Concepts with Shawn Whatley

#67 Matt Spoke: Project Ontario, Real-Life Conservatism, and Building a Strong Conservative Future in Canada

Matt Spoke builds communities, develops housing, creates start-up companies, serves on boards of directors, plans grass-roots political conferences, and raises a family.
Matt embodies a conservative life. 
I first met Matt at the Project Ontario conference he organized (with help from others) in Toronto. He speaks well, listens closely, and can carry a conversation as though you've known him forever. I admired his polish and walked away assuming he must be a management-consultant type: impressive, but too careful to say anything sharp.
I was wrong.
Matt wrote a piece for Without Diminishment titled The First Institution. "Cultural renewal begins not in an election, not in a campaign, but in the ordinary work of raising kids and holding families together." Fantastic presentation of real-life conservatism.
We need more people like Matt; people who can bridge the gap between theory and practice. Ideas are essential, but we also need live them. 
Thanks again for checking this out. Let me know what you think!
 
AI Summary:
 
In this episode of 'Concepts' with Shawn Whatley, board member of the Canada Strong and Free Network, Matt Spoke discusses his impactful work with Project Ontario. They delve into the framing of political conversations, the importance of building businesses, and policies to create a strong, economically vibrant Canada. Matt shares how his experience as an entrepreneur and father translates to his views on conservatism and societal improvement. The conversation touches on the challenges of integrating immigrants, fostering community trust, and the critical role of education in shaping future citizens. Join us for an insightful discussion on the conservative vision for Canada's future.
00:00 Introduction: Setting the Stage for Political Conversations
00:25 Meet Matt Spoke: Developer, Organizer, and Community Insider
02:46 Project Ontario: Addressing Ontario's Drift
06:35 Challenges and Opportunities in Ontario's Policy Landscape
09:24 Conservatism in Office vs. Out of Office
14:02 The Role of Naivety and Innovation in Politics
18:16 Family and Conservatism: A Personal Perspective
28:19 Building Community in an Urbanized Society
32:18 The Role of Trust in Building Community
32:47 Cultural Cohesion in Diverse Urban Areas
33:30 Immigration and Shared Canadian Identity
33:58 The Decline of Community Watch and Social Trust
34:26 Extending an Olive Branch to Newcomers
36:38 Challenges of Integration and Multiculturalism
38:07 The Importance of Shared Culture and Vision
42:41 The Role of Leadership in Fostering Culture
43:54 Economic Policy and Cultural Impact
52:13 The Value of Family and Optimism for the Future
01:00:15 Education's Role in Shaping Society
01:02:18 Final Thoughts and Reflections

#66 Ben Woodfinden: The New Right and Red Toryism

Ben Woodfinden is a former director of communications for Pierre Poilievre. He has practical experience inside politics mixed with theoretical study and work as a consultant.
When Ben speaks, people listen.
Debate about first principles has finally returned to the Canadian non-left. A new, mostly younger group of conservative writers and speakers have challenged the status quo.
Young people, especially, find that Canada does not work well. Home ownership is a fairytale. Safe cities are nostalgia. And Canadian patriotism is embarrassing and unkind.
The new right refuses to accept these presuppositions. They want politicians who have a vested interest in celebrating Canada itself.
What does this mean for conservative politics? How will this debate turn out?
Ben Woodfinden makes sense of it all for us.
Links:
Still Lamenting? Canada, Grantian Conservatism in the Twenty-first Century, and the Paradoxes of Grant’s Conservatism
Reading Grant in the 21st Century
The new conservative fight isn't red vs. blue. It's young vs. old
The Enduring Appeal of Red Toryism
 
AI Summary:
The New Right and Red Toryism: A Deep Dive with Ben Woodfinden In this episode of Concepts, Shawn Whatley hosts Ben Woodfinden, a consultant, doctoral student, and political theorist, to discuss the dynamics of the new right in Canada. Ben, a prominent contributor to conservative circles, highlights the generational divide in conservatism, and explores whether the real issue is young versus old rather than red versus blue. The discussion delves into political philosophy, particularly focusing on Red Toryism, a distinct Canadian tradition combining status interventionism for conservative ends. Ben also touches on the philosophical underpinnings of conservatism, the importance of grounding politics in first principles, and the future of Canadian identity. This thought-provoking episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of Canadian conservatism.
00:00 Introduction: The New Right in Canada
00:27 Meet Ben Woodfinden: A Conservative Thought Leader
01:08 The New Conservative Fight: Young vs. Old
01:21 Diving into Red Toryism
01:55 Understanding the Conservative Movement
02:20 Ben Woodfinden's Insights on Conservatism
04:30 Generational Divides in Conservatism
08:55 Philosophical Foundations of Conservatism
09:46 The Role of Government and Human Nature
18:12 Classical Liberalism vs. Conservatism
27:03 Liberalism's Historical Context and Limits
30:18 Red Toryism and Human Nature
30:54 Exploring Different Perspectives on the State
31:49 Understanding Toryism and Red Toryism
32:46 The Evolution and Misinterpretation of Red Toryism
33:49 The Canadian Conservative Tradition
35:54 The Role of the State in Canadian Society
41:16 George Grant's Influence and Philosophy
43:00 Modern Reflections on Grant's Ideas
56:08 The Importance of Belief Systems in Modern Society
59:54 Concluding Thoughts on Canadian Identity

#65 Caroline Elliott: Is Canada's Identity at Risk? How can we save Canada?

Canada cannot continue unless we share a common sense of what we love.
In BC, young students learn from daily land acknowledgements that they can never really call Canada their own. It belongs to someone else.
Students in Vancouver sing two national anthems, Canada’s and another belonging to coastal indigenous people. This goes beyond education and cultural awareness. These students learn to venerate indigenous nations to which they can never belong.
New Canadians learn that Canada isn’t something to love and celebrate. It’s something shameful, something to repudiate.
How long can Canada survive this continuous indoctrination?
Dr. Caroline Elliott has spoken up with courage and grace. She presents as a thoughtful, concerned parent of young children, who also happens to be extremely well educated and researched in the fundamental principles of democracy.
When you listen to Dr. Elliott, you will hear the heartbeat behind the Without Diminishment team.
Thanks for checking this out!
 
AI summary:
Join Shawn Whatley and Dr. Caroline Elliott as they explore the complex and pressing issues facing Canada today, from land acknowledgements in schools to indigenous land claims and the challenging dynamics of Canadian liberal democracy. Dr. Elliott, a PhD and co-founder of Without Diminishment, provides her insights on the evolving landscape of Canadian identity, the impact of progressive ideologies in education, and the importance of upholding democratic principles. This episode offers a thought-provoking conversation about the potential future of Canada, the integration of new Canadians, and what it means to be cohesive as a nation. Tune in for an engaging discussion that navigates the difficult terrain of heritage, legitimacy, and the principles that could hold Canada together.
00:00 Introduction: The Future of Canada
00:10 Land Acknowledgements in Schools
01:22 Interview with Dr. Caroline Elliott
01:49 Provocative Pieces in the National Post
03:23 Discussion on Democratic Principles
05:29 The Role of Without Diminishment
08:26 Cultural Identity and Western Values
22:31 Constitutional Challenges and Indigenous Governance
29:49 Reconciling Democratic Principles with Ancestry-Based Membership
30:04 Debate on Charter Application to Indigenous Governments
31:10 Indigenous Perspectives on Development and Community Impact
34:02 Complexities of Indigenous Governance and Public Interest
37:29 Political Interests and Indigenous Issues
40:45 Changing World and New Normals
45:25 Education and Cultural Integration Challenges
54:15 Concluding Thoughts on Canadian Identity and Inspiration

#64 Ray Pennings: Religion in the Public Square. Study of Canada-US religiosity

Want to be active in the public square? Join the symphony. Get involved in what you love. Be public about your pursuit of the true, the good, and the beautiful.
Ray Pennings has spent his life building a winsome and articulate defence of religion in the pubic square. It is not weird to admit we have religious beliefs (including non belief); it's weird to pretend we do not have them.
Canada and USA differ with respect to our approach to religion in the public square. We discuss the latest research from Cardus: a very large survey of over 10,000 people (5,001 in each country) on religiosity. It goes far beyond anything Stats Canada offers.
Boomers continue to keep religion out of the public square and polite conversation. Gen Z increasingly does the opposite. Canada and USA are in the midst of a generational change in social thought and politics.
Links:
Cardus 
How Canada-US religious differences affect politics 
AI Summary:
Join host Shawn Whatley as he sits down with Ray Pennings, co-founder and executive VP of the Think Tank Cardus, to discuss the role of religion in the public square. They delve into the findings of a recent study comparing Canadian and American religiosity, explore the perceived hostility towards religious commitment in Canada, and discuss the broader implications for society. Tune in for an articulate and nuanced discussion on civic engagement, the intersection of faith and politics, and the importance of maintaining hope and authenticity in public life.
00:00 Introduction: Religion in the Public Square
00:36 Meet Ray Pennings: Co-Founder of Cardus
00:54 Study Insights: Comparing American and Canadian Religiosity
01:20 Separation of Church and State: A Deep Dive
02:20 Charitable Giving and Volunteer Work
02:42 Press Release Highlights: Provocative Findings
03:14 Survey Methodology and Key Findings
08:07 Historical Context: Religion and Politics in North America
15:46 Religious Demographics and Trends
25:36 Political Implications of Religious Demographics
31:46 Political Party Dynamics in Canada
32:18 Faith in Public Life: A Complex Landscape
33:20 Historical Influence of Religion in Canadian Politics
34:09 The NDP and Social Gospel Movement
35:14 Tommy Douglas and Fiscal Conservatism
36:15 Christianity and Political Spectrum in Canada
37:40 Separation of Church and State: Risks and Realities
40:43 Principled Pluralism and Religious Freedom
42:05 Institutional Roles and Public Life
45:24 Core Beliefs and Public Engagement
48:36 Survey Insights and Public Perception
01:02:39 Final Thoughts and Summary

#63 Ron Dart: Is Toryism Dead in Canada? The Red Tory Element in Canadian Conservatism

Toryism has faded in Canada, but it still gets blamed for backsliding and bad behaviour in Conservative Party politics.
(Full disclosure: I have never seen myself as a Tory, neither High, Low, Red, Blue, or traditional.)
Political labels, especially old ones, mean nothing without definition. Even with working definitions, labels often bleed into each other at the edges, especially upon application to policy and law.
Since Toryism continues to get blamed for influencing how Canadian Conservatives think, trying to uncover and define Toryism seems a worthy exercise.
Ron Dart challenged me. He has a deep understanding of classics, which I admire. I will have to visit with him again to understand his deference to the state, as I see it.
Professor Dart is a delightful man: erudite, kind, thoughtful, and magnanimous. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!
 
AI Summary
In this episode of Concepts, host Shawn Whatley engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Professor Ron Dart, an expert on Toryism and the author of over 40 books, including 'The North American High Tory Tradition.' Together, they explore the nuances of Toryism and Red Toryism in Canada and the common misconceptions surrounding them. The conversation also delves into broader themes such as the role of the state, individualism, and the importance of historical memory and contemplation in contemporary society. Professor Dart provides insightful commentary on figures like George Grant, Stephen Leacock, Edmund Burke, and more, challenging prevalent assumptions and offering a deep analysis of political and philosophical traditions.
00:00 Introduction: Is Toryism Dead in Canada?
00:18 Exploring Toryism and Red Toryism
00:39 Meet Professor Ron Dart
00:51 The North American High Tory Tradition
01:36 Challenging Perceptions of State and Society
02:35 The Role of Innovation in History
05:00 Defining Toryism
08:32 The Fragmentation of Toryism
10:36 Red Toryism and Its Historical Context
16:45 Healthcare and the Role of the State
26:12 Toryism and Anglicanism
39:43 The Reformation and Individualism
48:23 Exploring Human Nature and Identity Politics
48:51 The Culture War and Liberalism's Tensions
51:51 Aristotle's Wisdom and the Role of Friendship
55:09 Hegel, Charles Taylor, and Liberalism
56:42 Critiquing Modern Liberalism and Conservatism
01:08:47 The Importance of Memory and Contemplation

#62 Sam Routley: Unpacking Canadian Conservative voters. Fusionism, culture and economics

Conservative voters around the world are leaning into culture and away from economic issues. Sam Routley's research found that Canadian conservatives cling to the 1980's fusionism of traditional social policies and libertarian economics.
Can the 1980's fusionism hold?
Will economic determinism help Conservatives to win elections today?
Links to articles
Decoding Canada's Conservative Coalition
Sam's Substack: The Country of Our Defeat
John Gray: Why I Am Not a Post-liberal
 
AI Summary
In this episode of Concepts with Shawn Whatley, Shawn dives into the evolving nature of Canadian conservatism. Joined by Sam Routley, a PhD student from the University of Western Ontario, the discussion begins with a basic inquiry: Are Canadian conservative ideas stuck in the past, or is there a renaissance in understanding what conservatism means today? They delve into Routley's research on the 'Decoding Canada's Conservative Coalition' piece, exploring the historical adherence to fusionism between free-market libertarianism and social traditionalism in Canada versus changes observed in other countries. Shawn further probes into whether economic policies alone can address contemporary societal issues or if a broader conversation about cultural and social values is necessary. Throughout the episode, they explore the nuances of economic determinism, the role of culture in conservative politics, and the future direction of conservatism in Canada. Don't miss their thoughtful and engaging exploration of these pressing topics in modern conservatism.
00:00 Introduction: Canadian Conservative Voters
00:47 Welcome to Concepts with Shawn Whatley
01:02 Interview with Sam Routley: Decoding Canada's Conservative Coalition
01:37 Fusionism in Canadian Conservatism
02:03 Canada's Conservative Coalition: Research Findings
02:58 Discussion on Economic Determinism and Cultural Issues
03:42 Sam Routley's Article and Substack
07:54 Fusionism Explained: US vs. Canada
25:37 Economic and Cultural Forces in Politics
33:33 The Role of Culture in Leadership and Innovation
35:32 The Cultural Focus of Conservatism
36:11 Economic vs Cultural Perspectives
37:11 The Role of the State in Culture
38:37 Contemporary Cultural Issues
42:06 Intellectual Conservatism and Canada's Future
47:31 The Importance of Foundational Values
54:18 The Debate on Liberalism and Conservatism
01:03:33 Concluding Thoughts on Cultural and Political Change

#61 Alexander Brown: Young Voters, Culture, and Politics in Canada

Young conservatives aren't falling in line.
Alex says, "We don't care. I'm not incentivized to look the other way. I don't need an invite to a table of six at Terroni in the back room to talk about continuing the status quo."
In a world when young voters can't afford a house in Canada, you'd think they'd obsess about economics. They don't. They care as much about culture as being able to afford a home.
Alexander Brown works at the front of this young conservative uprising.
Enjoy!
Links:
Without Diminishment
National Citizens' Coalition
Against Andrew Coyne-ism
JunoNews
AI Summary 
In this episode, host Shawn Whatley is joined by Alexander Brown, a prolific writer, journalist, managing editor, and co-founder of Without Diminishment. Alexander also serves as the director of the National Citizens Coalition and hosts a show on Juno News. The conversation delves deep into the frustrations of young voters in Canada, particularly focusing on cultural and economic challenges. They discuss the conservative party's hesitancy to engage in cultural debates and the significance of platforms like Without Diminishment that aim to bridge this gap. Highlighting the growing discontent among young Canadians over issues like home ownership and social cohesion, Alexander and Shawn explore the potential for a rejuvenated conservative movement that does not shy away from cultural conversations. The episode also touches upon the platform's innovative and sometimes controversial content, the importance of addressing young people's concerns, and the broader implications of ignoring cultural issues in Canada's political discourse.
00:00 Introduction: Frustrations of Young Canadian Voters
00:07 The Struggles of the Middle Class
00:26 The Importance of Common Sense and Normalcy
01:34 Introduction to the Guest: Alexander Brown
02:08 Cultural Discussions in Conservative Politics
03:23 The Role of Without Diminishment
04:01 Challenges and Criticisms
05:27 The Need for Cultural Conversations
13:44 The Role of Economics in Politics
26:15 Project Ontario and Conservative Thought
28:31 Net Migration and Healthcare Challenges
28:57 Conservative Campaign Reflections
30:09 Economic Policies and Critiques
32:03 Leadership and Conservative Values
39:17 Mike Harris's Legacy
42:44 National Citizens Coalition
53:10 Challenges for Young People
56:47 Final Thoughts and Reflections

#60 Alexander Rosenthal-Pubul: Conservative Humanism - Reconciling Tradition and Modernity

Is secular humanism a distortion of an older conservative humanism? And why are conservatives so obsessed with international trade?
The French Enlightenment philosopher Montesquieu argued that international trade promotes peace. He called it doux commerce, gentle commerce. 
In what sense is this a conservative idea?
Fascinating and somewhat subversive discussion with Alexander Rosenthal-Pubul! 
AI Summary:
In this episode of Concepts, host Shawn Whatley interviews Dr. Alexander Rosenthal-Pubul about his co-authored book 'The Wisdom of Our Ancestors: Conservative Humanism and the Western Tradition.' They discuss the evolution and definition of conservatism, its distinction from classical liberalism, and its intersection with nationalism and universalism. Dr. Rosenthal-Pubul offers insights on ancient versus modern liberty, the cultural impact of the Enlightenment, and the importance of maintaining humanism in education and society. This thought-provoking discussion delves into pressing issues in the conservative intellectual movement and the challenges of upholding a coherent conservative philosophy in contemporary times.
00:00 Introduction to Conservatism and Classical Liberalism
00:07 Enlightenment Ideas and Commerce
01:16 Introduction of Dr. Alexander Rosenthal-Pubul
01:38 Discussion on 'The Wisdom of Our Ancestors'
02:07 Nationalism vs. Universalism
02:21 Commerce and Conservatism
07:40 Classical Liberalism and Conservatism
09:49 Defining Conservatism
12:32 Education and Tradition
16:26 Universalism vs. Particularism
21:46 Nationalism and Post-Liberalism
28:43 Liberty and Coercion
32:17 Harmonizing Virtue and Liberty
33:28 The Paradox of Freedom and Rationality
34:29 The Enlightenment's Optimism and Its Limits
35:16 The Role of Culture in Human Behaviour
36:06 Balancing Enlightenment and Conservatism
40:11 The Evolution of Humanism
42:00 Classical, Christian, and Modern Humanism
46:01 The Instrumental View of Knowledge
50:42 Conservatism's Cultural Crisis
53:48 Final Thoughts on Conservatism and the West

#59 Tim Sargent: Can Economics Save Canada? Does Economics Serve Politics or Should Economics Rule?

What guides politics? What matters most in political decision making?
Since the 1980s, conservatives have looked to economics for guidance: economic growth, tax cuts, and decreased government spending capture the heart of political thought in North American Conservative political parties.
This sparks two questions. 1) How well did this approach perform? and 2) Will this approach address current social concerns, such as infertility, mass immigration, ethnic unrest, drug supply, public safety, or 'medical assistance in dying'/euthanasia?
Economics is a powerful tool. But it remains silent on the most salient issues today. Dr. Tim Sargent PhD economics explains why.
AI Summary:
Join Shawn Whatley as he sits down with Tim Sargent, a PhD economist with 28 years of experience in the Canadian federal public service. Together, they explore what it means to be a Canadian and discuss whether economics alone can address today's pressing issues such as fertility rates, immigration, defense, security, and more. Tim shares his unique insights on the interplay between classical liberalism and conservatism and underscores the importance of loyalty, duty, and communal values. Don't miss this deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing Canada today.
00:00 Introduction: Can Economics Save Canada?
01:12 Guest Introduction: Meet Tim Sargent
03:57 Defining Canadian Identity
05:43 The Role of Geography and History
10:11 Regional Differences in Canada
17:46 Economics as a Servant, Not a Master
21:38 The Limits of Economics
27:55 The Need for Broader Solutions
31:26 Shifting Immigration Debates in Canada
32:19 Economic and Social Strains of Immigration
32:39 Conservative and Left-Wing Perspectives on Immigration
34:29 Reevaluating Feminism and Women's Happiness
35:36 The Role of Economics in Policy Making
36:48 Conservatism vs. Classical Liberalism
37:24 The Appeal of Classical Liberalism
39:29 Conservatism's Empirical Approach
41:07 Challenges for Modern Conservatism
50:37 Economic Policies and Conservatism
01:01:47 The Fertility Crisis and Cultural Issues

#58 Ross Upshur: AI in Medicine, Limits of Evidence Based Medicine, & What Does It Mean to be Human?

This episode is (ostensibly) about medicine, not politics.
What does human-centred care mean in a world of AI? Are doctors becoming obsolete, when it comes to decision making? When should we hand over our clinical judgement to AI?
I asked Ross Upshur for his thoughts on logical positivism. Are most doctors positivists?  
"Despite it being... as a philosophical and epistemological doctrine... been rather thoroughly discarded... a long time ago. It's the self understanding of our profession," Ross said.
Of course, ideas about what counts as knowledge are inseparable from our political assumptions. So although we do not mention politics in this episode, these ideas are core to how we approach medical 'systems', 'planning', and politics in general.
Articles:
"Three problems with big data and AI in medicine" (Chin-Yee & Upshur, 2019)
"Looking for rules in a world of exceptions: reflections on evidence-based practice" (Upshur, 2005)
Book:
How Doctors Think: Clinical Judgment and the Practice of Medicine by Kathryn Montgomery (2012) 
 
AI summary:
In this episode of Concepts with Shawn Whatley, we are joined by Dr. Ross Upshur, head of the Division of Clinical Public Health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. With over 30 years of experience in the intersection of theory and practice in medicine, Dr. Upshur provides a comprehensive discussion on the role of AI in medicine, the limitations of evidence-based practices, and the critical importance of human judgment and patient history. We explore the impacts of AI and big data on clinical care, the pitfalls of technological dependence, and the ethical ramifications of potential AI-driven healthcare. This thought-provoking conversation dives deep into the philosophical and practical aspects of modern medical practices, providing listeners with valuable insights into the future of healthcare and what it means to retain human-centered care in an increasingly automated world.
00:00 Introduction: Can AI Replace Doctors?
00:02 The Limits of Evidence in Clinical Practice
00:41 AI and Evidence-Based Medicine
01:03 Wearables and Real-Time Data: A Misguided Direction?
01:35 The Public's Frustration and Acceptance of AI
01:44 Human-Centered AI vs. Bot Care
02:19 Welcome and Guest Introduction
02:56 The Evolution of Evidence-Based Medicine
03:53 The Gap Between Theory and Practice
05:26 Patient Stories: The Heart of Clinical Medicine
10:21 AI's Role in Future Healthcare
11:00 The Challenges of Big Data and AI
14:18 Epistemological Concerns with AI
18:38 The Human Experience vs. Quantifiable Data
25:42 Clinical Tools and Judgment
32:38 The Role of Clinical Judgment in Patient Care
33:48 Challenges with Evidence-Based Medicine
34:10 Interprofessional Model of Care
35:29 The Inferential Gap in Medical Practice
38:08 Philosophical Perspectives on Medical Practice
40:02 The Future of Clinical Judgment in the Age of AI
43:27 The Importance of Practical Wisdom in Medicine
48:09 Concerns About AI and Automation in Medicine
53:31 Final Thoughts and Reflections