Civically Speaking Podcast with Host, Lenore Swystun and Co-Host, Christina Cherneskey

Send us Fan Mail Deae Listeners, This week on Civically Speaking, we begin with a check-in on the weather...because ....winter has truly arrived.  We talk about just how cold it’s getting across Saskatchewan, what that means for daily life, travel, safety, and especially for our most vulnerable neighbours. From there, we return to one of our most important and recurring conversations: homelessness...

Send us Fan Mail Hello Dear Listeners, Thanks for tuning in - and supporting community radio shows and podcasts like this - we air to Saskatoon's community radio station cfcr.ca and give an opportunity to hear it via a podcast version. This kind of talk is best paired with a cup of coffee, a deep breath, and maybe a stiff drink after — because city budgets affect all of us, whether we like it...

Send us Fan Mail Dear Listeners, Thanks for tuning in. In this episode, we dig into the things that bring us together — and the places where politics can still tug us apart. 🏈 Sports as Civic Glue We kick things off with the joy of cheering on the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the cross-Canada loyalty of Blue Jays fans. From game-day energy to shared heartbreak and celebration, sports remind us ho...

Send us Fan Mail Hello Dear Civically Speaking Listeners, In a sleep deprived week I aimed to bring a smattering of Saskatoon based news in Part 1 including a little tail-end musing about the Blue Jays...ugggg And in Part 2, while watching the proceedings live - ran through some of the highlights coming in from media feeds. It's quite the budget - we won't know how the House votes on it...

Send us Fan Mail Dear Listeners, You are in for a treat - an unfiltered interview with Marcel Petit - Saskatoon film maker, artist, and head of the Core Neighbourhood Youth Coop and so much more. Have a listen. We talk Riversdale, Pleasant Hill, our folks who live on the streets and much more. Thanks Marcel. Civically Speaking, Lenore Swystun, Host Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's...

Send us Fan Mail Hello Dear Listeners, This episode ran last week - the day after Thanksgiving Monday - it is a 2 part episode about gratitude - simply put. Have a listen and thanks for supporting community radio as heard on CFCR.ca 90.5 FM in Saskatoon and podcast versions like this. Take care everyone, Civically Speaking, Lenore Swystun Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show a...

Send us Fan Mail Hello Dear Listeners, IN this week's episode we were sharing our observations as our PM Carney was meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office for a second time (round two). It was both distracting and amusing to have their meeting playing in the background ... we did our best capturing first reactions in real time, discussing the political signals, the economic undertone...

Send us Fan Mail Dear Listeners, Thanks for tuning in and supporting CFCR.ca 90.5 FM in Saskatoon and shows like this. These episodes carry forward, and in this special case, a day ahead, local learnings and sharing of news and stories of interest. Regrets from Christina. In this two part episode, part one, we explore the foundations of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. What was the Truth and Re...

Send us Fan Mail Dear Listeners,  On this week’s Civically Speaking , I’m joined by return panel guests Dr. Tom Wolf and Gordon Androsoff. We celebrate Gordon as he leaves Saskatoon for a new chapter in his career—sad to see him go, but excited for his next role, equivalent to his work as Executive Director of CHEP here at home. Tom, as a close friend and colleague, helps send him off with warmth...

Send us Fan Mail Hello Dear Listeners, On this episode of Civically Speaking , we reflect on the passing of Robert Redford, a legend whose influence reached far beyond the screen. We also turn to local matters: the recent meeting about Saskatoon’s plans for a permanent homeless shelter, and the stir caused by the removal of a major tree in Montgomery Place. And of course, we’ll touch on more stori...

Send us Fan Mail Hello Dear Civically Speaking Listeners, Welcome to the first fall episode of the new 2025–2026 season!  Christina Cherneskey is back in the house, joining me for a lively conversation that kicks off with a roundup of civic events close to home before widening the lens to national and international stories making headlines.  Along the way, we catch up with Christina and hear what...

Send us Fan Mail Dear Listeners, In this episode, we explore two important conversations shaping Saskatoon’s future. Part 1 – The proposed emergency shelter...looking at what’s being planned, how the community is responding, and why thoughtful approaches to shelter and support matter. Part 2 – The City’s proposed Strategic Plan...we unpack the priorities, and questions it raises about where Saskat...

Send us Fan Mail Dear Listeners, Thanks for tuning in to this midsummer edition of Civically Speaking.   I am flying solo again - giving Christina a well deserved summer break.  In this 2 part episode focus on some Saskatoon and Regina civic updates and touch on some provincial and federal news stories.' Some you may know - some you may not know. If you have ideas - reach out. In the meantime...

Send us Fan Mail Hello Dear Listeners,  It’s just me on the mic today—flying solo while giving the rest of the crew a little break. But that also means space for some quirky deep dives and thoughtful wanderings. In this episode, we kick things off with a look at what it really means to build inclusive communities . And not just in theory—this includes access to spaces, the role of heritage places,...

Send us Fan Mail Dear Listeners, Thanks for tuning in! Summer's here—and so is a wave of stories making headlines. From global power shifts to the future of transit right here in our city, Christina and I are diving into what matters most to Saskatoon. We’ll connect the dots between the international stage and what's happening on our streets—because it’s all connected. Civically speaking...

Send us Fan Mail Hello Dear Listeners, This week on Civically Speaking , we start with big local media news: long-time columnist and civic affairs writer Phil Tank has been let go from the Saskatoon StarPhoenix . What does this mean for local journalism and public accountability in our city? From there, we zoom out to the G7 Summit and Canada’s renewed commitment to Ukraine — including extended mi...

Send us Fan Mail Hello Dear Listeners, This week on Civically Speaking, we unpack a mix of local and global headlines that matter: 🇺🇸 ICE Raids & U.S. Political Tensions – South of the border, sweeping ICE raids in Los Angeles and a war of words between Elon Musk and Donald Trump are heating up the pre-election climate. What does this say about democracy, justice, and global influence? 🔥 Wild...

Send us Fan Mail Dear Listeners, This week on Civically Speaking , we bring you an important two-part episode exploring the stories, issues, and voices shaping Saskatoon. Part 1: Wildfires, Community Response & Philanthropy in Action Lenore Swystun sits down with Rachael Steinke , Chief Executive Officer of the Saskatoon Community Foundation , and Fred Reibin , Shareholder Engagement Lead and...

Send us Fan Mail Dear Listeners, Thanks for tuning in.  In this episode of Civically Speaking , I sit down with Phil Tank, Digital Opinion Editor at the Saskatoon StarPhoenix , for a wide-ranging conversation about what’s at stake in Saskatchewan politics right now—both provincially and locally. We explore Saskatchewan’s place in the broader Prairie context, with reflections on Alberta and Manitob...

Send us Fan Mail Hello Dear Listeners,  Hope everyone had a fantastic long weekend.  On the docket for today's show - we get into some news from over the weekend and then branch into a discussion on an ongoing priority issue for the city - the unhoused/homelessness. And we then venture into what is going on nationally and internally with some key items. Have a listen. Support local media and...

Send us Fan Mail Dear Listeners, This week on Civically Speaking, we dive into the big federal cabinet announcement and what this could mean for us here in Saskatchewan.  We also ask the question on everyone's mind: will it ever rain again? Including a discussion about rivers and flow and local businesses.  Plus, we muse about the changing intersection near Broadway Bridge as it shuts down fo...

Send us Fan Mail Dear Listeners, What a whirlwind of a Federal Election. Historic truly.  Liberals get in for a fourth term. New Prime Minister who has never served in government. Leader of the Opposition - loses his seat; NDP Leader, likewise, loses his seat. Lone Green Party representative stands.  Saskatchewan gains back its first Liberal MP representing the north half of our province - somethi...

Send us Fan Mail Thanks for tuning in, Listeners, Happy Spring, Election Time, Easter Time, All kinds of celebration time, and also Grieving... Part 1: "Why 114 Seminary Crescent Matters"  This episode delves into the University of Saskatchewan's decision to demolish the historic Lutheran Theological Seminary at 114 Seminary Crescent. We explore the building's architectural and...

Send us Fan Mail Dear Listeners, Thanks always for tuning into Civically Speaking. In this new episode, recorded last Friday, we sit down virtually with Saskatoon’s newly elected mayor, Cynthia Block, for an engaging and thoughtful conversation. Together, we explore Cynthia’s path from journalist to mayor, what she’s learning in her new role, and what’s next for Saskatoon. Highlights include: Shar...

Send us Fan Mail Thanks for tuning in, Dear Listeners, Today we have Dr. Tom Wolf, Agrologist, co-founder of Agrimetrix Research & Training, a leader in agriculture spray tech innovation and a former Saskatoon mayoral candidate join Gordon Androsoff, Agrologist, Executive Director of CHEP Good Food Inc, national advocate for food security and sovereignty.  We focus on agriculture issues in thi...