About this episode
🎙️ A deep dive into how Trump’s anti-Canada rhetoric flipped the Canadian election—and what it means for martial artists on both sides of the border. In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan is joined by longtime friend and grappling legend Stephan Kesting for a raw, unfiltered conversation about Canada’s 2025 federal election. They unpack how the rise of MAGA-style politics north of the border sparked a national backlash, ultimately reshaping Canadian leadership—and exposing fractures in the martial arts world. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ Stephan Kesting ‪@StephanKesting‬ ⸻ 🧠Topics We Cover: • Why Trump’s threats to Canada changed the outcome of the election • The rise—and rejection—of MAGA politics in Canadian culture • How COVID and the Freedom Convoy broke the Jiu-Jitsu community • What American martial artists need to understand about their influence abroad • Whether Canada can still trust its southern neighbor ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Canadian Elections and Political Landscape 09:08 Trudeau's Downfall and the Rise of Mark Carney 17:58 The Freedom Convoy and Its Impact on Society 32:58 The Division in the Martial Arts Community 35:12 The Impact of Information Bubbles 39:32 Reality Check: The Pandemic's Influence 43:15 Political Dynamics in Canada 50:05 The Future of Canadian Politics 57:25 Cross-Border Relations and Travel Concerns 01:02:09 Understanding Perspectives: The Info Bubble Challenge