What happens when the road out is blocked by a wall of flames? Lac du Bonnet resident Gay Kirby recounts a harrowing escape from a fast-moving wildfire — how her home was miraculously spared, and how a last-minute helicopter rescue saved her, her husband and their neighbours.

Also in this episode: Host Marcy Markusa speaks with fire Chief Greg Zimmerman. He shares what it's like battling wildfires on the front lines in Manitoba — working in extreme heat and adapting tactics — and why he keeps going after 47 years on the job.

Postal workers across Canada are bracing for a potential strike as union negotiations hit a standstill. In this episode, CBC’s Chloe Friesen hits the streets to hear what a postal strike could mean for Manitobans.

We also hear from two Canada Post letter carriers with different takes on the looming job action. Mike Branconnier, with nearly two decades on the job, shares why he's disheartened by the strike notice and feels workers weren’t properly consulted. Meanwhile, Matthew Aitken supports the union's move, calling for fair wages and stronger labour rights despite the challenges a strike brings.

Glennda Gould talks about leaving her Lac du Bonnet home due to wildfires, and why she believes the province needs improved alerting systems, including clearer and more accessible government notifications. Also, host Marcy Markusa talks with RM of Lac du Bonnet Reeve Loren Schinkel, who said he was meeting with provincial officials Thursday night to do "an honest evaluation" of how the municipality is managing the evacuation orders with the province.

Winkler residents Henry Wiebe and Adina Hamm speak with CBC’s Rosanna Hemple about their concerns following a measles exposure warning at the Manitoba city's Superstore. Winkler Mayor Henry Siemens shares his thoughts on the importance of clear communication during the outbreak.

Also on the podcast today: Dr. Peter Hotez, a leading American pediatrician, virologist and globally recognized vaccine expert, is in Winnipeg for a series of talks at the University of Manitoba. Named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in global health in 2024 and co-nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, Hotez played a pivotal role in developing a low-cost, patent-free COVID-19 vaccine. CBC host Marcy Markusa sits down with him to discuss his work, the challenges of public health communication and the viral moment when he declined an invitation from podcaster Joe Rogan to debate vaccine science.

Winnipeg city council is mourning the passing of Coun. Jason Schreyer, 57, who represented the Elmwood-East Kildonan ward. After his death was announced Wednesday, a statement from city council remembered Schreyer as a councillor who fought for his community and worked to keep life affordable for residents. Our latest podcast looks back at his legacy and contributions to Winnipeg.

Host Marcy Markusa speaks with political analyst Eric Grenier, a polling analyst who oversees CBC's Poll Tracker, about what the polls suggest in these final days.

Kyler Zaenali and Aiden Peters, two students from the University of Manitoba, join host Marcy Markusa for a conversation about where they find federal election information and how the news they consume has impacted their voting intentions.

Up first on the podcast today: the chocolate economy. Host Marcy Markusa speaks with Helen Staines, the owner of Decadence Chocolates, an artisanal chocolatier here in Winnipeg.

Her business is facing cocoa price increases of up to 400 per cent.

Also on the podcast today: With just two weeks to go before the federal election, former Conservative MP Dorothy Dobbie, former NDP MLA Erin Selby and outgoing Liberal MP Dan Vandal speak with host Marcy Markusa about what their parties are promising on crime, justice and border security. The panel talks about sentencing, border concerns, rehabilitation and how party leaders are preparing for the final debate. Dobbie, Selby and Vandal tell Marcy Markusa what they think their party will get right — and why.

First on the podcast today: Our monthly interview with Premier Wab Kinew. We ask questions about Manitoba's tariff response, the inquest into Eisha Hudson's death and the call for a landfill search for Tanya Nepinak.

Also on the podcast today: Statistics Canada says Manitoba has one of the highest rates of teen dating violence. Despite this, there are few resources to help teens escape abuse. 

Host Marcy Markusa speaks with Calgary-based psychologist Dr. Deinera Exner-Cortens. She specializes in violence prevention and healthy relationships among youth.

A Manitoba couple say they feel uneasy in Arizona, so they're selling their winter dream home. Plus, a farmer from North Dakota shares worries about tariffs from his perspective south of the border.

As candidates vie for your vote in the April 28 federal election, what do you hope they know about life in Manitoba? We asked folks in Morden for their perspectives.

As well, Bartley Kives looks at the political landscape across Manitoba right now.

And host Marcy Markusa speaks with veteran politicians Dorothy Dobbie, Erin Selby and Dan Vandal, who each make their case for why their party is the right choice for Canadians. From tariffs to the cost of living, they reflect on the issues Manitobans face as we approach election day.