Host Garth Materie hears from guests and callers as they talk about the stories that matter to them. It's lunchtime fare that offers everything from the meaty politics to light-hearted dessert.

Keep us on your speed dial and join the conversation anytime between 12pm and 1pm. The quarter is on us.

Garth Materie, Host

I first heard the siren song of radio when I was about five, back when transistors were high tech!

At the time I thought all the musicians came down to the radio station to play - I learned about records a little later, but the damage was done. Then a part-time job as a disc jockey in high school reeled me in further.

I made a few attempts at escape. However after working as a parliamentary researcher in Ottawa I got the opportunity to blend two fascinations: politics and radio. A job as a free-lance radio reporter during an election campaign sealed the deal.

I've been a reporter in radio news for over a quarter century, including 20 years with CBC in Saskatoon. I'm still fascinated by this province and its people. Helping to tell their stories is a joy.

Both Roberta, my wife, and I were born and raised in Saskatchewan. Our roots in this province run deep.

We live in Saskatoon with a Lhasa Apso named Kizmet. I love to cook. I have a consuming interest in Canadian history, scooters, politics and economics and the law. And being the host of a show with a name and forum as all encompassing as Blue Sky gives me the opportunity to explore all my interests and yours. So don't be a stranger - let's do lunch!

Amanda Marcotte, Producer

Amanda has lived all her life in Saskatchewan, loving the land and loving the people here.

Amanda loves to hear stories and to tell stories, so she went to journalism school at the University of Regina.

She started working for CBC in 2002, as a rural reporter. From there, she did every job in the book at CBC, including newsreading, working on all three local radio shows, and doing radio documentaries. She has talked to hundreds of fascinating people over the past several years for CBC Radio, and she can't wait to talk to more.

Amanda grew up on a farm, but thrives on city life. She does need to see a beautiful prairie horizon from time to time, though, to recharge.

Amanda loves to be on top of the latest news and nothing makes her day like hearing people calling into Blue Sky with a fiery opinion or a good yarn.

Brent Nielsen, Associate Producer/Technician

Born and raised in Regina, Brent began his career at CBC Radio in 1978. He was 18 years old.

Brent always says 'It's been a lo-ong summer!'

His main job is with the Afternoon Edition as an associate producer/audio technician, but Brent also takes time to be Blue Sky's magic music man. He has his finger on the pulse of cool music in this province and this country. So if you've heard some of the great music on Blue Sky, he's the man behind the tunes