The Craig Needles Podcast

08/30/2024

Friday Round Table!

Former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott, lawyer and former school board trustee Matthew Newton-Reid an former federal NDP candidate Shawna Lewkowitz joined Craig to talk about the week's top stories.

They talk about the spending scandal at the Thames Valley District School Board, the rising cost of getting high school students to class on LTC busses and whether Canadians actually want a federal election – followed by some surprises in local nomination races.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada.

08/28/2024

The Ford government is pulling the plug on supervised consumption sites.

The results could be lethal.

Middles*x-London Health Unit Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joanne Kearon joined Craig to talk about the importance of harm reduction in public health.

Then Craig takes aim at the decisions of the Ford government.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada

Classic Rock 98.1

The Ford government says they’re closing 10 supervised consumption sites province-wide. London’s isn’t closing, but advocates are concerned about the future of the local facility based on the Ford government’s actions. Middles*x-London Health Unit Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joan...

08/16/2024

Friday Round Table!

Craig was joined in the Covent Garden Market Canada studio by United Way Elgin Middles*x CEO Kelly Ziegner, former city councillor Roger Caranci and political insider Nathan Caranci.

They discussed the pressures of the affordability crisis, London City council's options to lower taxes and the temporary foreign worker program.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by the Covent Garden Market Canada and Downtown London.

On this week’s Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes United Way President and CEO Kelly Ziegner and the father-son duo of Roger and Nathan Caranci to the Covent Garden Market studio. They discuss the rising cost of living in Canada, an effort to cut taxes at London City Hall, and the temporary foreig...

08/13/2024

New podcast!

Craig broke down the new report on racism within London Police with Indigenous activist Frances Moore and anti-oppression consultant Mojdeh Cox.

The stories that stood out, what leadership is saying about it, what the board should be doing and what's next for London Police leadership.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Covent Garden Market Canada and Downtown London.

A report unearthed by CBC last week told some upsetting stories of racism within London Police. Chief Thai Truong says the service will do better, but, will his words match the results? Indigenous activist Frances Moore and anti-oppression consultant Mojdeh Cox joined Craig in the studio to dive int...

08/10/2024

Some weekend listening!

Craig welcomed Shawn Lewis, London Politics, Anova Executive Director Jessie Rodger and Y.O.U. Executive Director Steve Cordes to the studio to talk about the week's top issues.

They discussed a report saying Londoners aren't happy with how the city's police service interacts with the public, housing approvals going up - but perhaps not be enough - in the city.

Then, a conversation about whether Ontario's big city mayors dropped the ball as they ask for help with poverty in their municipalities. Why didn't they mentioned ODSP and Ontario Works?

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market.

Craig welcomes London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, Anova Executive Director Jessie Rodger and Steve Cordes, the Executive Director at Youth Opportunities Unlimited, to the studio for this week’s round table. They discussed a report bout how Londoners feel about the city’s police service, unearthed ...

08/07/2024

Bonus Wednesday episode!

Craig talked with Mandy Dostie - a woman who was abused as a child and appeared to suffer life changing injuries - about the treatment she received at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

Dr. Jonathan Lau, who helped relieve her pain, also joined the chat.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada.

Mandy Dostie was abused as a child. It was thought, at one point, that the effects of the injuries sustained during that abuse would last for the rest of her life. That’s why Dr. Jonathan Lau stepped in. The London Health Sciences Centre neurosurgeon was able to insert a device into Mandy’s brai...

08/06/2024

Will what's happening with the US election impact upcoming Canadian votes?

Political insider Jonathan Scott joined Craig on the podcast to discuss Tim Walz as a VP pick, whether Harris vs. Trump will impact Trudeau vs. Poilievre, a potential early election in Ontario and more.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada.

Kamala Harris has tapped Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her VP pick. Craig welcomes political insider Jonathan Scott to the podcast to breakdown that selection, and how the US election could impact Canadian politics. Then they talk about Pierre Poilievre’s messaging, and the potential of Doug Ford...

07/29/2024

In an incident that wound up becoming a viral video, Darlene Zaifman-Guslits was kicked out of the Jewish Community Centre in London before Pierre Poilievre did an event there last week.

Why was she, a longtime community leader and volunteer, booted? Darlene comes on the podcast to explain her side of the story - and discuss some fractures within London's Jewish community.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market.

Classic Rock 98.1

Darlene Zaifman-Guslits has been a pillar in London’s Jewish community. Last week, she was kicked out of the Jewish Community Centre in London just before Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was set to address a crowd there. The video of the ejection subsequently went viral. Zaifman-Guslits joine...

07/19/2024

Friday Round Table!

London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn, former city councillor John Fyfe-Millar and political insider Scott Collyer joined Craig at the Covent Garden Market Canada studio to talk about the week's top stories.

They discussed the London Police news conference, which put the safe supply conversation back in the spotlight. What can doctors at London Intercommunity Health Centre, among other places, do about diversion? Will safe supply undergo big changes?

Council cut back cash for community grants and looked at allowing taller buildings in the city.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada.

On this week’s Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by London Abused Women’s Centre Executive director Jennifer Dunn, former London city councillor John Fyfe-Millar and political insider Scott Collyer to talk about the week’s top issues. First, they address the London Police news ...

07/15/2024

New podcast!

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault joined the show to talk about Canada’s emissions, the best things this government has done for the environment, affordability problems in Canada and about the Liberals lagging significantly behind the Conservatives in the polls.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Covent Garden Market Canada and Downtown London.

Classic Rock 98.1

Craig welcomed federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault to the studio to talk about Canada’s emissions, the best things this government has done for the environment, affordability problems in Canada and about the Liberals lagging significantly behind the Conservatives i...

07/12/2024

Friday Round Table!

Former city councillor Cheryl Miller, Elgin-Middles*x United Way CEO Kelly Ziegner and Youth Opportunities Unlimited CEO Steve Cordes joined Craig to talk about the week's top stories.

They tackled the Ontario Civilian Police Commission report on Councillor Susan Stevenson, the City of London’s ongoing pursuit of affordable housing and a new report saying 2.5 million people in Ontario don’t have a family doctor.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada.

Craig welcomes former city councillor Cheryl Miller, Elgin-Middles*x United Way CEO Kelly Ziegner and Youth Opportunities Unlimited CEO Steve Cordes to the Covent Garden Market studio talk about London’s top stories of the week. The tackle the Ontario Civilian Police Commission report on Councillo...

07/11/2024

On the latest episode of the podcast, Craig was joined in the studio by LHSC Board Chair Matthew Wilson and acting CEO David Musyj to talk about the hospital's future.

How will they get out of their budget deficit? When will a permanent CEO arrive? What is being done to change the way the hospital is managed?

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada.

It’s been a time of transition at the London Health Sciences Centre. Will a change in management help get he hospital’s finances in order? Board Chair Matthew Wilson and acting-CEO David Musyj join Craig at the Covent Garden Market studio to discuss what’s next. How can the budget deficit be f...

07/08/2024

ICYMI: Shawn Lewis, London Politics, former city councillor Mariam Hamou and London Home Builders' Association CEO Jared Zaifman joined Craig on this week's Friday Round Table.

They discussed the LCBO strike, the ongoing budget battles between school boards and the Ford government and the huge amount of vacant office space in the city's downtown core.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada.

On this week’s round table, Craig is joined by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, London Home Builders Association CEO Jared Zaifman and former London city councillor Mariam Hamou to discuss the week’s top stories. They look at the LCBO strike and the impact it may have on the Ford government, the...

07/03/2024

New episode!

Craig talked with TVDSB board chair Beth Mai about the board's deficit, how the financial picture is impacting the classroom, staffing concerns and more.

They also dive into student safety worries and the future of school boards in Ontatio.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada.

Classic Rock 98.1

The Thames Valley District School Board is facing a funding shortfall and problems are showing up in the classroom because of it. How did we get here? Beth Mai, the chair of the board, joined Craig in the studio for a wide ranging conversation on education, the provincial government and the future o...

06/25/2024

New episode!

In the wake of the surprising by-election result in Toronto-St. Paul's, economist Mike Moffatt joined Craig on the podcast to talk about how the housing crisis is impacting our politics, as well as Justin Trudeau's future.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada.

Classic Rock 98.1

‎Show The Craig Needles Podcast, Ep Episode 279: Mike Moffatt talks housing polling, Trudeau's future - Jun 25, 2024

06/18/2024

Dr. Andrea Sereda of London InterCommunity Health Centre joined Craig on the podcast to explain safe supply, why she believes in it, and address criticisms of the program.

They discussed why the pills aren't used in front of a medical professional, what they're doing about diversion, the problems caused by bad faith criticisms of safe supply and more.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada.

‎Show The Craig Needles Podcast, Ep Episode 277: Dr. Andrea Sereda shares her side of safe supply debate - Jun 18, 2024

06/07/2024

Friday Round Table!

Shawn Lewis, London Politics joined former city councillors Cheryl Miller and Roger Caranci in the Covent Garden Market studio to talk about the issues of the week including the state of long-term care in Ontario and Cheryl's husband being in the system, then they talk about the provincial cabinet shuffle, housing being put over top of farmland, renoviction rules in London and the lawnmower debate being reignited at city hall.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada.

06/05/2024

Craig's old colleague Andrew Lawton joined the podcast to talk about his new book, 'Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life'.

They discussed Poilievre's rise to becoming Conservative leader, the upcoming federal election and more.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada.

05/31/2024

No podcast today.

Craig is the MC for this event with London Home Builder's Association and taking a day off.

05/29/2024

New podcast episode!

We're getting alcohol in corner stores and at big box places. But, it's going to be expensive.

Local beer writer and host of the Beer and Bulls--- podcast Ben Johnson joins Craig to share his thoughts on the Ford government's move and why it's a disappointing outcome.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market Canada.

The good news: If you like to buy a beer, soon there will be more places to do it. The bad news: It's going to be expensive. Premier Doug Ford says alcohol sales will be expanded [https://londonnewstoday.ca/london/news/2024/05/24/ford-announces-rollout-of-expanded-alcohol-sales], with the rollo...

05/24/2024

New Friday Round Table!

Skylar Franke - London City Council Ward 11 Councillor, AJ Wray and Carol Dyck joined Craig at the Covent Garden Market Canada studio to talk about the big stories of the week.

They begin by discussing Councillor Franke's motion looking to explore when gas powered lawn mowers can run and where she thinks it went wrong.

They also talk about a potential hub location being shot down, transit in west London and more.

On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined at the Covent Garden Market studio by Ward 11 councillor Skylar Franke, PhD candidate AJ Wray and former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck. Among the topics is the city hall conversation surrounding gas powered lawn mower use after 6 p.m., office...

05/14/2024

New podcast!

Anova London Executive Director Jessie Rodger joined Craig to talk about some highly scrutinized social service agencies in London, s*x work laws, addictions, homelessness and more.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Covent Garden Market Canada and Downtown London.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

05/13/2024

From last week:

After a tweet from Y.O.U. Executive Director Steve Cordes, Susan Stevenson, Ward 4 Councillor was back on the podcast to talk about health and homelessness, hubs social media, rehab/recovery and more.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Covent Garden Market Canada and Downtown London.

After a social media challenge to come on the podcast and discuss their differences, Y.O.U. Executive Director Steve Cordes and councillor Susan Stevenson join Craig at the Covent Garden Market studio to have a discussion about key issues. They talk about homeless hubs, the non-profit sector in...

05/10/2024

On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes Shawn Lewis, London Politics, Elgin-Middles*x United Way CEO Kelly Ziegner, and political insider Sarah Browning to the studio to talk about the week's top stories.

They go over London's council code of conduct, the ongoing war of words between Susan Stevenson and local agencies, free bus rides and more.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by the Covent Garden Market Canada and Downtown London.

05/03/2024

Friday Round Table!

Craig is joined at the Covent Garden Market studio by by former NDP candidate Shawna Lewkowitz, former council candidate Jeremy McCall and Blackburn Media News Manager Scott Kitching.

They talked about what Londoners want out of the health and homelessness discussion, the government crackdown on cellphones in classrooms, the by-election results in Lambton-Kent-Middles*x being a bigger PC win than Craig expected, Pierre Poilievre getting booted from the House of Commons and the Loblaw boycott.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Covent Garden Market Canada and Downtown London.

04/30/2024

Craig sat down with Susan Stevenson, Ward 4 Councillor to talk about social media posts, why she uses Twitter the way she does, Old East Village, homelessness in London and more.

They also debate what the city can do about homelessness and what government priorities should be.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Covent Garden Market Canada and Downtown London.