Bring Back The Porch

Bernie Leahy, Brian Konrad, Curtis Nash, Lynnette Schneider

Bring Back The Porch, a podcast about simpler times when folks sat on their porch, and felt a sense of community. Everything was discussed on the porch from life, family, politics, and religion. Hosted by Bernie Leahy, this podcast aims to reignite those conversations, while giving people a chance to share their perspectives. 

  1. 3d ago

    The Legacy of the Poppy: Remembering our Heroes

    Every November, Canadians pin a red poppy over their hearts. It is a familiar tradition, but how much do we really know about the story behind this powerful symbol of remembrance? Today on Bring Back The Porch, Brian sits down with Wes Krause, Archives Officer with the Royal Canadian Legion Robertson Memorial Branch 17 in Medicine Hat, to explore the fascinating history of the poppy and the meaning it carries for Canadians and people around the world. Chapters 00:00 – The Story Behind the Remembrance Day Poppy 00:38 – Why the Poppy Means So Much to Canadians 01:10 – In Flanders Fields: The Poem That Started It All 02:40 – John McCrae and the Origins of the Poppy 03:25 – Did the Poppy Grow on Battlefields Before WWI? 04:40 – How the Poppy Became an International Symbol 05:59 – The Women Who Helped Bring the Poppy to the World 07:41 – Why the Poppy Is Recognized Around the World 08:46 – How the Remembrance Day Poppy Has Changed 11:34 – The Tradition of Leaving Your Poppy at the Cenotaph 13:05 – Why More Canadians Are Embracing Remembrance 15:14 – Do Other Countries Celebrate Remembrance Day? 17:16 – Veterans, Camaraderie and Shared Experiences 20:00 – Poppy Etiquette: When and Where Should You Wear It? 21:12 – What Happens to Your Poppy After November 11? 22:00 – Honouring Veterans at Medicine Hat's Field of Honour 23:35 – Where Does the Money From the Poppy Campaign Go? 25:45 – How the Legion Supports Veterans and Their Families 27:28 – Lest We Forget Inspired by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's famous poem "In Flanders Fields", the poppy has a history that reaches far beyond Canada's borders. Its journey involves the First World War, international efforts to honour fallen soldiers, and the people who helped establish the poppy as an enduring symbol of remembrance. Wes explains the traditions and etiquette surrounding the poppy, including when to wear it, where it belongs, and what happens to it after Remembrance Day. He also shares the important work of the Royal Canadian Legion's Poppy Campaign and how the funds raised provide practical support to veterans and their families. From financial assistance and housing to medical equipment, education and emergency support, the Poppy Fund continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served. We also explore the camaraderie shared between veterans, the growing community response to remembering those who served, and why the poppy remains such an important symbol for future generations. As we approach Remembrance Day, this is an opportunity to learn something new, reflect on our history and better understand the responsibility we share in remembering those who made sacrifices for our freedom. Lest We Forget 📍 Recorded in Medicine Hat, Alberta. ABOUT OUR GUEST Wes Krause is the Archives Officer for the Royal Canadian Legion Robertson Memorial Branch 17 in Medicine Hat. Through his work with the Legion, he helps preserve the history, traditions and stories of Canada's veterans. ABOUT BRING BACK THE PORCH Bring Back The Porch is a Medicine Hat community podcast bringing local people, important conversations and interesting stories to the forefront. We believe our community is stronger when we take the time to listen, learn and understand one another. If you enjoy conversations like this, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE Bring Back The Porch. Help us keep local stories and meaningful conversations alive. #BringBackThePorch #RemembranceDay #PoppyCampaign #MedicineHat #LestWeForget #RoyalCanadianLegion #CanadianVeterans Medicine Hat Fire Department reminds you to charge your devices with the cord that came them. Third party cords can damage your rechargeable batteries and lead to fire.  Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show

  2. 6d ago

    Internet Safety in the Age of AI

    Do you have the tools to keep safe on the internet? Constable Chris Mueller of the Medicine Hat Police Service explains how scammers gather personal information and use AI to make phishing, romance, emergency, and business-payment scams more convincing. He shares with Brian practical ways to reduce risk, from unique passwords and multi-factor authentication to verifying requests through a separate channel and reporting cybercrime. Chapters 00:00 Why online safety starts with changing password habits 01:04 Where scammers find your personal information 03:18 Data breaches, credential stuffing, and stronger passwords 06:09 The rising cost of cybercrime and AI-enabled deception 08:05 Spotting phishing emails and AI-assisted romance scams 11:21 Verify invoice and banking changes by phone 13:07 Voice cloning and emergency scams: don’t rely on a familiar voice 15:00 Reducing identity-fraud risk and using public Wi-Fi carefully 19:24 Why software updates and device locks matter 23:23 Malicious ads, cookies, and VPNs 29:25 Password managers and suspicious charging cables 32:02 Layer security and report cybercrime Key Points to help keep you protected: Constable Mueller describes how scammers collect clues from public social media profiles, obituaries, and company data breaches. A reused password can enable credential stuffing; Mueller recommends unique strong passwords, password managers, and multi-factor authentication. AI can make phishing emails, romance scams, and voice-cloned emergency calls more persuasive, so verify what the person is asking through another channel. For payment-change requests, call a known contact directly before transferring money, even if the email thread looks legitimate. Reduce exposure by limiting public personal information, keeping devices and apps updated, locking devices, and avoiding sensitive activity on public Wi-Fi. Mueller discusses ad pop-ups, browser cookies, VPNs, password generators, and the risks of plugging in unfamiliar charging cables. Reporting cybercrime helps police identify patterns and share intelligence, even when an individual case may be difficult to solve. Medicine Hat Fire Department reminds you to charge your devices with the cord that came them. Third party cords can damage your rechargeable batteries and lead to fire.  Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show

  3. Oct 27

    More Choice, More Paths for Students

    Tonight on Bring Back The Porch, Brian speaks with Dr. Dwayne Zarichny, Superintendent of the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education, as he reflects on a 33-year career in education and his final year before retirement. They cover how teaching has changed, where online learning and AI are headed, and why specialized academy programs are reshaping school choice for students and parents. The conversation also covers new school development in Medicine Hat, including Holy Trinity School, the growth of Catholic enrolment, and how vocational, faith-based, and career-focused learning paths are evolving. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Dr. Zarichny's retirement announcement 00:13 Why Dr. Zarichny chose to become a teacher 00:41 The challenge and reward of making a difference in students' lives 00:57 First day as a teacher on a First Nation island 01:09 Career progression and diverse roles in education 01:22 How education has evolved over 33 years 01:29 The rise of online and on-demand learning 01:41 Technology's role in supporting students with special needs 01:44 Growth of faith-based and specialized academy programs in Medicine Hat 01:59 New school projects and community engagement 02:21 The future of education and Dr. Zarichny's plans after retirement The Unseen Impact of Teaching   Dr. Zarichny highlights a common struggle for educators: the difficulty in recognizing the difference they make in their students' lives. "You never know when you're making a difference," he shares, emphasizing the profound yet often invisible influence teachers have.   A Journey Through Education   Reflecting on his career, Dr. Zarichny, recalls his beginnings and the path that led him to become a teacher. Growing up in a family of educators, he was inspired by a high school business teacher who imparted valuable lessons that he still applies today. His own teaching journey began in a challenging environment on a First Nation, where he learned to adapt and grow. His varied career has included roles in multiple provinces and different school jurisdictions, showcasing his dedication to education.   The Evolution of Education   Dr. Zarichny, notes significant changes in education, particularly in the rise of on-demand learning. He believes that as parents become more mobile, the need for accessible education will grow, leading to more online platforms for students. However, he raises a critical concern about the potential loss of social development in online learning environments.   Embracing Technology   Brian shifts the conversation to technology's role in education, especially concerning special needs students. Dr. Zarichny, points out that technology now allows teachers to create tailored learning experiences, enhancing support for diverse learning needs.   The Future of Education   Lastly, Dr. Zarichny, reflects on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education. He predicts that AI will not just be an adjustment but a disruption, much like the industrial revolution.  As Dr. Zarichny winds down his final year of teaching he explains to Brian that he will be busy in retirement. He plans to travel, continue teaching university courses, and do governance work with school boards and nonprofit boards. Medicine Hat Fire Department reminds you to charge your devices with the cord that came them. Third party cords can damage your rechargeable batteries and lead to fire.  Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show

  4. Oct 25

    Art Room On Second: Why Visual Art Matters

    Bring Back The Porch visits Art Room on Second, Medicine Hat’s new collaborative commercial gallery, with co-owner Erin Stelmaschuk Biegel. Erin explains how a group of artists turned years of pop-up shows into a permanent space, how original copper tooling and nature inspire her work, and why meeting artists and seeing art in person can make collecting meaningful. Chapters 00:00 Why Medicine Hat needed a commercial gallery 01:22 From artist pop-ups to a permanent gallery 03:24 A collaborative space with artists on the floor 05:04 Nature, copper, and the origins of Erin’s practice 07:19 How copper tooling turns drawings into originals 09:43 Why visual art matters in everyday life 12:07 Expanding beyond paintings to pottery and sculpture 13:42 Gallery hours, changing displays, and traveling collectors 16:43 Small works, local artists, and building a collection 20:51 Caring for copper and a Calgary Stampede hat 22:35 Six potters and whimsical salvaged-metal sculpture 25:34 Why visitors should continue to drop in Art Room on Second grew from several years of artist pop-ups, culminating in a month-long show before becoming a full-time gallery in February. Co-owners Erin Stelmaschuk Biegel and Ursula Maser lead a collaborative gallery that includes more than 20 artists across painting, pottery, jewelry, beadwork, and sculpture. Artists share gallery shifts, giving visitors the chance to meet makers, ask about their processes, and discover different work on repeat visits. Erin traces her nature-inspired practice and copper tooling technique to childhood drawing and a generous high school art teacher; each copper piece is made by hand without templates. She describes how patina, acrylic, alcohol ink, oil pastels, and resin contribute to her copper works, which need only dusting for care. The gallery’s changing feature wall, artist demonstrations, opening receptions, and varied mediums keep the space fresh for locals and visitors. The tour highlights artists and mediums including Ursula Maser’s florals, Jackie Deblasio's abstracts, Kameko Ballantyne's graphite drawings, six potters, and Jordan Bouchard’s salvaged-metal sculpture. The gallery’s broader mission is to show why visual art matters in people’s lives, including the emotional and scientific impact of colour, mood, memory, and place. Erin says people often connect with art and that small original works can be an approachable start to collecting. The tour also spotlights the gallery’s mix of work - smaller pieces for collectors, unframed originals for travellers, pottery, abstract work, graphite drawings, whimsical garden stacks, and salvaged metal sculpture. There is something for everyone, Erin recommends visitors linger, bring friends, and return often. Medicine Hat Fire Department reminds you to charge your devices with the cord that came them. Third party cords can damage your rechargeable batteries and lead to fire.  Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show

  5. Oct 23

    Adjusting to Workforce Challenges with Eddie LeMoine

    Bring Back The Porch's latest conversation is with Eddie LeMoine, he shares his journey from working in many fields including sporting goods, aeronautics, and tech to becoming a sought-after professional speaker and author. He reflects on significant life choices and the lessons learned along the way, particularly around the importance of focusing attention on our goals. Eddie will be the keynote speaker at the Workforce Solutions Summit taking place next week here in Medicine Hat. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview 01:00 Guest background and career journey 02:13 Transition from fishing and music to retail and tech 03:20 Becoming a professional speaker and author 04:01 The moment of realization and career change 04:56 Family reactions and early challenges 06:01 The importance of attention and focus 07:01 Labour workforce challenges and demographic shifts 09:00 The impact of AI and automation on jobs 11:03 Strategies for capacity building and remote work 13:11 Knowledge transfer and AI tools for succession planning 14:48 Broadening talent pools and global recruitment 17:02 The future of work and opportunities for all 20:03 Retirement, encore careers, and lifelong work 23:01 The role of happiness and passion in productivity 24:49 Resources and tools available on Eddie LeMoine's website 27:07 Final thoughts From Fish Scales to Tech and Beyond Eddie's career began in the fishing industry, a family tradition, before he ventured into retail and managed large tech companies. However, a personal revelation led him to transition into professional speaking. “You have everything that everybody wants… but I got really good at doing things I hated doing every day.”   Eddie LeMoine This realization pushed Eddie to embrace his passion for speaking, despite the challenges of leaving a stable corporate position. He highlights how crucial it is to align one’s work with personal fulfillment and purpose. Attention Shapes Outcomes A pivotal moment in Eddie's career came during a conversation in a pub that changed his perspective on focus and intention. He learned from a mentor that focusing on the negative aspects of his goals was counterproductive. This insight has become a guiding principle for him, emphasizing the power of positive focus in achieving success. Labour Market Challenges Ahead Eddie discusses the pressing challenges facing today’s workforce, particularly the impending shortage of workers as a significant portion of the population retires. With fewer people entering the workforce and increased demands for growth, Eddie stresses the importance of strategic thinking in workforce planning. He advocates for building capacity within current teams rather than solely relying on hiring to bridge the gap. A Shift in Work Culture As Eddie points out, the work ethic of previous generations may not resonate with younger workers. The priority is shifting towards work-life balance, and organizations need to adapt to these changes to attract and retain talent. By fostering a culture that values well-being and flexibility, companies can better harness the strengths of their existing teams. The Workforce Solutions Summit: Strengthening Recruitment, Retention, and Workplace Culture takes place October 27th from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Medicine Hat College. If you want to learn more about Eddie LeMoine visit his website https://eddielemoine.com/ Please support our work by subscribing to our YouTube Channel Medicine Hat Fire Department reminds you to charge your devices with the cord that came them. Third party cords can damage your rechargeable batteries and lead to fire.  Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show

  6. Oct 21

    Inside the Downtown Patrol Unit

    What does it take to build a safer downtown? According to Medicine Hat Police Service Downtown Patrol officers, it starts with relationships, mutual respect, and working together. Today on Bring Back The Porch, host Brian Konrad welcomes Sergeant Brian Bohrn and Constable Mitch Young of the award-winning Downtown Patrol Unit to discuss the realities of downtown policing in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the downtown patrol unit  02:03 Last day for Sergeant Brian Bohrn and team growth 04:08 Team dynamics and the importance of close-knit relationships 06:18 Understanding the needs of homeless individuals 07:15 The non-adversarial approach to community policing 08:43 Challenges faced by homeless individuals and support resources 10:18 The evolution and growth of the patrol team 12:42 Reflections on the work and success stories 13:32 Uplifting stories and the rewards of community policing 14:25 Closing remarks and appreciation for Sergeant Brian Bohrn From working alongside downtown business owners to building relationships with people experiencing homelessness and addiction, Brian and Mitch explain how communication, education, and collaboration help address community concerns. The conversation also marks a milestone for Sergeant Bohrn, who reflects on nearly six years with the Downtown Patrol Unit as he prepares to move on from the team. Both officers share what makes the work rewarding, the challenges of supporting people in complex circumstances, and the success stories that remind them why community policing matters. IN THIS EPISODE • How Medicine Hat's Downtown Patrol Unit works with local businesses to address concerns and prevent problems. • Why the unit's community nomination for an award made the recognition especially meaningful. • How officers build trust and rapport with people experiencing homelessness and addiction. • Why enforcement is not always the first response, and how education and mutual respect can encourage cooperation. • The complex reasons some people may struggle to access shelters or housing. • How police connect people with community support services, including Recovery Alberta. • How the Downtown Patrol Unit has grown and why additional resources help officers respond to community needs. • Sergeant Brian Bohrn's reflections on six years of downtown policing, teamwork, and relationships. • The success stories that come from helping people find employment, stable housing, and a path forward. A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION Downtown safety involves more than enforcement. It also involves understanding the people who live and work in the community, recognizing the challenges they face, and finding practical ways to work together. This conversation offers a look at the people behind the badge and the relationships that help shape a safer, more connected Medicine Hat. ABOUT BRING BACK THE PORCH Bring Back The Porch is a Medicine Hat community podcast featuring conversations about local people, current events, public issues, and the ideas shaping our community. Our Porch has room for everyone. Join us as we listen, learn, and explore the stories that matter to southeastern Alberta. If you value thoughtful conversations about Medicine Hat, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel, and SHARE it with someone who cares about our community. Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show

  7. Oct 18

    Haunting Tales and Spooky Adventures with Tamara Miller

    Today on Bring Back The Porch Tamara Miller from Miller's Haunts shares spooky stories, paranormal experiences, and her insights on haunted places, supernatural elements, and Halloween traditions. Discover fascinating tales and perspectives on the supernatural world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tamara Miller and her paranormal stories 02:02 Childhood ghost stories and experiences with Morgan 03:52 Paranormal activity at a children's home in Didsbury 06:57 Beliefs about ghosts, spirits, and supernatural encounters 09:02 Haunted places in Saskatchewan and local ghost stories 12:06 Thoughts on aliens, UFOs, and extraterrestrial life 15:13 Supernatural phenomena like Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, and Mothman 19:47 Demonic presence, haunted objects, and energy attachments 24:49 Halloween traditions, ghost tours, and spooky season plans 29:58 Final thoughts and Halloween message from Tamara Miller As the spooky season begins, there's something thrilling about sharing ghost stories, especially when they come from personal experiences. In this episode of *Bring Back the Porch*, Curtis chats with Tamara Miller, a passionate storyteller from Miller's Haunts, who brings her own spine-tingling tales to life. Childhood Haunts Tamara recalls her childhood friend Morgan, who delighted in scaring her and other friends during sleepovers on her farm. Each visit was filled with scary movies and ghostly tales, crafting a perfect atmosphere for youthful fright.  Years later, Tamara found herself working at a children's home that was rumoured to be haunted. On Halloween night, a loud bang echoed from the basement, leading her and a coworker to investigate. The eerie occurrences didn’t stop there; strange happenings continued to unfold, leaving Tamara with a lingering fear of the basement laundry room. A Connection to the Past In a twist of fate, Morgan later sought to buy a house just two doors down from Tamara's workplace, only to discover it was the old Didsbury hospital. This revelation added another layer of eeriness to their history, tying their ghostly experiences together. The Skeptic's Journey Tamara also shares her experience with a skeptical trolley driver who accompanies her on tours. His desire to be proven wrong leads him to investigate the paranormal, creating a fascinating dynamic between belief and skepticism. Ghostly Encounters Throughout the conversation, they delve into various ghost stories and supernatural phenomena. One particularly chilling account involves a water cooler flying across a room, and another where a figure resembling Morgan's mother appeared, only to vanish.  Halloween Reflections As Halloween approaches, Tamara emphasizes a cautious approach to the supernatural, especially regarding Ouija boards. While some may dabble, she firmly advises against it, citing the potential for unexpected encounters. We hope you enjoy this spooky season and we hope you share your scary tales with us in the comments!!! Medicine Hat Fire Department reminds you to charge your devices with the cord that came them. Third party cords can damage your rechargeable batteries and lead to fire.  Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show

  8. Oct 15

    Navigating Workforce Challenges

    Tonight on Bring Back The Porch, we explore workforce challenges, including recruitment, retention, diversity, and the impact of AI, with Isabel Jewell Schmidt. Discover strategies for creating inclusive workplaces and adapting to rapid changes in the labor market. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:34 Challenges in workforce recruitment and retention 03:52 Impact of retirements and replacing experienced workers 04:34 Changing career patterns and workplace flexibility 05:12 How CWE tailors solutions to employer needs 07:00 Using AI to enhance productivity and reduce job dissatisfaction 07:42 Fostering diversity and inclusion in the workforce 08:57 Supporting older workers and overcoming stereotypes 10:07 Strategies for attracting young talent 10:55 The importance of workforce adaptability and registration details for the summit Here in Southeastern Alberta the workforce landscape is changing,  the need for adaptability and inclusivity has never been more pressing. We sat down with Isabel Jewell Schmidt, program coordinator for the Workforce Solutions Summit, to discuss the challenges facing employers today and the importance of creating an inclusive work environment. The Importance of Inclusivity Isabel emphasized the pivotal role of inclusivity in today’s workplace.   "We focus on how to bring people to the workforce and how then to create an environment that’s inclusive for them once they’re there."  The Workforce Solutions Summit, happening on October 27th, aims to address these very issues, providing resources to improve recruitment and retention efforts. Key Concerns in Today’s Workforce Isabel shared insights on the pressing concerns employers face: -Workforce Shortages: With a significant number of experienced workers retiring, finding replacements is a growing challenge.     - Generational Differences: Younger workers are seeking flexibility and a sense of purpose in their careers, which can clash with traditional workplace structures. Embracing Change with AI One of the hot topics at the summit will be the impact of AI on the workplace. Isabel noted: Instead of fearing AI, maybe we take AI and use it for the parts people dislike doing. Everybody has a part of their job that they don’t like. This perspective encourages companies to view AI as a tool for enhancing productivity rather than a threat. Diversity as an Asset Our workforce is increasingly diverse, with people from various backgrounds entering the job market. Isabel highlighted the need for employers to embrace this diversity: "Inclusion is not just something that’s different, but something that’s good." Workshops and training sessions provided by SIWI aim to help employers understand and manage this diversity effectively. Summit Details: The Workforce Solutions Summit is set for October 27th at Medicine Hat College. This free event will tackle crucial topics related to workplace culture and development. Registration is open online, and the summit is designed for employers, service providers, and anyone interested in enhancing their professional skills. Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show

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About

Bring Back The Porch, a podcast about simpler times when folks sat on their porch, and felt a sense of community. Everything was discussed on the porch from life, family, politics, and religion. Hosted by Bernie Leahy, this podcast aims to reignite those conversations, while giving people a chance to share their perspectives. 

Information

  • Creator
    Bernie Leahy, Brian Konrad, Curtis Nash, Lynnette Schneider
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    231
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bring Back The Porch
  • Show Website
    Bring Back The Porch

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