

The Strategists
Stephen Carter, Corey Hogan, Zain Velji
Professional unprofessional strategists Stephen Carter, Corey Hogan and Zain Velji dissect the news of the day, pass judgment on strategy choices and lift back the curtain on how decisions are made. Described as "the least deliberate podcast of all time", "shockingly insightful" and "sports talk radio for politics". Not sponsored by Flair Airlines. Get Thursday episodes and bonus content on Patreon at strategistspatreon.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 8, 2025 • 58min
The World Famous Annalise and Carter Show: Episode 3
Step right up to The World Famous Annalise and Carter Show, the three-ring political circus you didn’t know you needed. In the municipal ring, Stephen Carter spins three slates in the air, keeping each campaign teetering but never tumbling. Over in the federal ring, Canada’s trade spat with Trump transforms into a roaring grassroots rally. And in the provincial ring, Carter unleashes a fiery high-wire takedown of the Alberta NDP’s fumbles - all while Annalise, the unflappable ringmaster, keeps the whole spectacular from collapsing into chaos.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 25, 2025 • 41min
Episode 1880: Engagement Drought
Stephen Carter and Zain Velji discuss just how hard it is to get attention in the summer months before discussing daddy Carney's deal deadline. Is anyone tuned in to the political scene right now? What happens if Carney doesn't get a deal by August 1? And when did Zain start letting Carter ask questions? Zain Velji, as always, picks (most of) the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 18, 2025 • 46min
Episode 1879: The Coldplay Affair
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into a dumpster fire of dumpster fires and try to extinguish what they can. How bad are competing leadership reviews. Is it possible to fix the Alberta Next panels? And does Carter actually know any Coldplay songs? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
Episode 1877: Zombie Files
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips tackle the issues that just won't die. What's next for the Alberta Next panel? Can the PC party rise from the dead? And who wears sneakers to a Stampede event? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ministry of Podcasts: Episode 1
Stephen Carter, as Minister of Podcasts gathers Zain Velji and Corey Hogan to convene the Ministry of Podcasts for the first time. Zain grills the Member from Calgary Confederation on everything from what really goes on in the House, to what the inflight entertainment options are on "the people's plane". Get ready to hear about Parliament like you never have before! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 23, 2025 • 52min
Episode 1876: LastMealAtSwiss.ca
Zain Velji and Stephen Carter do something they swore they would never do: dive into the listener mailbag. They answer your questions about politics, political strategy, and most importantly, Zain's love of Swiss Chalet. This time you pick the questions, and nobody is keeping anybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 16, 2025 • 47min
Episode 1875: Toddler in a Grocery Store
Shannon Philips and Stephen Carter dive into the biggest story happening right now, the Drake/Kendrick/Jagmeet feud. Then they fill time with a few with some minor issues like the G7 and Pierre Poilievre's upcoming leadership review. How is Carney doing at the G7? What would be some strategies to help or hurt Poilievre's leadership prospects? And what is SZA? A band? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 9, 2025 • 52min
Episode 1874: Get Out Your Adderall
Shannon Philips and Stephen Carter talk relationships and public falling-outs. How do you 'win' a political break-up? What's the best way forward after it's all over? And has there ever been an episode more suited to Carter's experiences? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 3, 2025 • 47min
Episode 1873: White Elephant
Shannon Philips and Stephen Carter talk about the results of the highly anticipated First Ministers' Meeting. Is the lack of a project list a problem or an asset for Carney? Are there any regions at risk of just being swept along in all the nation-building fever? And should the Government of Canada open an OnlyFans for all their FMM content? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 23, 2025 • 56min
Episode 1870: Holding hands in the dark
Shannon Phillips joins Stephen Carter to discuss the logistics and strategy behind mounting an effective opposition to the Alberta separation question. Who should be organizing, and how should they be doing it? What voices need to be involved, and what should they be saying? And how many tall foreheads does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


