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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 historical depth, Dick offers a non-partisan exploration of the real implications behind Alberta’s rising separatist sentiment, drawing comparisons to Quebec, challenging simplistic solutions, and advocating for creative thinking and respectful dialogue.

Is Alberta destined to go it alone? Or are we just blowing off steam?

Listen For

6:50 Alberta Separation: Not So Simple
8:19 Treaties, Land, and Legal Complexity
11:20 What If Alberta Just Walked Away?
22:48 Why Separation Sentiment Is Growing
32:11 The Power of Civil Disagreement

Connect with guest: Dick Nichols

Western Wheel | Alberta Separation Would be Complex and Risky Article

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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 local arts funding setbacks, and the enduring power of creative community.

Listen For

14:51 Big Break: From Radio Contest to Record Deal

18:05 Touring Tales: The Reality Behind the Rockstar Life

29:17 Reinventing as a Playwright: The Leap into Musical Theatre

38:12 Juggling Five Kids, Two Dogs, and Five Musicals

44:18 Okotoks’ Lost Theater: A Community Setback

55:57 Advice to a Hypothetical 15-Year-Old Star

Connect with guest: Maren Ord

Instagram | Website | Feather Pen Theatre

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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, and tips for family-friendly hiking in the area. It’s an inspiring celebration of movement, community spirit, and what 30 years in Okotoks has taught Sharon about belonging.

Listen For

3:32 The Sheep River Park Run: rain, snow, or shine

5:10 How Park Run grew from England to Okotoks

7:39 Bring your dog! The family and pet-friendly vibe

11:27 Park Run tourists from around the world

12:41 Why walkers are welcome: no last place at Park Run

14:56 Sharon’s favorite family-friendly hiking spots

Connect with guest: Sharon Doran

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