Always Blue with President Tim Rahilly

Mount Royal University Alumni Relations

Always Blue with President Tim Rahilly, A Mount Royal University Alumni Relations Podcast, highlights the experiences, perspectives, and impact of Mount Royal alumni and surrounding community. Follow along with our President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly, as he sits down for open conversations with the Mount Royal community from every corner of the world—educators, pilots, nurses, artists, leaders, and more. Dive into the blue today!

Episodes

  1. May 20

    From Parade Routes to Community Roots | Sarah Hayes on the Calgary Stampede

    In this episode of Always Blue, Mount Royal University President Tim Rahilly and Melanie Rogers, VP, Community Engagement sit down with Sarah Hayes, Executive Vice President of Foundation, Culture & Heritage at the Calgary Stampede and Executive Director of the Calgary Stampede Foundation. Sarah shares her journey from arriving in Calgary during Stampede week as a child to helping shape one of Canada's most iconic community institutions. Together, they explore the power of volunteerism, philanthropy, youth leadership, music, and community connection — from the Calgary Stampede's year-round impact to the visionary SAM Centre and the future of Calgary itself. Listen for a heartfelt conversation about civic pride, belonging, and what makes Calgary a city people want to build together. Produced by Mount Royal University's Office of Alumni Relations Recorded live at the Community Podcast Initiative Studios (https://thepodcaststudio.ca/)

    29 min

  2. Apr 16

    Episode 4: Rethinking Mental Health at Work with Lindsay Calder Recknell

    In this episode of Always Blue, Tim and Scott Cruickshank chat with MRU alum and corporate wellness consultant Lindsay Calder Recknell about mental health at work and in everyday life. Lindsay shares her journey from accounting student to wellness expert, along with practical tips on managing stress, preventing burnout, and building more compassionate workplaces. They also dive into leadership, generational differences, and how to create environments where people actually feel safe to speak up.

    30 min

  3. Mar 13

    Always Blue presents "Strength in Community" an International Women's Day Special

    In honour of International Women's Day, Always Blue presents "Strength in Community" the opening plenary from MRU's International Women's Day celebration. Recorded live on March 10, 2026, three members of the Mount Royal University community, Paula Worthington (Worthington PR & Story, MRU Sessional Faculty), Jasmine Palardy (The Good Future, MRU Alumna), and Sarah Nwaerondu (Calgary Wild FC, MRU Alumna), explore what it means to build meaningful community. From grassroots sports and neighborhood initiatives to global networks and creative collaborations, they share stories about trust, belonging, and the power of connection. Always Blue with President Rahilly returns next month with a brand-new episode!

    29 min

  4. Feb 11

    Episode 3: Olympics, Paralympics and Changing Lives Through Sport with David Legg

    In this episode of Always Blue, Mount Royal University professor and Paralympic expert David Legg, shares how sport can be a powerful driver of inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. Drawing on his experience in the Olympic and Paralympic movements, Legg reflects on teaching, advocacy, and why inclusive sport matters on campus, in communities, and on the world stage. Host: President Tim Rahilly Co-Host: Scott Cruickshank Guest: David Legg, PhD, Professor, Mount Royal University Produced by: Mount Royal University Alumni Relations

    30 min

  5. Jan 15

    Episode 2: Creating Access Through Art with Ashley King

    In this episode of Always Blue, President Tim Rahilly and co-host Scott Cruickshank sit down with award-winning Mount Royal University alumna Ashley King—actor, playwright, podcaster, and accessibility advocate. Ashley shares her powerful journey after losing her eyesight to methanol poisoning at 19, and how resilience, storytelling, and her MRU journalism education helped shape her path back to the arts. She discusses her acclaimed play and podcast Static: A Party Girl's Memoir, the importance of accessibility and representation in the arts, and why creating your own opportunities can lead to unexpected impact and global reach. Host: President Tim Rahilly Co-Host: Scott Cruickshank Guest: Ashley King, Actor, Playwright, Podcaster & Accessibility Advocate Produced by: Mount Royal University Alumni Relations www.mtroyal.ca/alumni/

    28 min

  6. Jan 15

    Episode 1: Permission from the Universe with Tala Abu Hayyaneh

    In the inaugural episode of Always Blue, Mount Royal University President Tim Rahilly and co-host Scott Cruickshank sit down with Tala Abu Hayyaneh, MRU alumna and President of the Student Association of Mount Royal University. Tala reflects on her journey as a newcomer to Canada, her path through Policy Studies, and how student leadership and volunteerism shaped her growth as an advocate and leader. She shares candid insights on the realities of leadership, mental resilience, and balancing critique with collaboration, while discussing her passion for education policy, refugee education, and making systemic change from within. Host: President Tim Rahilly Co-Host: Scott Cruickshank Guest: Tala Abu Hayyaneh, President, Student's Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) Produced by: Mount Royal University Alumni Relations www.mtroyal.ca/alumni/

    18 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Always Blue with President Tim Rahilly, A Mount Royal University Alumni Relations Podcast, highlights the experiences, perspectives, and impact of Mount Royal alumni and surrounding community. Follow along with our President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly, as he sits down for open conversations with the Mount Royal community from every corner of the world—educators, pilots, nurses, artists, leaders, and more. Dive into the blue today!

Information