The Strategists

Canada’s sharpest political insiders break down power, strategy, and the people who actually run the country.

Public episode
Episode 4014: I Have Nothing to Offer
February 23, 2026
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips talk about whether Mark Carney should go early, how opposition parties actually win a legislative session, and why Danielle Smith’s...
Patreon episode
Episode 4013: Use All of It or Use None
February 21, 2026
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into Danielle Smith’s nine question referendum gambit and the politics of putting Alberta on the ballot. Is this a distraction, or the...
Public episode
Episode 4012: Skill Issue
February 19, 2026
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into Jeneroux’s decision to spend less time with his family by crossing the floor to the Liberals, rogue MP Jamil Jivani, and Danielle...
Public episode
Balance of Power: TV Dad vs YouTube Bro
February 18, 2026
The Strategists Media Corporation, in association with The Strategists Podcast Network, presents Balance of Power, a new series offering a fresh lens on the forces shaping...
Patreon episode
Episode 4011: The Everyman Plus
February 13, 2026
Stephen Carter and Zain Velji dive into whether looks still shape political destiny, unpack the machinery of campaign makeovers, and debate what “electable” means in 2026. They...
Public episode
Balance of Power: An Orgy of Bribery
February 11, 2026
The Strategists Media Corporation, in association with The Strategists Podcast Network, presents Balance of Power, a new series offering a fresh lens on the forces shaping...
Public episode
Episode 1908: Mr. Jivani Goes to Washington
February 9, 2026
Shannon Phillips and Stephen Carter do a weekly separatist checkup and debate what responsibility political commentators, operatives, and public figures have in moments like...
Public episode
Ministry of Podcasts: Episode 5
February 4, 2026
Ministry of Podcasts: Episode 5Be it resolved that the Minister of Podcasts, Stephen Carter, together with the Chair of Oral Questions, Zain Velji, do hereby call this sitting...
Public episode
Episode 1907: Cucks Who Don't Like It
February 2, 2026
Shannon Phillips and Stephen Carter discuss a Conservative movement that has decided it will not pivot, will not moderate, and absolutely does not care who hates it for that...
Patreon episode
Episode 1906: Treason? Or Treason-Adjacent?
January 30, 2026
Episode 1906: Treason? Or Treason-Adjacent?Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips discuss Alberta separatism going international after reporting reveals meetings with U.S....
Public episode
Episode 1905: The Federal Stress Test
January 26, 2026
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips discuss a federal stress test unfolding on two fronts: The killing of a Minneapolis man by federal immigration agents and open U.S....
Patreon episode
Episode 1904: Carney, the Moment, and the Noise
January 23, 2026
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips discuss Mark Carney’s Davos speech and why it cut through the global noise. What made the moment land, and what does seriousness buy Carney...
Public episode
Episode 1903: A New World Order, Whether We Like It or Not
January 19, 2026
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into Canada’s new world order as Mark Carney cuts a landmark trade deal with China and openly acknowledges that Washington is no longer...
Public episode
Episode 1902: When a Petition Isn't a Movement
January 13, 2026
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dig into Alberta's latest separatist referendum push and ask the two questions that actually matter: is it inevitable, and is it likely?...
Public episode
Episode 1901: Holiday Spectacular
January 9, 2026
Check the Orthodox Boxing Day deals, lower your expectations accordingly, and get ready as The Strategists unpack the year that was in the Flair Airlines* Better Late Than...
Patreon episode
Episode 1900: Crisis Without a Comms Collapse
January 7, 2026
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into Calgary's latest water main break and what it reveals about crisis communications, political leadership, and governing in an...
Public episode
Episode 1899: Schulz Resigns | What Does This Mean for Unity?
December 31, 2025
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips talk about Rebecca Schulz’s sudden resignation from cabinet and what it signals about unity inside the UCP, and the country. They dive into...
Public episode
Ministry of Podcasts: Episode 4
December 16, 2025
Be it resolved that the Minister of Podcasts, Stephen Carter, together with the Chair of Oral Questions, Zain Velji, do convene this sitting of The Ministry of Podcasts.Be it...
Patreon episode
Episode 1898: Hypothetical Squared
December 10, 2025
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dig into the Conservatives' pipeline motion, the Liberal response, and why Ottawa is spending its time debating make-believe infrastructure....
Public episode
Episode 1897: Press Galleries, Polarization, and the Slow Death of Joy in Politics
December 3, 2025
Zain Velji and Shannon Phillips dive into the weird, wonderful world of press-gallery comedy, from Don Davies’ viral self-roast to Pierre Poilievre’s carefully staged moment....
Patreon episode
Episode 1886: Understanding of Memorandum
November 29, 2025
NEW EP: Episode 1886: Understanding of MemorandumStephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into the generational, transformative MOU between the Canada and Alberta. They explain...
Public episode
Episode 1893½: Strategists Overtime at Knox United (LIVE)
November 22, 2025
The Strategists go live with His Worship, Jeromy Farkas, Mayor of Calgary, for a chaotic, surprisingly earnest, and occasionally ill-advised deep dive into how he won, what his...
Public episode
Episode 1895: Much Fast
November 21, 2025
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips sort another chaotic week of Canadian politics into Take, Tweak or Trash. Are backbench politicians now influencers? What's the difference...
Patreon episode
Episode 1894: Galaxy Brain Strategy
November 18, 2025
Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips break down the federal budget vote that saw the Carney government survive with a razor-thin margin of 170-168. What do the strategic...