Blackfoot author and artist Jared Tailfeathers shares what it was like growing up in Calgary, where he was typically the only Aboriginal student in his classes. He also discusses the multilayered perspective he has developed on the geography and history of Alberta.
Jared's website: https://www.tailfeathersart.com/
The Art of Making: Rediscovering the Blackfoot Legacy: https://mybook.to/Y9LFeAF
Interview date: April 24, 2025
Interviewer: Dan Kostka
Mark MacDonald is a proud east-coaster who moved to Calgary ten years ago for an articling position at a personal injury law firm. Mark shares what he and his family love about Alberta, as well as some of the things he misses about the east coast. As a lawyer dealing with motor vehicle accident claims, he also offers some helpful tips for drivers who are new to Calgary's driving conditions.
Mark's law practice: https://zhivovlaw.ca/about-us/
Interview date: April 23, 2025
Interviewer: Dan Kostka
When Shwetha Yermal moved with her family from California to Calgary in 2022, a major factor was the excellent care the Alberta Children's Hospital could provide for their son, who had multiple health issues. Since then, the family has been discovering all that the city and province have to offer, while also noting many differences from both California and her birth country of India.
Interviewer: Dan Kostka
Interview date: March 20, 2025
Patricia Salo is a retired hospital and university administrator in Calgary who felt compelled by the current state of politics to write this speech urging Canadians to stand up for their country and its values.This is a supplement to Episode 20 of this podcast.
Patricia Salo has always worked hard, whether as an administrator at a Montreal hospital, in a university medical faculty, in the oil industry, or as the mother of three children. She describes her move from Montreal to Calgary in the 1970s and how the city has evolved in the years since. She also shares what led to the creation of a powerful speech she recently wrote decrying the current state of politics, a speech that ends with a defiant and proud "Vive le Canada!"
Link to Patricia's speech: https://youtu.be/t8vQ7d1EbWI
Interviewer: Dan Kostka
Interview date: March 27, 2025
Amin Badani, an immigrant from Mumbai, India, is the owner and manager of Calgary Souvenirs & Gift Shop on Stephen Avenue Mall. He talks about the challenges and rewards of his early years in Canada—from arriving during COVID to adjusting to Calgary’s culture and climate. Amin reflects on the comfort of having more personal space than he was used to in Mumbai, and shares his favourite local restaurants for getting a taste of home.
Amin's Website: https://www.calgarysouvenirs.com/
Interviewer: Dan KostkaInterview date: March 19, 2025
Jocelyn Hastie left the hustle and bustle of a corporate job in downtown Calgary for a slower pace in the beautiful ranchlands south of the city. Her love of horses led to a lifestyle that keeps her grounded and fulfilled – a lifestyle she shares with others with her ranch retreats.
Jocelyn's ranch retreats: https://thecowgirlscode.com/
Jocelyn's coaching and public speaking: https://jocelynhastie.com/
Interviewer: Dan Kostka
Interview date: March 27, 2025
Author and retired geologist Peter J. Meehan shares how his many international travels have shaped his own sense of identity and his views of Calgary and Canada.
Return to Pamplona: https://mybook.to/6fvBM
That Weekend in Albania: https://a.co/d/1W8eQNT
Interviewer: Dan Kostka
Interview date: March 15, 2025
Jebb Fink is a local legend – standup comedian, emcee, longtime reporter and TV host, entrepreneur. In this wide-ranging conversation at 'Jebb's Joint' in Crossroads Market, Jebb discusses some of his on-the-road adventures as a comedian, some of his favourite activities in the Calgary area, and why the city has been a good fit for him.
Follow Jebb on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jebbhfink/
Interviewer: Dan Kostka
Interview date: March 21, 2025
Paul Dixon shares what it's been like living in Canmore, an hour's drive west of Calgary, since 1999. He shares the big differences from his previous home of Toronto, his family's favourite activities when his kids were growing up, and how the mountain community has evolved over the years.
Eunice Abiona, a project management professional originally from Lagos, Nigeria, shares the story of her and her husband's journey to build a new life in Calgary, Alberta.
Dan chats with cartoonist, illustrator, and musician Verne Luchinski. They discuss Verne's recent book projects, what it was like raising four kids in Calgary, and how it feels to be a creative type in an oil town.
Wyde Earp: Stop Thief! https://mybook.to/LnTAz
Welcome to Alberta Activity Book https://mybook.to/Nd0TKSL
When Ukrainian refugees Olena and Mike Datso came to Canada in March of 2023, it was to provide their children with a safe and stable future. In this personal and inspiring discussion, Olena and Mike discuss their first six months in Calgary -- the challenges they've overcome, the surprising differences between Ukraine and Canada, and what they love about their new home.
Marilyn Dyck has spent many years building stronger communities and helping young people. She is the co-founder and former director of The Doorway, which helps homeless youth in Calgary.
In this deeply thoughtful and surprising conversation with freelance journalist Dan Kostka, Marilyn discusses how the concept of belonging is essential if we're to build stronger communities, especially for our young people.