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

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

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.

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.

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 Agenda00:45 Trump's Tariff Tactics and Market Reactions05:31 Elon Musk's Critique and Government Response10:52 King Charles' Visit and Political Implications14:40 Trudeau's Public Appearance and Media Reactions16:49 Quirky Dance on Fallon Show17:11 Bill 15 Passes in BC Legislature18:18 NDP's Environmental Flip-Flop18:59 Conservatives' Contradictory Vote21:31 Love Locks and Vancouver Sign24:16 New VPD Chief and Lawsuit25:23 Ken Sim's Controversial Actions30:46 Conclusion and Social Media PlugsStay updated!Jody Vance https://twitter.com/jodyvance George Affleck https://twitter.com/george_affleck UnSpun https://twitter.com/unspunpodcast Interested in sponsoring? Email [email protected] 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 AffleckProduced at: https://curvecommunications.com/#vanpoli #bcpoli #cndpoli#UnspunPodcast, #TrudeauResigns, #CaliforniaFires, #Trump, #CanadianPolitics, #GeorgeAffleck, #JodyVance

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 Hosts00:26 Local News: Vancouver Police Chief Rumours04:04 Vancouver Sign Controversy06:32 Downtown Eastside Issues and Provincial Politics07:58 Metro Vancouver Board Audit12:41 Property Taxes and Home Equity Concerns15:28 Oppenheimer Park Tent City16:56 Park Sleeping Controversy17:34 Playground Launch Halted18:24 Homelessness and Public Spaces19:09 Public Washroom Issues24:13 International Politics and South Africa28:34 US Politics and Economic Policies31:15 Podcast Wrap-Up

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 Overview00:59 Global Politics: US and Middle East Relations04:41 US Domestic Issues: Corruption and Authoritarianism10:28 Impact on Science and Healthcare11:17 Canadian Politics: Alberta and Separatism14:24 National Headlines: Prime Minister Carney's Cabinet20:15 Pipeline Politics and Media Reactions20:56 Political Missteps and Crisis Management22:29 Rogue Politicians and Party Dynamics24:18 BC Politics and Controversies25:39 Mental Health and Homelessness Issues31:31 Comparing Social Systems: Canada vs. Denmark33:30 Healthcare Workers and Immigration34:54 Conclusion and Social Media PlugsStay updated!Jody Vance https://twitter.com/jodyvance George Affleck https://twitter.com/george_affleck UnSpun https://twitter.com/unspunpodcast Interested in sponsoring? Email [email protected]

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.

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: 🇨🇦 Federal Politics in Canada: The hosts discuss the excitement around the upcoming federal election.🇺🇸 Trump’s Tariffs: Analyze the recent flip-flop on tariffs by President Trump and its implications for Canada and beyond. 🗳️ Local Politics: Discuss the mismanagement of the by-election in Vancouver, long queues, and voter frustration. Delve into the political landscape with comments on various candidates and their positions. 🎙️ Media and Journalism: Examine the rising tensions between the media and political figures, including heated interactions between journalists and Conservative Party leaders. 🏡 Park Board Developments: Explore the new initiatives by Vancouver’s Park Board, repurposing caretaker spaces for artist residences, and the ongoing issues of park management and pools. 🔔 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.

Welcome to UnSpun - your go-to podcast and YouTube show for current events. In this episode, Jody Vance and George Affleck delve into a host of pressing topics: 📲 Signal App Scandal: Discuss the recent security breach involving high-level government officials using Signal app and the blunder of accidentally adding a journalist to the group chat. 🇨🇦 Canadian Politics: Examine the labyrinthine world of political communications and the importance of transparency in governance. 🌎 Trump Tariffs: Analyze the latest updates on Trump's tariffs, their effect on the auto industry, and the broader economic implications for Canada and the U.S. 🚗 Auto Industry 🍁 Election Talk: Dive into the latest polling data and the resurgence of the Liberal Party under new leadership. 🗳️ Local Updates: Discuss the upcoming Canadian elections, the role of bots in modern campaigning, and potential shifts in political power at various levels of government. 🎙️ 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.