21 Oct 2026
Episode 62: Politics, Protest & Power Who’s Really Listening?
What does it take to get people out of their seats and into the streets? And what happens when politicians, institutions, and big tech stop listening to the people they’re supposed to serve?
On this episode of **The Culture Junkie Podcast**, Keith and Xandra tackle the collision of politics, protest, technology, and public accountability. From Alberta’s referendum and Belleville’s municipal election to controversial data centre developments and the changing face of political resistance, this is a conversation about who holds the power — and what happens when ordinary people decide to push back.
The discussion starts close to home, examining local political engagement, campaign transparency, and the importance of showing up for voters. Are candidates making genuine connections with their communities, or are they relying on outdated websites, campaign flyers, and political theatre?
Then the conversation goes global.
Google’s data centre controversy in Finland and Kevin O’Leary’s proposed Utah data centre plans raise important questions about environmental responsibility, land rights, corporate influence, and the power of big tech to reshape communities.
Keith and Xandra also explore how protest culture differs across North America, Quebec, France, and Finland — and why music, poetry, humour, and even ridiculous costumes can become powerful tools of political resistance.
From journalism versus opinion to social media accountability, free speech, and the original meaning of being “woke,” this episode challenges listeners to look beyond the headlines and ask some uncomfortable questions.
Because democracy isn’t just about casting a ballot. It’s about paying attention, asking questions, and showing up before someone else makes the decisions for you.
IN THIS EPISODE
Alberta’s Referendum:** Political theatre, public engagement, and the cost of asking the public to weigh in.
The Global Protest Movement:** Comparing activism and public demonstrations across North America, Quebec, France, and Finland.
💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Are political protests still an effective way to create change? Should communities have more control over the data centres and technology infrastructure being built in their backyards? And when it comes to local politics, are candidates doing enough to earn your trust?
Let us know what you think in the comments. We want to hear your perspective.
👍 Like this episode if you believe accountability matters.
🔔 Subscribe to Culture Junkie for conversations about culture, technology, business, politics, and the ideas shaping our future.
📲 Share this episode with someone who believes their voice should count.
🔗 FOLLOW CULTURE JUNKIE
🌐 Website: https://culturejunkie.ca (https://culturejunkie.ca)
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@culturejunkieca (https://www.youtube.com/@culturejunkieca)
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/search/Culture%20Junkie (https://open.spotify.com/search/Culture%20Junkie)
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/search?term=Culture%20Junkie (https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/search?term=Culture%20Junkie)
🎧 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/search/?q=Culture%20Junkie (https://www.iheart.com/search/?q=Culture%20Junkie)
Follow us, join the conversation, and help us build a community that values curiosity, critical thinking, and independent perspectives.
Culture Junkie — Guiding tomorrow’s vision today, with creative business solutions.
#CultureJunkie #politics #politicalprotest #accountability #bigtech #canadianpolitics #localpolitics #freedomofspeech #DigitalAccountability #datacenters #politicalcommentary #democracy #socialissues #podcast #CultureJunkiePodcast
