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
Nov 6, 2025 • 12min
There's a big gap between rhetoric and reality in Budget 2025
Trevor Tombe, a Professor of Economics at the University of Calgary, critiques Budget 2025, highlighting the disparity between its investment promises and reality. Mike Moffatt, the founding director of the Missing Middle Initiative, discusses the lackluster housing measures and the shift towards immigration-driven demand-side solutions. Christopher Ragan, an economist at McGill University, offers insights into the budget's modest fiscal stance and warns of potential risks regarding deficits and defense spending commitments. Tune in for a deep dive into budgetary realities!
10 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 35min
Carney's budget: A story of political floor crossings, not economics
Amanda Galbraith, co-founder and president of Oyster Group, and David Coletto, founder and CEO of Abacus Data, dive into the Carney government's budget amidst political upheaval. They debate whether the budget's emphasis on macroeconomic growth over immediate household relief is a wise choice. The shocking floor-crossing of ex-Conservative MP Chris d'Entremont to the Liberals raises questions about its significance for Carney’s future and Pierre Poilievre’s leadership. Their insights reveal the political implications of this shift and the complexities of voter sentiment.
Nov 5, 2025 • 16min
Could an American Supreme Court ruling save Canadian trade?
Geoffrey Sigalet, director of the UBC Research Group for Constitutional Law and a political science professor, dives into the Supreme Court's hearing on President Trump's controversial tariffs. He discusses the legal implications of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and examines the emergency claims regarding fentanyl and national security. Sigalet sheds light on the challenges to statutory authority, and the potential political and financial fallout if Trump loses, making for a riveting analysis of this pivotal case.
Nov 5, 2025 • 16min
Why Carney's "once-in-a-generation" budget received a lukewarm response
Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer analyze the mixed reactions to Carney's budget from business and industry factions. They assert it lacks bold initiatives, resembling a laundry list of priorities instead of a cohesive plan. The hosts debate whether political maneuvering influenced its direction and discuss the risks of Carney's transition from technocrat to politician. They also explore who truly benefits from the budget amidst its macroeconomic focus, questioning its effectiveness in aiding average Canadians during uncertain times.
6 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 19min
Mark Carney's debut budget fails to meet the moment
Sean Speer, editor-at-large at The Hub, critiques Mark Carney's first budget for being too Ottawa-centric and missing generational change. He argues it underestimates U.S. investment threats and shows deficits are due to policy choices. Richard Shimooka delves into Ronald Reagan's political legacy, comparing it to today's leaders, including Trump. He explores Reagan's message of optimism versus Trump's gripes, and how Reagan's governance strengths still resonate in today's polarized landscape.
10 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 26min
Why Carney's $78B deficit budget gets a C-grade
Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer dissect Prime Minister Carney's $78.3 billion deficit budget, raising eyebrows over its heavy reliance on government spending. They critique the concept of Laurentian capitalism, questioning if this approach can truly boost productivity. Concerns loom over the impact of borrowing on private investment and rising debt-service costs. The hosts debate the budget's potential election fallout and its effect on emissions policy, ultimately assigning it a C grade for its shortcomings and limited reforms.
Nov 4, 2025 • 21min
Budget day has arrived—what are Canadians looking for?
David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, dives into Canadians' hopes for the federal budget, emphasizing a desire for reassurance over austerity. He highlights polling that shows citizens prefer gradual deficit reduction while protecting essential services. Howard Anglin, a former Deputy Chief of Staff, critiques the Supreme Court's reliance on hypothetical scenarios in its rulings, advocating for a focus on real facts. Lastly, journalist Kirk LaPointe reflects on the Blue Jays' postseason heartbreak, exploring its emotional impact on fans and the franchise.
Nov 3, 2025 • 15min
Carney's budget debut and Canada's investment crisis
Rudyard and Sean dive into the economic implications of Carney's budget debut. They discuss the need for Canada to boost its competitiveness in response to U.S. tariffs rather than retaliate. A significant focus is placed on the country's productivity crisis, which affects living standards and GDP. The hosts argue for tax reforms aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among small and medium-sized businesses, warning against the risks of government-picked industrial projects.
Nov 3, 2025 • 34min
Scott Anderson on how the 1979 Iranian Revolution still shapes the world
Scott Anderson, an author and veteran war correspondent, discusses his insights on the 1979 Iranian Revolution. He explores how a diverse coalition came together against the Shah, only to be overtaken by Khomeini’s theocracy. Anderson highlights the U.S. miscalculations during the Cold War and the lasting impact of the revolution on global religious nationalism. He reflects on how modernization fueled revolutionary expectations and the complexities of Iranian identity today, emphasizing the irony of repression following liberation.
Nov 3, 2025 • 17min
Alberta tried Carney-style budgeting—it backfired
Felice Chin, Alberta Bureau Chief for The Hub, discusses Alberta's failed Carney-style budget, highlighting its complexity and the ensuing political backlash. Mark Lawson, a seasoned policy advisor, emphasizes the need for swift, transparent project approvals, advocating for a new approach to Canada's permitting process. Meanwhile, commentator Graham Gordon reveals that while Canada invested $158 billion in green initiatives, it resulted in a disappointing 68,000 jobs, raising concerns about the effectiveness of such spending.
