Ryan & Lisa: Soundbites

Ryan speaks with Matt Furlot, Fire Chief and Director of Emergency & Resiliency Programs with Esquimalt Fire Rescue Services, about the department’s transition to PFAS-free turnout gear. They discuss why reducing PFAS exposure matters for firefighter health, the link to occupational cancer risks, and how Esquimalt became the first fire department on Vancouver Island to adopt this next-generation protective equipment.

Ryan talks with Patrice Mathieu, Director General of the Census Program at Statistics Canada, about the upcoming 2026 Census, why participation matters, how census data are used, and the thousands of census jobs being filled across Canada.

Jamie Wilson from Habitat for Humanity Victoria discusses the triumphant success of the 17th Annual Gingerbread Showcase held at the Hotel Grand Pacific. 

Ken Christie, Director of Royal Roads University's School of Humanitarian Studies, shares the latest on Venezuela and its implications for Canada.

CTV Vancouver Island weather expert Josh Classen breaks down the dramatic winter weather hitting the Island, from rain and sleet to fog and heavy snowfall. 

Critical safety advice from View Royal Fire Chief Paul Hurst, who draws hard lessons from the Swiss Alps bar fire tragedy and answers the vital question: How much time do you have to escape?

Finest At Sea's Bob Fraumeni on a significant donation of 20,000 lb of fresh Pacific herring sales to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. 

Victoria Real Estate Board chair Fergus Kyne offers insights into 2025 local real estate trends and price projections. 

BC Hydro spokesperson Steve Watson details critical infrastructure upgrades leading to five weeks of lane closures on Douglas Street and how it will impact your commute.

UVIC Political Science Professor Scott Watson unpacks geopolitical events in Venezuela and US actions causing global controversy.

Ryan and Lisa speak with CTV journalist Anna McMillan about the Greater Victoria Integrated Child Exploitation Unit, which investigates online and local child sexual exploitation. With its $1.9 million federal grant set to expire in March 2027, the team is working to secure long-term funding while the demand for enforcement continues to outpace resources.

Ryan and Lisa talk with Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria, about plans to upgrade the Victoria Conference Centre. They explore options including expanding floor space, a possible shared hub with the Royal BC Museum, and how the changes could shape Victoria’s conference and tourism scene over the next decade.

Ryan and Lisa talk with T.W. Paterson about his new book Unknown Nanaimo, which uncovers over a century of forgotten stories from hangings to mining mishaps that shaped the city. They explore why remembering local history matters and share some fascinating highlights from the book.

Rick Cotton from Uvic's Gustavson School of Business joins Steve Young. 

Ambulance Paramedics of BC (Cupe 873) communications and social media director Ian Tait joins Steve Young. 

Vancouver Goldeneyes general manager Cara Gardner Morey joins Steve Young. 

Trevor Redmond, aka "The Fellow in Yellow," joins Steve Young.