Brian Crombie Radio Hour

For generations, Canada and the United States have shared one of the world's closest economic and political relationships. But amid an escalating tariff dispute and growing uncertainty, has that relationship fundamentally changed?On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by two business executives and friends with different perspectives: American Francis Saleh and Canadian Philip Richardson.Francis believes some Canadian concerns about the United States are overblown, while Phil is considerably more cautious. Together, they debate the impact of tariffs, changing supply chains, Donald Trump's negotiating style, Canada's economic dependence on the U.S., and whether Canada should accelerate efforts to diversify its trade relationships.The conversation also tackles bigger questions about trust between allies, American institutions, executive power and how governments should prepare for risks that may be highly unlikely but potentially catastrophic.Canada and the United States aren't going anywhere. Geography won't change, and their economies and people will remain deeply connected.But trust between countries, like trust between people, can be easier to damage than rebuild.So the question isn't whether Canada and America will remain neighbours.It's what kind of neighbours—and what kind of partners—they will become.

What if some of the people once labelled “insane” were actually people society simply refused to hear?On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Canadian novelist, poet and teacher Robin Blackburn McBride to discuss her new historical novel, River of Dreams—a story exploring women, mental health, intuition, family secrets and the consequences of having one's experiences dismissed.Set partly inside a psychiatric hospital in the 1920s, the novel follows Avery Conlon, a nurse with an unusual ability to perceive things others cannot. As Avery encounters women whose experiences of grief, trauma and loss have gone unheard, she quietly tries to help them—while knowing that revealing her own extraordinary perceptions could cause others to question her sanity.Robin also shares the deeply personal family history that helped inspire the novel: her great-grandmother spent decades institutionalized at the Protestant Hospital for the Insane in Montreal.The conversation expands beyond the novel to explore intuition, dreams and other ways of knowing. Is intuition simply the brain processing information beneath conscious awareness, or are there aspects of human perception that remain difficult to explain?Brian and Robin also discuss motherhood, women's voices, historical power structures and what can happen when people are finally given the opportunity to tell their own stories.Because sometimes the first step toward helping someone isn't diagnosing them.It's listening to them.

If your phone or computer disappeared tomorrow, how much of your life would disappear with it?On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by digital evangelist Jason Love for a practical conversation about organizing, protecting and simplifying your digital life.From thousands of photos and forgotten passwords to scattered notes, competing calendars and endless to-do lists, people have moved enormous parts of their lives online—often without creating a system to manage them.Jason breaks down six digital essentials almost everyone should have:☁️ A personal cloud account

Can reconciliation become more than something Canadians talk about—and become something people actually do?On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Lynn Taylor and Barry Gilbert of Eagle Spirits of the Great Waters Indigenous Arts and Cultures for a powerful conversation about reconciliation, healing, identity and connection.Ahead of the Eagle Spirits Gathering & Healing Weekend in Mississauga, Lynn shares her personal journey of reconnecting with her Indigenous heritage after the death of her mother, a survivor of the Mount Elgin Indian Day School.Barry discusses how art, drumming, dance, storytelling, food and ceremony can bring people together and create opportunities for healing and connection.Brian then takes the conversation further in his closing commentary, “The Power of Reconciliation,” asking what it takes for people divided by history, hurt, distrust or ideology to build relationships strong enough to move forward together.Because winning an argument and repairing a relationship are two very different things.Winning determines who was right. Reconciliation determines whether there is still a relationship when the argument is over.Perhaps the opposite of division isn't agreement.

What does success mean after you've already achieved it?On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian sits down with entrepreneur and philanthropist Miles S. Nadal, founder and Executive Chairman of Peerage Capital, for a candid conversation about 46 years of entrepreneurship, success, adversity and reinvention.Miles shares the lessons behind his belief in “the power of human capital”—why grit, emotional intelligence, persistence and what he calls your “network quotient” can be just as important as intelligence or financial capital.They discuss entrepreneurship and ownership, the lessons learned from failure, why adversity can be a greater teacher than success, and why Canada struggles to turn its entrepreneurial talent into globally competitive companies. They also explore housing affordability and efforts to help more Canadians overcome the down-payment barrier to homeownership.But the conversation ultimately becomes about something bigger: What happens when you have enough?After decades of building businesses and accumulating wealth, Miles reflects on philanthropy, family, community and why giving back has become an increasingly important measure of success.Brian then closes with “The Second Half of Success”—a reflection on how ambition can evolve from asking What can I achieve? to Who can I help? What can I teach? What can I give?Perhaps the ultimate evolution of success is simple:Generosity may be what ambition is supposed to mature into.

What if artificial intelligence's greatest advantage over human relationships isn't intelligence—but attention?On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Dr. Thomas R. Verny to explore the rapidly evolving world of AI companions and what increasingly convincing artificial relationships could mean for human connection.AI companions can listen, remember, encourage and remain constantly available, potentially offering support for loneliness, education and intellectual growth. But those same qualities raise difficult questions about dependency, manipulation, constant validation and emotional attachment.Verny argues that genuine human intimacy requires something AI can largely remove: friction. Real relationships involve vulnerability, disagreement, compromise and even the possibility of rejection.If an AI companion always listens, always remembers and rarely challenges us in uncomfortable ways, does that strengthen us—or make genuine human relationships harder?Brian and Dr. Verny explore the promise and risks of artificial companionship, the future of intimacy and loneliness, and the safeguards that may be needed as AI becomes increasingly powerful and persuasive.As machines become better at simulating connection, what will make human relationships irreplaceable?

After decades in municipal politics, why come back?On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian sits down with former Markham Regional Councillor and Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, who is a certified candidate for Regional Councillor in Markham's 2026 municipal election.Heath served 19 years as a Regional Councillor and nearly 11 years as Deputy Mayor before leaving elected office in 2022. Now he's seeking a return to City Hall, saying there is “unfinished business.”The conversation tackles some of the biggest challenges facing Markham and the GTA: housing affordability, traffic congestion, transit, development charges, intensification, infrastructure and managing population growth while preserving established communities.Brian and Heath debate who should pay for infrastructure created by growth and explore Heath's ideas for using government-owned and underutilized land to support affordable housing.They also discuss Bus Rapid Transit, transit-oriented development and the Yonge subway extension, as well as the challenge of preserving places like Main Street Unionville and Main Street Markham while accommodating future growth.And the conversation goes bigger: with housing, transportation and economic development increasingly crossing municipal boundaries, does the GTA need greater regional coordination?After decades in municipal politics, Jack Heath wants another opportunity to tackle what he sees as unfinished business.Why come back—and what would he do differently this time?

Canada has the resources. The question is whether we can turn them into lasting economic strength.On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Heather Exner-Pirot, a commentator on energy, natural resources, Indigenous economic development and economic security, to examine Canada's opportunity in a changing global economy.Heather argues that disruption in the Canada-U.S. relationship may be forcing Canada to confront decisions it has postponed for decades: diversifying markets, building pipelines and LNG infrastructure, developing critical minerals, expanding nuclear energy and processing more of our resources at home.Canada possesses enormous assets—oil, natural gas, uranium, potash, copper, gold, critical minerals, hydroelectricity and agricultural land—along with a reputation as a stable supplier. But possessing resources isn't enough. They have to be developed, transported and sold, with more of the value chain captured in Canada where economically viable.Brian and Heather discuss whether Canada can become an energy superpower, the opportunities surrounding uranium and nuclear power, Indigenous participation in major projects, regulatory barriers to investment and what it would take to get more Canadian resources to global markets.Then, in Part Two of Brian's special commentary, “What Canada Builds Now,” the conversation moves from diagnosis to prescription.The goal: turn uranium into industries, minerals into products, research into intellectual property, intellectual property into Canadian companies—and Canadian companies into global competitors.Own more. Build more. Compound more.Develop what we have. Build what we're missing. Improve productivity. Retain talent. Reach more markets. Remain a reliable partner—and avoid excessive dependence on any single one.Not less America. More world.The defining question for Canada's next forty years:What can Canada build that the world cannot easily replace?

What happens when two very different approaches to political leadership collide—and what does it mean for Canada's relationship with the United States?On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Dennis Dodo, author of The Tale of Two Men, which compares the leadership approaches of Donald Trump and Mark Carney. Dodo characterizes Trump's approach as focused heavily on political performance, narrative and emotion, while describing Carney's as more technocratic, institutional and problem-solving oriented.Their conversation goes beyond personality to examine Canada-U.S. trade tensions, trust between governments, political polarization and democratic institutions. Drawing on his experiences growing up in Zimbabwe, Dodo also discusses his concerns about democratic erosion and what he calls the danger of assuming democratic institutions are automatically immune from decline.Then Brian turns to Canada's economic future with Part One: The Insurance Policy Canada Forgot to Buy.His argument: Free trade wasn't Canada's mistake. Dependence was.For decades, Canada benefited enormously from access to the U.S. market. But Brian asks whether the country did enough during that period to diversify its markets, improve productivity, build infrastructure, commercialize Canadian research, retain intellectual property and develop globally competitive Canadian companies.With Canada and the United States now experiencing a significant trade dispute, that question has taken on renewed relevance.Not less America. More world.The bigger question: Did Canada use four decades of economic integration to make itself resilient enough for the day the relationship changed—and what should it build now?

Interest rates have fallen from their peak. Home prices have corrected. Affordability has improved somewhat. So why hasn't the Canadian housing market—particularly the GTA—recovered?On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Ted Tsiakopoulos, senior economist and former CMHC Chief Regional Economist, to examine what he calls real estate's “Automatic Stabilizer”—and why it may not be working this time.Historically, economic slowdowns pushed long-term bond yields and mortgage rates lower, helping stabilize housing and eventually fuel a recovery. But Ted argues today's challenges may be structural rather than simply cyclical, shaped by deglobalization, AI and digitization, demographic change and rising government debt.Brian and Ted explore why GTA housing demand has been weakening, whether prices have further to fall, what needs to happen for affordability to return, and why jobs and business confidence may matter just as much as interest rates. They also discuss the potential of semis and townhomes—the “missing middle”—and how AI, demographics and productivity could reshape future housing demand.Ted remains cautiously optimistic that conditions could improve in the latter half of next year. But if today's housing problems are structural, simply waiting for the Bank of Canada to lower rates may not be enough.Why hasn't housing bounced back—and what will finally trigger the recovery?

Why are so many employees resisting artificial intelligence—and what should leaders do about it?On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts, to examine the growing tension surrounding AI in the workplace.Gleb identifies three types of resistance: AI alarmists who fear losing their jobs, pragmatic resistors concerned about losing expertise and professional identity, and reluctant adopters who may already be using AI but are afraid of being judged for it.Rather than simply ordering employees to embrace AI, Gleb argues that leaders need to demonstrate how the technology can eliminate unwanted tasks, enhance the work employees value and improve productivity.But the conversation goes beyond workplace adoption. Brian and Gleb also explore legitimate concerns surrounding increasingly powerful AI models, safety and control—and the potential need for independent audits, stronger regulation and international cooperation.As AI transforms the workplace, one question becomes increasingly urgent:Will AI replace you—or will someone who knows how to use it replace you?

If Canada's old economic assumptions no longer hold, what do we build next? On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian revisits a remarkably timely conversation with Anne Fitz-Gerald, Director of the Balsillie School of International Affairs, who warned that Canada's geography, security and extraordinary access to the U.S. market had allowed something dangerous to take hold: complacency.Anne argues that Canada needs to stop playing economic “whack-a-mole”—reacting separately to every tariff, supply-chain disruption and geopolitical shock—and develop a genuine long-term strategy.What are the few things Canada wants to become truly great at? How do we bring government, business, universities and researchers together? How do we turn Canadian research into intellectual property, technology and globally competitive companies? And how do we keep Canadian talent and ambition here?Then, in Part Two of his special closing commentary, Brian turns from diagnosis to action.His prescription can be summarized in three words:Own more. Build more. Compound more.Canada has energy, uranium, critical minerals, world-class universities, skilled workers, entrepreneurs, capital, access to three oceans—and something increasingly valuable in an uncertain world: trust.The challenge is connecting those advantages: turning uranium into a nuclear industry, minerals into advanced products, research into intellectual property, intellectual property into Canadian companies, and Canadian companies into global champions.This isn't about abandoning Canada's relationship with the United States.

What is Canada's competitive advantage—and are we doing enough to protect and build it?On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Wouter F. Germans Jr., CFA, author of the four-part series Canada's Missing Moat, to explore how Canada can become stronger, more productive and less economically vulnerable in a changing relationship with the United States.Canada has enormous advantages: oil and gas, uranium, critical minerals, agriculture, timber, world-class universities and a highly educated population. But resources can be replaced, talented Canadians can leave, and the country's productivity and business investment continue to lag behind the United States.Brian and Wouter explore the potential for nuclear energy and small modular reactors, how Canada can turn university research into Canadian companies and intellectual property, how to retain top talent, and why international education could become a major export industry without reopening the door to diploma mills and abuse.They also examine what Canada can learn from Norway's approach to resource wealth and why Canada's international reputation for stability and trust may itself be a valuable economic asset.As Wouter puts it:“Keep selling the oil. Just stop selling only the oil.”The bigger question for Canada's future isn't simply what we have that the world wants to buy.What can Canada build that the world cannot easily replace?

As Canada imposes new reciprocal tariffs on American goods, the economic relationship between the two countries is entering a very different era.On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Professor Barry Appleton, international trade lawyer, former adviser during the NAFTA negotiations and author of two books on NAFTA, to examine what this escalating trade conflict really means for Canada.The conversation goes far beyond tariffs. They explore economic leverage, sovereignty and the future rules governing the Canada-U.S. relationship, including who ultimately pays for tariffs, Canada's negotiating strategy and whether the country has the expertise and infrastructure needed for a prolonged economic confrontation.They also examine the growing importance of digital sovereignty, AI, Canadian-controlled infrastructure, energy, critical minerals, culture and supply management—and whether Canada needs to get much more serious about buying Canadian and building its own capabilities.For four decades, Canada's economic strategy has been built around increasingly frictionless access to the United States.If that era is ending, what replaces it?A timely conversation about tariffs, CUSMA, sovereignty and what Canada must do next.

What kind of leadership does Canada need—and what kind of country are we trying to build?On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian brings together three major themes: leadership, Canada's economic future and the meaning of sovereignty in a changing relationship with the United States.Brian examines why leadership is about more than confidence and charisma—it requires listening, difficult decisions, problem solving and, above all, the ability to turn vision into execution.He then looks at Canada's future in a world being transformed by artificial intelligence, geopolitics, energy security, defence, demographic change and fractured supply chains. Canada has enormous advantages, but realizing them will require greater economic, digital and energy sovereignty—and the ability to actually build companies, infrastructure, housing, technology, pipelines, ports and major projects.Finally, Brian revisits the Canada-U.S. Free Trade debate and a question that has become increasingly relevant nearly four decades later: When does economic integration become dependence?The answer isn't less America—it's more world. More markets. More Canadian ownership. More infrastructure. More energy capacity. More technology. More internal trade. And more resilience.Integration created enormous prosperity. Dependence was the mistake.The episode leaves Canadians with one defining question:Do we have the leadership, confidence and courage to build the Canada this moment requires?

What if the difference between wanting your life to change and actually changing it is simply the audacity to begin? Brian Crombie is joined by Audley Stephenson, host of The Audacious Living Podcast and author of the forthcoming book Living Your Best Audacious Life Ever, for a powerful conversation about courage, self-belief, resilience and personal transformation. Audley explains why audacity isn't about recklessness or arrogance. Sometimes it's simply stepping outside your comfort zone, speaking up, taking a risk or moving forward when you can't see the entire staircase. He shares his personal journey through basketball, podcasting and professional sports, as well as the deeply personal experience of reconnecting with his father as an adult. They also explore how to “fact-check” the beliefs we carry about ourselves—and recognize that some of the limitations we accept may never have been tested. Brian then offers his own reflections on transformation: Audacity gets us started.Resilience keeps us going.Discipline turns courage into habit.And transformation happens when we do all three long enough. Sometimes the most audacious step isn't changing your entire life. It's making one phone call. One difficult conversation. One application. One boundary. One attempt. The action may take 30 seconds. The courage to take it may have taken years. A compelling conversation about courage, limiting beliefs, resilience, self-awareness and the audacity to take the first step.

More than 65 years after the Avro Arrow was cancelled, what can Canada learn from one of the most remarkable chapters in our technological history? Brian Crombie is joined by Dave Cook—historian, author, former Mississauga city councillor and longtime chronicler of the Avro Arrow—to discuss the legendary aircraft and its return to Malton in replica form. Dave explains what really led to the Arrow's cancellation, challenges some of the popular myths surrounding the decision, and explores what happened to the engineers and technological expertise that Canada lost. The conversation goes beyond history to ask a very current question: As Canada increases defence spending, should we simply buy technology from other countries—or use that investment to build Canadian companies, intellectual property, jobs and innovation? Dave also shares stories from his years on Mississauga City Council, working alongside Hazel McCallion, his career as a political reporter, and his involvement in the early days of Canadian motor racing. A fascinating conversation about the Avro Arrow, Canadian innovation, Mississauga history, government leadership and whether Canada still has the ambition to build great things.

What happens when homeowners can no longer keep up with their mortgage—and why are so many Canadians under increasing financial pressure? Brian Crombie is joined by Toni Henriques and Margarita Romero of RE/MAX Premier Inc. to explain power of sale, the warning signs homeowners should watch for, and why acting early can make all the difference. They discuss rising mortgage costs, job uncertainty, private lending, debt and the difficult personal circumstances that can push homeowners toward financial distress. Brian then looks at the bigger picture: Why aren't we building enough homes? Approvals and housing targets mean little if projects can't actually be financed, built and occupied affordably. Brian examines development charges, construction costs, land, financing, regulations, transit-oriented development and the need for more family-sized and rental housing. The key question: Are governments measuring housing announcements—or actually measuring homes built and completed? Because an approval isn't a home. A target isn't a home. A home exists when someone can build it and someone can afford to live in it.

Is Canada becoming a country where we pay more but accept less? Private equity professional, licensed engineer and public-policy commentator Eemaan Khan joins Brian Crombie for a provocative conversation about what he calls “premium mediocrity”—a culture of rising costs, declining quality and diminishing expectations. They explore Canada's struggles with housing, food, services, entrepreneurship, risk-taking, zoning, transit and community building, as well as the enormous potential of immigrant talent and Canadian innovation. Eemaan argues that loving Canada means being willing to challenge its complacency and demand better. Can Canada rediscover the ambition, innovation and courage needed not simply to remain a good country—but to become one of the world's best?

What can the Apostle Paul teach us about building strong communities—and what does that have to do with leadership today? In this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian shares the sermon he recently delivered at his home church in Mississauga, exploring how Paul built communities across enormous religious, cultural and social divides through belonging, love, unity, reconciliation and shared purpose. Brian then turns to a bigger question: Have we got leadership wrong? Drawing on his recent conversations with Michael Dowling and other political and business leaders, he examines why great leadership requires more than confidence and charisma. The best leaders listen, welcome disagreement, build trust, inspire others and ultimately turn vision into action. From churches and companies to cities and countries, the lessons are surprisingly similar: Do people belong? Do they trust one another? Do they share a purpose? And can a leader help them make the journey together? A thoughtful conversation about community, leadership, faith, purpose and what it takes to build something that lasts.

What do our heroes, zodiac signs and James Bond have in common? Music. Brian Crombie speaks with Sharon Lee, Creative Director of the Toronto Concert Orchestra, and Canadian composer Liza McClellan about two spectacular summer concerts at Toronto's historic Palais Royale. They discuss Liza's world-premiere Zodiac Suite, inspired by the personalities of people in her life, including the mysterious 13th zodiac constellation, Ophiuchus. Sharon also shares her remarkable journey from discovering the violin as a child to studying orchestral conducting at Juilliard. The conversation also looks ahead to 007 Symphony Royale, celebrating the unforgettable music of James Bond. A fascinating conversation about heroes, creativity, orchestral music, and the power of music to tell stories that words sometimes cannot.

Brampton is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities—but can its infrastructure, housing, transit and public services keep pace? Mayor Patrick Brown joins Brian Crombie for a wide-ranging conversation about Brampton's future, including the nearly $8-billion Big Brampton Build, the city's 0% municipal tax increase, housing affordability, policing costs and the future of Peel Region. They discuss the new hospital and TMU medical school, the Hazel McCallion LRT extension, downtown revitalization, Riverwalk, development approvals and the push for better connections between Brampton, Mississauga and Pearson Airport. Brian also puts Mayor Brown on the spot over one of the biggest political disputes in Peel: why does Mississauga pay a larger share of the Peel Police budget if Brampton now has a comparable or larger population? The conversation ultimately asks a bigger question: Can Brampton become a great Canadian city without sacrificing affordability, safety and quality of life as it continues to grow?

What should Mississauga become in its next chapter? Ward 7 Councillor and mayoral candidate Dipika Damerla joins Brian Crombie for a candid conversation about her campaign and her vision for Mississauga. Damerla discusses her proposal to freeze property taxes in 2027, municipal spending and policing costs, housing and intensification, transit, economic development, and why she believes Mississauga needs better execution—not more plans. She also shares her vision for transforming Cooksville into a vibrant, walkable urban village, and explains why she believes Mississauga needs a mayor who will aggressively advocate for the city at Queen's Park and in Ottawa. What should Mississauga look like over the next decade—and can it become “so much bigger and better”? Topics include: Mississauga's mayoral election, property taxes, Peel Police, housing, development, transit, Cooksville, infrastructure, economic development and municipal leadership.

Could preventing the virus behind the “kissing disease” someday help prevent multiple sclerosis? Brian Crombie is joined by vaccine researcher Dr. Craig LaFerriere for a fascinating look at Epstein-Barr virus, vaccine development, biotechnology, and the extraordinary journey from scientific discovery to a potential new medicine.

Where do great ideas come from? Why do some people see possibilities that others miss? And why do institutions so often resist the very ideas that later transform the world? Brian Crombie is joined by psychiatrist, author, and The Globe and Mail columnist Dr. Thomas Verny to discuss his thought-provoking article, "In Search of the Eureka Factor."

Why has Homer's The Odyssey captivated audiences for nearly 3,000 years? And why is Christopher Nolan's new adaptation generating so much excitement? Brian Crombie is joined by Dr. John Walsh, Associate Professor at the University of Guelph, Director of Defence Industrial Strategy, and classical scholar, for a fascinating discussion about one of history's greatest epics. They explore the enduring legacy of Homer, the acclaimed Emily Wilson translation, Nolan's cinematic vision, and the timeless themes of courage, leadership, family, homecoming, sacrifice, and resilience. The conversation also examines how ancient Greek ideas about democracy, citizenship, governance, and leadership continue to influence the modern world, proving that The Odyssey remains as relevant today as it was nearly three millennia ago.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie examines the choices that will shape Canada's economic future in an era of geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global alliances.Brian is joined by Jeff Mahon, Director of Geopolitical and International Business Advisory at StrategyCorp and former Deputy Director at Global Affairs Canada, to discuss how Canada can remain prosperous while protecting its sovereignty in a rapidly changing world.

Title:Beyond Good Enough: Rethinking Toronto's Future and the Pursuit of ExcellenceDescription:On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie explores a question that extends far beyond Toronto: Have we become too comfortable accepting mediocrity?Brian is joined by Karen Stintz, former Toronto City Councillor, former Chair of the TTC, and author of Beyond Good Enough: Toronto and the Crisis of Urban Complacency, for a thoughtful conversation about housing, transit, governance, and why Canada's largest city needs to think bigger.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie explores how growing a simple plant can teach profound lessons about resilience, purpose, and personal growth.Brian is joined by Randy Hendricks, Managing Director of Social Impact Enterprises and founder of Grow, Build, Learn, for a wide-ranging conversation about food security, education, entrepreneurship, faith, and overcoming life's greatest challenges.

On The Brian Crombie Hour — Are we spending too much time thinking about life instead of actually living it? When was the last time you moved simply because it felt good? Danced without worrying how you looked? Or enjoyed a moment without feeling the need to capture it, analyze it, or share it? Brian Crombie is joined by Julia Juhas, founder of Live With Ease: The Juhas Approach, embodied movement coach, yoga teacher, and performer, for a thoughtful conversation about movement, creativity, mindfulness, and reconnecting with ourselves.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie explores one of the biggest financial questions facing Canadians today: Is the dream of homeownership slipping out of reach?With housing affordability under pressure and mortgage costs remaining a major concern, Brian is joined by two leading experts to discuss where Canada's housing market is headed—and how Canadians can make smarter financial decisions.

On The Brian Crombie Hour — Who decides what our communities become? How do we build more housing while protecting the character of the places we love? How do we balance growth, affordability, transparency, and the voices of residents? And why do municipal elections—despite having such a direct impact on our daily lives—continue to see some of the lowest voter turnout? In this episode, Brian Crombie explores the future of municipal government through the lens of Niagara-on-the-Lake and a broader reflection on why local democracy matters.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with Mississauga Ward 2 Councillor and mayoral candidate Alvin Tedjo about the future direction of one of Canada's fastest-growing cities.Mississauga voters elected Mayor Carolyn Parrish just two years ago—but now, as the next municipal election approaches, Alvin Tedjo explains why he believes the city needs a new approach to leadership, growth, and governance.Can Mississauga freeze property taxes while continuing to improve services?Is the city building enough housing for families, workers, and future generations?Is public safety keeping pace with rapid growth?And what should Mississauga's biggest transit priority be?Brian and Alvin discuss the key issues shaping the city's future, including:

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian explores one of Canada's biggest economic and political questions: how can a country with some of the world's greatest natural resources create more lasting wealth for its citizens?Brian is joined by George Vandenberg, a chartered accountant, business adviser, and longtime researcher of the underground economy, for a provocative conversation about Alberta's oil wealth, pipelines, energy security, national unity, and the future of Canada's economy.Why doesn't Alberta have a sovereign wealth fund comparable to Norway's? Why do Canadian refineries continue to import some foreign oil despite Canada's enormous energy resources? And could a stronger east-west energy strategy change Canada's economic future?In Part 1, Brian and George examine Alberta's oil wealth and the history of the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund compared with Norway's successful sovereign wealth model. They discuss how energy revenues have been used, whether Canadians have received the full benefit of decades of resource development, and where the profits from Canadian energy ultimately flow.The conversation then turns to pipelines and energy infrastructure. George explains why he believes Canada should reconsider major east-west energy corridors connecting Alberta with Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. They explore the potential impact on Canadian refineries, petrochemical industries, LNG exports, energy security, and whether Canada can still build nation-building infrastructure.Brian and George also look west, discussing the possibility of expanding access to global markets through additional export routes, including the strategic importance of Pacific gateways, Indigenous partnerships, environmental considerations, and reducing Canada's dependence on a single customer.The discussion then moves to Alberta separatism and national unity. George shares his perspective on how frustrated Albertans really are, whether separation has meaningful public support, and why addressing the economic grievances behind the movement remains important even if most Albertans ultimately choose to remain part of Canada.Finally, Brian and George explore the underground economy, global financial flows, and the challenge of ensuring more Canadian capital remains in Canada. They discuss pension investment, taxation, energy exports, insurance markets, and how natural-resource wealth can be transformed from short-term revenue into long-term prosperity.A wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation about Alberta, energy, wealth creation, and one of the most important questions facing Canada:How do we ensure the resources beneath our feet create a stronger future for all Canadians?

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian explores one of life's most enduring questions: What is true love?Can heartbreak become the source of great art? What separates a healthy partnership from unhealthy attachment? And what can decades spent witnessing the realities of marriage, divorce, and human relationships teach us about love, forgiveness, and resilience?Brian is joined by acclaimed Canadian author and former matrimonial lawyer Darlene Madott to discuss her moving new collection of linked short stories, Closing Ceremonies and Dying Times.In Part 1, Darlene shares the inspiration behind her collection, which explores the aftermath of love—the joy, betrayal, heartbreak, humour, and hope found in human relationships.The conversation examines why true love should support and empower rather than control, the difference between genuine partnership and obsessive attachment, and how her parents' remarkable 67-year marriage influenced her understanding of commitment and devotion.Darlene also discusses the powerful novella Dying Times, which follows a senior lawyer facing the end of life and discovering what truly matters beyond professional success.In Part 2, Brian and Darlene discuss her extraordinary transition from practicing matrimonial law for 35 years to becoming a full-time author. She reflects on how her legal career shaped her storytelling, the lessons she learned from witnessing countless marriages and divorces, and why it is never too late to pursue a lifelong dream.This is a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about love, loss, relationships, creativity, reinvention, and the stories we carry throughout our lives.A reminder that even through heartbreak and endings, there can still be meaning, compassion, and hope.

Podcast TitleBill 21, the Notwithstanding Clause, and the Future of Charter Rights in CanadaOn The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian examines one of the most significant constitutional debates facing Canada: the future of Quebec's Bill 21, the use of the Notwithstanding Clause, and what the Supreme Court's decision could mean for Charter rights across the country.Brian is joined by constitutional lawyer John Campion for an in-depth discussion about the legal, political, and constitutional issues surrounding Quebec's Bill 21 and the broader implications for religious freedom and parliamentary democracy.The conversation begins with Bill 21 itself, which prohibits many public sector employees—including teachers, police officers, prosecutors, and judges—from wearing visible religious symbols while performing their official duties. Brian and John explore why the legislation was introduced, how it affects members of different faith communities, and the constitutional arguments now before the Supreme Court of Canada.The discussion then turns to Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms—the Notwithstanding Clause. John explains why it was included in the Constitution, the political compromise that led to its adoption, how it has been used by provinces including Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, and the continuing debate over whether governments should have the authority to override certain Charter protections.Brian and John also examine what the Supreme Court's eventual ruling could mean—not only for Bill 21, but for the future relationship between legislatures and the courts, the protection of individual rights, and the balance between parliamentary democracy and constitutional safeguards in Canada.A thoughtful and balanced conversation about religious freedom, constitutional law, federalism, and one of the most consequential legal questions facing Canadians today.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian sits down with Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish for an in-depth conversation about the future of one of Canada's fastest-growing cities.How does Mississauga transform from a successful suburban community into a truly world-class urban centre?Can the city build more housing while maintaining quality of life?And what will Mississauga look like over the next decade?With the municipal election approaching, Mayor Parrish reflects on her record over the past two years and shares her vision for the city's future.In Part 1, the conversation focuses on housing, growth, and affordability. Mayor Parrish discusses Mississauga's decision to reduce development charges, streamline approvals, and dramatically increase housing approvals. They explore the role municipalities play in affordability, why new home costs remain high, and the challenges facing both builders and residents.In Part 2, Brian and Mayor Parrish discuss the transformation of Mississauga's downtown, including plans for the City Centre, the future of the Living Arts Centre, expanded arts and entertainment opportunities, improved transit connections, and creating a downtown where people can live, work, and enjoy a vibrant urban lifestyle.They also examine major redevelopment projects across the city, including Square One, the waterfront, Brightwater, and Lakeview Village, and Mayor Parrish's belief that Mississauga's greatest opportunities are still ahead.In Part 3, the conversation turns to transit, public safety, and municipal finances. Mayor Parrish discusses the future of the Hurontario LRT, the importance of all-day two-way GO Train service, property taxes, policing costs, and why she believes Mississauga needs a stronger financial relationship with Peel Region.As voters prepare for the municipal election, this episode provides an opportunity to hear directly from the incumbent mayor about her priorities, accomplishments, and vision for Mississauga's future.A timely conversation about city building, leadership, housing, infrastructure, and the choices that will shape one of Canada's most important communities.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian explores the future of Canadian cities through a conversation with Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack about growth, leadership, infrastructure, and the challenges shaping communities across the country.As one of Canada's fastest-growing cities, Edmonton is facing both tremendous opportunity and significant challenges. With more than 250,000 new residents arriving in recent years, how does a city keep pace with growth while maintaining affordability, quality of life, and a sense of community?Mayor Knack discusses Edmonton's future, including housing affordability, downtown revitalization, homelessness, mental health, public safety, transit expansion, economic development, and attracting new investment.The conversation also turns to one of Alberta's biggest political debates: the upcoming referendum on Alberta's future. Mayor Knack shares why he believes Alberta is stronger as part of Canada and why stability, collaboration, and certainty are essential for jobs, investment, and long-term economic growth.Brian and Mayor Knack also discuss the importance of building cities that are inclusive, innovative, and prepared for the future.In his closing commentary, Brian reflects on a broader question:Will the future of Canada be built city by city?Drawing on recent conversations with urban leaders including Mary Throop, Professor Murtaza Haider, Mayor Andrew Knack, and Mayor Carolyn Parrish, Brian examines why cities across Canada are facing many of the same challenges—housing, transit, homelessness, infrastructure, public safety, taxation, and economic competitiveness.The discussion explores why practical solutions and effective leadership matter more than political slogans, and why the strength of Canada's future may depend on the strength of its communities.A thoughtful conversation about cities, leadership, and the choices that will shape Canada's next chapter.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian examines one of the most consequential debates facing Canada today: the future of national unity and the growing tensions between Ottawa and the West.Brian is joined by Rick Anderson—one of Canada's most respected political strategists and commentators—for a wide-ranging conversation about Alberta's referendum debate, Western alienation, Canada-U.S. relations, and the future of federal politics.Could Alberta actually leave Canada? Or is the referendum discussion a warning sign—a demand for greater influence, fairness, and recognition within Confederation?Rick shares his recent observations from Western Canada and explains the political frustrations driving the conversation, including concerns over representation, equalization, pipelines, energy policy, and the relationship between Alberta and Ottawa.The discussion explores lessons from past national unity challenges, including Quebec's referendums and Brexit, and examines whether today's debate could reshape Canadian politics for years to come.Brian and Rick also look at the future of Canada's energy sector, the importance of pipelines and resource development, Senate reform, fiscal fairness, and whether governments are finding new ways to work together.The conversation then expands to Canada's changing relationship with the United States. Rick discusses the impact of Donald Trump's trade policies, the future of the USMCA, the need for greater trade diversification, and how Canada can strengthen its economic resilience in a more uncertain world.Finally, Brian and Rick assess the state of Canadian politics, including the leadership of Mark Carney, the future of Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party, challenges facing the NDP, and what the next federal election could mean for the country.At the heart of the conversation are some of Canada's biggest questions:Can we preserve national unity while respecting regional differences?Can Canada build a stronger economy while becoming less dependent on a single trading partner?And can political leaders find common ground before division grows deeper?A timely and thoughtful discussion about Alberta, Canada's future, and the choices that will shape the next chapter of Confederation.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian explores the fascinating science behind human behaviour, decision-making, and the stories that shape who we become.Brian is joined by Paul Larsch, author of The Divided Brain: Understanding Human Behavior in Branding and Business, for a thought-provoking conversation about psychology, neuroscience, marketing, leadership, and why humans often make decisions in ways we don't fully understand.Paul introduces his concept of the “divided brain”—the ongoing interaction between our emotional, intuitive “old brain” and our logical, analytical “new brain.” Drawing on behavioural economics, neuroscience, and decades of marketing experience, he explains why emotions often drive our choices first, while our rational minds create explanations afterward.The conversation explores how these insights apply to business, politics, leadership, and everyday life. Brian and Paul discuss why familiarity builds trust, how cognitive biases influence decisions, and why organizations that understand human psychology often succeed where those relying only on data and logic fall short.Paul shares examples from the worlds of branding, business, radio, and marketing—including lessons from companies such as Amazon and the famous Tropicana packaging mistake—to demonstrate how understanding human behaviour can shape stronger brands and better leadership.In his closing commentary, Brian reflects on a powerful idea: behind every behaviour is a biography.He explores why people can be quick to judge others without understanding the experiences, relationships, struggles, and successes that shaped them. Anxiety, defensiveness, withdrawal, compassion, and confidence often have stories behind them that remain invisible to the outside world.Brian argues that greater curiosity about someone's journey can transform judgment into empathy, and conflict into understanding.A meaningful conversation about the psychology of decision-making—and a reminder that becoming better leaders, partners, and citizens begins with understanding human nature and the lives behind the behaviours we see.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian examines the challenges and opportunities facing one of the world's oldest democracies: the United Kingdom.Brian is joined by Stephen Julius—London businessman, film producer, and Brian's former classmate at Harvard Business School—for a wide-ranging conversation about Britain's economy, politics, leadership, and role in an increasingly uncertain world.Once the centre of the world's largest empire, Britain today faces a new set of challenges: slow economic growth, political instability, the aftermath of Brexit, pressure on public services, and shifting global alliances. The question at the heart of the conversation is whether Britain has lost its way—or whether it is preparing for another reinvention.In Part 1, Brian and Stephen examine Britain after Brexit, exploring the impact on trade, immigration, economic confidence, and the country's relationship with Europe. They discuss Britain's changing political landscape, the challenges facing both the Conservative Party and Labour, the rise of new political movements, and whether the country can move beyond short-term political battles toward a renewed focus on growth.The conversation then turns to Britain's economic future. Stephen discusses why productivity has struggled, the challenges of taxation, infrastructure, healthcare, housing, and investment, and what kind of leadership is needed to restore confidence and competitiveness.In the final segment, Brian and Stephen look at Britain's place in global affairs, including support for Ukraine, the future of NATO, Britain's relationship with the United States, and the importance of personal diplomacy among world leaders.The discussion also explores the broader lessons for Canada and other Western democracies facing similar questions: how to rebuild economic growth, restore public trust, strengthen alliances, and define effective leadership in a rapidly changing world.A thoughtful conversation about Britain's future—and the shared challenges facing democratic societies on both sides of the Atlantic.