The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Listeners debate whether a new leader can revive the NDP and win back working-class and rural voters. Calls explore whether charisma, policy shifts, or pragmatic positioning could restore relevance. Regional concerns about western resource policy and messaging challenges get attention. A recurring commentator also rails against recent U.S. political theatre.

A personal tribute to the life and public service of Stephen Lewis. Short segments on colleges bringing back oral exams to combat AI. Practical tips about old coins and the fate of pennies. Daytime habits that boost sleep quality. Clear principles for making sincere apologies. New rules in Hong Kong about device passwords and simple mobility exercises for aging well.

Gerald (Jerry) Butts, seasoned political strategist; James Moore, former MP and cabinet minister from BC. They probe why immigration has become contentious in Canada. They discuss local pressures, policy failures from overreliance on immigration, social segmentation and racialized anxiety, and how polling and focus groups reveal shifting public sentiment.

Janice Stein, political scientist and former Munk School director, brings sharp analysis of Middle East security. She discusses Trump's FT interview and the role of oil. She explores risks in the Straits of Hormuz, troop limits and occupying Gulf islands. She also covers Iran's enrichment and dirty-bomb concerns, plus Israel-Hezbollah tensions and regional dynamics.

A LaGuardia crash sparks a language controversy when Air Canada’s Montreal CEO communicates only in English. The hosts debate corporate responsibility, Quebec outrage and the airline’s history with bilingual complaints. They also examine whether Canadian bilingualism is eroding and how media fragmentation shapes language exposure. The conversation ends with reflections on political party dynamics and public institutions.

Listeners ask a wide range of questions and get candid, off-the-cuff answers. Topics include time-management tips for students, memorable concert and travel stories from Scotland, and reflections on journalism and notable interviews. Conversations touch on separatism and Indigenous agreements, political change, and preserving broadcast records for future historians.

A tribute to the crew of a crashed Air Canada flight and reflections on their bravery. A segment on how Donald Trump’s private number is reportedly circulating. A look at autonomous taxis leaving passengers trapped during anti-robot attacks. A rundown of debates over AI-free product labels and practical tips on fuel economy, car choices, and oral health.

Rob Russo, a policy-minded political analyst with an economist’s lens, and Althia Raj, a sharp federal politics journalist, dissect the NDP leadership race and its implications. They debate candidate differences, fundraising and membership dynamics. Conversation also covers where the NDP is losing ground, challenges in Quebec outreach, and what Canada misses without a stronger progressive voice.

Dr. Janice Stein, academic and foreign policy expert at the Munk School, offers sharp analysis of the Iran conflict. She examines Trump’s power-station ultimatum and US decision-making chaos. She explores Iran’s retaliation options, risks to energy infrastructure and global supply chains. She assesses escalation, nuclear signaling, and likely regional outcomes.

Analysis of a politician’s long-form podcast appearance and why figures use nontraditional platforms to reach new audiences. Discussion of a noticeable tone shift toward calmer, pragmatic messaging. Exploration of international tensions with Iran and how allies, including Canada, are responding. Conversation about trade timing, farm economics tied to Middle East unrest, and youth stress reflected in happiness rankings.