Best Shawn Whatley Podcasts (2025)

1
#38 Ryan Alford: Seven Absolute Rights and necessary limits on government 1:00:29

1d ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Our legal history will shock you. It has more tradition than libertarians can stomach and more anti-government sentiment than conservatives can tolerate. Dr. Alford explains why we need both more history and more enthusiasm to put government in its place. He ends with a message of hope for rescuing Canada. Seven Absolute Rights: Recovering the Hist…

1
Unlock the Hidden Power of Dreams, PhD 27:40

1d ago27:40

27:40

Dreams aren’t just fleeting images; they’re powerful tools for transformation. This week, host Paula Felps sits down with Bonnie Buckner, PhD, founder of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery®, to explore how dreams can unlock creativity, solve life’s toughest challenges, and help us live with greater purpose. As an expert in creativ…

1
Bringing Back Summer Fun With Mike Rucker, PhD 23:44

9d ago23:44

23:44

Summer officially begins on June 20, and that’s the perfect time to bring back Live Happy’s Summer of Fun! We’ve teamed up with organizational psychologist Mike Rucker, PhD, to offer a free eight-week email course based on the principles of his book, The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life. In this episode, he explains…

1
#37 Daniel Pitt: The essence of conservatism from Burke to Scruton. 1:00:22

9d ago1:00:22

1:00:22

I got a chance to visit with Dr. Dan Pitt, co-author of Intellectual Conservatism: From Burke to Scruton. We focussed on a chapter he wrote which offers a brilliant rubric for understanding conservatism -- one of the best I've seen. Dr. Pitt offers an attractive view beyond the status-quo liberalism in which all political parties operate, for the m…

1
Reclaim Your Personal Strength With Anne Marie Chaker 24:33

16d ago24:33

24:33

When we talk about becoming strong women, we’re often not talking about something physical. But this week’s guest explains how reclaiming our physical power can also build our inner strength. Anne Marie Chaker is a veteran journalist and professional bodybuilder who discovered the connection between strength training and inner transformation. In he…

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#36 Ferenc Hörcher (Hungary) on Intellectual Conservatism from Burke to Scruton 53:21

16d ago53:21

53:21

Conservatives are often suspicious of intellectuals and for good reason. Novel ideas dreamt up by radical intellectuals have caused enormous suffering over the past 200 years. But Conservative parties cannot survive without intellectual substance. European conservatism doesn't suffer from the North American tendency to confuse conservatism with cla…

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#35 Peter Copeland: The politics of Pope Leo XIV. What can we expect from the new pope? 51:27

23d ago51:27

51:27

Pope Leo's election garnered far more interest than usual. We are in a time of great change. People are paying attention. The Pope shapes public opinion, and people are eager to know what Pope Leo might say. I asked Peter all the most provocative political questions I could imagine. What might the Pope think about resource development, immigration,…

1
Building a World Where We All Belong (and Get Along) with Anu Gupta 32:30

23d ago32:30

32:30

In a time of deep division and unease, overcoming our loneliness and uncertainty is a massive challenge. This week, award-winning author, educator, lawyer, scientist, and meditation teacher Anu Gupta sits down with host Paula Felps to explain how — and where — we can start. His best-selling book, Breaking Bias: Where Stereotypes and Prejudices Come…

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Rewriting the Rules of Mental Health With Dominic Lawson 26:55

30d ago26:55

26:55

As we wrap up mental health awareness month, it’s a great time to talk with someone who is literally changing how we talk about mental health. This week, host Paula Felps is joined by Dominic Lawson, an accomplished, award-winning podcaster whose new show, Mental Health Rewritten, is tackling stigmatized mental health topics head-on. By taking on i…

1
#34 David Livingstone: Radical Conservatives, postmodernism, and D'Arcy McGee on Canada's Founding 1:03:35

30d ago1:03:35

1:03:35

Dr. Livingstone worries about postmodernism destroying Truth. I worry about about postmodernism destroying history as a way to understand the present. David says we need universals to resist postmoderns. I say we should fear universals lest the postmoderns inflict us with their 'values'. In this episode we resolve the debate (sort of). Thanks for w…

1
How to Create an Unstoppable Brain With Dr. Kyra Bobinet 30:48

1M ago30:48

30:48

Our brains are incredibly powerful, and the trick is to learn how to make them work for us, not against us. This week, host Paula Felps sits down with Dr. Kyra Bobinet, a physician, public health leader, and behavior change designer whose work focuses on how to build optimal health for a more fulfilling life. Her new book, Unstoppable Brain: The Ne…

1
#33 John von Heyking on political friendship, pro-Hamas protests, and the future of Canada. 53:27

1M ago53:27

53:27

Can a country survive if we aren't united about common fundamental matters? Pro-Hamas protests block streets in Toronto. They have even forced ambulances to turn around. This has really bothered me. Aside from basic procedural solutions -- keeping a lane open for emergency vehicles or having police enforce the law -- can we solve the deeper, existe…

1
#32 Mark Carney and Justin Trudeau are universalists. Donald Trump is not. What is universalism? 19:12

1M ago19:12

19:12

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Justin Trudeau are universalists. Donald Trump is a (rare) politician who, for the most part, doesn't seem to be a universalist. Universalism is an essential concept to help us understand modern politics. It's a core pillar of liberalism, but many 'conservatives' are universalists also. AI Summary Understanding Univer…

1
How to Make Friendships That Last with Dr. Lori Whatley 22:51

1M ago22:51

22:51

By now, we’ve all heard how important friendships and connections are for our well-being, but sometimes we’re unsure where to find those connections. This week, host Paula Felps sits down with Dr. Lori Whatley, a clinical psychologist and author who specializes in the effects of digital usage on our relationships. Her new book, Happier Together: Ho…

1
#31 Simplifying liberalism. Start with individuals. 17:24

1M ago17:24

17:24

Go ask a professor for a simple definition of liberalism or conservatism. If they are honest, they won't give you a short answer. These terms are super complex. But we need somewhere to start. In this short segment, I offer a place to start talking about liberalism: a theory with 4 pillars. The first pillar we discuss is individualism. We will disc…

1
#30 Geoff Russ -- Hope for Canada vs progressive internationalism 46:27

2M ago46:27

46:27

Geoff stands out as a new kind of writer on the non-left. He offers hope that embraces Canada's past without repudiation -- truly rare these days Thanks for listening! AI Summary Shawn interviews Geoff Russ, a Vancouver-based writer, about the evolving concept of Canadian nationalism and identity. They discuss the need for newcomers to understand t…

1
Maintaining Your Mental Health with Deborah K. Heisz 24:29

2M ago24:29

24:29

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which makes it a great time to remind ourselves of some of the best practices to improve our well-being. Join host Paula Felps as she talks with Live Happy CEO and co-founder Deborah Heisz about some of the new research around happiness, why our mental health is at risk these days, and what we can do about it. …

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#29 Grant Havers on Leo Strauss, Conservatism, and Modern Political Issues 1:02:08

2M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

This episode goes deep into the philosophy of Leo Strauss and the modern Conservative movement by looking at Professor Haver's book on Strauss and Ango-American democracy. I got too excited with the discussion and stopped paying attention to the recording quality. It's less than I would have hoped, but the content Grant shares is excellent. I offer…

1
#28 Jodi Bruhn: Political Myths, the non-left voter, and COVID fallout 1:06:40

2M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

Professor Bruhn is a unique thinker. She calls herself someone of the 'non-left'. Her advocacy on indigenous issues does not rest on the more common progressive principles. I hope you enjoy the episode! AI summary: In this episode, Shawn dives into Canadian political thought with Dr. Jodi Bruhn. They explore topics such as the conservatism of Pierr…

1
Detaching from Political Whiplash With Dr. Bob Rosen 27:48

2M ago27:48

27:48

We are living in rapidly changing times, and many people feel exhausted by the events that are unfolding. But this week’s guest says that letting go of our attachment to what’s happening could be the best thing for our mental health. Host Paula Felps talks with Dr. Bob Rosen, a bestselling author known for his work on leadership and personal develo…

1
#27 Ted Morton: The Charter Revolution & Conservative Politics 54:57

2M ago54:57

54:57

Ted Morton offers a perspective you cannot find anywhere else in Canada. He's an academic, turned politician, returned academic from Alberta. If you want to understand Canadian politics, you simply have to spend time digging into Alberta. Ted has a great sense of humour and seems to love chatting about the thorniest political issues. He jokes that …

1
#26 Another short introduction. Why would an MD bother with politics? 4:36

2M ago4:36

4:36

Our lives are shaped by the political systems in which we live. When our country starts to struggle, we need to revisit the ideas that animate the programs and structures around us. In just under 5 minutes, I explain why we need to focus on political ideas now, and why philosophical conservatism offers a (paradoxically) new and fresh way to think. …

1
How Music Helps During Hard Times With Scott Crabtree 24:29

2M ago24:29

24:29

Scott Crabtree founded the company Happy Brain Science to help others discover well-being rooted in positive psychology. And, as a semi-professional musician, he knows firsthand how we can use music as a tool for boosting our mood and regulating our emotions. During difficult times, music can be particularly helpful, and in this episode, Scott sits…

1
#25 Ginny Roth on Political Myths, Biggest Election Misses, Trump, and Canada's Future 45:29

2M ago45:29

45:29

Ginny returns to answer common Canadian myths and misconceptions, as well as offering analysis on the upcoming election. We start out with four familiar comments or questions: Is the Conservative Party uncaring, especially about people in need? Will Pierre Poilievre end up spending as much as Mark Carney? The CBC is Canadian. Isn't it a trusted sou…

1
Overcoming the Victim Mindset With Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman 23:56

2M ago23:56

23:56

What if the only thing standing between you and a more fulfilling life was your mindset? This week, host Paula Felps talks with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman — a leading cognitive psychologist, professor at Columbia University, director of the Center for Human Potential, and host of The Psychology Podcast — about how today’s culture has helped foster a v…

1
#24 Jeremy Geddert: Canadian Nationalism & George Grant 1:01:16

2M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

Canadian Conservatism, National Identity, & Critique of Post-Colonialism In this episode, Shawn interviews Professor Jeremy Geddert about George Grant, renowned Canadian philosopher and author of 'Lament for a Nation'. They delve into Grant's critique of the Laurentian elite, his perspectives on Canadian nationalism, conservatism, and his critique …

1
#23 Sean Speer: High Stakes Politics & Challenges for Canada's Next Prime Minister 34:57

2M ago34:57

34:57

Sean Speer, Editor at Large at The Hub, paints a stressful (dire?) picture of what faces the next prime minister. The need to secure a stable economic and security agreement with the United States may, paradoxically, compromise the Prime Minister’s political future. They might not be able to secure an agreement that any Canadians will like. What wi…

1
Happy Activist Sam Simon: Offering Hope for Those with Dementia 17:45

2M ago17:45

17:45

When Sam Simon’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, he used his theatrical experience to chronicle his journey as a caregiver. And when he was diagnosed with cognitive decline in 2022, he turned that into a theatrical experience as well. Today, his one-man play, Dementia Man: An Existential Journey, recounts his journey and reshapes the narrati…

1
#22 Preston Manning: The Origins and Impact of Canadian Populism 49:22

2M ago49:22

49:22

Preston Manning knows populism like no one else. He says Western Canada might have the most experience with populist movements and governments worldwide. United Farmers’ Associations, Social Credit, CCF, and Reform — they all shared a bottom-up, grassroots energy fuelled by frustration over disdain from elites and inattentive government. Having spe…

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#21 Dr. Arnie Lange: How to Sort Conservatism in Canada 57:36

3M ago57:36

57:36

Arney Lange has applied his medical and military mind to a structured definition of conservatism that includes 7 different types along two axes. He said there are 3rd and 4th dimensional axes also, but he didn’t want to overwhelm me with details. He has found a way to package complex ideas in a format that most high-school students could manage. Or…

1
#20 Roy Eappen: Transgenderism, Mark Carney, Liberals, and the Election 41:48

3M ago41:48

41:48

Roy has spent decades inside the belly of the Big Blue beast. He knows retail Canadian conservatism as well as anyone. Not only does he attend almost every conservative political conference, event, and lecture (including CPAC in the US), he also has photos of himself standing with more world leaders than most individual world leaders can boast! Inc…

1
#19 Daniel Dufort, Pres. MEI: Tackling Tariffs, Housing, and Trade Barriers 38:34

3M ago38:34

38:34

I tried my best to disagree with Daniel. Doesn’t Quebec block pipelines to protect its cultural identity? How can Canadians pout about tariffs when we have major intra-provincial trade barriers? Why talk about making it easier to build homes without talking about a construction sector that seems built to protect itself and resist efficiency? In eac…

1
Create Your Own Personal Holiday with Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming 27:22

3M ago27:22

27:22

We all have birthdays, but maybe we’re not getting as much out of them as we could! This week, host Paula Felps is joined by Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming, a birthday aficionado and author of the book and workbook, How to Have a Happy Birthday: Create Meaning, Fulfillment and Joy on Your Special Day. Tamar offers a new spin on how we approach birthdays and…

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#18 Bob Plamondon Unveils John Diefenbaker in a New Light 56:13

3M ago56:13

56:13

Was John Diefenbaker a buffoon or a great Canadian? He served as Canada’s 13th prime minister and spent 39 years in federal parliament, passing away at 83 while still in office. Bob Plamondon, author and historian, takes a second look at Diefenbaker’s legacy. No question, Diefenbaker was a complex, conflicted, and often tragic man. Many have found …

1
#17 Candice Malcolm: Trudeau’s Legacy, Election Dynamics, & Rise of New Media 1:08:18

3M ago1:08:18

1:08:18

This episode may not be what you want to hear. The Liberals will win in a landslide, and the NDP will lose everything to the Liberals, if current polling holds. The Liberals have convinced voters that this election is a referendum on President Trump, not Liberal leadership. The last ten years have been hard on Canadians. The Liberals are smart to m…

1
Mastering Your Mindset in Challenging Times with Michael Pilarczyk 27:48

3M ago27:48

27:48

In tumultuous times, mindset matters more than ever. So this week, host Paula Felps sits down with Michael Pilarczyk, bestselling author of the book Master Your Mindset: Live a Meaningful Life and founder of the Meditation Moments app. Michael shares how we can create a happier life — even in the most challenging times — by changing our mindset. In…

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