When January 6th happened, the rioters threatened to "hang Mike Pence". Now that Donald Trump is on trial in the US Senate, Mike Pence's story of that decay is critical, but he isn't talking. It's just one of the topics worth considering in this week's Smoke Mirrors and The Truth with Bruce Anderson joining as he always does each Wednesday from Ottawa.
Feb 10, 2021•39 min•Ep. 281
A year ago the news of the pandemic shut down the travel business. Thousands of Canadian jobs were affected, as were dozens of Canadian companies. Customers were stranded in countries around the world. Today the inside story of how one company moved to repatriate their travelers, and begin the slow process of trying to save their businesses.
Feb 09, 2021•37 min•Ep. 280
Lots of questions still persist about vaccines and variants. Today we go to Edmonton for some answers from infectious disease specialist Dr. Lynora Saxinger. And there are some encouraging signs. We also talk about Dan Levy, Lorne Michaels and The Weeknd. And then a very special guest on the late great Christopher Plummer.
Feb 08, 2021•39 min•Ep. 279
Every Friday is your chance to express a view -- your e-mails with your questions, comments and thoughts. Today is no exception with entries from across the country and around the world. And a bonus appearance this week from Abacus Data Chairman Bruce Anderson with fresh out of the field research on how Canadians are getting restless about the government's performance on the vaccine rollout.
Feb 05, 2021•40 min•Ep. 278
A recent LA Times report investigates a number of "incidents" that have aviation experts concerned about how pilots who've been laid off because of Covid are getting "rusty" and suggest this is a safety issue. Just one of the items on this week's potpourri episode ... including a pandemic boom in snowmobile use!
Feb 04, 2021•35 min•Ep. 277
It's Wednesday and that means "Smoke, Mirrors and The Truth" with Bruce Anderson in his regular slot and joining us for a frank discussion about diplomacy in a covid world, Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae. He's open, frank and pretty laid back. Bob Rae on the Bridge.
Feb 03, 2021•40 min•Ep. 276
A number of new scientific studies are showing that the ice melt underway on our planet is happening at an increasing rate with some absolutely startling numbers being recorded from satellite imagery. But do you care? Is it affecting your life? Author and Public Policy expert Adam Lajeunesse from StFX University in Nova Scotia has the answers.
Feb 02, 2021•32 min•Ep. 275
What was really behind the latest travel restrictions imposed by Ottawa, and whatever happened to the excitement surrounding vaccines? Two key stories The Bridge looks at with two special guests -- both who focus on science not politics. Dr Lisa Barret in Halifax and Dr Isaac Bogotch in Toronto. And then for some thing very different, will you need a covid sniffing dog to get you into a Leafs (or Habs, Jets, Senators, Flames, Oilers, Canucks) game?
Feb 01, 2021•44 min•Ep. 274
Some changes coming up tomorrow for the Bridge and Peter gives you a sense of what they are and what they aren't!
Jan 31, 2021•9 min•Ep. 273
Special thanks to our listeners for their comments and extra special thanks to Geist Magazine for a great article to read.
Jan 29, 2021•33 min•Ep. 272
It's a potpourri day with some very interesting stories -- from the genesis of "Because it's 2015!" to paying for a private vaccine.
Jan 28, 2021•37 min•Ep. 271
Lots on top here this week with Bruce Anderson -- the GG failure, can Erin O'Toole survive, and should news orgs ban opinion?
Jan 27, 2021•49 min•Ep. 270
We take a gamble on this episode and try something very different.
Jan 26, 2021•32 min•Ep. 269
What is the problem with the vaccine rollout? An expert analysis.
Jan 25, 2021•37 min•Ep. 268
Some opening thoughts on the Governor-General story -- and then your questions, comments and thoughts for week 45.
Jan 22, 2021•40 min•Ep. 267
How amazing talent and five minutes on national TV can make you a huge star. Just one of the items in today's potpourri podcast.
Jan 21, 2021•39 min•Ep. 266
Inauguration Day 2021.
Jan 20, 2021•40 min•Ep. 265
Why is Nova Scotia doing so well against Covid? We have the answer. And the fascinating history of the Bibles that have been used to swear in US Presidents.
Jan 19, 2021•36 min•Ep. 264
Welcome to week #45 and goodbye to President #45. The "art of the lie" is over, or is it?
Jan 18, 2021•30 min•Ep. 263
Your questions and comments -- and some interesting and revealing answers, especially the last one!
Jan 15, 2021•39 min•Ep. 262
A little "behind the scenes" in a typical newsroom, one story that's just fun to tell, and one that's important to tell.
Jan 14, 2021•36 min•Ep. 261
Bruce is back with Smoke, Mirrors and The Truth, the podcast within a podcast, and the question, Is This The Dagger?
Jan 13, 2021•38 min•Ep. 260
Paul Bissonnette, the star of Spittin' Chicklets, hockey's most popular podcast gets us ready on the eve of the new NHL season.
Jan 12, 2021•58 min•Ep. 259
Plus, some encouraging news on the Canadian fight against Covid.
Jan 11, 2021•31 min•Ep. 258
Plus, some of your thoughts and comments about places we've lost.
Jan 08, 2021•36 min•Ep. 257
Bruce is back --- with lots to say
Jan 07, 2021•39 min•Ep. 256
Bruce, me and former Harper Director of Communications Andrew MacDougall do a deep dive on the meaning of the Trump era.
Jan 06, 2021•50 min•Ep. 255
Have you lost your favourite restaurant because of the pandemic? Tell me about it.
Jan 05, 2021•38 min•Ep. 254
And why I think Trump is really trying to overturn the election results.
Jan 04, 2021•32 min•Ep. 253
Lots of good tech talk to wind up a year where tech played such a role.
Dec 31, 2020•36 min•Ep. 252