The Strategists - podcast cover

The Strategists

Stephen Carter, Corey Hogan, Zain Veljiwww.thestrategists.ca
Professional unprofessional strategists Stephen Carter, Corey Hogan and Zain Velji dissect the news of the day, pass judgment on strategy choices and lift back the curtain on how decisions are made. Described as "the least deliberate podcast of all time", "shockingly insightful" and "sports talk radio for politics". Not sponsored by Flair Airlines. Get Thursday episodes and bonus content on Patreon at strategistspatreon.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

Episode 1877: Zombie Files

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips tackle the issues that just won't die. What's next for the Alberta Next panel? Can the PC party rise from the dead? And who wears sneakers to a Stampede event? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord. https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod You can also watch this episode on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast...

Jul 04, 20251 hr 1 min

Ministry of Podcasts: Episode 1

Stephen Carter, as Minister of Podcasts gathers Zain Velji and Corey Hogan to convene the Ministry of Podcasts for the first time. Zain grills the Member from Calgary Confederation on everything from what really goes on in the House, to what the inflight entertainment options are on "the people plane". Get ready to hear about Parliament like you never have before! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 01, 20251 hr 7 min

Episode 1876: LastMealAtSwiss.ca

Zain Velji and Stephen Carter do something they swore they would never do: dive into the listener mailbag. They answer your questions about politics, political strategy, and most importantly, Zain's love of Swiss Chalet. This time you pick the questions, and nobody is keeping anybody in line. Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord. https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod You can also watch this episode on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@stra...

Jun 23, 202552 min

Episode 1875: Toddler in a Grocery Store

Shannon Philips and Stephen Carter dive into the biggest story happening right now, the Drake/Kendrick/Jagmeet feud. Then they fill time with a few with some minor issues like the G7 and Pierre Poilievre's upcoming leadership review. How is Carney doing at the G7? What would be some strategies to help or hurt Poilievre's leadership prospects? And what is SZA? A band? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and...

Jun 16, 202547 min

Episode 1874: Get Out Your Adderall

Shannon Philips and Stephen Carter talk relationships and public falling-outs. How do you 'win' a political break-up? What's the best way forward after it's all over? And has there ever been an episode more suited to Carter's experiences? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord. https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod You can also watch this episode on YouTube. https://www....

Jun 09, 202552 min

Episode 1873: White Elephant

Shannon Philips and Stephen Carter talk about the results of the highly anticipated First Ministers' Meeting. Is the lack of a project list a problem or an asset for Carney? Are there any regions at risk of just being swept along in all the nation-building fever? And should the Government of Canada open an OnlyFans for all their FMM content? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jun 03, 202547 min

Episode 1870: Holding hands in the dark

Shannon Phillips joins Stephen Carter to discuss the logistics and strategy behind mounting an effective opposition to the Alberta separation question. Who should be organizing, and how should they be doing it? What voices need to be involved, and what should they be saying? And how many tall foreheads does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 23, 202556 min

Episode 1869: The World Famous Annalise and Carter Show

Annalise Klingbeil and Stephen Carter kick off their world famous podcast series (hosted by The Strategists Podcast Network). They begin by exploring the wonders of the outdoors before trying to explain what exactly IS going on in Alberta. Is the age of scandal over? How serious is the separatist threat? And is Carter really going to be the new CFO of The Strategists Media Corporation? Annalise asks questions, except when Carter decides to turn the tables and ask some of his own. Hosted on Acast...

May 20, 202545 min

Episode 1868: How to Bidet a Cabinet

Stephen Carter and Zain Velji flush out the latest on Mark Carney’s cabinet unveiling. Get ready for a stream of insights on Alberta’s political expectations. How refreshing does this new cabinet need to be? Do the Liberals need to spray away all traces of the previous government? And will Carter ever stay in a different hotel ever again? Annalise Klingbeil asks questions, Zain and Carter do their best to dodge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 13, 202553 min

Episode 1867: Capitulation and separation

Stephen Carter and Zain Velji discuss Mark Carney's transformative visit to the White House. Then it's off to tackle issues closer to home in Alberta. What's the final grade on Carney's performance? What's the strategy behind stoking the separatist sentiment in Alberta. And will anyone pay Carter's speaking fee again after visiting invitecartertospeak.com? Annalise Klingbeil picks the questions, and sometimes even gets answers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 07, 20251 hr 6 min

Episode 1866: MP Hogan

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter face their toughest accountability session ever as they dissect the strategy behind the campaign for one Corey Hogan. They go over what worked (everything) and what didn't (nothing) and get into lessons learned along the way. Was this the perfect campaign? Is ground game truly dead? Is Carter actually good at his job? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 03, 20251 hr 24 min

Episode 1865: April Fools!

Stephen Carter and Zain Velji finally expose the truth behind the Corey Hogan campaign. The gang discusses how "star" candidates affect volunteer turnout, before diving into a retrospective on the national campaigns. What were the highlights? What were the lowlights? Any why does Zain have such a soft spot for Jagmeet? Corey isn't getting any sleep tonight, but Annalise is here to ask questions and maybe get answers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 28, 20251 hr 4 min

Episode 1863: Going soft

Zain Velji and Stephen Carter talk political ads, platforms, and predictions. With more unsolicited advice for the campaigns than you can shake a Kory Teneycke at. Are party platforms still relevant? Why are everyone's ads so bad right now? And should you contact your doctor if the urge to vote conservative lasts more than 4 hours? Annalise does her best, but Zain and Carter have other ideas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 22, 20251 hr 8 min

Episode 1861: Dirty deeds

Zain Velji and Stephen Carter discuss "Buttongate" and how the parties should handle it. Then it's on to talking about recent polling developments before ending off on debate prep for the leaders. Are campaign "War Rooms" still relevant? How excited should people get if the polls tighten? And what skulduggery is Carter saving for his memoirs? Corey Hogan is out knocking on doors in the dead of night. Zain and Stephen feed the content machine as best they can. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...

Apr 14, 202549 min

Episode 1859: Accountability isn't just a river in Egypt

Zain Velji and Stephen Carter discuss Stephen's recent campaign loss in the Vancouver by-election before turning attention to the federal election campaign. Oh, wait - Corey is here too? For the start? Well, he probably wants something . Let's see what it is. Maybe he'll stick around to hear about how Carter lost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 08, 202551 min

Episode 1857: Candidate Hogan

Corey Hogan is allegedly the new Liberal candidate in Calgary Confederation. Up is down, down is up. Zain and Stephen assemble to ask if this happened, how this happened, and to create as much chaos as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 02, 202521 min

Episode 1856: Boxed out

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss whether the ballot question is set, if public criticisms of the Conservative campaign are sincerely well intentioned, and how Jagmeet Singh can get back into the game. Is affordability doomed to be just one bullet under a bigger issue called "Trump"? Can early public discussion about campaign challenges strengthen a campaign? And why is Zain not buying domains somehow more dangerous than Zain buying domains? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and ke...

Apr 01, 20251 hr 3 min

Episode 1854: Game changer

No time to wait for Stephen Carter. Zain and Corey assemble to talk about Pierre Poilievre's big swing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 25, 202517 min

Episode 1853: An Election For A Change

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the launch of the federal election, asking whether campaigns matter at all before settling into the Conservative and Liberal messages, star candidates and Danielle Smith's March surprise. Are the Conservatives leading with their chin? What kind of amnesia do Canadians need to feel like the Liberals represent change? And when did Mike Myers and Stephen Carter get so old? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Hosted on Aca...

Mar 25, 20251 hr 8 min

Episode 1852: Everywhere a sign

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about Prime Minister Mark Carney's swearing in and the inevitable federal election. What does the Cabinet tell us about where the Liberals are going? Can Canadians be sold on the virtues of non-partisanship? With a week to go until a federal election - are Canadians ready? And what sub-basement apartment will Stephen Carter call in from next? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Mar 17, 202557 min

Episode 1850: Ruby Dhalla's Money

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the conclusion of the Liberal leadership race and what's next for Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre. What lessons can be learned from the leadership announcement event? Should Carney immediately call an election? Has Pierre Poilievre found his line of attack? And should Zain be concerned about how many people want to host The Strategists? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...

Mar 11, 20251 hr 5 min

You The People Article 11: High Tariffs and Misdemeanors

Stephen Carter, Corey Hogan talk about the start of Trump's 25% tariffs against Canada and the end of Trump's support for Ukraine's defensive war against Russia. Washington D.C. guest stars as a place Stephen and Corey went on a Segway tour in 2015. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 04, 202537 min

Episode 4011: Bananas

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the French language Liberal Party of Canada leadership debate before turning their attention to Trump's new tariff threats, Poilievre's pivot (?) and Ruby Dhalla's disqualification. What should the candidates do differently in Tuesday's English language debate? Is Donald Trump the President who cried "tariff"? And why didn't Carney reply to the moderator by saying "I don't know, Pierre, how much does a hack question cost at the hack question store?" Zain...

Feb 25, 20251 hr 3 min

Episode 1848H: Mostly just us - the proroguement of Corey Hogan

It’s Zain Velji and Stephen Carter diving into all things strategy—without Corey to weigh them down, they’re free to live out the true spirit of the podcast. We cover Trump, the Liberals, Axe the Tax, Canada First, Carney, Gould, Crombie, and more—plus an insensitive sponsor ad and doxxing of family members. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 18, 202556 min

Episode 1848G: Stephen and Corey present Carter and Hogan in “S--t on a stick”

Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan talk about the allegations of major scandal at Alberta Health Services. What's to be made of Smith's statement on the matter? What's to be made of the NDP response? Can Carter avoid "false, baseless and defamatory" commentary? Zain Velji isn't here and neither is Annalise Klingbeil. Giddy up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 11, 202547 min

Episode 1848F: Four Flags

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about America announcing tariffs and Canada announcing retaliation. How did the Prime Minister do? What do Poilievre, Smith and the Liberal leadership candidates need to do now? What kind of consensus needs to be built? And do you think Carter is going to try to undercut Hogan by offering to run the campaign for $39 million a month? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...

Feb 03, 20251 hr 9 min

Episode 1848E: A tight 102 minutes on the Liberal leadership brands

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about recent developments in liberal leadership politics before diving deep into the brands of the six candidates. Who's got the best handle on their brand? What even makes a good political brand? And did you take the under on last week's over/under question? We hope so. Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 27, 20251 hr 42 min

Episode 1848D: Incredible hosting opportunity, inquire within

PATREON EXCLUSIVE. Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the strategy of responding to continued Trump threats, how (or if) the Liberal candidates should navigate the same, how (or if) the Liberal candidates should separate from Trudeau and much more. Has Danielle Smith been put in a box of her own making by Trump declaring he doesn't need Canadian oil? Is hope good for the Liberals - even if it's delusional? And over/under on 2.5, how many Liberal leadership candidates are going to take up ...

Jan 24, 20251 hr 8 min

Episode 1848A: Shutter Island

PATREON EXCLUSIVE. Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the First Minister's Conference and the consensus that wasn't. Will Danielle Smith's position be a winner in Alberta? If you're Smith, Nenshi, Ford or Trudeau - what do you do now? And do we think with 10 more minutes we could have gotten Stephen Carter to realize the awful truth about his past? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 17, 202553 min

Episode 1847: Peacocking

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about Danielle Smith meeting Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago and the first days of the Liberal Party of Canada leadership campaign. Is it good for Smith that she got a meeting with Trump - or bad for Canada? Why are the Liberal leadership hopefuls waiting to launch their campaigns when there's such a compressed time frame? And should Zain and Corey have pushed Stephen to name two more names? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Ho...

Jan 13, 20251 hr 19 min
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