John Robson, an American historian and National Post columnist, dives into the recent political shifts and their ramifications for both the U.S. and Canada. He highlights the stark divide between the 'clevers' and 'normals' in the election, revealing a surprising voter realignment, notably among minorities supporting Trump. Robson critiques identity politics and discusses the rising discontent with governments, particularly Trudeau’s approach to immigration, emphasizing a growing counter-revolt among common people.

J.D. Tuccille, an American political writer for the National Post, delves into the chaotic atmosphere of the 2024 Presidential Election, labeling it a 'dumpster fire.' He critiques the inflammatory rhetoric from both sides, with Democrats likening Trump to Hitler and Republicans branding them as communists. Tuccille highlights pressing issues like rising living costs and uncontrolled immigration, and discusses the ineffective strategies of candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, leaving voters to decide who is the lesser evil.

John Ivison, a seasoned National Post columnist, dives into the tumultuous state of Justin Trudeau's government. He discusses internal rebellions within the Liberal caucus that threaten Trudeau's leadership. Ivison highlights potential policy reversals, including on the carbon tax, and the chaos in Parliament amid procedural standoffs. The conversation also touches on Conservative pressures, the implications of foreign interference, and the looming question of a new leader for the beleaguered party.

Mark D'Souza, a family physician and assistant professor at Queens University, takes a bold stance against radical changes threatening medical education in Canada. He argues that prioritizing anti-oppression over medical expertise could endanger patient care. D'Souza discusses the implications of integrating social justice into medical training, especially concerning gender and race. He expresses concern about the silent majority of doctors and advocates for a return to meaningful practice, emphasizing meritocracy and patient health.

British Columbia voters are so unhappy that they might elect a party this week that barely existed two years ago: the Conservatives led by John Rustad. No wonder. As veteran B.C. politics columnist Vaughn Palmer tells Brian, voters see crime as out of control; drug decriminalization creating no-go zones everywhere; and immigration soaring even as the housing crisis seems worse than ever. Meanwhile, their made-in-B.C. carbon tax has become punishing. NDP Leader David Eby appears desperate to disown his record since taking over as premier last year. But, as Palmer explains, although Rustad is less polished and has some problematic candidates, the surprising closeness of this race speaks to how bad things seem to so many. (Recorded October 10, 2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The now legendary “firewall letter” stunned Canadian political watchers. Officially called the Alberta Agenda, it called on the province to start taking back powers from the federal government, refusing to be taken further advantage of. And for 20 years, Alberta governments largely ignored it. But as former provincial finance minister Ted Morton discusses with Brian, Alberta’s UCP government is finally changing that. He was one of the letter’s signatories, along with Stephen Harper, who later became prime minister. As Morton discusses his new memoir, Strong and Free: My Journey in Alberta Politics, he explains how a new conservatism is changing his province — and Canada. (Recorded September 25, 2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hillel Neuer, the executive director of UN Watch and a vocal critic of the UN's missteps, joins to shed light on its alarming hypocrisy. He passionately details how authoritarian regimes manipulate the UN, compromising its founding ideals of human rights. Neuer also tackles the perilous plight of Iranian dissidents, highlighting their struggle against oppression. The discussion dives into Canada's shifting stance on Israel in international relations, revealing the complexities of UN politics and the urgent need for reform in addressing human rights.

The Conservatives’ attempt to bring down Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government with a non-confidence motion was virtually DOA when the Bloc Québécois quickly said it would refuse to support it. No wonder: With no NDP deal to back the Liberals, the Bloc suddenly finds itself with significant power over the Liberals, as Brian discusses in our politics roundtable with columnist Tasha Kheiriddin and Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson, the team behind Postmedia’s Political Hack newsletter. They also get into what the recent Montreal byelection says about how badly Liberals are losing Quebec to the Bloc. And why the recent Winnipeg byelection shows that the Tories’ big challenge in many ridings come the next election will be winning over alienated New Democrats. (Recorded September 18, 2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gad Saad, an academic researcher in behavioral science, joins to explain the psychological impact of wokeness. He discusses how ideologies like postmodernism can infect rational thought, similar to a disease. Saad tackles troubling phenomena such as cultural relativism and gender identity, critiquing their implications for women’s rights. They also examine the spread of harmful ideas and the threat to free speech in contemporary discourse, highlighting the need to combat these 'ideological viruses' to preserve democratic values.

The leader of the federal NDP has spent two years thundering righteously against the Liberals —while propping up their minority government through a supply-and-confidence deal. Now, Jagmeet Singh has said he’s for sure, no-joking, super-duper fed up with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and he’s cancelled their bargain, which means giving up his leverage to advance NDP priorities. As former, longtime NDP power-player Karl Bélanger discusses with Brian this week, Singh is out of excuses for denouncing Trudeau while backing the government on confidence votes. Bélanger says the NDP leader will destroy his credibility if he keeps exuding hypocrisy. But he also stands a chance of turning around his party’s unpopularity and salvaging its fortunes for the next election. (Recorded September 6, 2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices