COVID Era - THE NEXT NORMAL with Dave Trafford

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What’s next for business, jobs, education, families and our health and well being? The Next Normal will take a 100,000-foot-view of what’s on the horizon, what we should expect and how we will prepare for the next wave of this pandemic. Produced by Newstalk1010

Newstalk1010


    • Aug 17, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 3,683 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from COVID Era - THE NEXT NORMAL with Dave Trafford

    What's the latest on US tariff negotiations? 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026 38:08


    Jim gets answers ahead of the deadline. How worried should we be about Legionnaire's Disease? GUESTS: Moshe Lander - professor of economics at Concordia University Bruce Arthur - Toronto Star columnist Dr. Mitch Shulman - Newstalk 1010 Chief Medical Analyst

    When it comes to the Bloor West Bike Lane debate, who has the best data?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026 39:18


    Jim looks at the numbers. What’s your statute of limitations for a girlfriend/wife to get back to your text? GUESTS: Matti Siemiaticki - director of the Infrastructure Institute at the University of TorontoJoseph Neuberger - criminal defence lawyer

    The current state of the mayoral race 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 37:40


    Who won the week? Conservative MPs worried about losing their seats privately question Poilievre’s leadershipGUESTS: Karen Stintz -Former Toronto City Councillor & TTC Chair and a political commentator Joe Mihevc - Former Toronto City Councillor and TTC Vice Chair Graham Richardson - Ottawa Bureau Chief with CTV News and host of The Graham Richardson Show

    Should concert venues make stall-only washrooms? 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 39:31


    Jim has some thoughts about event etiquette. Who is the winner in the bike lane battle? GUESTS: Monte McGregor - criminal defence lawyer Gavin Tighe - senior partner with Gardiner Roberts LLP and chair of the firm's Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group

    How political operatives shape the stories you see 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 37:13


    The smartest political moves and dirty tricks Scott Reid has seen behind the scenesSailor Overboard Incident Sparks Questions About USS Abraham Lincoln ConditionsGUESTS: Scott Reid - CTV Political Commentator and advisor to a number of Prime Ministers, premiers and political leaders Retired Vice Admiral Mark Norman - former Vice Chief of the Defence Staff of Canada

    Jim has some more thoughts about the debate around trans athletes 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 38:06


    The WNBA has created a task force to examine transgender participationAre Jewish Canadians Abandoning the Liberal Party? GUESTS: Charlie Pinkerton - journalist with The Trillium Norman Beal - President and owner of Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery and also Chair of the Board for Ontario Craft wineries Lorrie Goldstein - Editor Emeritus of the Toronto Sun

    Why did costs for the Ontario Line balloon to $34 billion? 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 35:38


    How Ontario compares with other jurisdictions on major infrastructure projectsThe most common summertime injuries, and how to avoid them. GUESTS: Mike Le Couteur – CTV National News Senior Political CorrespondentShoshanna Saxe – Associate Professor, Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, University of TorontoDr. Mitch Shulman – Newstalk 1010 Chief Medical Analyst

    Jim weighs in on the WNBA debate about trans athletes 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 37:26


    Is the conversation being blown out of proportion?Former Raptors head coach Nick Nurse's legal battle with the province of OntarioGUEST: Bob Aaron – Real Estate Lawyer

    Ontario Line budget rises to $34 billion

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 35:10


    Why are we seeing such a jump in costs? Can someone be 'too rich to rescue'? GUEST: Andy Takagi - transportation reporter with the Toronto Star

    Mark Towhey fills in for Jim 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 36:03


    How much do your pets know about your emotions? Is Carney about to sign a deal with the US? GUESTS: Dr. Cliff Redford - Owner and operator of Wellington Veterinary HospitalMichael Kerzner - Ontario Solicitor General - MPP York CentreJen Gerson - journalist who covers Alberta politics and co-founder of The Line

    A flight attendant has pled guilty to posing as a pilot for free flights. 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 36:00


    How the heck did this happen? Who has the oldest working A/C unit? GUESTS: Jon Woodward - Video Journalist with CTV News Toronto Gavin Tighe - senior partner with Gardiner Roberts LLP and chair of the firm's Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group

    Mark Towhey fills in for Jim this afternoon

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 38:28


    What Mark would have done about that toddler that wouldn't sit down on a flight. Does this Niagara Falls motion go too far? GUESTS: Moshe Lander - professor of economics at Concordia University Jim Diodati - Niagara Falls mayor

    Trade Talks, Toronto Politics & Is Billy Bishop Really Dead?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 34:57


    Jim Richards is joined by CTV National News Senior Political Correspondent Mike Le Couteur to break down the latest Canada-U.S. trade negotiations, including what's on the table for alcohol, dairy, and the auto sector. Then it's time for the MuniciPALs Panel, featuring former Toronto councillors Rob Davis and Joe Mihevc, who discuss the return of Taste of the Danforth, Toronto's mayoral race, federal housing commitments, Toronto Island ferry crowding, and the ongoing debate over the future of Billy Bishop Airport. The hour wraps up with Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, on what the latest Canada-U.S. trade discussions could mean for Canada's auto industry.

    Jobs Boom, Surveillance Tech, Kawhi Controversy & Dating App Fatigue

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 40:00


    Jim Richards kicks off the hour with economist Moshe Lander, breaking down Canada's surprisingly strong July jobs report, what it says about the economy, and whether recent claims about record investment in Canada hold up. Next, technology analyst Carmi Levy joins the show to discuss growing backlash against Flock surveillance cameras and the debate between public safety and privacy. Later, TSN's Matt Cauz examines the latest allegations connected to the Kawhi Leonard investigation and what they could mean for one of the most talked-about figures in Toronto sports history. The hour wraps up with dating and relationship expert Jen Kirsch, exploring whether dating apps are making it harder to build meaningful relationships in the modern age.

    Student Visa Security, Workplace Surveillance & How Much Height Is Worth a Million?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 37:19


    Jim Richards speaks with immigration lawyer Joel Sandaluk about reports that organized crime groups may be exploiting Canada's student visa system, and what safeguards may be needed. Then, listeners weigh in on workplace monitoring software and whether they'd be comfortable with their employer tracking screen time and online activity. Later, Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles discusses the province's review of major agencies, including Metrolinx and the LCBO, and what it means for accountability and public services. The hour wraps up with a fun hypothetical: How many inches of your height would you give up for a big cash payout?

    The Happiness Peak, FIFA Fallout & a Shrub-Wearing Cop

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 39:21


    Jim Richards kicks off the hour with his Pot-Pourri of Topics, including a study claiming peak happiness arrives at age 47 and the bizarre story of a New Jersey police officer disguised as a shrub to catch distracted drivers. Next, Gareth Wheeler joins the show to discuss FIFA President Gianni Infantino's latest controversy and what it means for the world's governing body of soccer. Later, Joe Warmington weighs in on the federal government's last-minute $100,000 funding boost for Taste of the Danforth and the debate surrounding public support for major community events. The hour wraps up with listener calls on the question: Is 47 really the happiest age of your life?

    Lloyd Robertson's Legacy, Subscription Traps & the Great Kissing Debate

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 36:15


    Jim Richards continues remembering legendary broadcaster Lloyd Robertson, joined by veteran journalist Kevin Newman, who reflects on Robertson's impact on Canadian journalism and broadcasting. Then, Jim opens the phones on a lighthearted relationship question: When did you stop kissing your spouse? A survey suggesting affection declines after age 45 sparks listener stories and debate. Later, writer David Silverberg discusses why online subscriptions are so easy to sign up for and so difficult to cancel, and what consumers can do to avoid getting trapped by recurring charges. The hour wraps up with a discussion on rising alcohol theft and whether retailers should return to old-fashioned counter service or other measures to prevent shoplifting.

    Lloyd Robertson Remembered, Hotels vs. Airbnb & Marriage Money Myths

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 37:27


    Jim Richards begins the hour by remembering legendary broadcaster Lloyd Robertson, sharing personal reflections and tributes from colleagues including Peter Mansbridge, Sandy Rinaldo, and Wendy Freeman. Next, listeners weigh in on an Unpopular Opinion: Have hotels become a better option than Airbnb? Jim explores whether convenience, predictability, and fewer fees have put traditional hotels back on top. The conversation then turns to consumer habits, asking: Would you still choose Canadian products if restrictions on U.S. goods were lifted? New polling suggests many Canadians remain hesitant to buy American alcohol. To wrap up the hour, money expert Jessica Moorhouse tackles relationship finances, discussing prenups, separate bank accounts, and other unconventional advice for couples navigating money and marriage.

    Fake Evidence, the Return of the Minivan & Grading the Blue Jays' Big Moves

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 39:01


    Jim Richards speaks with criminal defence lawyer Monte McGregor about a troubling case involving fake Facebook messages and the growing challenge courts face in distinguishing real digital evidence from increasingly convincing fabrications. Then, listeners weigh in on a surprisingly passionate debate: Are minivans cool again? As millennials embrace practicality over image, Jim asks whether the much-maligned family vehicle is making a comeback. The hour wraps up with Mike Wilner, Toronto Star columnist and host of Deep Left Field, breaking down the Blue Jays' trade deadline moves and evaluating how GM Ross Atkins handled a pivotal moment for the franchise.

    Revenge, Polls, Politics & Pop Star Pressure

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 40:50


    Jim Richards kicks off the hour with his Potpourri of Topics, tackling everything from a shocking revenge stabbing case to an undercover police officer disguised as a shrub to catch distracted drivers, plus some unusual health headlines. Then, Nik Nanos, Chief Data Scientist at Nanos Research, breaks down new polling showing Mark Carney facing no clear Conservative challenger. Next, outgoing Toronto city councillor Gord Perks reflects on his two decades at City Hall and the debate over whether politicians stay in office too long. The hour wraps up with Minna Frederick of Sheena's Place, discussing mental health and eating disorder awareness in light of Ariana Grande's decision to step back from the spotlight.

    Ontario Liberals Search for a Leader, Toronto Politics Unpacked & When Money Tests a Friendship

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 40:19


    Deb Hutton kicks off the hour with a panel on the Ontario Liberal leadership race, joined by political strategists Blue Knox and Theresa Lubowitz to discuss the candidates, campaign momentum, and what the party needs to rebuild. Then it's time for the MuniciPALS Panel, featuring former Toronto councillors Karen Stintz and Joe Mihevc, who break down the biggest stories at City Hall, including the Toronto mayoral race, Billy Bishop Airport, FIFA spending, renovictions, and the departure of veteran councillor Gord Perks. The show wraps up with listener calls on two timely topics: Have money differences ever hurt a friendship? and If you could spend a week learning a new skill, what would it be? Guests: Blue Knox, Theresa Lubowitz, Karen Stintz, Joe Mihevc

    Parole Debate, Carnival Security & Back-to-School Stress

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 39:54


    Deb Hutton opens the phones following the latest parole denial for the man convicted of killing a Toronto police officer in 1994, asking listeners: Should convicted killers of police officers ever be granted parole? Later, Steve Ryan, CP24 Crime Analyst, discusses heightened security measures at this weekend's Caribbean Carnival, including increased police presence and drone surveillance. Listeners weigh in on whether major public events need more visible security or if heavy policing changes the atmosphere. The conversation then turns to back-to-school preparedness with clinical psychologist Dr. Nina Mafrici, who shares advice for helping children and families transition back into school routines. To wrap up the hour, Dr. Mitch Shulman, Newstalk 1010's Chief Medical Correspondent, discusses reports of women becoming pregnant while taking GLP-1 medications and what patients should know. Guests: Steve Ryan, Dr. Nina Mafrici, Dr. Mitch Shulman

    No One Wants to Run For Office, Birthday Party Backlash & Why Your Dairy Costs More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 38:48


    Deb Hutton opens the phones to discuss a growing concern in Ontario: why fewer people are running for municipal office, and whether listeners would ever consider putting their names on the ballot.Next, callers weigh in on the rising cost of kids' birthday parties and whether guests should help cover increasingly expensive celebrations.Later, Rob Breakenridge, journalist and podcast host, joins the show to debate Canada's supply management system, arguing it drives up the cost of dairy, eggs, and poultry while limiting consumer choice.

    Poilievre's Future, Tim Hortons' Risky Bet & the $10M Question

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 39:56


    Deb Hutton is joined by Amanda Galbraith, co-founder of Oyster Group, to discuss whether Conservatives should stay the course with Pierre Poilievre or chart a new direction after their election loss. Listeners weigh in on the future of the party.Later, marketing expert Tony Chapman breaks down Tim Hortons' new Harry Potter partnership, exploring the opportunities and risks of major brand collaborations and how companies tap into passionate fan communities.The show wraps up with listener calls inspired by a recent $10 million Lotto Max winner: How much money would it take for you to quit your job?

    Ontario gives transit officers new powers. 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 39:10


    Deb takes your calls. How brand loyal are you? GUESTS: Andrew Pulsifer - Executive Director of TTCriders Erin O’Toole - President and Managing Director at ADIT North America

    Why this region has seen its shootings nearly double

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 39:58


    Deb talks to a home invasion victim. Brad Bradford responds to Progress Toronto's statement. GUESTS: Sam McDadi - home invasion victim Brad Bradford - Councillor for Ward 19, Beaches-East York, and mayoral candidate

    What should Canada do about refugees who lose immigration status in the US? 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 38:04


    Deb takes your calls. Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis. GUESTS: Dr. Alfonso Fasano - neurologist and clinician scientist with UHN's Krembil Brain Institute Minister Rob Flack - MPP for Elgin—Middlesex—London and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

    Why Toronto's fire chief is speaking out after a viral video

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 39:50


    What needs to be done about e-bikes? Albertans can now pay for MRIs without a doctor referral. Should Ontario do the same? GUESTS: Jim Jessop - Toronto Fire Chief Melissa Lantsman - MP for Thornhill and Deputy Leader of the Opposition

    What's with all the in-fighting in the federal Conservative party?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 38:27


    Deb talks about the latest online squabbles with a friend of the show. How can you avoid falling for fake online reviews? GUESTS: Tim Powers - Chairman of Summa Strategies Carmi Levy - tech expert Bob Richardson - NEWSTALK 1010 contributor and public affairs consultant

    What should Doug Ford do about his approval rating? 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 39:57


    Deb assembles a provincial politics panel. What does Toronto's former mayor think should be done about the shooting at a Jewish-owned bakery?GUESTS: Amanda Galbraith - co-founder and partner at reputation management company Oyster Group Blue Knox - Former Director of Communications to ex-Mayor John Tory, now a Public Affairs Executive and Campaign Strategist Erin Morrison - Vice President of Texture Communications John Tory - former mayor of Toronto

    Are lefty educators really to blame for young people wanting radical change in politics?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 39:09


    Jim has some thoughts about who or what is influencing young peoples' politics. The Munici-Pals look at the week in local news. GUESTS: Karen Stintz -Former Toronto City Councillor & TTC Chair and a political commentator Joe Mihevc - Former Toronto City Councillor and TTC Vice Chair

    What sets off your BS Alarm? 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 40:26


    Jim has some thoughts about common office phrases. How much should politicians be using generative AI? GUESTS: Justin Ling - staff columnist for the Toronto Star Moshe Lander - professor of economics at Concordia University

    Should TTC riders get a weekly fare cap?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 38:11


    Jim weighs in. What does John Tory think of Brad Bradford's plan for police? GUEST: John Tory - former mayor of Toronto

    The latest on the Gordie Howe Bridge opening. 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 38:39


    Windsor's mayor chats with Jim. Should this Turkish governor have been fired for his attire? GUESTS: Drew Dilkens - Windsor Mayor Amanda Galbraith - co-founder and partner at reputation management company Oyster Group

    OpenAI says AI models went rogue and triggered an unprecedented breach.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 39:24


    How worried should we be? What does 'act your age' really mean? GUESTS: Deb Hutton - host of The Deb Hutton Show Ritesh Kotak - cybersecurity expert

    Are we being babies when it comes to the Gordie Howe Bridge? 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 40:09


    Jim thinks we are. Why a new movie is sparking conversations about open relationships. GUESTS: Gitane De Silva - Executive Director at the Peter Lougheed School of Politics at the University of Alberta Cynthia Loyst - host at The Social

    Should we be annually testing older drivers?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 37:04


    Jim says no. Why Jim thinks the Maritime provinces should amalgamate. GUESTS: Marvin Ryder - associate professor of marketing at McMaster University Mike Wilner - Toronto Star baseball columnist and host of the podcast Deep Left Field

    BREAKING: Landmark deal announced with 9 provinces on alcohol sales.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 37:29


    How will this impact what you can buy in Ontario? Is your car 'unstealable'? GUEST: Richard Alexander - President of Beer Canada

    BREAKING: Trump to impose 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods in retaliation to booze ban

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 37:24


    How should Canada respond? What did we learn from the 2026 World Cup? GUESTS: Mark Mendelson - Newstalk 1010 Crime Expert and former homicide detective Reverend Michael Coren Scott Reid - CTV Political Analyst and former advisor to a Prime Minister

    Ontario's interim Liberal leader weighs in on the latest in the Stan Cho hotel scandal.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 38:54


    Jim wonders if Doug Ford's apology moves the needle. What's the best city in Canada to live in? GUEST: John Fraser - interim leader of the Ontario Liberals

    The Munici-Pals panel looks at the week in Toronto politics 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 35:27


    What's the state of the race at this point? Donald Trump makes more unproven claims about the 2020 election. GUESTS: Karen Stintz - Former Toronto City Councillor & TTC Chair and a political commentator Joe Mihevc - Former Toronto City Councillor and TTC Vice Chair John Wright - Veteran Pollster and CEO of Canada Pulse insights Dave Levinthal - investigative journalist and senior editor at NOTUS

    It's still smoky out there, folks. 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 37:37


    Why is Donald Trump threatening Canada with new tariffs? Is Jim a busy body for opening boxes accidentally sent to his house without realizing it? GUESTS: Marit Stiles - leader of the Ontario NDP Jamie Stephen - Managing Director at TorchLight, an energy and resources consulting and project development firm based in Nova Scotia

    Celebrate Christmas in July with NEWSTALK 1010, as we support The 60th Annual CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 36:44


    Deb Hutton, John Moore and Jerry Agar join Jim. Guest : Emma Reid from Sleep Country Canada

    Christmas in July with CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 38:19


    John Moore joins Jim GUESTS: Sunira Chaudhri - employment lawyer at Workly Law Marc-André Gauthier - Director of Communications with Teamsters Canada Heather Quilty - a program manager for clinical learning at VetStrategy

    How bad is the air quality out there in Toronto right now? 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 39:24


    Jim talks with experts. An Ontario MPP has to repay $16K in city hotel expenses. GUESTS: Kevin Jiang - Toronto Star’s Science of Life reporter Siobhan Morris - CTV Toronto Queen’s Park Bureau ReporterMark Mendelson - Newstalk 1010 Crime Analyst

    Ontario's interim Liberal leader joins the show. 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 38:32


    What does he think about a PC MPP paying back $16K in hotel expenses? How are you dealing with the smoke out there? GUESTS: John Fraser - interim Ontario Liberal leaderCarmi Levy - tech expert Dr. Mitch Shulman - Newstalk 1010 Chief Medical Analyst

    Is more police the answer after the Salsa on St. Clair shooting? 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2026 31:13


    Jim talks to an event safety lawyer. GUEST: Steven Adelman - event safety lawyer and head of Adelman Law Group

    How are you handling all this heat? 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2026 37:30


    Jim wonders if you're allowed to complain about how hot it is when you live in Canada. Ontario MPP to repay $16K in city hotel expenses GUESTS: Marit Stiles - Ontario NDP leader

    What does an employment lawyer think about the win for TTC workers in the drug testing case? 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 39:33


    Jim takes your calls. What will Lindsey Graham's legacy be? GUESTS: Sunira Chaudhri - employment lawyer at Workley Law Mark Mendelson - Newstalk 1010 Crime Analyst and former homicide detective Joe Walsh - Host of "Social Contract with Joe Walsh." Former Republican Candidate for President. Former Congressman

    Jim shares his thoughts about the shooting over the weekend. 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 39:50


    He talks with a former gang member about what needs to be done to counter violence. Do you feel safe in Toronto right now?GUESTS: Newstalk 1010’s Heather Seaman Dr. Adam Ellis - a former gang member and founder of The Street Institute, a research hub for critical scholars and community activists who have direct knowledge and experiences of life on the streets

    How would you define downtown Toronto? 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 36:27


    Jim weighs in with the Munici-Pals panel. Gordie Howe International Bridge to open after delayGUESTS: Nik Nanos - chief data scientist at Nanos Research and the official pollster for CTV Karen Stintz - Former Toronto City Councillor & TTC Chair and a political commentator Joe Mihevc - Former Toronto City Councillor and TTC Vice Chair Mike Kakuk - morning host at AM800 CKLW Windsor

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