The Okotoks Podcast

Carlin Lutzer Real Estate

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. Why Every Okotoks Business Owner Needs the Chamber of Commerce

    1D AGO

    Why Every Okotoks Business Owner Needs the Chamber of Commerce

    Send a text What does it take to build a thriving local economy from the inside out?  Carlin Lutzer sits down with Dawn LeMaistre, Executive Director of the Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce, for an eye-opening conversation about the power of community commerce and local connection.  Dawn walks Carlin through why every business owner in Okotoks should be plugged into the Chamber, how its 400-plus members support one another, and the surprising scope of advocacy work happening behind the scenes.  From saving struggling businesses to influencing provincial highway decisions, this episode reveals that the Chamber is far more than a networking club.  For anyone building a business or building a life in Okotoks, this conversation is essential listening.   Listen for: 1:28 Why should every Okotoks business owner consider joining the Chamber of Commerce? 5:16 How has Chamber membership helped struggling Okotoks businesses turn things around? 7:51 What events and programs does the Okotoks Chamber run throughout the year? 11:36 How does the Chamber advocate for Okotoks businesses at municipal and provincial levels? 18:26 What does Carlin's gym membership analogy reveal about getting real value from the Chamber? Connect with Guest: Dawn LeMaistre, Executive Director, Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce Website | LinkedIn | Email Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook Freddy’s famous fried cheese curds are now available in Canada at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers... lightly breaded, gooey, and golden. Grab them solo or as a side with any combo, in regular or large, with signature sauce or marinara.

    20 min
  2. How Chris Cederstrand Turned Tragedy into a Lifetime of Purpose

    5D AGO

    How Chris Cederstrand Turned Tragedy into a Lifetime of Purpose

    Send a text What does it take to turn 20 seconds of tragedy into a lifetime of purpose?  Carlin Lutzer sits down with Chris Cederstrand, a Foothills resident, retired Team Canada sledge hockey athlete, former firefighter, and founder of PX3 Hockey Academy, for one of the most remarkable conversations the Okotoks Podcast has ever hosted.  Chris's story begins in a small Saskatchewan town, winds through junior hockey dreams, a life-altering workplace accident, and a years-long battle with opioid dependency…and arrives somewhere extraordinary.  From becoming the first above-knee amputee firefighter in North America to helping design accessible arenas right here in Okotoks, Chris embodies what community, resilience, and local pride truly look like.  Listeners will be inspired, challenged, and reminded why this community attracts such incredible people. Listen for: 04:10 How did Chris Cederstrand's WHL hockey dreams shape the man he became in Okotoks? 11:02 What really happened the day Chris's workplace accident changed everything on Bow Trail? 20:22 How did Chris battle opioid dependency and find his way back to life in Foothills County? 38:38 How is Chris Cederstrand making Okotoks hockey rinks more accessible for everyone? 48:43 What is PX3 Hockey Academy and how is it building community champions in Okotoks?   Connect with Guest: Chris Cederstrand, Public Speaker, Director at Cederstrand Foundation, AMP PX3 Adaptive Director Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Email| Facebook Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook  Freddy’s famous fried cheese curds are now available in Canada at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers... lightly breaded, gooey, and golden. Grab them solo or as a side with any combo, in regular or large, with signature sauce or marinara.

    55 min
  3. Part 2: The Case For Separation

    FEB 24

    Part 2: The Case For Separation

    Send a text What if Alberta’s future isn’t in Canada at all? Carlin Lutzer sits down once again with Tanya Clemens, a passionate advocate for Alberta sovereignty, to unpack the momentum behind the Alberta separation movement.  With signature drives gaining steam and a referendum officially expected in October 2026, Tanya addresses fears about the economy, pensions, foreign relations, and the future of democracy in Alberta.  She contrasts the separation movements constitutional clarity with competing petitions and breaks down common concerns from Albertans who feel frustrated with Ottawa but unsure about independence.  It's a grounded, thought-provoking conversation about Alberta’s identity, autonomy, and what lies ahead.   Listen for: 4:25 Can a grassroots petition really lead to independence? 7:51 Could Alberta ever become the 51st U.S. state? 14:55 What would actually change if Alberta became sovereign? 35:23 How do you talk to someone still on the fence about separation?   Connect with Guest: Tanya Clemens, Farmer, Educator, Advocate for Agriculture LinkedIn  Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook  Freddy’s famous fried cheese curds are now available in Canada at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers... lightly breaded, gooey, and golden. Grab them solo or as a side with any combo, in regular or large, with signature sauce or marinara.

    49 min
  4. From Council Chambers to the Lacrosse Floor

    FEB 17

    From Council Chambers to the Lacrosse Floor

    Send a text Carlin Lutzer sits down with Brent Robinson — Former Town of Okotoks Councillor and now Executive Director of the Alberta Lacrosse Association — for a powerful conversation about leadership, community building, and the future of sport in Alberta.  Brent shares how his passion for lacrosse evolved and what it really takes to grow amateur sport.  Listen For: 3:25 How did Brent land the Executive Director role with the Alberta Lacrosse Association? 5:12 Who’s tougher—hockey players or lacrosse players? 9:03 How did lacrosse first get started in Okotoks? 12:30 Why is lacrosse coming back to the Olympics in 2028 as “sixes”? 18:07 When is lacrosse season—and how do families register in Okotoks?    Guest: Brent Robinson, Executive Director, Alberta Lacrosse Association |  Alberta Lacrosse Association | Instagram  | LinkedIn   Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook  Freddy’s famous fried cheese curds are now available in Canada at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers... lightly breaded, gooey, and golden. Grab them solo or as a side with any combo, in regular or large, with signature sauce or marinara.

    28 min
  5. Okotoks Shorts: The Heart Behind Okotoks Got Talent

    FEB 13

    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  Freddy’s famous fried cheese curds are now available in Canada at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers... lightly breaded, gooey, and golden. Grab them solo or as a side with any combo, in regular or large, with signature sauce or marinara.

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

    FEB 10

    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  Freddy’s famous fried cheese curds are now available in Canada at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers... lightly breaded, gooey, and golden. Grab them solo or as a side with any combo, in regular or large, with signature sauce or marinara.

    23 min
  7. 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 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  Freddy’s famous fried cheese curds are now available in Canada at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers... lightly breaded, gooey, and golden. Grab them solo or as a side with any combo, in regular or large, with signature sauce or marinara.

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

    FEB 3

    How Catriona Le May Doan Redefined Victory After Gold

    Send 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  Freddy’s famous fried cheese curds are now available in Canada at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers... lightly breaded, gooey, and golden. Grab them solo or as a side with any combo, in regular or large, with signature sauce or marinara.

    42 min
See All (55)

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
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Carlin Lutzer
  • Show Website
    The Okotoks Podcast

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