As the year winds down, The Brian Crombie Hour takes a thoughtful look at how the past can inform the future — in business and beyond. Brian Crombie is joined by Joanne Archibald, PhD, Canadian historian and founder of Livy Consulting, for a deep dive into why organizational history is one of the most underused assets in today’s marketplace. Joanne works with Canadian companies that have rich archives but struggle to turn them into meaningful narratives. In this episode, she explains how heritage can strengthen branding, marketing, internal culture, and trust — and why authentic storytelling resonates more than ever in a crowded, noisy world. The conversation also explores Joanne’s transition from academia to entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a purpose-driven consulting firm, and what Canada’s historical identity — including lessons from figures like Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent — can teach organizations about leadership and legacy. A smart, reflective episode about identity, storytelling, and using history not as nostalgia — but as strategy.

On this special Christmas Day episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian slows the pace for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about where Christmas truly comes from. Joined by Jacqueline Murray, PhD, FRHistS, University Professor Emerita in the Department of History at the University of Guelph, the discussion explores how ancient solstice celebrations, medieval customs, and centuries of cultural storytelling shaped the holiday we know today. The episode examines how pagan rituals blended into Christian traditions, how St. Nicholas evolved into Santa Claus, why Christmas trees were once controversial, how the holiday was nearly banned during the Puritan era, and how Charles Dickens helped redefine Christmas as a season of generosity, charity, and community. A warm, insightful, and timeless conversation that reminds us Christmas has always been a living tradition — shaped by history, belief, and humanity’s enduring search for light in dark times.

Brian speaks with Martin Buckland. Martin is one of the world’s leading Executive Career Management Practitioners. He holds multiple designations in resume writing and coaching and specializes at the Senior Manager level and above and those who aspire to be business leaders. Martin Buckland talks about Santa’s resume! This is a very fun but also very thoughtful review of those critical qualities Santa needs, and many of us aspire to.

In this special pre-Christmas episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie steps away from politics and headlines to offer something different — a moment of laughter, reflection, and calm in the middle of the holiday rush. Brian is joined by Carla Collins — comedian, actor, author, and one of Canada’s most beloved voices in comedy — for a warm, funny, and deeply human conversation about why laughter may be the best survival tool during the holidays. They explore comedy at Christmas, managing seasonal stress, and how Carla blends humor and wellness through her Laugh of Attraction and Comedic Meditation work. Carla also shares details about her holiday and New Year performances, including her Boxing Day and December 27 shows in London, Ontario, and her New Year’s Eve headline show in Barrie — a night of gourmet dining and comedy to ring in the new year with joy. The episode closes with a short Christmas message from Brian on choosing presence over perfection, connection over chaos, and finding peace in a season that can be joyful — and complicated — all at once. No politics. No noise. Just laughter, perspective, and a gentle pause before Christmas.

In this timely episode of The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian Crombie is joined by Ann Fitz-Gerald, Director of the Balsillie School of International Affairs and one of Canada’s foremost experts on defence, security, and geopolitics, for a critical discussion on Canada’s national security future. With decades of experience spanning senior roles in the U.K., NATO, and the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre — and as the first civilian woman admitted to the Royal Military College’s defence studies program — Ann Fitz-Gerald brings rare insight into strategy, sovereignty, and national preparedness. The conversation explores a question Canada has long avoided:
How does Canada protect its sovereignty, economy, and security in a rapidly changing global order? Topics include Canada’s fragmented approach to national security, what the new U.S. national security strategy signals for allies, the growing importance of AI, data, cybersecurity, and critical minerals, and Canada’s absence from key global conversations shaping strategic trade and supply chains. Ann also explains why Canada needs a formal expert advisory council and a clearer long-term vision to move from reacting to deciding its future. This is not a partisan discussion — it’s a strategic one. At a moment when geopolitics, technology, and economic security are converging, this episode makes the case for why Canada needs a coherent national security strategy now more than ever.

In this powerful episode of The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian Crombie sits down with Rose Barroso — luxury real estate executive, custom home builder, and author of the forthcoming memoir Indestructible: Transforming Survival into Success. Born in Portugal and raised in Toronto, Rose grew up facing abandonment, abuse, and instability. In this deeply moving conversation, she shares how confronting trauma became the foundation of her resilience and leadership — allowing her to rise and succeed in two of the most male-dominated industries. Rose opens up about breaking generational cycles of abuse, reclaiming her voice, and transforming pain into purpose. This episode is an honest exploration of healing, strength, and what it truly means to be indestructible. A must-listen for anyone navigating adversity, personal growth, or leadership through lived experience.

In this special two-part episode of The Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian Crombie explores one of the most urgent challenges facing Canada today: why a country rich in scientific talent and discovery continues to struggle with innovation, productivity, and economic growth. Part one features Dr. Peter Singer, Special Advisor to the Director General of the World Health Organization and co-founder of Grand Challenges Canada. Dr. Singer examines Canada’s long-standing failure to commercialize its world-class research — from mRNA breakthroughs to life-changing pharmaceuticals — and outlines the policy, funding, and cultural changes needed to turn discovery into domestic prosperity. In part two, Brian is joined by Neil Seeman, author, educator, and CEO of Sutherland House Experts, who tackles the human side of innovation. Neil explains why culture, collaboration, risk-taking, and authentic connection matter as much as capital and policy — and why Canada must rethink how it nurtures talent, entrepreneurship, and creative courage if it wants to compete globally. Together, Singer and Seeman present a complete picture of Canada’s innovation challenge — and a roadmap for building an economy that rewards bold ideas, keeps talent at home, and turns potential into progress.

Brian Crombie speaks with Steven Charlap, founder of Medome.AI, about how artificial intelligence can put patients back at the centre of healthcare. Born from personal tragedy, Medome.AI is designed to improve diagnostic accuracy, strengthen doctor–patient conversations, and help patients arrive informed and prepared — without replacing physicians. A timely conversation on preventive care, patient empowerment, and what the future of healthcare can look like when technology supports, rather than replaces, human connection.

Brian Crombie is joined by Dr. Anna Wilkinson, a family physician with a special interest in oncology and an Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa, for a timely and evidence-based conversation about prostate cancer screening — and why current approaches may need to change. Dr. Wilkinson bridges primary care and oncology, studying how screening guidelines translate into real-world outcomes. In this episode, she explains why prostate cancer screening today looks very different than it did decades ago, and why outdated assumptions may be contributing to rising rates of advanced, incurable disease.

Topics discussed include:
🔹 Why PSA testing has long been controversial — and why doing nothing may be riskier
🔹 Rising rates of stage IV prostate cancer despite better treatments
🔹 How MRI-guided biopsies and modern diagnostics have changed screening
🔹 Who sets Canada’s screening guidelines — and why that process has been paused
🔹 Why prostate cancer is treated differently than breast cancer in public policy A thoughtful, science-driven discussion about early detection, informed decision-making, and improving outcomes for men and families across Canada.

Brian Crombie is joined by Mario Lefebvre, one of Canada’s most experienced economists, for a candid discussion on the biggest risk to Canada’s economic future — and it isn’t tariffs. With 35 years of experience, including senior roles at the Bank of Canada, Conference Board of Canada, Ivanhoé Cambridge, and now Aviseo Conseil, Mario explains how low productivity, weak business investment, and an uncompetitive tax environment are quietly undermining Canada’s economy more than trade disputes or deficits. In this episode, they explore:
🔹 Why Canada’s investment levels lag behind the U.S.
🔹 How weak productivity limits global competitiveness
🔹 How a low dollar has masked structural problems
🔹 The real role of taxes, infrastructure, and capital spending
🔹 Whether Canada still has the fiscal and political capacity to address these issues A timely, in-depth conversation about growth, competitiveness, and Canada’s place in a changing global economy.

Join Brian Crombie as he sits down with Toronto’s top boutique matchmaker, Shannon Tebb, to uncover what modern dating really looks like — and why emotional connection is the number one priority for today’s singles. Shannon shares why busy, successful men are turning to matchmakers for genuine compatibility, discretion, and meaningful relationships. Get practical, actionable advice on how to:

• Share stories instead of running interviews
• Be curious, present, and playful
• Build chemistry in the crucial first 90 days

Plus, Shannon’s biggest insight: “Marry your best friend — the one you can be fully yourself with.” They also dive into dating apps, personal branding, emotional intelligence, and the success stories behind her Premium Service. Whether you’re new to dating or navigating the modern scene, this episode is packed with strategies to make meaningful connections. If you want, I can also draft a few catchier, punchier title options that might stand out in podcast feeds. Do you want me to do that?

Brian Crombie welcomes economist, playwright, and debut novelist Ann Cavlovic to discuss her newly published book Count on Me. Ann’s novel is a sharp, funny, and deeply honest look at elder abuse, family dysfunction, single motherhood, and the emotional and financial realities of caregiving. Drawing from her own experiences supporting aging parents, she exposes a crime that often goes unseen: elder abuse within families.

 In this episode, Ann explores:
🔹 How fiction can reveal hidden truths about financial exploitation
🔹 Why powers of attorney and end-of-life planning matter for every family
🔹 Balancing humour with heartbreak in storytelling
🔹 Her transition from economics and policy to creative writing
🔹 A sneak peek at her climate-themed comedy play Emissions A compelling conversation about family, courage, and the complexities of caring for those we love.

Brian Crombie dives into Toronto real estate’s biggest stories of 2025. Real Estate Forum 2025: Hear insights from top developers on stabilized markets, why land is being called the trade of the decade, and how multifamily properties could become the next big opportunity. Luxury Condo Market with Saul Sanchez: Explore Toronto’s new wave of luxury condos, featuring large suites, curated amenities, boutique buildings, and learn why downsizers are reshaping the market. A must-listen for investors, homeowners, and anyone curious about the evolving Toronto real estate landscape.

Brian Crombie is joined by Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot, one of Canada’s foremost voices on energy policy, pipelines, Indigenous relations, and resource development. Central to the national discussion on Canada’s new Pipeline MOU, Heather breaks down why it’s a major political and economic talking point. In this episode, Heather explores:
🔹 Why the Pipeline MOU is resonating nationally — from centrist voters to strong support in Alberta, and a pragmatic approach from BC’s Premier on LNG and pipeline infrastructure.
🔹 What it would take to build another pipeline in Canada — key regulatory reforms and conditions embedded in the MOU that could attract private investment.
🔹 The real role of Indigenous partnerships — consultation and accommodation vs. blanket consent, and how Indigenous loan guarantees could de-risk projects.
🔹 Canada’s political shift back to the centre — insights into the resignation of Minister Steven Guilbeault and the limits of the green-left in shaping energy policy.
🔹 Canada’s potential as an energy superpower — opportunities in oil, gas, uranium, gold, copper, and critical minerals, contingent on regulatory confidence.
🔹 Why mining and energy matter globally — challenges in the North, opportunities in Saskatchewan, and the benefits of exporting Canadian energy to Asia. A must-listen for anyone interested in pipelines, Indigenous equity partnerships, energy security, and the future of Canada’s economy.

Brian Crombie welcomes Devon Cranson, Founder and President of Cranson Capital, one of Toronto’s leading real estate private equity and exempt market dealers. Having raised over $300 million from accredited investors and serving on 27 active development projects worth more than $3 billion across Ontario, Devon shares his insights on the future of housing in the region. In this episode, Devon explains:
🔹 Why the pre-construction investor market has collapsed
🔹 How years of low housing starts are creating a severe rental shortage
🔹 Why Purpose-Built Rental (PBR) is the only feasible solution for the coming housing gap
🔹 What this means for policymakers, developers, tenants, and investors Conversation Highlights:
• Condo completions in 2025–2026 may temporarily soften rents, but long-term shortages loom
• Persistent high housing demand in Toronto driven by jobs, immigration, and demographics
• Cranson Capital’s pivot to mid-rise PBR as the most viable housing product for the next decade
• Key insights on project design, transit-oriented development, and stalled pre-construction projects
• The critical role of government policy in enabling new housing development A must-listen for anyone following Ontario real estate, housing affordability, or private market investment.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian sits down with Amanda Carrasco — survivor, advocate, legal professional, business owner, and author of Becoming the Brave One: My Journey to Justice. Amanda shares her deeply moving story of surviving multiple sexual assaults, childhood adversity, and the devastating murder of her sister and her sister’s family — and how she transformed that pain into a life dedicated to healing and justice.

Together, they explore her journey through trauma and resilience, her work in restorative justice, and the emotional process of reclaiming identity, self-worth, and hope. Amanda opens up about shame, forgiveness, rebuilding trust, parenting through trauma, and finding purpose through helping others. This unforgettable conversation is a testament to the strength of the human spirit — and a reminder that no matter what you’ve been through, healing is possible and bravery can be reborn.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Jo-Ann Roberts — writer, democracy advocate, and former Interim Leader of the Green Party of Canada — for an urgent and thought-provoking conversation about the state of Canadian democracy. Drawing from her book Storm the Ballot Box: An Insider’s Guide to a Voting Revolution, Jo-Ann breaks down why more Canadians than ever are choosing not to vote, with participation among young people at a troubling low.

Together, they explore why lowering the voting age to 16 could help reverse the trend, how other countries are already making the change, and what the research reveals about young voters’ long-term engagement. The conversation also tackles broader democratic reforms, from mandatory voting and recall elections to improved civic education and greater political accountability. It’s a timely, energizing episode that asks a crucial question: could empowering young voters be the key to revitalizing Canada’s democracy?

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Parisa Mahboubi, Associate Director of Research at the C.D. Howe Institute, for an in-depth look at what’s really happening in Canada’s immigration system. Drawing on data and personal experience, Parisa explains why numeric targets have overtaken a focus on skills, how the temporary resident and international student programs have become unbalanced, and why the current system feels unpredictable for newcomers. They also explore the broader impact on housing, infrastructure, and public confidence — and the key reforms Canada needs to build a clearer, fairer, and more sustainable immigration model. A thoughtful, timely, and essential conversation for anyone concerned about Canada’s future.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Fred Cassano, National Real Estate Leader at PwC Canada, for a timely deep dive into the future of housing and real estate in Canada. Drawing on PwC’s extensive survey of over 1,250 industry leaders, they explore why the condo market has stalled, why purpose-built rentals are booming, and why only top-tier office space remains in demand.

They also unpack the impacts of labour shortages, private equity investment, ESG priorities, and Canada’s growing need for 500,000 new homes a year. Fred outlines why condo sales today could drive higher rents in 2026, how Canada is falling behind in AI and data centre development, and what real estate leaders urgently want from government — faster approvals, smarter permitting, and lower barriers to building. It’s a must-listen conversation for anyone concerned about housing affordability, investment trends, or the future of Canadian cities and the economy.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by one of Canada’s most respected political pollsters, Nik Nanos of Nanos Research, for a timely and revealing look at the shifting currents of Canadian politics. Together, they break down what the latest data is really saying, why the Conservatives can’t seem to break through even with low NDP support, the surprising uptick in Liberal momentum around Mark Carney, and how razor-thin margins in key ridings helped shape the last federal election. Their conversation also explores the bigger forces influencing Canada’s political future, including the Alberta–Canada pipeline deal, Indigenous participation and legal challenges, public opinion on energy exports, and growing separatist sentiment in Alberta — including talk of closer ties to the U.S. They examine how the evolving Canada–U.S. relationship is impacting confidence, the economy, and national direction, and whether the country is ready to take risks or remain stuck in a political holding pattern.