On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke on the phone for nearly an hour about the trade war between the two countries. A slight reprieve was announced later that afternoon – but not necessarily because of that call. And at the center of all of these negotiations is one U.S. official: Howard Lutnick.Nathan VanderKlippe is an international correspondent for The Globe and has been covering the Trump administration. He explains what happened on that call between the two leaders, which officials are working behind the scenes, and whether there are any ways to de-escalate this trade war.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

U.S. President Donald Trump‘s 25 per cent tariffs are now in effect on Canadian goods entering the U.S., with 10 per cent on energy. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hit back with countertariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods.If the trade war continues, inflation will start to rise, jobs will be lost, and economists project a likely recession. And with growing sentiment that Trump’s motivations could go beyond stated security concerns at the Canada-U.S. border, Trudeau is taking a more blunt approach.Campbell Clark, the Globe’s chief political writer, joins the show to break down the first day of the trade war, and what Trudeau’s response tells us about this moment.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to follow through on his economic threat against North American neighbours – his government plans to impose 25 per-cent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico. In response, the Canadian government said it would retaliate with tariffs of its own. The tariff plan disrupts Canada’s most important economic relationship and would effectively throw the two nations into a trade war.Nojoud Al Mallees is The Globe’s economics reporter. She explains exactly what Trump said he’d do, what tools Canada can use to fight back and the serious pressure the economy could soon be under.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Geoffrey York, Globe correspondent and Africa Bureau Chief, shares his insights from a rare reporting trip to Iran. He discusses the bold defiance of ordinary Iranians, especially women, against strict dress code laws despite government crackdowns. York highlights stories of resistance, including films challenging censorship and the evolving attitudes of Iranian men towards women's rights. This cultural uprising reveals a society quietly rebelling against oppressive laws, showcasing a resilient spirit amid economic hardship and political turmoil.

Chris Hayes, host of MSNBC's All In and author of The Siren's Call, dives into how modern distractions have commodified our attention. He discusses the strategies used by figures like Donald Trump to exploit attention scarcity, likening social media to a slot machine that detracts from meaningful interactions. Hayes emphasizes the therapeutic power of focused thinking in addressing global issues like climate change and critiques the role of tech moguls in shaping public discourse. Ultimately, he advocates for nurturing deeper connections in a fragmented digital landscape.

Alexandra Posadski, a financial and cybersecurity reporter for The Globe, dives into the alarming rise of deepfake scams targeting both individuals and businesses. She discusses how scammers use generative AI to create convincing fake identities, often leading to significant financial losses. The podcast reveals the urgent need for better regulations and offers practical tips, like establishing a family passcode system, to protect against these impersonation scams. Alexandra sheds light on both the dark implications of this technology and emerging solutions to combat these threats.

Hamida Ghafour, The Globe’s Deputy Foreign Editor, provides a deep analysis of the ceasefire in Gaza. She discusses the emotional toll of hostage exchanges that have sparked outrage in Israel. Ghafour delves into the complex political landscape, shedding light on the challenges of sustaining peace amidst ongoing tensions. She explores potential governance solutions for Gaza after the conflict and the implications for regional politics. The podcast highlights the heartbreaking stories of affected families and the fragile hope for future negotiations.

Jeff Gray, an Ontario politics reporter for The Globe and Mail, dives into the complexities of the provincial election. He discusses how the early election call by Premier Doug Ford has disrupted voter engagement. Gray highlights the significant impact of U.S. tariffs and economic pressures on candidates' strategies. Healthcare crises, like staff shortages, also take center stage, along with housing policy challenges that shape public sentiment. Opposition parties must navigate these obstacles to make headway against Ford's controversial government.

Jeffrey Jones, an ESG and sustainable finance reporter for The Globe, dives into the rising concerns surrounding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. He discusses the backlash against DEI initiatives in the U.S. and its influence on Canadian companies, particularly banks, which are reassessing their climate commitments. Additionally, he explores new legislative changes in Canada, like Bill C-59, and the implications of moving towards mandatory sustainability reporting. Will this pressure alter the ESG landscape in Canada?

Chris Wilson-Smith, a trade expert and writer for The Globe and Mail, dives into Canada's trade landscape as U.S. tariffs loom. He discusses the significant barriers Canadian businesses face in diversifying their trade partners, especially smaller firms battling against giants. The complexities of political tensions with countries like India and China are explored. Furthermore, interprovincial trade challenges, particularly in alcohol sales, highlight the regulatory hurdles stifling Canadian growth, while the role of immigrant-led enterprises in the economy is emphasized.