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.

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.