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
Aug 29, 2025 • 23min
Will China's poverty undo its superpower status?
In this engaging discussion, Nancy Qian, Professor of Economics at Northwestern University and director of China Econ Lab, dives into China's demographic challenges, including declining fertility rates and youth unemployment. She examines the paradox of empty playgrounds amid educational pressures and highlights persistent income inequality between urban and rural areas. Nancy tackles the country's economic outlook, balancing concerns about poverty and trade tensions with a cautious optimism fueled by China's educated workforce. A thought-provoking exploration!
10 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 16min
The 2030s could be Canada's catch-up decade
The discussion highlights Canada's transformative potential in the 2030s, tackling productivity issues and retaining talent. It critiques the current project-based infrastructure approach, advocating for sustainable planning and investment in areas like high-speed rail. Furthermore, the podcast exposes inefficiencies within Canada’s planning and healthcare systems, urging reforms for greater market transparency. On a lighter note, it examines the significant rise in coffee prices driven by tariffs, affecting consumers, especially working families.
Aug 28, 2025 • 20min
What to expect from Carney and Poilievre as Parliament returns next month
Kory Teneycke, a conservative strategist and co-founder of Rubicon Strategy, joins to discuss the political landscape as Parliament reconvenes. They dive into Mark Carney’s ambitious goals and his challenges with a significant budget deficit and maintaining his coalition. The conversation shifts to Pierre Poilievre's need to reinvent his approach and the implications of a two-party dynamic due to the NDP's decline. Voter perceptions and strategies for appealing to a broader audience are also examined, highlighting the evolving political scene in Canada.
9 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 16min
Why Trump's latest enemy is Canadian media
The discussion dives into recent remarks by former President Trump regarding Canadian media, raising questions about government influence on press freedom. The impact of government subsidies on media diversity and self-censorship is critically examined. The podcast highlights how these financial supports can favor larger outlets at the expense of independent journalism. A poignant critique of local journalism reveals challenges in maintaining integrity under political scrutiny, showcasing the essential role journalists play in advocating for the public interest.
Aug 28, 2025 • 11min
Downplaying questions only makes reconciliation harder
Aaron Pete, a law graduate from UBC, shares insights on the vital issues surrounding unmarked graves and the denialism of residential schools. He reflects on an Indigenous chief’s candid views, advocating for acknowledgment of Indigenous suffering. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue, confronting uncomfortable truths, and the role these discussions play in genuine reconciliation. Pete's commentary sheds light on the complexities of navigating Canada’s historical narrative while highlighting the importance of respect and honesty.
Aug 27, 2025 • 22min
Will T-Swift and Kelce's engagement trigger a marriage renaissance?
Brian Dijkema, President of Cardus Canada, delves into the cultural significance of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement, exploring its potential to reshape societal views on marriage. He highlights how celebrity unions can inspire a positive perception of marriage amidst declining relationship trends. Dijkema also discusses the intricate ties between cultural norms, housing policies, and family formation, revealing how these factors influence marriage rates and overall happiness in parenthood.
9 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 14min
Just how principled is Mark Carney?
Paul W. Bennett, Director of the Schoolhouse Institute, dives into the concerning trends among younger generations. He explores the decline in grit and conscientiousness, attributing it to distractions from digital media. Bennett highlights the rising neuroticism linked to the pandemic and urges reflections on how these shifts impact societal values. The discussion challenges listeners to consider how young adults can cultivate perseverance and commitment in a rapidly changing world.
Aug 26, 2025 • 15min
Google AI Mode is forever changing the attention economy as we know it
Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer dive into Google's new AI Mode in Canada, discussing its impact on how people consume news. They highlight concerns about users favoring AI-generated summaries over original content, potentially diminishing engagement for news organizations. The conversation touches on the intersection of tech and politics, including Donald Trump's remarks on tariffs against nations regulating American tech. The implications for Canadian digital policy are examined, alongside a humorous take on AI and personal appearance.
Aug 26, 2025 • 11min
Canada's news industry needs more than the CBC to thrive
Canada's news industry faces significant challenges as reliance on the CBC is questioned. The discussion highlights the limitations imposed by recent legislation and calls for a more adaptive approach to news distribution. Additionally, it delves into Prime Minister Mark Carney's controversial decision regarding trade tariffs, weighing its economic advantages against potential public trust issues. The dialogue underscores the evolving landscape of media and leadership in the country.
Aug 25, 2025 • 13min
Carney's Ukraine peacekeeping commitment is political theatre
Mark Carney's comments on deploying Canadian troops to Ukraine stir debate on national security and foreign policy. The discussion reveals a stark contrast between Canada's ambitious rhetoric and its military realities. Experts argue for a serious reevaluation of Canada’s peacekeeping role, emphasizing the need to bolster military capabilities instead of just clinging to past ideals. Additionally, the need for structural reforms within national security departments is highlighted, proposing a more effective approach to global defense challenges.
