The Okotoks Podcast

Carlin Lutzer Real Estate
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The Okotoks Podcast is your ultimate guide to life in Okotoks! Hosted by Carlin Lutzer, a professional realtor and proud Okotokian, this podcast brings you stories, insights, and conversations about what makes this town just south of Calgary such a special place to live. Whether you’ve called Okotoks home for years or you’re just getting to know the community, this podcast is your connection to everything happening in town. From local businesses and real estate trends to community events and hidden gems, The Okotoks Podcast celebrates the people, places, and experiences that define life here. We talk about what it truly means to be an Okotokian, cheering for the Dawgs and Okotoks Oilers, sharing firsthand perspectives from those who shape the town’s unique identity.  And, of course, we can’t talk about Okotoks without mentioning the legendary Big Rock, an iconic landmark that serves as a symbol of our strong, growing community. Join Carlin Lutzer as he explores the heart and soul of Okotoks, bringing you engaging interviews, local insights, and everything you need to stay connected to the place we proudly call home. Whether you’re looking for the latest news, local recommendations, or just a reason to love Okotoks even more, this podcast has something for you!

  1. Okotoks Shorts: The Heart Behind Okotoks Got Talent

    2D AGO

    Okotoks Shorts: The Heart Behind Okotoks Got Talent

    Send a text What happens when a town’s biggest hearts meet its biggest talents?  In this Okotoks ‘Shorts’ episode, host Carlin Lutzer sits down with Meg Meints from the Okotoks United Way Partnership Committee to spotlight the return of Okotoks Got Talent…a high-energy, community-powered fundraiser making a real impact.  Since 2002, the committee has donated an incredible $1.7 million to local nonprofits, and last year alone raised nearly $15,000 through the inaugural talent show.  Now back for its second year, the event is growing in popularity with 30 submissions, ranging from singers and comedians to bands, dancers, and even a geography whiz who named over 100 world flags from memory.  The March 6th event at the Viking Rental Centre will feature 12 finalists, a live audience, a returning champion turned judge, and a new live auction of local experiences.  More than just a show, Okotoks Got Talent is proof that when a community comes together, the impact stays local and the difference is life-changing.   Listen For 2:09 Why Was Okotoks Got Talent Created as a Major New Fundraiser? 3:47 What Types of Unique Acts Auditioned This Year? 6:26 How Will the Event Raise $20,000 This Year? 7:05 Why Is This Talent Show So Important to the Mission of the United Way?   Guests: Meg Meints, Okotoks United Way Partnership Committee Website | Buy Tickets | LinkedIn Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

    10 min
  2. From Croatia to Okotoks to the Olympics…Meet Josip Brusic

    5D AGO

    From Croatia to Okotoks to the Olympics…Meet Josip Brusic

    Send a text He moved to Canada at 12 — now he’s moving at 140 km/h toward Olympic glory. Carlin Lutzer chats with skeleton athlete Josip Brusic, whose path to the Olympics is anything but ordinary.  Born in Croatia and raised in Canada, Josip shares how a high school weightlifting club, RBC Training Ground, and a fateful skeleton scouting camp in Edmonton led him to become one of Canada’s Olympic hopefuls.  From the mental and physical grit required to master skeleton, to the sacrifices athletes make behind the scenes…including self-funding much of their journey, Josip’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, determination, and saying “yes” when the rest of the world would say “no.”    Listen For: 4:42 What is the RBC Training Ground and how does it help find future Olympians? 6:24 Why is luge considered more dangerous than skeleton? 13:17 What was the moment Josip found out he made the Olympic team like? 19:04 How did Josip recover after a terrifying skeleton crash in Whistler? Guest: Josip Brusic Website | Instagram | Email| Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

    22 min
  3. Okotoks Shorts: Inside Big Rock Figure Skating Club’s Rising Stars

    FEB 6

    Okotoks Shorts: Inside Big Rock Figure Skating Club’s Rising Stars

    Send us a text Big dreams don’t need big cities, just early mornings, strong coaches, and belief.  In this Okotoks Shorts episode of the Okotoks Podcast, Carlin spotlights three standout young athletes from the Big Rock Figure Skating Club, Londyn, Vlad, and Presley, as they prepare for the Alberta Winter Games and national competition in Halifax.  The skaters share what it takes to train before sunrise, travel long distances for ice time, and stay motivated through nerves, pressure, and hard work. In the second half, head coach Barb Westhaver explains how commitment, discipline, and joy are intentionally built into the club’s culture, and why a small, community-driven skating club in Okotoks is producing confident athletes and remarkable results.   Listen For 2:46 What does a real training week look like for competitive figure skaters? 4:25 Why do these athletes love figure skating despite the sacrifices? 7:14 What is the hardest part of learning elite-level figure skating skills? 17:11 How is a small skating club in Okotoks making a big impact?   Guests: Barb Westhaver | Head Figure Skating Coach & Club Director, Big Rock Figure Skating Club  Londyn, Presley, and Vlad | Competitive Figure Skater, Big Rock Skating Club   Website | Instagram | Facebook     Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

    30 min
  4. How Catriona Le May Doan Redefined Victory After Gold

    FEB 3

    How Catriona Le May Doan Redefined Victory After Gold

    Send us a text What does it take to win gold—and still be grounded?  Carlin Lutzer sits down with legendary Canadian speed skater and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Catriona Le May Doan.  From growing up in Saskatoon to lighting the Olympic cauldron in Vancouver, Catriona shares her journey through elite sport, her struggles with perfectionism, and how she’s using her voice today to empower others—especially women—through leadership and confidence-building workshops.  They talk about what really happens behind the scenes at the Olympics, how to build mental resilience, and why it’s okay to not be okay, this conversation delivers gold—on and off the ice.   Listen For: :22 Who is Catriona Le May Doan and what makes her journey unique? 7:12 What does perfection in sport really mean—and is it even possible? 15:16 What makes the Olympic Games so beautiful beyond the medals? 22:37 What advice does Catriona have for young girls struggling in sport? 31:19 How can you work with Catriona and what is "Pursuit of Victory"?   Guest Catriona Le May Doan Website | Instagram | Olympics’ Website Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

    41 min
  5. Strong Through Change: The Value of Fitness in the Valleys

    JAN 28

    Strong Through Change: The Value of Fitness in the Valleys

    Send us a text Motivation isn’t the problem. If you’ve ever started a “fresh” health kick only to hit a wall, feel guilty over one meal, and wonder why progress never lasts, this episode is for you. Carlin sits down with  fitness and nutrition coach Vanessa Hernandez-Munoz, a homegrown expert with big-stage experience, to talk about what actually works when real life gets in the way. No influencer hype, no extreme rules, just the honest stuff people don’t say out loud: why deprivation backfires, how “cheat days” can help instead of hurt, and the simple shifts that make weight management sustainable. But this conversation goes deeper than food and workouts. Vanessa opens up about perimenopause, mental health, and the scary, confusing symptoms that can leave women feeling exhausted and alone, sometimes even convinced something is seriously wrong. It’s raw, practical, and surprisingly hopeful, the kind of episode that makes you feel seen and gives you a clearer path forward. If you’re ready for real answers from someone right here in our community, press play.   Listen For: 2:48 What’s the biggest mistake people make when trying to lose weight? 5:38 Should you be having cheat days—or avoiding them? 9:47 How extreme is a bodybuilder’s diet before competition? 15:55 What can women expect during perimenopause—and how should they prepare? 25:41 Is low testosterone sabotaging men’s fitness and energy levels? Guest Vanessa Hernandez-Munoz Website | Instagram | WarBaby Cosmetics Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

    30 min
  6. Okotoks Shorts: Is Your Family Thriving... Or Just Surviving?

    JAN 22

    Okotoks Shorts: Is Your Family Thriving... Or Just Surviving?

    Send us a text Strong homes start with hard conversations. In this Okotoks Shorts episode, Carlin Lutzer sits down with renowned speaker and family expert Dr. Dave Currie, who’s coming to town for a powerful weekend of events at the Okotoks Evangelical Free Church.  From helping parents navigate the digital chaos affecting Gen Alpha, to practical tips on having the sex talk, and offering lifelines to marriages that feel like they’re barely hanging on…this conversation is full of hope, wisdom, and real tools for real families.  With 50 years of experience in marriage and family counseling, Dr. Dave brings authenticity, humor, and encouragement to parents and couples who are looking for guidance in raising kids and deepening their relationships in a tech-dominated, fast-changing world.     Listen For :20 What parenting challenges will Dr. Dave Currie tackle during his Okotoks visit? 2:11 How do you talk to your kids about sex in today’s world? 3:42 What digital battles are kids facing—and how can parents fight back? 4:11 What does a one-day marriage tune-up actually look like? 8:36 Can hopeless marriages really turn around after just one day?   Connect with guest: Dr. Dave Currie Evangelical Free Church | Website | Facebook | Instagram| YouTube Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook |

    12 min
  7. Part 1: The Case Against Separation

    JAN 20

    Part 1: The Case Against Separation

    Send us a text What if Alberta really did separate from Canada—then what?  Carlin Lutzer welcomes back former Alberta cabinet minister Thomas Lukaszuk to unpack the heated and highly personal debate around Alberta’s political future.  With over 456,000 signatures recently submitted to oppose a sovereignty referendum, Lukaszuk reflects on the state of civil discourse, the real risks of separatism, and why he believes independence is a dangerous illusion.  From rural voter disenfranchisement to the haunting lessons of Quebec and Brexit, this conversation dives deep into the emotional and economic realities of separation…and urges Albertans to think critically before they vote.   Listen for: 8:10 Could Alberta separatism spiral out of control like Quebec? 14:12 What is Thomas Lukaszuk’s vision for fixing Canada without separation? 37:04 Could the U.S. take advantage of an independent Alberta? 52:52 When will the Alberta referendum actually happen? 54:56 Are frustrated voters unknowingly risking Alberta’s future?   Connect with Guest:  Thomas A. Lukaszuk LinkedIn | Email | X |    Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

    1h 5m
  8. Mason Raymond: Before, During, and After the NHL

    JAN 13

    Mason Raymond: Before, During, and After the NHL

    Send us a text What does it take to make it to the NHL…and what comes after?  Carlin Lutzer sits down with former NHLer Mason Raymond for a wide-ranging conversation about hockey, hard work, and life after the pros.  From growing up on a farm outside Calgary to scoring in the NHL and representing Canada at the Olympics, Mason shares the highs, lows, and lessons from a decade-long career in professional hockey.  He opens up about recovering from a broken back in the Stanley Cup Finals, navigating retirement, and his current life as a successful business owner in Cochrane.  Whether you're a young athlete chasing a dream or a parent navigating the world of youth sports, this episode offers timeless wisdom on work ethic, resilience, and staying grounded no matter the spotlight.     Listen For :45 What does Mason Raymond think about the evolution of modern hockey? 3:14 Which NHL team meant the most to Mason Raymond and why? 6:57 What advice would Mason give to his younger self starting out in hockey? 9:44 What was the high point of Mason Raymond’s NHL career? 24:37 What should parents know about raising kids in competitive sports?     Connect with guest: Mason Raymond, Former NHL Forward, Olympic Bronze Medalist, and Owner of Cochrane GM Cochrane GM | NHL  Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

    35 min
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About

The Okotoks Podcast is your ultimate guide to life in Okotoks! Hosted by Carlin Lutzer, a professional realtor and proud Okotokian, this podcast brings you stories, insights, and conversations about what makes this town just south of Calgary such a special place to live. Whether you’ve called Okotoks home for years or you’re just getting to know the community, this podcast is your connection to everything happening in town. From local businesses and real estate trends to community events and hidden gems, The Okotoks Podcast celebrates the people, places, and experiences that define life here. We talk about what it truly means to be an Okotokian, cheering for the Dawgs and Okotoks Oilers, sharing firsthand perspectives from those who shape the town’s unique identity.  And, of course, we can’t talk about Okotoks without mentioning the legendary Big Rock, an iconic landmark that serves as a symbol of our strong, growing community. Join Carlin Lutzer as he explores the heart and soul of Okotoks, bringing you engaging interviews, local insights, and everything you need to stay connected to the place we proudly call home. Whether you’re looking for the latest news, local recommendations, or just a reason to love Okotoks even more, this podcast has something for you!

Information

  • Creator
    Carlin Lutzer Real Estate
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Carlin Lutzer
  • Show Website
    The Okotoks Podcast