Viewpoints

Escaping the Algorithm: Taking Back Control from Your Devices | Eli Singer

In this holiday bonus episode of Viewpoints, host Sean Rasmussen sits down with Eli Singer, a pioneer at the crossroads of people and technology, to explore our complicated relationships with screens and devices. After two decades in social media marketing—helping early teams at Google, Coca-Cola, Ford, and MoMA—Eli Singer watched the internet transform from a tool for community building into an engine of attention-harvesting. Now, as founder of Offline.now, he’s dedicated to helping people build healthier digital habits. Sean Rasmussen and Eli Singer dive into why so many of us struggle to manage our screen time, how our devices are carefully designed to capture (and monetize) our attention, and what practical steps anyone can take to regain control. They discuss the four digital “personality types” that describe people’s relationships with their phones, and Eli Singer shares non-judgmental, actionable strategies to reduce dependency and reconnect with the offline world. Whether you feel overwhelmed, “stuck,” or just want to function better, this episode offers a supportive and practical approach for anyone wanting a healthier relationship with tech. Guest Links: Website: https://offline.now/ [https://offline.now/] Book Link (Amazon): https://www.amazon.ca/Offline-now-Practical-Healthy-Digital-Balance/dp/1069515639/ [https://www.amazon.ca/Offline-now-Practical-Healthy-Digital-Balance/dp/1069515639/]

The War on Science in Canada | Geoff Horsman

Host Sean Rasmussen sits down with Geoff Horsman, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Wilfrid Laurier University and contributor to the new book “The War on Science.” Together, they dive into the growing ideological influences affecting research and scientific inquiry in Canada. From the challenges posed by mandated equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) requirements to the politicization of research funding through government agencies, Geoff Horsman shares his journey from a science-focused introvert to a vocal advocate for truth and open inquiry. The conversation explores the clash between liberal science and critical social justice ideologies, the impact of identity politics on scientific progress, and the urgent need to recentre truth as a guiding principle. If you care about the future of science, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity, this is a must-listen episode. Guest Links: -------------- Book: The War on Science [https://www.amazon.ca/War-Science-Thirty-Nine-Scientists-Scientific/dp/B0DWLP2VTZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Y7UDX2VEJ2MO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9wkV07zL_-K5xbx0eNkuNtD0neuBiavdY07sPMcRMuPwFOsXlpQzjbJaTqE-ua2A9QA6eCMbljmIGVkuwz7y2_2ihfwDDc0Gu8PlwkpH0HTwiW7Crz2OIHw1CEbIDE7XExP5wPgY9yYU40pOMWPqiw2MI8rfK6C9-blg8iSyL7Adjf2W2PAjRRrv6ei-l_k257FwX2djBHGTsI2J2QySaegQu1Hr42asujWPZw7v3m8Bd6Y9Ym24pkLhmeMFXYNAgD7PELLfHSyuc69FLmPx-m1bWBHIGDEOMFtEbliYbNQ.TKwi-2bJ_xiKhIPeDQMkMgNImP7Qr_CP8jBZ9r4kbIo&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+war+on+science&qid=1764117999&sprefix=the+war+on+scienc%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1] Twitter/X: @HorsmanGeoff [https://x.com/HorsmanGeoff] Laurier Heterodox Substack: https://laurierhxa.substack.com/ [https://laurierhxa.substack.com/] Empowr: https://empowrconnect.substack.com/ [https://empowrconnect.substack.com/] In our conversation Geoff also mentions the work of Jonathan Rauch on the nature of scientific inquiry and what Rauch coins, “liberal science”: * Kindly Inquisitors: The New Attacks on Free Thought, Expanded Edition [https://www.amazon.ca/Kindly-Inquisitors-Attacks-Thought-Expanded/dp/022614593X/] * The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth [https://www.amazon.ca/Constitution-Knowledge-Jonathan-Rauch/dp/0815738862/] Find out more and read the full transcript at viewpointspodcast.ca [https://viewpointspodcast.ca]

Is Liberalism Failing? The Anglosphere’s Existential Crisis | Brian Dijkema

Host Sean Rasmussen sits down with Brian Dijkema, president of Cardus Canada, for a lively and honest chat about what’s really going on in Western societies. Why are we so divided? What’s happening with our institutions? Is a return to faith part of the solution? Brian Dijkema weighs in on everything from housing troubles and debt to the rise of progressive activism and the decline (or revival) of Christianity in public life. The conversation covers the roots of liberalism, cultural Christianity, leadership in tough times, and practical ideas for a better future—whether you’re religious or not. If you’re curious about where Canada (and the West) is heading, and how we might turn things around, this episode is definitely worth a listen! Guest: Brian Dijkema is the President, Canada at Cardus, and Senior Editor of Comment. He is a public policy analyst, public commentator, and writer. He regularly works with municipal, provincial, federal governments, and civil servants on a wide range of policy issues. He consults widely with industry, business, labour, and civil society institutions. He is called upon to make presentations on research and policy to legislatures, and  industry professionals, and contributes to media outlets on cultural and political issues across Canada and internationally, including the Globe and Mail, the National Post, the Toronto Star, The Hub, National Affairs, and more. Brian and his wife Nicole, along with their four children, call Hamilton home. Links: Cardus Canada: https://www.cardus.ca/ [https://www.cardus.ca/] Brian Dijkema on X: https://x.com/BrianDijkema [https://x.com/BrianDijkema] Viewpoints, the podcast: Find out more about Viewpoints at: https://viewpointspodcast.ca/ [https://viewpointspodcast.ca/]

Why We Need to Talk About Left-Wing Authoritarianism | Luke Conway

Surely, the thinking goes, authoritarianism is a problem on the right, not the left. For many, especially here in Canada, ‘right wing’ is basically synonymous with authoritarianism. But, a surprisingly high percentage of self-identified progressives are punitive, bullying and intolerant of disagreement: authoritarian traits. This phenomenon is largely undocumented in the media or in the academic research. My guest today—social psychologist and researcher Luke Conway—is very concerned about rise in authoritarianism, it all its flavours. But, in his recent book, Liberal Bullies, he addresses this blindspot we have when it comes to left wing authoritarianism. We discuss his book and the research into authoritarianism. ------ About the Guest Dr. Lucian Gideon Conway, III is a Professor of Psychology at Grove City College. He is an Associate Editor of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin and a Fellow in the Society of Experimental Social Psychology. Links: X: @LGConwayIII [https://x.com/LGConwayIII] Substack: The Apologetic Professor [https://theapologeticprofessor.substack.com/] Book: Liberal Bullies: Inside the Mind of the Authoritarian Left [https://www.amazon.ca/Liberal-Bullies-Inside-Mind-Authoritarian/dp/1800752059/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JKTPZFYQA96E&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Vvv_NKXAw9ETfw3lgoA-wX5hf3FoY9cET4HUhkJiLeNsPW3xitVL2iL1kIbvhYEm.hcKH5zM0qAh34g1K-I8Sx13yRkx7li4boly1QIBJjc4&dib_tag=se&keywords=luke+conway&qid=1759956660&sprefix=luke+conway%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1] https://viewpointspodcast.ca

The Protest Industry | Adam Swart

In this episode of Viewpoints, host Sean Rasmussen sits down with Adam Swart, founder and CEO of Crowds on Demand, to pull back the curtain on the protest industry. Adam shares his unique perspective from years of organizing advocacy campaigns—ranging from high-profile demonstrations to publicity stunts—and challenges the idea of what makes a protest truly “grassroots.” The conversation explores the ethics of paid activism, foreign influence campaigns, the pitfalls of violent protest, and the surprising realities behind movements like #DeleteFacebook and BLM. Adam also weighs in on how money shapes political action, the fine line between advocacy and astroturfing, and why he believes true free speech is under threat. It’s an unfiltered look at protest culture, media narratives, and the future of free expression. Guest links: * Website: https://crowdsondemand.com [https://crowdsondemand.com] * X/Twitter: https://x.com/ceoadamswart [https://x.com/ceoadamswart]