Red-Tory
The Red Tory mission is to critically make sense of our world while having fun doing so. We’re committed to public education, sharing knowledge, and public policy debates. As researchers our current view is that nothing is sacred when so much is uncertain. For most people, the world seems to be an increasingly chaotic and confusing place. That’s because it is. In “Red-Tory,” Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg—two inquisitive friends from different generations—team up to untangle the chaos. With decades of experience analyzing, navigating, and explaining the intersection of technological and socio-political change, they bring sharp insights and...
30: Canada After the Vote: Resistance or Retreat?
In this post-election episode of Red-Tory, Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg unpack the results of Canada’s federal election and ask what’s coming next—not just for Canada, but for the global order. The conversation explores the rare and potent opportunity now available: for Carney to assert Canada’s sovereignty and moral leadership by standing up to the authoritarian drift of Trump’s United States. Not just through diplomacy, but through the mobilization of public opinion, Carney could rally international resistance to rising tyranny.
They also turn their attention to Pierre Poilievre’s uncertain future as Conservative...
29: Election Day Realities and the Escalating Trade Wars
In this pivotal episode of Red-Tory, Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg gather on Canada's election day to reflect on the campaigns, the stakes, and the possible futures. They explore how both major parties have become trapped within closed feedback loops, with voters consuming parallel media ecosystems that create almost separate realities. For the Liberals, the dominant story was one of competence and stability against the chaos of Trump-era politics. For the Conservatives, it was about ending a decade of Liberal rule and channeling growing resentment toward Liberal policies.
Jesse and Allan warn that if the Liberals secure...
28: Tariffs, Empty Shelves, and the Mirage of Mastery
In this episode, Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg unpack the unraveling of Trump’s so-called Liberation Day — a theatrical declaration of economic independence that has instead delivered confusion, chaos, and consequences. Tariffs, touted as a tool of strength, have mutated into instruments of disruption. We explore how incompetence, ignorance, and arrogance are combining to create a model of governance that can't comprehend the interdependence of global trade. The result? Not just price hikes — but empty shelves. And when the spin wears off, it’s the material absence that people remember.
Turning north, we analyze the dynamics of the Cana...
27: The Constitution vs. the President: Who’s Winning?
Is the American Constitution still worth the parchment it's printed on? In this explosive episode of Red-Tory, Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg are joined by Professor Tobias T. Gibson to confront the slow-motion legal collapse happening in real time.
As the executive branch grabs more power, bulldozes over rights, and dares the judiciary to stop it, we ask: is the U.S. in a full-blown constitutional crisis? And if so, will the courts fight back—or fold?
We dig into the administration’s hardline deportation campaigns, its crusade against academia, and its broader war on reas...
26: Polling, Punditry, and the Politics of Collapse
In this episode of Red-Tory, Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg break down the two recent federal leaders' debates and reflect on what they reveal about the state of Canadian democracy. As the 2025 election unfolds, Canada appears to be sliding into a two-party system, shedding the diversity and nuance that once defined its political landscape.
We explore how the very category of “politics” has become discredited over the past several decades—reduced to spectacle, stripped of substance, and hollowed out by cynicism. Meanwhile, polling has morphed into a form of technological determinism, shaping campaigns before ideas can take root...
25: The Tyranny of the Selfishly Wealthy
In this episode, Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg are joined by author, musician, and philosopher John Lefebvre for a blistering conversation on the tyranny of the selfishly wealthy and the existential stakes in the battle for democracy.
As the Trump regime doubles down on incompetence and corruption, its true enablers become harder to ignore: the ultra-wealthy who seek to dismantle the collective powers of taxation and regulation—tools meant to serve the public good. Their goal isn’t just tax avoidance; it's the consolidation of power, the erosion of solidarity, and the destruction of democratic norms.
Th...
24: The Illusion of Liberation: Analyzing the Aftermath of Trump's Policies
The discourse presented by Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg provides a profound examination of the contemporary socio-political landscape, particularly in the context of the economic upheavals precipitated by the actions of Donald Trump. As we traverse through the complexities surrounding what they term the 'Great American Depression,' Hirsh and Gregg illuminate the stark contrast between the rhetoric of liberation and the stark realities that have ensued. They meticulously dissect the unpredictable nature of the financial markets, noting a remarkable recovery amidst widespread hysteria, a phenomenon engendered by Trump’s unexpected policy reversals. This episode is not merely an an...
23: Trump Breaks the Economy, Now Can He Fix It?
In their insightful exchange, Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg illuminate the intricate tapestry of economic challenges stemming from the trade war initiated by the Trump administration. The discussion traverses the immediate impacts of soaring tariffs, leading to a precarious environment where investment sentiment is fraught with uncertainty. Hirsh articulates a compelling argument regarding the psychological underpinnings that drive market reactions, emphasizing that the perception of economic stability is as crucial as the underlying metrics themselves. The speakers scrutinize the responses from notable financial figures, illustrating a growing consensus that the current trajectory may not only hinder growth but could...
22: Navigating Uncertainty: Trade Wars, Market Crashes, and Political Shifts
Unpacking the Complexities of Today's Global and Political Landscape
In the latest episode of Red Tory, Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg delve deep into the treacherous waters of current global events, economic challenges, and the volatile political climate, both in the United States and Canada. This thought-provoking discussion offers a comprehensive analysis of the intersecting issues of trade wars, market volatility, political discourse, and cultural influences shaping our world today.
00:00 Introduction and Current Events Overview
00:40 Market Downturn and Trade Tariffs
01:50 Impact on Global Trade and Economies
06:15 Automotive Industry Challenges<...
21: Political Vulnerabilities in the Trump Regime & the Canadian Election Landscape
The discussion highlights the emerging vulnerabilities within the Trump regime, particularly concerning national security, media engagement, and intra-party dynamics among Republicans. As Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg delve into these issues, they illuminate the potential fractures in the Republican Party, suggesting that the Democrats may not be capitalizing on these opportunities as effectively as they could. Shifting focus to Canada, the conversation explores the current political landscape ahead of the federal election, assessing the leadership and standings of major parties amidst ideological transformations. The hosts further engage with the implications of technological advancements on governance and democracy, revealing how...
