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
5 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 19min
'It's not yeehaw, it's yahoo': Why Calgary Stampede is the ultimate political, cultural equalizer
Anila Umar, a dedicated Calgary Stampede volunteer and community leader, shares insights on the event’s significance beyond the rodeo. She discusses how the Stampede serves as a cultural and political equalizer, bridging diverse backgrounds while fostering community. The conversation highlights the importance of Indigenous participation, the unique Western dress codes, and the Stampede’s role in shaping Alberta's political identity. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of this iconic festival’s impact on national pride and community spirit.
6 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 8min
Mark Carney is facing a fiscal reckoning
Trevor Tombe, a Professor of Economics at the University of Calgary and director of fiscal and economic policy at the School of Public Policy, dives into Canada’s pressing fiscal challenges. He discusses Mark Carney's commitments and the daunting question of funding them. The conversation highlights rising military spending and its impact on deficits and public programs. Tombe calls for a re-evaluation of budget priorities amid increasing national debt, urging for a comprehensive understanding of spending and revenue dynamics.
Jul 9, 2025 • 10min
How the Calgary Stampede captures Alberta's spirit
Ryan Hastman, host of Alberta Edge, shares insights into the Calgary Stampede, a hallmark of Alberta's culture and economy. He highlights how the Stampede fosters community spirit with events like pancake breakfasts, uniting locals and visitors alike. Hastman emphasizes its role in celebrating Western heritage, promoting local pride, and driving economic growth. The discussion also touches on the dynamic atmosphere of the Stampede, blending rodeo excitement with political engagement, making it a unique cultural phenomenon.
10 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 10min
Something big is about to happen to the news in Canada
In this engaging discussion, Rudyard Griffiths, Publisher of The Hub and expert on the intersection of AI and journalism, shares insights on the seismic shifts occurring in Canada's news industry. He emphasizes how AI is reshaping news consumption, leading to declining engagement rates. Griffiths explores both the challenges and exciting opportunities this technology presents, sparking a conversation about the future of news distribution in Canada. Don't miss his provocative take on the impending transformation!
Jul 8, 2025 • 28min
Will Google AI Mode disrupt the news media industry for the better?
Exploring Google's new AI impact, the discussion highlights how AI-generated summaries threaten traditional news engagement and revenue. The hosts delve into the stark contrasts between AI-driven news and conventional methods. They emphasize the urgent need for media outlets to adapt to an AI-centric landscape while fostering direct audience connections. The potential for innovation amidst disruption is also examined, positioning these technological changes as both a challenge and an opportunity for the industry's future.
Jul 8, 2025 • 38min
How Canada can catch up in the race towards AI adoption
Join John Stackhouse, RBC's senior VP, Janice Stein from the Munk School, and Jaxson Khan, CEO of Aperture AI, as they explore Canada's AI landscape. They tackle the challenges of slow adoption despite strong research, emphasizing the need for public policy support. The trio discusses the importance of digital infrastructure, workforce retraining, and enhancing AI literacy. They also highlight innovative case studies and the need for new metrics to measure success, making a compelling case for Canada to step up in the global AI race.
Jul 8, 2025 • 9min
Unlocking the domino effect of family-friendly housing
The podcast dives into Ontario's housing crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for family-friendly housing. Skyrocketing prices and rental costs are explored as key barriers to social improvement. Listeners hear critiques of current government reforms and the inefficient zoning laws that hinder community growth. The discussion advocates for strategic reforms to enhance housing availability and affordability, shedding light on how these changes can drive economic productivity and create better living environments for families.
Jul 7, 2025 • 43min
Michael Ignatieff on how Canada can save itself
Michael Ignatieff, a historian and former leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, dives into Canada's identity crisis and its future. He critiques how liberalism has strayed, emphasizing the need for revitalized values that prioritize freedom and open dialogue. Ignatieff discusses the importance of effective leadership amid geopolitical changes and advocates for stronger Canadian ties with Europe. He also reflects on the unique bilingual culture of Quebec, highlighting its significance in shaping a collective Canadian identity.
Jul 7, 2025 • 8min
Pierre Poilievre is right to favour pro-worker policies over increasing immigration
This discussion highlights the tension between immigration policies and worker welfare in Canada. It reveals how current practices tend to favor corporate interests over labor quality and wages. Critics argue that this imbalance undermines the rights and livelihoods of local workers. The conversation emphasizes the need for pro-worker immigration strategies that ensure equitable outcomes in the labor market. Listen in for a provocative take on how policy impacts both workers and the economy.
6 snips
Jul 5, 2025 • 7min
Carney’s One Big Beautiful Tax Cut, and fresh budget lessons from the U.K.
Explore the impact of recent tax cuts by leaders like Mark Carney and Donald Trump as they navigate the tricky waters of fiscal borrowing. The discussion highlights the growing deficits and sustainability concerns tied to these policies. Delve into the fiscal challenges Canada and the UK face, balancing government spending with economic growth while politicians shy away from tough decisions. Plus, gain insights into trade and housing trends in Canada, revealing the intricate web of modern economics.
