Overheard Podcast

Overheard Podcast

di Overheard Studio
Stagione 1

Alberta Referendum Special with Banff-Kanaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi

A vote meant to send a message could give politicians permission to do something you never intended. That’s one of the concerns we unpack with Banff–Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi as we dig into Alberta’s referendum, what the questions are asking and how the results could be used long after the ballots are counted. Sarah is clear about where she stands. We get into why she opposes these proposals, what she believes the wording leaves open to interpretation, and how voters can weigh the promises being made against the outcomes that remain uncertain. We also discuss the frustrations driving this debate, because disagreeing with a proposed solution doesn’t mean dismissing the grievances behind it. From equalization and voting power to federal law, Indigenous treaty rights and Alberta’s identity, this conversation goes beyond the headlines. We explore what greater provincial autonomy could mean, what would require further negotiations, and why these decisions deserve a closer look from everyone who calls Alberta home. We also discuss mail-in ballots, election safeguards and Sarah’s concerns about data security and foreign interference. With so much political information coming through our social feeds, we talk about checking the claims we’re seeing and understanding who might benefit from shaping the conversation. Whatever your position, take part. You don’t have to agree with Sarah to hear her perspective, challenge her arguments or use this conversation as a starting point for your own research. Read each question. Look into what could follow. Make sure the answer you mark reflects the decision you want to support. Then get out there and vote. Find official referendum questions, voting locations and identification requirements at the Elections Alberta website Like, subscribe and share this episode with someone who’s still making sense of the ballot. See You Next Tuesday!!

Queer(y)ing Ecology with the Biosphere Institute

The closer we look at nature, the harder it becomes to fit it into neat little boxes. A few weeks ago, during the public run of the Queer(y)ing Ecologies art exhibition at artsPlace in Canmore, we stepped inside the gallery to explore the artwork, stories and ideas behind the project. In this episode, we’re joined by Tanya, a queer ecologist from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley who played a major role in curating the exhibition and bringing it to life. Together, we explore the same-sex relationships and behaviours found throughout the natural world, why many of these examples have historically been overlooked or left out of traditional narratives, and what they can teach us about diversity, identity and belonging. Created with support from Canmore Pride and the Biosphere Institute, the exhibition used art, science and lived experience to challenge some of the ideas we’ve inherited about what is considered “normal” or “natural.” It also created space for members of the Bow Valley’s queer community to share their experiences and their relationship with the land around them. This conversation continues our Living in Balance series, exploring the people, projects and ideas helping shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for the Bow Valley. As our celebration of Pride continues, we’re highlighting the art, the work and the incredible community behind Queer(y)ing Ecologies and discovering a side of nature many of us were never taught about. See You Next Tuesday!!

What Pride Means in a Town Like Banff

Banff knows how to welcome the world. But what does it take to feel like you belong here? With Banff Pride just around the corner, we sit down with River, a longtime Bow Valley local and Banff Pride volunteer coordinator, for a conversation about queer community in a town where people are always coming and going. We talk about River’s first experiences of Pride in Banff, the moments that have stayed with them, and why this week matters beyond the shows and celebrations. We also get into what it looks like to show up for one another, whether you’ve been part of the community for years or you’re still figuring out where you fit. Banff Pride runs October 2–12, starting with the March and Flag Raising. Listen in, then find your way to take part at banffpride.ca. Thanks to Drinkshaft and Defending Awesome for supporting Overheard. See You Next Tuesday!!

Saving the Bow Valley, One Meal at a Time with the Co + Kitchen and the Biosphere Institute

Can cooking dinner help protect the Bow Valley? In this episode of the Overheard Podcast, we head to the Co + Kitchen in Canmore for the Harnessing the Power of Food workshop, hosted in partnership with the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley. We were given a Bow Valley Food Alliance Fresh Food Box, split into teams and tasked with putting our own twist on a selection of provided recipes. Along the way, we learned practical ways to reduce food waste, make the most of what is available locally and seasonally, and rethink the environmental impact of the food we eat every day. After the workshop, we sat down with Ed and Yuka to discuss why accessible community spaces like the Co + Kitchen are so important in the Bow Valley. We explore the connections between food security, affordability, waste, community and the environment, and how small actions can add up to something much bigger. This episode is part of our Living in Balance series, produced in partnership with the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley and made possible by the Town of Banff’s Positive Environmental Impact Grant. Like, subscribe and let us know: what is one small change you have made to reduce food waste at home? See You Next Tuesday!!

Launchpad with Tyler Woods

You only get one debut album, and Tyler Wood left nothing off the table. Less than 24 hours after the release of Launchpad, we sat down with the Canmore singer songwriter to talk about the years of life, personal struggles and musical influences behind the record. Tyler takes us back to his formative years, his time in Brazil and the heavy metal music that first made him feel something. We get into finding his voice, building a recognizable identity and eventually making the transition into country music, even when he was not sure he was “country enough.” The conversation goes well beyond the album as Tyler opens up about men’s mental health, learning not to hide what he is feeling and how songwriting helped him better understand himself. He also shares what it was like being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and how that gave him a new perspective on his childhood and the relationship he shared with his mom. At its heart, Launchpad is dedicated to Tyler’s late mom. Throughout the episode, he reflects on their relationship, the ways she shaped him and how creating this album helped him better understand both her and himself. We also dive into his songwriting process, the importance of staying raw and why sometimes the best thing an artist can do is get out of the music’s way. Launchpad is available now. Listen to the full episode to hear the stories behind Tyler’s debut album and what it took to finally put them into the world. This episode is brought to you by Drinkshaft, the Bow Valley’s number one grab and go nitro infused non alcoholic cold brew. Big thanks to our second community sponsor, Defending Awesome, Banff’s one stop print shop and graphic design experts. If you enjoy the episode, give us a like and subscribe. Around 70 percent of our viewers are not subscribed, and clicking that little button helps the show tremendously. See You Next Tuesday!!

Samuel Dickie on Ultrarunning, Mental Battles and a Terrifying Wildlife Encounter

By popular demand, Banff ultramarathon runner Samuel Dickie joins us on the Overheard Podcast, fresh off the biggest win of his career. Sam recently became the overall winner of the 2026 Canadian Death Race, completing 118 kilometers and roughly 4,770 meters of climbing in an incredible 13 hours, 25 minutes and 13 seconds. That victory adds to a racing resume that already includes winning the 120-kilometer Golden Ultra, placing second at the Zion 100K and finishing ninth in the Moab 240, a nearly 400-kilometer race through the Utah desert. But this conversation goes far beyond race results. Sam opens up about the mental battles that come with pushing your body to its limits, the addictive side of ultrarunning and why he continues choosing challenges built around discomfort. We get into his relationship with the mountains, training through Bow Valley winters, the work and expense behind competing at this level and the moment he realized he could win the Canadian Death Race. Then there’s the wildlife encounter. During another massive backcountry endeavor, Sam found himself alone with a predator that followed and circled him for nearly 20 minutes. It is easily one of the craziest wildlife stories we’ve ever heard, on or off the show, and you’ll have to hear Sam tell it to understand just how intense the situation became. This episode is brought to you by Drinkshaft, the Bow Valley’s grab and go nitro cold brew, with continued support from Defending Awesome, Banff’s one stop print shop and graphic design experts. If you enjoy the episode, please give us a like, subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Every little bit helps us continue sharing stories from around the Bow Valley and beyond. See you next Tuesday!!

We Return to Cascade Creek with Parks Canada & Freshwater Conservation Canada

We’re heading back to Cascade Creek to witness the next chapter in the restoration of this incredible ecosystem and the return of the native westslope cutthroat trout. We’re joined by Dan from Parks Canada and Leslie from Freshwater Conservation Canada as a group of volunteers installs PALS, or post assisted log structures, directly into the creek. They might not look like much at first glance, but these carefully placed structures could play a huge role in the progress of the trout and the long term health of Cascade Creek. In this episode, we get into what PALS are, why they’re so important and how they help create the conditions these native fish need to survive and thrive. We also explore everything that has happened since our last visit, what still needs to be done and why restoring a native species takes much more than simply returning fish to the water. It’s a long process involving habitat restoration, monitoring, collaboration and plenty of hands on work from people who care about protecting these places. We also learn how members of the public can get involved with projects like this through Parks Canada, giving people the chance to work alongside conservation specialists, learn more about the land and make a meaningful contribution to the future of the Bow Valley. For our audio listeners, this is one you’ll want to see. Head over to YouTube for the full video to take in the beauty of Cascade Creek and see the work happening on the ground. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and share the episode. Every little bit helps us continue telling important stories from around the Bow Valley. See you next Tuesday!!

Canada's Worst Golf Course with @itscaseyjames

Turns out Canada’s worst golf courses might not be so bad after all. Casey James is a Calgary-born tattoo artist, father of two and lifelong golfer who is travelling across the country in search of overlooked small-town courses. But despite the name of his series, he isn’t showing up to tear these places apart. He’s uncovering hidden gems, meeting the people keeping them alive and proving that rough greens, affordable tee times and a welcoming clubhouse can deliver every bit as much fun as an exclusive luxury resort. But Casey’s story goes much deeper than golf. In this episode, we talk about growing up in Calgary, tattoo culture, fatherhood, men’s mental health, time spent in jail and the darker chapters that forced him to reconsider the direction of his life. Casey opens up about learning from his mistakes, realizing he doesn’t always have to take the hard way out and refusing to let the worst moments of his past define the person he is today. We also get into the origins of Canada’s Worst Golf Course, the mystery of the 19th hole, the online golf community and why Casey wants to use the series to support small courses and junior golf programs across the country. People deserve second chances. Maybe golf courses do too. This episode is brought to you by Drinkshaft, the Bow Valley’s number-one grab-and-go cold brew. Cold, nitro-infused and non-alcoholic. Start early and do the day right with Drinkshaft. Big thanks to our second community sponsor, Defending Awesome. Banff’s one-stop print shop and graphic design experts for creative projects big or small. If you enjoy the conversation, give the episode a like and subscribe to the channel. Around 70% of the people watching still aren’t subscribed, and clicking that little button goes a long way toward helping us bring you more community-building stories like this one. Thanks for tuning in, and like every week… SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY!!

The People Moving the Bow Valley Forward, we’re Talking Shop with the Chamber of Commerce

What does the Chamber of Commerce really do? This week, Dan sits down with Sarah and Simon from the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce to talk about what happens behind the scenes when local businesses need support, connection or someone in their corner. We get into membership, advocacy, mentorship and what it takes to build a stronger business community in a place as unique as the Bow Valley. We also look ahead to the Business Excellence Awards on November 12, including how nominations work, what separates these awards from Best of the Bow and why recognizing someone’s hard work can mean more than you might realize. This episode is brought to you by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation. We’re thrilled to have their support as we celebrate the people, businesses and community leaders helping move the Bow Valley forward. A huge shoutout to Wolfe Canmore for giving us a home for this conversation. Their team was amazing and truly rolled out the red carpet for us. Thank you as well to all the sponsors helping bring this year’s Business Excellence Awards to life. Nights like this don’t happen without local businesses stepping up to celebrate other local businesses. And, as always, a big thank you to our longtime sponsors DrinkShaft and Defending Awesome for continuing to believe in Overheard and helping us tell more stories from across the Bow Valley. Know a business, organization or person doing great work around here? Nominate them. A little recognition can go a long way. Like, subscribe and come celebrate the people who make the Bow Valley what it is. See You Next Tuesday!!

The Fastest and Youngest Person to Climb the Canadian Rockies’ 11 000ers, Halden Borglum

What does it take to climb all 58 of the Canadian Rockies’ 11,000-foot peaks? This week on the Overheard Podcast, we’re joined by Canmore-based alpinist and former Canadian biathlete Haldan Borglum. After spending nearly two decades competing at the highest levels of biathlon, Haldan stepped away from elite sport and turned his focus to the mountains, completing one of the most demanding alpine projects in Canada in just over two years. We trace that journey from his childhood and years on the biathlon circuit to discovering mountaineering, learning the technical skills required for the Rockies’ biggest objectives and realizing that a record-breaking pace was within reach. We also dive into the final expedition to Tusk Peak and Mount Clemenceau, where changing plans, mechanical failures and difficult decisions ultimately led to a solo finish on the last mountains of the project. Along the way we discuss endurance, risk, suffering, preparation, decision-making, what drives someone to chase goals of this scale and why the work behind the scenes is often far greater than anyone ever sees. If you enjoy stories about adventure, perseverance and the people pushing the limits right here in the Canadian Rockies, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Important Disclaimer. The activities discussed and depicted in this episode involve significant objective hazards and should not be attempted without the appropriate training, experience, equipment and preparation. Haldan Borglum has spent years developing the technical skills, judgment and fitness required for these expeditions. While we would never discourage someone from pursuing their goals, it’s important to understand that decisions made in the mountains carry real-life consequences. No summit is worth compromising your safety. Whether you’re heading out for a short hike or a technical alpine objective, always prioritize preparation, good decision-making and returning home safely. This episode was recorded before the July 30 avalanche on Broad Peak. We extend our sincere condolences to the climbers, Sherpas, their families and everyone affected by this tragedy. This episode is brought to you by Drinkshaft, the Bow Valley’s number one grab-and-go nitro cold brew. If you’re enjoying the Overheard Podcast, don’t forget to like, subscribe and share the show. Around 70% of our viewers aren’t subscribed, and every subscription helps us continue bringing you conversations with the incredible people shaping the Bow Valley and beyond. Like every week, See You Next Tuesday!!
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