Welcome In!<br /><br /><br />This is <b>NOW and NEXT</b>:<br /> <br />What’s happening NOW and how does that inform what’s happening NEXT?<br /> <br />Veteran journalist and “Recovering News Director”, Dave Trafford hosts and produces this weekly news commentary podcast. It offers made-in-Canada, independent, unique analysis of the current stories and issues affecting your family, your business, your health, and your pocketbook. <br />Based in Toronto, NOW and NEXT offers insights on local, provincial, national and international issues.<br /><br />Regular contributors include our bi-weekly RoundTable with the Now and Next C.A.S.T (Comms and Strategy Team!) <br /><ul><li>Lindsay Broadhead brings her comms experience and insights base on her time leading teams in the private and public sectors.</li><li>Bob Reid applies his earned experience as a major market journalist and a Senior Advisor to the Premier of Ontario to his analysis of the communications "Touchdowns and Fumbles".</li><li>Anne Marie Aikins is a "media relations maven", a sought after pundit and speaker, and a strategic comms adviser specializing in public transit in Ontario.</li></ul><b>NOW:</b> You’re up to date.<br /><b>NEXT</b>: Subscribe to the podcast!<br />
NOW and NEXT
Claim This Podcastby Dave Trafford
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Podcast Overview
Welcome In!<br /><br /><br />This is <b>NOW and NEXT</b>:<br /> <br />What’s happening NOW and how does that inform what’s happening NEXT?<br /> <br />Veteran journalist and “Recovering News Director”, Dave Trafford hosts and produces this weekly news commentary podcast. It offers made-in-Canada, independent, unique analysis of the current stories and issues affecting your family, your business, your health, and your pocketbook. <br />Based in Toronto, NOW and NEXT offers insights on local, provincial, national and international issues.<br /><br />Regular contributors include our bi-weekly RoundTable with the Now and Next C.A.S.T (Comms and Strategy Team!) <br /><ul><li>Lindsay Broadhead brings her comms experience and insights base on her time leading teams in the private and public sectors.</li><li>Bob Reid applies his earned experience as a major market journalist and a Senior Advisor to the Premier of Ontario to his analysis of the communications "Touchdowns and Fumbles".</li><li>Anne Marie Aikins is a "media relations maven", a sought after pundit and speaker, and a strategic comms adviser specializing in public transit in Ontario.</li></ul><b>NOW:</b> You’re up to date.<br /><b>NEXT</b>: Subscribe to the podcast!<br />
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Publishing Since
1/19/2022
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Recent Episodes
June 10, 2026
Can Toronto Sell the World Cup? Plus Recession Politics and Alberta’s Growing Frustration
Toronto is preparing to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world, but are Canadians buying into the vision?<br /><br />This week on Now and Next, Dave Trafford is joined by the C.A.S.T. (Communications and Strategy Team), Lindsay Broadhead, Anne Marie Aikins and Bob Reid for a wide-ranging discussion about the stories shaping public opinion across Canada.<br /><br />The panel examines the communications challenge surrounding the FIFA World Cup as Toronto and Vancouver prepare to welcome the world. With costs exceeding a billion dollars, have organizers done enough to explain the long-term benefits and legacy of hosting the tournament? What lessons can be learned from the Pan Am Games and previous global events?<br /><br />The conversation then turns to Canada’s technical recession and the federal government’s response. Did Prime Minister Mark Carney miss an opportunity to connect with Canadians struggling with affordability concerns? The team explores the difference between economic analysis and political leadership when public confidence is on the line.<br /><br />The discussion also dives into Alberta separatism and Pierre Poilievre’s evolving message on federalism. Is he repositioning himself as a national unifier while still addressing regional frustrations? And what does the debate reveal about the future relationship between Ottawa and the provinces?<br /><br />The episode concludes with reflections on Toronto’s Walk for Israel, the challenges facing civic leaders during polarizing moments, and the role communications strategies play when communities are looking for reassurance, clarity and leadership.<br /><br />Now and Next is where communications, politics, public affairs and strategy intersect to help make sense of the issues shaping what comes next.<br /><br /><b>Chapters</b><br />00:00 – Introduction and Tax Freedom Day<br />Dave welcomes the C.A.S.T. panel and previews the major issues on the agenda.<br />01:00 – World Cup Costs, Legacy and Public Buy-In<br />The panel examines the billion-dollar cost of hosting FIFA World Cup matches and debates whether organizers have effectively communicated long-term benefits for Toronto and Canada.<br />16:30 – Technical Recession and Carney’s Communications Challenge<br />A discussion about Canada’s technical recession, economic anxiety, and whether the Prime Minister missed an opportunity to connect emotionally with Canadians facing financial pressures.<br />25:50 – Alberta Separatism and Poilievre’s Political Repositioning<br />The team analyzes Pierre Poilievre’s response to Alberta separatist sentiment and the broader debate over federalism, provincial powers, and national unity.<br />38:00 – Walk for Israel, Leadership and Public Silence<br />Reflections on the peaceful Walk for Israel in Toronto, rising concerns about antisemitism, police preparedness, and whether civic leaders should speak more forcefully during difficult moments.<br />51:40 – Looking Ahead to Toronto’s Future<br />The panel closes with a teaser for a future discussion inspired by ideas about what they would do if they were mayor of Toronto.<br /><br /><br /><br />You can watch OR listen to this episode on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@davetraffordpodcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube Channel </a>(Be sure to subscribe!)<br /><br />Follow Dave on <a href="https://facebook.com/dave.trafford.5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/davetrafford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-trafford-06584426/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LinkedIn</a> and<a href="https://x.com/PodcastPWR" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> X</a><br /><br />And you can leave us a <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/ontheledge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">voice comment here</a>!<br /><br />For more information go to <a...
May 29, 2026
Does the Toronto Police Service face a Trust Crisis
Is the Toronto Police Service facing a Trust Crisis.<br /><br />Can you separate Danielle Smith - the Federalist from Danielle Smith the Sovereigntist?<br /><br />Doug Ford’s “gravy plane.” is still a THING.<br /><br />And somehow… flip phones and Pizza Pizza nostalgia are trending.<br />.<br />This week on Now and Next, Dave Trafford is joined by the C.A.S.T. roundtable (The Comms And Strategy Team) — Lindsay Broadhead, Anne Marie Aikins, and Bob Reid — for a wide-ranging conversation about trust, leadership, and the power of political storytelling.<br /><br />The panel breaks down the growing reputational crisis facing the Toronto Police Service following corruption allegations and misconduct investigations involving officers both at home and abroad. They examine whether strong words from leadership are enough to rebuild public confidence — or whether systemic cultural change is required.<br /><br />The conversation then shifts west to Alberta, where Danielle Smith’s referendum strategy continues to fuel confusion and tension around sovereignty, federalism, and Western alienation. The group explores the political calculations behind the messaging and what it could mean for national unity.<br /><br />The team also digs into Doug Ford’s aircraft controversy and why the “gravy plane” narrative became so politically sticky — turning into a larger symbol about transparency, branding, and public trust.<br /><br />And finally, a lighter but revealing discussion: why consumers are suddenly embracing retro brands, flip phones, and 1990s nostalgia in response to modern stress, polarization, and digital overload.<br /><br />Plus: Dave previews a fascinating upcoming conversation with Dr. Cindy Locke of Pickering College about experiential learning and how education can create real-world civic impact.<br /><br /><b>Chapters</b><br /><b>00:00 – Introduction and the Toronto Police Crisis</b><br />Dave Trafford introduces the panel and opens discussion on corruption allegations, public trust, and the impact of police misconduct on institutional credibility.<br /><b>11:16 – Anti-Semitism Allegations and Leadership Challenges</b><br />The panel discusses Hank Idsinga’s allegations about anti-Semitism within Toronto police culture and the communications challenges facing Chief Myron Demkiw.<br /><b>20:26 – Alberta Separation, Danielle Smith, and National Unity</b><br />A deep dive into Alberta’s referendum debate, Western alienation, federalism, and the political strategy behind separatist rhetoric.<br /><b>33:26 – Doug Ford’s “Gravy Plane” Problem</b><br />The group analyzes the Ontario government’s mishandling of its aircraft controversy and why the issue evolved into a broader metaphor about trust and political branding.<br /><b>43:15 – Nostalgia Branding, Flip Phones, and Escaping Modern Anxiety</b><br />The panel explores why brands are reviving retro aesthetics and why consumers are craving simpler, pre-social media experiences.<br /><b>50:39 – Education Innovation and Pickering College</b><br />Dave previews an upcoming interview with Dr. Cindy Locke about experiential learning, civic engagement, and rethinking traditional education models.<br /><br /><br />You can watch OR listen to this episode on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@davetraffordpodcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube Channel </a>(Be sure to subscribe!)<br /><br />Follow Dave on <a href="https://facebook.com/dave.trafford.5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/davetrafford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-trafford-06584426/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LinkedIn</a> and<a href="https://x.com/PodcastPWR" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> X</a><br /><br />And you can leave us a <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/ontheledge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">voice comment here</a>!<br /><br />For...
May 25, 2026
How AI and Project Based Learning Can Save our Education System
What should school look like in an age of AI, anxiety, disengagement, and rapid social change?<br /><br />In this episode of NOW and NEXT, Dave Trafford speaks with educator and author Dr. Cinde Lock about redesigning education for a generation that needs more than standardized testing and rigid curriculum structures.<br /><br />Drawing on innovative programs developed at Pickering College, Dr. Lock explains how schools can connect academics to purpose, community engagement, entrepreneurship, creativity, and real-world problem solving.<br /><br />The conversation explores why traditional education models are struggling to keep students engaged, how AI could help personalize learning, and why the future of school may depend on giving students greater ownership over what and how they learn.<br /><br />Dave and Dr. Lock also discuss:<br /><ul><li>Student mental health and absenteeism</li><li>Project-based and experiential learning</li><li>AI-assisted curriculum design</li><li>Civic engagement and community partnerships</li><li>Entrepreneurship, creativity, and resilience</li><li>The future role of teachers</li><li>Why education systems must evolve beyond industrial-age thinking</li></ul><br />The episode also features remarkable examples of students working on homelessness awareness campaigns, environmental restoration projects, bee hive sustainability initiatives, and community advocacy efforts that produced real-world impact beyond the classroom.<br /><br />Dr. Lock’s new book, <a href="https://www.cindelock.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connections, Academics and Purpose: Designing the Future of School</a>, explores how education systems can evolve to better prepare students for an uncertain future while helping them discover meaning, purpose, and confidence along the way.<br /><br /><b>Chapters</b><br />00:00 - Dave welcomes you to this special edition of NOW and NEXT.<br />03:00 — Introduction: Designing the Future of School<br />Dave Trafford introduces Dr. Cinde Lock and the conversation about rethinking education beyond the traditional classroom model.<br />08:59 — Testing, Standardized Assessments and Student Anxiety<br />The discussion examines EQAO testing, academic pressure, and whether schools have become too focused on evaluation rather than engagement.<br />14:46 — AI, Personalized Learning and Student-Driven Curriculum<br />Dr. Lock outlines a future-facing vision where students navigate curriculum through personalized projects, mentorship, and AI-supported learning systems.<br />23:34 — Breaking the System: Scaling Educational Innovation<br />Can innovative learning models work beyond elite schools? The conversation turns to implementation, teacher culture, and public education reform.<br />34:08 — Real-World Learning: Homelessness, Civic Engagement and Community Impact<br />Students work with Blue Door and local organizations to tackle homelessness stigma, influencing public debate and local political thinking.<br />40:43 — Failure, Resilience and Why Real Learning Matters<br />From bee hive collapses to environmental restoration projects, Dr. Lock explains why experimentation, setbacks, and iteration are essential parts of meaningful education.<br /><br /><br />You can watch OR listen to this episode on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@davetraffordpodcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube Channel </a>(Be sure to subscribe!)<br /><br />Follow Dave on <a href="https://facebook.com/dave.trafford.5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/davetrafford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-trafford-06584426/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LinkedIn</a> and<a href="https://x.com/PodcastPWR" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> X</a><br /><br />And you can leave us a <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/ontheledge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer...
409 total episodes available
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- What is NOW and NEXT?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 10 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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