The Everything Red Deer Podcast welcomes back Mayor Ken Johnston this week to talk about the idea of and discussion around Alberta separating from Canada, and you'll hear that chat right off the hop as host Josh Hall visits the mayor in his City Hall office. Because we're a little backwards this week, then you'll hear 'In Case You Missed It,' where we run down the top stories of the week at rdnewsNOW.com (44:09); and finally, a brand new segment on the podcast, brought to you by the Red Deer Public Library -- it's called The Page! (48:58)

Two very different guests and subjects comprise the May 9, 2025 episode of The Everything Red Deer Podcast. After 'In Case You Missed It' (4:07), which by the way features an amazing update about some very scientific grade threes, host Josh Hall talks to the new CJHL Rookie of the Year, Easton Daneault of Red Deer and the AJHL's Drumheller Dragons (11:06); finally, Josh is in conversation with Kelley Arnold from the Red Deer Native Friendship Society about Red Dress Day and what it means to walk for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP), or those who are often referred to as MMIWG2S+ (14:58). If you are affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people, and need immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649.

We close the door on the 2025 federal election on this week's episode of The Everything Red Deer Podcast. First, host Josh Hall goes over some fast facts from the results of local ridings, then it's 'In Case You Missed It' (6:19). Without further ado, Josh speaks with Red Deer MP-elect and House of Commons first-timer Burton Bailey (10:48); and finally, Pattison Media's Alberta news director Sheldon Spackman is in conversation with Ponoka-Didsbury MP-elect Blaine Calkins, who has been elected for a seventh time (21:36). Both MPs represent the Conservative Party of Canada. To close, Josh has one final election-related request for everyone (30:17).

This week, hear reflections on the visit of the late Pope Francis to Maskwacis, Alberta on July 25, 2022, from people who were there. Francis, who died April 21, made an apology that day to Indigenous people for the Catholic Church's role in the Indian Residential School System. After our weekly segment ICYMI (5:50), which runs down the week's top stories, host Josh Hall speaks with Reverend Tony Snow of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation (11:15), and former rdnewsNOW journalist Alessia Proietti (32:40) -- both of whom were present in Maskwacis with Pope Francis. A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line remains available to provide support for former students and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419, or visit hopeforwellness.ca. Companion story is at rdnewsNOW.com.

Look at the size of that thing! That's right, after a week off due to illness, we're back with a special super-sized episode centred around Earth Day, and we recorded (most of) it on-site at Red Deer's Common Ground Garden Project (CGGP), an initiative of ReThink Red Deer. First, Josh speaks with CGGP founder Art van Zanten about how the project started and more (2:39); next, Meagan Ophus with ReThink Red Deer speaks about the Indigenous perspective on Earth Day and what it means to oversee the Medicine Wheel Garden at the CGGP (22:53); finally, Josh hops back to the studio for a one-on-one with Todd Nivens, executive director of the Waskasoo Environmental Education Society, which operates the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Fort Normandeau (39:20). Nivens gives his lens on how we can all take better first steps toward a balanced relationship with the planet and all the beauty it offers. More information is at rethinkreddeer.ca, waskasoopark.ca, and earthday.org, plus find the written story version of this podcast at rdnewsNOW.com.

Now under new ownership, the Junior 'A' Olds Grizzlys of the Alberta Junior Hockey League are front and centre on this week's episode of The Everything Red Deer Podcast. Listen in as Josh tees things up, plus In Case You Missed It (4:07) and all the top stories of the week at rdnewsNOW.com. Then, Ian Gustafson speaks with Olds Grizzlys primary owner Moe Jamal (10:58); and new head coach Tyson Soloski (16:23).

This week, host Josh Hall dives headfirst back into the aftermath of a concerning incident which took place in Red Deer on March 1 -- first by speaking with Alberta RCMP Hate Crime Coordinator Cpl. Mohamad Khaled about how hate crimes and similar incidents are investigated (7:24); then, an interview with the organizers of the 10th annual CommUnity Power of One event, Dieulita Datus-Hall with Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership, and Shannon Humphrey of the Red Deer Native Friendship Centre (30:35). Plus... 'In Case You Missed It' runs down the top stories of the week at rdnewsNOW.com (2:56). CommUnity Power of One took place March 21 on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and was a collaboration between several agencies, including Care for Newcomers.

On the podcast this week, host Josh Hall runs down the top stories of the week at rdnewsNOW.com with ICYMI (2:48); then Ashley Lavallee-Koenig has an interview with Counselling Alberta counsellor Che Burnett, who is part of the AGKNOW network. Che talks about the impacts of trade and climate uncertainty on those in agriculture, what kind of supports are out there, and his message for farmers and ranchers about the benefits to simply starting a conversation (6:57). More information is at www.agknow.com. #InternationalDayForTheEliminationOfRacialDiscrimination #WorldDownSyndromeDay