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WONK is a show about big ideas in unprecedented times. Hosted by Amanda Lang, we unpack some of the most pressing issues and challenges facing Canada, and talk to some leading thinkers and policymakers about how to tackle them. New episodes drop on Thursdays. This feed also hosts the archive for Public Policy Forum's podcast, Policy Speaking.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes174Founded6 years ago
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NewsGovernmentPolitics

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Artwork for Wonk

Latest Episodes

Few places in Canada have been as threatened by Trump's tariff war as New Brunswick, with an economy built around forestry, seafood and energy. But there's opportunity arising too. New Brunswick's maritime port is booming with Canadian cargo looking ... more

Most Canadians are still adjusting to the inflation that has settled across our economy from the last big geopolitical disruptions. Now a new one threatens to send prices higher again... all this at a time when Canada is trying to rebuild its own eco... more

It's hardly a secret that Canada has a housing problem. Usually it's described by the affordability issues around owning a home, but there is another and arguably more pernicious problem. Too many Canadians simply don't have one. Treating housing as ... more

YouTube

Canada has changed tack on its climate efforts from a price on carbon and a philosophical view that fossil fuels might be phased out to a more pragmatic policy that embraces energy development while still aiming to meet climate targets. It's a tricky... more

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Jim Stanford
Director of the Centre for Future Work
Centre for Future Work
Episode: How to deal with oil shocks and inflation
Pearl Eliades
Quebec-based lawyer specializing in human rights and professor
Max Bell School of Public Policy / Faculty of Law, Quebec
Episode: Why housing should be a human right
Andrew Boozary
Primary care physician and health-equity leader
University Health Network, Toronto; Gattuso Center for Social Medicine
Episode: Why housing should be a human right
Julie Dabrusin
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Government of Canada
Episode: Julie Dabrusin on Canada’s new climate plan
Tom Chi
Author and inventor with a background in innovation and process design, including tenure at Google X.
Formerly with Google X
Episode: Tom Chi on how to make an economy that works
Danny Funt
Journalist and author of Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling
Episode: The dangerous spread of sports betting
David Eby
Premier of British Columbia
Government of British Columbia
Episode: Premier David Eby on building a new economy
Bob Rae
Former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, former premier of Ontario
Episode: Bob Rae on the new world order
Kevin Carmichael
Logics Economics columnist and editor-at-large
Episode: Canada’s make or break year

Host

Amanda Lang
Host of Wonk, known for her engaging interview style and ability to draw insightful discussions from her guests on pressing societal issues.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 74 ratings
  • Excellent

    Amanda Lang does a great job both because she asks the right questions and because she is passionate about Canada. The guests are surprisingly articulate to a person—it’s nice to hear what our politicians are capable of in the right forum.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Maphib
    Canada2 months ago
  • Good topics but tired opinions

    I’ve listened to a number of these podcasts but while these conversations are worth having, the guests generally express tired views I’ve heard before, especially in the more abstract or macroeconomic conversations.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    PinkPine25
    Canada5 months ago
  • Amazing

    We need more of Amanda Lang.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Steven1234567
    Canada6 months ago
  • Understanding policy partly means listening to different perspectives. This podcast is a good introduction to the news behind the news, focusing on the day's emerging politics across all areas of Canadian life.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Aurorespera
    6 months ago
  • Best Canadian Policy Pod

    Very little slant. Very helpful.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chris Sta113
    Canada7 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The show often features thought-provoking and relevant topics, resulting in a positive engagement among audiences seeking to understand public policy better.
There is a general sense that the content is timely and necessary, especially in the context of evolving Canadian policies.
Some listeners mention that while the topics are important, certain viewpoints can seem repetitive, indicating a desire for more diverse perspectives.
Listeners appreciate the engaging and informative style of the host, highlighting her ability to ask relevant questions and foster deep conversations.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#66
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#219
Canada/News
Apple Podcasts
#81
China/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How to deal with oil shocks and inflation
Q: Would you agree that semisustainable price governance could help Canadians withstand oil-price shocks, and what would you advise we do about the potential end to the oil-price spike if it persists?
A cautious approach is to consider partial price stabilization measures, such as selective price protections, circuit breakers, and buffer stocks, along with targeted fiscal supports that do not immediately inflate inflation. Also, expand domestic energy strategies and diversification of supply to reduce over-reliance on volatile global markets while safeguarding competitiveness.
Tom Chi on how to make an economy that works
Q: How do you approach the fact that right now, there's some people who just simply deny the existence of the problem?
Chi suggests that despite the denial, many impactful changes can be made by small teams of dedicated individuals working independently of public belief.
Tom Chi on how to make an economy that works
Q: What's your message here?
Tom Chi discusses the importance of recognizing economics as a design discipline rather than a rigid belief system, encouraging innovative thinking to meet societal needs.
Zita Cobb on economic growth, one town at a time
Q: What about 129 rooms? How did you decide what enough looked like?
Zita explains that narrow market logic can trap businesses into unsustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of thinking about broader economic benefits beyond just the local community.
Zita Cobb on economic growth, one town at a time
Q: What do you hope for the Shorefast Institute? Where do you begin? Where is it now?
Zita discusses the launch of the Shorefast Institute, highlighting a successful pilot project that confirmed their community-based economic development approach is valid in other contexts, and emphasizes the need for connected, collaborative community efforts.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wonk

What is Wonk about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A show focusing on significant ideas and pressing issues that challenge contemporary Canada, featuring discussions with influential thinkers and policymakers. Topics range from economic reform, climate change, and the implications of sports betting to issues of trade and competition law. The content strives to provide actionable insights and foster a deeper understanding of the socio-political landscape in Canada, making it a valuable resource for individuals interested in public affairs, policy development, and societal challenges. The unique angle of exploring these timely themes in relation to everyday life makes it both engaging and enlightening, appealing to listeners who are keen on informed discussions relevant to current events.

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How many subscribers and views does Wonk have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Wonk?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Wonk:

1. Front Burner
2. Ideas
3. The Wealthy Barber Podcast
4. White Coat, Black Art
5. Quirks and Quarks

How many episodes of Wonk are there?

Wonk launched 6 years ago and published 174 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Wonk?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Wonk?

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What guests have appeared on Wonk?

Recent guests on Wonk include:

1. Jim Stanford
2. Pearl Eliades
3. Andrew Boozary
4. Julie Dabrusin
5. Tom Chi
6. Danny Funt
7. David Eby
8. Bob Rae

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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