Hub Podcasts
Hub Media Canada
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 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.
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 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 8, 2025 • 12min
Alberta may gain a pipeline—but what would it lose?
Sean Speer, a public policy commentator and co-founder of The Hub, dives into the potential implications of Alberta’s new pipeline proposal. He discusses how this public-private partnership might trade pipeline access for federal subsidies in carbon capture technology. Speer warns about the risks of relying on unproven tech, arguing that it could increase public debt and erode Alberta's culture of enterprise. The conversation also touches on the shift from market-driven projects to political deals that could compromise economic independence.
Oct 7, 2025 • 40min
How the Canadian forestry sector is making a comeback
Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada, explores the resurgence of the forestry sector, refocusing it as a source of economic and social well-being. He emphasizes innovations in mass timber and modular housing, highlighting how these advancements may alleviate Canada’s housing crisis. Derek also discusses the importance of trade relationships with the U.S., the role of forestry in supporting rural and Indigenous communities, and how sustainable practices can contribute to climate goals, all while building a promising future for the industry.
Oct 7, 2025 • 18min
Is a new Alberta oil pipeline actually possible?
Peter Terzakian, a prominent energy economist and founder of Studio.Energy, dives into Alberta's ambitious proposal for a new one-million-barrel-a-day oil pipeline to the B.C. coast. He discusses the current mood in the oil industry, transitioning from despair to cautious optimism. Terzakian outlines the significant financial and regulatory challenges faced in getting a pipeline built. He emphasizes the need for government-industry alignment and predicts a timeline of two years for permits and five to ten years for significant production increases. He also addresses the evolving dynamics of oil demand.
Oct 7, 2025 • 18min
The world is forgetting what happened on October 7th
Wodek Szemberg, an insightful essayist focused on Jewish identity and moral debates surrounding Gaza, joins to discuss pivotal topics. He frames the recent trauma of October 7th as a catalyst for deep soul-searching within the Jewish community. The conversation highlights the stark divide between universalist and covenantal responses to the conflict, questioning how collective memory shapes identity. Szemberg's analysis encourages a critical look at how global dynamics influence personal and community narratives.
Oct 6, 2025 • 20min
October 7th two years in: Trump's Gaza deal and crisis in the West
David Frum, a renowned journalist and political commentator, dives deep into the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict with host Sean Speer. They dissect Trump's negotiation strategies and ponder if they can truly lead to lasting peace. Frum emphasizes the ideological rigidity of Hamas and its impact on civilian welfare. The discussion also addresses how Western protests are reshaping governmental policies towards Israel and the challenges in establishing a stable postwar Gaza. Tune in for an insightful analysis of geopolitics and societal dynamics!
12 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 34min
Jamil Jivani on why young men feel lost and forgotten
Jamil Jivani, Conservative MP and author of "Why Young Men?", is passionate about tackling the crisis facing young men in Canada. He reveals staggering statistics about their struggles with education and mental health, and discusses the role of government policies in exacerbating these issues. Jivani highlights the importance of mentorship, intergenerational support, and positive role models. He also emphasizes that improving men's wellbeing can benefit society as a whole, urging a collective response to create purpose and connection for young men.
5 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 17min
Carney's Canada under Trump's Golden Dome?
The discussion dives deep into Prime Minister Mark Carney's crucial meeting with President Trump. They debate the implications of Canada's potential involvement in Trump's controversial 'Golden Dome' missile defense system. Concerns about technical flaws and the risks of deeper military integration with the U.S. surface. The hosts highlight political risks for Carney, including concessions without trade benefits. They also argue that this decision contradicts Canada's goals of diversifying its economic and security relationships. A looming announcement creates urgency in the conversation.
Oct 6, 2025 • 13min
Falling sales, falling jobs: Why Canada must cut taxes on new homes
Mike Moffatt, founding director of the Missing Middle Initiative, discusses the alarming drop in new-home sales across Canada and the potential loss of 100,000 jobs in construction. He argues for cutting taxes to revitalize housing, emphasizing that current levies make new homes unaffordable. Michael Geist, an expert in Internet law, examines recent privacy probes into TikTok, highlighting the trade-off between protecting minors and increasing surveillance. His insights reveal how monitoring might infringe on user privacy while aiming for safety.
Oct 4, 2025 • 8min
The quiet excellence of Nigel Wright
Explore the intellectual influence of Nigel Wright and how his ideas shaped public service. Discover the balance Canada must strike between leveraging natural resources and fostering entrepreneurship in the tech sector. Uncover the concept of a 'Founder Nation', emphasizing the cultural shift needed to celebrate innovation. Additionally, delve into the complexities of reconciliation debates and the political fallout surrounding them, encouraging thoughtful dialogue over hasty reactions.
Oct 3, 2025 • 24min
Smith's pipeline gambit and the rise of AI slop
Alberta's Premier pushes for a public-private pipeline consortium, igniting a showdown with Ottawa and B.C. This initiative raises questions about the province's future and its relationship with federal support. Concerns emerge about government dependency versus market-driven policies. In a second segment, the hosts discuss the rise of 'AI slop,' a term for mediocre content flooding online platforms, analyzing its negative effects on productivity and authentic human interaction.
