Shows
Craft PoliticsUK Budget Day Breakdown: Tax Hikes, Child Poverty, and Kemi’s Big MomentWith Celia McSwaine & Christine QuigleyThe Labour government dropped its first full budget — and everyone’s claiming victory… or crying foul. This week, Joseph and Andrew are joined by Celia McSwaine (former Treasury SpAd) and Christine Quigley (Labour strategist) to unpack what it all means: from fiscal drag and frozen thresholds to the abolition of the two-child benefit cap and Kemi Badenoch’s show-stealing rebuttal.We cover the politics, the process, and the problems still ahead.💸 In This Episode:📊 Labour’s Balancing Act • “A...
2025-11-2751 min
Craft PoliticsYou’re Not in Reagan’s America Anymore: Mapping the New U.S. RightWith special guest Alex MuirIn this week’s interview edition, Joseph Lavoie and Andrew Percy sit down with Canadian-American pollster and strategist Alex Muir to map out the real factions driving the MAGA movement — and why Canada is dangerously unprepared for a second Trump administration.Muir doesn’t pull punches.“The America we grew up with doesn’t exist anymore. In the same way that the Canada I grew up in doesn’t exist anymore.”⸻🔥 In This Episode📌 The Seven MAGA FactionsAlex walks us through the internal tribes of the America First movement — including: • MAGA Populists • Institutional MAGA • Traditional Business Conservatives • Tech...
2025-11-2044 min
Craft PoliticsUK's Hokey-Cokey BudgetThis week’s episode runs the gamut: from house prices in freefall, to Labour’s immigration U-turn, to what the hell is going on in Parliament (again). We also say a bittersweet goodbye to one U.S. Congressman — and welcome a rare, almost-sincere apology from Marjorie Taylor Greene in our Lipstick on a Gerbil segment.Pour a pint and let’s get into it.⸻🏠 1. UK Housing Market WobblesNew data shows UK house prices down 1.8%, the steepest drop for this time of year in over a decade. But why is it happening?We discuss: • How Labour’s leak-heavy pre-budget chaos is rattling consu...
2025-11-1945 min
Craft PoliticsThe BBC Implodes, Carney Spends Big, and Doug Ford Becomes Holly’s Roman EmpireThis week, we tackle the institution that’s cracking (the BBC), the leader who’s spending (Mark Carney), and the conservative premier who’s somehow breaking hearts and polling records (Doug Ford).Also, Prince Harry makes a surprise appearance… in our Lipstick on a Gerbil segment.🏚 1. BBC on the BrinkWe break down the resignation of BBC’s Director-General, Tim Davie, following a firestorm of scandals — including:A Panorama edit that deceptively spliced Trump’s speechAllegations of editorial bias on the Middle East and trans issuesA crushing intern...
2025-11-1152 min
Craft PoliticsOops! I Did It AgainBudget Season, Housing Scandals & Populist SnapbacksJoseph’s in a bad mood. Andrew’s six minutes late. Holly’s podcasting from a cow-filled Cumbrian farm. And somehow, this chaotic start perfectly mirrors the week in politics we’re about to unpack.In this week’s Issue Scan, we tackle three big stories⸻💸 1. Carney’s Budget of Austerity (Without Saying “Austerity”)We preview Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first federal budget, which the Liberals are billing as transformational — but may look a lot like a cutback budget with better PR. • Spending cuts to government...
2025-11-0444 min
Craft PoliticsThe Dumbest $75M Ad Ever? Or Genius Strategy?From the UK’s disastrous week under Labour to a major trade gaffe (or not?) in Canada, and Doug Ford’s surprising turn as global spokesman for tariffs and Reaganomics — we unpack a week of political faceplants, media spin, and near perfect lipstick jobs.⸻🧨 1. A Week in the Life of a Labour PMOne tweet said it all.Six political scandals. One week. And a mounting sense that Keir Starmer’s government is spiralling: • Botched handling of the Maccabi fan ban • Immigration failures (again) • Rape gang inquiry collapses • Labour loses its own seat in Wales • Starmer caught in a China fib • An Epping sex off...
2025-10-2855 min
Craft PoliticsFan Bans, Brexit Blame & Trump vs. Rudd🧨 1. Maccabi Tel Aviv Fan Ban: Judenfrei by Policing?When Aston Villa banned Israeli fans from attending their upcoming UEFA fixture, citing security risks, it sparked outrage — and raised serious questions.Why did local UK officials capitulate to pressure from anti-Israel campaigners?How did Birmingham end up, as Andrew puts it, “effectively declared Judenfrei”?What does this mean for sport as a safe and unifying space?“If you threaten violence, you win. That’s the message. It’s shameful.”🇬🇧 2. Blaming Brexit — Labour’s Budget Pre-SpinAhead of the UK’s autumn budget, C...
2025-10-2248 min
Craft PoliticsThree Ways Conservatives Can Win AgainGuest: Dan Robertson, former Conservative strategist & founder of ORB AdvocacyThis week, Joseph and Holly are joined by long-time conservative strategist Dan Robertson, who has an unconventional set of ideas: Canada’s Conservative Party can’t out-campaign a system rigged against it.Dan’s solution? Structural reform. In a recent op-ed, he outlines three controversial but compelling ideas to level the playing field—and maybe even turn the Tories into a true national contender again.1. Proportional RepresentationWhy the “first past the post” system doesn’t actually ben...
2025-10-1624 min
Craft PoliticsCan Carney Land a Deal? Gaza, Green Strategy & Canada’s Trade ResetJoseph is back, Andrew has a cold, Holly has green tea — and the Craft Politics crew takes on three major stories reshaping the political map: peace in Gaza, Canada’s economic pivot, and Britain’s inflation problem.🧭 What’s Inside:🇮🇱 20 Hostages Freed — Can Trump Deliver Peace in Gaza?All living hostages have been returned after 738 days in captivityTrump takes centre stage in the peace process — with the kind of leverage few global leaders can summonHolly, Andrew, and Joseph debate whether this moment is a turning point or a te...
2025-10-1543 min
Craft PoliticsInside the Tory Conference: A Wake, a Reset, or Just Really Bad Gossip?With Andrew Percy, Holly Mumby-Croft & guest roving reporter Antony HigginbothamJoseph’s away, so the adults are off-duty — and the former MPs are in charge.In this special Tory Party Conference edition, Andrew and Holly are joined by their old colleague (and flatmate) Antony Higginbotham — back from the ground in Manchester with gossip, grit, and grim assessments of where the Conservative Party stands post-election.🧭 What’s Inside:🚪 Low turnout, low energy, lower expectationsThis year’s Tory conference felt like a wake: fewer lo...
2025-10-0846 min
Craft PoliticsDan Hannan on the Right: Brexit, Reform, and What Comes NextThis week, we’re joined by Lord Daniel Hannan, one of the most thoughtful — and globally fluent — conservative voices in politics.We go deep on the future of the right across the Anglosphere:🇬🇧 Is the British Conservative Party dead or just regenerating?🇺🇸 Has the U.S. abandoned the world it built?🇨🇦 Why is Canadian conservatism still the sanest?🗳 And is the UK heading toward a merger moment like Canada’s in 2003?🧭 What We Cover1. The Anglosphere’s Conservative CrisisHow lockdown changed the role of the s...
2025-10-021h 04
Craft PoliticsTrump's Gaza Plan, Labour Conference, and a Postal StrikeWe’re back with another Issue Scan — and we’ve got a full lineup:🌍 A 20-point postwar plan for Gaza🇬🇧 Labour’s conference drama (or lack thereof)📬 And a Canada Post strike that’s gone… oddly unnoticed?Joseph, Andrew, and Holly break down the headlines with just enough disagreement to keep things honest — and just enough beer to keep things friendly.
2025-10-0151 min
Craft PoliticsCanada and UK Recognize Palestinian StatehoodWe had intended to explore this major foreign policy shift with a former G7 foreign minister, but unfortunately, schedules got in the way. Percy and Joseph share their thoughts on what is an incredibly sensitive topic.The conversation delves into the recent recognition of Palestine at the UN, contrasting Canadian foreign policy, and the implications of the October 7th attacks. We discuss the roles of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, the two-state solution debate, and the rising antisemitism in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We explore the military strategy of Israel post-October 7th, its diplomatic isolation, and the...
2025-09-2530 min
Craft PoliticsState Visits and Diplomatic U-TurnsWe’re back with another Issue Scan — and somehow, the world got messier again.This week, we covered everything from Trump’s sudden about-face on Ukraine, to Keir Starmer’s high-stakes state visit with the same man, to Ed Davey’s surprisingly jazzy Lib Dem conference. And yes, we finally got Andrew back — fresh from California and full of strong beer opinions.We also welcomed some new (and critical!) listeners. One thinks our intro banter is interminable. Sorry critics, the useless banter is not going anywhere.Here’s what’s insid...
2025-09-2459 min
Craft PoliticsStarmer's Scandals Pile UpThis week on Craft Politics, we kick off our latest Issue Scan with a Prime Minister in crisis, a Conservative Party in retreat, and a Canadian housing announcement that somehow manages to add more bureaucracy to solve… bureaucracy.Plus, our favourite comms segment—Lipstick on a Gerbil—features an impossible task: defending Peter Mandelson.With Percy mostly frozen on screen (literally), Joseph and Holly carry the show. Here’s what’s inside:🇬🇧 UK: Mandelson, Epstein, and the Labour Meltdown❌ Peter Mandelson is sacked as UK ambassador to the US after emails surface linking hi...
2025-09-1636 min
Craft PoliticsGinny Roth on What’s Next for the ConservativesWhen we last had Ginny Roth on the show, everyone assumed Pierre Poilievre would be Canada’s next Prime Minister. Much has changed in seven months. This week, we ask Ginny:🔄 Rebuilding the narrative: What should Poilievre say (and not say) in Question Period to shift the political terrain?💸 Cost of living, crime, and immigration: Ginny argues that these remain the three most potent issues for Conservatives—and where Carney is most vulnerable.🧠 Tone, authenticity & voter math: Is it a “likeability” problem—or a coalition problem? Ginny breaks down what the real issue is.
2025-09-1129 min
Craft PoliticsThe Great Shuffle: When Resets Don’t ResetPlus: Canada’s economic blues, France’s fourth PM in four years, and Farage dodges a lipstick.Joseph, Andrew, and Holly return with another Issue Scan—three stories, three jurisdictions, and one increasingly depressing outlook on the Western political economy. But don’t worry, we offset the doom with solid banter, questionable French pronunciation, and beer reviews.🧭 Here’s what’s inside this week’s scan:🇬🇧 UK: The Reshuffle That Changes NothingAngela Rayner is out as Deputy PM. David Lammy is in. Yvette Cooper moves to Foreign Secretary. And still, S...
2025-09-0939 min
Craft PoliticsIs the attention economy killing democracy?With Andrew MacDougall, former Director of Communications to Prime Minister Stephen HarperThis week, we’re joined by Andrew MacDougall, a fellow Harper PMO alum and one of the sharpest communications minds in the business. His latest paper for the Macdonald-Laurier Institute makes a bold case: that the attention economy, powered by Big Tech platforms, is actively undermining Western democracy—and that we’re letting it happen.In this episode:📱 What is the attention economy—and why it’s designed to addict, distract, and divide🧠 Why today’s tech...
2025-09-0443 min
Craft PoliticsWe’re back with a new season, a new co-host, and a government in crisisIt’s back-to-school, back-to-politics, and back to your feeds with Season Two of Craft Politics — now with a brand new format and a new co-host.We’re thrilled to welcome Holly Mumby-Croft, former UK Member of Parliament, to the pod. She’ll join Percy and I each week for our Tuesday Issue Scan episode, adding deep political insight and a healthy counter-weight to Percy...In this episode:🇬🇧 Labour’s economic mess: Starmer sidelines Reeves, reshuffles advisors, and still can’t land the message📉 Reform UK leads the polls—now ahead of Labour and the Conservativ...
2025-09-0345 minCraft PoliticsTrade Turbulence, Tariff Fatigue, and Our Last Pint Before SummerOur cheeky half before we break for AugustIt’s our final episode before a short summer break—and we’re closing it out with a cheeky half pint and a big-picture scan of the trade and political chaos unfolding across Canada, the US, and the UK.In this episode:🇨🇦 Carney concedes “tariff-free” deal with Trump is unlikely • What the PM’s first public walk-back says about expectations management • Does accepting some tariffs help or hurt Canada’s leverage? • And what is a “win” supposed to look like?🇺🇸 US inflation hits 2.7...
2025-07-1638 min
Craft PoliticsWhat Really Happened in the 2025 Election?With Hunter KniftonWe revisit the 2025 Canadian federal election—not with hot takes, but with hard data.Our guest is Hunter Knifton, the analyst behind the Charting Canada Substack, who’s challenging two of the most commonly accepted narratives about the election.In this episode:🗳 The myth of the “NDP-to-Conservative switcher”: why it’s not supported by the numbers📉 Why the collapse of the PPC—not a working-class revolt—may explain Conservative gains in key ridings👥 Who actually switched votes—and where? A closer look at new voters, older...
2025-07-0933 min
Craft PoliticsMark Carney’s First Six Months—Crisis Manager or Political Novice?With Bridget Howe and Sarina RehalIt’s been six months since Mark Carney smashed through the wall of Canadian politics and declared, “This is a crisis.”He’s been elected. He’s governing. And he’s moving fast.But how far can a technocrat push before political gravity kicks in?To take stock of Carney’s first chapter as Prime Minister, we’re joined by Bridget Howe and Sarina Rehal—two Liberal insiders with deep experience in government, campaigns, and caucus dynamics. They give us an unvarnished read on the Carney style, the...
2025-07-0242 min
Craft PoliticsSam Coates: Starmer’s Tightrope—Trump, Welfare, and the Trouble Inside LabourWith Sam Coates, Deputy Political Editor, Sky NewsThis week, we’re joined by Sam Coates, co-host of Politics at Sam and Anne and one of the UK’s sharpest political analysts, to make sense of a government struggling to hold the line—on foreign policy, economic discipline, and party unity.In this episode:🇮🇷 Why the UK backed the ends but not the means of Trump’s strike on Iran⚖️ How Starmer’s deference to legal advice is reshaping UK foreign policy—and what it reveals about his break from Blairism🇺🇸 What...
2025-06-2531 min
Craft PoliticsIsrael, Iran, and the moral clarity we need with Shuvaloy MajumdarWith Shuvaloy Majumdar, MP for Calgary HeritageThis week, Israel launched one of the most significant military operations of our time—decimating Iranian nuclear infrastructure, IRGC command, and ballistic capabilities. The West? Mostly quiet.We go deep with Shuvaloy Majumdar, MP, former advisor at Foreign Affairs, and one of the sharpest, clearest voices on Middle East geopolitics today.In this episode:🔥 What Operation Rising Lion tells us about the new era of warfare🧠 Why Iran isn’t just a reg...
2025-06-1858 minCraft PoliticsCan You Spend $9 Billion on Defence Without Lighting It on Fire?This week, we crack open a UK import—Hawkstone Lager from Jeremy Clarkson’s farm—and break down Canada’s biggest defence spending announcement in decades.PM Mark Carney has committed to meeting NATO’s 2% target this year, nearly a decade ahead of Trudeau’s original pledge. That’s over $9 billion in new spending—including raises for CAF members, $2B in military aid to Ukraine, and major procurement commitments. But can it all be spent wisely?In this episode:🇨🇦 Why this announcement matters—and why it hits close to hom...
2025-06-1142 min
Craft PoliticsWhy Can’t We Build? The Real Villain Behind Canada’s Housing CrisisWith Chris Spoke, developer and host of the Hogtown podcastEvery party says they want to fix the housing crisis. But on the ground, very little changes. Why?This week on Craft Politics, we go deep with Chris Spoke—Toronto-based developer, housing policy advocate, and host of the Hogtown podcast. Chris isn’t just talking about the housing crisis. He’s trying to build through it.In this episode:🏘 Why zoning—not greed or foreign buyers—is the real problem📉 Why the incentives in municipal politics make it nearly impossible to bu...
2025-06-0449 min
Power ShiftsWhat Will It Take for Conservatives to Win Urban Canada?With Karen Stintz, former Toronto city councillor and 2025 federal candidateWhat happens when Conservatives run a strong urban campaign, knock on thousands of doors, and still fall short by 1.4%?This week on Craft Politics, we sit down with Karen Stintz, a political veteran who nearly flipped Eglinton–Lawrence, one of the toughest ridings in the country for Conservatives to crack. She brings the hard-earned lessons from the 2025 campaign trail—and they’re ones the entire movement needs to hear.In this episode:🗳 What Karen’s close race reveals about urban voters’ shifting priorit...
2025-05-2838 min
Craft PoliticsWhat Will It Take for Conservatives to Win Urban Canada?With Karen Stintz, former Toronto city councillor and 2025 federal candidateWhat happens when Conservatives run a strong urban campaign, knock on thousands of doors, and still fall short by 1.4%?This week on Craft Politics, we sit down with Karen Stintz, a political veteran who nearly flipped Eglinton–Lawrence, one of the toughest ridings in the country for Conservatives to crack. She brings the hard-earned lessons from the 2025 campaign trail—and they’re ones the entire movement needs to hear.In this episode:🗳 What Karen’s close race reveals about urban voters’ shifting prio...
2025-05-2838 min
Power ShiftsCraft Politics: Did Brexit Just Make Britain More European?With Christine QuigleyThis week on Craft Politics, we untangle the landmark UK–EU trade and defense deal that’s being hyped as the biggest reset since Brexit. But is it a meaningful shift—or just another half-step wrapped in headlines?To sort it all out, we’re joined by our colleague Christine Quigley, a seasoned political strategist and proud Remainer, who brings sharp insight and sharper opinions. Together with Andrew Percy (our resident Brexiteer) and Joseph Lavoie (your foreigner), we dive into:🇬🇧 What this new agreement actually includes...
2025-05-2237 min
Craft PoliticsDid Brexit Just Make Britain More European?This week on Craft Politics, we untangle the landmark UK–EU trade and defense deal that’s being hyped as the biggest reset since Brexit. But is it a meaningful shift—or just another half-step wrapped in headlines?To sort it all out, we’re joined by our colleague Christine Quigley, a seasoned political strategist and proud Remainer, who brings sharp insight and sharper opinions. Together with Andrew Percy (our resident Brexiteer) and Joseph Lavoie (your foreigner), we dive into:🇬🇧 What this new agreement actually includes (yes, British sausages are back on th...
2025-05-2237 min
Power ShiftsThe Reform Earthquake—Is the Tory Party Still on the Field? With Ben HouchenWith Ben Houchen, Mayor of Tees Valley and Member of the House of LordsBritish politics just had its vibe checked—and the result? Reform UK is on the rise, the Tories are reeling, and Labour can’t seem to land a punch. So we called in one of the few Conservatives still winning elections to help us make sense of it all: Ben Houchen, the three-time elected Mayor of Tees Valley and a straight-talker from the Red Wall.Joined by co-hosts Andrew Percy and Joseph Lavoie, this episode breaks d...
2025-05-1446 min
Craft PoliticsThe Reform Earthquake—Is the Tory Party Still on the Field? With Ben HouchenWith Ben Houchen, Mayor of Tees Valley and Member of the House of LordsBritish politics just had its vibe checked—and the result? Reform UK is on the rise, the Tories are reeling, and Labour can’t seem to land a punch. So we called in one of the few Conservatives still winning elections to help us make sense of it all: Ben Houchen, the three-time elected Mayor of Tees Valley and a straight-talker from the Red Wall.Joined by co-hosts Andrew Percy and Joseph Lavoie, this episode brea...
2025-05-1446 minCraft PoliticsCarney visits the White House, UK signs a big trade dealAfter losing a chunk of our life to technical issues trying to interview our Australian colleagues, we gave up and came at you with a cheeky half from a suspicious hotel room. We cover:1. Carney White House Visit2. UK/India Trade Deal3. UK Local ElectionsAnd on tap, we enjoy a Boréale IPA du Nord-Est with Krush Hops
2025-05-0713 min
Craft PoliticsThe 42% Ceiling, Urban Conservatism, and What Carney Inherits Next with Sean SpeerIn this deep-dive episode, we welcome The Hub’s Sean Speer for a sweeping post-election conversation that looks well beyond the seat count. Together, we unpack what the results signal about Canada’s shifting political map—and the governing challenges that come next.We cover:Why Canada may be settling into a two-party system—and what that means for the NDP and voter coalitionsThe trap of 42%: Why Conservatives need to stop relying on vote splits and start expanding their baseIs tone the final frontier...
2025-05-0141 min
Craft PoliticsCheeky Half: Post-Election DebriefAndrew and Joseph unpack the early takeaways from Canada’s federal vote—before the full dust settles. With Dead Frog and Backcountry brews in hand, we reflect on what just happened, what didn’t happen, and what we got wrong.We tackle: Why the Liberals’ minority win is both change and more of the same How early voting and older demographics gave the Liberals their edge The collapse of the NDP and the myth of a youthquake The case for Pierre Poilievre staying on—and the case against Why Conservatives can’t afford to overcorrect… or under-learn Wh...
2025-04-3040 min
Power ShiftsElection Vibes, Voter Turnout & the BC Battleground with Mike McDonaldWe sit down with veteran strategist Mike McDonald for a sharp, beer-fueled breakdown of the federal campaign—with a special focus on British Columbia.We start with a big-picture analysis of the national race: Is this election a true battle of leadership vibes? Has Mark Carney neutralized the ideological contrast with Poilievre by simply being less of a liability? And why does the rise in advance polling numbers say more about convenience than political momentum?We then dig into the courts’ growing role in settling cultural debates, using the UK’s recent ruling on gender and sex...
2025-04-2349 min
Craft PoliticsElection Vibes, Voter Turnout & the BC Battleground with Mike McDonaldWe sit down with veteran strategist Mike McDonald for a sharp, beer-fueled breakdown of the federal campaign—with a special focus on British Columbia.We start with a big-picture analysis of the national race: Is this election a true battle of leadership vibes? Has Mark Carney neutralized the ideological contrast with Poilievre by simply being less of a liability? And why does the rise in advance polling numbers say more about convenience than political momentum?We then dig into the courts’ growing role in settling cultural debates, using the UK’s recent ruling on gender and se...
2025-04-2349 min
Craft Politics"The NDP is not going anywhere," with Cheryl OatesWe have a chat with Cheryl Oates about the current state of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in Canada, exploring how the NDP got to single digit support in the polls, and what it takes to turn things around. But don't lose hope progressives, Cheryl explains how the NDP may still outperform expectations!We also explore the political landscape in Alberta, comparisons with UK politics, and broader geopolitical considerations, particularly regarding NATO funding and the implications of the Trump administration's policies.Chapters00:00 The town that fun forgot....Ottawa02:24 This week's beer04:18...
2025-04-1559 min
Craft Politics"It's supposed to be harmful." Foreign Interference with Janice Stein and Farhaan LadhaniWe invite fan favourite Janice Stein back to the show with Farhaan Ladhani to talk about foreign interference in Canadian elections. What is it, exactly? What implications does it have for voters? What impact does it have on the spread of polarized political views? Andrew and Joseph also touch on global economic concerns and the rising sentiment of Western separatism in Canada.This week's beer? Ostro, by Superflux and Four Winds.Here's a link to one of the stories we referenced on the show: A network of X accounts is targeting Canada ahead...
2025-04-0959 min
Craft Politics"The NDP is falling off a cliff" with James MooreFormer Cabinet Minister James Moore joins us to assess the state of the federal election, and the contrasting leadership styles of Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre. Chapters00:00 Beers, Banter, and Things to Watch21:00 Interview with James Moore27:01 The Current Political Landscape30:03 The Two-Horse Race: Carney vs. Poilievre32:49 The Impact of Historical Context on Current Politics36:06 The Influence of Trump on Canadian Conservatism39:20 The Threat of Trump and Canadian Identity40:57 The Conservative Party's Challenge43:20...
2025-04-0254 minCraft PoliticsCanadian Elections, Top Secret Chats, UK Local ElectionsElection time! In this cheeky half we take stock of the Canadian federal campaign in its nascent stage with an eye to what it takes to change the frame, and if Canada's third party, the NDP, have any hope.Plus, we talk top secret chats on Signal and why the local election in the UK matter as a reflection of national sentiments. Chapters00:00 Beer Talk01:57 Canadian Federal Election04:48 Polling Dynamics and Party Strategies07:37 The Trump Factor in Canadian...
2025-03-2643 min
Craft PoliticsConservative Crumble?Our first mailbag segment! Plus, we discuss the current political landscape in Canada, focusing on polling trends, the impact of Mark Carney's leadership, and strategies for the Conservative Party.
2025-03-1948 min
Craft PoliticsCarney's convincing win with Dan ArnoldWe welcome our first Liberal on the show! Dan Arnold joins us to analyze the Liberal leadership race in Canada. We analyze the performances of key candidates, particularly Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland, and explore the impact of Donald Trump on the ballot question. We also geek out on the strategies employed by Carney's campaign, the public's perception of him, and the expectations surrounding his leadership. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Beer Selection17:32 Mark Carney's Dominance in the Race20:25 Christia Freeland's Campaign and...
2025-03-1243 min
Craft PoliticsTrump, and a lot of swearingPercy and Joseph get really ranty in this cheeky half episode as they dig into the current political climate, focusing on the implications of Trump's leadership on global affairs, the future of NATO, and the responses from various political leaders. They reflect on the state of democracy and the challenges facing Western alliances, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of diplomatic strategies in light of recent events. The conversation is marked by a mix of personal anecdotes and serious political analysis, highlighting the emotional toll of the current political landscape.TakeawaysThe...
2025-03-0536 minPower ShiftsUK Politics Catchup with Lord WhartonI’m wrapping up a short visit to London this week, where Andrew Percy and I had the chance to interview two political brains. The first interview is with Lord James Wharton, the former MP who chaired Boris Johnson’s leadership race. We cover a lot of ground, including:The current state of British politics, focusing on the challenges faced by the Conservative Party and the rise of the Reform Party. The implications of these dynamics for voter sentiment, party identity, and the strategies needed to navigate the changing political landscape. The nee...
2025-02-2853 min
Craft Politics"Ungovernable" with Simon HartAndrew Percy and Simon Hart discuss the complexities of political leadership within the UK Conservative Party, particularly during tumultuous times. They delve into Simon's new book 'Ungovernable', which reflects on the challenges faced by the party from 2019 to 2024, including leadership changes, public perception, and the impact of social media. The discussion highlights the cyclical nature of politics, the importance of both major and minor decisions, and the internal divisions that have contributed to the party's current state. They also explore the human side of politics. They reflect on their experiences with Boris Johnson, the importance of numbers in political...
2025-02-271h 09Craft PoliticsUK Catchup with Lord WhartonIn this episode, Joseph and Percy speak with James Wharton, former MP for Stockton South and ex-Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, to discuss the current state of British politics. Topics include the Conservative Party’s identity crisis, the rise of Reform UK, Labour's challenges, and the future of Brexit. James also dives into the potential impact of Trump’s second presidency on the UK-US relationship and the ongoing debate around reforming the House of Lords. Wharton reflects on the shifting dynamics of right-wing politics, Labour’s internal struggles, and the broader landscape of political change in the UK.
2025-02-2653 minPower ShiftsMaking sense of the polls with Alex SwannIn this conversation, the Andrew Percy and Joseph Lavoie discuss the current political landscape in Canada, focusing on the implications of recent polling data, the impact of Pierre Poilievre's rally, and the shifting dynamics within the Conservative and Liberal parties. We explore the methodologies behind polling, the significance of leadership changes, and the economic factors influencing voter sentiment. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by the NDP and the potential effects of the Trump administration on Canadian politics.
2025-02-1946 min
Craft PoliticsMaking sense of the polls with Alex SwannIn this conversation, the Andrew Percy and Joseph Lavoie discuss the current political landscape in Canada, focusing on the implications of recent polling data, the impact of Pierre Poilievre's rally, and the shifting dynamics within the Conservative and Liberal parties. We explore the methodologies behind polling, the significance of leadership changes, and the economic factors influencing voter sentiment. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by the NDP and the potential effects of the Trump administration on Canadian politics.
2025-02-1846 minPower ShiftsThe Conservative Movement in Canada: A Deep Dive with Ginny RothIn this conversation, Joseph Lavoie, Andrew Percy, and Ginny Roth discuss the current state of the Conservative movement in Canada, focusing on Pierre Poilievre's leadership, polling dynamics, and the coalition of voters supporting him. They explore the challenges Poilievre faces, including the influence of Trump, the balance between cultural conservatism and economic policies, and the future of the Conservative Party. The discussion highlights the complexities of Canadian politics and the evolving landscape as the next election approaches.
2025-02-1252 min
Craft PoliticsThe Conservative Movement in Canada: A Deep Dive with Ginny RothIn this conversation, Joseph Lavoie, Andrew Percy, and Ginny Roth discuss the current state of the Conservative movement in Canada, focusing on Pierre Poilievre's leadership, polling dynamics, and the coalition of voters supporting him. They explore the challenges Poilievre faces, including the influence of Trump, the balance between cultural conservatism and economic policies, and the future of the Conservative Party. The discussion highlights the complexities of Canadian politics and the evolving landscape as the next election approaches.
2025-02-1252 min
Power ShiftsCraft Politics: "This is economic warfare" with Janice SteinAndrew Percy and Joseph Lavoie welcome Janice Gross Stein on to the show to analyze the recent imposition of tariffs by Trump on Canada and Mexico.
We explore the implications for trade relations, national identity, and the economic landscape.
We analyze the Canadian response, the nature of economic warfare, and the challenges posed by globalization and technological advancements.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction, Beer Selection, Tasting Notes
14:51 Understanding the Insanity of Current Tariff Policies
17:42 The Political Philosophy Behind Tariffs
20:40 Canada's Response to U.S. Tariffs
23:27 Strategic Approaches in International Relations
26:28 The Role of Bullying in Diplomacy
29:18 The European Union's Position on Tariffs
32:14...
2025-02-0543 min
Craft Politics"This is economic warfare" with Janice SteinAndrew Percy and Joseph Lavoie welcome Janice Gross Stein on to the show to analyze the recent imposition of tariffs by Trump on Canada and Mexico. We explore the implications for trade relations, national identity, and the economic landscape.We analyze the Canadian response, the nature of economic warfare, and the challenges posed by globalization and technological advancements. Chapters00:00 Introduction, Beer Selection, Tasting Notes14:51 Understanding the Insanity of Current Tariff Policies17:42 The Political Philosophy Behind Tariffs20:40 Canada's Response to U.S. Tariffs23:27 Strategic Approaches in International Relations26:28 The Role of Bullying in Diplomacy29:18 The European Union's Position on Tariffs32:14...
2025-02-0543 min
Craft PoliticsCountdown to 51 | With Guest Nicki NeilyOn this episode of Craft Politics, we dive into the latest political and economic developments with a focus on Donald Trump's impact. Join Joseph Lavoie and Andrew Percy as they discuss DeepSeek's rise in the AI sector and its implications for U.S. tech stocks, Trump's provocative stance on Greenland, and the looming threat of tariffs on Canadian imports. We also explore the broader geopolitical landscape, including the U.S.-China AI race and Canada's strategic responses. Special guest Nicki Neily, Founder and CEO of Parents Defending Education, shares insights on Trump's first week, trade policies, and the evolving...
2025-01-291h 08Power ShiftsCountdown to 51 | With Guest Nicki NeillyOn this episode of Craft Politics, we dive into the latest political and economic developments with a focus on Donald Trump's impact. Join Joseph Lavoie and Andrew Percy as they discuss DeepSeek's rise in the AI sector and its implications for U.S. tech stocks, Trump's provocative stance on Greenland, and the looming threat of tariffs on Canadian imports. We also explore the broader geopolitical landscape, including the U.S.-China AI race and Canada's strategic responses. Special guest Nicki Neily, Founder and CEO of Parents Defending Education, shares insights on Trump's first week, trade policies, and the evolving...
2025-01-291h 08
Craft PoliticsTrump's Inauguration | Cheeky HalfOn this episode of Craft Politics, The Cheeky Half, Joseph Lavoie and Andrew Percy chat about Donald Trump's inauguration over a beer. Join us for an insightful conversation about this historic event.
@CraftPolitics
Follow us @CraftPolitics on Instagram, X, and TikTok.
2025-01-2221 min
Power ShiftsWelcome to Craft Politics! | With Guest Ian RobertsonWelcome to the first-ever episode of Craft Politics! Hosts Joseph Lavoie and Andrew Percy are here to bring you a blend of politics, business, and craft beer analysis. This week, they kick things off by diving into the big headlines: Justin Trudeau’s resignation and what it means for governance and business in Canada, plus the latest drama from Meta—shutting down its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program and switching gears on content moderation.
But the real highlight? A chat with their very first guest, Ian Robertson, a seasoned strategist and partner at Jefferson Hawthorne. Ian takes...
2025-01-151h 15
Craft PoliticsWelcome to Craft Politics! | With Guest Ian RobertsonWelcome to the first-ever episode of Craft Politics! Hosts Joseph Lavoie and Andrew Percy are here to bring you a blend of politics, business, and craft beer analysis. This week, they kick things off by diving into the big headlines: Justin Trudeau’s resignation and what it means for governance and business in Canada, plus the latest drama from Meta—shutting down its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program and switching gears on content moderation.
But the real highlight? A chat with their very first guest, Ian Robertson, a seasoned strategist and partner at Jefferson Hawthorne. Ian take...
2025-01-151h 15Power ShiftsThe Chaos of Politics Joseph Lavoie and Andrew Percy discuss the chaotic political landscape of 2024, exploring the implications of leadership changes, the dynamics within political caucuses, and the importance of voter advocacy for businesses. They emphasize the need for businesses to adapt to political chaos, plan for potential changes in government, and engage with constituents to build resilience in uncertain times.
Chapters
00:00 The Political Landscape of 2024
04:02 Navigating Political Chaos
09:10 Leadership Changes and Their Impact
15:36 Caucus Dynamics and Business Interests
22:37 Building Resilience in Political Uncertainty
2024-12-2338 min