UnSpun with Jody Vance and George Affleck

UnSpun with Jody Vance and George Affleck

by Jody Vance and George Affleck
GovernmentPolitics
Season 8

Strikes, Housing, & Vancouver’s Political Circus | UnSpun Ep. 296

Season 8 is here — and Jody’s back from a very unexpected detour in China. From being stranded in Chengdu to Air Canada chaos, it’s been a summer of surprises. But the headlines at home? Even bigger. This week, we dig into: ✈️ Jody’s wild Air Canada/China travel saga 📦 BCGEU strike + liquor store showdown 🍁 Pierre Poilievre’s rocky footing & Mark Carney’s rise 🏗️ Housing, density, and why Vancouver can’t get towers vs. gentle density right 🏘️ Rental surge vs. ownership collapse — who actually benefits? 🏛️ Ken Sim’s “cringe factor” + why Vancouver voters are over it 📉 The future of BC politics: John Rustad, EB, and the immigration spin From pipelines to party politics, NIMBY wars to rental booms — it’s a jam-packed return episode. 💥 Bottom line: Canada’s housing, labour, and political systems are colliding. And the fallout? It’s coming fast. 📲 Watch, share, and subscribe – and don’t forget to visit UnSpunPodcast.com
S8 · E296
Sep 5, 2025
37:04
Season 7

#FreeKitsPool — Vancouver Park Board’s Summer Fumble | UnSpun Ep. 295

Welcome to UnSpun – your go-to podcast and YouTube show for politics, media spin, and keeping Vancouver honest. While technically on hiatus, Jody and George couldn’t stay silent this week — because what’s happening at Kits Pool is peak Park Board nonsense. We’re talking about an Olympic-sized outdoor pool in the middle of a record heat wave that’s… EMPTY. But somehow also “sold out.” Reservations, lineups, session closures, 30-minute shutdowns five times a day… it’s a mess. And it’s been a mess since COVID. In this special summer episode: 🏊‍♂️ Why the reservation system is killing access 📉 The lifeguard excuse that doesn’t hold water 🧾 George’s CBC interview + Park Board’s lack of data 📣 A motion is coming Monday — here’s how YOU can help 📬 We give you the email addresses. Send one now. 🔥 Plus: A quick breakdown of David Eby’s cabinet shuffle This is about more than just Kits Pool. It’s about common sense, public access, and basic accountability.
S7 · E295
Jul 17, 2025
20:07

Summer Break, Empty Pools, and Mayor Mayhem | UnSpun Podcast Episode 294

Welcome to UnSpun – your go-to podcast and YouTube show for politics, media spin, and keeping Vancouver honest. In the final episode of Season 7, Jody and George go out with a bang (and maybe a splash): 🏊‍♀️ Kits Pool Controversy – Why is one of Vancouver’s best public pools sitting nearly empty? Jody shares her emotional plea for access and equity. 🏛️ Richmond Oval Scandal – $550K salaries, taxpayer-funded trips, and a mayor shoving a camera. You can’t make this up. 📉 BC Conservatives in Chaos – Is John Rustad losing his grip? Splinters, infighting, and a name clash with…a diarrhea medication? 🌍 Global Flashpoints – From US airstrikes on Iran to fears of sleeper cells, is the world spiraling toward something darker? 🇨🇳 Chengdu Bound – Jody’s headed to China to work with the World Games! Hear about her upcoming adventure (and why she needed a fast visa). 💬 Plus: Political media training tips, the illusion of transparency, and why you should never touch the camera. 🎧 It's been a wild season — we'll be back after the break (unless something big happens). 🛟 Until then, follow @jodyvance and @george_affleck for updates. 📲 Watch, share, and subscribe – and don’t forget to visit UnSpunPodcast.com
S7 · E294
Jun 26, 2025
31:20

Vancouver’s Budget Spin, Kits Pool Booking Madness & Iran-Israel Tensions | UnSpun Podcast Episode 293

Welcome to UnSpun – your go-to podcast and YouTube show for current events. In this episode, Jody Vance and George Affleck take it hyperlocal, starting with Vancouver’s latest budget drama—then escalating to global headlines: 💸 Vancouver’s Budget Games: Mayor Ken Sim promises a “low” property tax hike—but George calls out the political spin. Is this election-year math or fiscal mismanagement? 🏊 Kits Pool Booking Controversy: The city says “it’s fixed”—but you still have to reserve a swim at an outdoor public pool? Jody’s had enough, and Vancouver agrees. 🚧 City Decay & Priorities: Sidewalks crumbling, bridges closed, graffiti everywhere—yet money flows to PR projects. The basics are being ignored. 🌊 Ken Sim’s Popularity Problem: From communication failures to under-delivered promises, Jody and George debate what’s really gone wrong at city hall. 🛢️ Pipeline Politics & Eby vs Smith: Interprovincial tensions flare as BC’s Premier blocks major oil exports to Asia—angering Alberta and his own party. 🌍 G7 Diplomacy & Trump’s Exit: How did Mark Carney navigate Trump’s abrupt departure and make global trade allies in the process? 🧊 Empty Stadiums & ICE Arrests: Migrants vanish from public events in the U.S.—can America even host the World Cup like this? ⚠️ Iran vs Israel: With threats of nuclear escalation and global alliances shifting, is the world inching closer to World War III? 🔔 Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest episodes. 🎧 Find us on all major platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts 🌐 Visit UnSpunPodcast.com for more
S7 · E293
Jun 19, 2025
33:36

Squamish Wildfires, Mega Towers, and Canada’s China Dilemma | UnSpun Podcast Episode 292

Welcome to UnSpun — the fast-talking podcast and YouTube show where Jody Vance and George Affleck strip away the spin from politics, policy, and daily headlines. In this episode, we go from local wildfires to global trade wars, with a pit stop at Vancouver’s controversial development debates and BC Ferries’ tone-deaf decisions: 🔥 Squamish Wildfires: A ridge fire near the Sea to Sky Highway forces evacuations — and the cause may be arson. 🌲 Summer Smoke Anxiety: Vancouverites brace for another smoke-filled summer with relatives arriving into the haze. 🏊 Kits Pool Update: It’s filled but still not open — what’s really going on with Park Board priorities? 🏢 Mega Towers at Commercial-Broadway: A 44-storey rental project has been approved, and it’s sparking debate. Lazy planning? Political move? George and Jody dig in. 🚉 SkyTrain and Density: Why is Vancouver pushing towers where locals don’t want them, and ignoring obvious density options like 22nd & Nanaimo? 🏗️ Gentle Density vs. Tower Invasion: The team talks urban design, housing, and how to build smart without losing community culture. 🛳️ Fast Ferries 2.0: The NDP wants new ferries — but they’re being built in China. Have we learned nothing from the last fiasco? 🇮🇳 G7 and India’s Invitation: Mark Carney includes India at the global table — trade necessity or political misstep? 🇨🇳 Canada’s China Problem: With EVs at $3,000 in China, Jody and George question why Canada’s still playing it safe. ⚡ The Kearney Factor: From BC Hydro reform to energy policy, Canada might finally be forced to act on climate — thanks to outside pressure. 🇺🇸 Trump’s Parade and Project 2025: LA chaos, “No Kings Day,” and authoritarian vibes in America’s political theatre. 📉 Elon’s Apology Tour: Musk backpedals on Trump — but Jody’s feed is still full of bots. 📜 History Repeats: A shoutout to Heather Cox Richardson and a call to meaningful personal action, even if it’s just getting Kits Pool reopened. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes covering everything from Vancouver housing to global political shakeups. 🎧 Find us on all platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts 🌐 Visit UnSpunPodcast.com for full episodes and bonus content.
S7 · E292
Jun 12, 2025
31:10

Granville Street Revamp, Wildfires, and Elon vs Trump | UnSpun Podcast Episode 291

Welcome to UnSpun – your go-to podcast and YouTube show for current events. In this episode, Jody Vance and George Affleck cover a packed slate of political chaos and local controversy: 🏙️ Granville Street Revitalization: Why did the City of Vancouver quietly release a major plan during the Stanley Cup puck drop? Is this “good news” being buried? 🏊 Kits Pool & Park Board Woes: With summer heat on the rise, why are some of Vancouver’s most beloved pools still dry? And is David Eby really blocking progress? 🚆 SkyTrain to UBC?: Rumours swirl that the Premier is personally opposed to extending transit to UBC – and it’s stalling major regional plans. 🔥 Wildfires Across Canada: Ten times the burn area compared to average – what’s happening across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and BC? Is it climate, mismanagement, or both? 📉 Trade Trouble & Tariffs: From Premier Ford’s electricity threats to Pierre Poilievre’s “elbows down” critique, the Canada–U.S. trade war is heating up. 🇺🇸 Elon Musk vs Donald Trump: A full-blown Twitter war breaks out – but what’s really behind Musk’s dramatic political pivot? 💬 Scott Galloway Unloads on Musk: A brutal takedown on Piers Morgan’s show raises big questions about billionaires, accountability, and public trust. 💉 Anti-Vaxx Consequences: A tragic measles death in Ontario reignites the vaccine debate. Jody and George get real about science, parenting, and public health. 🔔 Subscribe to stay up to date with our latest episodes. 🎧 Find us on all major platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts. 🌐 Visit UnSpunPodcast.com for full episodes and more.
S7 · E291
Jun 5, 2025
36:02

Trump Tariffs, Elon Musk, and BC's Bill 15: Unpacking the Chaos | UnSpun Podcast Episode 290

Welcome to UnSpun - your go-to podcast and YouTube show for current events. In this episode, Jody Vance and George Affleck dive into a wide range of topics: 🇺🇸 Trump’s Tariffs: Discuss the term 'Taco' (Trump Always Chickens Out) and its implications on the markets and international relations. 📉 Elon Musk Criticizes Government: Analyze Elon Musk's comments on government spending and deficit, and his subsequent exit from government roles. 🇨🇦 Royal Visits and Canadian Politics: Jody and George delve into King Charles' visit to Canada, its potential geopolitical implications, and Trudeau's controversial footwear during the event. 🏛️ Bill 15: Explain the fast-tracking of major projects in BC and the surprising political maneuvers in the legislature. 👮‍♂️ VPD Chief and Lawsuit: Introduction to Vancouver’s new VPD Chief and the latest lawsuit connected to the Mayor’s office. 🔔 to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. 🎧 Find us on all major platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts. Visit our website to learn where to watch and listen at UnSpunPodcast.com. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Agenda 00:45 Trump's Tariff Tactics and Market Reactions 05:31 Elon Musk's Critique and Government Response 10:52 King Charles' Visit and Political Implications 14:40 Trudeau's Public Appearance and Media Reactions 16:49 Quirky Dance on Fallon Show 17:11 Bill 15 Passes in BC Legislature 18:18 NDP's Environmental Flip-Flop 18:59 Conservatives' Contradictory Vote 21:31 Love Locks and Vancouver Sign 24:16 New VPD Chief and Lawsuit 25:23 Ken Sim's Controversial Actions 30:46 Conclusion and Social Media Plugs Stay updated! Jody Vance https://twitter.com/jodyvance George Affleck https://twitter.com/george_affleck UnSpun https://twitter.com/unspunpodcast Interested in sponsoring? Email george@curvecommunications.com Jody Vance is a born-and-raised Vancouverite who’s spent 30 years in both local and national media. The first woman in the history of Canadian TV to host her own sports show in primetime, since 2011 she’s been working in both TV and radio, covering news and current affairs. George Affleck is a former Vancouver City Councillor, retiring in 2018 after seven years and two election wins. He has also owned his own marketing agency, Curve Communications, since 2000 and works with a variety of clients in the private and non-profit sector. George can also be seen writing columns for Vancouver is Awesome, and a guest host on CKNW. A published author, CBC journalist, and comedy writer, George is also an avid traveller, having lived in Sweden, Denmark, the UK, Taiwan, and Israel. Theme song: Piers Affleck Produced at: https://curvecommunications.com/ #vanpoli #bcpoli #cndpoli #UnspunPodcast, #TrudeauResigns, #CaliforniaFires, #Trump, #CanadianPolitics, #GeorgeAffleck, #JodyVance
S7 · E290
May 29, 2025
31:56

New Vancouver Police Chief Rumours, $1M Sign, and Federal Politics | UnSpun with Jody Vance & George Affleck

In this episode of the UnSpun Podcast, hosts Jody Vance and George Affleck cover a range of pressing local and national topics. They start by discussing the retirement of Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer and the rumours surrounding his potential successors. They also delve into the controversy over a $1 million sign in Vancouver and the high maintenance costs associated with it. Shifting gears, a look at the issues related to homelessness and public facilities in the city, as well as recent budgetary concerns. On the national scene, they discuss the implications of recent decisions by Canadian and US politicians, including Prime Minister Mark Carney's meetings and federal budget discussions. Join Jody and George for an engaging and insightful conversation on current affairs. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:26 Local News: Vancouver Police Chief Rumours 04:04 Vancouver Sign Controversy 06:32 Downtown Eastside Issues and Provincial Politics 07:58 Metro Vancouver Board Audit 12:41 Property Taxes and Home Equity Concerns 15:28 Oppenheimer Park Tent City 16:56 Park Sleeping Controversy 17:34 Playground Launch Halted 18:24 Homelessness and Public Spaces 19:09 Public Washroom Issues 24:13 International Politics and South Africa 28:34 US Politics and Economic Policies 31:15 Podcast Wrap-Up
S7 · E289
May 22, 2025
32:36

Big Changes In Canada You Need To Know! Global Tensions, Political Chaos, and Policy Failures | UnSpun with Jody Vance & George Affleck Ep. 288

Explicit
Welcome to UnSpun - your weekly dive into current events! In this episode, Jody Vance and George Affleck discuss a myriad of pressing topics. This week: In this episode of the Unspun Podcast, hosts Jody Vance and George Affleck dive into a jam-packed 30-minute discussion, covering a wide array of pressing topics. They start with global politics, analyzing the U.S. President's controversial visit to the Middle East, interactions with historically unfriendly nations, and the implications for peace in the region. They then transition to national politics in Canada, focusing on Prime Minister Mark Carney's newly installed cabinet and the political fallout from housing policies. Locally, the duo examines the ongoing political and social issues in Alberta and British Columbia, including the separatist movement and healthcare staffing challenges. They wrap up the episode by pondering the erosion of democratic norms and the increasing authoritarian tendencies both internationally and domestically. Tune in for an insightful discussion that takes the spin out of the news cycle and presents the facts unfiltered. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:59 Global Politics: US and Middle East Relations 04:41 US Domestic Issues: Corruption and Authoritarianism 10:28 Impact on Science and Healthcare 11:17 Canadian Politics: Alberta and Separatism 14:24 National Headlines: Prime Minister Carney's Cabinet 20:15 Pipeline Politics and Media Reactions 20:56 Political Missteps and Crisis Management 22:29 Rogue Politicians and Party Dynamics 24:18 BC Politics and Controversies 25:39 Mental Health and Homelessness Issues 31:31 Comparing Social Systems: Canada vs. Denmark 33:30 Healthcare Workers and Immigration 34:54 Conclusion and Social Media Plugs Stay updated! Jody Vance https://twitter.com/jodyvance George Affleck https://twitter.com/george_affleck UnSpun https://twitter.com/unspunpodcast Interested in sponsoring? Email george@curvecommunications.com
S7 · E288
May 15, 2025
35:42

Global Political Chaos, Trump Tariffs & Vancouver's Downtown Eastside | UnSpun with Jody Vance & George Affleck Ep. 287

Welcome to UnSpun - your weekly dive into current events! In this episode, Jody Vance and George Affleck discuss a myriad of pressing topics. This week: 🇨🇦 Canada’s Election Drama: Mark Carney’s minority win, Pierre Poilievre’s big loss, and our personal voting experiences. 🇺🇸 Trump's Global Impact: How Trump’s tariffs and politics affect Canada, the UK, and even the Vatican! 🏙️ Vancouver’s Local Battles: A $5 million plan for Downtown Eastside cleanup and the controversy around scrapping the park board. 🎙️ Don't miss out! Subscribe to the UnSpun Podcast for your weekly dose of sharp, unfiltered insights. Find us on all major platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts. Visit our website to learn where to watch and listen at UnSpunPodcast.com.
S7 · E287
May 9, 2025
38:50
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