Banff’s Creative Underground, Amal Alhomsi & OESA Arts

Faris Hytiaa Launches Peak Laughs at Banff Centre’s newest venue

Banff has no shortage of nightlife in the summer, but if you’re looking for an alternative to the crowds, lineups, and chaos of Banff Avenue, there’s a new venue quietly building something special just up the hill. Ahead of his Peak Laughs appearance at CLVB ’33, we sat down with Canadian comedian Faris Hytiaa for a conversation about Alberta audiences, performing everywhere from small-town bars to headline theatres, finding comedy in unexpected places, and his first impressions of Banff. The conversation also shines a light on one of Banff’s newest entertainment venues. Part of the Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival, CLVB ’33 has quickly become a home for comedy, karaoke, literary events, and intimate performances throughout the summer. Banff Centre describes it as a place to escape the crowds and experience something different, bringing casual, intimate programming to a campus better known for world-class arts and culture. If you’re spending your summer in the Bow Valley and looking for something beyond the usual Banff Avenue experience, CLVB ’33 is hosting events throughout the season, just a short walk from downtown. Upcoming CLVB ’33 highlights include: • Peak Laughs Comedy Nights – Every other Thursday at 9 PM, featuring some of Canada’s best comedians performing in an intimate room designed specifically for live entertainment. • Karaoke Nights hosted by Miss Rizz – Select Thursday nights throughout the summer, offering a completely different kind of night out from what you’ll find downtown. • Literary Cabarets – Intimate evenings featuring writers, storytellers, and artists from Banff Centre residencies, giving audiences a chance to connect directly with creators working at the Banff Centre. The 2026 Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival features more than 100 events spanning music, literature, visual arts, film, comedy, and community programming, making it one of the most diverse cultural festivals in the Canadian Rockies. Whether you’re a long-time local, seasonal worker, or just visiting the Bow Valley, this conversation is a reminder that some of the most interesting things happening in Banff aren’t necessarily happening on Banff Avenue. A big thank you to Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity for helping bring world-class artists, performers, and creators to the Bow Valley. See you next Tuesday.

Can Seasonal Work Become a Career in Banff? Pete Rothery says: “Why Not?”

Most people arrive in Banff expecting to stay for a season. A winter chasing powder. A summer chasing adventure. Then somehow years go by. This week on the Overheard Podcast, we sit down with Pete Rothery, snowboard instructor, musician, world traveller, Parks worker, and long-time Bow Valley resident, to talk about building a life in the mountains without following a conventional path. Originally from Saddleworth, England, Pete first came to Canada at 18 years old to earn his snowboard instructor qualifications in Jasper. What began as a short-term adventure evolved into a life built around mountain towns, seasonal work, travel, and a deep connection to the outdoors. Over the course of the conversation, we explore Pete’s journey from England to Canada, the realities of seasonal employment, the culture of snowboarding, instructing in both Canada and Japan, backcountry travel, mountain safety, music, and the challenges and rewards of creating a life outside the traditional nine-to-five model. One of the biggest themes of this episode is the idea that seasonal work doesn’t have to be temporary. In a place like the Bow Valley, many people arrive expecting a short stay, yet end up building careers, communities, and families. Pete shares his perspective on how he navigated that journey and what advice he would give to others hoping to do the same. We also discuss becoming a Canadian citizen, finding a sense of belonging far from home, and why Banff continues to attract people from around the world looking for something more than just a job. Whether you’re a snowboarder, a traveller, a mountain town local, or someone trying to figure out what comes next in life, there’s something in this conversation for you. A huge thank you to Pete for joining us and sharing his story. This episode is proudly brought to you by Drinkshaft, the Bow Valley’s favourite grab-and-go nitro cold brew coffee. A special shoutout as well to Defending Awesome, our official merch and print partner. If you’ve been seeing Overheard hats and gear around town lately, they’re the team that helped bring it all to life. Our full merch lineup is available now at www.overheardpodbanff.com [http://www.overheardpodbanff.com]. If you’re enjoying the show, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast with someone who loves mountain life as much as we do. See you next Tuesday!!

Checking in with Banff’s Mayor Corrie DiManno

Mayor Corrie DiManno returns to the Overheard Podcast for her second appearance to discuss the biggest issues shaping Banff today. Since we last sat down during the municipal election, the conversation has evolved. Housing projects are moving forward, child care remains a critical challenge, tourism continues to grow, and transportation is becoming an increasingly important part of Banff’s future. We also dive into one of Alberta’s most talked-about political issues: the growing conversation around Alberta separation, what it means for Banff, and why the Mayor felt it was important to publicly address it. Throughout the conversation, we explore the difficult balance between supporting residents, welcoming millions of visitors each year, and planning for the long-term future of one of Canada’s most recognizable communities. Whether you’re a longtime Bow Valley resident, a newcomer, or someone who simply loves Banff, this episode offers an inside look at the conversations happening around the Council table and the decisions that will shape the town for years to come. If you enjoy these conversations, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the episode. Around 70% of our viewers aren’t subscribed, and it only takes a second to help support independent local journalism and storytelling. A huge thank you to our sponsor, Drinkshaft, for making this episode possible, and to Defending Awesome for keeping the Overheard merch looking sharp. Thanks for listening, and like every week… See you next Tuesday!!

This Small Mountain Town Is Home to an Animal Care Revolution. We Take You Inside the BVSPCA

This week on the Overheard Podcast, we’re joined by Daisy and Andrea from the Bow Valley SPCA, Canada’s very first no-cage, no-kill adoption centre. In this conversation, we go far beyond the walls of the shelter. We unpack many of the challenges facing pets and pet owners here in the Bow Valley, from housing and affordability pressures to the realities of responsible pet ownership in a mountain community. We also explore some of the most common misconceptions surrounding shelter animals, breed stereotypes, animal allergies, medical conditions, and why so many incredible animals are overlooked for reasons that often have little to do with who they actually are. Along the way, we learn how the Bow Valley SPCA became a leader in compassionate animal care, what makes their no-cage, no-kill philosophy so unique, and how their team works every day to give animals the best possible chance at finding the right home. More than a conversation about animals, this episode is about compassion, responsibility, second chances, and the role our community plays in supporting both pets and the people who love them. If you’d like to support the Bow Valley SPCA, there are plenty of ways to help beyond financial donations. The organization relies on volunteers, foster homes, community partnerships, Shed Shop donations, and advocates willing to help spread their message. Every contribution, big or small, helps improve the lives of animals in the Bow Valley. Come along as we step inside one of the most innovative animal welfare organizations in the country and explore what it takes to care for some of our community’s most vulnerable residents. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves animals as much as you do. See you next Tuesday.

Exclusive update with record breaking jetboat captain @dustydoeser, what's next?

Fresh off another scouting mission for his next record-breaking jet boat jump, viral sensation and world record holder Dusty Friesen (@dustydoeser) is back on the Overheard Podcast. This time, we catch up with Dusty after an unsuccessful trip to scope out a potential new jump. We dive into what goes into scouting locations, why this particular spot wasn’t worth risking Dent, and the decision-making process behind some of the wildest stunts on the internet. We also talk about the realities of maintaining a record-breaking jet boat, the upgrades and repairs that keep Dent on the water, and the financial challenges that come with chasing world records. Dusty has officially launched a GoFundMe to help fund future projects, and we discuss the many ways people can support his journey beyond simply donating. If you’ve been following his story, this is the most up-to-date look at where things stand and what’s coming next. And while it isn’t Niagara Falls just yet, Dusty does tease details about his next attempt—and it’s another big one. If you enjoy the conversation, make sure to like, subscribe, and share the episode. Hitting that button is one of the best ways to support both Overheard and the guests we feature. @dustydoeser’s go fund me for his 2026 stunt season: https://www.gofundme.com/f/dustys-2026-jump-season?attribution_id=sl:16f90b5b-72c4-47c4-9e4d-43421c8fdcb4 [https://www.gofundme.com/f/dustys-2026-jump-season?attribution_id=sl:16f90b5b-72c4-47c4-9e4d-43421c8fdcb4] A huge thank you to our sponsors: Drinkshaft — The original nitro espresso energy drink, proudly based in Banff and available across Western Canada. Defending Awesome Print Shop — Helping local businesses, creators, and organizations bring their ideas to life through quality printing and apparel. See you next Tuesday!!