The Spotlight Hour with Linda Olsen

About

No one knows Calgary like Linda Olsen. Born and raised in Calgary Linda is one of the city's longest serving, and most respected award-winning journalists. Every episode on The Spotlight Hour Linda shines a light on the people, places, and stories that make Calgary such a great place. From comedians, actors, and athletes to politicians and everyday people making Calgary one of the greatest cities on the planet; you'll find them all here.

Episodes

• The Spotlight Hour: Building Futures 2026-05-09

  This episode of The Spotlight Hour features a discussion with Sharlene Massie and Krystyna Lloyd about a 30-year partnership between About Staffing and Safe Haven Foundation of Canada. They talk about their work supporting young women at r…

• The Spotlight Hour: The Frontline of Leadership 2026-05-02

  This episode of The Spotlight Hour features Calgary Police Chief Katie McLellan and retired Lieutenant-Colonel Deanna Manson discussing their leadership experiences, from career beginnings to current roles, and offering insights for the ne…

• The Spotlight Hour: Let Them Play 2026-04-25

  This episode of The Spotlight Hour features Kerry MacDonald discussing youth athlete physical and emotional development through volleyball and John Clubb on Calgary's Soccability program for adaptive soccer.

• The Spotlight Hour: Headaches, Pain, and Healing 2026-04-18

  Linda Olsen hosts Dr. Werner Becker and Dr. Sharon Pham on The Spotlight Hour to discuss headache disorders and chronic pain. They explore understanding headache drivers, the impact of chronic pain, and strategies for relief and regaining…

• The Spotlight Hour: Beyond the Fear 2026-04-11

  In this episode, Linda Olsen discusses fear with guests Cory Davison and Jill Wheatley. They share their experiences and insights on how to approach and move beyond fear by understanding it rather than trying to eliminate it.

• The Spotlight Hour: Game on Calgary 2026-04-04

  On The Spotlight Hour, Linda Olsen discusses Calgary's entry into the esports world. Eddie Sargent explains the college's investment in an esports arena and digital careers, while players Dennis Asham and Chris Rosquillo share insights int…

• The Spotlight Hour: Next-Gen Workforce 2026-03-28

  This episode discusses strategies to prepare the next generation for the workforce, focusing on the importance of first jobs and addressing youth unemployment. Guests provide practical advice and insights.

• The Spotlight Hour: Ageless Potential 2026-03-21

  This episode of The Spotlight Hour explores longevity, discussing what it means to live longer and live well with guests Raman Kapoor and Dr. Zahra Goodarzi. They focus on super agers and enhancing life quality.

• The Spotlight Hour: Lasting Vision 2 2026-03-14

  Linda Olsen's Spotlight Hour features a conversation with Chef Judy Wood and Manjit Minhas, both recipients of Global Calgary's Woman of Vision award. They reflect on their impactful careers, challenges overcome, and their ongoing efforts…

• The Spotlight Hour: Lasting Vision 2026-03-07

  Celebrating International Women's Day, Linda Olsen revisits interviews with inspiring women from her "Woman of Vision" program, highlighting their journeys and ongoing community contributions.

• The Spotlight Hour: Circle of Laughter 2026-02-28

  Paul Kuster, a Sixties Scoop survivor, discusses using comedy and stand-up to share his experiences and advocate for change. Crystal Many Fingers shares insights on how Indigenous storytelling fosters identity, healing, and connection.

• The Spotlight Hour: Movie Magic 2026-02-21

  On The Spotlight Hour, host Linda Olsen interviews stunt coordinator Sally Bishop and costume designer Jennifer Haffenden. They discuss their roles in creating movie magic, including action sequences and wardrobe, and the artistry involved…

• The Spotlight Hour: Calgary, With Love 2026-02-14

  On The Spotlight Hour, Alisha Reynolds of Tourism Calgary and historian Shaun Hunter explore Calgary's past, present, and future. Notable citizens share their love for the city in this Valentine's celebration.

• The Spotlight Hour: Mentoring the Future 2026-02-07

  This episode of The Spotlight Hour discusses mentorship's role in shaping Calgary's future, highlighting programs like Big Brothers, Big Sisters and TIES. Guests Ken Lima-Coelho and Mayssoun Hniedi share insights on the transformative powe…

• The Spotlight Hour: Olympic Dreams, Calgary Roots 2026-01-31

  Linda Olsen hosts Kendra Scurfield and Patrick Jarvis to discuss Canada's journey to the 2026 Olympics, focusing on Calgary's winter sports scene and the athletes aiming for the games.

• The Spotlight Hour: Never Give Up 2026-01-24

  In this episode, host Linda Olsen speaks with four-time cancer survivor Tom Shindruk and immunotherapy researcher Dr. Doug Mahoney about their commitment to cancer research and the pursuit of a cure.

• The Spotlight Hour: Rescue to Home 2026-01-17

  This episode of The Spotlight Hour features Leanne Niblock from the Alberta SPCA and Deanna Thompson of AARCS discussing the animal welfare crisis in Alberta. They highlight the work of rescue groups supporting animals in need and explain…

• The Spotlight Hour: Calgary's Space Frontier 2026-01-10

  Linda Olsen hosts a discussion with University of Calgary physicists Dr. Johnathan Burchill and Dr. David Knudsen. They explore local space research, including Calgary's first student-built satellite and the phenomenon of the northern ligh…

• The Spotlight Hour: Local Magazine Legacies 2026-01-03

  On The Spotlight Hour, host Linda Olsen talks with Ellen Percival and Elaine Kupser about their long careers in local magazine publishing, focusing on Calgary's Child Magazine and Impact Magazine, and the current resurgence of the industry.

• The Spotlight Hour: Beyond the Labels 2025-12-27

  On The Spotlight Hour, Linda Olsen, author Trish Exton-Parder, and Jon Cornish discuss navigating life changes and reclaiming one's identity after stepping away from long-time careers.

• The Spotlight Hour: Sevice Club Challenge 2025-12-20

  This episode of The Spotlight Hour features a discussion on the evolution of volunteerism and its potential effects on service clubs, with guests Otto Siltzer and Katie Dodd.

• The Spotlight Hour: Skill Shift 2025-12-13

  Linda Olsen interviews Margo Purcell and D'Andre Wilson about the changing demands of the workforce, focusing on technology, soft skills, and work-integrated learning for career preparation.

• The Spotlight Hour: Amplifying Calgary 2025-12-06

  Linda Olsen discusses Calgary's music scene, highlighting Metis-Colombian artist Damase Elis and Music Calgary's support for local talent.

• The Spotlight Hour: Profiles in Pastry 2025-11-29

  This episode of The Spotlight Hour features local bakers Said M'Dahoma, Douglas Gregory, and Lauren Anh discussing their passion for pastry. They share insights into blending science, culture, and craft, highlighting their unique creations.

• The Spotlight Hour with Linda Olsen: Social Impact - Leading with Kindness in Calgary 2025-11-22

  This episode of The Spotlight Hour discusses the social impact of generosity in Calgary, highlighting how leading with kindness can create change. Guests Karen Young and Joy Bowen-Eyre share insights.

• The Spotlight Hour: Turning Pages 2025-11-15

  Linda Olsen discusses the Canadian love of reading with Calgary author Natalie Sue, author of "I Hope This Finds you Well", and Ryan Smith, co-owner of Owl's Nest Books, a store celebrating 50 years.

• The Spotlight Hour: Teaching Remembrance 2025-11-08

  This episode of The Spotlight Hour features Sean Libin discussing The Field of Crosses, a memorial honoring fallen soldiers. Linda Olsen also speaks with Brad Pierce and John Q Adams of Valour Canada about educating the public on military…

• The Spotlight Hour: Inclusion in Action 2025-11-01

  Linda Olsen interviews Kathleen Sorensen, author of Living in the Land of the Uprights, about her son's experience with Muscular Dystrophy. Katherine Such, CEO of Easter Seals Alberta, also joins to discuss the organization's support for i…

• The Spotlight Hour: Stampede in Motion 2025-10-25

  Linda Olsen speaks with Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede, and Mark Eriksen, producer of the Grandstand Show, about the event's success, unique midway foods like worm poutine, and the logistics of the drone show.

• The Spotlight Hour: Prairie Lights 2025-10-18

  On this episode of The Spotlight Hour, host Linda Olsen speaks with Calgary's new Film Commissioner, Adnaan Wasey, and director David Winning. They discuss filmmaking and its impact.

• The Spotlight Hour: Smart Aging 2025-10-11

  This episode of The Spotlight Hour discusses how current actions impact future brain health, focusing on dementia prevention and cognitive enhancement strategies with experts Dr. Zahra Goodarzi and Dr. Dilpriya Mangat.

• The Spotlight Hour: Shared Wisdom 2025-10-04

  This episode features Jim Gray, founder of the Top 7 Over 70 recognition program, discussing his business journey and the value of intergenerational wisdom. Also featured is Marjorie Zingle, an award recipient still active in business in h…

• The Spotlight Hour: Game Changers 2025-09-27

  The Spotlight Hour features local leaders Jason Ribeiro of Calgary Surge and Lara Murphy of Calgary Wild FC, alongside sports storyteller Chris Dornan. They discuss being game changers in sports and community.

• The Spotlight Hour: Fresh Starts 2025-09-20

  In the first episode of The Spotlight Hour, host Linda Olsen discusses Fresh Starts with guests Gord Gillies, Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji, and Ryan Lomberg. They explore new chapters in people's lives.

• The Spotlight Hour Trailer 2025-09-16

  The Spotlight Hour with Linda Olsen presents a trailer for the show. The first episode is scheduled to be released on September 20th at 9am MT.