Steve Bannon, former chief strategist to Trump and influential figure in American politics, discusses the surprising depth of the U.S.-Canada relationship. He reveals that Trump's approach to Canada isn't just about trade but connects to larger global concerns involving Russia and China. The conversation also touches on Canadian leaders' efforts in Washington to strengthen ties, emphasizing the importance of personal connections in trade discussions. Bannon's insights provide a provocative look at the geopolitical implications of current U.S. policies.

It might seem unbelievable, but some Americans, including President Donald Trump, really think it’s possible that Canada, or parts of it, might join the U.S.A. Joel Pollak, California-based editor for Breitbart News and author of The Agenda: What Trump Should Do in His First 100 Days, tells Brian that the president’s unexpected, confrontational tariff pressure on Canada isn’t just another of his many early tactics to keep rivals and partners unbalanced while he aggressively advances a drastic agenda (although it is that, too). As Pollak explains, tariffs are Trump’s way to get us all following his radical new rules, as he overturns conventional thinking on everything from free trade, to foreign aid, to China, to Gaza to … annexing Canada. (Recorded February 7, 2025) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the deal no one thought they wanted and one the Biden administration couldn’t get done. Then Donald Trump showed up, sending his envoy Steve Witkoff to force it through. Soon, the hostages starting coming home, in their tortured bodies, telling their unspeakable stories. As Vivian Bercovici tells Brian from Israel, where she was formerly Canada’s ambassador, everything has changed now. Many hard-right Israelis who opposed the deal suddenly support it. People are swallowing the revolting prospect of freeing murderous Palestinian terrorists to rescue Jewish innocents from hell. Bercovici and Brian also discuss Trump’s determination that Hamas will not keep Gaza, and his unprecedented proposals for extinguishing the Palestinian death cult once and for all. (Recorded January 31, 2025) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Lee, a Carleton University economics professor, and Carlo Dade, a trade researcher at the Canada West Foundation, unpack the America First movement's real agenda. They highlight how Trump's tariffs are just the tip of the iceberg, aimed at a complete economic overhaul. The duo critiques Canadian politicians for their obliviousness to these threats, emphasizing the urgency for Canada to rethink its trade strategies. They reveal that U.S. policymakers aren't deterred by increased import prices, spotlighting the looming economic risks that Canadians need to face head-on.

Chrystia Freeland, a former Canadian finance minister and Liberal contender, squares off against Mark Carney, ex-Governor of the Bank of Canada, in a heated leadership race. The discussion uncovers intriguing dynamics, including potential leaks and campaign strategies aimed at undermining opponents. The hosts analyze the political optics surrounding their bids and the ongoing identity crisis within the Liberal Party. They also ponder how any new leader could mend the party's image after Justin Trudeau's tenure.

By sheer force of will, Paul Godfrey built a Major League Baseball team in what was then Canada’s sleepy second city, when everyone doubted it could be done. (He ended up in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and the Blue Jays would go on to win two World Series.) He helped shake up a staid and boring local newspaper scene with the scrappy Toronto Sun, before going on to build a national media empire. Now, after 14 years at the helm of Postmedia, Godfrey is pivoting again. The legendary politician and businessman talks with Brian this week about his astounding rise from his humble start in local government to where he is now. And he says one of his next projects will be to trying to once again help Toronto, the city he loves, which he says has become a city in decline. (Recorded December 18, 2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the holidays, we’re looking back at some of the best episodes of 2024, which in December marked the fifth anniversary of the COVID virus escaping China and wreaking global havoc. We’re still learning how institutions and officials politicized science during the pandemic to justify economic lockdowns, border closures, school shutdowns and other measures that lacked supportive evidence but carried grave consequences. Vanessa Dylyn is the award-winning director of the documentary Covid Collateral, which shows how real scientific methods and debate were sidelined, even banished, as governments faked expertise during COVID-19 with the help of compliant doctors and journalists. She joins Brian this week to talk about the shocking things she discovered while investigating the official responses to COVID; the damaging public health policies that continue to affect individuals and our society; and how we can hopefully prevent this all from happening again when the next pandemic comes. (Recorded June 27, 2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Peterson, a renowned clinical psychologist and media commentator, discusses his tumultuous legal battle with the Ontario College of Psychologists. He warns that if a high-profile figure like him can be targeted for his opinions, anyone is at risk. The conversation dives into the chilling effects of political correctness on free speech, the ramifications of recent court rulings on personal liberties in Canada, and the societal pressure professionals face regarding controversial topics. It's a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between ideology and professional integrity.

Lorne Gunter, a columnist with Postmedia's Edmonton Sun, and Chris Selley from the National Post dive into Canada's political turmoil. They discuss Trudeau's isolation and his questionable leadership during a time of crisis. The duo highlights the fallout from the finance minister's resignation, growing frustrations within the Liberal Party, and the impact on everyday Canadians. With economic challenges looming and criticism of both Trudeau and emerging leader Pierre Polyev, the conversation touches on urgent topics like immigration, housing, and Canada-U.S. relations.

In this enlightening discussion, Andrew Spence, author of "Fleeced: Canadians Versus Their Banks," reveals the shocking truths about the Canadian banking system. He exposes how a lack of competition leads to sky-high fees for essential services compared to global standards. Spence highlights the struggle against the dominance of the Big Six banks and the barriers faced by innovative fintech companies. He also shares insights on how real-time payment systems could revolutionize banking and provide fairer options for consumers and small businesses.