The Paul Wells Show

Canada is full of corporations consolidating market power, from grocery stores to internet providers to movie theatres. And people are starting to notice.  Sometimes it’s obvious, and sometimes less so. Paul was surprised, for instance, to find luxury cookware brand Paderno at Canadian Tire – until he realized it’s one of many brands that Canadian Tire owns.  In their book The Big Fix, Vass Bednar and Denise Hearn talk about how markets in Canada became increasingly dominated by a handful of huge companies, why it harms us, and what to do about it.  Season 3 of The Paul Wells Show is sponsored by McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy.

Aujourd’hui, on vous présente The Paul Wells Show en français! La chroniqueuse politique Chantal Hébert prend le rôle d'animatrice pour interviewer Paul au sujet de son premier livre en français, Justin Trudeau dans les câbles: Gouverner quand ça va mal. Chantal et Paul discutent du règne de Trudeau, de sa réputation au Québec, de l’avenir du Parti libéral du Canada, et de l’art de la traduction.  Season 3 of The Paul Wells Show is sponsored by McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy. Justin Trudeau dans les câbles est disponible dès maintenant.

This discussion features Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author, alongside Timothy Snyder, a Yale historian known for his expertise in Eastern European history. They delve into the alarming rise of authoritarianism globally, emphasizing the interconnectedness of oppressive regimes. Applebaum shares insights from her book, highlighting how dictators aid each other in gaining power. Snyder redefines freedom, drawing lessons from Ukraine's ongoing struggle and stressing the necessity of empathy in creating a truly free society.

Marc Garneau, a former Canadian astronaut and cabinet minister, shares his extraordinary journey from space to politics. He discusses the importance of truth in politics and why he remained active post-Cabinet. Garneau advocates for increased funding for the Canadian Space Agency, emphasizing space exploration's role in innovation. He reflects on the emotional challenges of political leadership, the evolving political landscape in Quebec, and the need for honest communication between politicians and citizens. His experiences offer a candid look at resilience in public service.

Tim Cook, Chief Historian at the Canadian War Museum and author of "The Good Allies," shares his insights on the Canada-U.S. alliance during World War II. He discusses Canada’s struggle for sovereignty while being a vital ally to the U.S., particularly during the Trump years, which reignited historical tensions. Cook delves into the unique roles of leaders like Mackenzie King and Franklin Roosevelt, exploring how their collaboration shaped wartime strategies and Canada's military legacy. His reflections offer a lens to understand today's North American dynamics.

Today, we're sharing another except from Paul Wells' audiobook, Justin Trudeau on the Ropes, read by the author himself.  Much of Trudeau's reign as Prime Minister has been shaped by major external events, including the election of Donald Trump in the U.S. This section of the book looks back on how Trudeau adapted to a Trump presidency. Justin Trudeau on the Ropes is published by Sutherland House. The audiobook was recorded at the National Arts Centre. You can download the entire thing wherever you get audiobooks.

In this excerpt from his audiobook, Justin Trudeau on the Ropes, Paul Wells looks back to the beginning of Trudeau's political career. Justin Trudeau on the Ropes is published by Sutherland House. This audiobook was recorded in studio at the National Arts Centre. You can find the full thing wherever you get audiobooks.

Pierre Poilievre may be our prime minister next year, so it’s a good time to learn more about him. Journalist Andrew Lawton’s new book, Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life, follows the Conservative leader’s life and career from childhood to today. Andrew talks to Paul about Poilievre’s political record, his particular brand of conservatism, and what we can expect from Poilievre if he becomes prime minister.    For more detailed show notes or to subscribe to Paul’s Substack, head over to paulwells.substack.com

How do people like Stephen Sondheim, Sofia Coppola or David Simon create something from nothing? And what are the threads that tie their work together with making a cookbook or a cartoon? Former New York Magazine and New York Times Magazine editor Adam Moss talked to dozens of creative people to find out how they do it. In his new book, The Work of Art, artists from a wide range of mediums break down the process behind a single piece, sharing sketches, outlines and rejected attempts they worked through along the way.  Go to paulwells.substack.com to see some pages from the book.

Guest host Vassy Kapelos interviews Paul Wells about his book on Justin Trudeau's leadership journey, exploring his evolution, self-awareness, loyalty in political circles, potential election run, and the book's impact on public discourse.