My guest this week is an old friend from college. Aram was that kid that everyone wanted to hang out with because of his loyalty, his kindness and his constant good humor. That’s not to say though that he didn’t get into his share of trouble, which also seemed to be quite constant! Somehow, we completely disconnected after college but I always wondered what he was up to and how his life progressed. Thankfully, with the help of social media I connected with him again sometime last year and was in awe when I noticed that he was involved with a chimpanzee sanctuary in Sierra Leone, Africa. At first, I found it funny and just couldn’t understand how he could have ended up there. But as I read more on the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, its creation, its mission and its crucial contribution, I was completely intrigued! On this episode Aram shares his journey on discovering his calling and we have, quite possibly, one of the most interesting conversations about how the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary has not only saved a species, but in doing so, is completely transforming Sierra Leone into a leader in ecotourism, social development, environmental education and, more importantly, wildlife conservation. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Episode #43 - Aram Kazandjian

Mon invitée aujourd’hui est Dominique Anglade, la cheffe du Parti libéral du Québec. C’est la deuxième fois qu’elle accepte mon invitation, mais cette fois-ci, nous mettons un peu la politique de côté afin de discuter de son nouveau livre, Ce Québec qui m’habite. C’est un livre dans lequel elle raconte l’histoire d’une fille d’immigrants, son parcours et ses multiples accomplissements dont, bien évidemment, son ascension comme première femme d’une minorité visible à diriger un grand parti politique en Amérique du Nord. Nous discutons de tout cela et bien plus! Bon podcast tout le monde!

Episode #46 (FR) - Dominique Anglade

The Backstage Podcast - Elections Edition 2021
My guest today is David Freiheit. He is the candidate for the People's Party of Canada for the riding of Notre-Dame-De-Grâce-Westmount. I hope you enjoy the conversation!

Episode #49 - David Freiheit

The Backstage Podcast - Elections Edition 2021
My guest today is Carlos Godoy. He isn't a candidate. However, in addition to being a very dear friend, he is also the Senior VP at Impact Public Affairs and I thought it would be refreshing to talk to someone who has a wealth of knowledge about politics and could share with us his analysis on this year's federal election in Canada. 
I hope you enjoy the conversation!

Episode #52 - Carlos Godoy

The Backstage Podcast - Elections Edition 2021

My guest today is the Honorable Leo Housakos. He's a member of the Canadian Senate and although he's not running for a seat in the current federal election, I thought it would be great to discuss the role of Senators during a campaign and to pick his brain on a variety of issues revolving around this election. I hope you enjoy the conversation!

Episode #53 - Leo Housakos

The Backstage Podcast - Elections Edition 2021

My guest this week is Marc Miller. He's the Minister for Indigenous Services, incumbent Member of Parliament and candidate for the Liberal Party of Canada for the riding of Ville-Marie-Le Sud-Ouest-Ile-Des-Soeurs. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Episode #54 - Marc Miller

My guest today is my very good friend Despina Sourias. She was very recently elected as Montreal City Councillor for the district of Loyola. On this episode we talk about her first campaigning experience, her background and the reasons that motivated her to pursue a career in politics, as well as some challenges that lay ahead during this 4-year mandate. I hope you enjoy the conversation!

Episode #57 - Despina Sourias

My guest today is someone I’ve been trying to get on the podcast for a while! Elyas Felfoul is an old friend and former colleague who quickly climbed the ranks in Quebec politics and while he was at - what some may describe as - his peak, he decided to completely turn the page and seek new horizons that have brought him to all corners of the world. He is the Director of Policy Development & Partnerships at WISE and he spends quite a bit of time researching, promoting and exposing new ways of educating our future generations. On this episode we talk about his days in Quebec City, the decision to leave it all behind as well as all the work he’s done with WISE. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Episode #58 - Elyas Felfoul

My guest today is an old friend that I haven’t seen nor spoken to in a fairly long time. Marios Efthymiopoulos is the President of Strategy International, as well as an academic specializing in strategy and security, crisis management, EU and NATO affairs and foreign policy and diplomacy, just to name a few. I asked him to come on the podcast and share his wealth of knowledge while discussing the recent developments in Ukraine following the Russian invasion. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Episode #59 - The War In Ukraine with Dr. Marios Efthymiopoulos

My guest today is Julian Spencer-Churchill. He is quite frankly the reason I remained in the Political Science program at Concordia University. His Strategic Studies courses were absolutely mesmerizing and I couldn’t think of anyone better to explain what is happening on the ground in Ukraine. In addition to being an incredible University professor, Julian is an author, the Chairperson of the Canadian Center for Strategic Studies and has been a key advisor to the Canadian government and intelligence services on Pakistan. His principal research focus is on arms racing and its impact on war causation, the sharing of nuclear weapons, naval strategy, and military doctrine and planning. His field research has included work at the US Pentagon and State Department, Egypt, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, and most frequently, Pakistan. 
I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Episode #60 - Dr. Julian Spencer-Churchill

My guest today is Ingrid Ravary-Konopka. I had the enormous pleasure and opportunity to work quite closely with Ingrid while she was the director of Justin Trudeau’s riding office since his very first election. On this episode we go over some of the things that inspired her to pursue that career, the highs and lows and everything in between. We also talk about her life post politics and how different and somewhat more normal that life can be. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Episode #61 - Ingrid Ravary-Konopka

He’s back! My guest today is none other than Michael Forian. We quickly get the formalities out of the way because there is much to talk about, between the United Conservative Party leadership race out west in Alberta, the Conservative Party of Canada leadership race and the upcoming provincial elections in Quebec! I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Episode #62 - Michael Forian

Welcome to QC Brief with Michael Forian! 
The Quebec provincial campaign is officially under way. 
On this first episode we go over the different parties, their campaign launches, some strategies going forward, early polls and of course, the "tip of the hat" and "wag of the finger" moments.

QC Brief with Michael Forian - Episode #1

Quebec Elections 2022
On this episode of Car Ride Conversations we're in the riding of Westmount-St-Louis with the incumbent MNA and Liberal candidate, Jennifer Maccarone. 
Enjoy the podcast!

CRC Episode #17 - Jennifer Maccarone

Welcome to QC Brief with Michael Forian! 
On this episode we discuss more blunders on immigration; Duhaime's position on Bill 21 and a reduced ministerial cabinet; polls showing more support for the PCQ; Chomedey riding shenanigans and of course, the "tip of the hat" and "wag of the finger" moments.

QC Brief with Michael Forian - Episode #10

Quebec Elections 2022
On this episode of Car Ride Conversations we're merging QC Brief! Michael Forian is here and it's the last day of the Quebec 2022 elections. We go over some of the things we've already discussed, talk about projections and much more!
Enjoy the podcast!

CRC Episode #22 - Michael Forian

This is it! Finally breaking out of the comfort zone and recording solo! Thought I'd pick up from where we left off on QC Brief and give you an update of what to look out for this coming week at the National Assembly: parties getting sworn in; will the PQ swear allegiance to the King and will Dominique Anglade grant official party status to QS and PQ?

Episode #63 - Official Party Status & Allegiance To The King

My guest today is Saul Polo, a two term Parliamentarian. We talk about the recent election campaign in Quebec during which he unfortunately lost his seat. We talk about his experience, his future, as well as his Party’s future that suffered the worst election result I its history. Enjoy this conversation!

Episode #64 - Saul Polo

On this episode, QS leader, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, caves in and agrees to swear allegiance to the king in order to be able to sit in Parliament, while the PQ is left completely alone losing sight of that light at the end of the tunnel. Why did QS backtrack? What is Nadeau-Dubois trying to get out of this?

Episode #68 - Give & Take

On this episode we go over Dominique Anglade's resignation as party leader and as MNA for Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne. What are the next steps? What does this mean for the Liberal Party? Who would want to take over and what direction does this party need to go?

Episode #69 - It Was A Matter Of Time!

The Quebec Liberal Party has a new leader; let's just say things didn't start off peachy! Marc Tanguay's very first task may have plunged the Liberal caucus into another crisis!

Episode #70 - New Boss, New Problems!

On this episode we go over the troubling recent news that China may have interfered with the 2019 federal elections in Canada through an elaborate election-interference network! Is it even possible for Justin Trudeau not to be aware? Not according to Canadian intelligence officials!

Episode #71 - Justin Trudeau "Doesn't Know"!

On this episode, I really need your help! Do you think that Quebec Conservative Party leader, Éric Duhaime, should get what he's been asking for? Should he have a place in the National Assembly despite not getting anyone elected from this party? Seriously, let me know what you think!

Episode #72 - Éric Duhaime At The National Assembly: Yes Or No?

On this episode, the PQ's "big risk, big reward" approach worked and they got what they've always wanted in just two short weeks, while not even sitting in the National Assembly! Will Quebec's leadership on distancing itself further away from the monarchy spill over into the federal Parliament?

Episode #73 - PQ: "We Are The Champions"

We’re back with the very first episode of the year and I couldn’t ask for anyone better! It’s not every day a Cabinet Minister’s Chief of Staff can find some free time for a chat! Alexandre Ramacieri is an old friend with significant political knowledge and experience! He’s currently at the head of one of the more important departments as Chief of Staff to Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy and Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development. We talk about how we met, his early involvement in politics, what it’s like behind the scenes as one of the senior-most staffers on the Hill and much more!
Enjoy this conversation!

Episode #74 - Alexandre Ramacieri

It's official! The by-election in Dominique Anglade's old riding has been launched! On this episode we go over some of the candidates, the reasons why this by-election matters, some strategy and much more.

Episode #75 - Important Riding Up For Grabs In Quebec By-Election

On this episode, we go over the unthinkable that happened in the House of Commons during the official visit of Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to Canada. We go over the details of the sheer humiliation for which Justin Trudeau refuses any responsibility.

Episode #76 - A Nazi In The House Of Commons: The Embarrassment That Is Justin Trudeau

On this episode we go over the incredible by-election victory of the PQ in the Jean-Talon riding and the immediate nonsense from Premier François Legault!

Episode #77 - Landslide Victory For The PQ & Nonsense From François Legault

When it comes to answering the question "What's it like to work in politics?", Harold Fortin is probably the best person to ask. Couldn't be happier to have him on the podcast and to talk about his impressive 14-year career. Despite his very young age, he was among the most revered senior staffers, occupying the positions of communications advisor and deputy chief of staff to many cabinet ministers in the Quebec government. We also talk about the last 4 years during which he was Quebec Premier's right-hand man, serving as his communications director and later as director of his international relations department. Frankly, it doesn't get more "backstage" than this! I hope you enjoy the conversation!

Episode #3 - Harold Fortin

My guest today is my very good friend Francesco Miele. Frank and I went to College together and as long as I can remember, among his most ambitious aspirations, becoming a lawyer and politician were at the very top of his list!  Well, he's done both those things! He became an immigration lawyer and, in 2010, he was elected for the very first time as a Montreal City Councilor for the district of Côte-de-Liesse. He has since been re-elected in 2013 and again in 2017. We discuss the challenges of running for office as well as other hot issues in the Montreal political landscape. Enjoy the conversation!

Episode #5 - Francesco Miele

My guest today is one of my oldest friends, Nectar Economakis. He is a top executive who runs his very own successful business through which he has helped some of the biggest companies achieve success through his management, marketing and growth strategies. He is one of the smartest people I know with an unbelievable track record in his industry. We talk about his exceptional professional journey and also about some technological trends that are already or will be impacting our lives. I hope you enjoy the conversation!

Episode #6 - Nectar Economakis

On this episode of Car Ride Conversations (Elections Edition) I ride with Jasmine Louras, Conservative candidate for the riding of Outremont. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

CRC Episode #11 - Jasmine Louras

On this episode of Car Ride Conversations (Elections Edition) I ride with Neil Drabkin, Conservative candidate for the riding of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce - Westmount. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

CRC Episode #12 - Neil Drabkin

My guest this week is mega YouTuber and fitness and martial arts expert, Nick Drossos. I’ve been following his work for a long time and couldn’t wait to have him on the podcast. He has an unbelievable and inspiring story that is most definitely worth sharing. On this episode we discuss his challenging childhood, dealing with ADHD and dyslexia and overcoming numerous other adversities while becoming a successful entrepreneur. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Episode #16 - Nick Drossos

My guest this week is Panos Palmos. I’ve known Panos since University and the first things that struck me from the first day I met him were his contagious energy, his innate ability to assemble and lead and his determination to succeed! It is no surprise that he went on to create an unbelievably successful career in sales and even more so, that he gave it all up to pursue an even bigger and more challenging calling! I really hope you enjoy this conversation!

Episode #18 - Panos Palmos

We made it folks!
An entire year has passed since this podcast began and I couldn’t be happier! What an experience this has been and I can’t wait for all that’s coming! To celebrate this 1st anniversary episode, I brought Pantelis back on the podcast. He was my very first guest and he is the reason this podcast even began! Aside from being a good friend, he is one the funniest guys I know! His career as a stand-up comic has really taken off in the last years and he also produces the tremendously successful Pantelis Podcast as well as the 2 Drink Minimum Podcast with mega comedian Mike Ward and, of course, his now famous sidekick, Poseidon! So happy to have these guys on the podcast! Enjoy this conversation!

Episode #23 - Pantelis & Poseidon

My guest this week is Nelson Ossé, quite possibly among the most active and engaged community leaders I had the privilege of working with. His dedication to youth empowerment through sport is exemplary and his involvement in his community has led him not only to the very top of his organization, but also at a leadership position through which he administers the most important cultural and community center in Park-Extension, the William-Hingston Complex. On this episode, we discuss his journey and also dive into the current turmoil around racial profiling and systemic racism that exist in our country as well as the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and its impact in the advancement and betterment of our society. 
I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Episode #30 - Nelson Ossé

My guest this week is a young man who I met at the very beginning of my career in politics. Varante Yapoudjian is an extremely active member of the Armenian community involved mostly in its various advocacy efforts but who also has a keen interest in political engagement at all levels of government. On this episode we discuss the destructive and unfortunate events that have unfolded in Lebanon in the last weeks as well as his community and political engagement. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Episode #34 - Varante Yapoudjian

Hi! My name is George Tsantrizos.
​From 2007-2018, I spent the better part of my life working as a political advisor, often referred to as the backstage of politics. The endless hours of a non-existent schedule; the media, community and government relations; the time away from home; the multiple campaign trails; the hurrays and the boos; the compliments and criticisms; all that and much more were just part of the deal.
​Why do it you say?
For the absolute privilege of working with individuals that ceaselessly demonstrated their profound and remarkable desire to contribute to society. 
​Here's where I surprise you...
Many of those individuals had absolutely nothing to do with the political class. They were community organizers and leaders, businessmen and businesswomen, influencers, volunteers, inspirational men and women. 
​Here's the irony...
We depended on them as much, if not more, as they depended on us.
And the conversations! I think I'll miss those the most! 
So I figured after all these years, perhaps there's a way to keep those going and share them with you all.
Welcome to The Backstage!
Hope you enjoy the conversations! 
​

The Backstage: A George Tsantrizos Podcast

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