On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with Dr. Steven Nagy, professor of politics and international studies at International Christian University in Tokyo, about the rapidly evolving relationship between the United States and China — and what it means for Canada and the Indo-Pacific region. The conversation explores America’s strengths in AI and innovation, China’s economic and demographic pressures, the growing importance of Taiwan, and how countries such as Japan, India, South Korea, and ASEAN are navigating an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape. They also discuss the possibility of a new U.S.-China trade framework, shifting global supply chains, and why Canada risks being strategically squeezed if it fails to adapt to the changing global order. The episode examines Canada’s role as a middle power, the importance of alliances in Asia, and how energy, critical minerals, and strategic realism may shape the country’s future in an increasingly competitive world.

On today’s episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, we explore two deeply human themes: the future of brain health and the emotional foundations of relationships. Dr. Thomas Verny joins the show to discuss Alzheimer’s, dementia, aging, and emerging research into brain function, including new approaches to early detection and cognitive health preservation. In the closing commentary, the conversation shifts to relationships — examining how emotional tone, withdrawal, and loss of warmth can gradually erode connection over time, and what people truly need to feel safe, valued, and connected. A thoughtful episode about memory, identity, and the emotional climate we create in our lives.

Brian Crombie is joined by Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, for a wide-ranging conversation on the demographic forces reshaping Canada — and what they mean for housing, immigration, and the country’s future. They explore Canada’s aging population, declining birth rate, and slowing population growth despite high immigration. The discussion also looks at rising public concerns around immigration, changing family structures, and the growing impact of social and economic pressures on how Canadians live. A key focus of the episode is Canada’s housing direction — and whether current policies reflect how people actually want to live. With strong preferences for single-family homes still dominant, the conversation questions whether planning and development strategies are aligned with public demand or driven by ideology. This episode offers a clear, data-driven look at where Canada is headed — and the policy choices shaping its future.

In this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie explores the power of communication, trust, and leadership in a rapidly changing world. The show is divided into two thought-provoking conversations that examine how influence and leadership are evolving across politics, business, and society. In Part 1, Brian is joined by PR consultant and communications strategist Edward Israel-Ayide, who analyzes King Charles’ address to the U.S. Congress. Described as a “masterclass in persuasion,” the discussion breaks down the communication strategies behind the speech’s impact, including finding common ground, addressing tension directly, using humor, and grounding messages in shared values. The conversation highlights how effective persuasion is built on trust and alignment rather than force or ideology. In Part 2, Brian reflects on the changing nature of leadership in today’s complex world. He examines the decline of traditional command-and-control models and the rise of leadership rooted in trust, curiosity, emotional intelligence, and collaboration. The discussion explores key shifts in mindset—from control to growth, dominance to warmth, and certainty to openness—while connecting these ideas to politics, business, community, and personal experience. Together, the episode offers a compelling look at how communication and leadership are being reshaped in an era that demands connection over control.

This Thursday on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian sits down with Eugene Lang — former senior federal official and professor at Queen’s University — for a candid conversation about one of Canada’s biggest and least discussed challenges:
Why does Canada struggle to execute, even when it knows exactly what needs to be done?
The problem, Lang argues, is not a lack of ideas or strategy.
It’s the institutions responsible for delivering results.
Together, Brian and Eugene examine the growing gap between ambitious political agendas — particularly under Prime Minister Mark Carney — and the federal government’s ability to implement meaningful change.
The discussion explores three major structural barriers inside Ottawa:

• A deeply embedded culture of risk aversion
• Canada’s long-standing dependence on the United States
• And an institutional discomfort with industrial policy and economic strategy

Even when leadership wants to move quickly, the system itself often resists change.
The conversation also turns to Canada’s increasingly fragile relationship with the United States. Brian and Eugene discuss the risks of over-reliance on American trade, why diversification has remained more rhetoric than reality, and whether current geopolitical tensions signal a permanent shift in the relationship.
Finally, they explore whether meaningful reform is possible.
Can Canada modernize its institutions to compete in a rapidly changing world?
Potential solutions include reducing bureaucratic layers, bringing more private-sector experience into government, and fundamentally rethinking how public institutions approach risk, decision-making, and execution.
Because strategy without delivery is not leadership.
And in a world moving faster than ever — economically, technologically, and geopolitically — countries that cannot execute may struggle to compete at all.

This Wednesday on The Brian Crombie Hour, two powerful conversations explore how technology is reshaping both our institutions and our humanity.
In Part One, Brian is joined by Daniel Zborovski, President of Hudson Technology, for a timely discussion on the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity.
As AI-powered threats become more sophisticated, organizations face new vulnerabilities that go far beyond traditional IT concerns. From phishing scams and voice impersonation to the growing risks around weak authentication systems, the conversation highlights why cybersecurity has become a core business and leadership issue.
Brian and Daniel discuss:

• The rise of AI-driven cyber attacks
• Why human behaviour remains the greatest security vulnerability
• Why SMS authentication is increasingly unsafe
• And why boards and executives must now treat cybersecurity as a strategic priority

This is no longer a future problem.

It’s happening now — and every organization is exposed.

In his closing commentary, Brian turns to a deeper and more philosophical question: how artificial intelligence may be transforming not only work and economics, but human relationships themselves.

Drawing on recent conversations with Daniel Zborovski, John Ruffolo, and Eugene Lang — as well as a provocative New York Times discussion about AI and inequality — Brian examines how AI is concentrating power, outpacing institutions, and reshaping society faster than governments and leaders can respond.

But beyond economics lies a more personal concern

What happens when machines begin simulating empathy, attention, and understanding?

But it cannot truly care, sacrifice, commit, or love.

And in a world increasingly mediated by technology, that distinction may become one of the defining questions of our time.

Will we continue choosing the difficult, deeply human work of real connection — or settle for the illusion of it?

This Tuesday on The Brian Crombie Hour, we explore a defining contradiction in Canada today:
Why are Canadians increasingly anxious about the economy — while remaining relatively confident in political leadership?
In Part One, Brian is joined by veteran pollster John Wright for an in-depth conversation about the national mood and the forces shaping Canadian public opinion.
The data tells a fascinating story:
Two-thirds of Canadians remain worried about inflation, interest rates, and the rising cost of living — concerns that have persisted since 2022. Yet despite that economic unease, Prime Minister Mark Carney continues to post strong approval ratings.
Brian and John examine:

• Why economic anxiety remains elevated despite political stability
• The growing disconnect between household pressures and national optimism
• Regional differences across the country, including Alberta’s pessimism and Quebec’s relative confidence
• Public support for pipelines, LNG, and energy infrastructure
• And how Canadians are responding to growing global instability, including tensions around the Strait of Hormuz

The discussion also explores Canada’s evolving place in the world. Following Carney’s Davos speech, many Canadians increasingly see the country as a constructive middle power helping shape global events rather than simply reacting to them.

But rising expectations bring new pressure. 

Can political confidence survive if economic results fail to materialize? 

Because ultimately, leadership is not just about perception. 

It’s about delivery.

This Monday on The Brian Crombie Hour, we examine how the war in Ukraine is reshaping the global energy landscape — and what it reveals about Canada’s ability to lead in a world hungry for secure energy.
In Part One, Brian is joined by Peter Dickinson to discuss Russia’s scaled-back Victory Day celebrations, Ukraine’s growing advantage in drone warfare, and the strategic targeting of Russian energy infrastructure. The conversation explores how this conflict has evolved beyond military combat into a broader war of economics, energy, and endurance — with profound consequences for the West and the global balance of power.
In Part Two, Brian turns the focus to Canada and asks a difficult question: why does a country with immense energy resources still struggle to build infrastructure, secure market access, and execute coherent policy? The issue, he argues, is not a lack of energy — it’s a lack of national capacity and execution.
Drawing on recent conversations with Rick Anderson, Greg Vezina, Heather Exner-Pirot, John Wright, and Eugene Lang, Brian closes with a broader commentary on leadership, decision-making, and Canada’s future in a rapidly changing world.
This isn’t just an oil shock.
It’s a test of whether Canada can still build, decide, execute — and lead.
Because in a world demanding energy, if Canada doesn’t act, someone else will.

Everyone dreams of backing the next billion-dollar startup—the unicorn that changes everything. But what if that dream is more illusion than reality?
On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian sits down with angel investor and author Henry Fiorillo for a candid, unfiltered conversation about what really happens in early-stage investing. Drawing from experience with over 80 startup investments, Henry reveals a hard truth: most of them fail—and that’s part of the strategy.
This episode dives into the realities, risks, and psychology behind angel investing. From why a handful of winners must carry an entire portfolio, to the cognitive biases that lead even smart investors astray—FOMO, overconfidence, herd thinking, and more.
But beyond the numbers and the noise, one insight stands above the rest: you’re not investing in an idea—you’re investing in a person. Brian and Henry explore what really matters when evaluating founders, the limits of due diligence, and why spotting red flags is both critical and incredibly difficult.
If you’ve ever been tempted by a “can’t-miss” opportunity, this conversation offers a grounded, honest look at the fine art—and frequent pain—of losing money in pursuit of the next big win.
Listen in for a reality check on risk, judgment, and the human side of investing.

What if the very traits that made you successful are the same ones holding you back?
On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian sits down with Gary Mitchell—author of The AND Approach—to explore why highly intelligent, highly trained professionals often struggle to build great businesses.
In Part 1, the conversation begins with a hard truth: expertise can become a constraint. Many professionals—especially in fields like law—are trained to minimize risk, perfect every detail, work independently, and control outcomes. While these traits drive individual success, they can quietly undermine business growth.
Part 3 introduces The AND Approach—a framework built on the idea that you don’t have to choose between growth and control, or success and balance. By rewiring mindset first, building scalable systems, and developing teams early, professionals can create businesses that are not only successful—but sustainable and saleable.
But this conversation goes beyond any one profession.
It speaks to entrepreneurs, executives, and founders alike—anyone who has built success and now feels stuck inside it.
Because at some point, what got you here won’t get you there.