Most politicians follow a standard path: Law school, business, public office. Chad Stewart took the scenic route. From a 26-year career on a manufacturing floor to becoming a firefighter in his 30s, and now pitching horror novels to Hollywood producers—Chad is proof that you don't need a traditional background to be a leader. You just need the courage to "do stuff."

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You can travel the world looking for your sound, but sometimes you have to come home to find it. Brad and Ryan Fleischer (Flaysher) grew up on 90s rock and construction sites. They went to Toronto to chase the music dream, only to realize their true voice was waiting for them back in Alberta, in the cab of a truck. This is a story about brotherhood, the specific power of country music, and how two musicians turned a personal tragedy into "One More Light"—a movement saving lives in Airdrie.

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Jeremy had friends winning Oscars for Lord of the Rings... and they were miserable. They were just one of a thousand people who "worked on Legolas's cape." That realization sent filmmaker Jeremy Pollock on a different path: a mission to tell his own stories, his own way. This is a masterclass for any creative on choosing authorship over accolades and building a world-class career without asking for anyone's permission.

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Season 2 of Airdrie Inside kicks off with a bang ad we sit down with a true powerhouse: Airdrie's new Mayor, Heather Spearman.

In this exclusive conversation, Chris dives into the questions many of us have been asking since election night. Who is Heather Spearman when the cameras are off? What pulled her toward public service and into the heart of community leadership? And what did the campaign trail really look like?

If the municipal election sparked your curiosity, this episode is for you. It offers a closer look at what Airdronians can expect over the next four years — the vision, the values, and the collaborative spirit guiding Mayor Spearman and her Council as they shape Airdrie’s future together.

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What if your greatest failure was actually your biggest opportunity? Jo-Anne Yau's life was supposed to go one way: become a doctor. When that dream died, she discovered a more powerful path. From a shy kid in Airdrie's only Chinese family to a powerhouse lawyer and mentor, Jo-Anne shares a masterclass in resilience, the power of an outsider's perspective, and the unapologetic truth about why serving yourself is the first step to serving your community.

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The "starving artist" is a story we tell ourselves. The "gatekept industry" is a wall waiting to be torn down. Erin Belley walked away from the toxic, old-school tattoo world only to come back and build a new one from the ground up—one that values integrity, safety, and business savvy. This is a masterclass for any creative entrepreneur on how to turn personal struggle into a thriving, purpose-driven business.

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Some jobs are just jobs. Others become a code for living. After 48 years of service, Airdrie Fire Department's Deputy Chief Garth Rabel shares the profound, simple, and powerful philosophy that has guided his life and shaped a generation of first responders. This is a masterclass in leadership, legacy, and what it truly means to serve your community.

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As Airdrie races towards 100,000 people, one critical piece of infrastructure is being left behind: a home for its artists. Tara Pickford—entrepreneur, arts advocate, and leader—reveals the hidden struggle and immense potential of Airdrie's arts community. This isn't just a conversation about dance and music; it's about building a city with a soul and creating a legacy for the next generation of leaders.

Chapters:

00:00 - The Mission: Creating the Community We Want to Live In

01:14 - It's Not About Dance; It's About Leadership

04:28 - The Entrepreneurial Fight: Building a Business in the Arts

05:40 - The Secret to Leadership: Building a Business, Not a Job

06:41 - The Airdrie Advantage: Collaboration Over Competition

13:09 - The Health of Airdrie's Arts Scene: Small but Mighty

14:16 - The Big Dream: The Case for an Airdrie Performing Arts Centre

16:39 - Celebrating Hidden Gems: Who to Watch in Airdrie's Art Scene

18:48 - The Airdrie Arts & Culture Council's Mission

21:29 - The Vision for "Theatre Airdrie"

22:40 - How You Can Support the Arts in Airdrie

23:46 - A Personal Invitation to Ambition Performing Arts

Call to Action:

Support the vision for a vibrant arts community by getting involved with the Airdrie Arts & Culture Council. https://airdrieartsculturecouncil.com/

Discover how Ambition Performing Arts is building the next generation of leaders: https://ambitionarts.com/

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