The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

This fun special covers quirky and practical topics! Discover the surprising impact of car color on resale value and hear about a man who struck gold with a forgotten lottery ticket worth millions. Debate the best shower time—morning or night—and learn how Zurich is going green by banning gas-powered leaf blowers. Plus, find out how to enhance your workday with quick meditations and avoid early phone scrolling to boost your mood. It's an entertaining blend of light and serious content!

This discussion features Althia Raj, a Toronto Star political reporter, and Rob Russo, an economics journalist with The Economist. They analyze Prime Minister Mark Carney's significant meeting with President Trump and the mixed expectations surrounding it. Topics include Carney’s focus on easing tariff impacts, the potential diplomatic sensitivities regarding Gaza, and how past leaders' strategies might guide current relations. They also explore how personal rapport could influence negotiations and the broader implications for Canada-U.S. ties.

Dr. Janice Stein, an esteemed international relations scholar from the Munk School, provides fascinating insight into Mark Carney's delicate meeting with Trump in Washington, highlighting the low expectations for tangible results. They also delve into the complex dynamics of U.S.-Canada trade, including the pressures of tariffs and the integration of the auto sector. Switching gears, Stein offers a hopeful perspective on the ongoing hostage negotiations in Gaza, emphasizing the strategic leverage Trump holds with Netanyahu and the role of regional alliances.

Dive into the ongoing pipeline battle between Alberta and Ottawa, where political strategies collide and economic implications unfold. Discover how the stakes affect Mark Carney and the looming budget, with insights on potential federal-provincial rifts. Analyze polarized political motives, the risks of alienation, and whether public funds should bail out projects. Plus, explore the eerie resonance of Trump's domestic turmoil and its potential effects on Canada, revealing unsettling trends in extreme politics.

The podcast dives deep into the heated topic of gun control in Canada, showcasing a spectrum of opinions from hunters defending current laws to those calling for stricter regulations. Listeners hear anecdotes about U.S. firearms crossing the border and the implications for Canadian safety. The discussion touches on the need for licensing and training, as well as debates over handguns and assault-style weapon bans. A Random Ranter critique adds a twist, targeting the leadership style of Trump. Overall, it's a call for civil discussion on a critical issue.

This discussion features James Moore, a former Conservative cabinet minister, and Gerald Butts, a senior political advisor who served in the Trudeau government. They dive into the pressing issues surrounding Canada Post's decline and the difficulty of making necessary reforms. Gerald suggests that bipartisan cooperation could facilitate effective changes, while James reflects on the political strategies and public perceptions influencing reform efforts. Together, they explore the challenges and moral weight of governmental decisions in today’s political landscape.

This installment features Brian Stewart, a former CBC foreign correspondent and author of 'On the Ground,' discussing his struggles with writing about painful memories and the moral injury he faced while reporting from conflict zones. He also reflects on the profound impact media can have on humanitarian crises. Joining him is Halina St. James, a former CBC field producer and first-time author of 'The Golden Daughter,' who shares her journey of uncovering her mother's wartime letters and the unexpected family secrets they revealed, highlighting her historical research efforts.

Dr. Janice Stein, an expert on international affairs and director at the Munk School of Global Affairs, joins to discuss Tony Blair's potential role in securing peace in Gaza. She explains Blair's relationships with key leaders and the proposed interim administration for Gaza, featuring a small security force and Egyptian involvement. Stein analyzes the motivations of Trump and Arab states in a possible deal while highlighting humanitarian needs and reconstruction efforts. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on a complex geopolitical landscape.

Tensions between Canada and the U.S. rise as the ambassador's comments stir controversy during a heated exchange in Banff. Discussions reveal how the ambassador's tone impacts diplomatic relations and tourism concerns, especially regarding preclearance. The panel explores Canada's strategy to diversify trade beyond the U.S. and assess climate and energy competitiveness risks amid global shifts. They debate the effectiveness of Canada's response to tariffs and budget deficits, highlighting the complex landscape of international negotiations.

The podcast dives into concerns about the long-term future of the U.S., exploring fears of autocracy and economic inequality. Listeners reflect on the rise of Gen Z activism as potential hope for political revival. Warnings about polarization, misinformation, and the influence of religious nationalism paint a picture of democratic fragility. The Random Ranter discusses how outrage has become the new currency in media. Views on U.S. resilience versus decline spark a heated debate on whether the country can regain its footing amidst these challenges.