Know Your Rights

The path outlined by this week's guest is not an easy one - but effective! Stewart Thompson is the Program Coordinator for Men's Groups at The Gatehouse Toronto; he joins the show to share his path back from being sexually abused as a child. Stewart says it's a very long and difficult road but the most courageous thing you can do is take those five steps up to knock on the front door of The Gatehouse.

Gambling advertisements are in your face at every turn! Sandra tells a story of how you used to have to physically go into a convenience store, casino or even to meet up with your bookie. Now, gambling is so accessible for everyone and advertisements are targeting anyone who is trying to limit their play or stop entirely.

This week we are joined by the Program Coordinator for Men's Groups at The Gatehouse Toronto, Stewart Thompson. Stewart shares his experiences with other survivors of sexual assault and provides programs and leadership to a team that is working to better affect a generation of troubled youth. Stewart is an inspiration and a great example that your trauma does not define you and that there is still a path forward.

Friend of the show, Sean Shapiro, joins the show to discuss Police appearing in traffic court. From a legal perspective, Sandra says the police testimony is taken with high regard and merit. Sean shares that you can no longer juke the system by moving your court date around to avoid the police officer's testimony - they can provide it outside of court and have ti be admissible in trial.

Cassandra Harvey shares more insight this week as the group discusses legal actions they can take to go after these pimps for damages. It's near impossible to get anything because - as Cassandra points out - they have no tangible assets and deal almost entirely in cold hard cash. Sandra can go after the institutions they operate in because they have a civil duty to report the wrongdoing taking place under their roof, also known as wilful blindness.

Jeremy Syrtash joins the show again to talk about the second category involved in determining whether or not you can move forward with a medical malpractice lawsuit: Causation. Your lawyer will need to prove beyond a shred of a doubt that the medical professional's negligence or error directly caused your damages. Medical experts will be consulted and everyone involved will need to detail what the procedure was that was followed (or not followed).

Stewart Thompson, from The Gatehouse Toronto, joins the show to discuss his history with sexual assault and what he's doing to provide support to those that need it. The labelling and stigmas surrounding men or young boys being sexually assaulted has always been a prevailing issue. It's important to talk about it with a loved one or an industry professional.

Diamond & Diamond's Victims Advocate Cassandra Harvey joins the show to discuss her experiences with sex trafficking and how it becomes increasingly difficult for victims to simply let go of their current situation or even become detached from their trafficker. Trauma bonds form over the years and it starts to feel like metaphorical hooks are latching deeper and deeper into you. Know the signs and report any suspicious activity before it's too late.

This week, Diana and Sandra are welcoming to the show the Head of the Medical Malpractice Department at Diamond & Diamond Jeremy Syrtash. The group discusses how medical malpractice is a type of personal injury and really constitutes of two main categories: A breach in the standard of care and causation. These two things will help a lawyer determine whether you have a case or not (along with a plethora of varying factors).

This episode contains SPOILERS! No, really! This week's episode covers all types of vehicle modifications from spoilers to tinted windows and even that noisy exhaust your neighbour has. Is it good for their car in the long run? Does your insurance care about what you add to your car?

We are pleased this week to welcome to the show, Executive Director of The Gatehouse Toronto, Maria Barcelos. Maria works with trouble youth and adults who were sexually assaulted under the age of 18. It's so critical to talk about struggles like this as bottling it up can often lead to mental health difficulties down the road. Diana asks Maria about all the different programs they offer and found out they subsidize pricing and even offer grants so the help is more accessible for those who need it.

Our hosts are back and ready to tackle E-Bike safety! With guest Sean Shapiro, the group discusses who personal injury lawyers go after when there is gross negligence on the part of the buyer. The seller must acquire informed consent to make a sale with a vehicle that is illegal to use in most parts of the GTA. Saying 'check your local bylaws' is not enough. Educate yourself so you or your kid don't get into legal trouble. Sean's advice is: get rid of it before the laws become harsher and it would become incredibly difficult to sell.

Diana and Sandra are joined by Psychotherapist Cristian Renzi as they discuss the severity of gambling addictions and how it mainly targets young men in the 18-36 age range. Educate yourself and loved ones on what to look for so you can recognize there's an issue before you have a huge problem on your hands.

Victims Advocate Cassandra Harvey joins the show to better educate our listeners on what the 3 stages of sex trafficking can look like and how to avoid having your children be put in vulnerable positions for these dangerous criminals to take advantage of.

As of July 1st, 2026, major changes are coming to Ontario driver auto insurance policies. Many benefits - including death and funeral benefits - will be excluded from your policy at no discounted rate. This means unless you opt in to these coverages, you will not have access to these benefits that you may have otherwise had included in your policy for years. Make sure you call your broker and ask them how this affects you and your plan (and premiums) going forward.

Diana's flying solo this week as she talks with - friend of the show - Sean Shapiro about public transportation and how we can all be a bit safer when taking it. Sean's insight crosses borders as Diana shares a story of a time she was on New York public transit and got in trouble for doing something she thought she could do back in Toronto. Turns out... you can't do this thing here either!

So... If I'm getting less coverage my costs will go down, right? Wrong. Nastassia Ivanova (Director of Accident Benefits at Diamond & Diamond) discusses with the panel what exactly takes effect on July 1st, 2026 and how this affects everyday Canadians. Make sure you and your loved ones are covered this summer and in the years to come. Stay safe out there, folks!

On this episode, your hosts discuss which benefits Ontario drivers should opt into when policy changes take effect on July 1st, 2026. Joined by Diamond & Diamond's Director of Accident Benefits, the panel walks you through what will no longer be covered after major changes come to your auto insurance policy in the coming weeks.

As of July 1st, 2026, Ontario residents will need to opt in to certain coverages they otherwise took for granted. Things like Death and Funeral benefits will no longer be a fixture when purchasing or renewing a auto insurance policy. Our hosts bring on Director of Accident Benefits at Diamond & Diamond, Nastassia Ivanova, in to talk about how this affects people moving forward.

The show welcomes back Safety Expert Cam Woolley for this week's discussion on the varying driver designations in Ontario. G1 class drivers (learners permit) attain this by taking a written test and must be accompanied by a G licensed driver who has had their G designation for 4 or more years. G2 drivers can drive by themself but are not allowed to drive at certain times. G driver designation is your full license with one exception: you are not allowed to have any alcohol in your system until the age of 22.