Welcome back to another episode of the Couple Casuals Podcast!
In this episode, Stefano sits down with Canadian media personality and host of The Ben Mulroney Show, Ben Mulroney, for a wide-ranging conversation about Canada, politics, media, Toronto, family and the experiences that shaped his perspective.
Ben opens up about growing up as the son of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and how his father shaped his values and political outlook.
The conversation dives into:
• Donald Trump, Canada–U.S. relations and Canada’s own challenges
• growing up as the son of Brian Mulroney
• Brian Mulroney’s influence on Ben’s values and politics
• grief, losing a father and staying connected through music
• young Canadians, politics and the changing media landscape
• why the Liberal Party has been so successful electorally
• Mark Carney and the direction of Canada
• Pierre Poilievre and lessons from the last federal election
• mainstream media, journalism and independent media
• government funding of Canadian media and public trust
• what has happened to Toronto
• what Ben would prioritize if he were mayor
Grab a casual, lock in, and let’s get into it.
Host: Stefano
Instagram: @drstefo
https://www.instagram.com/drstefo
Guest: Ben Mulroney
Instagram: @benmulroney
This episode is brought to you by Canada First — secure your home with Canada’s best home fortification.
Visit https://canadafirst.com/ to learn more.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro & Canada First
0:29 Ben Mulroney Joins the Podcast
1:14 Disconnecting From the 24/7 News Cycle
3:18 Donald Trump & the “Horse in a Hospital”
4:42 Ben’s Perspective on Donald Trump
5:27 Canada Is Responsible for Its Own Problems
7:58 Trump’s Impact on Canadian Politics
9:52 Growing Up as the Son of a Prime Minister
12:09 Would Ben Mulroney Ever Run for Office?
13:58 What Was It Like Growing Up With Brian Mulroney?
15:54 How Brian Mulroney Shaped Ben’s Values
16:55 Where Ben Falls Politically
18:38 Brian Mulroney, Marginalized Communities & His Values
19:25 Anti-Semitism & Standing With the Jewish Community
21:14 Losing Brian Mulroney & Dealing With Grief
23:03 How Music Keeps Their Fathers’ Memories Alive
23:40 Ben Plays a Recording of His Father Singing
25:35 Brian Mulroney’s Voice at His Own Funeral
26:23 Ben’s Advice for Dealing With the Loss of a Father
26:54 Are Young People Becoming More Political?
27:56 Social Media, News & Political Polarization
30:00 Why Do Liberals Keep Winning Elections?
30:25 How the Liberal Party Wins
32:27 Political Criticism, Patriotism & Counterarguments
34:03 Mark Carney & the Direction of Canada
36:31 Pierre Poilievre & the Conservative Party
37:17 What Conservatives Got Wrong in the Election
38:22 Could Mark Carney Call Another Election?
39:34 Mark Carney vs. Justin Trudeau
39:57 Carney, Trump & Canada–U.S. Negotiations
40:54 Canada’s Resources, Major Projects & Economic Potential
41:47 Canada’s Recognition of Palestine
42:46 Why Ben Won’t Carry Water for Any Political Party
43:39 Trump’s Role in the Liberal Comeback
44:38 Why Government Still Needs Opposition & Accountability
46:00 Canadian Media & Political Bias
46:26 Ben’s Experience Inside Mainstream Media
46:49 The Attempted Boycott of Ben Mulroney
47:18 Journalism, Bias & Trust in the Media
48:39 Independent Media vs. Traditional Media
49:01 Government Funding & Public Trust in Canadian Media
50:31 Are Conservative Voices Shut Out of Mainstream Media?
51:26 The Rise of Independent Conservative Media
53:19 What Happened to Toronto?
54:01 Division, Protests & Disorder in the City
55:29 How Toronto Became a Global City
56:41 What Toronto Needs From Its Government
57:39 Would Ben Mulroney Make a Good Mayor?
57:55 Olivia Chow & the Toronto Mayoral Race
59:23 Toronto’s Centre-Right Vote
1:00:53 Why Toronto Voter Turnout Matters
1:02:48 Are You Proud to Be Canadian?
1:03:25 Unlocking Canada’s Potential
1:05:12 Salute: Montreal Canadiens
1:05:42 Outro
