Bring Back The Porch

The Food Round-Up is June 6th. It’s a community collection day where neighbours place donated food items on their front steps to help feed local families.  This episode features Melissa Mullis from the Root Cellar Food and Wellness Hub discussing their community initiatives, including the Food Roundup, Amazing Race for Hunger, and summer programs to support local food security. Learn how community...

During the first full week of June, Albertans can show appreciation for Alberta’s seniors and all that they contribute to Alberta. Today on Bring Back The Porch Brian explores the vital services provided by the Veiner Centre. The centre has many ways to help seniors in our community including Meals on Wheels, social programs, and volunteer opportunities. Discover how these initiatives support agin...

Today on Bring Back the Porch you can discover how slowing down can enhance your life. Brian speaks with Carl Honoré, the advocate of the slow movement, and why it matters in today's fast-paced world. Time seems to be accelerating with every tick of the clock, many people are beginning to question the frantic pace of modern life. Why are we in such a rush? From the impact of technology to per...

From awkward T-ball moments to terrifying parenting scares, Lynnette shares the emotional journey of raising a child with ADHD. This episode dives into childhood challenges, water fears, social struggles, and the life-changing moment of finally getting answers. Honest, funny, and deeply relatable—this is a story about parenting, perseverance, and celebrating the small victories.  Key Topics -Child...

🎙️ What does it really take to change a child’s life? In this episode, Ashley Turner from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Medicine Hat shares how mentorship goes far beyond just “hanging out.” From breaking stereotypes to building lifelong relationships, we explore the real impact mentors have on youth in our communities. 💬 “Kids just want someone to show up.” Listen now to discover:  ✅ How mentorin...

In this eye-opening interview, council candidate Kirby Schafer pulls back the curtain on city council dynamics, budget concerns, infrastructure delays, and the growing demand for transparency in local government. 💬 “Trust is a hard thing to regain.”  💬 “We’re spending money on wants, not needs.” From traffic concerns to whistleblower policies and community engagement, this conversation dives int...

Countless individuals in our city experience trauma that leaves them in need of support. One unique approach to providing that support comes in the form of service dogs. Host Brian Konrad speaks with Christina Johnson as they explore the inspiring story of Jackson, a service dog at the Sanare Centre, and the profound impact he has on the lives of children and adults facing difficult situations. Ja...

In this episode, we sit down with Chantal Paterson to discuss the importance of Alzheimer’s awareness and the upcoming IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s in Medicine Hat. The conversation highlights how community events like this help reduce stigma, raise critical funds, and connect families affected by dementia with valuable support resources. Listeners will learn about the growing impact...

Fighting fires means staying ahead of the curve, and it is essential for both safety and effectiveness. Recently, our team at Bring Back to Porch had the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in firefighting techniques with the Medicine Hat Fire Service, specifically focusing on the new Nozzle Forward Training Program. We will break down what this program entails, the differences in equip...

Brian welcomes Cypress County Mayor Dan Hamilton, they discuss regional development, economic initiatives, branding, infrastructure projects, and community engagement, highlighting the county's plans for growth and collaboration. Chapters 00:00 Introduction  03:04 Economic Development Initiatives 05:56 Rebranding Cypress County 08:46 Infrastructure and Recreation Plans 11:49 Community Engagem...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, guests Taneil Zanidean and Michelle Sauve explore how grassroots initiatives are transforming social connection in Medicine Hat. Through the growing movement behind What Matters to Hatters and the storytelling project Humans of Medicine Hat, the conversation highlights the power of empathy, kindness, and belonging in combating loneliness and social isolatio...

In this heartfelt episode, Curt opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of adoption, parenting, and raising a child through unexpected health challenges. From the joy of finally bringing her son home to navigating diagnoses like failure to thrive, he shares the raw, honest moments that shaped their family’s story. Listeners will hear touching memories, difficult lessons, and even a few wild ER...

Bring Back The Porch is happy to welcome Dr. Don Smith, a seasoned chiropractor with over 40 years of experience. Brian and Don discuss the evolution of chiropractic care, its role in sports medicine, and the importance of a collaborative healthcare approach.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction  02:54 Evolution of Chiropractic Practice 05:54 Preventative Care and Mobility 09:12 Chiropractic in Sports Med...

Willy Taillon takes listeners behind the scenes of the 5th Annual Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival, sharing the story of how the festival has grown into a powerful community-centered event. Willie discusses the inspiration behind the festival, the importance of resilience, and how shared experiences can strengthen mental health awareness and community connection. The conversation explores the scie...

For many people, marathon running becomes a must-do at least once in your life. Hatter, Corry Leduc has been charmed by the thrilling challenge of marathon running, thanks to his incredible journey taking on the Boston Marathon as a first-time participant. Today on Bring Back The Porch, Brian speaks with Corry about his exciting story of dog walking, and marathon training to uniquely combine his b...

Think you know the rules of the road? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Curtis Ladouceur from the Medicine Hat Police Service to break down the real story behind motorcycles, e-bikes, mopeds, and off-highway vehicles in Alberta. Whether you're a new rider, a parent, or just curious about the surge in e-bike popularity, this conversation is packed with insights that co...

In this educational interview, Wesley Paterson dives into the core ideas behind his book The Hero’s Rope , unpacking the hidden blind spots that often derail leaders and managers. Through a powerful parable and real-world insights, he explains how “rescue behaviours” can unintentionally weaken teams and limit growth. Wesley emphasizes the importance of self-reflection as a leadership superpower, e...

The month of May is a time for sunshine and good times and Athletic Park will be ready when the Medicine Hat Mavericks have their home opener on May 28th. Bring Back The Porch is happy to welcome Greg Morrison from the Medicine Hat Mavericks. Greg shares insights into baseball team management, league operations, player development, and community engagement. Discover how the Medicine Hat Mavericks...

On this episode we dives into the realities of living with Celiac Disease, emphasizing the critical role of awareness, accurate diagnosis, and strong community support. Featuring insights from advocates and experts, the conversation explores common symptoms, the challenges of diagnosis—including blood tests versus biopsies—and the serious impact even trace amounts of gluten can have. Gain practica...

Bring Back The Porch visits Medicine Hat College for an in-depth discussion with steamfitter and pipefitter instructor Chad Baron and student Logan Demontigny. They explore the trade's scope, skills required, and the importance of skills competitions in professional development. Brian discusses the steamfitting trade with Chad Barron, an instructor and coach in the steamfitter and pipefitter...

This episode dives into the realities of supporting children with special needs within the school system, highlighting the gap between policy and lived experience. Through a parental lens, it explores how inclusion policies can sometimes fall short—especially when support systems, funding, and resources are limited. The conversation also touches on how political messaging around education can deep...

Today on Bring Back The Porch, we take a deep dive into the world of welding and preparing for the Alberta skills competition in Edmonton this May. Welding stands out as a crucial and rewarding career path but how do you navigate the challenges of a welding apprenticeship? Join us as we visit the welding lab at Medicine Hat College to draw insights with seasoned professionals in the field, competi...

In this educational interview, Joe Hutter, Interim City Manager of Medicine Hat, shares insights from his career in public service and his approach to municipal leadership. The conversation explores the city’s strategic priorities, including economic development, infrastructure planning, and enhancing community reputation to attract investment. Hutter emphasizes the importance of a strong, collabo...

Alberta's Construction Training Revolution In today’s job market, many people struggle to find employment, especially in sectors like construction. The challenge often lies in the lack of experience, creating a frustrating catch-22: you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to gain experience. Today on Bring Back The Porch, we’ll explore how Train Alberta is addressing this issue a...

As a firefighter, you might think your job is just about putting out fires, but there's so much more involved. In my conversation with Scott Hanelt, a seasoned firefighter and fire investigator with over 35 years of experience, we explored the multi-faceted role of a fire investigator, the necessary training, and the unique challenges faced in this career.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:20 H...