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NOW and NEXT

NOW and NEXT

Auteur(s): Story Studio Network Dave Trafford
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 Welcome In!

This is NOW & NEXT.

Story Studio Network's Chief Executive Producer Dave Trafford pokes holes, pokes fun and provokes the "second thing that comes to mind" on the big stories of the week.

His regular contributors include a bi-weekly visit by 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 at the Toronto Region Board of Trade and, most recently, the Chief Communications Officer at the City of Toronto.

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.Copyright Story Studio Network Politique Sciences politiques
Épisodes
  • Olivia Chow's Communications Crisis

    Olivia Chow's Communications Crisis
    Jun 25 2025
    Now and Next – June 24, 2025

    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Anne-Marie Aikins (AMA Communications), Bob Reid (Broadway Strategy), Lindsay Broadhead (Broadhead Communications)

    In the final episode before a summer break, host Dave Trafford and the NOW AND NEXT C.A.S.T., (Comms And Strategy Team), tackle growing concerns over Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s leadership. The panel digs into the controversy around pool closures during a major heatwave—an issue that’s become emblematic of a deeper, recurring pattern of communications stumbles and public mismanagement by the mayor’s office.

    From blaming staff and past administrations to vague, delayed responses, the team highlights how Chow’s failure to take ownership is eroding public trust. They contrast her handling of crises with more direct, action-oriented leadership styles seen in figures like Doug Ford and Rob Ford. The conversation also considers the cumulative impact of these missteps on Chow’s reelection prospects, especially as political challengers begin to circle.

    Later, the panel unpacks Toronto’s latest move to create a “traffic czar” to deal with congestion—another decision that seems more about optics than real solutions. The team questions whether adding new titles without clear accountability can truly fix broken systems.

    Chapters
    00:00 – Introduction & Summer Break Update
    Dave sets the stage for the summer hiatus and introduces the panel.

    01:12 – Pool Closures and a Pattern of Deflection
    The team dissects the city’s delayed, disjointed response to the pool shutdowns, calling it another chapter in a series of recurring communications failures.

    07:00 – Missed Messaging and Leadership Gaps
    Panelists analyze how Chow’s press presence consistently lacks clarity, urgency, and ownership—traits essential for modern leadership.

    22:00 – What This Means for Reelection
    Discussion shifts to Chow’s political vulnerability, examining whether she can pivot in time to recover public trust.

    36:00 – Traffic Czar: Leadership or Lip Service?
    Critique of the city’s congestion “solution” and the optics of passing the buck to a newly created role.

    44:00 – Wrap-Up and What’s Coming This Summer
    Dave previews upcoming special episodes and invites listeners to stay subscribed during the break.
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    49 min
  • When is a Protest an Insurrection

    When is a Protest an Insurrection
    Jun 12 2025
    Now and Next –June 10, 2025
    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Anne-Marie Aikins (AMA Communications), Lindsay Broadhead (Broadhead Communications), Bob Reid (Broadway Strategy)
    Summary:
    In this episode of Now and Next, host Dave Trafford is joined by our C.A.S.T. (Comms And Strategy Team) Anne-Marie Aikins, Lindsay Broadhead, and Bob Reid for a dynamic conversation that begins with a reflection on the 30th anniversary of Ontario’s Common Sense Revolution.
    The panel dissects the political legacy of Mike Harris and how it continues to echo in Canadian politics.
    The discussion transitions to the nature of protests—historic and contemporary—with particular focus on recent unrest in Los Angeles, the influence of social media, and the blurred lines between activism and insurrection. The episode closes with a forward-looking view on the upcoming G7 meeting and the political ramifications for leaders like Mark Carney and Donald Trump.
    Chapters:
    00:00 – Introduction
    Dave introduces the regular panel and sets the stage with Bob Reid’s reflection on the 30th anniversary of the Common Sense Revolution.
    00:56 – Mike Harris and the 1995 Election Strategy
    Reid recounts his time as press secretary for Mike Harris and how early branding and clear messaging shaped a surprise win.
    10:07 – Protest Then and Now
    Anne-Marie reflects on how protest culture evolved from her early activism to today’s often volatile public demonstrations.
    17:21 – Violence, Messaging, and Hijacked Movements
    The team analyzes how emotion-driven protests are often derailed by fringe elements, distorting the original message.
    24:13 – Civil Rights vs. Today’s Tactics
    Drawing contrasts between disciplined, strategic protests of the 60s and chaotic modern demonstrations, the panel questions effectiveness and media portrayal.
    33:08 – G7 Summit and Global Stakes
    As the world prepares for the G7 summit, the discussion turns to how leaders like Carney and Trump will navigate political pressure and geopolitical optics.
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    55 min
  • There's no stopping a missile attack on Canada

    There's no stopping a missile attack on Canada
    Jun 1 2025
    Now and Next (May 28, 2025)
    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guest: Scott Clancy, Retired Major General, RCAF

    Episode Summary:
    This episode of Now and Next dives deep into the national security implications of King Charles’s historic throne speech, which outlined the Carney government’s legislative agenda. Retired Major General Scott Clancy returns to evaluate whether Canada is finally ready to meet the moment on defense and sovereignty—particularly in the Arctic.

    Clancy underscores the urgency of continental defense, Canada’s vulnerabilities, and the economic and strategic importance of Arctic infrastructure. The conversation weaves through Canada’s transactional relationship with the U.S., defense spending shortfalls, and how dual-purpose Arctic infrastructure could become the pivot point for national unity, sovereignty, and long-overdue policy execution.

    Chapters:
    00:00 – Introduction
    Dave Trafford previews the show and introduces the throne speech’s historic setting and implications, including King Charles’s presence in the Senate.

    01:59 – Sovereignty and Security in the Throne Speech
    Scott Clancy reacts to the throne speech, emphasizing its resonance on themes of defense, sovereignty, and the symbolic power of King Charles’s remarks.

    07:06 – Defense Alliances and Rearm Europe Commitment
    Clancy evaluates Canada's commitment to Rearm Europe, highlighting its dual benefits for Canadian industry and alliance-based diplomacy.

    12:28 – The Illusion of Security and North American Vulnerabilities
    Clancy explains Canada’s critical gaps in continental defense, especially against cruise missile threats, and the lack of public urgency about security.

    19:31 – Arctic as a Strategic Pivot Point
    Clancy argues that Arctic sovereignty and infrastructure development offer a unique opportunity to align public support, defense priorities, and Indigenous community interests.

    29:41 – Bureaucratic Barriers to Innovation and Readiness
    Frustrations with federal silos and budgetary constraints are laid bare, revealing how interdepartmental inefficiencies hinder real progress in Arctic readiness.

    33:25 – Infrastructure, Personnel, and the Path ForwardClancy outlines the real indicators of defense commitment: boots on the ground, infrastructure in the Arctic, and the political will to empower leaders within the system.
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    42 min
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