Josh & Jade: Soundbites

With construction entering the home stretch, Esquimalt Fire Chief Matt Furlot provides Josh & Jade with an update on the township's new fire hall, discussing the revised opening timeline, innovations for improved firefighter safety, and how the facility is being built to serve Esquimalt and the region for generations to come.

A work-zone safety blitz near the Helmcken interchange resulted in 16 distracted-driving tickets and eight tickets for drivers travelling more than 20 km/h over the posted construction-zone speed limit, among other infractions. Road Safety at Work Program Director Trace Acres joins Josh & Jade to discuss the results, the risks facing roadside workers, and why drivers need to slow down and pay attention in work zones.

Movie reviewer Jason Whyte dropped by with a few big-screen picks this week, including the dinosaur-filled thrill ride The End of Oak Street, the new Anthony Bourdain biopic Tony, a look back at The Fast & The Furious, and a reminder about this weekend’s free outdoor screening of Josie and the Pussycats at Beacon Hill Park.

If you've tried booking a vehicle repair lately, you've probably noticed the wait. Patrick Jones Instructor, Program Leader, Automotive Service Technician  & EV Programs, Camosun College joined Josh & Jade to talk about the ongoing shortage of automotive technicians, the growing demand for skilled trades workers, and how limited training spaces are creating a bottleneck for aspiring mechanics.

A 27-year-old man has died following a swimming incident at Goldstream Falls. BC Emergency Health Services Public Information Officer Brian Twaites joins Josh & Jade to discuss the response to the call, the hidden dangers of natural waterways, and the simple steps that can help prevent drowning tragedies.

As families start gearing up for the return to school, we caught up with Linda Lawlor from BCAA about staying safe around school zones. From speeding and distracted driving to crosswalk safety, we talked about the biggest concerns on our roads and a survey showing most British Columbians have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours near schools.

Many of us say we're "fine" while quietly carrying a lot of stress. Michael Cook from the BC Association for Living Mindfully joined Josh & Jade to chat about why stress can start to feel normal, how mindfulness can help, and simple tools for finding a little more balance in our day-to-day lives.

IMAGE CREDIT: BCalm Facebook

Dallas from The Vic Food Guys brings chef/owner Brendan Walker from The Tartan Toque into the studio to discuss his journey through the restaurant industry, how the restaurant has grown under his leadership, the importance of serving Victoria's celiac community, and the passion behind the restaurant's scratch-made comfort food and famous wings.

Teale Phelps Bondaroff, volunteer lead of the Pocket Places Project with the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network, joined us to talk about the second annual Greater Victoria Little Free Library Awards. Voting is open now, and you can check out the nominees and cast your ballot at Victoria Placemaking Network.

As BC Transit workers begin job action, the Victoria Transit Riders Union is urging riders to stand in solidarity. Chair Liz Cronin discusses worker conditions, transit reliability, Monday's planned rally outside BC Transit headquarters, and why some riders are backing operators and maintenance workers in their contract dispute.

The BC SPCA is helping people and pets impacted by wildfires across B.C. Kaila Wolf spoke with Josh & Jade to share how the organization is responding, what support is available for evacuees with animals, and how you can help if you'd like to lend a hand.

IMAGE: BC SPCA Facebook 

Birdie Burke producer and performer with Goofballs Collective joined Josh & Jade about A Kid Napping, a Fringe comedy that's as ridiculous as the title suggests. Two clueless ex-cons, a classroom full of kids, plenty of physical comedy, and a whole lot of chaos. It sounds absurd, heartfelt, and like a perfect Victoria Fringe Festival night out.

You don't have to be vegan to enjoy VegFest Victoria. Stacy Neilson from the Positively Vegan Society joined Josh & Jade to talk about this weekend's festival at Centennial Square, featuring great food, live music, speakers, and community connections. 

From a car-free tower downtown to housing fights in Gordon Head and the future of the Capital Iron building, real estate analyst Mike Kozakowski from Citified.ca breaks down the development stories shaping Greater Victoria with Josh & Jade every Thursday.

Victoria Grizzlies President David Michaud joined Josh & Jade after the BCHL announced the Grizzlies will host the 2027 All-Star Weekend at the Q Centre. We chat about what it means for the team, the West Shore, and local hockey fans as one of the league's biggest events comes to town.

IMAGE: Explore Langford

BC Transit Director of Corporate and Strategic Planning Matthew Boyd joins the program to explain OnDemand transit, a service currently being piloted in Kelowna, Powell River and Squamish. They discuss how the service works, what BC Transit has learned so far, and whether it could eventually play a role in parts of Greater Victoria where conventional fixed-route transit may not be the best fit.

Rock icon Bif Naked is back with a brand-new anthem, Lift Me Up. She joined Josh & Jade ahead of her SoberFest headline show in Victoria to talk music, recovery, and what's keeping her energized these days.

Jason Whyte joins Josh & Jade to preview TIFF 2026, spotlight a long-awaited new release, share a documentary recommendation, and round up classic movies returning to Victoria screens.