64 episodes

Big laughs. Smart takes. Every day. Commotion is where you go for thoughtful and vibrant conversations about all things pop culture. Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud calls on journalists, critics, creators and friends to talk through the biggest arts & entertainment stories of the day, in 30 minutes or less.

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Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud CBC Arts & Entertainment

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.5 • 73 Ratings

Big laughs. Smart takes. Every day. Commotion is where you go for thoughtful and vibrant conversations about all things pop culture. Host Elamin Abdelmahmoud calls on journalists, critics, creators and friends to talk through the biggest arts & entertainment stories of the day, in 30 minutes or less.

Subscribe to Sounds Good: CBC's Podcasts newsletter for the finest podcast recommendations and behind-the-scenes exclusives.

    Why are women still underplayed on Canadian radio? And Netflix's Dancing For the Devil

    Why are women still underplayed on Canadian radio? And Netflix's Dancing For the Devil

    Sarah Berman and Ashley Ray join Commotion guest host Amil Niazi to talk about the new Netflix series "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” - and why is music by women, especially racialized and trans artists, still severely underplayed on commercial Canadian radio? Jada Watson, who authored a recent report on the issue, and Desiree Dorion, a Cree country artist, weigh in on where we go from here.

    • 25 min
    New Alec Baldwin reality show and "Wah Gwan Drake?"

    New Alec Baldwin reality show and "Wah Gwan Drake?"

    Elamin is joined by Ben Ozakawa, Kevin Bourne and Teri Hart with their takes on a new Alec Baldwin reality show, whether CRTC's new policy that forces streamers like Netflix to boost their Canadian content will actually work, and reaction to Drake's feature on the song 'Wah Gwan Delilah?'

    • 27 min
    The fight to make orchestras and music schools safer for women

    The fight to make orchestras and music schools safer for women

    Elamin is joined by Globe and Mail reporter Josh O’Kane to talk about the Calgary Philharmonic’s decision to remove two of its musicians after an investigation looking into ‘deeply troubling comments posted online’. Then, he speaks with Canadian violinist Lara St.John about how to make music schools and orchestras safer for girls and women.

    • 24 min
    What does the popularity of Tires on Netflix tell us about comedy?

    What does the popularity of Tires on Netflix tell us about comedy?

    What do we do with 'Tires'? The controversial comedian Shane Gillis leans in to his persona in his new hit series set in a fictional auto repair shop. But is he making fun of his character? Or just being himself? Elamin is joined by entertainment writers Jackson Weaver and Angie Han to talk about whether something can be considered satire if the audience doesn’t get the joke. Plus .culture critic Amanda Hess explores why Kafka, a century after his death, has become so popular on TikTok.

    • 25 min
    Celebrating the Nelly Furtado-sance, and the Big Cigar

    Celebrating the Nelly Furtado-sance, and the Big Cigar

    Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado is gearing up for a major comeback in 2024: her music is being rediscovered by younger generations on TikTok, she recently entered YouTube’s billion-stream club and she’s set to release her first new album in seven years. Music journalists Suzy Exposito and Rosie Long Decter explain why Nelly’s music is connecting with new audiences now, and whether her new music can compete in today’s pop landscape. Plus, Elamin is joined by David Dennis Jr. to discuss the new Apple TV+ series The Big Cigar, which centres on Black Panther Party founder Huey P. Newton as he leverages the Hollywood machine in his attempt to flee the U.S. to Cuba.

    • 25 min
    Is this the best season of Hacks yet? And a CSA recap

    Is this the best season of Hacks yet? And a CSA recap

    Cassie Cao and Kevin Fallon dive into season 3 of Hacks and why its approach to cancel culture in comedy has critics calling it its strongest season yet. Plus Teri Hart gives us a recap of this year's CSA's gala.

    • 30 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
73 Ratings

73 Ratings

ss2367 ,

Great conversations about pop culture

Love this format for discussing pop culture! The guests are insightful and provide diverse viewpoints which keeps it engaging. The episodes covering the Oscars were especially excellent. I wish we had more critique of celebrity in pop culture podcasts, along with all the fandom, and this podcast keeps that in the conversation.

mspassell ,

7653577 stars!!!

Need more Sam Sanders in your life? This show feels like Into It. It's great! I'm into it!

funier ,

Best podcast ever

The best. Go back and listen to all the previous episodes. The best hosts guests, and culture.

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