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PODCAST

The Strategists

Stephen Carter, Corey Hogan, Zain Velji

Professional unprofessional strategists Stephen Carter, Corey Hogan and Zain Velji dissect the news of the day, pass judgment on strategy choices and lift back the curtain on how decisions are made. Described as "the least deliberate podcast of all time", "shockingly insightful" and "sports talk radio for politics". Not sponsored by Flair Airlines. Get Thursday episodes and bonus content on Patreon at strategistspatreon.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

news politics

All Episodes

1:03:03

Episode 1901: Holiday Spectacular

The Strategists ·

2026/01/09

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 Never Holiday Spectacular. Stephen Carter, Shannon Phillips, and Annalise Klingbeil try to make sense of the last year in politics. From delayed responses and rare perfect landings to middle-seat nightmares, political rebirths and obituaries, Zain Velji keeps everybody in line.*not our sponsorJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes,

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55:11

Episode 1899: Schulz Resigns | What Does This Mean...

The Strategists ·

2025/12/31

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 the subtext of the resignation letter, whether this is about an oncoming referendum or possibly even an early election. Is this actually a problem for Danielle Smith or just another data point in a noisy political moment? What should we actually take from the Alberta Next panel? Signal? Noise? Or a roadmap to bigger trouble

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59:22

Ministry of Podcasts: Episode 4

The Strategists ·

2025/12/16

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 further resolved that the House shall hear testimony from the sworn Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary, Corey Hogan, on matters pertaining to:The unintended lifecycle of political content in the outrage economy,The perils of attempting a pipeline gotcha with a motion that solves nothing,The difficulty of

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8:30

Episode 1898: Hypothetical Squared - Teaser

The Strategists ·

2025/12/10

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. What's the real strategy behind a motion about a pipeline that doesn't exist? How should the Liberals handle a fight built entirely on hypotheticals? And is Manitoba ready for the unique brand of chaos that follows Carter everywhere? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for

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42:20

Episode 1897: Press Galleries, Polarization, and the...

The Strategists ·

2025/12/03

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. How does the Press Gallery dinner work and does it still matter? What does "joyful negativity" look like in practice? And does the lack of "white noise" make the podcast any easier to listen to? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and

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9:58

Episode 1886: Understanding of Memorandum - Teaser

The Strategists ·

2025/11/29

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into the generational, transformative MOU between the Canada and Alberta. They explain what it actually means, what it definitely doesn’t, and why everyone involved is already gaming out the best and worst case scenarios. Is everyone suddenly buying pipelines? Who actually gained (and who got played)? And how up to date is Carter on the latest trends? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes,

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1:13:39

Episode 1893½: Strategists Overtime at Knox United...

The Strategists ·

2025/11/22

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 plans are and how heavy the chains of office really are. Then the gang breaks into a mini-episode of Ministry of Podcasts with MP Corey Hogan to talk all things budget and floor crossing. Finally, Zain Velji, as always lets YOU pick the questions and keeps everybody in line in our audience questions segment.Originally

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52:08

Episode 1895: Much Fast

The Strategists ·

2025/11/21

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 between economic and electoral politics? And how well can Zain host the show with half of his mouth frozen from the dentist? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive

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1:01:18

Episode 1893: God Damnit: The 9 Lives Of Stephen Carter

The Strategists ·

2025/11/14

The Strategists are LIVE to hold a funeral for The Calgary Party, and to hold Stephen Carter accountable. Annalise Klingbeil and Shannon Phillips are joined by returning host Corey Hogan to dissect the 2025 Calgary municipal election. Is money still the currency of politics? Can you catch a wave you insist was definitely there but somehow nobody else saw? And is that really a live organist playing chords every time someone curses? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in

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1:03:05

Episode 1892: How Do You Solve a Problem Like Pierre

The Strategists ·

2025/11/10

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips brace themselves for an old-school strategy session. What should Pierre Poilievre be doing over the next two months? Two years? And how does Zain expect anyone to know when the liveshow is if he won't promote it?! Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Get your live show tickets now!http://strategistslive.showJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive

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11:57

Episode 1891: Matt Has Left the Chat

The Strategists ·

2025/11/07

Shannon and Stephen start discussing the budget when they are interrupted by BREAKING NEWS. What does this mean for the various parties in the house? What's the best strategy if you're crossing the floor, or receiving a crosser? And at this rate will Shannon have any burns left for Carter at the live show? Zain Velji throws the script out the window and keeps everybody in line.Get your live show tickets now!http://strategistslive.showJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access

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1:07:56

Episode 1890: Clause and Effect

The Strategists ·

2025/11/03

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips examine the fallout a week after Alberta teachers were forced back to work using the notwithstanding clause. Is the government paying a price for suspending teachers' rights? Have opposing parties missed their chance to push back? And what actually IS the website to buy tickets for the upcoming live show? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Get your live show tickets now!http://strategistslive.show/Join our Patreon for ad-free

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2:31

The Strategists Live!

The Strategists ·

2025/10/31

Get ready for the greatest live show on earth! The Strategists Live! comes to Knox United Church, Calgary on November 12th. Tickets at http://strategistslive.show/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1:06:14

Episode 1889: Good Faith

The Strategists ·

2025/10/28

Shannon Phillips and Stephen Carter dig into breaking news and unpack the Alberta Government’s plan to force teachers back to work. What should the strategic response look like from the opposition, educators, and the broader public service? How do you mobilize one of the province’s last truly connected social networks? And is Carter actually serious about putting on a live show? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus

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1:09:13

Episode 1888: An Election About Nothing?

The Strategists ·

2025/10/17

Zain Velji and Annalise Klingbeil dive deep into Calgary's 2025 municipal election just days before voters head to the polls. Why does this race feels so boring despite tight polling? What happens when engaged insiders can't even figure out who to vote for? And is this really a "Seinfeld election" about nothing? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive

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1:00:04

Episode 1887: Mild Ambition

The Strategists ·

2025/10/17

Chris Henderson finally unmutes his mic to do a deep dive on the surprisingly competitive Edmonton mayoral election. Why could this race be the closest one in 30 years?What happens when there's no clear ballot question and voters tune in at the last minute? And how did a dentist's cringe rap video evolve into a legitimate protest campaign? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive

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1:09:56

Episode 1886: Talking Turkey

The Strategists ·

2025/10/14

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips carve into the political topics that should have dominated Thanksgiving dinner - if they were brought up at all. How do you get people to pay attention to municipal politics? What did the teachers and the government need from families gathering over the weekend? And will Carter double-down on his prediction for the Forever Canadian campaign like he doubled down on those mashed potatoes? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join

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55:45

Episode 1884: Labour Pains

The Strategists ·

2025/09/30

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips discuss labour unrest across the country. Will the Alberta teachers' strike strategy win public sympathy? Is the government applying the right strategy for dealing with CUPW and the postal workers? And did Stephen Carter REALLY hurt his back if he's not hopped up on painkillers? Also included are PATREON EXCLUSIVE segments on the state of the municipal elections in Edmonton and Calgary and some initial analysis on the start of the federal NDP leadership race. Zain

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51:15

Ministry of Podcasts: Episode 2

The Strategists ·

2025/09/19

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 further resolved that the House shall hear testimony from the newly sworn Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary, Corey Hogan, on matters pertaining to:The eternal balance between message discipline and authentic self,The trials of assembling IKEA furniture between Question Periods,The lonely burden of

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18:49

Episode 1883: Teaser: Book Bans, Booze, and Bad Strategy

The Strategists ·

2025/09/08

Enjoy this teaser of patreon episode 1883. Carter and Shannon sort a week’s worth of Canadian politics into fine, fabulous, or f--ked. Was Mark Carney’s invite to a Project 2025 architect 4D chess or pure arrogance? Did Doug Ford save jobs or just waste good whiskey? Is Edmonton’s hottest new party - the Edmonton Accelerants - just a smoldering garbage pile? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our

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73 results

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