Ryan & Lisa: The Podcast

On today’s CFAX Morning Show, we check in with UVic Vikes men’s soccer coach Larry Stefanek as the U Sports National Championship kicks off at Centennial Stadium. We revisit the ongoing debate around Canada Post community mailboxes and whether residents have warmed to the changes. Laketown Ranch Festival Director Mike Hann joins us with details on newly announced SunFest headliners and ticket sales launching tomorrow. We also speak with Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke MP Stephanie McLean about new federal budget measures aimed at supporting caregivers. Plus, Sports Guy Steve breaks down the latest international hockey drama and previews Sunday’s 113th Grey Cup in Calgary, which you can hear on CFAX 1070 and the iHeartRadio app.  Thanks for listening! 

From local hockey and live music to community tributes and storm tracking, today's podcast covers the stories shaping life in Greater Victoria. We hear from Victoria Grizzlies president David Michaud, chat with Beach Boys tribute performer Duncan Meiklejohn, speak with Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto about new signs marking 100 years of the Royal Canadian Legion, and get the latest forecast from Environment Canada meteorologist Mike Gismondi as another powerful storm system approaches the South Island. Guests: David Michaud, Victoria Grizzlies Jr. Hockey Club Duncan Meiklejohn, Beach Boys "BackBeat" performer Marianne Alto, Mayor of Victoria Mike Gismondi, Environment Canada Meteorologist Stay informed with trusted local news, weather, sports, and community conversations from CFAX 1070 on iHeartRadio and YouTube.

On today's episode of Ryan & Lisa: The Podcast, we help your garden survive the winter with expert tips from Fiona Hammersly-Chambers, including how to create "vegetation lasagna" to enrich and protect your garden beds through the colder months. We also dive into the growing concerns around B.C.'s ferry system as BC Ferry & Marine Workers' Union president Eric McNeely reacts to a federal budget that critics say ignores the province's ferry funding crisis. Later, blues musician Brandon Isaak joins us to reflect on the legacy of the Duncan Showroom as the beloved venue prepares for its final performance on November 30. We also examine how housing and homelessness are addressed in the federal budget with UBC Sauder School of Business associate professor Tsur Somerville. Plus, a look back at November's storms and the latest installment of our Exit Interview Series, featuring former Central Saanich mayor Ryan Windsor discussing his time in office and what's next. Guests: Fiona Hammersly-Chambers, Getting into the Garden Eric McNeely, BC Ferry & Marine Workers' Union Brandon Isaak, blues musician Tsur Somerville, UBC Sauder School of Business Ryan Windsor, former Mayor of Central Saanich Subscribe to Ryan & Lisa: The Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and never miss a conversation that matters on Vancouver Island.

Today Ryan and Steve (in for Lisa) are asking parents what kids shows bothered them, as we deal with transportation and traffic chaos amid stormy weather this morning.  Plus, the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre is running it’s 2026 raffle for healing until November 15th, aiming to raise $24,000 to support survivor services, education, advocacy and prevention initiatives. Ashley Dryburgh is the executive director of the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre. There’s been a bit of a twist in the story of the old Plaza Hotel site that burned in a fire seven years ago, with Victoria tech company Redbrick pursuing what other developers seem to have given up on—the dream of a brand new hotel in it’s place. Redbrick chief media officer Marco Pimentel joins.  Meanwhile, we’ll be taking the time to meet some of our new Victoria councillors over the next bit, and first up, we wanted to hear Councillor Jack Sandor’s thoughts on how yesterday’s inaugural council went. Plus, let’s dig into federal budget reaction with a political expert known for his disability and equity advocacy over the years. He was also recently in Ottawa himself, for the presentation ceremony of Canadian Honours from the governor general. UVic Landsdown professor emeritus Michael Prince joins.  We catch you up on the best local bites during Friday Food Vibes with Dallas from the Vic Food Guys, including Ile Sauvage's 8th Anniversary and the Tofino Wine Fest Getaway review.  The Tsartlip First Nation is asking the federal court for a judicial review of Canada's decision to declare the Pacific Link Pipeline in the national interest, before fully looking into it's impacts. Tsartlip director of intergovernmental relations Adam Olsen joins to break down the issue.  Plus, Matt Martin from the Bottle Depot joins to talk about how bottle donations to charity bins can help CFAX Santas Anonymous, after the same initiative raised $17,500 last winter.  We also catch up with BC Ferries spokesperson Amanda Wawryk as stormy conditions lead to some trip cancellations. 

We’re still sorting through what the midterm outcome means for us here in Canada, and as we wait for that to develop let’s jump into what the view was like state-side. Canadian Press Reporter Washington correspondent Kelly Geraldine Malone was very busy this week. November marks several important occasions, including Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an issue that is still too often overlooked, yet is something one in eight Canadian men will be diagnosed with in their lifetime – prostate cancer. Leanne Kopp is the executive director of the Island Prostate Centre.  Plus, Heirloom Linens is celebrating 11 years of 12 months of giving. Kristen Stannix joins to talk about how the business is supporting CFAX Santas Anonymous with Tofino Slippers sales. You may have heard about the heart-warming rescue of a Blue Heron that was struck by a Dash 8 Aircraft with the help of the pilot. It all went down at the Vancouver International Aircraft, and the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC has seen to it’s recovery and return to the wild. We speak with the pilot who rescued the bird, Alex Toporowski. Meanwhile, the province’s emergency preparedness arm has warned us to expect higher-than-normal sea levels along parts of the coast due to the Kelvin Wave, a phenomenon linked with El Nino conditions. We don’t yet know what that will look like here on Vancouver Island, but PreparedBC says elevated sea levels can increase the effects of things like storm surges and coastal flooding. But what exactly is the Kelvin Wave? We have Environment and Climate Change Canada research scientist Bill Merryfeild to explain. Just under a week after the landslide victory for the BC Conservatives, we’ve seen the BC NDP pick an interim leader, the BC Conservatives first caucus meeting and now there is swirling controversy over housing policy as the incoming government looks to repeal Bill 44. Plus, premier-elect Lorne Doerkson has shared reaction to the U.S. midterms results. Let’s catch up with CTV Vancouver Legislative reporter Rob Buffam. In the aftermath of the democrat surge in the U.S. midterms, there seems to be a bit of a bittersweet sentiment from many Canadian political commentators. On one hand, the electorate has clearly sent the message U.S. president Donald Trump’s politics are becoming unpopular. On the other hand, will Trump use the executive office to focus on fighting with other countries? Retired diplomat Jeremy Kinsman joins for a look at what this could all mean for American relations is.  Plus, Ryan and Steve (in for Lisa) take listener calls and texts.