This week, we take a harder look at political accountability — and the real-world consequences when leadership falls short.

From decisions made by Doug Ford to the broader impact of toxic political culture, this episode connects the dots between what happens at the top and what shows up in our communities, our conversations… and our kids.

We get into:

➡️ What accountability actually looks like in leadership ➡️ The normalization of online hate and where it’s coming from ➡️ How political tone is shaping the next generation ➡️ Why respectful discourse feels like it’s disappearing — and what we can do about it

This isn’t abstract. Kids are watching. Communities are feeling it. And leadership — good or bad — sets the tone.

💬 Honest. Bold. Unfiltered. 🎧 Available March 31 — don’t miss this one.

#RealTalk #PoliticalAccountability #LeadershipMatters #OnlineHate #RespectfulDiscourse

In this episode of Real Talk with Colin and Michelle, originally aired on Amherst Island Radio on March 15, Colin and Michelle break down the controversy around federal MPs crossing the floor to join the Liberal Party of Canada under Mark Carney.

Conservatives are calling it corruption. But history tells a very different story.

We dig into the long history of floor-crossing in Canadian federal politics, why MPs have always had the right to change parties, and why the recent moves by four MPs say far more about the lack of direction inside the Conservative Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party than anything happening in the Liberal Party.

And because it’s Real Talk… we don’t stay on the rails for long.

The conversation spills into provincial politics as Michelle shares her thoughts on PC MLAs choosing not to seek re-election, and Colin passionately explains exactly why he can’t stand Doug Ford.

One thing is clear: Canadians have spoken again and again — we do not want extreme right-wing governments. Until conservative parties moderate their policies instead of catering to their loudest fringe voices, they may continue to struggle to earn the trust of Canadian voters.

🎧 Listen now on: • Podbean • Spotify • Apple Podcasts

And join the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Sometimes the best political conversations happen when the script goes out the window.

#RealTalk #CanadianPolitics #FloorCrossing #MarkCarney #Cdnpoli #Podcast #Politics #RealTalkWithColinAndMichelle

Today’s episode is different. It’s heavier. And it’s important.

Earlier this month, on March 8th, during our live show on Amherst Island Radio, Colin and I had a conversation that started with my own experience being stalked and harassed online. But very quickly, it became something much bigger.

Because what’s happening online right now isn’t just “trolling.” It isn’t just “people being mean on the internet.”

It’s a culture of escalating hate.

A culture where harassment becomes entertainment… where threats are dismissed as jokes… and where targeted campaigns against individuals — especially women who speak publicly — are normalized.

And sometimes… that hate doesn’t stay online.

In this episode we talk about the real-world consequences of digital harassment, including the tragic murder of Nancy Grewal — a stark reminder that the toxicity spreading across social media platforms isn’t harmless. Words have impact. Online mobs have power. And ignoring it has consequences.

This conversation is raw, personal, and at times uncomfortable — but it’s a conversation we need to be having.

Because the internet isn’t some separate world anymore. It is the public square. And what we allow there shapes the kind of society we live in.

You’re listening to REAL TALK. Available on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, and shared across Facebook and LinkedIn.

Let’s get into it. 🎙️🔥

Recorded on February 8th and released on Amherst Island radio on February 15.

Join the conversation follow Michelle on Facebook! @MBudiwski

Today’s episode was originally broadcast on January 11, 2026, but was recorded just days earlier on January 7 — only **hours after the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by a federal ICE agent in Minneapolis. This event has since ignited intense debate, protests, and deep national reflection on federal law enforcement, use of force, civil rights and community safety.

Good — a Minneapolis mother of three — was shot dead during a confrontation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in the city’s streets, captured on video and shared widely, and sparking outrage and questions about accountability and justice. Federal authorities have described the shooting as a self-defense action, while local officials, advocacy groups and Good’s family have called for transparency, independent review and accountability for what happened.

Passions and opinions run high — from the streets of Minneapolis to political leaders and everyday people across the country. Tonight, we unpack this moment with honesty, sensitivity, and nuance. We’ll talk about what we know, what we don’t know, and why this incident has resonated so deeply for so many.

Let’s get into it.

Twenty-five years ago today, I woke up in a hospital after a suicide attempt and began detoxing from the narcotics and opioids that were killing me. I’ve been drug-free ever since.

That hospital stay saved my life — because they had the capacity, staff, and time to keep me safe until I was no longer a danger to myself. Sadly, in 2025, that same level of care and support just doesn’t exist.

In this episode, I share my story and talk about why I support Manitoba’s proposed Bill 48, which would allow intoxicated individuals who are a danger to themselves or others to be held safely for up to 72 hours instead of 24 — in proper facilities, not ERs or police cells.

It’s not perfect. It’s not a long-term solution to addiction. But it’s a step in the right direction — and doing something is better than doing nothing.

💬 Join the conversation. Let’s talk about addiction, recovery, and the realities of supporting those in crisis.

#RealTalk #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #Manitoba #Bill48 #RecoveryJourney #ProgressNotPerfection

School boards across Canada have been under attack in the pas few years - with protests, threats, and even internal members demanding they reject Truth and Reconciliation, or equity programs (Mountainview) or governments and parent groups demand control over library content and governments like Danielle Smith's in Alberta requiring students have parental consent for name or pronoun changes.

Who we elect as trustees to our school boards plays a very important role in the direction or community takes, not just on education but as society as a whole.

As the Brandon School Division By-Election approaches, I am sitting down with the trustee candidates who are willing to engage in some Real talk - where do they stand on the issues? What are their goals and priorities for their time on the boards and most importantly - why should Brandon elect them?

Today's Real Talk discussion is with Bonnie-Lynn Mills, one of the seven candidates looking to fill the vacant seat. This is Bonnie-Lynn's fourth time running for a seat on the Brandon School Division, why? She is passionate about creating an environment to prepare students for adulthood - as healthy, happy and productive members of society. Have her views changed since her last campaign on 2023? Yes. She says that life's experiences have given her new perspectives and new goals if she is elected to the board.

Tune in and listen - the by-election is October 16, advance polls are October 8 & 11 in the City of Brandon.

Who are you voting for and why? Join the conversation

School boards across Canada have been under attack in the pas few years - with protests, threats, and even internal members demanding they reject Truth and Reconciliation, or equity programs (Mountainview) or governments and parent groups demand control over library content and governments like Danielle Smith's in Alberta requiring students have parental consent for name or pronoun changes.

Who we elect as trustees to our school boards plays a very important role in the direction or community takes, not just on education but as society as a whole.

As the Brandon School Division By-Election approaches, I am sitting down with the trustee candidates who are willing to engage in some Real talk - where do they stand on the issues? What are their goals and priorities for their time on the boards and most importantly - why should Brandon elect them?

Today's Real Talk discussion is with candidate Laura Armitage, a mom of 4 who has been volunteering for 10 years on her kids' parent councils. She wants to focus on classroom supports for students and teachers, more EAs, more diagnostics and more therapists. She wants to let librarians do their jobs, says that forcing children to come out at home may take away their one safe place - school and is aware that teachers need more substitute options and our 'town kid' lunch programs need an overhaul.

Tune in and listen - the by-election is October 16, advance polls are October 8 & 11 in the City of Brandon.

Who are you voting for and why? Join the conversation

For this non-partisan discussion on Canadian politics, parties and the responsibilities of voters, I am joined by Chris Hunt - an expert in all things Canadian politics.

We aren't talking about candidates or every discussing who to vote for when.

This is a discussion that all Canadians need to hear and share. Get informed, get engaged and don't let politics be taboo at your kitchen table.

#RealTalk #NonPartisan #Howdoesgovernmentwork #Mbpoli #cdnpoli #accessiblepolitics #politicsisforeveryone