Erika Barootes and Cheryl Oates are seasoned political insiders from opposite sides of the aisle — and they’re not afraid to disagree. The Discourse is your backstage pass to the biggest issues in Canadian politics, featuring sharp takes, real talk, and unexpected common ground. It’s proof that politics doesn’t have to be a shouting match — it can be a damn good conversation.

The Discourse
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Podcast Overview
Erika Barootes and Cheryl Oates are seasoned political insiders from opposite sides of the aisle — and they’re not afraid to disagree. The Discourse is your backstage pass to the biggest issues in Canadian politics, featuring sharp takes, real talk, and unexpected common ground. It’s proof that politics doesn’t have to be a shouting match — it can be a damn good conversation.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/27/2023
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Recent Episodes

May 29, 2026
Boots, Boundaries, and Ballots
Hosts Erika Barootes and Shannon Greer dissect Western Canadian politics, exploring the Premiers' Conference, Alberta's referendum, and Prime Minister Carney's Clarity Act intervention.

May 14, 2026
My Data, My Choice
Host Erika and Shannon explore Alberta's massive voter data breach, discussing its origins and implications for privacy and political discourse.

April 23, 2026
Rebuilding Alberta Healthcare — Or Breaking It?
Alberta’s healthcare system has gone through a major overhaul since 2023 — new agencies, new legislation, and a new way of thinking about care delivery. But is it actually working? In this episode of The Discourse, Erika Barootes is joined by emergency physician and former Alberta Medical Association president Dr. Paul Parks for a candid, no-spin conversation from both the frontline and the policy table. They break down what’s changed, what’s at stake with dual practice, and what real solutions could look like — without the political talking points.
76 total episodes available with 29 transcripts
Recent guests on The Discourse
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Sabrina Grover
Guest
Erika Barootes
Guest
Keith McLaughlin
Guest
Gitane De Silva
Guest
Carrie Tait
Guest
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is The Discourse?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
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