Ship of Fools Podcast with Steven Malkowich
Where Wit Meets Wisdom
Full Episodes
Watch or listen to the latest episodes
Catch every new episode of the Ship of Fools Podcast right here. Hosted by Steven Malkowich, Where Wit Meets Wisdom in conversations that range from the philosophical to the absurd.
Our title may be tongue-in-cheek, but the curiosity is real. We explore politics, sports, and human choices with sharp wit, real conversations and open minds.
Watch below or tune in on your favourite platform, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and more.
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Why Small Businesses Are Being Crushed in BC & Canada
Why is it getting harder to run a small business in British Columbia and across Canada?
In this episode, Steven Malkowich sits down with Ryan Mitton of Canadian Federation of Independant Businesses to break down the real pressures hitting entrepreneurs: taxes, red tape, labour shortages, retail crime, and the rising cost of doing business.
Ryan Mitton is CFIB’s Director of Legislative Affairs for British Columbia, where he leads public policy, research, advocacy, and communications work focused on supporting small businesses across the province.
CFIB
- Stop the PST TAX Grab on Business, sign their petition
here.
BC Budget 2026: Higher Taxes, More Debt & What They’re Not Saying
B.C.’s new budget promises stability.
The numbers tell a much more expensive story.
B.C.’s latest budget is out, and the political spin is everywhere. In this episode, repeat guest Carson Binda of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation joins us to break down what the numbers actually say and what British Columbians should be paying much closer attention to.
We get into the projected $13.3 billion deficit, the rising debt load, growing interest costs, the tax changes hitting paycheques, and why projects like the George Massey Tunnel remain such a flashpoint for commuters and taxpayers alike.
How Sage Johnson Is Rising Through Canadian Boxing
Sage Johnson is rising through Canadian boxing out of Surrey, BC.
In this episode, he and coach Oneal Mendoza talk about the mindset, discipline, and work behind the journey.
We sit down with Sage Johnson and Oneal Mendoza from the
Mendoza Boxing Club for a conversation about boxing, resilience, training, and what it really takes to rise in the sport.
BC Politics in Chaos? Eby, DRIPA & the Conservative Leadership Fight
Canada has a doctor shortage, yet internationally trained physicians face major barriers to practicing medicine in Canada. In this episode we sit down with Dr. Raghav Saini, an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Surrey, British Columbia.
Dr. Saini’s journey to practicing medicine in Canada was anything but straightforward.
His story highlights the resilience required for internationally trained physicians to build careers in the Canadian healthcare system.
Is BC Losing Crown Land? Musqueam Deal & Cowichan Ruling
British Columbia is 95% Crown land.
So why are so many British Columbians saying they have no voice in how it’s being managed?
In this episode of Ship of Fools Podcast, host Steven Malkowich sit downs with Warren Mirko, Executive Director of the
Public Land Use Society (PLUS), to unpack the rapidly evolving land governance landscape in BC.
Is Surrey Getting Safer? Inside Surrey Police, Crime & the RCMP Transition
Is Surrey actually getting safer — or does it just feel more dangerous? Episode filmed January 11, 2026.
In this episode of Ship of Fools Podcast, host Steven Malkowich sit downs with Sgt. Tige Pollock of the Surrey Police Service joins us for a candid conversation about crime trends, the RCMP transition, gang activity, and what policing really looks like on the ground in 2026.
Now that SPS is the official police of jurisdiction, what is actually different on the ground?
BC Politics in Chaos? Eby, DRIPA & the Conservative Leadership Fight
BC politics feels increasingly unstable — but is it chaos… or strategy?
Long-time investigative journalist Bob Mackin, publisher of
theBreaker.news, joins Ship of Fools Podcast for a candid, fact-driven breakdown of what’s really happening in British Columbia politics.
Rumble at the Rock 2026: Manny Sobral & Buckskin Gloves
Returning guest Manny Sobral is back to talk about one of the most anticipated amateur boxing events in Western Canada — Rumble at the Rock 2026 — and the continued growth of Buckskin Gloves.
This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into building a world-class Olympic-style boxing event, why amateur boxing matters, and how Canadian fighters are rising through the ranks.
Comedy, Discomfort & Being Human | Simon King on Politics & Truth
Comedian Simon King joins the Ship of Fools Podcast for a thoughtful conversation about comedy, politics, culture, and what it means to stay human in uncomfortable times.
Simon’s work lives where wit meets wisdom—using humor to explore fear, bigotry, accountability, and the quiet tensions shaping how we talk to one another today. When comedians go after heavy topics, what’s the job of the comic: to provoke, to clarify, to challenge, or simply to tell the truth in a way people can actually hear?
Renee Good, Alex Pretti & Trump’s America: Domestic Terror & Canada
The fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by U.S. federal agents — and their immediate labeling as “domestic terrorists” — have ignited outrage, confusion, and fear across the United States.
In this episode of Ship of Fools Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Aaron M. Hoffman, Professor of Political Science at Simon Fraser University, to help make sense of what’s happening inside Donald Trump’s America — and why it matters deeply for Canada.
BC Politics in Limbo: Canadian Identity & Nationalism with Dr. Sanjay Jeram
Canada is navigating a moment of political uncertainty — and British Columbia may be at the center of it.
In this episode of Ship of Fools, we’re joined by Dr. Sanjay Jeram, a Political Science professor at Simon Fraser University, whose research focuses on nationalism, immigration, political culture, and territorial politics.
This conversation explores what the current uncertainty around BC’s official opposition and leadership reveals about Canadian identity, nationalism, and who we are as a country.
Cowichan Land Case Explained: Aboriginal Title, UNDRIP & Government Responsibility
In this episode of Ship of Fools Podcast, we speak with Thomas Isaac, Chair of the Aboriginal Law Group at Cassels, to explain the legal foundations and governance implications of the Cowichan Tribes land title case.
This conversation focuses on how Aboriginal title functions under Canadian law, why courts addressed the concept of defeasible title, and where responsibility truly lies when unresolved treaties intersect with modern legislation.
We examine the role of UNDRIP and British Columbia’s DRIPA framework, how authority may be shifting from elected officials to the judiciary, and why First Nations are not the cause of legal uncertainty — but rather decades of governmental inaction.
Why BC-Built Solar Beats China Imports | Chris Voute, Lumera Solar
In this episode of Ship of Fools Podcast, we sit down with Chris Voute, founder of Lumera Solar, to explore what it really takes to build a solar company from the ground up.
Chris shares his self-taught origin story, the birth of Lumera Solar, and the deliberate decision to manufacture solar products in British Columbia instead of China — even when offshore production would have been easier.
This is an honest, grounded conversation about entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and the future of solar in Canada — without the hype.
🔗 Learn more about Lumera Solar:
https://lumerasolar.com/
How Tariffs Are Crushing Small Businesses | Importing & Exporting Explained
In this episode, we sit down with Dave Armstrong, founder of CS Designs, to unpack the real-world impact of tariffs on small businesses.
Dave offers a firsthand look at how tariffs have reshaped his business — from rising costs and delayed shipments to the complex realities of importing and exporting in today’s global economy. This is not theory or political talking points — it’s the lived experience of a business owner navigating supply chains, trade policies, and survival in an increasingly unpredictable market.
Learn more about Dave’s work:
https://csdesigns.biz/
Building a Legacy: Troy Van Vliet’s Vision for Saint John Paul II Academy
How do you build something that lasts for generations?
Troy Van Vliet shares the real story behind bringing Saint John Paul II Academy to life in South Surrey.
This episode is about more than construction or business. It’s about community leadership, building with purpose, and creating something meaningful that outlives you.
Learn more about Saint John Paul II Academy here:
https://www.sjp2academy.com/
Our First-Ever Live Performance: Alex Alegria Brings Mariachi to the Studio | Ship of Fools Podcast
Join host Steven Malkowich as he sits down with Alex Alegria — the “King of Mariachi” and founder of the iconic Canadian mariachi band Los Dorados.
Alex shares his journey from Oaxaca to Vancouver, how he built Los Dorados into a multicultural mariachi powerhouse, and how music continues to bridge communities across Canada.
Plus — a special in-studio mariachi performance you won’t forget.
Learn more about Los Dorados:
https://www.losdoradoscanada.com/
The Truth About FIFA Vancouver Costs & the Future of Local Soccer
Is the FIFA World Cup really worth it for Vancouver? Ray Goldenchild joins the Ship of Fools Podcast for a candid breakdown of rising costs, hidden risks, and whether the event will truly benefit taxpayers and local soccer.
Ray—coach and founder of Orix Soccer Academy—shares why he’s skeptical about the long-term community impact, what past mega events taught us, and what he’d change if he were in charge.
He also dives into the mission behind Orix: developing individual talent, creating affordable access for all kids, and building a “soccer family” through community programs, fundraisers, and international trips.
Is Your Land Title at Risk? Cowichan Ruling & Eby’s Appeal Explained
Adam Pankratz breaks down the Cowichan decision, what it actually means for private property, why Premier David Eby is appealing, and how this could impact homeowners, renters, developers, and lenders across B.C.
We cut through misinformation, explain the real risks, and reveal why the Public Land Use Society (PLUS) was created to protect transparency and public access.
Essential viewing for anyone living or investing in British Columbia.
Learn More about the
Public Land Use Society - PLUS organization here.
Rod Giltaca on the Truth About Canada’s Firearms Debate
Why was the Canadian Coalition for Firearms Rights really created?
And why are so many Canadians — even those who don’t own guns — starting to pay attention?
In this episode, Rod Giltaca, CEO & Executive Director of the CCFR, joins host Steven Malkowich for an honest, unfiltered conversation about Canada’s firearms debate: what’s true, what’s misleading, and what Canadians aren’t hearing in mainstream discussions.
Rod shares the story behind the CCFR’s founding, the misconceptions he’s fighting to correct, and why he believes responsible firearm owners have been misrepresented for years.
Together, we unpack the impact of Bill C-21, the federal buyback program, the role of media narratives, and why this debate matters far beyond gun ownership. It’s about rights, accountability, and the future of public policy in Canada.
Canada’s Top 10 Political Fools Exposed ft. Carson Binda
Who made Canada’s Top 10 Political Fools of 2025?
Host Steven Malkowich and returning guest Carson Binda (BC Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation) count down the most outrageous government blunders, wasteful spending sprees, and political facepalms of the year.
From billion-dollar boondoggles to policies that would make a clown blush, this Ship of Fools special exposes the biggest offenders — with sharp wit, fearless commentary, and a few hard truths Canadians need to hear.
Subscribe if you’re tired of political nonsense and love honest, funny commentary.
Jesse Johl: Fighting Food Waste & Feeding the Lower Mainland
In this episode of the Ship of Fools Podcast, Vancouver community leader Jesse Johl shares how the Queen Elizabeth Lions Club are fighting food waste and feeding families across the Lower Mainland—with no funding, no pay, and no government support.
Jesse opens up about the shocking scale of food waste in our region—perfectly good food discarded simply because of short-dated pallets or labeling tactics designed to increase turnover. His mission: get that food to people who need it most.
From organizing volunteers to personally driving truckloads of food, Jesse shows how one person’s commitment to community can feed more than stomachs—it feeds souls.
Connor Robinson on Lacrosse, the NLL & Why It’s Too Tough to Ignore
On this episode of the Ship of Fools Podcast, we sit down with Connor Robinson, forward for the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), to talk about the sport that should be on everyone’s radar — box lacrosse.
Born and raised in New Westminster, BC, Connor shares how he went from a local kid drafted in Langley to becoming one of the NLL’s standout players. We dig into what makes box lacrosse so addictive — the speed, strategy, and full-contact chaos — and why it deserves a much bigger spotlight.
Brayden Sutton on Risk, Reinvention & The Capital Markets
Growing up in Abbotsford, B.C. during a turbulent time taught Brayden Sutton that risk and resilience go hand in hand. In this episode, Host Steven Malkowich and Brayden reflect on how his chaotic upbringing shaped his view on life and business, leading from early ventures in cannabis to today’s leadership in capital markets.
As the CEO of Digital Commodities Capital, Brayden discusses navigating uncertainty, building conviction, and staying grounded in a speculative world. This conversation focuses on mindset, growth, and the lessons learned from early life's challenges.
Can Raw Honey Cure Allergies? Dr. Iman Tabani Explains the Buzz
Can raw honey really help cure allergies and boost your immune system?
In this episode, Dr. Iman Tabani—a medical doctor turned Canadian beekeeper—shares how nature’s purest sweetener might just be the key to better health.
- Why raw honey may help reduce seasonal allergies
- The truth about pasteurized vs. raw honey
- What we can learn from the world of bees
- How Dr. Tabani turned a passion for health into a thriving honey farm in British Columbia
Learn more about Dr. Tabani’s work:
https://bcbhoneyfarm.com/
Lee Aaron's Untold Story of Canada’s Metal Queen
She’s the voice that broke barriers in the ’80s rock and metal scene. Known worldwide as the “Metal Queen,” Canadian icon Lee Aaron has lived a career full of highs, reinventions, and lessons in survival in an industry that wasn’t always welcoming to women.
In this episode of the Ship of Fools Podcast, Steven Malkowich sits down with Lee Aaron for a raw and revealing conversation.
Learn More:
https://www.leeaaron.com/
Carson Binda Exposes Where Your Tax Dollars Go & Why You Should Be Concerned
Ever wonder where your tax dollars really go?
In this episode of the Ship of Fools Podcast, host Steven Malkowich sits down with Carson Binda, BC Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, for a candid conversation on government waste, taxpayer accountability, and why every Canadian should care about how public money is spent.
Learn More: https://www.taxpayer.com/
Enrico Fioretti’s Rise From Dreamer to 3D Animator in Hollywood Visual Effects
Ever dream of becoming a 3D animator in the Hollywood visual effects industry?
In this inspiring episode of the Ship of Fools Podcast, host Steven Malkowich sits down with Enrico Fioretti, a small-town dreamer who worked his way into the world’s top visual effects studios — including Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Wētā Digital, and Double Negative and now Netflix.
The Doctor is In with Dr. Taylor Burkinshaw
This week on Ship of Fools, we sit down with Dr. Taylor Burkinshaw—a Canadian Doctor of Chiropractic based in South Surrey, BC who isn’t just about adjustments, but about asking deeper questions. From navigating the intense Canadian chiropractic program to exploring the limits of what rehab and therapy should look like, Dr. Burkinshaw brings a fresh, no-BS perspective to modern health.
To find Dr. Burkinshaw contact
www.grandviewhealthgroup.ca
Quantum Computing, Startups & the Future of Tech | Dr. Adrian Bulzacki
What is quantum computing — and why does it matter now?
Join host Steven Malkowich as he welcomes Dr. Adrian Bulzacki, a tech visionary, entrepreneur, and investor who's bridging the gap between mind-bending science and practical innovation.
From his work as founder of ARB Labs—leading advancements in gesture recognition and casino table security—to mentoring the next wave of MBA talent and launching initiatives in quantum tech, Dr. Bulzacki is a futurist with feet firmly planted in the real world.
The Tesla of the Water? Natasha Chawla on Electric Boat Motors | ACEL Power
Can marine electrification catch up with the automotive world?
In this episode of Ship of Fools, we chat with Natasha Chawla, VP of Sales and Marketing at ACEL Motors, about breakthrough electric propulsion technology transforming marine capabilities.
Think Tesla-level performance on the water.
ACEL Power is delivering this with a modular battery system designed for the diverse needs of marine vessels, offering tailored solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
John Cody: The Writer Behind “Happy Forever” – Mark Volman & The Turtles
In this episode of the Ship of Fools Podcast, host Steven Malkowich sits down with Vancouver-based musician and writer John Cody to explore his pivotal role in the creation of “Happy Forever, My Musical Adventures with the Turtles, Frank Zappa, T.Rex, Flo & Eddie, and more" and the definitive portrait of Mark Volman—aka Flo of The Turtles, who appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show show twice.
Home Sweet Home | Jacob Soukoreff
This week, Steven Malkowich sits down with Jacob Soukoreff — Red Seal carpenter and principal of Westmont Projects — to talk about why building a home has become such a bureaucratic, expensive, and often soul-crushing journey.
The Professor, Dr. Aaron Hoffman
What happens when you combine a sharp political mind, decades of research on terrorism and media, and a willingness to question the narratives we’ve grown comfortable with? You get this episode.
Read Aaron’s latest book for free:
Also from Ship of Fools Media: check out our golf show,
Steve Tees Off Podcast — where Canadian golf meets real conversation.
