Latest podcasts

The Paul Wells Show

Veteran journalist Paul Wells interviews the leaders and thinkers tackling the world's big problems — war and peace, democracy and dictatorship, making governments and communities work. Paul draws on decades of experience as a reporter and columnist at Macleans, the Toronto Star and elsewhere to bring you smart, intimate conversations with newsmakers and people who deserve a higher profile.

  1. Democracy Under Threat: Anne Applebaum and Timothy Snyder

    Wednesday, October 23rd 2024

    Two acclaimed historians talk about the state of democracy and freedom in the world today.

    In her latest book, Autocracy Inc., Anne Applebaum writes about a group of dictators who share a bond that’s not based on ideology, but on their ability to help each other gain wealth, power and impunity. 

    Yale historian Timothy Synder argues in his new book On Freedom that freedom is more than the absence of oppression. He shares his vision for freedom in the wake of a recent trip to Ukraine.

  2. Marc Garneau on space and politics

    Wednesday, October 16th 2024

    Marc Garneau looks back on his time as an astronaut and Trudeau Cabinet minister. He talks to Paul about truth telling in politics, why he stuck around after being ousted from Cabinet, and his thoughts on the current political landscape, from the fate of the Liberal party to Quebec sovereignty. 

    Marc Garneau’s new autobiography is called A Most Extraordinary Ride: Space, Politics, and the Pursuit of a Canadian Dream.

  3. Historian Tim Cook on the Canada-US alliance

    Wednesday, October 9th 2024

    During the Trump years, historian Tim Cook saw our neighbours treating us “deplorably.” That got him thinking about the historical relationship between Canada and the U.S. So he decided to write a book about Canada and the U.S. during the Second World War. 

    He talks to Paul about Canada's struggle to assert its sovereignty while remaining an important ally to the Americans, and how that relationship sheds light the world we live in today. 

    Tim Cook’s new book is called The Good Allies: How Canada and the United States Fought Together to Defeat Fascism during the Second World War.

  4. Justin Trudeau on the Ropes: Little Trumps Everywhere

    Wednesday, July 3rd 2024

    Today, we're sharing another except from Paul Wells' audiobook, Justin Trudeau on the Ropes, read by the author himself. 

    Much of Trudeau's reign as Prime Minister has been shaped by major external events, including the election of Donald Trump in the U.S. This section of the book looks back on how Trudeau adapted to a Trump presidency.

    Justin Trudeau on the Ropes is published by Sutherland House. The audiobook was recorded at the National Arts Centre. You can download the entire thing wherever you get audiobooks.

  5. Justin Trudeau on the Ropes: The Boxing Match

    Wednesday, June 19th 2024

    In this excerpt from his audiobook, Justin Trudeau on the Ropes, Paul Wells looks back to the beginning of Trudeau's political career.

    Justin Trudeau on the Ropes is published by Sutherland House. This audiobook was recorded in studio at the National Arts Centre. You can find the full thing wherever you get audiobooks.

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