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Welcome to the latest issue of The Walrus Lab Insider, your regular update from The Walrus’s custom content team.
I’m Tracie Jones, Director of Partnerships and Sponsorships at The Walrus and Head of The Walrus Lab. I’m thrilled to be leading this next chapter, working with partners to develop thoughtful collaborations that connect audiences with important ideas, conversations, and initiatives.
In this edition, we’re sharing the latest from our work, including the launch of The Walrus’s new podcast network, new and returning podcasts, a standout custom storytelling project, and highlights from recent event activations. From bringing independent podcasts into a community that sparks conversation and new thinking to creating new ways for audiences to engage, we’re excited to share what we’ve been working on and what’s ahead.
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New Seasons, New Shows, Award Recognition, and a Fond Farewell
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There’s plenty to share from across The Walrus Lab podcast line-up including new launches, returning favourites, recent award recognition, and the conclusion of a beloved long-running series.
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A New Chapter in Discovering Canada's Past
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Funded by the Government of Canada, Canadian Time Machine, returns for a fifth season, marking milestone anniversaries in Canadian history. This season explores 150 years since the first telephone call, the Royal Canadian Legion’s centenary, and 25 years since a Canadian astronaut’s first spacewalk, alongside other defining moments.
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Expanding the Podcast Lineup
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We recently launched three new podcasts, expanding our slate of original productions with conversations about Canada’s media landscape and the policy issues shaping the country’s future.
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CanConversations, sponsored by Friends of Canadian Media, examines the issues shaping Canada’s media landscape, from storytelling and local journalism to public broadcasting, online platforms, and the policies influencing what Canadians see, hear, and trust.
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WONK, sponsored by Public Policy Forum and hosted by Michael Serapio, brings leading thinkers and policymakers together to explore big ideas, examine Canada’s most pressing issues, and consider solutions in an increasingly complex world.
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What if young people had a bigger say in the future of sport? The Future of Sport, Reimagined explores how sport is changing in Canada, from girls breaking barriers to new ideas transforming the way we play. Supported by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, this new podcast highlights the people driving change and what it could mean for the next generation.
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The Walrus Lab–produced podcast The Forefront: Next Gen Generosity, sponsored by Toronto Metropolitan University, recently won Silver in the Brand Storytelling – Activism, Public Service & Social Impact category at the 2026 Signal Awards, which recognizes excellence in podcasting and celebrates the creators shaping the medium.
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The podcast explores how generosity is passed from one generation to the next, featuring influential leaders, changemakers, and community builders who are making a difference across education, healthcare, innovation, and beyond. The award marks an exciting achievement for The Walrus Lab, recognizing its expertise in producing impactful, partner-driven podcasts that bring important ideas to life.
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After a successful seven-season run, Courage Inc., presented in collaboration with Deloitte, has come to a close. Throughout the series, host Duncan Sinclair spoke with leading Canadian business figures about the country’s economic future. The final episodes featured Vass Bednar on digital platforms and the economy and Senator Colin Deacon on innovation and competitiveness.
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Interested in reaching audiences through podcasting? The Walrus Lab works with partners to produce compelling podcasts that bring ideas to life, connect with listeners, and support partnership goals. Get in touch to explore how we can create a podcast together.
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Be Part of Canada’s Podcast Conversation
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The Walrus is inviting existing podcasts from across Canada to apply to join our new podcast network, a community designed to foster conversation and spark new thinking on issues vital to the country.
We’re looking for independently produced shows that align with The Walrus’s commitment to fact-based, research-driven exploration of ideas. From politics and technology to business, education, the environment, and arts and culture, we welcome a wide range of topics and perspectives. Selected podcasts will benefit from promotional support, cross-promotion across the network, and a community of fellow producers, while retaining full ownership of their RSS feeds.
Eligible podcasts should have an established audience, a dedicated production team, and existing funding, and be open to a revenue-sharing model for advertising and sponsored content.
Interested in joining the network? Find out more and submit a podcast for consideration.
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| SUBMIT YOUR PITCH |
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Beyond the Stage: Conversations That Continue
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Our podcast booth made appearances across Toronto, including at The Walrus Talks “The Billionaire Problem,” sponsored by Oxfam, and Word on the Street.
Hosted by our experienced podcast team, the booth invited attendees to step behind the mic, respond to curated questions, and share their perspectives on the topics explored at each event.
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The recordings captured a range of voices and viewpoints, extending the conversations beyond the event itself. Edited into a professionally produced sizzle reel, the audio brought together memorable moments and fresh perspectives, showcasing how the podcast booth can create new opportunities for audience engagement and give event conversations a life beyond the day.
Check out the booth sizzle reels for The Walrus Talks The Billionaire Problem and Word on the Street to get a feel for the event atmosphere, see the booth in action, and experience how we bring these events to life. |
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Last spring, the podcast booth was a centrepiece of The Walrus Gala, the biggest night of the year for The Walrus.
The event brings together hundreds of writers, journalists, artists, and supporters to celebrate Canadian journalism and raise funds to support The Walrus and ensure its journalism continues to thrive.
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For the first time, The Walrus Lab’s podcast booth was set up in the middle of the celebration, capturing conversations with guests including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. The recordings brought together personal reflections on the evening and the importance of The Walrus, offering a snapshot of the people and perspectives that make the Gala and organization special.
Those conversations became this special episode of The Conversation Piece, featuring highlights from the night.
Looking to bring more voices into the conversation at an upcoming event? Get in touch with The Walrus Lab to explore how our podcast booth can help capture audience perspectives and extend the impact of the event. |
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From Complex Ideas to Compelling Stories
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The latest custom story from The Walrus Lab, “Reimagining Banking with Human-Centred AI”, sponsored by TD Canada, explores how artificial intelligence is transforming banking and why human needs, trust, and connection must remain central to innovation.
The feature examines how AI is reshaping financial services and the customer experience, bringing a timely and complex topic into focus. |
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Through projects like this, The Walrus Lab works with partners to turn complex ideas into compelling editorial content that informs audiences and sparks meaningful conversations. By combining thoughtful research, accessible writing, and engaging storytelling, we help partners explore important issues in ways that resonate with readers.
See what’s possible with custom storytelling. Explore the Custom Story archive for inspiration and imagine what we could bring to life together.
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Interested in learning more about The Walrus Lab or exploring a potential partnership? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to discuss how we can help bring your ideas and initiatives to life through custom stories, podcasts, and events.
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