Political RnD Podcast

Dr. Norlaine Thomas has a PhD in marketing and talks about how everything from fonts to colours to words are used to hide mis(and dis)information in political rhetoric. Hosted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith

Alberta gets a new premier tomorrow and we are both confident, and because of that confidence, extremely lacking in confidence. It makes sense if you're in Alberta. Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith

Dr. Angela Grace joins Kathleen Smith and Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean to talk about partisanship and women in politics. It's going to piss some people off. Enjoy!

Alberta politics commentator and Principal of Janet Brown Opinion Research joins Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith to talk about political participation, UCP leadership race, polling, and more!

Deirdre and Kathleen have some thoughts on the UCP leadership race and Alberta politics - this one isn't safe for work or those who get offended by some prolific use of the F-bomb. But I feel better ;)

In case you missed it: this episode with Troy Wason, former president of the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta, and Vitor Marciano, former Executive Director of the Wildrose Alliance Party and inner political advisor within the Wildrose Party, was recorded in March of 2019. I asked them to tell me what was going on within the respective parties from May 5, 2015 until the merger in 2017. Hosted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean

We often think of the joys of Christmas but people who have experienced loss still have the same calendars we do, and for some, it's not as easy. This hour is about loving, losing, and living. Many thanks to our guests, founders of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Centre, Aditi Loveridge and Danyelle Kaluski for their time, their stories, and their love. Find out more about PILSC here: https://pilsc.org/ Hosted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith

Today's guests are pulling no punches about Covid. Dr. Gosia Gasperowich, a developmental biologist from the University of Calgary, Shawna Gawreluck, an Edmonton medical laboratory technician, and Dr. Tehseen Ladha, a pediatrician and professor from the University of Alberta let us bask in their knowledge for an episode that flies by - like it's airborne. Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith host.

Authors Dr. Jackie Seidel from the University of Calgary and Dr. Darlene St. Georges from the University of Lethbridge join Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean to talk about their collaboration, released this fall. Visit https://www.jasonkenneypoetryproject.com/ to view, download, or purchase a copy.

Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith welcome Abby Vandenberghe and Stephanie Wolfe from the wildly popular Jason Kenney's Hot Boy Summer musical - it's sold out but they've opened a second run from December 9 to 16 - get your tickets! https://www.grindstonetheatre.ca/jasonkenneyhotboysummer/

Moms vs a pandemic seemed apropos - we're doing our best and we all just want the kids to pick their sh*t up. Sarah Biggs, Liz Buchanan, and Katie O'Byrne join Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean to let off some steam and have a few laughs.

Fuck the UCP. Also, download the track. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFUeGcVDVDQ

Author and Educator Lisa Bush joins Kathleen Smith and Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean to review gender expectations, norms, and how those in power, particularly in the Alberta government today, are exploiting those expectations today. All roads lead to politics, my friend.

Dr. Caroline Hodes from the University of Lethbridge and Dr. Crystal Fraser from the University of Alberta join Kathleen Smith and Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean to talk about racism, responsibility, colonialism, and having tough conversations about what it means to be Canadian.

Dr. Muna Saleh and Dr. Christine Martineau from Concordia University of Edmonton join Kathleen Smith and Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean to talk about teaching, learning, and supporting each other through news cycles. Subscribers to patreon/politicalRnD get early access to uncensored episodes.

Catherine Griwkowsky from Alberta Today (formerly with SUN and Sherwood Park news, and the Journal) and Sheila Pratt, formerly of Medicine Hat News, Calgary Herald, SUN, and the Edmonton Journal, join Kathleen Smith and Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean to talk about the evolution of print media, the joys of being a girl, social media and so much more. Uncensored episodes available on patreon at politicalrnd.

Dr. Tehseen Ladha and Dr. Leyla Asadi join Kathleen Smith and Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean to talk about reopening, school spread, kids and covid, Stampede, vaccines, and, finally, a little optimism for Alberta. Full episodes available on patreon at politicalrnd.

Dr. Lisa Young from the University of Calgary and Lisa Kirbie, CEO of Blackbird Strategies in Ottawa join Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith to talk about feminist perspectives, childcare and how GenX is going to save the world.

Susan Elliott and Jenn Sanford join Deirdre and Kathleen to talk about being conservative in 2021. What do you do when the party no longer represents you? What do you do when it no longer represents the majority of Canadians? You start a podcast, guest on podcasts, of course :) Early access and uncensored episodes available on patreon at politicalRnD.

Deirdre and Kathleen are joined by Kristen van de Beizenbos and Dr. Jennifer Winter from the University of Calgary to talk about carbon pricing/tax, the point of emissions pricing, and the Supreme Court of Canada decision re: federal carbon pricing policy. We tried to stay out of the weeds but at the end of the day - it's not a simple policy. For early access to full, unedited episodes, subscribe to our patreon at politicalrnd.

Dr. Shauna Wilton from University of Alberta Augustana Campus in Camrose and Carla Howatt, former council member for Strathcona County join Kathleen and Deirdre to talk about Dr. Wilton's upcoming paper "Grandma is the Mayor" and women in municipal politics. Extended version (including a Kathleen rant) available for subscribers at patreon.com/politicalrnd

It started with a question about conservative bias in universities and blew up from there - what was it really about? Dr. Melanee Thomas from the University of Calgary and Dr. Lise Gotell from the University of Alberta shed some light on the subject. Kathleen Smith admits she's seeing a clearer picture and Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean realizes we're probably never going to get a conservative perspective on these conversations. Subscribers get more: uncensored episodes available on patreon at politicalrnd

Tonight, we dance. Put your hands together for Stephanie Wolfe and Karen Johnson-Diamond as they take us through the 80's and beyond. Deirdre is outed as not-nerd-enough, Kathleen has a meatloaf wall, Karen is a Neil Diamond super fan and Stephanie wants the mom-jeans. Folks - we do it all. Patrons get extra episodes, early access and unedited shows at patreon / politicalrnd

Councillors Belinda Crowson (Lethbridge) and Erin Stevenson (Spruce Grove) join Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith to talk about their experiences in municipal government and have some tips for candidates and the rest of us. Early access and additional episodes are available on patreon at politicalrnd.

Dieulita Datus and Sadia Khan join Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith to talk about UBUNTU: Mobilizing Central Alberta, race, showing up and standing beside those who are speaking. Early access and extra episodes available on patreon at politicalrnd.

Janice Makokis and Red Thunder Woman (Michelle Robinson) join Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith to talk about Treaty, separation rhetoric, mutual learning, and mutual respect. Just think. Please. Unedited episodes available on patreon at politicalrnd.

Dr. Christine Gibson and Dr. Cynthia Puddu join Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith to talk about the evolution of the conversation around homelessness, mental and physical health - even outside of a pandemic. Something they all have in common is that being able to meet basic needs is an inescapable foundation of social determinants of health. Is Canada doing enough? Could we do enough? Full episodes on patreon at PoliticalRnD early access, no edits.

It's almost like everyone was thinking about upcoming elections. Deirdre Mitchell MacLean and Kathleen Smith welcome two former Deputy Premiers, Sarah Hoffman (Alberta NDP), and Diana Whelan (Nova Scotia Liberals) to talk about role models, running, opposing, and governing. Just in time for all those women who might be weighing the pros and cons of entering a municipal race. Do it. Rise Up.

When one head is better than seven - It was the longest weekend of 2021 so far and Kathleen Smith (@kikkiplanet) and Deirdre (@Mitchell_AB) are back to entertain and enlighten. We've had enough. We. Are. Rising. UP.

Calgary City Councillor Jyoti Gondek and Rocky Mountain House Town Councillor Michelle Narang join Deirdre and Kathleen to talk about using their voices as individuals, women, representatives, and elected officials as well as the differences and similarities of rural and urban political landscapes.

Have things changed since 2012? Donna Kennedy-Glans (PC, Calgary Varsity 2012-2015) and Brandy Payne (NDP, Calgary-Acadia 2015-2019) join Deirdre and Kathleen to talk about the MLA Way, expectations, and Donna opens up about why she sat as an independent under Alison Redford. Uncensored version on patreon - politicalRnD.

A natural follow up to changing careers seemed to be education and retraining. Angie Nikoleychuk and Bridget Stirling join Kathleen Smith and Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean to talk about pandemic post-secondary and generational inspirations, positive and negative - our mothers, grandmothers, and all the women who help out along the way. Subscribe on patreon for early, and unedited, access.

Women have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, but that's not exactly new. We need to be more comfortable asserting our strengths. Calgary business owner Emma May and Edmonton event and festival planning consultant Monique MacDonald join Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith to talk about their journey in entrepreneurship and confidence building. Full episode available early and uncensored on patreon.

Part Two: Dr. Jillian Ratti and Lorian Hardcastle talk about Kenney's Covid response - or, more accurately, lack thereof. Subscribers can access full uncensored episodes early on patreon at politicalRnD.

Dr. Jillian Ratti and Lorian Hardcastle join Kathleen Smith and myself, Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean to sift through the leaked meeting recordings, Dr. Hinshaw's role, and the dwindling trust in the Alberta government. Patreon subscribers get early access to uncensored recordings.

Wing Li and Janice Fenston join Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith to ponder about Jason Kenney's Covid response announcement. We recorded the night before and Wing gets all the credit for correctly identifying, in Kenney's own words, "bare minimum". Full episode available on patreon for subscribers.

Women, mothers, sisters, daughters, and business owners... and a pandemic. Stella Sehn and Rhiannon Hoyle join Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean and Kathleen Smith to share their experience, coping mechanisms, and some laughs. Find the full episode on patreon.

Susan Wright (Susan on the Soapbox) and Melanee Thomas (University of Calgary political science)join me to talk about Alberta's Auditor General Report, polling, and Alberta exceptionalism. Subscribers can find the full uncensored audio on patreon.

Women of Alberta politics - it's our time to rise up. A new PoliticalRnD series featuring women who are engaging with the politics that affect them, their families, and their future. Today's episode features Kathleen Smith, Katie O'Byrne, Shawna Gawreluck, and your host, Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean talking about the American election, Alberta politics and Canadian federal politics - because we're all affected. Become a patreon to hear the full, unedited, hour plus.

Marie Renaud, MLA for St. Albert, joins Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean to talk about AISH. Marie has challenged herself to live off of $1,685 for the month to try and experience making ends meet on AISH.

Launching Season TWO of PRnD, Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean brings Robbie Kreger-Smith, Mark Taylor, and Scott Harold Payne together where we discuss whether non-UCP supporters can work to ensure a UCP government is "one and done"; whether simplistic messaging is the key or the noose and, well, you decide :)

Drs Trevor Tombe and Blake Shaffer from the University of Calgary join Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean to talk about Alberta's relaunch strategy and the expedited drop in corporate sales tax. Sometimes, you just need more than 280 characters to have a conversation.

Alberta's Fair Deal Panel report was released and what did we learn? Alberta wants to be more like Quebec if we're going to stay in Canada. Dr. Melanee Thomas from the University of Calgary was analyzing data for CBC's Road Ahead series on the recent Fair Deal questions, Doug Griffiths, former Progressive Conservative MLA was on a committee in 2002-03 asking the same questions, and Dr. Herb Emery researched these questions since 1993 (23 years) at the University of Calgary, join Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean to discuss their thoughts. Three experiences, three perspectives, one great conversation.

Mark Taylor and Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean look at slacktivism - social media has its fair share of keyboard warriors but who's actually doing the work? Who is getting results, and how?

Mark Taylor and Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean are making up for a week - who is Angela Pitt targeting with the autonomous Alberta posts? Is Kenney trying to run Canada from Edmonton? Is Doug Ford taking his marching orders from Kenney? Why does Canada approve drugs more slowly than the U.S.? All this... and more...

Mark and Deirdre discuss federal wage subsidies for business and non-profits being accessed by political parties and reminisce about the per vote subsidy of not long ago.

With the reappearance of the Wildrose and the hefty number of former Wildrose MLAs who are not in the leader's circle, how likely is it a third party could enter the legislature via floor crossings? Mark and Deirdre take a walk in la la land in this unfounded and completely speculative episode. (Referenced episode: the one Deirdre forgot to name - 2020 Mark and Max final).

If the leader's brand is stronger than the party's, what happens after they leave? Mark and Deirdre ponder the future of both the parties of Harper and May, Kenney's UCP, and way back in the days when red tories weren't forced to vote liberal.

Mark and Deirdre do a little sleuthing to find out who is easing COVID restrictions - from Germany to New Zealand, Canada to the U.S. - some look great and others look a mess. Bonus feature: how the CFL could still make a play this year...

Emma May and Roger Baker join Deirdre to talk about the politics - and law - of bans. "We're all law-abiding citizens - until we're not," Emma.

Mark and Deirdre take a look at whether crises are good or bad for re-election; the U.S. and Saskatchewan head to the polls this fall, will it be an opportune time to force a federal election next spring? What about BC? And when did Doug Ford find his leadership legs?