Politics Is Broken

When political branding stops matching reality… what happens next? In this episode of Politics Is Broken, Brittlestar and Lisa explore what they call a potential “Conservative Death Spiral” — a moment where long-standing messaging around fiscal responsibility and “common sense” begins to clash with real-world decisions and outcomes. From Doug Ford’s controversial government jet purchase to Pierre Poilievre’s attacks on Mark Carney’s credentials, and even contradictions within the MAGA movement, the conversation looks at how narratives can start to collapse under their own weight. They also dig into: The psychology of political loyaltyWhy supporters sometimes defend policies that hurt themAnd whether we’re seeing a temporary wobble… or a deeper structural shiftA sharp, funny, and occasionally incredulous look at modern politics — and the risks of believing your own talking points for too long.

Canada’s political landscape just took a strange turn. In this episode of Politics Is Broken, we break down the wave of floor crossings that has pushed the Liberals to within one seat of a majority government — without an election. Are MPs switching sides out of principle… or pure political survival? We dig into: The recent Conservative → Liberal defectionsWhy Marilyn Gladu’s move is causing backlashWhether Mark Carney is playing 4D chess… or making a risky mistakeWhy majority governments might be more dangerous than they seemAnd what this all says about the state of Canadian politics right nowPlus… A little Trump-induced global anxiety, ketchup chips diplomacy, and why Canadian politics increasingly feels like a group project where nobody trusts each other.

What happens when the headlines are too chaotic to ignore… but too exhausting to fully process? You react. This week on Politics Is Broken, Brittlestar and Lisa react to the biggest, strangest, and most concerning headlines from around the world—because picking just one story feels impossible right now. From war-driven oil spikes to political chaos in the U.S.… to Canada’s policy curveballs… to a moon mission happening in the middle of it all… we break it down the only way we know how: by trying to make sense of it (and occasionally failing). In this episode: Reacting to rising global oil prices and economic falloutBreaking down Trump’s latest moves and loyalty dramaCanada’s “30 days or free” passport policyThe EV debate and what it means for Canadian industryAnd yes… reacting to humans heading back to the moon while everything else feels like it’s falling apartIt’s real headlines, real reactions, and just enough humour to keep you from throwing your phone across the room.

What happens when you stop watching politics… and actually go see it? This week on Politics Is Broken, Brittlestar heads to Ottawa to speak at Carleton University’s Kesterton Lecture… and ends up going behind the scenes of Canadian politics. From touring Parliament Hill and sitting in on Question Period… to meeting politicians in the hallway and eating in what may or may not be called “the cafeteria of power”… this episode is a firsthand look at how politics feels in real life. And the biggest takeaway? It doesn’t feel less broken… …but it does feel different. Less like chaos… more like choreography. Less like villains… more like very tired humans trying to do a very public job. Plus, an Alberta update featuring: The ongoing “Temu Tylenol” sagaRCMP investigationsAnd a golden cat that may or may not explain everythingSo… is Ottawa really a bubble? Or are we just watching it through one? If you want a slightly punchier version (or one with more humour baked into the first two lines), I can tighten it even further.

Ontario’s government says it wants to modernize transparency laws. Critics say it looks more like hiding the paperwork. This week on Politics Is Broken, Brittlestar and Lisa break down the Ford government’s proposed changes to Freedom of Information rules — which could exempt the premier’s office and cabinet ministers from requests while extending response times. The timing is raising eyebrows. Because the same government is also proposing a series of massive ideas — from the Greenbelt reversal to a $2.2 billion spa at Ontario Place and even a 50 km tunnel under Highway 401. So what’s going on? Bold governing? Convenience politics? Or government by vibes?

Brittlestar and Lisa tackle a week that somehow managed to get worse. From Mark Carney's principled Davos speech to his awkward endorsement of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Canada finds itself diplomatically sandwiched between its values and its geography. The hosts dig into why the timing of Operation Epic Fury feels suspiciously convenient — and what the avalanche of newly released Epstein documents might have to do with it. They break down the growing list of resignations and arrests tied to the Epstein files, why Prince Andrew's takedown was no ordinary trade-secrets scandal, and what it means that the US appears to be the only country where nobody powerful has faced real consequences. Plus: cornered-squirrel Trump, a congressman who can't spell "fury," Keir Starmer's deeply unhelpful anger origin story, and the impossible chess game facing a Canadian prime minister who can't afford to tell the truth — but probably can't afford not to. Funny where it can be. Worried where it has to be.

Science says we’re getting dimmer…and politics is sprinting to the cognitive bottom. In this episode of Politics Is Broken, Stewart (Brittlestar) and Lisa unpack the Reverse Flynn Effect (yes, it’s a real thing) and why critical thinking has been quietly leaving the group chat since the mid-’90s. We dig into “cognitive offloading” (Google, GPS, AI doing our thinking for us), the flood-the-zone strategy that keeps everyone overwhelmed, and how a world full of exhausted, distracted people becomes the perfect environment for bad ideas to look like leadership. Along the way: Sharpie hurricanes, disinfectant “solutions,” conspiracy nonsense, and one Canadian MP hunting for “Antifa members” like it’s a sandwich club with a loyalty card. It’s funny…until you remember these people run things.

The "Conservative Party of Canada" is leaking. In this episode of Politics Is Broken, Stewart (Brittlestar) and Lisa dive into the shocking news of Edmonton MP Matt Jeneroux crossing the aisle to join the Liberals. Is this a "dirty backroom deal" as Pierre Poilievre claims, or a sign of a deeper rot within the CPC leadership? The truth may surprise you (if you were just born today).

A heavy week in Canada sparks a tough (and surprisingly data-filled) question: is Canada actually better than the U.S.? In this episode of Politics is Broken, Stewart (Brittlestar) and Lisa start by acknowledging a heartbreaking tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., and the wave of grief, misinformation, and opportunistic culture-war blame that followed. From there, they zoom out and do what Canadians do best… compare ourselves to our loud neighbour with receipts. They dig into the numbers on income, unemployment, healthcare costs, life expectancy, housing pressure, and gun violence, and ask what’s worth defending…and what we still need to fix. Along the way, they talk about political leaders showing unity, why scapegoating communities doesn’t solve anything, and how Canada can protect its “we’re in this together” instinct before it gets imported and ruined like acid-washed jeans. Content note: discussion of a recent act of violence and its aftermath.

What’s really happening in the United States…and how did American democracy get to this point? On this episode of Politics is Broken, Stewart and Lisa are joined by U.S. political analyst, bestselling author, and former congressional staffer Eric Ham for a revealing conversation about Donald Trump, American politics, and the structural failures that paved the way for the current crisis. Eric offers an unexpected and deeply informed perspective on how the U.S. drifted here over decades…from weakened democratic institutions and access-driven media, to the normalization of political extremism, racism, and fear as a governing strategy. He explains why Trump isn’t an accident or an outlier, but a symptom of unresolved American contradictions that many preferred not to confront. The discussion also explores U.S.–Canada relations, trade tensions, immigration enforcement, the future of free and fair elections, and why many Americans are quietly alarmed by what they’re seeing from their own government. Eric breaks down why global concern isn’t overreaction…and what happens when accountability disappears. A sobering, honest look at American democracy, Trumpism, political polarization, and the uncertain road ahead — with rare clarity from inside Washington.

The Conservative Party just held a leadership convention in Calgary and—surprise—Pierre Poilievre walked away with a huge vote of confidence. But was it unity…or just muscle memory? In this episode of Politics is Broken, Stewart and Lisa watch the convention so you don’t have to, unpacking Poilievre’s 87% approval, the party’s fixation on the “good old days,” and the increasingly polished attempt to soften a lifelong attack dog. We talk nostalgia politics, emotional messaging, selective history, and why “remember when things were better” is not actually a governing strategy. They dig into the numbers behind the applause, the age gap in Conservative support, the curious obsession with high-school mock elections, and why younger voters may be buying promises that don’t come with a “how.” Plus: smiling on command, Reagan jokes, used-car-salesman energy, and a political bus that may be heading confidently in the wrong direction. Funny, skeptical, and mildly concerned…just how we like it.

"Nostalgia is not a strategy." This week on Politics Is Broken, Stewart (Brittlestar) and Lisa dive into the fallout from Davos 2026, where Prime Minister Mark Carney finally took the gloves off. From rallying middle powers to reminding the world that Canada doesn't just "live because of the U.S.," Carney is drawing a line in the snow—and the "Board of Peace" is not happy about it.

Brittlestar and Lisa wade bravely into the comment section (together… for safety) to do a little “Reply in the Comments” palate-cleanse… because the world is a dumpster fire and sometimes it’s healthier to fixate on people’s gripes instead. Along the way: suburban snow rituals, the “grandma shuffle,” superbox mailbox rage, why Chinese EVs are both tempting and complicated, and the terrifying absurdity of Greenland becoming a geopolitical storyline. Plus, a few listener comments that hit hard, a quick group therapy moment about news anxiety, and one all-caps hot take that gets exactly the airtime it deserves.

Happy New Year… and welcome to 2026, the future nobody ordered. Stewart and Lisa ask the big question: is Canada prepared for a world where the U.S. goes full rogue-state vibes ... ignoring rule of law, weaponizing trade, and exporting chaos. They talk worst-case vs best-case, what Canada can actually do, and then end with a “Wrong Answers Only” Trump-quote game because of course they do.

It’s the year-end wrap for Politics is Broken… and it’s festive in the way a tire fire is festive when someone tosses a candy cane into it. In “The 12 Months of Crisismas”, Brittlestar and Lisa rip through 2025 month-by-month… Trudeau stepping aside, Doug Ford’s third majority, Carney’s technocratic pivot, election anxiety, internal trade “why didn’t we do this 100 years ago,” Poilievre’s by-election comeback, Alberta’s culture-war legislation, and the ongoing “are we a country or are we a condo America is trying to buy” vibe. Then… the 12 Quotes of Crisismas (a reminder that the things leaders said this year were not normal), followed by the game Folks or Fiction, where you try to guess if a quote came from Doug Ford or a fictional character… and honestly, that’s harder than it should be. Take a breather, laugh a little, remember to vote like it matters (because it does)… and welcome to the year-end episode that politely asks: “Can we all calm down for five minutes?”

This week on Politics Is Broken, Danielle Smith becomes the first Alberta premier in nearly 90 years to face a citizen-led recall petition... and the UCP’s own recall law starts doing exactly what everyone warned it would do (just not to the people who wrote it). Then we pivot south, where the U.S. releases a new “National Security Strategy” that reads less like policy and more like a world dominance mood board... complete with America First everything, Europe-as-a-warning-label, and a not-at-all-chill vibe about the “Western hemisphere.” Plus: the new U.S. visitor rule demanding five years of social media history, and what Canada should do when the neighbour starts acting like the whole street is his driveway.

Canada’s back in the global spotlight… and this time it’s not for policy, it’s for pop. In this episode, Brittlestar and Lisa start with the truly urgent question of our time: is Justin Trudeau actually soft-launching a relationship with Katy Perry, complete with a former Japanese prime minister accidentally hard-launching it to the world? From there, they dig into FIFA’s World Cup draw, the eye-rollingly absurd “Peace Prize” nobody asked for, and what hosting the tournament is really worth to Canada once you factor in copyright goons, bylaw cops, and the joy of not being allowed to say “World Cup.” Back home, BC’s Conservatives implode in a “professionally incapacitated” leadership crisis, while Alberta pulls the plug on two big private surgical contracts at the centre of a growing procurement scandal, raising fresh questions about conflict of interest and who the system is actually serving. Finally, they turn to the most serious story of the week: the deadly U.S. strike near Venezuela, the alleged “kill 'em all” order, and what it says about power, impunity, and where the line actually is for American voters. It’s politics at its most surreal and most dangerous… and as always, Politics Is Broken is here to make sense of the stupid.

In this week’s Politics Is Broken: The death of “statesmanlike” behaviourTrump’s “quiet, quiet, piggy” moment and Ford’s “get a job” clapbackHow recall actually works in Alberta (and why there are so many petitions)What other countries do with recall… and why it’s so rareWhether recall is a dangerous precedent or a much-needed pressure valveAnd why this all “smells a little like hope” in a grim political year

Brittlestar and Lisa tackle Alberta’s chaos spiral - from the government using the notwithstanding clause to target trans kids, to a $125M privatization disaster, to a “not two-tier” healthcare plan that sure feels like two tiers. What the hell, Alberta?

This week on Politics Is Broken, Brittlestar and Lisa tackle a topic that makes you want to wash your hands just for saying it out loud: Jeffrey Epstein. The scandal that won’t die has become a mirror for power, privilege, and the myth that Canada’s too polite for corruption. They dig into how systems protect the powerful, why accountability in Canada feels so slow, and whether or not we’re just naïve enough to think “it couldn’t happen here.

Is anger politics finally over? … and If it is, where do we send the people who still want to yell on Facebook? This week, Brittlestar & Lisa dive into MP jumping parties, a democratic socialist win in New York City, and a federal budget that might have been written entirely by ChatGPT with a positive attitude problem.

This week on Politics Is Broken, Brittlestar and Lisa ask if America’s chaos has finally spilled into Canada. From Trump’s revenge tariffs to Alberta’s teacher strikes and a white supremacist tantrum outside the CBC, it’s all cheese, chaos, and constitutional clauses. Perfect for fans of smart, unhinged politics. Politics Is Broken. A weekly podcast where Brittlestar and Lisa B attempt to make Canadian News and Politics funner. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers at Brittlestar.com. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. Find the podcast here: https://pod.link/1730993828

Big week. Trump’s thrown his toys out of the NAFTA crib, a Canadian MP’s doing his best Charlie Kirk cosplay, and the Blue Jays are suddenly making us believe in something again -which, frankly, is dangerous. Today we’re asking whether American-style politics can actually work here, what ‘ending trade talks’ really means when your biggest customer lives next door, and whether baseball can unite a country that mostly only watches it when we’re winning. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers at Brittlestar.com. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. Find the podcast here: https://pod.link/1730993828

This week on Podcast Is Broken, Brittlestar & Lisa dive into the strange world of good deeds done for all the wrong reasons. From Trump’s ego-fueled Abraham Accords to Doug Ford’s reluctant wins, the crew asks: do motives matter if the results are good? They explore how history’s biggest breakthroughs — from Nixon’s China gamble to Caravaggio’s murderous genius — often came from messy, selfish, or downright awful intentions

Mark Carney built his reputation as the climate banker who’d and help save the planet. Now, as Prime Minister, he’s scrapped the carbon tax, fast-tracked oil exports, and promised “balanced growth.” Gas is cheaper, Alberta’s smiling, but Canada’s services economy — where most people actually work — is shrinking fast. This week, we dig into whether Carney’s pivot is pragmatic politics during turbulent times and tariffs - or a slow-motion betrayal. Can a “dual-energy” Canada work when the climate math doesn’t add up and the barista can’t pay rent?

Britain promised kids would be safe online. Instead, Instagram “teen accounts” are still full of self-harm content, while Keir Starmer pushes a shiny new digital ID — the so-called “BritCard.” Stewart and Lisa dig into why protections for kids don’t work, how governments keep selling surveillance as safety, and why Canada’s patchwork approach might actually be a blessing. Plus: Politics & the Pen, stolen water glasses, and a very blush-worthy Sean Fraser story

Kimmel’s FCC suspension vs. Canada’s CRTC: which country is actually more free? Brittlestar & Lisa B dig into political speech, CanCon, and why the algorithm might be the real censor. Topics: Kimmel/FCC suspension, political speech vs. hate-speech limits, CRTC & discoverability, Canada vs. U.S. free expression, algorithms as gatekeepers. Contact: [email protected]

Green Party leader Elizabeth May joins us to unpack the fallout from Charlie Kirk’s murder, Michelle Rempel Garner’s call for Carney to speak up, and whether Canada risks following America’s path. Plus: PM Mark Carney... has his honeymoon already ended?

The Liberals invited the author of Project 2025 to a cabinet meeting… and then acted surprised when he ghosted them. Meanwhile, a U.S. DOJ official spilled Epstein file gossip on a Hinge date. In this episode, we ask: why do smart people keep engaging with loud idiots, and is Mark Carney just realizing what the rest of us already know? Video version at Brittlestar.com

This one’s the inaugural Politics Is Broken with me and Lisa B… and Owen briefly fighting the intro music. Very professional. Very us. It’s National Payroll Week (Sept 15–19). Share your best payday story with #PowerOfPayroll and #Contest, tag National Payroll Institute, and you could win a $250 prepaid card. Every eligible post also triggers a donation to Food Banks Canada—good deeds with prize potential. Enter! In this episode The Power of Payroll: Real people make paydays happen. Let’s celebrate them—and win stuff while feeding people.Back to School, Back to Reality: Millions of students return… and the great Canadian debate: are they duo-tangs or just “those bendy paper binder things”?Poilievre’s New Tone (and Old Habits): Collaboration slogans meet carbon-tax-2.0 speeches. Will the CPC actually change… or just change outfits?Tariffs, De Minimis, and a Border Buzzkill: The U.S. yanks duty-free under $800; Canada Post partners with Zonos; small businesses (including ours) rethink shipping to the States.Alberta Teachers Draw a Line: 95% strike mandate. Class sizes, pay that tracks inflation, and why supporting teachers isn’t optional if you like… society.Why listen Because it’s smart, funny, and slightly exasperated—like September in Canada. We cut through the noise and still leave room for the important questions… like whether chalk is extinct and if we can weaponize duo-tangs. 🎧 Listen & follow the show: Apple Podcasts → Follow on Apple PodcastsSpotify → Follow on Spotify📺 Want the video version? Become a Paid Subscriber at Brittlestar.com to watch the full episode in glorious moving pictures.

It's never easy to say goodbye - and saying hello again to Poilievre isn't so fun either. Thank you for everything, Steve! This week, Brittlestar, Steve and Lisa talk the Air Canada strike coming to an end, the return of Pierre Poilievre, schmoozers in Ottawa, and more! Post your story on Instagram or TikTok with #PowerOfPayroll and #Contest, tag @nationalpayrollinst, and you could win a $250 prepaid credit card. Plus, for every post with those hashtags, NPI donates $1 to Food Banks Canada – up to $25,000. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers at Brittlestar.com. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers.

This week we're joined by the incredible Alison Gill, a.k.a. Mueller, She Wrote! Allison also has her own fantastic podcasts, The Daily Bean, and JACK: A Special Counsel Podcast, to talk Canadians held in ICE custody, and the National Guard in D.C., Oh - also, the sandwich guy. Post your story on Instagram or TikTok with #PowerOfPayroll and #Contest, tag @nationalpayrollinst, and you could win a $250 prepaid credit card. Plus, for every post with those hashtags, NPI donates $1 to Food Banks Canada – up to $25,000. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers at Brittlestar.com. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers.

This week on Podcast Is Broken, Stewart, Lisa, and Steve attempt to make it all make sense. It's not going well. This week on Podcast Is Broken, Brittlestar, Lisa, and Steve spiral into bread-cutting conspiracies, a Danish 'Wackadoo-Zoo' (Lisa's words) for their predators. Along the way: a man gets caught kayaking into Canada like it’s an Olympic event, Mexico’s president gives Canada the politest cold shoulder, and Trump and Putin plan a tension-filled meet-up. Post your story on Instagram or TikTok with #PowerOfPayroll and #Contest, tag @nationalpayrollinst, and you could win a $250 prepaid credit card. Plus, for every post with those hashtags, NPI donates $1 to Food Banks Canada – up to $25,000. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers at Brittlestar.com. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. Find the podcast here: https://pod.link/1730993828

This week on Podcast Is Broken, Stewart, Lisa, and Steve attempt to make sense of Canadian politics and news… and fail spectacularly but hilariously. Topics include: Justin Trudeau’s dinner date with Katy Perry’s dog (yes, really)Alberta flirting with leaving Canada (again)Spent fowl fraud at the border (no, we didn’t make that up)A mysterious “Blue Hackle Mafia” in the Canadian militaryAnd why driving a trailer on Calgary’s Deerfoot is basically a live-action video game.Plus, our “Make It Make Sense” game returns with all the accuracy of a drunk weather forecast. Spoiler: Lisa wins, Steve cries capriciousness. Perfect for anyone who likes their politics messy, their headlines weird, and their comedy slightly unhinged.

We're off this week for Summer holidays - so please enjoy a rerelease of one of our favourite episodes! - An interview with the one, the only, the dynamo Leader of the Green Party of Canada - Elizabeth May. May dishes the dirt on Poilievre still not getting his security clearance and tells us what Trump can do with his 51st State talk. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free here and on podcast platforms. We love all subscribers

This week on Podcast Is Broken, Steve’s off-grid, probably dodging wildfires and responsibilities, so Brittlestar and Lisa are joined by the one and only Amber Mac—tech expert, podcast host, and now… game show contestant? Together, they tackle three confusingly mashed-up headlines in the “Make It Make Sense” game, covering everything from interstellar comets and robo-taxis to a landlord's worst nightmare in PEI. They debate whether 16-year-olds should vote (spoiler: probably), if robot cars will steal your job (spoiler: definitely), and why the Canadian government is picking a weird fight with TikTok while still cozying up to Elon’s rage platform. Also, Brittlestar nearly has an existential crisis about going down a mine shaft. Bonus: The episode ends with possibly the finest improvised theme song ever recorded using a piece of paper, pens, and a phone dial pad. Belizeans, we see you.

This week on Podcast Is Broken, things start weird and spiral from there. We talk cat-print suits, heatstroke-induced hallucinations, and how Belize has (somehow?) made us the #2 podcast in the nation. Steve and Lisa go head-to-head in Make It Make Sense, decoding Frankenstein headlines like “Orcas Threaten Rogers Stadium During Chocolate Recall as AI Chatbot Praises Hitler” — yes, that’s real. Plus: duct tape armour, haunted stadiums, Guelph’s empty hotels, mini-fridge warfare, and the ethics of octopus farming. Also, we debate the correct plural of “octopus,” because of course we do. Subscribe, rate, and maybe send a sympathy mimosa to whoever sat next to us on this mental rollercoaster.

This week, we debut our new game Make It Make Sense—where real Canadian news headlines get mashed into chaotic word salads and Lisa and Steve try to untangle what actually happened. A goat causes highway mayhem, processed meats get cancelled, and the Pope revives an old vacation spot. Also: AI scams, boa constrictors, dishwasher disasters, and why nobody in the UK seems to own a dryer. It’s part quiz show, part news roundup, part fever dream. Who won the game? Who lost faith in humanity? And what does it all mean for your debit card and your salami sandwich? Hit play and find out.

Rob Ford is back in the spotlight nearly a decade after his death, and Doug isn't happy about it. Netflix’s new documentary Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem dives deep into the chaos that defined his wild ride as Toronto’s mayor. Farah Nasser swings by to talk about what the documentary gets right (and what it doesn’t), and shares a shocking moment when she came face to face with the Ford brothers at the height of Rob's powers.

After days of escalating strikes, including reports of U.S. hits on Iranian nuclear sites, Donald Trump took to Truth Social to announce a 'phased ceasefire' between Iran and Israel. Also, he cussed them out on TV. oh good. Farah Nasser joins to unpack the chaos, the diplomacy, and why Truth Social may be more influential than the U.N. right now.

Naheed Nenshi is in the house. The former Calgary mayor just steamrolled a by-election in Edmonton Strathcona. It’s a major flex for the NDP and sets the stage for a showdown with Premier Danielle Smith when the legislature fires back up this fall. Special guest Farah Nasser drops in to talk about what Nenshi’s win means for Alberta politics, and shares some of her behind-the-scenes experiences with Danielle Smith.

Special guest Farah Nasser joins this week to discuss Canada’s massive leap in NATO defence spending, Trump’s abrupt trade freeze with Canada over the digital services tax, and how Truth Social may be more powerful than the U.N. Farah shares her unforgettable personal encounter with Trump, and Steve talks about material conditions, classic.

Buckle up — or maybe don’t. The Competition Bureau just floated a plan to let foreign-owned airlines fly domestic routes in Canada, with 100% ownership on the table. The goal? End the reign of the Air Canada–WestJet duopoly and finally make cross-country flights cost less than a second mortgage. We look at what this could mean for Canadian travellers, local carriers, and anyone who’s ever paid $800 to fly to Winnipeg.

What happens when the federal government drafts a bill that could override Indigenous treaty rights — without asking first? You get Bill C-5. This week, we break down the protests, the political fallout, and the pushback from First Nations leaders across Ontario. It's a showdown over fast-tracking development, environmental protections, and whether Ottawa actually listens when it says it will.

Ever feel like your dream home is laughing at you? This week, we dive into the CMHC’s jaw-dropping report that says Canada needs to build 4.8 million homes in the next 10 years just to make housing slightly affordable again. We unpack what that means, why it’s such a colossal challenge, and whether we can actually pull it off — or if we’re just pouring foundation into a sinkhole.

After two years of political foot-dragging, the Alberta government quietly dropped the results of its own pension poll — and it’s about as subtle as a fire alarm. Turns out, most Albertans want nothing to do with ditching the Canada Pension Plan. We unpack the fallout, the accusations of secrecy, and why the province is still clinging to a plan almost no one asked for. Spoiler: it’s not about retirement security, it’s about politics.

At this year’s Canadian Screen Awards, the biggest winners were… not Canadian. Industry insiders at Banff ask: Why can’t we build our own stars instead of borrowing them from the U.S. and TikTok? It’s time for Canada to stop being humble and start being famous.

Canada’s growing fast, and Pierre Poilievre wants to hit the brakes—hard. But is it really about the numbers, or just a convenient scapegoat for the housing mess? We unpack the politics of population and why your rent is now a second job.

Trump’s back on his trade war BS, and Canada’s caught in the crossfire. PM Carney is trying to de-escalate while still calling the new tariffs “unlawful and unjustified.” It’s a tense negotiation between allies who act more like exes with joint custody of aluminum.

A peaceful summit with a side of controversy: Canada wants to talk energy and peace, but some of the guest list reads like a political true crime podcast. We break down the strategic tightrope walk of inviting the world's most “complicated” leaders.

Loblaws yanked Folgers coffee off its shelves over "unjustified" price hikes—and Canadians are caught in the middle of a corporate caffeine standoff. We sip through the details of this grocery aisle drama and what it says about the bigger battle over food prices.

Canada’s unemployment rate just bumped up to 7%, and suddenly that "labour shortage" we kept hearing about feels like a distant memory. We break down what’s behind the numbers, why jobs aren’t keeping pace, and what it all means for Canadians trying to make a living.

The government rolled out its "Strong Borders Act"—but is it protecting Canadians, or just making life harder for the most vulnerable? We unpack the fine print of Bill C-2, the backlash it’s sparked, and why "Fortress Canada" might not be the look we think it is.

Western Canada is on fire again—literally. And the smoke? It’s touring the country like it’s got a new album to promote. We dig into why our skies are choking, why fire season is now just "season," and what this says about Canada’s climate future (hint: it’s not great).

In this week’s Podcast Is Broken, Brittlestar, Lisa, and Steve dig into why Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party keep stumbling — and why they seem stuck in endless campaign mode. From budget myths to culture war dead-ends to a base that’s hard to grow, we unpack what’s really going on. Also: puppies, heat maps, and a surprise musical number. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers at Brittlestar.com. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. https://pod.link/1730993828

The gang asks the big question: what is Canada Post supposed to be—profitable business or essential public service? Brittlestar, Lisa, and Steve dive into the ongoing labour tension, funding fiascos, and why your grandma’s birthday card might be the last thing holding the country together. Featuring postal banking, rural mail routes, union beefs, and the great mystery of what Lisa keeps ordering from BC. A funny, passionate, and surprisingly heartfelt debate on the future of a Canadian institution. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers at Brittlestar.com. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers.

In this very official episode of Podcast Is Broken, Brittlestar, Lisa, and Steve discuss Canada’s newly shuffled cabinet, debate the tallest minister, and offer life-changing (or at least breakfast-improving) life hacks—like how to properly cut a bag of milk and why butter deserves its own peeler. They also dig into the increasingly weird experience of crossing the U.S. border, the dangers of forgetting history, and why some folks seem hellbent on staying stupid. It’s politics, sociology, spray paint, and slide whistles—all in one episode. You’re welcome, Canada. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers at Brittlestar.com. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers.

Prime Minister Carney spent some time in the hot seat in the Oval Office with Donald Trump and managed to do his best Jim Halpert from The Office impression. Not content to be ignored Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told Carney and the rest of Canada something like “Nice place you got here… be a shame if something happened to it.” The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers at Brittlestar.com. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers.

Canada’s Federal Election is over… or is it?? Join us as we gloat about Poilievre plummeting, marvel at Trump’s transient temerity, guffaw at Doug Ford’s floppiness, and demand a refund from Nickelback. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers at Brittlestar.com. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers.

Politicos, nerds, and the generally concerned about the sovereignty of Canada will find it hard to get to sleep tonight as visions of ballots dance through their heads! Join us as we talk about the highs and lows of this lightspeed month-long federal election campaign! The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers at Brittlestar.com. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. https://pod.link/1730993828

Blanchet won the Canadian Leaders Debate and he didn’t even want the prize. Join us, if we may, as we recount the barely highs and missable lows of one of politics least useful forums. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers at Brittlerstar.com. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. https://pod.link/1730993828

Why do some people still seem to think Trump has a plan? Why did Poilievre not go faster than 74km/hr on the race track? And is the USA the new Titanic? Is Canada the guy who thwangs his leg falling off the Titanic? The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. https://pod.link/1730993828

Candidates are getting yoinked by the Conservative Party of Canada for some dodgy actions but some dodgier ones remain. What gives? The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. https://pod.link/1730993828

Yet another week packed to the rafters with news and politics. Carney and Trump spoke on the phone and things look… promising? Trump even referred to Carney as Prime Minister. What did he say to him?! The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. https://pod.link/1730993828

It’s happening. It’s all happening. The election that was Pierre Poilievre’s to lose is now going to be lost (maybe) to Mark Carney. Plus Steve and Lisa had fun without Brittlestar in Calgary and he’s totally fine with that. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers.

Remember news cycles? Around the same time as rotary phones? Those were nice days. Now our eyes and ears are permanently tuned into a torrent of “news”. But is it news? The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers.

Special guest David Moscrop fills in for Brittlestar who is in the UK… or is he? They talk about the sorry state of Canada US relations all thanks to Trump. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. https://pod.link/1730993828

What happened in the Oval Office between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and DJ Trump and JD Vance and the other Suit Warehouse human hangers was disgraceful, shameful, and revealed where the US is at right now… and it ain’t good, Comrade. Oh, also Doug Ford won. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. https://pod.link/1730993828

*Obvious Clickbait. The Liberal Party of Canada held both their french language and english language leaders debate this past week. Do debates even matter? Should we ditch them? Is Frank Bayliss actually making some good points? The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. https://pod.link/1730993828

Ontarians go to the polls on February 27th and it look like Doug Ford is heading to another majority government. What’s wrong with us? The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. https://pod.link/1730993828

Was someone price gouging the Alberta people for surgeries and procedures? Were people getting fired when they blew the whistle? Join us as we talk about it… allegedly. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers.

The US tariffs are paused for now (all hail the Fentanyl Czar) but the damage may be done plus we dive into the shallow pool that is the new Aberta Covid-19 report. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. https://pod.link/1730993828

oin us as we dive into the Foreign Interference and attempt to make it interesting. We also discuss why Pierre Poilievre continues to refuse to get his security clearance and how critical thinking is more important now than ever in Canada. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers. https://pod.link/1730993828

Join us as we watch in shock and awe at the new happening in our neighbours to the south. From Trump to Musk… what the hell, America? The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free on your favourite podcast platforms. We love all subscribers.

Liberal House Leader and Burlington MP Karina Gould has entered the Liberal Party leadership race and entered the PiBU (Podcast Is Broken Universe). She talks about arguing policy not personal and damn that sounds good. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free here and on podcast platforms. We love all subscribers.

Leader of the Green Party of Canada dishes the dirt on Poilievre still not getting his security clearance and tells us what Trump can do with his 51st State talk. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. The audio version is free here and on podcast platforms. We love all subscribers.

He’s the host of the podcast Canadian History Ehx, which explores Canada's history from pre-colonial times to the present day, and he’s doing a really great job at making Canadian history cool. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers.The audio version is free here and on podcast platforms.We love all subscribers. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

At this time of year families get together to eat, drink, laugh and usually fight. We didn’t eat anything but we ticked all the other boxes. Join the fun as we answer some questions and talk about Canadian politics in the year 2024 and more! THIS video version of this podcast is only available to EVERYBODY, even Bob Cratchit. We love all subscribers. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Imagine the worst wedding reception dinner table you have to sit at and then imagine you have to sit there and smile because if you don’t it’ll destroy Canada. Prime Minister Trudeau went to Mar-a-Lago and then Trump pitted Canada and Mexico like two kids fighting over a weekend dad. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers.The audio version is free here and on podcast platforms.We love all subscribers. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened a 25% import tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, citing concerns about illegal border crossings and the influx of drugs like fentanyl into the U.S. Canadian politicians panicked. Do they have to? The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers.The audio version is free!We love all subscribers! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

The Conservatives are holding up business in the House Of Commons with a good ol’ fashioned American-style filibuster saying they need to see documents from the government so the RCMP can investigate but the RCMP says they already have them. The NDP isn’t helping. We talk about the goofiness of it and the millions of taxpayers’ money that’s being wasted. The video version is only available to paid subscribers. We love free subscribers too though. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

TikTok is a national security threat… according to the François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada. So he’s banned the… TikTok office but not the app? We take some wild guesses as to why. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers. We love free subscribers too though. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

The downstairs neighbours just got back with their abusive and convicted criminal ex. What happens now? We think we know what the Liberal Party of Canada should do. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers.We love all subscribers though. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Yes, yes… we know it’s not Halloween anymore but on Halloween we dressed up as some iconic characters and went live with our favourite spooky Canadian politics stories. Our producer, Owen, and video editor, Lisa, even joined us! The video version of the podcast is only available to paid subscribers.Paid subscribers help us fund the podcast production and we love them. The audio podcast remains free and we love free subscribers too! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

The BC and New Brunswick elections have ended… well, the New Brunswick one has. Saskatchewan is up next. Do they even know about each other in those provinces? Or is it like the black bears in the monkey enclosure at African Lion Safari and they exist seemingly unaware of each other’s existence? The video of this episode is only available to paid subscribers.Paid subscribers help us cover production costs and may someday make us rich.The audio version of this podcast is always free! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Poilievre said he can’t get his national security clearance so he can freely criticize the government… but how can you criticize something you don’t know anything about? Is this political games, national negligence, or is there a reason he can’t get it? We talk to Green Party of Canada leader Elizabeth May, who has national security clearance, to try and find out. The video of this episode is only available to paid subscribers.Paid subscribers help us cover production costs and may someday make us rich.The audio version of this podcast is always free! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Three provinces, three elections, ten days – Canada’s political stage is heating up, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan. Plus we play Bonk, Marry, Banish. The video of this episode is only available to paid subscribers.Paid subscribers help us cover production costs and may someday make us rich.The audio version of this podcast is always free! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

The provincial premiers of Canada have seemingly all decided that this was the week to collectively start announcing their most off-the-wall almost-ideas. Let’s go over some of thoe more bananagram ones. The video of this episode is only available to paid subscribers.Paid subscribers help us cover production costs and may someday make us rich.The audio version of this podcast is always free! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Prime Minister Trudeau went on Late Night with Stephen Colbert. It’s the number one late night talk show in the USA… does it matter? The video of this episode is only available to paid subscribers.Paid subscribers help us cover production costs and may someday make us rich.The audio version of this podcast is always free! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

It’s a battle of confidence in the House Of Commons these day. Trudeau, Poilievre, and Singh have lots of confidence but do voters have confidence in them? Plus what superhero would Blanchet be? The video of this episode is only available to paid subscribers.Paid subscribers help us cover production costs and may someday make us rich.The audio version of this podcast is always free! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

The Liberal Party have enlisted Mark Carney as political advisor, journalist and professional pessimist David Moscrop weighs in and claims to have the guitar from Jurassic World (we think). The video of this episode is only available to paid subscribers.Paid subscribers help us cover production costs and may someday make us rich.The audio version of this podcast is always free! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Jagmeet Singh, leader of the NDP, has decided to end the supply and confidence agreement with the Liberal Party, causing a stir in Canadian politics. We try to figure out the decision, the timing, and the poor optics. The video of this episode is only available to paid subscribers. Paid subscribers help us cover production costs and may someday make us rich. The audio version of this podcast is always free! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

The UCP government in Alberta is taking over hospitals and handing them to publicly funded but privately owned Covenant Health or… others. There seems to be some familiar names associated with Covenant Health. Almost like there’s money to be made. Weird. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

* The Saskatchewan government's plan to spend a billion dollars on irrigation trenches raises questions about the allocation of public funds.* The controversial video released by the Conservative Party of Canada showcases poor judgment and editing choices.* The same number of people want to defund the CBC AND bring back the death penalty* Politicians often make questionable decisions and retract them later, leading to public scrutiny and criticism. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Should schools ban cell phones? BotGate for the Conservative Party of Canada? Has American style politics creeped into Canada just acid wash jeans? This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

The decline of civility in society and the exploitation of anger for engagement on social media platforms. Politicians face constant criticism and personal attacks, which takes a toll on their mental health and their families. The toxic nature of politics discourages smart and well-intentioned individuals from entering the field. We debate whether politicians should be on social media and the impact it has on public discourse. They conclude with a lighthearted discussion about movies and their improvised theme song. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Ottawa has appointed a Night Mayor to boost its nightlife and attract more people to downtown. Yes, that’s funny. There is a discussion about the conflicting interpretations of the NSICOP Foreign Interference report by Elizabeth May and Jagmeet Singh, and why Poilievre won’t read it. We also talk about the new tin foil hat statements of Premier Scott Moe in Saskatchewan. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Brittlestar, Steve Boots, and Lisa B discuss Justin Trudeau's video explaining the capital gains tax and the need for the Liberal Party to better communicate their policies. They talk about the decision of Loblaws to sign the grocery store code of conduct and the impact of the boycott on their branding. They also mention the controversy in the Saskatchewan legislature, where the speaker read a letter accusing an MLA of inappropriate behaviour and an obsession with guns. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

In this episode Brittlestar, Lisa B, and Steve Boots discuss Steve’s recent trip to Ottawa for the very glitzy Politics and The Pen gala, and his subsequent meeting with Jagmeet Singh. Things then get weird as Steve loses power and the discussion shifts to “woke coffee lids” and Human 404 errors. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

In this episode Brittlestar, Lisa B, and Steve Boots discuss Steve’s recent trip to Ottawa for the very glitzy Politics and The Pen gala, and his subsequent meeting with Jagmeet Singh. Things then get weird as Steve loses power and the discussion shifts to “woke coffee lids” and Human 404 errors. Thanks for listening!Please share this episode! Thanks for reading Podcast Is Broken! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support the show! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

In this episode, Brittlestar, Steve Boots, and Lisa B discuss various topics including a video of Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the opposition, coming out of a trailer covered in graffiti, and the potential impact of these events on conservative voters. The conversation also touches on the role of politicians' PR teams, the need for politicians to connect with the middle ground, and the importance of appearing competent and knowledgeable. The conversation explores the recent ban on cell phones in Ontario schools and the broader issues surrounding technology use in education. The hosts discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of the ban, including the distraction and mental health effects of phones, as well as the need for students to learn responsible technology use. They also touch on the lack of acknowledgment and support for students who have experienced trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

In this episode, Brittlestar, Steve Boots, and Lisa B discuss various topics including a video of Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the opposition, coming out of a trailer covered in graffiti, and the potential impact of these events on conservative voters. The conversation also touches on the role of politicians' PR teams, the need for politicians to connect with the middle ground, and the importance of appearing competent and knowledgeable. The conversation explores the recent ban on cell phones in Ontario schools and the broader issues surrounding technology use in education. The hosts discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of the ban, including the distraction and mental health effects of phones, as well as the need for students to learn responsible technology use. They also touch on the lack of acknowledgment and support for students who have experienced trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Brittlestar, Lisa B, and Steve Boots discuss the recent budget and the controversy surrounding the increase in capital gains tax. They highlight the misconceptions and outrage from some individuals who believe it will affect them, even though it primarily targets the wealthy. They also touch on the benefits of living in Canada, such as healthcare, and how corporations should recognize and appreciate these advantages. The hosts question the loyalty of those who threaten to leave the country due to a small tax increase and emphasize the importance of paying for the benefits of Canadian society. The conversation explores the idea of wealth inequality and the need for taxing the rich. It discusses the concept of trickle-down economics and how it doesn't work in practice. The conversation also touches on the role of philanthropy and the limitations of relying on the generosity of the wealthy. It highlights the importance of taxation and the responsibility of the wealthy to contribute to society. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the government's PR strategy and the need to reinvigorate the public service. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the importance of investing in public services and valuing frontline workers. They highlight the need to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services to gain public trust. The hosts also share their experiences with COVID-19 and the challenges of accessing necessary treatments. The episode ends with their signature improvised theme song. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Brittlestar, Lisa B, and Steve Boots discuss the recent budget and the controversy surrounding the increase in capital gains tax. They highlight the misconceptions and outrage from some individuals who believe it will affect them, even though it primarily targets the wealthy. They also touch on the benefits of living in Canada, such as healthcare, and how corporations should recognize and appreciate these advantages. The hosts question the loyalty of those who threaten to leave the country due to a small tax increase and emphasize the importance of paying for the benefits of Canadian society. The conversation explores the idea of wealth inequality and the need for taxing the rich. It discusses the concept of trickle-down economics and how it doesn't work in practice. The conversation also touches on the role of philanthropy and the limitations of relying on the generosity of the wealthy. It highlights the importance of taxation and the responsibility of the wealthy to contribute to society. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the government's PR strategy and the need to reinvigorate the public service. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the importance of investing in public services and valuing frontline workers. They highlight the need to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services to gain public trust. The hosts also share their experiences with COVID-19 and the challenges of accessing necessary treatments. The episode ends with their signature improvised theme song. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

In this episode, Brittlestar, Lisa B, Steve Boots, and guest, Fae Johnstone, discuss the current state of trans rights and trans issues in Canada. They explore the reasons behind the recent pushback against trans rights, including the use of trans issues as a distraction from other pressing issues. The conversation also touches on the role of social conservative factions within conservative parties and the tactics they use to roll back progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The hosts and guest emphasize the importance of engaging in dialogue, presenting facts, and focusing on the portion of the population that is open to conversation and education. The conversation explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the trans experience. It emphasizes the importance of acceptance, support, and understanding for trans individuals. The speakers discuss the need for parents to trust their children's decisions and the importance of providing access to gender-affirming care. They also address the politicization of trans issues and the objectification of trans bodies. The conversation concludes with a message of hope and the importance of fighting for a more inclusive and equal society. The conversation explores the obsession with trans women and the lack of backlash against trans men. It highlights the idiocy of focusing on trivial issues like bathroom usage and the need for more inclusive spaces. The discussion also touches on the importance of educating and informing people who may be uninformed or hesitant about transgender issues. The guests emphasize the need for dialogue, shared values, and holding politicians accountable for their ideas. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted improvised theme song. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

In this episode, Brittlestar, Lisa B, Steve Boots, and guest, Fae Johnstone, discuss the current state of trans rights and trans issues in Canada. They explore the reasons behind the recent pushback against trans rights, including the use of trans issues as a distraction from other pressing issues. The conversation also touches on the role of social conservative factions within conservative parties and the tactics they use to roll back progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The hosts and guest emphasize the importance of engaging in dialogue, presenting facts, and focusing on the portion of the population that is open to conversation and education. The conversation explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the trans experience. It emphasizes the importance of acceptance, support, and understanding for trans individuals. The speakers discuss the need for parents to trust their children's decisions and the importance of providing access to gender-affirming care. They also address the politicization of trans issues and the objectification of trans bodies. The conversation concludes with a message of hope and the importance of fighting for a more inclusive and equal society. The conversation explores the obsession with trans women and the lack of backlash against trans men. It highlights the idiocy of focusing on trivial issues like bathroom usage and the need for more inclusive spaces. The discussion also touches on the importance of educating and informing people who may be uninformed or hesitant about transgender issues. The guests emphasize the need for dialogue, shared values, and holding politicians accountable for their ideas. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted improvised theme song. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

In this episode, Brittlestar, Steve Boots, and Lisa discuss various topics, including the Swan Parade in Stratford, Ontario, and Alex Jones endorsing Pierre Poilievre. They also touch on the alignment of ideologies and the complexities of political alliances. The conversation explores the polarization in politics and the lack of nuance in public discourse. It discusses the controversy surrounding Pierre Poilievre and his association with Alex Jones, as well as the response from the conservative party. The conversation also touches on the need for critical thinking and the danger of falling for conspiracy theories. The hosts express concerns about the upcoming election and the lack of substantive policy discussions. They also discuss the government's investment in AI and the debate between public and private infrastructure. The conversation explores the potential impact of AI on various aspects of society, including job displacement, music generation, and education. The hosts discuss the need for regulation and education around AI, as well as the limitations and challenges of AI technology. They also touch on the importance of maintaining a personal touch in artistic endeavors and the potential risks of relying too heavily on AI. The hosts conclude with an improvised musical theme. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Summary In this podcast episode, Brittlestar Steve Boots and Lisa B, along with special guest Naheed Nenshi, discuss the relationship between Alberta and the rest of Canada, particularly Ontario. They explore why there seems to be a chip on Alberta's shoulder and why people in Ontario view Alberta as a wasteland. Naheed Nenshi, the guest, explains that some of the tension is rooted in the historical perception of the West as a source of resources for central Canada. The conversation also touches on environmental policies, the energy market system in Alberta, and the mismanagement of the electricity market by the UCP government. The conversation between Naheed K Nenshi and Brittlestar explores the political landscape in Alberta and the role of empathy and compromise in politics. Nenshi discusses the question of whether the government's actions are driven by malice or incompetence, and he leans towards incompetence. He also criticizes the current government for being disinterested in governing and for making policies that harm vulnerable groups. Nenshi explains his decision to re-enter politics and his goal of bringing hope and unity to Alberta. He emphasizes the importance of reaching out to rural communities and understanding their concerns. Nenshi also discusses the shift in political discourse towards anger and division, which he attributes to deliberate strategies by certain groups. In this final part of the conversation, Naheed K Nenshi discusses the demographics of political audiences and the changing voting patterns of older generations. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with diverse stakeholders and finding common ground within the party. Nenshi also addresses the need for clear communication and understanding when discussing healthcare and private investment. He acknowledges the challenges of building a coalition and winning over voters in Alberta, but remains optimistic about the future of the NDP. Takeaways There is a historical perception that the West, including Alberta, is seen as a source of resources for the enrichment of central Canada. Tension between Alberta and the rest of Canada is fueled by divisive discourse from politicians and an inability to make deals for the benefit of all. Environmental policies and the energy market system in Alberta contribute to the strained relationship between Alberta and the rest of Canada. The mismanagement of the electricity market by the UCP government has led to skyrocketing electricity prices in Alberta. The current government in Alberta is seen as incompetent rather than malicious, although there may be instances of malice in certain policies. Nenshi aims to bring hope and unity to Alberta and believes in the importance of reaching out to rural communities. The political discourse has shifted towards anger and division, which Nenshi attributes to deliberate strategies by certain groups. Nenshi emphasizes the need for empathy and compromise in politics and believes in the power of kindness and empathy to bring about positive change. The demographics of political audiences are changing, and it is important for parties to recognize and engage with diverse groups. Older generations are no longer exclusively conservative, as voting patterns show an inversion where older individuals are becoming more liberal. Engaging with stakeholders and finding common ground within the party is crucial for success. Clear communication and understanding are necessary when discussing healthcare and private investment. Building a coalition and winning over voters in Alberta can be challenging, but it is essential for the NDP's success. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroke

Summary The conversation explores the use of family members in political campaigns, specifically focusing on the recent video released by Pierre Poilievre's wife. The hosts discuss the role of families in Canadian politics and the strategic use of family members to appeal to specific demographics. They also examine the impact on children of politicians and the public scrutiny they face. The conversation delves into the perception of politicians' families and the effectiveness of using family members in campaigns. It concludes with a discussion on the importance of demonstrated accomplishments and the perception of warmth and connection in politics. The conversation delves into the analysis of video views and engagement, comparing the performance of different political videos. The potential heir apparent to Justin Trudeau is discussed, along with his future plans. The impact of campaigns and mistakes is explored, as well as the analysis of Pierre Poilievre's video. The involvement of spouses in political careers is examined, specifically focusing on Ana Poilievre. The conversation concludes with a discussion on rally attendance and closing remarks. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

In this episode, the hosts discuss Naheed Nenshi's candidacy for the NDP party leadership in Alberta. They explore Nenshi's fit with the political landscape in Alberta and the need for buoyancy in the NDP. The hosts also discuss the challenge of appealing to the public beyond superficialities and the importance of ideology and affinity for the NDP. They highlight the lack of distinction between parties and the need to balance rural and urban interests. The episode concludes with a discussion on maintaining a positive leadership race and the challenges faced by Gil McGowan's campaign due to COVID-19. The conversation explores the binary nature of politics and the need for people to pick a side. It also discusses the fatigue with divisive rhetoric and the potential for people to tire of it. The perception of Canada being broken is examined, along with the impact of the pandemic on people's perspectives. The concept of recency bias in voting is explored, as well as the tendency to blame the federal government. The erosion of social consideration and the fragility of life are also discussed as factors contributing to the perception of a broken world. The conversation explores the themes of appreciating what we took for granted, the absurdities of institutions, the erosion of empathy, the rise of individualism, the cynicism of politicians, and the challenges of polling and public opinion. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss Naheed Nenshi's candidacy for the NDP party leadership in Alberta. They explore Nenshi's fit with the political landscape in Alberta and the need for buoyancy in the NDP. The hosts also discuss the challenge of appealing to the public beyond superficialities and the importance of ideology and affinity for the NDP. They highlight the lack of distinction between parties and the need to balance rural and urban interests. The episode concludes with a discussion on maintaining a positive leadership race and the challenges faced by Gil McGowan's campaign due to COVID-19. The conversation explores the binary nature of politics and the need for people to pick a side. It also discusses the fatigue with divisive rhetoric and the potential for people to tire of it. The perception of Canada being broken is examined, along with the impact of the pandemic on people's perspectives. The concept of recency bias in voting is explored, as well as the tendency to blame the federal government. The erosion of social consideration and the fragility of life are also discussed as factors contributing to the perception of a broken world. The conversation explores the themes of appreciating what we took for granted, the absurdities of institutions, the erosion of empathy, the rise of individualism, the cynicism of politicians, and the challenges of polling and public opinion. Takeaways Naheed Nenshi's candidacy for the NDP party leadership in Alberta brings star power and the potential for a fresh perspective. The NDP in Alberta is at a crossroads and needs to balance its socialist roots with electability. Appealing to the public beyond superficialities and focusing on policy and ideology are crucial for the NDP's success. The NDP needs to address the grudges held by Albertans and focus on balancing rural and urban interests. Maintaining a positive leadership race and adapting to the challenges of COVID-19 are important for the success of the NDP. We should not take for granted the things we can do, as they can be taken away from us. The pandemic brought to light the absurdities and incongruities of institutions. Desperation can lead to a lack of empathy and a focus on individual needs. Cynical politicians may prioritize winning over the well-being of the community. Polling can be unreliable and influenced by various factors. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Topic 00:35 Discussing Naheed Nenshi's Candidacy 03:02 The Need for Buoyancy in the NDP 03:39 The Crossroads of the NDP in Alberta 04:08 The Importance of Policy in Nenshi's Campaign 04:48 The Influence of Star Power in Politics 05:30 Appealing to the Public Beyond Superficialities 06:38 The Challenge of an 'Outsider' Running for Leader 07:37 The Importance of Ideology and Affinity for the NDP 08:43 The Lack of Distinction Between Parties 09:34 The NDP's Focus on Social Sectors 10:33 Balancing Rural and Urban Interests 11:37 The Challenge of Overcoming Grudges in Alberta Politics 12:53 The Importance of Capturing the Public Imagination 15:32 Focusing on the Rural Electorate 16:13 Maintaining a Positive Leadership Race 18:26 Calgary's Indifference and Fickleness 19:17 Closing Remarks 19:22 The Binary Nature of Politics 23:19 Fatigue with Divisive Rhetoric 26:00 The Perception of Canada Being Broken 28:19 The Impact of the Pandemic on People's Perspectives 32:38 Recency Bias in Voting 35:26 Blaming the Federal Government 37:42 The Erosion of Social Consideration 41:31 The Fragility of Life and the Perception of a Broken World 43:03 Appreciating the Things We Took for Granted 43:31 Absurdities of Institutions 44:30 Incongruities and Absurdities 45:27 In

Summary The conversation covers various topics including the legacy of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, the changing decorum in politics, the expectations and persona of politicians, and the challenges of engaging with ordinary voters. The discussion also touches on the influence of social media, the centralization of authority within political parties, and the tendency for voters to be reactionary. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and challenges of modern politics. The conversation covers various themes related to Canadian politics, including the possibility of the Conservative Party splintering, predictable cycles in Canadian politics, the general public's lack of interest in politics, the importance of effective marketing in politics, the Liberals' ineffective communication and marketing, improving material conditions of people's lives, the appeal of populist messages, the need for clear and engaging communication, referendums and decision-making, the role of politicians in decision-making, budgeting and public priorities, the monarchy and political structures, individual freedom and respect, electoral reform and political structures, and ending the monarchy in Canada. Takeaways The decorum and civility in politics have changed over time, with a shift towards more casual and accessible personas for politicians. The 24-hour news cycle and social media have contributed to the cynicism and reactionary nature of politics. There is a lack of engagement with ordinary voters, and many people feel disconnected from the political process. The expectations of politicians are scattered, with some voters valuing charisma and relatability, while others prioritize policy expertise and ideology. Political parties often face challenges in maintaining a cohesive identity and balancing the demands of different factions within their base. Canadian politics follows predictable cycles, with parties splintering and coalitions forming and falling apart. Effective marketing and clear communication are crucial in politics to cut through the noise and engage the general public. The Liberal Party in Canada needs to improve its communication and marketing strategies to connect with voters and address their concerns. Referendums can be problematic as they may not reflect the larger public interest and can be influenced by reactionary responses. The role of politicians is to make informed decisions in the best interest of the collective, considering the larger context and public priorities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Australian Audience 01:10 Discussion about Tasmanian AI 01:30 Legacy of Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney 08:01 Cynicism in Politics 10:24 Changing Political Decorum 13:03 Expectations of Politicians 19:28 Populism and Social Media 22:15 Perception of Politicians 25:11 Expectations of Politicians 27:02 Scattered Expectations of Politicians 29:13 Marketing and Persona of Politicians 30:39 Reactionary Voters and Lack of Engagement 31:35 Branching Off from Political Parties 32:00 Possibility of Conservative Party Splintering 32:36 Predictable Cycles in Canadian Politics 33:18 General Public's Lack of Interest in Politics 34:05 Importance of Effective Marketing in Politics 35:49 Liberals' Ineffective Communication and Marketing 36:23 Improving Material Conditions of People's Lives 37:17 The Appeal of Populist Messages 38:13 The Need for Clear and Engaging Communication 39:32 Referendums and Decision-Making 40:01 The Role of Politicians in Decision-Making 40:56 The Role of Public Engagement in Decision-Making 44:16 Budgeting and Public Priorities 47:22 Monarchy and Political Structures 48:26 Individual Freedom and R

In this episode, Brittlestar, Steve Boots, and Lisa B discuss their experiences as niche internet micro-celebrities and the weirdness of social media. They share stories about their journey into content creation and their relationship with the camera. They also talk about dealing with comments and criticism from viewers and the importance of not letting negative comments affect them. They highlight the unique voices and styles that have helped them connect with their audience. Overall, they emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself and creating content that is interesting and meaningful. In this conversation, the hosts discuss their experiences with engaging with comments on their content. They share their strategies for dealing with negative and garbage comments, as well as the value of constructive feedback. They also explore the impact of social media on isolated individuals and the importance of creating a supportive community. They emphasize the need to not block people and to engage with critical comments. They also discuss the repetitive and uncreative nature of rude comments and the relationships they develop with their followers. The conversation concludes with a reflection on creating content for oneself and the myth of monetization. Takeaways Becoming a niche internet micro-celebrity can be a strange and unpredictable journey. Engaging with comments and criticism is a personal choice, and it's important to prioritize mental well-being. Having a unique voice and style can help content creators stand out and connect with their audience. Creating content that is interesting and meaningful to oneself is key to building a loyal following. The social media landscape is constantly changing, and it's important to adapt and evolve with the platform. Engaging with negative and garbage comments is often not worth the time and energy. Constructive feedback can be valuable and help improve content. Social media can provide a sense of community and connection for isolated individuals. Creating content for oneself and staying true to one's vision is important. Monetization should not be the sole focus of content creation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Shirt Story 02:24 Weird Social Media Lives 03:27 Relationship with the Camera 06:32 Becoming a Niche Internet Micro-Celebrity 10:00 Starting on TikTok 11:30 Starting on Vine 15:05 The Life of a Niche Internet Micro-Celebrity 17:34 The Low Level Spectacle 20:11 Recognizable Voices 22:35 Dealing with Comments and Criticism 25:29 Difference in Comments for Men and Women 28:30 Engaging with Comments 31:12 Engaging with Comments 32:07 Dealing with Garbage Comments 32:29 Constructive Comments 33:14 Hiding Users on YouTube 34:00 The Impact of Social Media on Isolated Individuals 34:59 Creating a Community 35:58 The Value of Engaging with Critical Comments 36:35 Not Blocking People 37:02 Different Types of Comments 37:31 Negative Comments as Digital Farts 38:00 The Impact of Negative Comments 38:26 The Brightest Moment of Someone's Day 39:16 The Power Dynamics of Comments 39:32 The Repetitiveness of Rude Comments 40:00 The Club of Jerkdom 40:23 Lack of Creativity in Negative Comments 41:02 Developing Relationships with Commenters 41:58 Funny Relationships with Commenters 43:11 Creating Content for Yourself 45:02 The Fragile Ego of Content Creators 46:06 The Armor Against Negative Comments 47:13 The Relationship with Followers 48:08 The Responsibility of Content Creators 49:16 Creating Content for Yourself 51:13 Creating Content You Believe In 52:41 The Myth of Monetization 53:32 The Labor of Love 54:14 Ending the Podcast with an Improvised The

Brittlestar is in the UK this week. Please forgive any audio weirdness and accents. Summary *These summaries are generated by robots, proceed with grain of robosalt* This episode explores the role and perception of unions in the labour landscape. The hosts discuss the public support for labour strikes and the changing attitudes towards unions. They delve into the power dynamics between employers and employees, highlighting the need for unions to balance the scales. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with unions and the importance of employee participation. The hosts address the misconception that unions protect bad workers and emphasize the procedural support unions provide. They also discuss the potential drawbacks of unions, such as public shaming and the impact on working conditions. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of unions in advocating for workers' rights and maintaining a balance of power in the workplace. This conversation explores various aspects of workers' rights, strikes, and the power dynamics between employers and employees. It highlights the importance of mobilization and engagement from union members and the impact it can have on negotiations. The conversation also touches on the posturing of employers and the anti-union actions they may take. It discusses the changing tide and growing awareness of issues related to workers' rights. Additionally, it delves into the role of the electorate and the need for active participation in shaping the political landscape. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Brittlestar is in the UK this week. Please forgive any audio weirdness and accents. Summary *These summaries are generated by robots, proceed with grain of robosalt* This episode explores the role and perception of unions in the labour landscape. The hosts discuss the public support for labour strikes and the changing attitudes towards unions. They delve into the power dynamics between employers and employees, highlighting the need for unions to balance the scales. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with unions and the importance of employee participation. The hosts address the misconception that unions protect bad workers and emphasize the procedural support unions provide. They also discuss the potential drawbacks of unions, such as public shaming and the impact on working conditions. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of unions in advocating for workers' rights and maintaining a balance of power in the workplace. This conversation explores various aspects of workers' rights, strikes, and the power dynamics between employers and employees. It highlights the importance of mobilization and engagement from union members and the impact it can have on negotiations. The conversation also touches on the posturing of employers and the anti-union actions they may take. It discusses the changing tide and growing awareness of issues related to workers' rights. Additionally, it delves into the role of the electorate and the need for active participation in shaping the political landscape. Takeaways Workers' engagement and mobilization are crucial in advocating for their rights and achieving fair negotiations. Employers may resort to posturing and anti-union actions to undermine workers' demands. The tide is turning, and there is a growing awareness of the importance of workers' rights and fair treatment. Active participation in the political process is essential to bring about meaningful change and protect workers' interests. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Ranking 01:10 Labor Strikes and Public Support 02:03 Public Perception of Unions 03:09 Unions and Power Dynamics 05:37 Unions and Negotiations 06:19 Personal Experiences with Unions 08:35 Unions and Employee Participation 11:17 Unions and the Balance of Power 17:55 Perception of Unions and Labor Awakening 19:24 The Impact of Unions on Working Conditions 23:49 Unions and the Protection of Employees 25:35 Unions and Procedural Support 28:15 Unions and Public Shaming 33:12 Balancing Power and Union Involvement 35:05 The Importance of Union Participation 36:32 Workers' Rights and Strikes 37:15 Contentiousness and Scabs 39:31 Mobilization of Workers 40:11 Posturing and Anti-Union Actions 41:38 The Tide is Turning 44:43 Apathy and the Establishment 46:53 The Power of the Electorate 49:07 The Role of the People 50:57 Closing Remarks This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe