Ballot Babes

Patty Wiens & Sam Beiko
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  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Two Winnipeg women, Patty Wiens and Sam Beiko, talk about why engaging in local politics is crucial for your community and give you practical advice on how you can make your voice heard. This podcast is for anyone who wants to understand the importance of local governance and its impact on daily life. Located in Winnipeg, but relevant everywhere.

Episodes

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Episode 3 - Who Holds Power in Winnipeg Politics and No Bike Lane for You!

    Check out our website at ballotbabes.com and send us a voice memo with your thoughts In this episode, we reveal the secret inner workings of Winnipeg’s governance, exposing a system that keeps the public in the dark and makes real change nearly impossible. We dive into the notorious "strong mayor" model, showing how private briefings, limited transparency, and a handful of decision-makers wield control over city projects, from budget cuts to infrastructure delays. Plus, laugh and get outraged as we dissect a recent public works meeting filled with shortcuts, sneaky motions, and political games designed to thwart community efforts. 00:00 Introduction to Local Politics 01:12 Understanding Winnipeg's Governance Model 15:37 The Strong Mayor Model and Its Implications 16:02 Public Works Meeting Insights 31:12 Understanding Delegations and Their Impact 37:22 Navigating City Council Meetings 43:47 The Role of Community Advocacy 49:00 Analyzing Recent Council Decisions 57:35 Next Steps for Advocacy and Engagement Councillor Lukes’ Website: https://janicelukes.ca/ Winnipeg Governance Model Video by Councillor Luke's - https://youtu.be/nx_T03uG6a8?si=SJtBVBaFjym7QwZw City of Winnipeg Official Website - https://winnipeg.ca Public Works Committee Meetings - City of Winnipeg - https://winnipeg.ca/council/meetings/public-works City of Winnipeg election results 2022 - https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/clerks/election/election-2022/results/index.html As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to Patty’s Patreon page and add to cart Order Patty’s book in Canada from McNally Robinson: https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9781773371399/patty-wiens/thatll-never-work-here?blnBKM=1 and in the USA from Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/that-ll-never-work-here-challenging-the-myths-around-biking-in-a-winter-city-the-city-project-book-3/632bcbd73d3178fe?ean=9781773371399&next=t Sign up for Patty’s newsletter at www.pattybikes.com  Learn more about Sam’s books at www.smbeiko.com Pre-order her new book here: https://ecwpress.com/products/sleuth-of-ferren-city?_pos=5&_sid=4edeea6bf&_ss=r

    1h 7m
  2. Episode 2 - Urgent Call! Will you come to Winnipeg City Hall on March 4?

    2 MAR

    Episode 2 - Urgent Call! Will you come to Winnipeg City Hall on March 4?

    So you care about voting–now what? Welcome back to Ballot Babes, where we demystify Winnipeg civic politics ahead of the October 28 municipal election! We’re dropping a somewhat urgent episode in light of the Standing Policy Committee on Public Works meeting, taking place March 4, 9:30am at City Hall. We’re going to tell you all about what this committee does, who is on the committee, and why you should care about this upcoming meeting! If you can go in person, we highly recommend it; if you can write in comments or delegate at this meeting, we walk you through why engaging with these processes matter when it comes to influencing the fabric of our local democracy. We’ll be particularly focusing on the scrapping of the temporary bike lane infrastructure hard fought for since 2024, and the motion for city-wide speed limit reduction.  Got feedback, thoughts about your neighbourhood, or you just want a place to vent? Head over to ballotbabes.com and select LEAVE A MESSAGE! We listen to them all, and we’re right there venting with you.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Civic Engagement 07:48 Current Events at City Hall 19:07 Public Works Committee and Infrastructure 25:11 Wellington Crescent Bike Lanes Discussion 31:51 Speed Reduction Recommendations 36:51 Empowering Community Voices 37:05 BallotBabes_Animation.mp4 37:09 NEWCHAPTER Meeting Agenda: Sign up to delegate or submit comments: Public Works Meeting from November 2024 where Councillor Lukes suggests temporary bike lanes City of Winnipeg, Council members directory Links As a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to Patty’s Patreon page and add to cart Support Patty’s podcast at www.pattybikes.com/podcast Sign up for Patty’s newsletter at www.pattybikes.com  Learn more about Sam’s books at www.smbeiko.com Pre-order her new book here: https://ecwpress.com/products/sleuth-of-ferren-city?_pos=5&_sid=4edeea6bf&_ss=r

    37 min
  3. Episode 1 - The Pilot Project - Why The BLEEP Should You Vote

    26 FEB

    Episode 1 - The Pilot Project - Why The BLEEP Should You Vote

    Welcome to Ballot Babes! Our inaugural episode explores the importance of local politics in Winnipeg, how city council decisions impact your daily life, and how citizens like you can become more engaged in the political process–with a civic election coming up in October! Hosts Patty Wiens and Sam Beiko share personal stories, recent political events, and practical tips for voter engagement. Resources: Standing Policy Committee of Public Works Agenda for March 4, 2026 at 9:30 AM Winnipeg Transportation Master Plan City of Winnipeg Council Meetings How to Find Your City Councillor in Winnipeg Logo designed by Sam Beiko using graphics created by Amir Rahman Sunaryo and Gantar Priot Logo animation by Vandalante.ywg

    30 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Two Winnipeg women, Patty Wiens and Sam Beiko, talk about why engaging in local politics is crucial for your community and give you practical advice on how you can make your voice heard. This podcast is for anyone who wants to understand the importance of local governance and its impact on daily life. Located in Winnipeg, but relevant everywhere.

Information

  • Creator
    Patty Wiens & Sam Beiko
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Patty Wiens & Sam Beiko
  • Show Website
    Ballot Babes