The John Oakley Show

Curiouscast
  • 3.8 (66)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Toronto’s most respected and experienced broadcaster, Oakley’s articulate and thought-provoking ideas will ensure listeners are never at a loss for information or dinnertime conversation.

  1. 1D AGO

    Afghanistan: The Forgotten War and the Fight for Veterans' Dignity

    The John Oakley Show honours the sacrifices of Canadian and allied soldiers through a powerful look at the war in Afghanistan and its lasting impact. Shaun Maloney, professor of history at the Royal Military College and author of The Canadian Army in Afghanistan, shares his firsthand experience embedded with Canadian troops. He outlines how Canada’s military helped defeat al-Qaeda, held back the Taliban, and paid a heavy price—only to see its role misunderstood, ignored, and even suppressed in official channels. Bruce Moncur, founding member of the Afghanistan Veterans Association of Canada, speaks candidly about the betrayal many veterans feel from Veterans Affairs, the trauma of being denied proper compensation, and his advocacy to award Canada’s first Victoria Cross to fallen hero Private Jess LaRochelle. Elana Duffy, an American Iraq War veteran, describes living with the hidden wounds of war—traumatic brain injury and PTSD—and the long fight for diagnosis, recovery, and dignity. This episode is a sobering reminder of the cost of war and the continuing fight for recognition, justice, and remembrance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Edmund Fitzgerald: 50 Years Later, Condo Crashes, and Canada’s Democracy in Decline

    On the 50th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, historian Ric Mixter—author of Tattletale Sounds: The Edmund Fitzgerald Investigations—joins John to share exclusive insights from his 1994 dive to the wreck site. Hear what he saw with his own eyes, why the crew’s remains were never recovered, and the latest evidence on what truly caused the freighter to split apart. Later in the show: David Fleming, realtor and broker of record at Bosley Toronto Realty Group, explains why Toronto’s condo market is softening and what renters and buyers need to know now. Lorrie Goldstein, editor emeritus at the Toronto Sun, critiques the post-budget “Ottawa bubble” and how elite insiders are distorting Canada’s democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min

  3. 6D AGO

    Facial-Scanning Billboards, Budget Backlash & Toronto’s Affordability Politics

    John Oakley tackles a packed show: first, Mike Gropp, Senior Cybersecurity Advisor at Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst (Toronto Metropolitan University’s national cybersecurity centre), explains the privacy risks of digital billboards using facial detection at Union Station—and why stronger transparency standards are needed. Then, Jocelyn Bamford, Founder of the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Ontario and Vice-President of Automatic Coating Limited, weighs in on government budgets, energy costs, and competitiveness for Canadian industry. In “Topics Worthy of Discussion,” David Wills, Senior Vice President at Media Profile, and Stephen Holyday, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 2 (Etobicoke Centre), debate crime perception versus reality, transit safety, and the city’s approach to affordability. Finally, Noah Jarvis, Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, reacts to Ontario’s fall economic statement and explains why a smaller deficit still means mounting debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min

  4. NOV 5

    This Budget is . . . Meh

    John Turley-Ewart  is a risk management consultant specializing in capital markets, with extensive experience on Bay and Wall Streets. He's a certified anti-money laundering specialist, as well as a contributor to the Globe & Mail Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 min

  5. NOV 4

    Budget Breakdown: Big, Bold… or Just More Debt?

    Oakley dives into the newly tabled federal budget — promised to be “big, bold, and beautiful” — but is it really? John and his guests unpack what it means for Canadians, small businesses, and the economy. Guests include: Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation, on ballooning federal debt, spending hikes, and what Ottawa didn’t cut. Richard Kurland, Immigration Lawyer and Member of Lawyers for Secure Immigration, on why 74% of Indian student visas are now being denied and how federal mismanagement created a housing crunch. Catherine Swift, President of the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada, on why the budget fails small business, investment, and growth — calling it “meh” instead of monumental. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min

  6. NOV 3

    Is Canada A Serious Country? The Coming Budget Will Tell Us

    John Turley-Ewart  is a risk management consultant specializing in capital markets with extensive experience on Bay and Wall Streets. He's a certified anti-money laundering specialist, as well as a contributor to the Globe & Mail Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    21 min

  7. OCT 30

    Toronto’s Backyard Problems and Canada’s Productivity Crisis

    John opens with a wild round-up — escaped monkeys, coyotes, and a neighbourhood rat war — before shifting to the serious stuff: Ian Lee, Associate Professor of Management, Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, on how Trump’s tariff tactics could yank Ontario’s auto sector and force a Canadian pivot to critical minerals. Sprott School of Business+1 Stephen Holyday, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 2 (Etobicoke Centre), on who actually plans a Blue Jays victory parade, why Gardiner work is being sequenced, and City Hall travel optics. toronto.ca+1 Stephen Tapp, CEO & Chief Economist, Centre for the Study of Living Standards (CSLS), on a decade of rising public-sector headcount and falling productivity — and what that means for taxpayers’ ROI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min

  8. OCT 29

    Ford vs. Washington, Monkey Madness, and Facial Recognition at the Border

    Doug Ford's anti-tariff TV ads ruffle feathers in Washington, with Trump furious and U.S. Ambassador clashing with Ford’s trade advisor. John weighs in on whether Doug is playing the long game or blowing up the Canada-U.S. trade file. Guests include: Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, exposes jaw-dropping government spending on stress balls, branded apples, and even AI garbage cans. Lori Sheeran, Professor of Anthropology at Central Washington University, explains the real dangers of escaped lab monkeys in Mississippi—and whether monkeys actually barter with tourists. Tamir Israel, Director of the Privacy, Surveillance & Technology Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, breaks down the U.S. border’s new biometric surveillance rules and what Canadians should know about facial recognition risks. Plus, John unpacks the political theater around Mark Carney, Trump, Doug Ford, and trade strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min
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3.8
out of 5
66 Ratings

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Toronto’s most respected and experienced broadcaster, Oakley’s articulate and thought-provoking ideas will ensure listeners are never at a loss for information or dinnertime conversation.

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