People First Radio – April 23, 2026

People First Radio – April 23, 2026

What can we learn from those who have battled addiction, homelessness, and changing drinking habits? People First Radio brings two big conversations together in one thoughtful, people-centred episode. First up, criminology professor Erin Day talks about a new curriculum for Canadian high school students that tackles homelessness head-on. Rather than scare tactics or pity pieces, it gives teenagers facts, real stories, and space to form their own views.

The lessons are built around the documentary *Bridging Divides*, where “there is more alignment than we might expect at first” between people who are homeless, business owners, enforcement, service providers, and community advocates. You’ll hear clips from Simon and others, sharing raw experiences of addiction, shame, mental health struggles and the simple need for safe housing.

The curriculum then asks students to design practical responses, one small solution at a time, so they don’t feel crushed by the scale of the crisis. Later, the focus shifts to alcohol. Physician and researcher Tim Naimi explains that alcohol sales in Canada have dropped, with an 18% decline in per-capita consumption over four years.

He links this to rising awareness of health risks, changing social norms, economic pressures, youth drinking less, and even the spread of weight-loss medications that “curb appetites for alcohol.” For people in recovery or those rethinking their relationship with drinking, it’s reassuring to hear that society’s habits are shifting too. Hosted by Joe Pugh, the episode keeps a calm, conversational tone while still facing some hard truths about homelessness, addiction, and public health.

It’s aimed at anyone who cares about social justice, recovery, or simply wants clearer information without judgement. If you’re curious about how everyday choices, from classroom lessons to cutting back on wine, might reshape our communities, this one’s worth your time.