Rephonic
Artwork for The Strategists
Alberta
Mark Carney
Canada
Donald Trump
Pierre Poilievre
Danielle Smith
Justin Trudeau
NDP
Calgary
Canadian Politics
Liberal Party Of Canada
Liberal Party
Separatism
Jagmeet Singh
Pierre Poliev
Alberta NDP
Kamala Harris
Politics
Tariffs
Political Strategy

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. Th... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes141Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNewsNews Commentary

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Artwork for The Strategists

Latest Episodes

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 AFL tipping... more

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 moment Carney w... more

YouTube

Shannon Phillips and Zain Velji talk about what the Alberta NDP should actually be doing this summer, from candidate recruitment and Calgary-Shaw to the referendum and rural opposition to AI data centres. Should the NDP run directly against separatis... more

YouTube

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips talk about what happens when the strategist becomes the spokesperson, whether the political backroom still exists, and why Carter is discovering that dealing with the public may be the hardest part of running a cam... more

YouTube

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Balance of Power
Balance of PowerAnnalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward, Shannon Phillips

Recent Guests

Stephen Carter
Political strategist and guest on the episode
Episode: Episode 4048: We Were Attacked
Shannon Phillips
Political figure discussed as guest presence; back on the show
Alberta politics
Episode: Episode 4042: How Not to Be Seen
Aleana Young
MLA in Regina, Saskatchewan with Carl Labeck, NDP; Shadow Minister for SaskPower, Economy and Jobs and Crown Investments Corporation
NDP (Saskatchewan)
Episode: Balance of Power: The Most Expensive Option
Paula Simons
Senator, Alberta
Senate of Canada
Episode: Episode 4030½: Strategists Overtime at St. Andrews United (LIVE)
Carla Beck
Leader of the Saskatchewan NDP
Saskatchewan Legislature / Saskatchewan NDP
Episode: Balance of Power: Legacy, Loss, and a New NDP
Claudia Chender
Leader of the Nova Scotia NDP
Nova Scotia NDP
Episode: Balance of Power: The Cost of a Political Face
Dr. Bronwyn Bragg
Human geographer and professor, expert on labor immigration and precarious work
University of Lethbridge, Department of Geography and Environment
Episode: Balance of Power: Immigration with Dr. Bronwyn Bragg
Raki Pancholi
MLA for Edmonton White Mud and the Deputy Leader of the Alberta NDP
Alberta NDP
Episode: Episode 4013: Use All of It or Use None - Teaser
Kyla Ronellenfitsch
Pollster and data scientist, president of Relay Strategies
Relay Strategies
Episode: Balance of Power: TV Dad vs YouTube Bro

Hosts

Zain Velji
Host focusing on strategy and messaging within political campaigns.
Shannon Phillips
Co-host with a strategic perspective on policy and political messaging.
Stephen Carter
Co-host known for candid, pragmatic political strategy analysis.
Annalise Klingbeil
Guest host contributing strategic insights from Balance of Power perspective.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.1k ratings
  • Incredibly Entertaining (Irreverent & Cheeky) Political Insight

    As a self-proclaimed political ‘junkie addict’ boomer… just love this crew and their guests & am so entertained and informed. Totally have helped move this centre right PC to the strong centre of the political scale. Keep up the good work kids!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ldl mama
    Canada2 months ago
  • Carbon pricing

    Thanks Shannon for explaining carbon pricing 👍👍

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RedHeadedPrick
    Canada5 months ago
  • Often good

    I find myself missing the forest for the trees in the volume of news and analysis of it. This was episode 1867 and it was called capitulation and separation. Link unformed.

    Shut up Zane. Nearly insufferable.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    PL Hobbs
    Canada9 months ago
  • Interesting but

    Interesting subject matter. I find the banter at the start goes on far too long, much like the topics. I don’t recall when I last finished an episode because I’d turn it off mid way.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Joey Joe Joe shabadoo junior
    Canada10 months ago
  • Shannon Phillips

    So she’s certainly not Corey Hogan. I absolutely LOVE this podcast but can’t stomach her. She’s too enamoured of her own voice and certainly not a strategist. Find someone else

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Diesel’s Mom
    Canadaa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise sharp, insider-style analysis and engaging banter.
Some reviews call out long opening banter but still value the strategic take.
A few critics cite bias or heavy focus on certain political environments.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#84
Canada/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Balance of Power: Legacy, Loss, and a New NDP
Q: How should the Saskatchewan NDP leverage its regional strengths to influence national strategy?
Carla Beck emphasizes practical, regionally grounded policies tied to Saskatchewan's energy and economic realities, arguing that successful provincial governance and concrete solutions can inform and shape national conversations about affordable energy, healthcare, and public services.
Balance of Power: Legacy, Loss, and a New NDP
Q: What are the immediate implications of Avi Lewis's win for the federal NDP and its relationship with labor?
The hosts suggest Avi Lewis's win could realign the party's policy focus and potentially repair or redefine its relationship with labor, requiring clearer messaging and strategic outreach to union members while avoiding over-reliance on traditional endorsements that may not carry the same weight as before.
Balance of Power: TV Dad vs YouTube Bro
Q: Can you tell me about the separatist comment made by Dennis Moudry and its implications?
Kyla explains the alarming discussions about Alberta potentially needing their own military and working with the US, pointing to real concerns among residents.
Episode 1893½: Strategists Overtime at Knox United (LIVE)
Q: What advice do you have about the notwithstanding clause?
It is important to lead and push back against its undemocratic use; it's a collective responsibility to uphold democratic values.
Episode 1893½: Strategists Overtime at Knox United (LIVE)
Q: How do you see the role of social networks in your mandate?
Social networks allow for direct connection with constituents, which was critical for my campaign's success.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Strategists

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

A hard-hitting, strategy-focused political discussion show where three regulars dissect current events through the lens of campaigns, messaging, and incentives. Episodes consistently explore how leaders plan campaigns, how fundraising and ground operations shape outcomes, and how media coverage interacts with public perception. The tone blends sharp analysis with candid banter, and the format often includes behind-the-scenes takes, practical tactical tips, and blunt assessments of political moves. Notable strengths include a clear emphasis on strategy over slogan, a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, and strong banter that keeps complex topics approachable for politically engaged listeners. A standout aspect is the network's brea... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Strategists?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Strategists:

1. West of Centre
2. Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
3. The Herle Burly
4. Curse of Politics
5. Balance of Power

How many episodes of The Strategists are there?

The Strategists launched 6 years ago and published 141 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Strategists?

Recent guests on The Strategists include:

1. Stephen Carter
2. Shannon Phillips
3. Aleana Young
4. Paula Simons
5. Carla Beck
6. Claudia Chender
7. Dr. Bronwyn Bragg
8. Raki Pancholi

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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