The Okotoks Podcast
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!
Episodes
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 ...
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...
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 constitution...
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.
W...
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 re...
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.
Koe...
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 a...
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 a...
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 Confederati...
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 ...
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 i...
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 ...
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 envi...
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 s...
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 developm...
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 r...
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 sover...
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 ...
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 r...
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 ...
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