Globe Up Close

Canadian TV, like American democracy, is in a constant state of panic. It is simply ill-equipped to deal with the change that the pandemic has brought about. And as traditional TV struggles, streaming networks are evolving at break-neck speed, but not without struggle. Several series that were in production, have been forced to cancel, and those series that are available, have tough competition, amidst a plethora of streaming options. So what should you be watching for escapism, when there is such an abundance to choose from? In this podcast, Globe and Mail television critic of 20 years, John Doyle and Bill Brioux one of the leading voices in the North American television scene, and host of the Brioux TV podcast, discuss the latest on the streaming battleground, and what shows to add to your must-watch list.

As Trump’s presidency ends and Joe Biden moves into the White House, there are many questions around what the future holds for Trump, the Republican Party, and how the first 100 days will take shape for the Democrats. For many, Donald Trump’s leaving office is a blessing that clears the path for a cleansing. But what is Biden’s agenda, and will he be healer, a builder, or a bust?

In this episode, David Frum, senior editor at the Atlantic, and Globe and Mail public affairs columnist Lawrence Martin, who has spent most of the last four years in Washington covering the Trump administration, will discuss America’s next chapter. Is it a new dawn, or dark days ahead?

Economists say the Canadian economy is on track for a 5.5% contraction for 2020 – the worst year since the Great Depression. With COVID-19 cases on the rise, president-elect Joe Biden soon at the helm in the U.S., and no clear fiscal guardrails to guide how the Canadian government will ultimately reduce its enormous stimulus spending, what is Canada’s economic outlook for 2021? The gloom is lifting, with vaccines now underway; but expectations for a return to growth remain coloured by a host of uncertainties, both here and abroad.

In this episode, David Parkinson, the Globe’s Economics Columnist, and Frances Donald, Managing Director, Global Chief Economist & Head of the Macroeconomic Strategy Team at Manulife Investment Management, discuss the latest developments and the prospects for 2021 and beyond.

With a shrinking donor pool, smaller donations, and fundraising events on pause until government restrictions can be lifted, the charitable sector is looking bleak. The number of donors and volunteers has already been falling steadily year on year so a recovery from COVID-19 is a daunting task for those at the helm. In this podcast, Europe Correspondent Paul Waldie will speak with the leaders at some of Canada’s biggest charities including Kevin McCort, President of the Vancouver Foundation, Dr. Samantha Nutt who is the founder of War Child Canada and War Child USA, and Dr. Pamela Valentine who is the president and CEO of MS Society of Canada. In this episode, they will discuss the biggest struggles for the charitable sector, and what’s needed to succeed in uncertain times.

Kevin McCort – President, Vancouver Foundation

Dr. Samantha Nutt –Founder of War Child Canada and War Child USA

Dr. Pam Valentine – President & Chief Executive Officer, MS Society of Canada

Paul Waldie – Europe Correspondent, The Globe and Mail

We are living through a time of great technological advancement and deep political polarization. Many citizens now receive their news from online sources delivered by algorithm through their search engines and social media feeds. Furthermore, some political leaders actively work to undermine trust in journalistic enterprises. We will take a deep dive into the transformation of the journalism industry as it has evolved to keep pace while staying true to core journalistic principles. How can journalists continue to help deliver reliable reporting that holds those in power accountable, separates fact from fiction, and combats the spread of false narratives? Investigative reporter Robyn Doolittle and Managing editor, ROB and Investigations, Dennis Choquette will address these challenges and discuss the journalistic process, and what goes in to the final stages of an investigation.

This was a year like no other, and now that it’s almost (blessedly) over, we reflect on the books that got us through the long days, weeks and months of solitude. How has the world of books – and the writing process itself – changed in 2020? In this podcast, the Globe’s Western arts correspondent Marsha Lederman, features editor Dawn Calleja, writer Emily Donaldson and books editor Judith Pereira discussed their conversations with some of the country’s leading authors about the books that got them through 2020, how the pandemic will shape the books to come, their thoughts about genre and the future of the literary world.

To say that this has been an unsettling year in the financial markets is an understatement. Both new and experienced investors have been challenged when trying to navigate the way forward. This episode will provide you with some clarity, and direction as you set your strategy for the coming months and years ahead. Globe and Mail personal finance columnist Rob Carrick, and his guest Naheed Gilani, founder of Conscious Wealth, will share their insights to help you to thrive amidst this uncertainty. They will discuss lessons learned over the course of these past few months, as well as tactical strategies such as asset mixes for different stages in life, socially responsible investing, thematic investing, and much more.

Joe Biden is leading in the national polls. But if the lesson of the last U.S. election is any guide, we know the Democrats still have a long road to victory, and four more years of Donald Trump is in the realm of possibility. In this interview, Jim Sciutto, CNN's chief national security correspondent, anchor of CNN Newsroom and author of The Madman Theory, speaks with Adrian Morrow, Globe and Mail U.S. correspondent based in Washington. They discuss the performance of the candidates to date, their potential paths to victory, their plans for governing, and how the American people will ultimately decide as they head to the ballot box on November 3.

With our kids back to school, the threat of stricter restrictions, and Covid-19 cases on the rise, Canadians are bracing themselves for what’s to come. Public health officials are warning that a second wave is inevitable and could be even more devastating. Others believe that we will have one long wave, with the occasional ripple when we become complacent. In the first of a new webcast series, join André Picard (Owen Adams Award of Honour recipient) who will share his perspective on progress, the latest developments on rapid diagnostic testing, and whether we have to start preparing ourselves psychologically for the possibility of another lockdown.

Globe Up Close allows you to hear from journalists across the newsroom from coast to coast, as they delve into important and timely topics that matter to Canadians. You’ll hear the latest in news and business, politics, personal finance and investing, and the arts. Get behind-the-scenes details twice a month from Globe and Mail journalists and their special guests.