Explore every episode of the podcast Civil Discourse, Please

In this episode, host Dustyn Lanz speaks with Lucan Way, Distinguished Professor of Democracy at the University of Toronto, to explore the current state of democracy and authoritarianism in the United States. They discuss the definitions of democracy and authoritarianism, the concept of competitive authoritarianism, and the alarming trends observed in U.S. politics. Professor Way asserts that the United States is “unambiguously” a competitive authoritarian state. The conversation also touches on the global landscape of democracy, the importance of supporting professional journalism, and the actions individuals can take to champion democracy. Ultimately, the discussion seeks to find hope amidst the challenges facing democratic institutions.

Key Takeaways:

• Democracy is more than just free & fair elections; it includes civil liberties.
• Complacency can lead to a lack of imagination regarding democracy's fragility.
• Competitive authoritarianism features genuine elections but systematic authoritarian behaviour.
• The U.S. has quickly descended into competitive authoritarianism.
• Supporting independent media is vital for democracy's health.
• Fact-checking and professional journalism are essential for a shared reality.
• Countries like Brazil and Poland have successfully reversed authoritarian trends.
• The anger and energy of the electorate can lead to transformation.
• Democracy in the U.S. is not dead yet; there is still hope for change.

In this episode, Dustyn Lanz engages with Andrea Charron, Professor and Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the University of Manitoba. The conversation explores the complexities of the rules-based international order, the disconnect between President Trump's rhetoric and US policy towards Canada, and the evolving role of NATO. They discuss the significance of NORAD in North American defense, the challenges posed by private space initiatives like Starlink, and the current state of Canada's military preparedness. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration across government agencies and the importance of maintaining a stable international order for smaller powers like Canada.➡️ Follow on Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/y73hya4z➡️ Follow on Bluesky: https://tinyurl.com/yju2zyaf➡️ SUBSCRIBE TO MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: https://tinyurl.com/jsks32rd

In this episode of Civil Discourse, host Dustyn Lanz discusses the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, particularly in light of recent backlash in the U.S. and its potential impact on Canada. Joined by Yaya Wang, Vice President of Human Resources at the Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies, they explore the differences in DEI approaches between the two countries, the legal protections available in Canada, and the challenges organizations face in implementing effective DEI programs. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about DEI, the paramount importance of hiring qualified candidates above all, and positive steps individuals can take to support DEI initiatives.

Beyonce quote, cited in this episode:

"If people in powerful positions continue to hire and cast only people who look like them, sound like them, come from the same neighbourhoods they grew up in, they will never have a greater understanding of experiences different from their own."

In this episode, of Civil Discourse, Please, Dustyn Lanz hosts Patrick LeBlond for a discussion of the evolving political landscape in Canada and the United States. Patrick is Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa. They explore the implications of the current US administration on Canada, the necessity for a "GIGA strategy" to address the "MAGA threat" as it pertains Canada's economy and security, and the importance of trade diversification and ramping up Canada's national ambition. Patrick emphasizes the need for significant infrastructure investments and civic engagement to empower Canadians in shaping their future amidst global uncertainties.

In this episode of Civil Discourse, Please, host Dustyn Lanz speaks with Dr. Philippe Lagassé to explore the potential implications of U.S. economic aggression towards Canada. Dr. Lagassé is Associate Professor and defence expert at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa. Lagassé discusses three plausible downside scenarios for Canada's future: (1) "divided and conquered," flowing from a potential secessionist movement, (2) the creeping vassalization of Canada, and (3) "decline and exodus" in the case of protracted trade war. The conversation emphasizes the need for civic engagement, adaptation, and national ambition in the face of these challenges, while also highlighting the importance of recognizing the changing dynamics of U.S. influence on Canada.

In this episode, Dustyn Lanz and Lisa Hayles discuss the ongoing backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in corporate America. They explore the implications of this backlash, the importance of DEI for business success, and the role of allyship in making a positive impact. Hayles emphasizes the need for companies to adopt effective DEI policies that benefit all employees and the broader community, while also addressing the current political climate and its impact on DEI efforts. The conversation concludes with a focus on finding hope and optimism amidst challenges, highlighting the importance of youth engagement and the discipline of hope in driving change.

This conversation with University of Regina economics professor Brett Dolter dives into the impacts of U.S. climate policy backtracking on Canada. It also explores the multifaceted impacts of climate change on health, society, and policy, in both Canada and the U.S. It highlights the cognitive and physical dynamics of climate-related issues, the role of misinformation in shaping public perception, and the importance of credible media in fostering informed discourse. The discussion also evaluates Canada's climate policies, the future of carbon pricing, and the collective responsibility of countries in addressing global greenhouse gas emissions. It also touches on climate policy in Saskatchewan. The podcast concludes by emphasizing the need for electrification and proactive engagement from climate-conscious citizens to drive meaningful change.

A brief introduction to Civil Discourse, Please and podcast host, Dustyn Lanz.

In this episode, Dustyn Lanz speaks with disinformation expert Dr. Samantha Bradshaw discuss the complex relationship between social media, misinformation, and democracy. They explore how misinformation spreads, the differences between misinformation and disinformation, and the role of identity politics and "influencers" in shaping narratives and amplifying misinformation. The conversation also touches on the implications of social media design for polarization, the potential for extremism, and the recent changes in content moderation by platforms like Meta. Despite the negative trends, Dr. Bradshaw highlights hopeful trends in decentralization and the importance of local news in fostering informed public discourse.