Shows
Real Talk with Michelle BudiwskiRay for SprucewooodsSprucewoods has never elected anyone but a Conservative. Around here, it’s known as a “dead dog” riding — meaning the party could run a sign on a corpse and still win. And because they’ve never had to fight for your vote, we’ve often been ignored.
Even with a PC MLA in a PC majority government, we saw little investment in health care, infrastructure, or economic development.
But since 2023, that’s changed. Under Wab Kinew rural Manitoba has seen more investment, attention, and hard work from the Manitoba NDP than in the previous seven years combined.
That speaks volumes. And as someone...2025-08-1216 min
Real Talk with Michelle BudiwskiReal Talk Episode 25-6: A Seven-Month Journey to Cancer-FreeFrom the moment a colonoscopy revealed my rectal tumor to the day surgeons removed it—leaving me cancer-free and living with a permanent ostomy—exactly 7 months and 9 days passed.
At first glance, that timeline might sound long. “Diagnosed in August, surgery in March?” It’s easy to jump to frustration or blame Manitoba’s health system.
But let me be clear: I wasn’t just waiting. I was preparing. My care team wasn’t idle—they were working with precision, intention, and compassion.
Every step was deliberate. Every delay had purpose. And the care I received? Nothing short of exceptional.
To my doctors, sur...2025-08-0721 min
Real Talk with Michelle BudiwskiButterfly Dreams - Poetry of Hope and Recovery - Chapter 2 Pain and ShameIn 2020 I released my first book - Butterfly Dreams - Poetry of Hope and Recovery - an autobiographical journey through my own battle with mental illness, addiction and recovery.
In honor of Borderline Personality Awareness Month this May, I am releasing my book for free, one chapter at a time to help raise awareness for BPD and those still fighting their own battles.
Where there is breath, there is hope.
***Trigger Warning***
This book contains references to child sexual abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, addiction, self harm and suicide. Please take precautions and seek help if you feel mentally or...2025-05-1428 min
Real Talk with Michelle BudiwskiButterfly Dreams Poetry of Hope and Recovery Chapter 1 - The BeginningIn 2020 I released my first book - Butterfly Dreams - Poetry of Hope and Recovery - an autobiographical journey through my own battle with mental illness, addiction and recovery.
In honor of Borderline Personality Awareness Month this May, I am releasing my book for free, one chapter at a time to help raise awareness for BPD and those still fighting their own battles.
Where there is breath, there is hope.2025-05-0220 min
Real Talk with Michelle BudiwskiHomeschooling in Manitoba - Real Talk Episode 25-5Our family has been homeschooling here in Manitoba since 2020 - not for political or religious reasons but because we started during covid and found that it just worked for us. Now there is no turning back!
The kids were in Kindergarten, grade 3 and grade 9 when Covid happened and chose not to return to the public school system. Now, they are working on finishing Grade 5, 8 and one just finished their 3rd year in University on the Dean's list!
How do we do it? Why do we do it? What's the transition from homeschooling highschool to University like?
Tune in and find...2025-05-0246 min
Real Talk with Michelle BudiwskiPoop Talk - Episode 25-4On this week's episode of Real Talk, we're talking 💩 — or more accurately, why so many people don’t want to talk about it.
This week, I’m joined by the amazing Randy Daley in Dauphin, Manitoba. Randy has been living with a permanent colostomy for 4 years due to Crohn’s and Colitis, and he’s been an incredible mentor and support to me—especially leading up to my own surgery to remove stage 3 cancer, which left me with an ostomy too.
If you or someone you love is facing ostomy surgery, already living with one, or just want to be a better ally a...2025-04-171h 06
Real Talk with Michelle BudiwskiQuentin Robinson for Brandon Souris, Real Talk Ep 25-3When was the last time you heard a political candidate speak for 30 straight minutes without slamming, blaming, or even mentioning the opposition? Not once.
When was the last time a candidate spoke—really spoke—about feeling a genuine duty to step up and serve, using their knowledge and lived experiences to support their community?
If your answer is “never,” well… buckle up. Because today is the day that changes.
On this episode of REAL TALK, I’m joined by Quentin Robinson, the NDP candidate running in the upcoming federal election for the Manitoba riding of Brandon–Souris.
I first met Quentin back i...2025-04-1031 min
Real Talk with Michelle BudiwskiWeekly Round Up with Colin and Michelle, Real Talk Ep.25-2While our live stream Weekly Round Up with Colin and Michelle had some technical difficulties (OK - I had some difficulties), it didn't stop Colin Sundaynight and I from jumping on a call and recording our conversation to share with you!
It wasn't live but it is raw, unedited and as usual, entertaining!
From what I would do if I had a time machine, DR. Oz being placed in charge of the US Medicare, why Pollievre wasn't prepared for Carney Oprah Winfrey, Don Cherry and Ed the Sock this week's round up had a little bit of everything!
These are...2025-04-0953 min
Real Talk with Michelle BudiwskiNavigating the Trade War with Grace - real talk Episode 25-1The Canada-US trade war is heating up, and many of us are rethinking where we spend our money. Shopping local, buying Canadian, and avoiding certain US-based corporations sounds great in theory—but let’s be real, no one is going to get it 100% right. And that’s okay.
In this episode of REAL TALK, we’re diving into:
- How to shift our buying habits without guilt or pressure.
- Why progress matters more than perfection—because shaming people doesn’t help.
- The difference between ethical boycotts and harmful hostility—protesting Elon Musk is one thing, but vandalizing Teslas or attacking p...2025-03-3022 min
Real Talk with Michelle Budiwski20 years of HopeOriginally recorded on October 19, 2020 as Michelle celebrates twenty years free of opioids and narcotics, she shares her message of hope for those struggling with metal health and addiction.2025-03-3030 min
Real Talk with Michelle Budiwski23 minute Guided meditation for self loveThe relationships we have with others are directly impacted by our relationship with ourselves. We cannot begin to truly love others until we love ourselves. Sit back, relax and let me guide you into a space of self love and acceptance.2025-03-3023 min
Real Talk with Michelle BudiwskiShut your ButWe all have a voice inside of our heads, you know the one... sometimes it encourages us to expand our experiences, take chances and live with pure joy.
Unfortunately it also (far too often) stops us in our tracks with the BUTs... but what if, but what about?
BUT BUT BUT It's time to shut your BUT and take control of your life, living it to the fullest!
Recorded in 2020!!!2025-03-3027 min
Real Talk with Michelle BudiwskiGuided meditation for motherhood 30 minuteBy definition, mothers, mother. We take care of everyone and often forget to take care of ourselves.
This 30 minute guided meditation with help you reset, recharge and keep on going with new energy and inner peace.
You deserve 30 minutes to yourself. Find a comfortable seat and let me guide you!2025-03-3031 min
Real Talk with Michelle BudiwskiRealTalk with Colin and Michelle on Amherst Island radioAmherst Island Radio welcomed me back for a guest appearance on REAL TALK with Colin Kennedy! Visit them at www.cjai.ca2025-03-2858 min