The Breakdown With Nate Pike

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Local Alberta Podcast about provincial and local politics and issues. Not journalists.

The Breakdown


    • Jul 20, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 16m AVG DURATION
    • 526 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Breakdown With Nate Pike

    Episode 8.35 - Your Program, You're Paying For It!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 9:01


    It's a special mini episode!

There's long been a public perception that Danielle Smith's radio program, "Your Province, Your Premier" comes at not cost to taxpayers.But...Recent documents obtained by The Breakdown demonstrate that not only is the program not free, it's costing Alberta taxpayers almost $10,000 a month! 

We break it all down in this special mini deep dive!To get tickets to our July 25th live show in Edmonton, visit www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.34 - July 16th, 2024 Alberta Politics Speakers Corner!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 70:46


    It's another "Speakers Corner" and this week the comments and the questions were all about the nature of democracy!But not before we get started with some pancake talk!To get tickets to our July 25th live show in Edmonton, visit www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.33 - July 12, 2026 Alberta Politics Roundup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 131:33


    What is going on with all of the infrastructure projects coming out of Stampede?With two (not really) pipeline announcements and an AI data center with its own power plant and a natural gas processing plant nearby, there's a lot to unpack!

Especially when the province's version of how the data center and its power plant will be affecting Alberta's water and electricity!

All of this and a run down on the latest in the voter list leak, the "Water not Coal" petition and a whole lot more!To get tickets to our July 25th live show in Edmonton, visit www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.32 - Indigenous Scholar Matthew Wildcat!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2026 63:47


    With Treaty Chiefs having voted unanimously in a non-confidence vote in Danielle SMith's UCP, separatism on the rise and over racism towards First Nations only growing more bold, what can be done?We're extremely excited to present this conversation with First Nations Scholar and Associate Professor from the University of Alberta Dr. Matthew Wildcat, which not only gets into what First Nations can do to better address some of these issues, but also offers some critical insight into the history of Alberta and Canada that has brought us to this moment in time. To get tickets to our July 25th live show in Edmonton, visit www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.31 - Canada Day Special Re-up with Rebecca Thomas!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2026 60:53


    It's time to re-up this very, very special episode! Originally from June of 2025, this episode seems to have only become more relevant as Alberta has escalated tensions towards Treaty Chiefs and the province has been set careening to a separatism referendum by Danielle Smith and the UCP.With relations between the government of Alberta and First Nations at an arguable low with Treaty Chiefs expressing deep frustration and hurt from the way that the province is treating First Nations and the Treaties, we are extremely excited to present this extremely important conversation with Mi'kmaq poet Rebecca Thomas!We are extremely grateful to finally make this conversation a reality and it cuts to the core of what Canadian Identity is and what it could look like. For The Breakdown, this conversation is a love letter to Canada that is also based in accountability, and it cuts to the core of what Canadian Identity is and what it could look like. You are not going to want to miss the ending of this episode folks! To get tickets to our July 25th live show in Edmonton, visit www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.30 - June 28th, 2026 Alberta Politics Roundup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2026 121:39


    Time for another Alberta Politics Roundup!We start with a bit of a follow up worm last weeks show before we get into yet another EMS policy shift from the UCP, a deep dive into the by-election candidates in Calgary, Smith's latest performance on Your Province, Your Premier before we end up with what could be another development in the "Corrupt Care" scandal!Plus we reveal another panelist for our July 25th live show in Edmonton!To get tickets to our July 25th live show in Edmonton, visit www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.29 - June 25th, 2026 Open Mic!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2026 85:11


    It's another Breakdown open mic night and we're talking healthcare, crisis comms, Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and a whole lot more!To get tickets to our July 25th live show in Edmonton, visit www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.28 - June 21, 2026 Alberta Politics Roundup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 122:29


    It's another Alberta Politics roundup, and between the last week's events and the absolutely bonkers layers surrounding them...Well, it's a pretty bonkers episode.Dani's war with First Nations heats up, there's some new developments for the referendum and also the "Corrupt Care" scandal. Plus it seems like a lot of the senior leadership in Smith's government are letting the mask slide because we saw a lot of open racism from multiple members of government this week!Plus we announce our fourth guest for our live show in Edmonton, Deputy NDP Leader Rakhi Pancholi!To get tickets to that July 25th live show in Edmonton, visit www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.27 - June 19th, 2026 Open Mic!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2026 80:24


    It's another open mic night at The Breakdown!

We start with Nate answering as many of the chat questions as we can before we get into a very deep conversation on th enrapture and history of AISH/ADAP with caller Cassandra!To get tickets to our July 25th live show in Edmonton, visit www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.26 - June 14th, 2026 Alberta Politics Roundup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 119:53


    It's another live Alberta Politics Roundup and it's a big one!This week we're taking a look at the shut down of the disastrous EMS rebranding, unpacking what's happening with health inspectors, breaking down why the "Water Not Coal" petition likely won't see a ballot box for at least 2-3 years before we runravel the tangeled web over at The Western Standard!To get tickets to our July 25th live show in Edmonton, visit www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.25 - June 4th, 2026 Open Mic!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 77:10


    It's our first open mic!To get tickets to our July 25th live show in Edmonton, visit www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.24 - May 31, 2026 Alberta Politics Roundup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 99:37


    We're back with another roundup of the last week in Alberta Politics!

We start with some of the major developments in the former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopolous ongoing lawsuit and the implications now that two podcasters have been found to have engaged in criminal contempt of court!From there we take a look at the defunding of rural women's shelters and the latest in the UCP's gerrymandering of Alberta before we take a look at a dizzying week in Alberta separatism!To get tickets to our July 25th live show in Edmonton, visit www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.23 - Healthcare Crisis in focus with Dr Paul Parks!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 83:34


    With separatism sucking all the oxygen out of the room, we're refocusing on Alberta's health care crisis with ER physician Dr Paul Parks!Alberta has seen another tragic death in an Emergency Room waiting room, the government has distracted itself away from addressing the real healthcare issues facing the province and there's real concerns that Danielle Smith's impending separatism referendum will ultimately not only prevent badly needed healthcare workers from coming to Alberta, it may drive even more out!Dr Parks helps us unpack all of this and more!(And if you want to watch the video of Danielle SMith's plans for healthcare back in 2021, you can do that at https://youtu.be/25iXlzqGC2U?si=m0rw6909cHJE5942)To get tickets to our show in Edmonton on July 25th, visit www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.22 - Neverendum Referendum

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 132:28


    We're back with another live show and this one has a singular purpose!What the heck is going on with Alberta's new referendum on separatism and how the heck did we get here?We take a look at the history of separatism in Alberta before we work through the major events that led up to last week on a rollercoaster of a ride you not only miss, you'll want to share with your friends!Plus we announce some exciting new changes to the show's format, including a dedicated call in hour and OUR LIVE SHOW IN EDMONTON!And you can get your tickets at www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.21 - The Breakdown & The Orchard Crossover!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 103:00


    It's a special crossover episode between The Breakdown and Jeremy Appel's "The Orchard"!

Originally recorded on May 6, 2026 on substack, we're excited to be able to bring the whole conversation to all of our platforms! 

In this chat, Nate and Jeremy cover the separatist data breach, the current NDP strategy against Smith and the UCP, the disassembly of democratic protections in Alberta, the future of journalism and...Aaron Sorkin?If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    8.20 - Fighting Back with Gil McGowan!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 67:25


    Welcome to episode 8.20, a conversation with AFL President Gil McGowan and it's a no holds barred chat on the plan that organized labour has for a day of action on May 29th to push back against the UCP. But we don't just talk about that day of action...This conversation includes Gil's explanation for what happened to the General Strike that Albertans were told to expect in the aftermath of the UCP stripping teachers of their charter rights with the use of the Notwithstanding Clause and we ask the hard question, what are Gil and others willing to put on the line to stand up to the UCP. And the answer will probably surprise you!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.19 - Alberta Liberal Takeover/Makeover Record Set Straight with Leader John Roggeveen!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 78:53


    Two weeks ago, The Breakdown reported on a text sent out by strategist Stephen Carter that seemed to show he was in the process of orchestrating a takeover of the Alberta Liberals!Since then, Mt. Carter has been on the offense, claiming that we didn't reach out to the Liberals or their leader, that the effort was coordinated between Mr Carter and the Liberal Executive/Leader and a whole lot more!To set the record straight once and for all, we sat down with Alberta Liberal Leader John Roggeveen but we didn't stop at just the takeover question, because Thursday say the UCP issue new rules for referendum that could shut out all political parties from participation except for the UCP and the NDP!If those rules are legal...If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.18 - April 19, 2026 - Alberta Politics Roundup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 157:31


    It's an extended Alberta Politics Roundup because we have a lot of ground to cover!To start with, we take a look at two of the new entries into the referendum game, the first being The Rebel and their new TPA (Third Party Advertiser) and the second being the impending takeover/makeover of the Alberta Liberals by controversial strategist Stephen Carter.But what is it that makes Carter so controversial?We take a look!From there we take a look at Adriana Lagrange privatization bewildering re-announcement of privatization of diagnostic tests, the shocking turn on the electoral boundaries commission and the impending changes to AISH/ADAP!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.17 - Calling Out CoRE!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 102:13


    On March 10th, 2026 CoRE (which is a part of the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction) published a paper in the Journal “Addiction” that the UCP then used to justify shuttering Supervised Consumption Sites.But there's some pretty big problems with the paper, and there's some massive problems with how it has been represented!To get to the core of the problem, we sat down with 3 professors who are experts in addictions research, Dr Tara Gomes from the University of Toronto, Dr Kora DeBeck from Simon Fraser University and Dr Rebecca Saah from the University of Calgary! You're going to want to stick around for the end of this episode as it has a surprise that you definitely won't see coming!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.16 - Forever Canadian with Thomas Lukaszuk!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 71:56


    With separatism at the forefront of Alberta's political discussion right now, a lot of people are asking how they can possibly help in the fight to keep Alberta in Canada!To find an answer to that question, we sat down with Thomas Lukaszuk of Forever Canadian to find out more about how he's asking people to get involved as well as to set the record straight on what his goals are with the original Forever Canadian Petition despite what Danielle Smith has said in the press lately!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 8.15 - Are the UCP Gerrymandering? - with Dr Duane Bratt!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 60:25


    Are Danielle Smith and the UCP about to execute their greatest subversion of democracy yet?As the boundaries of constituencies in Alberta are about to be redrawn after years of consultation, two UCP appointed members of the commission abandoned the report they signed off on and created new maps that many experts have called straight up gerrymandering. In order to try and make sense of this, we sat down with political scientist Dr Duane Bratt for a conversation on the future of democracy you don't want to miss!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 8.14 - Alberta Politics Roundup! (Electoral Boundaries and MAID)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 120:28


    Are the UCP fixing to fix the next election?The electoral boundaries commission has released it's report and recommendations, but it's one of the wilder reports in recent memory because of the inclusion of a mini report put together by two members who went rogue in an apparent attempt to redraw boundaries to gerrymander another election win for the UCP!Just in case that wasn't serious enough, we also include a deep dive on the history of MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) in Canada and Danielle Smith's recent changes to MAID that seem to be based entirely on fabrications and fear to score points with the religious right!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 8.13 - March 22, 2026 Alberta Politics Roundup

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 117:59


    Who would have thought that a committee meeting would bring even more scandals to the forefront of Alberta Politics?Nonetheless, here we are and we're breaking down the secret 7 star hotel stays, the golden cat and the rest!

Plus, we take a look at the SCS closures and the bizarre set of coincidences that raise real questions about Alberta premier Danielle's Smith's podcasting habits with a deep dive on the attempts to smear former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopolous!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 8.12 - MLA Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 41:11


    With both separatism and racism on the rise, particularly with First Nations leading the charge against the separatist movement including a non-confidence vote in the UCP government, we had the privilege of sitting down with MLA Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse, who is the first First Nations woman to be elected to the ALberta Legislature and who witnessed the treatment of First Nations Chiefs inside and outside of the Alberta Legislature this week. Not only that, we also get into the complexities of development and the importance of honoring the Treaties for all Albertans peace and economic security!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 8.11 - Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 34:51


    It's time for a chat on Alberta Politics with NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi!And we get into a lot!Corrupt Care! The Provincial Budget! Coal Mines! Healthcare! Cost of Living! And we ask the hard question directly that has been circulating in the ether for a few weeks and get a response to the criticisms of the current Alberta NDP Leadership!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 8.10 - March 1st, 2026 Alberta Politics Roundup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 120:56


    Time for another Alberta Politics Roundup and this week we have two deep dives!To start with we take a look at Danielle Smith's war against judges, including the straight up falsehoods, misinformation and straight up propaganda that both Smith and her Justice Minister, Mickey Amery have been engaging in.From there we have a deep dives on Smith's immigration claims which are also well into the realm of propaganda before we get to the big question...With Danielle Smith taking away rights from the vulnerable and unions while deliberately spreading misinformation, disinformation and propaganda, is she using the same populist tools that dictators and oppressors have used, including tactics used by the third Reich?If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 8.09 - Alberta Recall Panel!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 110:34


    Alberta is the land of recall petitions right now!But with most of the focus on whether or not recalls are successful, there's a lot that's being overlooked in the conversation. We sat down with three recall organizers to hear from them as to what made them decide to initiate recall petitions, what the experience has been like and perhaps most importantly, when the recalls are done is this the end of their activism or just the beginning? If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 8.08 - February 8th, 2026 Alberta Politics Roundup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 133:32


    It's time for another Alberta Politics Roundup!There's a grab bag of things going on with Alberta Politics and we try to cover a bunch of them! What does the new Legislative calendar have to say? Are overdoses being underreported? What's going on with the Tory Party? AND!We have a double deep dive on both Danielle SMith's attempts to consolidate power by demonizing the courts as well as a deep dive on the conspiracy theories behind some of the separatist movement leaders and why they shouldn't be dismissed!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!If you're looking for the link to the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Gofundme me, you can find that at https://www.gofundme.com/f/sturgeon-lake-cree-nation-lawsuit-injunction?attribution_id=sl:5ac02c23-41da-48f4-84d6-7317b6d73517&ts=1769452718&utm_campaign=pd_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

    Episode 8.07 - Danielle Smith's Bizarre Greenland Connection with Desmog's Geoff Dembicki!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 39:33


    We're recovering from an absolutely bonkers week in legal land, so instead of a live show, we're excited to bring you a special interview!

Recently, we got to sit down with Geoff Dembicki from "Desmog" to talk about their recent story on Danielle Smith's bizarre ties to the US governor who was tasked by Trump to oversee the takeover of Greenland.No, really. It's a legit thing.Geoff explains it all and we get into the bigger security implications Alberta and Canada should be thinking about right now!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 8.06 - Separatism & Healthcare with NDP MLA Rakhi Pancholi!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 33:30


    With separatism on the rise and healthcare in crisis we are super excited to welcome back to the program NDP MLA Rakhi Pancholi! Not only do we get into both of these topics, but we also get into her best and worst of the last legislative session!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 8.05 - Alberta's Healthcare Crisis with Dr Paul Parks!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 66:00


    Last weekend we leaked a document that detailed dozens of examples of patients who were unable to get the care they needed in the time they needed it with at least six of those cases tragically resulting in preventable deaths.The compiler of those real cases was ER physician Dr Paul Parks, and he sat down with us to discuss those cases, the realities of emergency medicine in Alberta right now, why the government proposed solutions just aren't good enough and a whole lot more!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 8.04 - January 18th Alberta Politics Roundup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2026 116:22


    On this Alberta Politics Roundup...The Law Foundation is under attack by the UCP and their staff all resigned but...What is the Law Foundation anyways? And what do they do?Plus!Desmog ran on story on Danielle Smith's ties to the man in charge of conquering Greenland, we do a deep dive on the latest court filings fighting back against the separatists and go down a few rabbit holes AND we take a look at the provinces latest response (?) to the health care crisis and how is doesn't match up with a leaked document that shows that Albertans are suffering and dying preventably in Emergency Rooms while the UCP rearranges deck chairs!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 8.03 - Healthcare in Crisis with Dr. Raj Sherman!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 104:01


    Healthcare is in Crisis.Reports of patients dying in waiting rooms and hallways while waiting for care are becoming more frequent, and dangerously, more normalized.On of the physicians who has been raising the alarm is ER physician Dr. Raj Sherman, and he's no stranger to medicine or the politics holding Alberta healthcare back.After a long and diverse career in politics and medicine, Dr. Sherman was most recently appointed as the chair of the Health Quality Council in 2024, but resigned after a year with a letter that called attention to multiple areas of healthcare he strongly believed needed to be addressed but weren't. We sit down with Dr. Sherman for an extended interview to discuss the healthcare crisis, what's actually causing it (and what's not) and perhaps most importantly, what can be done!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 8.02 - The Recall That Wasn't with Journalist Alexandra Noad!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2026 63:02


    There's been a lot of questions about what's going on with the recall that isn't in Lethbridge East, and in order to try and make sense of yet another shockingly complex scandal in Alberta Politics, we sat down with the Lethbridge Reporter who has been doing all of the work to try and sort it out!The Substack we refer to can also be found at https://open.substack.com/pub/recallfan44/p/867-53oh-my?r=1y52sv&utm_medium=ios&shareImageVariant=overlayIf you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 8.01 - January 4th, 2026 Alberta Politics Roundup New Years Fireworks edition!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 121:48


    It's our first episode of 2026!

From Danielle Smith's year end chat with long time bestie Bruce "Spanky" McAllister to the resignation of Rebecca Schulz to the very uncomfortable press conference that followed to a deep dive on the two Eastern Canada podcasters who allegedly were paid to try and discredit a witness in the "CorruptCare" Scandal, we're starting the new year off with some fireworks!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episide 7.46 - "Rules of Engagement" - December 21, 2025 Alberta Politics Roundup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 91:37


    It's our last show of 2025!We're ending the year with a bit of a deep dive on Danielle Smith's advice to herself via the "Alberta Next" recommendations, the ongoing healthcare crisis and then...Nate takes the Alberta Party out to the woodshed one last time!

If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.45 - Eating The Elephant! (Dec 14, 2025 Alberta Politics Roundup!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 138:23


    We're back with another roundup of Alberta politics and it's more dense than a holiday fruitcake!

We start with a look at the recent news that Jordan Peterson was in the process of having his online video courses accredited by the province of Alberta before we take a look at the new law that Smith named after him, including a deep dive on what it was that got him into hot water in the first place!

From there we look at Smith's "vision" for healthcare and her prescription of a poisin pill or privatization before we then get into Mickey Amery's radical changes to referendums and the rule of law!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.44 - The UCP Attack The Courts with Lawyer Will Van Engen!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 61:44


    Danielle Smith and the UCP have taken to attacking the courts, delegitimizing the courts and overriding the courts in the last week, and that has some pretty serious implications!Whether trying to weaken Albertans trust in the courts by calling judges "appointed activists", by grossly misrepresenting Supreme Court rulings or by invoking the notwithstanding clause to get around legal judgement on 4 bad laws, the attacks that the UCP are hitting the judiciary with are unprecedented!(At least in Canada)To help us understand the implications, the actual rulings and what Albertans need to be paying attention to, we're excited to welcome criminal defense lawyer Will Van Engen to the show!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.43 - Alberta Students Association!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 47:31


    With education and charter rights under attack by the UCP, Albertans are finding whatever ways they can to fight back!And this absolutely includes young Albertans!In this episode we sit down with Kai and KT who are part of a group of students forming the "Alberta Students Association" to ensure that young Albertans have an organization to help them speak up for themselves, teachers and Alberta education!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.42 - November 16, 2025 Alberta Politics Roundup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 124:28


    We're back with a live roundup of Alberta politics, and with the legislature back in session we have a LOT of ground to cover!We start with a quick round up of protests in the Rockies, the ASIRT investigation into criminal harassment of former Minister and MLA Shannon Phillips that former UCP Justice Minister Kaycee Madu tried to make all about himself before we turn our attention to a roundup of all of the bills that have been introduced so far as the province braces for Danielle Smith to yet again invoke the notwithstanding clause to punch down on vulnerable youth!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.41 - The RCMP Vs. Smith's Provincial Police Force!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 77:13


    With Danielle Smith and the UCP continuing to push ahead with a provincial police force that's wildly unpopular, we wanted to have a conversation that cut through the noise and answered some basic questions!Is there a benefit to an Alberta Provincial Police? Will it save money? Provide better service? Provide the same level of service? Or is it all just a power grab?To get to the bottom of it we sat down with two current RCMP members of “Keep Alberta RCMP” for an in depth conversation on all of this!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.40- The Weight of Words with Victoria Bucholtz!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 49:41


    In this (delayed) episode we sit down with advocate, activist, academic and stand up comedian Victoria Bucholz, who also performs under that stage name Karla Marx!Originally recorded right before the municipal elections, this conversation covers a boatload of topics, including those elections, the rise of neofascism, the nature of comedy and yup, we absolutely get into Charlie Kirk!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.39 - The Notwithstanding Clause Live in Calgary!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 139:59


    Strap in!It's our episode we recorded live in Calgary on October 25th and it's ALL about the notwithstanding clause!We start off with a crash course on the notwithstanding clause, what Albertans need to know the UCP are going to be targeting with it and why their spin doesn't spin!From there, we move to our panel discussion with political scientist Dr Duane Bratt, Associate Law Professor Lorian Hardcastle, ATA Local 38 President Stephani Clements and boots on the ground outreach worker with the Street Cats Cecelia Fraser!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.38 - Media Integrity with Petra Schulz!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2025 25:39


    Is Canadian media being compromised by law fare?Last week we took a look at the apparent attempts by Danielle Smith's former chief of staff Marshall Smith to remove an article from the Calgary Herald and the fact that the alleged pressure tactics worked!Tonight, we're talking with activist and advocate Petra Schulz, who was one of the founders of the group "Mom's Stop the Harm" and her own efforts to create pressure and hold the Calgary Herald and whoever made the decision to delete Guy Fellicella's article to account!If you want to sign that letter, you can do so at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0WlAiKVf0vFIt7WOqiuF7PqiwsrWDG5jEJbMGY2aCAoXg5A/viewformIf you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.37 - Is Canadian Media being compromised by lawfare?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 14:42


    Is Canadian media being compromised by law fare?On this special mini episode we take a look at how the story of how a column targeted by law fare by Danielle Smith's former chief of staff Marshall Smith was removed and ask some important questions about the integrity of the media than Albertans rely on to keep them well informed!Our Calgary live show is coming up fast on October 25th! Get your tickets while you can at www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.36 - Alberta Funds Public Schools Petition Proponent Alicia Taylor!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2025 39:03


    With the “Forever Canadian” petition entering its last days for collecting signatures, a new petition has gotten a lot of attention because it's calling for the end of Alberta's practice of funding private education with public dollars! We sat down with the proponent of the AB Funds Public Education petition, Alicia Taylor to learn more about what made her decide to launch this petition and just as importantly, how Albertans who care about public education can get involved! Our Calgary live show is coming up fast on October 25th! Get your tickets while you can at www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.35 -Alberta's Students Speak Out!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 99:13


    Evan Li was silenced at the Alberta Next Town Hall, but his question about education was an important one!Rather than focus on the tantrums of the executive director for the premiers southern office, we wanted to hear from not only Evan but students from across the province on what their concerns are for education and what they want the government and teachers to hear from them!Our Calgary live show is coming up fast on October 25th! Get your tickets while you can at www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.34 - Alberta's Healthcare Crisis with Dr Paul Parks!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 111:04


    You don't want to miss this conversation with former Alberta Medical Association President and current Emergency Room Dr. Paul Parks!Now that Dr. Parks is no longer in any official roles with any governing bodies, he joins us for this unleashed conversation on the state of Alberta healthcare, and not only does he not hold back, but we cover a lot of ground! From the state of Emergency rooms to chartered surgical facilities to access to reproductive health for women to privatiziation to gender affirming care to a whole lot more, we get into all of it in a conversation that as many Albertans as possible should hear, because Dr Parks is sounding the alarm!(And for the record, neither Dr. Parks nor Nate is speaking for anyone other than themselves and certainly don't claim to represent the views of any employers or organizations they may be affiliated with)If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca! If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

    Episode 7.33 - September 28, 2025 - Alberta Politics Roundup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 138:07


    It's a Charter of Rights and Freedoms heavy episode!We're back with another Alberta Politics Roundup, and while we hit on the most recent events in Alberta Politics, we also have a deep dive on Danielle Smith's willingness to crush Charter rights using the notwithstanding clause as well as a deep dive on the recent developments in the "CorruptCare" scandal because what is going on with all of these different reports?If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government... You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.32 - EPSB Trustee Candidate Nicole Renaud!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 55:41


    More and more Albertans are realizing how important school board elections will be this year, so we sat down with a candidate from War A in Edmonton! Nicole Renaud is a mother and an advocate and we sat down with her to hear about why she's running, what she believes the biggest issues are and what her vision is for how to work with a province that is growing increasingly combative with school boards!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you want to join us in Calgary on October 25th, get your tickets at www.thebreakdownablive.ca!If you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

    Episode 7.31 - September 14, 2025 - Alberta Politics Roundup

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 129:57


    Time for another Alberta Politics roundup with a special announcement and a scoop on how Invest Alberta is spending taxpayer dollars!We start with a look at how Danielle SMith decided to use almost a billion dollars from a tobacco settlement and then we take a look at where the book bans are, the teachers strike, the HSAA union vote before we get to the big reveal we've been building up to all week!How much did taxpayers money did the Invest Alberta Board spend on an elite retreat at the Fairmont Lake Louise?Plus...A special bonus thought experiment!If you're able to support our legal defense fund to fight back against the $6 Million lawsuit against us by Sam Mraiche, the man who imported Vanch masks and the Turkish Tylenot as well as who hosted MLA's and Ministers in his skybox as he had business with the government...You can do that at www.savethebreakdownab.ca!As always, if you appreciate the kind of content that we're trying to produce here at The Breakdown, please consider signing up as a monthly supporter at our Patreon site at www.patreon.com/thebreakdownab and we can now accept e-transfers at info@thebreakdownab.ca!If you're looking for our new merch lineup, you can find that at www.thebreakdownabmerch.comIf you're listening to the audio version of our podcast, please consider leaving us a review and a rating, and don't forget to like and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads!

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