The Discourse

Erika Barootes and Cheryl Oates are seasoned political insiders from opposite sides of the aisle — and they’re not afraid to disagree. The Discourse is your backstage pass to the biggest issues in Canadian politics, featuring sharp takes, real talk, and unexpected common ground. It’s proof that politics doesn’t have to be a shouting match — it can be a damn good conversation.
Erika Barootes and Cheryl Oates are seasoned political insiders from opposite sides of the aisle — and they’re not afraid to disagree. The Discourse is your backstage pass to the biggest issues in Canadian politics, featuring sharp takes, real talk, and unexpected common ground. It’s proof that politics doesn’t have to be a shouting match — it can be a damn good conversation.
Episodes
Episodes



Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Alison Redford on Notley's Resignation
Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Kicking off 2024 of The Discourse with Rachel Notley's resignation. We're joined by special guest former Premier Alison Redford who offers her take on the political landscape and takes us down memory lane.



Friday Dec 08, 2023
Rachel Notley, APP and Alberta vs The Feds
Friday Dec 08, 2023
Friday Dec 08, 2023
Our show kicks off with a question from Opposition Leader Rachel Notley on why Danielle Smith and the UCP are still exploring an APP, we breakdown the methane quarrel between AB and the feds, and debrief on the legislative session.



Friday Dec 01, 2023
Premier Danielle Smith, Net Zero & COP28
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Premier Smith calls in with a question for us, we look at the politics behind net zero, 2035, and talk value of COP28 and what Albertan is hoping to achieve.



Friday Nov 24, 2023
Politicizing Pensions & Tylenol-gate
Friday Nov 24, 2023
Friday Nov 24, 2023
From dueling CPP consultations to questions being raised about the UCP’s COVID-19 Panel and new information on the UCP’s attempt to import children’s medication- there’s a lot to talk about this week.



Friday Nov 17, 2023
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Cheryl & Erika both take vacation, but are still checking in for another show! In episode 3 they discuss the findings of the Public Health Emergencies Governance Review Panel Report and wonder if Alberta and Ottawa will ever figure out how to work together.



Friday Nov 10, 2023
Talking Tucker, the UCP AGM, Party Polling, and the Future of AHS
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Action packed week in Alberta politics. From contentious speaking engagements to new AHS board. We will unpack it all in 30ish minutes so sit back and grab the popcorn.



Friday Nov 03, 2023
Throne Speech, Alberta Pension Plan and the Carbon Tax
Friday Nov 03, 2023
Friday Nov 03, 2023
Welcome to The Discourse, a new, weekly Alberta politics show hosted by veteran senior staffers Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes. In episode one, you'll find out how these longtime political rivals came together on this project, and what they make of the top stories at the Alberta Legislature, including the Throne Speech, an Alberta Pension Plan, and the future of the federal carbon tax.
Follow us!Instagram: @thediscoursepodX: @thediscourse__ @barootes @cherylanne



Friday Oct 27, 2023
The Discourse TRAILER
Friday Oct 27, 2023
Friday Oct 27, 2023
The Discourse takes a look at the "who, what, when, why, and how" of Alberta politics, hosted by longtime senior staffers Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes.








