Brian Crombie Radio Hour

Tonight on the Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Anna Paluzzi about Rewirement (her term for redefining yourself in retirement) and networking. Anna contributed a chapter to the bestselling book about networking: The Ripple Effect authored by David Tsubouchi and Marc Keeley. She held numerous senior positions at Metrolinx, Northern Telecom, Canadian Tire and board roles. 

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Nic Marks about his new book: HAPPINESS IS A SERIOUS BUSINESS. Nic is a statistician, speaker, and author who shows that happiness isn't a feel-good extra—it's a powerful performance multiplier. His research reveals that happier employees are more engaged, more innovative, and 20–30% more productive. They also stay longer, with unhappy teams facing turnover rates up to three times higher.The combined effect of higher output and lower attrition means happier employees deliver over twice the value of those who are merely “OK”.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Kim Wright and Sabrina Nanji. A panel featuring Kim Wright of Wright Strategies and Sabrina Nanji of Queen's Park Observer analyzes the Ontario Liberal leadership review and Bonnie Crombie's resignation. Bonnie secured just 57% support, meeting the threshold to stay but falling well short of expectations. Wright argues that any result beginning with a five signaled weakness, pointing to Crombie's rocky third-ballot win, her late choice to run in Mississauga, campaign mistakes, and lack of a seat as major obstacles. Nanji emphasizes Bonnie's indecision on where to run, weak organization, and failure to win Mississauga seats, noting internal tensions and reports of a caucus revolt against her leadership.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Andrew Fox. Andrew is a foreign affairs expert and former British airborne army officer. He discusses the recent Jerusalem attacks, the UN, and the future of the Middle East. With extensive experience in Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine, he shares insights on modern warfare, disinformation, and the shifting dynamics of global conflict. His PhD research explores how technology and asymmetric strategies shape today's battles. Andrew warns that Western recognition of Palestine without clear frameworks risks emboldening Hamas and driving Israel to extremes, undermining peace efforts. He stresses the dangers of rising global anti-Semitism fueled by false genocide narratives and calls for stronger societal resilience.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Dan McCarthy and Murray Simser. Dan  and Murray highlight the alarming rise of youth unemployment in their article Generation At Risk: Youth Jobs And Canada's Economic Future. Statistics Canada reports this summer's job market for returning students is the 3rd worst since 1976, with unemployment for students reaching 18% and some youth groups nearing 25%. Only 1997 and the Covid year of 2020 were worse. Factors driving this crisis include a weak economy, Trump tariffs, manufacturing layoffs, competition from foreign workers, and the impact of AI on entry-level jobs. Murray stresses the government's response has been slow despite unprecedented levels of youth joblessness, while Dan notes programs like the Youth Employment Skills and Training Initiative fall far short of the scale required. With 920,000 young Canadians not engaged in education, training, or work, urgent action is needed. As Styx sang in Crystal Ball: “I wonder what tomorrow has in mind for me. Or am I even in its mind at all?” For today's youth, that question is more sobering than ever.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Dr. Thomas Verney, a clinical psychologist and author, about the complex crisis facing men today, emphasizing that while not all men are affected equally, many are struggling with identity issues and joblessness, particularly young men without formal education or specialized skills. Together they discuss the debate around toxic masculinity and the challenges men face in adapting to changing societal roles and the rise of right-wing politics among young men. Young men are struggling with identity, relationships, and societal value, with declining graduation rates and increased suicide rates among young men.Thomas speaks about the evolving definition of masculinity in a rapidly changing society, how societal changes, gender roles, and biological factors influence men's development and experiences, while examining the impact of toxic masculinity, incel culture, and the decline of traditional male roles in teaching and leadership. He concludes about the importance of active parenting, the need for more male role models, and the challenges of modern romantic relationships in the digital age.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Sabrina Nanji, founder of the Queens Park Observer newsletter, about her publication's success as a one-woman operation that provides a mix of credible analysis and gossip, attracting readers across the political spectrum. Their discussion covers Doug Ford's rising popularity in Ontario, his political strategies, and the upcoming Ontario Liberal Party convention where Bonnie Crombie's leadership is under review. The conversation concludes with an analysis of political dynamics and leadership possibilities within the Liberal party, including potential candidates and the challenges facing the opposition parties in Ontario.The Ontario Liberal Party convention this weekend will determine whether Bonnie Crombie remains party leader, with Sabrina reporting that delegates are split and Crombie needs 66% support to survive the leadership review. Crombie faced criticism for failing to win her own Mississauga riding despite significant PC opposition, including Patrick Brown's mother-in-law as the candidate, and the party's post-campaign report highlighted strategic mistakes including delayed riding selection and insufficient get-out-the-vote efforts in close races.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Dani DePetrillo of Right at HomeCanada about our coming tsunami of Seniors and how we will care for them. In the next ten years the number of Canadians over 80 will increase by 50%, in twenty years, it will double. This interview focuses on discussing home care services provided by Right at Home Canada, with Dani sharing her expertise as Chief Operating Officer and explaining how their organization supports seniors who wish to age in place through various care services.The discussion covers the challenges of supporting an aging population, including the combination of government funding, family support, and technology needed to meet increasing demand, while also addressing evolving family caregiving dynamics and changing perceptions of aging. The conversation concludes with a discussion of health monitoring technology and long-term care approaches, including personal experiences of care and the importance of creating welcoming environments for seniors.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Jack Siegel, a prominent lawyer in Toronto, who shares his experiences with Ken Dryden and provides a tribute to Ken Dryden who passed last week. Jack met Ken in 2004 when he became the Liberal Party candidate in his riding. Jack notes Ken's unique ability to connect with people, particularly children, and described chairing Ken's 2005-2006 election campaign. Jack discusses Ken's political career, highlighting his passion for childcare and his role in negotiating universal child care agreements, which were delayed by the NDP's non-confidence vote in 2005. Ken's career was also a topic covered, focusing on his achievements in hockey and later in politics. Jack even pointed to Ken Dryden's views on a progressive and successful future for Canada, emphasizing that social safety net expansion and economic success are not mutually exclusive. Based on several interviews with or about political leaders in the past several weeks, Brian closes with some thoughts about leadership in political parties and the Ontario Liberal Party leadership review this weekend with some questions for delegates. 

Tonight on the Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews George Smitherman about the Liberal Leadership review at the convention this weekend. Together they discuss leadership, organization and what it takes to win. George is one of Canada's most distinctive and impactful politicians in the past decades. He is a former Canadian politician and broadcaster. He represented the provincial riding of Toronto Centre in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1999 to 2010, when he resigned to contest the mayoralty of Toronto in the 2010 municipal election. 

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Graham and Monika Burwise about relationships. The interview dives into the intersection of personal growth and relationships, revealing why so many people struggle to form lasting, fulfilling connections. They unpack the myths, fantasies, and misunderstandings that create conflict, co-dependency, and disappointment, and highlight how relationship dynamics reflect personal growth and self-mastery. From the mechanics of attraction and infatuation to the deeper work of building enduring intimacy, they provide insights and practical principles that guide individuals and couples toward healthier, more empowered partnerships. Along the way, they share some of the most profound, hard-earned wisdom they've uncovered — insights that not only transform relationships but also enhance overall life fulfillment. Graham and Monika, founders of the Global Awakening Institute, are world-renowned relationship and life mastery mentors recognized for their ability to spark profound change. With decades of mastery and lived experience, they've developed a groundbreaking approach that doesn't just improve relationships — it revolutionizes them. Known for cutting-edge insights and a no-nonsense approach, they help individuals and couples break destructive patterns, unlock deeper intimacy, and step into the next level of their personal power. Their work goes far beyond surface-level fixes — it creates lasting transformation that reshapes how you love, live, and lead.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Dan Donovan, Publisher and Editor of Ottawa Life Magazine. They discuss what Carney needs to do for his fall, and fast. Brian closes with his own seven point plan for the Carney government this fall. Dan Donovan is also a former political staffer, stand up comedian and an excellent writer. We discuss various concerns about Canada's current challenges, including rising violent crime, immigration policies, and housing affordability, while discussing the need for balanced law enforcement and better coordination between different levels of government. The conversation concludes with an analysis of the political landscape, including the dynamics between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre, and the challenges facing Canada's housing development and economic policies.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brianinterviews Elena Davlikanova and Sgt. Yevheniy Malik to discuss if Putin wants peace? Sgt. Yevheniy Malik is a veteran of Ukraine's 36th Marine Brigade and Elena Davlikanova is a senior fellow at the Sahaidachnyi Security Centre and the Centre for European Policy Analysis (CEPA).Elena covers recent Russian strikes on civilians, including a deadly missile and drone attack that killed 23 people, while Yevheniy explains Ukraine's strategy of targeting Russian oil refineries and railways to cripple Russia's economy. Together, they discuss the ongoing war, the need for robust Western support, and their concerns about Russian misinformation. Elena warns that Putin's goal is not peace but victory, regaining influence by dividing the world and forcing sanctions relief. She argues that without strong security guarantees and European protection of Ukraine's skies, Russia could escalate toward a wider European war by 2030.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Jon Allen, a former Canadian ambassador to Israel 2006 to 2010. He discusses the two-state solution as the only viable option for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Jon expresses hope that with proper leadership and compromise on long-standing issues, a two-state solution could still be achieved. He shares historical examples of seemingly intractable conflicts that were eventually resolved, including the Yom Kippur War, the Irish Troubles, and the end of apartheid in South Africa. He expresses optimism that peace between Israelis and Palestinians is possible, citing the example of post-World War II Europe as a precedent for reconciliation. Jon believed that eventually, the mothers of both Israelis and Palestinians would demand an end to the violence for the sake of their children's future.Jon provides a detailed analysis of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's political strategy and current situation. He describes Netanyahu as an effective but divisive leader who has never supported a two-state solution, and who is now prolonging the Gaza war for political reasons as he faces criminal charges and a commission of inquiry. Jon notes that Netanyahu's recent actions, including firing security officials and promoting conspiracy theories about a "deep state" opposing him, have damaged Israel's international standing.

Brian Crombie is joined by Olga Donchenko who is a luxury real estate professional with Re/Max Realtron Barry Cohen Homes. She sold her first home at just 18, and since then has built a career spanning over 20 years, helping everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned developers. With a master's in Economics from the University of Toronto and a background consulting for the Ministry of Health, she brings a unique financial perspective to real estate.Beyond the numbers, what drives Olga is making a lasting impact—many of her clients have become lifelong friends. Today, she's not only here as a trusted voice in Toronto real estate, but also as a speaker at the upcoming MOMbition event, where she'll share her talk on “Perfection is the Enemy.”

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews James Burton, Founder and Managing Director of Percy Ellis, a Purpose-Built Rental development company, about the current real estate market and two interesting projects he is currently developing in Leslieville. James discusses the current state of the real estate market, particularly focusing on purpose-built rentals with some commentary on pre-construction condos.He explains that while the condo market has slowed significantly, the rental market remains relatively stable, especially in the lower to middle price points. James notes that economic conditions, including a challenging job market for young people, have affected higher-priced units but have not significantly impacted the lower-end market segment where they focus their business. He emphasizes that the longer-term nature of purpose-built rentals allows them to be less concerned with short-term market fluctuations, as the sale of units is not necessary to move a project forward. By understanding more permanent market trends, such as population growth and upcoming supply shortages, they can focus on what things will look like at the end of their projects rather than the beginning.James also discusses two rental development projects in Toronto's Leslieville neighborhood. Eastern Logan, located at the northeast corner of Eastern and Logan, is near the upcoming East Harbour transit hub, which will connect subway, GO train, and streetcar lines. The second project, Laing, is approximately one kilometer east of Eastern Logan, near Queen Street and Leslie. Both projects emphasize walkability and transit accessibility, with limited parking, reflecting Leslieville's urban lifestyle. The Eastern Logan project is also touched on and Brian closes the show with an outline of an opportunity for accredited investors to invest in a secured convertible debt security issued by The Eastern Logan project. 

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Steven Moore about Ukraine, the Russian progress on the front and the current chances for peace. Their chat focuses on Steven's experience living in Ukraine since the early days of the Russian invasion, including his background in Republican politics and decision to leave his job to support Ukraine. Together they discuss Ukraine's military progress, political support from various U.S. factions, and the challenges posed by Putin's aggressive actions, including the trafficking of Ukrainian children and missile launches. The conversation emphasizes the importance of continued Western support for Ukraine, highlighting the effectiveness of current aid efforts and the need for strong security guarantees in any future peace agreement.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Peter Copeland about his article: “For young men who believe in sexual difference and healthy masculinity, being conservative is an act of defiance.” Peter is the deputy director of the McDonald Laurie Institute and discusses his article on young men who believe in sexual difference and healthy masculinity being conservative as an act of defiance against the current social order, which he argues has led to anxiety, loneliness, and a civilization-threatening demographic crunch due to aging populations and declining birth rates. He explains that the progressive worldview, which emphasizes individual autonomy and rejects traditional norms, has contributed to normlessness and a lack of community ties, leading to societal unhappiness. Peter cites a global flourishing study that found countries with stronger community bonds and religiosity, such as Mexico and the Philippines, are surprisingly happier than those that prioritize individual autonomy.He discusses how modern feminism, particularly post-1960s grievance-based feminism, has led to decreased happiness among women by encouraging them to pursue careers and material success, which conflicts with their natural roles and femininity. He notes that religious and conservative people tend to be happier, and men are generally happier despite some negative trends like increased video game playing. Brian quotes Peter's article, which states that while women may appear to be flourishing on paper with higher earnings and professional opportunities, they report record levels of mental distress and lower life satisfaction compared to previous generations.

Tonight The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Eric Katz about our Immigration system in Canada. Together they explore delays in processing, the balance between skilled workers and humanitarian cases, and how infrastructure, housing, and healthcare struggles impact immigration targets. Eric shares insights into Canada's handling of permanent residents, refugees, and international students including how private colleges exploited the student visa system and why enrollment has since dropped sharply. He also highlights the risks of the government's ambitious target of 500,000 newcomers, warning it could strain the country without smarter planning. Eric looks at solutions, including shifting from a points-based system to a supply-demand model that better prioritizes skilled trades and emerging fields such as AI and cybersecurity.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Roberta Tevlin about the need for Electoral Reform. This week Brian has interviewed a former Premier, a former Dean and expert on Innovation and a conservative PR expert. Today he interviews a party member who is convinced the biggest issue is our first past the post electoral system. Roberta Tevlin, a retired physics teacher and political newcomer, shares her family's political history and discussed her recent activism in electoral reform. Together Brian and Roberta explore various electoral systems and reforms, including proportional representation, mixed member proportional systems, and lowering the voting age, while addressing concerns about voter turnout and political engagement. Roberta discusses the effectiveness of the first-past-the-post electoral system in Canada, highlighting how the Conservative Party, with a minority of the popular vote, has gained a majority of seats, which undermines the influence of other parties and voter engagement. Roberta emphasizes the need for a nonpartisan citizens' assembly to evaluate different systems and collaborate with the NDP, Liberals, and Greens to achieve a fair and effective change. She also addresses questions on compulsory voting, preferential voting systems, and the potential for referenda and recall votes to increase citizen participation in the political process.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews innovation expert Wendy Cukier about AI and innovation. Dr. Wendy Cukier, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Founder of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, and Academic Director of WEKH and the Future Skills Centre, brings her expertise as co-author of the bestseller Innovation Nation and as one of Canada's foremost voices on disruptive technologies and innovation.Wendy highlights the dual nature of AI—its power to drive progress and its risks if left unchecked. She calls for smart regulation that sets guardrails without stifling innovation and will share insights from her research on Canadian companies, noting the structural hurdles small and medium enterprises will face. Wendy argues that AI will help address economic disruptions and that immigrant talent will play a vital role in strengthening Canada's competitiveness. She emphasizes AI's transformative impact on jobs across healthcare, communications, and beyond, showing how organizations must adapt rapidly. With examples from chatbots to AI-generated content, she illustrates how some roles will vanish while new opportunities will emerge. Wendy spotlights Canada's challenges with commercialization and adoption, stressing that innovation will depend not only on creating technologies but also on using them effectively. She calls for upskilling to meet the demands of a shifting workforce and champion immigration as a key driver of job creation, labor force renewal, and growth.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Stephen Adler of National Pubic Relations and a conservative about his article on: “Leadership review is a defining test for Ontario Liberals”. Stephen is the Senior Director of National Pubic Relations and discusses the upcoming Liberal Party convention in Ontario and the required leadership review vote that follows every convention or election. He wrote an article analyzing the situation from a conservative perspective, focusing on the lack of discussion about the numbers and strategies needed to win for the current leader. Stephen notes that Bonnie Crombie needs to secure a strong majority to remain leader. He compares Bonnie's situation to Joe Clark's 1983 leadership review, where Clark received 66.7% of the vote but stepped down. Stephen explains that Crombie's chances of retaining her position depend on her ability to convince delegates of her leadership, as there are rumors of potential candidates including Karina Gould, Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, and Marco Mendicino. Stephen outlines strategies he would recommend both to the Leader who wants to keep her job as well as what he recommends potential candidates if there is a new leadership campaign do. 

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews David Peterson. David is a former Premier of Ontario, who 40 years ago ended a 42-year Tory dynasty. He reflects on his leadership journey, the qualities that define strong leaders, and his commitment to national unity during his tenure. David analyzes how politics has evolved, noting the impact of media changes and shifting public tolerance of leaders' behavior. He stresses the value of compromise, accommodation, and balancing social liberalism with fiscal responsibility as key principles in Canadian politics. The conversation ends with Peterson reflecting on his marriage and Brian thanking him for his leadership example, timely as the Ontario Liberal Party approaches a convention.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Ukrainian Econimist Roman Sheremeta about Trump and Putin's Alaska Summit. Roman Sheremeta, Ph.D., is a chair of Ukrainian-American House, a founding rector of American University Kyiv, and a professor of economics at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Purdue University and is a recipient of many research and teaching awards, including the 2018 Smith Ascending Scholar Prize for a "budding genius" in social science.Roman discusses the summit between Putin and Trump, expressing strong criticism. He argues that the meeting was a diplomatic failure as it resulted in no ceasefire, no sanctions, and no concrete agreements. Roman accuses Trump of being naive and easily flattered by Putin, who he said had strategically prepared for the meeting. He also points out that Trump's trade relations with Russia seemed illogical given the ongoing sanctions. Roman covers Russia's strategic escalation of aggression, starting with actions in Chechnya, Georgia, and Moldova, and how weak Western responses, including Obama's lackluster reaction to Crimea's annexation, emboldened Russia to invade Ukraine in 2022. They address the Russian narrative about NATO expansion as a pretext for the invasion, which Roman dismissed as false, noting that Finland's NATO membership has not led to conflict and that Ukrainians historically did not want to join NATO but shifted to 90% support after Russia's full-scale invasion. Roman spoke about the prospects for peace in Ukraine. He suggests that a reasonable solution would be to freeze the current front lines, with Ukraine not recognizing the captured territories as Russian but agreeing not to use military force to recapture them. Roman emphasized that Ukraine would never accept giving up territories like the Eastern Donbas or Zaporizhia to Russia, as it would abandon Ukrainian citizens to Russian control and create new vulnerabilities. He argues that any peace deal must include strong security guarantees for Ukraine, such as NATO membership or significant military support, to deter future Russian aggression. Roman compared the situation to the Munich Agreement, warning that without robust security guarantees, Ukraine could face a similar fate.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Terry Kirk about her novel: "Pitfall". Terry discusses her debut novel "Pitfall," which explores the financial catastrophe of 1929 through the story of Frank, a wheat futures trader who loses everything in a single day. She explained her decision to write about finance, noting its universal impact and the lack of fictional works centered on financial themes. Terry explains that people are drawn to these narratives because they resonate with universal financial insecurities and provide a way to explore what it would be like to face significant financial setbacks. Terry also shares her own experiences of early divorce and single motherhood, which informed her understanding of financial pressure and shame, themes reflected in her character Frank.She discusses his career transition from trial lawyer to finance executive and author. Terry explains how she left law after 12 years due to the demanding nature of trial work and sought a less gritty path, eventually moving into technology through an executive position at Bell Canada. She notes that many lawyers struggle to make similar career changes, citing the 2-beer rule where lawyers initially enjoy their work but later express difficulties in leaving the profession due to financial security and market perceptions.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Adrian Rocca. In his interview with Adrian Rocca, President of Fitzrovia, they explore how purpose-built rentals can help solve Canada's housing crisis. With nearly 9,000 homes in the pipeline and $10B in assets, Adrian focuses on larger, family-friendly units and hospitality-inspired service. He explains why condo-to-rental conversions are rare, requiring far more equity and debt, and why the condo playbook must change for rentals. Fitzrovia's success stems from a long-term vision, market adaptation, and resilience despite rising interest rates.

Tonight, on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Chris Smedley about how AI is humanity's future! Dr. Chris Smedley is a visionary technologist and futurist dedicated to harnessing AI superintelligence to unlock an era of hyperabundance for humanity. With a deep expertise in AI and exponential technologies, he develops innovative solutions to tackle global challenges, from sustainable energy to advanced transportation. Chris has collaborated with industry giants including Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Singularity University, and the XPRIZE Foundation. A decade ago, he founded Digital Habitats, an exponential technology firm that integrates AI across energy, transportation, humanoid robotics, and beyond—creating fully autonomous products and services to power the mobile communities of tomorrow on land, sea, air, and space.Chris discusses the transformative impact of AI, comparing it to historical technological revolutions and predicting it could replace all human labor within five years, leading to both increased productivity and potential mass unemployment. He acknowledges concerns raised by figures like Jeff Hinton and Yuval Harari about AI regulation and societal bifurcation, while also presenting an optimistic view aligned with Elon Musk's predictions of abundance through AI. Chris also addresses the changing nature of warfare, noting the shift towards drone and robot-led conflicts without human casualties, which he linked to broader sociopolitical challenges and the need for emotional and technological evolution to address human conflicts.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews John Nagl and Sergio Marchi. Dr. John Nagl, Professor of Warfighting Studies at the U.S. Army War College and retired Armor officer, warns that the world may already be sliding into a new global conflict. Comparing today's tensions to the lead-up to World War II, he urges Canada to boost defense spending and deepen alliances with the U.S. and other democracies to counter rising autocratic powers, particularly Russia and China. Nagl stresses that a strong, united front is essential to deter aggression and protect international law.In the second hour, Sergio Marchi, former MP and Cabinet Minister, warns of mounting challenges in Canada's trade dependency on the U.S., especially under Donald Trump's hardline tariff approach. Citing missed trade deal deadlines and tough negotiations, he stresses the need for Canada to diversify its markets while preserving a constructive relationship with Washington. Marchi notes this shift will be gradual and complex but essential for long-term economic security.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Sarah Makhomet and Jennifer Beale.  Sarah and Jennifer share insights on the art of effective networking, building genuine connections, and getting referrals. Sarah, a Ukrainian-born serial entrepreneur and financial expert, built her success on courage, adaptability, and vision. Jennifer, an award-winning networker, helps leaders form strategic partnerships. Together, they host networking events in Toronto, including an August 13 summer gathering and intimate monthly dinners with business leaders. They warn of declining social skills, especially post-COVID, stressing that in-person interaction builds trust and depth that online exchanges can't match.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Peter Dickinson, an editor of the Atlantic Council's Ukraine Alert service based in Kiev, Ukraine, on if Putin wants peace. Peter goes into detail about Russia's occupation strategy in Ukraine and Putin's intentions to dismantle Ukrainian identity and culture in occupied territories. Putin aims to transform Ukraine into Russia without Ukrainians by dismantling Ukrainian culture, language, and identity in the 20% of Ukraine currently occupied by Russia. He explains how Russian authorities are forcibly deporting Ukrainians who refuse Russian passports, banning Ukrainian education, and importing people from less developed parts of Russia to populate the occupied territories.Peter argues that Putin does not want peace and is seeking to bring Ukraine back under Russian control as a vassal state. He suggests that the West should use strength and coercion to force Putin to end the war, rather than offering concessions. Peter attributes the West's limited support for Ukraine to fears of Russian escalation and the potential collapse of Russia as a state, which could lead to the emergence of new nuclear-armed countries.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Jack Cunningham and Peter Biro on: Should Canada recognize Palestine? Brian hosts them on to discuss Canada's recent announcement to recognize the Palestinian state.Jack and Peter believe the decision was flawed, as it rewarded terrorism, reduced chances for a negotiated settlement, and recognized a state that did not exist. They also criticize the decision for being morally and practically flawed, and emphasize the need for a coherent approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They criticize Keir Starmer's approach, highlighting that it operates as a rebuke to Israel rather than supporting Palestinian human rights. Jack emphasizes that Hamas's military defeat is necessary for peace, and he questions the incentives created by recognizing a Palestinian state, which could encourage Hamas to dig in its heels. Peter believes that the recent calls for recognizing Palestine as an independent state by countries like Canada, Britain, and France are part of a broader trend where Israel's legitimacy is increasingly questioned in international human rights discourse. He argues that while the focus on Palestinian rights is important, the current emphasis is on challenging Israel's founding and ongoing actions, particularly regarding the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Peter warns that Canada's shift in position could deepen polarization and insecurity among Jewish people, as support for Palestinian statehood might be misinterpreted as anti-Semitism.Jack is Fellow and Assistant Professor at Trinity College in the University of Toronto, where he teaches in the International Relations Program. He is also Program Coordinator at the Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary International History and former editor of “International Journal”, Canada's leading journal on international affairs. In addition to his academic writings, he is a frequent commentator in the media on world events, including several opinion pieces on the war in Gaza and Canadian policy in the Middle East.Peter L. Biro is a lawyer, NGO leader, and the Founder and President of democracy think-tank, Section 1. He is a Senior Fellow of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights and of Massey College, and Chair Emeritus of the Jane Goodall Institute. He is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto, where he teaches constitutional law. Peter served as a Governor of the University of Haifa and has written and commented on the Arab-Israeli conflict and on developments after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza. 

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Dr. Anders Aslund about Trump and tariffs. Anders is a leading specialist on the East European economies, especially Russia and Ukraine. He is presently a senior fellow at the Stockholm Free World Forum. From 2015 to 2021, he was a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center with a dual appointment in its Global Business and Economics program. From 2006 to 2015, he was a senior fellow at the Peter G. Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, DC. He also teaches at Georgetown University. He served as an economic advisor to several governments, notably the Russian government (1991-4) and the Ukrainian government (1994-7).Anders criticizes US economic policy, particularly the tariff strategy, which he described as arbitrary, aggressive, and lacking a theoretical basis. He argues that the tariffs, which effectively function as a regressive sales tax, are being paid by Americans and are contributing to rising inflation. Anders also contends that the US does not have a significant trade deficit when services and intellectual property are included, and he criticized Trump's approach to foreign investment and job creation as misleading and unfounded.Anders discusses the concerning trend of American institutions and businesses complying with Trump's policies without significant resistance. Anders highlighted the worrying increase in the federal government's power over universities, media, and research funding, and emphasizes how Trump's approach to media censorship mirrors and even surpasses that of Vladimir Putin. He states that the United States is sliding into a gray zone of limited freedom, with Trump systematically using defamation laws to silence critics, while the country's ranking in press freedom has dropped significantly.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Chris Spoke. Chris is a leading voice in Toronto's housing debate and a passionate advocate for midrise development as a solution to the city's growing affordability crisis. As the founder of August, a firm focused on digital solutions for real estate and urban planning, he combines innovation with a deep understanding of policy and design. Chris champions midrise buildings—typically 4 to 8 storeys—as the missing middle housing Toronto desperately needs. These buildings offer a gentle density that fits seamlessly into existing neighbourhoods while increasing housing supply in walkable, transit-connected areas.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Deena Theodora about the Divine Feminine and Klaudia Zinaty about Women Empowerment. Deena, an Ottawa-born singer of Greek descent, is a multilingual powerhouse, fluent in English and Greek while showcasing her vocal versatility in seven languages. She describes what she sees a the divine feminine and ten ways women can focus on that and achieve more success and happiness. Klaudia Zinaty is a visionary trailblazer, a powerhouse of innovation, and an advocate for women's empowerment. With over 15 years of experience spanning sports marketing, media, and fashion, her journey in sports marketing at NBA Canada, broadcasting at CHUM Television, publishing at FLARE Magazine, and currently in academics as a professor in marketing, media and PR, her roles have been defined by one core mission: uplifting and championing women across all industries. She is not just a leader – she is a catalyst for change, dedicated to breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation to lead with confidence.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Jeff Siegler about Urbanism, density, and revitalizing downtowns and suburbs.  Jeff Siegler is an author, speaker, elected official, and consultant concerned with the powerful role place plays in our lives. He is the founder of the civic pride consulting firm, Revitalize, or Die, and co-founder of the organization Proud Places. After obtaining his Master's in Urban Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University, Jeff went to work on Main Street first as a downtown manager, and later as the Ohio Main Street State Coordinator.Jeff Siegel is a municipal commissioner and author of "Your City is Sick". He discusses the impact of the built environment on health, emphasizing how cities have become "sick" due to car-centric urban planning. He highlights how cities have been retrofitted around cars, leading to negative consequences for physical and social health, as well as environmental damage. Jeff suggests that cities need to shift focus from car dependency to creating healthier, more sustainable urban spaces. 

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Charles St-Arnaud, Chief Economist of Alberta Central, about the risks of and economic impacts of Alberta Separation. Charles has over 17 years of experience as an economist in the public and private sectors, both in Canada and internationally (New York, London, Hong Kong). Charles was at the Department of Finance in Ottawa during the global financial crisis, where he advised senior officials on economic policy. He has also worked for the Bank of Canada and Morgan Stanley.Charles St-Arnaud discussed the topic of Alberta separation, comparing it to Quebec's desire for separation and Brexit. Charles notes that Alberta's reasons for separation are more economically driven than culturally motivated, similar to Brexit. He suggests that Alberta is not fully realizing how the global energy market has changed since the early 2010s, making it unlikely to experience another economic boom like the one in 2010. Brian ends this episode with some of his own thoughts on separation desires in Quebec, Brexit, Alberta, and even Peel. 

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews John Lorinc. John is a journalist and editor who reports on urban affairs, politics, business, technology, and local history. His work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, The Walrus, Maclean's, and Spacing, where he is a senior editor. He won the 2019-2020 Atkinson Fellowship in Public Policy for his reporting on politics and governance of smart cities and the 2022 Balsillie Prize for Public Policy for Dream States: Smart Cities, Technology, and the Pursuit of Urban Utopias.John discusses his views on sixplexes and urban density, emphasizing the need for adding density in a way that is acceptable to homeowners while allowing others to live in neighborhoods. He argues that small apartment buildings have historically existed in older parts of Toronto without significant issues and that the city has regulations to manage concerns like parking and tenant behavior. John criticizes suburban councillors for overreacting to exaggerated claims about problematic sixplexes and highlighted the importance of providing housing options for the city's many tenants.  Together John and Brian also discuss transit, tunnels, highways, and how to build a great city. 

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Eric Lombardi. Eric stands at the forefront of urban development and advocacy as the founder and president of More Neighbours Toronto, a volunteer organization committed to ending the housing crisis. Professionally, he specializes in strategy management consulting in the finance and technology sectors. Eric talks about our housing crisis and inter-generational inequity.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Olena Kryzhanivska about her weekly newsletters “Arms Trends in Ukraine” and how modern war has changed. Olena is a Ukrainian policy analyst and senior editor at the NATO Association of Canada. She has provided expert analysis for the Norwegian Embassy in Turkey and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. Currently, she authors the weekly Substack newsletter Ukraine's Arms Monitor, which covers weapons transfers, military cooperation, defense technology, and drone warfare in the context of Russia's war on Ukraine. Some topics of discussion include the main technological challenges Ukraine faces today, the top priority areas in Ukraine's defense production and innovation, and what ways Ukraine and Canada, along with other NATO countries, can cooperate to enhance each other's defense capabilities.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Darryl Frankfort about the current housing crisis and his Luxury Rental buildings, which he believes are the one positive opportunity in today's market and Brian closes with his ten point solution to the current Housing Crisis. Darryl Frankfort, President and Founder of DealCore Properties is hailed as one the best property developers in the city, focused on high end luxury developments. Together Brian and Darryl discuss real estate development in Toronto, focusing on housing challenges and future directions, including policy changes, community building, and the role of leadership in shaping the future of urban development. Darryl discusses his two high-end luxury development projects in Toronto, one in Forest Hill and another in Bridle Path, both targeting an undersupplied market segment with large suites. While luxury housing has become marketing-driven, with many small units, there is a gap in the market for large, high-end luxury rentals, which he aims to fill with his new development on Bayview, targeting suites of 2,500-3,000 square feet with premium amenities.Darryl discusses the design and amenities of luxury residential buildings, emphasizing the demand for spacious walk-in closets, bathrooms, and bedrooms, along with concierge services and a valet system. He describes a project inspired by New York high-end condo living, featuring brick facades and turnstile doors, and predicted that brick construction might be more cost-effective in the long run than curtain wall systems, which he believes may face maintenance issues in the future. Darryl highlights the current state of the Toronto condo market, highlighting how issues with financing, the introduction of assignment sales, and speculative behavior led to an overheated market with small, expensive units that many buyers didn't intend to keep. He notes that the market's reliance on flipping properties rather than actual occupancy contributed to the current challenges, including a surplus of undesirable units and falling prices. Development charges, fees, and conversions to purpose-built rentals have created issues. He notes that developers who initially targeted the condo market faced difficulties when converting to rentals due to size and cost differences, as well as a mismatch between investment expectations and market realities. 

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Sam Sivarajan about his article “Why Trump's big spending agenda is a worrying sign for investors on both sides of the border”.Sam Sivarajan is a speaker, independent wealth management consultant and author of three books on investing and decision-making. Sam discusses the significant impact of rising debt and deficits in the United States and Canada, highlighting the unsustainable nature of current spending. Sam emphasizes that the U.S. could soon spend more on interest than on defense, while Canada and Ontario are also facing substantial debt-related costs, which could limit funding for essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. They agreed that now is not the time to increase deficits, as it resembles "spiking the punch bowl" rather than "taking it away”. Sam also covers the qualities needed in leaders today, emphasizing the importance of understanding complexity and interconnection rather than just managing risk. He highlights the need for leaders who invest in people, rebuild trust, and embrace reform, while also noting that citizens can influence their leaders. Sam uses the analogy of experienced mountain climbers who stop respecting the mountain to illustrate how leaders should maintain respect for complexity.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Don Wright about his article on the Canadian economy and gravitation pull of trade with the US. Don Wright, a former Deputy Minister to the Premier of British Columbia, discusses Canada's economic challenges, focusing on wage stagnation, demographic shifts, and the impact of immigration policies on the labor market. He emphasizes the need for balanced generational policies, addressing the "gravity problem" in Canadian business growth, and supporting natural resource industries while encouraging research and development. Wright also highlights the importance of infrastructure improvements and housing affordability to attract skilled workers and boost economic growth, expressing optimism about ongoing economic discussions in Canada.