The Okotoks Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Carlin Lutzer sits down with Colin Langenberger—who recently surprised many by shifting his campaign from town councillor to mayoral candidate.  Colin shares the reasons behind his last-minute decision, offering a refreshingly grounded perspective on community, growth, and governance.  From his personal journey across provinces to his deep roots in Okotoks since 2013, Colin unpack...

Send us Fan Mail Can the Alberta Prosperity Project actually lead Alberta to independence? Carlin Lutzer sits down with Tanya Clemens of the Alberta Prosperity Project to explore the growing momentum behind Alberta’s sovereignty movement.  A farmer, educator, and former political candidate, Tanya brings a unique blend of practicality and passion to the discussion.  She unpacks the history behind A...

Send us Fan Mail Okotoks may be growing, but so is the hidden demand for food support. Carlin Lutzer sits down with Bente Yanota, the powerhouse behind the Okotoks Food Bank, to uncover the real story behind food insecurity in a town many assume doesn’t struggle.  From the misconceptions about who uses food banks to the immense reliance on volunteers and seasonal giving, Bente shares eye-opening i...

Send us Fan Mail Is Canada Stuck—or Just Spinning Its Wheels?  Carlin Lutzer sits down with longtime journalist-turned-MP John Barlow to unpack the political mood gripping the West.  From frustrations over federal inaction and Western alienation to concerns about immigration, agriculture, and the decline of accountability in Canadian politics, this candid conversation doesn’t hold back.  Barlow of...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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, stude...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 exp...

Send us Fan Mail 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 bot...

Send us Fan Mail 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 ri...

Send us Fan Mail 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. ...

Send us Fan Mail 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 sha...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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.  Wit...

Send us Fan Mail Looking for help but don’t know where to start?  Carlin sits down with Sherri Mullen of the Okotoks Family Resource Centre, a powerhouse that's been supporting the community for over two decades.  Sherri shares the ins and outs of how her team answers hundreds of calls, coordinates essential services, and keeps residents connected—from volunteer rides to medical appointments...

Send us Fan Mail What would make someone take in 25 dogs, work for free, and keep going after being bitten 58 times?  Carlin Lutzer sits down with Sam Burnett, co-owner of Moe Dog Rescue Mission, to explore the gritty realities behind dog rescuing.  From its origins in Cuba to tackling Alberta’s shady breeding practices, Sam shares raw stories, hard-earned wisdom, and a deep belief that there&apos...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when long-time landowners become the face of change in a tight-knit rural community?   In this follow-up episode of the Okotoks Podcast, Carlin sits down with Adrian Munro, president of Highfield Investment Group, and Dennis Inglis, his consultant and longtime friend, to hear the developer's perspective on the proposed Highfield and Rowland Acres developments.  T...

Send us Fan Mail What do dog poop, traffic jams, and election ballots have in common? They’re all shaping life in Okotoks!  Carlin Lutzer chats with Town Councillor Rachel Swendseid about the real-world issues facing local residents—from the surprising environmental restrictions on the beloved 17-acre dog park to the noise complaints and bottlenecks plaguing 32nd Street.  Rachel shares thoughtful...

Send us Fan Mail Is a "green energy" project about to stink up an entire community?  In this gripping episode of the Okotoks Podcast , host Carlin Lutzer sits down with Foothills County resident Benita Estes, who lives a mere 200 metres from the proposed Rimrock biodigester project.  With 4,600 complaints already filed over existing feedlot odors, the community is rallying against what m...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a city-sized development is approved just outside your town—without your input?  Carlin Lutzer sits down with Paul Howarth, a passionate Foothills County resident, to discuss the controversial Highfield & Rowland Acres Area Structure Plans.  Together, they explore how the proposed 16,000-resident development threatens to reshape Okotoks and the surrounding Fo...

Send us Fan Mail What do scorpions, French horns, and world politics have in common?  Carlin Lutzer welcomes Nolan Asplund, a 16-year-old Okotoks phenom whose ambition is as diverse as his reptile collection.  Nolan shares how he founded Funky Fresh Reptiles, performs in the Calgary Youth Orchestra, and is preparing to speak with political leaders about reducing polarization and amplifying youth v...

Send us Fan Mail Is it even a Dawgs game if you don’t hear “Ice cold beer here!” echo through the stands?   Carlin Lutzer chats with one of the most iconic and beloved figures at Seaman Stadium—Kevin Morrison, a veteran hawker with a booming voice, quick wit, and undeniable presence.  Known affectionately as “the beer guy,” Kevin shares how he’s elevated the art of vending into an essential part o...

Send us Fan Mail What if your healthcare was powered by neighbours, volunteers, and a whole lot of heart? In this episode of the Okotoks Podcast , Carlin Lutzer sits down with Andrea Mitchell, the passionate Executive Director of the Sheep River Health Trust, to explore how this remarkable nonprofit keeps care local and community-focused. From equipping urgent care and supporting Rising Sun Long-T...

Send us Fan Mail What’s the Dawgs’ secret to building a championship team and a championship town? Carlin Lutzer sits down with Tyler Hollick, General Manager of the Okotoks Dawgs and a true pillar of the community.  From his first days as a 14-year-old recruit to becoming a national college player of the year and a pro scout for the Brewers, Tyler's journey is a masterclass in passion, purpo...

Send us Fan Mail Is small-town charm slipping away as Okotoks grows?   Mayor Tanya Thorn joins host Carlin Lutzer for an insightful and refreshingly real conversation about community, growth, and leadership in the town of Okotoks.   In this debut episode, Mayor Thorn shares her journey from political junkie to municipal leader, dives into the challenges of balancing expansion with small-town ident...