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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 muscle, and why cardio and calorie-cutting alone often backfire.

Whether you’ve tried keto, carnivore, Ozempic, or every “new year, new you” trend out there, Julie explains how to finally break the cycle, build habits that last, and make 2026 the year you stop starting over.

Listen For

:55 How Do You Finally Break the Yo-Yo Dieting Cycle for Good?

7:10 What’s Really Sabotaging Your “Healthy Eating” Without You Noticing?

12:29 Why Is Muscle the Key to Long-Term Fat Loss and Metabolic Health?

25:21 Is Keto or Carnivore Hurting More Than Helping Your Weight Loss?

34:58 Should You Use Ozempic for Weight Loss—or Is It a Trap?

Connect with guest: Julie Hodge, Strong Certified Body Transformation Coach, Certified Nutrition Coach

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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 insight into what has changed in society and what has not.

As the discussion unfolds, the focus turns toward unity, relationship, faith, and the power of genuine connection.

This episode invites listeners to step away from noise and polarization and rediscover hope rooted not in circumstances, but in community, purpose, and God, just in time for the Christmas season.

Listen For

3:38 Why does loyalty to sports feel more unifying than politics?

7:30 How has technology changed the way we connect with others?

16:39 What can we learn from how the Cree ask “Who are your people?”

34:00 Where can we find real hope when life feels overwhelming?

Connect with guest: Bill McAlpine, Retired Professor Emeritus, Practical Theology at Ambrose University College

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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 steakburgers, addictive chili cheese fries, and the ultra-creamy custard that's unlike anything most Canadians have tried.

But it’s not just about the food, Ted emphasizes the importance of community, explaining why Okotoks was the ideal place to launch Canada’s second Freddy’s, and how they're partnering with the local food bank to give back.

Whether you're a foodie, a franchise enthusiast, or just someone curious about what makes Freddy’s stand out, this episode serves up great insight with a side of local heart.

Listen For

4:05 How did Freddy’s expand into Canada—and why did Okotoks come second?

7:10 What makes Freddy’s steakburgers different from traditional burgers?

8:03 What exactly is frozen custard and how is it made differently from ice cream?

9:33 Why was Okotoks chosen over Calgary for Freddy’s Alberta debut?

15:41 How is Freddy’s giving back to the Okotoks community from day one?

Connect with guest: Ted Tomanik

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers| LinkedIn

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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’t stop there.

Dan lays out a compelling and controversial case against Canada’s current energy direction, linking rising costs to government-imposed climate policies and global agendas.

Whether you’re mad about your gas bill or just curious about Canada's energy future, this one’s worth the ride.

Listen For

2:17 How did Dan McTeague go from Parliament to predicting gas prices?

4:23 When did affordable energy become a crisis in Canada?

8:25 Are climate policies making Canadians poorer?

17:22 Is Okotoks actually being gouged at the pump?

26:40 Why do gas stations sell fuel below cost?

Connect with guest: Dan McTeague, President at Canadians for Affordable Energy

LinkedIn| Gas Wizard| Canadians for Affordable Energy

Okotoks Chamber of Commerce (Hometown Holidays info)

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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 those facing food insecurity, housing challenges, and emotional isolation, all rooted in the belief that helping “the least of these” transforms entire communities.

Trevor also speaks about his personal journey and why this work matters more than ever as the holiday season approaches.

Listen For

4:25 What drives the mission behind MyCityCare Foothills?

6:01 What are the most urgent needs facing families in the Foothills today?

7:09 How does the Shop of Wonders bring dignity to struggling parents at Christmas?

11:35 How is the local Okotoks community stepping up to support?

13:18 How can people get involved with volunteering or donations?

Connect with guest: Trevor Yeaman, Director of MyCityCare Okotoks | Senior Pastor at Aspen Ridge Christian Fellowship

Trevor's LinkedIn| MyCityCare Okotoks| MyCityCare Okotoks Email | | Shop of Wonders 2025 | Donate | Facebook | Instagram

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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 means for buyers, sellers, and investors heading into 2026.

The conversation also touches on big-picture economic factors, the million-dollar market, and yes, even the political wildcard of Alberta separation.

Listen For

3:23 What does a Chief Economist at CREB actually do—and why does it matter?

6:54 How has the slowdown in migration shifted Calgary’s housing demand?

9:11 Why is Okotoks seeing tight supply but flat pricing in 2025?

17:35 How does the current market compare to 10- and 20-year averages in Okotoks and Calgary?

33:24 Could a referendum on Alberta separation derail real estate investment?

Connect with guest: Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist, Calgary Real Estate Board

LinkedIn| Calgary Real Estate Board

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🎅 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 List and The Day Santa Got Sick.

With humor, nostalgia, and a touching message about giving, this festive conversation is a must-listen for all ages.

Listen For

2:16 Why does Santa choose Okotoks for his off-season home?
4:23 How does Santa keep track of every child on the nice list?
5:34 What happens when kids change their Christmas wish at the last minute?
9:12 What really happened the day Santa lost his list?

Connect with guest: Santa Claus aka Darrell Clemment

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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 almost any form of future job action, even as it begins to adopt ATA language around class size and complexity.

He explains what teachers were really fighting for, why wages were never the main issue, and how years of underfunding and underbuilding schools collided with a dramatic influx of new students.

Along the way, Carlin and David tackle myths about the ATA being a partisan player, explore the mood inside Alberta classrooms now that staff are back at work, and end with a clear call for parents and community members to keep pressing government for real investment so excellent teachers are free to be excellent with Alberta kids.

Listen For

1:03 How did Bill 2 force teachers back into classrooms?
6:00 Why were wages never the main issue for Alberta teachers?
11:50 What does the three year imposed contract really mean for schools?
16:53 Did immigration actually cause Alberta classroom chaos?
23:24 How can parents and communities keep the pressure on for real change?

Connect with guest: David Tait

LinkedIn | Alberta Teachers’ Association Foothills Local 16

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