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The Strategists

by Stephen Carter, Zain Velji, Corey Hogan, Shannon Phillips
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Canada · News
#83 New on this chart
Pulse 15

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About the show

Professional unprofessional strategists Stephen Carter, Zain Velji, and Shannon Phillips break down the news of the day. Not just what’s happening, but how it’s being played. Policy is one thing. Politics is another. The show dissects the strategy behind the headlines: what governments are doing, why it matters, and the political incentives driving every move. They don't tell you what to think. They make you harder to spin. Originally hosted with Corey Hogan (now inside the machine), The Strategists now anchors a growing podcast network: •⁠ ⁠The Strategists — weekly strategy, sharp takes, and questionable professionalism •⁠ ⁠Ministry of Podcasts — Corey Hogan reports from inside Parliament •⁠ ⁠Balance of Power — Annalise Klingbeil, Shannon Phillips, and Leah Ward bring a distinct lens to power and politics Described as “shockingly insightful” and “sports talk radio for politics.” Not sponsored by Flair Airlines. Get bonus episodes and more at strategistspatreon.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Latest episodes

  • Episode 4056: The Next Referendum

    October 5, 2026 · 48 min

    Stephen Carter and Zain Velji break down the final two weeks of Alberta’s referendum campaign, whether Danielle Smith is on the defensive, and why the separatist movement may already be looking toward the next referendum. What happens to…

  • Episode  4054: Have the Players Made Their Plays?

    September 29, 2026 · 58 min

    Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips break down British Columbia’s suddenly competitive election and what David Eby and the BC Conservatives need to do over the next month. Can the Conservatives win by focusing on affordability and simply…

  • Episode 4053: Don’t Pull a Prentice

    September 22, 2026 · 48 min

    Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into Alberta’s referendum fight and the political chaos engulfing British Columbia. Is Danielle Smith trying to use the nine referendum questions to contain separatism, or simply keep it alive?…

  • Episode 4052: Megachurch Miracle in Calgary-Shaw

    September 17, 2026 · 44 min

    Shannon Phillips and Conspiracy Zain dive into the Alberta NDP’s surprise Calgary-Shaw victory, what it says about the UCP’s vulnerability in Calgary, and whether the result changes the political calculus heading into the referendum. Is…

  • Episode 4051: Does $4 Million Buy a Referendum?

    September 12, 2026 · 21 min

    Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips break down Alberta’s new $4 million referendum advertising campaign, what the government’s creative says about its polling, and whether a massive spending advantage can actually overcome a muddled…

  • Episode 4050: Pull the Fire Alarm

    September 9, 2026 · 50 min

    Shannon Phillips and Leah Ward dive into Elections Alberta’s referendum headaches, the growing pressure around the province’s special-ballot process, and whether the agency is actually resourced to pull off one of the biggest votes in…

  • Episode 4049: Power Rankings

    August 31, 2026 · 1 hr 4 min

    Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips rank the people, politicians, and campaigners on Alberta’s stay-in-Canada side. Who is actually moving votes? Are the BC Conservatives about to split themselves into two parties? And has Carter replaced…

  • Episode 4048: We Were Attacked

    August 23, 2026 · 1 hr 2 min

    Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips break down Mark Carney’s response after Canada walks away from a trade deal with the United States, and what comes next when the relationship shifts from negotiation to trade war. Was this the exact…