The Strategists

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips talk about whether Mark Carney should go early, how opposition parties actually win a legislative session, and why Danielle Smith’s referendum fight might be exactly the battlefield the ANDP has to choose. Should Carney pull the trigger now? Is floor crossing “fine” when Pierre says it is? And how different would the trajectory of the nation be if Shannon had pa...

In this Patreon teaser, Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into Danielle Smith’s nine question referendum gambit and the politics of putting Alberta on the ballot. Is this a distraction, or the agenda? How are the questions framed to win? And will Carter ever see his daughter again? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes,...

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into Jeneroux’s decision to spend less time with his family by crossing the floor to the Liberals, rogue MP Jamil Jivani, and Danielle Smith’s looming televised address. Is Mark Carney quietly outplaying everyone? Is Poilievre losing control of his caucus? And what exactly is a banana plus one? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody...

In this Patreon teaser, Stephen Carter and Zain Velji dive into whether looks still shape political destiny, unpack the machinery of campaign makeovers, and debate what “electable” means in 2026. They also turn to the quieter question of who really runs campaigns, and who gets paid to do it. Do voters want someone who looks like them, or someone just a notch better? Has the definition of electabil...

Shannon Phillips and Stephen Carter do a weekly separatist checkup and debate what responsibility political commentators, operatives, and public figures have in moments like this. From there the conversation turns south, literally, as they examine Jamil Jivani’s trip to Washington. Will there be a separation referendum regardless of how the signature drive ends? What did Jamil hope to accomplish b...

Shannon Phillips and Stephen Carter discuss a Conservative movement that has decided it will not pivot, will not moderate, and absolutely does not care who hates it for that choice. What does it mean when a party re-ups the leader voters say they don't like, even after winning the argument on the issues? Is wrapping yourself in the flag a real political move or just vibes? And did Stephen Carter g...

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips discuss Alberta separatism going international after reporting reveals meetings with U.S. officials, and what the different levels of government can, and shouldn't, do in response. How does a fringe movement become a foreign policy problem? What's the right move when separatist politics go too far? And does a producer organizing events without asking the hosts c...

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips discuss a federal stress test unfolding on two fronts: The killing of a Minneapolis man by federal immigration agents and open U.S. interference in Alberta's separatism debate. What happens when American political actors start shaping domestic politics? Why isn't there a more serious political pushback in the US after another fatal federal law enforcement shooti...

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into Canada’s new world order as Mark Carney cuts a landmark trade deal with China and openly acknowledges that Washington is no longer a reliable partner. Stephen and Shannon break down what all of this means for Alberta separatism, NATO, and the future of Canadian sovereignty. Can Canada expand trade without selling out workers and Ontario auto jobs? Are...

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dig into Alberta's latest separatist referendum push and ask the two questions that actually matter: is it inevitable, and is it likely? They break down the math behind the new 177,000-signature threshold, the organizational reality facing separatist groups, and why last summer's "Forever Canadian" petition may have been lightning in a bottle rather than a new n...

Check the Orthodox Boxing Day deals, lower your expectations accordingly, and get ready as The Strategists unpack the year that was in the Flair Airlines* Better Late Than Never Holiday Spectacular. Stephen Carter, Shannon Phillips, and Annalise Klingbeil try to make sense of the last year in politics. From delayed responses and rare perfect landings to middle-seat nightmares, political rebirths a...

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips talk about Rebecca Schulz’s sudden resignation from cabinet and what it signals about unity inside the UCP, and the country. They dive into the subtext of the resignation letter, whether this is about an oncoming referendum or possibly even an early election. Is this actually a problem for Danielle Smith or just another data point in a noisy political moment? Wh...

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dig into the Conservatives' pipeline motion, the Liberal response, and why Ottawa is spending its time debating make-believe infrastructure. What's the real strategy behind a motion about a pipeline that doesn't exist? How should the Liberals handle a fight built entirely on hypotheticals? And is Manitoba ready for the unique brand of chaos that follows Carter e...

Zain Velji and Shannon Phillips dive into the weird, wonderful world of press-gallery comedy, from Don Davies’ viral self-roast to Pierre Poilievre’s carefully staged moment. How does the Press Gallery dinner work and does it still matter? What does "joyful negativity" look like in practice? And does the lack of "white noise" make the podcast any easier to listen to? Zain Velji, as always, picks t...

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into the generational, transformative MOU between the Canada and Alberta. They explain what it actually means, what it definitely doesn’t, and why everyone involved is already gaming out the best and worst case scenarios. Is everyone suddenly buying pipelines? Who actually gained (and who got played)? And how up to date is Carter on the latest trends? Zain...

The Strategists go live with His Worship, Jeromy Farkas, Mayor of Calgary, for a chaotic, surprisingly earnest, and occasionally ill-advised deep dive into how he won, what his plans are and how heavy the chains of office really are. Then the gang breaks into a mini-episode of Ministry of Podcasts with MP Corey Hogan to talk all things budget and floor crossing. Finally, Zain Velji, as always lets...

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips sort another chaotic week of Canadian politics into Take, Tweak or Trash. Are backbench politicians now influencers? What's the difference between economic and electoral politics? And how well can Zain host the show with half of his mouth frozen from the dentist? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Join our Patreon for ad-free...

The Strategists are LIVE to hold a funeral for The Calgary Party, and to hold Stephen Carter accountable. Annalise Klingbeil and Shannon Phillips are joined by returning host Corey Hogan to dissect the 2025 Calgary municipal election. Is money still the currency of politics? Can you catch a wave you insist was definitely there but somehow nobody else saw? And is that really a live organist playing...

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips brace themselves for an old-school strategy session. What should Pierre Poilievre be doing over the next two months? Two years? And how does Zain expect anyone to know when the liveshow is if he won't promote it?! Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Get your live show tickets now! http://strategistslive.show Join our Patreon f...

Shannon and Stephen start discussing the budget when they are interrupted by BREAKING NEWS. What does this mean for the various parties in the house? What's the best strategy if you're crossing the floor, or receiving a crosser? And at this rate will Shannon have any burns left for Carter at the live show? Zain Velji throws the script out the window and keeps everybody in line. Get your live show...

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips examine the fallout a week after Alberta teachers were forced back to work using the notwithstanding clause. Is the government paying a price for suspending teachers' rights? Have opposing parties missed their chance to push back? And what actually IS the website to buy tickets for the upcoming live show? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps ever...

Get ready for the greatest live show on earth! The Strategists Live! comes to Knox United Church, Calgary on November 12th. Tickets at http://strategistslive.show/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shannon Phillips and Stephen Carter dig into breaking news and unpack the Alberta Government’s plan to force teachers back to work. What should the strategic response look like from the opposition, educators, and the broader public service? How do you mobilize one of the province’s last truly connected social networks? And is Carter actually serious about putting on a live show? Zain Velji, as alw...

Zain Velji and Annalise Klingbeil dive deep into Calgary's 2025 municipal election just days before voters head to the polls. Why does this race feels so boring despite tight polling? What happens when engaged insiders can't even figure out who to vote for? And is this really a "Seinfeld election" about nothing? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Join our Patre...

Chris Henderson finally unmutes his mic to do a deep dive on the surprisingly competitive Edmonton mayoral election. Why could this race be the closest one in 30 years? What happens when there's no clear ballot question and voters tune in at the last minute? And how did a dentist's cringe rap video evolve into a legitimate protest campaign? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps...