BRITTLESTAR

Channel · 2 Shows

Government

Government

Updated Weekly
Comedy

Comedy

Updated Semiweekly

2d ago

Democrats Sweep Congress & Alberta's Gerrymandering Problem

America has voted, and the results were bigger than anyone expected. Democrats took back both the House and the Senate, flipping seats in states that hadn't gone blue in decades. From Texas to Kansas, the political map has been redrawn — and so has Alberta's, though for very different reasons. This week on Politics is Broken, Brittlestar, Lisa B, and political scientist David Moscrop break down the US midterm results, the historic firsts in American representation, what it all means for Canada, and why Alberta's electoral boundary proposals are sparking controversy ahead of 2027.
Oct 29

Voter Turnouts and the USA Blames Canada

Ontario held municipal elections and most eligible voters didn't show up. Meanwhile, the US midterms are approaching, and according to new reporting, Ambassador Pete Hoekstra allegedly warned that Canada could get blamed if Republicans lose. So... we don't vote in our own elections, we can't vote in theirs, and somehow we're still in trouble. This week on Politics Is Broken, Brittlestar, Lisa B and David Moscrop discuss voter apathy, American midterms, and why Canada might be America's favourite scapegoat.
Oct 25

Alberta's 10-Question Identity Crisis & Trump's Physical Exams

Alberta voted on 10 referendum questions — from separation to Senate abolition to immigration control — and decided to stay in Canada (for now). Meanwhile, Donald Trump has developed a unique endorsement strategy for Republican candidates that involves complimenting their backsides. Brittlestar, Lisa B, and David Moscrop break it all down.
09/17/2021

BRENT BUTT and NANCY ROBERTSON - CORNER GAS

Think there's not a lot goin' on? Look closer, baby. You're so wrong.... Come hang out with me as I chat with the wonderful Brent Butt and Nancy Robertson. They reveal the secrets to life and CORNER GAS and it's all free to you. This episode is brought to you by Club Coffee! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe
Jun 14

Canada’s Social Media Ban Problem

Is Canada trying to protect kids online... or just trying to regulate the internet after it has already escaped the barn, stolen the tractor, and opened a TikTok account? This week, Stewart and Lisa talk Bill C-34, the proposed under-16 social media ban, age verification, Ai safeguards, deepfakes, online harms, and why protecting kids online will take more than just telling Big Tech to behave. They also get into Canadian content rules, streaming giants, the CRTC, Netflix, TikTok, Canadian creators, and whether Canada should be investing in its own culture instead of hoping American platforms fund it for us. Plus: butter tarts, migraines, Yik Yak, and the eternal truth that humans are garbage.
Jun 7

Hoekstra Go Home!

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Peter Hoekstra is back in the headlines after reposting Donald Trump’s “51st state” comments... because apparently diplomacy now comes with a retweet button and no adult supervision. This week on Politics Is Broken, Brittlestar and Lisa B talk about Hoekstra’s latest Canada-sized diplomatic faceplant, Trump’s ongoing 51st state nonsense, and why Canadians are getting tired of being treated like a Costco sample the U.S. can just grab on the way by. They also dig into Alberta separatism, Danielle Smith’s referendum drama, Wab Kinew’s blunt response at the Western Premiers Conference, tariffs, Canadian sovereignty, and whether Hoekstra is a real problem... or simply an ambassadorial buffoon with excellent job security. It’s Canada-U.S. relations, Alberta politics, Trump chaos, and one very simple message: Hoekstra go home.
11/29/2024

RON SEXSMITH HAS STORIES - AUDIO

What’s it like to earn admiration from legends like Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, and Feist? In this episode, we chat with Canadian music icon Ron Sexsmith. From swapping chords with McCartney to life in small-town Stratford, Ron shares hilarious and heartfelt stories about his songwriting, collaborations, and creative journey. The video version of this podcast is only available to paid subscribers.The audio version is free to everyone.We love all subscribers. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe
09/28/2025

Safety, Surveillance, and the BritCard Mirage

Britain promised kids would be safe online. Instead, Instagram “teen accounts” are still full of self-harm content, while Keir Starmer pushes a shiny new digital ID — the so-called “BritCard.” Stewart and Lisa dig into why protections for kids don’t work, how governments keep selling surveillance as safety, and why Canada’s patchwork approach might actually be a blessing. Plus: Politics & the Pen, stolen water glasses, and a very blush-worthy Sean Fraser story
11/09/2025

Is Anger Politics Over? CARNEY'S BUDGET, MAMDANI WINS

Is anger politics finally over? … and If it is, where do we send the people who still want to yell on Facebook? This week, Brittlestar & Lisa dive into MP jumping parties, a democratic socialist win in New York City, and a federal budget that might have been written entirely by ChatGPT with a positive attitude problem.
09/22/2024

Confidence Men? - FREE

It’s a battle of confidence in the House Of Commons these day. Trudeau, Poilievre, and Singh have lots of confidence but do voters have confidence in them? Plus what superhero would Blanchet be? The video of this episode is only available to paid subscribers.Paid subscribers help us cover production costs and may someday make us rich.The audio version of this podcast is always free! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca/subscribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.brittlestar.com/subscribe

Brittlestar (Stewart Reynolds) offer a selection of podcasts talking about comedy, news, politics and more

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BRITTLESTAR

Top Shows

Democrats Sweep Congress & Alberta's Gerrymandering Problem

Voter Turnouts and the USA Blames Canada

Alberta's 10-Question Identity Crisis & Trump's Physical Exams

BRENT BUTT and NANCY ROBERTSON - CORNER GAS

Canada’s Social Media Ban Problem

Hoekstra Go Home!

RON SEXSMITH HAS STORIES - AUDIO

Safety, Surveillance, and the BritCard Mirage

Is Anger Politics Over? CARNEY'S BUDGET, MAMDANI WINS

Confidence Men? - FREE

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BRITTLESTAR

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