Tonight on Bring Back The Porch, Brian speaks with Dr. Dwayne Zarichny, Superintendent of the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education, as he reflects on a 33-year career in education and his final year before retirement. They cover how teaching has changed, where online learning and AI are headed, and why specialized academy programs are reshaping school choice for students and parents.
The conversation also covers new school development in Medicine Hat, including Holy Trinity School, the growth of Catholic enrolment, and how vocational, faith-based, and career-focused learning paths are evolving.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Dr. Zarichny's retirement announcement
00:13 Why Dr. Zarichny chose to become a teacher
00:41 The challenge and reward of making a difference in students' lives
00:57 First day as a teacher on a First Nation island
01:09 Career progression and diverse roles in education
01:22 How education has evolved over 33 years
01:29 The rise of online and on-demand learning
01:41 Technology's role in supporting students with special needs
01:44 Growth of faith-based and specialized academy programs in Medicine Hat
01:59 New school projects and community engagement
02:21 The future of education and Dr. Zarichny's plans after retirement

The Unseen Impact of Teaching
Dr. Zarichny highlights a common struggle for educators: the difficulty in recognizing the difference they make in their students' lives. "You never know when you're making a difference," he shares, emphasizing the profound yet often invisible influence teachers have.

A Journey Through Education
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Zarichny, recalls his beginnings and the path that led him to become a teacher. Growing up in a family of educators, he was inspired by a high school business teacher who imparted valuable lessons that he still applies today. His own teaching journey began in a challenging environment on a First Nation, where he learned to adapt and grow. His varied career has included roles in multiple provinces and different school jurisdictions, showcasing his dedication to education.

The Evolution of Education
Dr. Zarichny, notes significant changes in education, particularly in the rise of on-demand learning. He believes that as parents become more mobile, the need for accessible education will grow, leading to more online platforms for students. However, he raises a critical concern about the potential loss of social development in online learning environments.

Embracing Technology
Brian shifts the conversation to technology's role in education, especially concerning special needs students. Dr. Zarichny, points out that technology now allows teachers to create tailored learning experiences, enhancing support for diverse learning needs.

The Future of Education
Lastly, Dr. Zarichny, reflects on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education. He predicts that AI will not just be an adjustment but a disruption, much like the industrial revolution. As Dr. Zarichny winds down his final year of teaching he explains to Brian that he will be busy in retirement. He plans to travel, continue teaching university courses, and do governance work with school boards and nonprofit boards.

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Bring Back The Porch visits Art Room on Second, Medicine Hat’s new collaborative commercial gallery, with co-owner Erin Stelmaschuk Biegel. Erin explains how a group of artists turned years of pop-up shows into a permanent space, how original copper tooling and nature inspire her work, and why meeting artists and seeing art in person can make collecting meaningful.

Chapters

00:00 Why Medicine Hat needed a commercial gallery
01:22 From artist pop-ups to a permanent gallery
03:24 A collaborative space with artists on the floor
05:04 Nature, copper, and the origins of Erin’s practice
07:19 How copper tooling turns drawings into originals
09:43 Why visual art matters in everyday life
12:07 Expanding beyond paintings to pottery and sculpture
13:42 Gallery hours, changing displays, and traveling collectors
16:43 Small works, local artists, and building a collection
20:51 Caring for copper and a Calgary Stampede hat
22:35 Six potters and whimsical salvaged-metal sculpture
25:34 Why visitors should continue to drop in

Art Room on Second grew from several years of artist pop-ups, culminating in a month-long show before becoming a full-time gallery in February. Co-owners Erin Stelmaschuk Biegel and Ursula Maser lead a collaborative gallery that includes more than 20 artists across painting, pottery, jewelry, beadwork, and sculpture.

Artists share gallery shifts, giving visitors the chance to meet makers, ask about their processes, and discover different work on repeat visits. Erin traces her nature-inspired practice and copper tooling technique to childhood drawing and a generous high school art teacher; each copper piece is made by hand without templates. She describes how patina, acrylic, alcohol ink, oil pastels, and resin contribute to her copper works, which need only dusting for care.

The gallery’s changing feature wall, artist demonstrations, opening receptions, and varied mediums keep the space fresh for locals and visitors. The tour highlights artists and mediums including Ursula Maser’s florals, Jackie Deblasio's abstracts, Kameko Ballantyne's graphite drawings, six potters, and Jordan Bouchard’s salvaged-metal sculpture.

The gallery’s broader mission is to show why visual art matters in people’s lives, including the emotional and scientific impact of colour, mood, memory, and place. Erin says people often connect with art and that small original works can be an approachable start to collecting.

The tour also spotlights the gallery’s mix of work - smaller pieces for collectors, unframed originals for travellers, pottery, abstract work, graphite drawings, whimsical garden stacks, and salvaged metal sculpture. There is something for everyone, Erin recommends visitors linger, bring friends, and return often.

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Bring Back The Porch's latest conversation is with Eddie LeMoine, he shares his journey from working in many fields including sporting goods, aeronautics, and tech to becoming a sought-after professional speaker and author. He reflects on significant life choices and the lessons learned along the way, particularly around the importance of focusing attention on our goals. Eddie will be the keynote speaker at the Workforce Solutions Summit taking place next week here in Medicine Hat.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and overview
01:00 Guest background and career journey
02:13 Transition from fishing and music to retail and tech
03:20 Becoming a professional speaker and author
04:01 The moment of realization and career change
04:56 Family reactions and early challenges
06:01 The importance of attention and focus
07:01 Labour workforce challenges and demographic shifts
09:00 The impact of AI and automation on jobs
11:03 Strategies for capacity building and remote work
13:11 Knowledge transfer and AI tools for succession planning
14:48 Broadening talent pools and global recruitment
17:02 The future of work and opportunities for all
20:03 Retirement, encore careers, and lifelong work
23:01 The role of happiness and passion in productivity
24:49 Resources and tools available on Eddie LeMoine's website
27:07 Final thoughts


From Fish Scales to Tech and Beyond
Eddie's career began in the fishing industry, a family tradition, before he ventured into retail and managed large tech companies. However, a personal revelation led him to transition into professional speaking.

“You have everything that everybody wants… but I got really good at doing things I hated doing every day.”
Eddie LeMoine

This realization pushed Eddie to embrace his passion for speaking, despite the challenges of leaving a stable corporate position. He highlights how crucial it is to align one’s work with personal fulfillment and purpose.

Attention Shapes Outcomes
A pivotal moment in Eddie's career came during a conversation in a pub that changed his perspective on focus and intention. He learned from a mentor that focusing on the negative aspects of his goals was counterproductive. This insight has become a guiding principle for him, emphasizing the power of positive focus in achieving success.

Labour Market Challenges Ahead
Eddie discusses the pressing challenges facing today’s workforce, particularly the impending shortage of workers as a significant portion of the population retires. With fewer people entering the workforce and increased demands for growth, Eddie stresses the importance of strategic thinking in workforce planning. He advocates for building capacity within current teams rather than solely relying on hiring to bridge the gap.

A Shift in Work Culture
As Eddie points out, the work ethic of previous generations may not resonate with younger workers. The priority is shifting towards work-life balance, and organizations need to adapt to these changes to attract and retain talent. By fostering a culture that values well-being and flexibility, companies can better harness the strengths of their existing teams.

The Workforce Solutions Summit: Strengthening Recruitment, Retention, and Workplace Culture takes place October 27th from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Medicine Hat College.

If you want to learn more about Eddie LeMoine visit his website
https://eddielemoine.com/

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What does it take to build a safer downtown? According to Medicine Hat Police Service Downtown Patrol officers, it starts with relationships, mutual respect, and working together.

Today on Bring Back The Porch, host Brian Konrad welcomes Sergeant Brian Bohrn and Constable Mitch Young of the award-winning Downtown Patrol Unit to discuss the realities of downtown policing in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the downtown patrol unit
02:03 Last day for Sergeant Brian Bohrn and team growth
04:08 Team dynamics and the importance of close-knit relationships
06:18 Understanding the needs of homeless individuals
07:15 The non-adversarial approach to community policing
08:43 Challenges faced by homeless individuals and support resources
10:18 The evolution and growth of the patrol team
12:42 Reflections on the work and success stories
13:32 Uplifting stories and the rewards of community policing
14:25 Closing remarks and appreciation for Sergeant Brian Bohrn


From working alongside downtown business owners to building relationships with people experiencing homelessness and addiction, Brian and Mitch explain how communication, education, and collaboration help address community concerns.

The conversation also marks a milestone for Sergeant Bohrn, who reflects on nearly six years with the Downtown Patrol Unit as he prepares to move on from the team. Both officers share what makes the work rewarding, the challenges of supporting people in complex circumstances, and the success stories that remind them why community policing matters.

IN THIS EPISODE

• How Medicine Hat's Downtown Patrol Unit works with local businesses to address concerns and prevent problems.

• Why the unit's community nomination for an award made the recognition especially meaningful.

• How officers build trust and rapport with people experiencing homelessness and addiction.

• Why enforcement is not always the first response, and how education and mutual respect can encourage cooperation.

• The complex reasons some people may struggle to access shelters or housing.

• How police connect people with community support services, including Recovery Alberta.

• How the Downtown Patrol Unit has grown and why additional resources help officers respond to community needs.

• Sergeant Brian Bohrn's reflections on six years of downtown policing, teamwork, and relationships.

• The success stories that come from helping people find employment, stable housing, and a path forward.

A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

Downtown safety involves more than enforcement. It also involves understanding the people who live and work in the community, recognizing the challenges they face, and finding practical ways to work together.

This conversation offers a look at the people behind the badge and the relationships that help shape a safer, more connected Medicine Hat.

ABOUT BRING BACK THE PORCH

Bring Back The Porch is a Medicine Hat community podcast featuring conversations about local people, current events, public issues, and the ideas shaping our community.

Our Porch has room for everyone. Join us as we listen, learn, and explore the stories that matter to southeastern Alberta.

If you value thoughtful conversations about Medicine Hat, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel, and SHARE it with someone who cares about our community.

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Today on Bring Back The Porch Tamara Miller from Miller's Haunts shares spooky stories, paranormal experiences, and her insights on haunted places, supernatural elements, and Halloween traditions. Discover fascinating tales and perspectives on the supernatural world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tamara Miller and her paranormal stories
02:02 Childhood ghost stories and experiences with Morgan
03:52 Paranormal activity at a children's home in Didsbury
06:57 Beliefs about ghosts, spirits, and supernatural encounters
09:02 Haunted places in Saskatchewan and local ghost stories
12:06 Thoughts on aliens, UFOs, and extraterrestrial life
15:13 Supernatural phenomena like Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, and Mothman
19:47 Demonic presence, haunted objects, and energy attachments
24:49 Halloween traditions, ghost tours, and spooky season plans
29:58 Final thoughts and Halloween message from Tamara Miller

As the spooky season begins, there's something thrilling about sharing ghost stories, especially when they come from personal experiences. In this episode of *Bring Back the Porch*, Curtis chats with Tamara Miller, a passionate storyteller from Miller's Haunts, who brings her own spine-tingling tales to life.

Childhood Haunts
Tamara recalls her childhood friend Morgan, who delighted in scaring her and other friends during sleepovers on her farm. Each visit was filled with scary movies and ghostly tales, crafting a perfect atmosphere for youthful fright.

Years later, Tamara found herself working at a children's home that was rumoured to be haunted. On Halloween night, a loud bang echoed from the basement, leading her and a coworker to investigate. The eerie occurrences didn’t stop there; strange happenings continued to unfold, leaving Tamara with a lingering fear of the basement laundry room.

A Connection to the Past
In a twist of fate, Morgan later sought to buy a house just two doors down from Tamara's workplace, only to discover it was the old Didsbury hospital. This revelation added another layer of eeriness to their history, tying their ghostly experiences together.

The Skeptic's Journey
Tamara also shares her experience with a skeptical trolley driver who accompanies her on tours. His desire to be proven wrong leads him to investigate the paranormal, creating a fascinating dynamic between belief and skepticism.

Ghostly Encounters
Throughout the conversation, they delve into various ghost stories and supernatural phenomena. One particularly chilling account involves a water cooler flying across a room, and another where a figure resembling Morgan's mother appeared, only to vanish.

Halloween Reflections
As Halloween approaches, Tamara emphasizes a cautious approach to the supernatural, especially regarding Ouija boards. While some may dabble, she firmly advises against it, citing the potential for unexpected encounters.

We hope you enjoy this spooky season and we hope you share your scary tales with us in the comments!!!

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Tonight on Bring Back The Porch, we explore workforce challenges, including recruitment, retention, diversity, and the impact of AI, with Isabel Jewell Schmidt. Discover strategies for creating inclusive workplaces and adapting to rapid changes in the labor market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:34 Challenges in workforce recruitment and retention
03:52 Impact of retirements and replacing experienced workers
04:34 Changing career patterns and workplace flexibility
05:12 How CWE tailors solutions to employer needs
07:00 Using AI to enhance productivity and reduce job dissatisfaction
07:42 Fostering diversity and inclusion in the workforce
08:57 Supporting older workers and overcoming stereotypes
10:07 Strategies for attracting young talent
10:55 The importance of workforce adaptability and registration details for the summit

Here in Southeastern Alberta the workforce landscape is changing, the need for adaptability and inclusivity has never been more pressing. We sat down with Isabel Jewell Schmidt, program coordinator for the Workforce Solutions Summit, to discuss the challenges facing employers today and the importance of creating an inclusive work environment.

The Importance of Inclusivity
Isabel emphasized the pivotal role of inclusivity in today’s workplace. "We focus on how to bring people to the workforce and how then to create an environment that’s inclusive for them once they’re there." The Workforce Solutions Summit, happening on October 27th, aims to address these very issues, providing resources to improve recruitment and retention efforts.

Key Concerns in Today’s Workforce
Isabel shared insights on the pressing concerns employers face:
-Workforce Shortages: With a significant number of experienced workers retiring, finding replacements is a growing challenge.
- Generational Differences: Younger workers are seeking flexibility and a sense of purpose in their careers, which can clash with traditional workplace structures.

Embracing Change with AI
One of the hot topics at the summit will be the impact of AI on the workplace. Isabel noted: Instead of fearing AI, maybe we take AI and use it for the parts people dislike doing. Everybody has a part of their job that they don’t like. This perspective encourages companies to view AI as a tool for enhancing productivity rather than a threat.

Diversity as an Asset
Our workforce is increasingly diverse, with people from various backgrounds entering the job market. Isabel highlighted the need for employers to embrace this diversity: "Inclusion is not just something that’s different, but something that’s good." Workshops and training sessions provided by SIWI aim to help employers understand and manage this diversity effectively.

Summit Details:
The Workforce Solutions Summit is set for October 27th at Medicine Hat College. This free event will tackle crucial topics related to workplace culture and development. Registration is open online, and the summit is designed for employers, service providers, and anyone interested in enhancing their professional skills.

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We have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and mostly it's for the community we have been able to build this first year. In January we were able to receive a community vibrancy grant from the City of Medicine Hat. We used it to create an evening of entertainment and education at the Monarch Theatre. On September 15th we invited some local historians to speak with Brian about the history of Medicine Hat. They shared some fantastic stories about our city and our audience was very interested in what they had to say. Sit back and relax as we present some of the facinating stories of notable figures, historical artifacts and intriguing tales that connect our community and our citizens.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the episode and guests
00:30 The story of Mayor Brown and his controversial history
01:00 The discovery and significance of the Benwell Tablet
01:29 Research into Major Benwell's military service and controversies
01:51 The story of Nancy the grizzly bear and local family tales
02:21 Connections between Jesse James and Medicine Hat
02:50 The story of Lord Beresford and the ranching history
03:20 Family stories of early settlers and explorers
03:50 The history of local brickyards and industry
03:58 Closing remarks and upcoming publications


The Tale of Mervyn Brown
Sally shares an unexpected story about Mayor Mervyn Brown, who served from 1918 to 1921. Initially depicted as an exceptional leader, further research revealed a darker side. After his death, it was discovered that Brown had been involved in serious allegations while living in England, including assaults on chambermaids, which were hushed up by influential friends.
"This is a case of a man who did not seem as he appeared," Sally reflects, highlighting the complexities of historical figures.

The Benwell Tablet
Next, William introduces us to Major Ernest George Benwell, who commissioned a memorial tablet honouring the men of the Third Canadian Mounted Rifles during World War I. Despite its noble beginnings, controversy surrounded the tablet’s display due to accusations against Benwell, leading to its eventual placement at City Hall instead of the originally intended church.
"When lawyers get involved, you know you're in trouble," William quips, emphasizing the tangled web of community dynamics.

The Early Days of Medicine Hat
Malcolm introduces us to the beginnings of Medicine Hat through his family stories of his Great Grandfather James Hargrave who took the train from Portage la Prairie to Maple Creek. From there, he rode out to Medicine Hat Coulee where surveyors were looking to build a bridge. As Malcolm says "I heard bits and pieces of it, and actually when I went to university and studied history of Western Canada, it started to click that, hmm, my family's actually in this."

These stories are apart of the history of Medicine Hat and made the city we call home today. We invite you to watch and listen to the whole live show recorded in front of an audience of enthusiastic history buffs. We want to thank the City of Medicine Hat, The Medicine Hat Historical Society, and the Monarch Theatre for their contributions to helping us create this special live event.

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In Part two of our conversation Brian and David discuss his remarkable journey through faith, community service, and leadership. David talks about his experiences with politics, church, and community development in Calgary and his legacy here in Southeastern Alberta.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:58 David's Early Community Work in Calgary
03:54 Founding of Trinity Place Foundation and Saint Margaret's
06:55 Leadership in the Legislature and Maintaining Neutrality
11:07 The Role of Faith in Public Service
14:11 Historical Stories of Calgary and Saint Margaret's
17:12 Reflections on Community Development and Personal Life
20:03 Challenges in Community and Government Relations
23:10 The Significance of Saint Margaret's Cemetery and Memorials
25:55 Closing Remarks and Personal Reflections

Bring Back The Porch invites you into an intimate conversation with David J. Carter, who reflects on a life filled with diverse experiences, from politics to pastoral care and memorial work. David’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. He has worn many hats: an Anglican minister, a speaker of the House, a railroad worker, and even an author of eighteen books. His life’s work has intertwined with history, service, and community.

On Leadership
Reflecting on his time as speaker, David shares the complexities of maintaining neutrality while representing a diverse constituency. "I have sympathy for every person who becomes a speaker. We're here to represent all of the people in your constituency, not just the ones who voted for you," he emphasizes, reminding us of the importance of inclusivity in leadership.

Building Community
A significant highlight of David’s story is his involvement in community development. He recounts the efforts to build a senior citizen's high rise in downtown Calgary, emphasizing collaboration among different faith groups and community members. "Every Friday, we put on soup and sandwiches for all the workers putting up this eighteen-story high rise with a hundred and fifty units. Wonderful times," he reflects, showing the power of community engagement.

Embracing Identity
In a touching exchange with a bishop, David shares a humorous yet poignant moment regarding his identity. "Bishop, they can call me whatever they want, but my Christian name is David," he asserts, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in one's role.

As we listen to David’s conversation with Brian, we are reminded of the profound impact of faith, leadership, and service. His story is a testament to the challenges and rewards of navigating leadership within a community, underscored by a deep commitment to inclusivity and service.

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