In this deeply personal and insightful episode, host Corey Sadlemyer sits down with Luke to explore how his sense of identity has been shaped by place, people, and pivotal moments. Luke reflects on growing up in Medicine Hat, leaving for opportunities elsewhere, and eventually returning with fresh perspective. The conversation touches on the complexities of hometown nostalgia, the push-pull dynamic between staying and leaving, and the profound role that mentors, educators, and the wider community play in shaping one’s sense of self. Luke shares vulnerable moments about navigating adulthood, rekindling connections, and how finding belonging isn’t always about geography, but about the relationships and memories that anchor us. This episode offers listeners a heartfelt lens into what it means to come home, redefine success, and find your footing as both the same and a new person.
00:00:00:18 – 00:03:58:16 — Introduction: Framing Place and Identity.
00:03:58:16 – 00:09:36:09 — Luke’s Early Career and The Decision to Leave Luke reflects on his early work experiences and why he felt a need to move away. He discusses leaving Medicine Hat for new opportunities and how career aspirations pushed him outward.
00:09:36:11 – 00:10:47:01 — The Tension of Leaving and Growing Luke shares how difficult it can be to leave behind comfort and familiarity. He talks about the uncertainty and growth that happens when you step away from home.
00:10:47:04 – 00:13:54:09 — Missing Connection and the Pull of Home Luke explains how leaving made him appreciate his hometown more. He discusses feelings of disconnection in larger cities and how that sparked a deeper connection to Medicine Hat.
00:13:54:11 – 00:15:09:02 — Exploring Belonging and Identity The conversation shifts to how identity changes when you move. Luke reflects on balancing new experiences with hometown roots.
00:15:09:04 – 00:22:18:13 — Coming Back: Transition and Rebuilding Community Luke describes his return to Medicine Hat. It wasn’t seamless — reconnecting with the community and re-establishing old relationships took time and patience.
00:22:18:14 – 00:30:38:17 — Rediscovering Familiar Places Through New Eyes Luke shares how coming back made him see the city differently. He discusses how perspectives shift as you grow and mature and how he has found deeper appreciation for community life.
00:30:38:18 – 00:38:14:20 — Deep Connections: Mentors, Coaches and Community Builders Luke reflects on the lasting impact of mentors, teachers, and coaches who shaped him growing up. He credits them for instilling values and influencing his return.
00:38:14:21 – 00:45:26:14 — Reconciling Personal Growth with Familiar Surroundings As an adult, Luke describes the challenges of re-entering the same community while having grown in different ways. He explores how he adapted and built new relationships.
00:45:26:15 – 00:54:07:03 — Changing Definitions of Success and Contentment Luke discusses how his definition of success has evolved. He emphasizes quality of life, relationships, and connection over ambition and material goals.
00:54:07:05 – 01:02:50:02 — Advice to Young People: Embrace Both Leaving and Returning Offering words of wisdom, Luke encourages younger listeners to experience life elsewhere, but also to value the option of coming home. Both pathways have lessons to offer.
01:02:50:03 – 01:11:43:06 — Building a Future in Medicine Hat: Staying by Choice, Not Default Luke talks about making a conscious decision to stay in Medicine Hat this time around. He explores how staying doesn’t have to mean settling and how home can still push you forward.
01:11:43:07 – 01:20:00:00 — Closing Reflections