The Paikin Podcast

Former federal Liberal cabinet minister Sergio Marchi joins Steve to discuss his book, Pursuing a Public Life: How to Succeed in the Political Arena, the fragile state of our democracy, the rise of polarization and cynicism, his 30 years in politics as a city councillor, MP, cabinet minister, and ambassador, and how to survive and succeed in a political climate that has become nastier and more divided. 

David Peterson, the 20th Premier of Ontario and a key Liberal politician from the 1980s, shares insights on politics and legacy. He discusses the impact of his father's immigrant background and CCF activism on his values. Peterson reflects on the scars of the failed Meech Lake Accord and the importance of national unity. He reviews the current state of the Ontario Liberals, expressing hope for future leadership. At 82, he humorously addresses aging, emphasizing the responsibility to leave a better world for the next generation.

Dan Dunsky joins Janice Stein to discuss why the news seems to be driving us crazy, how our brains are being hijacked, how digital media has created a "constitution of confusion,” the erosion of institutional trust, the collapse of the post-war liberal world order, and how exactly we can stay informed without going mad. Follow The Paikin Podcast: YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePaikinPodcastX: x.com/ThePaikinPodINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thepaikinpodcastBLUESKY: bsky.app/profile/thepaikinpodcast.bsky.socialEmail us at: thepaikinpodcast@gmail.com

The Atlantic’s Tom Nichols joins Steve to discuss Trump’s “ghoulish” comments about Rob and Michele Reiner’s murders, if this is a new low for him, how he sees the Trump administration as a “confederacy of toddlers,” if Trump is losing his grip on the Republican Party, the growing rift within the GOP, the resentments Americans feel, and what happens after Trump.Is it possible for someone to restore the guardrails that Trump has obliterated? Is it possible for someone to win an election on restoring clean, sane government?Follow The Paikin Podcast: YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePaikinPodcastX: x.com/ThePaikinPodINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thepaikinpodcastBLUESKY: bsky.app/profile/thepaikinpodcast.bsky.socialEmail us at: thepaikinpodcast@gmail.com

Tony Keller joins the Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement to discuss his book “Borderline Chaos: How Canada Got Immigration Right, and Then Wrong,” the historical consensus on immigration, the rise in levels under Trudeau, the temporary foreign workers program, if the Canadian consensus on immigration has been broken, where we are now, and what it will take to recapture that consensus. Follow The Paikin Podcast: YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePaikinPodcastX: x.com/ThePaikinPodINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thepaikinpodcastBLUESKY: bsky.app/profile/thepaikinpodcast.bsky.socialEmail us at: thepaikinpodcast@gmail.com

Bob Rae recently stepped down as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations. He joins Steve to discuss his five years at the UN, how America has left “the democracy club,” the Orwellian world Canada is entering, and the danger and uncertainty of this geopolitical era.They also consider the Israel-Gaza war, Canada’s decision to recognize Palestine, the Russia-Ukraine War, dealing with the Trump administration, his dispute with China over their persecution of ethnic Muslim Uighurs, and what’s next for the former Ontario Premier, Liberal Party of Canada leader, and ambassador to the UN. Follow The Paikin Podcast: YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePaikinPodcastX: x.com/ThePaikinPodINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thepaikinpodcastBLUESKY: bsky.app/profile/thepaikinpodcast.bsky.socialEmail us at: thepaikinpodcast@gmail.com

Janice Stein, a leading scholar in international relations and founding director of the Munk School, teams up with Paul Grod, president of the Ukrainian World Congress, to delve into the complexities of the Ukraine war. They discuss the resilience of the Ukrainian population, Putin's growing empowerment, and the stark realities of Russian public support for the war. Their analysis touches on the ineffective peace negotiations and the pivotal role of U.S. mediation strategy, all while highlighting daily life in Ukraine under siege.

Cait Alexander, an actress and survivor of intimate partner violence, shares her harrowing journey and transformation into an activist for bail reform in Canada. She discusses the brutal assault she endured and how the justice system's inefficiencies allowed her attacker to remain free on bail. Cait reflects on the emotional aftermath, the chilling experience of stalking, and her advocacy efforts, including meetings with politicians and a call for more robust survivor protections. Her story underscores the urgent need for reform in the Canadian legal system.

Martha Hall Findlay, a former MP and Liberal leadership contender, teams up with Tony Clement, a former Conservative cabinet minister, for a lively political discussion. They dissect Steven Guilbeault's recent resignation, analyzing its impact on cabinet stability. The duo debates whether Carney's government is leaning conservative and tackles public sentiment on climate change. They also assess the risks and prospects of the new Alberta pipeline MOU, scrutinizing Canada's climate leadership amidst shifting global energy trends.

"The Good Doctor" Freddie Highmore and David Shore join Steve for a live taping of the podcast to discuss their hit ABC show, its seven-season run, how to get the character of an autistic doctor right, why Shore did not want Shaun Murphy to be TV’s “autistic character” but a particular individual, and the possibility of a “House” crossover. Follow The Paikin Podcast: YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePaikinPodcastX: x.com/ThePaikinPodINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thepaikinpodcastBLUESKY: bsky.app/profile/thepaikinpodcast.bsky.socialEmail us at: thepaikinpodcast@gmail.com