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CANADALAND
How a Canadian Teenager Stole a Record Company
Today we unmask the mastermind behind one of the most unlikely mysteries in hip hop history.
Digging through old FBI files to reveal the name of the arch villain who orchestrated a transnational scam that duped some of rap's biggest players. And here's a spoiler, the culprit was a teenager in Ottawa who juggled his international hip hop swindle with his high school math homework.
Further Reading:
Credits
Host: Jesse Brown
Julian Abraham (Reporter and Composer), Caleb Thompson (Post Production), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)
Fact checking by Lucie Laumonier
Additional music by Audio Network & Julian Abraham
If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.
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1298. Bob Rae Just Retired and is Telling All About What he Saw at the UN
30:15||Ep. 1298Trump invades Greenland tomorrow. Danish forces shoot on American forces. American forces shoot back. Maybe a Canadian gets killed since we're there in support of NATO. In the end America takes Greenland by force. What happens next, Bob?There may be nobody in this country who has had a closer view of the turmoil currently overwhelming the international order than former UN Ambassador Bob Rae. His tenure overlapped with COVID, the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, October 7th, and Israel’s subsequent siege and bombardment of Gaza. Bob Rae retired a couple months ago. Which means he’s free to speak his mind. And that’s what he does today on Canadaland.Host: Stephen MarcheCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Featured Guest: Bob RaeFact checking by Julian AbrahamAdditional music by Audio NetworkPhoto: Mykola SwarnykMore information:Steve Paikin: Bob Rae, now a private citizen, tells it like it is. Sort of — The Toronto StarCanada faces existential challenge from Trump’s hemisphere strategy, former envoy warns — The Globe & MailFormer UN ambassador Bob Rae on the state of the organization and his future — The Globe & MailSponsors: MUBI: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at https://mubi.com/canadalandDouglas: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today. Visit https://douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.Article: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit https://article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.BetterHelp: Visit https://BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month.Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.
1297. Horny Hockey Puck Fest
30:31||Ep. 1297Heated Rivalry’s breakout success is bringing CanCon, hockey, and gay sex to the world. Does this surprising hit give Canadian TV a new playbook?Heated Rivalry is also bringing in new hockey fans and helping the sport’s image, so why isn’t the NHL embracing it? Can the show have a real impact on hockey culture? Plus, Canada Proud double dips on CBC messaging, and an NDP leadership candidate uses AI to answer questions on Reddit. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Katie Laur (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Sam KonnertAdditional music by Audio NetworkFurther reading: Why is Heated Rivalry so popular? It’s not just the sex, but the Canadianness | CBC Arts Popularity of ‘Heated Rivalry’ Has Surprised Even TV Executives - The New York Times What ‘Heated Rivalry’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek’ say about the Canada we want to be | Xtra MagazineHit show ‘Heated Rivalry’ became a TV phenomenon. Can it change hockey culture? - The AthleticParekh’s apology for 'robot' comments has Flames teammates moving forward - Sportsnet.caDREW DOUGHTY, World Juniors, Heated Rivalry & TONS More - Ep. 608 - Spittin’ Chicklets [YouTube] NDP leadership candidate apologizes for using AI to respond to Reddit questions | CBC News Five (Delusional? Brave?) NDP Leadership Candidates on WTF They Plan to Do - CANADALANDThe same firm ran a campaign to save CBC — and Canada Proud's push to defund it - Canada’s National Observer Sponsors: Douglas: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today. Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.MUBI: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at mubi.com/canadaland. If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.
1296. Iran So Far
42:12||Ep. 1296After weeks of protests, thousands of casualties, internet blackouts, and viral moments of resistance, the Canadian media is only now ramping up its coverage of the Iran,Why hasn’t there been more coverage of this historic moment in Canadian outlets? Plus, Iranian-Canadians have been rallying across the country, but progressives aren’t joining to support them. Duly Noting: updates on the WE Charity scandal, The Narwhal vs the RCMP, and a Toronto Sun reporter’s very bad tweet. This episode uses generative AI for the following purposes: Descript Studio Sound effect on the audio of Kaveh ShahroozHost: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Katie Laur (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Kaveh Shahrooz Further reading: Canadians join global protests in solidarity with Iranian uprising - CTV News Over 12,000 feared dead after Iran protests, as video shows bodies lined up at morgue - CBS NewsDeath toll from Iranian protests surpasses 2,000, activists say, as chaos recalls 1979 revolution - CTV News As Iran cracks down on protesters again, the world cannot be silent - The Globe and MailAdam Zivo: The Shah of Canada — Iranian-Canadians pulling for crown prince - National PostBeryl Wajsman: Canadian media and leftists' neglect of Iran uprising is complicity in Islamist terror - National PostAdam Zivo on protests [Facebook]More than 120 protesters blinded by Iranian agents, probe confirms - Berkeley NewsWhy Tehran Is Running Out of Water | WIREDPostmedia Suspends Toronto Sun Parliamentary Bureau Chief After Tweet Applauding ICE Killing Minneapolis Woman - PressProgressB.C. trial to test whether RCMP violated press freedoms in arresting journalist | CBC NewsSupreme Court revisits Trudeau-era WE Charity scandal in case that could reshape the law - The Globe and Mail Sponsors: Douglas: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today. Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.Article: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month. If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.
1295. Carney Has a Lot to Lose in China
33:47||Ep. 1295Mark Carney heads to Beijing, China, marking the first time in 8 years a Canadian Prime Minister sets foot in the country. The trip comes as Canada juggles Chinese canola tariffs and a seriously fractured US trade relationship. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Vina Nadjibulla and asks if it's even possible to play nice with China? Or whether this whole trip is a waste of time. Plus, we hear from Kelly Ann Shaw, a key architect of the Trump administration’s trade, investment, energy and national security policies in his first term, about the future of CUSMA.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Vina Nadjibulla, Kelly Ann ShawBackground reading:This will be the real test of Mark Carney’s visit to China – The Globe and MailCarney heads to Beijing as Trump’s America First agenda forces Canada into trade rethink – The GuardianSmall majority of Canadians want more trade with China: Ipsos poll – Global NewsCanada-U.S. trade relationship ‘salvageable’: Former White House trade advisor – CTV NewsSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandTo stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at mubi.com/canadaland.If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.
1294. Oil For Dummies
27:48||Ep. 1294The U.S. attack on Venezuela roiled Canadian oil markets. Pipelines and crude are suddenly spawning countless headlines. But do you know the difference between your sweet crude and a hole in the ground? And is that hole in the ground spurting sour bitumen? Of course that’s a trick question as everyone knows sour bitumen won’t spurt without dilbit. Right? What do you really know about oil? Given that it seems to be driving so much of our geopolitics and fuelling a large part of our economy, what do you need to know about it?Today we’re going oil school, getting back to basics, to try and understand what’s behind all the crude news.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Featured Guest: Adam PankratzFact checking by Julian AbrahamAdditional music by Audio NetworkMore information:Venezuelan oil could put Canada out of business — The National PostThe Venezuela crisis has prompted Canada to double down on oil. Is that the right move? — Canada’s National ObserverSponsors: Squarespace: Check out https://squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.MUBI: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at https://mubi.com/canadalandFizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data.Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.
1293. Twitter’s A.I Bot Is Sorry For Undressing Everyone
32:03||Ep. 1293Twitter/X’s Grok is undressing people, including minors, but xAI doesn’t seem to care. Now that Twitter is worse than ever, will that be enough to stop Canadian public figures from using the platform? Jen Gerson of The Line joins to consider the future options for an online public square. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Katie Laur (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Jen Gerson Further reading: Elon Musk's Grok AI says images of 'minors in minimal clothing' caused by safeguard lapses | CBC NewsFrance to investigate deepfakes of women stripped naked by Grok – POLITICO Elon Musk company bot apologizes for sharing sexualized images of children - Los Angeles TimesCanadian government officials, what are you still doing on X in 2026? | Canada's National Observer In the age of AI, it's easy to make deepfake porn. But victims find it hard to undo the damage | CBC News City of Calgary ignored two decades of warning signs about water system, report finds - The Globe and Mail Thunder Bay, Ont., once again reports the highest homicide rate in Canada | CBC News Sponsors: Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data.Douglas: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today. Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.
14. BONUS: Fears and Hopes in Canadaland
01:44||Ep. 14In 2025, it seemed like there was always something to be worried or afraid about. Every day brought about change and uncertainty. So we wanted to know, what pre-occupied your mind in 2025, and what are you hopeful for in 2026?Listeners and Canadaland staff all contributed their voices to this documentary. Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Publisher)Photo: Tony WangAdditional music by Audio NetworkJoin us for next month’s call-in show! Canadaland's news focus is largely national and provincial. Occasionally we'll talk about something happening in a specific city or town, but local news just isn't our wheelhouse.But there are tons of interesting stories happening in small towns across this country. What's the gossip on your community's Facebook Group? What's the heated discussion on your local subreddit. Or heaven forbid, what’s being talked about on Next Door…Call in and let us know January 29, 4:30-6:30 PM ET. When the time comes, click here or head over to www.callinstudio.com/show/canadaland. You can also dial in at 1-888-401-7056.This show is available exclusively to Canadaland supporters. To become one, go to https://canadaland.com/join/. You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.
1292. Take My President, Please!
29:57||Ep. 1292What Maduro’s capture means for Canada. Trump’s military coup in Venezuela is a mask-off moment of American imperialism, but will it compel Canada to take meaningful action? Plus, sorting through Canada’s political and media responses to Venezuela. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Katie Laur (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Jen Gerson Further reading: In a national emergency, Canada does not have a moment to lose - The Globe and MailThe arrest of Mark Carney will bring peace, prosperity, and freedom to North America - Halifax Examiner Eric Ham: Canada beware, Trump’s Venezuela invasion is a clear warning shot Venezuela - The Lesson for Canada - Charlie Angus [Substack] The Conservative and Liberal responses to Venezuela reflect vastly different foreign-policy outlooks - The Globe and MailJen Gerson: Nothing's going to happen, and it's far too late to do anything about it anyway - The Line Freeland to step down in 'coming weeks' after accepting role advising Ukraine's Zelenskyy | CBC News Ontario court rules Doug Ford must turn over personal phone records | Globalnews.ca Sponsors: MUBI: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at mubi.com/canadaland.Article: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month.If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.
1291. The Prime Minister’s House is a National Embarrassment
50:37||Ep. 1291Nicholas Maduro says he’s “not guilty” in his first court appearance in New York after being captured in a US military operation. But, Canadian politicians and Venezuelan-Canadian Alexis Espejo suggest otherwise. Sam talks with Alexis about how it felt to watch the news unfold.Plus, what do The Notebook, a haunted lumber baron’s wife, a swimming pool scandal, and a knife-wielding intruder all have in common? 24 Sussex Drive.Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guest: Alexis Espejo, Noor AzriehBackground reading:Canada stands by Venezuelan people's right to decide their future, says PM Carney – CBC NewsProtesters in Canada hold different opinions of Nicolás Maduro – CTV News24 Sussex renovation: Carney says no plans to address – CTV News Adam: A new home for the prime minister is closer than ever — or so the NCC says – Ottawa Citizen24 Sussex is now asbestos and rodent-free — and nobody knows what to do with it – CBC News24 Sussex Drive – National Capital CommissionSponsors: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at mubi.com/canadaland. Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandIf you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.