The Flagstaff County Podcast

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What happens when you sell your home, your vehicles and most of your belongings, buy a one-way ticket and step away from the life you’re “supposed” to live?

For Jillian Amatt and Chris Decap of Artistic Voyages, it became the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

In October 2017, Jill and Chris left Canada with no long-term plan beyond getting out and experiencing the world. More than eight years later, they’ve lived and travelled across multiple continents, painted murals in communities around the globe, exchanged their art for accommodations and food, volunteered, housesat, immersed themselves in different cultures and discovered a very different way of looking at life.

At the end of March 2026, their travels brought them to Daysland, Alberta, where they shared their story at the Daysland Public Library. The following day, Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator and podcast host Cary Castagna sat down with Jill and Chris at the library for a wide-ranging conversation about why they walked away from a conventional lifestyle, how they make life on the road work, the people and places that have changed them, and what years of travelling have taught them about the world and the people in it.

The conversation also turns close to home, exploring how Daysland and the Flagstaff Region compare to the many communities Jill and Chris have experienced around the world.

It’s a conversation about art, travel, risk, purpose, community and what can happen when you decide there might be another way to live.

Learn more about Artistic Voyages and follow Jill and Chris on their travels at artisticvoyages.com.

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In this episode of the Flagstaff County Podcast, host Cary Castagna sits down with Lougheed Agricultural Society president John Snethun to explore the history behind the Lougheed Agricultural Fair.

John shares how the fair has evolved over the decades. He also discusses the volunteers who have kept it going, the role agriculture continues to play and why the event remains an important gathering for Lougheed and the surrounding region.

The 103rd Lougheed Agricultural Fair takes place Saturday, August 8, 2026. Visitors can look forward to a pancake breakfast, parade, livestock shows, family slow pitch, bench exhibits, children’s activities, market vendors, museum activities, a Show ’n Shine, a roast beef supper and much more.

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In this episode of the Flagstaff County Podcast, host Cary Castagna sits down with Chelsea Eshpeter to share the story behind Swinging for the STARS, an annual charity slow-pitch tournament held in Strome in support of STARS Air Ambulance.

Chelsea reflects on how the event began in memory of her father, Grant Eshpeter, who tragically passed away from an esophageal bleed, and how a family's loss grew into a community tradition that continues to bring people together for a life-saving cause.

The conversation explores the importance of STARS to rural Alberta, the incredible volunteer and community support behind the event, and what it means to honour Grant's legacy through a weekend of baseball, fundraising and giving back.

The 2026 tournament raised an incredible $31,028.50 for STARS Air Ambulance, and plans are already underway for next year's event on May 29–30, 2027.

Congratulations to Chelsea Eshpeter, who was recently nominated for a National Philanthropy Day Award in recognition of her dedication and leadership through Swinging for the STARS.

Watch Flagstaff County Podcast episodes:
 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa1ovI8UBoIhZF98RmhZ4-KZKpz2_W5l5

Learn more about Flagstaff County:
 https://www.flagstaff.ca

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In this episode of the Flagstaff County Podcast, host Cary Castagna sits down with Sarah Gibbard to discuss the inaugural Pioneer Day, taking place June 13 at Beacon Farms near Daysland.

Sarah shares the story behind the event, the inspiration for bringing people together through hands-on experiences, and how Pioneer Day aims to celebrate community, family, and the values that helped shape rural life.

From workshops and activities to food, vendors, and an evening concert featuring award-winning country artist Jarrid Lee, Pioneer Day offers an opportunity to rediscover the pioneer spirit while creating new memories with family and friends.

For more information and tickets, visit: 
 www.pioneerday.ca

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From a rural airstrip in Flagstaff County to the cockpit of a commercial airliner, this episode explores what it takes to turn a dream into a career in aviation.

Host Cary Castagna sits down with Aaron Forster, who grew up just outside Sedgewick, Alberta, learned to fly at Flagstaff Regional Airport, and now flies commercially with WestJet.

Aaron reflects on the early spark that drew him to aviation, the realities of flight training, and the path that led him to the flight deck. He also shares what life is like as a commercial pilot and offers advice for anyone considering a similar path.

The conversation also touches on growing up in Flagstaff County, the role of local opportunity, and the mindset required to pursue something bigger.

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Host Cary Castagna, Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator, sits down with Sgt. Andy Wetzstein, Commanding Officer of the Killam RCMP Detachment, to talk about the rollout of body-worn cameras in the region. 

Together, they explore how the program works, when cameras are used, and what the public can expect to see. 

Sgt. Andy also shares insight into digital evidence management, privacy safeguards, and how officers are adapting to this new technology in the field.

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The Battle River Community Foundation has been supporting local charities for the past 30 years. Last year alone, the BRCF granted Flagstaff non-profits more than $100,000. 

Executive Director Bobbi Way shares how her organization is celebrating 30 impactful years, reviving Reading University this year, and continuing to help charities tap into grant opportunities that leave a lasting legacy.

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As part of the upcoming 2025 Flagstaff Fitness Challenge, podcast host Cary Castagna sits down with Shirley Damberger, owner of HOM of Well Being. Their conversation focuses on the role of touch in balanced wellness, and also delves into Shirley's wellness routine.

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 Iranian-born Ala Hakim Oberg shares her inspiring journey from bustling Tehran to the quiet fields of Flagstaff County. Now a practicing lawyer in Forestburg, Ala sits down with host Cary Castagna to talk about the challenges, surprises, and joys of starting over in rural Alberta. From navigating immigration to building a career in law in a small town, this conversation explores resilience, reinvention, and the power of community. 

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Podcast host Cary Castagna visits the Alliance Doll Museum, where hundreds of curious eyes (doll eyes, that is 👁️👁️) look on as he chats with board members Karin McCracken and Dale Lambden.

Tune in as they uncover the fascinating story behind what’s believed to be one of Alberta’s largest doll collections!

Listen now and step into a world where history is told through porcelain faces and tiny outfits.