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 news cycle never slows down and neither does Hub Hits. Each day we provide you with quick hits on topical stories, big issues and important voices appearing in The Hub.
Every week, editor-at-large Sean Speer is joined by David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, and Amanda Galbraith, principal at Oyster Group, to dig into the drama and strategy of Canadian politics. Topics range from the issues dominating headlines, the communications battles behind the scenes, to the trends shaping parties, leaders, and voters. Some weeks, they'll focus on the hot story in Ottawa.
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 news cycle never slows down and neither does Hub Hits. Each day we provide you with quick hits on topical stories, big issues and important voices appearing in The Hub.
Every week, editor-at-large Sean Speer is joined by David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, and Amanda Galbraith, principal at Oyster Group, to dig into the drama and strategy of Canadian politics. Topics range from the issues dominating headlines, the communications battles behind the scenes, to the trends shaping parties, leaders, and voters. Some weeks, they'll focus on the hot story in Ottawa.
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
Nov 17, 2025 • 20min
The health-care status quo is failing
Sean Speer, The Hub's editor-at-large and a public policy expert, discusses Quebec's Bill 2, highlighting how it attempts to reform physician compensation, targeting deep-seated issues in Canadian Medicare. Graham Gordon, a senior editor focusing on economic analysis, explains Canada's disappointing productivity growth compared to the U.S. He critiques government spending in green initiatives, emphasizing the need for capital investment and talent attraction to spark innovation and improve economic performance.
Nov 15, 2025 • 10min
The kids are not alright
The podcast dives into youth discontent, exploring whether economic pressure or cultural factors are the root cause. Young conservatives voice concerns over financial struggles rather than cultural issues. Peter Thiel argues that the promise of meritocracy has failed due to institutional stagnation. The discussion highlights a growing discontent stemming from stalled mobility and how freeing markets and removing barriers could restore hope and opportunity. Ultimately, it advocates prioritizing economic growth over cultural conflicts to address youth grievances.
Nov 14, 2025 • 19min
Carney's 'nation-building projects': Cutting red tape or picking winners?
Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer dive into the implications of Mark Carney's new major projects list, arguing it reflects a misstep in Ottawa's economic strategy. They highlight that financing, not regulation, poses the primary barrier, critiquing the government's reliance on subsidies that may distort market signals. The discussion also touches on rising economic discontent among younger Canadians and the potential for a 'bourgeoisie revolt.' As they consider Pierre Poilievre's style amidst economic anxiety, they question the relevance of Carney's technocratic approach.
Nov 14, 2025 • 17min
The next Quebec referendum may be sooner than you think
Join Sean Speer, an economic commentator and essayist, alongside Graeme Gordon, a savvy senior editor, as they dive into Quebec's potential push for independence. They explore how history shows economic nationalism isn't the silver bullet it seems, warning of its detrimental effects. Gordon backs this up with a striking analysis revealing that Ontario and Quebec trail behind poorer U.S. states in GDP per capita and productivity. This discussion sheds light on the alarming economic realities that could influence Quebec's political landscape.
Nov 13, 2025 • 15min
Why wasn't an oil pipeline on PM Carney's 'nation-building projects' list?
Heather Exner-Pirot, Director of Energy at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, dives into Prime Minister Carney's latest nation-building projects. She questions the need for fast-tracked regulatory processes and discusses the implications of being on the major projects list, which favors government financing over private investment. Heather also analyzes why no oil pipeline made the cut, emphasizing the need for regulatory certainty. Additionally, she explores the dynamics of federal-provincial negotiations and critiques government overpromises on economic impacts.
Nov 13, 2025 • 35min
Can Conservatives ever win with Poilievre as party leader?
David Coletto, the Founder and CEO of Abacus Data, and Amanda Galbraith, Co-founder of Oyster Group, dive into the leadership dynamics of Pierre Poilievre. They analyze his paradoxical popularity, strong among Conservatives yet weak with others. Discussing the electoral ceiling of the party, they debate the balance between energizing the base and appealing to swing voters. Insights on regional differences and generational attitudes reveal challenges ahead, while authenticity and distinctiveness emerge as key traits for future leadership.
Nov 13, 2025 • 30min
Trump sues BBC for $1 billion: Did they create "fake news?"
In this discussion, veteran journalist Peter Menzies and media critic Tara Henley dive into the BBC’s controversial editing of Trump’s January 6th speech, which led to executive resignations. They explore the implications for accountability and claims of institutional bias within the BBC. The duo also critiques a CTV article on the notwithstanding clause, discussing sourcing issues, and ethics surrounding journalists mingling with politicians at a recent party. Finally, Tara highlights Brian Stewart's impactful memoir on foreign reporting.
Nov 13, 2025 • 14min
Violent crime has surged nationwide
In this discussion, Dave Snow, an associate professor and expert on violent crime, reveals alarming statistics on rising crime rates across Canada and suggests critical policy reforms needed to tackle the crisis. Felice Chin, Alberta Bureau Chief, scrutinizes Prime Minister Carney's pipeline promises, weighing regional perspectives and the political climate. Alicia Plinincich, a financial strategist, analyzes the implications of Canada’s rising debt and its potential manageability despite economic challenges. The conversation offers profound insights into pressing national issues.
Nov 12, 2025 • 27min
The effects of Trump tariffs and Canada's tax dilemma
Jack Mintz, a tax policy expert and President's Fellow at the University of Calgary, explores the recent corporate tax changes in Canada. He critiques the limitations of aggregate tax rates, highlighting significant variations across industries. Mintz discusses the impact of Trump's tariffs on manufacturing and the need for a comprehensive corporate tax review. By advocating for a neutral tax system, he argues that it can drive productivity and enhance competitiveness. Mintz also evaluates the 2025 budget’s tax measures and offers practical advice for reform.
Nov 12, 2025 • 23min
Is Budget 2025 enough to reverse Canada's economic decline?
Trevor Tombe, an economics professor at the University of Calgary, discusses why Budget 2025 might not be enough to close Canada’s productivity gap with the U.S. He explores the potential of a $500 billion investment and the necessity of long-term policy commitment. Kirk LaPointe, a B.C. correspondent, comments on the Cowichan Indigenous land-title ruling, emphasizing the government's poor communication and the need for honest dialogue about reconciliation's implications. The conversation reveals critical insights into Canada’s economic and social challenges.
