Ship of Fools Podcast with host Steven Malkowich

About Ship of Fools Podcast with host Steven Malkowich

Welcome to Ship of Fools with host Steven Malkowich - Where Wit Meets Wisdom. Our title is ironic. Our intent is genuine. Hosted by Steven Malkowich, this podcast explores the limits of what we know. From culture and technology to belief systems and big questions, we seek clarity in the chaos of modern life. Whether you’re intellectually curious, spiritually skeptical, or just tired of surface-level noise — you’re welcome aboard. Follow us on all the social media channels or wherever you watch your podcasts. 🔔 New episodes weekly. Follow and join the conversation.

Publisher

Ship of Fools Podcast with Steven Malkowich

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Aug 2025

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

64 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Oct 2026

   Is AI Going to Wreck Society? | Dr. Vered Shwartz on What Comes Next

   Is AI going to wreck society — or are we getting ahead of ourselves? Dr. Vered Shwartz, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at UBC and a CIFAR AI Chair at the Vector Institute, joins Steven Malkowich on Ship of Fools for a plain-language conversation about where artificial intelligence is heading and how much we should trust it. Vered’s research focuses on large language models, natural language processing, AI persuasion, commonsense reasoning, culturally competent AI and responsible AI in sensitive areas such as law and medicine. This episode looks at what these systems can actually do, why they still make things up, how persuasive they can be, what changes when AI starts acting on our behalf, and what ordinary people should understand as AI becomes part of everyday life. No computer-science degree required. Just a practical conversation about one of the biggest technologies shaping the future — what it gets right, what it gets wrong, and what comes next. Ship of Fools Podcast with Steven Malkowich Where Wit Meets Wisdom Follow the show on Spotify and watch the full episode on YouTube.

2. 

   6 Oct 2026

   Byron Bertram: The Man Behind Sergei Putinski, “The Russian Comic”

   For the first half of this episode, Vancouver comedian Byron Bertram is completely in character as Sergei Putinski — “The Russian Comic.” Steven Malkowich plays the interview totally straight, as if Sergei has arrived in Vancouver on an official diplomatic mission from the world of Russian comedy. Then, halfway through the conversation, everything changes. Steven says, “Sergei, we need to talk to your handler.” The accent drops, the character disappears, and Byron Bertram finally joins the conversation as himself. From there, they get into the craft behind Sergei — how the character was built, what a character can sometimes say that the comedian can’t, and what Byron has learned from more than 20 years performing stand-up around the world. They also talk about performing in more than 30 countries, the Vancouver comedy scene, Byron’s Live From The Biltmore special, corporate gigs, London and New York rooms, accents, characters, and some of the best and worst shows of his career. There’s also a sincere moment in the middle of all the absurdity: Steven is Ukrainian, Sergei is Russian — at least in character — and the two look into the camera with a simple message about wanting the war to end. And before the episode is over, Sergei returns for a lightning round as Byron switches back and forth between both personalities. Ship of Fools Podcast with Steven Malkowich Where Wit Meets Wisdom Follow Ship of Fools on Spotify and watch the full episode on YouTube.

3. 

   29 Sept 2026

   From Pro Football to City Hall: Dehara Thompson on Why She’s Running in Port Coquitlam

   What makes a former professional footballer decide to run for City Council? Dehara Thompson joins Steven Malkowich on Ship of Fools for a wide-ranging conversation about sport, family, community leadership and why she has decided to run for Port Coquitlam City Council in the October 17 municipal election. Before entering politics, Dehara played professionally with Newcastle United Women and built a long career in soccer, coaching and community development. She is now Executive Director of She Plays Sports Society and has also worked in youth sport, nonprofit leadership, school community involvement and major-event logistics. The conversation starts with the person behind the campaign: her family background, the influence of two cultures growing up, the 1994 World Cup, and the path that eventually took her into professional football. From there, Steven and Dehara talk about motherhood, community involvement, youth sport and what she believes those experiences taught her about leadership, budgets, facilities, volunteers and service. Then the conversation shifts to Port Coquitlam. Dehara explains why she is running as an independent, what she believes she would bring to council as a first-time candidate, and how she thinks about issues including housing, smart density, community safety, recreation, ageing infrastructure, mental health, addiction and fiscal responsibility. Her campaign emphasizes safe and active neighbourhoods, opportunity for youth and families, practical leadership, accountability and transparency. And Steven asks one of the biggest questions facing every municipal election: Why should people who usually skip local elections care enough to vote? Port Coquitlam voters will elect six councillors on October 17, 2026, from a field that includes Dehara and 14 other council candidates. Ship of Fools Podcast with Steven Malkowich Where Wit Meets Wisdom

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Contact Ship of Fools Podcast with host Steven Malkowich

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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