How To Lose An Election

The Canadian election campaign lasted 36 days and it felt like an eternity.

I was going to write this when the election got underway back in March but I thought… I might be wrong. Turns out I’m not. So here is why the Liberals won the Canadian election last week.

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I worked in radio from 1989 through to 2014. Getting radio ratings is a lot like getting votes. The process is an election. People are mailed ballots (diaries) to fill out determine the how much listening was done. Often it is not what you listened to - but what you remembered listening to. (In large cities - it is done differently) I have been apart of some incredible wins and some difficult losses. BUT… We rarely lost consecutively; generally the solution was a look at where we came up short and get some research or resolve into the areas where we wanted to improve. One thing that was consistent: If the lead show on your radio station, (often the morning show) underperformed compared to the rest of the station - it was considered an unsuccessful campaign. The Canadian Conservative Party may have grown in popularity but their leader has not.

In short - people don’t like the leader. The numbers showed it that he was unpopular in Quebec, in his own riding, and at the door. This live moment on CBC’s Power and Politics FTW.

For those disappointed in the CPC loss, take solace that the electorate has a short memory and perceptions can be changed. I could go on about this for hours and would love to unload with my friends on the 905er Podcast, but I’ve decided to spare you all from one more mid-week morning political Quarterback session.

If you are looking for some excellent Canadian podcasts that you might not have heard of before, I already mentioned the 905er above, here are two more:

The True North Eager Beaver: The Eager Beaver and Mr. Grizzly welcome you to join them and their friends at the Beaver Lodge for engaging and grown up conversations about the Canadian political and cultural scene. We curate the news and provide a non-partisan (from Progressive Conservative to Green, you'll find something to like) facts first-based analysis and commentary with a media/political/social media literacy focus. If you love politics, this is the show for you; if you loathe politics, this is the show for you.

Canada is Boring: Canada, boring? Nope, its a land of bizarre events and crazy people. Join Rhys (A new Canadian) as he attempts to convince Jesse (Your average disengaged Canadian) that it’s actually a fiery rollercoaster of a country.

Valerie Geller’s Beyond Powerful Radio V3

One of the great influences in my broadcast (and now podcast) life has been Valerie Geller. She has recently released the third version of her book Beyond Powerful Radio: An Audio Communicator’s Guide to the Digital World - News, Talk, Information, & Personality for Podcasting & Broadcasting

Listen to my conversation with Valerie here. There are endless podcast and broadcast tips that will help make your show better.

This book is a must-have guide for today’s audio communicators navigating podcasting, social media, storytelling, and AI. Six years in the making, the book will continue to act as a companion for any content creator. Listen to my interview with her and it will change the way you communicate.

New Podcast Added to the Network:

A new show has been added, Momplex with Scottie Durrett. The show is dedicated to helping moms in all stages of motherhood and life. While motherhood is a blessing and a gift, it doesn’t always feel like that. You are raising a human; the stakes have never been higher! Scottie Durrett is a certified Health and Life Coach, Mom Mentor, and mom of 3. Weekly she dives into ONE topic that will help YOU turn off survival mode as a mom and learn how to THRIVE in your life.

Jordan Blair started a bedtime story podcast called Dreamful Bedtime Stories. initially for her children, but unexpectedly evolving to attract a diverse audience of adults seeking relaxing content. Her podcasting journey involved extensive research like listener surveya and using Buzzsprout's resources and community. She experimented with monetization strategies like listener support, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships, always prioritizing brand alignment. You can listen here or watch the video below.

Best Thing I Listened to This Week: What We Spend

Imagine if you could ask someone anything you wanted about their finances. On What We Spend, people from across the country and across the financial spectrum are opening their wallets—and their lives—to tell you everything: what they make, what they want, and—for one week—what they spend.

… I have only listened to one episode, but I am hooked. I love hearing about other people’s dysfunction. Especially when they talk about their own.

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