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
Jul 30, 2025 • 21min
The Bank of Canada holds on rates. How much further will real estate prices fall?
Ron Butler, principal broker at Butler Mortgage and host of the Angry Mortgage Podcast, dives deep into Canada's real estate landscape. He discusses how the Bank of Canada's interest rate decisions are impacting housing prices and emphasizes the urgent need for deregulation to tackle the housing crisis. Butler advocates for more low-rise, family-friendly developments to stabilize the market and critiques current investor-driven practices, calling for a focus on affordable housing solutions.
Jul 30, 2025 • 23min
Why does Canada have the highest transit building costs in the world?
Reece Martin, an independent transit consultant, brings insightful expertise on Canada's transit challenges. He discusses the prolonged delays of the Eglinton Crosstown light rail and the staggering costs, revealing a $15 billion taxpayer burden. Delving into the opaque pricing of projects, he advocates for improved transparency and efficient practices. The conversation also highlights Canada's urgent housing crisis and the misperceptions around short-term rentals, all while calling for a reassessment of transit spending to enhance efficiency and environmental benefits.
Jul 30, 2025 • 5min
Walking back pharmacare is a broken promise, and the right for Carney to do
The podcast dives into the Trudeau government's Pharmacare plans, debating whether walking back on them would be a major broken promise. It underscores the challenges and public responses surrounding the legislation. The discussion explores the significance of expanding drug coverage for Canadians while raising questions about the program's future given recent government shifts. It offers original insights on the implications for healthcare and the political landscape.
8 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 17min
How AI is upending the internet economy
The discussion dives into the rise of 'zero-click' searches that keep users anchored in AI-generated summaries, drastically changing online behavior. The hosts reveal how traditional SEO is becoming obsolete as AI prioritizes trustworthy sources. Businesses must shift their digital marketing strategies to engage audiences influenced by AI. There's a compelling exploration of how AI transforms earned media and online visibility, urging content creators to adapt. The conversation concludes with insights on the evolving internet economy and the potential opportunities it presents.
Jul 29, 2025 • 6min
The internet is being reshaped by AI
The discussion dives into how AI is reshaping the digital landscape, transforming the influence game online. It highlights the necessity for organizations to adapt their strategies to thrive in this AI-driven world. Additionally, brands are urged to move beyond traditional metrics and embrace new paradigms. AI-generated insights are key for aligning with brand priorities, illustrating a revolutionary shift in how influence is measured and approached in the current era.
Jul 28, 2025 • 17min
How will Europe's trade deal impact Trump's negotiations with Canada?
Joseph Steinberg, a professor of economics at the University of Toronto, dives into the potential fallout if Canada doesn't strike a trade deal with the U.S. by the looming August deadline. He examines the fiscal crisis that could arise from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and discusses the complexities of tariffs and their implications for U.S.-Canada relations. Steinberg also unpacks how consumer sentiment and political perceptions intertwine with tariffs, and he offers insights into the delayed effects on inflation caused by Trump's trade policies.
Jul 28, 2025 • 56min
Andrew Coyne on why Canada may not be a democracy
Andrew Coyne, a prominent columnist for The Globe and Mail and author of 'The Crisis of Canadian Democracy,' dives deep into Canada’s democratic landscape. He critiques the overwhelming power of the Prime Minister's Office and the decreasing influence of Members of Parliament. Coyne discusses the accountability issues in party leadership and how they relate to political engagement. He also addresses the urgent housing crisis while advocating for essential reforms to make Canadian democracy more representative and inclusive. A thought-provoking listen!
Jul 28, 2025 • 7min
The first job is disappearing—young Canadians deserve better
The podcast dives into the troubling decline of entry-level jobs for young Canadians, detailing how federal labor policies are contributing to unemployment. It highlights the struggle teens face in Ontario, with nearly 25% unable to find work, even as certain industries thrive. The discussion reveals how rising minimum wage laws and strict hiring regulations create hurdles for inexperienced workers. The hosts argue that young Canadians deserve better opportunities to launch their careers.
Jul 25, 2025 • 21min
Let's be blunt: Trump's trade talks are a shakedown
The hosts dive into the complex trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. as a crucial deadline approaches. They analyze Trump's tactics, revealing how he leverages trade deals for political gain rather than economic benefit. The discussion also touches on Canada's response to these shifting dynamics, the impact of tariffs on exports, and the broader implications for international relations. Plus, they explore podcasting's rise as a more authentic voice in culture and politics, surpassing traditional media.
Jul 25, 2025 • 17min
Why Ottawa's top-mandate EV mandate is bad policy
Brian Kingston, President and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association, shares insights on Canada's ambitious goal for 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035. He highlights the disconnect between government mandates and market demand, pointing out the rigid policies may hinder progress. Kingston discusses the impact of differing regulations between Canada and the U.S. on the automotive supply chain, stressing the need for policy alignment. The conversation also navigates the importance of keeping consumer needs in focus while pursuing electrification goals.
