W5 Podcast
The most-watched documentary program in Canada is now available as a podcast. W5 has an ongoing commitment to covering tough, relevant stories with fair and responsible investigative reporting. The program is the winner of several awards including the prestigious Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism. Subscribe to the W5 Podcast to listen to the latest investigations and in-depth stories from its more than 50 year history.
Episodes
The Millionaire Murders: Who killed Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand?
Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand may not have been household names throughout Canada, but their achievements and projects received worldwide attention and recognition. In December of 2023, however, they were found brutally murdered on the Caribbean island of Dominica. You can see more about this episode here
Narco Jungle: The Darien Gap – One of the world's most dangerous migrant routes
W5 goes deep into one of the most dangerous migrant routes to expose how the Gulf Clan cartel is profiting from desperate migrants. You can see more about this episode here
The Cult Queen: A charismatic leader holds a Saskatchewan town hostage
W5 visited Richmound, Sask., to learn more about the self-described 'Queen of Canada,' who controversially moved to the rural village with her followers last year. You can see more about this episode here
Arsenic Air: A Quebec town's fear of exposure to a smelter's harmful pollution
For years, a copper smelter at Rouyn Noranda, Que., 600 kilometres northwest of Montreal has been spewing a cocktail of heavy metals into the air. W5 discovers that some of the town's residents are no longer willing to pay the financial benefits from heavy industry. You can see more about this episode here
Who's at your Door?: Homeowners held hostage by door-to-door appliance deals
W5 investigates how companies allegedly use high-pressure door-to-door sales tactics to convince vulnerable homeowners to rent appliances they don't need while effectively putting liens on their homes without their knowledge. You can see more about this episode here
Canada's War with Panama: An uprising sparked by a Canadian copper mine
W5 investigates how the Panamanian government's 20-year mining concession with a Canadian mining company triggered weeks of protests and civil unrest, stoked fears of environmental devastation and prompted the country's Supreme Court to intervene. You can see more about this episode here
Customer (dis)Service: Exposing the Better Business Bureau's repeat offenders
W5 investigates Canadian companies that rack up hundreds of complaints with consumer watchdogs like the Better Business Bureau and why companies that are identified as repeat offenders are allowed to continue operating. You can see more about this episode here
The Crypto Bros: Untangling a web of fast money
Investigating the web of Canada's so-called 'crypto king'. CTV W5 speaks to trusting investors who believe they lost millions to a jet-setting 25-year old and his associates. You can see more about this episode here
Celine's Silence: A Canadian superstar's heartbreaking health crisis
For decades, Celine Dion captured the hearts of Canadians with her powerful voice. But the singer has been out of the spotlight since announcing she was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms. You can see more about this episode here
Sandie Rinaldo's 50/50: Scoundrels, heartthrobs and heroes
Sandie Rinaldo has interviewed hundreds of key newsmakers - from politicians to celebrities and beyond. W5 takes a look back at her most memorable interviews from the last 50 years.
Searching for Sam: Hockey fan battles through adversity in a Syrian prison
If you were sent to a brutal prison in a foreign country, what would you do to not lose hope? Rick Westhead tells the incredible story of Sam Goodwin's wrongful imprisonment in a notorious Syrian detention centre, and how thoughts of his favourite NHL hockey team kept him going.
Boom Boom Chuvalo: George Chuvalo's life in the punishing world of boxing
Canadian boxing great George Chuvalo went blow-for-blow with legends, but it came at a cost. W5's Sandie Rinaldo speaks with Chuvalo's children about the damage that 93 fights did to their father's cognitive health. You can see more about this episode here
The Haunted Hampton House: A Nova Scotia real estate nightmare
The Tenniswood family moved to Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley to purchase a home, renovate it, and put it back on the market to capitalize on the real estate boom of 2022. They had no idea that their restoration efforts would come back to haunt them. You can see more about this episode here
The Mystery Bomber: Who pulled a bank heist at the CIBC in Kenora, Ont., in 1973?
A dramatic explosion rocked Kenora, Ont., on May 10, 1973 after an armed bandit attempted to rob the CIBC. The blast is seared into the memories of the hundreds of people who crowded the streets to watch as the catastrophe unfolded that day. You can see more about this episode here
Driven: Meet Austin Riley - The first pro race car driver with autism
Race car driver Austin Riley has been drawing crowds to the race track for years. But his claim to fame isn't just being fast on the speedway, he is breaking barriers on the track for those with disabilities. Austin has autism. Simple tasks like tying his shoes are extremely complicated for Austin, but when you put him in a race car - a complex, delicate piece of machinery - he will blow your mind
The Haters: A shocking upsurge of hate crimes in Canada
Hate crimes are surging across Canada, but police and the country's criminal code haven't been able to keep up with the rising tide of hate-motivated attacks. W5 investigates how hate crimes are dealt with across Canada after they are reported to authorities.
The Sound of Learning: Musicians support a groundbreaking school
For decades, Toronto's Beverley School has been catering to young children with exceptionalities. All of the students from kindergarten to Grade 8 have developmental disabilities and many have both physical limitations and complicated medical conditions. Canadian music stars have been raising money for the school with an annual fundraising concert called Dream Serenade. You can see more about th
Courage in the Carnage: Acts of bravery during the Israel-Hamas war
As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, the world has been confronted with images of brutality, death and destruction. But the war has also produced incredible stories of bravery and selfless sacrifice. W5 investigates how some have chosen to put their safety on the line in order to save the lives of others. You can see more about this episode here
Finding Sharron's Killer: Police use DNA evidence to solve a Montreal teen's murder
In 1975, 16-year-old Sharron Prior was kidnapped in Montreal after leaving home to meet her friends at a local pizzeria. Three days later, she was found dead in a wooded area just outside Montreal. Sharron's mom, her sisters, and police investigators hunter her killer for decades. You can see more about this episode here
Who Killed Sonia?: A Canadian mom is murdered in her own home
For more than 40 years, the man who killed a young Canadian mother in California roamed free. In 1981, Sonia Herok-Stone was murdered in her home. But she fought for her life, and in a dramatic twist, that fight has now sealed the fate of the man who took her life all those years ago. You can see more about this episode here
Prisoner 14000: The victim of a cruel romance scam's fight for freedom
A blockbuster development in the case of a Canadian grandmother facing the rest of her life behind bars in Hong Kong after smuggling cocaine in the buttons of her clothing. You can see more about this episode here
Sound Farm: Inside an Ontario studio of a renowned movie sound-effects team
Film critic Richard Crouse visits a farm in Uxbridge, Ont., where world-renowned Foley artist Andy Malcolm and his team at Footsteps Studios have created sound effects for hundreds of movies and TV series. You can see more about this episode here
Cash Cows: Foreign student recruitment crisis at Canadian universities
CTV W5 investigates claims that Canadian post-secondary institutions, like Cape Breton University, are cashing in on the over-enrolment of international students. You can see more about this episode here
Laugh Attack: Comedy in the age of 'cancel culture,' political correctness
CTV W5 speaks with members of the comedy industry, including Russell Peters, for a wide-ranging look at how political correctness and 'cancel culture' has changed the world of stand-up comedy. You can see more about this episode here
Something in the Water: Asbestos fibres turning up in Canada's drinking water
W5 investigates aging asbestos pipes across Canada and the potential health hazards if it ends up in your tap water. You can see more about this episode here
What Happened to Ben?: A young player dies at an Ontario hockey camp
CTV W5 investigates the tragic and mysterious death of Ben Teague, whose life was tragically cut short at his hockey team's retreat. You can see more about this episode here
Cocaine Cargo II: Who is behind the Pivot Airlines drug smuggling plot?
CTV W5 tracks down a suspected drug trafficker as an airline crew demands answers following their nightmarish detention in the Dominican Republic. You can see more about this episode here
AMAZING grace: Winner of The Amazing Race Canada on her battle with brain cancer
In 2013, Catherine Wreford Ledlow was told she had two to six years to live. She speaks to CTV W5 about winning 'The Amazing Race Canada,' nine years after her brain cancer diagnosis. You can see more about this episode here
The Cocaine Buttons: Romance scam victim in a Hong Kong prison for drug smuggling
An intricate web of deception. CTV W5 investigates one family's desperation following a sinister romance scam that landed a grandmother from Barrie, Ont., in a Hong Kong prison. You can see more about this episode here
Leg Up: Canadian men opting for limb-lengthening surgery to become taller
A growing number of men are undergoing a radical surgery to become taller. W5 goes inside the lucrative world of limb-lengthening surgery. You can see more about this episode here
The Tallest Teen on Earth: Meet Montreal basketball prospect Olivier Rioux
He's seven-foot-six and possibly still growing. Montreal's Olivier Rioux has been towering over his peers since he was five years old. TSN's Rick Westhead talks to Rioux about what it's like to live head-and-shoulders above the crowd. You can see more about this episode here
Washed Away: Shrinking Canadian coastlines put East Coast homes in danger
Post-tropical storm Fiona showed how quickly Canadians can be displaced by climate change. Will more people have to consider moving in the years to come? You can see more about this episode here
The Explosion: A family searches for accountability after the 2020 Beirut blast
More than two years after downtown Beirut was levelled by an explosion, a Lebanese-Canadian family of a 3-year-old girl killed in the blast is still searching for answers. You can see more about this episode here
Buried Evidence: Quebec man convicted in four murders insists he's not a killer
Convicted murderer Daniel Jolivet, in prison for the past 30 years, has maintained his innocence since the day he was arrested. W5 reviews the evidence he painstakingly assembled while behind bars. You can see more about this episode here
Narco Avocados: Violent drug cartels are taking over Mexico's avocado industry
CTV's W5 goes deep into the narco heartland to interview a commander with one of Mexico's most brutal cartels about their incursions into the country's avocado industry. You can see more about this episode here
Royal Retreat: Raising questions about the future of the monarchy
With Prince Andrew the latest in a string of British royal scandals, is the House of Windsor starting to crumble? W5 looks at the future of the monarchy. You can see more about this episode here
The Songwriter: Meet Gordie Sampson - Nova Scotia's country music songwriting superstar
Gordie Sampson has written hit songs for some of the biggest names in country music, including Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. CTV W5 speaks with the Grammy winner from small-town Nova Scotia about his creative process. You can see more about this episode here
Raiders and the Lost Art: The largest art heist in Canadian history remains a mystery
CTV W5 investigates Canada's largest art heist, 50 years after thieves snatched masterpieces from the walls of Montreal's Museum of Fine Arts. You can see more about this episode here
Vanished: What happened to Luke Joly-Durocher? Man mysteriously disappears in Ontario
Twenty-year-old Luke Joly-Durocher seemingly vanished without a trace in 2011 after a night out with friends in North Bay, Ont. CTV W5 investigates the cold case more than a decade later. You can see more about this episode here
Cocaine Cargo: Pivot Airlines crew speaks out about nightmare ordeal in the Dominican Republic
CTV's W5 has been shown never-before-seen surveillance footage of Punta Cana International Airport from the night before a Canadian airline crew was detained after discovering duffel bags stuffed with 210 kilograms of cocaine in their plane's avionics bay. You can see more about this episode here
Broken: Athletes speak out on the toxic culture of abuse in Canadian gymnastics
CTV W5 examines the toxic culture of Canadian gymnastics, and speaks with former gymnasts who are part of a growing number of voices denouncing the treatment of gymnasts by coaches, trainers and administrators. You can see more about this episode here
Qatar's World Cup: Canada's best soccer players compete in a tournament under scrutiny
The World Cup in Qatar has sparked soccer – and non-soccer – conversations around the world. CTV’s W5 investigates the scrutiny that Qatar has fallen under for the treatment of migrant workers brought in to build stadiums for the tournament, and looks into how soccer is evolving in Canada. You can see more about this episode here
Animal House: Hidden camera footage exposes conditions at Ontario's roadside zoos
In the summer of 2022, advocacy group Animal Justice secretly documented conditions at so-called "roadside zoos" across Ontario. CTV W5 investigates into what happens at facilities with little oversight and regulation. You can see more about this episode here
Pride and Prejudice: Canada's 'Black Battalion' fought racism to serve in the First World War
Sandie Rinaldo tells the story of the largest Black military unit in Canadian history, whose members had to fight to serve for Canada in the First World War as they faced rampant racism at home. You can see more about this episode here
Pivot: Beloved B.C. basketball coach Sheldon Guy bounces back after losing his vision
High school basketball coach Sheldon Guy lost his vision – days later, he returned to coaching. CTV W5 reveals his emotional journey and the inspirational message he has for the players on his team. You can see more about this episode here
Restrained: Children with disabilities put in restraints, secluded rooms at Canadian schools
CTV W5 investigates claims by parents who say seclusion and restraints are being used in schools on their children with disabilities, without their permission or knowledge. You can see more about this episode here
The Murderer's Best Friend: A Newfoundland man is falsely accused of killing his mother
W5 investigates the story behind a man falsely accused of his mother’s death in the tight-knit community of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Avery Haines discloses missed clues, mistakes, and the identity of the real killer. You can see more about this episode here
The Death Debate: Do new changes to Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying laws go too far?
Some experts warn Canada is about to become the most liberal country in the world in allowing medical assistance in dying (MAiD) for people with mental disorders. You can see more about this episode here
Alien Invasion: Can invasive species be contained? Inside a $1.5-trillion battle
Authorities have spent $1.5 trillion over 50 years to prevent the spread of invasive species throughout the world. But is humanity fighting a losing battle in a war that it started? You can see more about this episode here
Under Fire: Volunteer firefighter shortage putting Canadian communities in danger
W5 investigates how a shortage of volunteer firefighters across Canada has put Canadian fire crews and the communities they serve at risk. You can see more about this episode here
Hush Money: How non-disclosure agreements morphed into a tool to silence survivors
W5 investigates a growing campaign to end the over-use of non-disclosure agreements, especially involving allegations of sexual harassment and assault. You can see more about this episode here
Without Consent?: Allegations from Indigenous women of forced sterilizations
W5 investigates Canadian doctors performing the irreversible procedure of forced sterilizations on Indigenous women. You can see more about this episode here
An Innocent Victim: The long road to recovery for a Ukrainian boy wounded by war
W5 has the story of a young Ukrainian boy who became an amputee after he was caught in an explosion cause by an undetonated grenade and the Canadian doctors who helped him walk again. You can see more about this episode here
Enduring Love: Lisa Raitt on her husband's devastating Alzheimer's diagnosis
Former Deputy Leader of the Conservatives Lisa Raitt shares the pain behind her husband's devastating diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's and the story of their enduring love, in a candid and revealing interview with CTV W5. You can see more about this episode here
Death Wish: An intimate look into medical assistance in dying in Canada
CTV W5 investigates the growing demand for medically-assisted death, and reveals stories of those determined to die with dignity. You can see more about this episode here
Putin's Pals: The mind-boggling wealth and privilege of Russian oligarchs
W5 takes an in-depth look into who Russia's oligarchs are, and whether sanctioning them would stop President Vladimir Putin's invasion in Ukraine. You can see more about this episode here
Parents Who Kill: Protecting innocent children from being killed by their parents
Experts say dangerous warning signs are missed in parents who could harm or kill their child. Up to 40 kids are killed this way each year in Canada. CTV W5 looks into why this is happening, and if there are ways to prevent it. You can see more about this episode here
Second Opinion: What happens when a doctor speaks out against political policies?
For a year, Dr. Brooks Fallis ran the Critical Care unit at a Brampton Hospital. He openly criticized Premier Ford’s COVID-19 response and was warned by his bosses there could be consequences. You can see more about this episode here
War in Ukraine: The Russian Front - Defying Putin's crackdown on dissent
W5 investigates Russia's crackdown on dissent as social media influencers risk jail time to pull back the curtain on the warn in Ukraine. You can see more about this episode here
The Humboldt Driver: Jaskirat Sidhu loses his bid to stay in Canada
In an exclusive interview with W5, the wife of Jaskirat Sidhu says she is 'devastated' that he has lost his bid to stay in Canada. You can see more about this episode here
Face Off: Canadian soldiers train on NATO's first line of defence in the Baltics
W5 reports from Latvia, where Canadian soldiers train for the possibility that the war in Ukraine spreads beyond its borders.
War in Ukraine: Seeking Justice - Investigating potential war crimes in Ukraine
A Canadian war crimes investigator explains how difficult it is to bring charges at the International Court of Justice in the Hague. You can see more about this episode here
War in Ukraine: The Propaganda War - Searching for truth in the fog of war
The war in Ukraine is constantly coming to life online as Canadians are bombarded by pictures and videos, making it difficult to determine what’s real and what’s not. W5 reveals some of the Russian tactics used to spread false information in this war. You can see more about this episode here
War in Ukraine: Inside Kyiv - A Canadian woman stays behind to help
CTV W5 tells the story of a Canadian woman and her mission to bring aid to the people of Kyiv -- and spread the word of Ukrainian resistance to Russia's invasion. You can see more about this episode here
War in Ukraine: Seeking Refuge - Refugees desperately flee to safety
The flight of refugees from Ukraine is on track to be the largest displacement of Europeans since the Second World War. So many are fleeing that as soon as the United Nations releases a number, it's already outdated. You can see more about this episode here
War in Ukraine: The International Legion - Canadians prepare to fight
Canadians are answering the call to defend Ukraine against the Russian invasion after a plea by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. You can see more about this episode here
War in Ukraine: Frontlines - Russia's assault on Kharkiv
From Kharkiv to Dnipro, Canadian journalist Fin dePencier captured daily experiences on the frontline of the war in Ukraine. He agreed to share his experiences with W5 in a modern-day video diary, chronicling the Russian invasion from the front lines. You can see more about this episode here
Open Wide: A dentist is accused of traumatizing generations of children
W5 investigates disturbing allegations against a pediatric dentist in Nova Scotia whose treatment of children over five decades is now an alleged crime. You can see more about this episode here
Ready to Rumble: The Canadian-made social media darling of the political right
W5's Kevin Newman investigates why Rumble, a social media platform started by a Canadian, is attracting the attention of many Republican elites in America, including Donald Trump. You can see more about this episode here
Dubious Diagnosis: Families falsely accused of child abuse after a wrong diagnosis
Families across the country tell W5 they were falsely accused of child abuse after bringing their sick or injured child to the hospital. Some parents are calling for mandatory medical second opinions when it comes to cases flagged in hospitals. You can see more about this episode here
Dogs in Distress: Uncovering the shocking treatment of sled dogs in Canada
An iconic winter tourist draw is being scrutinized by experts and activists. Once essential to the survival of indigenous communities, dog sledding is embraced today for sport and tourism. W5 investigates what sometimes goes on behind the scenes when dogs aren't pulling paid customers. You can see more about this episode here
Unprotected: Why is it so risky to be a whistleblower in Canada?
W5 investigates why Canada ranks among the worst in the world when it comes to protecting whistleblowers, according to a recent report. You can see more about this episode here
Psychedelic Healing: Harnessing the power of party drugs to treat mood disorders
A W5 investigation into an unconventional treatment for severe depression and PTSD that involves the drug ketamine. You can see more about this episode here
Puglaas: A rare glimpse into the private life of Jody Wilson-Raybould
Sandie Rinaldo is given a very rare look inside the private life of a very private public figure -- former federal justice minister and attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould. You can see more about this episode here
The Laundromat: Inquiry - Awaiting the findings of an inquiry into money laundering in B.C.
A W5 investigation helped convince B.C.'s government to launch a commission to investigate the scope of money laundering in the province's economy. You can see more about this episode here
The Next Pandemic: Fears growing that another global pandemic is on the horizon
Experts warn the next pandemic could come sooner than you think, and that unless changes are made to industrial farming practices worldwide, it could spark a virus that's more deadly than COVID-19. You can see more about this episode here
Hooked: What happens when video game addiction gets out of control?
As the pandemic keeps people indoors, children and youth are turning to video games at an alarming rate. Sometimes with grave consequences. W5 investigates how much is too much? You can see more about this episode here
Smoked: Workers claim exposure to toxic fumes at Ontario pulp mill
In 2002, the owners of the mill in Dryden, Ont. started a project to reduce emissions, but workers on the construction project complain that they were exposed to toxic chemicals that damaged their health. CTV's W5 spoke with some of the workers about what they went through. You can see more about this episode here
Escape from Kabul: A family's journey out of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan
W5 explores the chaotic mission of Canadians in Kabul to evacuate Afghan citizens in the wake of the Taliban takeover. You can see more about this episode here
Death Penalty: Should drug dealers be charged with murder for overdose deaths?
A W5 open source investigation compiles the first-ever research on a growing trend to treat overdose deaths as potential homicides. You can see more about this episode here
