The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

The Bridge reflects on the issues of the day, covering topics such as politics, public health, technology, and more. Find out more at https://www.thepetermansbridge.com
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Episode's summary

Peter Mansbridge and Mark Bulgich discuss their collaborative book, 'A Noble Profession,' which explores the profound impact of teachers on students' lives. They detail their long-standing professional relationship, their unique narrative interviewing process, and how they gathered diverse stories from across Canada to reflect a national landscape. The episode delves into the challenges and rewards of teaching, addressing common misconceptions about the profession while highlighting how educators see students as human beings. The discussion covers various teaching environments, including prisons and universities, and concludes with information regarding the book's release and tour.

Chapters

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Highlights

the thing that people probably don't know is Mark and I have worked together for What, 45 years? Something like that, since the early 80s.

00:02:02 · The hosts establish their long-standing professional partnership dating back to the 1980s.

We let people speak in their own voice so that the final chapter in the book, in each chapter, each story, each person has their own chapter, looks as if they have written it.

00:10:59 · Mark explains the specific editorial technique used to maintain the authenticity of the interviewees' stories.

we have every province in every territory so we went back and got one more so we have coast to coast to coast and a reflection of you know the diverse in region diverse in geography diverse in uh diverse in gender, I mean, diverse in language, it's all there.

00:17:00 · The author explains the effort made to ensure the book represents the full geographic and cultural diversity of Canada.

a thread that went through it was the word human being. That is to say, teachers saw their students not just as students learning a subject. They saw them as human beings.

00:32:14 · The author reflects on the core realization that great teaching involves nurturing the personhood of the student.

everyone who's listening was shaped to some degree by a teacher.

00:45:25 · The speaker offers a closing thought on the universal influence of educators on every individual's life.

Episodes

1714-

A Noble Profession -- Why Our Teachers Should be Admired Not Ridiculed

Peter Mansbridge and Mark Bulgich discuss their collaborative book, 'A Noble Profession,' which explores the profound impact of teachers on students' lives. They detail their long-standing professional relationship, their unique narrative interviewing process, and how they gathered diverse stories from across Canada to reflect a national landscape. The episode delves into the challenges and rewards of teaching, addressing common misconceptions about the profession while highlighting how educators see students as human beings. The discussion covers various teaching environments, including prisons and universities, and concludes with information regarding the book's release and tour.

28 Oct 2026
1713-

Moore Butts -- Alberta and BC: What's the Impact on Canada?

Host Peter Mansbridge, Jerry Butts, and James Moore analyze the aftermath of the Alberta referendum, exploring the implications of the 75-25 vote and comparing the province's political landscape to Quebec's history. The discussion examines how the decisive result might impact long-term national unity despite ongoing provincial-federal tensions. The conversation shifts to the British Columbia election results, where a significant Conservative victory has left the NDP in disarray following David Eby's failed attempt to call an early election. The speakers conclude by discussing the complexities of government transitions, the importance of maintaining political stability, and the vital role of Canada's professional public service.

27 Oct 2026
1712-

Elon Musk and His Power -- Should Canada Be Worried?

Peter Mansbridge discusses his upcoming book launch and the importance of municipal elections in Ontario before transitioning into an interview with Dr. Janice Stein regarding the geopolitical implications of Elon Musk's Starlink and Starshield systems, specifically focusing on how private control of critical communication technology can influence international conflicts like the war in Ukraine. The discussion further explores national sovereignty regarding cloud infrastructure, Iranian threats, and upcoming elections in Israel and the US midterms. The episode concludes by examining Canada's position as a stable destination for investment and immigration, alongside recent medical breakthroughs in cancer vaccines.

26 Oct 2026
1711-

Good Talk -- Playing Hardball and Pointing Fingers.

The hosts analyze the results of a recent referendum in Alberta, where voters rejected several constitutional reform measures, potentially weakening Premier Danielle Smith's political mandate. The discussion explores the implications of question design on voter behavior and the impact of these results on provincial-federal relations. The conversation shifts to British Columbia, examining David Eby's strategic use of a snap election and the potential risks to major infrastructure projects and Indigenous relations. Finally, the panel critiques former US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra's claims regarding Canadian interference in American politics and discusses the broader implications of the Trump administration's reliability as an ally.

23 Oct 2026
1710-

Your Turn -- How Books Have Changed Your Life

In this episode of The Bridge, Peter Mansbridge shares a collection of listener letters regarding reading habits and the relationship with books. The segment explores themes including the importance of libraries, the impact of reading on personal identity, and statistics regarding book consumption in Canada. Listeners share personal stories ranging from overcoming learning disabilities to using audiobooks for accessibility. The episode also features a segment from the 'Random Ranter' criticizing Alberta politics and concludes with reflections on how books serve as a stable way to connect with oneself and others.

22 Oct 2026