The Okotoks Podcast
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!
Episodes
57 episodes
Brewing Community in Okotoks | The Hubtown Brewing Story
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 Brewi...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 54
•
39:49
How Okotoks' Western Wheel Became One of Canada's Best Newspapers
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 new...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 53
•
53:15
Why Every Okotoks Business Owner Needs the Chamber of Commerce
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 powe...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 52
•
20:01
How Chris Cederstrand Turned Tragedy into a Lifetime of Purpose
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 Hock...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 51
•
54:12
Part 2: The Case For Separation
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 signatu...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 50
•
48:24
From Council Chambers to the Lacrosse Floor
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 Albert...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 49
•
27:10
Okotoks Shorts: The Heart Behind Okotoks Got Talent
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 ...
•
10:00
From Croatia to Okotoks to the Olympics…Meet Josip Brusic
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, Jo...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 48
•
22:14
Okotoks Shorts: Inside Big Rock Figure Skating Club’s Rising Stars
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,...
•
29:42
How Catriona Le May Doan Redefined Victory After Gold
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 Oly...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 47
•
41:27
Strong Through Change: The Value of Fitness in the Valleys
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 coac...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 46
•
29:59
Okotoks Shorts: Is Your Family Thriving... Or Just Surviving?
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 ...
•
12:14
Part 1: The Case Against Separation
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. Wi...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 45
•
1:04:42
Mason Raymond: Before, During, and After the NHL
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...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 44
•
35:12
Home Brew Murder Crew
What do homemade wine, small town Alberta, and serial killers have in common? Carlin Lutzer sits down with Meaghan and Kristy of the Homebrew Murder Crew for a witty, unsettling, and surprisingly thoughtful conversation about true c...
•
Episode 43
•
38:36
The Truth You’ve Been Avoiding About Your Health
What if the real weight you need to lose is misinformation?Carlin Lutzer sits down with one of Canada’s top personal trainers, Julie Hodge, to tackle one of the most frustrating cycles of all: yo-yo dieting. As January rolls ...
•
Episode 42
•
43:59
Where Do You Find Hope When the World Feels Broken
When the world feels louder, angrier, and more divided than ever, where does real hope come from?Carlin Lutzer sits down with longtime friend Bill McAlpine to explore why so many people are feeling overwhelmed, fearful, and disconnected,...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 41
•
56:49
A New Taste for Okotoks: Inside the Freddy’s Franchise Expansion
Is Freddy’s Just Another Burger Joint? Not Even Close.Carlin Lutzer sits down with Ted Tomanik, the man behind bringing Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers to Southern Al...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 40
•
17:56
The Real Reason You’re Paying More at the Pump
Why is gas in Okotoks more expensive than Calgary? It’s not what you think.Carlin Lutzer digs into a question that’s been frustrating locals for years: why are gas prices in Okotoks consistently higher than in neighboring Calgary? <...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 39
•
32:07
How YOU Can Help MyCityCare’s Toy Drive Mission
What if a toy could do more than just bring joy? What if it could change a life? Carlin Lutzer sits down with Trevor Yeaman, Director of MyCityCare Foothills and campus pastor with Parallel Church. Trevor shares how this...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 38
•
21:53
What’s Next for Calgary and Okotoks Real Estate in 2026?
Is Alberta’s housing market finally cooling — or just catching its breath?Carlin Lutzer sits down with Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB), for a deep dive into the shifting real estate landscape acro...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 37
•
38:30
From North Pole to Okotoks: Why Santa Calls This Town Home
🎅 Surprise! Santa Claus drops into the podcast for the most magical and unexpected episode yet. Carlin Lutzer sits down with the jolly man himself to talk about all things Christmas—from North Pole operations and naughty lists to Sa...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 36
•
22:34
Alberta Teachers vs. The Notwithstanding Clause
What happens when a government that calls itself the champion of freedom uses its strongest legal tool against its own teachers? Carlin Lutzer reconnects with Alberta Teachers Association representative David Tait to unpack life aft...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 35
•
33:22
What Does Remembrance Day Really Mean to a Veteran?
What if Remembrance Day wasn’t just a date on the calendar, but a call to action? Carlin Lutzer speaks with Canadian Forces veteran and trauma recovery advocate Mark Meincke. Mark shares raw, eye-opening truths from his ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 34
•
48:04
How the Foothills Philharmonic Brings Harmony to Okotoks
What does it take to build a thriving music scene in a growing town? For Tim Korthuis, it starts with passion, community, and a whole lot of harmony. Carlin Lutzer sits down with Tim Korthuis — a lifelong Okotokian, musician, and co...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 33
•
33:47