Matter of 'Fax

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Mar 2026

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Take a deep dive with James Collins and Alec Cranston as they bring to light the most innovative, trailblazing, and intriguing stories the city of Halifax has to offer.

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41 recent

March 27, 2026Episode 348 min

S4 E3 | Jennifer LaPlante + How AI Will Actually Change Your Job

Season 4 continues with hosts James Collins and Alec Cranston turning their attention to a topic reshaping every industry in Nova Scotia and beyond: artificial intelligence – what it really is, how it’s already changing work, and where the risks (and hype) actually lie.They’re joined by Jennifer LaPlante, Deputy Minister of the Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions for the Government of Nova Scotia, to unpack how AI and digital tools are being used inside government, what businesses are getting wrong about “just using ChatGPT,” and why critical thinking matters more than ever for the next generation.Along the way, they cover:What AI actually is (beyond chatbots and image generators)How businesses should be using – and not using – tools like ChatGPT and CopilotThe real data‑privacy risks when staff paste confidential info into public AI toolsHow the pandemic forced a rapid (and messy) wave of digital transformationWhy replacing human processes with tech is often more expensive than people thinkWhich jobs are most and least likely to be automated in the next decadeWhy teaching kids to think critically is the best “AI strategy” families can haveWhat a realistic, responsible AI future could look like in 2036Plus: James and Alec kick things off with an “Insane is the Crane” dive into Premier Tim Houston’s controversial budget cuts – especially to arts and culture – and a Harbour of Lies segment on Nova Scotia’s forgotten days driving on the left side of the road (and how that allegedly crashed beef prices).Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/

February 27, 2026Episode 243 min

S4 E2 | Kim Batherson + Food Security on Halifax's Waterfront

Season 4 continues with hosts James Collins and Alec Cranston turning their attention to one of Halifax’s most iconic – and misunderstood – landmarks: the massive concrete grain elevator at the edge of Point Pleasant Park.They’re joined by Kim Batherson, President & CEO of Halifax Grain Elevator Limited, to unpack how this 100-year-old structure quietly powers Canada’s food supply, supports global grain and wood‑pellet trade, and operates safely in the middle of a growing residential and condo district.Along the way, they cover:What actually happens inside the grain elevator’s 365 silosHow Nova Scotia fits into global grain and wood‑pellet exportsThe 2003 explosion, what was learned, and how safety is handled todayThe tension between heavy industry, new development, and the port’s 50‑year planWhy the future of the grain elevator matters for food security in Atlantic CanadaPlus: James and Alec kick things off with a look at Nova Scotia Power’s recent load‑shedding request, internet outrage vs. reality, and Alec’s Harbour of Lies segment on Harry Houdini’s little-known Atlantic Canadian chapter.Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/

January 30, 2026Episode 139 min

S4E1 | Arad Gharagozli + Zelenskyy Visits Halifax

Season 4 kicks off with hosts James Collins and Alec Cranston back in the studio, mixing Halifax politics, world events, and a deep dive into the region’s emerging space sector. They’re joined by Arad Gharagozli, CEO & Founder of Galaxia Mission Systems, a Halifax-based manufacturer of intelligent satellites.Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/Follow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh

January 23, 20260 min

Season 4 Trailer

Halifax, Nova Scotia: beautiful, stubborn, and a little bit chaotic, just like the people who call it home. Hosted by James Collins and Alec Cranston, Matter of Fax dives into the real stories of Halifax: the good, the bad, and the badly parked.From sky‑high rents and “I’m totally moving away” promises, to the reasons we never actually leave, this show is for newcomers trying to find their footing and lifelong Haligonians who know they’re never really going anywhere.No tourism fluff. Just honest conversations, local characters, and a healthy amount of side‑eye, served up with the kind of humor you only get from people who love this city enough to complain about it nonstop.Halifax stories. Just facts. No fluff. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

November 19, 2025Episode 1047 min

S3E10| Max Emerson Taylor + Behind The Screens

In this episode, your hosts Alec Cranston and James Collins explore Nova Scotia’s wildfire ban, debunk a WWII espionage myth in the “Harbor of Lies,” and sit down with special guest Max Emerson Taylor for an honest look at influencer life, the pressures of social media, and the reality behind viral fame. Max shares how his journey led from content creation to script writing, why he ran for mayor to inspire youth voting, and how authenticity guided him to launch his creative media company, all delivered with humor, candor, and a strong sense of civic pride.Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/Follow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh

September 9, 2025Episode 943 min

S3E9| David Regan + Nanotech and the Future of Cancer Treatment

Hosts James Collins and Alec Cranston return for a fresh episode packed with local stories, science, and innovation. The two sit with David Regan, CEO of Sona Nanotech. David shares the fascinating story behind Sona’s breakthrough gold nanorod technology, which enables targeted hyperthermia cancer therapy. We learn how these nanoparticles are tuned to specific wavelengths, injected into tumors, and then activated by near-infrared light to selectively destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. David explains the science, the company’s journey from rapid COVID-19 test development to cancer therapy, and the importance of Atlantic Canada’s innovation ecosystem.Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/Follow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh

June 18, 2025Episode 855 min

S3E8| The Welsh are taking over + Louis Thomas

This episode, with a special co-host, tuning in all the way from Norway, we discuss the Nova Scotia Power data breach, which exposed personal information of 140,000 customers, including social insurance numbers. An interview with Louis Thomas, President and CEO of Sonic Entertainment Group, discussing the logistics and challenges of organizing the Halifax Music Fest, featuring major acts like Nickelback and Lenny Kravitz. The fest aims to establish Halifax as a major live music destination!Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/Follow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh

May 14, 2025Episode 735 min

S3E7| Dr. Courtney Sherlock + Halifax Tides

Alec Cranston and James Collins are back this time with Dr. Courtney Sherlock, co-founder and CEO of Halifax Tides FC, a new professional women's soccer team! Dr. Sherlock shares her journey, the team's composition, and community engagement plans, including an academy program to foster local talent. They also discuss the challenges faced, such as kit supply issues, and the importance of community involvement and partnerships. Inspired by Ontario's recent policy change, the two also debate on potentially selling alcohol in Nova Scotia corner stores as well as the potential benefits for local craft brewers.Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/Follow Courtney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-sherlock-27359a58/Follow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh

April 30, 2025Episode 642 min

S3E6| Halifax Explosion + Steve Proctor

In this episode, Alec and James discuss the transition from toll to toll-free bridges in Halifax with Steven Proctor, Communications Manager for Halifax Harbor Bridges. The McDonald Bridge toll plaza was demolished on March 17, 2023, and the Mackay Bridge followed suit. The removal impacted the budget, with the province allocating $85 million for maintenance. The conversation also touches on the history and cultural significance of the bridges, the "Big Lift" project, and the potential for a new bridge. Your hosts also dive into your favourite segmentsHalifax Obscurities: A bizarre roundabout incident featuring a man sitting on top of a carHarbor of Lies: Fact-checking a story about a Halifax Explosion anchor landing in ArmdaleFollow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/Follow Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveptoctor90/?originalSubdomain=caFollow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh

April 16, 2025Episode 548 min

S3E5| Sunglass Hut Heist + Trent McClellan

In episode five of Matter of Fax, hosts Alec Cranston and James Collins discuss their hiatus and upcoming guests! They humorously recount a local robbery attempt at a Sunglass Hut, highlighting the robber's poor planning. James reveals a surprising connection between Bill Clinton and a local Bedford resident. Lastly, an exclusive interview with Trent McClellan covering his comedy origins in Newfoundland, working on This Hour Has 22 Minutes, opening for Jerry Seinfeld and his upcoming comedy special "Worry Muffins."Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/Follow Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-mcclellan-a65b5048/Follow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh