Concepts with Shawn Whatley

Jodi Bruhn offers a sobering take on Canada. Professor Bruhn is an expert on governance and constitutional thought. She says we might not appreciate the significance and potential fallout from the Supreme Court wading in the Notwithstanding Clause. We discuss civics education and whether there's an increased appetite for first principles. Thanks for checking this out! I look forward to your comments. Shawn Chapters and AI summary: Host Shawn Whatley interviews Dr. Jodi Bruhn about renewed interest in first principles, civics, and regime analysis in her University of Lethbridge courses, contrasting first-year and fourth-year students’ ability to identify clashing political principles behind current events. They discuss political science versus political philosophy, including critiques of Straussian textualism, and consider thinkers such as Aristotle, Voegelin, Bergson, and Carl Schmitt. Bruhn warns that the Supreme Court of Canada hearing cases involving the notwithstanding clause signals a misunderstanding of legislative supremacy and could provoke a political showdown with provinces like Quebec and Alberta, potentially risking Canada’s dissolution. They examine constitutional change constraints, separatism’s uncertain outcomes, leadership and ethical decay under unwritten constitutional conventions, demagoguery, and Bruhn’s account of Tamara Lich’s University of Calgary talk about the trucker convoy. 00:00 Supreme Court Warning 00:52 Meet the Guest 02:52 Teaching First Principles 05:26 Civics and Regimes 07:37 Political Science vs Philosophy 15:31 Teasing Out Principles 18:03 Notwithstanding Clause Clash 21:14 Charter and Judicial Review 23:34 Can Canada Rewind 25:26 Alberta Separation Scenarios 28:41 Schmitt and Conflict Horizon 29:57 Friendship Course Spectrum 31:29 Canadian Founding Enmities 33:27 Hooker and English Middle Way 35:42 Ideology and First Principles 37:31 Alberta Separation and Reconfederation 39:47 Constitutional Mismatch and Corruption 44:51 Demagoguery and Vital Breakthrough 47:33 Reading Bergson and Courage 49:10 Tamara Lich at University 51:11 Teaching Critical Thinking Finale

Evan Menzies shows why Albertans should be furious. As an Albertan himself, he understands. And as a political consultant, he sees even more reasons to be upset than most Albertans have heard of. He is frustrated and doesn't hide it. In spite of powerful reasons to be upset, he still thinks Alberta should stay. The rest of Canada isn't paying enough attention to this. Alberta separation wouldn't be an issue if Canada was well governed. It will continue to be an issue until our governance is fixed. Here's the article we discuss: An argument for Canada from an Alberta conservative. Thanks for listening! Let me know what you think. Chapters and AI summary: Alberta Separatism Debate: Evan Menzies’ Argument for Staying in Canada Host Shawn Whatley interviews Evan Menzies, VP at Crestview Strategy and former Wildrose/UCP staffer, about his Substack article “An Argument for Canada from an Alberta Conservative” and the rise of Alberta separatism. Menzies explains why many Alberta conservatives feel exhausted and unheard—citing issues like equalization, Senate and House of Commons representation, pipeline barriers, and judicial “constitutional adventurism” (including MAID, mandatory minimums, and debates over the notwithstanding clause). He argues separatism is a risky, non-conservative “tear down to the studs” revolution that promises a utopia while forcing Alberta to rebuild institutions and constitutional order from scratch. Instead, he urges reform within Canada, appeals to patriotism and gratitude, warns against victimhood politics, and predicts Alberta’s growing demographic and economic weight will keep shifting Canada’s power westward. 00:00 Alberta Separation Stakes 01:07 Show Setup and Guest Intro 05:05 Why Albertans Feel Exhausted 08:02 Who Supports Leaving 11:50 Senate Imbalance Debate 15:40 House Seats and Time Zones 18:21 Equalization and Quebec Hydro 20:43 Courts and Constitutional Drift 25:04 Charter Pragmatism vs Principle 28:03 Why Stay In Canada 28:35 Three Reasons To Stay 31:05 Blank Slate Constitution Risks 33:04 Revolution Not Devolution 35:41 Communicating Conservatism Again 39:26 Patriotism Over Victimhood 45:05 Gratitude And National Story 49:39 Alberta Story Is Canadian 51:28 Make The 21st Century Canada 51:59 Closing Thanks And Moral Ground

I asked Dr. Matthew Rowley for help with questions on political theology. It turns out he's another big supporter of independence for Alberta. The current Supreme Court hearings last week are pouring fuel on the Alberta separatist movement. The Mark Carney Liberals are intervenors on the SCC hearing about Quebec's Bill 21 and use of the notwithstanding clause (s.33). Carney is asking the Supreme Court to do an end-run around the constitution bypassing the amending formula. Regardless of how the court rules, the fact that it had the gall to hear the case fuels Alberta's frustrations. We do discuss Dr. Rowley's insights on political theology, but most of our time focussed on the revolutionary nature of the SCC this week. Please let me know what you think! Thanks for listening, Shawn Chapters and AI summary Host Shawn Whatley interviews Dr. Matthew Rowley about the Supreme Court of Canada hearing Quebec’s Bill 21 and whether limits can be placed on the Charter’s notwithstanding clause (s.33), which Rowley argues would further politicize the Court and trigger a constitutional crisis. They discuss federal intervention, the Charter’s impact on legislative supremacy, court power, secularism, and how differing regional cultures and views of government fuel Alberta’s separatist momentum. Rowley contrasts Alberta’s self-reliant ethos with Eastern Canada’s greater trust in government, critiques legal instrumentalism and the loss of duties tied to rights, and emphasizes internal justice and external defense as core governmental roles. The conversation also addresses political theology, the foundations of Western civilization, declining legitimacy and honor in politics, and the need for deeper, honest public debate. 00:00 Charter More American 01:26 Supreme Court Showdown 02:03 Bill 21 and Section 33 06:14 Court Power Grab Fears 10:35 Alberta Separatism Case 11:54 Prairie vs East Cultures 14:05 Charter Control and Courts 17:32 Rural Life and Tools 20:09 Where Rights Come From 22:28 Rights Need Responsibilities 26:21 Too Many Laws Problem 30:38 Government Role and Good 34:27 Law as Moral Boundary 37:14 Political Theology Setup 39:37 Behavior Versus Intentions 40:15 Where Evil Really Lies 41:19 Free Church And Mainline 42:25 Faith Shown By Works 43:59 Christian Roots Of The West 45:51 Conservatism As A Living Tree 49:12 Canada Loses First Principles 51:36 State Replacing God 54:10 Legitimacy And Stoplights 55:07 Crisis Of Secular Confidence 57:43 Young People Return To God 01:00:37 Responsible Government And Honor 01:05:07 Rebuilding Ancient Paths 01:08:33 Civitas And Honest Dialogue 01:10:45 Ralph Klein And Telling Truth 01:12:30 Closing Reflections And Farewell

Dr. Paul Gottfried packages his writing in dynamite and grit. He uses an academic style which is now almost extinct on the political right. No one tries to provoke in order to make a point anymore. The Left still uses it all the time, but not the Right. You cannot listen to Gottfried with modern antennae tuned to gasp at every offence. If you do, you will miss the impact of his next three punches. I lack the courage to match Gottfried's approach. I'd like to think it's because he's old enough to not care anymore, but he was doing the same things 30 years ago. Perhaps he's spent so much time reading historical writers that he adopted their approach? Whatever the means and ways of Dr. Gottfried, you really need to know about his thought and content. Books discussed: After Liberalism: Mass Democracy in the Managerial State The Essential Paul Gottfried: Essays from 1984-2024 Multiculturalism and the Politics of Guilt Let me know what you think! Thanks again, Shawn Chapters and AI summary: Host Shawn Whatley interviews Dr. Paul Gottfried, editor-in-chief of Chronicles Magazine, about his claim that “liberal democracy” no longer exists and functions as a self-justifying label for the welfare/managerial state and its hegemonic class. Gottfried argues liberalism was a 19th-century bourgeois worldview favoring constitutional limits, civil society, markets, property, nation-states, and restricted suffrage, and that it largely died in the early 20th century as mass democracy and collectivist ideologies replaced it. He critiques Straussian influence on U.S. conservatism, rejects natural rights as a fiction rooted in communities, and disputes claims that progressivism was imported from German philosophy. Discussing Carl Schmitt, he emphasizes intensifying friend–enemy conflict and collapsing common ground, calling the U.S. Constitution’s original design effectively a “dead letter” absent a supporting cultural tropos. He also promotes Chronicles’ 50th anniversary dinner at the Willard Hotel on April 9. 00:00 Does Liberal Democracy Exist 00:43 Meet Paul Gottfried 05:30 Lukacs Quote And Thesis 07:22 Mass Democracy And Welfare State 11:06 Defining 19th Century Liberalism 13:57 Liberalism Family And Stability 17:27 Roots From Greeks To Hegel 19:45 Strauss And The Neocons 22:55 Jaffa Marini And Natural Right 26:42 Grant And Universal State 29:08 Conservatism Incorporated Critique 33:12 Provocation And Dead Letter Constitution 33:45 Constitution Under Threat 34:34 Original Design vs Judges 35:24 Tropos and Postliberal Age 36:59 Protestant Roots of Republicanism 41:38 Welfare State and State Churches 47:34 Schmitt and Friend Enemy Politics 53:24 Managerial State and Control 55:53 Universalism vs Particularism 01:01:30 Closing Reflections and Plugs

Professor Barry Cooper is an Albertan. This fact transcends location. It speaks to a prairie self-understanding, a prairie myth, that stands apart and distinct from the Laurentian myth. For example, Cooper says bilingual Canada is a "huge myth outside Laurentian Canada." Professor Cooper argues that George Grant did not understand the prairie mindset. He was a Laurentian, and as such, Grant was clueless about Alberta. He reflects the Garrison mindset of the Laurentians: Alberta is a place you go to get stuff. Cooper thinks Alberta independence is an inevitability. He cannot see any way to meld the two myths (mythoi) together. They are chalk and cheese. We touch on education, technology, and political ideologies. Professor Cooper promotes a non-ideological stance. Perhaps in the future we can tackle whether this is even possible. It seems to assume a fact-value distinction, value relativism, which assumes what it seeks to avoid. But again, we will have to pursue this another day. Professor Cooper points us to prairie history written by historians who actually understand the west. Stop reading only history written by Laurentians who do not understand their subject. Barry Cooper's influence on Canadian political thought has been huge. Don't miss this episode! Looking forward to hearing what you think. Thanks again! Shawn Chapters and AI summary Host Shawn Whatley interviews political scientist Barry Cooper, a fourth-generation Albertan and senior fellow at the Frontier Centre, about how technology shapes consciousness (“technology is its use”), the impact of screens and AI, and why we often misunderstand technology as something we control. Cooper contrasts a Laurentian “garrison mentality” with a Western pioneer mindset, arguing that central Canada misunderstands Western Canada—a gap he says even George Grant exemplified despite Cooper’s friendly acquaintance with him. They discuss myth as a lived self-understanding, Canada’s east–west versus north–south alignments, COVID-era authoritarian responses, and Cooper’s view that Canada is not truly bilingual outside parts of Ontario and Quebec. Cooper concludes Alberta independence is “not if, but when,” unless central Canada addresses core policy grievances like pipelines and transfer payments. 00:00 Tech Shapes Us 00:34 Alberta Independence Myths 01:13 Meet Barry Cooper 05:38 George Grant And The West 08:04 Prairie Experience Vs Laurentian Vision 13:42 How Cooper Was Educated 17:15 From Farmers To Thinkers 18:40 Teaching Ideology And Wokeness 22:56 Technology Is Its Use 27:42 Myth And The West As Resource 28:57 Myth and Selfhood 31:22 Prairie Pioneer Mindset 32:56 Pipelines and Leverage 37:14 Garrison COVID Politics 40:41 Reading the West 41:56 Bilingualism Myth 47:13 Alberta Future and Independence 49:07 Beyond Left Right Labels 51:46 Local Historians and Wrap Up

Mia Hughes has no qualms about saying the Emperor has no clothes. She says what the rest of us cannot say, because we must stay within the boundaries of what our licences require. Transgender medicine strikes at the core of what medicine is; at what it means to care for patients. Should doctors do whatever patients want, or should doctors do whatever saves life and limb? There could not be a greater debate. Should technology determine what we can and should do or should technology submit to something else? Powerful, powerful discussion. Please take a moment to absorb it. Reflect. Tell me what you think. Thank you so much for listening! Shawn https://genspect.org/international/genspect-canada/ https://nationalpost.com/opinion/shawn-whatley-doctors-have-gone-silent-on-gender-dysphoria-thats-not-good-for-patients Chapters and AI summary: Host Shawn Whatley interviews Mia Hughes, director of Genspect Canada, about what she calls the ideology-driven culture of gender medicine and her reporting on leaked internal WPATH communications (“WPATH files”). Hughes describes WPATH’s evolution from the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association into an activist-influenced organization, arguing its guiding principle became “de-psychopathologization,” prioritizing patient autonomy and access to hormones and surgeries over evidence and clinical safeguards. They debate medical ethics, consumerist medicine, differential diagnosis, and how harm should be defined, including comparisons to anorexia and apotemnophilia. Hughes presents her framework of transgender identification as an “extreme overvalued belief,” criticizes self-report outcomes as proof of benefit, and discusses detransition experiences. The episode ends with her account of confronting evidence-based medicine pioneer Gordon Guyatt over McMaster’s statement calling pediatric gender interventions “medically necessary.” 00:00 What Guides Gender Medicine 00:34 Meet Mia Hughes 05:52 Courage and Whistleblowing 07:14 Inside the WPATH Files 12:57 How WPATH Changed 15:19 Activism Takes Over 19:41 Devils Advocate Ethics 23:10 Overvalued Idea Theory 29:23 Contagion and Guardrails 31:52 Measuring Success and Harm 36:29 Evidence Limits and Harm Redefined 39:32 Paraphilias and Body Fixation 40:22 Patient Blackmail Ethics 41:08 Consumer Medicine Debate 43:00 Gender Care Lifesaving Claim 46:44 Liberalism Versus Medical Limits 49:57 Detransition And Overvalued Belief 54:40 Demanding Differential Diagnosis 56:46 Repathologizing And Root Causes 01:03:52 Gordon Guyatt Controversy 01:11:50 What We Missed And Wrap

Do ideas determine elections? Or should we forget about ideas and focus on issues? Dan Pitt has experience with both theory and practice. He teaches and writes books about political theory. And he's been involved with several election campaigns, including serving as a candidate in a recent by-election. Power rests with ideas. Unless we shape ideas, forming government can mean you are simply in office but out of power. Check out Dan's book he co-edited with Ferenc Hörcher: Intellectual Conservatism from Burke to Scruton And tell me what you think of this episode! Thanks again, Shawn Chapters and AI summary Host Shawn Whatley welcomes back Professor Dan Pitt, a research fellow at the University of Buckingham and member of the Centre for Heterodox Social Science, to discuss bridging political theory and practice. Pitt reflects on a busy 2025—publishing articles, promoting his book Intellectual Conservatism (from Burke to Scruton), running as a Conservative candidate in the Long Eaton North council by-election (finishing second, 23 votes behind after starting third), and welcoming a newborn daughter, Marigold. The conversation centers on Pitt’s argument that conservatives must fight on both the intellectual/cultural level and the practical electoral level, because losing the battle of ideas leads to losing elections (“in office but not in power”). They discuss his campaign slogan—sound economics, cultural revival, and flourishing local communities—and how these themes connected with voters through everyday concerns like household budgeting, passing culture to children, and strengthening local “little platoons.” Whatley and Pitt explore the tension between conservatism and the Conservative Party, including the idea that conservatism is broader than party politics (cultural, theological, and rooted in views of human nature) and that the British Conservative Party contains a liberal strand due to historical mergers, meaning it is never purely conservative. Pitt rejects the claim that conservatism is simply liberalism, arguing that liberalism itself is diverse and that conservatism and liberalism have influenced each other while remaining distinct in views of the person, knowledge, markets, law, and custom. They discuss Stanley Baldwin’s legacy—his unifying “one nation” vision, his Christian-inflected rhetoric, his electoral success, and his emphasis on national greatness and social cohesion—along with questions of assimilation, multiculturalism, and how to build unity through education, shared history, heroes, and a national story that invites newcomers without erasing their identities. Pitt also addresses conservative views of property as responsibility, identity, and character-building, Baldwin’s approach to industrial relations aligning labor and capital, and Baldwin’s anonymous voluntary financial contribution to help pay war debt. The episode closes with Pitt on gratitude, the challenge of criticizing government policy without repudiating one’s country or people, and a preview of his upcoming June book, The Conservative Party in the Constitution (Manchester University Press), covering topics from local government and devolution to Northern Ireland and the constitutional outlook up to Rishi Sunak. 00:00 Do Ideas Still Matter? Culture, Politics, and ‘In Office but Not in Power’ 00:43 Meet Professor Dan Pitt: Book, Baby, and a Run for Office 04:35 Why ‘Intellectual Conservatism’ Tries to Bridge Theory and Practice 06:41 Two-Level Politics: Winning Elections vs Winning the Battle of Ideas 09:42 Doorstep Conservatism: Sound Economics, Cultural Revival, Local Flourishing 12:57 Conservatism vs the Conservative Party: Untangling Big-C and small-c 17:36 Is Conservatism Just Liberalism? Where They Overlap—and Where They Don’t 22:31 New Conservatism & Stanley Baldwin: One Nation, Unity, and National Greatness 29:08 Christian Politics Today: Unity in a More Secular Age 31:04 Baldwin’s Big Tent: Courting Methodists & the

Franco Terrazzano knows taxes. As Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, he's the one in front of media calling on government for accountability on tax spending. But behind the pizzaz lies a deep thinker. Franco loves the nerdy arguments buried in books few people read. They inform his tirades on social media. So don't be fooled, he's not just a talking head. I kept trying to pull our discussion into the ideas behind the nonsense. However, Franco's outrageous examples of waste make ideas seem irrelevant. How can we even get to a theoretical discussion given so many examples of taxation lunacy? Be sure to check out The Canadian Taxpayers Federation and Franco's new book: Axing the Tax-The rise and fall of Canada's carbon tax. Chapters and AI summary: Unveiling the Hidden Costs: A Deep Dive into Canadian Taxes with Franco Terrazzano In this episode of Concepts with Shawn Whatley, Franco Terrazzano, the director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and author of 'Axing the Tax,' delves into the intricate world of Canadian taxation. Terrazzano discusses why taxes are a significant issue for the average Canadian family, far beyond just the financial burden. The conversation touches on wasteful government spending, the philosophy behind taxation, and the accountability (or lack thereof) in how tax dollars are spent. Together, they explore examples of extravagant expenditures by the government, the role of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, potential tax reforms, and the deeper ideological considerations behind tax policies. The episode also offers insights into the broader implications of government intervention in various sectors, emphasizing the need for prudence and accountability. 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Taxes 00:17 Meet Franco Terrazzano: Tax Expert and Advocate 02:25 Highlighting Government Waste 05:19 The Role and Achievements of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation 08:13 Debating the Nature of Taxation 13:04 Government Spending and Accountability 15:13 Historical Context and Current Challenges 23:39 Legal Battles and Victories 26:09 Philosophical Underpinnings and Influences 29:14 Introduction to Professor Flanagan and Canadian Taxpayers Federation 30:41 Balancing Seriousness with Humor in Advocacy 32:50 Healthcare and Government Spending Issues 37:01 Central Planning and Economic Policies 40:10 Taxation and Government Accountability 52:36 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts

Barbara Kay has written professionally about issues on the non left since the 1960s. We might want to say she had a 'front-row seat', but that would be wrong. Her writing went beyond simple observation. She helped shape conservative opinion in Canada for half a century. Barb wrote a piece on Norman Podhoretz, when he passed in December. She mentions reading everything he had ever written: books and articles; editorials in his role as senior editor of Commentary Magazine, everything. Podhoretz was one of the brilliant Jews from New York who left the 1960's liberalism and discovered conservatism. Irving Kristol, the 'godfather of neoconservatism', said neoconservatives were "liberals who have been mugged by reality." Of course, most neocons weren't Jews; they included a broad swath of Catholic and Protestant thinkers. But the Jews stood out, in part, because they brought their bellicose, New York attitude into right-wing politics. They applied revolutionary zeal from their former communist and Trotskyite experience to conservatism. They transformed the old conservatism of the American Republican party into something new in North America: neoconservatism. After the Iraq war, neoconservatism became a term of derision. It became re-interpreted as nothing but a blend of zionism -- Christian and Jewish -- with hawkish foreign policy. This redefinition was a profound mistake. It dismisses a whole political mindset, while at the same time shielding it from serious discussion. Like so many other words silenced by political correctness, neoconservatism can no longer be critiqued for its strengths and weaknesses. We need to celebrate the brilliance of Podhoretz and Irving Kristol, while also critiquing where neoconservatism failed. Neoconservative thought remains a central part, perhaps even the embodiment, of modern political conservative opinion. If we want to understand how best to apply conservatism to current issues, we need to dig deep into the neocon mindset. Please let me know what you think! Barbara Kay: 60 years ago, Norman Podhoretz's writing led me to conservatism AI Summary In this episode, Shawn Whatley engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Barbara Kay, a renowned columnist and author. They delve into the origins, evolution, and nuances of neoconservatism, exploring the influential works of Norman Podhoretz and Irving Kristol. Barbara shares her insights on conservatism, its philosophical underpinnings, and its enduring relevance in today's political landscape. They also touch on various contentious issues such as the limitations of human nature, the impact of anti-Americanism, and the evolution of liberalism. Tune in for a deep dive into the intellectual journey that shapes conservative thought. 00:00 Introduction to Neoconservatism 00:09 Defining Conservatism and Classical Liberalism 01:32 Meet Barbara Kay 01:40 Norman Podhoretz: A Legacy in Neoconservatism 02:10 The Jewish Connection to Neoconservatism 02:54 Barbara Kay's Tribute to Norman Podhoretz 05:27 Podhoretz's Intellectual Journey 07:32 The Role of Intellectuals in Conservatism 10:14 Neoconservatism and Universalism 17:32 The Balance Between Universalism and Particularism 32:02 The Importance of Moral Clarity 36:54 Modern Neoconservatism and Its Challenges 39:10 The Banality of Evil and Rationalization 40:29 Calvinism and the Rejection of Scholasticism 41:38 Jewish Perspectives on Evil 43:01 Conservatism and Human Nature 48:38 Neoconservatism and Its Critiques 01:06:04 The Role of Education in Society 01:10:18 Concluding Thoughts on Conservatism and Hope

Cole Hogan is a political strategist who played key roles in the elections of Premier Doug Ford and Premier Jason Kenney. He's a student of Canadian politics past and present and frequent pundit on major media outlets in Canada. Cole explains how Pierre Elliott Trudeau focussed on reshaping Canada. Economic issues seemed to bore him. PE Trudeau reshaped the Canadian constitution in his own image in the 1980s. Conservatives have been off balance ever since. Having lost ceded the platform to Trudeau's priors, conservatives have tried to argue within the framework Trudeau built. A new, younger batch of conservatives want to change the framework. They are tired of losing by rules set by the opposing team. They want to play offence. Cole explains how the New Right wants conservatives to win on culture, national identity, and social concerns, not just pocket-book issues. He calls younger voters to get involved. "Participation is a solution in itself," he says. Whether you agree with Hogan or not, you have to admit conservatism is changing shape in Canada. Fascinating to see what emerges! Check out Cole's articles and website below. And remember, Patreon members get to see the content a bit early. I respond to comments there first. (Everything is free, but you need to subscribe). Thanks for checking this out! Shawn If conservatives shun Canada’s institutions, how can we possibly reform them? Red Tory? Blue Liberal? These terms mean nothing anymore The right can no longer hide from Pierre Trudeau's legacy ColeHogan.ca Summary + Chapters (AI) Dive into the world of Canadian politics with Shawn Whatley and guest Cole Hogan, a political strategist and communications expert. This episode explores the lasting impact of Pierre Elliot Trudeau on Canada's identity, the challenges faced by the conservative movement, and the necessity of engaging with national institutions. Learn about the significance of participation in politics and the evolving landscape of Canadian conservatism. Discover why young Canadians are crucial to shaping the future and how the conservative movement can navigate contemporary social and cultural issues, shedding light on the importance of being involved and informed. 00:00 Introduction to Pierre Elliot Trudeau's Impact on Canadian Politics 00:21 Guest Introduction: Cole Hogan 00:33 The Conservative Movement and Trudeau's Legacy 01:51 The Right's Shift in Focus: From Economics to Social Issues 03:22 The Charter of Rights and Freedoms: A Defining Document 04:40 Conservative Strategies and Historical Context 10:43 The Role of Canadian Institutions and Young Conservatives 19:21 Challenges and Opportunities for Young Conservatives 23:24 Encouraging Civic Participation 27:28 Getting Involved in Civic Committees 29:41 Conservative Perspectives on Policy 30:41 Challenges of Federal Programs 32:10 Humility in Policy Making 35:50 The Role of Opposition in Governance 40:05 Red Tory vs. Blue Tory 44:19 Engaging the Public in Politics 50:28 The Impact of the Pandemic on Trust in Government

This episode was a breakthrough for me. Conservatism is the mediation between the universal and the particular. I know this sounds nerdy, but I think this is an essential challenge that thinkers on the non-left must work through. We believe that some truths are true everywhere, all the time, but that does not that mean, as liberalism asserts, that truth is true everywhere all the time in all places. Are there truths that are only true in a particular place and time? Does it make us relativist post-moderns to entertain such heresy? Using Dr. Geddert's notion of 'mediation between the universal and particular', conservatism offers a path to sanity between the two extremes. I hope you find this episode as helpful as I did. Yes, we have some truths that are universal, for example, humans have inherent dignity wherever we find them. AND we have some truths that are particular, for example, common law works well in the Anglosphere, but we shouldn't expect it to work well in other places. I hope you find this episode as useful as I did! Please let me know what you think. Thanks again for tuning in! Shawn Article: Liberty without liberalism AI summary: In this episode of Concepts, host Shawn Whatley discusses the tension between universalism and particularism in politics with guest Jeremy Geddert, an associate professor of political science. Geddert explains how conservatism uniquely mediates between these two extremes, avoiding the pitfalls of both left and right liberalism as well as Schmidttian Postmodernism. They explore themes such as the historical roots of Canadian and American political philosophies, the concept of political technology, the role of virtue in politics, and the importance of acknowledging our inherited traditions. Geddert also highlights insights from his upcoming article 'Liberty Without Liberalism' and shares his views on the influence of enlightenment liberalism and modernity. This episode provides a deep dive into the philosophical underpinnings of conservatism, offering valuable perspectives on contemporary political debates. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and support on Patreon! 00:00 Introduction: The Universal vs. The Particular in Politics 01:04 Guest Introduction: Meet Jeremy Geddert 01:50 Exploring Universalism and Particularism 05:07 Historical Context: American and Canadian Liberalism 10:36 The Role of Religion in Early Colonies 15:59 Modernity and Political Technology 28:06 The Evolution of Liberty and Liberalism 34:07 The Role of Love and Tradition in National Identity 35:04 The Link Between Efficiency and Dignity 39:49 Critique of Modern Liberalism 44:07 The Waves of Modernity and Their Impact 48:54 Conservatism as a Mediator Between Universal and Particular 55:36 The Importance of Metaphysics and Theology 01:00:12 Revelation and Human Connection 01:05:02 Concerns and Hopes for the Future

Does it makes sense to maximize liberty in the economy and yet limit it at a personal level? Is it even possible? Alex MacDonald says it doesn't make sense. We never make economics the ultimate priority for family decisions, why do we think it's ok to prioritize economy at a national level? This discussion gets to the heart of debate within the conservative movement. Of course, we need a strong economy. But should economic concerns always trump all other issues? Is money our ultimate social good? Alex offers solid answers; ones we don't usually hear from those on the non-left. Equally fascinating for me was the fact that Alex is sharing answers at all. For the last several decades, staffers and consultants have kept quiet about culture. Conservatives win on the economy, so we should focus conversation on the economy. Don't mention culture, if you want to be included in policy discussions. Today, culture is back. Canadians are tired of being told their country is rotten, its founding is illegitimate, and perhaps it isn't even a nation at all. It's just a post-national state. Voters don't want to see people burning Canadian flags and blocking streets with smoke-filled protests. It will be fascinating to see how Conservative leaders respond to this palpable change in public discourse. Articles mentioned: In doubt of fusionism The King and love of country AI summary: Shawn Whatley welcomes public policy and government relations expert Alex MacDonald to discuss the juxtaposition of economic liberty and social tradition. They delve into the principles of fusionism, balancing market efficiency with moral and social values, and the relevance of the monarchy in contemporary Canada. Through their engaging dialogue, they explore how these foundational ideas shape our communal life and public policy, drawing on historical context, philosophical insights, and current political debates. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode filled with deep reflections on the core values guiding our society. 00:00 Introduction: Balancing Liberty in Economy and Personal Life 00:54 Meet the Guest: Alex MacDonald 01:26 Exploring Fusionism in Politics 02:39 Debating Economic Liberty vs. Social Continuity 04:18 Fusionism: A Deeper Dive 19:01 Healthcare and Libertarianism 21:57 Conservatism and Market Forces 31:36 Philosophical Reflections on Conservatism 37:12 Philosophical Concerns About Fusion 37:34 Market Efficiency vs. Moral Life 39:32 Moral Decay and Individualism 41:27 The Irony of Side Hustle Culture 48:05 Autonomy vs. Freedom 56:46 The Role of the Monarchy in Canada 01:10:56 Concerns for Future Generations

Many of our most popular ideas today are medieval. We are all, in some way, medieval thinkers. Dr. Michael Bonner applies his experience as a historian and political consultant to the current crisis of liberalism. He explains what's going on by reaching back several thousand years. Although this episode is heavy, his book is highly readable. He covers 2000 years of history in 200 pages. It helps if you know the people he references, but even if you don't, you can follow along. Great writer. Books: The Crisis of Liberalism: The Origin and Destiny of Freedom In Defense of Civilization: How Our Past Can Renew Our Present Looking forward to hearing what you think. Thanks again! AI Summary In this episode of Concepts with Shawn Whatley, historian Dr. Michael Bonner discusses his latest book, 'The Crisis of Liberalism: The Origin and Destiny of Freedom.' Delving into 2000 years of history, Bonner explores the roots and future of liberalism, highlighting its medieval origins and the inherent challenges it faces today. They question whether contemporary liberalism can offer meaning and community, touching on topics like personal freedom, historical continuity, and the secularization of Christian values. Tune in to learn how these complex ideas affect our society and where we might go from here. 00:00 Introduction: The Crisis of Liberalism 00:57 Meet Dr. Michael Bonner 01:11 Overview of 'The Crisis of Liberalism' 01:45 Historical Context and Liberalism 02:39 Defining Liberalism and Its Challenges 04:54 Philosophical Foundations of Liberalism 11:23 Medieval Roots of Modern Liberalism 13:28 The Evolution of Liberal Thought 33:33 Hegelian View of History and Liberalism 34:36 Challenging the Liberal Establishment 35:04 Medieval Ideas in Modern Times 35:30 The Axioms of Liberalism 37:15 The Self-Evident Truths 39:08 The Evolution of Christian Thought 44:44 The Paradoxes of Liberalism 54:19 The Religion of Humanity 01:03:54 The Future of Liberalism 01:06:09 Concluding Thoughts