Bubble Pop with Rachel Gilmore

The BROLIGARCHS have come to Canada (with Paris Marx)

Feb 14, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Paris Marx, a tech critic and host of the insightful podcasts "Tech Won't Save Us" and "System Crash," dives deep into the rise of the tech broligarchy in Canada. They explore the political influence of tech billionaires, particularly in a shifting conservative landscape. The discussion touches on Shopify's controversial practices and its impact on small businesses, alongside the ethical implications of their partnerships. Marx also reflects on the broader consequences of tech-driven political power in shaping democracy.

40:50

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Episode guests

Paris Marx

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Quick takeaways

Tensions between the U.S. and Canada escalate due to Trump's threats of tariffs and annexation affecting Canadian sovereignty and economic stability.

The rise of the 'tech broligarchy' in Canada mirrors Silicon Valley, as wealthy tech CEOs align with conservative politics to influence public policy.

Deep dives

Trump's Tariff Threats and Canadian Sovereignty

Trump's ongoing threats of tariffs and potential annexation of Canada create significant diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Canada. These tariffs, including proposed rates of 25% on Canadian exports, would impact various sectors and lead to increased consumer prices in the U.S. Canadian premiers and finance ministers have voiced their opposition during recent discussions in Washington, asserting that Canada has no intention of becoming a part of the U.S. Trump’s remarks about absorbing Canada into the U.S. have heightened concerns about Canadian sovereignty as Canadian leaders strive to address these escalating threats.

Intro

4min

Political Controversies and International Tensions

4min

A Call Against Ethnic Cleansing and the Rise of Tech Influencers

2min

Shopify: Commerce and Controversy

6min

Tech Titans and Political Power

22min

Reflections and Closing Thoughts on Bro-Ligarchy

2min

There’s a word people have been throwing around a lot lately: the tech broligarchy.

To help us understand this, we’re joined by the host of the podcasts Tech Won’t Save Us and System Crash. They’re a tech critic, an author, a podcaster and have a very, very big brain: Paris Marx.

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FOLLOW PARIS:

⁠bsky.app/profile/parismarx.com⁠

⁠www.disconnect.blog ⁠

⁠systemcrash.info ⁠

⁠techwontsave.us ⁠

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OTHER NEWS THIS WEEK:

Trump keeps threatening Canada with both tariffs and annexation.

A Canadian tech darling powered Kanye’s unhinged store — and I got the leaked texts about their decision to take it down.

The Conservative Party is slipping in the polls as the NDP internal memo warns of an early federal election

The Alberta Premier is being dogged with a scandal that has led to calls that she resign