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
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.
Aug 25, 2025 • 13min
Poll: The Conservatives overtake the Liberals on the issues facing Canadians
Eddie Sheppard, VP of Insights at Abacus Data, discusses a recent national poll revealing that the Conservatives have taken the lead over the Liberals for the first time since the last election. He delves into the shifting political dynamics, particularly how younger voters are increasingly drawn to conservative values due to job security and housing issues. The conversation also uncovers challenges faced by Prime Minister Mark Carney and strategic considerations for appealing to diverse voter demographics.
Aug 25, 2025 • 30min
Why Ukrainians refuse to give up the fight
Tim Mak, founder of Kyiv-based media outlet The Counteroffensive and former U.S. Army medic, shares gripping insights from the war in Ukraine. He discusses the ongoing fears of drone attacks and the resilience of Ukrainians on the frontlines and at home. Mak dives into how drone technology and psychological effects reshaping modern warfare. He also critiques a Canadian-funded documentary on the war, emphasizing the need for balanced narratives. Lastly, he stresses the importance of democratic support for Ukraine amidst global aggression.
Aug 25, 2025 • 17min
What is the price of Canadian sovereignty?
Patrick Lennox, a former public servant involved in Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy, joins to discuss the intricacies of Canadian sovereignty. He scrutinizes the impact of defense procurement on national interests, arguing for stronger domestic capabilities. The conversation explores the ideological roots of Canadian identity and the tension between liberalism and conservatism. Lennox also highlights the need to reassess procurement practices, urging a shift away from foreign dependency towards enhancing local industry for economic independence.
6 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 15min
Carney's tariff retreat and Poilievre's control of the political Right
The discussion delves into Prime Minister Carney's surprising move to repeal retaliatory tariffs against the U.S., analyzing its potential impact on Canada-U.S. trade relations. The hosts critically assess the political fallout and credibility issues surrounding this decision. Later, they explore Pierre Poilievre's adept consolidation of the Canadian Right, highlighting how it reshapes the political landscape and may influence future governance in Canada. The tension between political image and substantive policy decisions is also a key theme.
9 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 18min
Does an American Christian rocker have Charter rights in Canada and were they violated?
Christine Van Gein, Litigation Director for the Canadian Constitution Foundation, dives into the legal intricacies surrounding a Christian musician's concert in Canada. She discusses the challenges of permit revocation linked to allegations of hate speech, underscoring the tension between safety concerns and free expression. The conversation also explores the concept of the 'heckler's veto' and the complexities of performing on legislative grounds, raising critical questions about regulatory overreach and the state of free speech in Canada today.
Aug 22, 2025 • 25min
Will Trump's tariffs cause global instability and hasten China's rise?
Bill Hawkins, Head of Trade and Investment at Sussex Strategy Group, dives into the impact of Trump's trade policies on global dynamics. He reveals how these policies shift the U.S. from a dominant power to a more ambiguous role in trade. The conversation highlights the growing need for Canada to adapt its strategies in a multipolar world, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Hawkins also emphasizes the decline in trust between the U.S. and Canada, stressing the urgency for Canadian businesses to reassess trade agreements and navigate investment challenges.
Aug 22, 2025 • 17min
Canada’s language blind spot on anti-Jewish hatred
Richard Shimooka, a defense policy writer, joins Daniel Robson, an independent journalist specializing in digital extremism, for an engaging discussion. They tackle the alarming rise of anti-Jewish hatred in Canada, particularly on online platforms. Robson highlights a critical language gap in addressing this issue while advocating for better monitoring of hate crimes. Shimooka delves into the controversial decision by BC Ferries to procure from a Chinese state-owned firm, raising questions about national security and the government's response to mounting public concerns.
