Ballot Babes

Patty Wiens & Sam Beiko
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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. APR 1

    Episode 6 - Full City Council Update! Bike Lanes, Transit and 30 Km/h

    Welcome to Episode 6 of Ballot Babes—the podcast you wish you didn’t need, but absolutely do. We’re here to devour, discuss, and digest everything happening at Winnipeg City Hall with wit, sarcasm, and a healthy dose of skepticism. ✨ Support the show: Visit BallotBabes.com and hit the Patreon link! Support us for as little as $3/month. A huge thank you to our newest patron, Robyn—queen of getting things DONE. We appreciate you! In This EpisodeThere’s a lot going on, and we are so here for it. 🏛️ Full Council Meeting HighlightsWe break down the latest meeting with clips and commentary from: Councillor DuncanCouncillor LukesCouncillor Durand-WoodSeveral delegates weighing in🚌 Winnipeg Transit UpdateWe’re talking about the provincial budget’s announcement of free transit for youth—and what council had to say about it. ☎️ Listener CallsWe play and discuss your calls on: How to support people running for officeVoting recordsHow to raise issues with the City of Winnipeg🚗 Speed Limit DebateThe motion to ask the province for a 40 km/h default citywide speed limit, plus: Browaty’s pollDelegate feedbackPedestrian safety concerns, including a recent fatality at Main & Dufferin🚲 Wellington Crescent SagaWe cover: The latest debateKey councillor clipsWhy the bike lane fight isn’t overCouncillor Rollins’ new motionCouncillor Lukes’ timeline for permanent design and constructionDo we believe construction will actually happen in 2027? …We discuss. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault Charges (final segment of episode)We save this topic for last so you can watch the rest of the episode if this content is triggering. We discuss recent news involving: A sitting Winnipeg city councillorA former Winnipeg city councillor and provincial cabinet minister 🗳️ Remember Winnipeg…City Council works for you. And this October—don’t just get mad. Take your Babe to Vote. 🔗 Resources & LinksSearch votes by councillor: https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/council/VIS/members Event link – Empowering Women in Winnipeg (April 11): https://janicelukes.ca/blog/empowering-women-in-winnipeg/ Bike Winnipeg – Active Transportation Info: https://www.bikewinnipeg.ca/active-transportation-a-key-piece-of-winnipegs-climate-solution/

    1h 6m

  2. MAR 23

    Episode 5 - What did Scott Gillingham say about Seniors?

    If you are feeling lost in the maze of Winnipeg politics, you're not alone. Many people don’t understand how municipal decisions impact their daily lives. But do not panic! The Ballot Babes are here!  Our goal is to discuss the pressing political issues in Winnipeg leading up to the election on October 28th. This podcast will equip you with practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of the decisions shaping your community. In this episode we take calls from listeners regarding Winnipeg Transit and we dive deep into the latest Executive Policy Committee meeting, focusing on issues of safe speeds and the bike lane project on Wellington Crescent. If you didn’t have a chance to watch the latest meeting, we have digested and collected THE BEST “little videos” to help you understand: An amazing delegation from University of Manitoba’s Professor Richard Milgrom explaining why a pilot project is the best form of public engagement;Councillor Evan Duncan’s AMAZEMENT and condescension at a delegate’s preference to have the pilot project completed and give away 5.5 million to other, more pressing needs.How the mayor, Scott Gillingham feels about senior citizens who want to use active transportation;What Councillor Jeff Browaty thinks about slowing down the speed limit in residential streets; Links: Ballot Babes Website - Support Us and Leave us a Message! https://www.pattybikes.com/ballot-babes  Full Executive Policy Committee Meeting https://youtu.be/_GoMvb7Zfug?si=JANUdFFZX8dII6Z1  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 Patty’s website: https://www.pattybikes.com/  Order Patty’s book here: https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9781773371399/patty-wiens/thatll-never-work-here  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Local Politics 01:22 Reviewing City Hall's Recent Events 04:49 Feedback on Winnipeg Transit 09:26 Budget Priorities and Police Spending 10:27 City Hall's Executive Policy Committee Meeting 18:54 Community Engagement and Delegations 26:38 Expert Opinions on Infrastructure 28:17 Mayor's Comments on Seniors and Infrastructure 33:37 Speed Limit Discussions and Community Safety 41:42 Community Meetings and Civic Engagement 48:51 BallotBabes_Animation.mp4 48:55 NEWCHAPTER #Winnipeg #MunicipalProjects #CityBudget #Infrastructure #CommunityEngagement #Housing #PublicTrust #CityCouncil #UrbanPlanning #PublicPolicy #Transportation #CommunitySafety #BikeLanes #SpeedLimits #PublicEngagement

    49 min

  3. MAR 17

    Episode 4 - Let's Talk About Winnipeg Transit, Babe!

    Support this podcast by going to www.ballotbabes.com and clicking on the Patreon Link. Do you take public transit in Winnipeg? Maybe you noticed the massive overhaul the system underwent in June, and maybe, like Sam, you lurk in the public Facebook groups of the masses decrying the change. Whatever your feelings about our public transit system in Winnipeg, this episode is for you! Learn about the reason for the changes, why they may actually be of benefit in the long run, how the feedback has broken down, and how you can send in your own (detailed, constructive, non-ragey) thoughts to the City of Winnipeg to help them make changes. Plus, we chat about what qualifications you need to become a City Councillor, a potential Free Fare system and what its impacts could be on Winnipeg, and finally we get you geared up for the next meeting at City Hall on March 17!  HOMEWORK Send in your thoughts about public transit to 311 HERE: https://info.winnipegtransit.com/en/help/contact/  Look around on your commute: are you a fish who’s seen the water, yet?  March 17 - Executive Policy Committee Meeting Phone or email Mayor Gillingham, Jeff Browaty, Janice Lukes, Evan Duncan, Ross Eadie, and Vivian Santos to let them know you’d like the cheaper, more efficient feedback gathering method – the temporary bike lane on Wellington – back on the agenda! Find Councillors’ contact info here: https://www.winnipeg.ca/city-governance/mayor-council/council-members Find the EPC Meeting Agenda here: https://dmis.winnipeg.ca/ViewMeeting?documentId=27988§ionId=805033 Send in your comments or sign up to delegate here: https://www.winnipeg.ca/city-governance/mayor-council/council-committee-meetings/participate-meeting/register-delegation-or-submit-comments-committee-council Watch it live here: Watch here Patreon Link https://patreon.com/herproblem?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Winnipeg Babes Podcast 01:18 Discussing Winnipeg Transit Changes 03:32 Community Involvement in Elections 08:27 Comparing Transit Systems: Brazil, Toronto, Winnipeg 12:21 Details of Winnipeg Transit Overhaul 15:14 Public Feedback and System Improvements 18:07 Funding Challenges and Provincial Politics 22:47 How to Effect Change in City Infrastructure 27:35 Engaging with City Council Meetings 36:54 The Economics of Free Transit 46:50 Upcoming Public Meetings and How to Participate 52:06 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

    53 min

  4. MAR 8

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

    MAR 2

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

    FEB 26

    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
  • 6 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
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Patty Wiens & Sam Beiko
  • Show Website
    Ballot Babes

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