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
Oct 2, 2025 • 28min
Why mainstream media must invest in diversity of thought
Falice Chin, the Alberta bureau chief and former CBC producer, shares her insights on the media landscape in Canada. She emphasizes that mainstream media often fails to reflect the diverse perspectives of the public, particularly in its portrayal of conservatives. Falice discusses the unique cultural fabric of Alberta, contrasting its meritocratic values with Toronto’s urban focus. She highlights the need for nuanced coverage on critical issues like economy and policy, which she intends to champion at The Hub.
Oct 2, 2025 • 32min
Smith's pipeline politics and Carney's declining approval ratings
Amanda Galbraith, a political communication expert, and David Coletto, a polling analyst, dive into Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's new pipeline strategy and the backlash from B.C. They explore the friction in Canadian politics, especially concerning Prime Minister Mark Carney's declining approval ratings and emerging voter concerns like cost of living and crime. The duo also discusses the NDP's struggles without a consistent leader, the challenges of gaining national consensus on pipelines, and the implications for upcoming fiscal decisions.
Oct 2, 2025 • 16min
What happens if Canada and the U.S. can't come to an agreement on CUSMA?
Stephen Staley, a senior advisor and former political staffer, dives into the virtues of Nigel Wright, highlighting his contributions to Canadian conservatism and public service. Staley emphasizes Wright's character, generosity, and faith-driven humility. He reflects on the importance of combining moral excellence with professional success, presenting Wright as a model of service. The conversation also touches on significant trade relations between Canada and the U.S., and the potential impacts if agreements falter.
Oct 1, 2025 • 51min
LIVE from Hub pub night: Calgary
The lively pub night in Calgary featured founders discussing the Carney government's strategies on housing and regulatory reforms. They critiqued centralized technocratic solutions, highlighting how tariffs under the Trump administration focus on revenue generation rather than negotiation. The conversation touched on Canadian trade relations and the pressures on domestic policies like supply management. Engaging the audience, the hosts explored potential shifts in conservative politics and the need for a balanced approach to immigration and national unity.
Oct 1, 2025 • 14min
The budget warning that Canada cannot ignore
Trevor Tombe, an economics professor, discusses Canada’s looming budget crisis, highlighting how unannounced commitments could triple deficits by 2028. He warns that rising debt outpaces economic growth, stressing the need for clear fiscal rules. Felice Chin provides a lively take on the Alberta Next tour, where locals passionately debated autonomy and major policy shifts. With protest and humor, the tour revealed Albertans' mixed feelings about significant changes, like leaving the CPP and reworking tax collections.
Sep 30, 2025 • 39min
Harley Finkelstein on how Canada can become a 'Founder Nation'
Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify and a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, discusses Canada's potential to become a 'Founder Nation.' He shares insights from Shopify's growth and emphasizes Canada's unique advantages like world-class talent and a collaborative culture. Harley critiques the complexity of the SR&ED program and calls for policy reforms to lower barriers for entrepreneurs. He highlights the importance of entrepreneurial education for kids and imagines a future where Canada leads in innovation and storytelling on the global stage.
Sep 30, 2025 • 31min
Chief Aaron Pete: Why we need truth before reconciliation
Chief Aaron Pete, the youngest chief of Chawathil First Nation, discusses the critical intersection of truth and reconciliation in Canada. He shares personal stories about his grandmother's trauma from residential schools and the lasting impact on his family. Aaron emphasizes the importance of verified facts versus unverified claims, especially regarding the 2021 graves media reports. He critiques performative gestures in reconciliation, calling for evidence-based solutions to address poverty and community needs while encouraging open, respectful dialogue among all sides.
Sep 30, 2025 • 32min
LIVE from Hub pub night: Vancouver
The conversation kicks off with insights into the challenges facing Prime Minister Mark Carney's minority government, including a staggering $100 billion deficit. The hosts delve into the tricky landscape of CUSMA renegotiations and the looming threat of an early election. Audiences share concerns about Canada Post and its impact on small communities. The discussion heats up with a breakdown of Conservative strategies and the volatile nature of voter loyalty. It’s an engaging night of political analysis, community questions, and spirited debate!
8 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 13min
Reconciliation requires looking back to move forward
Karen Restoule, a senior advisor on Indigenous affairs and director at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, delves into the crucial historical context of reconciliation. She emphasizes revisiting the 1764 Treaty of Niagara, advocating for a return to the original promises of coexistence and mutual respect. Restoule argues that true progress requires action beyond mere apologies, urging for restored partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The discussion also briefly touches on the financial challenges facing Canada's women's rugby team.
Sep 29, 2025 • 35min
Pete Hoekstra and Danielle Smith: What Alberta and America want from each other
Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, and Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, discuss the vital U.S.-Alberta relationship, emphasizing energy cooperation and technology transfer. They delve into the complexities of trade negotiations that might extend to 2027 while highlighting Alberta's ambitions to lead in oil, gas, and tech. The duo advocates for prioritizing significant issues like pipelines and defense over minor disputes, revealing a pragmatic approach to fortifying economic ties and addressing potential anti-American sentiment in Canada.
