Brian Crombie Radio Hour

On this International Women's Day, Brian speaks with Professor Jacqueline Murray, PhD, FRSC, FRHistS, University Professor Emerita of History at the University of Guelph, about the fragility of women's rights and the historical forces that shape gender equality. They explore:Historical roots: From biblical texts to Enlightenment philosophy, how ideas about gender shaped legal and social inequality.Milestones and limits: The U.S. Equal Rights Amendment, Canada's 1927 Persons Case, and the gaps these reforms left.Contemporary challenges: Resurgent anti-feminist movements, abortion rights rollbacks, online misogyny, and threats to democratic institutions.Professor Murray emphasizes that rights are not permanent—they are political achievements that require vigilance to maintain.

On this week's Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with Carolyn Whitzman, housing researcher and Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto's School of Cities, about Canada's housing crisis and whether homelessness can be eliminated within a generation. They discuss:Government roles: Why federal targets, provincial regulations, and municipal approvals all matter.Supportive housing: Building 50,000 supportive homes per year could end chronic homelessness and save costs compared to emergency responses.True affordability: Why “80% of market rent” isn't enough, and how targeted housing in the right locations is key.Brian also presses on economic viability, approvals, and the capital stack — asking the big question: if housing is essential infrastructure, why isn't it treated that way?

On this week's Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with Dr. Patrick James Christian, psychoanalytical anthropologist and former U.S. Army Special Forces officer, about the psychological dimensions of modern conflict and the Ukraine war. They explore:Psychological warfare: How civilian populations are targeted to weaken societal cohesion and morale.Mobilized identity: Russia's recruitment strategies, Ukraine's societal transformation, and the growing role of civilians — including women — in the conflict.Civil society's role: How media, leadership, and communities can either amplify trauma or strengthen resilience in an era of asymmetric warfare.Dr. Christian argues that today's wars are fought not just with weapons, but in minds and societies — making psychological resilience a central front.

On this week's Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with Theo Argitis, Senior Vice President at the Business Council of Canada, about Canada's sluggish economic growth and what it will take to reverse stagnation. They explore:Growth and investment: Why business investment is low, productivity is stagnant, and trade tensions are reshaping Canada's economic landscape.Industrial strategy and state capacity: How government intervention, defense spending, and industrial policy could strengthen competitiveness — and what lessons history offers.Political courage: Whether incremental measures are enough or if Canada needs bold, ambitious reforms to boost productivity, attract capital, and secure long-term prosperity.Theo argues that collaboration between business and government is essential for Canada to navigate global economic fragmentation and achieve sustainable growth.

On this week's The Brian Crombie Hour, Friday's show dives into the real, unfiltered world of relationships — far beyond the curated, algorithm-driven version. Part 1 — Folklaur Chevrier on Modern DatingBrian talks with Folklaur Chevrier about navigating romance in today's digital culture. They discuss:The gap between online personas and real-life presenceWhy authenticity can feel risky in a cancel-culture environmentThe evolving role of chivalryPolitics, religion, and finances in dating — and whether avoidance is wiseThe delicate balance men face between strength and vulnerabilityWhat genuine interest really looks likeThis conversation explores boundaries, attraction, respect, and the tension between performance and sincerity in modern connection. Part 2 — Brian Crombie: Rags, Riches & MasculinityBrian reflects on personal moments from a recent business trip — including the birth of his first grandchild, medical uncertainty, a tough argument, and David Szalay's novel Flesh. He asks the hard question: amid career, strategy, and social performance, how much energy do we spend protecting intimacy? Markets fluctuate, status rises and falls, masculinity can be performed — but connection requires humility, honesty, and presence. When the cycles reset, what actually endures?

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Thursday's show takes a hard look at Ontario's housing market — and why what's being called a “slowdown” may actually be a full-scale dislocation. Brian is joined by Richard Lyall, President of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON), to examine the economic consequences of inaction:400,000 Ontarians could be left without homes by 2035$40 billion in GDP and $20 billion in social value are at risk96,000+ jobs across industries are wiped out annually when housing stalls21,000 apprentices are losing hours9,000 experienced site supervisors are exiting earlyThis conversation goes beyond construction, exploring why builder viability math is failing, how inclusionary zoning may be stalling supply, the risk of a permanent skills drain in the trades, and a proposed three-year “circuit breaker” to restart housing without a permanent bailout. Brian closes the show with his six-point plan to address Ontario's housing crisis, tackling policy, jobs, tax reform, and long-term capacity to build. If housing is Ontario's economic engine, what happens when the pipeline freezes? This episode is essential listening for anyone concerned about the province's economy, jobs, and future affordability.

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Wednesday's show dives into two deep questions: Who are you really?And how much of what people see is performance? Part 1 — Dr. Thomas Verny: Navigating PsychotherapyBrian speaks with Dr. Thomas Verny about the complex world of therapy — from Freud and Jung to Gestalt and CBT — and what truly predicts success in psychotherapy. Topics include:How psychological “masks” create a gap between who you are and how you're perceivedThe differences between insight-oriented and short-term cognitive approachesWhy the therapist–patient relationship matters more than the methodRisks posed by unqualified practitioners in an increasingly unregulated fieldIf you've ever wondered how to choose the right therapist — or whether therapy is about symptom relief or unlocking full potential — this conversation offers clarity. Part 2 — Brian Crombie: Charisma or Masks?Brian closes with a commentary examining influencer culture and the myth of “commanding the room.” True charisma isn't dominance — it's alignment. Warmth and competence together build trust; when they don't align, we rely on masks, over-performance, or hyper-relatability. This episode connects therapy, identity, leadership, and presence around one core insight:You don't command a room. You regulate it.

This episode of The Brian Crombie Hour goes deeper than dating.It's about trust.It's about discernment.And it's about what happens when connection and caution collide. Brian is joined by Tracy Lamourie and Dave Parkinson of the John Parkinson Family Foundation to unpack the rising sophistication of romance scams — particularly those targeting seniors around Valentine's Day. From AI-generated fake profiles and cloned voices to cryptocurrency demands and calculated emotional manipulation, the tactics are evolving rapidly. The psychology behind them isn't. And the financial and emotional consequences can be devastating. But this conversation doesn't stop at fraud prevention. In his closing commentary, Brian steps back to examine the broader psychological and cultural impact of living in an era of advanced deception. Caution is necessary. Discernment is strength. But when vigilance hardens into permanent suspicion, we risk shutting down genuine connection along with the scams. How do we protect ourselves without isolating ourselves?How do we build relationships grounded in verification, boundaries, and community — without surrendering warmth or openness? This episode explores the balance modern relationships demand: protection without cynicism. Participation without blindness. Vulnerability managed wisely, not eliminated entirely.Because trust requires caution.But love still requires courage.

This episode of The Brian Crombie Hour moves from personal reflection to economic reality to long-term national strategy. Brian opens with a simple word: ICE.On a recent flight from Toronto to Florida, de-icing caused a delay — a routine Canadian winter inconvenience. But in parts of the United States today, “ICE” means something very different: immigration enforcement, border tensions, and identity politics. Same word. Different national focus. It's a revealing lens into how Canada and the U.S. are processing this political and economic moment in profoundly different ways. In the main interview, Brian is joined by Stephanie Stewart, an American Executive MBA from Indianapolis who has been writing extensively about Canada–U.S. trade relations. They break down the hard numbers behind the headlines: tariffs costing American households up to $1,300 annually, the upcoming USMCA review, the reality that roughly 60% of U.S. crude oil imports come from Canada, and how ongoing volatility is reshaping trust between long-standing allies. This isn't partisan rhetoric — it's economic math. In his closing commentary, Brian steps back to examine what middle power strategy really requires. Countries like Canada face two equal and opposite risks: appeasement without leverage, or rhetorical rupture without capacity. Real sovereignty isn't declared on global stages — it's built through pipelines, ports, LNG terminals, rail corridors, defence commitments, and predictable regulatory systems that mobilize private capital. Speeches generate applause. Infrastructure generates power. If you care about Canada–U.S. relations, trade, immigration politics, and what credible middle power leadership actually looks like, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Join Brian Crombie for a candid and deeply insightful conversation with Camille Lawson, women's health expert, hormone educator, and relationship counselor. Millions of couples experience changes in intimacy during midlife — but few talk about the real drivers:Hormonal shiftsChronic stress and elevated cortisolSleep disruptionChanging sexual desireEmotional misinterpretationIs loss of intimacy always psychological — or sometimes biochemical? Camille explains how fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol affect:Mood and anxietyAttachment patternsReactivity and conflictSexual desire and responsivenessEmotional connectionWe dive into how chronic stress alters blood flow, hormones, and sleep — all measurable pathways that directly impact intimacy for both men and women. Relationship Psychology Insights:Spontaneous desire often shifts to responsive desireStress amplifies misinterpretationExhaustion can be mistaken for rejectionHormonal shifts may be mistaken for loss of attractionMidlife doesn't have to mean decline — it can be a recalibration if couples understand what's happening beneath the surface.

Join Brian Crombie for a timely conversation with Jaime Watt, Chairman and Founder of Navigator Ltd. and author of Director's Crisis Playbook. In today's world of instant scrutiny, viral amplification, and relentless stakeholder pressure, crises unfold faster than ever — and boards are increasingly in the spotlight. Jaime shares lessons from decades advising CEOs, boards, and political leaders through high-stakes situations where reputations — and organizations — hang in the balance. We Discuss:Why traditional crisis management doesn't fit boardsModern crises: speed, scrutiny, and skeptical stakeholdersManagement vs. board roles during the first 24 hoursWhy directors should almost never speak publicly during a crisisThe value of pre-established legal and communications relationships

Justice. Wrongful conviction. DNA science. And a case that still resonates across Canada. Brian is joined by Folklaur Chevrier, Executive Producer of The Christine Jessop Story, now streaming on Netflix after premiering as a Crave original. The series quickly rose to #2 on Netflix, reigniting national conversation around one of Canada's most tragic and consequential criminal cases. In 1984, nine-year-old Christine Jessop disappeared from Queensville, Ontario. Months later, her remains were found. Her neighbour, Guy Paul Morin, was wrongfully convicted — a devastating miscarriage of justice that would ultimately lead to the landmark Kaufman Inquiry and lasting reforms in Canadian policing and forensic procedure. Decades later, advances in forensic genetic genealogy identified the true perpetrator — delivering long-awaited answers while reopening profound questions about accountability, institutional failure, and the human cost of error. In this powerful conversation, we explore:The responsibility of telling true stories involving real families and lasting traumaAvoiding sensationalism while maintaining narrative integrityHow the Kaufman Inquiry reshaped Canadian justiceThe transformative role of DNA and forensic science in solving cold casesThe emotional toll on the Jessop family over 35 yearsWhy true crime continues to captivate audiences worldwideThis wasn't just a documentary project — it was a 15-year journey to bring this story to screen with care, diligence, and integrity. ⚖️ What does justice mean when it comes decades late?How do we prevent future wrongful convictions?Can scientific advancement repair institutional failure?And how do we honour victims without turning tragedy into entertainment?

Has Artificial Intelligence changed your life yet? Brian sits down with author Karen Stevenson, whose new book — How ChatGPT Changed My Life in the Blink of an Eye — explores how AI transformed her daily routines, creativity, productivity, and even her emotional well-being. Karen shares how she used ChatGPT to:Organize her home and workspaceDesign book covers and promotional materialsPlan meals and wardrobe choicesNavigate a stressful travel situation in JapanManage anxiety and build confidenceBut this conversation goes beyond inspiration. Brian and Karen also examine the limits of AI — hallucinations, bias, over-reliance, and why human judgment and ethical guardrails matter more than ever.

This special edition of The Brian Crombie Radio Hour celebrates Chinese New Year not as superstition or spectacle, but as a moment for reflection, renewal, and intentional change. Brian is joined by Maria, author and personal-growth guide, for a thoughtful discussion on the transition from the Year of the Snake into the Year of the Fire Horse — and how this symbolism can be applied in everyday life.The Snake symbolizes wisdom, learning, and discernment — shedding what no longer serves.The Fire Horse symbolizes courage, momentum, and bold action — stepping forward with energy and purpose.The conversation explores:

This Friday, ahead of Valentine's Day, Brian is joined again by Monika and Graham, founders of the Global Awakening Institute, for an in-depth conversation about modern relationships — the kind that don't live on Instagram, but in real life. Following last fall's episode, which resonated deeply with listeners, this extended conversation goes further, slower, and deeper. As Valentine's Day approaches — a time often accompanied by pressure, confusion, or quiet loneliness — this episode focuses on love that lasts:Not just chemistryNot fantasyBut emotional safety, real friendship, and the willingness to growTopics explored include:

In this episode of The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian sits down with Russell Barth, Ottawa-based medical cannabis advocate and author of Outlaw Patients: A Medical Marijuana Memoir, for a candid, deeply personal conversation about pain, recovery, and the real story behind cannabis legalization in Canada. Russell's journey begins with fibromyalgia so severe it left him in a wheelchair for more than five years — and a recovery that challenges conventional assumptions about medicine, disability, and treatment. But this is more than a health story. It's a revealing look at how patient-led court battles, not political generosity or tax incentives, dismantled cannabis prohibition long before Parliament acted. Together, they explore how medical cannabis helped Russell regain mobility, why constitutional challenges reshaped Canadian drug policy, what the science actually says about THC, CBD, pain, and epilepsy, and why many medical users remain frustrated with today's regulated system. The conversation also tackles persistent myths, Health Canada's own data, and why psychedelics may be on a similar legal trajectory. The episode closes with two short reflections from Brian — one unpacking a viral manifesto on attraction, confidence, and control, and another examining what he calls “the death of pursuit” in modern relationships, work, and institutions. This isn't a pro- or anti-cannabis debate.It's a clear-eyed discussion about patients, courts, unintended consequences — and how policy really changes, often long before governments catch up.

Selling a business is one of the most important decisions an entrepreneur will ever make — and one of the least understood. On this episode of The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian is joined by Karl Sigerist, President & CEO of The Shaughnessy Group and author of Selling Your Canadian Business, and Mark Borkowski, President of Mercantile Mergers & Acquisitions, for a practical, Canada-specific discussion on how to plan, prepare, and execute a successful exit. Many Canadian business owners sell only once, often wait too long, and leave significant value on the table. Karl and Mark explain why selling in Canada differs from the U.S., covering tax planning, deal structure, buyer expectations, and timing. Drawing on hundreds of real transactions, they reveal what truly drives value in today's Canadian M&A market. Topics explored include:The critical differences between share sales and asset salesHow to leverage the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption effectivelyWhy exit planning should start 2–5 years ahead of a saleCommon value killers, including owner dependencyThe importance of clean financials, GAAP discipline, and quality of earnings reportsCustomer and supplier concentration risks in a global contextWhat buyers really look for and why value is buyer-specificThe outlook for Canadian mid-market and sub-$3M EBITDA businessesBrian closes the episode with a personal reflection on preparation, clarity, and responsibility, exploring the difference between pain and suffering — and why refusing to let problems define you is key to adulthood. This isn't about hype or quick flips. It's about real exits, real outcomes, and understanding the gap between perceived value and market value.

On The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, a wide-ranging and provocative conversation about Canada's place in a rapidly fragmenting world — and what may have changed after Mark Carney's speech at Davos. Brian is joined by Murray Simser to explore what Simser calls a post-Carney moment in Canadian thinking: a shift away from cautious middle-power assumptions toward a clearer recognition of Canada as a $3-trillion economy with real leverage — if it chooses to use it. The discussion examines:

On The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, three distinct conversations come together around one quiet but powerful thread: how we listen, how we belong, and what happens when people stop being seen. In the opening segment, Brian reflects on the philosophy behind his interviewing style — why real insight comes from patience, space, and allowing guests to move beyond rehearsed answers into their deeper “signature story.” In a media culture driven by speed and certainty, this is a case for slowing down — and why thoughtful listening matters more than ever. Next, the show takes an unexpected turn with a lively and thoughtful discussion on whether Canada should join the Eurovision Song Contest. Joined by historian Dean Vuletic, the conversation explores Eurovision as more than entertainment — a cultural and political institution that reveals how nations express identity, belonging, and soft power on a global stage. The program closes with a commentary on invisibility — not being criticized or opposed, but simply not being noticed. It examines how quiet reliability is often mistaken for replaceability, why organizations reward visibility over value, and why people rarely leave loudly — they disengage quietly. Three conversations.One shared question.What does it mean to truly be heard — and seen?

Is Mississauga drifting… or ready to decide? On this Thursday's Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian examines what's happening beneath the surface in Canada's sixth-largest city. Rising property taxes, a frozen housing market, growing crime concerns — nothing is collapsing, but nothing seems to be moving forward either. The first half features a rebroadcast of Brian's conversation with Nokha Dakroub of The Radical Centre Podcast, exploring the subtle pressures and quiet failures that shape cities. In the second half, Brian lays out a clear, actionable five-point strategy to renew Mississauga:

How do leaders make good decisions when certainty is impossible and distractions are everywhere? On this Wednesday's Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian sits down with Sam Sivarajan, author of The Uncertainty Edge, to explore practical, evidence-based approaches to leadership, judgment, and decision-making in an age of doubt. They discuss:

Is Canada prepared for a United States that treats trade, tariffs, and even ridicule as instruments of power? On this Tuesday's Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian is joined by Drew Fagan, Professor at U of T's Munk School, Visiting Professor at Yale, and former Head of Policy Planning at Global Affairs Canada, for a sobering conversation about strategy, leverage, and national survival. They explore:

On The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Rick Anderson, Senior Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute and principal at e4 Strategies, joins the conversation to challenge Canada's assumptions about trade, energy, and its relationship with the United States. In a global landscape where protectionism, technological competition, and geopolitical shifts are the new normal, Canada can no longer rely on the “risk-free status quo.” Rick and Brian discuss:Why the global trade order is fragmenting, not expandingHow Trump-era U.S. policies continue to reshape Canadian strategyThe urgent need for trade diversification toward Europe and AsiaCanada's lag in offshore wind and renewable energy developmentThe vital role of Indigenous partnerships in economic sovereigntyMoving beyond performative compliance to real national strategyA grounded, unsentimental look at the choices Canada must make to secure its economic and geopolitical future.

on The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian sits down with Nizar Ladak, author of The Power of Scars: My Journey from Refugee to CEO, for a compelling conversation about resilience, leadership, and meaning. From fleeing Idi Amin's Uganda to confronting racism and professional setbacks, Nizar's journey demonstrates how life's scars can become sources of strength. They discuss:How early hardship shaped leadership resilienceTransforming scars into superpowersNavigating senior roles while facing systemic challengesRebuilding identity after loss of powerWhat true resilience looks like under pressureA deeply human story of endurance, growth, and dignity — this episode goes beyond slogans to explore how adversity can forge exceptional leadership.

on The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian speaks with Karl Moore, Associate Professor at McGill University and co-author of We Are All We Amberverts, about the future of leadership in a complex world. Karl challenges the old introvert/extrovert framework, showing that the most effective leaders today are amberverts — those who can flex between listening and leading, reflection and engagement, without compromising authenticity. In this conversation, they explore:Why traditional charismatic, extroverted leadership is no longer enoughThe science of personality, adaptability, and situational leadershipStretching behaviors without becoming inauthenticReverse mentoring and learning across generationsWhy humility and listening have become leadership superpowersA practical, evidence-based discussion on how leaders can thrive in uncertainty, complexity, and change.

On The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian sits down with Susan Pinker, psychologist and bestselling author of The Village Effect, to discuss the science of human connection and why face-to-face interaction is critical for health, resilience, and longevity. In this evidence-based conversation, they explore:Why digital connection can't replace real-life interactionHow the pandemic intensified loneliness, especially among young peopleThe hidden health costs of social isolationLessons from long-living, tightly connected communitiesWhy fostering meaningful, in-person relationships is more urgent than everA practical, insightful discussion on belonging, connection, and the power of human presence.

On The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Peter Copeland of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute joins the conversation to discuss why Canada may need an immigration reset. From integration and social cohesion to skill-based migration and long-term productivity, Peter breaks down why the current model — focused on scale and symbolism — is quietly straining housing, trust, and social systems. Topics include:Why immigration numbers matter as much as policySkill-based migration vs. symbolic diversityIntegration, acculturation, and social trustLessons from Europe on successful integrationWhy ignoring these issues fuels backlashThis isn't anti-immigration — it's a thoughtful conversation about sustainability, cohesion, and honest policy planning.

On The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Julie Ellis, co-founder of Mabel's Labels and author of Big Gorgeous Goals, joins the conversation to talk about ambition, reinvention, and what it really takes to build something meaningful. Julie left a corporate career in her early 30s to co-found Mabel's Labels — a simple idea that grew into an 8-figure business and was eventually sold to an industry giant. She shares the lessons learned along the way, and what comes next after major success. In this episode, we explore:Why big goals should feel slightly uncomfortable — and why that's a good thingThe difference between fleeting resolutions and life-changing goalsHow systems, processes, and the right people matter more than raw motivationWhat happens to identity after selling a successful companyWhy growth accelerates in the right communityNo hype, no empty motivation — just a grounded discussion about ambition, reinvention, and building something that lasts.

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian is joined by Michelle Goldrick, founder of BOSS Health & Fitness, athlete, transformation coach, and speaker, for a raw and deeply human conversation about resilience, recovery, and redefining what it means to be strong. At 48, Michelle has survived breast cancer, a double mastectomy, hysterectomy, extreme hormone disruption, and a near-fatal cecal volvulus that required emergency surgery and the removal of two feet of her intestinal tract. Her doctors credit her baseline strength. Michelle credits her purpose. “Muscle saved my life,” she says — literally. Together, they explore how strength training became life insurance, why movement at any capacity can be medicine, the emotional toll of trauma and identity loss, and why women must rethink strength as preparation for life — not just appearance. Brian closes the show with his own commentary on Being Alive. This is a powerful conversation about muscle, mindset, and meaning — and how to rebuild when everything is stripped away.

As geopolitics reshapes trade, technology, and capital flows, Canada's long-standing economic assumptions are being stress-tested — and exposed. On this episode of The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian is joined by Patrick Leblond, associate professor and senior fellow specializing in trade, geopolitics, and economic sovereignty, for a critical examination of why Canada now needs a GIGA-scale response to a changing global order. Patrick explains how economic tools — trade policy, supply chains, data, technology, energy, and capital — are increasingly being weaponized by powerful states, marking a decisive break from the post-war rules-based system Canada built its prosperity on. Together, they explore why Canada's deep dependence on the United States has shifted from advantage to vulnerability, what U.S. national security strategy means for Canadian firms, and why tariffs alone won't protect sovereignty. This is not anti-American — it's pro-Canadian realism. A serious conversation about industrial strategy, infrastructure, and what it will take for Canada to protect its interests in an era where economic power is geopolitical power.

On The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Michael Schabas, one of the world's most experienced rail and transportation experts, breaks down why Canada keeps failing to deliver high-speed rail — and what it would take to get it right. From the Toronto–Ottawa–Montreal–Quebec City corridor to station location, operating models, and the real economics of megaprojects, this conversation is a grounded, no-nonsense look at infrastructure as nation-building. Topics include:Why population density isn't the main barrierLessons from European rail systemsHow high-speed rail can coexist with air travelWhat Canada must do to plan and execute successfullyIf you've ever wondered why France, Germany, and Japan can build world-class rail — and Canada can't — this is a conversation worth hearing.

Global politics are entering a sharper, more dangerous phase — and Canada can't afford to look away. On this episode of The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian is joined by Joe Varner, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and former Deputy Director of the Conference of Defence Associations, for a clear-eyed examination of two critical geopolitical flashpoints: Venezuela and Iran. Joe explains why recent U.S. actions in Venezuela are not simply about regime change, but about countering growing influence from Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran in the Western Hemisphere. The conversation then turns to Iran, where Joe outlines why targeting the economic power of the Revolutionary Guard may be more effective than direct military confrontation. Together, they discuss:Why Venezuela has become a strategic battleground for global powersHow oil, legitimacy, and foreign interference sustain the Maduro regimeWhat the U.S. National Security Strategy means for the Western HemisphereWhy Iran's Revolutionary Guard is the regime's true center of gravityHow economic pressure is now a core national security toolWhy Canada risks geopolitical irrelevanceWhat Canada must rethink about defence, sovereignty, and Arctic securityThis is not abstract geopolitics — it's a sober, realistic look at how power is being exercised today, and what it means for Canada's future.

Brian Crombie is joined by Charles Burton, one of Canada's most experienced China analysts and Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Burton draws on decades studying China–Canada relations — including time as a diplomat in Beijing — to offer a clear-eyed look at Canada's shifting foreign policy and the risks embedded in its evolving ties with Beijing. We dive into Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent visit to China, where a new strategic partnership was announced, including lowered tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and commitments on energy, agri-food and investment — a move that comes as Canada aims to diversify beyond reliance on the United States. As Canada's exports to China remain a small fraction of its total compared with U.S. trade, Burton and Brian ask a hard question:Does closer alignment with China strengthen Canada — or expose it to greater economic, security, and moral risk? In this discussion, they explore:• Why China can be an unreliable trading partner and how economic coercion works• The risks of Chinese investment in critical infrastructure, technology and EV sectors• Data security, surveillance, and national-security vulnerabilities• How U.S. policy toward China affects Canada inevitably• Taiwan, Venezuela, and the broader global power struggle• Whether Canada is drifting away from a rules-based international order• Why partners like Japan, South Korea, and Northern Europe may be safer long-term allies This is not about ideology — it's about realism in an increasingly transactional world, and what it means to protect Canadian sovereignty amidst great-power rivalry.

Brian is joined by Deb Lawless Miller, author of One Little Pill: The Chase, the Crash, the Choice, for a raw, honest, and deeply human conversation about addiction and recovery. Deb was a successful corporate professional whose recreational opioid use gradually became a daily dependency — costing her career, leading to legal trouble, and bringing her to a life-or-death crossroads. In this candid discussion, they explore:•

on The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian is joined by Tracy Lamourie — internationally recognized publicist, media strategist, and culture commentator — for a timely discussion on how Canadians are seeing the world differently in 2026. Tracy has recently appeared on the BBC, CBC The National, Newsweek, The Independent (UK), and major U.S. media outlets, weighing in on border travel, geopolitics, celebrity culture, media trust, and public attitudes. In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore:•

On The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian is joined by Richard Gold, Professor of Law at McGill University and one of Canada's leading thinkers on innovation, intellectual property, and economic strategy. Professor Gold argues that Canada keeps getting innovation wrong — not because we lack talent, but because we keep trying to copy the U.S. Instead, Canada needs a mission-driven, Made-in-Canada innovation strategy. In this wide-ranging discussion, they explore:•

On this episode, Brian is joined by Matthew da Mota for a challenging and deeply provocative conversation about U.S. power, Canadian sovereignty, and the uncomfortable realities behind the so‑called “rules‑based international order.” Prompted by the recent U.S. raid in Venezuela — an extraordinary military operation that captured Nicolás Maduro and sparked global controversy — Matthew argues this isn't a break from history, but a stark reminder of America's enduring influence in the world. In this episode, we explore:•

On The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian is joined by Dr. Stephen R. Nagy, a professor of international relations and senior fellow with leading Canadian and global policy institutes, for a timely conversation on global power dynamics, Canada's strategic choices, and how middle powers can navigate the shifting balance between the United States and China. We explore:•

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian Crombie steps away from markets and geopolitics to examine something just as urgent: leadership — and the collapse of trust. Brian is joined by Laura Darrell, people strategist, leadership development expert, and writer whose recent essays have resonated across organizations and institutions. Laura poses a difficult but necessary question: Why does leadership feel so brittle right now — and why does coercion no longer work? In this thoughtful and candid conversation, they explore:Why trust in institutions has failed to recover since the pandemicHow coercive leadership styles eroded legitimacy — even when policies appeared to “work”The difference between manufactured division and healthy disagreementWhy polite workplaces can still be deeply unproductiveWhat leadership looks like when authority must be earned, not assumedWhy vulnerability, curiosity, and collaboration are no longer optionalLaura argues that leadership hasn't failed because people became difficult — but because outdated models no longer fit the moment we're in. This episode is a timely conversation about trust, authority, courage, and what leadership looks like when compliance stops working.

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian takes a hard, unsentimental look at the GTA real estate market — and where it's truly headed in 2026. First, Brian is joined by Akbar Zareh, founder of Kingsway Real Estate, for a data-driven assessment of Toronto and GTA housing. Akbar breaks down why 2025 became a lost year for real estate and what the numbers are really telling us about confidence, inventory, and capital flight. They discuss:Why 2025 was effectively a write-off year for real estateThe collapse of pre-construction condo sales — from over 20,000 units to under 2,000How high inventory, falling rents, and weak confidence are reshaping the marketWhat power-of-sale listings, investor distress, and stalled closings signal aheadWhy developers are pivoting to rentals — and the risks behind that shiftWhy Canadian capital is increasingly flowing to the U.S., Mexico, and other marketsBrian then closes the show with a blunt commentary, “New Year 2026 — The State of the Real Estate Business,” examining why this moment is not just a rate cycle, but a structural reset. He explores what broke in the condo model, how credit stress and renewals are becoming the real story, and why fees, approvals, and delays are quietly manufacturing the next housing crisis. This is not hype.Not panic.Not spin. It's realism — from inside the business.