Stories and Strategies

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Channel • 14 Shows

Marketing

Marketing

Updated weekly
Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

Updated 30 Mar
Investing

Investing

Updated 24/06/2024
News Commentary

News Commentary

Every two weeks
Parenting

Parenting

Monthly
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated 2 Apr
Business

Business

Monthly

06/05/2025

Keeping Care Close: The Mission of Sheep River Health Trust

Send us Fan Mail What if your healthcare was powered by neighbours, volunteers, and a whole lot of heart? In this episode of the Okotoks Podcast, Carlin Lutzer sits down with Andrea Mitchell, the passionate Executive Director of the Sheep River Health Trust, to explore how this remarkable nonprofit keeps care local and community-focused. From equipping urgent care and supporting Rising Sun Long-Term Care, to beloved fundraisers like the Radiothon and Photos with Santa, Andrea shares inspiring stories of connection, compassion, and impact. They discuss how healthcare extends beyond clinics — into programs for seniors, children, and even grief support groups. Plus, Andrea emphasizes the crucial role of volunteers and local businesses that make these initiatives thrive. Listen For 0:12 Celebrating Okotoks: National Recognition for Light Up Okotoks 3:16 What is the Sheep River Health Trust? A Mission Explained 7:54 Five Pillars of Support: Beyond Just Medical Equipment 12:57 Slit Lamp Project: Improving Local Urgent Care 20:28 Heartwarming Stories: The Fun Bus & Rising Sun Long-Term Care 25:02 How to Get Involved: Volunteering Opportunities Connect with guest Andrea Mitchell LinkedIn | Website Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

06/05/2025

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28 min
07/10/2025

How the Okotoks Oilers Build Community

Send us Fan Mail 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 love seeing community come alive, this episode proves the Oilers are scoring big both in the rink and around town. Listen for: :45 What’s the day-to-day role of a Business Manager in junior hockey? 4:32 How did Brady Pupp transition from player to manager? 11:58 How do local businesses benefit from partnering with the Oilers? 17:10 What makes Okotoks a special hockey town? 22:47 How can the community get more involved with the Oilers? Connect with Guest: Brady Pupp, Business Manager, Okotoks Oilers LinkedIn | Okotoks Oilers Facebook Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

07/10/2025

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24 min
08/07/2025

What Do By-Law Officers REALLY Do

Send us Fan Mail 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 emergencies to parade patrols, this conversation is full of insights for anyone curious about how Okotoks keeps its friendly, charming identity while growing into a modern town. Listen For 3:55 Who’s Who in Enforcement: Peace Officers vs. Bylaw Officers 10:35 The Tiered Response: Managing Massive Community Events 13:23 Complaint-Based System: How it Works and Why It Exists 20:10 Privacy Myths Busted: What Happens When You Call Bylaw 38:06 Positive Ticketing: Catching Good Behavior in the Act 44:29 Small Acts, Big Impact: Everyday Heroes in the Community Connect with guest: Vikram Kulkarni LinkedIn Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

08/07/2025

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50 min
25/11/2025

Who Really Decides an Election When One Ballot Goes Missing?

Send a text What happens when one vote decides an election and that vote never makes it to the ballot box? Gavin and Stephen dive deep into a razor-thin electoral result in Terrebonne, Quebec, where a federal seat was won by a single vote. But here's the twist: a mail-in ballot that could have tied the race was rejected due to a postal code error, an error made not by the voter, but by an Elections Canada official. Drawing on their own high-profile experience in the Opitz v. Wrzesnewskyj Supreme Court case, Gavin and Stephen debate voter disenfranchisement, electoral integrity, and whether democracy should aim for perfection or just “good enough.” They explore the fragile balance between procedural error and intentional fraud, the role of Canada Post in protecting electoral rights, and whether a single mistake should or should not invalidate an entire election. Listen For 1:32 What happens when an election is won by just one vote? 6:40 Should a rejected mail-in ballot count if it was the government's error? 10:35 Is the right to vote dependent on voter diligence? 17:00 Can you ever truly “redo” an election? 22:56 Did the Supreme Court's Opitz ruling get misinterpreted in this case? Leave a rating/review for this podcast with one click Contact Us Gardiner Roberts website | Gavin email | Stephen email

25/11/2025

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27 min
22/07/2025

The Pop Star Next Door: Maren Ord

Send us Fan Mail 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 Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

22/07/2025

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1hr 2min
15/07/2025

Okotoks in Motion: Sheep River parkrun

Send us Fan Mail 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 LinkedIn Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

15/07/2025

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28 min
08/07/2025

Why Anxiety Isn’t a Disorder—It’s Just Energy

Could anxiety just be energy misinterpreted? Kate Mason sits down with clinical hypnotherapist and bestselling author Jake Yanitz Rubin to explore a radically new understanding of anxiety—not as a mental illness, but as a misunderstood part of the human experience. They dive deep into how reframing anxiety as energy can unlock personal growth, self-awareness, and even spiritual awakening. Jake shares powerful insights from his book From Anxiety to Awakening, practical mindset shifts, and life-changing tools rooted in psychology, ancient philosophy, and consciousness work. Listen For 05:02 Panic, Purpose, and the Pivot Within 10:12 What’s Really Happening in Hypnosis? 14:59 Anxiety Isn’t a Disorder It’s Energy 19:08 You Are Not Your Thoughts 26:50 The Present Moment is All There Is 36:37 Be Your Own Frequency Live by Your Truth Leave a rating/review for this podcast with one click Connect with guest: Jake Yanitz Rubin, Author | Transformational Mentor | Spiritual Teacher | Clinical Hypnotherapist | 25+ Years Guiding Personal Awakening Website | From Anxiety to Awakening Book | LinkedIn| Instagram Contact Kate: Email | Website | Kate’s Book on Amazon | LinkedIn | Facebook | X

08/07/2025

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40 min
10/04/2023

The Joys (and Minefields) of Grandparenting

Grandparents teach young children. They bring a special enthusiasm that helps a child grow. They teach them by sharing stories, traditions, conversation, reading… and time together. Many families rely on grandparents for trusted childcare, but many surveys also show many grandparents feel some level of disagreement or tension about approaches to childcare. And many also say the job of caregiving is tiring. In this episode Kate talks with several grandparents about what they love about the role, how they go about it, and the potential mine fields they manage to avoid. Contact: thepersonalitycoach@gmail.com Kate’s website Kate’s book on Amazon Kate on LinkedIn Kate on Facebook Kate on Twitter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10/04/2023

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19 min
17/06/2025

What's Behind Your Kid's Behaviour?

Why is your child calm one minute and melting down the next—especially in the cereal aisle? Kate Mason, pediatric occupational therapist and parent coach Ivan Hardcastle peels back the layers of children's sensory processing challenges. From explaining why a child might seek comfort in a cat’s litter box to revealing the surprising power of parent-led therapy at home, Ivan helps decode the sensory triggers behind behavior. Kate and Ivan explore practical, compassionate tools that empower parents—not just professionals—to create real behavioral change. It’s not just about managing kids, but understanding them on a deeper, sensory level. Listen For 6:41 The Power of Parent-Led Therapy at Home 10:18 A Crash Course in Sensory Processing 12:17 Behavior or Sensory Need Spotting the Difference 2:04 Litter Boxes and Logic Strange But True Soothing Tactics 22:43 The Bread-Throwing Child A Real-World Example 30:19 Ivans Golden Tip Pause and Observe Leave a rating/review for this podcast with one click Connect with guest: Ivan Hardcastle, Parent Coach and Occupational Therapist at Castle Therapy Website | LinkedIn Contact Kate: Email | Website | Kate’s Book on Amazon | LinkedIn | Facebook | X

17/06/2025

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39 min
14/03/2023

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Children need boundaries. Well we all need boundaries. Boundaries, essentially, are a form of self care. They create clear guidelines/rules/limits of how people should be treated. Boundaries honour our needs and wants so we feel respected and safe. They build self-esteem, help bring focus, enhance mental health, and develop independence. In this episode – the benefits of boundaries with our children. Guest: Kari Sutton, Author, Researcher, Parent Educator Kari has helped over 25,000 parents, educators, and others who care for kids to develop the skills and confidence to promote positive mental health habits. Website https://karisutton.com/ Contact: thepersonalitycoach@gmail.com Kate’s website Kate’s book on Amazon Kate on LinkedIn Kate on Facebook Kate on Twitter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14/03/2023

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27 min

Whether your focus is global, or community-targeted, Stories and Strategies produces attention-grabbing podcasts. We take the time to understand your business strategy and how a podcast weaves into that. Then, we develop content that’s engaging, entertaining, and driven by measurable results. Our team is comprised of seasoned professionals in audio and video production, strategic communications and marketing planning, as well as presentation training.