Best Mack Male Podcasts (2024)

1
These aren't new plans, di-strictly speaking 38:43

2d ago38:43

38:43

A new draft district policy has been released. Plus, Edmonton has added 100,000 people in the past two years, and some councillors are questioning if we can handle that growth. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Andre Corbould Former Edmonton City Manager Joins Danchilla Consulting District Policy News Release: City releases final draft …

1
These budget gains are not working out 43:31

6d ago43:31

43:31

Administration has recommended an 8.7% tax increase for 2024 citing increasing cost pressures. And no, cutting bike lane funding won't fix that. Plus, we dig into transit oriented development, the nighttime economy, and bike lane infractions on 102 Avenue. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Spring budget adjustments April 11, 2024: City …

1
Gravelled paradise, put up a parking lot 35:32

13d ago35:32

35:32

Katz gets the parking lots of his dreams. Plus, we discuss city manager recruitment and Mayor Sohi’s response to the province's gracious offer to help stabilize the City of Edmonton’s finances. Here are the relevant links for this episode: City manager Eddie Robar named interim City of Edmonton manager while permanent replacement sought Adam Laughl…

1
Bye Bye Mr. Manager Guy 39:34

20d ago39:34

39:34

We dive into city manager Andre Corbould's resignation and why it will matter. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Andre Corbould Andre Corbould is out as Edmonton's city manager Edmonton city hall's top bureaucrat is gone — how did we get here? David Staples: Province considers move to 'audit and stabilize' the City of Edmonton, say gove…

1
Skip the meeting if you UCPlease 34:46

27d ago34:46

34:46

Coun. Sarah Hamilton found herself in hot water for speaking at a UCP fundraiser instead of attending a council meeting. We talk with Jeremy Appel of The Orchard who broke the story. Here are the relevant links for this episode: CSU52 update Union for Edmonton city, library workers unveils salary increases in tentative deal CJHR update Advocacy gro…

1
Strike! Double! Turkey! ... Gutterball 34:49

1M ago34:49

34:49

We discuss the strike that was averted at the last minute, council compensation, an update on the ICE District parking lots. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Media landscape Sprouts of Hope in a Gloomy Media Landscape — The New York Times Strike avoided City and Civic Services Union 52 reach a tentative agreement Tentative deal reached…

1
Shortchanging Edmonton: A Part of Our Heritage (fund) 36:46

1M ago36:46

36:46

We dig into the provincial budget and how it affects Edmonton. Plus, the Katz Group wants an extension for its gravel parking lots, and critics question the effectiveness of the homeless reception centre. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Provincial budget Budget 2024: Alberta commits funding towards Edmonton's LRT projects, increased p…

1
The secret federal government plot to steal our river valley 39:22

2M ago39:22

39:22

This week, we discuss City Plan measurements, the National Urban Park initiative, a looming CSU52 vote on the city's "best and final" offer, and the implications of ending EndPovertyEdmonton. Correction: We incorrectly stated that outgoing EndPovertyEdmonton executive director Erick Ambtman is a current member of the Edmonton Police Commission. In …

1
Six rezonings, 10 bike routes, and 12 OPs 32:22

2M ago32:22

32:22

This week, OP12 returned and council appears to be a bit more bearish on the idea. Plus, we learn more about the bike routes being built in 2024, and there are six rezonings testing the limits of the new zoning bylaw. Here are the relevant links for this episode: NASH Stephanie's post with fellow presenters Stephanie's post about getting your first…

1
Public spaces (just not for you, specifically) 48:58

2M ago48:58

48:58

The draft Public Spaces Bylaw goes to council amid plenty of opposition. We talk with Omar Yaqub of IFSSA and Cheryl Whiskeyjack of Bent Arrow about the potential impact of the bylaw on marginalized communities. Plus, the Katz Group is suing Boyle Street over a $5 million donation. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Omar Yaqub of …

1
Walking you through the downtown pedestrianization plan 54:45

2M ago54:45

54:45

The downtown pedestrianization report finally went through committee, so we talk with Jason Syvixay and Stephen Raitz, two of the shepherds that guided it through. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Jason Syvixay UDI-Edmonton Metro Stephen Raitz Paths for People Pedestrianization UDI's LinkedIn post Stephen's interview on 630 CHED…

1
Water we gonna talk about this week? 35:22

3M ago35:22

35:22

Valley Line users were left out in the cold when doors didn't function and heat wouldn’t turn on. Plus, EPCOR really leads the OP12 savings charge by cutting off everyone’s water! Here are the relevant links for this episode: Valley Line shelters Valley Line shelters give riders cold shoulder OP12 reallocations Report offers council service cuts an…

1
Emergency Managed 35:07

3M ago35:07

35:07

An emergency management committee meeting was punctuated with an actual emergency at City Hall. Plus, several things are on the way out: the downtown farmers market, the name "Oliver", and Adam Laughlin. Here are the relevant links for this episode: City Hall Incident 'Heavily armed' man arrested after shots fired, Molotov cocktail thrown in Edmont…

1
The Christmas Injunction 50:56

3M ago50:56

50:56

City council has declared a housing and houselessness emergency, and a judge has thrown out a lawsuit against the city's dismantling of encampments. We dig into the debate and look back at a month of encampment clearing and shelter space counting. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Emergency declared Edmonton councillors approve Sohi's '…

1
How the "DL Trade" stole Christmas 39:39

4M ago39:39

39:39

Back in college I dated my first real "DL" dude and made a connection I never expected. There's a reason why Christmas has historically been my least fav holiday. IG: @mackondemand Tik Tok: @mackondemand Twitter: @mackondemand Wendy Ho-F*ck Me (song): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f0ch4ed_Qw --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.c…

1
Jeopardy 2023 38:49

4M ago38:49

38:49

This. Is. Speaking Municipally Jeopardy! Edmonton's two actual Jeopardy contestants and the author of The Ultimate Edmonton Trivia Book square off in our annual holiday trivia episode. Enjoy! Here are the relevant links for this episode: Kyle Marshall LinkedIn Edmonton man wins second place on Jeopardy! Sam Papuha LinkedIn Edmontonian Sam Papuha co…

1
There's Snow such thing as climate change 32:16

5M ago32:16

32:16

Amid several high-profile instances of transit violence, the discussion around turnstiles is being recycled. Plus, the Valley Line Southeast LRT doubles its frequency — at least sometimes. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Snow savings City of Edmonton saves $5 million due to scant snow-and-ice removal work on roads Winter businesses gr…

1
The Googleable podcast 39:08

5M ago39:08

39:08

The federal government has reached a deal with Google to pay Canadian media companies. We'll see if Taproot makes the cut. Meanwhile, city council makes a cut to the proposed budget adjustment increase. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Budget News Release: City Council confirms fall budget adjustments Edmonton city council approves 6.6…

1
Go Speed Racer Go! 37:04

5M ago37:04

37:04

Budget deliberations are underway at city council, and the province has all but banned photo radar. Plus, we get a new police commissioner who looks a lot like an old police commissioner. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Budget On the agenda: Budget adjustments and rezonings Hold me in abeyance: Your guide to budget terms and processes…

1
The Dallas, Texas of the North 36:55

5M ago36:55

36:55

Reporters in Dallas, Texas have described Edmonton as the Land of Oz thanks to our scramble crosswalks. Plus, we discuss snow clearing on stairs, new community leagues, and budget chicken. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Media on transit Group asks Edmonton to rescind policy banning reporters from transit Clearing stairs Blizzard of c…

1
Speaking Municipally ON A TRAIN 57:26

5M ago57:26

57:26

Recorded on the Valley Line Southeast LRT! We're joined by ETS branch manager Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, councillors Anne Stevenson and Ashley Salvador, new Taproot Edmonton managing editor Tim Querengesser, and several others. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Carrie Hotton-MacDonald Anne Stevenson Ashley Salvador Mike Kunicki Tim…

1
To Condo or Condon't convert those offices 33:41

6M ago33:41

33:41

A proposal to use Downtown CRL funding for office to residential conversions could delay other important projects, and we dig into recent updates on Blatchford. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Downtown pedestrianization New pedestrian plan to promote engagement in the Downtown core Downtown Pedestrianization Plan (PDF) Office conversi…

1
There and Back Again: A Tale from 102 Street to Mill Woods 38:05

6M ago38:05

38:05

The Valley Line Southeast LRT will begin passenger service on Nov. 4, and there's going to be a party. Plus, we discuss the more than two dozen subsequent motions made following approval of the new zoning bylaw. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Valley Line Southeast LRT News Release: Valley Line Southeast LRT opening November 4 Edmonto…

1
Balancing the budget on the backs of 12-year-olds 38:25

6M ago38:25

38:25

Taproot's new reporter, Stephanie Swensrude, joins the show. We discuss transit for youth, downtown retail, and of course, the Zoning Bylaw Renewal. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Stephanie Swensrude Stephanie Swensrude LinkedIn Youth transit Fare Policy Amendment — Children Under 12 Downtown retail Grants attract three indie retaile…

1
'Tis the season to talk about snow clearing 32:26

6M ago32:26

32:26

This week, we cover transit improvements for youth and winter, more funding for snow and ice clearing, the latest on the Valley Line LRT, and tennis vs. pickleball. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Transit stuff Edmonton transit needs to be safer and more reliable for youth: survey Edmonton spent $350K to replace 1600 busted bus shelte…

1
Breaking the zoning bylaw into 160 or so bite-sized pieces 42:48

7M ago42:48

42:48

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues has endorsed a position in support of the Zoning Bylaw Renewal. Executive director Laura Cunningham-Shpeley joins us to discuss how the EFCL came to that position and what it means for community leagues across the city. Here are the relevant links for this episode: EFCL Laura Cunningham-Shpeley on Linked…

1
The community services crisis rises from a simmer to a Boyle 38:51

7M ago38:51

38:51

We've got details about how Boyle Street will operate for the next year, prior to their new space opening. Plus, the police perception survey found that 57% of Edmontonians are satisfied with the Edmonton Police Service and feel they’re doing a good job. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Blatchford station City council mulls keeping Bla…

1
City council draws its line in the asphalt 32:44

7M ago32:44

32:44

This week, council heard about the vast majority of parking lots downtown being unpermitted. And, true to form, they decided to do something about it later! Plus, we get the scoop on Edmonton Design Week. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Edmonton Design Week Edmonton Design Week 2023 Email us your answers to the trivia questions before…

1
Crime is now illegal 34:50

7M ago34:50

34:50

The province and EPS held a press conference to issue a new ban on crime. That'll fix it. Plus, Boyle Street will be out of its location on Sept. 30, and the city will be short just over $70M this year. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Boyle Street Boyle Street to alter services ahead of Edmonton Oilers-led development Boyle Street Com…

1
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 29:57

7M ago29:57

29:57

The 170 Street pedestrian bridge to West Edmonton Mall is done, and allegedly the Valley Line LRT will be done soon too. Plus, the northeast river valley park will open later this month. Here are the relevant links for this episode: 170 Street Pedestrian Bridge News Release: New pedestrian bridge connects people, places and communities Speaking Mun…

1
White Men Can't Hump? 1:29:45

8M ago1:29:45

1:29:45

We're taking it all the way back to my first year of college where I met the guy who made me lose it...literally! This is a tale of a messy love triangle filled with friendship, hook up apps & an insufficient use of lotion. IG: @mackondemand Tik Tok: @mackondemand Twitter: @mackondemand Check out the book here: Swiped Out: A Guide Derived From Tale…

1
After 30 minutes, this podcast episode will be Substantially Complete 31:57

8M ago31:57

31:57

The Coalition for Justice and Human Rights is taking legal action to stop the city's clearing of encampments. Plus, we discuss gaps in transit service, the new Edge Fund, development along 99 Street, and the cost of urban sprawl. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Transit gaps Edmonton considers developing transit services for youth and …

1
The limit of PoliceBudget(x) as x→∞ is... 30% 49:30

8M ago49:30

49:30

City council has approved an updated funding formula for the police budget. We break down what happened and what it means. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Funding formula Mack's tweet thread Final vote results Mayor Amarjeet Sohi: My Thoughts on the Police Funding Formula Coun. Andrew Knack: Edmonton Police Funding Formula (August 202…

1
The podcast that’s banned on Facebook 46:55

8M ago46:55

46:55

Taproot co-founders Karen Unland and Mack Male break down the impact of the Online News Act, being blocked on Facebook, and how the company is planning to grow. Plus, we geek out over the use of programming tools for editorial work. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Taproot We're blocked on Meta's platforms Taproot Edmonton is taking a …

1
The (mostly updated now) zoning arugulations 51:33

9M ago51:33

51:33

In the summer season closer, Troy and Mack speak with Livia Balone, the director of Zoning Bylaw Renewal at the City of Edmonton. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Fear mongering EPS may be spreading fear with remarks about violence downtown: criminologist Law citation Law society issues citation to another former Alberta justice minist…

1
Updating the zoning Arugulations (Repeating Municipally) 31:35

9M ago31:35

31:35

Troy and Mack are Repeating Municipally Episode 33, an episode from 2019 featuring then-planner Anne Stevenson talking about the Zoning Bylaw Renewal project, lending some important context to the upcoming discussion about Zoning Bylaw Renewal which will be going to public hearing in October. ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
EPS warning: Listen to podcasts with extreme caution 34:50

9M ago34:50

34:50

The police let us know that the city is very, very dangerous and said not to go outside. But the reason has nothing to do with the smoke, and we're still not quite sure how seriously the city is taking this climate change business. Here are the relevant links for this episode: We're going striking Hollywood actors and writers strike after 'disgusti…

1
The end of the Anti-Racism Advisory Committee 42:05

10M ago42:05

42:05

Irfan Chaudhry joins to help us understand the state of anti-racism work in Edmonton following the end of the city's anti-racism advisory committee. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Threads Threads by Instagram Instagram's Threads: all the updates on the new Twitter competitor Body-worn cameras News Release: Police body worn camera tri…

1
With corroded cables, summer Valley Line hopes are oxi-dying 34:54

10M ago34:54

34:54

Corroded cables likely means another Valley Line delay, the city goes into overtime, and the city manager announces the latest reorg. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Bill C-18 When will Canadian news disappear from Google, Facebook? What the Bill C-18 rift means for you A Massive Own-Goal for the Government: Google to Stop News Links …

1
Missing the forest for the mature trees 51:44

10M ago51:44

51:44

Urban planning committee hears from more than 70 speakers about the zoning bylaw renewal. We recap what went down and talk to David Berry, one of the speakers. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Property taxes PSA: 2023 property taxes due June 30 Solar rebates News Release: Edmontonians Jump on Change Homes for Climate Solar Program Davi…

1
Highlights from a trip to Upper Bound 31:36

10M ago31:36

31:36

Taproot reporters Shayne Giles and Ashley Lavallee-Koenig join Karen Unland to recap what they heard at Upper Bound, Edmonton's annual AI week, and share their thoughts on how artificial intelligence is changing their world. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) Upper Bound ran from May 23 to 26…

1
Is a Hoe Phase Necessary?| Dating Advice with Matchmaker Lamont White (@thegaydatingcoach) 43:46

10M ago43:46

43:46

We're chatting with Match maker master Lamont White and we're getting real on ALL things love including: astrology, crafting the perfect dating profile, and knowing if/when you should activate your hoe phase! Video version: https://youtu.be/4MGWyISshaw Be sure to follow Lamont on IG @thegaydatingcoach --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.sp…

1
The orange dot (with the little orange smudge down there) 32:20

11M ago32:20

32:20

Ok, fine, we're going to talk about the election. But you CAN'T make us like it. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Sheriffs extended Edmonton police, sheriff partnership extended to end of year Flair complaints Flair tops Canadian airlines with average number of complaints per 100 flights: CTA EPL Jeopardy Edmonton librarian takes secon…

1
The new northeast river valley park (on the weekly local audio news broadcast) 32:26

11M ago32:26

32:26

Edmonton has a surprise new bigger-than-Hawrelak, as-of-yet-unnamed river valley park. Plus, the Capital Line LRT extension gets its scope trimmed, and new patio rules come into effect. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Lyft arrives Lyft expands ride-booking service to Edmonton, Calgary Air quality Edmonton air quality stalls May long w…

1
A pawsitively furtastic week 39:38

11M ago39:38

39:38

It's cat week in Edmonton! Plus, additional funding for day shelter spaces, more turnover at the City of Edmonton, and new provincial additions to the paw-lice commission. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Extreme weather PSA: Extreme weather response activated Dog parks PSA: City announces sites for Pop-up Dog Parks Cat Fest Edmonton I…

1
Edmonton, without limits 45:10

11M ago45:10

45:10

Edmonton Unlimited CEO Catherine Warren joins us — more than a hundred episodes after her first appearance — for an update on Edmonton's innovation sector. Plus, the City of Edmonton solar rebate launches. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Grants audit Audit: Edmonton spends hundreds of millions on grants and subsidies without tracking …

1
He's been Buyze for the past 16 years 41:03

12M ago41:03

41:03

We catch up with Chris Buyze, the outgoing president of the Downtown Edmonton Community League. Plus, airtime for airports. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Coronation PSA: Edmonton recognizes the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III Fire bans Edmonton weather: Record-setting heat to start May Fire Bans — City of Edmonton Chappel…

1
Flaming Calgary's arena deal 34:09

12M ago34:09

34:09

Calgary is now the favourite child of the UCP, with arena funding. Plus, the Edmonton Police Service announces that violent crime is up, and we take a closer look at what that might mean. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Oilers paint Ferrell rocks face paint while cheering on Kings in Game 3 An Oilers fan trolled Kings fan Will Ferrell…

1
Why You Should Never Date An Influencer 1:09:45

12M ago1:09:45

1:09:45

2022 was the year I dated an actor, the son of a satanist, and an influencer. Can you guess which one was worst? IG: @mackondemand Tik Tok: @mackondemand Twitter: @mackondemand Check out the book here: Swiped Out: A Guide Derived From Tales & Fails of Dating Online As A Black Gay Male --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sho…

1
Provincial funding to HELP... the UCP get elected 32:22

12M ago32:22

32:22

The province announces new funding for the HELP initiative that pairs social workers with police, and the city budget has been finalized so your tax bills will arrive soon. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Talus Dome Talus Dome has an escape hatch after all Spaghetti intersection City considers closing 'spaghetti intersection' near dow…

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