Beyond a Ballot

It's the end of season 3 and we're going out with a BANG! We welcome former MP Michelle Ferreri  and political strategists Jordan Leichnitz  and  Nicole Brassard  to break down the parliamentary session, where we're at politically and what each party needs to do this summer! THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING LISTENERS!  Mark your calendar: We will be back on  September 25th 2026!  Follow us...

Amanda and Rachael break down the big headlines of the week including the Justin Trudeau/Katy Perry love story, CUSMA negotiations, the G-7 next week and the online harms bill!  Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondaballot/ Thank you to our Title Sponsor, DoorDash!

Amanda and Rachael break down the BC Conservative leadership race, Don Davie's proposed floor crossing bill, Trump and Leblanc, Cusma and Ontario liberal leadership!  Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondaballot/ Thank you to our Title Sponsor, DoorDash!

Is Alberta the favourite child in the federation? As things heat up between BC and Alberta, we sit down with former Executive Director of the BC NDP, Raj Sihota and former Principal Secretary to Premier Danielle Smith, Erika Barootes to debate! Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondaballot/ Thank you to our Title Sponsor, DoorDash!

This week we chat about the  Spring Economic Update and King Charles and Jamil Jivan's trips to Washington! Plus - Our sit down with Royal Commentator  Bonnie Brownlee  on the King's visit with President Trump! Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondaballot/ Thank you to our Title Sponsor, DoorDash!

On this episode  we sit down with Christina Mitas, the youngest and first-ever elected woman to serve as President of the Conservative Party of Canada. Christina’s path through politics is anything but conventional. From her time as an MPP in Ontario to stepping into one of the most influential organizational roles in federal politics, we talk about it all! Follow us on Instagram! https://www.inst...

Floor crossings, by-elections, and a potential Liberal majority—what’s really happening behind the scenes in Ottawa? We're joined by Stephanie Levitz of The Globe and Mail to break down the strategy, stakes, and shifting political power. Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondaballot/ Thank you to our Title Sponsor, DoorDash!

One year in, what letter grade would you give Mark Carney?  Kate Harrison and Supriya Dwivedi  break down the highs and lows of the first year of Prime Minister Carney and give him his final grade!  Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondaballot/ Thank you to our Title Sponsor, DoorDash!

Voting is open for the federal NDP leadership race! We sit down with all 5 candidates to ask them for their best pitch, their vision for the NPD in 2026 and what their first 100 days as leader would bring.  Take a listen to Tanille Johnston, Tony McQuail, Rob Ashton, Heather McPherson and Avi Lewis! Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondaballot/ Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Do...

In this International Women’s Day special episode, The Firsts , we sit down with two trailblazers who helped reshape Canadian politics from opposite sides of the aisle: Deborah Grey and Sheila Copps. Grey made history as the first Member of Parliament elected for the Reform Party, helping spark a political movement that would later transform Canada’s conservative landscape, while Copps became Cana...

Our series, The Big Story, continues!  In this episode, Tracy Walder, a former CIA officer and FBI agent , shares her experiences in national security, insights on Mexico's current security situation, and the impact of drug cartels on North America. She discusses her career, the role of women in intelligence, and the importance of addressing domestic terrorism and security challenges. Follow...

We explore the complex dynamics of floor crossing in Canadian politics, analyzing recent high-profile defections, their implications for party loyalty, democracy, and leadership strategies. We look at the moral, strategic, and societal impacts of politicians switching parties, with insights into the current political landscape and future trends. Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/be...

A catch up on the latest political news and a conversation about the horrific events in Tumbler Ridge  00:00 - Episode introduction and recap of recent convention experiences 01:08 - Conservative convention insights and leader support trends 04:36 - Electoral participation and convention demographics 07:33 - MPs rejecting pay increases and examples of public service 09:21 - Internal party conflict...

In our new series, THE BIG STORY, we look at the major news stories happening around the world.  Our first conversation delves into the complexities of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in the United States with the women of Pantsuit Politics, Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland. We explore ICE's origins, functions, and the political controversies surrounding it. The dis...

2026 has already been wild -- how are you feeling?  We do a dive into everything that has happened globally in 2026 including Venezuela, Iran, Davos and Carney's trip to China and Qatar.   Chapters 00:00 Leadership in Crisis: Carney's Davos Speech 02:53 Contrasting Leadership Styles: Carney vs. Trump 05:25 Canada's Global Positioning: Middle Power Dynamics 08:11 Navigating Trade Rel...

Our federal election pod band is back! We welcome back Hannah Thibedeau and Kathleen Monk join us this week to talk about the tumultuous political landscape in Canada throughout 2025 and share predictions for politics in 2026! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! - Amanda & Rachael  Programming note: We will be back with a new episode on January 23rd 2026! Chapters 00:00 Political Whiplash in Canada 03:01 The St...

Katie Telford, former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, reflects on her extensive political career, the evolution of Canadian politics, and the challenges faced during her time as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister.  The conversation includes the rise of Trudeau, the impact of the pandemic, and the political tensions surrounding the convoy protests. Telford shares insights on lead...

LIVE FROM THE EMPIRE CLUB OF CANADA!  The conversation focuses on the pressing housing crisis in Canada, emphasizing the need for affordable housing and innovative construction methods. Ana Bailão, CEO of Build Canada Homes, discusses the importance of collaboration among government, private sector, and non-profits to address the challenges in the housing market. The discussion highlights the urge...

"I voted for the government, not the budget"  We do a deep dive with Green Party Leader Elizabeth May on her decision to vote yes on the budget, her experience negotiating with the Prime Minister and her feelings towards other party leaders!  Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondaballot/ Thank you to our Title Sponsor, DoorDash!

Was this budget a fiscal or political move? What can we expect to see impact our lives? Will we be going into a christmas election this year? We break down budget 2025 with  Althia Raj ,  Ottawa Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star.  Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondaballot/ Thank you to our Title Sponsor, DoorDash!

Lainey Lui, Founder and Editor of LaineyGossip.com and a Senior Correspondent on Etalk, delves into the fascinating dynamics of the relationship between Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry. The conversation explores how their unexpected pairing has captivated international audiences, examining the intersection of celebrity and politics, and the strategic choreography behind their public appearances. Lai...

The question in the back of our minds: Where is the NDP going in this country? We called in the person who knows the answer to this question best, Anne McGrath, National Director of the federal NDP.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Anne McGrath 02:40 Anne's Journey with the NDP 05:23 The NDP's Evolution Over the Years 08:14 Reflections on the 2025 Election Results 11:06 The Impact of the...

David Cochrane, the host of CBC's Power and Politics, joins us to break down everything about the Carney trip to Washington this week.  Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondaballot/ Thank you to our Title Sponsor, DoorDash!

What is it like being the family of a political leader? We sit down with Ana Pollievre to talk about her experience.  Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondaballot/ Thank you to our Title Sponsor, DoorDash!

Mosheh Oinounou joins Amanda and Rachael to delve into the current state of U.S. politics, exploring the impact of political violence, the influence of Charlie Kirk, and the dynamics of Trump's presidency.  What is the cultural reactions to recent political events? The role of late-night television in shaping public discourse? We dive into the erosion of public trust in health institutions an...