Contacts
Info
Welcome In! This is NOW and NEXT: What’s happening NOW and how does that inform what’s happening NEXT? Veteran journalist and “Recovering News Director”, Dave Trafford hosts and produces this...
show more
Welcome In!
This is NOW and NEXT:
What’s happening NOW and how does that inform what’s happening NEXT?
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.
Based in Toronto, NOW and NEXT offers insights on local, provincial, national and international issues.
Regular contributors include our bi-weekly RoundTable with the Now and Next C.A.S.T (Comms and Strategy Team!)
NEXT: Subscribe to the podcast!
show less
This is NOW and NEXT:
What’s happening NOW and how does that inform what’s happening NEXT?
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.
Based in Toronto, NOW and NEXT offers insights on local, provincial, national and international issues.
Regular contributors include our bi-weekly RoundTable with the Now and Next C.A.S.T (Comms and Strategy Team!)
- Lindsay Broadhead brings her comms experience and insights base on her time leading teams in the private and public sectors.
- 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".
- 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.
NEXT: Subscribe to the podcast!
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
Transcribed
11 AUG 2026 · Much has been written and said about Lloyd Robertson since we heard the news of his passing on August 4, 2026.
He's renowned as the Most Trusted voice in Canadian jounalism, making his mark as the anchor or both the CBC and CTV national newscasts from 1970 to 2011.
He was more than a mentor for thousands of journalists and broadcasters over the course of his career. Lloyd set the gold standard for anchorss, editors, and reporters with his calm, collected, balanced editorial presentation style. His ethic informed the expectations of his audience, the expectation that he and his team put his audience at the centre of his story, his lineup, his production and his newscast. That was foundational to his profile as the most trusted Canadian.
I had the privilege of meeting Lloyd on a number of occassions during my 40 plus years in media. It was nerve wracking enough to learn that Lloyd listened to me!! He was a regular radio listener and I was oddly self conscious when he commented on reporting I had done on a recent story.
It was even more of a privilege, (and all the more nerve wracking), when I got to interview Lloyd on my radio show.
This edition of NOW and NEXT is an ARCHIVE highlight of one of those opportunities. I hope you enjoy hearing Lloyd in his own words. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our https://www.youtube.com/@davetraffordpodcasts(Be sure to subscribe!)
Follow Dave on https://facebook.com/dave.trafford.5, https://instagram.com/davetrafford, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-trafford-06584426/ andhttps://x.com/PodcastPWR
And you can leave us a https://www.speakpipe.com/ontheledge!
For more information go to https://davetrafford.com/index.html.
Transcribed
6 AUG 2026 · What happens when you step away from the noise, the deadlines and the relentless pursuit of “what’s next” long enough to ask what actually matters?
Dave Trafford sits down with Rocco Rossi to explore https://www.amazon.ca/Finding-Grace-Camino-Santiago-Story-ebook/dp/B0H37XH472, Rossi’s first novel and a story shaped by more than two decades of walking the Camino de Santiago. Rossi has completed 24 Caminos and roughly 15,000 kilometres of pilgrimage since his first journey in 2002.
Their conversation moves between the remarkable history of the Camino and the deeply personal questions at the centre of Rossi’s novel. Finding Grace follows Tony Bird — Anthony Aucello — a successful corporate executive whose life is shattered by tragedy. When an unexpected act of kindness connects him to the Camino, he begins a journey that forces him to reconsider success, loss, identity, relationships and what he wants from the rest of his life.
Rossi explains why the Camino remains powerful in an age of smartphones, doomscrolling and constant distraction. Long-distance walking creates something increasingly scarce: stillness. For Rossi, the Camino isn’t magical in itself. Rather, it creates the time and space for people to rediscover what may already exist within them.
The discussion also explores the Camino tradition of Vicarie Pro — walking on behalf of another person — and the real-life experience that helped inspire Rossi’s relationship with that tradition.
Ultimately, this is a conversation about pilgrimage as a metaphor for life: stripping away distractions, recognizing the grace already around us and figuring out how to carry those lessons home.
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction: Rocco Rossi, Finding Grace and 24 Caminos
Dave introduces Rossi, his new novel and his extraordinary history walking the Camino de Santiago.
05:42 — Chipping Away What Isn’t You
The Camino as a process of stripping away distraction and rediscovering the authentic self.
15:05 — Why the Camino Matters in the Age of Doomscrolling
Rossi discusses the dramatic growth of Camino pilgrimage and why people increasingly seek stillness and disconnection.
23:35 — Finding Grace and Walking for Someone Else
The novel’s central characters lead into the centuries-old Vicari Pro tradition of walking the Camino on behalf of others.
32:17 — The Real-Life Story Behind Rossi’s Camino Journey
Rossi recounts Mary Catherine Kempton’s death on the Camino and why he returned to walk in her name.
41:45 — The Camino Begins When the Camino Ends
Re-entry, resilience, finding direction without signposts and why Rossi chose fiction rather than memoir. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our https://www.youtube.com/@davetraffordpodcasts(Be sure to subscribe!)
Follow Dave on https://facebook.com/dave.trafford.5, https://instagram.com/davetrafford, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-trafford-06584426/ andhttps://x.com/PodcastPWR
And you can leave us a https://www.speakpipe.com/ontheledge!
For more information go to https://davetrafford.com/index.html.
Transcribed
10 JUN 2026 · Toronto is preparing to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world, but are Canadians buying into the vision?
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
Now and Next is where communications, politics, public affairs and strategy intersect to help make sense of the issues shaping what comes next.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and Tax Freedom Day
Dave welcomes the C.A.S.T. panel and previews the major issues on the agenda.
01:00 – World Cup Costs, Legacy and Public Buy-In
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.
16:30 – Technical Recession and Carney’s Communications Challenge
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.
25:50 – Alberta Separatism and Poilievre’s Political Repositioning
The team analyzes Pierre Poilievre’s response to Alberta separatist sentiment and the broader debate over federalism, provincial powers, and national unity.
38:00 – Walk for Israel, Leadership and Public Silence
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.
51:40 – Looking Ahead to Toronto’s Future
The panel closes with a teaser for a future discussion inspired by ideas about what they would do if they were mayor of Toronto. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our https://www.youtube.com/@davetraffordpodcasts(Be sure to subscribe!)
Follow Dave on https://facebook.com/dave.trafford.5, https://instagram.com/davetrafford, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-trafford-06584426/ andhttps://x.com/PodcastPWR
And you can leave us a https://www.speakpipe.com/ontheledge!
For more information go to https://davetrafford.com/index.html.
Transcribed
29 MAY 2026 · Is the Toronto Police Service facing a Trust Crisis.
Can you separate Danielle Smith - the Federalist from Danielle Smith the Sovereigntist?
Doug Ford’s “gravy plane.” is still a THING.
And somehow… flip phones and Pizza Pizza nostalgia are trending.
.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and the Toronto Police Crisis
Dave Trafford introduces the panel and opens discussion on corruption allegations, public trust, and the impact of police misconduct on institutional credibility.
11:16 – Anti-Semitism Allegations and Leadership Challenges
The panel discusses Hank Idsinga’s allegations about anti-Semitism within Toronto police culture and the communications challenges facing Chief Myron Demkiw.
20:26 – Alberta Separation, Danielle Smith, and National Unity
A deep dive into Alberta’s referendum debate, Western alienation, federalism, and the political strategy behind separatist rhetoric.
33:26 – Doug Ford’s “Gravy Plane” Problem
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.
43:15 – Nostalgia Branding, Flip Phones, and Escaping Modern Anxiety
The panel explores why brands are reviving retro aesthetics and why consumers are craving simpler, pre-social media experiences.
50:39 – Education Innovation and Pickering College
Dave previews an upcoming interview with Dr. Cindy Locke about experiential learning, civic engagement, and rethinking traditional education models. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our https://www.youtube.com/@davetraffordpodcasts(Be sure to subscribe!)
Follow Dave on https://facebook.com/dave.trafford.5, https://instagram.com/davetrafford, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-trafford-06584426/ andhttps://x.com/PodcastPWR
And you can leave us a https://www.speakpipe.com/ontheledge!
For more information go to https://davetrafford.com/index.html.
Transcribed
25 MAY 2026 · What should school look like in an age of AI, anxiety, disengagement, and rapid social change?
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.
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.
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.
Dave and Dr. Lock also discuss:
- Student mental health and absenteeism
- Project-based and experiential learning
- AI-assisted curriculum design
- Civic engagement and community partnerships
- Entrepreneurship, creativity, and resilience
- The future role of teachers
- Why education systems must evolve beyond industrial-age thinking
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.
Dr. Lock’s new book, https://www.cindelock.com/, 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.
Chapters
00:00 - Dave welcomes you to this special edition of NOW and NEXT.
03:00 — Introduction: Designing the Future of School
Dave Trafford introduces Dr. Cinde Lock and the conversation about rethinking education beyond the traditional classroom model.
08:59 — Testing, Standardized Assessments and Student Anxiety
The discussion examines EQAO testing, academic pressure, and whether schools have become too focused on evaluation rather than engagement.
14:46 — AI, Personalized Learning and Student-Driven Curriculum
Dr. Lock outlines a future-facing vision where students navigate curriculum through personalized projects, mentorship, and AI-supported learning systems.
23:34 — Breaking the System: Scaling Educational Innovation
Can innovative learning models work beyond elite schools? The conversation turns to implementation, teacher culture, and public education reform.
34:08 — Real-World Learning: Homelessness, Civic Engagement and Community Impact
Students work with Blue Door and local organizations to tackle homelessness stigma, influencing public debate and local political thinking.
40:43 — Failure, Resilience and Why Real Learning Matters
From bee hive collapses to environmental restoration projects, Dr. Lock explains why experimentation, setbacks, and iteration are essential parts of meaningful education. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our https://www.youtube.com/@davetraffordpodcasts(Be sure to subscribe!)
Follow Dave on https://facebook.com/dave.trafford.5, https://instagram.com/davetrafford, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-trafford-06584426/ andhttps://x.com/PodcastPWR
And you can leave us a https://www.speakpipe.com/ontheledge!
For more information go to https://davetrafford.com/index.html.
Transcribed
1 MAY 2026 · Dave Trafford is back with a new episode of Now and Next, joined by Bob Reid, Anne Marie Aikins, and Lindsay Broadhead for a sharp, insightful breakdown of the biggest political and communications stories shaping Canada right now.
This episode digs into the federal government’s proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund—what it is, what it isn’t, and why so many Canadians are struggling to understand it. The panel explores the growing gap between complex policy and real-life impact, and why even the smartest ideas can fail without clear, relatable communication.
The conversation also takes on Ontario politics, including Doug Ford’s recent communications challenges, the risks of going off-brand, and how political narratives can quickly shift. Plus, a look at transparency, freedom of information changes, and why limiting access may actually lead to more leaks and less trust.
Finally, the team examines generational economic pressure—how younger Canadians are navigating financial uncertainty, social media influence, and a very different path to success than previous generations.
If you’re interested in politics, strategy, and how communication shapes public opinion, this episode connects the dots between what governments say—and what people actually hear.
Subscribe for more conversations on what’s happening now—and what comes next.
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction
Dave returns and sets the stage for a discussion on current political and economic issues.
02:00 — The Sovereign Wealth Fund Explained (or Not)
Panel debates the purpose, risks, and lack of clarity around the federal proposal.
12:00 — Communications vs. Complexity in Government Policy
Why “too smart by half” messaging can fail to resonate with the public.
26:30 — Doug Ford’s Off-Brand Week
Analysis of recent Ontario government communications missteps and their impact.
45:00 — Transparency, FOI Changes, and the Rise of Leaks
How limiting access to information may fuel more leaks and public distrust.
48:30 — Gen Z, Wealth Pressure, and Economic Reality
A look at financial stress, shifting expectations, and the influence of digital culture. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our https://www.youtube.com/@davetraffordpodcasts(Be sure to subscribe!)
Follow Dave on https://facebook.com/dave.trafford.5, https://instagram.com/davetrafford, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-trafford-06584426/ andhttps://x.com/PodcastPWR
And you can leave us a https://www.speakpipe.com/ontheledge!
For more information go to https://davetrafford.com/index.html.
2 APR 2026 · As Artemis II captures global attention, this episode of Now and Next takes a step back to revisit the moment that started it all—Apollo 11.
Host Dave Trafford weaves together archival audio, historical context, and personal storytelling to explore how humanity first reached the Moon—and why it still matters today. From Jules Verne’s early vision to President Kennedy’s bold challenge, and from liftoff to landing, this episode relives the defining moments of Apollo 11.
We also explore the risks, setbacks, and political realities behind the mission, and hear a remarkable firsthand story connecting one family directly to NASA’s early work and the original astronauts.
As Artemis II begins its journey, this episode asks: what drives us to go back—and what does it say about where we’re headed next?
#ArtemisII #Apollo11 #SpaceExploration #NASA #NowAndNext
Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction & Artemis II Context
Dave Trafford sets the stage with the ongoing Artemis II mission and global attention around it.
- 02:55 – From Imagination to Mission
Jules Verne’s vision and Kennedy’s call to reach the Moon.
- 04:19 – Apollo 11 Launch & Global Moment
Walter Cronkite’s coverage and the historic Saturn V launch.
- 10:18 – Lunar Landing & First Steps
Armstrong and Aldrin land and walk on the Moon.
- 13:17 – Risks, Return & Legacy
Challenges of the mission, safe return, and global impact.
- 20:35 – Personal Connection to NASA
Frank Cohn shares a firsthand family story tied to early NASA and the astronaut era. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our https://www.youtube.com/@davetraffordpodcasts(Be sure to subscribe!)
Follow Dave on https://facebook.com/dave.trafford.5, https://instagram.com/davetrafford, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-trafford-06584426/ andhttps://x.com/PodcastPWR
And you can leave us a https://www.speakpipe.com/ontheledge!
For more information go to https://davetrafford.com/index.html.
Transcribed
1 APR 2026 · This week on Moore in the Morning on NEWSTALK 1010, Tim Hudak, Tamara Cherry and I were at the Roundtable talking about:
- More food trucks, vendors and buskers could flood Toronto’s streets amid potential rule change
- Poilievre calls for cancellation of multibillion-dollar high-speed rail project
- Victim Services Toronto expands 'Ask for Angela' safety campaign ahead of World Cup
- Stephen Lewis, former Canadian ambassador to the UN and father of NDP leader Avi Lewis, dead at 88 You can watch OR listen to this episode on our https://www.youtube.com/@davetraffordpodcasts(Be sure to subscribe!)
Follow Dave on https://facebook.com/dave.trafford.5, https://instagram.com/davetrafford, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-trafford-06584426/ andhttps://x.com/PodcastPWR
And you can leave us a https://www.speakpipe.com/ontheledge!
For more information go to https://davetrafford.com/index.html.
Transcribed
31 MAR 2026 · This week on Now and Next, Dave Trafford and the comms and strategy team break down the stories shaping Canada’s political and media landscape.
Guests:
Bob Reid - Broadway Strategy & Communications
Lindsay Broadhead - Broadhead Communications
Anne Marie Aikins - AMA Communications
First, the panel dives into the NDP leadership race and what Avi Lewis’ win reveals about the party’s identity, messaging, and future. Is the NDP aligned with what Canadians are actually worried about—or drifting further from the national conversation?
Then, a sharp look at Air Canada’s crisis communications response following a tragic aviation incident. What went wrong on tone, language, and leadership—and what should have happened instead?
Finally, the Junos take centre stage. With the Prime Minister making headlines and Canadian music icons back in the spotlight, the panel explores how culture, politics, and communications collide—and why moments like this still matter.
Three big stories. One consistent lens: strategy, messaging, and what actually resonates.
Subscribe for more conversations on politics, communications, and the forces shaping what’s now—and what’s next.
Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction
Welcome and overview of this week’s communications-focused discussion.
- 01:00 – NDP Leadership & Identity Crisis
Avi Lewis’ leadership win sparks debate about the party’s direction, messaging, and national relevance.
- 07:00 – Messaging vs Reality in Politics
Panel explores whether ideology, leadership style, and messaging align with voter concerns.
- 12:30 – Air Canada Crisis Communications Breakdown
Analysis of tone, bilingual expectations, and leadership accountability in crisis response.
- 29:40 – The Junos, Politics & Cultural Signaling
Prime Minister’s appearance, Canadian identity, and the communications power of cultural events. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our https://www.youtube.com/@davetraffordpodcasts(Be sure to subscribe!)
Follow Dave on https://facebook.com/dave.trafford.5, https://instagram.com/davetrafford, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-trafford-06584426/ andhttps://x.com/PodcastPWR
And you can leave us a https://www.speakpipe.com/ontheledge!
For more information go to https://davetrafford.com/index.html.
27 MAR 2026 · Always fun to join Jim Richards on Newstalk 1010 in Toronto.
We closed the week out riffing on the provincial budget from the Ford government. Big on spending. Short on plans. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our https://www.youtube.com/@davetraffordpodcasts(Be sure to subscribe!)
Follow Dave on https://facebook.com/dave.trafford.5, https://instagram.com/davetrafford, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-trafford-06584426/ andhttps://x.com/PodcastPWR
And you can leave us a https://www.speakpipe.com/ontheledge!
For more information go to https://davetrafford.com/index.html.
Welcome In! This is NOW and NEXT: What’s happening NOW and how does that inform what’s happening NEXT? Veteran journalist and “Recovering News Director”, Dave Trafford hosts and produces this...
show more
Welcome In!
This is NOW and NEXT:
What’s happening NOW and how does that inform what’s happening NEXT?
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.
Based in Toronto, NOW and NEXT offers insights on local, provincial, national and international issues.
Regular contributors include our bi-weekly RoundTable with the Now and Next C.A.S.T (Comms and Strategy Team!)
NEXT: Subscribe to the podcast!
show less
This is NOW and NEXT:
What’s happening NOW and how does that inform what’s happening NEXT?
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.
Based in Toronto, NOW and NEXT offers insights on local, provincial, national and international issues.
Regular contributors include our bi-weekly RoundTable with the Now and Next C.A.S.T (Comms and Strategy Team!)
- Lindsay Broadhead brings her comms experience and insights base on her time leading teams in the private and public sectors.
- 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".
- 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.
NEXT: Subscribe to the podcast!
Information
| Author | Story Studio Network |
| Organization | Story Studio Network |
| Categories | Politics , News Commentary , News |
| Website | www.spreaker.com |
| dave@davetrafford.com |
Copyright 2026 - Spreaker Inc. an iHeartMedia Company
