Books We Have Been Reading This Week, Sunday, Mar 15, 2026

Network Evolution and Branding

Discussion about the Moosa Slobodian Network’s development over nearly one year of operation.

Details
- Macara: Noted the show will reach its one-year anniversary in a little over a month
- Ali: Explained multiple name changes occurred to better align with content and branding goals
- Macara: Highlighted evolution from initial show names to current network structure
- Ali: Clarified rebranding took place in October and was finalized December 1st
- Ali: Emphasized all major construction and restructuring is now complete
- Macara: Described the foundation as stable, ready to build upon
Conclusion
- No further major rebranding or reconstruction planned
- Focus will shift to building and growing existing brands
- Network structure allows for diverse content across multiple topics
- Changes made sense for expanding content beyond original restrictive formats

Current Reading Updates

Hosts shared progress on books they are currently reading.

Details
- Macara: Continuing My Name is Barbara by Barbra Streisand, approximately 10 percent complete after 4 hours
- Macara: Started The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, finding it requires careful re-reading to catch significance of lines
- Macara: Intrigued by themes of beauty, youth, influence, and high society in Dorian Gray
- Ali: Finished A Promised Land by Barack Obama
- Ali: Nearly finished Becoming by Michelle Obama, at 80-something percent completion
- Ali: Noted both Obama books provide perspective on the toll of presidency, especially on Michelle Obama
Conclusion
- Macara will need a few weeks to complete The Picture of Dorian Gray before discussing on air
- Next week’s book discussion will be Understanding Artificial Intelligence
- The Wonder of Stevie scheduled for the week after next

Goodreads DNF Feature

Brief discussion about a new Goodreads functionality.

Details
- Macara: Noticed Ali marked Shantaram as DNF on Goodreads
- Macara: Excited that Goodreads now allows users to officially mark books as Did Not Finish
- Ali: Confirmed using the new feature for Shantaram
- Macara: Previously users had to mark books as read with low ratings to indicate DNF status
- Ali: Referenced past example of marking fanfiction book as complete with 1-star rating
Conclusion
- Goodreads has added official DNF functionality
- Shantaram is a very long book and an acquired taste
- New feature improves user experience for tracking reading habits

Political Commentary on Obama Presidency

Extended discussion about Barack and Michelle Obama’s time in the White House and current political climate.

Details
- Ali: Felt like being on the journey with the Obamas while reading their books
- Ali: Noted the presidency was especially hard on Michelle Obama
- Macara: Highlighted the impact of even one night out in New York on the city and surrounding blocks
- Ali: Described Obama inheriting difficult circumstances from George W. Bush’s two terms, including the 2008 recession
- Macara: Noted Obama came in during a very difficult time economically
- Ali: Criticized current president for focusing on distractions rather than fixing the economy before midterms
- Macara: Agreed current president especially wants to distract from Epstein files
- Ali: Stated current president doesn’t want to lose power
- Macara: Contrasted Obama’s approach as using position to influence and help make a difference rather than seeking absolute power
- Ali: Noted current president bypasses Congress and does what he wants without consultation
- Ali: Predicted something dangerous might happen before midterms as another distraction
- Macara: Observed the toll on Michelle Obama increased toward the end knowing who power was being transferred to
- Ali: Expressed wish Obama could return to power if possible, but doubts he would due to toll on Michelle
- Macara: Noted stability feels like a thing of the past given pandemic and recent years’ events
- Ali: Predicted situation will get worse before it gets better
Conclusion
- Obama’s presidency involved genuine effort to do the work despite difficult circumstances
- Michelle Obama bore significant burden during White House years
- Current political climate lacks the stability of Obama era
- Reading the Obamas’ memoirs provides intimate perspective on presidential experience

Technical Support Acknowledgments

Recognition of support teams that helped resolve technical issues.

Details
- Ali: Gave final shout-out to Zoom support and Zapier support
- Macara: Agreed both teams deserve huge recognition
- Ali: Confirmed both teams ensured everything was set up properly as desired
- Macara: Acknowledged work on seasonal schedules and setup
Conclusion
- All support tickets with Zoom and Zapier have been resolved
- Seasonal schedule has only a few days remaining
- Technical efficiency represents a huge stepping stone for the network

New Techstravaganza Commercial

Introduction of new commercial during the broadcast.

Details
- Ali: Announced a new commercial during the show
- Macara: Asked listeners to spot the new commercial
- Ali: Clarified they are part of Techstravaganza
- Macara: Gave shout-out to Siena for writing the commercial script, recording with them, and hosting Techstravaganza
- Ali: Directed listeners to techstravaganza.ca and cnatradio.ca
Conclusion
- New Textravaganza commercial successfully aired
- Commercial promotes free technology workshops on Zoom
- Workshops occur Wednesdays 1-3 PM Eastern and second Thursday monthly 7-9 PM Eastern

Upcoming Show Schedule and Guest Announcements

Comprehensive overview of scheduled programming across the network.

Details
- Ali: Announced Ted Woloshyn, host of Ted Woloshyn Podcast and former CFRB morning man, appearing March 24, 2026 to discuss Blue Jays and favorite songs
- Ali: Confirmed Jess Mosely, podcast producer and social media strategist, joining April 1st to discuss podcast production behind the scenes
- Ali: Scheduled Ryan Paton for NHL playoff preview show on April 17th
- Ali: Announced Becky Coles appearing April 20th
- Macara: Confirmed Books Panel on March 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM Eastern discussing Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
- Macara: Noted Techstravaganza workshop this week on March 18th, 1-3 PM Eastern covering YouTube Music and YouTube Premium
- Macara: Announced guests lined up for The Ali and Macara Show in early to mid-April
- Ali: Confirmed Richard Marion appearing April 13th at 4:30 PM Eastern
- Macara: Reminded listeners of next Sunday show March 22, 2026 at 3:30 PM Eastern
Conclusion
- Busy schedule of programming across multiple network shows
- Mix of sports, technology, books, and general interest content
- Not many Sunday shows remaining in current seasonal schedule
- Listeners encouraged to subscribe to newsletter and YouTube channel for updates

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