Calgary In Depth

Melanie Seneviratne, who was born and raised in Calgary, shares her favourite places in the city and surrounding areas. She also offers networking tips for those new to the city, or for anyone wanting to make more personal and professional connections. Melanie specializes in helping solo lawyers and other professionals improve their efficiency and win back their time. Your Fractional COO: https://...

Career coach Agnes Lo discusses how she makes connections in Calgary, including her enthusiastic involvement with Toastmasters International. Agnes works with MCG Careers, Rapid Employment Services (RES) Programwww.mcgcareers.com/about-us/ You can connect with her on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/agneslocanada Learn more about Toastmasters at www.toastmasters.org

Blackfoot author and artist Jared Tailfeathers shares what it was like growing up in Calgary, where he was typically the only Aboriginal student in his classes. He also discusses the multilayered perspective he has developed on the geography and history of Alberta. Jared's website: https://www.tailfeathersart.com/ The Art of Making: Rediscovering the Blackfoot Legacy: https://mybook.to/Y9LFeAF...

Mark MacDonald is a proud east-coaster who moved to Calgary ten years ago for an articling position at a personal injury law firm. Mark shares what he and his family love about Alberta, as well as some of the things he misses about the east coast. As a lawyer dealing with motor vehicle accident claims, he also offers some helpful tips for drivers who are new to Calgary's driving conditions. Ma...

When Shwetha Yermal moved with her family from California to Calgary in 2022, a major factor was the excellent care the Alberta Children's Hospital could provide for their son, who had multiple health issues. Since then, the family has been discovering all that the city and province have to offer, while also noting many differences from both California and her birth country of India. Interview...

Patricia Salo is a retired hospital and university administrator in Calgary who felt compelled by the current state of politics to write this speech urging Canadians to stand up for their country and its values. This is a supplement to Episode 20 of this podcast.

Patricia Salo has always worked hard, whether as an administrator at a Montreal hospital, in a university medical faculty, in the oil industry, or as the mother of three children. She describes her move from Montreal to Calgary in the 1970s and how the city has evolved in the years since. She also shares what led to the creation of a powerful speech she recently wrote decrying the current state of...

Amin Badani, an immigrant from Mumbai, India, is the owner and manager of Calgary Souvenirs & Gift Shop on Stephen Avenue Mall. He talks about the challenges and rewards of his early years in Canada—from arriving during COVID to adjusting to Calgary’s culture and climate. Amin reflects on the comfort of having more personal space than he was used to in Mumbai, and shares his favourite local re...

Jocelyn Hastie left the hustle and bustle of a corporate job in downtown Calgary for a slower pace in the beautiful ranchlands south of the city. Her love of horses led to a lifestyle that keeps her grounded and fulfilled – a lifestyle she shares with others with her ranch retreats. Jocelyn's ranch retreats: https://thecowgirlscode.com/ Jocelyn's coaching and public speaking: https://jocel...

Author and retired geologist Peter J. Meehan shares how his many international travels have shaped his own sense of identity and his views of Calgary and Canada. Return to Pamplona: https://mybook.to/6fvBM   That Weekend in Albania: https://a.co/d/1W8eQNT Interviewer: Dan Kostka Interview date: March 15, 2025

Jebb Fink is a local legend – standup comedian, emcee, longtime reporter and TV host, entrepreneur. In this wide-ranging conversation at 'Jebb's Joint' in Crossroads Market, Jebb discusses some of his on-the-road adventures as a comedian, some of his favourite activities in the Calgary area, and why the city has been a good fit for him. Follow Jebb on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com...

Paul Dixon shares what it's been like living in Canmore, an hour's drive west of Calgary, since 1999. He shares the big differences from his previous home of Toronto, his family's favourite activities when his kids were growing up, and how the mountain community has evolved over the years.

Eunice Abiona, a project management professional originally from Lagos, Nigeria, shares the story of her and her husband's journey to build a new life in Calgary, Alberta. Interview date: March 6, 2025

Dan chats with cartoonist, illustrator, and musician Verne Luchinski. They discuss Verne's recent book projects, what it was like raising four kids in Calgary, and how it feels to be a creative type in an oil town. Wyde Earp: Stop Thief! https://mybook.to/LnTAz   Welcome to Alberta Activity Book https://mybook.to/Nd0TKSL   Interview date: Feb. 27, 2025

Dan interviews standup comic Adam Tiller who will be headlining at the Comedy Cave in Calgary from January 6th to 11th, 2024.  This will be Adam's second visit to Calgary. In this interview, Adam shares his first impressions of Calgary and what other comics told him about the city before arriving. He also shares insights into his process of creating comedy material and how the quirks of a comm...

Leena Mary Alex offers tips for job interview success for newcomers and all Canadians. An immigrant herself, she also discusses her experiences adjusting to Canada and her favourite places in Alberta to take family and friends. Leena is the author of Overcome Your Interview Anxieties: Practical Tips to Reduce Interview Jitters. Interview date: April 29, 2024

When Ukrainian refugees Olena and Mike Datso came to Canada in March of 2023, it was to provide their children with a safe and stable future. In this personal and inspiring discussion, Olena and Mike discuss their first six months in Calgary -- the challenges they've overcome, the surprising differences between Ukraine and Canada, and what they love about their new home. Interview date: Sept....

In January of 2018, Sue Glanville and her husband Pete received the shocking news that their two-year-old son Eddie had a cancerous brain tumour. In this deeply personal and heartfelt conversation, Sue discusses her family's journey over the past five years. It's a truly inspiring story of great courage, faith, and love. Interview date: Nov. 30, 2022

Marilyn Dyck has spent many years building stronger communities and helping young people. She is the co-founder and former director of The Doorway, which helps homeless youth in Calgary. In this deeply thoughtful and surprising conversation with freelance journalist Dan Kostka, Marilyn discusses how the concept of belonging is essential if we're to build stronger communities, especially for ou...

Freelance journalist Dan Kostka speaks with Kathleen Phelan, a veteran performer at the Loose Moose Theatre in Calgary, Alberta, about the performances and courses they offer. Dan and Kat explore what improvisational theatre can offer individuals and communities in terms of connection, creativity, confidence, and fun. Interview date: Nov. 29, 2022

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of Ukrainian women and children immediately fled to neighbouring countries. Many people in those countries leapt into action to assist the refugees, including Dan Kostka, who was visiting family in Slovakia at the time. Community organizer Ryan McAuley interviews Dan about what prompted him to make multiple trips to the Ukrainian border to as...

A fascinating and wide-ranging discussion with Sensei John Hanratty, 8th Dan, founder of the Canadian Shotokan Karate Association and head instructor at the Shi-Ku-Kai dojo in Calgary, Alberta. Sensei Hanratty discusses his experiences teaching karate around the world, the philosophy behind karate training, what it means to develop one's personal potential, and much more. Interview date: Nov....

Freelance journalist Dan Kostka speaks with Yusuke Hyogo, an immigration consultant in Calgary, about his decision to emigrate from Japan to Canada. They discuss the role that Yusuke's love of the mountains played in that decision and how his own immigration experiences inspired him to assist others hoping to make Canada their home. Interview date: Nov. 9, 2022

Dan interviews his four-year-old son Sammy and learns how Calgary can be better for kids, how parents can be better parents, and what a monkey says when it steps on a hot sidewalk. Interview date: Oct. 27, 2022

A fun and lighthearted discussion of the stereotypes, and the highlights, of living in Calgary. Freelance journalist Dan Kostka shares some memories and laughs with his good friend Joseph Garzon. Joe is currently in Regina, where he grew up, but he spent a number of years in Calgary. The time away has given him a fresh perspective on the city's strengths, as well as some of its weaknesses. Int...