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 1, 2025 • 14min
How Canada built, and then broke, the world's best immigration system
Tony Keller, Globe and Mail columnist and McGill–Max Bell lecturer, dives into the evolution of Canada's immigration system. He examines the historic support for immigration and the successful formula that once made it thrive. Keller highlights the shift post-2010, where temporary routes surged and public opinion soured. He argues that the backlash is rooted in policy choices rather than against immigrants themselves. Finally, he discusses how Canada can regain public trust and restore a balanced immigration framework.
Oct 31, 2025 • 30min
Will Brad Bradford be mayor of Toronto?
Brad Bradford, a Toronto city councillor and former urban planner, shares his vision for the city's future as he runs for mayor. He believes Toronto has lost its status as a world-class city and emphasizes the need for improved public safety, affordable housing, and reliable transit. Bradford critiques the current administration for prioritizing symbolic policies over essential services and proposes practical solutions for housing affordability. Drawing from his experience as a parent, he outlines a generational approach to leadership and a hopeful vision for Toronto's next 20 years.
Oct 31, 2025 • 39min
Why Canadian LNG has the power to fuel global security
Shannon Joseph, Chair of Energy for a Secure Future, dives into the urgent need for Canada to boost its LNG exports, especially as allies like Japan and South Korea face expiring contracts with Russia. She emphasizes how Canadian energy security is vital for global stability, serving as a deterrent against threats from nations like China and North Korea. Joseph also discusses the potential for Indigenous partnerships in LNG projects, and argues for policy coherence to ensure Canada doesn't miss its opportunity to aid allies while advancing climate goals.
Oct 31, 2025 • 14min
Carney's high-stakes budget and rumblings of a snap election
David Coletto, founder of Abacus Data, and Amanda Galbraith, co-founder of Oyster Group, delve into the pressures surrounding Carney's high-stakes budget amidst potential election rumors. They explore Canadians' mixed views on the budget's significance and critique the government's communication failures, leaving many confused. Coletto highlights the political risks tied to the budget's complexity, while Galbraith discusses how U.S.-Canada tensions might strategically favor Carney’s plans. The discussion also touches on Poilievre's youth-centric messaging strategy.
Oct 31, 2025 • 18min
Energy is everything
Philip Deck, a software entrepreneur and former CEO of Certicom, discusses how energy is fundamental to human progress and a key factor in geopolitical and AI rivalries. Alicia Pleninchich, Director of Policy and Economics, makes a case for a comprehensive overhaul of Canada’s corporate tax system to boost competitiveness. Felice Chin, Alberta Bureau chief, shares insights on Danielle Smith's political maneuvering following the teachers' strike, evaluating her remaining political capital and public perception. The conversation is packed with timely analysis and thought-provoking perspectives.
Oct 30, 2025 • 32min
Did the media manufacture a Poilievre coup?
Joining the discussion are Peter Menzies, an experienced journalist and media commentator, and Tara Henley, a journalist and podcast host known for her take on media and culture. They delve into whether the media has fostered a narrative to undermine Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Critiquing anonymous sources and journalistic practices, Menzies and Henley address CBC’s strategy to attract diverse audiences and explore why a controversial op-ed evaded mainstream coverage, ultimately questioning the implications of avoiding tough debates in the media landscape.
Oct 30, 2025 • 17min
Doubling non-U.S. exports is actually easy
Trevor Tombe, an Economics professor at the University of Calgary, discusses the feasibility of doubling non-U.S. exports while pinpointing limited economic benefits. Howard Anglin, a doctoral student at Oxford and former Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Harper, reflects on Alberta's strategic use of the notwithstanding clause in response to judicial shifts. Luke Smith analyzes recent polling that reveals significant Palestinian support for Hamas post-October 7 attacks. Felice Chin covers competing petitions in Alberta about sovereignty, highlighting the political stakes involved.
Oct 29, 2025 • 14min
Is Canada selling out human rights for business with China?
Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, a board director at the China Strategic Risk Institute and former senior Canadian official, dives into Canada's complex relationship with China. She discusses Prime Minister Carney's imminent meeting with Xi Jinping and highlights the risks of enhanced trade ties, particularly regarding human rights and security concerns. Margaret also reveals a surprising shift in Canadian public sentiment, where the U.S. is viewed less favorably than China. She stresses the importance of addressing human rights issues in negotiations and the need for action against Chinese interference in Canada.
Oct 29, 2025 • 19min
Is Alberta justified in using the notwithstanding clause?
Geoffrey Sigalet, Director of the UBC Research Group for Constitutional Law, discusses Alberta's controversial use of the notwithstanding clause to mandate teachers' return to work, weighing legal implications against historical perspectives. Daniel Zekveld, a policy analyst, raises critical concerns about the effects of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) on individuals with dementia, emphasizing the need for stronger social protections and alternatives to expansion. Together, they explore the balance of rights, healthcare, and provincial powers.
Oct 28, 2025 • 17min
Trumps tariff threats: What is Canada up against?
Joseph Steinberg, a professor of economics at the University of Toronto, delves into the complex landscape of Trump’s tariff threats against Canada. He discusses how the CUSMA exemption protects most Canadian exports and clarifies the implications of an upcoming Supreme Court ruling on tariff authority. Steinberg explains the differences between various tariff statutes and the ongoing negotiations around CUSMA, emphasizing that the agreement remains secure until 2036, despite looming uncertainties.
