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.

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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.

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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 recorded on November 12th, 2025

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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.

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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 line.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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