The Okotoks Podcast

Stories and Strategies

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. Your Home. Your Rights. Alberta's Castle Law Debate

    5D AGO

    Your Home. Your Rights. Alberta's Castle Law Debate

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to own the land beneath your feet?  Carlin Lutzer sits down with Cory Morgan, a Western Standard columnist and passionate Alberta advocate, for a wide-ranging conversation that hits close to home for anyone who cares about life in Okotoks and the surrounding Foothills County.  From the landmark Eddie Maurice case right here in our backyard, to Premier Danielle Smith's proposed castle law changes, to the growing uncertainty around Indigenous land claims in BC, Cory offers sharp, opinionated context on some of today's most debated property rights issues.  Whether you're a long-time Okotoks resident or a newcomer discovering what Alberta values look like in practice, this episode delivers the kind of honest, thought-provoking conversation that defines the Okotoks Podcast.   Listen for: 1:18 What drives Cory Morgan to write opinion columns and challenge political norms in Alberta? 5:07 What really happened with the Eddie Maurice case in Foothills County, and why did it outrage Okotoks-area residents? 14:34 How might Premier Danielle Smith's proposed castle law changes affect property owners in Okotoks and rural Alberta? 18:54 What are Indigenous land claim rulings doing to property rights and mortgage financing in BC? 26:20 Why is Alberta more legally stable than BC when it comes to treaty land and property ownership?    Connect with Guest: Cory Morgan, Columnist, Western Standard Western Standard | X | Facebook | Amazon - The Sovereigntist's Handbook  Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

    38 min
  2. Brewing Community in Okotoks | The Hubtown Brewing Story

    MAR 17

    Brewing Community in Okotoks | The Hubtown Brewing Story

    Send a text What does it take to build not just a business, but a genuine gathering place that a whole town rallies around?  This episode takes us into the heart of downtown Okotoks for a conversation with Lisa Watts, co-founder of Hubtown Brewing. Carlin Lutzer sits down with Lisa to hear the remarkable origin story behind one of Okotoks' most beloved community institutions, a brewery that began with a weekend trip to Montana, a woman who didn't even like beer, and a shared dream of building something that would bring people together.  From home-brewed one-gallon batches to a two-storey taproom with curling rinks, live music, and a trademark battle with Warner Brothers, Lisa's story demonstrates what’s possible when entrepreneurial spirit meets genuine community love.   Listen for: 2:18 How did Lisa Watts go from hating beer to co-founding one of Okotoks' most beloved breweries? 11:26 Why did Lisa and Mark choose Okotoks as the home for their craft brewery? 15:34 What is the Beer for Life program and how did it fund Hubtown's expansion? 26:45 How did the Okotoks community show up for Hubtown Brewing during COVID? 31:36 What is Butterbeer and why is Warner Brothers involved in a trademark dispute with a small Okotoks brewery?   Connect with Guest: Lisa Watts, Co-Founder/CEO at Hub Town Brewing Company Hub Town Brewing Company | Lisa's LinkedIn |Hub Town Brewing Instagram |  Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

    40 min
  3. How Okotoks' Western Wheel Became One of Canada's Best Newspapers

    MAR 10

    How Okotoks' Western Wheel Became One of Canada's Best Newspapers

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to keep a small-town newspaper not just alive, but thriving in the digital age?  Carlin Lutzer dives into that very question with Curtis Armstrong, the new publisher of the Western Wheel, Okotoks' beloved weekly newspaper, and the Cochrane Eagle.  The duo explore how the Western Wheel has remained one of the top community newspapers in Canada, what it's like to arrive in Okotoks fresh from Ontario, and how the paper is evolving far beyond print.  From the Western Wheel Cares fundraiser topping $105,000 to cutting-edge digital marketing tools most local businesses have never heard of, this conversation reveals just how deep the roots of great local journalism…and genuine community connection run here in Okotoks.   Listen for: :23 How Is the Western Wheel Reinventing Itself for the Digital Age? 4:37 What Is Western Wheel Cares and Why Does It Matter to Okotoks? 11:55 Is the Western Wheel Really Left Leaning or Just Reporting the News? 17:09 How Has Bill C 18 Changed Local News on Facebook and Google? 30:08 How Does Geofencing Let Businesses Reach the Right Customers?   Connect with Guest: Curtis Armstrong,  News Publisher and Digital Marketing Leader Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Email Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

    53 min
  4. Why Every Okotoks Business Owner Needs the Chamber of Commerce

    MAR 6

    Why Every Okotoks Business Owner Needs the Chamber of Commerce

    Send us Fan Mail 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

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

    MAR 2

    How Chris Cederstrand Turned Tragedy into a Lifetime of Purpose

    Send us Fan Mail 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

    54 min
  6. Part 2: The Case For Separation

    FEB 24

    Part 2: The Case For Separation

    Send us Fan Mail 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

    48 min
  7. From Council Chambers to the Lacrosse Floor

    FEB 17

    From Council Chambers to the Lacrosse Floor

    Send us Fan Mail 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

    27 min
  8. Okotoks Shorts: The Heart Behind Okotoks Got Talent

    FEB 13

    Okotoks Shorts: The Heart Behind Okotoks Got Talent

    Send us Fan Mail 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
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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!

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