On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian explores one of Canada’s biggest economic and political questions: how can a country with some of the world’s greatest natural resources create more lasting wealth for its citizens?Brian is joined by George Vandenberg, a chartered accountant, business adviser, and longtime researcher of the underground economy, for a provocative conversation about Alberta’s oil wealth, pipelines, energy security, national unity, and the future of Canada’s economy.Why doesn’t Alberta have a sovereign wealth fund comparable to Norway’s? Why do Canadian refineries continue to import some foreign oil despite Canada’s enormous energy resources? And could a stronger east-west energy strategy change Canada’s economic future?In Part 1, Brian and George examine Alberta’s oil wealth and the history of the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund compared with Norway’s successful sovereign wealth model. They discuss how energy revenues have been used, whether Canadians have received the full benefit of decades of resource development, and where the profits from Canadian energy ultimately flow.The conversation then turns to pipelines and energy infrastructure. George explains why he believes Canada should reconsider major east-west energy corridors connecting Alberta with Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. They explore the potential impact on Canadian refineries, petrochemical industries, LNG exports, energy security, and whether Canada can still build nation-building infrastructure.Brian and George also look west, discussing the possibility of expanding access to global markets through additional export routes, including the strategic importance of Pacific gateways, Indigenous partnerships, environmental considerations, and reducing Canada’s dependence on a single customer.The discussion then moves to Alberta separatism and national unity. George shares his perspective on how frustrated Albertans really are, whether separation has meaningful public support, and why addressing the economic grievances behind the movement remains important even if most Albertans ultimately choose to remain part of Canada.Finally, Brian and George explore the underground economy, global financial flows, and the challenge of ensuring more Canadian capital remains in Canada. They discuss pension investment, taxation, energy exports, insurance markets, and how natural-resource wealth can be transformed from short-term revenue into long-term prosperity.A wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation about Alberta, energy, wealth creation, and one of the most important questions facing Canada:How do we ensure the resources beneath our feet create a stronger future for all Canadians?

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian explores one of life’s most enduring questions: What is true love?Can heartbreak become the source of great art? What separates a healthy partnership from unhealthy attachment? And what can decades spent witnessing the realities of marriage, divorce, and human relationships teach us about love, forgiveness, and resilience?Brian is joined by acclaimed Canadian author and former matrimonial lawyer Darlene Madott to discuss her moving new collection of linked short stories, Closing Ceremonies and Dying Times.In Part 1, Darlene shares the inspiration behind her collection, which explores the aftermath of love—the joy, betrayal, heartbreak, humour, and hope found in human relationships.The conversation examines why true love should support and empower rather than control, the difference between genuine partnership and obsessive attachment, and how her parents’ remarkable 67-year marriage influenced her understanding of commitment and devotion.Darlene also discusses the powerful novella Dying Times, which follows a senior lawyer facing the end of life and discovering what truly matters beyond professional success.In Part 2, Brian and Darlene discuss her extraordinary transition from practicing matrimonial law for 35 years to becoming a full-time author. She reflects on how her legal career shaped her storytelling, the lessons she learned from witnessing countless marriages and divorces, and why it is never too late to pursue a lifelong dream.This is a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about love, loss, relationships, creativity, reinvention, and the stories we carry throughout our lives.A reminder that even through heartbreak and endings, there can still be meaning, compassion, and hope.

Podcast TitleBill 21, the Notwithstanding Clause, and the Future of Charter Rights in CanadaOn The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian examines one of the most significant constitutional debates facing Canada: the future of Quebec’s Bill 21, the use of the Notwithstanding Clause, and what the Supreme Court’s decision could mean for Charter rights across the country.Brian is joined by constitutional lawyer John Campion for an in-depth discussion about the legal, political, and constitutional issues surrounding Quebec’s Bill 21 and the broader implications for religious freedom and parliamentary democracy.The conversation begins with Bill 21 itself, which prohibits many public sector employees—including teachers, police officers, prosecutors, and judges—from wearing visible religious symbols while performing their official duties. Brian and John explore why the legislation was introduced, how it affects members of different faith communities, and the constitutional arguments now before the Supreme Court of Canada.The discussion then turns to Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms—the Notwithstanding Clause. John explains why it was included in the Constitution, the political compromise that led to its adoption, how it has been used by provinces including Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, and the continuing debate over whether governments should have the authority to override certain Charter protections.Brian and John also examine what the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling could mean—not only for Bill 21, but for the future relationship between legislatures and the courts, the protection of individual rights, and the balance between parliamentary democracy and constitutional safeguards in Canada.A thoughtful and balanced conversation about religious freedom, constitutional law, federalism, and one of the most consequential legal questions facing Canadians today.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian sits down with Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish for an in-depth conversation about the future of one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities.How does Mississauga transform from a successful suburban community into a truly world-class urban centre?Can the city build more housing while maintaining quality of life?And what will Mississauga look like over the next decade?With the municipal election approaching, Mayor Parrish reflects on her record over the past two years and shares her vision for the city’s future.In Part 1, the conversation focuses on housing, growth, and affordability. Mayor Parrish discusses Mississauga’s decision to reduce development charges, streamline approvals, and dramatically increase housing approvals. They explore the role municipalities play in affordability, why new home costs remain high, and the challenges facing both builders and residents.In Part 2, Brian and Mayor Parrish discuss the transformation of Mississauga’s downtown, including plans for the City Centre, the future of the Living Arts Centre, expanded arts and entertainment opportunities, improved transit connections, and creating a downtown where people can live, work, and enjoy a vibrant urban lifestyle.They also examine major redevelopment projects across the city, including Square One, the waterfront, Brightwater, and Lakeview Village, and Mayor Parrish’s belief that Mississauga’s greatest opportunities are still ahead.In Part 3, the conversation turns to transit, public safety, and municipal finances. Mayor Parrish discusses the future of the Hurontario LRT, the importance of all-day two-way GO Train service, property taxes, policing costs, and why she believes Mississauga needs a stronger financial relationship with Peel Region.As voters prepare for the municipal election, this episode provides an opportunity to hear directly from the incumbent mayor about her priorities, accomplishments, and vision for Mississauga’s future.A timely conversation about city building, leadership, housing, infrastructure, and the choices that will shape one of Canada’s most important communities.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian explores the future of Canadian cities through a conversation with Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack about growth, leadership, infrastructure, and the challenges shaping communities across the country.As one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, Edmonton is facing both tremendous opportunity and significant challenges. With more than 250,000 new residents arriving in recent years, how does a city keep pace with growth while maintaining affordability, quality of life, and a sense of community?Mayor Knack discusses Edmonton’s future, including housing affordability, downtown revitalization, homelessness, mental health, public safety, transit expansion, economic development, and attracting new investment.The conversation also turns to one of Alberta’s biggest political debates: the upcoming referendum on Alberta’s future. Mayor Knack shares why he believes Alberta is stronger as part of Canada and why stability, collaboration, and certainty are essential for jobs, investment, and long-term economic growth.Brian and Mayor Knack also discuss the importance of building cities that are inclusive, innovative, and prepared for the future.In his closing commentary, Brian reflects on a broader question:Will the future of Canada be built city by city?Drawing on recent conversations with urban leaders including Mary Throop, Professor Murtaza Haider, Mayor Andrew Knack, and Mayor Carolyn Parrish, Brian examines why cities across Canada are facing many of the same challenges—housing, transit, homelessness, infrastructure, public safety, taxation, and economic competitiveness.The discussion explores why practical solutions and effective leadership matter more than political slogans, and why the strength of Canada’s future may depend on the strength of its communities.A thoughtful conversation about cities, leadership, and the choices that will shape Canada’s next chapter.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian examines one of the most consequential debates facing Canada today: the future of national unity and the growing tensions between Ottawa and the West.Brian is joined by Rick Anderson—one of Canada’s most respected political strategists and commentators—for a wide-ranging conversation about Alberta’s referendum debate, Western alienation, Canada-U.S. relations, and the future of federal politics.Could Alberta actually leave Canada? Or is the referendum discussion a warning sign—a demand for greater influence, fairness, and recognition within Confederation?Rick shares his recent observations from Western Canada and explains the political frustrations driving the conversation, including concerns over representation, equalization, pipelines, energy policy, and the relationship between Alberta and Ottawa.The discussion explores lessons from past national unity challenges, including Quebec’s referendums and Brexit, and examines whether today’s debate could reshape Canadian politics for years to come.Brian and Rick also look at the future of Canada’s energy sector, the importance of pipelines and resource development, Senate reform, fiscal fairness, and whether governments are finding new ways to work together.The conversation then expands to Canada’s changing relationship with the United States. Rick discusses the impact of Donald Trump’s trade policies, the future of the USMCA, the need for greater trade diversification, and how Canada can strengthen its economic resilience in a more uncertain world.Finally, Brian and Rick assess the state of Canadian politics, including the leadership of Mark Carney, the future of Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party, challenges facing the NDP, and what the next federal election could mean for the country.At the heart of the conversation are some of Canada’s biggest questions:Can we preserve national unity while respecting regional differences?Can Canada build a stronger economy while becoming less dependent on a single trading partner?And can political leaders find common ground before division grows deeper?A timely and thoughtful discussion about Alberta, Canada’s future, and the choices that will shape the next chapter of Confederation.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian explores the fascinating science behind human behaviour, decision-making, and the stories that shape who we become.Brian is joined by Paul Larsch, author of The Divided Brain: Understanding Human Behavior in Branding and Business, for a thought-provoking conversation about psychology, neuroscience, marketing, leadership, and why humans often make decisions in ways we don’t fully understand.Paul introduces his concept of the “divided brain”—the ongoing interaction between our emotional, intuitive “old brain” and our logical, analytical “new brain.” Drawing on behavioural economics, neuroscience, and decades of marketing experience, he explains why emotions often drive our choices first, while our rational minds create explanations afterward.The conversation explores how these insights apply to business, politics, leadership, and everyday life. Brian and Paul discuss why familiarity builds trust, how cognitive biases influence decisions, and why organizations that understand human psychology often succeed where those relying only on data and logic fall short.Paul shares examples from the worlds of branding, business, radio, and marketing—including lessons from companies such as Amazon and the famous Tropicana packaging mistake—to demonstrate how understanding human behaviour can shape stronger brands and better leadership.In his closing commentary, Brian reflects on a powerful idea: behind every behaviour is a biography.He explores why people can be quick to judge others without understanding the experiences, relationships, struggles, and successes that shaped them. Anxiety, defensiveness, withdrawal, compassion, and confidence often have stories behind them that remain invisible to the outside world.Brian argues that greater curiosity about someone’s journey can transform judgment into empathy, and conflict into understanding.A meaningful conversation about the psychology of decision-making—and a reminder that becoming better leaders, partners, and citizens begins with understanding human nature and the lives behind the behaviours we see.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian examines the challenges and opportunities facing one of the world’s oldest democracies: the United Kingdom.Brian is joined by Stephen Julius—London businessman, film producer, and Brian’s former classmate at Harvard Business School—for a wide-ranging conversation about Britain’s economy, politics, leadership, and role in an increasingly uncertain world.Once the centre of the world’s largest empire, Britain today faces a new set of challenges: slow economic growth, political instability, the aftermath of Brexit, pressure on public services, and shifting global alliances. The question at the heart of the conversation is whether Britain has lost its way—or whether it is preparing for another reinvention.In Part 1, Brian and Stephen examine Britain after Brexit, exploring the impact on trade, immigration, economic confidence, and the country’s relationship with Europe. They discuss Britain’s changing political landscape, the challenges facing both the Conservative Party and Labour, the rise of new political movements, and whether the country can move beyond short-term political battles toward a renewed focus on growth.The conversation then turns to Britain’s economic future. Stephen discusses why productivity has struggled, the challenges of taxation, infrastructure, healthcare, housing, and investment, and what kind of leadership is needed to restore confidence and competitiveness.In the final segment, Brian and Stephen look at Britain’s place in global affairs, including support for Ukraine, the future of NATO, Britain’s relationship with the United States, and the importance of personal diplomacy among world leaders.The discussion also explores the broader lessons for Canada and other Western democracies facing similar questions: how to rebuild economic growth, restore public trust, strengthen alliances, and define effective leadership in a rapidly changing world.A thoughtful conversation about Britain’s future—and the shared challenges facing democratic societies on both sides of the Atlantic.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian explores what it truly takes to build a successful business—from the first customer and the first dollar to creating companies that last for generations.Brian is joined by Canadian entrepreneur Tim Moore to discuss his new book, How I Made It: Secrets of a Self-Made Multimillionaire, and the remarkable journey that took him from moving furniture with a pickup truck to building a nationally recognized business empire.Tim shares how a small moving company he started as a graduate student at McGill University grew into AMJ Campbell, one of Canada’s best-known moving companies. He explains why working on the front lines, understanding customers, and committing to exceeding expectations became the foundation of his success.The conversation explores Tim’s unique approach to leadership and business growth, including his decision to create ownership opportunities for local managers rather than simply hiring employees. By building partnerships, accountability, and loyalty, he developed a culture where people were invested in the success of the company.Brian and Tim also discuss the importance of company culture, branding, developing future leaders, supporting women in leadership roles, and why treating people with dignity and respect can become one of a business’s greatest competitive advantages.Drawing from his 25 principles for entrepreneurial success, Tim shares lessons on humility, integrity, customer service, relationship building, and why true success is measured not only by financial results but by the people and communities a leader helps along the way.The discussion also explores how Tim applied these principles across multiple ventures, including Premier Suites, Atlantic Signature Mortgage & Loans, and Oceanstone Resort.In a world focused on technology, artificial intelligence, and rapid growth, Tim offers a timeless reminder: great businesses are still built on trust, exceptional service, strong relationships, and investing in people.An inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, and what it really takes to build something meaningful.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian takes listeners inside Ukraine through the eyes of a volunteer who has witnessed the realities of war, humanitarian work, and the extraordinary resilience of the Ukrainian people.Brian is joined by Shane O’Neal, a retired infrastructure engineer, former U.S. Army Reserve medic, and humanitarian volunteer who has travelled to Ukraine twice to support relief efforts and teach civilian first aid.Shane shares his journey from volunteer to frontline humanitarian, describing what he witnessed while working with grassroots organizations and training civilians near areas affected by the ongoing war. He explains how ordinary Ukrainians continue to work, raise families, and maintain hope despite living under the constant threat of missile and drone attacks.In one of the most powerful moments of the conversation, Shane recounts experiencing one of Russia’s largest missile and drone attacks on Kyiv during his most recent visit. He describes the fear and uncertainty of sheltering during the assault, the destruction caused by the attack, and the remarkable determination of Ukrainians who refuse to allow war to define their lives.The conversation also examines the future of the conflict and whether Ukraine can ultimately prevail. Drawing on his experiences and conversations with civilians and military personnel, Shane discusses Ukraine’s innovative use of drone technology, strikes deep inside Russia, challenges facing Vladimir Putin, continued international support, and what victory and reconstruction could look like.A powerful and deeply personal discussion about courage, sacrifice, freedom, and the human stories behind one of the defining conflicts of our time.