CANADALAND

Tristan Capacchione, producer and audio editor who conducted the on-site interview. Raymond Biesinger, Canadian illustrator and author known for a bold graphic style and his book about having work stolen. They discuss repeated art theft, clever tactics for getting paid back, why lawyers often fail creatives, how memes and AI complicate enforcement, and when imitation crosses into theft.

Jan Wong, veteran journalist and author with deep knowledge of Canadian politics and China relations. She unpacks Mark Carney’s China agreement and why it angers Trump. Short takes on EVs, trade leverage for CUSMA, Chinese investment in mining, media framing, and whether China is truly predictable amid Xi’s military shakeups.

Jan Wong, veteran Globe and Mail journalist and longtime foreign correspondent, breaks down Mark Carney’s Davos speech and its global splash. She discusses why his rhetoric read as a rupture in world order and how it might translate into pragmatic action. Wong also revisits a 30-year-old lunch spat with Margaret Atwood and the origins of her “Lunch With” column.

Matina Stevis-Gridneff, New York Times Canada Bureau Chief with deep international reporting experience, and Sam Konnert, Ottawa reporter covering Parliament and federal politics. They debate Mark Carney’s Davos posture and Trump’s tariff threats. They also unpack Parliament’s return, GST credit top-ups, and why a spring election might be on the horizon.

Ellin Bessner, investigative reporter and former foreign correspondent who covers wars, antisemitism and security, joins to unpack shocking Toronto crimes linked to ISIS. Short takes on legal publication bans, why Jewish-targeting details were delayed, alleged tactics like impersonating police and stolen cars, and how newsroom cutbacks shaped limited coverage.

Max Fawcett, a national columnist with a sharp focus on Canadian politics and energy, dives into the rising tide of separatism in Alberta and its parallels with Quebec. He discusses the motivations driving Alberta's independence movement, highlighting its rural roots and conspiratorial undercurrents. The impact of U.S. influence on potential referendums raises concerns, while Fawcett contrasts Alberta's grievance-driven ethos with Quebec's cultural aspirations. He also examines the implications of failed referendums, painting Alberta's separatism as impulsive and economically detrimental.

Max Fawcett, a lead columnist for the National Observer and a sharp political commentator, dives into the geopolitical implications of Trump’s Greenland claims and Mark Carney's significant Davos speech. He discusses fears of an unraveling global order and Carney’s critiques of U.S. policy. The conversation also reveals insights on trade dynamics with China, the risks of Arctic security, and the challenges of balancing clean energy with geopolitical tensions. Fawcett argues China's predictability might outshine that of the U.S., sparking crucial debates.

Noah Schwartz, a political scientist and gun policy expert, discusses the tumultuous history of Canada's gun buyback program, highlighting its origins, mismanagement, and growing resistance. He raises concerns about public funds wasted and the risk of a grey market emerging. Sam Konnert, an Ottawa reporter, shifts the focus to Greenland, analyzing Trump's provocative remarks and their implications for NATO relations. The episode wraps up with insights on Canada's military exercises in Greenland and the ongoing tension in global politics.

Bob Rae, a former Canadian ambassador to the UN and Ontario premier, shares insights from his extensive experience in international affairs. He discusses the chaos of global crises, including COVID, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Gaza. Rae warns that a hypothetical US invasion of Greenland could fracture NATO. He reflects on NATO's vulnerability due to unpredictable US policies and traces the decay of the postwar rules-based order, emphasizing failures in responding to major crises over the years.

Sam Konnert, a CanadaLand correspondent and cultural analyst, dives into the unexpected success of 'Heated Rivalry,' a show merging CanCon, hockey, and explicit themes. He and host Jesse Brown discuss how the show appeals to diverse audiences, beyond just the straight male gaze. They explore whether it can revolutionize hockey culture and challenge traditional locker-room norms. Plus, Konnert touches on the show's unique Canadian production process and the fascinating impact it's having on fans and industry discussions alike.