Cost of Living·EPISODE 24

Where we live, where we die and the romances we read in between

From the cost of housing to the cost of dying, with a Valentine's Day look at publishing love and the under-appreciated cornerstone of the book business.

From the cost of housing to the cost of dying, with a Valentine look at love in publishing

Cremation urns, romance novels and the housing market — or how love, death and real estate are constants in Canadian lives. (Sherry Vivian/CBC, Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press, Kelly Bennett/CBC)

Don't look now, but Canada's housing market is heating up again.  Prices are jumping across the country, and that is piled on top of Canada's mountain of household debt.

Paul Haavardsrud looks at whether this renewed froth in real estate is another risk for this country's economy. Plus, what does it mean for people who just want a home? 


  • Download this episode of CBC Radio's business and economics show Cost of Living to your podcast player of choice. 

The underappreciated cornerstone of the publishing industry is the romance novel. But how do the authors and the publishers behind them make money, especially as the industry changes from drugstore to digital distribution?

Click here to listen as Dave Waddell explains how the storytellers who deal in love, intrigue and sensuality make money on the popular books that many won't admit they read.


The Cost of Living looks at the cost of dying. Cremation is becoming more popular as an alternative to burial - at the same time that cemetery space is at a premium.

Listen here as CBC producer Madeleine Cummings asks — what does this mean for an aging population as they plan for their legacy after death?


Click 'Listen' above to hear the whole episode or download the CBC Listen app.