Share

cover art for Vagrant Fugitive Hacker Warlord

CANADALAND

Vagrant Fugitive Hacker Warlord

Ep. 1252

The man known as Commander X helped orchestrate some of the most audacious cyber attacks in the world. Attacks against governments and corporations, even ranging as far as whaling ships, satellites, and the Pope.


In the U.S. he was a wanted man. The charges against him could have brought decades behind bars. So how did he pull off hiding in plain sight, for years, at a coffee shop in downtown Toronto?


Host: Jesse Brown

Credits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)

Written and Presented by: Ian Thornton and Bruce Thorson


Fact checking by Julian Abraham

Additional music by Audio Network


More information:



Sponsors: 


oxio: Head over to https://canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! 


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 https://douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.


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.


It’s crowdfunding month here at Canadaland! The next 30 people to sign up today will either receive a FREE Douglas mattress protector or one-year subscription to the Slumber Studios Podcast. Become a supporter at canadaland.com/join today. 


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.


You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 1276. How the CBC Divides Canadians

    32:46||Ep. 1276
     The CBC is broken: how should it be fixed? Defund the whole thing? Refund the whole thing? Double down on digital? Stop chasing digital relevance?The list goes on and on. You've heard them all. But for a moment, forget about funding or even political bias. Just ask: why does the CBC exist? What is its underlying ideology? Not its political ideology, but its philosophy for why we need it. Does it have one? Does it need one? If it does have one, is it working or is that what needs to change?David Cayley spent over 40 years at the CBC as a journalist and producer. For 30 of those years he worked on CBC Radio’s Ideas program. He's now published a book, The CBC: How Canada's Public Broadcaster Lost Its Voice (and How it Can Get it Back). It's both an ideological history of the CBC's past and a manifesto for the CBC's future.In it, he puts his finger right on the root problem. The CBC is there for everyone. It's supposed to speak to all of the Canadian public. However, if the public has splintered beyond recognition, what's left to speak to?Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Featured Guest: David CayleyFact checking by Julian AbrahamAdditional music by Audio NetworkMore information:The CBC: How Canada's Public Broadcaster Lost Its Voice (and How it Can Get it Back) — Sutherland HouseDavid CayleySponsors: oxio: Head over to https://canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! 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.
  • 1275. How to Break Into Journalism: an AI Scam Story

    32:26||Ep. 1275
    A story in The Local reveals how AI writing is infiltrating newsrooms, flooding inboxes, and snagging bylines in major outlets. Is the rise of the AI journalist inevitable or is it already here? Jay Caspian Kang of the New Yorker joins to consider if a chatbot could write his column.This episode uses generative AI for the following purposes: Episode tile art Host: James NicholsonCredits: Jules Bugiel (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), max collins (Director of Audio & Fact Checking), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Jay Caspian KangAdditional music by Audio Network Further reading: What’s the point of reading writing by humans? - The New YorkerCould an A.I. Chatbot Rewrite My Novel? - The New YorkerInvestigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era - The LocalThe Fallout From Our AI Freelancer Investigation - The LocalImposter Syndrome - Re:PublicJobs - AI-First Reporter (remote) - Jeff Gaulin’s Job Board  Wired and Business Insider remove articles by AI-generated ‘freelancer’ - The GuardianJournalism, media, and technology trends and predictions 2025 - Reuters Institute Sponsors: CAMH: CAMH is building better mental health care for everyone to ensure no one is left behind. Visit camh.ca/canadaland to make a donation.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.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.
  • 13. BONUS: You Told Us How To Spend Our Money

    01:24||Ep. 13
    Every year for the past 11 or so years, Canadaland has run a crowdfunding campaign in the fall. We finished up this year’s campaign in late November, and so we wanted to hear from you, about what we should do with all of your hard earned money. After all, Jesse Brown has said that “We work for you.”You filled up the lines for two hours and let Sam know all of your ideas. Here are the highlights.Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Publisher)Photo: Tony WangAdditional music by Audio NetworkCan’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.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.
  • 1274. Canada's in a Cold War with America, but America Hasn't Noticed

    33:23||Ep. 1274
    It’s been one year since Trump started threatening Canada’s economy and our sovereignty. But with all this story’s twists and turns, have Canadians grown complacent about what’s at stake?Producer James Nicholson steps into the host’s chair to make a bold case that Canada isn’t just in a tariff war. We’re in a cold war. And we need to start acting like it.American writer and podcaster Jay Caspian Kang weighs in.Host: James NicholsonCredits: Jules Bugiel (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio and Fact Checking), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Jay Caspian KangAdditional music by Audio NetworkFurther Reading on Our Website Sponsors: CAMH: CAMH is building better mental health care for everyone to ensure no one is left behind. Visit camh.ca/canadaland to make a donation.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.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.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. 
  • 1273. When Carney Met Smith-y

    38:36||Ep. 1273
    Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has been pressuring Prime Minister Mark Carney for months on a new pipeline to the BC coast, and after a new MOU, she’s closer than ever. Host Noor Azrieh unpacks this deal with The Hub’s Falice Chin.Plus, a mini cabinet shuffle. And reporter Sam Konnert takes us behind the velvet rope of the Hill’s E-list “exclusive” event.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: Falice ChinBackground reading:How political timing influenced the confusing pipeline MOU – The HubOttawa, Alberta sign energy deal signalling major shift in relationship – The Globe and MailCarney’s Alberta pipeline deal weakens climate policies – The NarwhalTreaty 6 Nations ‘disappointed’ in lack of consultation on MOU – APTN Sponsors: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free!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 checkoutIf 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.
  • 1272. How Roblox Turns Kids Into Gamblers

    26:32||Ep. 1272
    One of the world’s biggest online gaming sites, Roblox, is in the courts. The cases involve the alleged sexual exploitation of a minor, online harassment, and business practices that lead to addiction.That last charge, involving addiction, is connected to an aspect of online gaming that’s passing mostly under the radar. The “gamblification” of games for children. It’s a charge that’s been levelled at not just Roblox but a number of other high profile companies from Microsoft to Ubisoft. Tricks of the trade from casinos have made their way into the gaming world.Professor Sara Grimes, professor of communication studies at McGill, spends her time researching how kids, particularly kids in elementary school, interact with tech. How it harms, how it helps, how they use it to communicate with each other, and how it shapes their place in the world. She’s here to talk about what it means when kid’s games turn into gambling.Host: Bruce ThorsonCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Featured Guest: Dr. Sara GrimesFact checking by Julian AbrahamAdditional music by Audio NetworkMore information:https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonwosborne/2023/05/25/how-loot-boxes-in-childrens-video-games-encourage-gambling/https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/roblox-faces-bc-lawsuit-by-12-year-old-addicted-to-websitehttps://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/quebec-lawsuit-alleges-video-games-are-gathering-childrens-personal-data/Sponsors: CAMH: CAMH is building better mental health care for everyone to ensure no one is left behind. Visit https://camh.ca/canadaland to make a donation and double your impact.  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 https://douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.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.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.
  • 1271. Carney Ditches Trudeau's Feminism

    32:34||Ep. 1271
    Canada is pulling back from progressive policies, but were we ever really committed to them in the first place? Whether it’s the reversal on DEI from BMO, RBC, and Shopify or Carney’s shift away from a feminist foreign policy, Canada is quietly pivoting from Trudeau-era progressive policies. Plus, concerns over Quebec’s proposed constitution and the Blue Jays get aggressive in Japan.Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Jules Bugiel (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Morgan Campbell Further Reading On Our Website Sponsors:  CAMH: CAMH is building better mental health care for everyone to ensure no one is left behind. Visit camh.ca/canadaland to make a donation and double your impact. 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 checkoutIf 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. 
  • 1270. The Dirty Newz About Ryan Wedding

    37:00||Ep. 1270
    A cocaine lawyer, a crime blog, and a $15 million reward. Eight more Canadians are arrested and a sensational new indictment from Operation Giant Slalom puts the Ryan Wedding case back in the headlines around the world.But how is Ryan Wedding’s background shaping the coverage? Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Jules Bugiel (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Morgan CampbellAdditional music by Audio NetworkOur next call-in show is tomorrow, November 27th from 4:30-6:30pm ET. We want to know: How would you like to see Canadaland spend its money in 2026? When the time comes, head over to www.callinstudio.com/show/canadaland or dial in at 1-888-401-7056 — we look forward to taking your call. Further Reading On Our Website Sponsors:oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! 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.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 checkoutBetterHelp:  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. 
  • 1269. Every NDP Leadership Candidate on WTF They Would Do

    31:46||Ep. 1269
    The federal NDP leadership race is officially on. Five candidates want the job, and each of them thinks they know how to rescue a party that's been drifting into irrelevance. In this special episode, Noor sits down with all five contenders (Tony McQuail, Rob Ashton, Avi Lewis, Heather McPherson, and Tanille Johnston) for an unfiltered, no-notes conversation about who they are, and how they plan on winning.Episode art by max collins.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: Tony McQuail, Rob Ashton, Avi Lewis, Heather McPherson, Tanille JohnstonBackground reading:Tony McQuailRob AshtonAvi LewisHeather McPhersonTanille Johnston Sponsors: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free!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.