Local “Oh Deer” podcast comes to a close after two years

Along with friend and fourth host Kevin Walsh, the second episode already brought on guests like Red Deer Rebels commentator Cam Moon and local sponsorships.

“We started doing some cool and different things like doing an episode on a boat on Sylvan Lake, picking up Brandon Sutter from the Vancouver Canucks and interviewed him,” he said.

Unexpected, Emmett says the positive public feedback while interviewing local businesses was the turning point in the podcast. That’s when Andrew Russell, one of their first sponsors, came on board as the fifth host.

“They all supported my business in the past and so it was an opportunity for me to return the favour, and it just evolved over time to me sitting in on the recordings. It was a good excuse to go hang out with my friends, but they turned it into a great way to support the community and local businesses during a time when many of them were struggling due to COVID restrictions,” said Russell, a local realtor and long-time friend.

Following some zoom recordings, the team was officially podcasting from a downtown studio provided by Bo’s Bar and Stage by the eighth episode, meeting industry locals like 106.7 REWIND Radio host Peter Michaels, who also recorded his own podcast there, The Road The Stage.

(Left L-R) Kevin Walsh and Dustin Moore and (Right L-R) Ryan Lund and Ted Emmett recording an Oh Deer podcast episode in the downtown studio provided by Bo’s Bar and Stage. (Ash Maclean Photography)

To complete the team, Erin Zatylny, known as “Co-Worker Erin” for her behind-the-scenes work like graphic designing, eventually became the female lead as host by popular public demand.

“I’m just so grateful for the entire experience, and of course for the incredible support we’ve received. As someone who’s only lived in Red Deer for a few years, this podcast has really helped me connect with the community in a way I never thought possible, and to embrace it as my new home,” she said.

Once life started returning to normal, Emmett said new jobs, kids, and volunteerism at the Piper Creek Optimist Club made it harder for the group to align schedules. Having the most experience in broadcasting, he said being responsible for the editing and scriptwriting became a heavier load to carry, impacting his physical and mental health. While in the first year they produced nearly 20 episodes, he said in the second year, they were only able to produce 10 when time permitted.

“We’re also all of the mindset that we’re going to do something right or we’re not going to do it at all,” he said. “This way we can leave on a high note on our own terms. It’s not like the band is breaking up and we all hate each other.”

Emmett says he will take the time to focus on himself more, but the team will continue with Oh Deer’s social media presence and interviews, even if all six members aren’t present at once.

“It’s [the podcast] been something that I didn’t know I needed in my life, but it turns out it’s something that I did need. I wouldn’t change it for anything. I know [the podcast] is ending, but hopefully it’s not ‘the end’,” said Lund in the final episode, airing on Dec. 11 and the official two year anniversary.

Emmett said the episode will be similar to that of their first anniversary, recorded in front of a studio audience of supporters and sponsors.

“The people we’ve met and created relationships with, the support from our community and the new skills we’ve learned are just a few of the highlights from the last two years. Although it’s sad to wrap up the podcast, I am very proud of the group and what we were able to accomplish,” said Moore.

Oh Deer auditions for the 2022 Red Deer Firefighter Calendar to raise funds for the Red Deer Firefighters Children’s Charity. (Stephen Underhay)

The main importance for Emmett, he says, has always been the community.

“One of the legacies I hope we leave people, and I’ve said it on the last episode is, shoot your shot. This was just a crazy idea we had; everyone has those ideas that they talk about and don’t really do and we thought ‘what do we have to lose?’” he said.

“The legacy is, and I think so many people in central Alberta do this really well, but it’s just love where you live and celebrate the people in your community. I would love to see honestly someone else do something like this as well.”

by Alessia Proietti

Local “Oh Deer” podcast comes to a close after two years

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