#16 JJ McCullough: Navigating Conservative Values in a Changing Political Landscape

Book covers capture attention, not content. Everyone knows this, but we still judge books by their covers and YouTubers by their online presence. JJ McCullough is a young, hip, lighthearted YouTuber. His ‘cover’ grabs attention and forces you to look twice. Once hooked, JJ fascinates with clips, shots, and quips designed to keep you glued. All dazzle and no depth, you say? JJ’s video, Canada’s Constitution is Weird, popped up in my Google search on the Canadian constitution. Unlike America, Canada has an ‘unwritten’ constitution. The differences between written and unwritten constitutions are nuanced and lead to profound divergence when applied to lawmaking. Nuance and profundity do not jump to mind while watching a guy with crazy hair, crazier knick-knacks, and a complete inability to sit still. If I hadn’t done a bunch of research myself, I would have dismissed JJ immediately. But he was asking the right questions, while making it look like an ad for a video game. For a long time, I kept JJ secret. He mocks, provokes, and ridicules. He often says things I don’t support and would never say myself. But that’s the point: JJ makes you think. He throws cold water in your face with topics that would put you to sleep in other hands. If we hope to save Canada from our current, uptight malaise, we need people like JJ. He creates and people listen. Watch and learn. Start with these videos: My political and philosophical beliefs explained (585k views, 13:45 minutes) What’s good and bad about conservatism (631k views, 11:43 minutes) AI show notes: This episode features a riveting discussion with JJ McCullough, a professional YouTuber and journalist, delving into contemporary political philosophy and conservative principles. Topics explored include the definition of conservatism, the importance of gratitude as a political philosophy, and the challenges posed by populism and radicalization on both the left and right. JJ offers insights on current political figures such as Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre, and reflects on the complexities of a polarized political environment that demands a balance between maintaining traditional values and adapting to modern realities. Additionally, the conversation touches upon the influence of American culture on Canadian identity and the role of content creators in shaping public discourse. 00:00 Introduction: The Wicked and the Strong Government 00:34 Meet JJ McCullough: The Hip YouTuber with Profound Messages 00:57 Discussion on Gratitude and Political Philosophy 01:52 Welcome JJ McCullough: Background and Current Events 02:19 Mark Carney's Risky Snap Election 03:16 The Changing Landscape of Canadian Politics 08:32 Polling and Voter Behaviour 12:37 Trump's Influence on American Conservatism 21:02 Canadian Anti-Americanism and Cultural Identity 28:13 Defining Conservatism in Canadian Politics 37:57 Reflecting on the Status Quo 39:18 Gratitude and Defense of Values 40:34 Paradoxes of Liberal Democracy 41:50 Challenges of Conservative Governance 47:39 Mentorship and Role Modelling 50:36 The Appeal of Canadian Content 5 5:02 Thoughts on Pierre Poilievre 01:00:29 Postliberalism and Cultural Hierarchies 01:13:52 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnwhatley.substack.com