The Evan Bray Show

A new Saskatchewan book tells the story of one remarkable woman whose life became intertwined with one of Saskatoon’s most iconic landmarks. Courage and a Castle: A Tribute to a Remarkable Woman traces Mary Koczka’s journey as she became the breadwinner for a family of eight, with the Bessborough Hotel serving as an anchor through decades of change and hardship. Brent is joined by Wanita Koczka to talk about her book and amazing mother.

Canadian small business confidence has fallen to a three-year low, with rising costs, shrinking revenues and economic uncertainty putting increasing pressure on owners. A new Zensurance survey finds nearly half have considered closing permanently this year, while in Manitoba and Saskatchewan that number rises to 54 per cent! Guest host Brent Loucks welcomes Mariano Neiman, Zensurance’s Chief Operating Office to the show.

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere now, powering everything from phones and laptops to e-bikes, power tools and electric vehicles. But we’re also seeing growing concern about fires involving these batteries, some of which can burn extremely hot and be difficult to extinguish. Benjamin Casey, founder of CODEX Engineering and creator, host of the "FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING PODCAST," joins Brent to explain the risks and what safety tips people should know.

There's always something to talk about when it comes to the housing market, from the historically low inventory to a survey ranking the "most Saskatchewan" places to live. Is your community on the list? Chris Guérette, Saskatchewan Realtors Association CEO, joins Brent for this conversation.

Whether it's Ness Creek, Coachella or Jazz Fest, some music festival-goers like to enjoy substances or alcohol. Erika Dyck, history professor at the University of Saskatchewan and a Canada Research Chair in history of health and social justice, specifically studies the use of psychedelics and harm reduction in these spaces. She joins Brent now to talk about what her research can teach us about keeping people safer and the long history of harm reduction.

On the eve of sweeping new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, dairy and Canada’s supply management system are once again at the centre of the trade fight. As negotiators race to reach a deal before tomorrow, many dairy farmers are arguing Canada should not give up further access to the industry in exchange for tariff relief. Brent Loucks is joined by Merlis Wiebe, Vice Chair of the SaskMilk Board and dairy producer near Saskatoon.

Canada and the U.S. are racing toward Wednesday’s tariff deadline, with major questions still hanging over whether the two sides can reach a deal. Vassy Kapelos, chief parliamentary correspondent and host of Power Play and Question Period for CTV, and host of The Vassy Kapelos Show, joins guest host Brent Loucks to bring us up to speed on the latest developments in trade talks. Where do Canada-U.S. trade negotiations stand? Here's a sector-by-sector breakdown

Balancing a farm or ranch, a career, family and everything else that comes with rural life can feel like a full-time job in itself. That's something Lisa Haynes, founder of Farm Systems for Success, knows firsthand after decades as a rancher, insurance broker, mom, grandma, business owner and wearer of many more hats. She joins the show to talk about her entrepreneurship journey and the lessons she hopes to teach others.

When a vulnerable person goes missing, every minute can make a difference — and that’s the driving force behind a push for an Indigo Alert system in Saskatchewan. The push for this alert comes after an 11-year-old boy with autism went missing and was found dead less than two weeks later. Aly Rapinchuk, Saskatchewan Indigo Alert representative and mother of a medically complex, neurodivergent child with epilepsy, joins the show to share why she believes Saskatchewan needs an Indigo Alert.

The Saskatoon Berries won their first-ever Western Canadian Baseball League championship, just three seasons into the franchise’s history! Joining Brent to break down the series WIN is Green Zone Saskatoon sports reporter Scott Roblin.