The Critical Compass

The Critical Compass

Mike & James. Libertarian-informed political commentary, podcasts, & video production. Join us as we document Alberta’s journey toward independence.

  1. Aug 27

    Building Alberta’s FREE NATION Starts Here | Fergus Hodgson

    Fergus Hodgson returns to discuss Capitalism & Morality Calgary (Sept 11–12), the event he calls the most potent, radical liberty conference in recent Canadian memory. Fergus isn’t focused only on the upcoming Alberta referendum. He’s building what he calls the Free Nation Project: strengthening Alberta’s distinct culture of rugged individualism, creating parallel institutions, cultivating a new “aristocracy” of doers, and then projecting that into politics. We cover: Why captured institutions (unions, education, media, human-rights tribunals) make independence work incomplete Why homeschooling and voluntary union membership are high-leverage fights How alternative media is beating regime media The unique format: 10-minute talks + rotating roundtables instead of long lectures The stacked speaker list of “thought criminals” and proven operators Capitalism & Morality Calgary September 11–12, 2026 | Croatian Cultural Centre, Calgary Get 10% off your tickets by using our promo code: CCPODCAST10 https://econamericas.com/capitalism-morality-calgary/ Follow Fergus on X: https://x.com/FergHodgson Read Fergus's Substack: https://econamericas.substack.com/ Buy Fergus's Books: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/author/B0CY3XQGQS All links: https://linktr.ee/ferghodgson ______ 00:00 Teaser 00:51 Introduction to Capitalism and Morality Conference 03:34 The Alberta Nation, Values, and Institution Building 10:25 Event Structure and Speaker Engagement 15:12 Institutional Capture and the Role of Unions 22:32 The Need for Parallel Institutions 27:03 Alternative Media, Sentiment, and Authenticity 33:33 Independent Media, Disinformation, and Credibility 41:26 Anti-US Sentiment and Its Consequences 46:33 Upcoming Event and Speaker Highlights ______ #alberta #albertaindependence #abpoli #cdnpoli #economy ----- https://buymeacoffee.com/criticalcompass Follow us on X: https://x.com/thecritcomp Follow us on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/TheCriticalCompass Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DsZovHse886ClKYHyzYMZ Media inquiries: thecriticalcompass@proton.me

  2. Aug 15

    The Great Books Program | John Serafini & Steve Bertucci

    John Serafini & Steve Bertucci joined the Critical Compass to discuss the Great Books Program, and why students should be engaging deeply with classic texts. The Great Books program is a research-supported method of learning that promotes deeper thinking through reading, discussion, and writing. Shared inquiry enables teachers to work with students in a novel intellectual partnership through a range of interpretive activities, stimulating students' critical thinking faculties, challenging them to read more and more diverse books than they would otherwise, and even earning post-secondary credits along the way. John Serafini, owner of Serafini Books in Calgary, Alberta, will be bringing this once online-only program to life in-person and in the classroom. Find out more here: https://serafinibooks.com/pages/study-the-great-booksFollow John on X: https://x.com/JohnRSerafini https://x.com/SerafiniBooks Steve Bertucci is a Director and President of the Great Books Program and has probably moderated more Great Books discussion groups (literally thousands now) than any living human! He speaks at educational conferences throughout the country and in Europe and serves on the boards of nonprofit educational and arts organizations. Steve was one of the pioneers of live-audio online Socratic discussion groups. Learn more about the Great Books program here: https://angelicum.net/academics/great-books-program/ _____ 00:00 Teaser 01:02 Introduction to the Great Books Program 04:31 The Value of In-Person Learning 07:01 The Purpose of Education 13:13 Fostering Curiosity and Critical Thinking 16:26 The Role of Classical Education in Modern Society 21:37 The Importance of Engaging with Ideas 25:26 The Evolution of Educational Conversations 33:15 The Future of Education and Parental Concerns 41:45 Parallel Institutions and Community Building 46:54 The Future of Education and Alternatives 49:52 Credentialism and the Value of Experience 52:14 Program Structure and Student Engagement 01:02:41 The Importance of Community in Learning _____ https://buymeacoffee.com/criticalcompass Follow us on X: https://x.com/thecritcomp Follow us on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/TheCriticalCompass Media inquiries: thecriticalcompass@proton.me

  3. Jun 17

    Mitch Sylvestre | Petition Debrief & Looking Ahead to the Referendum

    In this interview with Alberta Prosperity Project/Stay Free Alberta founder and president Mitch Sylvester, we debrief the recent petition campaign for Alberta independence, discuss the political landscape and strategies for the coming months, and share insights on expected challenges, the importance of grassroots coordination, and the real potential for a successful referendum on independence.Follow Mitch on X: https://x.com/StayFreeAlbertaFollow the APP on X: https://x.com/ABProsperityPrjLearn more and find out how to get involved: https://www.albertaprosperityproject.com/Full fiscal plan: “The Value of Freedom” https://albertaprosperityproject.com/resources/00:00 The Petition Journey: Achieving 300,000 Signatures04:09 Navigating Post-Petition Energy and Challenges07:08 The Road Ahead: Organizing for the Vote10:15 Disappointment in the Referendum Question13:01 The UCP's Stance and Its Implications15:57 The Importance of Engaging Albertans18:59 The Economic Argument for Independence25:16 Reaching Urban Albertans: Strategies for Engagement28:04 The Future of Alberta: Economic Independence and Growth42:47 Alberta as a Business Investment46:01 Addressing Accusations and Foreign Funding Claims51:02 Challenges in Organizing and Mobilizing Support53:10 Navigating Third Party Advertising Rules56:02 The Power of Grassroots Movements57:13 Engaging Albertans: The Importance of Dialogue01:00:04 Building a Better Alberta: Vision for the Future01:02:54 Truth in Media and Accountability01:05:02 A Vote of Confidence: The Future of Alberta Independence01:13:35 Predictions for the Upcoming Referendum#alberta #albertaindependence #abpoli #independence _____https://buymeacoffee.com/criticalcompassFollow us on X: https://x.com/thecritcompFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCriticalCompassFollow us on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/TheCriticalCompassFollow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DsZovHse886ClKYHyzYMZMedia inquiries: thecriticalcompass@proton.me

  4. May 22

    Tanya Clemens | Independence Really is the ONLY Choice for Alberta

    Tanya Clemens is a farmer, teacher and Alberta independence advocate. In this full interview, Tanya explains how she finds herself at the forefront of a grassroots citizen advocacy campaign, how her rural upbringing shaped and informed her thoughts on independence, and how one-on-one conversations, engaging the "middle third", and overcoming fear through education is what will ultimately win the day for Alberta independence. Follow Tanya on X: https://x.com/miss_tanyac Catch Tanya at a speaking engagement on the Let's Talk Alberta tour: https://letstalkalberta.com/ Learn more & get involved: Visit https://albertaprosperityproject.com to volunteer, donate or join. Full fiscal plan: “The Value of Freedom” https://albertaprosperityproject.com/resources/ #alberta #albertaindependence #abpoli _____ https://buymeacoffee.com/criticalcompass Follow us on X: https://x.com/thecritcomp Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCriticalCompass Follow us on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/TheCriticalCompass Media inquiries: thecriticalcompass@proton.me _____ 00:00 Introduction to Alberta Independence Advocacy 01:36 Transitioning from Petition to Referendum 01:37 Optimism and Challenges Ahead 03:41 Creating Civil Discourse 06:46 Engaging Urban Populations 09:22 Personal Journey into the Movement 12:36 Understanding the Historical Context 15:11 The Legal Pathway to Independence 17:54 Addressing Opposition and Fear 20:12 The Vision for Alberta's Future 22:40 Generational Impact of Independence 25:48 Economic Arguments for Independence 29:09 Unity and Division in Alberta 30:29 The Pursuit of Self-Determination 32:51 The Consequences of Inaction 41:09 Overcoming Fear Through Education 42:15 Engaging the Middle Ground 43:01 One-on-One Conversations for Change 44:43 Diverse Voices in Advocacy 47:59 Compassionate Concerns for Canada 50:44 Economic Implications of Independence 55:40 Property Rights and Agricultural Freedom 59:53 Perceptions of Farmers and Rural Life 01:03:05 The Significance of Referendum Day

  5. May 12

    Albertans are WINNERS & Will Be the Wealthiest Nation Per Capita on Earth | Fergus Hodgson

    Fergus Hodgson is a modern day Renaissance man, with degrees in finance, economics, and political science. He is an author, publisher, a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst, and founder of Econ Americas LLC, a financial consultancy devoted to alternative investments, stakeholder management, and jurisdictional arbitrage. In our full interview, Fergus makes a holistic argument for Alberta independence, spanning the obvious economic wins, through the historical, cultural, marketing, and clear momentum which is furthering the case every day for a national divorce from a parasitic federal government holding us back. Follow Fergus on X: https://x.com/FergHodgson Read Fergus's Substack: https://econamericas.substack.com/ Buy Fergus's Books: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/author/B0CY3XQGQS All links: https://linktr.ee/ferghodgson Learn more & get involved: Visit https://albertaprosperityproject.com to volunteer, donate or join. #alberta #albertaindependence #abpoli #cdnpoli #economy ----- https://buymeacoffee.com/criticalcompass Follow us on X: https://x.com/thecritcomp Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCriticalCompass Follow us on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/TheCriticalCompass Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DsZovHse886ClKYHyzYMZMedia inquiries: thecriticalcompass@proton.me __________00:00 Introduction to Fergus Hodgson02:54 The Case for Alberta's Independence06:53 Comparing Independence Movements: Alberta vs. Quebec11:49 Cultural and Economic Factors in Independence16:34 The Role of Media and Public Perception21:41 The U.S. Perspective on Alberta Independence26:53 The Future of Alberta and Canada31:59 Emotional Connections to National Identity35:03 Economic Implications of Alberta's Independence39:35 Public Trust and Economic Growth46:25 Cultural Distinctiveness and Immigration56:29 Addressing Misconceptions About Independence01:02:47 Predictions for Alberta's Future

  6. Apr 28

    The Evolution of Alberta's Independence Movement | Michael Wagner

    In this in-depth interview, Michael Wagner, a seasoned researcher and author, shares the history and evolution of the Alberta independence movement, from Alberta's birth as a province, to the energy crisis, all the way to the present day. Watch to learn more about the impact of the National Energy Program, the role of political parties like Reform and WCC, and the influence of constitutional changes and centralizing policies.Michael Wagner is an independent researcher and writer with a PhD in political science from the University of Alberta who has authored several books on Alberta politics and the independence movement. He is also a columnist and the Western Standard. https://www.drmichaelwagner.com/Buy his books here: https://merchantship.ca/collections/books/dr-michael-wagnerLearn more & get involved: Visit https://albertaprosperityproject.com to volunteer, donate or join.-----00:00 The Roots of Alberta Independence06:22 Evolution of the Independence Movement12:26 Historical Context and Key Events16:02 The Impact of Pierre Trudeau21:15 The Quest for Representation26:51 Shifting Perspectives on Independence33:27 The Future of Alberta Independence40:14 The Impact of Referendums on Alberta's Political Landscape43:38 Leadership and Unity in the Alberta Independence Movement46:13 Comparing Alberta and Quebec: Lessons from History50:30 The Rhetoric of Independence: Combative Atmosphere in Canada53:27 The Role of Economic Rationality in Discussions01:00:34 Cultural Shifts and the Future of Alberta Independence-----#alberta #albertaindependence #abpoli #cdnpoli-----https://buymeacoffee.com/criticalcompassFollow us on X: https://x.com/thecritcompFollow us on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/TheCriticalCompassFollow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DsZovHse886ClKYHyzYMZMedia inquiries: thecriticalcompass@proton.me

About

Mike & James. Libertarian-informed political commentary, podcasts, & video production. Join us as we document Alberta’s journey toward independence.

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