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 4, 2025 • 25min
Trump's Big Beautiful Bill may become Carney's ugly reality
The discussion kicks off with a look at the cultural significance of the 4th of July and the quirky Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition. Then, it dives into the collision of Republican fiscal strategies, highlighting tensions between traditional and working-class support. The hosts explore the Carney government's ambitious fiscal plans and looming deficits. Lastly, they humorously connect American exceptionalism to contemporary culture, hinting at deeper insights into its strengths and weaknesses.
Jul 4, 2025 • 7min
Justin Trudeau’s legislative legacy is still haunting the Liberals
Peter Menzies, a commentator and former vice chair of the CRTC, delves into Justin Trudeau's legislative legacy and its haunting impact on the current Liberal government. He highlights the challenges posed by Trudeau's policies, including the retraction of a digital services tax under U.S. pressure. Menzies argues that these decisions significantly shape Canada’s media and technology landscape, reflecting the ongoing struggles the Liberals face in navigating the repercussions of past legislation.
Jul 4, 2025 • 44min
The future of resource development in Canada under Bill C-5
Sharon Singh, a Partner at McMillan and co-head of the firm's Indigenous and Environment practices, dives into Canada's evolving resource development landscape. She discusses the implications of Bill C-5 on permitting and the importance of Indigenous partnerships. The complexities of mining regulations and the need for streamlined processes are highlighted, along with a critical look at the balance between environmental concerns and development. The urgent challenges in critical mineral supply chains are also tackled, emphasizing the need for strategic policymaking.
Jul 3, 2025 • 17min
Canada's digital services tax problem was a long one coming
Michael Geist, a Professor at the University of Ottawa and an expert in digital policy, dives into Canada's digital services tax challenges. He highlights the historical complexities of this trade issue, tracing its roots long before the Trump presidency. The conversation reveals how Canada’s negotiations, particularly regarding the digital tax, have impacted U.S. relations. Geist also discusses the ongoing struggle to regulate multinational tech firms while ensuring that Canadian values around privacy and competition are upheld in the digital landscape.
5 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 15min
Canada-U.S. trade negotiations and the revival of Canadian nationalism
David Frum, a prominent author and journalist, joins Sean Speer to dissect the intricate landscape of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations and the resurgence of Canadian nationalism. They delve into the complexities of the negotiations, particularly around the digital services tax, and how this ties to a burgeoning national identity. Frum highlights the significance of evolving political dynamics in the U.S., especially amid the changing narratives surrounding Canadian identity and history, offering fresh insights as Canada Day approaches.
14 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 22min
Why is the trans debate the third rail of Canadian journalism?
The podcast dives into the controversies surrounding transgender issues in Canadian journalism, revealing a stark contrast to U.S. coverage. It highlights a need for compassionate conversations about gender-affirming care. Trust in Canadian media is discussed, along with the unique consumption habits of French versus English speakers. Additionally, the impact of public funding on journalism practices and a CBC story about drug use among prisoners raise important ethical questions. Prepare for a thought-provoking exploration of these pressing topics!
Jul 3, 2025 • 6min
Carney is dismantling Trudeau’s tax legacy. What comes next?
The discussion delves into Mark Carney's bold moves to reshape Canada's tax landscape, reversing key tax policies established by Trudeau. Listeners will discover how these changes may impact both businesses and individual taxpayers. The analysis raises questions about the government's approach to financing emerging expenditures in light of this tax overhaul. It's a provocative take on the shifting dynamics of Canadian economic policy and what it means for the future.
Jul 2, 2025 • 14min
Are Canadian news media subsidies actually worth it?
Canadians' news consumption habits reveal shifting preferences, with implications for trust in traditional outlets like CBC. Public funding is scrutinized as it may foster bias perceptions and impact private broadcasters. The rising distrust in legacy media raises questions about the sustainability of subsidies. As digital platforms dominate, innovative funding approaches for local journalism become essential to bridge the gap between old and new media models. This discussion delves into the evolving dynamics of Canadian news and audience expectations.
14 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 8min
The state of Canada's economy halfway through 2025
Theo Argitis, The Hub's editor at large for business and economics, breaks down Canada's economic situation halfway through 2025. He discusses the challenges and improvements in business and consumer confidence, emphasizing emerging recovery signs despite weak short-term growth. Argitis highlights issues like economic contractions, rising unemployment, and the sluggish housing market. His insights into policy uncertainties and tariff impacts provide listeners with a clear understanding of the hurdles Canada faces and the hope for recovery.
Jul 1, 2025 • 6min
Let’s celebrate our rights this Canada day—and remember our responsibilities, too
The discussion dives into the dual theme of rights and responsibilities, emphasizing that true societal strength comes from collective contributions rather than solely individual freedoms. It also examines the growing sense of Canadian nationalism, urging listeners to reflect on national symbols and the evolving identity of Canada. As Canada Day approaches, the conversation highlights the need to balance pride with a commitment to shared values in the face of modern challenges.
