The Agenda with Steve Paikin (Video)

Ed Yong is staff writer for The Atlantic with a focus on science, but these days his writing has centred on explaining the COVID-19 pandemic. He joins Steve Paikin to discuss America's patchy response to the crisis, and what comes next.

The Agenda welcomes Annamie Paul who is running for the Green Party of Canada leadership. She talks to Steve Paikin about why she has thrown her hat into the ring in the bid to replace Elizabeth May.

Sleeping better, spending more time with family, finding inner peace - not everyone is experiencing increased anxiety and sadness during the pandemic shutdown. Steve Paikin speaks with three of those who feel they are in a better place in their lives today.

Why are some people doing well and even thriving during the COVID-19 pandemic shut down? The Agenda explores the various reasons why a faction of the population is finding the extra time a boon with guests Dr. Daphne Miller, a family physician and science writer; and Dr. Roger McIntyre, professor of psychiatry and pharmacology, at the University of Toronto.

Cleaner air, clearer skies, and more wildlife sightings - it seems that lockdowns around the world are causing the planet to bounce back from the ravages of human activity. But, will governments and individuals make efforts to maintain some of these environmental benefits? The Agenda welcomes Leah Stokes, a University of California, Santa Barbara political and environmental studies assistant professor to discuss what can be done to preserve some of the positive effects of the pandemic on air, forests, species, and ecosystems.

While it's hard to believe right now that anything good might come out of this worldwide crisis, there will be some things. And for those who've been keeping an eye on the environment - particularly as it relates to energy - the realization that we can do less to harm it points to a potential opportunity. To discuss this, The Agenda welcomes Céline Bak, president and founder of Analytica Advisors; Stewart Elgie, founder and chair of the Smart Prosperity Institute; and Brendan Haley, policy director at Carleton University's Efficiency Canada.

COVID-19 has shut down many businesses, throwing thousands of people out of work, leaving landlords and tenants anxious about next month's rent. The Agenda's examines this dilemma with Tony Irwin, president & CEO of the Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario; Geordie Dent: executive director of the Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations; and National Post business reporter Vanmala Subramaniam.

Working through the COVID-19 pandemic has meant widespread economic repercussions for businesses and individuals, and there's evidence to suggest that it has disproportionately affected women. To discuss this so-called she-cession, The Agenda welcomes Armine Yalnizyan, economist and Atkinson Fellow on The Future of Workers; and Ken Boessenkool, Independent Public Policy Economist.

Summer camp is a place where Ontario kids escape from urban life, form lifelong friendships, and learn outdoor skills. But what becomes of summer camps in the age of COVID-19? The Agenda welcomes Jocelyn Palm, owner and executive director of Glen Bernard Camp on Lake Bernard; David Latimer, owner and director of Kilcoo Camp on Gull Lake; and Grayson Burke, director of Cedar Ridge Camp in the Madawaska Highlands.

In the best of times, museums and galleries are a refuge from the pressures and stresses of daily life. And as much as that escape would be welcomed during a pandemic, Canada's museums and galleries have been forced to close their doors lest they spread the virus. The Agenda welcomes Art Gallery of Hamilton president and CEO; Rick Nelson, curator of Old Mill Heritage Museum on Manitoulin Island; and National Gallery of Canada director and CEO Sasha Suda, to discuss how they can survive the financial hit, while offering new experiences to patrons virtually?

Southwestern Ontario Hub journalist Mary Baxter reports on hidden homelessness and what can be done to keep people safe during COVID-19.

During COVID-19, much hope is being focused on the abilities of scientists to find ways to curb the pandemic. Some of that falls on the shoulders of computer scientists working to create new technology to help facilitate an anti-COVID vaccine. To discuss how quantum computing could be instrumental in responding to the challenges of this pandemic and others to come, The Agenda welcomes Shohini Ghose, a Wilfred Laurier physics and computer science professor.

Over the last two months governments all over the world have been engaged in persuading - if not prescribing - their citizens to behave in ways that go against their habits acquired throughout their lives. To discuss why, for the most part, people have complied, The Agenda welcomes Dan Ariely, professor of psychology and behavioural economics at Duke University, who's famous for his studies concerning how to nudge people in making better choices.

Georgia State University's Mia Bloom discusses how violent jihadist and right wing extremists are trying to capitalize on the COVID-19 crisis.

Anxiety, uncertainty, and powerlessness are all widespread feelings during a pandemic. They also happen to drive people into believing in conspiracy theories, according to Joseph Uscinski, author of Conspiracy Theories: A Primer. He discusses the psychological appeal of some of the wild theories being bandied about just now.