Podcast Summary: Unlearn16 – "The One Where Get Shameless And Vote"

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Host: Anna (Unlearn16)
Guest: Shameless L, TikTok Influencer from Vancouver

1. Introduction

In this engaging episode of Unlearn16, host Anna welcomes Shameless L, a TikTok sensation from Vancouver known for their transition from light-hearted content to politically charged discussions. The episode delves into Shameless L's journey, motivations for entering the political arena, and insights into the current Canadian political landscape.

2. Background of Shameless L

Shameless L recounts their rise to fame, starting with creating content during the lockdown. Initially, their TikTok presence was marked by experimental lip-syncs and humorous videos.

[00:34] Shameless L: "I'm not musically talented, so that was not lip syncing."

However, seeking to diversify their content, they moved from purely entertaining videos to more personal storytelling and eventually into political commentary.

3. Transition to Political Content

The shift towards politics was driven by a combination of personal investment in the U.S. election between Trump and Kamala Harris and witnessing concerning policies that mirrored historical injustices.

[04:38] Shameless L: "I'm going to use my voice to break down politics in a way that's easy to understand for people like me that don't get it."

Shameless L emphasizes the importance of making complex political issues accessible, utilizing tools like ChatGPT to simplify and educate their audience.

4. Challenges and Backlash

Entering the political discourse wasn't smooth. Shameless L faced significant backlash, including losing 7,000 followers within the first 12 hours of their first political post.

[07:45] Shameless L: "If you're going to stay in one small box for the rest of your life, you will be very bored."

This experience reinforced their commitment to authentic self-expression and the belief that growth necessitates stepping outside comfort zones, despite initial losses.

5. Political Landscape and Party Policies

A critical discussion unfolds around the Conservative Party and Liberal Party in Canada. Shameless L points out the lack of detailed plans from the Conservative side compared to the Liberals, arguing that this transparency disparity undermines informed voting.

[26:49] Shameless L: "They do not have any plans put out whatsoever. All they have is one or two line statements."

Anna adds that the multi-party system in Canada, unlike the two-party system in the U.S., leads to vote splitting among left-leaning parties, which inadvertently benefits the Conservatives.

6. Strategic Voting and Electoral Reform

Shameless L advocates for strategic voting to prevent the Conservative Party from capitalizing on vote fragmentation. They recommend resources like smart voting.ca to guide voters in making informed choices.

[34:09] Anna: "The conservatives would never win if not for the division of those parties."

The conversation shifts to electoral system reforms, with both Anna and Shameless L expressing support for ranked ballots as a solution to ensure votes are more accurately represented and to minimize vote wasting.

[40:21] Anna: "We should be able to put our vote to the party that we would prefer next."

7. Media's Role in Politics

The episode critiques the current state of media, highlighting issues like biased reporting, lack of accountability, and the challenges political leaders face in addressing tough questions.

[55:27] Shameless L: "We no longer have an empowered, fully functional media that's capable of doing that."

They discuss the impact of media practices on public perception and political accountability, emphasizing the need for transparent and substantive journalism.

8. Election Priorities and Future Directions

When asked about the top priorities of the federal government, Shameless L identifies sovereignty and economy as paramount concerns for Canadians.

[46:12] Shameless L: "The top priority has to be Donald Trump and our sovereignty."

The discussion also touches on trade barriers within Canada, advocating for the removal of provincial trade restrictions to foster a more unified and competitive national economy.

[47:19] Shameless L: "We need to make some huge differences, changes in the economy."

9. Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Shameless L and Anna highlight the importance of active political engagement and the need for systemic changes to facilitate a more representative and effective democratic process. They encourage listeners to stay informed, vote strategically, and support leaders who prioritize transparency and inclusivity.

[66:24] Shameless L: "I'm on everything. I'm on YouTube. I'm on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. You guys can find me in all four places."

Anna expresses gratitude to Shameless L for their insights and participation, hinting at future discussions on topics like pipelines and electoral reforms.

Notable Quotes:

• Shameless L [04:38]: "I'm going to use my voice to break down politics in a way that's easy to understand for people like me that don't get it."

• Shameless L [26:49]: "They do not have any plans put out whatsoever. All they have is one or two line statements."

• Anna [34:09]: "The conservatives would never win if not for the division of those parties."

• Anna [40:21]: "We should be able to put our vote to the party that we would prefer next."

This episode of Unlearn16 provides a thorough exploration of the challenges and necessities of political engagement in the modern digital age, emphasizing the role of influencers like Shameless L in shaping public discourse and encouraging informed voter participation.