Best Julia Pennella Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 33: Debunking Interprovincial Trade with Jim Stanford 26:35

3d ago26:35

26:35

Send us a text Canada at a Crossroads: Jim Stanford on Tariffs, Recession Risk, and Rethinking Economics What happens when a leading economist breaks down the storm clouds gathering over Canada’s economy? Jim Stanford, Director of the Centre for Future Work, delivers a compelling analysis of how looming U.S. tariffs could trigger a recession on par…

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Ep 32: Beyond the Water - Reimagining a Waterfront City 22:12

5d ago22:12

22:12

Send us a text The transformation of Toronto's waterfront represents a microcosm of urban challenges and opportunities facing major cities across North America. Tim Kocur, Executive Director of the Waterfront BIA, takes us deep into how this iconic area is evolving while tackling some of the most pressing urban issues of our time. Toronto stands …

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Ep 14: Values Over Vanity - Rewriting the Nonprofit Playbook with Maria Rio 48:49

5d ago48:49

48:49

Welcome back to #FEMPIRE. Today’s guest is a powerhouse in the nonprofit world—shaking things up with bold ideas, lived experience, and a strategic vision for change. Maria Rio is the founder of Further Together, a fundraising consulting firm she launched in 2023. But her story doesn’t start there. Maria came to Canada as a refugee, and her early e…

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Ep 31: Unlocking Toronto’s Waterfront Potential with the Waterfront BIA 23:51

6d ago23:51

23:51

Send us a text Toronto's shoreline holds untapped potential that could transform the city's global standing. Tim Kocur, Executive Director of the Waterfront BIA, reveals that what we see today represents only half of what's possible for the 10-kilometer stretch connecting Exhibition Place through the central harbor to the developing Port Lands. Bus…

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Ep 30: Money Talks - Why Canada’s Economy Needs Women Now 24:24

6d ago24:24

24:24

Send us a text Money talks, and what it's saying about gender equality in Canada isn't pretty. We've left $180 billion of GDP growth on the table by failing to ensure women's full participation in our economy. That's not just a moral failing—it's economic malpractice. Joining us once again to break it all down is Marwa Abdou, Senior Research Direct…

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Ep 29: Billion-Dollar Blind Spot - The Cost of Excluding Women 26:18

8d ago26:18

26:18

Send us a text What’s the real economic cost of excluding women from the workforce, business opportunities, and leadership roles in Canada? The answer might shock you – nearly $180 billion in lost GDP according to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. This eye-opening figure represents more than just a moral failure; it's a massive missed business oppo…

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Ep 28: Are We Living in a Two-Party Canada? 30:23

13d ago30:23

30:23

Send us a text Polling has quietly revolutionized Canadian politics, transforming from occasional front-page news to a constant stream of data that shapes both voter behavior and party strategy. Political analyst Éric Grenier joins us to unpack this evolution and what it means for democracy in the digital age. "The fact that polling numbers come ou…

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Ep 27: Underfunded and Overwhelmed - The Crisis in Ontario's Public Services 22:26

18d ago22:26

22:26

Send us a text The chronic underfunding of Ontario's public services has reached a critical tipping point, and the latest provincial budget has only deepened concerns among experts and citizens alike. This eye-opening conversation with Kelly Baker, founder of Informed Advocacy, pulls back the curtain on what's really happening with healthcare and e…

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Ep 26: Parliament’s Back, But Where’s the Budget? 27:24

18d ago27:24

27:24

Send us a text The political winds have shifted dramatically in Canada following a transformative federal election that has ushered Mark Carney into the Prime Minister's Office. This episode dives deep into the new government's first moves with expert analysis from Kelly Baker, founder of Informed Advocacy and one of Canada's top lobbyists. Carney'…

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Ep 25: Minority Rule - Carney’s Balancing Act Begins 39:56

19d ago39:56

39:56

Send us a text The political ground beneath Canada has shifted dramatically. In the wake of a historic federal election that saw both major parties crack 40% of the vote, Prime Minister Mark Carney now leads a Liberal minority government facing extraordinary challenges on multiple fronts. Stepping into the House of Commons with a freshly appointed …

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Ep 24: The King’s Speech and Carney’s Gamble 25:55

19d ago25:55

25:55

Send us a text The political landscape has shifted dramatically following Canada's historic election, and we're here to make sense of it all. Political analyst Éric Grenier joins us to decode the fascinating demographic shifts that defined this election – older voters surprisingly breaking for the Liberals while younger Canadians moved toward the C…

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Ep 23: Western Alienation - Is Alberta's Separation Threat Real? 23:43

21d ago23:43

23:43

Send us a text Western alienation and Alberta separatism take center stage as Dan Arnold, Chief Strategy Officer at Pollara Strategic Insights breaks down the complex dynamics fueling separatist sentiment in Canada's oil-rich province. Political influencers like Preston Manning have significantly amplified separatist messaging, claiming "a vote for…

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Ep 13: Power, Silence, and Justice - The Real Cost of Workplace NDAs 26:41

21d ago26:41

26:41

Quick heads up: This episode contains discussions of workplace harassment, bullying, and sexual harassment, including personal accounts. Listener discretion is advised. Please take care while listening. Have you ever wondered why workplace harassment persists despite all the policies, training, and public commitments to change? The answer lies in p…

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Ep 22: Polling the Shift - Carney’s First Days as PM (Part 1) 30:19

23d ago30:19

30:19

Send us a text Prime Minister Mark Carney's early days as Prime Minister have been defined by bold moves and high-stakes diplomacy. Joining us today to unpack the fast moving political scene, is Dan Arnold, Chief Strategy Officer at Pollara Strategic Insights. The Prime Minister's first face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump provided a defining mom…

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Ep 12: Speaking Truth to Power - What Happens When You Refuse to Sign an NDA? 34:20

1M ago34:20

34:20

Quick heads up: This episode contains discussions of workplace harassment, bullying, and sexual harassment, including personal accounts. Listener discretion is advised. Please take care while listening. What does it really mean to speak truth to power—and what do you risk when you do? For Liz LeClair, founder of Uprising Consulting, the cost was be…

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Ep 11: Black Voices, Brave Spaces - Surviving in a Sector That Claims to Do Good 24:51

1M ago24:51

24:51

The nonprofit world has a problem. Behind the mission statements about doing good lurks a troubling reality for many Black professionals—a world where they're expected to leave their authentic selves at the door just to survive. Nneka Allen, founder of the Empathy Agency Inc. and co-author and editor of Collecting Courage, joins us for a conversati…

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Ep 21: Can Canada Build Its Way Out of its Housing Crisis? 25:48

1M ago25:48

25:48

Send us a text The ice-cold reality of Canada's housing market takes center stage in our latest deep dive with Chief Economist at British Columbia Real Estate Association, Brendon Ogmundson. Housing sales have plummeted nearly 10% compared to last year as buyers retreat in the face of tariff uncertainty and stubbornly high interest rates. This mark…

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Ep 10: Empathy as Revolution - Confronting Racism Across Borders 30:34

1M ago30:34

30:34

Nneka Allen opens our conversation with a profound declaration: she's a "reluctant entrepreneur" whose path to founding the Empathy Agency Inc emerged from confronting the very real inequities Black people face within the charitable sector. As a proud descendant of African survivors of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, her perspective comes from perso…

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Ep 20: The Economic Twilight Zone - How Uncertainty Is Reshaping Canada's Financial Landscape 26:20

1M ago26:20

26:20

Send us a text Economic uncertainty hangs like a fog over Canada’s future — and in this episode, Brendon Ogmundson, Chief Economist at the British Columbia Real Estate Association, helps us cut through it. He breaks down the complex forces reshaping our financial landscape, from housing markets to global trade tensions. But beyond the usual indicat…

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Ep 9: People Behind the Policy - Conversations on Politics, Community, and Parenthood 35:45

1M ago35:45

35:45

Ellen Kushnick pulls back the curtain on Canadian politics with rare candor, sharing insights from her years as a strategic powerhouse on Parliament Hill. From the adrenaline rush of managing swing riding campaigns to the delicate art of crafting policy that truly serves communities, her stories reveal how meaningful political change actually happe…

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Ep 19: From the Rock to the 905 - Political Shifts Across Canada’s Electoral Battlegrounds 26:33

1M ago26:33

26:33

Send us a text The political landscape of Canada underwent a seismic shift in the 2025 federal election, with dramatic changes from Newfoundland and Labrador to Southwestern Ontario. From historic nail-biters to unexpected flips, this episode takes you behind the curtain of a transformative campaign. Pierce Collier, a seasoned Liberal strategist wi…

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Ep 18: Finance Daddy vs. The Backbencher - Canada's Political Plot Twist 31:11

1M ago31:11

31:11

Send us a text The 2025 Canadian federal election will be remembered as one of the most remarkable political comebacks in the country’s history. Against overwhelming odds, Mark Carney led the Liberal Party from a staggering 24-point deficit to a minority government victory — just shy of a majority — while also securing the popular vote. A sweet tri…

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Ep 17: Voices in the Classroom - Inside Ontario's Education System 40:39

2M ago40:39

40:39

Send us a text The politics of education run deeper than most of us realize. When Vito Totino, a councillor on the York Catholic Teachers Executive, joined me to discuss Ontario's education landscape, he revealed startling realities about what's happening in our classrooms. Since 2018, Ontario's education system has been systematically underfunded …

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Ep 16: Election Pulse - Unpacking Canada's Divided Vote 19:37

2M ago19:37

19:37

Send us a text The political landscape is shifting rapidly as Canada's federal election reaches its climax. In this timely conversation, Neil McKenna brings his sharp strategic insights to unpack the forces shaping voter decisions in one of the most unpredictable races in recent memory. McKenna cuts through the noise surrounding recent campaign con…

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Ep 15: The Atlantic Lens - Federal Election Through New Brunswick's Eyes 23:32

2M ago23:32

23:32

Send us a text Neil McKenna brings nearly a decade of experience from Parliament Hill, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Senate to deliver a refreshing Atlantic Canadian perspective on Canada's federal election landscape. As Senior Associate at Porter O'Brien, one of New Brunswick's top public affairs firms, McKenna offers unique insights that m…

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Ep 14: Rooted in Resistance: Power, Politics & Community with Nneka Allen 44:30

2M ago44:30

44:30

Send us a text What does it mean when your very existence becomes political? When a simple lawn sign signals far more than party preference? When motherhood itself becomes a political act? Nneka Allen, founder of the Empathy Agency Inc., guides us through these profound questions in an unforgettable conversation that transcends typical political di…

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Ep 13: Talk Is Cheap. Growth Isn’t: Canada’s Economic Crossroads 23:07

2M ago23:07

23:07

Send us a text The political landscape in Canada has never been more volatile, with leadership changeovers, looming elections, and economic uncertainty creating a perfect storm for businesses and citizens alike. How can organizations navigate this chaos while preparing for an uncertain future? What does the rise of economic nationalism mean for Can…

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Ep 12: Politics & Pucks - How Trump Changed the Game 32:09

2M ago32:09

32:09

Send us a text The political landscape in Canada stands at a critical juncture as the 2025 federal election looms just one week away. In this riveting conversation with Conal Slobodin, Vice President at Crestview Strategy, we unpack the seismic shifts reshaping voter demographics and campaign strategies across the country. A fascinating phenomenon …

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Ep 11: Riding the Orange Wave: Jack Layton’s Legacy and the NDP’s Moment 26:38

2M ago26:38

26:38

Send us a text George Soule takes us behind the curtain of NDP strategy, revealing the fascinating disconnect between federal idealism and provincial pragmatism that shapes progressive politics across Canada. With rare candor, this veteran political strategist unpacks why the NDP appears more centrist and economically-focused in prairie provinces w…

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Ep 10: How Do You Hurt A New Democrat? Call Them A Liberal 33:03

2M ago33:03

33:03

Send us a text My guest today is George Soule, NDP strategist and Principal at OnStep Strategies. George joins me to unpack what the polls are really telling us, why the Liberal Party’s shift to the centre-right matters, and why working-class voters may be drifting toward the Conservatives. And of course, we dive into where the NDP fits in, from bi…

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Ep 8: What It Means to Be a Disruptor of Change - Navigating the Nonprofit Sector (Part 2) 27:44

2M ago27:44

27:44

What happens when your career no longer feels safe or aligned? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with a nonprofit leader-turned-consultant, Esther Saehyun Lee, founder of Elevate Philanthropy Consulting who shares what led her to walk away from the traditional 9-to-5 and start her own business rooted in justice, equity, au…

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Ep 7: The Risk of Telling the Truth - When Activism Meets the Nonprofit Industrial Complex (Part 1) 23:02

2M ago23:02

23:02

In this thought-provoking episode of #FEMPIRE, we dive deep into the current political climate, examining the rapid shifts happening in both Canada and the U.S. and how they're affecting the nonprofit and fundraising sectors. Our guest, Esther Saehyun Lee, shares her candid perspective that, for her, fundraising isn’t just about money—it needs to b…

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Ep 6: The GR Playbook - Navigating Public Affairs & Communications 47:44

2M ago47:44

47:44

This week on #FEMPIRE, I’m joined by Rita Rahmati, an absolute force in government relations and communications. From early days writing for the Western Gazette to leading national advocacy for Canada's building trades unions, she's been at the heart of policy and influence across multiple sectors. Now, as the Director of Communications and Public …

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Ep 9: From Gen Z to GDP - Shaping Canada’s Labour Force and Economic Future 39:42

2M ago39:42

39:42

Send us a text What do U.S. tariffs, youth unemployment, and your grocery bill have in common? This week—everything. I’m joined by Brendon Bernard, Senior Economist at Indeed, to unpack two major flashpoints shaking Canada’s economy: new U.S. tariffs with big implications for Canadian jobs, and a troubling rise in youth unemployment that could shap…

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Ep 8: When Demand Soars & Supply Fails - Housing, Immigration & Canada’s Policy Gaps (Part 3/3) 24:14

3M ago24:14

24:14

Send us a text Ever wonder what really happened during the 2008 financial crisis, and how Canada managed to weather the storm? Or why our housing market is so…well, interesting? In this episode of Let's Talk Politics, we sit down with the brilliant Don Drummond, a leading Canadian economist, to unpack some seriously complex issues with a dose of re…

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Ep 7: Make Canada Competitive Again - Fixing Productivity, Taxes & Business Growth (Part 2/3) 24:47

3M ago24:47

24:47

Send us a text Join me for a deep dive into Canada’s productivity problem with the brilliant Canadian economist Don Drummond. We explore why Canada’s small businesses struggle to scale, the policies that could help them grow into global industry leaders, and the critical need to reduce our dependence on American imports. We also unpack the key entr…

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Ep 6: Tariffs Expose Canada’s Economic Weakness—Now What? (Part 1/3) 17:09

3M ago17:09

17:09

Send us a text Canada’s economy is at a crossroads. U.S. tariffs have exposed deeper weaknesses—lagging productivity, sluggish investment, and over-reliance on the U.S. market. But could this be the wake-up call Canada needs? In this special episode of Let’s Talk Politics, we sit down with Don Drummond, one of Canada’s top economic minds, to unpack…

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Ep 5: The Quebec Perspective: Policy, Politics, and Voter Sentiment (Part 2) 26:16

4M ago26:16

26:16

Send us a text In this episode on Let’s Talk Politics, we welcome David Boudeweel-Lefebvre, a recognized expert in government and public affairs with 20 years of experience in politics, lobbying, and coalition building. As the founder of Boudeweel Public Affairs, David has built a business that bridges the gap between Québec and English Canada, hel…

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Ep 4: The Quebec Perspective - Policy, Politics, and U.S. Tariffs (Part 1) 22:14

4M ago22:14

22:14

Send us a text In this episode on Let’s Talk Politics, we welcome David Boudeweel-Lefebvre, a recognized expert in government and public affairs with 20 years of experience in politics, lobbying, and coalition building. As the founder of Boudeweel Public Affairs, David has built a business that bridges the gap between Québec and English Canada, hel…

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Ep 5: Driving Meaningful Change in Corporate Purpose & Sustainability through Indigenous Reconciliation 36:29

4M ago36:29

36:29

In this episode, Alexandra Biron takes us through her journey from a family rooted in community and volunteerism to a career in Corporate Purpose & Sustainability. She shares how the field has evolved to encompass Indigenous reconciliation, and environmental sustainability, highlighting the competitive advantage and talent attraction benefits of pu…

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Ep 3: The Fall of Trudeau’s Liberals (Part 2) 23:12

4M ago23:12

23:12

Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the dynamic political tactics of Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. We also explore the challenges facing Canadian democracy, as political discourse becomes increasingly polarizing, and how these tactics may impact public perception of democratic institutions. What’s next for C…

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Ep 2: The Fall of Trudeau’s Liberals (Part 1) 24:05

5M ago24:05

24:05

Send us a text In this two-part episode, we break down the whirlwind events that have shaken the country: Chrystia Freeland’s resignation as finance minister, Trump’s tariff threats and bold claim to make Canada the 51st state, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation, and how Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives are seizing the moment amid the poli…

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Ep 1: Is the U.S. Subsidizing Canada—or Just Trump Talk? 16:15

5M ago16:15

16:15

Send us a text This week, we're diving into Trump's claim that the U.S. is somehow subsidizing Canada. With new tariffs escalating tensions between these two longtime allies, we break down the real story behind trade deficits, why Canada isn't getting a "free ride," and how interconnected our economies truly are. From lumber and oil to Netflix and …

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Ep 4: Revolutionizing Nonprofits' Partnerships with Government 52:18

5M ago52:18

52:18

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Clarke, a seasoned government funding expert with over 20 years of experience transforming the relationship between charities, nonprofits, and government. From her early days as a federal civil servant to raising over $100 million in government grants for renowned organizations like Right To Play, Pathways to…

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Welcome to Let's Talk Politics! 1:01

5M ago1:01

1:01

Send us a text Welcome to Let’s Talk Politics, your front-row seat to the political and economic stories driving today’s world. We bring together a diverse lineup of guests to dive deep into the most pressing issues of the day, untangling the complex web of events impacting Canada and the world. From Machiavellian tactics to the unpredictability of…

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Ep 3: Moms At Work - Redefining Workplace Equality 53:42

5M ago53:42

53:42

In this episode of #FEMPIRE, we’re joined by Allison Venditti, founder of Moms at Work, a game-changing community on a mission to reshape workplace equality for mothers. Allison shares the inspiring story of how she grew Moms at Work from a small Facebook group of 400 followers to a powerhouse community of over 30,000 advocates pushing for real pol…

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Ep 2: Unlocking Financial Freedom 46:16

11M ago46:16

46:16

In this episode, Julia and Emelia dive into the essential topics of financial literacy, real estate, and investing, offering listeners a window into long-term wealth-building. Uncover the effects of inflation on your finances, the advantages of home ownership, and the importance of understanding your risk tolerance when investing. With a spotlight …

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Ep 1: Politics, Policy, and Balancing Democracy 37:55

1y ago37:55

37:55

Welcome to #FEMPIRE the podcast that dives into the fascinating lives of women working in politics, policy, and public affairs. Today’s guest is Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at Hill & Knowlton, Katherine Feenan. From the halls of Parliament Hill to the global stage of policy and elections, join us as we explore Katie’s leader…

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Welcome to #FEMPIRE 0:51

1y ago0:51

0:51

Welcome to #FEMPIRE the podcast that explores the inspiring stories, challenges, and triumphs of remarkable women who have defied stereotypes and shattered glass ceilings. Join us as we sit down with fearless women leading in politics, corporate boardrooms, STEM, and non-profit organizations. These trailblazers share their unique experiences, insig…

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