Claim OwnershipThe Okotoks Podcast
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© 2025 Carlin Lutzer
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The Okotoks Podcast is your ultimate guide to life in Okotoks! Hosted by Carlin Lutzer, a professional realtor and proud Okotokian, this podcast brings you stories, insights, and conversations about what makes this town just south of Calgary such a special place to live. Whether you’ve called Okotoks home for years or you’re just getting to know the community, this podcast is your connection to everything happening in town.
From local businesses and real estate trends to community events and hidden gems, The Okotoks Podcast celebrates the people, places, and experiences that define life here. We talk about what it truly means to be an Okotokian, cheering for the Dawgs and Okotoks Oilers, sharing firsthand perspectives from those who shape the town’s unique identity.
And, of course, we can’t talk about Okotoks without mentioning the legendary Big Rock, an iconic landmark that serves as a symbol of our strong, growing community.
Join Carlin Lutzer as he explores the heart and soul of Okotoks, bringing you engaging interviews, local insights, and everything you need to stay connected to the place we proudly call home. Whether you’re looking for the latest news, local recommendations, or just a reason to love Okotoks even more, this podcast has something for you!
29 Episodes
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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...
Send us a text 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 offers an insider’s view on what’s broken in Ottawa, why Canadians are feeling hopeles...
Send us a text 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 a long-awaited water pipeline deal and tackling under-resourced emergency services. The...
Send us a text 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, student safety, and sustainable teaching environments. From overcrowded classrooms and r...
Send us a text 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 tips that make Costco more than just a store, it’s practically a lifestyle. Y...
Send us a text 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 exposes concerns over questionable development approvals, infrastructure issues, and safety ...
Send us a text 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 both patients and families, and the vital role community fundraising plays in keeping its do...
Send us a text 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 risks, and political posturing around sovereignty and separation. With clarity and his...
Send us a text 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. Maren shares the joys and struggles of balancing art and motherhood, the heartbreak of l...
Send us a text 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 shares how Park Run’s global mission found roots in Okotoks, the magic of volunteering,...
Send us a text 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 safety and personal freedom. From poop scofflaws to e-scooter etiquette, rain emer...
Send us a text 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. With real-life cases, disturbing trends, and essential safety advice, this episode isn’t jus...
Send us a text 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 to free tax filing for low-income families. This conversation reveals the invisible back...
Send us a text 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's no such thing as a bad dog — just bad circumstances. Whether you're a dog owner, anim...
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