Welcome to Real Talk — Opposing Views, the show where I invite people who disagree with me to sit down, speak plainly, and be heard. I’m Michelle Budiwski, and this is Episode One: A Conversation with Tim.

On September 20th, we streamed this conversation live — and what you’re about to hear is that full, unedited recording.

Here’s the backstory: Tim was banned from my Facebook page for repeated abusive and bigoted language. He wasn’t happy about that. In fact, he was so upset he followed me over to Instagram and tagged my personal profile multiple times, accusing me of censorship.

But here’s the truth: my page gets thousands of opposing comments every month. People argue, they challenge me, they disagree — and they’re still there. Why? Because disagreement is welcome. Abuse and hate speech are not.

So Tim came back, live, to defend his position. And we covered a lot. From Charlie Kirk and Colleen Robbins — the PC MLA for Spruce Woods — to conservative values in general. We debated trans rights, DEI, and abortion. We dug into the Conservative push for a Three Strike Sentencing law, bail reform, COVID vaccines, conspiracy theories, and the difference between opinions and facts. We even touched on the CBC.

And most importantly, we tackled the bigger questions: What is hate speech? Where is the line between criticism and bigotry? And how do racism, ableism, and intolerance show up in our conversations, our politics, and our communities?

It wasn’t neat. It wasn’t easy. But it was real.

And from that discussion, here are a few takeaways:

We almost always have something in common if we try to find it.

Some people want connection; others just want to be angry.

Politicians often profit from that anger by spinning propaganda.

It’s never okay to celebrate a death.

No one deserves to die for their beliefs.

You’re entitled to your beliefs — but not to use them to harm others.

Defending or excusing racism makes you complicit.

If you don’t like how a page is run, don’t visit it.

Facts don’t care what you believe.

And no one owes you an audience.

Agree or disagree — that’s the point of this series. We’re here to listen, to question, and to push back when speech becomes harm.

So buckle up. Tim’s here. I’m here. The mic was live. And this is the unedited conversation from September 20th, 2025.

On October 16, 2025 the City of Brandon will choose its newest Trustee for the Brandon School Division. Too often school board elections are ignored with some of the poorest voter turnout amongst all elections in Canada and yet these are the people who directly impact the lives and education of our most vulnerable sector, our children.

School boards across Canada have been under attack in the pas few years - with protests, threats, and even internal members demanding they reject Truth and Reconciliation, or equity programs (Mountainview) or governments and parent groups demand control over library content and governments like Danielle Smith's in Alberta requiring students have parental consent for name or pronoun changes.

Who we elect as trustees to our school boards plays a very important role in the direction or community takes, not just on education but as society as a whole.

As the Brandon School Division By-Election approaches, I am sitting down with the trustee candidates who are willing to engage in some Real talk - where do they stand on the issues? What are their goals and priorities for their time on the boards and most importantly - why should Brandon elect them?

Today's Real Talk discussion is with Bonnie-Lynn Mills, one of the seven candidates looking to fill the vacant seat. This is Bonnie-Lynn's fourth time running for a seat on the Brandon School Division, why? She is passionate about creating an environment to prepare students for adulthood - as healthy, happy and productive members of society. Have her views changed since her last campaign on 2023? Yes. She says that life's experiences have given her new perspectives and new goals if she is elected to the board.

Tune in and listen - the by-election is October 16, advance polls are October 8 & 11 in the City of Brandon.

Who are you voting for and why? Join the conversation

On October 16, 2025 the City of Brandon will choose its newest Trustee for the Brandon School Division. Too often school board elections are ignored with some of the poorest voter turnout amongst all elections in Canada and yet these are the people who directly impact the lives and education of our most vulnerable sector, our children.

School boards across Canada have been under attack in the pas few years - with protests, threats, and even internal members demanding they reject Truth and Reconciliation, or equity programs (Mountainview) or governments and parent groups demand control over library content and governments like Danielle Smith's in Alberta requiring students have parental consent for name or pronoun changes.

Who we elect as trustees to our school boards plays a very important role in the direction or community takes, not just on education but as society as a whole.

As the Brandon School Division By-Election approaches, I am sitting down with the trustee candidates who are willing to engage in some Real talk - where do they stand on the issues? What are their goals and priorities for their time on the boards and most importantly - why should Brandon elect them?

Today's Real Talk discussion is with candidate Laura Armitage, a mom of 4 who has been volunteering for 10 years on her kids' parent councils. She wants to focus on classroom supports for students and teachers, more EAs, more diagnostics and more therapists. She wants to let librarians do their jobs, says that forcing children to come out at home may take away their one safe place - school and is aware that teachers need more substitute options and our 'town kid' lunch programs need an overhaul.

Tune in and listen - the by-election is October 16, advance polls are October 8 & 11 in the City of Brandon.

Who are you voting for and why? Join the conversation

Politics shouldn't just be a conversation during elections. Politics and governments impact absolutely every aspect of our lives in some way and we need to understand how they work, how they are formed and what role we play in our government at every level.

For this non-partisan discussion on Canadian politics, parties and the responsibilities of voters, I am joined by Chris Hunt - an expert in all things Canadian politics.

We aren't talking about candidates or every discussing who to vote for when.

This is a discussion that all Canadians need to hear and share. Get informed, get engaged and don't let politics be taboo at your kitchen table.

#RealTalk #NonPartisan #Howdoesgovernmentwork #Mbpoli #cdnpoli #accessiblepolitics #politicsisforeveryone