Host Brian Konrad sits down with Deputy Chief of Police Raj Saini of the Medicine Hat Police Service to discuss the evolving landscape of law enforcement. Raj shares his journey from Brantford, Ontario, to Medicine Hat, and how technology, education, and community engagement are shaping the future of policing.

The conversation explores the growing role of police in responding to mental health challenges, the importance of collaboration with community partners, and what progressive policing looks like in Medicine Hat. Raj also offers insight into recruitment, the qualities of a strong police recruit, and how his advanced education—including a Master’s degree and ongoing Doctorate in Public Safety—guides real-world decision-making.

The episode wraps with a look ahead, highlighting upcoming community initiatives, including a sledge hockey tournament designed to strengthen relationships and build trust beyond the badge.

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Brian Konrad welcome Jennifer Davies, the director of the upcoming musical 'All Shook Up' at Crescent Heights High School, which is inspired by the music of Elvis Presley. The conversation delves into the essence of the musical, highlighting its romantic comedy elements and the vibrant 1950s setting. The Jennifer shares insights about the cast, which features two performers for each role, allowing for a dynamic and engaging performance. The students' enthusiasm for Elvis's music is palpable, as they explore 28 songs that have captivated their hearts and inspired their performances.

The discussion also touches on the challenges of staging the production, including the complexity of the set and the need for skilled choreography and vocal direction. The episode emphasizes the strong drama program at Crescent Heights, showcasing how the musical not only entertains but also enriches the students' educational experience.

Brian is also joined by two students Addison Rittwage and Madison Pavlovic-Wanay who portray the character Sylvia. She is a strong no-nsense single mom and owner of Sylvia’s Honky-Tonk a main setting for the musical. Here their take on singing and dancing in “All Shook Up”

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In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Paul Parks breaks down the chaos in emergency rooms, where up to 33% of hospital beds are occupied by patients who could be in assisted living. Overcrowding, delayed care, and systemic challenges are putting patients and staff at risk.

💡 What’s the solution? From community care improvements to healthcare reform, we explore actionable ideas to fix Alberta’s healthcare system. Your voice matters—share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

📌 Topics covered in this episode:

Emergency room overcrowding in Alberta

Impacts of government decisions on patient care

The gap between hospital and community care

Mental health and patient advocacy

Practical solutions for a stronger healthcare system

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more discussions on healthcare challenges, patient safety, and community care solutions in Alberta.

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Farming, food security, and the future of agriculture in Canada take centre stage in this episode of Bring Back the Porch. Host Brian Konrad sits down with Nicole Neubauer of Neubauer Farms to discuss why agriculture is big business, the role of innovation and technology, and how the new Yuill School of Agriculture is preparing the next generation of farmers, ag professionals, and food system leaders.
From food security and trade relationships to hands-on education, career pathways, and workforce succession, this conversation explores how Canadian agriculture can remain strong, sustainable, and globally competitive.
🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode:• Why agriculture impacts every Canadian, every day• The future of farming, ag technology, and food production• How the Yuill School of Agriculture is changing ag education• Career opportunities beyond traditional farming• Why food security and innovation matter now more than ever
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about community, leadership, and the ideas shaping our future.

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We dive into the journey of launching our show, highlighting the ups and downs, the learning curves, and the unexpected successes. Join us as we reflect on our experiences, share insights, and celebrate growth in the world of podcasting.


1. **The Beginning of Our Podcasting Journey**
The journey began in July when Bernie Leahy, Brian Konrad, along with Lynnette Schneider and her husband Bob, gathered to brainstorm the idea of starting a podcast. With no experience in the podcasting realm, they approached the venture with curiosity and excitement. It was a time of uncertainty, but the desire to connect and share stories drove them forward. Brian humorously recalls, "I knew it was like a radio thing that they recorded, but it wasn't in my universe until we went to Calgary and learned a whole lot about podcasts."

2. **Learning and Growing Together**
The team attended a podcast summit where they discovered they weren't alone in their confusion. Many new podcasters started similarly, and they found inspiration in the stories shared by others. Lynnette highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, "We stumbled our way to where we are today... and where we are today is pretty darn good."

3. **Expanding Our Reach**
The podcast quickly diversified its platforms, branching out to social media like TikTok and Instagram. The results were astonishing: a growth rate of 143% in just a few months and 395,798 views across their Meta platforms (Facebook and Instagram). The team learned that followers weren't the only metric for success; views mattered just as much, if not more.
One standout moment was the episode featuring Kelli Ireland from the local fire department, which went viral, reaching over 156,000 views. This episode not only entertained but also educated the audience on safety, proving the podcast's potential impact.

4. **Understanding the Podcasting Metrics**
The technical side of podcasting can be daunting, but with tools like Buzzsprout, the team navigated their way successfully. They reported over 3,500 downloads, with a significant percentage from Apple devices. This data revealed their podcast's reach, extending beyond North America to places like Asia and Europe. Brian shared, "We've had 117 downloads to Asia, which is amazing!"

5. **Community and Connection**
The podcast became a community-driven project, with each team member contributing their strengths. Ina, Bernie's wife, expressed her joy in seeing her husband thrive in this new hobby. "It's been fantastic... bringing you guys on has just been amazing," she said, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that has propelled their success.

Conclusion:
The podcasting journey has been one of exploration and growth, filled with learning opportunities and unexpected connections. From humble beginnings to impressive metrics, the team has proven that with passion and collaboration, success is achievable. Key takeaways include the importance of community, the value of learning from others, and the power of storytelling in connecting with audiences.

00:00 Welcome to the Porch: Introduction of Guests
02:04 The Journey Begins: From Concept to Podcast
04:36 Growth and Engagement: Social Media Success
07:39 Podcasting Insights: Tools and Strategies
09:58 Community Connections: Engaging with Guests
13:35 Authenticity in Storytelling: The Power of Real Conversations
16:21 Future Aspirations: Wellness and Community Focus
19:02 Sponsorship and Support: Building a Sustainable Model
23:42 Looking Ahead: Goals for 2026

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The conversation on the Porch is about the challenges faced by the Medicine Hat Public School Board regarding potential school closures due to declining enrollment. Chair Catherine Wilson sits down with Brian Konrad to discuss the emotional and logistical complexities of these decisions, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of community impact and the future of school infrastructure.

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A very special episode for Boxing Day, the hosts and students discuss their experiences with college, the value of education, the impact of AI on future job markets, the challenges of home ownership for Generation Z, and the difficulties faced by young adults today compared to previous generations. The discussion highlights diverse perspectives and personal anecdotes, providing a comprehensive view of the current educational landscape and societal challenges.

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Brian speaks with Christina Johnson from the Sanare Centre about her recent recognition with the Alberta Inspiration Award for her work in gender-based violence prevention. They discuss the Evolvement Program, which aims to engage men and boys in creating allyships and reducing offending behavior. Christina shares insights into the Child Advocacy Centre's role in supporting victims of abuse and the importance of community involvement in prevention efforts. They also touch on the fundraising for facility dogs to assist in providing comfort to victims and the critical nature of support systems in healing from trauma.

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