The Backstage Podcast
Arts & Culture Podcasts
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!
Location:
Canada
Genres:
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Description:
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!
Twitter:
@gtsantrizos
Language:
English
Website:
http://www.thebackstagepod.com/
Episodes
Episode #77 - Landslide Victory For The PQ & Nonsense From François Legault
10/5/2023
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!
Duration:00:25:43
Episode #76 - A Nazi In The House Of Commons: The Embarrassment That Is Justin Trudeau
9/28/2023
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.
Duration:00:34:36
Episode #75 - Important Riding Up For Grabs In Quebec By-Election
2/7/2023
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.
Duration:00:28:48
Episode #74 - Alexandre Ramacieri
1/18/2023
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!
Duration:01:06:47
Episode #73 - PQ: "We Are The Champions"
12/13/2022
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?
Duration:00:18:22
Episode #72 - Éric Duhaime At The National Assembly: Yes Or No?
11/29/2022
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!
Duration:00:24:46
Episode #71 - Justin Trudeau "Doesn't Know"!
11/22/2022
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!
Duration:00:10:40
Episode #70 - New Boss, New Problems!
11/15/2022
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!
Duration:00:21:09
Episode #69 - It Was A Matter Of Time!
11/9/2022
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?
Duration:00:49:27
Episode #68 - Give & Take
11/3/2022
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?
Duration:00:28:29
Episode #67 - 3D Chess At The National Assembly Of Quebec
11/2/2022
On this episode, a little follow up on those major issues I told you to keep an eye on last week! The plot thickens up at the National Assembly as the PQ and QS are told they can't sit without the entire oath; Dominique Anglade backpedals and her plan B backfires!
Duration:00:38:17
Episode #66 - The Knives Are Out!
10/28/2022
The gloves are off! The knives are out! Quebec Liberal Party leader, Dominique Anglade, ejects Marie-Claude Nichols from the Liberal caucus due to disagreement on shadow cabinet nominations! Is this the beginning of the end for Anglade? What does it say about her leadership and caucus unity?
Duration:01:00:06
Episode #65 - Super Ministers & Conflicts Of Interest
10/26/2022
On this episode we talk about newly-appointed "Super Minister", Pierre Fitzgibbon! What is a "Super Minister" and why are they given so much importance? Also, will Pierre Fitzgibbon be plagued by another ethics violation for conflict of interest and should high profile people like him run for office?
Duration:00:29:41
Episode #64 - Saul Polo
10/22/2022
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!
Duration:01:18:59
Episode #63 - Official Party Status & Allegiance To The King
10/18/2022
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?
Duration:00:32:47
Qc Brief with Michael Forian - Episode #11
10/6/2022
Welcome to QC Brief with Michael Forian! On this episode we discuss the election results and break it down regionally; polling data accuracy; electoral reform; Legault's new cabinet; Anglade's leadership and much more!
Duration:00:44:15
CRC Episode #22 - Michael Forian
10/3/2022
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!
Duration:00:56:31
QC Brief with Michael Forian - Episode #10
9/29/2022
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.
Duration:00:57:50
CRC Episode #21 - Jono Kalles
9/28/2022
Quebec Elections 2022 On this episode of Car Ride Conversations I discuss the current election with my good friend, Jono Kalles. He's an expert in advocacy, former senior advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and by far the best politics buff to talk to during this election! Enjoy the podcast!
Duration:01:01:56
QC Brief with Michael Forian - Episode #9
9/26/2022
Welcome to QC Brief with Michael Forian! On this episode: CAQ Ministers at a climate rally, embarrasing illegality for QS, advanced polls, leaders calling for strategic voting, ballot questions and of course, the "tip of the hat" and "wag of the finger" moments.
Duration:01:02:54