Best Fossil Vs Future Podcasts (2025)

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WHAT ABOUT DEMOCRACY? Empowering citizens or letting us down? 39:13

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7d ago39:13

39:13

Democracy literally means “rule by the people” – a system designed to safeguard our collective voice through the creation of laws and institutions. But today, many democratic systems are struggling to respond adequately respond to the wicked problems the world faces, including climate change. Young people, in particular, are losing faith. In this e…

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Episode 21: The Great Fossil Fuel Handout: 100 Years of Subsidies vs. Clean Energy Truth 33:14

7h ago33:14

33:14

Opponents love to say “clean energy only survives because of subsidies.” But that’s projection. Fossil fuels have been on government life support for over a century , and the new Big Billionaire Bill just handed them billions more while cutting support for solar, wind, EVs, and storage. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates a…

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Democracy’s Next Chapter: Hope or Decline? with Brink Lindsey 44:30

6d ago44:30

44:30

What really went wrong with global politics? Emma welcomes Brink Lindsey, Senior VP at the Niskanen Center and author of The Captured Economy: How the Powerful Enrich Themselves, Slow Down Growth, and Increase Inequality. Lindsey traces how politics, culture, and economics became unstable, from the development of liberal capitalism since the 1990s …

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Parent by Numbers with Emily Oster 50:12

13d ago50:12

50:12

How can parents use data without becoming overwhelmed by getting things right and wrong? Zachary and Emma welcome Emily Oster, a professor of economics and author of several data-driven parenting and pregnancy books, including Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong and What You Really Need to Know. Known for her data-drive…

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The Progress Report: Clean Energy Is Crushing It 14:30

18d ago14:30

14:30

On this week’s Progress Report, Emma covers a whopping five reports of optimism from around the world. Poverty is declining in Iraq and Indonesia, and risk of child poverty is down across Europe. China reports a dip in its emissions that may continue, and Africa has invested heavily in solar energy over the past year. There are positive development…

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Episode 20: From Promises to Pain The Politics of Rising Power Bills 26:34

13d ago26:34

26:34

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and Canadian co-host Brian Scott tackle the surging electricity prices gripping the U.S. in 2025 — and why the promises of cheaper energy have turned into pain for households and businesses. Eight months into President Trump’s second term, electricity bills are up an average of 10% nation…

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Godfather of the New Right with Sam Tanenhaus 1:11:56

20d ago1:11:56

1:11:56

What can we learn from the history of the American Right? Zachary and Emma welcome Sam Tanenhaus, historian and author, whose most recent work is his biography Buckley: The Life and Revolution That Changed America. Sam shares insights from his deep dive into the career of conservative icon William F. Buckley Jr., the country’s “first intellectual e…

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WHAT ABOUT OUR HEALTH? A crisis to fear or a reason to act? 38:59

21d ago38:59

38:59

The climate crisis is also a health crisis. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are driving more heat-related deaths, spreading vector-borne diseases, and damaging mental health – impacts that fall hardest on the most vulnerable communities. Framing climate change through the lens of health makes it personal – and the solutions preventat…

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The Progress Report: We're Divorcing Like It's 1959 11:47

25d ago11:47

11:47

This week on The Progress Report, Zachary and Emma cut through the doom and gloom to deliver feel-good news. This episode covers stories from the USDA’s hilariously unconventional wolf-deterring tactics (hint: it involves Scarlett Johansson) to an inspiring drop in U.S. divorce rates, America’s hidden fitness boom, and a remarkable victory over pov…

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Episode 19: Energy Storage | Travis Eckert on Batteries, Policy Shifts, and Grid Resilience 40:32

23d ago40:32

40:32

In Episode 19 of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and Brian Scott sit down with Travis Eckert, CEO and Co-Founder of Batricity, to explore the future of energy storage, EV charging, and grid reliability. Travis shares his journey from managing $60M in private banking to building companies at the forefront of clean energy—including Batricit…

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Is the US Still a Rule of Law Country? with Joyce Vance 54:51

27d ago54:51

54:51

It’s time to right the ship of democracy! Zachary and Emma sit down with powerhouse legal expert Joyce Vance, former U.S. Attorney and author of the popular Civil Discourse Substack and upcoming book Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy. Pulling on her 25 years of experience at the DOJ, Joyce pulls back the curtain on how fed…

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The Progress Report: Crime Is Down, Fear Is Up! 19:14

1M ago19:14

19:14

On this week’s episode, Zachary and Emma dig into three surprising pieces of underreported good news. Illinois becomes the first state to ban AI from acting as a therapist, which is sparking a debate about ethics, tech limits, and vulnerable users. Global deaths from extreme weather have hit record lows in 2025, and in the U.S., the FBI’s final 202…

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Episode 18: AI, Data Centers & the Big Billionaire Bill: Rising Power Demand, Soaring Prices, and Grid Risk 39:00

1M ago39:00

39:00

AI isn’t virtual — it’s physical, and it’s hungry for power. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ Bates and Brian Scott uncover how U.S. data centers already consume 176 TWh a year (over 4% of national electricity) and are on track to double by 2030 and hit nearly 10% by 2035. We break down what that means in kWh per person, translate it …

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Shaking Up the Vatican with Austen Ivereigh 50:54

1M ago50:54

50:54

How can an American pope change the world? Zachary and Emma dive deep with renowned papal expert Austen Ivereigh, British journalist, acclaimed author, and historian, to discuss Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the US. Austen shares insider insights into the pope’s whirlwind early months at the Vatican and unpacks the ideological tug-of-war betwee…

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WHAT ABOUT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF STATES FOR CLIMATE CHANGE? A moral duty or legal obligation? 42:13

1M ago42:13

42:13

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) – the world’s highest court – has issued its long-awaited advisory opinion on the obligations of States in respect of climate change. The Court confirmed that States have a legal duty to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions, for both present and future generations. In this episode, Daisy ask…

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Are We Wasting Our Talent? with Rutger Bregman 52:04

1M ago52:04

52:04

Are we measuring success all wrong? Rutger Bregman seems to think so. Zachary and Emma welcome Rutger, a Dutch historian and journalist, and author of Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference. The founder of the School for Moral Ambition, Rutger challenges society’s flawed definition of success, stresses supportive and…

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The Progress Report: Japan’s Tsunami Tech Saves Lives 13:01

2M ago13:01

13:01

On this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma dive into some optimistic stories you may have missed during your doomscrolling. From tsunami-stopping tech in Japan to social media-powered rescue missions in Ghana and the groundbreaking frontiers of male birth control, this isn’t your usual ocean of depressing news. What Could Go Right? is produce…

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Episode 17: Are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) the future of clean energy — or just an expensive distraction? 33:38

2M ago33:38

33:38

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and co-host Brian Scott dive deep into the real story behind SMRs — exploring the cost per watt, deployment timelines, fuel supply challenges, and why no SMR is commercially operating yet in the U.S. or globally. We examine canceled projects like NuScale’s VOYGR, stalled efforts like Terr…

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Does the Deficit Even Matter? with Stephanie Kelton 57:38

2M ago57:38

57:38

Is everything you know about government spending upside down? Zachary and Emma welcome trailblazing economist and author Stephanie Kelton, champion of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), to challenge the way we think about deficits, inflation, and what really matters for America’s financial future. Stephanie warns about the real dangers behind rising wea…

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WHAT ABOUT SPORT? Driving emissions or driving action? 38:38

2M ago38:38

38:38

Sport inspires, builds communities, promotes healthy lifestyles, and brings joy to millions around the world. But while sport is a powerful force for good, it is both a contributor to – and a victim of – climate change. In this episode, James and Daisy explore the intersection of sport and climate change. How does sport contribute to climate change…

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Episode 16: The U.S. Chose Fossil Fuels. The World Chose the Future. 35:29

2M ago35:29

35:29

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and Brian Scott break down how the U.S. just made a massive strategic mistake by doubling down on fossil fuels. With the passage of the so-called Big Ugly Bill, clean energy tax credits are slashed while oil, gas, and coal get billions in new subsidies and AMT exemptions. Meanwhile, China…

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Education Where the Internet Can't Reach with Laura Hosman 44:18

2M ago44:18

44:18

Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas shine a light on a powerful form of providing education. This week, they’re joined by Laura Hosman of Arizona State University, creator of SolarSPELL, an offline, solar-powered digital library making education possible where internet access doesn't exist. Discover how SolarSPELL is transforming classrooms from …

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The Progress Report: $16 Billion for Childcare and the World's First Climate Visa 17:48

2M ago17:48

17:48

This week on The Progress Report, Zachary and Emma bring your antidote to the daily doom and gloom, from surprising political wins and innovative scientific breakthroughs to heartwarming stories that often go overlooked. The FDA's latest help for dog lovers, Australia’s bold climate visa for Tuvaluans, and an unexpected bipartisan win for families …

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Episode 15: Here Come the Blackouts-How the U.S. Sabotaged Its Own Energy Future 29:00

2M ago29:00

29:00

The U.S. just slashed clean energy incentives and doubled down on fossil fuels — right as electricity demand is exploding. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and Canadian co-host Brian Scott break down the fallout from the “Big Ugly Bill” and what it means for the grid, the economy, and your power bill. ⚡ Key Topics in Epi…

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A Historian’s Look Into America’s Future with Garrett Graff 46:00

2M ago46:00

46:00

What can Americans look forward to despite today's lack of trust in the government? Zachary and Emma welcome Garrett Graff, journalist, historian, and author of several books, including Pulitzer finalist Watergate: A New History. He also hosts the Long Shadow podcast, which covers topics from 9/11 to American far right extremists. Garrett discusses…

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WHAT ABOUT DEMOGRAPHICS? Cause for panic or time for intergenerational action? | Ft. John Elkington 44:51

2M ago44:51

44:51

Demography is the study of human populations, while demographics refer to the characteristics of a population like age, gender, ethnicity, income, education, health. These traits both influence – and are influenced by – the climate crisis. In this episode, James and Daisy speak with John Elkington, a world authority on corporate responsibility and …

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The Progress Report: Clean Up on Aisle Everest 14:36

2M ago14:36

14:36

On this week’s episode of The Progress Report, Zachary and Emma dig up the good news buried beneath the usual headlines, celebrating Costa Rica’s leap into high-income status and the upward mobility of Cape Verde and Samoa, marveling at Paris’s historic $1.4 billion effort to make the Seine swimmable again for local residents, highlighting a Suprem…

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Episode 14-Carbon Markets & Clean Energy: What the U.S. Reversal Means Globally | Shraddha Nair 38:53

2M ago38:53

38:53

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates sits down with climate finance expert Shraddha Nair to explore how carbon markets and energy markets are converging—and what that means for the global energy transition. We cover: -The evolving role of carbon credits in clean energy financing -Why Europe is surging ahead despite geopoliti…

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What Makes Societies Thrive? with Johan Norberg 53:59

2M ago53:59

53:59

What made history’s golden ages thrive? Zachary and Emma speak with Johan Norberg, historian, documentary filmmaker, and author of Peak Human: What We Can Learn from the Rise and Fall of Golden Ages. Johan discusses what special societal qualities produced golden ages across history, as well as why these civilizations declined, what we can learn fr…

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The Progress Report: A Robot Saved My Heart 12:08

2M ago12:08

12:08

This week on The Progress Report, Zachary and Emma bring more uplifting headlines you won’t find in your usual news feed. America’s prison population is dropping fast, thanks to a dramatic decrease in youth incarceration. The first fully robotic heart transplant in the U.S. marks a giant leap for medical innovation, eliminating the need for open-ch…

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Climate Change's Agriculture Problem with Michael Grunwald 55:26

3M ago55:26

55:26

Can we feed the world without destroying it? Zachary and Emma speak with Michael Grunwald, award-winning journalist and author known for his work on the environment and national politics. He is currently a senior writer for Politico Magazine and author of We Are Eating the Earth: The Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate. Michael discuss…

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WHAT ABOUT THE OCEAN? A body of water or the planet’s life-support system? 35:33

3M ago35:33

35:33

The ocean is essential to life on Earth – regulating climate, producing oxygen, providing food and livelihoods, and supporting ecosystems. But it's in trouble. Today, it faces a triple crisis: overfishing, pollution, and climate change. In this episode, James and Daisy dive deep into the ocean’s role in climate stability. Why is ocean protection cr…

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The Progress Report: FDA Approves HIV Prevention Gamechanger 18:53

3M ago18:53

18:53

On this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma spotlight the stories that prove the world is moving forward, from Ireland’s bold move to end coal power to major U.S. brands ditching synthetic food dyes to breakthrough HIV prevention. They also cover how aviation safety is getting a high-tech upgrade as airlines roll out new cockpit alert systems …

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Episode 13-Dead on Arrival? GOP Gridlock & Red-State Job Threats From Clean Energy Rollbacks 32:48

3M ago32:48

32:48

The Clean Energy Edge tackles one of the most critical energy policy battles of 2025: the showdown between the Republican-led Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) in the House and the Senate's more tempered version. Discover: 🔍 Policy deep dive — What clean energy tax credits are being slashed in both versions? 📊 Job loss data — SEIA warns ~330,000 U.S. clean‑…

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Are High-Achieving Families Born or Made? with Susan Dominus 48:04

3M ago48:04

48:04

Can sibling rivalries shape success? Zachary and Emma speak with Susan Dominus, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and staff writer at The New York Times Magazine. She is the author of The Family Dynamic: A Journey Into the Mystery of Sibling Success. Susan shares case studies about high-achieving families and how siblings can be powerful motivators…

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The Progress Report: Child Labor Drops by 100 Million 12:31

3M ago12:31

12:31

On this week’s Progress Report, Emma is going solo with the news. Discover how global child labor has nearly halved since 2000, why alarming disaster statistics might be more about better data than a world in crisis, and how Britain’s zoos are rolling out major reforms to improve animal welfare. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Netw…

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Episode 12: Elon vs. Trump: Musk’s Public Breakup & What It Means for His Companies 36:04

3M ago36:04

36:04

Elon Musk’s friendship with Donald Trump has gone nuclear. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ and Brian unpack Musk’s explosive split—public impeachment threats, Trump’s retaliation, and federal contract shakeups. Discover: ⚡ How Musk went from Trump ally to outspoken critic—calling for impeachment and linking Trump to Epstein files—the…

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The Capitalism Conundrum with John Cassidy 56:14

3M ago56:14

56:14

Does capitalism deserve its bad rap? Zachary and Emma speak with John Cassidy, longtime staff writer at The New Yorker and author of several acclaimed books on economics, including his recent work, Capitalism and Its Critics: A History from the Industrial Revolution to AI. He discusses the current sentiment on capitalism along with historical conte…

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WHAT ABOUT ACTIVISM? A force for change or fuel for resistance? | Ft. Clover Hogan 48:49

3M ago48:49

48:49

Activism is often defined as the act of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change. But in practice, it takes many forms and means different things to different people. For many – especially younger generations – activism isn’t just a choice; it’s a necessity, driven by frustration that conventional approaches have failed.…

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The Progress Report: With or Without the U.S. 18:17

3M ago18:17

18:17

This week on The Progress Report, Zachary and Emma cut through the noise of a turbulent news week to spotlight stories of real progress. From the historic UN ocean treaty poised to protect international waters, to shifting global attitudes on gender and record-high American retirement savings, Zachary and Emma look at how the world is moving forwar…

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Judicial vs. Executive: Preventing a King with Jeffrey Rosen 58:13

3M ago58:13

58:13

How is the Constitution interpreted today? Zachary and Emma speak with Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center and host of its “We the People” podcast. Jeffrey is also a law professor at George Washington University and author of the upcoming book “The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting B…

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Progress Report: Vatican City Runs on Pure Sunshine 15:30

3M ago15:30

15:30

On this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma explore news stories that highlight human progress, from a university student’s discovery of a fungus related to LSD to a breakthrough in HIV research that could lead to a cure. Also, there’s more power and less murder, as Vatican City is running completely on solar energy while Brazil has reported a…

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Episode 11: Building a Better Solar Carport – VCT’s Heliostation™ Comes to the U.S. 36:00

3M ago36:00

36:00

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates sits down with Zac Jolliffe and Patrick Boot, the co-founders of VCT Group, to talk about the evolution of their innovative Heliostation™ solar canopy system. From the inspiration behind the product to the real-world pain points it solves, we explore how VCT is changing the way solar cano…

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Democrats: What the Heck Happened? with Jaime Harrison 1:00:05

3M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

What do Democrats do next? Zachary and Emma speak with Jaime Harrison, lawyer and former chair of the Democratic National Committee. Jaime discusses Joe Biden’s 2024 candidacy and Kamala Harris’ nomination, the roles and limitations of the DNC, and the need for the Democratic party to return to a grassroots, community-oriented approach. Jaime also …

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WHAT ABOUT LAW? Too hard to enforce or our best line of defence? | Ft. Philippe Sands 48:25

4M ago48:25

48:25

Environmental law is the law relating to environmental problems – but these problems are anything but simple. Traditional legal systems weren’t designed with challenges like climate change or biodiversity loss in mind, making this one of the most diverse, evolving, and demanding areas of law today. In this episode, James and Daisy are joined by Phi…

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The Progress Report: The US Says 'I Don't' to Child Marriage 18:23

4M ago18:23

18:23

In this week’s Progress Report, Emma brings you the inspiring good news stories you might have missed. Discover how states across the U.S. are raising the minimum age for marriage, with Maine’s new law creating a “New England Wall” against child marriage. Celebrate the launch of Africa’s first continental space agency, promising better weather data…

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Introducing: The Ongoing Transformation 39:47

4M ago39:47

39:47

Today we’re sharing an episode of a podcast called The Ongoing Transformation. It’s a biweekly podcast featuring conversations about science, technology, policy, and society. They speak with interesting thinkers—leading researchers, artists, policymakers, social theorists, and other luminaries—about the ways new knowledge transforms the world. The …

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The Progress Report: Crime Plummets in 2025! 15:17

4M ago15:17

15:17

On this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma serve up a fresh batch of good news you probably missed: U.S. crime rates are dropping to record lows, a bold new law is aimed at taking down revenge porn and AI deepfakes in just 48 hours, and Guinea-Bissau is throwing its very first art biennale, despite having almost no galleries or art schools. W…

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Episode 10-Fighting for Fairness: The Truth About Clean Energy and Subsidies 38:21

4M ago38:21

38:21

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ and Brian break down one of the most persistent lies in energy: that clean energy only survives because of government subsidies. With fossil fuels receiving over hundreds of billions of dollars a year in hidden and direct subsidies, the playing field is anything but level. They dive into why fossil fue…

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The View from Canada with David Frum 1:00:00

4M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

What does Canada think about Donald Trump’s America? Zachary and Emma speak with David Frum, author, staff writer at The Atlantic, political commentator, and former speechwriter for President George W. Bush. A Canadian American, David elaborates on Canada’s strategic integration with the U.S., the implications of recent shifts including Trump’s tar…