The Swing

by Pendulum Group

News Commentary Politics

Season 1

King Charles III Speech from the Throne

Canada's Speech from the Throne was delivered by King Charles III, opening Parliament. Canada is a constitutional monarchy and this was the first time the King visited Canada as Sovereign. Yaroslav and Heather unpack the throne speech and the government's new agenda. And wow -- that Canada broach the Queen consort was wearing is something else!

Canada's Foreign Policy Focus

Canada is at the helm of the G7 this year and will host a number of G7 engagement groups and ministerial meetings. Pendulum's Yaroslav Baran and Jonathan Berkshire-Miller discuss how the new government's foreign policy is emerging and to what degree it will be a priority for the newly-minted cabinet.

When Old Is New

Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, revamps his cabinet post-election. By and large he's going old school. Yaroslav and Heather talk about relationship resets, cabinet committees and Carney's back to basics approach to governing.

Canada's electoral sidestep with left and right hooks

Canadian voters decide on another minority government and deliver Bizarro World results: Prime Minister Mark Carney claims a seat in Parliament with his first elected win, the Official Opposition Leader loses his Conservative seat of 21 years (so long, Stornoway!) and the NDP leader resigns after failing to hold onto his riding and official party status. If you're as confused as most people, our resident Parliamentary proceduralist has come to the rescue. Yarolsav unpacks what's next, what it sets in motion, and what to expect from the minority dynamics of the 45th Parliament.

Sealing the Deal!

We are in the final stretch of Canada's federal election campaign. Canadians head to the polls on April 28th in what has been a dynamic —and dramatic — political race. Since last week's pod, two debates are in the rearview mirror where no blood was left on the floor. Audiences tuned in en masse to watch the sparring and turned out in record numbers at advance polls. Voters are engaged, enthusiastic and clearly want change -- what kind of change is still uncertain. The polls are tightening with Conservatives inching closer to the Liberals. We're in the final bout to 'Get Out The Vote'.

Debate Prep: Performative Politics and Knock Out Punches

Welcome to The Swing, Pendulum’s podcast where Canada’s federal election takes centre stage. This week: Debate Prep. Yaroslav and Heather will pull back the curtain on how candidates prepare, what defines a good performance and the power of the elusive knock-out punch. As campaigns spin, pivot, and try to land the final blow, this is where strategy meets spectacle—the Swing starts now.

Decoding Political Branding

Campaigns, Colours & Catchphrases: Pendulum's international award-winning creative director, Ben Purkiss, talks branding with co-founder Yaroslav Baran. Want to know what kind of thinking goes into the look and feel of a campaign? In a word — authenticity. To be competitive, do the research, get to know the person behind the politician, and build the brand to complement the candidate. Among the good brands, the one that captures the public mood will likely win the race. Then there are the duds. Ben and Yaro cover them all in 14 minutes.

Taking a Swing at Problem Candidates

Week two of Canada's federal elections and party campaigns are in full swing. This week we discuss candidate eruptions, campaign scripting and voting efficiency.

Race for Captain Canada

Join Heather and Yaroslav as they discuss the first couple of weeks of the Canadian Federal election race. Follow today to stay updated on what's going on in your world.

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