This is Manitoba

A synthetic opioid more than 40 times stronger than fentanyl — ordered online and delivered in days. CBC’s visual investigations unit uncovered how nitazenes, a new and deadly class of opioids, are flooding Canadian streets through online ads, social media and the mail system.

Senior reporter Eric Szeto explains how traffickers exploit gaps in the system — and how this invisible trade is costing lives.

Host Marcy Markusa speaks with Angela Lavallee, whose 27-year-old son Kyrel — known as Blue Thunderbird Man — died of an accidental overdose just days after being released from detox. Angela shares her son's story and why she's now fighting for change.

Tokyo's government will begin rolling out a four-day work week for some of its employees, as part of an effort to combat the country’s declining birth rate by improving work-life balance. With Canada facing its own record-low fertility rates, could a similar policy make a difference here? Marcy Markusa speaks with Shelley Clark, a demographer and sociology professor at McGill University.

Also on the podcast: Melanie Zebrynski tried for years to get a tubal ligation, only to eventually give up after facing pushback from her doctor. Meanwhile, her fiancé was easily able to get a vasectomy. She talks about the challenges of advocating for herself.

A recent report found Black Manitobans face the longest ER wait times, even when arriving with more serious conditions. Sume Ndumbe Eyoh, director of the Black Health Education Collaborative, speaks with host Marcy Markusa about the study's findings and what needs to happen next. And Dr. Barry Lavallee, chief executive officer of Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc, explains why he feels the report falls short on reflecting lived Indigenous experience.

Travel Manitoba's Allison Dalke talks with host Marcy Markusa about how families can make the most of their summer vacation. From affordable getaways and hidden gems to festivals, camping and glamping, she offers tips for exploring the province — and explains why more people are choosing to stay close to home this summer.

CBC's Darren Bernhardt speaks with host Marcy Markusa about the long, controversial history behind Winnipeg's iconic intersection. From its 19th-century roots to decades of pedestrian restrictions and shifting public opinion, Darren walks through the politics, pushback and infrastructure decisions that led to today's historic reopening of Portage and Main.

Mayor Scott Gillingham speaks with Marcy Markusa about the long-awaited reopening of Portage and Main to pedestrian traffic for the first time since 1979. He talks about the financial reasoning behind the decision, the future of Winnipeg's downtown, and what this moment means for the city's identity. The conversation also touches on accessibility concerns, transit changes and the legacy of a landmark intersection.

On today's episode:

Three Indigenous youth leaders speak with host Marcy Markusa about the importance of National Indigenous Peoples Day and the powerful role young people play in advocating for their communities. Hevyn-Lee Martens, a youth changemaker at RRC Polytech and Treaty One, Southern Chiefs Organization Youth Chief Billy Bird and Salena Starling, a youth leader and CEO of Community of Big Hearts, talk about reconnecting with culture, overcoming adversity and why recognizing Indigenous youth matters.

Also on this episode:

Students at Niji Mahkwa School in Winnipeg spent time on the land at Naawi-Oodena to mark Indigenous Peoples Day with cake, a handmade tipi and teachings that connect them to their culture. Staff and kids speak with CBC's Sid Sundance Horschig about what it means to celebrate Indigenous heritage every day.

Are you scared yet? In this episode, strange things are happening at a historical museum — books are flying, mysterious handprints appear and there's an investigation into possible paranormal activity. Ashley Barnes, lead investigator with the Winnipeg Paranormal Group, tells us about it.

Actor Ayo Solanke speaks with host Marcy Markusa about his lead role in Bet, a new Netflix teen drama set in a high-stakes prep school. He talks about bringing his character, Ryan, to life, how Winnipeg helped him fall in love with acting, and what it means to be part of a predominantly Canadian cast.

A lot of couples have been split up by the wildfires burning in Manitoba, because one partner is needed in the community and the other has left due to the threat.

That's the case for Melanie Spence. She is a teacher who found herself stranded in Thompson, unable to return home to Tataskweyak Cree Nation.

Meanwhile, her husband, Robert Spence, is a former Tataskweyak councillor who has been helping with firefighting efforts in that community.

Also on the podcast today: Jaimie Fleuty, a Snow Lake evacuee, speaks with host Marcy Markusa about her journey since evacuating, how her home is doing, and the challenges facing her family and other communities, including Denare Beach and Creighton. She shares what she’s hearing from her community and how she’s adjusting to being away from home.

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.