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
May 12, 2025 • 14min
Three key things for Carney to keep in mind as he builds his government
Scott Reid, a principal at Feschuk Reid and CTV commentator, and Adam Legg, President of the Business Council of Alberta, share critical insights for Mark Carney as he builds his government. They explore essential strategies for assembling a capable team, emphasizing the need for clarity and decisive leadership during transitions. A major focus is on national security, particularly the importance of defense appointments and innovative policy direction to navigate economic and geopolitical challenges.
7 snips
May 10, 2025 • 12min
Reading the signals in Carney's cabinet picks
The discussion delves into Mark Carney's cabinet picks and their potential impact on economic policy in Canada. It highlights the challenges of governing in a minority parliament and the significance of aligning candidates with reformative goals. The podcast also addresses Canada's complex trade relationships, especially with the U.S., while navigating economic uncertainties. Additionally, troubling employment trends are analyzed, revealing a loss of 24,000 jobs and a spike in the jobless rate, particularly due to significant manufacturing declines in Ontario.
10 snips
May 9, 2025 • 28min
Can the Liberals build their way out of Canada's housing crisis?
Beau Jarvis, CEO of Wesgroup Properties, and Brad Jones, Chief Development Officer at Wesgroup, dive deep into Canada's housing crisis. They analyze the Liberal government's development plans and the inefficiencies faced in construction, particularly with union labor. Insights into how immigration impacts housing demand are shared, alongside a look at the evolving rental landscape and the need for affordable housing options. The discussion also emphasizes reviving historical programs to solve modern housing challenges.
May 9, 2025 • 20min
Carney's Washington adventure & Trump's war against baby dolls
Join political commentator and YouTuber J.J. McCullough as he dives into Mark Carney's influential Washington visit and the shifting tides in Canadian politics. They discuss Andrew Scheer's interim leadership and the Conservative Party's need for authenticity. Expect a lively conversation on Trump's quirky comments regarding middle-class items like baby dolls and pencil crayons. The panel also tackles strategic shifts and the importance of engaging female voters, wrapping up with a touch of humor about the absurdities of parliamentary dynamics.
May 9, 2025 • 22min
Michael Atkinson and Haizhen Mou on what Canada Got Right — and Wrong — on COVID Fiscal Policy
This discussion features Michael Atkinson, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan and co-author of "Fiscal Choices: Canada After the Pandemic," alongside Haizhen Mou. They dive deep into Canada’s fiscal measures during COVID-19, analyzing nearly $300 billion in initiatives and the lessons learned for future crises. The conversation explores the importance of resilient policies in a polycrisis era and emphasizes building public trust through accountability in government spending. The insights paint a vivid picture of Canada’s economic landscape in challenging times.
May 9, 2025 • 14min
Can the Conservative Party loosen up and let the public in?
The discussion dives into the Conservative Party's recent controversies, particularly Pierre Polyev's struggle to re-establish his influence post-election. Analyses reveal a tension between authority and openness, suggesting the need for vulnerability to drive positive change. The critique of reinstating former leadership over fresh talent raises questions about voter engagement. The podcast also examines the challenges of command-style leadership and the importance of evolving connections with party members for future success.
8 snips
May 9, 2025 • 13min
Can Carney reverse course on 10 years of Liberal mismanagement?
Join David Polansky, a Toronto-based writer and research fellow, as he discusses whether Mark Carney can truly shift the trajectory of over a decade of Liberal governance. The conversation tackles pressing questions about immigration policies and energy management in Canada. Polansky also highlights federal-provincial tensions and Alberta's potential secession. Finally, the challenges Carney faces in reforming the judicial system and his government's response to socio-economic issues are critically examined, revealing the complexities of political change.
May 8, 2025 • 16min
David Frum: The Trump-Carney face-off
David Frum, a prominent author and journalist, shares insights on Prime Minister Mark Carney's inaugural meeting with President Trump, revealing its implications for U.S.-Canada trade negotiations. The discussion highlights Trump's unexpected comments on consumerism and tariffs, the intricate dynamics of their relationship amid political tensions, and the shifting landscape of Canada-U.S. trade policy. Frum also explores how personal relationships influence economic decisions, cautioning against aggressive trade tactics that could harm international alliances.
May 8, 2025 • 18min
James Kelly on constraining the courts and judicial activism
James Kelly, a political science professor at Concordia University and author of the acclaimed book 'Constraining the Court,' dives into the intricate dance between judicial authority and public policy in Canada. He explores how landmark rulings, like those on medical assistance in dying, shape legislation. The discussion touches on the tensions between judges and legislators, the impact of interest groups on policy through litigation, and the often-misunderstood notwithstanding clause in constitutional law, all highlighting the delicate balance within Canadian democracy.
May 8, 2025 • 36min
Should conservatives even bother appearing on mainstream media?
Eli Cantin-Nantel, The Hub's Ottawa correspondent, discusses the challenges conservatives face in engaging with mainstream media. He critiques Pierre Poilievre’s media strategy and its potential impact on voter support. The conversation also delves into the CBC's mishaps in fact-checking Indigenous issues, emphasizing the importance of accountability. Additionally, they explore the interplay of social media with political communication, illustrating how evolving media strategies can reshape public dialogue and conservative representation.
