The Deb Hutton Show

A look ahead to 2026 in politics.

Plus – Is China going to invade Taiwan?

GUESTS: John Wright - CEO Canada Pulse Insights

Christian Leuprecht - Professor in Leadership, Royal Military College and Queen’s University

Mark Towhey unpacked big tech stories with Carmi Levy — from Instagram’s attempt to win back teens to the rise of AI‑generated “slop,” foreign drone bans, and extremists using voice‑cloning to spread propaganda. Scott Taylor then broke down Canada’s plan for a massive 300–400k Supplementary Ready Reserve, leading to listener calls on whether they’d join such a force — especially if it let them keep their prohibited firearms.

Mark Towhey is in for Deb Hutto, and this hour we explored what Canadians value most about their country — from everyday safety to shared cultural principles — while inviting listeners to reflect on the biggest news stories that personally shaped their year. The show also examined whether Toronto should adopt a dedicated transit police model, drawing on insights from Metro Vancouver’s Transit Police Chief Suzanne Muir.

Mark Towhey chats with Tom Korski, Managing editor of Blacklock's Reporter, as he spills the tea on Parliament Hill. And Mark asks you if you are already thinking ahead to the 2026 municipal elections. 

Mark Towhey is in for Deb Hutton and he's curious about the increase of popularity of raw milk, and finds a listener who has tried it. Are you looking to skip town and looking for a good deal? Sarah Hupalo, owner of Elite Travel Windsor answers some of Marks questions about last minute holiday plans. 

Mark Towhey digs into Canada’s mysterious drop in public‑school enrolment—fewer kids in Grade 1 than Grade 12—and explores whether families are shifting to private schools, homeschooling, or simply having fewer children. He also tackles Ontario’s debate over shortening teachers’ college. On “Stupid of the Day” he  highlights the province’s stagnant welfare rates, previews the day’s top CTV News stories, and opens the phones for a lively “Swipe Left” round of dating dealbreakers.

Mark Towhey dives into everything from quirky city‑life observations and pop‑culture talk to a deeper look at the realities of low‑paid security‑guard work, before shifting into calls about Canada’s naval future.Professor and military expert Christian Leuprecht, joins to unpack Donald Trump’s newly announced “Trump‑class” battleships and what modern navies—including Canada’s—actually need in an era of drone warfare and autonomous weapons.

Mark Towhey is in for Deb Hutton and opened with guest tech expert Carmi Levy, who broke down the viral Waymo‑crash confusion and then discussedand explained the Pentagon’s push toward quantum navigation. Listeners then jumped in with their most disappointing tech purchases—from useless walkie‑talkies to tablets that never found a purpose—mixed with a spirited side‑debate about raisins ruining perfectly good baked goods. The hour wrapped with sharp commentary on Toronto Police communications, escalating protest rhetoric, and a look at how U.S.‑sourced guns continue to drive violence in Canada.

Mark Towhey is in for Deb and Jim today and he kicked off the show with a mix of fun personal observations—from great subway drivers and multilingual Toronto moments to rants about watch repair, Pilates confusion, and the menace of oatmeal‑raisin cookies—before diving into listener calls about the realities of becoming a school bus driver. The highlight of the hour was a conversation with Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston, who explained why the city’s new bright yellow-and-blue “Euro-style” cruisers improve visibility, officer safety, and community awareness. The hour wrapped with calls debating whether Toronto should move toward more high‑visibility police cars too.

What caused it?
Plus – Hot Mic Moments with Jim

GUESTS: Daniel Bernhard - CEO for the Institute for Canadian Citizenship

Richard Crouse - host of the podcast Maple Syrup For Your Eyes