28: Tariffs, Empty Shelves, and the Mirage of Mastery
In this episode, Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg unpack the unraveling of Trump’s so-called Liberation Day — a theatrical declaration of economic independence that has instead delivered confusion, chaos, and consequences. Tariffs, touted as a tool of strength, have mutated into instruments of disruption. We explore how incompetence, ignorance, and arrogance are combining to create a model of governance that can't comprehend the interdependence of global trade. The result? Not just price hikes — but empty shelves. And when the spin wears off, it’s the material absence that people remember.Turning north, we analyze the dynamics of the Canadian federal election. On one side, Carney courts credibility through the legacy media. On the other, Poilievre builds a parallel trust network, going straight to the people, bypassing traditional channels. But what happens when a leader loses, yet still commands belief? We consider a looming crisis of legitimacy, where the post-election debate may not be about competency vs. character — but competency vs. conspiracy.We close with a look at what a Carney-led Canada might do in response to ongoing U.S. economic instability. Expect strategic decoupling and new global partnerships — especially if the volatility south of the border continues.
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51:49
27: The Constitution vs. the President: Who’s Winning?
Is the American Constitution still worth the parchment it's printed on? In this explosive episode of Red-Tory, Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg are joined by Professor Tobias T. Gibson to confront the slow-motion legal collapse happening in real time.As the executive branch grabs more power, bulldozes over rights, and dares the judiciary to stop it, we ask: is the U.S. in a full-blown constitutional crisis? And if so, will the courts fight back—or fold?We dig into the administration’s hardline deportation campaigns, its crusade against academia, and its broader war on reason and evidence. Professor Gibson brings historical clarity and constitutional expertise to a conversation that cuts through the noise and lays bare the stakes.This isn’t just about law. It’s about whether the system built to check power can still function when power stops playing by the rules.
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1:00:01
26: Polling, Punditry, and the Politics of Collapse
In this episode of Red-Tory, Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg break down the two recent federal leaders' debates and reflect on what they reveal about the state of Canadian democracy. As the 2025 election unfolds, Canada appears to be sliding into a two-party system, shedding the diversity and nuance that once defined its political landscape.We explore how the very category of “politics” has become discredited over the past several decades—reduced to spectacle, stripped of substance, and hollowed out by cynicism. Meanwhile, polling has morphed into a form of technological determinism, shaping campaigns before ideas can take root, and acting more like market prediction than democratic engagement.What’s missing? Grand visions. Ambitious ideas. Narratives that inspire and mobilize. Jesse and Allan argue that without them, politics risks becoming a game no one wants to play—and that’s exactly what those in power want.
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43:41
25: The Tyranny of the Selfishly Wealthy
In this episode, Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg are joined by author, musician, and philosopher John Lefebvre for a blistering conversation on the tyranny of the selfishly wealthy and the existential stakes in the battle for democracy.As the Trump regime doubles down on incompetence and corruption, its true enablers become harder to ignore: the ultra-wealthy who seek to dismantle the collective powers of taxation and regulation—tools meant to serve the public good. Their goal isn’t just tax avoidance; it's the consolidation of power, the erosion of solidarity, and the destruction of democratic norms.This episode interrogates the moral bankruptcy of wealth hoarding, the failure of mainstream politics to confront plutocracy, and how the elite class has weaponized libertarianism to shield itself from accountability. Together, we explore why taxation is not theft, but rather the lifeblood of a just society—and why the regulation of capital is essential if we hope to reclaim democracy for the many.It’s not just about money. It’s about power, purpose, and who gets to shape the future.
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55:34
24: The Illusion of Liberation: Analyzing the Aftermath of Trump's Policies
The discourse presented by Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg provides a profound examination of the contemporary socio-political landscape, particularly in the context of the economic upheavals precipitated by the actions of Donald Trump. As we traverse through the complexities surrounding what they term the 'Great American Depression,' Hirsh and Gregg illuminate the stark contrast between the rhetoric of liberation and the stark realities that have ensued. They meticulously dissect the unpredictable nature of the financial markets, noting a remarkable recovery amidst widespread hysteria, a phenomenon engendered by Trump’s unexpected policy reversals. This episode is not merely an analysis of economic statistics; it serves as a critical reflection on how political maneuvers can significantly alter public perception and market stability, forcing listeners to reconsider the interplay between politics and economics in an era marked by volatility and uncertainty. Furthermore, the discussion delves into the implications of Trump's foreign policy, particularly regarding China, which is portrayed as a critical adversary to American hegemony. The hosts articulate the nuances of Trump's approach, suggesting that while he may engage in conciliatory gestures, the underlying tension with China poses substantial challenges for U.S. companies reliant on Chinese supply chains. Hirsh and Gregg’s insights prompt an exploration of the broader geopolitical ramifications that extend beyond immediate economic concerns, urging listeners to contemplate the long-term consequences of America’s fluctuating international relations.In conclusion, this episode not only captures the immediate ramifications of current events but also serves as a clarion call for greater awareness of the intricate web of factors influencing our contemporary reality. Through their astute observations, Hirsh and Gregg compel us to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of political discourse and its profound impact on the economic landscape, making this episode a critical listen for any engaged citizen seeking to navigate the complexities of today’s world.Takeaways: The podcast reveals that the economic situation in the United States is precarious, as we may be on the precipice of a Great American Depression due to recent policy changes. Donald Trump has effectively capitalized on recent market fluctuations, demonstrating that political actions have tangible economic consequences that resonate with the public. The discussion highlights the volatility surrounding U.S.-China relations, with significant implications for American companies that rely on Chinese manufacturing and supply chains. The conversation addresses the critical need for a robust public investment strategy in Canada to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the technology sector. As political dynamics shift, the hosts emphasize the importance of understanding regional sentiments in Canada, particularly regarding Western alienation and the potential for separatism. The episode concludes with a reflection on how mainstream media narratives can distort public perception and influence political discourse, highlighting the disconnect between actual events and media coverage.
The Red Tory mission is to critically make sense of our world while having fun doing so. We’re committed to public education, sharing knowledge, and public policy debates. As researchers our current view is that nothing is sacred when so much is uncertain.
For most people, the world seems to be an increasingly chaotic and confusing place. That’s because it is.
In “Red-Tory,” Jesse Hirsh and Allan Gregg—two inquisitive friends from different generations—team up to untangle the chaos. With decades of experience analyzing, navigating, and explaining the intersection of technological and socio-political change, they bring sharp insights and a bit of humor to the news-driven topics shaping our lives.
The conversations are rooted in and riff off the two newsletters written by each co-host. Jesse’s “Future of Authority” identifies undercurrents behind current news that reflect his deep interest in and understanding of new theories and developments in technology and intelligence – ideas that are not widely known or covered by traditional media. Allan’s “Vanity and Learning” reflects on inflection points in politics and history over the last 70 years and how these trends resonate and continue to shape events to this day.
The effect is one of a techno-cultural anthropologist bringing his findings to an older guy, with an impressive resume and a continued love of learning, and together they explore the antecedents and evolution of popular (but often below-the-headline) trends.
Together, they connect the dots in an open-ended conversation or a two-on-one interview with guests who provide unique perspectives on the issues at hand.
With each episode, “Red-Tory” offers clarity, curiosity, and connection in a world where those qualities are increasingly rare. Tune in as Jesse and Allan make sense of the chaos—and have fun along the way.
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