Front Burner

Simon Lewsen, a magazine journalist known for his incisive profiles, discusses the formidable Jenni Byrne, a key Conservative strategist. They dive into her career milestones, from shaping Stephen Harper's success to her role in Pierre Poilievre's campaign. Lewsen highlights Byrne's grassroots engagement and challenges with elitism in politics. The conversation reveals how her staunch populist values, while a strength, could become a liability as voter concerns evolve. Tune in to understand the intricate dance of influence and strategy in Canada's political arena.

Rosemary Barton, CBC's chief political correspondent, lends her expertise on the vibrant and contentious Canadian election campaign. She offers insights into party rallies and the dynamics of crowd sizes influencing public perception. Topics include Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's media access challenges and Liberal leader Mark Carney's controversial ties to billion-dollar tax havens. Kate McKenna joins to reveal the fascinating story of Liberal staffers planting 'stop the steal' buttons at a conservative event, exposing a layer of political intrigue.

Discover the chilling aftermath of the anthrax attacks following 9/11. Hear firsthand accounts from former undercover agents and FBI insiders grappling with the chaos and terror. Delve into the psychological impact on victims and the public's mass hysteria. Explore the complex investigation that questioned national security and the lingering shadows of bioterrorism. Catch tense moments as health officials navigate media pressure amidst growing fears. This gripping narrative unveils a story nearly forgotten yet profoundly significant.

Justin Wolfers, a University of Michigan economics professor and New York Times columnist, dissects the chaos surrounding Trump's recent trade policies. He explains how a brief tariff pause initially boosted markets before they plummeted again. The discussion delves into the tariffs' implications for U.S.-China relations and the potential recession risks reminiscent of 2008. Wolfers also touches on the deeply intertwined trade dynamics with Canada and how these policies affect everyday consumers and the broader economy, particularly for younger generations.

Guest Asa McKercher, a historian and the Hudson Chair in Canada-U.S. Relations, dives into the complexities of U.S. tariffs, especially amid today's economic turmoil. He explores the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 and its catastrophic effects during the Great Depression, offering vital lessons for modern protectionism. The discussion also highlights how current U.S. trade policies echo historical trends and examines the struggle of the working class in the face of evolving trade dynamics and automation's impact on manufacturing jobs.

Jason Kenney, longtime federal Conservative MP and former premier of Alberta, shares his insights on key aspects of Canadian conservative politics. He discusses the impact of tariffs on trade relations with the U.S., advocating for unity amidst protectionist challenges. Kenney critiques recent energy policies that hinder pipeline projects and explores the balancing act of the Conservative movement under Pierre Poilievre's leadership. He also considers the role of populism and negative tactics in shaping voter perceptions during elections.

Andrew Leach, an energy and environmental economist at the University of Alberta, dives into the heated realm of pipeline politics in Canada. He discusses the renewed push for east-west pipelines amid Donald Trump’s trade war and the complexities of building them. The conversation touches on environmental concerns, the impact of Bill C-69 on project assessments, and the contrasting policies of Canada’s political parties. Leach also highlights the intricate balance between energy development and climate change, emphasizing the voices of Indigenous communities in this debate.

Joe Weisenthal, co-host of Bloomberg's Odd Lots podcast and an expert in economics, sheds light on the chaos unleashed by Trump's tariffs. He discusses the alarming rise in recession odds and potential job losses, particularly in manufacturing. The conversation dives into the market's volatile reactions, parallels to past crises, and the misalignment between public fears and economic expert opinions. Joe also examines the intricate dynamics of trade policies and their broader implications for the U.S. economy and globalization.

Scott Payne, a former FBI undercover agent, spent nearly two decades infiltrating some of the most dangerous gangs, including neo-Nazi networks. He shares chilling encounters and the psychological toll of living a lie. Listeners dive into a heart-pounding story of a tense showdown at a concrete plant and examine the complexities of dismantling extremist ideologies. Through his eyes, we uncover the dark world he navigated, revealing unsettling truths about violence and the personal cost of exposing hate from within.

Mark Carney, former Prime Minister of Canada, discusses the fallout from Trump's hefty tariffs on foreign automobiles, revealing the uncertainty facing Canada’s auto sector. Joined by CBC's Aaron Wherry, they analyze the political repercussions as Canadian leaders respond to these trade challenges. The conversation also highlights the shifting dynamics in Canada-U.S. relations and the urgent need for a strategic approach to bolster economic resilience and protect sovereignty amidst rising tensions.