Most politicians learn how cities work after they're elected. Kristen Shima spent a decade building them from the inside. With a Master's degree in sustainable community development and a resume that includes securing over $225M in investment, Airdrie's newest Councillor isn't just here to govern—she's here to architect. This is a masterclass in "wicked messy problems," the economic power of culture, and why the future of any city lies in its "people power."

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Most people think farming requires hundreds of acres and massive tractors. David Barchard proves you can feed a community with just a few hundred square feet and a lot of heart. After 15 years in the restaurant industry witnessing a broken supply chain, David and his wife Kirstin founded Micro Acres to bring food security back home. This is a story about pivoting when revenue drops 90% overnight, the "One Green Away" philosophy that drives their philanthropy, and why true abundance means teaching others to grow their own food.

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Most musicians think they have to choose: the stability of a "real job" or the freedom of the stage. Corbie Dorner chose both. As a beloved band teacher at Bert Church High School and a dueling pianist at Aussie Rules, Corbie lives at the intersection of education and entertainment. This is a story about the grind of the gig, the resilience required to teach music in a parking lot during COVID, and the one message every young artist needs to hear: "You are enough."

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Most politicians follow a standard path: Law school, business, public office. Chad Stewart took the scenic route. From a 26-year career on a manufacturing floor to becoming a firefighter in his 30s, and now pitching horror novels to Hollywood producers—Chad is proof that you don't need a traditional background to be a leader. You just need the courage to "do stuff."

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You can travel the world looking for your sound, but sometimes you have to come home to find it. Brad and Ryan Fleischer (Flaysher) grew up on 90s rock and construction sites. They went to Toronto to chase the music dream, only to realize their true voice was waiting for them back in Alberta, in the cab of a truck. This is a story about brotherhood, the specific power of country music, and how two musicians turned a personal tragedy into "One More Light"—a movement saving lives in Airdrie.

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Jeremy had friends winning Oscars for Lord of the Rings... and they were miserable. They were just one of a thousand people who "worked on Legolas's cape." That realization sent filmmaker Jeremy Pollock on a different path: a mission to tell his own stories, his own way. This is a masterclass for any creative on choosing authorship over accolades and building a world-class career without asking for anyone's permission.

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Season 2 of Airdrie Inside kicks off with a bang ad we sit down with a true powerhouse: Airdrie's new Mayor, Heather Spearman.

In this exclusive conversation, Chris dives into the questions many of us have been asking since election night. Who is Heather Spearman when the cameras are off? What pulled her toward public service and into the heart of community leadership? And what did the campaign trail really look like?

If the municipal election sparked your curiosity, this episode is for you. It offers a closer look at what Airdronians can expect over the next four years — the vision, the values, and the collaborative spirit guiding Mayor Spearman and her Council as they shape Airdrie’s future together.

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What if your greatest failure was actually your biggest opportunity? Jo-Anne Yau's life was supposed to go one way: become a doctor. When that dream died, she discovered a more powerful path. From a shy kid in Airdrie's only Chinese family to a powerhouse lawyer and mentor, Jo-Anne shares a masterclass in resilience, the power of an outsider's perspective, and the unapologetic truth about why serving yourself is the first step to serving your community.

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The "starving artist" is a story we tell ourselves. The "gatekept industry" is a wall waiting to be torn down. Erin Belley walked away from the toxic, old-school tattoo world only to come back and build a new one from the ground up—one that values integrity, safety, and business savvy. This is a masterclass for any creative entrepreneur on how to turn personal struggle into a thriving, purpose-driven business.

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Some jobs are just jobs. Others become a code for living. After 48 years of service, Airdrie Fire Department's Deputy Chief Garth Rabel shares the profound, simple, and powerful philosophy that has guided his life and shaped a generation of first responders. This is a masterclass in leadership, legacy, and what it truly means to serve your community.

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