COMMONS

I’ve just finished the “Corruption” season and I’m nearly done “Crude” and I’ve learned so much about Canadian politics, policy, economics, business, and law in these episodes. I never knew that Canada is globally known for how easy it is to commit white collar crime and get away with it. I had no idea how young hockey players in Canada are treated. And as an Albertan, I’m almost ashamed to admit how little I knew about the oil and gas industry and the myriad ways it’s hurting Albertans (and not just the environment). Above all, it’s a well-researched and well-supported podcast that uncovers many hidden truths that haunt Canada and that explain why things are the way they are. Too many of us Canadians comfortably trust in our governments, believing the lines we’re fed, blissfully unaware of the decisions being made on our behalf - more of us need to pay attention. Commons and all Canadaland podcasts generously keep us informed and encourage critical thinking - the perfect podcast to add to Canadians’ daily news sources, especially as a counterpoint to mainstream narratives.

Layers of sound tell the stories of two amazing and ordinary women. I felt it in my body — the injustice and heart break of a broken guitar — the scent of summer rain when it meets the dust of Afghanistan.

Some divergent event took place somewhere in 2024. This used to be about trashing The House of Commons. Now Jessie comes off as a liberal shill. He exposed the WE Scandal and became my hero. I was excited for every new episode. But ya lost me on Jessie’s bias. Someone who deconstructs the media or proclaims to be a watch dog are now giving opinion pieces of how bad Pierre is, but nothing exposing Trudeau in any of the 26 scandals. Jessie’s seems to want JT in power forever and lost objectivity. So far that reason my subscription was pulled. We definitely need a media watchdog, but that person or company has to be able to recognize their own bias and acknowledge it. Good luck in the future.

This was a fantastic series. I was planning on listening one episode here and there. So glad I had full access right away through my subscription. It was incredible. Heartbreaking, yet hopeful in a way?