Explore every episode of the podcast The Morning Brew with Andrew Schultz

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR TUESDAY, FEB. 11th We begin with our weekly conversation with Mercedes Stephenson – Global News Ottawa Bureau Chief – and Host of the West Block. This time out, we get clarification on the latest ‘Tariff’ announcement earlier this week by President Donald Trump – focusing on Steel and Aluminum – and what’s being done to ‘counter’ the tariffs, on our side of the border. Next – we continue the conversation surrounding Steel and Aluminum tariffs. We catch up with Carlo Dade – Director of Trade and Trade Infrastructure with the “Canada West Foundation” – for his views on just how much of an impact the taxation would have on these industries – and our overall economy. And finally – ahead of a ‘surprise’ announcement from Apple next week, we speak with The Gadget Guy Mike Yawney to ‘speculate’ what may be coming down from the ‘tech giant’ – and according to Mike – it may just be a revamp of the ‘budget friendly’ – iPhone SE.

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR MONDAY, FEB. 10th We begin with the latest polling data on Canada’s leadership – at the Federal level. We catch up with Darrell Bricker, CEO of ‘Ipsos Public Affairs’ – for details on the latest views of Canadians – and who they’d like to see running our country. Next – last week’s explosive allegations about operations and ‘conflicts of interest’ at Alberta Health services continues to send shockwaves across the Province. We caught up with Dr. Paul Parks, Physician and past President of the ‘Alberta Medical Association’ for his views on the controversial allegations. And finally – could it be a ‘gamechanger’ in the battle against opioid addiction? We catch up with Dr. Ted Jablonski for details on a newly approved ‘opioid-free’ painkiller in the US. Dr. J explains how the new drug works – and when we might see it being used here in Canada.

Daniel Vanson, A self-taught at home cook and blogger of ‘A Canadians Cooking’

Gitane De Silva, who served as Alberta’s senior representative to the U.S. during Trump’s first term. The principal of GDStrategic

Kevin Reed, a partner at RF Piper and a retired Canadian Forces Honorary Colonel who served from 2009 to 2018

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR FRIDAY, FEB. 07th We begin with our weekly conversation with Mayor Jyoti Gondek. This time out, the Mayor brings us details on her meetings earlier this week in Ottawa at the “Big City Mayor’s Caucus” – and an update on the seemingly never-ending Green Line LRT ‘saga’ Next – it’s been a real ‘rollercoaster’ of a week when it comes to Canada – U.S. relations. From the extension of the ‘Tariff Deadline’ by President Donald Trump – to a rise in Canadian Nationalism….We get a full breakdown of the ‘week that was’ from Global News Washington Correspondent, Reggie Cecchini. And finally – throw on your ‘stretchy pants’! In honour of the ‘Super Bowl’ – we get some ‘Super’ suggestions on the best-bets to keep your HUNGRY crowd happy at the big game! We dig into some tasty-tips on what to best serve-up at the party from Daniel Vanson – the self-taught Chef behind the food blog “A Canadians Cooking”.

Peter Demong, Ward 14 Councillor

Nick Welsch, Owner of Twisted Steel Blacksmithing

Paul Deegan, CEO of Deegan Public Strategies, he was an executive at BMO and CN

Tegan Hill, Director, Alberta Policy Fraser Institute

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR THURDAY, FEB. 06th What is President Donald Trump’s “Big Picture” goal for his Presidency? Could it be ‘Global Economic Domination’? Well – according to some – that may be the case. We catch up with Ian Lee, Professor of Business from Carleton University – who explains why he believes the President’s Plan has been clearly laid out – and shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Next – the rampant ‘tariff talk’ – and threat of a trade war has highlighted the need for Canadians to branch out and make some new trade connections – globally. We discuss the importance of diversification in ‘trade’ - with Peter Donolo, Vice-Chair of the ‘Canadian International Council’ – and former Director of Communications to Prime Minister Jean Chretien. And finally – in our regular segment with Ellen Parker – CEO of Parker PR, Ellen explains the importance of bringing interns into your business and investing in future professionals. Ellen explains the benefits of taking on interns for the ‘culture’ of a business – and the win-win created by mentoring.

David Moscrop, a political theorist, a contributing columnist for the Washington Post, and the author of Too Dumb for Democracy?

Mark Parsons, Chief Economist, ATB Financial

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR WEDNESDAY, FEB. 05th Confessing your nationalism… the pride you have for your country - it’s sometimes not so easy….BUT – perhaps the recent Tariff Talk – and the threat of ‘Trade War’ with our American neighbours – may be just the ‘push’ we Canadians need to pump up our national pride. We examine the topic of “National Pride” with Journalist - and Author - David Moscrop. Next – how much do you know about your ‘power bill’ – and whether you’re getting the best ‘bang for your buck’ – when it comes to paying for electricity and heat in your home? It can be a confusing topic – so we decided to get some answers and advice from someone ‘in the know’ – Joel MacDonald, Economist and Founder of EnergyRates.ca And finally….it’s the ‘sport sensation’ – that’s sweeping the nation. Have you tried “Pickle Ball”? It’s one of the most popular sports in the world right now – and here in Calgary we have more than a few enthusiasts grabbing their paddles and lacing up their shoes to take to the court. We learn all about the local pickleball scene with Cat Hackman, President of the Calgary Pickleball Club.

 Katrya Bolger, a journalist whose work has appeared in the Globe and Mail, the Montreal Gazette, and New Canadian Media

Lesley Keyter, The Travel Lady

Marco Beghetto, vice-president, communications, Canadian Trucking Alliance

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR TUESDAY, FEB. 04th   With the threat of 25% Tariffs on American goods ‘off the table’ for 30-days – where do we go from here – and what does this mean for Canadian businesses and consumers with a potential ‘trade war’ still in the conversation? We get the thoughts of Mercedes Stephenson - Global News Ottawa Bureau Chief & Host of “The West Block”. Next – we continue our ‘tariff talk’ with Gary Mar – President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation. We get Mr. Mar’s thoughts on why President Trump pushed the ‘pause button’ on implementing the Tariffs this week – and what we can do as a country to lessen the impact of a looming ‘trade war’ – with our biggest trade partner. And finally - as Valentine’s Day approaches, Canadians are celebrating the idea of finding their “perfect match.” But….in this unique case – that ‘match’, comes with 4 legs! We speak with Gary Hiney – a Red Deer man suffering from vision loss – about the “Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides”. We hear about the important service they provide – and get details on how YOU can make a difference, and lend a hand to someone in need of a Guide Dog.

Lieutenant-General J.O. Michel Maisonneuve, (Ret’d), Political Military Advisor and former Assistant Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff of Canada

Russ Prefontaine, President of Fratello Coffee Roasters, a Calgary-based coffee roaster

Steven Banks - Entertainment/Pop Culture/Trending Expert

Paul Tadich, a journalist based in Toronto

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd The ‘Tariff Talk’ heated up over the weekend – with US President Donald Trump announcing a ‘sweeping’ list of Canadian goods & services what will now come along with a 25% Tariff – beginning this week. We discuss the deep impact this ‘hike’ will have on local businesses - with Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO of The Calgary Chamber. Next – Included in President Trump’s announcement was one item that most of us use, enjoy – and depend on, on a daily basis. The Coffee industry will be hit by these tariffs, which means your favourite cup of coffee could end up costing you more ‘beans’ the next time you go to fill up! We tackle the topic of coffee tariffs with Russ Prefontaine - President of Calgary-based “Fratello Coffee”. And finally - It’s a ‘blast from the past’ - but not in a good way. Cases of Tuberculosis are on the rise in Toronto. We catch up with Dr. Ted Jablonski to find out what’s behind the significant increase – and what you can do to protect yourself from the deadly bacteria that causes TB.

Mark Weber, National President of the Customs and Immigration Union for the Canada Border Services Agency

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR FRIDAY, JAN 31ST We begin with our weekly conversation with Mayor Jyoti Gondek. This time out the Mayor brings us the latest on the seemingly never-ending Green Line LRT ‘saga’ - and shares some good news about a soon to be open condo complex aimed at increasing affordable housing in the City. Next – details on the continuing recovery efforts on the devastating ‘air disaster’ earlier this week in Washington. We head to the US Capital to hear the latest on the investigation into the accident – from Global News Washington Reporter - Reggie Cecchini. And finally - January is Self-Love Month….but what exactly does the term “self-love” even mean? We catch up with Dr. Trina Clayeux, CEO of the mental health advocacy group “Give an Hour” – to talk about ways you can practice meaningful ‘self love’ in your daily life – and the benefits of doing so.

Todd Boss, Forbes Magazine pickleball writer & Racquetball historian

Dr. Ron Kneebone, Professor in the Faculty of Arts, Department of Economics

Dr. Lynora Saxinger, professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alberta

Nik Nanos, chief data scientist and founder of the Nanos Research Group

Joy Nott, Partner, Trade and Customs, KPMG in Canada

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR THURSDAY, JAN 30TH An open letter has been sent to the Premier, Health Minister, and members of the legislative assembly of Alberta raising concerns on the report of Alberta’s COVID-19 Pandemic Response. We caught up with Dr. Lynora Saxinger - one of the Physicians who lent her name to the letter – to get her thoughts on the Province’s findings – and hear why it was important to her to make her voice heard on this matter. Next – Are you a parent of a teen? Do you struggle to give them the support they need – when they’re struggling? Well not to worry – we get some ‘real life’ tips to help you have those difficult conversations – and truly be there for your teenager – from Karen Gallagher-Burt, our resident Mental Health Advocate & Social Worker. And finally…It’s one of the fastest growing sports in the world – Pickleball! Have you joined the ranks of Pickle Ball nation? We hear details on what makes this ‘hybrid’ game so unique – and history behind the sport – from Todd Boss, Pickleball enthusiast and Sports Writer for “Forbes Magazine”.

Linda Garson, Editor-in-Chief “Culinaire Magazine”

Charles Finlay, Executive director of Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst; Toronto Metropolitan University’s national centre for training, innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity

Naheed Nenshi, former Calgary Mayor and current leader of the Alberta NDP

Sabrina Grover, Vice-President LRT on the Green Foundation

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR WEDNESDAY, JAN 29TH For the 6th consecutive time, the Bank of Canada has cut interest rates – as the inflation rate remains around 2-percent, and the threat of US Tariffs Loom. We took a look at the latest rate reduction – and the impact it will have on Canadian homeowners – with Penelope Graham, Mortgage Expert at ‘Ratehub.ca’. Next – the latest ‘Green Line LRT’ plan has been ‘green lit’ by City Council. This final plan was the latest put forth by the Provincial UCP Government – which came with some not so glowing remarks surrounding former Calgary Mayor – and current NDP Leader, Naheed Nenshi. We caught up with Mr. Nenshi to get his views on the plan – and reaction to having his name attached to the controversial project. And finally – she’s all about the newest, latest and greatest offerings on Calgary’s culinary ‘scene’. Linda Garson is Editor-in-Chief of “Culinaire Magazine” – we ‘flip through’ the pages of the latest edition – which features our love of Java – and the growing popularity of miso soup among Calgary foodies.

 Gregory Taylor, Associate professor at UCalgary’s Department of Communication, Media, and Film / author of ‘Shut Off: the Canadian Digital Television Transition’

Blackfoot Elder Jackie Bromley

Ann Fitz-Gerald, professor of international security in Wilfrid Laurier University’s department of political science

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR TUESDAY, JAN 28TH Although spending has increased under the Liberal government, Canada still spends just under 1.4 per cent of it’s GDP on defense, short of NATO’s target of at least two per cent – and a far cry from the 5% goal President Donald Trump has now ‘floated’. We take a look at the situation – and what steps are being taken to ‘bolster’ our defence spending - with Mercedes Stephenson - Global News Ottawa Bureau Chief & Host of “The West Block”. Next – there’s a new ‘player’ in the world of ‘Artificial Intelligence’…it’s an APP – created by a Chinese company called ‘Deep Seek’. We catch up with ‘The Gadget Guy’, Mike Yawney – for details on the new Tech – and why its launch earlier this week sent ‘shockwaves’ across North American stock markets. And finally – “Calgary’s Child Magazine” has been a “go-to” for parents for decades. The magazine has just released their annual “YYCFAMILIES Resource Directory”. We took the opportunity to get details what’s inside the special issue - from the Magazine’s creator and Editor, Ellen Percival.

Duane Bratt, Mount Royal University Poli-Sci Professor

Chris Spearman, former Lethbridge mayor and a spokesperson for the Water For Food Group

David Soberman, a Rotman School of Management professor and the Canadian National Chair of Strategic Marketing

Jess Burke, Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Training; and Liaison to 2SLGBTQIA+ Partnerships at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR MONDAY, JAN 27 Last Friday afternoon, the Government of Alberta quietly released the report of a task force that assessed the province’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report — with a budget of $2 million — was commissioned shortly after Premier Danielle Smith swept to power in late 2022. We check in with MRU Political Scientist Duane Bratt to get his thoughts on the document, which comes in at just over 270 pages. Next – Monday ‘marked’ the 80th Anniversary of Holocaust Remembrance day – the day the liberation took place of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. We talk about the importance of this day – and hear about the disturbing current-day rise in anti-semitic hate, with Jess Burke -Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Training with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. And finally - according to new research - frequent Social Media use is associated with ‘increased’ irritability in adults…Which brings about a few questions - how much time is considered ‘frequent’ - and does this include ALL Social Media – or just specific ‘platforms’? We tackle the topic with Dr. Ted Jablonski - our ‘on-call’ family physician.

Dr. Shelley Duggan, President of the Alberta Medical Association

Sheila Taylor, CEO of Parks Foundation

Arlene Dickinson, Canadian investor, entrepreneur and venture capitalist who appears on the popular reality TV show 'Dragons' Den'

Jackson Proskow, Global News Washington Bureau Chief

Stephen Schneider, Professor of Criminology at Saint Mary's University in Halifax whose latest book released in November is entitled An Ontology of Organized Crime