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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.

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Yesterday · 35 sec
Is Alberta's referendum shifting Canada's political ground?
In this paid subscriber-only edition of The Roundtable, Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer analyze Alberta's upcoming referendum on separation, arguing that Prime Minister Mark Carney's surprisingly warm reception in the province signals a fundamental political shift. They examine how the Trudeau government's antagonistic policies contributed to Western alienation, critique the lack of accountability among Liberal enablers who permitted a decade of governance failures, and discuss whether Alberta's referendum represents a democratic corrective to Canada's complacent political establishment and the potential for provincial conservative governments to drive national reform. If you are enjoying free versions of the Hub Roundtable, subscribe to become a Hub Hero or Fellow to access the full version every week: https://thehub.ca/join/ The Hub is Canada’s fastest growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get our best content when you are on the go: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Daphne Liang - Producer and Editor Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer - Hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Yesterday · 15 min
David Eby is not the problem—it’s our childcare system that’s the real scandal
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. 0:24 - David Eby is not the problem—it’s our childcare system that’s the real scandal, by Andrea Mrozek 6:55 - Antizionism is racism, by Adam Louis-Klein 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thursday · 22 min
Trump's 51st-state threat returns—how will Carney respond?
Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer examine Donald Trump's renewed threats to make Canada the 51st state, delivered during a recent Arizona rally. They analyze whether this signals a post-midterm escalation and discuss a proposal by Canadian thinkers urging the Carney government to form a "middle powers" alliance with Europe. They debate the merits and risks of this third-way approach, questioning whether such coalitions can withstand great power competition and whether distancing from the U.S. serves Canada's long-term 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: Daphne Liang - Producer and Editor Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer - Hosts Hussein Malla/AP Photo - Photo Credit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thursday · 32 min
Could a vote to consider Alberta separation actually help save Confederation?
Ted Morton, former Alberta cabinet minister and one of the architects of the famous Firewall Letter, isn't a separatist—but he doesn't think voting to stay in Canada is much of an answer either. As Albertans head to the polls, Morton makes the provocative case that a strong vote for option 2 could be exactly the leverage the province needs to push Ottawa toward meaningful constitutional reform. Could a new alliance of provincial premiers revive the spirit of the Meech Lake Accord and find a third way between separation and the status quo? Morton joins Alberta Edge to discuss Western alienation, the limits of federal power, and how Canadians might begin putting the country back together after a deeply divisive referendum. This podcast is generously supported by Don Archibald and Mac Van Wielingen. The Hub thanks them for their ongoing support. The Hub is Canada’s fastest-growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get our latest videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada Subscribe to The Hub’s podcast feed to get our best content when you are on the go: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Want more Hub? Get a FREE 3-month trial membership on us: https://thehub.ca/free-trial/ Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Falice Chin - Host, Producer, and Editor falice@thehub.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thursday · 13 min
The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize committee got it wrong
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. 0:20 - The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize committee got it wrong, by Stephen Staley 6:01 - Canada should build big—but what first? by William Dahmer 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wednesday · 22 min
How will Mark Carney manage inflation and slow growth?
Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer examine rising inflation concerns following a hot U.S. CPI report, exploring whether central banks have learned lessons from recent inflationary periods. They discuss the political and economic pressures facing policymakers, the challenges of balancing growth against inflation control, and whether debt monetization has become the path of least resistance for indebted governments. The conversation addresses Canada's unique predicament of low growth amid deficit spending and questions whether sustained higher inflation may become the new normal. 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: Daphne Liang - Producer and Editor Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer - Hosts Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press - Photo Credit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wednesday · 11 min
A member is a member is a member: Canadian Jewish workers deserve our solidarity
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. 0:20 - A member is a member is a member: Canadian Jewish workers deserve our solidarity, by Jeff Arbus 7:01 - The futuristic perspective of AI almost no one talks about, by Michel Kelly-Gagnon 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: Pouya Daneshpajooh – Producer & Editor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tuesday · 21 min
Will midterm losses for Trump make Canada's trade war worse?
Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer analyze the potential fallout from upcoming U.S. midterm elections for Canada-U.S. relations. They argue that a Democratic congressional victory won't improve Canada's position, as a politically weakened Trump may become more unpredictable and rely heavily on executive powers in trade and foreign policy. They explore how anti-Canadian sentiment persists in MAGA circles, and examine Trump's potential pressure points against Canada beyond CUSMA, warning that Ottawa's optimism about post-midterm negotiations may be misplaced. 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: Daphne Liang - Producer and Editor Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer - Hosts Alex Brandon/AP Photo - Photo Credit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tuesday · 37 min
Can Alberta’s grid keep up with the coming wave of data centres?
Elias Soto, electricity market forecaster with Similan Consulting, speculates what Alberta’s data centre boom could mean for power bills. He explains why adding massive new demand could push prices higher in the short term—even as new generation eventually brings more supply onto the grid. Soto also walks through why Alberta households can pay more than people in hydro provinces despite cheap natural gas, and what transmission, fixed-rate contracts, and government policy could do to soften the impact. This podcast is generously supported by Don Archibald. The Hub thanks him for his ongoing support. The Hub is Canada’s fastest-growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get our latest videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada Subscribe to The Hub’s podcast feed to get our best content when you are on the go: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Want more Hub? Get a FREE 3-month trial membership on us: https://thehub.ca/free-trial/ Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Falice Chin - Host, Producer, and Editor falice@thehub.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tuesday · 14 min
Terry Fox embodied true Canadian grit. Young Canadians risk losing it
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. 0:20 - Terry Fox embodied true Canadian grit. Young Canadians risk losing it, by Ginny Roth 6:47 - Democracy requires political renewal, not just political experience, by Eric Lombardi 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: Pouya Daneshpajooh – Producer & Editor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Monday · 18 min
Why Alberta needs to ditch direct democracy
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. 0:20 - Why Alberta needs to ditch direct democracy, by Jared Wesley and Ken Boessenkool 11:06 - How feminism failed mothers, by Felicity Estrin 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: Pouya Daneshpajooh – Producer & Editor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 10 · 9 min
Rubio, Badenoch and the fight to define a conservative future
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. Rubio, Badenoch and the fight to define a conservative future, 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: Pouya Daneshpajooh – Producer & Editor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 9 · 35 sec
Will Alberta and Quebec separatists actually strengthen Canadian democracy?
In this paid subscriber-only edition of The Roundtable, Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer discuss The Hub's editorial direction heading into a consequential fall featuring Alberta's separation referendum and Quebec's separatist election result. They explore Western alienation, federal-provincial tensions, and the Carney government's centralization of power. The two also examine how referendums in Alberta and Quebec represent healthy democratic dissent rather than dysfunction. They argue that Canada's narrowing political consensus threatens pluralistic debate, and that diverse viewpoints—even separatist ones—should be welcomed in the public square. If you are enjoying free versions of the Hub Roundtable, subscribe to become a Hub Hero or Fellow to access the full version every week: https://thehub.ca/join/ The Hub is Canada’s fastest growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get our best content when you are on the go: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Daphne Liang - Producer and Editor Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer - Hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 9 · 33 min
Could the proposed West Coast oil pipeline end up costing $66 billion?
Patrick Bryden, global head of research at the newly launched Scotia Growth Institute, explains what it will really take to get Canada's proposed Pacific Link oil pipeline built. His team has modelled three possible scenarios, with costs ranging from $35 billion to $66 billion and completion dates stretching as far as 2037. But with hundreds of billions of dollars in major projects competing for workers, materials, and capital, could Canada's ambition to build big again become its own biggest obstacle? Bryden joins The Hub’s Alberta Bureau Chief Falice Chin to discuss the risks, the economics, and why the pipeline's strategic value may be worth more than its financial returns. The Hub is Canada’s fastest-growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get our latest videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada Subscribe to The Hub’s podcast feed to get our best content when you are on the go: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Want more Hub? Get a FREE 3-month trial membership on us: https://thehub.ca/free-trial/ Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Falice Chin - Host, Producer, and Editor falice@thehub.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 9 · 11 min
Why Canada must put public dollars behind big infrastructure
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. 0:20 - Why Canada must put public dollars behind big infrastructure, by Peter Tertzakian 5:28 - Chris Alexander’s curious kamikaze campaign for Mayor of Toronto, by Stephen Staley 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: Pouya Daneshpajooh – Producer & Editor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 8 · 32 min
Why Alberta leaving could cost workers $15,000 annually
Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta, discusses why Alberta should remain in Canada ahead of the province's separation referendum. He outlines the economic uncertainty and practical disruptions separation could create, from currency and trade to jobs and investment. Legge also addresses legitimate Alberta grievances—particularly equalization and federal energy policies—while highlighting recent progress under Prime Minister Carney. He argues Alberta's prosperity and leadership role are best secured within Canada, despite needed reforms to achieve greater fairness in the federation. 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: Daphne Liang - Producer and Editor Sean Speer - Host Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 8 · 39 min
A new era of pipeline politics?
Amber Ruddy from Counsel Public Affairs, Keith McLaughlin from Shift Media Strategies, and Alberta Edge host Falice Chin get into a spirited discussion about Ottawa’s new “Building Canada Strong” agenda. Are we finally done arguing about whether to build pipelines? How much political horse-trading, rent-seeking, and taxpayer money will it take to get shovels in the ground? Are opponents on the far Left finding themselves in the political wilderness as a new Canadian consensus emerges on energy development? This podcast is generously supported by Don Archibald. The Hub thanks him for his ongoing support. The Hub is Canada’s fastest-growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get our latest videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada Subscribe to The Hub’s podcast feed to get our best content when you are on the go: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Want more Hub? Get a FREE 3-month trial membership on us: https://thehub.ca/free-trial/ Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Falice Chin - Host, Producer, and Editor falice@thehub.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 8 · 13 min
Polls suggest separatists will lose Alberta’s referendum. But polling history is full of surprises
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. 0:22 - Polls suggest separatists will lose Alberta’s referendum. But polling history is full of surprises, by Alicia Planincic 7:46 - Canada’s trade surplus with U.S. hits $11.2 billion as exporters race ahead of tariffs, by The Hub Staff 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: Pouya Daneshpajooh – Producer & Editor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 7 · 20 min
How bond markets could derail Carney’s plans
Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer examine the dramatic rise in bond yields across Western economies and its implications for heavily indebted governments. They explore whether bond markets are finally disciplining fiscal profligacy after years of deficit spending, discussing how rising borrowing costs could constrain government ambitions around defence spending to social programs. The conversation considers whether Canada faces a fundamental reckoning similar to the 1990s crisis, as higher interest rates challenge both public finances and private investment in an increasingly leveraged economy. 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: Daphne Liang - Producer and Editor Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer - Hosts Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press - Photo Credit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 7 · 48 min
Can Canadian universities bolster our economic sovereignty?
Sean Speer speaks with Edward McCauley, president of the University of Calgary, about balancing Canada's economic sovereignty with global research collaboration. McCauley discusses how universities cultivate domestic talent and innovation, the challenges of scaling Canadian startups, and the need for stronger university-industry partnerships. He argues that Canada must embrace calculated risk-taking, create regional innovation systems, and develop policies encouraging domestic companies to become first customers for homegrown innovations. This episode is presented in partnership with U15 Canada. 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: Daphne Liang - Producer and Editor Sean Speer - Host Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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