The Decibel

Rob Carrick, a personal finance columnist for the Globe and Mail and co-host of the Stress Test podcast, dives into the current economic turmoil caused by trade wars and tariffs. He discusses how Canadians can protect their finances amid market volatility and recession fears. Rob emphasizes the importance of diversifying investments and maintaining cash reserves for short-term goals, especially for those nearing retirement. He also highlights the benefits of high-interest savings accounts and suggests seizing opportunities in the current market despite economic uncertainties.

Andrew Willis, a business columnist for The Globe, shares his insights on Pierre Poilievre's unconventional relationship with Canada's corporate elite. He delves into Poilievre's rare public criticisms of business leaders and how this populist approach might affect Canada's economic landscape. The discussion highlights the crucial need for collaboration between politicians and businesses during economic uncertainty. Willis also contrasts Poilievre's strategies with those of Justin Trudeau, revealing the complexity of navigating corporate relations in modern politics.

For the last four years, Dave Lavery — a former soldier and UN security advisor — has helped Afghans safely evacuate to Canada. But this past November, during his most recent trip to Afghanistan, he was detained by Taliban Intelligence and Security Forces.But what happens when the person sent in to rescue needs saving?The Globe’s international affairs reporter, Janice Dickson, sat down with Dave at his home in Doha where he recounted his detainment, where he was taken, and how he survived 77 days in captivity.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com 

Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has just been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party, making him Canada's next Prime Minister. He discusses his unprecedented journey into politics, facing significant challenges as an untested leader. Carney's victory, capturing an astounding 86% of the vote, signals a shift in the party's direction. With looming threats from opponents and international pressures, he highlights strategies for economic conservatism and party unity as he prepares for a tumultuous political future.

Doug Saunders, an international affairs columnist for the Globe and Mail, shares his insights on how Trump's presidency has reshaped global alliances. He discusses the unexpected pause on tariffs and the resulting strain on U.S. relationships with Canada and Mexico. Saunders also explores the shift in European defense strategies and the resurgence of U.S. imperialism echoing historical practices. He emphasizes the fragility of global democracies amid rising authoritarianism and the urgent need for cooperative efforts to counter these threats.

Nathan VanderKlippe, an international correspondent for The Globe, dives into the recent trade tensions and negotiations between the U.S. and Canada. He sheds light on a pivotal phone call between President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau and discusses the role of Howard Lutnick in the trade talks. VanderKlippe also unpacks the temporary reprieve from automotive tariffs and its significance for both economies. The conversation further explores the complexities surrounding trade, fentanyl issues, and the push for economic stability amidst uncertainty.

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.