The Canadians
The Canadians (formerly Bad Canadians) is a Canadian long-form interview series devoted to ideas, curiosity, and thoughtful conversation. Hosted by Jared Michael, the show creates a space where writers, journalists, and cultural observers can exchange ideas across traditions while avoiding the usual culture-war trenches.
Each episode is a deep, unhurried conversation with people who think differently, challenge orthodoxies, or see the country from an unexpected angle. The goal is serious, open-ended discussion about culture, institutions, history, science, media, and the stories Canada tells about itself.
Working-class roots. A Free Speech lens. Canadian contrarians. That means taking disagreement seriously and treating people as full moral equals, not caricatures or mascots for a side. The aim is to understand how thoughtful people actually think, especially when you disagree with them.
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
In this solo minisode, host Jared Michael takes a step back to reflect on the deeper mission behind Bad Canadians.
Drawing on the work of social psychologist Jonathan Haidt and the metaphor of the “rider and the elephant,” Jared explores why rational arguments so often fail—and how emotional connection, humility, and lived experience can move us more than facts ever could.
This is a short reflection on tribalism, certainty, and the question we might all need to ask more often:
Am I the hater?
Support the podcast:
https://www.badcanadianspodcast.ca
Follow us on X:
https://twitter.com/BadCanadians
Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/75wxT42gEPMiOBGTFFU4D4?si=-p5-h-6RT-SrzUY3fI8PDA
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/bad-canadians/id1785300184
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@badcanadians?si=BxSQORPmEAhsfbRx
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Lisa Bildy is the Executive Director of the newly launched Free Speech Union of Canada—a non-partisan organization defending freedom of expression in an era where that principle is increasingly under pressure. Prior to this, she spent years at the forefront of Canada’s free speech battles—helping overturn the Law Society of Ontario’s mandatory DEI pledge and representing clients like Amy Hamm and Dr. Gill in some of the country’s most high-profile civil liberties cases.
In this conversation, Lisa shares how she re-entered the legal profession after homeschooling her children, only to find a climate of growing ideological conformity. We discuss what led her to challenge institutional orthodoxy, the roots of the new Free Speech Union of Canada, and why free expression is a master principle worth protecting—even (and especially) when it’s unpopular.
If you’re concerned about the shrinking space for dissent and debate in Canadian life, this is a conversation worth hearing.
Join the Free Speech Union of Canada:
https://fsucanada.ca/
Follow Lisa on X:
https://x.com/LDBildy
Podcast HQ:
https://www.badcanadianspodcast.ca/
Follow Bad Canadians on X:
https://x.com/Bad_Canadians
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/75wxT42gEPMiOBGTFFU4D4
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bad-canadians/id1785300184
Corrections: In the intro, I accidentally referred to Dr. Gill as a lawyer. Dr. Gill is a physician. My apologies for the error.
Lisa Bildy mentions there are five Free Speech Union chapters worldwide, but there is actually six.
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
For nearly three decades, activist Ted Smith has been at the centre of Canada’s medical cannabis movement. As the founder of the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club and a key figure in the 2015 Supreme Court case that opened the door to cannabis edibles and oils, Smith has fought tirelessly for patient rights in the face of legal and political resistance.
In this episode, we discuss how the legalization of recreational cannabis has left many medical users behind. Ted outlines how Canada’s policy shift — driven by tax revenue and corporate interests — has led to the erosion of medical access, a collapse in doctor engagement, and an increasing mismatch between patient needs and what’s available on the legal market. From grassroots compassion clubs to corporate consolidation, this is an honest look at who’s been forgotten in Canada’s cannabis revolution.
Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club:
https://www.victoriacannabisbuyers.club/
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Guest Lydia Perovic asks Canadians to look deeper - into places we've long taken for granted. What happens when the Enlightenment ideals that quietly shaped our identity are replaced by values most Canadians wouldn't recognize, let alone choose?
Follow Lydia on X: https://x.com/LyyPerr
Lydia's Website: https://www.lydiaperovic.com/
Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BadCanadians
Follow Bad Canadians on X: https://x.com/Bad_Canadians
Subscribe for more episodes!
Opening Song: Aria 51 by MicroBongo Soundsystem, used with permission.
#BadCanadians #Podcast #freespeech
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Join host Jared Michael in a conversation with National Post journalist Tristin Hopper as they discuss odd bits of Canadian history, the state of modern journalism, and the anti-zionist protests occurring in Canada since October 7th, 2023. Tristin's new book Don't Be Canada is now available online or at a bookstore near you. He also discusses lesser known tidbits from Canadian history in his podcast, Canada Did What?
Like to be a guest on Bad Canadians? Or if you'd like to learn more, go to BadCanadianspodcast.ca
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
A brief overview of the approach and commitments host Jared Michael will use while attempting to understand Canada's contrarians.