Overheard Podcast

Overheard Studio

The Best Podcast in the Bow Valley. We dive into local topics, news, music, comedy and anything related to Banff.

  1. Nahanni McKay on Banff, Art, Tourism, Influencer Culture and the Changing Identity of the Bow Valley

    3 DAYS AGO

    Nahanni McKay on Banff, Art, Tourism, Influencer Culture and the Changing Identity of the Bow Valley

    Our guest this week is Nahanni McKay, a third generation Banff local, Métis multidisciplinary artist, photographer, skier, and one of the most outspoken creative voices in the Bow Valley. In this episode we dive into the changing identity of Banff and the broader Bow Valley through the lens of someone who has grown up here her entire life. We talk about influencer culture, tourism, commercialization, conservation, mountain culture, colonial narratives, Parks Canada, the history of the Banff Sanatorium, and the tension between protecting a place and packaging it to be sold. Nahanni also shares how growing up in Banff shaped her work, her perspective on art in mountain towns, and how she uses photography and mixed media to challenge the way landscapes like Banff are viewed and consumed. We also get into: Banff local culture Growing up in Banff vs moving here The evolution of the Bow Valley Art and activism Decolonizing conservation Mountain town identity Skijouring and Banff heritage The role of social media in tourism Life as a working artist in Alberta Nahanni’s work has been featured in Canadian Geographic and exhibited across Canada and Europe. She currently has a solo exhibition at the Art Gallery of Alberta and is part of an upcoming group show with the Alberta Craft Council at the Royal Alberta Museum. THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY @drinkshaft Big thanks as always to Defending Awesome for the Overheard merch and continued support of the show. Check out our merch and more at: www.overheardpodbanff.com Thanks to all our listeners for tuning in, our guest for taking the time to sit down with us and share their insights, and all of you continuing to support local independent media here in the Bow Valley. SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY!!

    1hr 10min
  2. Fishing The Rockies- Rivers, Regulations and Conservation with Chris Karol

    12 MAY

    Fishing The Rockies- Rivers, Regulations and Conservation with Chris Karol

    This week we sit down with longtime Bow Valley local and passionate angler Chris Karol for our first ever deep dive into fishing culture in Banff National Park, the Bow Valley, Alberta, and beyond. Whether you’ve never touched a fishing rod before or you’ve spent years on the water, this episode breaks down everything from fly fishing basics and fishing regulations to conservation, fish species, river versus lake fishing, beginner mistakes, social media’s impact on fishing culture, and why the Bow Valley has become one of the most unique fishing destinations in Canada. Chris shares stories from growing up fishing the Great Lakes in southern Ontario, moving to Banff in 2007, and spending years learning rivers and waters across Alberta, British Columbia, and beyond. We also get into the patience, observation, and respect required to truly understand mountain fishing and why slowing down might be the most important lesson the river can teach you. If you’ve ever wondered where to start fishing in Banff, what regulations you need to know before heading into Banff National Park, or why fly fishing has become such a massive part of mountain culture, this conversation is for you. Topics include: Fishing in Banff National Park Bow Valley fishing culture Fly fishing for beginners Fishing regulations in Alberta and BC River fishing versus lake fishing Conservation and protecting local waters Best beginner fishing advice How to responsibly research fishing locations Social media and fishing culture Fish species in the Bow Valley Building a life in Banff This episode is brought to you by Drinkshaft. The Bow Valley’s number one grab and go cold brew. And if you’ve been seeing the new Overheard merch around town lately, that’s thanks to Defending Awesome, a full service print and design shop right here in the Bow Valley. If it’s your first time joining us don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow along. About 70 percent of our listeners are unsubscribed and it genuinely helps us tremendously. Recorded live in Banff. SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY!!

    1 hr
  3. The Other Side of Mountain Life, Unpacking Bow Valley Mental Health and Addictions Week with Cheryl

    6 MAY

    The Other Side of Mountain Life, Unpacking Bow Valley Mental Health and Addictions Week with Cheryl

    This week on the Overheard Podcast recorded live in Banff, we sit down with Cheryl for one of the most honest and important conversations we’ve had on the show. Behind the postcard image of mountain life, there’s another reality people in the Bow Valley are quietly navigating every day. Mental health struggles, isolation, addiction, burnout, homesickness, pressure, and the challenge of asking for help in a small town where everyone feels connected. As part of Bow Valley Mental Health and Addictions Week, Cheryl shares her personal experience living with severe anxiety and depression, what recovery and support looked like for her, and why mental health support can never be treated as one size fits all. We also unpack the unique challenges facing communities like Banff and the Bow Valley: seasonal work culture, hospitality industry pressures, stigma in small towns, toxic positivity, recognizing when someone may be struggling, and the role community connection plays in recovery and healing. This episode is about awareness, compassion, prevention, and community support. If you’ve ever struggled yourself, worried about someone close to you, or simply want to better understand what people around you may be carrying, this conversation matters. Disclaimer: This episode discusses mental health, addiction, and lived experiences in an educational and awareness based context. The content is not intended to promote harmful behaviour and is focused on prevention, recovery, and community support. Big thanks to our sponsor @drinkshaft The Bow Valley’s number one grab and go cold brew. Shoutout to Defending Awesome for the Overheard merch and creative support. Check out the merch at: www.overheardpodbanff.com If you enjoyed the episode don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. About 70% of our viewers are unsubscribed and supporting the channel helps us keep these conversations going. SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY!!

    54 min
  4. Kicking off SVAM with Melissa and Jemima in Partnership with the YWCA Banff

    1 MAY

    Kicking off SVAM with Melissa and Jemima in Partnership with the YWCA Banff

    This week on the Overheard Podcast, recorded live in Banff, we’re opening up a conversation that matters to this community right now. As part of SVAM (Sexual Violence Awareness Month), we sit down with Melissa and Jemima to unpack how prevention, workplace culture, and everyday behaviour all intersect here in the Bow Valley. Melissa works with Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence, bringing a research-driven approach to prevention, while Jemima leads local efforts through the Harmony Project with YWCA Banff. Together, they’re working directly with hospitality businesses across Banff to strengthen workplace culture using the Signal System. This episode breaks down what that actually looks like on the ground. We get into: * Why Banff’s transient, international workforce creates unique challenges * The “live, work, and play together” dynamic and how it shapes behaviour * Why people sometimes hesitate to speak up in workplace situations * The idea of “calling in” instead of calling out * How small, everyday actions signal what’s acceptable in a workplace * The normalization of certain behaviours in hospitality environments * What real culture change looks like from both staff and management perspectives * How SVAM is showing up in the Bow Valley and how you can get involved This is a real, local conversation rooted in solutions, awareness, and the role we all play in shaping the culture around us. Resources & Support (Bow Valley) If you or someone you know is looking for support, information, or ways to get involved, you can explore the Harmony Project here: ywcabanff.ca/programs-services/harmony-project/ Presented by Drinkshaft Start early. Do the day right. The Bow Valley’s go-to cold brew. Support the Show Merch → www.overheardpodbanff.com If it’s your first time here, hit subscribe. It goes a long way in helping us keep these conversations going. Follow Overheard Podcast Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Podcasts See you next Tuesday.

    1hr 4min
  5. Somewhere Between the Mountains and the Music with Andrew Staygold

    21 APR

    Somewhere Between the Mountains and the Music with Andrew Staygold

    Episode 116. Somewhere Between the Mountains and the Music with Andrew Staygold You don’t last 20 years in Banff by accident. You adapt, you grind, or you leave. This week on the Overheard Podcast recorded live in Banff, we sat down with Andrew Staygold, a longtime local who has built a career in music from the ground up while living full time in the Bow Valley. From arriving in 2004 to navigating the service and ski industry, to leaving town to chase music and ultimately returning to build something real, this episode breaks down what it takes to stay committed in a place where most people move on. With over a decade in music and audio, 139 paid gigs in 2025 alone, and a fully developed solo acoustic sound and personal music project, Andrew shares the reality behind the lifestyle, the discipline it takes to sustain it, and the mindset required to keep going when nothing is guaranteed. We also get into the mountain side of things, 100-day ski seasons, ultramarathons, and how that endurance mentality translates directly into his creative work. This is a conversation about longevity, identity, and building something that lasts in a town that rarely does. In this episode: • Moving to Banff in 2004 and never leaving • What keeps people here long term • The reality behind the Banff lifestyle • Leaving to chase music and coming back • Building a career in music and audio • Playing 139 gigs in one year • Developing a solo acoustic sound and personal project • The challenges of being an independent artist • Mountain life, skiing, trail running and ultramarathons • Mindset, discipline and chasing something long term • What success looks like now Follow Andrew Staygold: Instagram: @AndrewStaygold This episode is brought to you by @drinkshaft The Bow Valley’s go to nonalcoholic cold brew. Whether you’re starting early or keeping things moving, Drinkshaft has you covered. Available across Western Canada and locally at Townhouse Liquor. If you’ve seen the Overheard hats and gear around town, that’s all thanks to Defending Awesome, a full-service print and design shop right here in the Bow Valley. If you want to support the show and rep something local: www.overheardpodbanff.com If it’s your first time joining us don’t forget to like and subscribe. We find that about 70 percent of our viewers are not subscribed and it helps us more than you think. Thanks for tuning in, and like every week, See you next Tuesday!!

    56 min
  6. The Story Behind the Music with Lil Beckta

    14 APR

    The Story Behind the Music with Lil Beckta

    No matter what it was, he turned it into music. This week on the Overheard Podcast, we sit down with Lil Beckta, an artist whose journey goes far beyond music. Originally from Winnipeg and now shaped by his time in Banff and the Bow Valley, this conversation is about growth, resilience, and figuring things out in real time. From early life experiences and finding his creative voice, to navigating personal challenges and building something meaningful through music, Lil Beckta opens up about what it really takes to keep going. We talk about the transition to mountain life, the mindset behind his work, and how creativity can become an outlet when you need it most. Even if you’re not into rap or hip hop, this episode is for anyone who’s ever tried to turn their situation into something better, anyone chasing progress, or anyone just trying to stay on track. We also get into his creative process, how his sound has evolved, what he wants listeners to take away from his music, and what this next chapter looks like as he continues to move forward. If you’ve never heard his music before, this is where you start. Big thank you to our sponsor @drinkshaft for supporting the show and helping us keep these conversations going. If you’ve been seeing the new Overheard merch around town, that’s all thanks to Defending Awesome. They helped bring the whole lineup to life and continue to support local creators, businesses, and ideas here in the Bow Valley. Check out our website for merch and more: www.overheardpodbanff.com Thanks for tuning in, and as always See you next Tuesday!!

    1hr 3min
  7. Inside Banff’s Underground Music Scene with Gerry Roy

    8 APR

    Inside Banff’s Underground Music Scene with Gerry Roy

    If you’ve spent any time in Banff nightlife over the last two decades, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Gerry Roy. From hosting over 1000 karaoke nights to performing with Regal Foul and building Banff Punk Night from the ground up, Gerry has been a driving force behind the town’s underground music scene. In this episode, we go deep into Gerry’s journey from arriving in Banff in 2000 with no long-term plan to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the local scene. We talk about what it takes to actually stay in a place like Banff, how nightlife has changed over the years, and what people are really looking for when they go out. We get into the realities behind hosting hundreds of events, what karaoke has taught him about people, and how instant gratification and social media have shifted the way we experience live music and connection. We also dive into Regal Foul, the story behind the name, the band’s sound, and a major announcement around new music. Gerry breaks down what punk really means, especially for people who don’t consider themselves part of that scene, and why it might be more accessible than you think. The second half of the conversation focuses on Banff Punk Night. How it started, why it works in a town like Banff, and what it actually feels like to walk into one of these nights. We talk about building something grassroots in a place that is heavily commercial, the challenges of promoting live events, and why creating spaces like this matters more than ever. This is a conversation about music, community, identity, and building something real in a town where most people are just passing through. This episode is brought to you by Drinkshaft Seasons change. Drinkshaft always stays the same Now available in over 1000 stores across Western Canada Clean energy for early starts and full send adventures Big shoutout to Defending Awesome for bringing our merch to life Check out our website for merch www.overheardpodbanff.com If you’re new here don’t forget to like and subscribe Thanks for tuning in, See you next Tuesday!!

    1hr 15min
  8. Adam from HEYJACK – The Band You’re About to Hear Everywhere

    1 APR

    Adam from HEYJACK – The Band You’re About to Hear Everywhere

    This is one of those bands you’re going to wish you found earlier. In this episode of the Overheard Podcast recorded live in Banff, we sit down with Adam from HEYJACK — a Canadian band that’s been quietly building serious momentum across the country. From touring almost every province in Canada to sharing stages with some of the country’s most recognizable artists, HEYJACK is carving out a sound rooted in storytelling, identity, and feel-good rock. But this conversation goes deeper than music. We get into Adam’s personal journey, from his early connection to music to rediscovering Indigenous roots and how that’s shaped both his identity and his songwriting. We also unpack what it actually takes to build a band from the ground up, the reality behind the “band lifestyle,” and what it means to keep pushing forward when things start to gain momentum. One of the most unique parts of this story is touring Canada with his kids — and what that experience meant beyond just the music. From the challenges to the unforgettable moments, it adds a whole new layer to what this journey looks like. We also dive into songwriting, including how songs come together, what makes one feel complete, and what it’s like to create something that feels almost too personal to release. With a full-length album on the way, we talk about where HEYJACK is headed next, what success looks like right now, and what Adam hopes people take away when they hear the music for the first time. Whether you’re discovering HEYJACK for the first time or already following their journey, this is a conversation about passion, persistence, family, and building something meaningful. Big thank you to the Brew Pub Taproom for hosting us and supporting local conversations like this. If you enjoy the episode don’t forget to like, subscribe and follow along — it helps us continue bringing real stories from the Bow Valley and beyond. See you Next Tuesday!!

    57 min

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The Best Podcast in the Bow Valley. We dive into local topics, news, music, comedy and anything related to Banff.

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