Gloves Off
Gloves Off with Stephen Marche
An eight-part series about the threat to Canada’s sovereignty and what we can do about it. Hosted by journalist and author of The Next Civil War, Stephen Marche.What we may be witnessing is the end of the American Empire, and with that, Canada has never been more vulnerable. How unprepared are we? How do we defend ourselves? What is the new normal? How do we survive as a country? Gloves Off is Canadian Realpolitik, a practical rather than a virtuous approach to national affairs. What are the dangers we face, and how do we avoid them? We break down the critical issues with outspoken experts and thinkers, as well as everyday Canadians. Created by/Executive Producer: Jennifer OuanoHost/Writer: Stephen MarcheShowrunner: Mio AdilmanSound Engineer + Video Editor + Original Music and Theme Composition: Christian ProhomArt Design: Markus WrelandCopyright: Insurgentsia Productions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 5, 2025 • 30min
How Do We Not Lose The Information War?
In 2013, a Russian journalist walked into a St. Petersburg startup looking for a job. What he found was the frontline of a new kind of war—an information war fought not with bullets but with online chaos.Today, those tactics have gone global. Online disinformation floods our social feeds, shapes our politics, and fractures our societies. Authoritarian states are waging an invisible war against democracies like Canada, and we’re dangerously unprepared.Stephen Marche speaks with University of Waterloo's Bessma Momani and Taiwanese fact-checking pioneer Billion Lee to ask the hard questions: How can we stop losing the information war? Do we even stand a chance?Featuring (in order of appearance): Andrei Soshnikov, Bessma Momani & Billion Lee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 29, 2025 • 27min
How Do We Fight Back?
Aisha Ahmad, a political science professor and insurgency expert at the University of Toronto, engages in a provocative discussion about the potential for a Canadian insurgency in the face of a U.S. invasion. She delves into the nuances of asymmetric warfare and the emotional realities of ordinary citizens turning to resistance. Insights from former IRA member Breige Brownlee add depth as they explore how everyday people transform into freedom fighters. The conversation tackles the ethics of military engagement and the intricate dynamics of power and resistance.
Jul 22, 2025 • 31min
How Do We Defend Ourselves?
Retired Major General Scott Clancy, a veteran of the Canadian military and former deputy for NORAD, joins Finnish security expert Matti Pesu to discuss the pressing need for Canada to rethink its defense strategies. They explore the changing global landscape and the threats to Canadian sovereignty, particularly in the Arctic. Clancy emphasizes the integration of Indigenous knowledge into military operations, while Pesu offers insights from Finland’s whole-of-society approach to national security, advocating for a collective responsibility in safeguarding the nation.
Jul 15, 2025 • 24min
How Much Can We Learn from Ukraine?
Tim Mak, a Canadian-American journalist and editor of The Counteroffensive, shares vital insights into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He explores how Ukraine’s history offers critical lessons on recognizing authoritarianism and its implications for nations like Canada. Viktoriia shares her harrowing tale of fleeing war-torn Kherson, highlighting the fleeting nature of peace. The discussion delves into military preparedness, the emotional toll of conflict, and the importance of vigilance in the face of rising global threats.
Jul 8, 2025 • 30min
How Do We Not Go Broke?
Zita Cobb, founder of Shorefast and the Fogo Island Inn, champions local economies through innovative community initiatives. Jon Shell, Chair of Social Capital Partners, discusses the need for Canada to rethink its economic alliances. They explore the challenges posed by U.S. tariffs and how Canada can adapt to build resilience. The conversation highlights the importance of grassroots efforts and forming coalitions with like-minded countries to ensure economic security, promoting independence from superpower dependencies.
Jul 1, 2025 • 28min
How Unprepared Are We?
Dive into the gripping story of a graphic designer joining the Canadian Reserves, revealing unexpected threats from the U.S. Experts weigh in on Canada's readiness, grading the nation's political, economic, and military strengths and weaknesses. The podcast also examines the evolving dynamics of Indigenous relations amid environmental concerns and the complexities of resource management. A deep exploration of economic dependency on the U.S. highlights urgent calls for Canada to bolster its own capabilities for the future.
Jul 1, 2025 • 29min
How Much Trouble Are We In?
Neil Bisson, a retired CSIS agent and director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network, teams up with Barbara F. Walter, an expert on civil wars and political conflict. They explore Canada's precarious position as American democracy falters. Bisson emphasizes the need for Canada to reassess its security relationships, while Walter discusses the risks of political instability spilling across borders. Together, they highlight Canada's vulnerabilities and the urgent necessity for a self-reliant national identity in the face of global uncertainties.
Jun 14, 2025 • 2min
The Gloves Come Off on Canada Day
Welcome to Gloves Off, a podcast about the threat to Canada’s sovereignty and what we can do about it. Hosted by Stephen Marche. Gloves Off is Canadian Realpolitik – what are the dangers we face and how do we avoid them? We break down the critical issues with outspoken experts and thinkers, as well as everyday Canadians.The Gloves come off on Canada Day, Tuesday, July 1st. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
