Episodes

Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
In this episode of the Follow the Lead podcast, host Valerie McLaughlin discusses the dramatic events of the Canadian federal election night. The fiercely contested election saw political candidates clinching victory in various ridings by razor-thin margins, leading to a Liberal minority.
The podcast explores the unexpected seat losses by major party leaders, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. W
Join Valerie as she provides insights into the election results, the impact on Canada's political landscape, and the challenges facing the opposition parties moving forward.

Saturday Apr 26, 2025
Saturday Apr 26, 2025
With the federal election coming to an end on Monday, host Valerie McLaughlin discusses third party advertisers and the hurdles that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre faces not only on the campaign trail, but with his political peers.

Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
In this episode of Follow the Lead Podcast, host Valerie McLaughlin discusses the crucial final days before the Canadian federal election. With Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre hustling for votes in the election's final days, all eyes are on Ontario and Quebec. These two provinces often determine the outcome of federal elections.
Although the Liberals, under Carney's leadership, are projected to achieve a majority win. But projections are not certainties, and anything can happen in the final days of a Canadian election.

Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
In this episode of Follow Lead Podcast, host Valerie McLaughlin delves into the recent clash between established and independent media during the leaders' debate in Montreal. As access was granted to independent media, tensions came to a head, leading to heated confrontations that led debate organizers cancelling the leaders scrum.
Established media, which receives government funding, now faces competition from independent media. These are independent journalists who post their content on social media platforms, often operating on shoestring budgets. In this episode, the conversation focuses on the future of journalism and the shifting media landscape where consumers are turning to different sources other than newspapers and dinnertime newscasts.

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Join host Valerie McLaughlin in this crucial episode of the Follow the Lead Podcast as she discusses the importance of participating in the upcoming Canadian federal election. Discover essential voting information, including eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and how to find your designated polling station. Whether you're voting for the first time or need a refresher on the process, this episode provides information and encourages every Canadian citizen to make their voice heard at the polls. Tune in for all the facts you need to develop a solid voting plan and exercise your democratic rights!

Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Join host Valerie McLaughlin in this episode of Follow the Lead Podcast as she dives into the escalating trade war between the United States and China. This episode explores the succession of tariffs that have been rapidly imposed by both countries, triggering significant market reactions. It's been a wild week, so let's talk about it!

Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
In this episode of Follow the Lead Podcast, host Valerie McLaughlin dives into the third week of Canada's federal election campaign, a battle heavily influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. The election is now a two-way race between the Conservatives and Liberals.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whose election has been criticized by a well known Conservative strategist, now struggles with more external pressures, including Conservative politicians dancing with a possible unity crisis.

Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
In this episode of the Follow the Lead Podcast, host Valerie McLaughlin discusses the escalating tariff war between the United States and China and its potential impact on TikTok. China is retaliating against the US tariffs, including imposing steep levies on American goods and restricting critical rare earth mineral exports. But will a reported sale of TikTok be torpedoed by the Chinese government, forcing the mega popular app to go permanently for American users?

Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
The North American auto industry starts to see its first job losses. Two plants will close temporarily in Canada and Mexico and 900 jobs will be lost in America. Host Valerie McLaughlin talks about the emerging impacts from America's Liberation Day Has history already predicted what the world will likely face as the tariffs are implemented? Turn into this 20th episode of Follow the Lead Podcast
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Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
President Donald Trump unveiled significant tariffs that will global trade dynamics. But what does that mean for Canada? Host Valerie McLaughlin takes listeners through Mr. Trump's speech and widespread confusion triggered by a chart.
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