The Decibel

James Griffiths, The Globe's Asia correspondent, shares insights from the heart of South Korea's political chaos. He discusses the dramatic events surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol, including his controversial martial law declaration and the immediate public backlash demanding his resignation. Griffiths also delves into the historical context of martial law and impeachments in South Korea, emphasizing the rising tensions with North Korea and the implications for the nation’s fragile democracy.

Dave McGinn, a Globe and Mail reporter, dives into the shifting voting patterns of millennials, revealing a surprising trend: many are gravitating towards the Conservatives. He discusses the economic pressures, like rising housing costs and inflation, fueling this discontent with the Liberals. McGinn shares personal anecdotes from millennials who once supported Justin Trudeau but now feel betrayed. The podcast explores the Liberal Party's struggle to re-engage a disillusioned younger generation and whether they can regain their trust in future elections.

In this discussion, Vanmala Subramaniam, The Globe’s Future of Work reporter and labor issues expert, delves into the ongoing Canada Post strike involving over 55,000 postal workers. She sheds light on the core issues of wage increases and the challenges posed by gig workers. As the strike continues, questions arise about government intervention and its implications for the labor movement. Subramaniam also explores recent trends in worker empowerment, union dynamics, and the broader context of labor relations in Canada today.

Nancy Macdonald and Greg Mercer, Globe reporters who dug deep into the Canada Soccer scandal, uncover a shocking culture of misconduct within the organization. They reveal allegations of systemic spying affecting the women’s national team and detail the dysfunction stemming from toxic coaching practices. The conversation highlights how these issues compromise the integrity of the sport and the emotional toll on players. Moreover, they discuss the challenges of accountability and the urgent need for reform in Canada Soccer.

James Bradshaw, an institutional investing reporter for The Globe, sheds light on the upheaval at AIMCo, Alberta's pension fund manager. He discusses the implications of Stephen Harper's recent appointment as board chair against a backdrop of leadership dismissals. The conversation delves into the balance between government influence and AIMCo’s independence, raising concerns over pension fund management. Bradshaw also highlights the challenges AIMCo faces in adapting to market conditions and the potential impact on public sector pensions.

Eric Reguly, The Globe's European Bureau Chief, shares his insights from the frontlines of the Israel-Lebanon conflict. He discusses the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, revealing the intricate motivations driving this agreement, including U.S. and French involvement. Reguly highlights Hezbollah's military challenges and the dire humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, as well as the significant impact of the ongoing war in Gaza. He also addresses the complexities of achieving a lasting peace and the potential ripple effects on regional stability.

In this discussion, Steven Chase, a Senior Parliamentary Reporter for The Globe and Mail, delves into the potential economic repercussions of President-elect Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on goods from Canada. He outlines how such tariffs could severely impact Canada's GDP and various sectors. Chase also highlights the Canadian government's response, including Prime Minister Trudeau's diplomatic efforts to maintain trade relations and the 'Team Canada' approach to counteract the threat. Additionally, provincial leaders' reactions are discussed as Canada navigates this tense political landscape.

Mark MacKinnon, Senior International Correspondent for The Globe and Mail, provides on-the-ground insights from Ukraine as the war escalates into its toughest phase. He discusses the ramifications of Biden’s missile support decision and how Trump's potential return could shift U.S. foreign policy. MacKinnon highlights Ukraine’s evolving military strategy, including drone use against Russian assets, and the alarming implications of Russia's hypersonic missiles. He reflects on Ukraine’s nuclear vulnerability and the evolving dynamics in the Donbass region.

Patrick White, a seasoned water reporter for the Globe and Mail, delves into the rising threat of cyberattacks targeting water treatment plants. He discusses why these breaches differ from other infrastructure hacks and highlights alarming incidents, including recent politically motivated attacks in the U.S. The conversation also underscores the vulnerabilities faced by smaller municipalities, where lack of funding hampers cybersecurity efforts. White emphasizes the critical need for governments to step up protection of our essential water resources.

Marieke Walsh, Senior Political Reporter for The Globe and Mail, dives into the recent multibillion-dollar plan unveiled by the Liberals to ease the cost of living in Canada. She breaks down the two-month GST holiday affecting everyday items and the $250 support cheque for low-income workers. Walsh also discusses the political maneuvering behind these tax cuts, the challenges in the House of Commons, and the mixed reactions from different parties. Tune in to understand the potential impacts on household finances and the ongoing legislative gridlock.