The Ultimate Choice

The Ultimate Choice, a six-part podcast from TVO Today, the Investigative Journalism Bureau and the Toronto Star, follows the journey of Michael and his wife, Ann. Michael, housebound by pain and incurable disease, sees his choice for a medically assisted death (MAID) as a powerful solution to his suffering. The series explores Michael’s motivations and how his decision affects his family, friends, and longtime doctor. Hosted by Toronto Star investigative reporter Rob Cribb, the podcast also challenges him to come to terms with his own family history as he dives into this highly charged story. Both a portrait of a family’s autonomy and a hard-hitting exposé, The Ultimate Choice reveals the political and ethical stakes behind Canada’s debate to expand MAID like never before.
Listen to all six episodes here, at TVO or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can also read Rob Cribb’s original feature that inspired the podcast, Michael’s Choice.
Episode 1: The Request
Michael is housebound by pain. His wife Ann is getting ready for work one day when Michael asks her an impossible question. Rob Cribb, host of The Ultimate Choice, starts tracking down how Michael got to the point of wanting to end his life. Who will help him? Rob’s own family history emerges. This story is more personal than he ever imagined.
The Ultimate Choice is a co-production of TVO Today, the Toronto Star, the Investigative Journalism Bureau, and Piz Gloria Productions. 
Listen to episode 1:
Episode 2: The love of cooking
Michael and Ann bring Rob into their lives, sharing with him their hopes and dreams. But then there’s the pain that won’t go away. Michael asks Nav, his longtime family doctor, for help. Rob receives a party invitation so unique he will never forget it.
The Ultimate Choice is a co-production of TVO Today, the Toronto Star, the Investigative Journalism Bureau, and Piz Gloria Productions. 
Listen to episode 2:
Episode 3: Let’s call it a day
Rob and Nav prepare to spend a summer long weekend helping Michael and Ann host family and friends to say goodbye. There’s love and joy and a final toast. Rob and Nav are left with a void and some nagging questions.
The Ultimate Choice is a co-production of TVO Today, the Toronto Star, the Investigative Journalism Bureau, and Piz Gloria Productions. 
Listen to episode 3:
Episode 4: The quandary
In Halifax, Rob explores hidden aspects of his dad’s life. His growing questions lead him to Washington for a deep dive on Canada’s unique MAID challenges as requests for it soar. He meets Mason, who has spent his life searching for ways to deal with his mental health. Will Canada’s medically assisted death laws ever offer him a solution?
The Ultimate Choice is a co-production of TVO Today, the Toronto Star, the Investigative Journalism Bureau, and Piz Gloria Productions. 
Listen to episode 4:
Episode 5: The fiasco
Rob meets the people behind the scenes of a political hot potato. Tasked with figuring out the safeguards for Canada’s MAID laws, the expert panel meets behind closed doors, and their debates are increasingly divisive. How will Canada cope with the upsurge in demand for access?
The Ultimate Choice is a co-production of TVO Today, the Toronto Star, the Investigative Journalism Bureau, and Piz Gloria Productions. 
Listen to episode 5:
Episode 6: The future
The Canadian government delays any expansion of medically assisted death for three years. Rob explores the fallout with fierce MAID proponent Senator Pamela Wallin. She and Rob share a similar family story, and their conversation strikes a raw chord. What will the future bring for them? Will they be able to exercise their own choices if and when the time comes? The Ultimate Choice is a co-production of TVO Today, the Toronto Star, the Investigative Journalism Bureau, and Piz Gloria Productions.
Listen to the final episode, episode 6:
You can listen here, at TVO or wherever you listen to your podcasts.