Brian Crombie Radio Hour

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by author Dennis M. Dodo for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, populism, and the future of democracy, drawing on insights from his forthcoming book The Tale of Two Men.Dodo, who grew up during Zimbabwe’s political transformation in Zimbabwe, brings a lived perspective on how democracies can shift from hope to authoritarianism—and why many people believe “it can’t happen here” until it already has.Together, Brian and Dodo explore two contrasting models of leadership: the performer and the problem solver. The performer leads through personality, visibility, and emotional impact, while the...

On The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, the conversation explores one of the most difficult—and hopeful—questions any family can face: how do we help someone we love when they feel beyond our reach, and what allows people and even nations to endure and rebuild through hardship?In Part 1, Brian is joined by clinical psychologist Susan Raphael, author of What’s Wrong with My Teen? Finding Answers to Teenage Addiction and Family Crisis. Raphael speaks not only as a clinician, but from lived experience. After losing her mother at thirteen, she struggled with addiction, eating disorders, homelessness, and despair before findin...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie is joined by McGill University professor Daniel Béland, one of Canada’s leading experts on federalism and public policy, for a timely discussion on the state of Canadian unity. The conversation examines growing political tension in Alberta and Quebec, including renewed talk of sovereignty and separatism, and asks whether these movements reflect a genuine rise in independence sentiment or are largely amplified by political discourse and media attention. Crombie and Béland explore how Canada’s highly decentralized federal system shapes provincial–federal relationships, and whether current debates signal s...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie presents two deeply personal and contrasting conversations—one focused on the realities of war in Ukraine, and the other on the people and relationships that shape a life. In the first segment, Crombie speaks with Christian Thwaites, a retired investment executive who is now volunteering in Dnipro, Ukraine with ARTESANS ResQ. Operating near the front lines, Thwaites transports critically ill and wounded patients to specialized hospitals while navigating the ongoing dangers of missile and drone attacks. He shares firsthand insights into daily life in a war zone, Ukraine’s evol...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with award-winning French-Canadian author, actor, and educator Jerome Bourgault about his powerful historical novel, The Day of Epiphany. Set in 1950s Quebec during the era of Maurice Duplessis, the novel explores the tragic true story of the Duplessis Orphans—children who were reclassified from orphanages into psychiatric institutions through political and bureaucratic manipulation, leading to decades of abuse, neglect, and lifelong trauma. Brian and Jerome discuss the social and political realities of pre–Quiet Revolution Quebec, the dangerous concentration of power between church and state institutions, and the role of hist...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie is joined by Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and Political Science at the University of Toronto and Associate at Harvard University's Davis Center, for a wide-ranging discussion on the war in Ukraine and its global implications. More than three years after Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to defy expectations through military innovation, a rapidly expanding domestic defense industry, and the strategic use of drone warfare. Braun examines whether Ukraine may be approaching a genuine turning point in the conflict and what that could mean for the future of...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie opens with a reflection on storytelling and why, in a world saturated with information, the most meaningful truths often come from simply listening to others. Drawing inspiration from author Michael Lewis, he explores the idea that everyone carries a story worth hearing — beyond resumes, headlines, or public achievements. In the second segment, Crombie is joined by Jim Bright to discuss a developing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bright provides a firsthand account from a small hospital operating in the region, highlighting the challenges facing medical workers, in...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie is joined by global cyber risk and digital security expert Rafal Rohozinski for a deep dive into artificial intelligence, digital sovereignty, and the shifting global balance of power. The conversation explores how AI is rapidly evolving into a geopolitical force, reshaping international competition and national security. Rohozinski outlines how the United States and China are developing competing AI ecosystems, and why control of digital infrastructure is becoming as strategically important as energy once was. The discussion turns to Canada’s vulnerability, highlighting its dependence on foreign-controlled digital infrastructure and li...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie is joined by author, entrepreneur, advisor, and former CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Rocco Rossi to discuss his new novel Finding Grace, released June 15. The conversation explores Rossi’s extraordinary journey along the Camino de Santiago, which he has completed in 23 variations over more than 14,000 kilometres — the equivalent of 332 marathons. But beyond the physical feat, the discussion focuses on the deeper meaning behind the pilgrimage. Rossi and Crombie discuss themes of grief, healing, authenticity, fatherhood, spirituality, and the importance of silence and reflection in a modern world fill...

Tonight’s episode concludes with a focused on municipal politics and its direct impact on everyday life. The discussion highlights how local governments shape key areas such as housing affordability, transit systems, public safety, parks, roads, and the overall vitality of cities and communities. While municipal leadership often concentrates on managing existing challenges, the commentary raises the importance of longer-term vision, investment, and forward-looking planning to build stronger cities for the future. It also emphasizes the need for engaged citizens who take part in shaping their communities, especially as cities face increasing pressure from population growth, infrastructure demands, and housing sh...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie is joined by Toronto mayoral candidate Darrell Brown for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of Canada’s largest city. The conversation explores Toronto’s most pressing challenges, including housing affordability, homelessness, congestion, transit funding, planning delays, and ongoing fiscal pressures. Brown also addresses the limitations of property tax–based revenues and the need for new approaches to municipal governance and development. With experience in international economic and legal reform, pension systems, development projects, and nearly a decade as CEO of the Canadian National Exhibition, Brown offers a distinct perspe...

In this special birthday episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian reflects on the lessons, insights, and perspective that come with another trip around the sun. He explores aging, health, family, forgiveness, purpose, and the clarity that often emerges as time becomes more precious.Brian also shares a thoughtful commentary on what he calls "The Power of Co"—the importance of community, friendship, family, democracy, and human connection in an increasingly isolated world. As technology reshapes how we live and communicate, he asks whether the true meaning of life is found not in achievement or status, but in presence, relationships, sh...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, we examine Canada’s deepening housing crisis—where homes have become both unaffordable to buy and increasingly unfeasible to build. Guest David Graham, real estate developer and founder of Atlantic Developments, breaks down his Globe and Mail analysis of a system weighed down by rising costs, regulatory delays, development charges, and labour shortages. The conversation explores why housing supply has stalled despite growing demand, and what it will take to restart meaningful construction in Canada. From approval bottlenecks to financing barriers, the episode highlights how structural issues—not just market forces—are driving...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie speaks with psychiatrist and musician Dr. Ashok Bhattacharya, founder of the Empathy Clinic, about the growing sense of emotional disconnection in modern life. Together, they explore why loneliness, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion are rising despite unprecedented digital connectivity, and how concepts like “empathic alienation” help explain today’s fractured social landscape. The conversation examines the impact of social media, AI, and urban life on human empathy, the difference between hearing and truly listening, and why many people feel unseen in an increasingly fast-paced world. They also discuss the role of mus...

📘 Part 1 — Forgiveness and Addiction Recovery Brian speaks with Tabitha Rose, founder of Life to Paper Publishing and author of When We Forgive, about her personal journey through addiction, trauma, recovery, and forgiveness. The conversation explores how addiction impacts families, the role of accountability and self-awareness in healing, and how storytelling can support recovery and emotional repair. 🌳 Part 2 — Presence, Masculine Energy, and Authentic Confidence In his closing commentary, Brian examines “erotic capital” — the deeper human qualities behind attraction, including presence, emotional intelligence, and authenticity. He discusses the difference between performance and true presence, why real strength is often calm and grounded, and how emotiona...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie presents a two-part conversation exploring forgiveness, addiction, emotional healing, and the deeper meaning of strength in modern life.
📘 Part 1 — Tabitha Rose on Addiction, Recovery, and Forgiveness
Brian is joined by Tabitha Rose, founder of Life to Paper Publishing and author of When We Forgive. Tabitha shares her personal journey through alcohol and cocaine addiction, family trauma, and recovery, offering a raw and honest reflection on healing and accountability. The conversation explores how addiction impacts families, how trauma shapes behaviour, and why forgiveness is often a gradual process rathe...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie is joined by behavioral economist and author Sam Sivarajan for a deep dive into AI, investing, and one of the most important — and most misunderstood — ideas in decision-making: the difference between correlation and causation. The conversation explores why financial markets repeatedly fall into bubble cycles, and why even sophisticated investors can be misled by narratives that feel true but don’t hold up under scrutiny. With artificial intelligence driving today’s market excitement, the discussion asks whether similar patterns are emerging once again. Together, they break down how emotion, momentum...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie is joined by Heather Exner-Pirot of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute for a timely conversation on Saskatchewan’s growing importance in Canada’s economy and its strategic role in the global commodity landscape. While national attention often focuses on Alberta, the discussion highlights why Saskatchewan stands out as one of the most resource-rich and geopolitically significant provinces in the country. With major contributions in energy, agriculture, and critical minerals, Saskatchewan plays a central role in global supply chains at a time of increasing demand for secure food, fuel, and resources. The epis...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie explores a central question shaping today’s cultural and social landscape: in an increasingly fragmented world, what still brings people together? The show begins with Eurovision expert Dean Vuletic, who breaks down the Eurovision Song Contest as more than just a music competition. He explains how it functions as a powerful blend of culture, politics, and identity—where nations express themselves through performance, voting systems reflect geopolitical realities, and shared continental experiences continue to unite millions across borders. In the second half of the program, Brian is joined by colu...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie is joined by Dr. John Cappucci, President and Vice Chancellor of Assumption University, for a timely and wide-ranging conversation on faith, ethics, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. The discussion centres on Pope Leo XIV’s landmark encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” released on the 135th anniversary of Rerum Novarum — the Church’s historic reflection on labour, industrialization, and human dignity. At the heart of the conversation is a defining question of our time: will AI serve humanity, or will human...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Show, host Brian Crombie speaks with award-winning Canadian author Mike Poliwoda about his new non-fiction book, The Performed Man: When Financial Responsibility Becomes Identity. The conversation explores what happens when responsibility stops being something a person does and instead becomes who they are. Poliwoda examines how many men—and providers more broadly—gradually fuse their identity with provision, stability, emotional composure, endurance, and financial responsibility. Over time, what begins as strength can evolve into emotional armor. The discussion looks at how this “performance of responsibility” can lead to internal disconnection, burnout, irritability, and emotiona...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie is joined by Aaron Clopton, PhD in organizational behavior and sport management, for a thought-provoking conversation about the deeper role of sports in society. While stadiums and arenas are often seen as places of entertainment, this discussion explores a bigger idea: sports are powerful engines of community building, identity, and social cohesion. From packed stadiums to local arenas, sports create something that modern life often lacks — shared experience, belonging, and collective meaning. Together, Brian and Aaron explore how sports function as modern-day “third places,” and why they matter more than ever i...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian closes the show with a powerful commentary titled “Canada’s Problem.” Stepping back from the daily headlines, Brian examines a deeper national question: how can a country with so many advantages feel increasingly stuck? Canada possesses extraordinary strengths — vast natural resources, political stability, educated citizens, energy abundance, and strong global credibility. Yet despite those advantages, productivity is stagnating, housing affordability is collapsing, infrastructure projects face endless delays, and public trust in institutions continues to erode. Young Canadians are increasingly questioning whether hard work still leads to stability, home ownership, and upward mobility...

Brian Crombie is joined by Kari Norman of Desjardins to examine Canada’s housing affordability crisis. The discussion focuses on rising home prices in major cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, and the growing gap between established asset owners and younger Canadians struggling to enter the market. Topics include development charges, taxation, zoning and land constraints, immigration pressures, limited housing supply, and rising youth unemployment. The conversation highlights concerns that long-term affordability challenges could reshape Canada’s middle class and economic mobility.

Brian Crombie interviews Stéphane Dion for a wide-ranging conversation on Alberta separatism, national unity, and the future of Canada. Drawing on his experience as the architect of the Clarity Act, Dion explains why Quebec nationalism and Alberta separatism represent fundamentally different political movements, and why separation could carry significant economic, political, and investment risks for Canada. The discussion explores key national issues including pipelines, climate policy, equalization, western alienation, Canada–U.S. relations, and trade diversification in an increasingly uncertain global environment. Dion argues that rising separatist rhetoric may deepen regional divisions and weaken national confidence at a time whe...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie explores two powerful conversations about freedom — one rooted in exploration and connection to nature, and the other in emotional self-respect and personal sovereignty. In Part 1, Brian is joined by filmmaker Alison Reid to discuss her acclaimed documentary The Art of Adventure, which tells the remarkable story of legendary wildlife artist Robert Bateman and biologist Bristol Foster. The film follows the lifelong friendship between Bateman and Foster, who first met as teenagers at the Royal Ontario Museum before embarking in their twenties on an 18-month expedition across 19 countries in a Land Ro...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie is joined by leading economists Don Drummond and Parisa Mahboubi for a major discussion about Canada’s slowing economy, falling immigration targets, and deepening productivity crisis. The episode begins with an examination of Canada’s post-pandemic immigration reset and why the federal government reduced immigration levels after years of rapid population growth. The panel discusses the pressures created by housing shortages, healthcare strain, infrastructure limits, and affordability challenges — while also exploring how slower immigration could reduce GDP and employment growth in the near term. The conversation also looks at Canada’s aging...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian Crombie is joined by Jeanne Milne and Erin Waite for an in-depth discussion on the growing conversation around Alberta separatism and the broader political tensions reshaping Canada. The panel examines why increasing numbers of Albertans are expressing frustration with Ottawa, the role Premier Danielle Smith and the UCP government are playing in the debate, and how economic pressures, populism, and regional alienation are fueling calls for greater autonomy — or even separation. The conversation also explores the potential economic and constitutional consequences of Alberta leaving Canada, including concerns around pipelines, trade ac...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie is joined by Charles Burton for a wide-ranging discussion on the rapidly evolving geopolitical struggle between the United States and China — and what it could mean for Canada and the global order. The conversation begins with President Donald Trump’s recent visit to China and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s reference to the “Thucydides Trap” — the theory that conflict often arises when a rising power challenges an established one. Together, they examine China’s long-term ambitions, the growing tensions surrounding Taiwan, the concept of strategic ambiguity, and whether the world is entering a...

On this Victoria Day episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie presents a special themed broadcast exploring Canadian identity, leadership, and the long-term consequences of political and economic inaction. In Part 1, he is joined by Daniel Dorman for a discussion on Canadian patriotism and how the country’s founding balance between British institutional moderation and American-style liberty continues to shape modern debates around sovereignty, trade, and national identity. The conversation also explores the difference between constructive patriotism and reactive anti-American sentiment, and what policies are truly strengthening Canada’s position in a rapidly changing world. In Part 2, Brian delivers a co...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, the conversation explores two timely and thought-provoking themes shaping modern life: the impact of technology on young people and the importance of community leadership. The first segment examines the growing “digital crisis” facing children and teens, as smartphones, social media, and AI increasingly dominate attention and influence development. The discussion highlights rising concerns around anxiety, isolation, and resilience, and explores how families can set healthier digital boundaries in an increasingly connected world. The episode then shifts to a reflection on community, service, and leadership, emphasizing how meaningful impact often comes from simple, cons...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie is joined by Bill Fatsis (Vasilios Fatsis)—retired Justice of the Peace, former federal candidate, community leader, and author of Not Looking for Trouble—for a powerful conversation on immigration, identity, politics, and the meaning of multiculturalism in Canada. Bill shares his remarkable journey from being born during the Greek Civil War, losing his father at a young age, and being separated from his family, to arriving in Toronto in 1966 and building a life through education, public service, politics, and community leadership. His story reflects resilience, sacrifice, and starting over...

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with Dr. Steven Nagy, professor of politics and international studies at International Christian University in Tokyo, about the rapidly evolving relationship between the United States and China — and what it means for Canada and the Indo-Pacific region. The conversation explores America’s strengths in AI and innovation, China’s economic and demographic pressures, the growing importance of Taiwan, and how countries such as Japan, India, South Korea, and ASEAN are navigating an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape. They also discuss the possibility of a new U.S.-China trade framework, shifting global...

On today’s episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, we explore two deeply human themes: the future of brain health and the emotional foundations of relationships. Dr. Thomas Verny joins the show to discuss Alzheimer’s, dementia, aging, and emerging research into brain function, including new approaches to early detection and cognitive health preservation. In the closing commentary, the conversation shifts to relationships — examining how emotional tone, withdrawal, and loss of warmth can gradually erode connection over time, and what people truly need to feel safe, valued, and connected. A thoughtful episode about memory, identity, and the emotional climate we create...

Brian Crombie is joined by Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, for a wide-ranging conversation on the demographic forces reshaping Canada — and what they mean for housing, immigration, and the country’s future. They explore Canada’s aging population, declining birth rate, and slowing population growth despite high immigration. The discussion also looks at rising public concerns around immigration, changing family structures, and the growing impact of social and economic pressures on how Canadians live. A key focus of the episode is Canada’s housing direction — and whether current policies reflect how people actually want to live. With strong preference...

In this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, host Brian Crombie explores the power of communication, trust, and leadership in a rapidly changing world. The show is divided into two thought-provoking conversations that examine how influence and leadership are evolving across politics, business, and society. In Part 1, Brian is joined by PR consultant and communications strategist Edward Israel-Ayide, who analyzes King Charles’ address to the U.S. Congress. Described as a “masterclass in persuasion,” the discussion breaks down the communication strategies behind the speech’s impact, including finding common ground, addressing tension directly, using humor, and grounding messages in shared values...

This Thursday on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian sits down with Eugene Lang — former senior federal official and professor at Queen’s University — for a candid conversation about one of Canada’s biggest and least discussed challenges:
Why does Canada struggle to execute, even when it knows exactly what needs to be done?
The problem, Lang argues, is not a lack of ideas or strategy.
It’s the institutions responsible for delivering results.
Together, Brian and Eugene examine the growing gap between ambitious political agendas — particularly under Prime Minister Mark Carney — and the federal government’s ability to imple...

This Wednesday on The Brian Crombie Hour, two powerful conversations explore how technology is reshaping both our institutions and our humanity.
In Part One, Brian is joined by Daniel Zborovski, President of Hudson Technology, for a timely discussion on the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity.
As AI-powered threats become more sophisticated, organizations face new vulnerabilities that go far beyond traditional IT concerns. From phishing scams and voice impersonation to the growing risks around weak authentication systems, the conversation highlights why cybersecurity has become a core business and leadership issue.
Brian and Daniel discuss:
The rise of...

This Tuesday on The Brian Crombie Hour, we explore a defining contradiction in Canada today:
Why are Canadians increasingly anxious about the economy — while remaining relatively confident in political leadership?
In Part One, Brian is joined by veteran pollster John Wright for an in-depth conversation about the national mood and the forces shaping Canadian public opinion.
The data tells a fascinating story:
Two-thirds of Canadians remain worried about inflation, interest rates, and the rising cost of living — concerns that have persisted since 2022. Yet despite that economic unease, Prime Minister Mark Carney continues to post strong approval rati...

This Monday on The Brian Crombie Hour, we examine how the war in Ukraine is reshaping the global energy landscape — and what it reveals about Canada’s ability to lead in a world hungry for secure energy.
In Part One, Brian is joined by Peter Dickinson to discuss Russia’s scaled-back Victory Day celebrations, Ukraine’s growing advantage in drone warfare, and the strategic targeting of Russian energy infrastructure. The conversation explores how this conflict has evolved beyond military combat into a broader war of economics, energy, and endurance — with profound consequences for the West and the global balance of power.<...