We had the privilege of speaking with Professor Eric Patashnik, Julis-Rabinowitz Professor of Public Policy and Professor of Political Science at Brown University, described by The New York Times as a leading scholar on why policies succeed or fail. Our conversation explored his work “Countermobilization: Policy Feedback and Backlash in a Polarized Age,” examining how policymakers navigate backlash strategies, the evolution of backlash from a consequence of reform to a weapon in partisan politics, and how it simultaneously functions as a form of policy feedback. We also delved into one of the most interesting political science works out there, “Unhealthy Politics: The Battle over Evidence-Based Medicine.” We discussed how limited political incentives and slow adoption rates within medical society hinder reform, and what solutions might drive effective progress. To conclude, we examined the structural factors that enable policies to endure by satisfying diverse stakeholders, fostering reconfiguration through new coalitions, interest groups, and sustained investment, and how social media can now shape or undermine this process. To wrap things up, we talked about the new era of tennis and who Professor Patashnik predicts will have the upper hand in the Sinner–Alcaraz rivalry! Check it out!
What an insightful conversation we had with Professor Ian Shapiro, Sterling Professor of Political Science at Yale University. Even before our episode, we had long been his students through the Devane lectures, so it was our immense privilege to speak with him! We began with his book “Politics Against Domination,” discussing the idea that domination is the central problem politics must confront, then moved to exploring democracy as a conditioning good and how this understanding informs both the protection and promotion of democracy, as well as the lessons drawn from its successes and failures abroad. Then we turned to his acclaimed work “The Wolf at the Door: The Menace of Economic Insecurity and How to Fight It,” exploring ideas such as the role of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in reducing political insecurity and creating a race-to-the-top effect, the potential of a bottom up expansion in healthcare starting with a public Medicare option for younger adults, and the importance of building strong coalitions. We then turned to the topic of elections, discussing how polarization often arises from structural factors like safe seats and ideologically extreme primaries that distort representation. Finally, we explored voting reforms to better include marginalized communities and how political parties can reconnect with voters in an era where political branding often overshadows party platforms. In the end, we had the chance to learn what still surprises Professor Shapiro, even after his long and distinguished teaching career. Check it out!
We had the ultimate privilege of speaking with Professor Donald Green, Burgess Professor of Political Science at Columbia University, and widely considered the father of randomized field experiments in political science. His work has been the backbone for so much of our campaign work, so it was surreal speaking to him directly! Our conversation spanned a wide range of topics: from the structural shift in campaigns from persuasion to mobilization, to strategies for reducing polarization, alongside the paradox of scaling to more voters while still preserving quality and personal warmth. We also had the chance to discuss Get Out the Vote, an area where Professor Green is the leading expert, exploring mobilization tactics with a special focus on youth, before turning to randomized field experiments, their history, and their current place within the discipline of political science. To top it off, we talked about Octi, a renowned board game Professor Green created! We’ve actually just challenged him to a match, so fingers crossed we will at least make it a close game! Check it out!
We had the privilege of speaking with MLA Anderson, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nanaimo–Lantzville and Parliamentary Secretary for Transit. Our conversation covered his leadership in environmental and transit policy, from Nanaimo’s first Transportation Master Plan to his vision for a resilient port strategy that strengthens BC’s economy. We also explored his trailblazing role as one of only four Black MLAs in the province's history and his remarkable path as a young leader in government, beginning with his election to Nanaimo City Council at just 20 and continuing to the legislature today. Stay tuned until the end to hear which of the five instruments he has mastered he would choose to play for the rest of his life!
We had the privilege of an incredible conversation with MP Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich–Gulf Islands and Leader of the Federal Green Party. Our discussion spanned a wide range of topics, including the progress Bill C-226 has made in dismantling environmental racism to her thoughts on the recent passing of C-5 and how Parliament should balance efficiency with accountability. Beyond environmental issues, we explored the Green Party’s broader priorities, including Motion M-11 on housing and her vision for a strategy that defines affordability by individual income rather than market rent, alongside her continued support for Vote16 and Bill S-222. To wrap up, MP May recounts her craziest commuting story, reaffirming her commitment to staying environmentally friendly even in the most unpredictable circumstances!
We had the honour of speaking with MP Niki Ashton, Member of Parliament for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski! In this episode, we delve into a wide range of topics, ranging from fairness and transparency in Canada’s tax system, to tackling offshore tax havens and capital gains taxation. We also discuss her private member’s Bill C-245, which proposes redirecting the Canadian Infrastructure Bank’s $35 billion toward public-interest projects while ensuring Indigenous communities have a direct voice in its leadership! Stay tuned until the end to hear MP Ashton’s story of meeting Yao Ming at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where her fluency in English, French, Greek, and Spanish helped her coordinate for both Team Canada and China!
We had the absolute honor of speaking with Dr. Jeffrey Green, Director of the Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of Democracy and Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania. In this episode, we explore core ideas from his works The Shadow of Unfairness: A Plebeian Theory of Liberal Democracy, The Eyes of the People: Democracy in an Age of Spectatorship.
In this episode, we examine the paradox of democracy, balancing its pursuit of progress with the fear that its ideals may never be fully achieved, and how this tension contributes to youth disillusionment. We also unpack modern misconceptions about representation and the power of the vote, balancing realism with optimism. Shifting to the framework of spectatorship, we dissect its central tenets and potential drawbacks, from closing the distance between spectators and the political elite, the tension between the few and the many, and how contemporary tools might echo ancient practices like eisphora and antidosis. Finally, we discuss whether solace is a legitimate democratic need, drawing on ancient plebeian responses and Epicurean withdrawal, and reflect on whether, at times, disengagement could actually serve as a form of democratic empowerment.
Stay tuned to the end to see how the author of Bob Dylan: Prophet Without God tackles the hardest question of them all: picking his top Bob Dylan songs. Check it out!
We had the honor of speaking with Dr. Lance Holbert, a long-time inspiration behind the direction of our work. He is the Director of the Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics (LAIC) at the University of Pennsylvania, a Research Professor at the Annenberg Public Policy Center, and one of the foremost experts in political communication and civic education. In this episode, we explore the role of education in combating youth apathy, the ethical and practical implications of positive and negative political advertisements, the Chaffee principle, and the importance of non-partisan media in an era of polarized sensationalism. We also examine the rise of white, grey, and black propaganda, strategies to counter misinformation & disinformation, as well as Dr. Holbert’s innovative work at the intersection of civic engagement and STEM. Stay tuned until the end to hear about Dr. Holbert’s favourite sports tradition and game to watch at Penn—no surprise from a high school athletic hall-of-famer. Check it out!
We had the incredible opportunity to speak with Director Alyssa Antonian, the director of Penn Leads the Vote—a nationally recognized, student-run, nonpartisan initiative dedicated to increasing civic engagement and voter turnout at the University of Pennsylvania. In this episode, we explored topics ranging from how to meaningfully engage youth in democracy amidst rising voter apathy, to the importance of nonpartisanship in voter outreach and education, to practical mechanisms for navigating misinformation and disinformation. We also got to hear Director Antonian’s reflections on the dynamics of the U.S. election—especially from Pennsylvania, arguably the most contested swing state—and Vote16! And, of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Philly interview without talking cheesesteaks. Take a listen to Director Antonian’s go-to order, favorite spot, and expert tips on how to sound like a real Philadelphian at the counter! Check it out!
We had the incredible opportunity to speak with Senator Kim Pate in the Senate! In this rapid-fire interview, we explored critical topics, including systemic reforms in Canada’s justice system to prevent wrongful convictions—particularly among Indigenous women—the exoneration of the Quewezance sisters, and Senator Pate’s views on Bill C-48 (specifically, the expansion of reverse onus in bail decisions for repeat offenders). To conclude, we also discussed how youth can play a more active role in shaping the democratic process, especially in our current political climate. Check it out!
We had the privilege of speaking with Senator Yuen Pau Woo in the Senate! In this rapid-fire interview, we tackled key issues, including his advocacy for a basic income program in Canada and the realistic funding models needed to support its implementation—especially amid the ongoing trade war. We explored his experience across every dimension of policymaking, from think tanks to the Senate, as well as tangible ways for youth to engage in political conversations. And to top it all off, we settled the ultimate debate: Raincouver or Frigid Ottawa? Check it out!
We had the honour of speaking with Minister Kody Blois, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants! In this episode, we explored topics ranging from agriculture, including his Private Member’s Bill C-359 on streamlining the approval process for agricultural products, to the future of carbon pricing and how the Liberal leadership race could shape its direction, as well as his pivotal role in securing a $177 million extension for Nova Scotia’s wine industry. We also delved into the U.S.-Canadian tariffs and potential alleviation methods, such as reducing interprovincial trade barriers. And, of course, like all Canadians, we couldn’t finish our conversation without talking HOCKEY—sharing predictions for the NHL and the Four Nations Cup! Check it out!
We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with one of the inspirations behind our podcast, MP Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country! In this episode, we delve into critical topics, including the importance of preserving BC’s old-growth forests, mandating clear regulations to hold corporations accountable for greenwashing, his crucial role as the Chair of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs, and the innovative future of housing including the potential for factory-built homes. Tune in to the very end to find MP Weiler’s DJing past, his favourite tunes, and his very “diplomatic” DJ stage name! Check it out!
We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with MP Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston—Richmond East! This time, not at a table tennis tournament, but at his amazing constituency office. We covered topics ranging from affordability, examining his invaluable work in securing over $36M via the Housing Accelerator Fund for the future of housing in Richmond, to his crucial role on the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics, tackling the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation. We also explored his impactful efforts to address gang violence through initiatives like the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF). Check it out!
TwinTalk meets TwinBro! We had the absolute honour of speaking with Minister Terry Beech, who is not only the Member of Parliament for Burnaby North-Seymour, but also Minister of Citizens' Services. Minister Beech is a twin himself, so let’s see if his twin superpowers come through, and guess correctly who is who (again)! From his inspiring journey into politics—running for city council before even turning 18—to his groundbreaking role as the inaugural Minister of Citizens’ Services, he has already overseen initiatives that have assisted millions of Canadians with dental care, digital services, and customer support. We also delved into some of his most memorable door-knocking experiences, where a single concern from a constituent sparked a journey that led to the creation of Canadian law, emphasizing the impact of political engagement! Check it out!
We had the absolute honour of speaking with Minister Carla Qualtrough, who is not only the Member of Parliament for Delta but also the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, a decorated Paralympian, World Champion, and one of Canada’s most influential women in sport! We discussed several nuanced topics, including her Bill C-22, the Canadian Disability Benefit Act, designed to reduce poverty among working-age individuals with disabilities, how Canada aims to boost sports accessibility and youth participation through Budget 2024 and grassroots initiatives, and so much more! Scattered throughout are some of her favourite moments from the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she had the amazing opportunity to cheer on Canadian athletes in every sport. Check it out!
We had an exciting conversation with MP Benn Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre! We covered topics from the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls to expanding student choices to enhance Canada’s education system, and his unique experience becoming an MP in a by-election. Stay tuned to the end to hear about Winnipeg South Centre’s pet of the month! Check it out!
What an amazing conversation we had with MP Lori Idlout - Member of Parliament for Nunavut. We discussed Indigenous rights, focusing on issues like access to adequate housing, the protection of sacred lands, and the preservation of Indigenous languages through proactive measures within Canada’s electoral system. Stay tuned until the very end to find out which Nunavut delicacy MP Idlout would choose if she could only eat one for the rest of her life!
We had a blast chatting with MP Sukh Dhaliwal, Member of Parliament for Surrey—Newton. We explored topics such as foreign interference, the importance of April as Sikh Heritage Month, and how MP Dhaliwal’s diverse experiences fueled his deep commitment of giving back to his community! Check it out!
We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with MP Blake Desjarlais, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Griesbach. We delve into topics surrounding MP Desjarlais' trailblazing work for both the Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ communities! In this episode, MP Desjarlais shares his perspective on how, despite Canada's painful past, there is hope, healing, and the potential for progress ahead. This episode is especially important, as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation just passed! Check it out!
