Published by Ship of Fools Podcast with Steven Malkowich
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Welcome to Ship of Fools with host Steven Malkowich - Where Wit Meets Wisdom. Our title is ironic. Our intent is genuine. Hosted by Steven Malkowich, this podcast explores the limits of what we know. From culture and technology to belief systems and big questions, we seek clarity in the chaos of modern life. Whether you’re intellectually curious, spiritually skeptical, or just tired of surface-level noise — you’re welcome aboard. Follow us on all the social media channels or wherever you watch your podcasts. 🔔 New episodes weekly. Follow and join the conversation.
What is driving the frustration, distrust and political fatigue being felt across British Columbia? Mo Amir, host of This Is VANCOLOUR , joins Steven Malkowich to examine the mood of the province heading into the fall. They discuss the pressure facing the B.C. NDP, what new leadership could mean for the B.C. Conservatives, and whether the province is experiencing a genuine political realignment or simply a new version of the same frustrations. They also get into Vancouver, Surrey, Coquitlam and Metro Vancouver politics, the decline of traditional local media, differences between regions of B.C., younger people’s growing “why bother?” attitude, and whether populism reflects healthy skepticism or grievance politics. A wide-ranging conversation about why trust is eroding—and what that means for the future of B.C. politics.
British Columbians are paying more—but are they getting better government? Carson Binda of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation returns to Ship of Fools for a candid conversation about government waste, weak accountability and the growing disconnect between public spending and actual results. We break down the B.C. government’s spending record, municipal mismanagement, what nurses are really asking for, whether taxpayers are being used to protect developers, and the costly political dysfunction surrounding Surrey policing and controversial land purchases. A lively discussion about political theatre, misplaced priorities and who ultimately pays when government decisions go wrong.
Why can a conflict thousands of kilometres away suddenly make filling your tank in Vancouver more expensive? SFU political science professor and energy-policy expert Anil Hira joins us to explain how Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, global oil markets and political decisions affect gas prices in Canada. We break down real supply problems versus speculation, why prices often rise faster than they fall, and how global instability reaches people at the pump. Anil also discusses Canada’s clean-energy options, the realities of transitioning away from fossil fuels, and how Canadian energy and climate politics compare with the United States under Donald Trump. A practical conversation about gas prices, geopolitics, populism and where Canada’s energy future may be headed.
Comedian Rachel Schaefer joins Ship of Fools for a funny and honest conversation about life as a working Canadian comic. Rachel has been featured on Just For Laughs, CBC Gem’s The New Wave of Standup , SiriusXM Comedy Club, Stop Podcasting Yourself , and Roast Battle Canada. She’s also known as an undefeated Vancouver Roast Battle Champion, which makes her the perfect guest to talk about writing sharp jokes, handling hecklers, and whether comedy can actually go too far. In this episode, Rachel talks about how comedy found her, growing up without TV, discovering Katt Williams in the school library, the day jobs behind the dream, life on the road, wild rooms, podcasting, roast culture, and what it really takes to break through in Canada’s comedy scene. A great conversation about comedy, failure, confidence, timing, and why comics keep showing up even when the room is terrible.
Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West joins Ship of Fools Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, municipal politics, BC politics, and what makes PoCo one of the most distinct communities in Metro Vancouver. Brad shares his background, how he first got involved in public service, and the path that eventually led him to becoming Mayor of Port Coquitlam. Steven and Brad discuss the realities of local government, the pressures facing cities, and the issues residents are raising most — including housing, public safety, infrastructure, taxes, community character, and regional decision-making. They also get into the bigger political picture in British Columbia, including the recent BC Conservative leadership race, the relationship between municipal and provincial politics, and what “common sense” means in public life today. This episode is about Port Coquitlam, the Lower Mainland, and the future of politics in BC from the perspective of a mayor who deals with these issues on the ground every day.
Former BC Conservative leader John Rustad joins Ship of Fools for a thoughtful, good-faith conversation about British Columbia, leadership, Indigenous land issues, resource development, and what comes next for B.C. politics. This episode goes beyond the headlines. John shares more about his upbringing in northern B.C., his background in forestry and business, and the experiences that shaped his path into public service. From there, the conversation turns to the rise of the BC Conservatives, the political shakeup that followed, and the bigger question facing the province: how does B.C. move forward? We also discuss Indigenous land issues, negotiated settlements, certainty for communities and investors, rebuilding trust in politics, and what practical leadership should look like in British Columbia today. Whether you agree with John Rustad or not, this is a serious conversation about the future of B.C. and the need for more honest, constructive dialogue.
The FIFA World Cup is coming to Vancouver — but what kind of legacy will it leave behind? In this episode of Ship of Fools, Steven sits down with Ray Goldenchild, Vancouver soccer coach and founder of Orix Soccer Academy, for a thoughtful conversation about the World Cup, local soccer, youth development, public spending, and real community impact. Ray is a lifelong soccer advocate who believes major sporting events should leave more behind than a few weeks of attention. If Canada and Vancouver can find the money to host World Cup matches, what does that say about what we are willing to invest in the kids, coaches, clubs, fields, and communities that support soccer all year long? This is not an anti-World Cup conversation. It is a conversation about legacy. Ray shares his perspective on what Vancouver soccer actually needs, why access matters, how young players can be better supported, and what a meaningful World Cup legacy could look like for local communities. If you care about soccer in Vancouver, youth sports, Canadian soccer, the FIFA World Cup, or how major events impact real people, this episode is worth a listen. Follow Ship of Fools Podcast for more real conversations about sports, culture, community, business, politics, and life in British Columbia.
Can Vancouver be fixed? In this episode of Ship of Fools, Steven sits down with Wes Regan for a thoughtful and hopeful conversation about Vancouver, public planning, government policy, community development, and what it really takes to build better cities. Wes Regan is a Senior Policy Lead with Vancouver Coastal Health and a PhD Candidate at UBC’s School of Community and Regional Planning. His work explores public trust, communication, conflict, misinformation, and how communities respond to planning and policy decisions. The conversation covers Wes’s roots, his early work in the Downtown Eastside through the Vancouver Agreement, his role as the founding Executive Director of Hastings Crossing BIA — Canada’s first social-innovation BIA — and his leadership in Vancouver’s community economic development work from 2016 to 2019. Wes also shares insight into the DTES Community Economic Development Strategy, Vancouver’s Community Benefits Agreement Policy, the City’s first Poverty Reduction Plan, and why trust, listening, and long-term thinking matter so much in public policy. This is a conversation about Vancouver’s challenges, but also about hope — and the people working to build better systems from the inside. Listen now and follow Ship of Fools for more real conversations with people shaping culture, community, business, politics, and life in British Columbia.
In this episode of Ship of Fools , Steven sits down with Jimmy Crescenzo , founder of the East End Boys Club , for a powerful conversation about East Vancouver, mentorship, education, and what it really means to show up for young people. Jimmy shares his roots in East Van, his background as an actor and teacher, and the community gaps he saw that pushed him to create something bigger than the classroom. The conversation explores how the East End Boys Club uses sports as a way to connect with youth, while keeping the deeper focus on education, life skills, accountability, mentorship, and helping young men build a stronger future. This is a conversation about community, service, and the kind of grassroots leadership that can change lives. Listen now, subscribe to Ship of Fools , and share this episode with someone who believes stronger communities start with people willing to get involved.
In this episode of Ship of Fools , Steven sits down with Dr. Laurel Weldon , Dean of Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, for a thoughtful conversation about democracy, women’s rights, public life, and why the social sciences matter. Dr. Weldon shares her journey from growing up in the Lower Mainland to studying at SFU, UBC, and the University of Pittsburgh, building an academic career at Purdue University, and eventually returning to SFU as a scholar, teacher, and university leader. The conversation explores what it means to be a democratic and feminist theorist in plain language, why women’s rights policies matter in everyday life, and how issues like violence against women, political inclusion, civic engagement, and public institutions shape the society we live in. Steven and Dr. Weldon also discuss the role of teaching, the value of the arts and social sciences, and why these fields deserve a stronger place in public conversation. A smart, accessible conversation about democracy, education, women’s rights, public life, and the social sciences.
Sage “The Wolf” Johnson is fighting for more than wins. He’s fighting for his future, his name, and a shot at the 2028 Olympics. In this episode of Ship of Fools Podcast , Sage opens up about the personal challenges that shaped him, the reality of growing up with obstacles, and what it takes to keep pushing toward elite-level boxing when nothing comes easy. This conversation goes deeper than the sport. It is about discipline, pressure, family, identity, setbacks, belief, and the fight outside the ring that made Sage the fighter he is today. From his early struggles to his growing career in boxing, Sage shares what drives him, what he has had to overcome, and why the dream of competing on the Olympic stage means so much. This is a personal and powerful conversation with Sage “The Wolf” Johnson — a rising boxer chasing something bigger than himself. Watch or listen now on Ship of Fools Podcast , where wit meets wisdom.
Surrey is heading into a major municipal election in 2026, and voters are beginning to ask who is ready to lead one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. In this episode of Ship of Fools Podcast , Steven sits down with Troy Van Vliet , candidate for Mayor of Surrey, for a personal and practical conversation about who he is, why he is running, and what kind of leadership he believes Surrey needs next. Troy is running with Surrey Now , a new civic team focused on safe streets, smart growth, and strong families . Their message is centred on practical solutions, responsible growth, strong communities, and the belief that “if it’s good for families, it’s good for Surrey.” This episode introduces Troy beyond the campaign headline. Steven and Troy discuss his roots in Surrey, what he is hearing from families and business owners, the pressures people are feeling across the city, and why stability, accountability, and long-term thinking matter at City Hall. They also talk about public safety, growth, housing uncertainty, infrastructure, public trust, family life, and what responsible leadership should look like as Surrey continues to change. If you live in Surrey, run a business here, are raising a family here, or care about the future of the city, this is a conversation worth watching before the 2026 municipal election. Watch the full video episode on Spotify and follow Ship of Fools Podcast for more conversations on politics, business, culture, leadership, and the issues shaping British Columbia.
British Columbians are feeling squeezed — by housing costs, taxes, government spending, red tape, and a growing sense that common sense has left the building. In this episode of Ship of Fools Podcast , Steven Malkowich sits down with Jordan Bateman , Vice-President of Communications and Marketing at the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association , former B.C. Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation , former Langley Township Councillor, journalist, writer, and longtime public policy commentator. They get into B.C.’s affordability crisis, government spending, housing supply, construction, public policy, entrepreneurs, local government, and what it would take to bring a more rational, common-sense approach back to the province. It is a thoughtful, direct, and wide-ranging conversation about how British Columbia got here — and what it might take to right the ship. Watch more Ship of Fools Podcast episodes on YouTube and follow the show on Spotify for new conversations on politics, public life, culture, media, business, and the people trying to make sense of it all.
Graham Clark joins Ship of Fools for a funny, thoughtful conversation about building a real comedy career in Canada. From stand-up and writing to podcasting, festivals, and the Vancouver comedy scene, this episode explores what it actually takes to make a life in comedy while living next door to the massive U.S. entertainment machine. We talk about how Graham got started, what Canada gives comedians, what it makes harder, how Stop Podcasting Yourself became such a lasting show, and why making people laugh for a living is a lot stranger than most people think. We also get into charity marathon shows, staying funny over time, and of course, beard paintings. Graham Clark is a Canadian comedian, writer, and podcaster known for his long-running work in stand-up and for co-hosting Stop Podcasting Yourself. This is a light, smart, conversational episode about comedy, creativity, podcasting, and what it really looks like to build a lasting career in Canada.
Could fear over B.C. land claims already be hitting property values? Steven speaks with Jason Upton, President of Aedis Appraisals, about the Cowichan ruling, appraisals, lending risk, and how public perception may be affecting homeowners, buyers, and property values across British Columbia.
Steven Malkowich is joined by returning guest Dr. Aaron Hoffman, Professor of Political Science at Simon Fraser University, for a timely breakdown of the escalating Iran crisis. Dr. Hoffman is an expert on terrorism, counter-terrorism, US foreign policy, and other international security issues. They examine what is actually happening, what may be political theatre, and what the public should be paying attention to next. From Trump’s rhetoric to the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices, gas prices, and the possibility of wider conflict, this episode looks at the political, economic, and human pressure building around one of the most volatile stories in the world right now.
In this episode, Steven sits down with Ryan Mitton of CFIB to talk about the growing pressure on small businesses in British Columbia and across Canada. They discuss red tape, taxes, labour shortages, retail crime, the rising cost of doing business, and why many entrepreneurs feel like the system is working against them. Ryan shares his perspective from the policy side, what CFIB is hearing from business owners on the ground, and what needs to change if BC wants stronger local economies, better conditions for growth, and more support for the people who keep communities running. Please Follow Ship of Fools Podcast to receive notification on new episode uploads.
In this episode, we sit down with Carson Binda from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation to break down the latest British Columbia budget — focusing on the numbers, not the political spin. We unpack the projected $13.3 billion deficit, rising provincial debt, and what increasing interest costs mean for taxpayers. We also discuss recent tax changes, major infrastructure delays like the George Massey Tunnel replacement, and the growing pressure on core services like healthcare, education, and public safety. This conversation looks at the long-term implications of current fiscal decisions and how they could impact the cost of living, small businesses, and the broader economic outlook in British Columbia. If you live or do business in BC, this episode will help you understand what’s actually happening behind the headlines.
What does it take to build a fighter? In this episode of Ship of Fools Podcast , we sit down with Sage Johnson and Oneal Mendoza for a conversation about boxing, discipline, resilience, and the work required to rise in the sport. Sage Johnson is a rising boxer out of Surrey, BC, and Oneal Mendoza is the coach behind Mendoza Boxing Club. Together, they talk about the mindset needed to compete, the role of discipline and preparation, and the relationship between fighter and coach. This episode explores: Sage Johnson’s boxing journey what it takes to develop as a fighter the importance of coaching and mentorship the mentality behind boxing discipline, resilience, and growth in combat sports the road ahead in Canadian boxing If you follow boxing, combat sports, athlete development, or stories about grit and ambition, this is a conversation worth hearing. Ship of Fools Podcast Where Wit Meets Wisdom.
Canada has a shortage of doctors — yet internationally trained physicians often face years of barriers before they can practice medicine. In this episode of Ship of Fools Podcast – Where Wit Meets Wisdom , we sit down with Dr. Raghav Saini , an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Surrey, British Columbia. Dr. Saini shares his remarkable journey from graduating at Government Medical College Amritsar in India to navigating the long and complex process of becoming licensed to practice medicine in Canada. We discuss the realities many international medical graduates face when trying to work in the Canadian healthcare system — including licensing exams, regulatory requirements, and years of uncertainty before being able to serve patients. Topics in this episode include: • Dr. Saini’s medical training in India • The decision to immigrate to Canada • The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) exams • Licensing through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) • Achieving Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) • The challenges international doctors face entering the Canadian system • Serving Surrey’s diverse community in English, Hindi, and Punjabi • The philosophy of orthopedic surgery and restoring quality of life Dr. Saini also shares advice for internationally trained physicians considering Canada and his outlook for the future of orthopedic care. Ship of Fools Podcast Where Wit Meets Wisdom. Conversations exploring leadership, culture, policy, and the ideas shaping our world.
