Life Lessons from Horse Racing's Most Loveable Loser."

Author Dan Rubinstein discusses walking as a transformative pursuit that improves health and creativity.

What gives songs that are so different the same dance rhythms? Psychologist Laurel Trainor discusses the neuroscience of music and dance.

The Agenda in the Summer discusses diversity, or lack thereof, in today's Canadian music scene.

Why is one person tone deaf while another has the ability to sing in perfect pitch? Author Tim Falconer and professor of psychology Frank Russo discuss this phenomenon.

Music can help develop and heal the brain. Neuroscientist Laurel Trainor explains how.

Tammara Soma joins The Agenda in the Summer to discuss the stability of Canada's food system.

Experts discuss how to address domestic violence.

The Agenda in the Summer discusses barriers to success for graduates with disabilities.

Roch Longueépée joins The Agenda in the Summer to share his experience of abuse and his fight for justice for survivors of institutional child abuse and torture.

Museums and other cultural centres can influence the growth of cities. Cultural expert Gail Lord explains how.

Writing a memoir takes skill and courage. The Agenda in the Summer finds out what goes into writing a compelling personal story.

Author Carmen Aguirre discusses her life as a Chilean refugee, an abuse survivor and an actress, the topic of her recent book.

Writer Diane Schoemperlen discusses her memoir, "This is Not My Life," about her six-year relationship with a prison inmate.

Craig Davidson discusses his memoir, "Precious Cargo," about his year as a school bus driver for special needs children.

Writer Sonja Larsen talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her unconventional upbringing and how it has shaped her.

More senior drivers means a greater concern for road safety. The Agenda discusses how to keep seniors and the public safe.

Motivational speaker Nina Spencer tells Nam Kiwanuka the 10 ways her Mount Kilamanjaro climb inspired her to greater success.

Author Lyndsay Green discusses her conversations about the pros and cons of retirement with people on its cusp.

Health care specialist Yvonne Heath discusses how to broach the subject of end-of-life plans with dying loved ones.

The use of human remains in art is a little-known practice. Researcher Myriam Nafte talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her study of skeletons and bones.

Six Nations Polytechnic will offer a degree in indigenous languages. President Rebecca Jamieson discusses the importance of this area of study.

The Agenda in the Summer looks at the importance of revitalizing aboriginal languages.

Do emojis make up a new language, or is their use a passing fad? The Agenda in the Summer looks into the effectiveness of smiley faces and other symbols.

Eleanor Wachtel has been interviewing authors for 25 years. She talks to Nam Kiwanuka about some of her most memorable conversations.

A Shakespeare scholar talks about why the playwright is still a compelling figure and how his work continues to be relevant 400 years after his death.

History professor Nigel Raab discusses the significance and relevance of historians.

A history professor discusses the changing role of historians in the Internet age.

The Agenda in the Summer discusses whether a PhD is as valuable now as it once was.

The Agenda in the Summer looks at the past, present and future of a humanities degree.

An anthropology professor provides a historical look at diseases that ravaged 19th-century Hamilton.

The Agenda in the Summer discusses Toronto's transition from rigid morality to a hub for the LGBTQ community.

The Agenda in the Summer welcomes Kardinal Offishall and DJ Starting From Scratch for a chat about hip hop in Canada.

The Agenda in the Summer welcomes artist Kent Monkman to discuss his Canada 150 exhibit.

Nam Kiwanuka speaks to Gracia Dyer Jalea, co-founder of the Toronto Ward Museum, about a little-known part of the city's history.

Steve Paikin discusses his biography of Bill Davis and why he wrote it.

History professor Andrew Watson discusses the history of Muskoka, from an agricultural economy to cottage country.

Screenwriter and author Elan Mastai discusses his first novel, "All Our Wrong Todays."

Writer Antanas Sileika discusses his Lithuanian and Canadian heritage and what it's like to straddle two cultures.

Ann Y.K. Choi discusses her debut novel, "Kay's Lucky Coin Variety."

Musician Danny Michel discusses his once-in-a-lifetime trip through the Northwest Passage where he recorded his latest album, "Khlebnikov."

The Agenda in the Summer welcomes journalist Amanda Lang for some advice on seeking what you most fear to kick-start positive change.

Co-founder and president of the Women's Equality Party in the U.K., Catherine Mayer discusses how gender equality can save the world.

Brock University professors Rebecca Raby and Shauna Pomerantz discuss their new book, "Smart Girls: Success, School, and the Myth of Post-Feminism."

Beverley Chalmers joins The Agenda in the Summer to discuss her new book which encompasses 12 years of research on how women were treated under Nazi rule.

Author Claire Cameron discusses her new novel, "The Last Neanderthal," a tale about humanity and the essence of motherhood.

Writer Daphne Merkin discusses her book, "This Close To Happy: A Reckoning with Depression."

Nam Kiwanuka discusses nature, nurture and destiny with writer Daphne Merkin.

International bestselling author Mohsin Hamid talks to Nam Kiwanuka about his new book, "Exit West," a love story set amid the global refugee crisis.

Entertainer Shawn Hitchins discusses his off-stage life with Nam Kiwanuka.

The Agenda in the Summer welcomes Haroon Moghul to discuss his book, "How to Be Muslim: An American Story."

Is the romantic comedy still alive and well? Screenwriter and author Elan Mastai ponders this question with Nam Kiwanuka.

Ian Purkayastha talks to Nam Kiwanuka about what it's like to provide truffles to Michelin-starred restaurants in New York.

The Agenda in the Summer welcomes Karen von Hahn to discuss her book, ,What Remains,, about her turbulent relationship with her mother.

Michele Tapp Roseman discusses her book, "Hairlooms," and why natural Black women's hair is met with derogatory remarks.

Krittika Ghosh and Mona Barat speak to Nam Kiwanuka about their book, "Telling Our Stories: Immigrant Women's Resilience."

Journalist Katrina Onstad discusses her book, "The Weekend Effect: The Life-Changing Benefits of Taking Time Off and Challenging the Cult of Overwork."

Economist and author Don Thompson discusses the secrets behind the economics that shape the art industry.

Lee Mackenzie joins The Agenda in the Summer to discuss her book, "The Charming Predator: The True Story of How I Fell in Love with and Married a Sociopathic Fraud."

Christopher DiCarlo suggest ways to improve critical thinking in an age when deciphering news and information can be challenging.

Nam Kiwanuka discusses ballet training with two male students from Canada's national ballet school.

Physician James Maskalyk discusses his experience in an emergency room.

André Picard discusses his new book on the topic of public health issues in Canada.

Dr. Elaine Chin, a practitioner of personalized medicine, discusses what the relatively new field of study can do for patients.

Top-performing secondary school students in Ontario can join SHAD, a program suited to science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Nam Kiwanuka learns more.

The Agenda in the Summer learns about a collective of farmers bringing fresh, local produce to Toronto customers.

Natalie Harris is a leading advocate for paramedics with PTSD. She discusses her book, "Save-My-Life School: A First Responder's Mental Health Journey."

Shaun Loney discusses his businesses which help improve the lives of people who depend on some form of social assistance.

Phoebe Maltz Bovy discusses her book, "The Perils of 'Privilege'"

Competition for charitable donations increases while the weather is fair. The Agenda in the Summer discusses how charities compete and succeed.

The Agenda in the Summer discusses what can be done to stop the decline of Ontario's moose population.

Author Michael Finkel discusses his book, "The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit."

Tiq Milan talks with Nam Kiwanuka about his work as a transgender rights advocate.

Women were not always accepted in the hallowed halls of law. Activist, lawyer and feminist Linda Silver Dranoff describes her trail-blazing start in law.

What's it like to run with the Hells Angels? Author Jerry Langton found out when he wrote about Dave Atwell, the gang's sergeant-at-arms.

Film writer Geoff Pevere discusses how Toronto is finally visible in films where once it was disguised as New York and other big American cities.

As Ontario's cities head into elections this fall, Toronto author, columnist, and editor Shawn Micallef talks to Nam Kiwanuka about why local politics matter. Then, Ontario Hubs journalist Adam McDowell discusses the issue of cottages on First Nations land.

Nam Kiwanuka talks to Man Booker Prize-winner Alan Hollinghurst about his much-anticipated sixth novel, "The Sparsholt Affair."

Nam Kiwanuka talks to Tina Brown, celebrated editor of such magazines as Tatler, Vanity Fair, the New Yorker and the digital Daily Beast, about her memoir, "The Vanity Fair Diaries: 1983-1992."

Editor and author Tina Brown returns for a discussion about her experiences transforming some of publishing's iconic magazines and to share her thoughts on women in leadership.

Nam Kiwanuka talks to Aida Edemariam about "The Wife's Tale," a book about the life of her paternal grandmother in Ethiopia at the beginning of the 20th century.

Former Toronto mayor David Crombie discusses post-war era city building and how that differs from today's vision for municipalities. Then, northeastern Ontario hub journalist Claude Sharma discusses what he learned at a dark sky preserve in Manitoulin Island.

Musician Miranda Mulholland talks with Nam Kiwanuka how new technologies have changed how musicians experience their careers.

He's played in Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, and Lee Harvey Osmond. Hamilton's Tom Wilson talks to Nam Kiwanuka about his life in and out of music.

Mario Rigby talks to Nam Kiwanuka about his 12,000 kilometre, 800 day trek across Africa and what he learned along the way.

Lisa Genova has built a successful career writing novels about people struggling to cope with neurological conditions. She talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her latest book, "Every Note Played," in which the main character struggles with ALS.

David Crombie, a former Toronto mayor, talks to Nam Kiwanuka about how cities expanded beyond traditional suburbs in Ontario's past. Then, Ontario Hubs field producer Jeyan Jeganathan talks about beekeeping in Ontario.

Kaitlin Wainwright, director of programming at Heritage Toronto, and Morgan Cameron Ross, a musician who documents his passion for history at oldtorontoseries.com, discuss how cities are living histories.

Daemon Fairless, author of "Mad Blood Stirring: The Inner Lives of Violent Men," joins The Agenda in the Summer to discuss his book, which aims to understand why violence might be appealing to some men.

Journalist Rachel Giese talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her research into the myths of masculinity and the challenges facing boys today, the subject of her book, "Boys: What It Means to Become a Man."

Author and community organizer Jamil Jivani talks to Nam Kiwanuka about his book, "Why Young Men: Rage, Race and the Crisis of Identity," which aims to offer a better understanding of what leads young men to violence.

Carlo Fanelli, co-editor of a recent report, "The Public Sector in an Age of Austerity: Perspectives from Canada's Provinces and Territories," joins Nam Kiwanuka to discuss what the GTHA needs to do to prepare for population growth. Then, Ontario Hubs journalist Mary Baxter discusses the issue of addiction southwestern Ontario.

At 23, Pauline Dakin learned that her family had lived their lives as fugitives, running from a mob underworld. Her book, "Run, Hide, Repeat: A Memoir of a Fugitive Childhood", is an account of that life, and her journey to understand it.

Author Tom Rachman talks to Nam Kiwanuka about his third novel, "The Italian Teacher," his experience living in various countries, and how that has influenced his writing.

Sharon Bala's first novel, "The Boat People," was inspired by a group of Tamil refugees escaping war in Sri Lanka and landing in Canada in 2010. Bala talks to Nam Kiwanuka about how she turned this story into fiction and why it was important to document it.

Author Jan Wong talks to Nam Kiwanuka about what led to the writing of her book, "Apron Strings: Navigating Food and Family in France, Italy, and China."

Transit is one of the biggest issues in every city across the province. The Agenda in the Summer discusses how Ontario's large and smaller cities plan and pay for transit. Then, Ontario Hubs journalist Charnel Anderson discusses the cultural importance of powwows.

The Agenda in the Summer welcomes science journalist Britt Wray to discuss "Rise of the Necrofauna: The Science, Ethics and Risks of De-Extinction," her book about how advancements in genetic science mean it might be possible to bring back extinct animals through various kinds of selective breeding, cloning, and genome engineering.

Peter Wohlleben, a former forest ranger and author of "The Hidden Life of Trees," talks to Nam Kiwanuka about his new book, which explores the inner lives of animals.

Kate Harris always knew she wanted to travel from small-town Ontario to Mars. Along the way, she ended up on an epic journey on the fabled Silk Road. She talks to Nam Kiwanuka about that adventure, the topic of her book, "Lands of Lost Borders: Out of Bounds on the Silk Road."

The discovery and uses of magnets are topics of interest for science journalist Alanna Mitchell. She talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her book, 'The Spinning Magnet: The Force that Created the Modern World and Could Destroy It."

Ahead of the fall municipal elections in Ontario, The Agenda in the Summer talks to Brantford Mayor Chris Friel about how to preserve community and character as cities grow. Ontario Hubs field producer Jeyan Jeganathan heads to Chelmsford, Ontario to see how one modular farm is reshaping the industry in northern Ontario.

Nam Kiwanuka talks with columnist Shawn Micallef about his affection for his adopted city, and muses on why not everyone feels that way about Ontario's capital city.

Photographer Leah Denbok talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her experience photographing homeless men and women for collection in a book, and why she felt the project was important.

Once a leader of a criminal gang in Toronto, Richard Atkinson now spends time talking to kids about why they should steer clear of the kind of life he lived. He talks to Nam Kiwanuka about his life, chronicled in a recently released memoir.

Bestselling American author Rachel Kushner talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her third novel, "The Mars Room," the story of a woman serving two consecutive life sentences in prison.

Given that Ontario's population is aging, The Agenda in the Summer discusses how city planners can best accommodate the needs of an older population.

American author Claire Messud joins The Agenda in the Summer to discuss her sixth novel, "The Burning Girl," and what drew her to writing about the bonds and bounds of female friendships.

Living solo, without children is still considered an unconventional life, yet more Canadians are doing it than ever before. Nam Kiwanuka talks to Andrea Bain and Kelli Maria Korducki, two authors who've written about going against the grain.

Globe and Mail columnist Elizabeth Renzetti has spent three decades reporting on and opining about feminist issues. She talks to Nam Kiwanuka about what she's learned along the way about the evolution of women's rights.

Toronto author Sheila Heti talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her new novel, "Motherhood," in which a young woman ponders whether having a baby will curtail her life and creativity. Then, Northwestern Ontario Hubs journalist Jon Thompson talks about Finnish saunas in Thunder Bay.

Why don't young people vote? It's a question that comes up every election, and the upcoming municipal campaign will be no different. But just because they don't make their views known at the ballot box doesn't mean they're not engaging in civic activities elsewhere. The Agenda in the Summer discusses what motivates youth to vote, or not to vote. Then, Ontario Hubs field producer Jeyan Jeganathan visits the Northern Reach Rescue Network.

Edna Manitowabi, an elder and professor emeritus at Trent University's Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her role as the grandmother in the film adaptation of Richard Wagamese's novel, "Indian Horse," and how it reflects her own story of growing up in a residential school.

Cherie Dimaline's celebrated novel, "The Marrow Thieves," involves a group of Indigenous survivors of a global disaster who are trying to reclaim their lives. She joins The Agenda in the Summer to talk about the message of the novel.

Artist Rebecca Belmore and Wanda Nanibush, curator of Indigenous art at the Art Gallery of Ontario, talk to Nam Kiwanuka about Belmore's exhibit, and how the presence of Indigenous artists in the public sphere can help facilitate reconciliation.

An accomplished musician and visual artist, Tom Wilson grew up in Hamilton not knowing until recently that his heritage is Mohawk. He chronicles this discovery and his life in the Canadian music scene in a new memoir. He talks to Nam Kiwanuka about his life and work.

The Agenda in the Summer discusses how Ontario cities can reinvent themselves. Then, Ontario Hubs field producer Jeyan Jeganathan talks to Rachel Romu.

Prolific writer Martin Amis talks to Nam Kiwanka about his new collection of critical essays and journalism.

Nam Kiwanuka welcomes novelist and essayist Martin Amis for a reprise of their conversation.

Nam Kiwanuka welcomes author, pastry chef and bakery owner Jackie Kai Ellis to talk about how time in the kitchen helped ease her out of depression.

Nam Kiwanuka talks to journalist and author Jan Wong about her latest book.

What insights can an emergency room doctor - who also happens to be a former astronaut - give on human nature? Dave Williams talks to Nam Kiwanuka about his new book, "Defying Limits."

The Agenda discusses "Brian Jungen Friendship Centre," an AGO exhibit that explores the intersection of consumerism and Indigenous culture.

How do people form their ideas about political issues, and do they spend dedicate enough time to such important work? Nam Kiwanuka talks to David Moscrop about his book, "Too Dumb For Democracy?: Why We Make Bad Political Decisions and How We Can Make Better Ones."

Writer and television host Rick Steves talks to Nam Kiwanuka about how travel can open a person's mind and change their perspective on a variety of issues.

Award-winning writer Esi Edugyan talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her book, "Washington Black," and what constitutes a sense of freedom.

Nam Kiwanuka talks to Marion Nestle about her eye-opening book, "Unsavory Truth: How Food Companies Skew the Science of What We Eat."

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson talks about support for his recent personal disclosure. And, he also discusses some of the issues affecting provincial municipalities based on news from this year's AMO annual conference held in Ottawa last week. Then, Ontario Hubs field producer Jeyan Jeganathan visits the Museum London's "Difficult Terrain" exhibit.

American academic Oren Cass talks to Steve Paikin about his book, "The Once and Future Worker: A Vision for the Renewal of Work in America."

Nam Kiwanuka talks to Sarah Jama, co-founder of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario, about the power of youth and grassroots organizing, and what needs to be done to dismantle ableism in Ontario.

Why are there so few non-white characters in children's literature? Nam Kiwanuka discusses the problem of diversity in children's lit with author Zetta Elliott and literary agent Léonicka Valcius.

The creator and star of Netflix's LGBTQ romantic comedy, "Feel Good," Mae Martin describes her rise in the ranks of Canadian comedy.

Great Big Sea founding member Séan McCann and his wife Andrea Aragon discuss their book, "One Good Reason: A Memoir of Addiction and Recovery, Music and Love," and how their shared love of music brought them together, and ultimately helped heal their relationship.

What does it take to become a champion athlete? The accomplished hurdler, broadcaster, and author discusses her struggles and triumphs on the road to career glory, and shares her thoughts raising a daughter in this defining moment for Black Lives Matter.

When historian Timothy Winegard was looking for a new topic to delve into, his father, an emergency-room physician, suggested disease. Winegard's research led him to malaria, which in turn led him to mosquitoes. His acclaimed book, "The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator," is a comprehensive look at how the tiny creature has altered humanity through the ages.

The author of the 2020 Pulizer Prize-winning "The Nickel Boys," a novel set in the Jim Crow-era of racial segregation, talks about growing up Black in America and why he chose this time in history as the setting for his story. Then, Eastern Ontario Hubs journalist David Rockne Corrigan discusses how gig economy workers fared during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Author and disability activist Amanda Leduc discusses why she was compelled to write "Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space." The book is part memoir and part analysis of ableism and disability in fairy tales, and how the messages within can shape how children see themselves, for better or worse.

What's it like to be a Black woman at a university attended by mostly white students? Author and journalist Eternity Martis talks about her experiences as an undergraduate at London, Ontario's Western University, as documented in her book, "They Said This Would Be Fun: Race, Campus Life, and Growing Up."

Scientists Steffanie Strathdee and Thomas Patterson discuss their book, ,The Perfect Predator: A Scientist's Race to Save Her Husband from a Deadly Superbug,, torn from the pages of their real-life battle with an antibiotic-resistant virus.

Do Twitter and Instagram help or hinder creative friendships? Author, visual artist, and musician Vivek Shraya talks about her book, "The Subtweet," a look at friendship, creative connections, the racialization of social media, and its complicated etiquette.

Two-time Giller Prize-winner Esi Edugyan describes the inspiration for writing "Washington Black," a novel about the post-slavery life of a young man who learns that being physically free does not release him from the trauma of the past. Then, Northwestern Ontario Hub journalist Charnel Anderson takes a look at food banks in Thunder Bay.

Investigative journalist Robert Kolker discusses his research into the Galvin family, a family that saw six of 12 children diagnosed with schizophrenia. In part one, we learn about the family circumstances. Tomorrow night, Kolker discusses how the family helped inform the search for treatment and a cure.

How did the Galvin family's experience shape research into schizophrenia? Nam Kiwanuka continues her discussion with Robert Kolker on the topic of his book, "Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family," an investigation into the Galvin family within which six out of 12 children were diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Acclaimed British novelist and essayist Martin Amis discusses topics that have informed his writing over the years.

During COVID-19, many people have been having a difficult time balancing work responsibilities with homelife. Writer and broadcaster Tara Henley discusses her book, "Lean Out: A Meditation on the Madness of Modern Life," and how her ideas are even more relevant during this uncertain time.

In "Chop Suey Nation," Ann Hui learned her family history, and in the process, the creation of Canadian-Chinese cuisine. Then, Ontario Hubs video journalist Jeyan Jeganathan learns about vertical gardening in Chelmsford, Ont., and how COVID-19 has increased the market for hydroponic farming.

Irish-Canadian writer Emma Donoghue discusses her new novel set in 1918 Dublin during the Great Flu pandemic.

Jesse Thistle discusses his book, "From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way," about his experience with absent parents, homelessness, incarceration, and his ultimate reconnection to his Métis heritage.

It's been three decades since the groundbreaking 78-day standoff between Mohawks and Canadian soldiers. The Agenda reflects on the significance of the resistance that began outside Montreal in June 1990, how it's influenced Indigenous people and culture, and the land claim challenges that remain.

Journalist Laura Trethewey discusses her book, "The Imperiled Ocean: Human Stories from a Changing Sea."

Suanne Kelman extolls the pleasures of birdwatching. She talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her years of being an avid birder, and how the pastime has changed over the years.

Author and journalist Duncan McCue discusses his book, "The Shoe Boy, A Trapline Memoir," about his time as a youth spent hunting and living off the land with a Cree family in northern Quebec.

What will school look like in the fall? We look at various scenarios being discussed, the Ontario government's approach, and why it's important for students and parents to have a clear picture of the school year.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields remain difficult to break into for women, and even more so for women of colour. University of New Hampshire professor Chanda Prescod-Weinstein discusses her experiences.

How might open public spaces in Canadian cities change as the country continues to grapple with COVID-19 and adapt to living with the presence of the virus.

How has climate change affected one of Canada's most precious biospheres? Then, Ontario Hubs journalists report on stories they're following.

Nancy Simmons of the American Museum of Natural History; and Burton Lim of the Royal Ontario Museum discuss the evolutionary history of bats, why they are often vilified - especially amid this pandemic, their essential role in ecosystems, and factors that have led to endangerment. They dispel common myths about bats and tell what they love most about their jobs as chiropterologists.

They're not exactly fish, and they're certainly not snakes that live in water. What they are - if you can get over the slithery, darting weirdness of eels - is fascinating: truly ever-changing, versatile and resilient. To discuss the remarkable characteristics of eels, Nam Kiwanuka welcomes Patrik Svensson, journalist and author of "The Book of Eels: Our Enduring Fascination with the Most Mysterious Creature in the Natural World;" and Steven Cooke, professor and Canada Research Chair of Environmental Science and Biology at Carleton University.

News of murder hornet and locust swarms in Africa and Asia, and the calmer, but equally devastating, gypsy moth caterpillar that's currently wreaking havoc on trees in eastern Ontario has all also been concerning. To explain what's going on with bugs and provide updates on mosquito-borne illnesses, The Agenda welcomes Rosalind Murray, an entomologist and an NSERC postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Toronto.

Rachel Romu has been bringing visibility to disability one runway at a time. The fashion model and disability advocate joins Ontario Hubs field producer Jeyan Jeganathan to talk about her career, the fashion industry, and how COVID-19 has affected people with disabilities. And, already a significant problem in Ontario, opioid deaths have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Northeastern Ontario Hub journalist Nick Dunne investigated the province's response to the epidemic and learned how the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth outreach team is trying to help drug users cope with their circumstances.

Academy Award-winner Louis Gossett Jr. stars in "The Cuban," a film that highlights the way elderly people are treated in society. Nam Kiwanuka talks to him about his role and is also joined by the film's director Sergio Navarretta.

Broadband is still a long way away from being equally available across Ontario. We look at the challenges inherent in making full access happen.

Recently, the COVID-19 contact-tracing app launched, but questions remain about privacy and adoption rates. David Lie, a University of Toronto tech professor, provides some insight.

Environmentalist Tom Rand discusses his recent book, "The Case for Climate Capitalism: Economic Solutions for a Planet in Crisis."

Toronto drag performer Juice Boxx, a recent contestant on "Canada's Drag Race," our country's version of the wildly popular "Ru Paul's Drag Race," discusses the influence of drag queen culture in mainstream society. Then, what is the origin of Thunder Bay's mysterious ring of rocks?

In partnership with the 2020 Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference, this week The Agenda looks at what's important to cities and towns across the province. Tonight, we delve into a Guelph initiative to reimagine the food system, and Peel Region's proposed new recycling strategies.

Three Ontario mayors discuss how their cities have fared during the COVID-19 pandemic and what strategies can be put in place for the future.

How can the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres work together on resource development and post-COVID-19 financial recovery?

How can Ontario take advantage of economic stimulus packages to find solutions for climate-change effects on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been looking for ways to grow their own food, including raising chickens. But are backyard chickens legal in Ontario?

Author and playwright Alison Wearing discusses her funny and poignant memoir, "Moments of Glad Grace," depicting a trip to Ireland with her father as he obsessively searches their family history. Producer: Carla Lucchetta

How can better institutional food be part of the solution for other problems? Chef and food activist Joshna Maharaj explores that in her latest book, "Take Back the Tray: Revolutionizing Food in Hospitals, Schools, and Other Institutions."

Three-time Olympic medallist Sami Jo Small shares behind-the-scenes insight into her time with the Canadian national women's hockey team.

Epidemiologist David Waltner-Toews discusses his book, "On Pandemics: Deadly Diseases from Bubonic Plague to Coronavirus," on how viruses begin, how they spread, and how past pandemics have been handled.

How have deadly diseases progressed through history? We look at some TVO footage from 20 years ago and invite a medical clinician to update what we've learned about infectious diseases since then. And, Ontario Hub journalists discuss their latest stories.

Sexual-harassment and violence educator Julie Lalonde, known for highlighting the problem in the Canadian military, talks about her own experiences, outlined in her book, "Resilience is Futile: The Life and Death and Life of Julie S. Lalonde."

Author and journalist Lauren McKeon discusses her book, "No More Nice Girls: Gender, Power, and Why It's Time to Stop Playing by the Rules," and how even the smallest acts of feminism can keep the movement going forward.

Theres a lot of discussion about parents and children preparing for school reopening, but how are teachers feeling? We invite a few to talk about their e-learning experiences from last spring, and how to accommodate COVID-19 into their lesson planning.

Health and mental-health experts discuss the feasibility of the recommendations of the SickKids report on school reopening.

Filmmaker Danielle Ayow discusses her short doc "But Youre Not Black," an examination of her Caribbean-Chinese background, and her challenges in fitting in with both cultures. Then, Ontario Hubs field producer Jeyan Jeganathan talks York University professor Gail Fraser about the Ontario governments introduction of a double-crested cormorant hunt.