Andrew McDougall, University of Toronto political science professor, breaks down Canada’s rapidly shifting political landscape following Mark Carney’s rise to power. The conversation explores Pierre Poilievre’s political challenges, Donald Trump’s influence on Canadian politics, and the growing uncertainty surrounding Canada’s economy, identity, and future. From Alberta separatism and nationalism to constitutional law and the role of the Supreme Court, this episode dives into the major issues shaping the country today—and where Canada may be headed next.

What happens when you suddenly realize your country doesn’t feel the same anymore? In this solo episode, Carter Ponce breaks down the real, unfiltered challenges of building a business at 22 while navigating bigger questions about identity, culture, and the future of Canada. From dealing with payment failures and running a one-man media company to reflecting on immigration, nationalism, and what it actually means to be Canadian, this episode blends personal struggle with controversial but honest perspective. If you’re a young Canadian trying to figure out your place, your purpose, and where the country is heading—this one will make you think.

- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofvic/

- Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@voicesofvic

- Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/vov-podcast/id1674434987

- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3EVNNGIAtVcUEdnh9gKt9H?si=bRFp4BCARaCBS7pTXwyNRQ&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGndqQqSkeRchlP_Cj_TuRccOKYRuGodGT79iJu4ChNmkRYWO6kYsg8tZnmiSY_aem_ReaC3WtfVbh76g2ZD2uIVA&nd=1&dlsi=425b4c3120a84326

Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://forms.gle/smrYLeDH8T8ChW7XA

Chapters

0:00 - Podcast Return & Business Direction

3:41 - Startup Reality: Payment Issues & Growing Pains

6:03 - The Pressure of Podcasting & Hosting

8:23 - Chasing Independence at 22

10:03 - What It Means to Be Canadian

22:12 - Immigration, Culture & Canada's Future

42:59 - Burnout, Life & Random Real Talk

Jack Mason (@longevitypenguin) shares how he went from a university student experimenting with different ideas to building a high-profit online business—after months of failure with no results. In this conversation with Carter Ponce, they break down the realities of betting on yourself, the mindset needed to push through uncertainty, how content and personal branding turn into paying clients, and why the traditional 9-5 path isn’t the only option. If you’re a student or aspiring entrepreneur trying to figure out your next move, this episode offers a clear, honest look at what it actually takes to make it work.

- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofvic/

- Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@voicesofvic

- Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/vov-podcast/id1674434987

- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3EVNNGIAtVcUEdnh9gKt9H?si=bRFp4BCARaCBS7pTXwyNRQ&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGndqQqSkeRchlP_Cj_TuRccOKYRuGodGT79iJu4ChNmkRYWO6kYsg8tZnmiSY_aem_ReaC3WtfVbh76g2ZD2uIVA&nd=1&dlsi=425b4c3120a84326

Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://forms.gle/smrYLeDH8T8ChW7XA

Chapters

0:00 - Student to $40K Business

3:10 - 9-to-5 vs Entrepreneurship

12:42 - Quitting His Job

21:08 - Building the Business

33:11 - Clients & Growth

41:21 - Mindset & Confidence

52:21 - Money & Reality Check

After nearly a year off, Carter Ponce returns to the mic with the raw truth behind his biggest reset yet. In this comeback episode, Carter breaks down how VoV started from a failed university dating app idea, the risks he took to launch the podcast with borrowed money, the lessons from producing 110 episodes, and why he’s reinventing the show for ambitious young Canadian men chasing bigger goals. This is a candid episode about entrepreneurship, pressure, reinvention, and building something that actually lasts.

- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofvic/

- Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@voicesofvic

- Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/vov-podcast/id1674434987

- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3EVNNGIAtVcUEdnh9gKt9H?si=bRFp4BCARaCBS7pTXwyNRQ&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGndqQqSkeRchlP_Cj_TuRccOKYRuGodGT79iJu4ChNmkRYWO6kYsg8tZnmiSY_aem_ReaC3WtfVbh76g2ZD2uIVA&nd=1&dlsi=425b4c3120a84326

Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://forms.gle/smrYLeDH8T8ChW7XA

Chapters

00:00 - The Comeback Begins

03:39 - The New Vision for VoV

11:54 - How VoV Was Born

22:20 - Betting $2,800 on a Podcast Dream

32:58 - Growing the Show From Zero

39:23 - Interviewing My Childhood Hero

58:05 - Free Speech, Campus Controversy & Pushback

01:07:06 - Challenging University Culture

01:24:00 - What Comes Next for VoV

Justin Spears is a 5th-year Physics student and President of the UofT Fitness Club. He talks about Mark Carney as Canada's newly elected Prime Minister, the perplexing state of post-secondary education, and how a lack of masculinity is leading to the declining birth rate.

Follow us on Instagram @voicesofvic

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Jay Laskar is a 3rd-year Environmental Science student. He talks about the 2025 Canadian election, how emotions can negatively affect men, and how he recovered from a bad ping pong injury.

Check out Jay's socials:

@stlawrence.cafe on Instagram

@st.lawrence_tax_and_accounting on Instagram

@jayfortress101 on Instagram

Follow us on Instagram @voicesofvic

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Hrid Patel is a 4th-year Computer Science student. He talks about applying his UofT education to move up the ranks in his job at the City of Brampton, the pre-requisites of doing what you're passionate about, and why every iPhone is not the same year over year.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Follow us on Instagram @voicesofvic

Tina Simpson is a 2nd-year Mechanical Engineering student. She talks about sending a satellite to space with the UofT Aerospace team, starting her own business, and why peppermint tea with a shot of Jagermeister will help you study!

Check out Tina’s organic makeup brand on Instagram: @seine.cosmetics

Follow us on Instagram @voicesofvic

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Roy Han is a 1st-year Master's student and Founder of the UTM Martial Arts Club. He talks about joining the military at 18, acting in ad campaigns for RBC and Petro Canada, and which fighting style might fit you best.

Follow us on Instagram @voicesofvic

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Tarek Dennaoui is a 4th-year Physics student at UTSC. He talks about the birth and growth of his freelance photography business, why it’s important to overcome lust, and how to get people to like you fast.

Follow Tarek’s photography page: @tndvisuals

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Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!