Airdrie Inside
Airdrie Inside, with host and long time Airdrie resident, Chris Glass | Bringing light to our homegrown and hardworking heroes.
David Barchard: Micro Acres
Most people think farming requires hundreds of acres and massive tractors. David Barchard proves you can feed a community with just a few hundred square feet and a lot of heart. After 15 years in the restaurant industry witnessing a broken supply chain, David and his wife Kirstin founded Micro Acres to bring food security back home. This is a story about pivoting when revenue drops 90% overnight, the "One Green Away" philosophy that drives their philanthropy, and why true abundance means teaching others to grow their own food.
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Corbie Dorner: Airdrie's Piano Man
Most musicians think they have to choose: the stability of a "real job" or the freedom of the stage. Corbie Dorner chose both. As a beloved band teacher at Bert Church High School and a dueling pianist at Aussie Rules, Corbie lives at the intersection of education and entertainment. This is a story about the grind of the gig, the resilience required to teach music in a parking lot during COVID, and the one message every young artist needs to hear: "You are enough."
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Chad Stewart: City Councillor
Most politicians follow a standard path: Law school, business, public office. Chad Stewart took the scenic route. From a 26-year career on a manufacturing floor to becoming a firefighter in his 30s, and now pitching horror novels to Hollywood producers—Chad is proof that you don't need a traditional background to be a leader. You just need the courage to "do stuff."
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Flaysher: One More Light
You can travel the world looking for your sound, but sometimes you have to come home to find it. Brad and Ryan Fleischer (Flaysher) grew up on 90s rock and construction sites. They went to Toronto to chase the music dream, only to realize their true voice was waiting for them back in Alberta, in the cab of a truck. This is a story about brotherhood, the specific power of country music, and how two musicians turned a personal tragedy into "One More Light"—a movement saving lives in Airdrie.
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Jeremy Pollock: Dreadnaught Films
Jeremy had friends winning Oscars for Lord of the Rings... and they were miserable. They were just one of a thousand people who "worked on Legolas's cape." That realization sent filmmaker Jeremy Pollock on a different path: a mission to tell his own stories, his own way. This is a masterclass for any creative on choosing authorship over accolades and building a world-class career without asking for anyone's permission.
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Heather Spearman: Airdrie's New Mayor
Season 2 of Airdrie Inside kicks off with a bang ad we sit down with a true powerhouse: Airdrie's new Mayor, Heather Spearman.
In this exclusive conversation, Chris dives into the questions many of us have been asking since election night. Who is Heather Spearman when the cameras are off? What pulled her toward public service and into the heart of community leadership? And what did the campaign trail really look like?
If the municipal election sparked your curiosity, this episode is for you. It offers a closer look at what Airdronians can expect over the...
Jo-Anne Yau: Mentor
What if your greatest failure was actually your biggest opportunity? Jo-Anne Yau's life was supposed to go one way: become a doctor. When that dream died, she discovered a more powerful path. From a shy kid in Airdrie's only Chinese family to a powerhouse lawyer and mentor, Jo-Anne shares a masterclass in resilience, the power of an outsider's perspective, and the unapologetic truth about why serving yourself is the first step to serving your community.
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Erin Belley: Tattoos and More
The "starving artist" is a story we tell ourselves. The "gatekept industry" is a wall waiting to be torn down. Erin Belley walked away from the toxic, old-school tattoo world only to come back and build a new one from the ground up—one that values integrity, safety, and business savvy. This is a masterclass for any creative entrepreneur on how to turn personal struggle into a thriving, purpose-driven business.
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Airdrie Inside-DC Garth Rabel
Some jobs are just jobs. Others become a code for living. After 48 years of service, Airdrie Fire Department's Deputy Chief Garth Rabel shares the profound, simple, and powerful philosophy that has guided his life and shaped a generation of first responders. This is a masterclass in leadership, legacy, and what it truly means to serve your community.
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Tara Pickford: Ambition Performing Arts
As Airdrie races towards 100,000 people, one critical piece of infrastructure is being left behind: a home for its artists. Tara Pickford—entrepreneur, arts advocate, and leader—reveals the hidden struggle and immense potential of Airdrie's arts community. This isn't just a conversation about dance and music; it's about building a city with a soul and creating a legacy for the next generation of leaders.
Chapters:
00:00 - The Mission: Creating the Community We Want to Live In
01:14 - It's Not About Dance; It's About Lead...
Marilyne Aalhus: Airdrie Chamber of Commerce
Airdrie is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities, but behind the boom is a battle for its soul. Why are local businesses struggling to survive amidst record population growth? Why are residents still driving to Calgary to spend their money? Marilyne Aalhus, the Executive Director of the Airdrie & Region Chamber of Commerce, pulls back the curtain on the real challenges and opportunities facing our city—from employment and transportation to the fight for a downtown core and a stronger local identity.
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Brandon Hegedus: Hegedüs Automobili
In a quiet Airdrie garage, Brandon Hegedus is doing the impossible. He's not just restoring cars; he's building legendary Ferraris and vintage race cars from nothing but tubing, carbon fiber, and a relentless passion. This is the story of how a self-taught kid from Calgary went from building go-karts in his dad's garage to quitting his stable job to follow an insane dream—and build a life he loves.
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Kimble Christie: Airdrie Sport Council
In Airdrie, we celebrate the big wins, but what about the people who make it all possible? Kimble Christie, Chair of the Airdrie Sport Council, joins us to reveal the "Airdrie POPS"—a new initiative to honor the unsung heroes of our community's sports scene.
From the team manager to the concession stand worker, these are the people who build community one game at a time. Learn how you can nominate a deserving person and help us celebrate the true spirit of sport in Airdrie.
NOMINATE YOUR HERO:** [Link to ...
Kaal Cheyne: Nose Creek Player
Join host Chris Glass as he sits down with Kaal Cheyne from Nose Creek Players to discuss Airdrie's thriving Theatre scene, the exciting new Inspire Center, and how community Theatre builds belonging in this growing city. Celebrating 40 years of community Theatre in Airdrie, Kaal shares insights on upcoming productions and how locals can get involved with this vibrant arts organization.
🎭 SUPPORT LOCAL Theatre: Donate to their "$40 for 40 Years" fundraiser:
https://www.nosecreekplayers.com/40for40
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Ryder Frampton: Newest Dino
Airdrie Inside host Chris Glass sits down with Ryder Frampton, George McDougall Mustangs star defensive back who recently signed with the University of Calgary Dinos. Ryder shares his football journey from Atoms to high school, discusses Airdrie's emergence as a football powerhouse, and previews the upcoming Airdrie Homecoming Festival featuring the 23rd Airdrie Bowl.
🏈 AIRDRIE HOMECOMING FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 4TH
Don't miss the biggest football event of the year! Games start at 9:00 AM with the Atoms, followed by Peewees, Bantams, and Bert Church, culminating with the marquee Airdrie Bowl between Geo...
Steve Jevne: The Voice of Airdrie
Join host Chris Glass as he sits down with Airdrie musician Steve Jevne for an intimate conversation about his musical journey, from his early days inspired by Guns N' Roses to his current country music career. Steve shares stories about local artists, performs two original songs, and reveals his plans to open a recording studio in Airdrie!
🎵 LIVE PERFORMANCES:
- "Mr. Bartender" at 14:47
- "Long After You're Gone" at 28:26
🎸 FOLLOW STEVE JEVNE:
Instag...
Michelle Bates: Airdrie Health Foundation
After losing her 5-year-old son Lane in 2009 due to limited healthcare access, Michelle Bates transformed her grief into action. This powerful interview reveals how the Airdrie Health Foundation was born from tragedy and has since improved healthcare access for over 90,000 residents.
"Minutes matter. And I guess that's where our journey starts." - Michelle Bates
Lane was only five when he passed away during the H1N1 pandemic. He wanted to be a fireman to "save everyone." Today, his mother continues his legacy by fighting for better healthcare in Airdrie, where...
Sammy Randhawa: Community Builder
Airdrie Inside presents an inspiring conversation with Sandip "Sammy" Randhawa, a pillar of Airdrie's Sikh community who's transforming the city through service, cultural celebration, and community building. From feeding thousands weekly through the Guru Nanak Free Kitchen to organizing multicultural events and opening a new event center, Sammy shares how his faith inspires his mission to unite Airdrie's diverse communities.
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Jacob Ardown: On The Bench
Meet Jacob Ardown, the "natural athy, purebred beauty and weapon on the sheet" behind the viral hockey comedy sensation "On The Bench." With 464K Instagram followers and 162K YouTube subscribers, Jacob and his crew have turned accidental goofing around into a social media empire that's changing hockey culture one chirp at a time. In this hilarious interview, Jacob breaks down the philosophy of "playing for the name bar," reveals the true origin of the Mona Lisa (it was inspired by a mullet!), and shares why Wendy's spicy chicken is the ultimate pre-game meal. Whether you're a die-hard hockey...
Kyle Wudrich: Airdrie's Brewmaster
Join host Chris Glass as he sits down with Kyle Wudrich, owner and brewmaster of 948 Brewing, to discuss Airdrie's growing craft beer scene, the challenges of opening during COVID-19, and how community support has been crucial to their success.
Kyle shares the story behind the brewery's name (a nostalgic nod to Airdrie's original phone prefix), his journey from home brewing to professional brewing, and his vision for the future of craft beer in Airdrie. Discover how 948 Brewing has become a cornerstone of the local community through sponsorships, events, and advocacy for regulatory changes.<...
Doreen Ayorech: Investing Africa from Airdrie
Discover why Africa is becoming the hottest investment destination for Canadian entrepreneurs! In this eye-opening interview, Doreen Ayorech, founder of As Well As Strategic Concepts, reveals how investors are safely capitalizing on Africa's massive opportunities - from her home base right here in Airdrie, Alberta.
What You'll Learn:
· Why Africa's 18.5-year median age creates unprecedented opportunities
· How to safely invest in emerging African markets
· The surprising countries offering the best ROI potential
· Why it's easier to send money to Africa than across North America
· Real investment opportunities i...
Adam Blasetti: Adamo Bistro
Join host Chris Glass as he sits down with longtime friend Adam Blasetti, former BC Lions and Montreal Alouettes coach, who's making a bold career pivot by opening Adamo Bistro inside Airdrie's Genesis Place.
In this inspiring episode of Airdrie Inside, discover how Adam went from growing up "Canadian poor" in Calgary's northeast to coaching alongside CFL legends like Wally Buono, and now bringing his passion for community and food to Airdrie residents.
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Colton Jackson-McConnell: Airdrie Gold
When Airdrie's own Colton Jackson and Team Alberta were down 21-0 to cocky Ontario in the U18 National Championship, nobody expected what happened next...
Join Chris Glass on Airdrie Inside as he sits down with Bert Church Chargers linebacker Colton Jackson, fresh off his INCREDIBLE performance as Defensive MVP in Alberta's stunning national championship victory. This isn't just a sports story - it's a masterclass in resilience, teamwork, and never giving up when the odds are stacked against you.
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Juan Cardenas: Leader of the Future
Join host Chris Glass as he interviews Juan Cardenas, one of Airdrie's most dedicated youth leaders, on this episode of Airdrie Inside. Juan is a dedicated volunteer and one of the brightest young voice in Airdrie. Discover how young voices are actively shaping our city's future through the Board of Youth Affairs, Arts & Culture Council, and the transformative Inspire Center.
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Keisha Mawadza: Airdrie Youth Advocate
Join host Chris Glass as he sits down with Keisha Mawadza, a remarkable 19-year-old international student from Zimbabwe who's making waves in Airdrie's youth and community programs. From her childhood experiences across continents to her insights on post-pandemic youth challenges, Keisha shares her inspiring journey and vision for our community's future.
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Airdrie CultureFest: Year 2!
Experience the vibrant celebration of diversity at Airdrie CultureFest 2025! Join host Chris Glass from Airdrie Inside as he takes you through this incredible community event featuring 35+ performances, 20 food vendors, and close to 10,000 attendees celebrating Canada's multicultural tapestry.
This second annual festival showcases the best of what Airdrie has to offer - from Ukrainian dance to Colombian music, Trinidad & Tobago performances to Punjabi bhangra. Meet the organizers, performers, and community members who make this event possible!
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Dan Patel: Airdrie Hotels
Meet Dan Patel, the inspiring entrepreneur who transformed his engineering background into a thriving hotel empire in Airdrie. In this exclusive Airdrie Inside interview with Chris Glass, Dan shares his remarkable journey from immigrant to successful business owner, with insights on why Airdrie is the perfect place for business growth.
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Britton Ledingham: Airdrie's Storyteller
Meet Britton, the creative force behind Airdrie Inside! In this heartfelt conversation, discover how a former sports reporter evolved into a documentary filmmaker making global impact while staying rooted in the Airdrie community.
From covering high school football to creating a documentary that's helping orphans in Kenya, Britton shares his passion for authentic storytelling and how taking that first step can lead to extraordinary change. Learn about his journey, the power of local media, and how storytelling can transform lives both locally and globally.
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Cody Creelman: Fen Vet
In this exclusive interview, host Chris Glass sits down with Dr. Cody Creelman, founder of Fen Vet, to discover how he's transformed veterinary care in Airdrie through his innovative "7-star customer experience" approach. From humble beginnings to serving an Airdrie client list of over 12,000 customers in just five years, Dr. Creelman shares his inspiring journey of building a practice that feels more like a spa than a traditional clinic.
Learn how Fen Vet's focus on creating an exceptional environment—from ambient music and signature scents to compassionate care during emotional moments—has...
Gabriel Osenda: NCAA 5 Star Recruit
From playing with the Airdrie Storm in 3rd grade to becoming Western Canada's FIRST 5-star football recruit, Gabriel "Big Squish" Osenda shares his incredible journey to Tennessee Volunteers football. In this exclusive Airdrie Inside interview, Gabriel discusses his decision to leave Canada for Florida's Clearwater Academy, his experience at Baylor School in Tennessee, and his commitment to the iconic Tennessee Volunteers program.
Watch as Gabriel reveals how he overcame skepticism about Canadian football players, earned his "Big Squish" nickname, and became an All-American as a junior. A must-watch for any young...
Hien Le: Petite Saigon
Join host Chris Glass as he sits down with Hien Le, the remarkable woman behind Airdrie's beloved Petite Saigon Vietnamese restaurant. In this heartwarming conversation at Rival Axe, Hien shares her 26-year journey as Airdrie's first Vietnamese restaurant owner, from when the city was just 10,000 people to today's thriving community of 80,000.
Discover how this award-winning entrepreneur balances being a single mom of three while running a successful business, her famous personalized notes that have customers posting all over social media, and how she adapted during COVID to help feed families affordably. Hien also reveals...
Lovepreet Deo: Never Give Up!
Meet Lovepreet Deo, one of Canada's Top 25 Most Influential Women and an extraordinary adaptive athlete from Airdrie. Despite cerebral palsy, she's conquered half marathons, biked an incredible 2,000km in a year, and completed numerous physical challenges that inspire everyone around her. Her motto "Never Give Up" has transformed her from a nervous gym-goer to a nationally recognized inspiration.
Join host Chris Glass at Rival Axe Throwing as he interviews this remarkable woman whose journey proves that with determination and support, anything is possible.
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Tiffany Bennett-Allen: Airdrie CultureFest
In this episode of the Airdrie Inside podcast, I had the chance to chat with Tiffany Bennett-Allen, a key member of the planning committee for Airdrie CultureFest — our city’s annual multicultural festival taking place July 1 at Nose Creek Park.
As both the host of this podcast and a member of the CultureFest team, it's means so much to see these two parts of my world connect. At Airdrie Inside, we believe in the strength of community groups coming together to support and uplift one another—something that’s at the heart of CultureFest.
This event is...
Ryan Straschnitzki: We Were Broncos
Ryan Straschnitzki shares his extraordinary journey of resilience and determination in this exclusive Airdrie Inside interview. After surviving the Humboldt Broncos bus crash, Ryan transformed tragedy into purpose, becoming a Paralympic athlete and a powerful advocate for accessibility in sports and everyday life. Later this month Ryan's journey will be brought to life in a six part documentary that debuts on Monday May 26th at 7:00pm on AMI-TV.
Join host Chris Glass as Ryan discusses his hockey career, Paralympic aspirations, his foundation's mission to make sports accessible for all, and his inspiring outlook on life that continues...
Eden Taylor: Airdrie's Nashville Star
Eden Taylor, one of Airdrie's rising musical talents, joins host Chris Glass for an intimate conversation about her journey from local open mic nights to winning multiple awards in Nashville. Watch as Eden shares her story of transitioning from sports to music, performs three incredible songs (including two unreleased tracks!), and reveals her unforgettable encounter with Kenny Loggins at the legendary Bluebird Cafe.
🎵 EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCES:
- "Living Green" - An original song about being an outsider
- "Over" - The song Eden performed at...
Tracy Wright: Glitch Gaming
🎮 Step into Glitch Gaming, Airdrie's premier VR and entertainment destination! Join host Chris Glass as Tracy Wright shares their incredible journey from launching during COVID to becoming a local entertainment hotspot.
Discover how this unique venue combines virtual reality, live music, karaoke, and community events to create a gathering space unlike any other in Airdrie. Learn about their business challenges, community support, and vision for the future!
🎯 CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro & Karaoke Stories
0:28 - Welcome to Airdrie Inside
1...
Joni Daley: Rival Axe
Meet Joni Daley — the powerhouse behind Rival Axe in Airdrie 🔥🪓
What started as a personal journey has become the go-to spot for fun, connection, and collaboration. Whether you're here to blow off steam with some axe-throwing or brainstorm big ideas in the Boardroom, Rival Axe is more than just a venue — it’s where community and business come to thrive.🎯
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Christian Hudson: Music, Heart & Hometown Roots
🎙 Christian Hudson: Music, Heart & Hometown Roots
Meet Christian Hudson, an Airdrie-raised and rising star who won the Calgary Stampede Talent Search — then gave away the entire $10,000 prize to help the homeless. In this episode Christian talks about his journey from local talent to gold record artist, performs two unreleased tracks, and shares how real stories from the streets changed his life forever.
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Riley Tobin: Mustangs Basketball
Airdrie Inside sat down with Riley Tobin, the volunteer coach helping drive the success of George McDougall High School’s basketball program. From his beginnings under the northern lights of the Yukon to becoming a guiding presence in Airdrie, Riley has grown into a mentor for some of the city’s most promising young athletes.
In this episode, Riley shares how community, consistency, and a genuine love for the game are creating lasting impact—on the court and beyond.
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Mayor Kim Harris and Jen Watson: Crossfield is Kraft Hockeyville
Big news—Crossfield has made it into the TOP 4 FINALISTS for Kraft Hockeyville 2024! 🏒💥
Mayor Kim Harris and Jen Watson from the Crossfield Skating Club are calling on all of us to help them skate their way to victory! If Crossfield wins, they'll score $250,000 for arena upgrades and the chance to host a real NHL game—how amazing is that?
Voting opens bright and early April 4 at 7am and runs until April 5 at 3pm, and here’s the best part: you can vote as many times as you want! Let’s rally Western Canada and show our neighbours...
