The Paikin Podcast
Facts are facts but every issue has multiple sides, and Steve Paikin wants to hear them all. From Canadian politics to seismic global changes to signature one-on-one interviews and redline debates on the most hot-button issues, The Paikin Podcast helps you understand the world today, with balance and context.
Episodes
Rocco Rossi: Finding Solitude and Walking the Camino de Santiago
Rocco Rossi has had an eclectic career. He ran for mayor of Toronto in 2010 and for Queen’s Park in the 2011 Ontario election. He has headed up the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Prostate Cancer Canada, and is currently president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. He has also walked the Camino de Santiago in Europe multiple times. He talks with Steve about why he makes the trek, what it
(Best Of) Premier Danielle Smith: Is It Time for Alberta to Leave Canada?
In our “Best of The Paikin Podcast,” we go back to our very first episode. Steve flew to Calgary to sit down with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to discuss Alberta’s sovereignty act, if this could be Alberta’s "Brexit moment," Doug Ford and his Ontario brand of conservatism, getting “Jason Kenneyed,” meeting with Trump at Mar–a-Lago, how to play Trump’s ego, the future of conservatism and the rise
Bob Rae: Wildfire Politics, UK Chaos, and Billy Bishop
Ontario’s 21st premier and Canada’s former ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, joins Steve for one of their monthly chats to discuss the federal government saying no to expanding Billy Bishop Airport on Toronto’s waterfront, the fallout between PM Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the wildfires in Canada and Europe, whether the Liberal government has decided national unity is more impor
World on Edge: Russia Attacking Europe, NATO, and a Nuclear Saudi Arabia
In this episode of World on Edge, Janice Stein and Steve discuss the NATO summit in Turkey, the “Trump whisperer” Mark Rutte, why Turkey matters to NATO, Article 5, Germany’s steep increase in defence spending, and growing concerns that Russia could attack Europe. They also discuss Trump’s changing tone on Zelensky and Ukraine, the strength of Putin’s position within Russia, how the Ukraine War en
Everything Political: Trump’s Wildfire Tariffs, Finding Decency, and the Gordie Howe Bridge
Christine Elliott joins the Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement to discuss Trump's wildfire tariffs, the Gordie Howe bridge opening, and Elliott's organization Decency Matters. They also get into past incivility in politics, including an assault in Parliament with a hickory stick, whether politics is more civil behind the scenes than in front of the came
AI Minister Evan Solomon: The AI Revolution, Economic Fallout, and Data Centre Backlash
Canada’s Minister of AI and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon joins Steve to discuss whether the AI revolution will make the Industrial Revolution more than a century ago look like a tea party, his role as Canada’s first-ever AI Minister, growing concerns about job loss, whether we are marching into a political revolution, the backlash against energy-consuming data centres, and whether we can trust
Walter Russell Mead: America at 250, The Trump Doctrine, and the “Drama Queen” President
Walter Russell Mead joins Steve to discuss America’s 250th anniversary, how “we’re in an uncharted world with a man who doesn’t believe in charts,” Trump’s political genius, how he sees drama as the core of power, not achievement, and a possible successor to Trump. They also discuss Trump’s foreign policy, whether there is a Trump doctrine, the unpredictability and chaos in which he operates, the
Paik’s Takes: Canada in the EU, American Influence in Alberta, and Soccer is Boring
In our third edition of “Paik’s Takes,” Steve is joined by The Big Story’s Caryn Ceolin to discuss why Steve thinks soccer is boring, whether the World Cup was worth it for Canada, why Steve thinks municipal politics should be capturing more of our attention, including the race for Toronto mayor, and Caryn’s take that America’s next Democratic presidential candidate will not run on a platform of f
World on Edge: America’s Doomsday Clock, Canadian Optimism, and the Imperial Presidency
Stephen Marche, host of the Gloves Off podcast, joins Steve to discuss Canada-U.S. relations, how Canada is making its way through the “mess” south of the border, the weakening of American power worldwide, and his optimism for Canada’s ability to navigate the Trump era.
They also discuss America’s “Doomsday Clock,” authoritarianism on the right and left, whether the Supreme Court is creating an “i
James Scongack: What is the Future of Nuclear Power? (Sponsored Content)
James Scongack, COO and Executive Vice President at Bruce Power, joins Steve for a sponsored piece of content in partnership with Bruce Power to discuss the history of nuclear power, when the nuclear era began in this province, the nuclear accidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima, what impact that had here in Canada, Germany’s response to Fukushima and the decision to entirely phase out nuclear power
Everything Political: “Davos Carney,” the Shame of 24 Sussex, and Condo Buybacks
The Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement discusses the campaign to restore 24 Sussex Drive, if it should be torn down entirely, and if it’s an embarrassment to Canada. They also discuss the federal government’s plan to buy condos in B.C. that developers can’t sell in the hope of turning them into affordable housing, if this is a good idea, the blowback to
Bill Browder: Is Russia Losing the Ukraine War?
“I’ve fought Putin for 17 years.” Bill Browder, head of the Global Magnitsky Justice campaign, joins Steve to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, how Russia is now incurring eight men killed or seriously wounded for every one lost by Ukraine, whether Russia is losing the war, Putin’s recent statement that he wants to negotiate, and why Browder thinks Putin would rather watch Russia burn than admit
World on Edge: Did the Iran War Achieve Anything?
Let’s review this, shall we? The United States and Israel decided to unilaterally attack Iran. There were a number of justifications for the attack: stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, deterring Iran’s ability to export terrorism, punishing the Iranian regime after it killed tens of thousands of its own citizens, having greater control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, enhancing Isr
Harvey Brownstone: Meeting Hate with Levity and Becoming Canada’s First Openly Gay Judge
Harvey Brownstone’s “life story is one of the most astonishing you’ll ever encounter.” He joins the pod to discuss his book, Without Prejudice: My Life as a Gay Judge, his early life, his traumatic experience coming out to his parents, being disowned, and living in poverty at Queen’s University. From there they discuss his early years as a lawyer, the homophobia and hate he experienced, how levit
Everything Political: Carney Infatuation Syndrome, the G7, and a One-Term PM
The Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement discusses “Carney infatuation syndrome,” if the honeymoon will ever end, rumours that Carney may stand down after one term, the G7 summit, if the “strands” of a new world order are being woven, and Canada’s “conscious uncoupling” from the United States. They also discuss the World Cup, the corruption of FIFA, and t
Bob Rae: USMCA, Trump’s Bluff, and Dealing with Chaos
In our second edition of a monthly segment, Steve is joined by “the most difficult man to introduce in Canada,” Bob Rae, to discuss Trump’s negotiating style, how we’ve “seen this movie before,” and if America First doesn’t mean America alone. They then discuss the deal with Iran, how it is not a victory for Trump, the diverging interests of Israel and America, the possibility that Netanyahu may s
Charlie Angus: “Gangster Fascism,” Canadian Unity, and NDP’s Future
Welcome to the first collaboration between The Paikin Podcast and Charlie Angus’s Meidas Canada. Steve and Charlie get into how we should understand this moment in history, how we are in a “new age of monsters,” and the rising authoritarian threat. They then discuss fears they have for the future of Canada, the two separatisms in Alberta and Quebec, whether Avi Lewis was the right choice for the N
Everything Political: Did Carney Miss the Mark on Antisemitism in Canada?
In a special episode recorded in front of a live audience at The Albany Club, Greg Brady joins the Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement to discuss Carney's speech on antisemitism — whether it hit the mark, why he didn't mention anti-Zionism, and whether Israel's actions have contributed to the rising antisemitism in Canada.
They then discuss the mood of c
World on Edge: Sweden’s GlobalEye, Trump Blowback, and Canada’s Defence Future
We got some more evidence this past week that our relationship with the United States is not business as usual. Canada is going to purchase a whack of surveillance jets, and we are not buying them from the US. Sweden got the contract and the Americans are ticked. Did the federal government make the right choice here? And will we have to pay a political price for angering our neighbors? Stephen Sa
Why the Future of Global Democracy May Hinge on Taiwan
George Takach, author of Inspired by Taiwan: Why Supporting Taiwan Matters for Global Democracy, joins Steve to discuss his book, the possibility of China invading Taiwan, why the West must make sure China doesn’t “take a run” at Taiwan, how we are all dependent on Taiwan through its semiconductors, and if President Trump would protect Taiwan if China invaded.
They also discuss whether Canada shou
Morning Brief: Trump’s Iran Stalemate and Summer Politics
Steve Paikin and Caryn Ceolin reflect on the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran three months after the war began, examining Donald Trump’s struggle to secure a deal and the political and economic fallout ahead of the U.S. midterms. They also discuss Canada-U.S. trade talks, Mark Carney’s foreign policy ambitions, and wrap up the season with a few summer plans. This is you
Everything Political: Did Danielle Smith Just Pull a Brexit?
Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement discusses Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s approach to separatism and a potential referendum, why she is being criticized from all sides, why Tony thinks she can’t squash a referendum right now, the tightrope she is walking, if she is fanning the flames of separatism, and if it could backfire and become another Brexit
Morning Brief: Carney’s Hot Mic
Steve Paikin and Caryn Ceolin discuss Mark Carney’s candid hot mic moment on Alberta separatism, the political fallout for Danielle Smith, and the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff collapse against Carolina. This is your Morning Brief for Thursday, May 28th.
Support us: patreon.com/thepaikinpodcast Follow The Paikin Podcast: YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/@ThePaikinPodcastSPOTIFY: https://ope
Frank McKenna: How to Deal with Trump
Frank McKenna, former Premier of New Brunswick and Canadian Ambassador to the United States, joins Steve for this special edition of The Paikin Podcast in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. They discuss McKenna's experience as ambassador, dealing with George W. Bush, how he would deal with Trump, whether Trump's unpredictability is constrained by markets, and whether we live in a more dangerous time than th
Morning Brief: Carney’s Alberta Warning
Steve Paikin and Caryn Ceolin discuss Mark Carney’s sharp warning against Alberta separatism, comparisons to Brexit, rising tensions with Danielle Smith and, of course, late-night reactions to the Montreal Canadiens overtime loss. This is your Morning Brief for Tuesday, May 26th.
Support us: patreon.com/thepaikinpodcast Follow The Paikin Podcast: YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/@ThePaiki
Morning Brief: Trump’s Iran Deal and Alberta Tensions
Steve Paikin and Caryn Ceolin discuss Donald Trump’s proposed Iran ceasefire deal, growing skepticism over what the conflict actually achieved, rising gas prices in the U.S., and mounting tensions between Alberta and British Columbia ahead of the Western Premiers’ Conference. This is your Morning Brief for Monday, May 25th.
Support us: patreon.com/thepaikinpodcast Follow The Paikin Podcast:&n
Morning Brief: Alberta’s Referendum Gamble and Poilievre’s Canada Pitch
Steve Paikin and Caryn Ceolin discuss Danielle Smith’s plan to put an Alberta independence question on the ballot, the growing pressure from separatists within her base, and why Pierre Poilievre is pledging to campaign to keep Alberta in Canada. This is your Morning Brief for Friday, May 22nd.
Support us: patreon.com/thepaikinpodcast Follow The Paikin Podcast: YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube
World on Edge: Are We Trapped in a Global Nuclear Arms Race?
MIT’s Vipin Narang joins Janice Stein to discuss the global nuclear arms race, how the United States “now faces a Category 5 hurricane of nuclear threats,” why China wants to become a nuclear powerhouse, how Russia and Putin plausibly threatened the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine, and why this was the closest we came to nuclear war since the height of the Cuban missile crisis.
They then discuss
Paik’s Takes: End of the Auto Industry in Canada, Rising Discontent, and the Tragically Hip
In our second edition of “Paik’s Takes,” Steve is joined by The Big Story’s Caryn Ceolin to share, well, a few takes and answer some listener questions.
Should we stop subsidizing the auto industry in Canada? Should Canada start its own automaker? As Canadians are we obliged to cheer for the Montreal Canadiens – especially if we are Toronto Maple Leaf fans?
They also discuss why trust in instituti
Morning Brief: Carney’s Alberta Concession and Trump in China
Steve Paikin and Caryn Ceolin discuss Mark Carney’s expected industrial carbon pricing deal with Alberta, the political balancing act around western alienation, and Donald Trump’s meetings with Xi Jinping in Beijing as the war in Iran continues. This is your Morning Brief for Friday, May 15th.
Support us: patreon.com/thepaikinpodcast Follow The Paikin Podcast: YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube
Everything Political: Are Trudeau Liberals Turning on Carney?
Liberal MP Karina Gould joins the Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement to discuss the meeting between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and PM Mark Carney, respecting environmental law and Indigenous rights, if Carney is letting the pro-environment side of the Liberals down, meeting both our environmental commitments and utilizing our oil resources, and if w
Morning Brief: Trump in China and Iran’s Fallout
Steve Paikin and Caryn Ceolin discuss Donald Trump’s high-stakes trip to Beijing, the ongoing fallout from the war in Iran, China’s role in the Strait of Hormuz and what it all could mean for Taiwan. This is your Morning Brief for Wednesday, May 13th.
Support us: patreon.com/thepaikinpodcast Follow The Paikin Podcast: YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/@ThePaikinPodcastSPOTIFY: https://open
Bob Rae: Is Canada Entering an Age of Tyranny?
In our first edition of a monthly segment, Steve is joined by “the most difficult man to introduce in Canada,” Bob Rae, to discuss how we are increasingly seeing behaviour in the world that is “tyrannical,” the fallout from the Iran War, why it has achieved nothing, why Canada must be more than just a bystander, and why Blaise Pascal’s maxim from the 17th century helps us understand the world toda
World on Edge: Will Iran Become a Forever War?
MP Ali Ehsassi joins Janice Stein on World on Edge to discuss the ongoing Iran War, if this could become a forever war, why regime change doesn’t come out of the barrel of a gun, and what the United States failed to understand about Iran.
They also discuss the economic fallout in Iran, the Iranian diaspora in Canada, if Iran is farther away from a nuclear weapon, the possibility of nuclear prolife
Mark Shapiro: Losing Game 7, Chasing a Ring, Geopolitics, and Trump
President and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays, Mark Shapiro, joins Steve at the Rogers Centre, perched atop the dugout, to discuss last year’s World Series, the heartbreak of game 7, chasing excellence instead of outcomes, his father, Ron Shapiro, and if he thought he’d be with the Blue Jays this long.
They also discuss why the election of Trump has made him happier to be in Canada, geopolitics and I
Everything Political: Rising Violence, the Crisis of Liberalism, and the End of History
Michael Bonner joins to discuss his book, The Crisis of Liberalism: The Origin and Destiny of Freedom, the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, then they go back and look at the early 90s and the promise of the end of history, the growing tension between individual and group identity, and why many misunderstand the origins of liberalism.
Then they discuss the backlash to DEI, whethe
Ric Bienstock: Has a Decade of Culture War Permanently Changed Us?
Ric Bienstock joins Steve to discuss her documentary Speechless, the explosion of the culture wars on college campuses, why we have lost the ability to talk to each other, and how free speech has been reshaped in colleges and beyond. They also discuss the rise of the “woke right,” if they have come to mirror the woke left they oppose, if anyone really cares about free speech anymore, how to do DEI
World on Edge: Why We Need to “Think Historically” to Survive this Uncertain Era
Francis J. Gavin joins Janice Stein to discuss his new book, Thinking Historically: A Guide to Statecraft and Strategy, why we need to know history to understand the uncertain geopolitical order today, whether Trump and his advisors understand history, why it’s necessary to understand countries such as China, Russia, and Iran, and which President of the United States knew the most history. They th
Gord Stellick & Ronnie Shuker: The Greatest Goal in Toronto Maple Leafs History?
Gord Stellick and Ronnie Shuker join Steve to discuss the 75th anniversary of Bill Barilko’s overtime goal to win the Leafs the Stanley Cup in 1951, if it was the greatest Leafs goal ever scored, and the mystery around his disappearance that summer while on a fishing trip. They also discuss the new feature-length documentary in production, “Frozen in Time: The Bill Barilko Story,” that will break
Everything Political: Peak Carney, the End of Orban, and the Future of Red Tories
The Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement discusses Hungary voting out Viktor Orban, if populism is waning, if we have hit “peak Carney,” the history of “outsider” Prime Ministers, and American influence on Canadian politics. They also discuss Alberta and proportional representation, the cynicism many feel in politics, declining economic prospects, and wha
The Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell: Is Canada’s Democracy in Danger?
Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell joins Steve to discuss the threats to Canada’s democracy, how fragile democracy can be, and her new award for “advancing democracy through education.” They also discuss her decade as Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, voter turnout, if we should lower voting age, social media, the growing threat from AI, and how education can safeguard democra
Everything Political: Carney’s Long, Strange Journey to a Majority Government
Justin Ling joins the Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement to discuss the newly minted majority government in Canada, why Justin thinks this is now a true national unity government, why Tony thinks Carney is actually now a “pottery barn” government, whether a stronger mandate will enable the government to address the dual unity crises in Quebec and Albert
John Fraser: The Hidden (and Gossipy) History of Canada’s Governors General
John Fraser joins Steve to discuss his new book, The Governors General: An Intimate History of Canada's Highest Office, why he cares about this history when so few do, why it took 80-plus years to get an actual Canadian Governor General, and why it’s a position that is “merciless.” They also discuss every single Governor General since 1952, including the “magisterial” Vincent Massey, Georges Vanie
World on Edge: Is This the End of NATO?
Janice Stein and Steve discuss Trump’s threats to leave NATO, what that would mean for Canada, his threats to Iran, and, although Trump has sown chaos and uncertainty in world affairs, if the markets operate as a significant guardrail to his actions.
They then answer some viewer questions on what will replace the old world order, if consensus can ever be achieved in global forums such as the UN on
Ashley Prime: Can Canada Still Rely on Britain?
Ashley Prime, former UK diplomat who has served all over the world, including in China, Italy, Jamaica, and Canada, joins Steve to discuss King Charles’s visit to America, if he will push back on Trump and defend Canada, PM Starmer’s plunging popularity, what Brits think of the Iran War, and why many people feel “politically homeless” in the UK. They also discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine, the “usef
Everything Political: Can Avi Lewis Save the NDP?
Kathleen Monk joins the Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement to discuss the NDP convention, Avi Lewis’s first ballot victory, whether he is the right choice to rebuild the NDP, and the passing of his father Stephen Lewis. They also discuss how the NDP can be relevant again, the equity card moment at the convention, whether the NDP will be about “the facto
Kathleen Wynne & Philippe Couillard: Are Canadians Losing Trust in Democracy?
Former premiers Kathleen Wynne and Philippe Couillard join Steve Paikin at York University’s Glendon College to discuss the rise of populism in Canada, decreasing levels of trust in government, and the threat populism poses to democracy in Canada. They also discuss where things went wrong, rising levels of inequality, the disenchantment young people feel with the political system, why young folks
World on Edge: Could Trump Learn from Bush’s Gulf War in 1990?
Arif Lalani, former Canadian Ambassador to Jordan, Iraq, Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates, joins Janice Stein to discuss George H.W. Bush’s approach to the Gulf War in 1990 compared to Trump’s war in Iran, why he did not bother to build any coalition, how Janice sees this as an incoherent and “shambolic war,” the work of Witkoff and Kushner, and how nobody seems to be doing their homework
Paik's Takes: World Disorder, Political Athletes, Policing Protesters, and Canada's Middle Power Mirage
In the first ever edition of “Paik’s Takes,” Steve offers a few, well, takes and answers questions from viewers. Is this the most dangerous and uncertain time Steve has experienced in his more than four decades as a journalist? Should athletes make political statements? Is Canada still a meaningful ‘middle power,’ or is that just a comforting myth we tell ourselves?
Then, in response to our first
Everything Political: Carney the Convincer, Floor Crossings, and Mr. Poilievre Goes Abroad
The Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement discusses the most recent floor crossing to the Liberal caucus, how Carney has been able to convince four different MPs to come over, if it’s wrong or undemocratic to get a majority through these means, and how unprecedented historically all these crossings are. They then discuss Pierre Poilievre’s international ex
Is Israel’s War in Iran Illegal? | Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister & International Law Professor
One episode. Two very different views on the Middle East. The Deputy Foreign Minister of Israel, Sharren Haskel, joins to discuss her country’s decision to attack Iran, their strategy and endgame, as well as Israel’s conduct in Gaza. You’ll also be hearing from someone who appeared before the International Court of Justice on behalf of Palestine. That's Queen’s University international law profess
World on Edge: Long War in Iran, Islamic Republic 2.0, and Canada’s Choices
Thomas Juneau joins Janice Stein to discuss the war in the Middle East, if doing nothing is an option for Canada, the diaspora politics involved, what role middle powers can play, and how Canada has been “lazy” about its national security. They also discuss the incredible pace of this war, why you cannot “bomb your way to regime change,” the incoherent strategy of this war, how the Iranian regime
John Baird: Should Canada Support the Iran War?
John Baird, Canada’s former foreign minister, joins Steve to discuss the war in Iran, whether Canada should support it, PM Mark Carney’s evolution on reacting to this war, and if it could turn out like another Iraq or Libya. They then discuss the internal deliberations within the federal government when a war breaks out, how decisions are made to support a war or not, and the tough choices Canada
Everything Political: Carney’s Backpedal on Iran, WWIII, and the Middle Power Doctrine
The Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement discuss PM Carney’s initial support of American airstrikes on Iran, his recent comments about giving diplomacy a chance, how Canada was not consulted beforehand, whether this is an illegal war, whether the UN and international law matters anymore, and the viability of Carney’s middle power theory. Support us: patre
World on Edge: What China Wants and the Rising Nuclear Threat
Ryan Hass joins Janice Stein to discuss the prospect of an American intervention in Iran, regime change, and the negotiations between America and Iran on the nuclear issue. They then look at how close China is to invading Taiwan, what China wants, how China sees its role in the new emerging world order, the rising global nuclear threat, and what sort of relationship Canada should build with China.
Redline Debates: How Should We Remember the Freedom Convoy?
Welcome to the first edition of The Paikin Podcast "Redline Debates." Four years ago this month, a convoy of truckers essentially took over the nation's capital, and beyond disrupting life there, it became a Rorschach test on how you felt about everything from vaccinations to parliamentary democracy. Justin Ling from the Toronto Star and Candice Malcolm from Juno News join to debate what the Freed
Everything Political: Is It Time to “Cancel” Billionaires?
Linda McQuaig joins the Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement to discuss her book, “Cancelling Billionaires Before They Cancel Us: The Urgent Case for a Wealth Tax,” whether billionaires should exist, how current levels of inequality can lead to “revolution,” how Canada’s tax system needs to change, the politics around bringing in a wealth tax, and if it w
Ukraine Special with Chrystia Freeland: How Much Longer Can This War Go On?
As the Ukraine War nears its fourth anniversary, we devote a special edition of The Paikin Podcast to understand where things stand today, the toll four years of war has had on the Ukrainian people, and how much longer it can go on. The episode features a variety of different voices and interviews, including:- Former MP Chrystia Freeland- Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine, Dariia Marchak
World on Edge: How Canada Survives in the “Time of Monsters”
Stephen Marche, author of “The Next Civil War,” joins Janice Stein to discuss why America is a bigger threat to our freedom and democracy than China or Russia, why the West is feeling its betrayal turn into rage, and how Stephen thinks “we’re all Canadian now.”They also discuss the American midterms, to what extent we can “return to normal” if the Democrats win back the White House, American offic
Why Longshoreman Rob Ashton Wants the NDP to Return to Its Roots
Rob Ashton joins Steve to discuss his NDP leadership bid, why he thinks the NDP needs to return to its working-class roots, if the Conservative Party outflanked them, and what he offers as an NDP leader that the other candidates do not. They then discuss housing, the level of unionization in Canada, Carney’s speech in Davos, Canada’s foreign policy approach in Ukraine and the Middle East, and Asht
How Safe? The Rise of Antisemitism in Canada with Jesse Brown
Canadaland’s Jesse Brown joins Steve to discuss his investigative podcast series, “What is Happening Here,” how October 7th made his world “fall apart,” the rise in antisemitism in Canada, the “double standard” in how it’s covered, and the pushback and attacks his reporting on antisemitism has received. They also discuss the left’s antisemitism problem, how Jewish people are seen as white privileg
Everything Political: Can a Conservative Party Led by Pierre Poilievre Win?
The Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement discuss Pierre Poilievre’s leadership review, what 87.4% support means, the level of unity in the Conservative Party, and how Poilievre gave the “best speech of his life.”They then discuss if Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party can win a general election, if he’s the right man for this geopolitical moment of unce
Why Heather McPherson Thinks She Can Save the NDP
Heather McPherson, NDP MP from Edmonton Strathcona, joins Steve to discuss her NDP leadership bid, why we still need the NDP even though 94% of Canadian voters rejected them in the last election, and how the party, in her view, has lost its way. They then discuss climate change, whether the NDP is a pro-pipeline or anti-pipeline party, Canada’s decision to recognize Palestine, Canada’s foreign pol
World on Edge: Can Middle Powers Fight Back?
Christian Leuprecht joins Janice Stein to discuss Carney’s speech in Davos, how it was the “most consequential” international speech ever delivered by a Canadian prime minister, why we must move on from the rules-based international order, and why nostalgia is not a strategy. They also discuss middle power alliances, Canada’s foreign policy, “taking the world as it is,” and whether Canada can be b
Margaret MacMillan: Are We Headed Back to the WWI Era of Great Power Rivalry?
Historian Margaret MacMillan joins Steve to discuss the history we are living through, how it reminds her of the zero-sum period before the First World War, Trump’s claims over Greenland, his letter to the PM of Norway, how seriously Canada should take Trump’s 51st state rhetoric, and the history of American attempts to invade Canada.They then discuss Canada’s defence spending, how Trump is unlike
Everything Political: Will Carney's China Gamble Pay Off?
Peter Donolo joins the Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement to discuss Carney’s deal with China. They explore why Tony thinks it’s a terrible decision for Canada, the need to chart a new path away from America, China’s history of foreign influence in Canada, and the future of Canada’s auto industry.The panel then considers whether Carney has come through
Kory Teneycke: Why Doug Ford Keeps Winning
Kory Teneycke, senior advisor to Premier Doug Ford, joins Steve to discuss the Premier, his “awful” first year in government, how he turned it around and won three straight majorities, the Greenbelt and Skills Development Fund controversies, and Ford’s earlier praise for Donald Trump. They then discuss if Ford has any designs on federal politics, the terrible relationship between him and Pierre Po
World on Edge: Did Trump Just Kill the Liberal International Order?
Janice Stein is joined by Jon R. Lindsay from Georgia Tech to discuss if the kidnapping of Maduro signals the death of the liberal international order, if Venezuela was an inside job, and if Trump has turned the world into a “den of thieves,” as the President Steinmeier of Germany said last week. They then discuss Canada’s response to America’s attack on Venezuela, Poilievre’s vs. Carney’s stateme
Everything Political: Mamdani, Maduro, and the Biggest Story of 2026
The Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement discuss the new mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, his “big hairy audacious goals,” his response to Maduro’s kidnapping, the fight for the soul of the Democratic Party, and if a left wing populism could tap into the same anger and frustrations that Trump has. They then discuss Pierre Poilievre’s response and suppor
Jim Balsillie: Is Canada Sabotaging Its Own Economy?
Jim Balsillie joins Steve to discuss how he thinks Canada is sabotaging its own economy, how we have consigned ourselves to being a low value-added petro state, why we are operating from an outdated playbook, and Canada’s productivity crisis. They then discuss a real made-in-Canada approach, why foreign investment is overrated, and how to create a more sovereign future for Canada. Follow The Paiki
Sergio Marchi: Cynicism, Distrust, and How to Survive Our Polarized Politics
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 div
David Peterson: "The More You Have, The More You Owe"
Ontario’s 20th Premier David Peterson joins Steve on stage at The Pearson Centre to look back on his early life, his father’s politics, and “why the more you have, the more you owe.” They also discuss any regrets he had as premier, the Human Rights Code, the failure of the Meech Lake Accord, the separatist scars in Canada today, the state of Ontario’s Liberals in 2025, and what’s next for David Pe
World on Edge: Why Too Much Information is Driving Us Mad
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
Tom Nichols: Is This a New Low for Trump?
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 restor
Everything Political: Did Trudeau Destroy Canada’s Consensus on Immigration?
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 t
Bob Rae: Is Canada Entering an Orwellian World?
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 admi
World on Edge: Will Russia Win the Ukraine War?
Paul Grod from the Ukrainian World Congress joins Janice Stein to discuss if there is an end in sight to the Ukraine War, the prospects of a peace deal, how Putin has become stronger since the war began, Trump’s national security plan, how the US has turned its back on Europe, Putin’s messianic vision for the Russian Empire, Witkoff’s “real estate” worldview, and where this all leaves Zelenskyy an
Cait Alexander: Why Canada Needs Bail Reform
During the pandemic Cait Alexander was brutally assaulted and almost killed by her then partner. He was soon out on bail, continued to intimidate her, and was never convicted because it took too long to go to trial. She joins Steve to share her horrifying experience with intimate partner violence, why she thinks Canada needs bail reform, and how the Canadian justice system failed her.Follow The Pa
Everything Political: Carney’s Pipeline, Guilbeault's Gone, & Canada’s New Climate Consensus
The Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement discuss Steven Guilbeault’s resignation from Carney’s cabinet, the pipeline MOU, how close we actually are to building a new pipeline, if the Carney Liberals are governing like conservatives, the new climate change consensus in Canadian politics, and if Canadians still care about climate change. Follow The Paikin P
Freddie Highmore & David Shore: How to Build an Authentic Autistic Character
"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.c
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