The OShow with Laura Babcock

Latest Episodes:

SCANDAL PANEL: Why are Poilievre, Smith and Ford acting like Trump? How do we stop MAGA? Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

As we witness the alarming rise of authoritarianism in the United States, we cannot afford to remain complacent or in denial. With Trump threatening Canada and Greenland and Putin and Netanyahu ramping up their wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the stakes have never been higher.

MAGA is in Canada, pushing its dangerous rhetoric and policies. Poilievre's degrading comments about our nation, Smith’s attempts to silence voices through book bans, and Ford’s disturbing power grab over elected school trustees are clear indicators that we are on a slippery slope toward erosion of our democratic principles.

We must mobilize. We owe it to ourselves and our children to recognize the signs and to call out the Christofascist rhetoric that threatens our democracy. This is not just about politics; it’s about safeguarding the freedoms we cherish and ensuring a future where prosperity, diversity and inclusion triumph over division and hate.

Join the conversation. Share your thoughts, subscribe to this essential dialogue, and help us fight for a democracy that reflects our values. Together, we can push back against the tide of extremism and protect the Canada we believe in. Now is the time to act! 🇨🇦

An independent podcast, the best way to support our work is by subscribing. Let's build our pro democracy community!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DOUBLE HEADER: Senator Charles Adler and Spencer Fernando on US Trade War, Poilievre and Ukraine Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

With an unstable Trump regime escalating its authoritarian tendencies domestically and posing a direct threat to Canada's economy and sovereignty, Prime Minister Mark Carney's commitment to finding solutions for Canadian workers in this trade war has never been more crucial.

Moreover, Pierre Poilievre's return as Leader of the Opposition is clouded by controversy after his campaign against Bonnie Critchley in Battle-River Crowfoot, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and responsible leadership in our political discourse.

As the world watches and waits regarding Putin's aggressive actions in Ukraine, it's clear that Canada must be proactive in safeguarding its interests and values.

Canadian Senator Charles Adler and foreign policy writer Spencer Fernando bring vital perspectives on these matters, shedding light on the future of our nations. Their insights remind us that we cannot afford to be complacent; our democracy and economic stability hinge on active participation and influence.

I urge you to join this critical conversation! Your opinion matters. Subscribe, like, and share so we can build a vibrant community dedicated to pro-democracy values. Together, we can advocate for a brighter future for Canada and beyond. Let's make our voices heard!

An independent podcast, the best way to support our work is by subscribing. Let's build our pro democracy community!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonnie Critchley on Election Results, Poilievre's Populism, Alberta Separation and Future Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

Fresh off her courageous campaign to hold Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre accountable, Bonnie Critchley stands firm, challenging him to truly represent the voices of the people in Battle-River Crowfoot. She boldly predicts that he won't survive his Leadership Review because Canadians are fed up with his negativity and populism.

Bonnie doesn’t shy away from criticizing the Conservative Party’s disinformation tactics against her, calling into question their integrity and commitment to the truth. She urges Canadians everywhere to follow her lead in standing up to entrenched political power structures and to create a powerful wave of change that cannot be ignored.

In a passionate call to action, Critchley denounces Alberta Premier Danielle Smith as a traitor to Canada, making it clear that she is far from finished in the political arena. With a commitment to return to The OShow as a powerful voice for Alberta politics, she will continue the fight for a strong economy and Canada’s sovereignty against outside influences like the Trump regime.

Now is the time for a pro-democracy movement! Join Bonnie's fight for integrity and transparency in politics: Comment, Subscribe, and Share to amplify this vital conversation and make your voice heard! Together, we can build a brighter future for all Canadians.

An independent podcast, the best way to support our work is by subscribing. Let's build our pro democracy community!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SCANDAL PANEL: Wild Fire Idiots, Trump Putin Summit, Battle Bonnie vs Pierre, Ford's BS 🇨🇦 Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

Get ready to dive into a heated discussion as the Boys of Summer return to tackle the pressing issues in Canadian politics! This week, The Scandal Panellists—Keith Leslie, Mark Cripps, and host Laura Babcock—are furious at the reckless behaviour of individuals exploiting the wildfire crisis for self-promotion and the dangerous implications of MAGA culture wars.

With the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska and Ukraine and Canada's sovereignty hanging in the balance, we can't afford to sit idly by. Governor Newsom is fighting tirelessly for U.S. democracy, and the stakes couldn't be higher. The fierce battle in Battle River Crowfoot, where Bonnie Critchley faces off against Pierre Poilievre, is just one more reason to engage and advocate for our shared Canadian values.

Let’s not forget Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who is talking tough against his hero, Trump, while handing a hospital contract to an American company! It's time for us all to wake up, smarten up, and come together to protect the fabric of our democracy from threats foreign and domestic.

We need your voice—comment, share, and subscribe to help us build a powerful pro-democracy community! Let’s unite, stand strong, and ensure our collective voice is heard! Elbows up!

An independent podcast, the best way to support our work is by subscribing. Let's build our pro democracy community!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How has Carney done in 100 Days? Is Ford's Tunnel Fantasy or Grift? Is US Democracy over? Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

As Prime Minister Mark Carney reaches the pivotal milestone of 100 days in office, we find ourselves at a crucial crossroads. With President Trump spiralling further into authoritarianism and alarming rhetoric echoing from Fox News about a hostile takeover of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, it's clear that the stakes have never been higher. Premier Ford is leveraging this chaos to justify ignoring pressing environmental concerns, pushing forward with a $100 billion tunnel project under Highway 401 that nobody asked for.

Amid this tumultuous landscape, advance voting has begun in the Battleriver-Crowfoot race—a critical showdown between Bonnie Critchley and Pierre Poilievre that could shape our future.

Host Laura Babcock is joined by David Moscrop of the Globe and Mail and the Walrus to unpack the real threats to American democracy, the ripple effects on Canada's economy and sovereignty, and explore how we can not only survive but emerge as a stronger nation during these uncertain times.

Now more than ever, we need to rally together to protect our democratic values and safeguard our country’s future. Join us in this vital conversation—like, comment, and subscribe. Let's build a robust pro-democracy community that stands firm against threats to our freedoms and works tirelessly to ensure a brighter tomorrow for all Canadians!🇨🇦

An independent podcast, the best way to support our work is by subscribing. Let's build our pro democracy community!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SCANDAL PANEL: Can Carney Fight New Tariffs? Did Bonnie Expose Pierre? Is MAGA Panicking? 🇨🇦 Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

In light of the steep new Trump Tariffs imposed on Canada, all eyes are on Prime Minister Mark Carney to determine how he will navigate this critical juncture for our economy and the MAGA threat to our sovereignty.

In Battleriver-Crowfoot, Alberta, combat veteran Bonnie Critchley is facing off against Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in what could be a decisive battle for his political future.

At the same time, Premier Ford is capitalizing on the chaos of the Trade War, pushing to exploit protected parkland at the beloved Wasaga Beach. This is a time when our values and priorities are being tested like never before!

Join Keith Leslie and Mark Cripps as they sit down with host Laura Babcock for an unfiltered discussion about the pressing issues facing our politics today. We need to come together as a community to take a stand and ensure our nation remains true, north, strong, and FREE!

This is your chance to be part of a pro-democracy movement that champions fairness, integrity, and the rights of all Canadians. Subscribe, share, and comment—let’s join forces to build a brighter future for our country! 🇨🇦

An independent podcast, the best way to support our work is by subscribing. Let's build our pro democracy community!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has Pierre's Time Passed? Will Bonnie Win By-Election? Is Canada a Sexy Trade Partner? 🇨🇦 Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

As the August US-Canada trade deadline looms, it's clear that the stakes have never been higher. While Carney is proactively securing new international trade deals and effectively engaging with Premiers, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre finds himself embroiled in the Battle River-Crowfoot by-election, desperately clinging to his MAGA base by doubling down on his support for the trucker Convoy. All the while, Trump's MAGA base is turning on him over the growing Epstein scandal and cover-up.

Join Douglas Connors from the True North Eager Beaver Podcast and host Laura Babcock as they hold Poilievre and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith accountable for their flirtation with Trump and MAGA ideologies and demand answers. They also have some laughs about Canada’s newfound sexy role on the world stage.

Now is the time for our voices to be heard. We encourage you to share your thoughts and insights, and don’t forget to subscribe and spread the word to your friends and family. Let’s build a vibrant pro-democracy community where everyone can contribute to shaping our nation’s future. Together, we can make a difference! 🇨🇦

An independent podcast, the best way to support our work is by subscribing. Let's build our pro democracy community!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Bonnie Critchley Beat Pierre Poilievre in Battleriver-Crowfoot By-Election Aug 18? 🇨🇦 Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

The stakes have never been higher for the people of Battleriver-Crowfoot and for the future of Canadian politics. With an August 18 by-election looming in Alberta’s conservative heartland, local independent candidate Bonnie Critchley is taking a stand for her neighbours against Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has parachuted into the riding in hopes of getting a seat back in Parliament after being beaten in the election by Bruce Fanjoy in his Ottawa area riding of Carleton. As a retired combat veteran and horse breeder, Bonnie has built a centrist platform to represent the people of her home riding and unpacks her policies on the podcast.

In a candid and straightforward interview, Bonnie addresses gun control, climate change, Alberta separation, the notion of becoming the 51st state, anger at Ottawa, human rights and speaks out against the Long Ballot Initiative protest in the by-election.

Bonnie believes in Canadian unity and the importance of engaging with one another, despite our differences. She challenges not just Poilievre, but also Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the destructive influences of the Trump regime.

This is a call to action for voters who are tired of politics as usual, seeking a leader with integrity who will prioritize the community's needs over party lines. Join Bonnie Critchley in her fight for a better Alberta and a stronger Canada.

Like, share and subscribe to the OShow. Together, we can build a pro-democracy, pro-Canadian community that truly represents the will of its people.🇨🇦

An independent podcast, the best way to support our work is by subscribing. Let's build our pro democracy community!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will New Gander Social Media Site Help Unify Canada and Reduce Impact of MAGA Propaganda? Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

As we face the looming threat of new 35% tariffs from Trump on Canada, coupled with the influence of MAGA propaganda and foreign actors trying to disrupt our social networks, the call for national unity has never been more pressing. In this critical moment, a dedicated group of Canadian tech creators and investors are stepping up to launch Gander, a social media platform built by Canadians, for Canadians.

Supported by prominent figures like Arlene Dickinson and Amber Mac, Gander aims to embody our shared values and uphold the Charter of Rights while fostering a sense of community. This is our chance to support a project that truly reflects what it means to be Canadian—a platform where our voices and perspectives from across the political spectrum can truly thrive.

Join founder Ben Walden as he discusses the vision, values, features, and yes, even the limitations of Gander, on the latest episode of The OShow with host Laura Babcock. As Gander embarks on its beta testing phase, we invite you to take a gander at GanderSocial.ca and consider being part of this exciting journey.

Let’s unite and amplify our collective voice! Share your thoughts in the comments: Would you support a genuinely Canadian social platform? Together, we can show that what unites us as Canadians is far greater than what divides us. We urge you to subscribe and share The OShow as we build a vibrant pro-democracy community! 🇨🇦

An independent podcast, the best way to support our work is by subscribing. Let's build our pro democracy community!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SCANDAL PANEL Is Smith Outsmarted? Poilievre in Trouble? Ford like Trump? This a New Canada?🇨🇦 Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

This July 4th, as we reflect on our pride from an electrifying Canada Day 🇨🇦, we must confront the urgent challenges looming over us. The destabilizing influence of Mad King Trump, coupled with the alarming rise of autocracy in America, should serve as a wake-up call for all Canadians. We can no longer turn a blind eye to Premier Danielle Smith’s manipulation of Alberta Separation, Premier Ford’s shocking privatization of Ontario’s healthcare system, and Pierre Poilievre’s pathetic campaign to get back to Ottawa by winning the Battle River-Crowfoot riding. And did Carney cave to Trump or is he competently negotiating a better Trade deal with the United States?

Join our Scanda Panellists, Keith Leslie and Mark Cripps, as they take a deep dive into the tumultuous waters of both global and Canadian politics and answer: Is Canada swimming strongly toward a new future of deep potential, or do we need a life preserver? Or both.

This is more than just a discussion; it’s a candid and controversial examination of our nation's true state and the collective actions we must take to protect and nurture it. We invite you to be part of this essential PRO DEMOCRACY conversation in Canada.

Like, subscribe, and comment - and please share the OShow with your friends and family. Your voice matters, and we want to hear it! We read all the comments because it’s crucial to build a community dedicated to democracy and collaboration. Let’s ensure a brighter future for a New Canada! 🇨🇦

An independent podcast, the best way to support our work is by subscribing. Let's build our pro democracy community!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.