Matt Spoke builds communities, develops housing, creates start-up companies, serves on boards of directors, plans grass-roots political conferences, and raises a family.

Matt embodies a conservative life. 

I first met Matt at the Project Ontario conference he organized (with help from others) in Toronto. He speaks well, listens closely, and can carry a conversation as though you've known him forever. I admired his polish and walked away assuming he must be a management-consultant type: impressive, but too careful to say anything sharp.

I was wrong.

Matt wrote a piece for Without Diminishment titled The First Institution. "Cultural renewal begins not in an election, not in a campaign, but in the ordinary work of raising kids and holding families together." Fantastic presentation of real-life conservatism.

We need more people like Matt; people who can bridge the gap between theory and practice. Ideas are essential, but we also need live them. 

Thanks again for checking this out. Let me know what you think!

AI Summary:

In this episode of 'Concepts' with Shawn Whatley, board member of the Canada Strong and Free Network, Matt Spoke discusses his impactful work with Project Ontario. They delve into the framing of political conversations, the importance of building businesses, and policies to create a strong, economically vibrant Canada. Matt shares how his experience as an entrepreneur and father translates to his views on conservatism and societal improvement. The conversation touches on the challenges of integrating immigrants, fostering community trust, and the critical role of education in shaping future citizens. Join us for an insightful discussion on the conservative vision for Canada's future.

00:00 Introduction: Setting the Stage for Political Conversations

00:25 Meet Matt Spoke: Developer, Organizer, and Community Insider

02:46 Project Ontario: Addressing Ontario's Drift

06:35 Challenges and Opportunities in Ontario's Policy Landscape

09:24 Conservatism in Office vs. Out of Office

14:02 The Role of Naivety and Innovation in Politics

18:16 Family and Conservatism: A Personal Perspective

28:19 Building Community in an Urbanized Society

32:18 The Role of Trust in Building Community

32:47 Cultural Cohesion in Diverse Urban Areas

33:30 Immigration and Shared Canadian Identity

33:58 The Decline of Community Watch and Social Trust

34:26 Extending an Olive Branch to Newcomers

36:38 Challenges of Integration and Multiculturalism

38:07 The Importance of Shared Culture and Vision

42:41 The Role of Leadership in Fostering Culture

43:54 Economic Policy and Cultural Impact

52:13 The Value of Family and Optimism for the Future

01:00:15 Education's Role in Shaping Society

01:02:18 Final Thoughts and Reflections