July 8, 2026
SHARE
Short Cuts
#1396 New Canadian Social Media Platform is Too Canadian
A new strictly Canadian social media platform is promising a friendlier alternative, but is it too Canadian to succeed? 
Julian Abraham
Reporter
James Nicholson
Producer
Caleb Thompson
Audio Editor
Tristan Capacchione
Senior Production Supervisor
Jesse Brown
Host & Publisher

Gander Social launched on Canada Day with an ambitious plan to “fix” social media with a bot-free, less divisive approach that includes moderation based on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

 

But, do people really want social media that “makes them smile”? 

 

Host: Julian Abraham

Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor)

Guest: Kevin Newman

 

Additional music by Audio Network

Image Credit: Cedric Fauntleroy

 

Students and new-to-audio reporters: Canadaland is launching another year of our Audio Journalism Fellowship! 

 

If you’re a journalism student or audio storyteller looking to gain some invaluable experience, this is a really unique opportunity. Find out more:

https://www.labs.canadaland.com/ 

 

Further reading: 

 

Sponsors:

oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! 

 

Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.

 

BetterHelp:  Visit BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month.

 

If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. 

More from this series
A new strictly Canadian social media platform is promising a friendlier alternative, but is it too Canadian to succeed? 
July 8, 2026
We’re lamenting the state of ownership across Canadian media, and what it means for the future of bingeable true crime.
July 3, 2026
With the FIFA World Cup well under way we’re wondering, are the good vibes really worth the financial risk?
July 1, 2026
Will Carney’s flattery of Trump pay off for Canadians?
June 26, 2026
A tragic shooting in Montreal resulted in the deaths of a police officer, a civilian, and the shooter.
June 24, 2026
“The goal of a journalist should be: I have no friends. Everyone should hate you. I think that should be your career goal.” - Jan Wong
June 19, 2026
Uber but for Teenage Gunmen (and the "WE Charity Lawsuit" that Wasn't)
June 17, 2026
So it looks like technically Canada is in the midst of a “technical” recession, but, technicalities aside, is a 0.2% drop in growth really that big a deal?
June 12, 2026
all podcasts arrow All Podcasts
Short Cuts