Shows
The Okotoks PodcastA Sovereign Alberta? Let’s Talk About thatSend us a textWhat does it really take for a province to break up with a country? Carlin Lutzer sits down with longtime Okotoks resident and Western Wheel columnist Dick Nichols to unpack the hot-button issue of Alberta separation. What starts as a nostalgic chat about community life quickly dives into the tangled web of constitutional law, Indigenous treaties, federal relations, economic risks, and political posturing around sovereignty and separation. With clarity and historical depth, Dick offers a non-partisan exploration of the real implications beh...2025-07-2934 minThe Okotoks PodcastThe Pop Star Next Door: Maren OrdSend us a textWhat do you get when you mix ten siblings, a Juno-nominated pop star, and a passion for musical theatre? Pure magic. Carlin Lutzer sits down with singer-songwriter and theater creator Maren Ord to unpack her remarkable journey — from busking at malls with her family to signing record deals, touring internationally, and eventually reinventing herself as a playwright and composer. Maren shares the joys and struggles of balancing art and motherhood, the heartbreak of local arts funding setbacks, and the enduring power of creative community. Listen...2025-07-221h 02The Okotoks PodcastOkotoks in Motion: Sheep River parkrunSend us a textWhat makes a town feel like home? Carlin Lutzer chats with longtime resident and community builder Sharon Doran, the passionate event director behind the Sheep River Park Run. Together, they explore how a simple, free weekly 5K run has become a heartbeat of local connection—bringing together runners, walkers, kids, and even dogs every Saturday morning, rain or shine. Sharon shares how Park Run’s global mission found roots in Okotoks, the magic of volunteering, and tips for family-friendly hiking in the area. It’s an inspiring celebrati...2025-07-1527 minThe Okotoks PodcastWhat Do By-Law Officers REALLY DoSend us a textWhat really happens when you call bylaw? Carlin Lutzer sits down with Vikram Kulkarni, the Municipal Enforcement Manager for the Town of Okotoks, to unpack what municipal enforcement really is—and what it isn’t. Together they demystify the roles of peace officers vs. bylaw officers, explain how a complaint-based system works, and delve into the delicate balance between community safety and personal freedom. From poop scofflaws to e-scooter etiquette, rain emergencies to parade patrols, this conversation is full of insights for anyone curious about how Okotoks keeps i...2025-07-0850 minThe Okotoks PodcastProtecting Your CHILD from Online PREDATORSSend us a textWhat if your child could be targeted online without you knowing?Carlin Lutzer sits down with Corporal Heather Bengle from Alberta’s ALERT ICE Unit to tackle the dark realities of online child exploitation. From sextortion scams to AI-generated deepfakes, the conversation unveils how predators are evolving faster than ever, and what parents must know to keep their kids safe. With real-life cases, disturbing trends, and essential safety advice, this episode isn’t just an interview—it’s a wake-up call every parent needs to hear.2025-07-0134 minThe Okotoks PodcastHow Okotoks CONNECTS Its CommunitySend us a textLooking for help but don’t know where to start? Carlin sits down with Sherri Mullen of the Okotoks Family Resource Centre, a powerhouse that's been supporting the community for over two decades. Sherri shares the ins and outs of how her team answers hundreds of calls, coordinates essential services, and keeps residents connected—from volunteer rides to medical appointments to free tax filing for low-income families. This conversation reveals the invisible backbone of Okotoks' social support system and reminds us all that asking for help is a sign...2025-06-2419 minThe Okotoks PodcastMoe Dog Rescue MissionSend us a textWhat would make someone take in 25 dogs, work for free, and keep going after being bitten 58 times? Carlin Lutzer sits down with Sam Burnett, co-owner of Moe Dog Rescue Mission, to explore the gritty realities behind dog rescuing. From its origins in Cuba to tackling Alberta’s shady breeding practices, Sam shares raw stories, hard-earned wisdom, and a deep belief that there's no such thing as a bad dog — just bad circumstances. Whether you're a dog owner, animal advocate, or someone curious about what really goes into saving...2025-06-1751 minThe Okotoks PodcastHighfield Investment GroupSend us a textWhat happens when long-time landowners become the face of change in a tight-knit rural community? In this follow-up episode of the Okotoks Podcast, Carlin sits down with Adrian Munro, president of Highfield Investment Group, and Dennis Inglis, his consultant and longtime friend, to hear the developer's perspective on the proposed Highfield and Rowland Acres developments. They unpack the history of the land, their motivations, the misunderstood density numbers, and their ongoing efforts to engage with neighbors in Raven Crest and Silver Tip. With emotions running high and mis...2025-06-1244 minThe Okotoks PodcastDog Park, Construction, Speeding, & the OilersSend us a textWhat do dog poop, traffic jams, and election ballots have in common? They’re all shaping life in Okotoks! Carlin Lutzer chats with Town Councillor Rachel Swendseid about the real-world issues facing local residents—from the surprising environmental restrictions on the beloved 17-acre dog park to the noise complaints and bottlenecks plaguing 32nd Street. Rachel shares thoughtful insights on why a riverfront dog park isn’t in the cards, how reporting speeders really does help, and what it’s like to run (or not run) for council. They share...2025-06-1028 minThe Okotoks PodcastThe Rimrock Biodigester ProjectSend us a textIs a "green energy" project about to stink up an entire community? In this gripping episode of the Okotoks Podcast, host Carlin Lutzer sits down with Foothills County resident Benita Estes, who lives a mere 200 metres from the proposed Rimrock biodigester project. With 4,600 complaints already filed over existing feedlot odors, the community is rallying against what many fear could be an environmental and quality-of-life disaster. Benita breaks down the origins of the project, the questionable consultation process, and the staggering scope of this industrial-scale biodigester—slated to be am...2025-06-0253 minThe Okotoks PodcastThe Fight Over OUR Future: STOP Bad Foothills DevelopmentSend us a textWhat happens when a city-sized development is approved just outside your town—without your input? Carlin Lutzer sits down with Paul Howarth, a passionate Foothills County resident, to discuss the controversial Highfield & Rowland Acres Area Structure Plans. Together, they explore how the proposed 16,000-resident development threatens to reshape Okotoks and the surrounding Foothills region—potentially overwhelming local healthcare, emergency services, infrastructure, and public process. From allegations of poor consultation and procedural irregularities to the political and fiscal motivations behind the project, this episode is a wake-up call for eve...2025-05-2735 minThe Okotoks PodcastTeen Reptile Whisperer Takes on WORLD LEADERSSend us a textWhat do scorpions, French horns, and world politics have in common? Carlin Lutzer welcomes Nolan Asplund, a 16-year-old Okotoks phenom whose ambition is as diverse as his reptile collection. Nolan shares how he founded Funky Fresh Reptiles, performs in the Calgary Youth Orchestra, and is preparing to speak with political leaders about reducing polarization and amplifying youth voices. From explaining venomous versus poisonous species to advocating for more collaborative political systems, Nolan blends scientific insight with civic passion. This isn't just a conversation—it's a glimps...2025-05-2032 minThe Okotoks PodcastMeet the BEER GUY: Dawgs Hawker Kevin MorrisonSend us a textIs it even a Dawgs game if you don’t hear “Ice cold beer here!” echo through the stands? Carlin Lutzer chats with one of the most iconic and beloved figures at Seaman Stadium—Kevin Morrison, a veteran hawker with a booming voice, quick wit, and undeniable presence. Known affectionately as “the beer guy,” Kevin shares how he’s elevated the art of vending into an essential part of the Dawgs’ atmosphere, recounts his decades-long journey slinging snacks and drinks across Western Canada, and reflects on why baseball is uniquely suited fo...2025-05-1324 minThe Okotoks PodcastKeeping Care Close: The Mission of Sheep River Health TrustSend us a textWhat if your healthcare was powered by neighbours, volunteers, and a whole lot of heart?In this episode of the Okotoks Podcast, Carlin Lutzer sits down with Andrea Mitchell, the passionate Executive Director of the Sheep River Health Trust, to explore how this remarkable nonprofit keeps care local and community-focused.From equipping urgent care and supporting Rising Sun Long-Term Care, to beloved fundraisers like the Radiothon and Photos with Santa, Andrea shares inspiring stories of connection, compassion, and impact.They discuss how healthcare extends beyond clinics — into pr...2025-05-0628 minThe Okotoks PodcastTyler Hollick – Life as a Top Dawg in OkotoksSend us a textWhat’s the Dawgs’ secret to building a championship team and a championship town?Carlin Lutzer sits down with Tyler Hollick, General Manager of the Okotoks Dawgs and a true pillar of the community. From his first days as a 14-year-old recruit to becoming a national college player of the year and a pro scout for the Brewers, Tyler's journey is a masterclass in passion, purpose, and perseverance. They dive into the Dawgs’ deep roots in Okotoks, the family-first atmosphere at Seaman Stadium, and how the team continue...2025-04-2234 minThe Okotoks PodcastBalancing Change and Community with Okotoks Mayor Tanya ThornSend us a textIs small-town charm slipping away as Okotoks grows? Mayor Tanya Thorn joins host Carlin Lutzer for an insightful and refreshingly real conversation about community, growth, and leadership in the town of Okotoks. In this debut episode, Mayor Thorn shares her journey from political junkie to municipal leader, dives into the challenges of balancing expansion with small-town identity and explains why collaboration beats partisanship. They tackle hot-button topics like social media dialogue, water limitations, community engagement, garbage pickup changes, and how everyone can play a part in preserving the...2025-04-1243 min
The Safety Moment by Utility Safety PartnersWorking Alone: Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Personal SafetySend us a textHave you ever considered the risks of working alone in remote areas? In this episode, Mike interviews Carlin Lutzer, a land agent and realtor, about the unique safety challenges faced by those who frequently work alone. Carlin shares personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the importance of preparation, regular check-ins, and leveraging modern technology to stay safe. The conversation touches on the evolving nature of work in the energy and real estate sectors, the impact of social media on public perception, and the critical need for self-sufficiency and vig...2024-07-3140 min
Toronto Real Estate Investing with NicoleGroundhog Day for Buyers: The Endless Real Estate CycleSend us a textToronto has cooled – but Calgary's real estate market is on fire! In this episode, Nicole explores Cow Town’s booming market with Carlin Lutzer, a top real estate agent from CIR Realty. Together, they discuss the driving factors behind the frenzy, the impact on buyers and sellers, and strategies for navigating this competitive landscape. Are they different from ones we’ve seen in Toronto?Carlin also touches on Calgary's economic diversification and future market predictions, offering valuable perspectives for anyone considering a move or investment in the area.2024-05-2746 min