Medicine Hat podcast focused on community members in disability network. Courtesy/Dalton Ehry

By Jayk Sterkenburg

IN THE COMMUNITY

New video podcast platforms disability network in Medicine Hat

Apr 21, 2025 | 4:53 PM

Born with spina bifida, Mike Krakalovich was able to share his story and the disabled community’s through a new video podcast series in Medicine Hat.

Krakalovich has a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t properly form, but became involved in sledge hockey as it adapted to his needs, through Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport and Recreation.

“Growing up, I was a huge hockey fan. I really wanted to play hockey so badly,” he said.

“Having been born with spina bifida, I can’t skate. So for years, I thought, ‘Okay, well- it’s not going to happen’.”

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Krakalovich became involved in sledge hockey as it adapted to his needs, through Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport and Recreation. Courtesy/Mike Krakalovich

Krakalovich was able to share his journey to playing hockey with MHASR as a guest on an episode of a podcast series called Adapting.

The platform aims to explore the challenges and successes specific to the disability community in southern Alberta.

Krakalovich said the podcast can help people with disabilities learn about resources in Medicine Hat such as adaptive sports.

“I just think it’s so important to get word out about the organization, Medicine Hat Adaptive Support and Recreation- because I know what a huge, huge impact it’s made on my life,” he said.

Krakalovich said the ‘Adapting’ podcast can help people with disabilities learn about resources in Medicine Hat such as adaptive sports. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Dalton Ehry, project lead for the podcast, said he and Robin Keenan, a host of the series, work with REDI Enterprises Society.

Ehry said they wanted to expand the narrative by talking to clients of REDI, and showcase the talents and struggles of those living with disabilities.

“I was never really exposed to anything like this until I started to work at REDI, and working there really opened my eyes to it,” he told CHAT News Tuesday.

Ehry said it’s great having the opportunity to provide a platform for others in our city, community and around the province.

“Just being able to really highlight these people, because they deserve to be highlighted,” he said.

Ehry said he and Keenan wanted to expand the narrative around disabilities by showcasing the talents and struggles of those living with disabilities. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Robin Keenan said her role on the podcast is to help people find a space to share their stories, because everybody has something to tell.

“We don’t get a chance to hear that from everybody, right?” he said.

“Especially an individual with a disability. Sometimes they’re overlooked. Those stories are sort of tucked away, but there’s a lot of struggle. There’s a lot of resilience. There’s a lot of joy,” she added.

“There’s a lot of crazy talent that I think we get this chance to share with everybody, and really just to help people find that space to share their stories too.”

Keenan said her role on the podcast is to help people find a space to share their stories. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Bonnie Krakalovich is Mike’s mother, who works at REDI.

She said she was glad her and Mike were able to speak on the podcast together about him being able to achieve something he’s always wanted to do, and couldn’t before.

“Anybody can just keep trying, keep looking out there. Somewhere, there’s somebody that will help you get your dreams come true,” she said.

Bonnie said the platform, in opening discussion about those who are part of the disability network, can help them be treated the way they want to be treated.

She said it can help in persons with disabilities be included in everything, and that it’s fantastic that Ehry and Keenan make the podcast happen.

“They’re both amazing people,” she said.

Bonnie said she was glad to be able to speak about Mike being able to achieve something he’s always wanted to do. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Mike Krakalovich said that it’s great to let people know that even if they have limitations, to not let those limitations hinder them from being active.

“To be able to get the word out about this organization so that other people can be impacted in the same way- I feel is just very important,” he said.

Two of the eight episodes scheduled to be released are viewable now on TELUS Optik TV, TELUS STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel, and Stream+.

The Krakalovich’s episode isn’t currently avaliable, but it will be out to view in the coming weeks.