In this episode, Episode 14 of Season 2, Jenny is joined by Bob Morrison and three guests: Dwight Popowich, Julian Vandenberg, and John Smith, who represent different farming sectors—dryland, irrigated, and rangeland farming. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by farmers, including water shortages, drought conditions, and the impact of climate change on water resources. The guests share their experiences with water management, the economic pressures of farming, and the mental health challenges within the agricultural community. They emphasize the importance of community support, policy advocacy, and technological advancements in sustaining farming operations. The conversation underscores the interconnectedness of water, agriculture, and community well-being, advocating for greater awareness and support for rural farmers.

In this episode, Jenny and Bob are joined by Mike Murray, Susan Ellis, and Tim Romanow, who are experts in watershed stewardship. The discussion centers on the importance of public investment in water decision-making and the challenges faced in managing, protecting, and restoring water resources. The guests share insights from their respective organizations, highlighting the need for collaboration, education, and data-driven approaches to address water concerns. They emphasize the significance of building trust among stakeholders and the role of watershed management plans in guiding sustainable practices. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges of transboundary water management and the importance of building relationships with indigenous communities. The episode underscores the critical need for informed and inclusive dialogue to ensure the health of water systems for future generations.

In this episode, Episode 12 of Season 2 (aka Episode 4 of the Water in Southern Alberta Podcast mini-series) Dr. Trisha Stadnyk, a hydrologic modelling professor in both the Civil Engineering and Geography Departments at the University of Calgary, discusses the intricacies of water modelling and its implications for future water availability and quality. The conversation highlights the challenges of integrating various models, such as climate, hydrology, and water resource management, to address local and global water issues. Dr. Stadnyk emphasizes the importance of adaptive risk-based management over traditional standards-based approaches, advocating for a shift towards resilience in water policy: a water first philosophy. The discussion also touches on the need for improved data collection and monitoring, particularly for groundwater and small streams, to enhance model accuracy and inform decision-making. The episode concludes with a call to action for individuals to become more aware of their water usage and for policymakers to prioritize water conservation and sustainable management practices. The podcast invites listeners to engage with these pressing issues and consider the broader implications of water management on future generations.

In episode 11 of season 2, or episode 3 of a water miniseries, the discussion centers on the legal system and water market in Southern Alberta. The podcast features guests Arlene Kwasniak, a law professor, and Davin MacIntosh, a water rights facilitator, who explore the intricacies of water law and transfers. The conversation highlights the historical and current frameworks governing water rights, the challenges of the "first in time, first in right" principle, and the complexities of water transfers. The episode also addresses the need for reforms in water management to ensure sustainability, equity, and adaptation to climate change. Listeners are encouraged to engage with ongoing consultations on water availability and management in Alberta.

Season 2, Episode 10 is the second conversation of a podcast mini-series on Water in Southern Alberta focused on The Impacts of Resource Extraction. Co-host Bob Morrison and I are joined by experts Dave Mayhood, an aquatic ecologist; Dr. Younes Alila, a professor specializing in forest hydrology; and Jason Unger, executive director at the Environmental Law Centre. Key topics include the ecological effects of gravel extraction, the hydrological impacts of clear-cut logging, the pollutive and destructive uses of freshwater in oil and gas development, and the legal frameworks surrounding water management. The conversation highlights the need for regulatory innovation, cumulative effects analysis, and the importance of federal intervention in environmental protection. The podcast encourages listeners to find common ground and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of water and resource management.

Season 2, Episode 9, is also the first episode of a podcast mini-series on water. This first episode introduces a series on water, featuring co-host Bob Morrison and guests discussing irrigation, environmental stewardship, and future challenges. Co-Host Bob Morrison is a retired planner with expertise in water management. Shannon Stunden Bower rejoins us (Season 1, Episode 18), an associate professor of history specializing in environmental history, and Jordan Christiansen, former chairperson of the Special Areas Board are our guests. The conversation delves into the historical and current challenges of irrigation, the role of government agencies like the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA), and the socio-economic impacts on rural communities. You receive highlights like the importance of defining public interest and efficiency in agricultural practices, considering indigenous perspectives, and balancing economic and environmental needs. The discussion underscores the need for collaborative efforts and thoughtful use of state resources to achieve sustainable development.

Season 2, Episode 8 features a discussion with Mike Judd, Allan Garbutt, and Colin Smith, who are long-time advocates for the region's ecological preservation. The conversation highlights the detrimental impacts of industrial activities such as logging, oil and gas extraction, and coal mining on the Eastern Slopes, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative protection and sustainable land management practices. The speakers advocate for comprehensive wilderness protection, public hearings, and coalition-building among environmental groups to address these challenges. They stress the importance of enforcing existing environmental laws and engaging in strategic, community-led efforts to safeguard water resources and biodiversity for future generations. The podcast underscores the critical role of public awareness and political action in achieving meaningful environmental change.

Season 2, Episode 7, features Wesam Khalid, a long-time activist for Palestine, discussing the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the broader implications for Canada amidst the 2025 election. Wesam shares his experiences with legal challenges and protests in Calgary, highlighting the systemic repression faced by Pro-Palestinian activists. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical dynamics involving the United States, China, and the Middle East, emphasizing the need for grassroots democratic movements and solidarity across various social justice causes. The episode underscores the importance of continued activism and community organizing to address global and local injustices.