Concepts with Shawn Whatley
Uncovering the concepts behind current events. Challenging accepted thinking. Offering solutions. shawnwhatley.substack.com
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Episodes
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Cole Hogan is a political strategist who played key roles in the elections of Premier Doug Ford and Premier Jason Kenney. He's a student of Canadian politics past and present and frequent pundit on major media outlets in Canada.
Cole explains how Pierre Elliott Trudeau focussed on reshaping Canada. Economic issues seemed to bore him. PE Trudeau reshaped the Canadian constitution in his own image in the 1980s.
Conservatives have been off balance ever since. Having lost ceded the platform to Trudeau's priors, conservatives have tried to argue within the framework Trudeau built.
A new, younger batch of conservatives want to change the framework. They are tired of losing by rules set by the opposing team. They want to play offence.
Cole explains how the New Right wants conservatives to win on culture, national identity, and social concerns, not just pocket-book issues. He calls younger voters to get involved. "Participation is a solution in itself," he says.
Whether you agree with Hogan or not, you have to admit conservatism is changing shape in Canada. Fascinating to see what emerges!
Check out Cole's articles and website below. And remember, Patreon members get to see the content a bit early. I respond to comments there first. (Everything is free, but you need to subscribe).
Thanks for checking this out!
Shawn
If conservatives shun Canada’s institutions, how can we possibly reform them?
Red Tory? Blue Liberal? These terms mean nothing anymore
The right can no longer hide from Pierre Trudeau's legacy
ColeHogan.ca
Summary + Chapters (AI)
Dive into the world of Canadian politics with Shawn Whatley and guest Cole Hogan, a political strategist and communications expert. This episode explores the lasting impact of Pierre Elliot Trudeau on Canada's identity, the challenges faced by the conservative movement, and the necessity of engaging with national institutions. Learn about the significance of participation in politics and the evolving landscape of Canadian conservatism. Discover why young Canadians are crucial to shaping the future and how the conservative movement can navigate contemporary social and cultural issues, shedding light on the importance of being involved and informed.
00:00 Introduction to Pierre Elliot Trudeau's Impact on Canadian Politics
00:21 Guest Introduction: Cole Hogan
00:33 The Conservative Movement and Trudeau's Legacy
01:51 The Right's Shift in Focus: From Economics to Social Issues
03:22 The Charter of Rights and Freedoms: A Defining Document
04:40 Conservative Strategies and Historical Context
10:43 The Role of Canadian Institutions and Young Conservatives
19:21 Challenges and Opportunities for Young Conservatives
23:24 Encouraging Civic Participation
27:28 Getting Involved in Civic Committees
29:41 Conservative Perspectives on Policy
30:41 Challenges of Federal Programs
32:10 Humility in Policy Making
35:50 The Role of Opposition in Governance
40:05 Red Tory vs. Blue Tory 44:19 Engaging the Public in Politics
50:28 The Impact of the Pandemic on Trust in Government
Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
JJ McCullough offers a window into Canada. JJ keeps his 1 million followers front of mind. He speaks so they will understand. He focusses on what matters to them.
In that sense, JJ is a better politician than many politicians: he never forgets his constituency.
Don't be fooled by JJ's high-energy, youthful style. He puts a ton of research into his videos.
The non left needs to pay attention when JJ speaks. You don't have to agree with him! In fact, JJ makes of point of raising things that will provoke discussion and (some) disagreement. He's the guy at the parade shouting about the Emperor's clothes.
JJ has strong opinions on the monarchy. His comments about the governor general were especially good, I thought. He didn't convince me that we should abandon the monarchy in Canada, but he did make me think.
What I appreciate most about JJ is his willingness to have a conversation.
JJ's YouTube Channel
Canada's Constitution is Weird
AI summary:
Join Shawn Whatley and popular YouTuber JJ McCullough as they tackle the controversial topic of the monarchy's relevance in Canada. JJ shares his strong opinions on the monarchy, arguing that it has long been irrelevant to most Canadians, including conservatives. They explore the role of the Governor General, the monarchy's symbolic nature, and its political implications. In addition to the monarchy debate, the discussion spans various cultural and political issues, including American interventionism, immigration, and the complexities of gender and identity politics. With JJ's energetic communication style and deep research, this episode promises to be both thought-provoking and engaging. Don't miss out on this intellectual exchange—hit like and subscribe!
00:00 Introduction: The Relevance of the Monarchy in Canada
00:25 Meet JJ McCullough: YouTuber and Political Pundit
02:01 Debating the Monarchy's Role in Canada
04:55 The Symbolism and Perception of the Monarchy
09:44 The Governor General's Role and Public Perception
16:00 Comparing Canadian and American Views on Monarchy
21:13 The Future of the Monarchy in Canada
25:59 Pivot to Global Politics: Venezuela and Trump
32:29 Defining Conservatism vs. Right-Wing Politics
33:02 Trump's Foreign Policy and American Power
35:32 Liberal Media and Trump's Stance on Ukraine
36:57 Domestic Politics Influencing Foreign Policy
43:12 Cultural Debates: Neutrality vs. Activism
49:50 Advice for the Conservative Party
58:22 Trans Rights and Political Challenges
01:02:19 Concerns About Anti-Americanism in Canada
01:05:03 Final Thoughts and Appreciations
Thursday Jan 08, 2026
Thursday Jan 08, 2026
This episode was a breakthrough for me. Conservatism is the mediation between the universal and the particular.
I know this sounds nerdy, but I think this is an essential challenge that thinkers on the non-left must work through. We believe that some truths are true everywhere, all the time, but that does not that mean, as liberalism asserts, that truth is true everywhere all the time in all places.
Are there truths that are only true in a particular place and time? Does it make us relativist post-moderns to entertain such heresy?
Using Dr. Geddert's notion of 'mediation between the universal and particular', conservatism offers a path to sanity between the two extremes.
I hope you find this episode as helpful as I did. Yes, we have some truths that are universal, for example, humans have inherent dignity wherever we find them. AND we have some truths that are particular, for example, common law works well in the Anglosphere, but we shouldn't expect it to work well in other places.
I hope you find this episode as useful as I did! Please let me know what you think.
Thanks again for tuning in!
Shawn
Article: Liberty without liberalism
AI summary:
In this episode of Concepts, host Shawn Whatley discusses the tension between universalism and particularism in politics with guest Jeremy Geddert, an associate professor of political science. Geddert explains how conservatism uniquely mediates between these two extremes, avoiding the pitfalls of both left and right liberalism as well as Schmidttian Postmodernism. They explore themes such as the historical roots of Canadian and American political philosophies, the concept of political technology, the role of virtue in politics, and the importance of acknowledging our inherited traditions. Geddert also highlights insights from his upcoming article 'Liberty Without Liberalism' and shares his views on the influence of enlightenment liberalism and modernity. This episode provides a deep dive into the philosophical underpinnings of conservatism, offering valuable perspectives on contemporary political debates. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and support on Patreon!
00:00 Introduction: The Universal vs. The Particular in Politics
01:04 Guest Introduction: Meet Jeremy Geddert
01:50 Exploring Universalism and Particularism
05:07 Historical Context: American and Canadian Liberalism
10:36 The Role of Religion in Early Colonies
15:59 Modernity and Political Technology
28:06 The Evolution of Liberty and Liberalism
34:07 The Role of Love and Tradition in National Identity
35:04 The Link Between Efficiency and Dignity
39:49 Critique of Modern Liberalism
44:07 The Waves of Modernity and Their Impact
48:54 Conservatism as a Mediator Between Universal and Particular
55:36 The Importance of Metaphysics and Theology
01:00:12 Revelation and Human Connection
01:05:02 Concerns and Hopes for the Future
Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
What's wrong with Canada, and what can we expect to happen next?
David Leis has spent decades in Canadian politics, and he's worried. Canada is in decline. We need leadership to change course, not simply a change in government.
He packages his concern in terms of data, comparisons with other countries, and political argument. As President and CEO of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, he has a ton of evidence to draw upon. But his concern springs from a deep love for Canada. It generates an urgency that breaks through, as it did in this episode around the half-way mark.
David gives me hope. He's one of many Canadians on the non-left who believe Canada could be so much better. Life doesn't need to be this hard.
I'd love to hear what you think of the episode! And in case you missed it, I post this content early on my Patreon account (free).
AI summary:
In this episode of Concepts, Shawn Whatley is joined by David Leis, President and CEO of the Frontier Center for Public Policy, to discuss the current socio-economic and cultural issues facing Canada. They explore how radical leftist ideologies have infiltrated Canadian institutions and the resulting decline in societal and economic stability. David Leis delves into the importance of empowering citizens through education reform, fostering market competition, and ensuring government accountability. The conversation stresses the urgency for renewed leadership and a return to foundational principles to avert further decline. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of Canada and practical solutions for a national revival.
00:00 Introduction: The Crisis in Canada
00:51 Meet David Leis: Background and Expertise
01:18 The Urgency of Canada's Situation
03:19 Defining Decline and Leadership
07:36 The Role of Government and Citizens
14:17 Cultural Foundations and Civic Education
17:54 Challenges and Solutions for Canada's Future
30:34 The Stakes of Institutional Capture
31:33 Challenges in Education Reform
32:30 Innovative Education Models
35:07 Economic Decline and Urgency for Change
37:03 The Canadian Wheat Board and Agricultural Renaissance
38:16 Crown Corporations and Productivity Issues
41:12 Balancing Free Enterprise and Culture
44:01 Call for Leadership and National Renewal
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Does it makes sense to maximize liberty in the economy and yet limit it at a personal level? Is it even possible?
Alex MacDonald says it doesn't make sense. We never make economics the ultimate priority for family decisions, why do we think it's ok to prioritize economy at a national level?
This discussion gets to the heart of debate within the conservative movement. Of course, we need a strong economy. But should economic concerns always trump all other issues? Is money our ultimate social good?
Alex offers solid answers; ones we don't usually hear from those on the non-left.
Equally fascinating for me was the fact that Alex is sharing answers at all. For the last several decades, staffers and consultants have kept quiet about culture. Conservatives win on the economy, so we should focus conversation on the economy. Don't mention culture, if you want to be included in policy discussions.
Today, culture is back. Canadians are tired of being told their country is rotten, its founding is illegitimate, and perhaps it isn't even a nation at all. It's just a post-national state. Voters don't want to see people burning Canadian flags and blocking streets with smoke-filled protests.
It will be fascinating to see how Conservative leaders respond to this palpable change in public discourse.
Articles mentioned:
In doubt of fusionism
The King and love of country
AI summary:
Shawn Whatley welcomes public policy and government relations expert Alex MacDonald to discuss the juxtaposition of economic liberty and social tradition. They delve into the principles of fusionism, balancing market efficiency with moral and social values, and the relevance of the monarchy in contemporary Canada. Through their engaging dialogue, they explore how these foundational ideas shape our communal life and public policy, drawing on historical context, philosophical insights, and current political debates. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode filled with deep reflections on the core values guiding our society.
00:00 Introduction: Balancing Liberty in Economy and Personal Life
00:54 Meet the Guest: Alex MacDonald
01:26 Exploring Fusionism in Politics
02:39 Debating Economic Liberty vs. Social Continuity
04:18 Fusionism: A Deeper Dive
19:01 Healthcare and Libertarianism
21:57 Conservatism and Market Forces
31:36 Philosophical Reflections on Conservatism
37:12 Philosophical Concerns About Fusion
37:34 Market Efficiency vs. Moral Life
39:32 Moral Decay and Individualism
41:27 The Irony of Side Hustle Culture
48:05 Autonomy vs. Freedom
56:46 The Role of the Monarchy in Canada
01:10:56 Concerns for Future Generations
Tuesday Dec 23, 2025
Tuesday Dec 23, 2025
Christmas greetings plus one big idea.
Why read? Better yet, why buy books you will never be able to read?
Don't overestimate what you know. Building a personal library of more books that you can ever read will remind you of how much you do not know. It creates a presence in your home of intentional ignorance.
I got the idea from this article: Umberto Eco's Anti-Library
Thank you so much to my audience and guests! It has been far more fun and informative than I expected.
Wishing you all the best for Christmas and the New Year!
Shawn
AI summary:
In this Christmas special, Shawn Whatley delves into the concept of 'Intentional Ignorance,' inspired by Umberto Eco’s extensive library, to emphasize humility in the pursuit of knowledge. He also reflects on the true meaning of Christmas, including the proper way to receive gifts with gratitude, and the importance of being honest about our inherited cultural attachments. Join the conversation as Shawn intertwines philosophical insights with personal anecdotes to celebrate the Christmas season meaningfully.
00:00 Christmas Greetings and Introduction
00:15 Exploring the Concept of Intentional Ignorance
01:34 The Quest for Certainty and Its Pitfalls
03:33 Connecting Knowledge and Humility
05:42 Embracing Christmas Traditions
06:38 The True Meaning of Christmas Gifts
08:44 Approaches to Receiving Gifts
09:33 Reflections on Gift Giving and Receiving
14:01 Podcast Reflections and Future Plans
15:19 Final Christmas Wishes
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Many of our most popular ideas today are medieval. We are all, in some way, medieval thinkers.
Dr. Michael Bonner applies his experience as a historian and political consultant to the current crisis of liberalism. He explains what's going on by reaching back several thousand years.
Although this episode is heavy, his book is highly readable. He covers 2000 years of history in 200 pages. It helps if you know the people he references, but even if you don't, you can follow along. Great writer.
Books:
The Crisis of Liberalism: The Origin and Destiny of Freedom
In Defense of Civilization: How Our Past Can Renew Our Present
Looking forward to hearing what you think.
Thanks again!
AI Summary
In this episode of Concepts with Shawn Whatley, historian Dr. Michael Bonner discusses his latest book, 'The Crisis of Liberalism: The Origin and Destiny of Freedom.' Delving into 2000 years of history, Bonner explores the roots and future of liberalism, highlighting its medieval origins and the inherent challenges it faces today. They question whether contemporary liberalism can offer meaning and community, touching on topics like personal freedom, historical continuity, and the secularization of Christian values. Tune in to learn how these complex ideas affect our society and where we might go from here.
00:00 Introduction: The Crisis of Liberalism
00:57 Meet Dr. Michael Bonner
01:11 Overview of 'The Crisis of Liberalism'
01:45 Historical Context and Liberalism
02:39 Defining Liberalism and Its Challenges
04:54 Philosophical Foundations of Liberalism
11:23 Medieval Roots of Modern Liberalism
13:28 The Evolution of Liberal Thought
33:33 Hegelian View of History and Liberalism
34:36 Challenging the Liberal Establishment
35:04 Medieval Ideas in Modern Times
35:30 The Axioms of Liberalism
37:15 The Self-Evident Truths
39:08 The Evolution of Christian Thought
44:44 The Paradoxes of Liberalism
54:19 The Religion of Humanity
01:03:54 The Future of Liberalism
01:06:09 Concluding Thoughts
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
I'm trying something new: this is a lightly edited transcript from the start of the episode:
Thanks for listening!
Shawn: What do young people want these days? Do they want total unfettered freedom or do they want to be challenged? Check it out.
Kate: This is what I love talking about with young people, because they are ready to rise to this challenge, right? Young people want to be challenged. They want to do things that instil order, they want to go to the symphony and know that there are rules and you don't clap between movements and you should have printed program notes and that it's gonna be programmed in a certain way.
Shawn: Welcome to Concepts. My name is Shawn Whatley. Today we have Kate Marland with us. Kate has a fascinating education. She started out in the fine arts, getting a Bachelor of music, studying viola, at Ottawa and McGill. From there, she went on and did a Master's of Arts in fashion studies at Ryerson with a focus on the opera.
Then she went on and became a lawyer, and she's worked as a lawyer for some time. And then she worked in management. She was the recent manager of the Liberty and Leadership program at the Montreal Economic Institute, and most recently, she's become a contributing editor at the new, media Outlet Without Diminishment on Substack.
She has brought together her background in the fine arts or high culture, as she calls it, and is applying it to today's moment, and right now she finds that especially young people aren't so happy with this life that seems to say, “Leave home, go to school, get a great degree, go get a great job. Live in a box in a large city and make sure you earn lots of money and pay lots of taxes and keep the economy going.”
She said, young people are finding that that's not a great life and there's more to life than that. And the exciting thing about it, or the challenging thing about it is. She and others with her at Without Diminishment are saying not only are we finding that this life is empty and that we need more, but they're also finding that there's a role for government in all this.
So a simple change in tax policy can completely diminish a particular culture, whether it's high arts, symphony, et cetera. And Kate's message here is that Conservatives need to pay a whole lot more attention to preservation of high culture. And again, her background is, uh, music symphony. So our discussion ranged across the tension between an economic liberalism or libertarianism.
We talked about how experience shapes our aesthetic sense.
And we talked about Without Diminishment itself and what they're trying to achieve there and whether or not it's wise to have government impose itself in a way that impacts culture
We talked about the recent couple episodes we've had with, Anthony Koch and Sean Speer, and their ongoing discussion about culture being a central objective for government to fulfill and protect and foster.
Overall a fascinating discussion. Kate is really pouring herself into studying and developing thoughts in this space on culture beyond simply economics. And what role does government have to play? In fostering an environment in which culture can flourish. Anyways, fascinating discussion. I hope you enjoyed as much as I did.
Don't forget to hit like and subscribe. It really makes a big difference. I try not to bug you about it, but let's get on with the show.
AI Summary:
In this episode of Concepts, host Shawn Whatley delves deep into what young people really want today with guest Kate Marland. With a rich background in music, fashion, and law, Marland discusses the need for conservatives to embrace and preserve high culture, such as opera and symphony, to foster a spiritually fulfilling society. The episode covers topics such as the intersection of economics and aesthetics, the limitations of libertarianism, and how government policies impact culture. The conversation also ventures into the role of institutions like Without Diminishment and the Montreal Economic Institute in shaping a future that values beauty, tradition, and community. Ideal for anyone keen on exploring how cultural pursuits and economic policies can coexist in a meaningful way.
00:00 Introduction: What Do Young People Want?
00:33 Meet Kate Marland: A Diverse Background
01:17 Kate's Journey and Insights on Culture
01:52 The Role of Government in Culture
03:52 Discussion on Kate's Article
07:56 Balancing Libertarianism and Cultural Appreciation
19:10 Challenges and Value of High Culture
31:17 The Conservative Dilemma: No Perfect Result
32:18 The Malaise of Modern Society
33:16 The Disconnection of Young People
36:25 The Appeal of Tradition and High Culture
37:44 The Role of Government and Institutions in Culture
45:29 Without Diminishment: A New Approach
57:49 The Tension Between Capitalism and Human Value
01:01:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Here's the other half of the Koch-Speer debate. As usual, Sean Speer offers a nuanced response that seeks to learn at least as much as he hopes to inform.
This whole conversation is essential for Canadians right now, conservatives especially. Its outcome determines the entire cant of the Conservative Party of Canada.
Sean laid out his argument here also: Six reasons why a state-imposed conservative culture is a terrible idea.
Book mentioned: What Is Conservatism?: A New Edition of the Classic by 12 Leading Conservatives
Thanks so much for checking this out!
AI summary:
In this episode of Concepts, host Shawn Whatley welcomes back Sean Speer, lecturer at the Munk School of Public Policy and a senior fellow at the Public Policy Forum. They delve into the ongoing debate within Canadian conservatism: Is culture a product of will or inheritance? They explore the implications of this divide, the role of state neutrality, and what it means to be a conservative in Canada today. Drawing on historical context, personal experiences, and current issues, this conversation provides rich insights into the evolving conservative movement. Join them for a stimulating discussion on the nature of culture, politics, and society.
00:00 Introduction: Culture and Will vs. Inheritance
00:45 Meet Sean Speer: A Conservative Thought Leader
01:12 Debate on State Neutrality
03:10 Fusionism and Canadian Conservatism
04:24 Sean Speer's Journey and Reflections
05:26 Historical Context and Modern Conservatism
12:12 Institutional Neutrality: Myth or Reality?
20:37 Personal Reflections on Conservatism
35:12 Exploring Individual and Collective Purpose
36:31 The Role of the State in Society
36:39 Edmund Burke and Constitutionalism
38:40 Institutional Changes and Public Neutrality
42:41 Cultural Inheritance vs. Will
50:29 Historical Perspectives on Market Forces
54:58 The New Right and Intellectual Conservatism
01:01:04 Challenges of Pluralism and Trust in Government
01:09:01 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Anthony says conservatives don't understand politics. He argues in Without Diminishment that "The state is the architect of culture, not a spectator."
Conservatives will keep losing until they realise that the must pick a side, when they form government. They cannot aim to simply manage the state. They need to shape it.
This is a hot debate in Canada right now. Anthony says there is no such thing as a neutral institution. All institutions pick sides. It's impossible to avoid.
Sean Speer takes the other side of the debate. We will post his episode on Thursday this week.
Anthony and Sean are two of Canada's leading political thinkers. You don't want to miss this!
AI summary:
In this episode of Concepts, Shawn Whatley hosts Anthony Koch, a consultant, entrepreneur, and managing principal of AK Strategies. They delve into the ongoing intellectual debate with Sean Speer on whether the government should remain neutral on cultural issues or actively support and protect a distinct Canadian culture. They explore how deeply embedded visions of culture influence our institutions, including government agencies, universities, NGOs, and not-for-profit organizations. The discussion covers case studies such as recent BC elections, where cultural issues like drug policy, sex education, and refugee acceptance played significant roles. Anthony argues against the myth of neutrality, emphasizing that state institutions have never been neutral and always impact culture. He discusses the importance of a cohesive cultural identity, the challenges of multiculturalism, and the need for conservatives to articulate and implement a clear vision for Canada's future. The episode provides a fascinating and comprehensive analysis of the intersection between culture and politics, offering insights into how conservatives can reclaim cultural ground.
00:00 Introduction: Government's Role in Culture
00:45 Meet the Guest: Anthony Koch
01:26 Debate Overview: Government Neutrality in Culture
02:10 Anthony's Perspective on Cultural Influence
04:31 Historical Context: State and Culture
06:17 The Role of Education in National Identity
11:34 Conservative Strategies and Critiques
13:04 The Impact of Political Leadership
14:33 The Trudeau Legacy and Canadian Identity
16:35 Conservative Vision for Canada's Future
21:31 Judicial Influence and Political Conservatism
32:55 Healthcare Reform and Structural Change
36:01 Introduction to Failing Policy Philosophy
36:13 Infrastructure Argument in Immigration
37:02 Welfare State and Demographic Assumptions
38:08 Economic Contributions of Immigrants
39:24 Cultural Integration Challenges
43:28 Historical Context of Immigration
46:26 Modern Immigration and Cultural Identity
52:25 Political and Cultural Shifts in Canada
01:04:05 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections