Share

cover art for A Reality Check with Iranian-Canadians

CANADALAND

A Reality Check with Iranian-Canadians

Ep. 1326
•

Canada is home to one of the largest Iranian communities outside of Iran in the world. There are over 280,000 Iranian Canadians living here. 


The rallies they've held in recent months have been some of the largest that Canada has ever seen. According to the CBC last month, 350,000 people took to the streets in Toronto. And that was before the war had even begun.


Today we’re checking in with three Iranian-Canadians as they watch history unfold.


Host: Jesse Brown

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


Fact checking by Julian Abraham

Additional music by Audio Network

Photo: Sima Ghaffarzadeh


More information:



Sponsors: 


Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data.


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.



What is Happening Here: Travis Dhanraj in Conversation with CANADALAND's Jesse Brown


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.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 1449. Is Avi Lewis "Unsafe" or Just Uncomfortable?

    34:15||Ep. 1449
    An editorial in the National Post considers “How to Deal with Avi Lewis” according to Jewish law, following a Yom Kippur post made by Lewis calling for the Jewish community to take responsibility for failing to stop “an ongoing genocide committed in our name.”Critics of the editorial argue that the National Post crossed the line, advocating for violence against Lewis. Meanwhile, a CBC journalist, Neil Herland, is taken off the air for documenting his personal experience of a protest outside a Yom Kippur Synagogue service in Toronto.Harrison Lowman joins Jesse Brown to discuss why online discourse is more focused on X posts and editorials than the crisis facing Jewish Canadians, underscored by the violent antisemitic attack on a synagogue in Belleville.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Julian Abraham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Harrison LowmanAdditional music by Audio NetworkFurther reading: Avi Lewis’ Yom Kippur Post on XAvi Lewis’s foolish statement on ‘Jewish people’ should be disqualifying - The Globe and MailYoni Goldstein: Jewish law tells us how to deal with Avi Lewis | National PostNational Post crosses dangerous line by publishing call for violence against NDP leader - RicochetI’m familiar with death threats. They show Avi Lewis is having an impact ⋆ The BreachNeil Herland’s Post on XCBC journalist faces discipline for documenting pro-Palestine protest | Toronto SunPoland Demands Tucker Carlson Apologize for 'False, Deeply Troubling' WWII Claims - Yahoo News What If the U.S. Demanded This? The Cloud Provider Conditions Behind Canada’s EU Digital Pivot - Michael Geist Sponsors:Douglas: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the duvet, cover, sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today. Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.Fizz Mobile: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25 off and 10GB of free data.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.
  • 1. Jesse Brown is Fired!

    05:49||Ep. 1
    It's true. Jesse Brown has fired himself as a host of Canadaland podcasts.So who will Canadaland's new hosts be?Stay tuned and support the next chapter of Canadaland here: canadaland.com/join
  • 1448. Quebec's "Brainrot" Separatism

    28:07||Ep. 1448
    Quebec has elected Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and the Parti Québéois to a minority government, whose platform includes a referendum on sovereignty. Even though St-Pierre Plamondon intends to hold off on a referendum until after Trump has left office, Canada now has a two-headed separatism problem. The current version of Quebec’s sovereignty movement is led by young people, who signal their support through reels and memes. Meanwhile, in Alberta an investigation in the Globe and Mail details meetings between separatists and the US administration, where fresh water, oil royalties, and a train route to Alaska were reportedly offered in exchange for US support. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Julian Abraham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Harrison LowmanFurther reading: PQ in power, CAQ wiped off the map: Key takeaways from Quebec's election | CBC News Quebec Sovereigntists Are Back. This Time They’re All Young | The WalrusHow St-Pierre Plamondon Learned to Stop Worrying and Blame Immigrants | The WalrusWho is Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, Quebec's new separatist premier? | National PostPQ sought meeting with U.S. officials in Washington, State Department says - Montreal GazetteHow some Alberta separatists are courting U.S. support for independence - The Globe and MailJen Gerson: Oh, so you want to send Ottawa a message, eh? - The LineHow some Alberta separatists are courting U.S. support for independence - The Globe and Mail‘A new beginning’: Ottawa council votes to rename Trump Avenue | Globalnews.ca Ex-defendant apologizes to Steven Galloway as defamation trial set to begin - The Globe and Mail 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 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.
  • 1447. Will Carney's Pipeline Stop Alberta From Separating?

    42:38||Ep. 1447
    It took Danielle Smith (basically) a year to get her new West Coast pipeline from Ottawa - a massive project with a price tag between 35 to 44 billion dollars. Alberta is pushing for construction to start in less than a year. That timeline is a big test for Carney, because it will be the first project to use the fast-tracking powers his government passed through the controversial Bill C-5. But, there are still a ton of unanswered questions, Falice Chin of the Hub joins host Noor Azrieh to answer them. What exactly has the government signed us up for?Plus, an update on David Eby’s snap election in BC with Mo Amir from This is VANCOLOUR.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Falice Chin, Mo AmirBackground reading:6 unanswered questions hanging over Alberta’s ‘Pacific Link’ oil pipeline – The HubCarney’s expensive Alberta truce: the Pacific Link pipeline – The NarwhalCarney, Smith say new West Coast pipeline could get oil companies building again – CBC NewsHow a new oil pipeline could open new markets for Canada — and deepen U.S. ties – Edmonton JournalIndigenous, local leaders optimistic about new pipeline despite “host of issues” Carney says Federal government is yet to address – Edmonton JournalCanada’s Proposed Oil Pipeline Offers Carney Relief From Domestic and Global Turmoil – The New York TimesFast-tracked pipeline project to squeeze Indigenous consultation timelines – CTV News Sponsors: If you’re ready to launch your business before Black Friday, go to SHOPIFY.COM to start your free trial.Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25 off and 10GB of free data.BetterHelp can connect you with a therapist who gets you, so you can make space for what matters to you. Sign up and get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/CANADALANDDid you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? On last week’s episode of Off The Record senior producer James Nicholson asked you to tell him stories about whats going on in your backyard. We wanted to hear your local stories, and y’all did not disappoint!If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join!It’s our annual crowdfunding month! You can become a supporter starting for just $5/month by going to canadaland.com/join — we’ll even throw in a free tote bag. And be sure to stay tuned for some big announcements over the next few weeks.Make sure you’re up to date on our upcoming events by going to canadaland.com/live!Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow us @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram and @Canadaland_Media on TikTok!
  • 1446. The Curious Case of David Pugliese

    57:26||Ep. 1446
    Today we’re reopening the files on what might be the strangest and most shocking Canadian media story in recent memory. The Ottawa Citizen journalist, David Pugliese, who was allegedly compromised by the KGB.On October 24th, 2024, Chris Alexander, former MP and former Harper cabinet minister, also a former Canadian diplomat to Russia, gave sworn testimony at a parliamentary inquiry into Russian interference and disinformation campaigns in Canada. And that’s where the allegations first came to public light.The story stunned the Canadian media world. David Pugliese has been a fixture in Canadian journalism for almost 40 years. He does serious in-depth reporting about national defense. And the idea that all this time he's been a secret Russian agent, it just seemed nuts.But these were serious, potentially career-ending, potentially criminal allegations. Pugliese denied the allegations outright in clear and emphatic language. The Canadian Association of Journalists stood by his side and decried the allegations as a McCarthy-esque smear job. And the story, well, google it now, and the internet’s collective wisdom will tell you that the story is debunked.So why are we talking about it now? Because our investigation raises new questions about the allegations against Pugliese and about the Canadian media’s role in the story.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Written and Reported by, Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Additional music by Audio NetworkFact checking by Julian AbrahamPhoto: David Pugliese’s X ProfileMore information:Canadaland’s Substack Forged KGB Documents Used to Smear Journalist in Parliament | The WalrusSo You've Become a Russian Asset - by Justin LingSponsors:Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get $25 off and 10GB of free data.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.caBetterHelp: 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.
  • 1445. The Hot New Journalist Who Was Actually AI

    45:41||Ep. 1445
    Who is Daniel Robson?Since 2025, Robson quickly established himself as a prolific freelance columnist, with bylines in the Ottawa Citizen, the Montreal Gazette, The Hub, Western Standard, and Policy Options.But there’s one problem: he doesn’t seem to exist. When a Turkish journalist began asking Canadian editors to verify Robson’s biographical details, they realized they couldn’t and that Robson’s persona and writing was A.I. generated. Who or what is behind this mysterious A.I. entity and what does it have to do with Morocco? Stuart Benson of the Hill Times joins Julian Abraham to go down the Daniel Robson rabbit hole. Host: Julian AbrahamCredits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Gökçe On (Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Stuart BensonAdditional music by Audio NetworkVote for CANADALAND at the Signal Awards! Nominations include “My Chatbot Encouraged my Psychosis” for Best Writing and “The Freelancer’s Guide to Getting Revenge When You’ve Been Ripped Off” in Arts and CultureFurther reading: Why Policy Options removed an article published under the name Daniel Robson - Policy OptionsExclusive—Fake AI columnist dupes Canadian press to target Moroccan dissidents, and a Turkish 'middleman' - Türkiye TodayAI fabrication suspected of writing dozens of articles in Canadian publications - The Globe and MailWhy the Citizen removed articles by Daniel Robson — and what we're doing next | Ottawa CitizenA statement on articles by ‘Daniel Robson’ - The HubIndustry 'frustrated' as Liberals' Bill C-39 falls short of proactive strike-prevention powers - The Hill TimesBaked potato offered as incentive for attendees of Nova Scotia MAID info night - Toronto Sun 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.Fizz Mobile: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25 off and 10GB of free data.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.
  • 23. BONUS: The Gift of Nuclear Waste and Other Local Stories

    01:54||Ep. 23
    Earlier this year, we asked you to call in and tell us about news stories that were a big deal in your town, but were not necessarily getting much, if any, national attention. We ended up hearing some incredible stories and even got a few leads out of that episode. This week, we decided to dive back into the world of local news and pose the same question to our listeners — and you did not disappoint.On this episode, we hear what it’s really like to weather a referendum storm from an Alberta citizen, we experience an Ontario town’s “gift of nuclear waste,” and our host James reconnects with an old friend of the forest. Host: James NicholsonCredits: Caleb Thompson (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), Jesse Brown (Publisher)Additional music by Audio Network & Kale BeaudryFurther Reading:'It's not a done deal': Community nearest nuclear waste site to hire lawyer - NWO News Watch As Alberta separatism referendum looms, flags become symbol of voting intention — and tension - CBCCat in the Hat suspect who chased a teen girl in B.C. appears to be a trend copycat - CBCThis B.C. woman accidentally sold toxic mushrooms to customers - CBC Kale Beaudry & dangertree - BandcampThis show is available exclusively to Canadaland supporters
  • 1444. Did Mark Carney Cheat on the Canadian Media?

    41:04||Ep. 1444
    Mark Carney sat down for a wide-ranging hour-long interview with the New York Times. The headlines focused on Canada’s preparations for the “extreme tail risk” of a US invasion, but what else can we learn about Carney’s political approach from the 8000 word transcript?The interview drew criticism in Canada, centered around Carney’s choice of a foreign outlet, rather than a Canadian one. But what can that tell us about his intended audience and communications strategy? Zain Velji joins San Grewal to discuss our Prime Minister’s global messaging and the domestic concerns waiting at home. Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Julian Abrham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Zain VeljiFurther reading: A Transcript From The Times Interview with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada - New York TimesSpecial Edition: Our Interview With Mark Carney - The New York Times Do the PM’s liaisons south of the border amount to cheating on Canada’s media? - The Rewrite [Substack]Carney tells NYT he studied risk of U.S.-led military action in Canada | CBC News Opinion | When Mark Carney wants to speak to Americans, this is how he does it - Toronto StarAs federal budget nears, Canada’s health ministers to meet to talk funding | Globalnews.ca Meta bans another Toronto performer from Instagram and Facebook, saying an old photo of dancers in bikinis promotes harm Sponsors:Fizz Mobile: 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.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.
  • 1443. "Carney Has No Respect for Parliament" - Elizabeth May

    42:14||Ep. 1443
    Elizabeth May is a fierce, dogged critic. No matter the government. Mark Carney’s Liberals are no exception. I wanted to know what she’s actually seen and heard, because even though Elizabeth May has been pissed before, host Noor Azrieh is sensing a rage she hasn’t seen before.Plus, after a long hiatus, Parliament reconvened last week. And Mark Carney’s Liberals wasted no time tabling their Building Canada Strong Act. So, what is it?Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Elizabeth May, Nick Taylor-Vaisey,Background reading:Bill C-39 Introduction – Government of CanadaPoilievre dismisses Bill C-39 as all talk, no action at outset of Commons debate – The Globe and MailFive things to know about the Liberals' new Building Canada Strong Act – Toronto StarCarney’s Bill C-39 overhauls environmental reviews and Indigenous consultation – The NarwhalLiberals table bill to speed up major project approvals, avert labour disruptions – CBC NewsWhy a plan to end strikes impacting ‘national interest’ is drawing criticism – Global 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/canadalandVisit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25 off and 10GB of free data.If you’re ready to hear the ‘CHA CHING' of your first sale today, head over to SHOPIFY.COM to start your free trial today!Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show?Last week, Canadaland’s senior producer James Nicholson took over Off The Record and asked you about all the interesting stories happening in small towns across Canada.That episode comes out Oct 1st!If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/joinIf 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.Make sure you’re up to date on our upcoming events by going to canadaland.com/live!Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow us @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram and @Canadaland_Media on TikTok!