Send us a text What if the real weight you need to lose is misinformation? Carlin Lutzer sits down with one of Canada’s top personal trainers, Julie Hodge, to tackle one of the most frustrating cycles of all: yo-yo dieting. As January rolls in with resolutions and renewed motivation, this honest and hopeful conversation dives deep into what it actually takes to lose fat and keep it off…for good. Julie shares the science behind sustainable weight loss, the crucial role of lean musc...

Send us a text When the world feels louder, angrier, and more divided than ever, where does real hope come from? Carlin Lutzer sits down with longtime friend Bill McAlpine to explore why so many people are feeling overwhelmed, fearful, and disconnected, and how hope can still be found even in dark seasons. From lighthearted moments about lifelong sports loyalties to deep reflections on social division, fear-driven media, and the loss of respectful conversation, Bill offers thoughtful in...

Send us a text Is Freddy’s Just Another Burger Joint? Not Even Close. Carlin Lutzer sits down with Ted Tomanik, the man behind bringing Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers to Southern Alberta. Ted shares the surprising backstory of how a casual visit to a Phoenix restaurant turned into a bold business venture that’s now changing the fast-food landscape in Okotoks. From skepticism to full-on enthusiasm, Ted talks about discovering the magic of Freddy’s smash-style steakburge...

Send us a text Why is gas in Okotoks more expensive than Calgary? It’s not what you think. Carlin Lutzer digs into a question that’s been frustrating locals for years: why are gas prices in Okotoks consistently higher than in neighboring Calgary? With the help of Dan McTeague, a former MP and president of Canadians for Affordable Energy, listeners get a rare insider's breakdown of what actually drives pump prices, from refinery margins to political policies. But the episode doesn’...

Send us a text What if a toy could do more than just bring joy? What if it could change a life? Carlin Lutzer sits down with Trevor Yeaman, Director of MyCityCare Foothills and campus pastor with Parallel Church. Trevor shares how this local nonprofit is spreading love and impact across the region, especially through their toy outreach programs that serve families facing financial hardship. Listeners will learn how MyCityCare goes beyond charity, offering practical help to t...

Send us a text Is Alberta’s housing market finally cooling — or just catching its breath? Carlin Lutzer sits down with Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB), for a deep dive into the shifting real estate landscape across Okotoks, Calgary, and surrounding communities. From international migration dips and rising housing starts to the balancing act between resale and new homes, Ann-Marie offers expert insight into what’s driving the data and what it all ...

Send us a text 🎅 Surprise! Santa Claus drops into the podcast for the most magical and unexpected episode yet. Carlin Lutzer sits down with the jolly man himself to talk about all things Christmas—from North Pole operations and naughty lists to Santa’s secret identity and off-season vacations in Okotoks. Santa (or should we say Darrell Clement?) reveals heartwarming stories, behind-the-scenes sleigh logistics, and shares details about his children's books, The Day Santa Lost His L...

Send us a text What happens when a government that calls itself the champion of freedom uses its strongest legal tool against its own teachers? Carlin Lutzer reconnects with Alberta Teachers Association representative David Tait to unpack life after Bill 2 and the forced end to the province wide teacher strike. David explains how the government used the notwithstanding clause to impose a mediator recommended contract, end both central and local strikes, and attach heavy fines to a...

Send us a text What if Remembrance Day wasn’t just a date on the calendar, but a call to action? Carlin Lutzer speaks with Canadian Forces veteran and trauma recovery advocate Mark Meincke. Mark shares raw, eye-opening truths from his service in the Balkans, his struggle with PTSD, and the deep failures of the systems meant to support veterans and first responders. He also reflects on the stark reality behind Remembrance Day and the performative way it’s often treated. ...

Send us a text What does it take to build a thriving music scene in a growing town? For Tim Korthuis, it starts with passion, community, and a whole lot of harmony. Carlin Lutzer sits down with Tim Korthuis — a lifelong Okotokian, musician, and co-founder of the Foothills Philharmonic Society — to explore how a simple love for choral music turned into a powerhouse cultural organization. Tim shares the journey from a single choir to a multi-ensemble society that now includes jazz g...

Send us a text What’s the secret to a warm, worry-free Alberta winter? It starts in your basement. Carlin Lutzer sits down with Noah Stumpe, owner of Right On! Plumbing and Heating, to uncover the real-world tips every homeowner need before the temperature drops. From the truth about furnace maintenance and hot-water-tank lifespan to whether heat pumps actually make sense in Alberta, Noah breaks down the myths and shares practical, money-saving advice. It’s a conversation...

Send us a text What happens when a rec league team becomes the soul of a small town? Carlin Lutzer and longtime Spoiler Ron Gilmore trace the 45-year legend of the Okotoks Spoilers from midnight ice times in 1979 with borrowed too-small jerseys to three decked-out team buses, prank-filled tournaments, and a brotherhood defined by service. Ron relives the rickety old rink by the Sheep River, the infamous “Penalty Beer” code that kept games friendly, and road trip lore featuring car...

Send us a text Is Alberta better off leaving Canada or are we stronger together? Carlin Lutzer sits down with Thomas Lukaszuk, former Alberta Deputy Premier, and Serena Mah, communications lead for the Forever Canadian movement. They tackle the hot-button issue of Alberta separatism from the other side of the debate, exploring what separation would really mean for the economy, national unity, and everyday Albertans. From constitutional hurdles and investment fallout to emotional i...

Send us a text What happens when junior hockey becomes more than just a game? Carlin sits down with Brady Pupp, the energetic Business Manager behind the Okotoks Oilers, for a behind-the-scenes look at how the team fuels community spirit, local business, and lifelong memories. From Brady’s own journey as a player to the strategic partnership wins off the ice, this episode delivers heart, hustle, and a heavy dose of hometown pride. Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or just...

Send us a text What if healing started with nothing more than opening your garage door? Carlin Lutzer sits down with Richard Cowper-Smith, a man who turned his garage into a safe haven for men battling isolation, mental health struggles, and the weight of life’s pressures. Richard shares his deeply personal journey of confronting addiction, PTSD, and an autism diagnosis, revealing how faith, community, and vulnerability helped him rediscover purpose. From suicidal lows to Thursday...

Send us a text What happens when a grandfather, a programmer, and a longtime Okotoks resident all run for mayor? Turns out, they’re the same person — and he’s got something to say. Carlin Lutzer sits down with mayoral candidate Dwight Koenning, who shares a vision shaped by deep roots in the community, a background in business and programming, and a strong desire for more transparent communication between town hall and residents. Koenning dives into his motivations for running, emphasiz...

Send us a text What happens when 100 women walk into a room with $100 and a mission? A ripple effect of kindness that raises hundreds of thousands for local charities. Lutzer sits down with Terri Perrin and Samantha Lethbridge to spotlight 100 Women Who Care Foothills, a local giving circle that has donated nearly $300,000 to grassroots causes over the past decade. Terri unpacks the origins of the giving circle model, how charities are nominated and chosen, and how the group maintains i...

Send us a text 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 unpacks why he believes the town needs a new approach: one that prioritizes small-town characte...

Send us a text 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 Alberta's grievances with Confederation, the staggering economic disparities fueling the m...

Send us a text 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 insights into how the food bank survives without government funding and why the demand continue...