The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

A spirited discussion about Stephen Harper's return to the political stage and how his presence reshaped party momentum. A sharp comparison of different Conservative leadership styles and the strain that caused. Analysis of recent shifts in auto and EV policy, and the federal-provincial dance over industry and climate measures.

A conversation about why billions tune in for the Olympics and who chooses not to. Listeners share memories of iconic moments and favorite winter sports. Newcomers explain cheering tied to geopolitics and national pride. A segment explains a new Ski Mountaineering event and game schedules. A fiery rant argues against Alberta separatism, citing financial and labor concerns.

A rapid-fire mix covering AI tools that detect — and evade — cheating in schools. A quirky historical tale about a Yukon brothel and Richard Trump’s family ties to the Klondike. Short bites on two-shift sleep patterns, a landline hack to curb phone addiction, night owl heart risks, and the most commonly stolen hotel items.

Gerald Butts, a former senior adviser offering centrist/progressive analysis, and James Moore, a former Conservative cabinet minister and strategist, debate Pierre Poilievre’s convention win and whether it signals a lasting makeover. They discuss party unity, the challenge of broadening appeal beyond the base, handling Trump-related influences, caucus management, campaign staffing, and Canada’s broader political priorities.

Janice Stein, professor and former director at the Munk School, offers expert analysis on international security and foreign policy. She discusses whether Canada should consider nuclear arms and why they may be unusable. She compares deterrence cases like Ukraine and India–Pakistan. She urges prioritizing anti-missile defenses, icebreakers, and conventional forces over nuclear arsenals.

Discussion about whether public comments from U.S. officials amount to foreign interference in Alberta politics. Exploration of when diplomatic outreach becomes meddling and how such remarks might affect separatist sentiment. Analysis of Pierre Poilievre’s leadership review, its stakes, delegate dynamics and what he must do next to address electability concerns.

A wide-ranging Q and A covering live-broadcast challenges, profanity standards, and memorable on-air silences. He reflects on mentors, pivotal historical moments like the Berlin Wall and October Crisis, and what shapes Canadian identity. The Random Rancher delivers a sharp rant on U.S. politics. There are also debates about AI data centers, journalism funding, and who might steer Canada through unity crises.

A 30-year study of 111,000 people reveals the simplest longevity trick. Walking shows the biggest mortality benefit. Mixing activities like tennis, rowing and weight training boosts results. A practical weekly plan outlines 20 METs through walks, runs, gardening and strength work. Short segments also cover GLP-1 diet shifts, a comeback of chimney sweeps, and the revival of letter writing.

Rob Russo, political journalist at The Economist, and Althia Raj, national political reporter, dissect the high-stakes Conservative leadership review for Pierre Poilievre. They debate his tone shift toward statesmanship, odds of support and potential successors. They also unpack Mark Carney’s Davos remarks, Canada’s tariff response, and risks of party fragmentation.

Janice Stein, political scientist and founding director at the Munk School, offers sharp analysis on Canada–U.S. relations. She breaks down Carney’s call for a new relationship. She discusses U.S. reactions, economic risks to supply chains, domestic political pressures, outreach to U.S. Congress, and potential European and Arctic partners.