The Ottawa Life Podcast

Delving Deep Into the RCMP's The Scandals and Improvements with Paul Palango

Ottawa Life Magazine — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

On todays episode, Dan Donovan traverses the murky waters of the RCMP's scandalous history with Paul Palango. While writing for popular magazine Globe and Mail as well as The Hamilton Spectator, Palango has published four non-fiction books all delving into different hot topics within investigative journalism. Most notably, Palango's novel 22 Murders analyzes the Nova Scotian mass shooting in 2020 which claimed the lives of twenty two innocent victims over the course of two days. In this podcast, Palango shares a more in depth view of potential errors made by the RCMP and how they can be rectified to avoid such tragedies in the future.

Behind the Sirens with Calvin Lawrence Part 2

Ottawa Life Magazine — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 20:30:00 -0400

In this episode, host Dan Donovan sits down with former Halifax police officer & RCMP member Calvin Lawrence to dive into critical issues in policing & community security. From high-profile security breaches to RCMP accountability, mental health in law enforcement, and the need for real reform—this conversation pulls no punches. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on the future of policing.

Diplomatic Insights: Ambassador Wang on World Affairs

Ottawa Life Magazine — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:11:00 -0400

In today’s episode, Dan sits down with Ambassador Wang for a deep dive into some of the most pressing global issues. They unpack China’s role in global peace efforts, the evolving relationship between China and Canada, and the complexities of China-US relations. Plus, they share insights on the Ukraine crisis and discuss what it takes to create a fair and balanced business environment in today’s world. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation!

Canadian Twang and Country Dreams: A Chat with Stephen Lawrance

Ottawa Life Magazine — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0400

Tune in today as Dan and Stephen dive into the heart of country music! Stephen shares the story behind his songwriting process, spills insider secrets about the music country industry, and much more. Don’t miss this deep dive into the making of "Canadian Twang"

To listen to his new song "Canadian Twang" you can check him out on Spotify.

Andrew Iler: The Untold Story of the JFK Assassination Part 3

Ottawa Life Magazine — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0400

Join Dan and Andrew on Episode 3 of the Untold Story of the JFK Assassination.

In this episode, Dan and Andrew discuss new developments under the Trump administration, autopsy controversy and more. If you listen closely, you might even hear the ghost of JFK.

To keep up with Andrew, you can follow him on X @JFK Chokeholds or check out his website jfkchokeholds.com. His book The JFK Assassination Chokeholds: That Inescapably Prove There Was a Conspiracy is also available on Amazon.

Trigger Talk Epi 1: Improving Canada’s Immigration System

Ottawa Life Magazine — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:35:00 -0400

Join Dan and Mario in their first ever Trigger Talk episode, our new series dedicated to discussing all the controversies in Canadian Politics. Our new show is for political junkies and those with general curiosity- we hope you enjoy listening to the conversations that many are too afraid to have.

Follow Mario on TikTok @officialmariozelaya and Dan @ottawalifemag for more of their takes on the pressing issues in Canadian society.

Head to our YouTube @ottawalifemag to watch this interview.

The Politics of Protection with Calvin Lawrence Part 1

Ottawa Life Magazine — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 07:30:00 -0400

Calvin Lawrence is a Nova-Scotia born police officer with 20 years of experience with the RCMP. You may have seen him on CTV when issues are raised about policing matters. Calvin as also an expert on protection for political leaders. In light of recent assassination attempts in the US and security concerns surrounding Canadian politicians, Calvin has much to share regarding the best practices for protecting politicians in todays' world.

Andrew Iler: The Untold Story of the JFK Assassination Part 2

Ottawa Life Magazine — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 12:07:00 -0400

Welcome back to Part 2 of our JFK Assassination series. In this episode, Dan and Andrew discuss the controversy regarding the JFK records and much more.

To keep up with Andrew, you can follow him on X @JFKChokeholds for more.

Andrew Iler: The Untold Story of the JFK Assassination Part 1

Ottawa Life Magazine — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 14:00:00 -0400

In Part 1 of our 3 part series on the JFK assassination, Dan welcomes guest Andrew Iler to the podcast. In Part 1, Dan and Andrew discuss the lesser-known evidence in the JFK assassination case. To keep up with Andrew, you can follow him on X @JFKChokeholds for more.

Part 2 of Pacific Partnerships: Insights on Canada-China Relations

Ottawa Life Magazine — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 07:30:00 -0400

For Part 2 of our Canada-China relations series, Dan Donovan and Marc Kealey dive into trade, Chinese infrastructure, business relations, and explore the general public narrative of Canada's relationship with China.

For more of Ottawa Life Magazine's political analyses, check out our TikTok channel below:

https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawalifemag

Pacific Partnerships: Insights on China-Canada Relations

Ottawa Life Magazine — Tue, 14 May 2024 14:30:00 -0400

In this episode, Dan dives into Canada-China relations with Marc Kealey. They discuss the role of public perception, the complex political and business relationships, and what the future could hold for these two nations.

For more of Ottawa Life Magazine's political analyses, check out our TikTok channel below:

https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawalifemag

A Chat With Music Maestro Devin Cuddy

Ottawa Life Magazine — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 07:30:00 -0400

Devin Cuddy on his musical journey and the art of the songwriting process.

Facts and Friction in Ontario Education with OSSTF President Karen Littlewood

Ottawa Life Magazine — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 07:30:00 -0400

Dan had a candid discussion with OSSTF President Karen Littlewood about Ontario's education system and why the needs of support workers must be considered.

Steven Page- Excelsior and more!

Ottawa Life Magazine — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:30:00 -0400

To kick off OLM's summer podcast series with listeners we are taking you back to our fall 2022 podcast with one of Canada's most revered artists- Steven Page. Steven was a former member of the Barenaked Ladies and released his most recent solo album Excelsior in September of 2022.

Mark Sutcliffe - feature interview with Ottawa mayoral candidate Mark Sutcliffe

Ottawa Life Magazine — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 22:00:00 -0400

Dan chats with mayoral candidate Mark Sutcliffe about his vision for the city of Ottawa and the policies he believes will work to get Ottawa back on track and the O-Train back on the rails.

Walter Robinson - the upcoming election

Ottawa Life Magazine — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 01:15:00 -0400

Walter Robinson, former chief of staff to the mayor of Ottawa, is an accomplished public affairs executive with over 25 years of experience in achieving public policy change at every level of government.

We discuss the significant issues facing Ottawa in the upcoming election and the city council's capacity to manage growth effectively.

Dan Donovan is the founding Publisher of Ottawa Life Magazine.

His work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, Financial Post, Sun, Ottawa Citizen, Masthead Magazine and The Hill Times.

Tasha Kheiriddin - what's next for Pierre Poilievre

Ottawa Life Magazine — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:30:00 -0400

Conservative strategist, lawyer and author Tasha Kheiriddin joins us to discuss the Conservative leadership race and how the Tories can find The Right Path to win Canadians' hearts, minds...and votes.

Tasha Kheiriddin's new book The Right Path is available on Amazon:

https://amzn.to/3xhTjQx

Follow Tasha on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/TashaKheiriddin

A Bombshell Decision by the Conservative Party: Brown is out

Ottawa Life Magazine — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 14:30:00 -0400

With two months to go before the Conservative Party chooses its next leader, Patrick Brown has been ejected from the race after "serious allegations of wrongdoing" related to financing rules. The bombshell decision was announced by Ian Brodie, head of the Conservative Party's Leadership Election Organizing Committee, which oversees the race.

Dan Donovan, Managing Editor of Ottawa Life Magazine, and Brian Crombie discuss the decision and its implications on this episode of the OLM Podcast.

This episode of the OLM Podcast was graciously contributed by the Brian Crombie Hour.

Decision Time: Dan Donovan on the Conservative Leadership Race with the Brian Crombie Hour

Ottawa Life Magazine — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0400

The existential crisis in the Conservative Party is playing out in the current leadership race. The race is on, boiling down to one question: Do they move to the centre or further to the right?

Dan Donovan of Ottawa Life Magazine discusses the inter-party rivalry and the fight between the Centre and the Far Right.

This episode of the Ottawa Life Podcast was graciously contributed by The Brian Crombie Hour.

To read Dan Donovan's article on the Existential Crisis in the Conservative Party, visit this link.

To listen to the Brian Crombie Hour, visit this link.

Canada's Crisis in Policing with John Sewell

Ottawa Life Magazine — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 07:30:00 -0400

John Sewell, former mayor of Toronto, on police misconduct in Canada. He is the author of "Crisis in Canada's Policing," which describes the state of large Canadian police forces after the murder of George Floyd in the United States in May 2020. For the past twenty years, Sewell has been an informed, independent-minded observer of Canada's police; he was an early advocate of civilian review and has urged politicians to be as tough on police accountability and spending, as they are on other government departments. To read more, visit ottawalife.com.