We haven't peeked south of the border to test the SMT waters for a while so why not now? Bruce is here to bat around some Trump thoughts, and then CNN fires its top anchor for issues of SMT so it's a natural for some talk too.
Dec 08, 2021•39 min•Ep. 464
This is fun. The new documentary made from archival film by director Peter Jackson about the Beatles just months before their breakup is rich in content. How rich? George Stroumboulopoulos is our guest in this really fascinating interview about the "fab four".
Dec 07, 2021•38 min•Ep. 463
Brian Williams is a long-time friend and colleague and when he announced his retirement this weekend it left many people wondering how to imagine how an Olympics would ever be the same. In tribute, I read one of the stories in my new book which is all about Brian. Before that, some thoughts about a critical meeting on a very important topic that is just two weeks away.
Dec 06, 2021•32 min•Ep. 462
So just how good was the Conservative leader's week? Chantal and Bruce have their thoughts. Should the voting age be lowered to 16? And here's one to provoke some thought -- should Canada do a Barbados and move away from the monarchy?
Dec 03, 2021•53 min•Ep. 461
Today's program begins with an admission of mine about how I made a fool of myself at last night's Leaf's game. But then, your letter, thoughts, comments and ideas on a variety of subjects from these days that never end.
Dec 02, 2021•40 min•Ep. 460
Have world leaders got it right this time in how they are responding to the latest twist in the Covid story? Bruce Anderson brings his latest data to SMT. Plus the latest on Erin O'Toole, and then an interesting take on Maclean's magazine's best-known recent cover.
Dec 01, 2021•37 min•Ep. 459
It's a potpourri day and there are lots of stories here to choose from. A Reuters study on Amazon and the information it collects on you; what's Canada's favourite password; why are fewer kids being born; is there a maple syrup shortage, real or artificial - which Xmas tree will you choose; and a lot more.
Nov 30, 2021•35 min•Ep. 458
So we are all worried and that's okay, but let's keep things in perspective. We track down Dr. Isaac Bogoch to give us an honest take on what we should be thinking about this latest twist in the Covid story.
Nov 29, 2021•40 min•Ep. 457
Just when we thought we had turned a corner on Covid, a new variant pops up and has a lot of people worried. Bruce and Chantal try to put Covid fatigue, and Climate fatigue in context. That and a lot more on another great Good Talk.
Nov 26, 2021•53 min•Ep. 456
Across the country, 5-11-year-olds are starting to get their shot which will make Canada's vaccination rate, already a world leader, even better. That and a lot more, including some of your comments, ideas and questions on our dip into The Bridge mailbag.
Nov 25, 2021•41 min•Ep. 455
Bruce calls them the worst TV on-air, so is it time Parliament got with the times and revamp things? That's the optics of yesterday, and then we focus on the content and the politics. And what would SMT be with an update on radish farming?
Nov 24, 2021•42 min•Ep. 454
We may not be talking about it very much but the situation between Ukraine and Russia is tense and the world is holding its breath. Russian troops have almost surrounded the former Soviet republic and threats of invasion are very evident. What will happen? How will other powers react? How should they react? One of my favourite foreign policy analysts, Dr. Janice Stein, joins us with her take on those questions.
Nov 23, 2021•39 min•Ep. 453
A week ago we "paged" Toronto's Dr. Isaac Bogoch for his latest take on where we are on COVID 19. Today a second opinion, this time from Halifax's Dr. Lisa Barrett. This on the first day that 5-11 year olds begin to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
Nov 22, 2021•41 min•Ep. 452
So what actually was the result of the Biden-Trudeau talks in Washington -- did anyone actually gain anything? Bruce and Chantal have their thoughts. And Parliament reopens next week -- what are the stakes and Chantal goes out on a limb!
Nov 19, 2021•56 min•Ep. 451
Lots of mail to themansbridgepodcast@gmail.com about everything on your mind.
Nov 18, 2021•50 min•Ep. 450
Words can't really describe just how devastating the flooding in British Columbia has been and the extent of the short to long-term damage it's caused. Smoke Mirrors and The Truth with Bruce Anderson weighing the consequences cuts to the facts. Also, Erin O'Toole just can't escape the knives in his own party. And Justin Trudeau heads to Washington, what will he come back with?
Nov 17, 2021•38 min•Ep. 449
A different way of monitoring how something is working -- nothing official, but the Instagram "diary" of a Seattle couple is more than interesting. Plus lots more in today's potpourri edition -- is the end of COVID's worst in sight? Why are people quitting their jobs? And why are we hoarding electronic waste -- you won't believe just how much.
Nov 16, 2021•41 min•Ep. 448
It's been almost two months since we last checked in with epidemiologist Dr Isaac Bogoch and there are lots of developments to catch up on, Where are we on Covid, what should we be thinking and finally, what the heck is he doing in Brussels? Insightful and fascinating as always.
Nov 15, 2021•45 min•Ep. 447
Is Erin O'Toole trying to shift his party more to the centre? Did local elections in Alberta and Quebec this month also signal a shift? Lots of Good Talk to be found here with Chantal and Bruce.
Nov 12, 2021•55 min•Ep. 446
When's the last time you were in a library? If it's been a while you may not know what you're missing until you listen to this. Two professors from St. Andrew's University in Scotland with a new book just out this week on why we should care about libraries and how they are changing, and not changing, just us for us.
Nov 11, 2021•41 min•Ep. 445
Bruce is all ready to talk about the new study in the United States that shows a shockingly high rate of Americans who believe the bogus stories they are being fed. And my question is just how pure are we? Plus the latest on the impact of any deal between the Liberals and the NDP to keep this new Parliament alive.
Nov 10, 2021•43 min•Ep. 444
The lessons from dealing with international flights and going to an NHL game in an era of Covid. Plus just how much of the misinformation being peddled about Covid is being believed - you might be surprised. And, the old hometown, Churchill Manitoba gets special treatment from the NY Times.
Nov 09, 2021•39 min•Ep. 443
By accident, I discover a small yet important part of Canada's military past. In a little cemetery behind an abandoned old church alongside Scotland's northeast coast. A story worth telling and I'm honoured to tell it along with the help of one of Canada's most respected war historians.
Nov 08, 2021•43 min•Ep. 442
Minority governments sometimes service by secret deals between parties. Is there one brewing right now between the Liberals and the NDP? Also, is a new Covid pill a changemaker on the pandemic? Plus the flag decision -- what will it take to find comfort on this issue?
Nov 05, 2021•54 min•Ep. 441
Today's episode begins with a story about the wind and the power it can have to move memories. That and the return of the potpourri, an episode that touches on stories that don't often make the top of the news but carry an importance and an interest all their own.
Nov 04, 2021•38 min•Ep. 440
What to believe and who to believe? That becomes the question when listening to all the promising talk coming out of COP26 in Glasgow. Bruce Anderson puts on his SMT filter to do just that. Plus, airlines in Canada start laying off people who haven't been vaccinated as the corporate world plays hardball on the pandemic.
Nov 03, 2021•37 min•Ep. 439
In all the big-name speeches in Glasgow, was there anyone with a Churchillian standard of speech in what is clearly a world crisis? You be the judge. And what's so special about Churchill anyway. A new book will have you thinking. And finally, a good news COVID update.
Nov 02, 2021•37 min•Ep. 438
The eyes of much of the world are on Scotland this week as the COP26 climate conference begins with much anticipation of just what can be accomplished. And they're talking about it all around Scotland too, even in the 13th century cathedral here in Dornoch, Scotland. Which lads to the title of today's episode. And then, has the cashless society finally arrived? Personal finance writer Rob Carrick joins us with his take on something that affects us all.
Nov 01, 2021•37 min•Ep. 437
A full discussion with Chantal and Bruce about the new cabinet and what it could actually mean for Canadians; and whether Canadians could face soon what Brits are expecting -- higher taxes. And could the climate conference in Glasgow this coming week impact that question as well? And a pretty tough assessment of Jean Chretien's comments this week about Residential Schools.
Oct 29, 2021•53 min•Ep. 436
Some insightful letters from listeners today on everything from Covid to the issue of history’s accuracy. But first an equally insightful interview with Ralph Goodale, long time cabinet minister now a brand new diplomat as Canada’s High Commissioner here in the UK.
Oct 28, 2021•43 min•Ep. 435