Harmonious Gentlemen

Wiebo Ludwig was a fiercely committed anti-oil and gas activist who moved his family to Trickle Creek in northwestern Alberta to live simply and resist what he saw as the destruction of the land. In the 1990s, his confrontation with the oil industry escalated into a series of controversial events that divided Canadians. Was he a defender of the environment or a dangerous extremist? His story force...

The internet has changed the world in so many ways: Politically, socially, and economically. Our lives are very much “online” these days, and there isn’t really anything we can do about it. The internet is extremely powerful, but is it moving civilization forward in a positive way? Is the technology we use every day getting better, providing a more efficient service, or improving our lives? Does t...

We (Graham and Tyler) got together to chat about the ongoing teacher strike in Alberta. The intent of this episode is to shed light on current events from the perspective of local educators, ourselves included, and to provide some context for our non-teacher listeners. The topic hits close to home for us, and challenges our ability to remain harmonious, but we try. Our desire is to be honest, tran...

This episode is about slowing down, reflecting on the past, and looking to the future. We’re on the edge of a new Harmonious season, and, before we dive in, we feel like we need to figure a few things out. Why are we doing the things we are doing? What’s the point? Are we living up to our own expectations? We talk about the podcast, of course, but extend the conversation to relationships, careers,...

If you could hang out with anyone for one hour, who would you choose? Is there anyone you would refuse to spend one hour with? What's the most harmonious response to these questions? Thanks to our sponsors: Blindman Brewing ( blindmanbrewing.com ), Cilantro and Chive ( cilantroandchive.ca ), and the King's University in Edmonton ( kingsu.ca ) for being the best. This is a public episode. If you wo...

In this episode, the gents discuss anger. From mild annoyance to volcanic rage, how do we harness the potential of these emotional responses and use them harmoniously. Are we too quick to express our displeasure or do we bottle up our feelings and burn up inside? Is anger something we should avoid or embrace? Let us know what you think about this episode. How angry did it make you? What can we do...

In this episode, the gents discuss Schadenfreude - feeling pleasure as a result of others’ misfortune. They talk about the Coldplay Kiss Cam Incident and dive into the the societal forces that create such a phenomenon. Is it ethical? Is it moral? Is it harmonious to feel joy when others suffer? Oh yeah, Peter is on this episode too! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with...

Every good podcast needs to have a pig episode. Francis the pesky porker caught the attention of Central Albertans when he escaped his intended fate and remained a fugitive for nearly five months. Learn more about this pig, and much more on this unique episode with the gents. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit h...

In this episode, the gents discuss friendship. What does it mean to be a “good” friend? Why does it feel like we don’t have any friends? Are the Harmonious Gentlemen BFF’s? Thanks to our sponsors: Blindman Brewing The King’s University Cilantro and Chive And a special thanks to Phil’s Restaurant in Red Deer for the breakfast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other s...

In this episode, the gents discuss what it means to be proud of your country, province or city. Is it “good” to be patriotic? Or is it Harmonious to be less so? Considering world events and current political tensions, there’s lots to talk about. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com

In this episode, the gentlemen roll up their sleeves—literally—to donate blood and reflect on the life-saving impact of this simple act. Along the way, they explore the fascinating and sometimes unsettling history of blood donation, from ancient superstitions to modern science. Why do we give? Who benefits? And what does it say about our collective responsibility to one another? This is a public e...

In this episode, the gentlemen tackle a word that often sparks discomfort and debate: privilege. What exactly is it, and how does it differ from power? Is privilege inherently unjust, or can it be used for good? Through honest reflection and respectful dialogue, we explore the many forms of privilege—racial, economic, social, and beyond—and examine the roles they play in our lives. Can we acknowle...

As Canadians head to the polls, the Harmonious Gentlemen sit down with Natalie Appleyard, Socio-Economic Policy Analyst at Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), to talk about what it means to build a more just society—together. Recorded live at Blindman Brewing, this episode blends honest storytelling, policy insight, and community-minded reflection. What role can ordinary citizens play in shaping a...

Episode 137 of the Harmonious Gentlemen plunges into the fascinating world of health fads and wellness trends—from detox teas and crystal healing to cryotherapy and cold plunges (yes, we tried it!). Why do we buy into miracle cures and lifestyle fixes, even when the science is shaky? The gents examine what makes a health habit smart, when it crosses into fad territory, and how to make informed cho...

What if the world wasn’t built on competition, but on reciprocity? In this episode, the Gentlemen reflect on two powerful books — The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Birding to Change the World by Trish O’Kane — to explore what the natural world can teach us about generosity, attention, and belonging. From berry bushes to bird songs, we ask how small acts of care might offer big lessons fo...

In this episode, we dive deep into the unfolding health care scandal shaking Alberta. From allegations of political interference and questionable contracts to whistleblower revelations and public outcry, we break down the key players, the latest developments, and what this means for the future of health care in the province. Join us as we unpack the details, explore the broader implications, and a...

Dr. Caroline Brookfield joins the Gents for a thought-provoking and fun conversation about how creativity is something inside all of us that can be discovered, trained, and used to make the world a better place for ourselves and those around us. How tolerant of ambiguity are you? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, vis...

The Gents continue their conversation about whether or not a divine force is at work in the universe, and if so, what is this “God” like? Featuring audio from: * Amipotence vs. Omnipotence - Thomas Jay Oord * Father Richard Rohr: "God Loves Things By Becoming Them" * Thomas Merton - Life In His Own Words * Neil deGrasse Tyson: Atheist or Agnostic? | Big Think * Why Atheists and Believers Are Actua...

When it comes to the existence of God, people hold a wide range of perspectives—atheism, agnosticism, deism, theism... In this episode, we explore why these conversations can be difficult and how personal experiences shape our views of the divine. Rather than debating religion or faith, we consider big questions: Does God exist? If so, what kind of God? And how do people claim to experience or und...

In this fascinating episode, the Gentlemen sit down with Tyler Buit to explore the science and stories behind genetically modified organisms (GMOs). From their origins and practical applications to their portrayal in media and marketing, the conversation dives into the facts and myths surrounding this controversial technology. Together, they discuss the ethical implications of GMOs and how they sh...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into modern masculinity and the role models shaping young men today. From figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Jordan Peterson to the broader cultural changes redefining what it means to be a man, we share our personal thoughts, questions, and stories. Are these role models helping or hurting? How are young men navigating the pressures and expectations pla...

In this thought-provoking episode, the Gentlemen tackle the complex and inspiring topic of sacrifice. What does it really mean to give something up for the benefit of others? Chris, Tyler, and Graham share personal stories, unpack the connection between generosity and well-being, and explore the social and cultural roots of selflessness. But is sacrifice always a good thing? They delve into the te...

In this deeply personal and emotional episode, the Harmonious Gentlemen continue their conversation with Peter Rockhold, who shares his personal story of leaving the Christian Reformed Church of North America. Reflecting on his powerful speech delivered at a recent Classis meeting, Peter opens up about the struggles, convictions, and cultural tensions that led to his decision.  The Gentlemen explo...

In this episode of The Harmonious Gentlemen , the Gents are once again joined by their long-time friend and past guest, Peter Rockhold. Peter, formerly a leader in the Christian Reformed Church in Alberta and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, leads a thought-provoking conversation on the current state of culture wars in North America, particularly the church’s role in these divisive times. Peter o...

In this episode, the Gents revisit the topic of phones and their impact on mental health.  Codi Kreil returns, providing insight and expertise to the conversation.  Continuing a previous conversation, this one goes deeper.  Can we trust everything we read about social media and phones?  Is a moral panic what we need to right the ship in a mental health crisis?  How do we manage our collective addi...