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What do water pipelines, fire halls, and housing affordability have in common? They’re all on Mayor Tanya Thorn’s re-election checklist.

Carlin Lutzer sits down with Mayor Tanya Thorn for a candid and comprehensive conversation as she officially announces her run for re-election. 

With transparency, Thorn outlines her vision for Okotoks, reflecting on accomplishments like securing a long-awaited water pipeline deal and tackling under-resourced emergency services. 

The duo dives deep into hot topics—rising taxes, community safety, and housing affordability—while emphasizing the value of community connection and civic engagement. 

From budget breakdowns to behind-the-scenes firefighting strategy, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who calls Okotoks home or cares about how local governance really works.

Listen for:

1:17 "I'm Running Again": Mayor Tanya Makes It Official

3:27 The Water Pipeline That Changed Everything

7:15 "Why Are Taxes Going Up?" Explained

24:48 What 10 Cents of Every Dollar Really Gets You

38:29 Lock It or Lose It: Community Safety Starts with You

Connect with Guest: Mayor Tanya Thorn

Facebook | Instagram | X | LinkedIn | Email | Website| Link to Vote

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Is Alberta’s education system on the brink? 

Carlin Lutzer sits down with David Tait, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association Foothills Local 16, to break down the simmering crisis in Alberta’s schools. 

With teacher contracts still unresolved and potential job action looming, they dig into why educators are speaking out—not just for pay, but for classroom conditions, student safety, and sustainable teaching environments. 

From overcrowded classrooms and rising student aggression to underfunded schools and a curriculum lacking resources, David reveals the deep-rooted challenges that are pushing passionate educators to the brink. 

This candid conversation unpacks what’s really at stake for students, families, and the future of Alberta’s public education.

Listen For

0:57 – Contract Deadline Looms

6:10 – Why Teachers Are Fed Up

9:42 – The Teacher Exodus

14:59 – Back-to-School Uncertainty

24:37 – Not Just About Money

Connect with guest: Tina Chow

LinkedIn| Stop The Excuses| Alberta Teachers’ Association Foothills Local 16

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Is Costco your happy place too? 

Carlin Lutzer welcomes Tina Chow, affectionately dubbed the Costco Queen, to talk all things Costco. 

From humble beginnings during COVID to building a thriving community of Costco super fans in the “YYC Costco Lovers” group, Tina shares her love for the warehouse giant with infectious enthusiasm. 

The two dive into the culture, quirks, and insider tips that make Costco more than just a store, it’s practically a lifestyle. 

You’ll laugh at the idea of Singles Tuesday, nod in agreement at bulk toilet paper strategies, and maybe even feel compelled to wander your local Costco in search of the next hidden gem.

Listen For

4:19 How a Facebook Group Turned Into a Costco Community

12:26 Why the Honolulu Costco Is the Busiest in the World

24:13 Costco’s Switch from Pepsi to Coke Explained

38:07 Why Costco Puts Out Christmas Trees in August

44:48 How Canadian Brands Make It Onto Costco Shelves

Connect with guest: Tina Chow

TikTok | Website | Facebook | Instagram| YouTube| LinkedIn| X| Email

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What happens when community voices refuse to be silenced? 

Carlin Lutzer welcomes back Benita Estes and Paul Howarth to tackle the controversial Foothills County Biodigester Project, political accountability, and the fight for transparency in local government. 

Benita reveals her decision to run for council after years of frustrating dealings with council decisions, while Paul exposes concerns over questionable development approvals, infrastructure issues, and safety risks. 

Together, they dig into what happens when residents push back, demand answers, and call for meaningful civic engagement. 

This is a passionate, eye-opening look at how local politics impacts daily life—and why your voice matters. 

Listen For

2:10  Benita Announces Her Run for Council

14:18 Why Benita Says It’s About More Than the Biodigester

23:03  Where the Biodigester Should Be Built (and Why It’s Not)

39:38  Egos, Power, and Council Culture Exposed

1:01:23  Is the County Overseeing Projects—or Promoting Them?

Guest Benita Estes

Stop that Smell website

Facebook Group 

Foothills County link to project

Paul Howarth

Stop Bad Foothills

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What if the end of life could feel like coming home? 

Carlin Lutzer sits down with Robyn Alford from the Foothills Country Hospice to explore how a place devoted to life’s final chapter can be filled with peace, dignity, and even joy.  

From the serene rural setting to the compassionate staff and volunteers, Robyn shares the hospice’s grassroots origins, its role in supporting both patients and families, and the vital role community fundraising plays in keeping its doors open.  

This conversation offers a touching reminder of how compassion, care, and community spirit can transform a difficult journey into one filled with grace and meaning.

Listen For

2:33 A First Visit: Peace from the Driveway On

4:32 How Volunteers Built Foothills Country Hospice

7:49 Restoring Roles: From Caregiver to Loved One

12:11 The $1.75M Question: Funding Hospice Care

22:11 Doubling Capacity: Expansion to 16 Beds

Connect with guest: Robyn Alford

LinkedIn | Website

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What 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 behind Alberta’s rising separatist sentiment, drawing comparisons to Quebec, challenging simplistic solutions, and advocating for creative thinking and respectful dialogue. 

Is Alberta destined to go it alone? Or are we just blowing off steam?

Listen For

6:50 Alberta Separation: Not So Simple
8:19 Treaties, Land, and Legal Complexity
11:20 What If Alberta Just Walked Away?
22:48 Why Separation Sentiment Is Growing
32:11 The Power of Civil Disagreement

Connect with guest: Dick Nichols

Western Wheel | Alberta Separation Would be Complex and Risky Article

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What 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 For

14:51 Big Break: From Radio Contest to Record Deal

18:05 Touring Tales: The Reality Behind the Rockstar Life

29:17 Reinventing as a Playwright: The Leap into Musical Theatre

38:12 Juggling Five Kids, Two Dogs, and Five Musicals

44:18 Okotoks’ Lost Theater: A Community Setback

55:57 Advice to a Hypothetical 15-Year-Old Star

Connect with guest: Maren Ord

Instagram | Website | Feather Pen Theatre

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What 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 celebration of movement, community spirit, and what 30 years in Okotoks has taught Sharon about belonging.

Listen For

3:32 The Sheep River Park Run: rain, snow, or shine

5:10 How Park Run grew from England to Okotoks

7:39 Bring your dog! The family and pet-friendly vibe

11:27 Park Run tourists from around the world

12:41 Why walkers are welcome: no last place at Park Run

14:56 Sharon’s favorite family-friendly hiking spots

Connect with guest: Sharon Doran

LinkedIn

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What 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 its friendly, charming identity while growing into a modern town.

Listen For

3:55 Who’s Who in Enforcement: Peace Officers vs. Bylaw Officers

10:35 The Tiered Response: Managing Massive Community Events

13:23 Complaint-Based System: How it Works and Why It Exists

20:10 Privacy Myths Busted: What Happens When You Call Bylaw

38:06 Positive Ticketing: Catching Good Behavior in the Act

44:29 Small Acts, Big Impact: Everyday Heroes in the Community

Connect with guest: Vikram Kulkarni

LinkedIn

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What 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.

Listen For

00:42 Introducing a Tough but Crucial Conversation

03:49 AI-Generated Deepfakes Targeting Kids

07:29 How Sextortion Really Works

10:53 The Devastating Consequences: From Bank Accounts to Suicides

19:30 The Danger of Online Child Luring

25:11 What Can Parents Do Today?

Connect with guest: Constable Heather Bangle

Alert Alberta / ICE Unit | Canadian Centre for Child Protection 

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