#76 JJ McCullough: Is the monarchy relevant in Canada? Plus Trump, Iran, and culture. episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 13, 2026 · 1H 6M

#76 JJ McCullough: Is the monarchy relevant in Canada? Plus Trump, Iran, and culture.

from Concepts with Shawn Whatley · host Shawn Whatley

JJ McCullough offers a window into Canada. JJ keeps his 1 million followers front of mind. He speaks so they will understand. He focusses on what matters to them. In that sense, JJ is a better politician than many politicians: he never forgets his constituency. Don't be fooled by JJ's high-energy, youthful style. He puts a ton of research into his videos.  The non left needs to pay attention when JJ speaks. You don't have to agree with him! In fact, JJ makes of point of raising things that will provoke discussion and (some) disagreement. He's the guy at the parade shouting about the Emperor's clothes. JJ has strong opinions on the monarchy. His comments about the governor general were especially good, I thought. He didn't convince me that we should abandon the monarchy in Canada, but he did make me think. What I appreciate most about JJ is his willingness to have a conversation.    JJ's YouTube Channel  Canada's Constitution is Weird   AI summary: Join Shawn Whatley and popular YouTuber JJ McCullough as they tackle the controversial topic of the monarchy's relevance in Canada. JJ shares his strong opinions on the monarchy, arguing that it has long been irrelevant to most Canadians, including conservatives. They explore the role of the Governor General, the monarchy's symbolic nature, and its political implications. In addition to the monarchy debate, the discussion spans various cultural and political issues, including American interventionism, immigration, and the complexities of gender and identity politics. With JJ's energetic communication style and deep research, this episode promises to be both thought-provoking and engaging. Don't miss out on this intellectual exchange—hit like and subscribe! 00:00 Introduction: The Relevance of the Monarchy in Canada 00:25 Meet JJ McCullough: YouTuber and Political Pundit 02:01 Debating the Monarchy's Role in Canada 04:55 The Symbolism and Perception of the Monarchy 09:44 The Governor General's Role and Public Perception 16:00 Comparing Canadian and American Views on Monarchy 21:13 The Future of the Monarchy in Canada 25:59 Pivot to Global Politics: Venezuela and Trump 32:29 Defining Conservatism vs. Right-Wing Politics 33:02 Trump's Foreign Policy and American Power 35:32 Liberal Media and Trump's Stance on Ukraine 36:57 Domestic Politics Influencing Foreign Policy 43:12 Cultural Debates: Neutrality vs. Activism 49:50 Advice for the Conservative Party 58:22 Trans Rights and Political Challenges 01:02:19 Concerns About Anti-Americanism in Canada 01:05:03 Final Thoughts and Appreciations

JJ McCullough offers a window into Canada. JJ keeps his 1 million followers front of mind. He speaks so they will understand. He focusses on what matters to them. In that sense, JJ is a better politician than many politicians: he never forgets his constituency. Don't be fooled by JJ's high-energy, youthful style. He puts a ton of research into his videos.  The non left needs to pay attention when JJ speaks. You don't have to agree with him! In fact, JJ makes of point of raising things that will provoke discussion and (some) disagreement. He's the guy at the parade shouting about the Emperor's clothes. JJ has strong opinions on the monarchy. His comments about the governor general were especially good, I thought. He didn't convince me that we should abandon the monarchy in Canada, but he did make me think. What I appreciate most about JJ is his willingness to have a conversation.    JJ's YouTube Channel  Canada's Constitution is Weird   AI summary: Join Shawn Whatley and popular YouTuber JJ McCullough as they tackle the controversial topic of the monarchy's relevance in Canada. JJ shares his strong opinions on the monarchy, arguing that it has long been irrelevant to most Canadians, including conservatives. They explore the role of the Governor General, the monarchy's symbolic nature, and its political implications. In addition to the monarchy debate, the discussion spans various cultural and political issues, including American interventionism, immigration, and the complexities of gender and identity politics. With JJ's energetic communication style and deep research, this episode promises to be both thought-provoking and engaging. Don't miss out on this intellectual exchange—hit like and subscribe! 00:00 Introduction: The Relevance of the Monarchy in Canada 00:25 Meet JJ McCullough: YouTuber and Political Pundit 02:01 Debating the Monarchy's Role in Canada 04:55 The Symbolism and Perception of the Monarchy 09:44 The Governor General's Role and Public Perception 16:00 Comparing Canadian and American Views on Monarchy 21:13 The Future of the Monarchy in Canada 25:59 Pivot to Global Politics: Venezuela and Trump 32:29 Defining Conservatism vs. Right-Wing Politics 33:02 Trump's Foreign Policy and American Power 35:32 Liberal Media and Trump's Stance on Ukraine 36:57 Domestic Politics Influencing Foreign Policy 43:12 Cultural Debates: Neutrality vs. Activism 49:50 Advice for the Conservative Party 58:22 Trans Rights and Political Challenges 01:02:19 Concerns About Anti-Americanism in Canada 01:05:03 Final Thoughts and Appreciations

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#76 JJ McCullough: Is the monarchy relevant in Canada? Plus Trump, Iran, and culture.

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This episode was published on January 13, 2026.

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JJ McCullough offers a window into Canada. JJ keeps his 1 million followers front of mind. He speaks so they will understand. He focusses on what matters to them. In that sense, JJ is a better politician than many politicians: he never forgets his...

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