Hub Podcasts
Hub Canada Media
Welcome to Hub Podcasts, the audio version of the big ideas and in-depth conversations found at TheHub.ca, Canada's fastest growing digital news outlet with half a million people engaging weekly with our content. Hub Dialogues features The Hub's editor-at-large Sean Speer and managing editor Harrison Lowman engaged in longform conversations with leading thinkers on the big issues and ideas shaping the public conversation. In Conversation with David Frum features the insights and analysis of leading author, journalist, and thinker David Frum, who weighs in monthly on global and Canadian news events. The news cycle never slows down and neither does Hub Hits. Each day we provide you with quick hits on topical stories, big issues and important voices appearing in The Hub. Every week, editor-at-large Sean Speer is joined by David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, and Amanda Galbraith, principal at Oyster Group, to dig into the drama and strategy of Canadian politics. Topics range from the issues dominating headlines, the communications battles behind the scenes, to the trends shaping parties, leaders, and voters. Some weeks, they'll focus on the hot story in Ottawa. The Hub's media criticism podcast Full Press looks at how the media in Canada is covering the major stories of the day. Full press is hosted by The Hub's managing editor Harrison Lowman, and features journalist Tara Henley, and veteran news media executive Peter Menzies. Hub Headlines features audio versions of the best analysis published daily in The Hub. Enjoy listening to original and provocative takes on the issues that matter while you are on the go. Each Friday, The Hub Roundtable features Hub co-founders Rudyard Griffiths' and Sean Speer's take on the big political and economic stories making the news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 20, 2026 • 13min
Fake John Bolton AI video fooled 180,000 viewers. Why is it still up?
An AI-generated video faking John Bolton has shocked viewers, tricking over 180,000 into believing its authenticity. The hosts dive into the implications of AI misinformation polluting political discourse. They criticize tech giants like Google for failing to remove deceptive content and warn about the monetization incentives that allow such videos to thrive. As AI avatars rapidly evolve, the risk of indistinguishable fakes grows, prompting urgent calls for regulation to protect public trust and discourse.
Jan 20, 2026 • 26min
How can Canada have a housing shortage while homes sit unsold?
This discussion features commentary authors Matt Spoke, Joanna Barron, and Richard Shimooka, each bringing sharp insights into pressing issues. Matt Spoke tackles the paradox of Canada’s housing crisis amid unsold homes, highlighting structural underbuilding and the impact of policy on housing costs. Joanna Barron analyzes the recent Federal Court ruling on the Emergencies Act, calling for judicial scrutiny of executive power. Richard Shimooka argues for a focus on military capability over job creation in defense procurement, advocating for collaborative development as a strategic advantage.
Jan 19, 2026 • 44min
Jason Kenney on Canada's broken immigration system and how to fix it
Jason Kenney, former Alberta premier and immigration minister, discusses Canada's struggling immigration system. He explains the principles behind the Harper government's points-based system, and details how the Trudeau government dismantled this framework, which created housing pressures and integration challenges. He also addresses security screening concerns, the erosion of public consensus on immigration, and the ongoing Iranian uprising against the Islamic Republic regime and its impact on the diaspora community. This episode is a part of The Hub's new Fault Lines initiative, which examines the pressures pulling Canadian society apart and the principles that can hold it together. Click here to learn more: https://thehub.ca/fault-lines/ The Hub is Canada's fastest growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Watch a video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Amal Attar-Guzman - Producer and Video Editor David Matta and Alex Gluch - Sound Editor Steve Staley - Host To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts email support@thehub.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 19, 2026 • 15min
Trump wants Greenland: Should Canada send troops to defend it?
Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer discuss how Canada should respond to Trump's threats against Greenland and potential challenges to Canadian Arctic sovereignty. They examine whether Canada should join European troop deployments to Greenland and assess the risk of similar American incursions into the Northwest Passage. They also consider whether Canada should acknowledge the geopolitical realities of dealing with the Trump administrationrather than confrontation, as well as explore the tension between defending sovereignty and protecting vital economic interests. The Hub is Canada's fastest growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Watch a video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Amal Attar-Guzman - Producer and Video Editor Elia Gross - Sound Editor Sean Speer and Rudyard Griffiths - Hosts Alex Brandon/AP Photo - Photo Credit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 19, 2026 • 25min
Pierre Poilievre needs a foreign policy plan
Hub Headlines features audio versions of the best commentaries and analysis published daily in The Hub. Enjoy listening to original and provocative takes on the issues that matter while you are on the go. 0:18 - Pierre Poilievre needs a foreign policy plan, by Ginny Roth 8:12 - Does anyone in Canada care about the Constitution?, by Joanna Baron and Tim Haggstrom 15:25 - Are corporations buying up Canadian housing like in Trump's U.S.? Here's the reality, by Graeme Gordon This program is narrated by automated voices. To get full-length editions of popular Hub podcasts and other great perks, subscribe to the Hub for only $2 a week: https://thehub.ca/join/hero/ Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Watch The Hub on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Alisha Rao – Producer & Sound Editor To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, email support@thehub.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 17, 2026 • 9min
The one big takeaway from François Legault's resignation
Hub Headlines features audio versions of the best commentaries and analysis published daily in The Hub. Enjoy listening to original and provocative takes on the issues that matter while you are on the go. 0:30 - The one big takeaway from François Legault's resignation: The Weekly Wrap, by Sean Speer This program is narrated by automated voices. To get full-length editions of popular Hub podcasts and other great perks, subscribe to the Hub for only $2 a week: https://thehub.ca/join/hero/ Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Watch The Hub on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Alisha Rao – Producer & Sound Editor To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, email support@thehub.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 16, 2026 • 17min
What Canada risks in the China EV deal
The hosts dive into Prime Minister Carney's bold trade deal with China, sharply contrasting it with Canada’s previous Indo-Pacific strategy. They explore the political and economic risks, questioning the limited upside of deepening ties with an authoritarian regime. Concerns about U.S. relations and potential fallout from the USMCA add complexity to the discussion. The second half addresses rising antisemitism in Canada, highlighting a significant initiative aimed at safeguarding pluralism. It's a captivating look at pressing national and international issues.
Jan 16, 2026 • 13min
B.C. premier's $10B distraction from the real energy debate
Keerit Jutla, a lawyer and former BC government advisor, now CEO of Jutla Strategies, dives into B.C. Premier David Eby's controversial refinery proposal. He argues that refineries cannot replace pipelines and critiques the economic viability of such projects. Jutla questions B.C.'s inconsistent energy policies and emphasizes the necessity of honest discussions about transport safety. He also highlights how current political attitudes send mixed signals to investors and contrasts the province's LNG support with its anti-oil stance.
Jan 16, 2026 • 19min
Ottawa is borrowing to pay for the past
Charles Lammam, an economic policy expert, delves into Canada’s debt issues, revealing that over 70% of new borrowing is servicing old debt. He critiques questionable infrastructure priorities in a hefty $115B plan, stressing the need for transparent fiscal planning. Samuel Goertz, a political science PhD student, discusses Alberta's recall petitions, highlighting their potential to empower voters and enhance democracy, despite anticipated challenges. Both guests present thought-provoking insights on pressing political and economic topics.
Jan 15, 2026 • 18min
Why Canada's delayed foreign interference registry is being set up to fail
David Mulroney, Canada's former ambassador to China, discusses the government's major delay in enacting the Foreign Influence Transparency Registry here in Canada. He critiques the delay of meaningful action and inadequate enforcement mechanisms, while warning that Chinese interference continues to evolve. He also examines the weak oversight of former public office holders and insufficient protection for diaspora communities. This episode is a part of The Hub's new Fault Lines initiative, which examines the pressures pulling Canadian society apart and the principles that can hold it together. Click here to learn more: https://thehub.ca/fault-lines/ The Hub is Canada's fastest growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Watch a video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Amal Attar-Guzman - Producer and Video Editor Alisha Rao - Sound Editor Steve Staley - Host Ng Han Guan/AP Photo - Photo Credit To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts email support@thehub.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
