Episodes

  • Leafs’ New GM vs. The Press

    Leafs’ New GM vs. The Press
    May 8 2026
    The new GM for the Toronto Maple Leafs faced the press and it did not go well. With scathing questions and confounded columnists, Toronto reaffirmed its reputation as a tough media market. What is it about sports that creates unique regional media markets with their own tone and style of coverage? Dan Robson of The Athletic joins Sam Konnert to talk sh*t about sports reporting. It’s our biggest sale of the year! Save 80% on a Canadaland subscription and become a supporter for only $2/month. You’ll get all of our podcasts ad-free, free access to our live events, and much, much more. What are you waiting for? Go to Canadaland.com/joinHost: Sam KonnertCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Dan RobsonFurther reading: John Chayka’s tenure with the Maple Leafs begins under intense scrutiny - The Globe and Mail Internet reacts to Steve Simmons' viral moment at Leafs press conference for new GM John Chayka The Aura Shift: Macklin Celebrini and the NHL’s TikTok-bred Gen Z takeover - The Athletic Looking back on new Maple Leafs GM John Chayka’s tenure in Arizona - Sportsnet.caDawn Of The Dumb: We Need A Better Class Of Fan - Richard Lewis [Substack]Noam Chomsky: Why Americans Know So Much About Sports But So Little About World Affairs - AlternetToronto team signs Yasiel Puig, despite potential prison sentence looming - CTV NewsVancouver police deny motorcade request for FIFA's Infantino - ESPN Sponsors:Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.caBetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month. If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    34 mins
  • BONUS: Chat, Does Anyone Like Social Media?

    BONUS: Chat, Does Anyone Like Social Media?
    May 7 2026

    As journalists, we are pretty online. Terminally online. Our screen time apps? Let’s not go there…


    Now our social media feeds are likely different from many of yours. So we wanted to ask all of you, who probably lead less online lives, what you love, hate, and how you balance your online from your IRL. And you all had so much interesting stuff to share.



    Host: Sam Konnert

    Credits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Publisher)

    Photo: Tony Wang

    Additional music by Audio Network


    Further Reading:

    • Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe — Penguin Random House
    • Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism — Flatiron Books
    • Pinterest Users Are Tired of All the AI Slop — Wired
    • LinkedIn Lunatics Subreddit — Reddit
    • The #BLM Protests Are Not Your Aesthetic — Story Factory
    • mastodon explained in only a few sentences - for a newbie — Reddit
    • People don’t want to run their own servers, and never will. (Actual title is “My first impressions of web3”) — Moxie Marlinspike (Founder of Signal)


    This show is available exclusively to Canadaland supporters. To become one, go to https://canadaland.com/join/. You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    20 mins
  • Is the CBC a Local News Predator?

    Is the CBC a Local News Predator?
    May 6 2026
    CBC is expanding its regional news coverage and not everyone is happy about it. Some local news outlets say that the CBC is poaching their staff and stories. Plus, Carney’s government is planning a massive extension of journalism tax credits to include radio and broadcast, propping up legacy platforms owned by the big telcos. Are subsidies stifling competition and innovation?Host: Sam KonnertCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Harrison LowmanAdditional music by Audio NetworkFurther reading: Lisa Sygutek: The CBC is a predator of local news | National PostCBC president denies broadcaster is biased or poaches journalists from smaller markets - CBC News The Government Doubles Down on News Sector Support: Fiscal Update Opens the Door to Tens of Millions in Tax Credits for Bell, Rogers and Corus - Michael GeistThe end of the journalism world beckons and the industry pretends it’s not happening - Peter Menzies - The Rewrite [Substack] The Canadian government is now deciding who’s a journalist - The HubEco News Site No. 1 In Grants | Blacklock's Reporter Cape Breton community TV station loses federal funding for only journalist | CBC News Liberals use majority to move some parliamentary committees behind closed doors | CBC NewsSCOOP: Jen Gerson: Elections Alberta's massive failure could have put people in danger. I tried to warn them. - The Line [Substack] Sponsors:Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.Douglas: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today. Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month. If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    34 mins
  • Michelle Rempel Garner is Tired of Conservative Drama and Ready to Fight Mark Carney

    Michelle Rempel Garner is Tired of Conservative Drama and Ready to Fight Mark Carney
    May 5 2026
    PM Mark Carney has managed to stitch together a majority in the House of Commons and has approval numbers we haven't seen in forever. Host Noor Azrieh thinks this is the kind of political moment that demands opposition. But, how exactly is the Opposition supposed to oppose Carney… when they can’t even get their own house in order? We put this to Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner. Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: MP Michelle Rempel GarnerBackground reading:Terry Newman: Conservative MP speaks out about how the Liberals tried to poach her – National PostImmigration minister says she’s accountable after former IRGC official granted a visa – CTV NewsConservatives press Liberal government to limit health care for some refugee claimants – CBC NewsCarney to Launch Sovereign Wealth Fund to Distance Canada’s Economy From U.S. – The New York TimesUpcoming federal health care cuts could put refugee claimants at risk - CBC NewsSponsors: Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features. Activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandStart your business today with the industry’s best business partner. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.CAAnd did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? We recently talked to you about your social media habits. What social media do you love or hate? How do you balance your IRL from your online? Anything you feel is social media counts (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, dating apps?, etc.)That episode of Off The Record will come out this week, May 7th! STAY TUNED. If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join or call in on and we’ll give you a free month of Canadaland premium.If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    39 mins
  • The A.I. App for Rich People to Fight Journalists Who Embarrass Them

    The A.I. App for Rich People to Fight Journalists Who Embarrass Them
    May 4 2026
    Objection.ai is the new AI-powered tool from Aron D’Souza and Peter Thiel. The duo who helped bankrupt Gawker ten years ago. They're also teaming up to bring the world the steroid-embracing Enhanced Games later this month. D’Souza says Objection.ai is about restoring public trust in journalism and making it more transparent. Critics worry about its ideological bent and what it means to subject journalists, and their sources, to an AI "judge".Aron D’Souza joins Jesse to talk about the tech, what it means to "object" to a reporter’s work, and if there’s any reason to believe Objection.ai could work at all.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Additional music by Audio NetworkFact checking by Julian AbrahamPhoto: Objection.ai website (NOTE: This artwork for this episode was likely generated by A.I., by the website’s designers.)More information:Can AI judge journalism? A Thiel-backed startup says yes, even if it risks chilling whistleblowers — TechCrunchFull transcript: Conversation with Aron D’Souza on Objection and AI in journalism — TechCrunchHulk Hogan v. Gawker: Invasion of Privacy & Free Speech in a Digital World — First Amendment Watch NYUTrust in Media: How Canadians feel about news outlets — Pollara Strategic InsightsTrust in Media at New Low of 28% in U.S. — GallupA Reporter Explains His Approach to Writing News and Features — New York TimesObjectionSponsors: Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.caArticle: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit https://article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    41 mins
  • Does Canada Have the World's Worst Housing Market?

    Does Canada Have the World's Worst Housing Market?
    May 1 2026
    Buyers. Sellers. Real estate porn. With so many Canadians locked out of the market, should the coverage shift to reflect the realities of the housing crisis? Sabrina Nanji joins San Grewal to talk about the generational disconnect between homeowners and those who will never own a home. Does Canada have the political will to actually address the housing crisis? Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Sabrina NanjiFurther reading: Will HST cut on new homes save buyers money? Early look finds 78% of prices are the same or higher - Toronto StarPCs tabling bill ‘pulling out all the stops’ to expedite home, road and transit construction - The Trillium Blue Jays star George Springer puts Toronto mansion on the market for $6.4 million - Toronto Sun Canada housing crisis: Who will build 4 million new homes? | CBC.ca [VIDEO]B.C. quietly suspends major affordable housing fund, leaving proponents holding the bag | Langley Advance Times‘Trinity Bollwoods’? City installs signs with typo and theatre that no longer exists - Toronto Starhttps://www.ctvnews.ca/regina/video/2026/04/22/the-potential-benefits-of-the-ai-data-centre-in-the-rm-of-sherwood/ Sponsors:Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Douglas: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today. Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month.If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    29 mins
  • Did We Double Our Audience This Month?

    Did We Double Our Audience This Month?
    Apr 30 2026

    All month, we’ve been asking you to share Canadaland with as many people as possible. Our goal was to double our audience.


    Did we pull it off?


    Let’s put it this way: Our investigations budget will be increasing substantially and our freelance and fellowship rates are going up by a whopping 50%.


    More money is going to go into the pockets of working journalists outside of Canadaland and across the country.


    Thank you.


    Also, we’ve got tons of live events and other exciting projects lined up throughout the year. Stay tuned.


    Become a supporter at canadaland.com/join


    Share the show and send new listeners over to canadaland.com/share

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    7 mins
  • Doug Ford, Political Genius

    Doug Ford, Political Genius
    Apr 29 2026
    Doug Ford is facing public scrutiny for his changes to Freedom of Information and his “gravy plane” fiasco. But throughout his career, Ford has leveraged his folksy persona to deflect and distract from his scandals. Behind the shtick is a calculated and effective political communications strategy, but has the “Uncle Doug” routine finally run out of steam? Off The Record Call-in Details: What social media do you love or hate?Call in and let us know on Thursday April 30,from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM EDT.Head to callinstudio.com/show/canadaland or dial in at 888-401-7056 Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Sabrina NanjiIt’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes. Further reading: Anti-Doug Ford rallies take place across Ontario to protest OSAP, FOI changes | CBC NewsDoug Ford regularly worked from home after ordering civil servants back to office | Globalnews.ca Ford government passes bill gutting Ontario freedom-of-information access - Toronto StarFord says no one in Canada is scrutinized like he is after backtracking on $28.9M private jet purchase | CBC News Opinion | Doug Ford's problem wasn't the plane, it was the politics - Toronto StarCanada Says Its Gold Is Traceable and Clean. So We Traced It. - The New York Times Manitoba to ban social media, AI chatbots for youth, premier says | CBC News Sponsors:oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! Douglas: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today. Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    35 mins