
Hub Podcasts
Welcome to Hub Podcasts, the audio version of the big ideas and in-depth conversations found at TheHub.ca, Canada’s fastest growing digital news outlet with half a million people engaging weekly with our content.
Hub Dialogues features The Hub's editor-at-large Sean Speer and managing editor Harrison Lowman engaged in longform conversations with leading thinkers on the big issues and ideas shaping the public conversation.
In Conversation with David Frum features the insights and analysis of leading author, journalist, and thinker David Frum, who weighs in every second Friday on global and Canadian news events.
The Bricker & Speer podcast features The Hub’s editor-at-large Sean Speer in conversation with the CEO of Ipsos Global Public Affairs, Darrell Bricker. Twice monthly, Darrell and Sean cover the politics, personalities and policy driving public opinion and politics in Canada.
The Hub's media criticism podcast Full Press looks at how the media in Canada is covering the major stories of the day. Full press is hosted by The Hub's managing editor Harrison Lowman, and features journalist Tara Henley, and veteran news media executive Peter Menzies.
Hub Headlines features audio versions of the best analysis published daily in The Hub. Enjoy listening to original and provocative takes on the issues that matter while you are on the go.
Each Friday, The Hub Roundtable features Hub co-founders Rudyard Griffiths' and Sean Speer's take on the big political and economic stories making the news.
Latest episodes

Jun 5, 2025 • 5min
Don’t just buy Canadian, hire Canadian
Highlighting the urgent need for local hiring, the discussion addresses high youth unemployment in Canada and warns against reliance on temporary foreign workers. It advocates for reforming immigration and business practices to benefit local employment. Additionally, the podcast delves into the complicated trade relationship with the U.S., analyzing recent legal challenges to Trump's tariffs and their effects on Canadian exporters. Tune in for insightful commentary on these pressing issues!

Jun 4, 2025 • 17min
Would Trump's Golden Dome guarantee North American security?
Michael O'Hanlon, the director of research in the foreign policy program at the Brookings Institution, shares his expertise on missile defense strategies and their effectiveness against threats from North Korea and Iran. He discusses the need for a multi-layered defense approach and evaluates U.S. investment strategies in sophisticated missile technologies. O'Hanlon highlights the challenges posed by China and Russia's nuclear arsenals, emphasizing the importance of advanced sensor technology and a holistic strategy to enhance North America's security.

Jun 4, 2025 • 10min
The U.K. Labour Party is finally doing something on immigration. Why can’t Canada?
Sabrina Maddeaux, a National Magazine Award winner and political columnist, shines a light on the U.K. Labour Party's refreshing immigration reforms led by Keir Starmer. She draws compelling parallels with Canada's ambiguous immigration stance, urging a paradigm shift towards valuing skills and socio-economic impact. Additionally, the discussion tackles Canada's overreliance on real estate, warning of its unsustainable economic implications and advocating for diversification into more productive sectors for future resilience.

Jun 3, 2025 • 13min
Carrots, not sticks: Interprovincial trade updates
This lively discussion delves into the recent Canadian premiers' meeting, tackling the hurdles of interprovincial trade. Emerging bilateral agreements and the necessity of a cohesive national strategy take center stage. A cheeky metaphor about a federal figure being compared to Santa Claus adds humor while critiquing provincial reliance on federal support. Additionally, the podcast examines the financial dynamics between Ottawa and the provinces, highlighting the need for collaboration to elevate the nation's economic landscape.

Jun 3, 2025 • 10min
The media must end its obsession with unnamed sources
The discussion kicks off by scrutinizing the media's reliance on unnamed sources, emphasizing how this trend erodes trust and accountability. It urges a shift towards transparency for the sake of credibility. The conversation then pivots to the political landscape in Alberta, focusing on upcoming by-elections and the growing separatist sentiments. The tensions within the United Conservative Party are explored, revealing the challenges leaders face in navigating regional desires alongside national unity.

Jun 2, 2025 • 52min
Jason Kenney on saving conservatism and Alberta’s place in Canada
Former Premier of Alberta Jason Kenney dives deep into Alberta's political landscape and the rising sentiments of separatism. He discusses the future of the province's oil and gas industry amidst changing political climates and public opinion. Kenney also reflects on the challenges facing modern conservatism in Canada, especially post-Poilièvre's loss. With a wealth of experience in politics, he shares insights on navigating political discourse and the need for unity and constructive engagement in the conservative movement.

Jun 2, 2025 • 14min
The future of digital news outlets in the age of Trump and AI
Lee Taylor, founder of Uncommon Sense and an expert in web and social media, dives into the evolution of news consumption in a fast-paced digital world. He addresses how traditional media is declining as video and audio formats gain traction among younger audiences. Taylor discusses the rise of alternative platforms during crises, emphasizing the importance of individual voices and political narratives. He also explores the impact of AI on news authenticity and the challenge of maintaining consumer trust amidst the blending of human and machine-generated content.

Jun 2, 2025 • 17min
Slow economic growth is Canada's biggest challenge
Canada faces critical economic challenges, particularly sluggish growth and stagnating living standards. Experts discuss the impact of immigration on productivity and propose reforms to boost investment. There's a heated debate about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, weighing its benefits against the need for labor market improvements. The podcast dives into the urgent demand for foreign workers in sectors like agriculture and construction and explores potential solutions, including learning from successful international practices.

May 31, 2025 • 13min
Carney’s nation-building reset
Discover Canada's fresh approach to infrastructure amidst rising trade tensions, focusing on new laws for project approvals and the shift towards technical assessments. Dive into the economic landscape with a spike in exports and business investment, as companies brace for impending tariffs. The looming Bank of Canada interest rate meeting hints at stability, fueled by encouraging economic indicators despite a dip in household spending. Tune in for sharp insights and analysis on these crucial developments!

May 30, 2025 • 23min
Did the throne speech tells us anything important?
The hosts dive into the recent throne speech, exploring its implications for the Carney government's bold economic agenda. They discuss the need for a more ambitious growth strategy in Canada amidst concerns over spending and clarity in policies. There’s a compelling critique of current financial strategies, particularly regarding public sector dynamics and resource management. Finally, the announcement of the Hunter Prize for Public Policy shines a light on innovative solutions to enhance living standards.