Surely, the thinking goes, authoritarianism is a problem on the right, not the left. For many, especially here in Canada, ‘right wing’ is basically synonymous with authoritarianism. But, a surprisingly high percentage of self-identified progressives are punitive, bullying and intolerant of disagreement: authoritarian traits. This phenomenon is largely undocumented in the media or in the academic research. My guest today—social psychologist and researcher Luke Conway—is very concerned about rise in authoritarianism, it all its flavours. But, in his recent book, Liberal Bullies, he addresses this blindspot we have when it comes to left wing authoritarianism. We discuss his book and the research into authoritarianism.
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About the Guest
Dr. Lucian Gideon Conway, III is a Professor of Psychology at Grove City College. He is an Associate Editor of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin and a Fellow in the Society of Experimental Social Psychology. Links:
X: @LGConwayIII
Substack: The Apologetic Professor
Book: Liberal Bullies: Inside the Mind of the Authoritarian Left
In this episode of Viewpoints, host Sean Rasmussen sits down with Adam Swart, founder and CEO of Crowds on Demand, to pull back the curtain on the protest industry. Adam shares his unique perspective from years of organizing advocacy campaigns—ranging from high-profile demonstrations to publicity stunts—and challenges the idea of what makes a protest truly “grassroots.” The conversation explores the ethics of paid activism, foreign influence campaigns, the pitfalls of violent protest, and the surprising realities behind movements like #DeleteFacebook and BLM. Adam also weighs in on how money shapes political action, the fine line between advocacy and astroturfing, and why he believes true free speech is under threat. It’s an unfiltered look at protest culture, media narratives, and the future of free expression.
Guest links:
Our guest is Bart Wilson, professor of economics and law at Chapman University and director of the Smith Institute for Political Economy and Philosophy. Bart’s work cuts to the core of what makes economic systems not just efficient, but genuinely humane. In this conversation, we explore the origins and significance of property, the ways trust and moral norms emerge, and why recognizing the human side of markets is essential for addressing today’s most pressing challenges.
If you are looking for a deeper understanding of why economics matters—in policy, in community, and in everyday life—this episode is for you.
Links:
The Smith Institute for Political Economy and Philosophy
Full episode page with transcript and more at the Viewpoints Website.
Why does socialism keep coming back, even after so many failed experiments? In this episode of Viewpoints, host Sean Rasmussen sits down with Dr. Kristian Niemietz, author of "Socialism: The Failed Idea That Never Dies," to explore the resurgence of "millennial socialism" and why each new generation believes they can succeed where others have failed. Niemietz discusses his own intellectual journey from youthful rebellion to classical liberalism, the persistent romanticism surrounding socialism, the cyclical patterns of socialist enthusiasm and disillusionment, and why the lessons of history are often ignored or reinterpreted. From the lessons of the Soviet Union and Venezuela to the modern popularity of DEI and identity politics in the West, this conversation unpacks the economic and social realities behind the rhetoric—and what it means for Canada and beyond. Whether you're a skeptic, a supporter, or just curious about the ongoing debate, this episode offers a thoughtful, evidence-based perspective on one of the most enduring ideas in politics.
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About the guest
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Dr. Kristian Niemietz is Head of Political Economy at theLondon-based Institute of Economic Affairs, a Research Fellow at the Zurich-based Liberal Institute, and a Senior Fellow at the Berlin-based Institute for Free Enterprise. He lives in London England. To find out more, visit: https://iea.org.uk/
Welcome to Viewpoints, the podcast where we dig beneath the headlines to challenge assumptions and explore ideas that shape our society. In this episode, host Sean Rasmussen sits down with Steven Reich, a PhD student in educational policy at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), for a frank and eye-opening conversation about the state of our schools.
Why has education become a political battleground, and what gets lost when we shift the focus away from students themselves? Steven shares his unconventional path from law to education research, and unpacks how educational policy, trends, and fads filter down from academia and government offices into the classroom—often with negative consequences. From the rise and pitfalls of whole language reading instruction, to imported American ideologies like critical theory and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), Steven argues that our schools are swept up in untested trends, sometimes at the expense of proven approaches based in cognitive science.
We’ll hear why evidence-based, direct teaching methods are often sidelined in favor of more political or philosophical trends; what actually works for helping students learn to read and think critically; and how education policy too often reflects ideological orthodoxies rather than the needs of students, teachers, or families. Steven offers a candid, at times provocative perspective on what’s broken—and what it will take to get back on track.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, policymaker, or simply curious about the forces shaping Canadian education, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. So settle in, and get ready to hear a side of the education debate you rarely get from the mainstream.
About the Guest
Stephen Reich is a former lawyer and current PhD student. His research concerns education’s capture by an ideological but evidence-poor Critical Theory, at the expense of cognitive science-informed best practices to effectively, efficiently, and equitably impart children with humanity’s most consequential knowledge and skills accumulated to date, necessary for both future innovation, and responsible participation in adult society. Stephen’s upcoming doctoral research will examine the ideological underpinnings of teacher-training in Ontario and whether it is designed to prepare teachers for the reality of classroom teaching. Stephen is a co-chair of University of Toronto's Heterodox Academy and a member of the organization’s national executive. Apart from his work in educational policy, Stephen is a former actor, and current choral director, vocalist and musical arranger.
Topics Covered
Here’s a comprehensive sequence of the main topics covered in this episode of Viewpoints, along with sub-topic bullets under each primary topic:
1. Introduction to Educational Policy as a Political Battleground
2. Steven Reich’s Background and Path to Educational Policy
3. Philosophy and Approach to Educational Policy
4. The Structure of Educational Policy and its Flow into Classrooms
5. Examples of Policy Influence on Classroom Practice
6. Discussion of Teaching Methods: Whole Language vs. Cognitive Science-Based Learning
7. Rote Learning, Memory, and Critical Thinking
8. History and Spread of Critical Theory in Education
9. Evidence, Testing, and Lack Thereof in Educational Theory Adoption
10. The Disconnect Between Official Policy, Teacher Preparation, and Classroom Realities
11. Teacher Experiences and Institutional Culture
12. Multiculturalism, Identity Politics, and Social Justice in Education
13. The Purpose of Education: Competing Philosophies
14. Political and Practical Solutions for Reform
15. Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
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Host Sean Rasmussen sits down with political scientist Frances Widdowson to tackle the Kamloops unmarked graves controversy and the broader implications for indigenous affairs in Canada.
They highlight the effects of the so-called "Aboriginal industry," and discuss the importance of truth-seeking for real progress. Frances shares her personal experiences facing academic backlash, emphasizing the critical need for open dialogue and the pursuit of truth in understanding and resolving complex social issues.
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Dr. Frances Widdowson is a political scientist who has spent her career investigating the politics and ideologies of indigenous affairs in Canada. She’s currently working on a documentary about the Kamloops unmarked graves controversy. Links:
Host Sean Rasmussen speaks with Sociologist Neil McLaughlin about the challenge of political polarization on campus and the wider society -- and how we might move to a better place. We cover a lot of ground: The Jordan Peterson controversy, the Heterodox Academy, public intellectuals, Chris Rufo's activism, Erich Fromm, elitism, the crisis of meaning, leftist authoritarianism, the CBC, Canadian politics, and much more.
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About the Guest
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Dr. Neil McLaughlin is Full Professor in the Department of Sociology at McMaster University. His research focuses on the sociology of public intellectuals, the sociology of reputations, the international spreading of conspiracy theories and the sociological dynamics of disciplines, universities and ideas. He is currently working on the political correctness debates and the Jordan Peterson controversy.
He has studied the rise and goal of the reputation of critical theorist Erich Fromm, the radical writings of Noam Chomsky, the philanthropy of George Soros, the public intellectual debate in Canada, the missing women, Canadian public intellectuals, the crisis and renewal of Canadian sociology, the writings of Edward Said, David Riesman and George Orwell.
In this episode Sean Rasmussen speaks with Melanie Bennet, co-host of the popular YouTube channel, The Canadian Culture Wars Report, about the activist takeover of Ontario’s K-12 Education system.
K-12 Education in Ontario has undergone a transformation in the past twenty years, by taking some fairly radical and untested concepts and methods from obscure academic disciplines and pushing them through the system, in a top-down manner. Not many parents understand what is happening. However, the Ontario Human Rights Commission recently released The Right to Read Report condemning the Ministry of Education for using methodologies that are leading to poor student achievement (instead of evidence-based methodologies that are shown to work).
Why are educators doing this? Why isn’t there more pushback from parents? Is it possible to depoliticize education? We discuss these questions and more, including: the purpose of K-12 education, political echo chambers, “progressive” politics, the reactionary right, the reluctance of centrist Canadians to get involved in culture issues, and the Trump administration’s new education executive order. It’s a great conversation you’re not going to want to miss, especially if you have a child in public school.
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About the Guest
Melanie Bennet is co-host of the popular YouTube channel, The Canadian Culture Wars Report, a show that explores the ideological shifts that are shaping Canada’s education system and public institutions. Links:
The Canadian Culture Wars Report
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Resources
Host Sean Rasmussen speaks with Mia Hughes, author of The WPATH Files. If you have felt like mainstream Canadian coverage you’re seeing on gender issues has been lacking, you’re right, and you’ll want to listen to what Mia has to say. We discuss gender ideology, gender medicine and how Canada’s handling of gender issues is lagging years behind Europe and the UK–who have all changed their policies in response to emerging evidence.
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About the Guest
Mia Hughes is Senior fellow at the MacDonald-Laurier Institute, the author of The WPATH Files and the director of Genspect Canada. British born, Mia currently resides in Ottawa, Canada. Her links:
Twitter (X): https://x.com/_CryMiaRiver
Genspect Canada: https://genspect.org/genspect-canada/
The Macdonald-Laurier Institute: https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/
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To find out more about Viewpoints, visit viewpointspodcast.ca
In this episode host Sean Rasmussen speaks with Mark Milke, the president ofThe Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy. It's a wide ranging conversation that gets to the heart of what it means to be Canadian. We also discuss the anti-reality of many of the utopian political movements in the 21st Century, Trump's trolling statements about being the 51st state, the role of think tanks and much more.
Topics discussed:
About the Guest
Mark Milke is the founder and president of theAristotle Foundation for Public Policy. He is the author of six books, over 70 studies, and over 1,000 columns published in the last 25 years. His policy work has been published by think tanks in Canada and internationally, including theFraser Institute, theMontreal Economic Institute, theAmerican Enterprise Institute, and theHeritage Foundation. He is also editor of the Aristotle Foundation’s first book, The 1867 Project: Why Canada Should Be Cherished–Not Cancelled. His sixth book,The Victim Cult is an Amazon bestseller.
For more information, and the transcript, visitviewpointspodcast.ca.
Many of the guests on Viewpoints, so far, have been critical of the mainstream media for being too left-leaning. Well, in this episode you're going to hear from someone who thinks that mainstream media is, if anything, still too right-leaning.
Josh Elstro is a podcast and multimedia producer for Convergence Magazine, a publication that works with organizers and activists to promote socially progressive causes.
We discuss media bias, echo chambers and the possibility of talking across political divides. It is a fun and spirited discussion that I think you're going to enjoy, regardless of your politics.
Some of the topics we get into (and often disagree on) are:
And much more....
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There is a bill before the Canadian Senate right now, Bill C-293, titled “An Act respecting pandemic prevention and preparedness.” But, despite its innocuous and bureaucratic sounding title, it could have far-reaching implications for Canadians. At least according to my guest today...
Returning guest Lisa Miron has been raising the alarm about the potential dangers of this bill to the Canadian democratic processes and civil liberties.
Links for further reading:
You may have heard of the "Smart City" before, or maybe the "15 minute city" or "C40 city". But, do we really understand what they are and what they mean to our democracy? Host Sean Rasmussen speaks with Lisa Miron about how these related initiatives are quietly changing the nature of municipal politics not just in Canada but around the world. And, why that might not be a good thing.
Lisa Miron has a degree in environmental science, and a Masters of Law with a focus on conflict of interest. She's a litigation lawyer, writer, activist and an outspoken critic of smart cities.
Lisa's substack: https://lawyerlisa.substack.com/
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For more information about this episode and Viewpoints, the podcast visit viewpointspodcast.ca
Whether your political leanings are right, left, or centrist today's guest, historian Scott Miller, will help you understand today's extreme polarization and how conservative thought fits into the picture. Topics discussed:
This essay by Scott Miller is worth a read. A fascinating look into how one institution was transformed by a handful of activists: Fulcrum And Pivot The New Left Remaking Of Toronto School Policy
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Host Sean Rasmussen speaks with Dr. Eric Kaufmann about his new book, The Third Awokening, which is a deep dive into the politics of the left. Eric's breadth of knowledge and unique perspective on what drives left-liberalism make this episode a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the past, present, and future leftist politics in Canada and abroad.
About the Guest
Dr. Eric Kaufmann is professor of politics and Director of the Centre for Heterodox Social Science at the University of Buckingham. He is also Adjunct Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. In addition to his academic work, he has written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Times of London, Newsweek, National Review, New Statesman, Financial Times, and other outlets. His new book, The Third Awokening , is a deep dive into political polarization and the culture wars.
Eric Kaufmann's official website: https://www.sneps.net/
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To find out more about Viewpoints the podcast, visit: viewpointspodcast.ca
In this episode host Sean Rasmussen speaks with Marco Navarro-Génie, co-author of the book Canada's Covid: The Story of a Pandemic Moral Panic. If you want to understand what happened during Canada's pandemic response this is a must-listen.
Topics discussed:
Marco Navarro-Génie is president of the Haultain Research Institute and co-author of the book Canada’s Covid: The Story of a Pandemic Moral Panic.
Find out more about the book and where to buy it.
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To find out more about Viewpoints the podcast, visit: viewpointspodcast.ca
Floyd Marinescu has been a long-time advocate for Universal Basic Income, and more recently, the Land Value Tax (a significant rejigging of the way we tax people). Is he a dreamy radical? Or are his ideas, in fact, sensible policy strategies to build a fairer, more productive Canada? Listen and find out.
Floyd is CEO and co-founder of C4Media, which provides software development news and learning events serving 1.2 million online on InfoQ.com, and 8,000 attendees annually via QCon conferences in SF, NY, London, Beijing, Shanghai, and Sao Paulo. Floyd is an angel investor in over a dozen startups and has built teams and businesses in the US, Canada, China, Brazil, and Europe.
Floyd is founder and primary donor to UBI Works, a basic income advocacy organization that has grown into a network of over 100,000 basic income supporters across Canada and publishing content seen over 1 million times a month. In 2018, Floyd organized 120 Canadian CEOs to sign a letter endorsing basic income in Canada.
His latest initiative, Common Wealth Canada raises awareness for a land value tax as a solution to the housing crisis, and the creation of a sovereign wealth fund that could pay all Canadians dividends.
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To find out more about Viewpoints the podcast, visit: viewpointspodcast.ca
Host Sean Rasmussen speaks with James Pew from Woke Watch Canada. Pew thinks wokeism is the wrong direction for Canadians. He founded Woke Watch Canada to investigate these ideas and provide a rigorous counterpoint to what he calls radical ideologies. In this conversation, you'll hear about his inspiration for founding Woke Watch Canada, what he means by “woke”, how it has become a part of K-12 education, his thoughts on liberalism, and more.
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In Canada there are certain ideas that have seemingly come out of nowhere to dominate much of the political landscape. These ideas have to do with identity, race, gender and use terms such as “critical race theory”, “post colonialism”, “white supremacy”, “systemic racism”, “microaggressions”, “diversity equity inclusion”, “anti-racism”, “cis-normative” and “oppressor/oppressed”.
The list goes on and, by now, you will have seen and heard these terms used all over the place. Colloquially called “woke” by some, it’s a way of looking at the world that ten years ago would only be found in arcane academic disciplines. They have now hit the mainstream and are very popular with the professional-managerial classes, educators, media, and policy makers in Canada.
For Canadians who graduated before these ideas were de rigueur in school, or for those who are just going about their day paying the bills and looking after the kids, these terms can all be a bit vague and disorienting.
But, maybe more importantly, are these good ideas? Will they make Canada a better place? The claims being made by adherents of these ideas suggest this worldview will lead to a better, more just society.
My guest in this episode, James Pew, doesn’t think so. He founded Woke Watch Canada to investigate and provide a rigorous counter-point to what are now mainstream narratives. Working with a team of writers (many of whom are teachers and academics) they publish regularly on how wokeism, and critical social justice and how it is rolling out in Canadian institutions. From their website:
We are concerned citizens, parents and teachers pushing back against divisive radicalism in schools & culture. Share your examples of woke indoctrination with us. Read the newsletter at https://wokewatchcanada.substack.com/
I met with James Pew in my home in downtown Toronto. We talked about his inspiration for founding Woke Watch Canada, discussed what he means by “woke”, how it has become a part of K-12 education, his thoughts on liberalism, and more. It’s a great conversation for anyone who wants a different take on these ideas.
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