Insider: Do the math: Hamilton is Canada at its best

In Episode 17 of The Hamilton Spectator's Newsroom Insider podcast, award-winning reporter Joanna Frketich talks about her investigative series "EQAO: The Math Problem," that points to evidence suggesting a generation of students are falling behind the mathematics curve. Plus, Jon Wells argues in an essay that Hamilton is the most Canadian city there is, and editor-in-chief Paul Berton talks about the Spec's 88-page special section marking the nation's 150th birthday.

Previous podcasts at thespec.com/newsroom-insider

Subscribe to Newsroom Insider podcast on iTunes.

Insider: The love and history of Lacrosse

In episode 16 of the Hamilton Spectator Newroom Insider podcast, host Teviah Moro talks to reporter Steve Milton about the history of lacrosse and the significance of spirituality in the sport.

Despite their passionate proselytizers, hockey and soccer aren’t “religions” so much as secular fanaticisms. They do not spring from spiritual roots, and the sense of the divine is not inherent to the game itself, as it is in lacrosse.

Previous podcasts at thespec.com/newsroom-insider.

Subscribe to Newsroom Insider podcast on iTunes.

Insider: How did a neighbourly dispute escalate to the point of arrest?

In episode 15 of the Hamilton Spectator Newroom Insider podcast, host Natalie Paddon talks to reporter Jon Wells about a particularly heated dispute between neighbours.

Hamilton police are called to respond to neighbour issues daily; last year the city’s bylaw department fielded nearly 2,000 calls complaining about unkempt lawns alone.

But these complaints seldom lead to the arrest of a citizen in their 70s.

Previous podcasts at thespec.com/newsroom-insider.

Subscribe to Newsroom Insider podcast on iTunes.

Insider: Is Wonder Woman a hero for us all?

In this podcast extra, Jon Wells and Amy Kenny on the blockbuster movie raking in dollars and sparking debate. Gal Gadot as the Amazonian goddess is beautiful; is she also a feminist icon?

Previous podcasts at thespec.com/newsroom-insider.

Subscribe to Newsroom Insider podcast on iTunes.

Insider: The rise of lethally laced drugs, and a look at the carports of yesteryear

In Episode 14 of The Hamilton Spectator's Newsroom Insider podcast, host Joanna Frketich talks with Spectator reporter Mark McNeil about The Carports of Pleasant Valley running June 2 to June 25 at the Carnegie Gallery and managing editor Jim Poling about The Spectator’s investigation into the rising threat of street drugs laced with deadly substances.

Previous podcasts at thespec.com/newsroom-insider.

Subscribe to Newsroom Insider podcast on iTunes.

Insider Extra: How a convicted killer ruined his chance for parole

Spectator reporter Jon Wells, author of the book "Post-Mortem," on how convicted killer Mohan Ramkissoon blew his chance for parole and why a grieving woman in New York City says he should never be released.

Previous podcasts at thespec.com/newsroom-insider.

Subscribe to Newsroom Insider podcast on iTunes.

Insider: Billy Cummer is a violent criminal. And a human being.

In Episode 13 of The Hamilton Spectator’s Newsroom Insider podcast, host Steve Buist introduces us to Billy Cummer, a man who has lived a life of unimaginable violence, spent mostly in jail. He wanted to spend the rest of his life behind bars. But a judge said no.

Previous podcasts at thespec.com/newsroom-insider

Subscribe to Newsroom Insider podcast on iTunes.

Insider: History, healing and saying goodbye

In Episode 12  of The Hamilton Spectator's Newsroom Insider podcast, Jon Wells talks about what it was like to write an obituary feature about Peter George, before the McMaster University icon had passed away. Also, editor Jeff Day on the Spec's plans for Canada's 150th birthday, and columnist Jeff Mahoney on the anniversary of Wellwood, a local organization that has helped ease cancer's painful ripple effects for 20 years.

Previous podcasts at thespec.com/newsroom-insider

Subscribe to Newsroom Insider podcast on iTunes.

Insider: What led a 93 year old to attack his family with a machete?

In episode 11, host David Crosbie talks to reporter Nicole O'Reilly about the 93-year-old Hamilton man who pleaded guilty to attempted murder after attacking his family with a machete in January.

Previous podcasts at thespec.com/newsroom-insider.

Subscribe to Newsroom Insider podcast on iTunes.

Insider: Where are all the women on the Sunshine List?

In episode ten of the Insider, host Natalie Paddon and reporter Joanna Frketich talk about the conspicuous absence of women among the highest-paid public sector workers in the Hamilton and Burlington area.

Previous podcasts at thespec.com/newsroom-insider.

Subscribe to Newsroom Insider podcast on iTunes.