Follow the Lead Podcast

The Saga of Paul Chiang

How did a bounty issued by Hong Kong on a Canadian activist end the political career of a Liberal MP? In this episode of the Follow the Lead Podcast, Valerie McLaughlin discusses the saga of Paul Chang and the ongoing issue of foreign meddling in Canadian affairs.

Can the NDP Survive this Election?

Despite his past achievements, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is grappling with dwindling support and the potential demise of his party. Can Mr. Singh turn the tide and revive the party's fortunes before Election Day? Tune in to explore the changing political landscape in this episode of Follow the Lead Podcast with host Valerie McLaughlin. 

Venezuelan Deportees and the El Salvador Connection

In this episode of  Follow the Lead Podcast listeners are taken on a journey from Texas to a El Salvador where 238 men now languish in legal purgatory inside a gang prison. Join host Valerie McLaughlin as she explores the implications of the Trump Administration using the historical Alien Enemies Act, a ominous warning from Homeland Security, and the chilling video released by El Salvador, government. 

Are Canada-US Relations Over?

In this episode of Follow the Lead Podcast, host Valerie McLaughlin revisits the continuing trade war between Canada and the United States.  Mark Carney declared the relationship Canada has with its neighbour is over. With an ongoing Canadian federal election, what happens next? 
Join the conversation on this 14th episode. 

Is Gretzky Still the Great One?

In this episode of the Follow the Lead Podcast, host Valerie McLaughlin explores the now complicated relationship many Canadians now have with hockey great Wayne Gretzky. Once the darling of Canada, Wayne Gretzky now finds himself offside with Canadians for his friendship with Donald Trump. How long will the Great One stay in the penalty box?

Election Update: Interference Enters the chat

Welcome to the the first election update episode of the Follow the Lead Podcast.
In this episode, host Valerie McLaughlin attempts to wing it, taking the podcast training wheels off as she gives an update on  debates, candidates, the prospects of the NDP and foreign interference allegations.
So join us in the conversation as we take an look at the early days of the  Canadian federal election.

American Mishmash: Group Chat, Greenland and a Library Door

High ranking US officials discuss secretive war plans on a group chat and accidentally invite a journalist to the conversation. Second Lady Usha Vance wants to pursue friendship with Greenland, but may get the cold shoulder. Homeland Security wants to bar Canadians from walking up freely to the Haskell Free Library and Opera House. But will a new door open to Canadian library patrons? Join us in the 12th episode of Follow The Lead Podcast. 

Danielle Smith Enters the Election Discussion

In this episode of the Follow the Lead Podcast, host Valerie McLaughlin  discusses eyebrow raising comments made by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith during a recent interview with Breitbart News. Will her comments ultimately harm Pierre Poilievre? And how will her recent list of ultimatums be received by a future prime minister?
 
That's what's being discussed in this 11th episode of the podcast.

Game on. Election writ dropped

In this episode of Follow the Lead Podcast,  Valerie McLaughlin talks about the federal Candian election and some of the issues the two frontrunner may face on the election trail.
Liberal Leader Mark Carney is running in the riding next to Carleton, the riding that belongs to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Liberals yanked a long time MP out of the riding to make room for Mr. Carney. Will this impact his campaign?
 
Mr. Poilievre insists on running with a press pack in tow. Will this decision have unintended consequences? 
 

The Follow Up: Trade, Jets and Tesla

Join host Valerie McLaughlin for The Follow Up episode where she provides updates on stories we're talking about on Follow The Lead Podcast.
The trade war continues and now China is at play, levying heavy tariffs on canola. Can Canada resolve this issue before the fall harvest? Will Canada be swayed with the promise of jobs for jets? Will Tesla be able to weather the storm of boycotts and increased vandalism?
All of this will be discussed on this ninth episode.