Let's Meet For a Beer: Recent Episodes
Mark Kondrat - Entrepreneur & Podcast Host
Mark Kondrat is the CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals, a company that produces some of the world's largest and most unique beer festivals. Each week, Mark talks with the artists, scientists, and dreamers that make up our unique community.
Today on the CREATE Podcast, I sat down with Jarvis Clemens, better known as DJ Goodbar - a Calgary DJ who has spent years turning dance floors into unforgettable experiences. If you have ever been to an ABF festival - you know who Jarvis is!
Known for seamlessly blending hip-hop, house, funk, disco, and open-format sounds, Jarvis has built a reputation for reading the room, creating energy, and bringing people together through music.
In this episode, we talk about building a personal brand in a competitive industry, the importance of consistency over perfection, and the power of community.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, artist, or music lover, Jarvis shares lessons on resilience and staying true to your passion.
Guest:
- Jarvis Clemens (A.K.A DJ Goodbar): Instagram | LinkedIn
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
- CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Matthew Hendriks is the founder of byHendo The Cocktail Company and the entrepreneur behind SHAFT Coffee Beverages, one of Western Canada's fastest-growing ready-to-drink coffee cocktail brands.
After building his career in Banff's hospitality industry, Matthew turned a passion for great cocktails, coffee, and unforgettable guest experiences into a company that's redefining the ready-to-drink beverage space.
Matthew returns to the podcast to share what life has been like over the past few years - from growing a business and building a brand to navigating the highs, lows, and unexpected moments of entrepreneurship.
We also dive into creativity, hospitality, and why saying "yes" to opportunities has been one of the biggest ingredients in his success.
Guest:
- Matthew Hendriks
- byHendo - The Cocktail Company: Instagram
- Shaft Coffee Beverages: Instagram
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
- CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Today on the CREATE Podcast - I sat down with Eve Lacey to discuss her growing career as a musician.
Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Eve began studying piano at age six through the Royal Conservatory of Music and later expanded into vocals and guitar.
In 2022, Eve took full control of her musical journey, booking dozens of farmers markets across Southern Alberta and using those performances as a launching pad to breweries, pubs, restaurants, and festivals - performing more than 200 live shows across Alberta.
We discuss her journey through imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, creativity, resilience, and what it really takes to build a career by simply showing up and doing the work.
Guest:
- Eve Lacey: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
- CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
John Jackson and Connie DeSousa are the chef-founders and co-owners of CHAR Hospitality Group, one of Canada's leading hospitality companies, with more than 10 restaurants across Alberta and British Columbia.
Known for their commitment to local food, community building, and culinary innovation, John and Connie have spent more than two decades helping shape Calgary's food scene. Inspired by their experiences working around the world and at the legendary Chez Panisse, they returned home to create CHARCUT and a hospitality culture rooted in connection and collaboration.
Beyond the restaurant world, they are passionate mentors, endurance athletes, and lifelong learners. Connie is also well known for her appearances on Food Network Canada, where she has helped showcase Canadian chefs and cuisine to audiences across the country.
In this episode of CREATE, John and Connie share insights on entrepreneurship, partnership, resilience, and building a life around passion, purpose, and community.
Guest:
- Connie Desousa: Instagram
- John Jackson: Instagram
- Charcut: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
- CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Bethany Ross is the Executive Director of Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids, a community-driven organization dedicated to ensuring every child has access to the food they need to thrive. With more than 20 years of experience in the charitable and human services sector, Bethany has built her career around bringing people together to create meaningful change.
Since joining Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids more than a decade ago, she has helped grow a movement powered by volunteers, donors, schools, businesses, and community members who believe that no child should go hungry. Known as a thoughtful leader, problem-solver, and community builder, Bethany is passionate about creating dignified and accessible solutions for families facing food insecurity.
On this episode of CREATE, Bethany shares insights on leadership, community impact, the power of collective action, and how small acts of kindness can come together to create extraordinary change for kids and families.
Guest:
- Bethany Ross: LinkedIn
- Brown Bagging For Calgary Kids: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
- CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Kim Lawton is an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and passionate advocate for craft beer, wine, tourism, and small business. As the owner of DogLeg Marketing & Business Solutions and Marketing Director for both Cannery Brewing and Fort Berens Estate Winery, she has spent nearly three decades helping brands tell their stories, build meaningful relationships, and connect with their communities.
Kim began her career with major consumer brands before launching her own marketing consultancy in the Okanagan in 2006. She is widely recognized for her contributions to British Columbia's craft beer industry, including helping create the Penticton Ale Trail and Penticton Beer Blocks.
Beyond her professional work, Kim and her husband are the creators of Hidden Gems of BC, a passion project dedicated to discovering and showcasing unique destinations, businesses, and experiences throughout the province.
On this episode of CREATE, Kim shares lessons on entrepreneurship, marketing, relationship building, community, and the power of shining a spotlight on others.
Guest:
- Kim Lawton:
- Cannery Brewing: Instagram
- Hidden Gems of BC: Instagram
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
- CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Tannis Baker is the co-founder of Food Tourism Strategies and one of Canada’s leading advocates for culinary and agritourism. Through initiatives like Terroir Symposium and Alberta Open Farm Days, she helps connect chefs, farmers, foragers, producers, and communities through food, culture, and storytelling.
Named one of Alberta Venture Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Albertans, Tannis is passionate about showcasing Alberta’s incredible ingredients and helping build meaningful food experiences that strengthen local communities and tourism.
On this episode of the CREATE Podcast, we explore collaboration, culinary tourism, and the power of food to bring people together.
Guest:
- Tannis Baker: Instagram | Terroir Symposium | Food Tourism Strategies | LinkedIn
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Cory Davison is an entrepreneur, author, and community builder who has rebuilt her life and career with purpose. Born in Honduras and now based in Calgary, she is the founder of 4Xperience and creator of The 4X Method, helping organizations break down silos and align their customer, employee, brand, and product experiences for growth.
She is also the founder of SHE Community, a platform supporting women entrepreneurs through connection and growth. Through her work and upcoming book Greater Than Fear, Cory shares a powerful belief: fear isn’t the enemy—it’s the teacher.
At her core, Cory is driven by curiosity, creativity, and helping others grow with clarity and courage.
Guest:
- Cory Davison: Instagram | The 4X Method - Website | SHE Community Website | LinkedIn
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Kent Swanlund is the CEO & Co-Founder of CO2Brew, a company bringing sustainable innovation to the brewing industry. A chemical engineering graduate from the University of Calgary, he began his career in process engineering at Worley before spending a decade in technical sales at Spartan Controls.
A “nerd at heart who enjoys beer,” Kent’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a conversation with a local brewer that revealed a real opportunity to solve CO₂ challenges in the industry.
Since going full-time with CO2Brew in 2024, he’s been driven by continuous learning, problem-solving, and a passion for building something impactful.
With a focus on scaling globally, Kent is proving how curiosity and persistence can turn a simple idea into a growing business.
Guest:
- Kent Swanlund - CO2Brew Inc: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Amish Morjaria is the Founder & CEO of Forward Level, a strategic Marketing and HR firm built on one core belief—business is a human experience.
With over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, Amish is known for helping leaders simplify complexity, shift perspective, and unlock real momentum by aligning brand, culture, and strategy.
A creative thinker and natural connector, he challenges traditional ways of thinking and helps people see what’s possible—often before they see it themselves.
Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40, Amish brings a refreshing, human-first lens to leadership, growth, and what it truly means to move forward—with clarity and purpose.
Guest:
- Amish Morjaria - Forward Level: Instagram | Website | LinkedIn
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Brad Holt is a professional artist who has spent more than 16 years doing what he loves - creating art that connects with people.
Raised on a farm near Strathmore, Brad’s work is deeply rooted in the landscapes and stories of Alberta. Known for his unique process, he builds each piece starting with reclaimed wood and metal frames, often sourced from barns and old homes.
An antique picker at heart, Brad brings new life to materials with history, creating artwork that feels both personal and timeless.
Guest:
- Brad Holt - Holt Fine Art: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Guntas Sethi is the owner and operator of Spicebro, where he’s building a fast-casual brand centered around bold, fresh, high-protein Indian-inspired food.
His journey started inside McDonald's, where he spent eight years learning the fundamentals of systems, leadership, and delivering consistent customer experiences at scale.
Today, Guntas blends that operational discipline with a sharp focus on branding, content, and community. He’s not just building restaurants - he’s building a modern, scalable brand designed to connect with people through both food and storytelling.
Driven by growth and long-term vision, Guntas represents a new wave of entrepreneurs redefining what it means to build in today’s digital-first world.
Guest:
- Guntis Singh Sethi - Spicebros: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
My friend and mentor, Alastair Smart, is someone who truly embodies what it means to live a full and happy life.
Born and raised in England, he began his career as a police officer before following a path that eventually brought him to Canada. Along the way, he embraced a wide range of experiences - from driving taxis to managing retail stores - each shaping his perspective on people, work, and community.
That journey ultimately led him to Calgary, where he became the first salesperson for Big Rock Brewery, helping build one of Canada’s pioneering craft beer brands. Beyond his career, Alastair is known as a mentor and connector - someone who has helped foster a culture of generosity and collaboration across an entire industry.
Alastair’s story is one of curiosity, resilience, and leading with kindness.
Guest:
- Alastair Smart: Instagram | LinkedIn
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | Website
Amber Nicole Hayes is a Calgary-based interior designer, entrepreneur, and author of The Obedient Daughter – a powerful memoir about breaking silence, confronting trauma, and reclaiming your voice.
After leaving the corporate world to build her own design business, Amber’s greatest transformation happened internally. At 37, after carrying the secret of childhood sexual abuse for 25 years, she faced a battle with depression that ultimately became the catalyst for radical honesty and healing. Refusing to dilute her truth – even when it meant walking away from a publisher – Amber chose integrity over comfort.
Today, she is an advocate for women’s empowerment, mental health awareness, and breaking generational cycles of trauma. Guided by her two daughters – her ultimate “why” – Amber lives her message daily through movement, mindfulness, therapy, and fearless authenticity.
Guest:
- Amber Nicole Hayes: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Blake Belding is the co-founder of Cold Garden Beverage Company. What started as homebrewing beer and making wine evolved into a vision - one that would eventually become one of Calgary’s most recognizable and innovative beverage brands.
As the creative force behind Cold Garden’s ever-evolving lineup, Blake is constantly experimenting, pushing boundaries, and redefining what a local beverage company can be. His ideas don’t just come from a playbook—they come from experience.
Travel plays a big role in that. Whether it’s exploring new cities, cultures, or flavours, Blake brings those inspirations back home, turning them into something tangible - something you can taste, share, and experience.
At his core, Blake represents what CREATE is all about: starting with curiosity, taking action, and building something real.
Guest:
- Blake Belding - Cold Garden Beverage Company: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Linda Olsen is a born-and-raised Calgarian and award-winning storyteller who spent nearly three decades as one of the most trusted voices at Global News Calgary. Over a 36-year career in journalism, she helped shape how the city understood its defining moments - from breaking news to powerful human stories that connected communities.
In 2024, she stepped away from the anchor desk and into a new chapter- embracing freelance storytelling, speaking engagements, and hosting The Spotlight Hour with Linda Olsen on QR Calgary.
Grounded in family and purpose, Linda continues to shine a light on the people and stories that make Calgary extraordinary - proving that reinvention isn’t about starting over, but about stepping forward with intention.
Guest:
- Linda Olsen: Instagram | Website | LinkedIn
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Steve McVicker is the Chief Brand Officer and Co-Founder of Matt & Steve’s, the proudly Canadian company behind The Extreme Bean and one of the most recognizable names in the Caesar and pickle category. What began as a bold idea between two best friends has grown into an international brand built on fun, flavour, authenticity, and emotional connection.
Steve is the driving force behind the brand’s voice, personality, and cultural impact. He believes great brands aren’t just marketed — they’re lived. From storytelling and partnerships to consumer engagement and community-building, Steve ensures Matt & Steve’s doesn’t just stand out on shelves, but resonates with people in real life.
Driven by curiosity, discipline, and a relentless work ethic, Steve continues to compete - and win - against much larger players by staying authentic and building experiences people don’t just see, but feel.
Guest:
- Steve McVicker - Matt & Steve’s: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Andrew Gass is a chef with more than 35 years of experience around the globe.
He’s worked everywhere from Walt Disney World Resorts to elite international hockey tournaments - earning two gold medals as Team Canada’s chef at the World Junior Championships in Sweden and the Czech Republic.
A graduate of the Olds College Brew Master program (with distinction) - Andrew is now the co-owner of Vaycay Brew Co, combining his culinary and brewing passions.
Today, we’re going to talk about personal growth and what it really takes to build excellence over decades.
Guest:
- Andrew Gass: Instagram
- VayCay Brew Co: Instagram
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Dillon Stecyk, COO of The Apres Collective, is a creative entrepreneur and one of the driving forces behind the Aroabora Music Festival in Banff - a unique, mountain-set celebration that blends music, nature, and human connection.
With a background rooted in events, culture, and collaboration, Dillon has helped shape Aroabora into an experience that brings people together and reminds them what music feels like when it’s intentional and intimate. Dillon brings a refreshingly honest take on building creative projects with friends, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and staying grounded while building something meaningful.
In this conversation, Dillon shares the behind-the-scenes realities of festival creation and why community - not scale - is the real measure of success.
Guest:
- Dillon Stecyk - COO of ABF & Apres Collective: Instagram | LinkedIn
- ABF: Instagram | Website
- Aroabora Music Festival: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Tasha Swiderski is a wife, mom of three, and wellness advocate shaped by resilience, faith, and intentional living. After navigating cancer, Lyme disease, and Desmoid tumors, her health journey became a catalyst for change - shifting her focus from survival to helping others live healthier lives.
Guided by her faith, Tasha believes in turning pain into purpose and learning to listen to the body. Through her work with Hugh & Grace, she helps people simplify wellness by reducing toxic load, supporting hormone health, and building sustainable daily habits that fit real life.
At her core, Tasha’s story is about curiosity, courage, and choosing growth - even when the path isn’t clear.
Guest:
- Tasha Swiderski: Instagram
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Michael Noble is one of Canada’s most respected culinary leaders, with over 46 years in the kitchen and a legacy built on excellence, resilience, and mentorship. A competitor on the world stage, Michael has represented Canada in multiple international culinary competitions and remains the only Canadian chef to ever compete on Iron Chef Japan, battling Masaharu Morimoto in front of millions of viewers.
Today, Michael is the Chef/Proprietor of NOtaBLE and The Nash, two cornerstone restaurants that have helped shape Calgary’s dining scene for more than a decade. While his accolades are impressive, Michael is most proud of the people he’s mentored and the teams he’s built along the way.
Grounded, curious, and deeply passionate about hospitality, Michael continues to evolve—proving that longevity in this industry is built on people, purpose, and an enduring love for the craft.
Guest:
- Michael Noble - Chef & Proprietor
- Notable - The Steakhouse: Instagram | Website
- The Nash Restaurant and OffCut Bar: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Stephane Prevost is a self-taught chef and restaurateur who has helped shape the Banff dining scene for more than two decades. His journey into hospitality began unexpectedly after studying film in Montreal and landing in Banff in 1980 - a moment that set the course for a life built around food, people, and place.
Deeply influenced by nearly six years living in Japan, Stephane’s philosophy centers on refinement through simplicity and the belief that restaurants should serve as social hubs for their communities. As managing partner behind Block Kitchen + Bar and Shoku Izakaya, he continues to create spaces rooted in connection, optimism, and shared experience.
In this episode, Stephane reflects on his unconventional path, the realities of building restaurants, and what continues to inspire him after decades at the table.
Guest:
- Stephane Prevost - Restauranteur & Chef
- Block Banff: Instagram | Website
- Shoku Banff :Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Jason Zaran is the President of Fit Kitchen and a pioneer in Calgary’s healthy, convenient food movement. After more than 20 years in the consumer packaged goods industry, Jason left corporate life at 42 to pursue entrepreneurship - launching The Main Dish and later founding Fit Kitchen, Alberta’s first meal prep company.
In this conversation, Jason shares what it takes to build and scale a food business in a tough industry, how fitness and competition shape his leadership style, and why you should never stop learning. From family-run entrepreneurship to physical challenges and long-term vision, this episode explores how discipline, purpose, and risk-taking fuel both business and life.
Guest:
- Jason Zaran: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Dillon Stecyk is the COO of APRÈS Beverage Festivals, an entrepreneur, and a consciousness coach who bridges two worlds: large-scale festivals and deep synchronistic transformation.
As the operational force behind some of Western Canada’s most iconic events - Dillon has spent over a decade creating spaces where people connect through music, food, beverage & celebration. Behind the scenes, his personal journey has been devoted to understanding alignment, synchronicity, and what it means to live authentically in a world that often pulls us out of ourselves.
After life-altering experiences traveling, lucid dreaming, and witnessing reality respond to his thoughts in uncanny ways, Dillon became fascinated with how our inner world shapes our outer world. His work now blends ancient wisdom with practical structure, offering a “progressive overload for consciousness” approach—helping people align their energy, strengthen their intuition, and design lives that feel meaningful, sovereign, and creatively powerful.
Today, Dillon helps high-achievers, founders, creatives, and curious seekers integrate spirituality without abandoning their careers, identities, or modern lives. His philosophy is simple: when you’re aligned, the world responds.
This podcast explores the intersection of:
- Synchronicity, intuition & reality design
- Authenticity and the energetic mechanics of creation
- Spiritual growth without giving up success, ambition, or joy
- The human experience—from festival floors to float tanks
If you’ve ever felt like there’s more to life than what you’ve been told, Dillon is here to help you bring that “more” into the real world.
Interviewed on the Kid Carson Podcast:
- Kid Carson: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
- Contact: business.kidcarson@icloud.com
Featured on CREATE - The Podcast:
- Dillon Stecyk: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Chris Schoengut has spent nearly 20 years shaping some of Western Canada’s biggest live experiences—from grassroots events to major festivals like the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival, where he served as Director of Brand & Partnerships.
Now, after two decades in the industry, Chris is stepping into a new chapter—one driven by balance, purpose, and fatherhood. A long-time community supporter and proud dad, he’s rethinking what creativity and impact look like in this next season of life.
In this episode, Chris reflects on burnout, reinvention, and the power of building moments that truly bring people together.
Guest:
- Chris Schoengut: Instagram | LinkedIn
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Tom Bamford has spent his life pushing limits—both as an athlete and as a creator of unforgettable race experiences. A lifetime competitor, Tom has taken on everything from the Ironman World Championships to XTERRA off-road events and the Belgian Waffle Ride.
He started his career directing major triathlon events before moving into the tech world, working with startups, IBM, PeopleSoft, and Deloitte. In 2004 he founded TESSALink, growing it into a global software company over 20 years.
In 2018, Tom returned to his true passion and launched Platinum Racing, now a 14-race series spanning western Canada with more than 100 events produced. Known for his creativity, resilience, and problem-solver mindset, Tom has built a career around turning challenges into finish lines—and inspiring others to chase their own.
Guest:
- Tom Banford - Platinum Racing: Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Hien Pham is a Calgary-based content creator who has built a loyal and engaged community by inviting people into her world with authenticity, humour, and a creative eye. Her content spans home projects, thrifted treasures, travel adventures, sports moments, lifestyle inspiration, and the beautifully chaotic in-between - capturing the kind of everyday stories that feel both relatable and refreshing.
Hien began creating five years ago purely for fun, never imagining that her spontaneous posts would evolve into a meaningful platform. Over time, her audience gravitated toward her honesty, her easygoing presence, and her ability to find beauty and humour in real life. Today, she collaborates with brands she genuinely loves, staying committed to the approachable, down-to-earth style that has defined her work from the start.
Beyond the content itself, Hien’s journey is rooted in creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to try new things—values that continue to guide her and inspire others. Her story is a reminder that small steps, small wins, and staying true to yourself can create something unexpectedly impactful.
We’re thrilled to welcome Hien to Create – The Podcast to dive deeper into her creative evolution, her process, and the unique perspective that makes her voice stand out.
Guest:
- Hien Pham: Instagram | TikTok
- Contact: partner@heyitspham.com
Host:
- Dillon Stecyk: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Peter Bishop never meant to become a creative leader, tech strategist, and beverage entrepreneur—but that’s exactly what happened. In this episode, we dive into Peter’s unconventional journey from bartender and illustrator to partner at ZGM and the mind behind Stickler.
We unpack the lessons learned from trial by fire, why starting new businesses fuels his creativity, the challenge of selling something you’ve built, and what it really takes to stay inspired when self-doubt kicks in. Oh - and how AI is taking over the world…
A conversation full of humour, heart, and hard-earned wisdom.
Guest:
- ZGM Modern Marketing Partners: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Born and raised in Germany’s legendary Black Forest, Scott Sunderwald has lived a life deeply connected to the wild.
From the German Forestry Service to wilderness education in BC and Saskatchewan, Scott’s passion for bushcraft, survival, and storytelling has shaped a career devoted to the outdoors.
For the past 17 years, he’s called Alberta’s rugged Northern Rockies home, working with Alberta Parks and living the lessons he teaches.
He’s also the author of “Radically Wild – True Tales of Adventure, Wilderness Survival, and Hard Lessons,”. His book is out now - and I can honestly say it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time!
Guest:
- Scott Sunderwald: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Colin Patterson’s journey began on the ice — ten seasons in the NHL, eight of them with the Calgary Flames, where he helped lift the Stanley Cup in 1989. But his legacy didn’t end when the skates came off. Today, as a Director with the Calgary Flames Alumni, Colin channels the same drive and teamwork that fueled his playing days into making a difference across Alberta.
From leading the SuperHEROS program — creating space in hockey for kids with cognitive and physical challenges — to championing causes like KidSport, Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids, and the Breaking Free Foundation, Colin has become a cornerstone of the Alumni’s mission to give back.
In this episode, Colin shares the lessons he’s learned about leadership, inclusion, and the power of community — reminding us that true champions aren’t defined by trophies, but by the lives they impact long after the final whistle.
Guest:
- Flames Alumni: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Born and raised in British Columbia, Robert McKay has spent a lifetime surrounded by the province’s natural beauty and creative spirit. With deep family roots in Vancouver—his mother a Kitsilano High alumna and his grandmother an artist and early mentor—Robert grew up immersed in art, language, and culture. Those formative experiences, from visits to VanDusen Gardens to exploring the Museum of Anthropology, shaped his appreciation for aesthetics, storytelling, and the artistry of everyday life.
After completing high school in the Okanagan, Robert returned to Vancouver, where a pivotal mentorship introduced him to the world of design—a journey that has now spanned nearly four decades. Today, as President of Lloyd Bruce Home Collections in Coal Harbour, he continues to lead with vision and craftsmanship, creating timeless interiors throughout Vancouver, Whistler, Alberta, and internationally.
For Robert, design is more than a profession—it’s a way of seeing. He draws inspiration from the textures, light, and landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, infusing each project with both beauty and soul. His work reflects a deep belief that the spaces we live in shape the lives we lead.
Guest:
- Robert McKay: Instagram | Contact: design@lloydbrucehome.com
- Lloyd Bruce Home: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Dillon Stecyk: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Calgary-born Taras Foremsky went from chasing pucks to chasing perfection in the meat business. After an impressive hockey career that took him across North America and Europe — from the AJHL to Italy, Germany, and England — Taras traded his skates for a knife, buying out his father’s partners to build what’s now Prairie West Specialty Meats.
A proud husband to Heather and “girl dad” to Alexis and Berkley, Taras blends the discipline of a pro athlete with the creativity of an entrepreneur. Whether it’s premium cuts or new ventures like Cellar & Cut, he’s proof that hard work always finds new ice to skate on.
Guest:
- Prairie West Specialty Meats: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Gordon Fontaine is the founder and heartbeat behind Soffritto Calgary — a purpose-driven culinary business fueled by heart, hustle, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. A proud Calgarian with deep roots in hospitality, Gordon’s path has taken him from the lively chaos of Earls and Melrose Café to helping grow The Cash Store from 19 to 500 locations.
In 2010, he returned to his true passion — food and connection — launching Soffritto. Known for his sharp wit, big heart, and obsession with detail, Gordon keeps chasing improvement one sauté at a time.
Guest:
- Soffritto Calgary: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
From law school to soft pretzels, Maria Chau’s journey is anything but ordinary. As co-founder of Zwick’s Pretzels, she’s spent the last eight years coaxing an unexpected pretzel phenomenon into a thriving, if unpredictable, business.
In this episode, Maria shares how an existential crisis, a taco bar, and a willingness to follow curiosity led her down an entirely new path. She talks about scaling chaos into structure, learning resilience through fire, and finding joy in the dance between uncertainty and purpose.
Equal parts introspective and funny, this is a story about life’s delicious detours — and how sometimes the best plan really is having no Plan B.
Guest:
- Zwick’s Pretzels l: Instagram
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
From the fairways of Alabama to the foothills of Cochrane, Dane Thorogood has built a life around golf, family, and community. A former collegiate golfer turned golf course operator, Dane’s latest venture — Templ — is rewriting the playbook for non-alcoholic beverages in Canada.
As President of Templ, the Totem Charitable Foundation, and Totem Group, Dane blends business with purpose, pairing his entrepreneurial spirit with a deep love for family and giving back.
In this episode, Dane opens up about chasing new horizons, navigating the unknown, and why curiosity fuels every great adventure.
Guest:
- Templ: Instagram | LinkedIn
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Rambod Rezaie is a Canadian aviator and multidisciplinary professional whose life embodies precision, creativity, and purpose. Often described as a “man of Renaissance,” Rambod has seamlessly blended a career rooted in science, art, and aviation. A graduate of the University of British Columbia in Biological Sciences and Harvard University’s Fundamentals of Medicine program, he began his professional journey in medical sciences before discovering his true calling — flight.
His disciplined approach to aviation reflects the same mastery and focus that defined his early success in surgery, leadership, and education. He continues his training toward a Commercial Pilot Licence and future Airline Transport certification, aspiring to serve as captain for a major international air carrier or with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Beyond the cockpit, Rambod is an accomplished pianist and visual artist, fluent in several languages, and known for his strong sense of leadership, mentorship, and composure under pressure. His diverse background has equipped him with a unique balance of technical skill and emotional intelligence — qualities that distinguish him in the skies and in every professional endeavour.
With unwavering commitment, intellectual curiosity, and artistic vision, Rambod Rezaie stands as a modern embodiment of aviation excellence — a pilot whose pursuit of perfection is guided not only by aerodynamics but by artistry, discipline, and passion.
Guest:
- Rambod Rezaie: Instagram | Contact: rezaierambod@yahoo.ca
Host:
- Dillon Stecyk: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
With over 35 years in TV news and communications, Bob’s seen it all - from breaking stories to building lasting relationships across the city and beyond. A lifelong Calgarian with a global mindset, Bob thrives on human connection and the magic that happens when people share their stories.
Now, he’s turning the page with the launch of Newsbob Media - his next chapter in helping others shine in the spotlight. Focused on affordable and effective media relations, Bob brings heart, hustle, and decades of storytelling savvy to every project.
In this episode, Bob reflects on his media journey, the power of staying curious, and why launching a business at this stage of life is just the beginning.
Guest:
- Bob Sumner: Instagram | LinkedIn
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Meet Rob Swiderski – Entrepreneur, Mushroom Innovator, and Family Man
Rob’s entrepreneurial path began with CRAFT Beer Market and has since evolved into purpose-driven ventures like NuCelium (formerly Mushröm) - a company that reflects his growing passion for health, healing, and holistic wellness. But behind the business journey is a deeply personal story—one shaped by love, faith, and resilience.
Rob speaks openly about the strength it takes to balance ambition with vulnerability, and how his family and community have become a lifeline during hard times. Whether he’s growing a company or showing up for his family, Rob’s focus remains clear: lead with heart, stay grounded, and build something that truly matters.
In this episode, Rob shares the lessons, the losses, and the legacy he’s working to build—one rooted in gratitude, growth, and giving back.
Guest:
- Rob Swiderski: LinkedIn
- Mushröm: Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Chelsea’s journey into brewing started with a science degree and a homebrew kit. After nearly a decade working in environmental labs, she shifted gears – winning national awards as a homebrewer before launching her own brewery.
Today, as head brewer at Polyrhythm Brewing, Chelsea blends scientific precision with artistic flair to craft award-winning beers and create a taproom that feels like home. Her favourite sound? Laughter coming from the tables she helped build.
In this episode, Chelsea talks about the leap from science to beer, the slow grind of building something from scratch, and why community is the secret ingredient in every pint.
Guest:
- Chelsea Tessier: LinkedIn
- Polyrhythm Brewing: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Bill brings over 30 years of experience in the beverage industry to his role at Foothills Creamery. From working on iconic campaigns like “I AM CANADIAN” to helping re-energize a legacy Alberta brand, he’s always been driven by people, purpose, and a good story.
Since joining Foothills in 2021, Bill has tackled big challenges – culture shifts, supply issues, product revamps—but with the right team and a community-first mindset, the results have been sweet.
In this episode, Bill talks about the power of leadership, staying connected, and why building something meaningful takes more than just a good scoop.
Guest:
- Bill McKenzie: LinkedIn
- Foothills Creamery: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
As co-founder of BioWare, Greg helped create some of the most iconic story-driven games of our time, including Baldur’s Gate, Mass Effect, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. A trained medical doctor, he balanced family medicine with game development before fully committing to the studio—eventually leading it through its acquisition by Electronic Arts and serving as VP and GM of BioWare Austin.
After stepping away in 2012 to pursue a more balanced life, Greg turned his attention to craft beer. He hosted The Beer Diaries, led the Alberta Small Brewers Association, and launched Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Company in Edmonton. In 2018, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to gaming and community entrepreneurship.
In this episode, Greg shares his journey of reinvention, creative leadership, and what it means to build with passion – whether in pixels or pints.
Guest:
- Greg Zeschuk: LinkedIn
- Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Company: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Jeff’s creative journey began behind the bar, where he started collecting bottle caps simply because he couldn’t bring himself to throw them away. Eighteen years later, those caps have become the foundation of a thriving art career—transforming waste into bold, eye-catching mosaics.
With over half a million caps repurposed, Jeff’s work now spans three continents, with clients including the Chicago Bulls, Labatt, the Blue Jays, and Joe Rogan.
Before launching JAM full-time, Jeff built a varied creative background as a musician, actor, and marketing-minded problem solver. In 2021, he made the leap—leaving a stable job and stepping into the unknown to see if his art could support his family. Spoiler alert…it did!
In this episode, Jeff shares how passion, persistence, and a little resourcefulness turned a bin of discarded bottle caps into a globally recognized brand—and what it means to bring everyday objects to life through art.
Guest:
- Jeff Meszaros - JAM Bottle Cap Art: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Since 1994, Max has called the Columbia Valley home – a place that mirrors his passion for the outdoors, people, and possibility. His career has been anything but conventional: from building homes and launching early internet companies to founding flight schools and competing four times in the gruelling Red Bull X-Alps adventure race.
Today, Max wears many hats—realtor with Re/Max Invermere, paddling guide with Columbia River Paddle, and chief instructor at flyingMax.com, where he shares his love of paragliding and ultralight aviation. At the heart of everything he does is a drive to help others chart their course—whether that’s through buying a home, discovering adventure, or simply reconnecting with what matters.
In this episode, Max reflects on loss, resilience, and how embracing a life of movement, curiosity, and connection continues to shape his evolving journey.
Guest:
- Max Powers: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Peter started cooking at 14 and hasn’t looked back. His work has earned him the title of Canadian Chef of the Year in 2020 and a spot on Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2022.
With experience in some of Canada’s top kitchens, international competition wins, and degrees in both culinary arts and business, his career bridges the worlds of food, entrepreneurship, and education.
Today, Peter co-owns a trio of beloved Edmonton food ventures: Meuwly’s (specialty meats and charcuterie), The Hub (a restaurant incubator), and Beb’s Bagels (a rising star in the local food scene). He also serves as director of eHUB at the University of Alberta and teaches at the School of Business, mentoring the next generation of innovators.
Beyond business, Peter is deeply invested in giving back. He chairs In The Weeds, a nonprofit supporting hospitality mental health, and sits on the boards of the Canadian Culinary Fund and Skills Alberta.
In this episode, Peter shares his journey through kitchens, startups, and service—and why food, for him, has always been about connection and impact.
Guest:
- Peter Keith: LinkedIn
- Meuwly’s: Instagram | Website
- The Hub: Instagram
- Beb’s Bagels: Instagram
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Meet Kelly Mandeville – Connector, Creator, and Co-Founder of Monster Sauce.
With a background in film production, marketing, and brand storytelling, Kelly has spent her career building bridges between people, products, and purpose. After nearly a decade introducing Canadians to beloved craft breweries like Phillips and Beau’s, she co-founded Hop Forward—a nonprofit promoting inclusion and equity in the beer and hospitality industries.
In 2021, Kelly and her partner turned their go-to pandemic comfort food into Monster Sauce, a bold, award-winning condiment brand featured in The Globe and Mail and Chatelaine. Their growing lineup now includes Shorty’s Hot Honey, a hit with pizza lovers nationwide.
In this episode, Kelly talks about flavour, community, and the power of turning shared meals into something much bigger.
Guest:
- Kelly Mandeville: LinkedIn
- Monster Sauce: Instagram | Website
Host:
- Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn
- CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Meet Jochen Fahr, founder of Brauerei Fahr, the award-winning brewery celebrated for its authentic German beers.
Born and raised in Ebringen, Germany, Jochen’s love for brewing started early, influenced by his father’s work at the historic Fürstenberg Brewery. Years later, Jochen’s passion and appreciation for local farming converged in Alberta, where he established Brauerei Fahr in 2015. With a steadfast commitment to brewing “beer-flavoured” beer, Jochen brings the flavours of Germany to Canada, using local ingredients and traditional recipes to craft his beloved brews.
But Jochen’s story goes beyond beer. After facing personal losses in 2023, including the passing of his brother to ALS and his father shortly after, Jochen found himself reevaluating life’s priorities. Determined to heal and rebuild resilience, he embraced fitness as a cornerstone of his wellness journey. From joining F45 workouts to taking on the HYROX fitness challenge and signing up for his first marathon, Jochen has learned the power of setting goals, finding balance, and prioritizing both mental and physical well-being.
Join us for an inspiring conversation as Jochen shares his journey from scientist to brewmaster, his dedication to local farming and authentic brewing traditions, and how fitness and wellness have become essential ingredients in his life and business.
Guest:
Jochen Fahr: LinkedIn
Fahr Beer: Instagram | Facebook | Website
Host:
Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
LMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Meet Christine Sandford and Roger Létourneau—seasoned chefs and founders of Lessig Ferments and Vagabond Pop-Ups.
Roger founded Lessig Ferments in 2021, blending his French and German heritage with a deep passion for fermentation. Christine joined him as co-owner in 2023, and with combined experience from top restaurants in Edmonton, Belgium, Denmark, and France, the duo brings an impressive blend of creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship to their ventures. Recently, they launched Vagabond, a pop-up dinner series born out of their love for travel and local ingredients, where they design unique menus inspired by their culinary adventures.
Tune in as Christine and Roger share their journey from traditional kitchens to entrepreneurial life, their dedication to artisanal, locally sourced fermentation, and their love for creating community-driven culinary experiences.
Guest:
Christine: Instagram | Roger: Instagram
Vagabond Pop-Ups: Instagram
Lessig Ferments: Instagram | Website
Host:
Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
LMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Meet Matt Livingstone, Sales Director at Village Brewery.
Matt’s career started at McDonald's, where he learned the values of hard work, customer service, and teamwork. These experiences sparked his passion for connecting with people and led him into the fast-paced world of food & beverage.
From there, he spent several years selling imported beers, gaining a deep appreciation for global brewing traditions and learning the ins and outs of the beer market. Now, with a decade at Village Brewery, Matt has combined his love for beer with his sales expertise, helping the brand grow and connect with beer lovers across the community.
Join us for a laid-back conversation with Matt as he shares his journey from fast food to craft beer, his insights into the beer industry, and his passion for fostering relationships in the local community.
Guest:
Matt Livingstone: Instagram | LinkedIn
Village Brewery: Instagram | Facebook | Website
Host:
Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
LMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Meet Luke Butterworth, Cofounder of EPIC Market - Edmonton-based food hall, events and media company. Luke’s passion for innovation and entrepreneurship was sparked early, leading him down a diverse path in the startup world.
While earning his Executive MBA from the University of Alberta, he co-founded three startups in Telehealth, Robotics, and AI/ML. His experience at the NEXT36/NextAI incubator in Toronto further solidified his commitment to entrepreneurship, shaping his vision for the future. Though his career started in software, Luke’s passion has evolved, leading him to the world of hospitality and events. He believes in the power of startups to drive economic prosperity and is a dedicated advocate for the Edmonton startup ecosystem.
As the leader of the ICE Incubator at the University of Alberta, Luke is deeply involved in supporting emerging businesses and their founders. His work with EPIC Market and his ongoing mentorship roles highlight his commitment to fostering innovation and community in Edmonton.
Join us for a conversation with Luke about his entrepreneurial journey, his vision for supporting startups, and his passion for building community in Edmonton.
Guest:
Luke Butterworth: LinkedIn
Epic Market: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website
Host:
Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
LMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Meet Steve McVicker, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of the iconic Canadian Caesar brand, Matt & Steve's. Matt & Steve’s journey began with a single goal: to make the classic Caesar even better.
Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Steve’s entrepreneurial flame was ignited at a very young age. Alongside his best friend Matt, Steve set out to elevate the classic Caesar, creating a product that would soon become a staple for Caesar lovers everywhere. What started with The Extreme Bean has now expanded to a full line-up of Caesar essentials, including Caesar Rimmer, Asparagus, Baby Dills, and the Original Spiced Caesar canned cocktail.
As Chief Brand Officer, Steve is the creative force behind the brand’s identity. His ability to connect with people and his relentless drive have been key to the success and growth of Matt & Steve’s.
Crack open a spicy Caesar and join us for a conversation on the evolution of Matt & Steve's, Steve’s entrepreneurial journey, the art of building an iconic brand.
Guest:
Steve McVicker: LinkedIn
Matt & Steve's: Instagram | Caesar Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Website
Host:
Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
LMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Meet Eric Schrader, beer captain and owner of Leduc Brewing Company.
For three generations, the city of Leduc has been home to his family. Eric has always felt a deep connection to his community and a desire to give back.
After the social isolation of the pandemic, Eric felt inspired to help build up the community in Leduc and bring people together through his love for beer. In 2023, Leduc Brewing Company was born. As the owner of Leduc Brewing Company, Eric aims to create a space where people can gather and connect over a great beer.
Join us for a conversation with Eric about his journey, the importance of community, and his passion for crafting exceptional beer.
Guest:
Leduc Brewing: Instagram | Facebook | Website
Host:
Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
LMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Meet Marc Wandler - Co-founder and CEO of Susgrainable. An expert in the emerging circular economy, Marc has led his business from an idea to securing an offer on CBC Dragons’ Den (Season 18, Episode 14).
Marc’s journey as a founder began with a class project at UBC while pursuing his MBA. Wanting to bring this project to life, Marc launched Susgrainable in 2018. Susgrainable upcycles spent grains from craft brewers to create nutritious, delicious, easy-to-make upcycled barley flour, baking mixes, and baked goods sold in retailers like Whole Foods and Safeway. Susgrainable moved operations to Calgary in 2024 and is eager to collaborate with the craft beer scene in Alberta to fight food waste and low-fibre diets.
Get ready to be inspired by Marc's journey and his innovative approach to sustainability in the brewing industry. You won’t want to miss this one!
Guest:
Marc Wandler: LinkedIn
Susgrainable: Instagram | FacebookWebsite
Host:
Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
LMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Meet Ignacio Rodriguez - Manager of Brewing Operations at Big Rock Brewery. Originally from Venezuela, Ignacio moved to Canada in 2015 and has been in the brewing industry for 7 years. Now in his third year at Big Rock, he oversees beer-making processes in Calgary and operations in BC and Ontario.
A Chemical Engineer with brewing studies from Siebel Institute, he graduated with honours from the Brewing program at Kwantlen Polytechnic. His achievements throughout his career include a gold medal at the Canadian Beer Awards in 2023 and a silver medal at the Canada Beer Cup 2023 for Traditional Ale.
Today, Ignacio focuses on maintaining consistency in Big Rock's main brands and driving innovation for new ones. Join us for a conversation about collaboration, innovation and combining industries.
Guest:
Ignacio Rodriguez: Instagram | LinkedIn
BigRock Brewing: Instagram | Facebook | Website
Host:
Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
LMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Meet Mark Hamilton, the Director of Sales & Marketing at Origin Malting & Brewing.
With a long-standing career in the beverage alcohol industry, Mark has seen it all and still loves every moment of it. His experience in the On-Premise channel is unparalleled, having worked on iconic brands like Guinness, Bacardi, Grey Goose, Crown Royal, and Jack Daniels. Mark's journey has taken him across Western Canada, beginning on Vancouver Island and eventually returning to his hometown of Calgary.
In recent years, Mark has been a pivotal part of Origin Malting & Brewing, a unique farm-to-tap craft brewery based in Strathmore with a new location now in Calgary. As Director of Commercial, he brings his vast experience to the table, driving the company forward and ensuring the quality and consistency of their brews.
Mark is passionate about the craft beer space and believes Origin's unique approach to farming, malting, and brewing will make it a brand to watch for years to come. Grab a cold one and get ready to be inspired by Mark's journey and his dedication to the craft brewing industry.
Guest:
Mark Hamilton: LinkedIn
Origin Brewing Co: Instagram | Facebook | Website
Host:
Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
LMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Meet Alex Horner - outdoor adventurer, craft beer enthusiast, and co-founder of Banded Peak Brewing.
Located in the heart of the Barley Belt in Calgary, Banded Peak brews adventurous beer for adventurous people. Alex started the company with his two childhood friends in 2016 after experimenting with homebrewing, and was quickly acquired by Labatt in 2020. Named after the iconic summit in Kananaskis Country, Banded Peak tries to use as much Alberta barley as possible, totaling about 90% of their grain.
Join us for a conversation diving into Alex's journey, his love for the outdoors, and his passion for crafting beers that celebrate adventure.
Guest:
Alex Horner: Instagram | LinkedIn
Banded Peak Brewing: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Website
Host:
Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
LMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
This is a special episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast.
Abi Moore, a very special part of our community, recently passed away in a tragic accident. I was fortunate to connect with Abi a few years ago to record a podcast, and I want to re-share our conversation again today.
A little bit about Abi…
Abi was a huge part of the Fernie Brewing Family, and an integral member of Fernie’s running community.
Abi first started running while living in London. At the time she worked with an interactive media agency and her role involved a lot of “interactive meetings” (ciders at the pub!) and the running became a measure to offset the amount of time she spent at the pub in those meetings. Growing up she skied with her family, but with a serious lack of mountains they would make the trip to France to get on a proper ski hill.
Abi’s passion for skiing played a big part in her decision to move to Fernie. At the time Fernie was just getting onto the map as a great ski town and Abi spent her first year working guest services at the ski hill and met her future husband in her first winter. She sought an extension on her work visa to stay and work as a ski instructor and also started working with Fernie Brewing Co. in 2009.
Abi’s passion for running didn’t come quite as naturally as her love for skiing. However, watching her husband compete in The Sinister Seven race inspired her to join him the following year in 2012. As her love for running grew she wanted to share her passion with others, which she did by creating Stag Leap Running Company.
I was lucky to work with Abi through my role with Alberta Beer Festivals. I was also fortunate to connect with Abi through our shared love of the outdoors and trail running. My thoughts and prayers are with Abi’s family and friends.
As you listen to the podcast, I hope that you appreciate what an amazing person Abi was, and how much of an impact she had on everyone that was fortunate enough to know her.
“You never regret a run … it always makes me feel better!" - Abi Moore.
Stag Leap Running Co.Fernie Brewing Co.
Meet Wilson Wong - sales professional, author, co-owner of three businesses, and passionate community builder.
An expert in direct sales, Wilson began his career in 2008 selling Cutco knives, specializing in business appreciation and closing gifts. Beyond sales, Wilson is the co-owner of CRW Orient Coffee Company, Van Loc Vietnamese Sandwiches, and Boa & Hare Coffee and Cocktails - all located in Edmonton’s Chinatown.
Passionate about real estate and community involvement, Wilson is a dedicated member of Edmonton's Chinatown. He founded the Chinatown Longevity Guild, focusing on youth leadership and mentoring programs to ensure the longevity of Chinatowns across North America.
Grab a cold one and get ready to be inspired by Wilson's remarkable story and his efforts to make a lasting impact on his community.
Guest:
Wilson Wong: Instagram | LinkedIn
Van Loc: Instagram | Website
Host:
Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
LMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Meet Tay Odynski, aka Taytayski! Tay’s passion for art started early – she’s even still got her childhood sketchbooks. Over the past eight years, she’s carved out a unique niche in the art community, both online and at home in Calgary.
Her artistic process is driven by spontaneity, allowing the paint to dictate the direction of each piece. This results in dynamic works characterized by bold brushstrokes, splatters, drips, and a variety of mediums.
Labelling herself a "painter for the people," Tay's initial projects were diverse commissioned artworks that vividly brought her clients' dreams to reality. Her early repertoire includes vibrant and lively portraits ranging from celebrities and musicians to pets and athletes, as well as dazzling depictions of drag queens. Her signature use of vivid colours, energetic paint splatter, and eye-catching glitter makes her art stand out in any setting.
Join us for a discussion about getting into your flow, authenticity, and getting to do what you love!
Host:
Dillon Stecyk
Partner & COO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dillonstecyk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dillonstecyk/
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Tay Odynski
Traditional Freelance Artist & Live Event Painter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taytayski/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tay-odynski-476674b6/
https://www.taytayski.com/
Chef Nicole Gomes wears many hats: TV personality, top chef, and chief chicken officer. If you've ever indulged in the tantalizing flavours of Cluck n’ Cleaver or cheered on a Top Chef: Canada showdown, you're already familiar with Nicole's culinary wizardry. But her story is more than just accomplishments — it's a testament to passion, perseverance, and breaking barriers.
Join us as we dive into the savoury details of her groundbreaking career, from her days as the first woman in David Hawksworth's esteemed kitchen to beating Bobby Flay. Nicole serves up inspiration and insight, revealing the stories behind her culinary triumphs and the challenges she's conquered along the way.
Grab a cold one and let’s uncover the delicious story behind one of Canada's most celebrated chefs.
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Nicole Gomes
Chef, TV Personality and Chief Chicken Officer of Cluck n Cleaver
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefngomes/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-gomes-12140b70/
Website(s):
https://cluckncleaver.com/
You may recognize Vikram Vij from a number of places – as a famed Canadian chef, or as the owner of Vij’s in Vancouver. Maybe you watched him as a fiery entrepreneur on CBC’s Dragons Den, or as a judge on Chopped Canada. Whatever the case, one thing is certain: his vibrant spirit is bound to leave a lasting impression.
In this episode, we delve into Vikram's journey, tracing his path from a young, ambitious restaurant owner to an internationally acclaimed culinary icon. Join us as we uncover the untold stories behind Vikram's success, gain insights into the challenges he's overcome, and hear wisdom from his remarkable journey.
Whether you're an aspiring chef, a budding entrepreneur, or simply someone with a hunger for inspiration, this conversation promises to leave you informed, inspired, and hungry for more.
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Vikram Vij
Restaurateur, TV Personality, Owner and Chef of Vij’s
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefvikramvij/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikram-vij-359570185/?originalSubdomain=ca
Website(s):
https://vijs.ca/
Hang around the Alberta craft beer industry long enough, and you're bound to cross paths with Anthony Lynch. With an array of experience across the hospitality and brewing sectors, Anthony has left his mark on numerous local craft breweries, from Wild Rose to Broken Barrel, Citizen Brewing, and now, Alley Kat Brewing.
Join us for an enlightening discussion as we delve into the nuanced landscape of craft brewing in the province. Grab a cold one, get comfortable, and get ready to gain a deeper understanding of what makes our province's beer scene so special.
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Anthony Lynch
Vice President of Culinary Operations at Concorde Entertainment Group
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/allynch1972/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-lynch-5675856/
Website(s):
https://www.alleykatbeer.com/home
Meet JP Pedhirney, born and raised in Calgary, he’s earned his spot as a prominent figure in the city's culinary scene. With leadership over a diverse portfolio of over a dozen acclaimed restaurants, he's played a pivotal role in elevating Calgary's status as a premier dining destination.
In his role as Vice President of Culinary Operations at Concorde Entertainment Group, JP Pedhirney serves as the creative mind behind several of Calgary's top dining establishments, such as Major Tom, Surfy Surfy Bar, Barbarella Bar, and the acclaimed Bridgette Bar, contributing significantly to their success.
Tune in for a discussion about chasing your career goals and keeping your cup half full.
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
JP Pedhirney
Vice President of Culinary Operations at Concorde Entertainment Group
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jp_pedhirney/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-pedhirney-111796a1/
Website(s):
https://www.concordegroup.ca/
Meet Graham Sherman: self-proclaimed "high-level geek" turned entrepreneur. With nominations for Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year and recognition as one of Calgary's "Top 40 Under 40," Graham's story is nothing short of inspiring.
Join us as we uncover the latest news from Tool Shed, detailing their restructuring to address financial challenges. Explore how the brewery is pivoting its operations, optimizing resources, and forging ahead in the face of adversity.
Grab a cold one and lets dive in into the inner workings of Tool Shed Brewing, as they craft a new chapter in their journey toward sustainable success.
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Graham Sherman
Co-Founder of Tool Shed Brewing Company
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/shermandelux/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shermandelux/?originalSubdomain=ca
Website(s):
https://www.toolshedbrewing.com/
Meet Paul Wilson, a seasoned Albertan with an impressive history of leadership roles in companies like Marks Work Wearhouse, Canadian Tire, Princess Auto, and Spence Diamonds. Today, he's shifting gears toward the cannabis industry through his latest venture, Decibel Cannabis.
Join us on this week's episode as Paul drops his wisdom on growth strategies, consumer behaviour, and the path to profitability. When it comes to brewing success in the cannabis industry, Paul’s crafting a blend that's sure to leave a lasting impression.
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Paul Wilson
CEO of Decibel Cannabis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decibelcc/
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldwilson001/
Website(s):
https://decibelcc.com/
Meet Tim Truax, the self-proclaimed super nerd, community innovator, and podcast extraordinaire. With a passion for all things nerdy and a knack for fostering meaningful connections, Tim's journey into the world of podcasting began in 2015 when he took the helm as the host of the acclaimed Nerd Room podcast.
Since then, he has been on a mission to amplify voices and bring together like-minded individuals through the power of audio storytelling. Now, Tim has the role of CEO and Chief Podcaster at @podsummit, where he continues to push the boundaries of podcasting innovation and collaboration.
Join us as we explore the art of building communities, fostering connections, and discovering the endless possibilities that arise when we unite over shared interests.
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Tim Truax
CEO and Chief Podcaster at Pod Summit
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podsummit/
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-truax-212931a4/
Website(s):
https://www.podsummit.com/
This week, we chatted with Connor Curran, the founder and co-owner of Local Laundry, a Canadian clothing brand known for its dedication to social impact. Connor's entrepreneurial journey began in 2015, sparked by a fateful encounter with his washing machine.
Since then, Local Laundry has become a local pioneer, emphasizing community support, partnerships, and top-notch Canadian-made clothing. They've established themselves as a prominent supplier of high-quality Canadian garments with a strong focus on meaningful collaborations.
Join us for an engaging conversation about teamwork, community involvement, and creativity – all over a beer, of course!
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
ABF Website
LMFAB Website
Guest:
Connor Curran
Founder and co-owner of Local Laundry.
Website:
Local Laundry https://locallaundry.ca/
Who doesn't love chocolate? Certainly not Jacqueline Jacek, a visionary chocolatier with a heart as sweet as her creations. With a brilliant idea, unwavering support from her loving family, a solid education in the art of chocolate making, and an innate passion for fashion, Jacqueline embarked on her journey by establishing JACEK Chocolate Couture right in the cozy confines of her basement in 2009.
Over the years, Jacqueline's dedication and talent have transformed JACEK Chocolate Couture into a thriving enterprise. Today, they operate out of a state-of-the-art CFIA-licensed production facility in Sherwood Park, Alberta, where a skilled and passionate team of 25+ individuals works tirelessly to bring her delectable visions to life.
Join us for a delectable discussion where chocolate, creativity, and ambition converge.
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Jacqueline Jacek
Founder of Jacek Chocolate
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jacekchocolate/
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-jacek-571a1b43/
Website: https://jacekchocolate.com/
Brought to you by Taste Alberta!
Taste Alberta
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tastealberta/
Website: https://www.tastealberta.ca/
Meet Elia Herrera, a third-generation Mexican Chef with a story as impressive as her culinary skills. She's not only been a contestant on both Top Chef Canada and Top Chef Mexico but is a classically trained pastry chef with experience in some of the world's top restaurants in Spain, France, Italy, and Belgium.
Originally from Cordoba, Veracruz-Mexico, Elia hails from a family of accomplished female chefs, including her grandmother, who catered to celebrities, Presidents, Ambassadors, Governors of Mexico, and even the Kings of Spain.
Join us for a conversation about the importance of pushing oneself to achieve goals, building upon family traditions, and proudly representing one's culture. Explore how Elia is taking Mexican cuisine in Canada to new heights with her restaurants: Milpa in Calgary, and Tecolote and Colibri in Toronto.
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Elia Herrera
Chef and Co-Owner of Milpa, Tecolote and Colibri
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chefeliaherrera/?hl=en
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/elia-herrera-8718754a/
Website(s):
Milpa Restaurant
Tecolote Restaurant
Colibri Restaurant
Brought to you by Taste Alberta!
Taste Alberta
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tastealberta/
Website: https://www.tastealberta.ca/
Jeff Humphreys, a born and raised Calgarian, began his digital journey in 1995 while sitting in a computer lab at Mount Royal University. Over the years, his endeavors have culminated in the creation of The Calgary Sessions, a community-based podcast that highlights the stories of athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs in Calgary. Jeff has also successfully merged his passion for digital creativity with his longstanding commitment to the local community, resulting in the establishment of Shortline Creative, a local digital marketing agency.
Tune in to the Let's Meet for a Beer podcast for a captivating discussion on digital entrepreneurship, community connections, and the pursuit of one's passions.
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
ABF Website
LMFAB Website
Guest:
Jeff Humphreys
Founder of Shortline Creative and The Calgary Sessions
Website
Discover the inspiring journey of Rob Swiderski, a business owner, serial entrepreneur, mushroom innovator, and, at his core, a devoted father and husband. Rob advocates for the importance of community, shares his family’s health journey, and discusses the role of religion in his life – all while reflecting on the pivotal experiences that shaped his current path. Discover how the Swiderski family has persevered through his wife Tasha’s breast cancer journey, and how they continue to receive support from their community.
Starting from his successful venture at CRAFT Beer Market and extending to his latest endeavors, Trucelium and Mushröm, experience a thought-provoking conversation about the art of balancing business aspirations with life's fundamental values.
Click the link below to participate in an online auction supporting Tasha Swiderski's treatment, and tune in for an engaging discussion.
Host:Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kond...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website:https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:Rob SwiderskiFounder of Mushröm and Trucelium
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/87cdd350
Auction: https://www.32auctions.com/tashaswiderski
Website: https://mushrom.life/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-swiderski-b9644b9b/?originalSubdomain=ca
Meet Ryan Pinder: self-proclaimed sports nerd, seasoned Calgarian, sports broadcaster and your go-to-guy for hockey banter. Tune in for a slapshot discussion about building a career in the broadcasting world, how sports talk and media have transformed over the years, and his dynamic with his long-time co-hosts.
Get an update on his current projects with previous Sportsnet 960 hosts Dean Molberg and Rhett Warrener, including their podcast, FlamesNation Barn Burner: Boomer & Pinder with Rhett Warrener. Check it out for cheeky conversations surrounding “the Flames, food, hockey, sore shoulders, drinking, being fat, getting old, and enjoying others misfortunes.”
Tune in to listen to the full podcast with Pinder – sports commentary included.
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kond...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website:https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Ryan Pinder
Sports Broadcaster with
Website: https://flamesnation.ca/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Flames_Nation
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kond...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guests:
Bill Robinson
President of Alberta Beer Festivals
Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-robinson-743384/
Peter Bishop
Partner of ZGM Modern Marketing Partners
Website: https://zgm.ca
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pebishop/
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Chris Schoegnut
Vice President of Trixstar LIVE
Website: https://trixstarlive.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cschoengut/
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
William Whiting
Head Brewer of Rapid Ascent Brewing
Website: https://www.rapidascentbrewing.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-whiting-a5bb8017a/
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guests:
Luke Butterworth
COO and Co-Founder of EPIC
Website: https://www.dineepic.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukebutterworth
Peter Keith
Owner of Meuwly's
Website: https://www.meuwlys.com
LinkedIn: https:https://www.meuwlys.com
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guests:
Nick Bell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bell-4132aa81/
Scott Bell
Website: https://www.darkwoodsbrewing.com
Jim Button, co-founder of Village Brewery, husband, father, builder, and maker of friends, passed away on January 19, 2023. Throughout Jim’s life, he made a huge impact on the craft beer community in Alberta, and touched many individuals. The lessons that he taught are shared, celebrated and maintained every day. In dedication to Jim’s memory, Mark Kondrat (host) created this special series of Roundtable Talks with a few of Jim’s close friends.
Tune in to hear more about the remarkable Jim Button and how he touched and impacted so many lives, within and outside of the craft beer community.
HOST:
Mark Kondrat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
GUESTS:
Jeff Popiel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpopiel/
Sarah Geddes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahgeddes/
Fraser Abbott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fraserabbott/
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Jeff A. Meszaros
Best Bottle Cap Artist in the World
Owner/Artist of JAM Bottle Cap Art
Website: https://www.jambottlecapart.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-meszaros-0b3936159/
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Darren Scott
COO of GNU Craft Spirits
Website: https://gnucraftspirits.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenscottcanada/
Jim Button, co-founder of Village Brewery, husband, father, builder, and maker of friends, passed away on January 19, 2023. Throughout Jim’s life, he made a huge impact on the craft beer community in Alberta, and touched many individuals. The lessons that he taught are shared, celebrated and maintained every day. In dedication to Jim’s memory, Mark Kondrat (host) created this special series of Roundtable Talks with a few of Jim’s close friends.
Tune in to hear more about the remarkable Jim Button and how he touched and impacted so many lives, within and outside of the craft beer community.
Mark Kondrat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Julie Van Rosendaal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-van-rosendaal-a7641159
Avnish Mehta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avnishmehtayyc
Terry Andryo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-andryo-b8a1838
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Brent Malysh
Co-Owner & CEO of Backroads Brewing Company
Website: https://backroadsbrewing.com
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Jeff Demaniuk
Brewery Operations Manager of Fernie Brewing Co.
Website: https://ferniebrewing.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-demaniuk-47b5b856/
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Craig Wood
Founder and Co-Owner of Wild North Brewing Co.
Website: https://www.wildnorthbrewery.ca
Host:
Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Matthew Hendriks
Owner of ByHendo & Cocktails on Tap
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hendriks-238564104/
Website: https://www.byhendo.com/products
Host:Mark Kondrat
Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com
LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com
Guest:
Scott Hergott
Executive Chef for Pursuit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-hergott-08398972
Website: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com
Meet Dave, the dedicated marketing manager of Big Rock Brewery. Having been with Big Rock for 8 years, Dave primarily roles are partnerships, sponsorships and events. One of Dave's favourite events is the Big Rock Barn Burner, an annual summer concert held right at their brewery!
Prior to Big Rock, Dave worked with a funky hat company, evolving from a kiosk to a storefront. The growth of this company sparked his entrepreneurial spirit. Shortly after, he jumped into the craft beer industry and got the opportunity to showcase his creativity and drive marketing for Big Rock.
Dave discusses his love for involvement in the growth and success of Canada's largest craft brewery, and looks forward to what's to come for Big Rock Brewery!
Tune in to learn more about Dave and his craft beer adventure!
Meet Sean Pronger, Canadian former professional ice hockey player from Dryden, Ontario. Sean played in the NHL for the Mighty Ducks, Penguins, Rangers, Kings, Bruins, Blue Jackets and Canucks.
Tune in to the full podcast for endless hilarious stories about his experience in the NHL and his brother, former NHL player Chris Pronger.
Sean is also the author of Journeyman, a book decided to his story and a behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to be in the NHL!
Buy his book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Journeyman-Many-Triumphs-Even-Defeats/dp/0143181025
Meet Jane, the owner and founder of Jane Bond BBQ. What started off as a food truck has turned into 2 locations in Calgary, AB. Jenny could not be more excited to share her Texas-style dishes and atmosphere with Calgary, keeping her mission at the heart of every customer experience: “To give your tastebuds a flavour bomb sensation.”
Jenny can also be seen on Fire Masters Season 3, showing off her BBQ skills and undeniable passion for cooking exceptional food.
Meet Helen and Brad, owners of 4th Meridian in Lloydminster, Alberta. Helen and Brad discovered their love for craft beer after visiting Wild Rose Brewery in Calgary, AB. Once they got a taste of what it would look like to be more involved in the industry, they decided to open up the first ever Lloydminster brewery in 2017.
Since then, they have been successful with growth and expansion :beers: As of most recently, Brad and Helen decided to purchase Ribstone Creek Brewing. They plan to keep this brewery as is, carrying on the vision initially intended by the original owners.
Meet Lyle, the co-founder of Rocky View Brewing Co. located in Bearspaw, Alberta.
Lyle enjoyed sharing his homebrew creations with family and friends so much that in 2016, he convinced his wife to expand into a commercial-scale operation so that his brews could be shared with others who enjoy drinking innovative local beer!
This family-owned brewery has since expanded their product distribution across Alberta and opened a Taproom in Downtown Cochrane in 2021. Celebrating his wife's Cree heritage, Indigenous ingredients are often incorporated into their brews.
Tune into the podcast to learn more about Lyle and his Rocky View Brewing Co. journey!
Our guest on this week’s episode are Geoff and Ty from Two House Brewing Co. This brewery just opened their new location in downtown Calgary in July, 2022. The beer is currently only offered in-house, providing an exclusive beer experience for guests!
This revamped location also incudes an in-house Italian pizza restaurant, Acme Pizza, operated by an experienced Italian chef. This makes the perfect spot for a lunch/dinner beer & slice!
Our guest on this week’s episode is Rhys, the co-founder and director of Omen Brewing in Edmonton, AB. Rhys has a background in electrical and renovations, explaining that he was able to transfer those skills into the building of the taproom and brewery equipment set-up. He discusses how this family-run business started, beginning with primary dark beer to fill the void in the market. Eventually, they expanded into new beers, including a gluten-free beer that has become one of their most popular sellers.
Meet Cole Boyd, the co-owner of Bent Stick Brewing Co. in Edmonton, AB. Cole discuss the breweries growth, challenges overcome, and plans for the future!
Meet Cameron, the co-owner of Alley Kat Brewing Co. located in Edmonton, AB. Cameron bought Alley Kat in 2020, ensuring to continue the brewery's proud legacy through an aligned passion for premium-quality Alberta-made beer.
Cameron discusses his expansion plans for the brewery's future, while remaining a fresh and innovative force in the industry. Tune into hear more about your favourite Alberta brewery!
Meet Raymond, the owner of Bredenhof Hop Farms! Raymond started the farm in 2015 with only 6 acres of hops. After years of upgrades and expansions, they are now the largest distributor of Canadian grown hops. Tune in to hear more about his incredible story!
Meet Jason Foster! Jason is a CBC Beer Columnist, BJCP Beer Judge, and owner of ‘One Beer’. In summary, he’s the most knowledgeable beer guy in Alberta. You won’t find another person in the entire province that appreciates brews more than he does. Jason discusses the beer industry in Alberta, what captivated him to become involved, and how he uses his knowledge to help shape Alberta’s craft beer industry.
Learn more about Jason Foster and Alberta craft beer at: https://onbeer.org
Meet Bart Watson, the Chief Economist of the Brewers Association. Bart discusses the craft beer market and industry trends, predictions, analysis, and more! Tune in to learn about how the craft beer community in Canada has evolved and how it will continue to develop and expand
Meet Doug, the head brewer at Blind Enthusiasm Brewing in Edmonton, AB.!
Doug discusses the brewery’s unique barrel-fermented beer program, dedicated to melding beer with the flavors of wine and spirit barrels. The Monolith is one of a handful of facilities in North America dedicated to this unique style of brewing.
Doug explains how he applies both the art and science of brewing to create beers that can age for years and compete with the finest wines.
Joining Mark on this week’s episode is Peter Keith, co-founder, and owner of Meuwly’s, an artisan food market on 124 Street, Edmonton’s up-and-coming food destination. Peter discusses their unique business model, striving to always be the first store to take a chance on start-up companies as they move to the next stages beyond the Edmonton food market.
Peter also discusses ‘In the Weeds’, a movement in Edmonton that supports positive mental health in the hospitality community.
Lastly, Mark and Peter share news about the upcoming ‘Christmas in November’ event at Jasper Park Lodge, and what they plan to bring to the table… literally!
Meet Troy Wassill, the co-owner and head brewer of Longroof Brewing Co. In this podcast, Troy discusses how he transitioned from dedicated homebrewing to owning a successful brewery on 72 Ave NW, Edmonton. Troy is most passionate about the people in the industry, from the customers that have become friends, to the Edmonton breweries that have become family. Tune into the podcast to learn more about Troy’s journey and the evolution of Longroof Brewing Co.
Meet Mason and Ryan, the founders and owners of Ale Architect, an upcoming brewery opening in December on 76 Ave NW, Edmonton (Happy Beer Street).
Mason and Ryan discuss the beer culture in Edmonton, the growth, the community, and what they have brewing for the grand opening.
After 4 ½ years of planning, their dream is finally becoming a reality. These hands-on founders have completed most of the design and construction of the brewery all on their own, creating a taproom design that mirrors a living room inside of a brewery.
Visit www.letsmeetforabeer.com for more podcasts!
Joining Mark on this week’s episode is Peter Keith, co-founder, and owner of Meuwly’s, an artisan food market on 124 Street, Edmonton’s up-and-coming food destination. Peter discusses their unique business model, striving to always be the first store to take a chance on start-up companies as they move to the next stages beyond the Edmonton food market.
Peter also discusses ‘In the Weeds’, a movement in Edmonton that supports positive mental health in the hospitality community.
Lastly, Mark and Peter share news about the upcoming ‘Christmas in November’ event at Jasper Park Lodge, and what they plan to bring to the table… literally!
Danielle is the Co-Founder of The Pass Beer Co., a new brewery in Blairmore, Alberta. She discusses how her and her husband opened the doors - I mean windows - in 2020 during the pandemic. As they were restricted from allowing guests in the brewery, they started out selling growlers from a pick-up window. The driven entrepreneurs highlight their start-up challenges and successes, noting that they didn't stress too much about the little things because "everything's fine".
Max Rude joined the podcast, sharing about his life and how it has led up to being the Head Brewer for The Pass Beer Co. He hopes to start canning his beer and selling it across Alberta.
Matt Gaetz is an Albertan legend creating the first nano brewery in Alberta, called “The Dandy Brewing Company,” in 2014. Matt hilariously tells the story of how they worked with AGLC and AHS to find answers to revolutionary industry questions, being the first nano brewery.
After 16 years of working with COOP as a district manager, the motivation to not only build Dandy but to guarantee accomplishment was that he and his wife were expecting a baby. He explains, “Job security was a concern after being secure for so long, but with a kid on the way, it was all the motivation I needed to drive the success of Dandy”.
Tune in to explore how Matt went from retail to brewery owner to working with the reputable agency RGE. His story is intriguing and inspiring and his great storytelling will undoubtedly make you laugh.
Remo Trotta is the hilarious 'sales and marketing manager' of Spolumbo's Italian Deli, located in Inglewood, Calgary. Remo shares how the Deli has evolved over the past 30 years to become one of Calgary's most iconic brands.
Spolumbo's was started by two former Calgary Stampeders football players, springing the business out of Calgarian roots while simultaneously intertwined with their Italian heritage.
Remo explains that Spolumbo's has never had a mission statement because they don't need one. The owners lead, and staff are trained to simply live with their three corporate values in mind: honesty, quality and generosity.
A brewery with no TV’s?? Yep, you heard that right.
Cael Tucker and Mike Macleod are the incredible owners of Tailgunner brewery, a new local hotspot in downtown Calgary. In this episode, they share their extraordinary story of how their unique vision came to fruition. This isn’t to say that they didn’t have to face tremendous obstacles to achieve their vision.
Their inspiring story explores the initial hardships that Cael and Mike faced as they jumped two feet first into their business months before the pandemic hit. This unexpected blow quickly set Cael and Michael back, robbing their finances and morale.
Thankfully for every beer-loving Calgarian, Cael and Mike triumphed through the gloom. With a momentous strategic change, they could launch five beers in just three months. As soon as they found their groove, these guys were unstoppable. Cael explains, “Mike and I hit the road like crazy to get out there and build our brand. We hit the ground running in 2021, putting out 16 beers to market in a very short time”.
Cale and Mike now have a successful brewery on 10th Ave SW, where they have dedicated the beer to Mike’s grandfather, Linton Stephenson, a heroic WW2 Tailgunner, and dedicated the space to laughter and conversation increasingly less common phenomenon.
A while back I met up with my friends Jennifer and Geoff to discuss Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub - which is truly a Calgary icon - and their latest project BSB Brewing. Jennifer and Geoff are siblings working in a family-run business - which is a great recipe for some interesting stories. Over the years, their family has overcome many recessions, and some severe floods - so let’s see how the latest pandemic compares!
I’ve worked with Jennifer and Geoff on many projects and it’s been great watching their journey. I’m grateful that they took the time to share their story - I hope you enjoy the conversation…
___________________________________________________________________
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram
Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub & BSB Brewing: website | instagram
I recently met up with my friend Jordan Beatty with Sherlock Holmes Hospitality Group (SHHG) in Edmonton, Alberta. Jordan has been with SHHG for 20+ years and for many he’s considered the soul of the company.
On the podcast we discuss the challenges SHHG has overcome as a group in the past few years and why Jordan is excited about their future. We also discuss Jordan’s personal battles and how he was able to completely transform himself - both physically and mentally.
Jordan is one of the most amazing people I’ve met in the industry and I was grateful that he took the time to share his story - please enjoy.
_______________________________________________________
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram
Sherlock Holmes Hospitality Group (SHHG) : website | instagram
I met up with Sebastian, Owner of The Butchers Son in Edmonton, Alberta to talk about all things entrepreneurial and meat…we talked a lot about meat!
Sebastian is a 5th Generation Master Craftsman Butcher from Germany who stepped into his parent’s footsteps to keep the family tradition going for yet another generation.
In Germany, there are two passions – meat and beer. So, we are excited to have Sebastian joining us for the Edmonton Craft Beer Festival this weekend where there will be no shortage of beer to pair with his amazing meat.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram
The Butchers Son: website
I recently took a little road trip along the Southern Alberta Ale Trail from Blairmore to Medicine Hat. When I arrived in Medicine Hat my first stop was at Travois Ale Works to meet up with George Best - their General Manager and life of the party!
George came to Canada with the British Military and never went back! His story is as interesting as the beer at Travois and I know you'll enjoy the conversation.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram
Travois Ale Works: website | instagram
I recently took a little road trip along the Southern Alberta Ale Trail from Blairmore to Medicine Hat. Along the way, I stopped in Lethbridge and met up with Kalti with Theoretically Brewing for the podcast.
These self-described nerds have built a “quirky, nerdy little brewery bent on environmental sustainability” and are making amazing beer.
It was great to connect with Kelti, and it was certainly worth the trip. But don’t take my word for it - plan your tour along the Ale Trail and check out Theoretically Brewing for yourself!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram
Theoretically Brewing: website | instagram
Today I met up with Rob Engman, President of Taps Media. Rob is in Calgary with his team hosting the Canadian Brewing Awards & Conference.
I’ve been lucky to have spent some time with Rob over the past few days and have learnt about his journey as an entrepreneur. Aside from the Canada Beer Awards, Rob produces beer festivals in Ontario and is the Founder of Sawdust City Brewing Company.
Rob has built an incredible company and has an amazing story - I know you will enjoy our conversation!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram
Canadian Brewing Awards: website
Sawdust City Brewing Company: website | instagram
I met up with my friends Mike Garth and Don Saviak to talk about how things are shaping up for this weekend’s Cooking With Beer Seminars at the Calgary International Beerfest. Mike and Don will be hosting the seminars - so if you like beer and BBQ, you should probably join them!
Before the podcast, we sat down to eat meat and drink beer. The goal was to decide what beer they would pair with Don's amazing BBQ (some days, I really love my job)!
On the podcast, we talk about the festival and everything else they have lined up for the summer. These guys are so much fun - check out our conversation today and meet them in person at this weekend’s Calgary International Beerfest!
A special thanks to Alberta Pork for helping to make the Cooking With Beer Seminars possible this year. The ABF Team has been working with Alberta Pork for many years now - they are great people who support our community any chance they have!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram
Village Brewing: website | instagram
All Beef Catering & Smokehouse: website | instagram
On today’s podcast, I met up with my friends Vern Raincock and Chris Heier about how they are involved in the Brew For Ukraine Project.
Vern has been an important part of this worldwide project from the beginning. When he asked Chris and the team from Half Hitch Brewing in Cochrane to brew a beer they were happy to show their support.
On March 15th, in partnership with some amazing companies in the Canadian brewing scene, Half Hitch brewed a batch of Pravda’s Putin Huylo Golden Strong Ale. Pravda provided Half Hitch with its recipe and high-resolution graphics of its labels to recreate their famous brew.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram
Half Hitch Brewing: website | instagram
Brew For Ukraine: website | instagram
On today’s podcast, I met up with my friend Peter Keith, Co-Founder of Meuwly’s in Edmonton, Alberta. We discuss how Peter and his partners built Meuwly’s - taking the typical model of how a business “should'' be built and doing the exact opposite!
Meuwly’s is all about showcasing the amazing food producers and artisans in and around their community. They aim to reconnect their customers with the stories behind the foods they enjoy. Peter hopes to see their products on the shelves of all the top food boutiques in Alberta and eventually across Canada.
I first met Peter last year in Jasper where we were doing a seminar together and we quickly became friends. He’s passionate about what he does, and I know that you’ll enjoy the conversation!
“I try to use the idea of community-building as a personal compass. Will this decision create something good; will it bring people together?” Peter Keith
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram
Meuwly’s Artisan Food Market: website | instagram
Peter Keith: website | instagram
I was in Hamilton, Ontario and had to go check out Collective Arts Brewing to see what all the fuss is about - and now I get what all the fuss is about!
After a tour of the facility, I met up with TK to learn more about her journey that brought her to Collective Arts. She describes the culture that they have created and what makes them unique. Their passion for sharing artists’ stories is inspiring. As a beer lover, thankfully this passion goes into the beer and spirits they produce too!
“We highlight people first - always. We lend our platform to different communities that need a voice.”
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram
Collective Arts Brewing: website | instagram
On the podcast, I met up with Laura and Jay - two of the Co-Founders of Prairie Dog Brewing in Calgary, Alberta. There are some breweries that make amazing beer and have a neat little restaurant attached - and there are amazing restaurants with a cute little brewery attached. Prairie Dog chose to do the best of both - they built an amazing brewery and an amazing BBQ restaurant in the same building! If you love BBQ and beer - this is your destination.
Laura was my guest for one of the last podcasts I did before this whole Covid thing - hard to believe that was 2 years ago! It was nice to sit down for a beer to see how they are doing and what they did to survive the pandemic. The good news is that the crew is still together - and they’re just as passionate about BBQ and beer as they were when they opened!
Laura and Jay are great examples of what makes our community awesome - I hope you enjoy the conversation…
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram
Prairie Dog Brewing: website | instagram
My friend Rob Sawchuck grew up in Lloydminster, Alberta and after years in the Calgary area, he has returned to build Border City Brewing with his lifelong friends! I’ve worked with Rob on a few projects and always admire his vision and attention to detail. I’ve been watching him build the brewery from an idea into a reality and now that he has beer to drink I thought I would check in to see where he’s at on his journey.
On the podcast, Rob talks about the challenges of starting a brewery in the middle of a global pandemic and what his vision is for the brand - I hope that you enjoy the conversation. And by the way - the beer is amazing!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram
Border City Brewing Co: website | instagram
Jochen Fahr, Founder of Fahr Brewery, had the vision to make the best beer in the world! In only a few short years, Fahr’s hefeweizen was awarded the best in the world - so mission accomplished. I don’t think he’s quite done yet though - he has some big plans to expand the brewery and their distribution. So what is Terra’s role at Fahr? She is the glue that keeps the machine together! One of Jochen’s greatest skills has been to stay focused on this vision while building a team that is able to contribute in really meaningful ways.
It was great to have both Jochen and Terra on the podcast to get a well-rounded vision of where Fahr is heading - I hope that you enjoy the conversation!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagram
Fahr Brewery: website | instagram
Today I connected with my friend Graham Sherman to discuss Tool Shed’s new non-alcoholic beer called Zero People Skills. The non-alcoholic beer category is booming and I wanted to learn a little bit more about why it is growing so quickly. We also discuss how he’s healing after a crazy mountain bike accident he had last year. Graham has always been a ball of energy and is so much fun to chat with - I hope you enjoy the conversation!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Emily Baadsvik is the Co-Founder and CEO of Wild Tea Kombucha, one of Canada’s premier kombucha producers since 2015. Emily is also an Olympic Athlete and represented Canada in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia as a member of our Bobsleigh Team.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Wild Tea Kombucha: website | instagram
On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I connected with my friend Bob Sutton to discuss his career and how he helped to shape the Craft Beer Community.
Bob has been a large part of the craft beer movement across North America and built relationships with many people who eventually became legends in the beer industry. Bob’s expertise and mentorship has helped many Alberta breweries succeed and we discuss how he has enjoyed watching the boom of the local craft beer scene.
Bob has become a good friend and it was great to reflect on his career - I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I connected with the team behind Harmon’s Craft Brewery - one of Canada’s fastest-growing non-alcoholic breweries.I first met Steve Abrams over ten years ago after he started Mill Street Brewery - which he eventually sold to Labatts Brewing Company. Rob Doyle is a former Brewmaster at Mill Street and currently works as a Professor at Niagara College Canada. Mike Cuch is an expert in consumer packaged goods - which is a pretty good way to round out the team!
On the podcast, we discuss how the three of them teamed up to create Harmon’s and why they decided to focus on non-alcoholic beer. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities in the non-alcoholic sector of the beer industry and why they chose to go fully organic!
“We named it 'Harmon's Craft Brewing' as a shout-out to my mom - because on a greater level this brewery is all about family.” Steve Abrams
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Harmon’s Craft Brewery : website | instagram
To celebrate the 50th episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Michael Allemeier who is one of five Canada Master Chefs! We discuss what first attracted Michael to the kitchen and his journey to becoming one of Canada’s elite chefs.After 35 years, Michael has travelled the world as a chef and is just as passionate today as when his career began. As a Culinary Educator at SAIT in Calgary, Michael is motivated to share his knowledge with the next generation of chefs.
“The shortest distance from food suppliers to the kitchen is the right choice - always!”
Michael Allemeier
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Michael Allemeier : Michael Allemeier | instagram
On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I was in Banff to meet up with Stewart Brown - Brewery Operations Manager with Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant.Stewart has brewed across Canada and around the world. Before moving to Banff, Stewart was brewing beer in the Cayman Islands. In 2019, he decided to swap his flip-flops in for a snowboard and is glad he did. It was great to learn more about Stewart and the team at Three Bears Brewery - I hope you enjoy the conversation.
“My philosophy with beer is to be approachable. We make beer for our customers - not our ego.” Stewart Brown
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant: website | instagram
On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with the Co-Founders of The Establishment Brewing Company - Mike Foniak and Dave Ronnegerg
When we connected for the podcast they had just been awarded “Canada’s Brewery of The Year” for 2021 at the Canadian Brewing Awards. We discussed their journey in beer that started when they were passionate home brewers and what their vision is for the future of the brewery!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | Twitter | Instagram
The Establishment Brewing Company: website | Instagram
On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast, Cam Dobranski joins me as co-host for part one in our series about mental health in the hospitality industry. Today we are joined by Dr. Pratap Chokka, Founder of The Chokka Center For Integrative Health.
On the podcast, Dr. Chokka talks to us about what we can do to identify signs that someone may need help and how they can access that help. We also discuss how we can be proactive with our own mental health on a daily basis.
Our goal with this podcast series is to help break through the stigma that prevents many of us from talking about mental health. Thank you for listening to this very special podcast - our hope is that you share this with others and continue the conversation about mental health.
The Chokka Center For Integrative Health: Website
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website
On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast, I connect with my friend Cam Dobranski for part three of our series on mental health in the hospitality industry.
On the podcast, we discuss how the stigma of mental health makes it so difficult to talk about and how we can change that. We also discuss how we can practice empathy and encourage open dialogue within our work environment. Through open conversations about mental health, Cam is committed to changing the culture of the hospitality industry for the better.
Our goal with this podcast series is to help break through the stigma that prevents many of us from talking about mental health. Thank you for listening to this very special podcast - our hope is that you share this with others and continue the conversation about mental health.
Skyler’s Go Fund Me Page: Website
Medium Rare Chef Apparel: Website | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website
On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast, Cam Dobranski joins me as co-host for part two of two in our series about mental health in the hospitality industry. Today we are joined by Nina Wallinder who recently lost her son Skyler to suicide. Nina’s son, Skyler, was a cook at Cam’s restaurant WineBar Kensington and his death impacted Cam and the team deeply.
Nina joined us on the podcast to discuss mental health with the hope that her experience can help others. To donate to the Go Fund Me page that Nina has created in Skyler’s memory please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/mental-health-memorial-initiative-for-skyler
Our goal with this podcast series is to help break through the stigma that prevents many of us from talking about mental health. Thank you for listening to this very special podcast - our hope is that you share this with others and continue the conversation about mental health.
Skyler’s Go Fund Me Page: Website
Medium Rare Chef Apparel: Website | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast I met up with John Eresman, co-founder of Gradient Beverages, a company that he started with his sister and brother-in-law.
John is an “introverted” Advertising Creative with a background in Marketing and Copywriting. His unique perspective on the beverage industry led him to creating Gradient - a ready-to-drink vodka and soda that has 6 different alcohol levels in each box that range from 8% to 2%. Their entire business is based on the unique concept of modern moderation – a term they created to talk about how drinking less and less through the night can help you keep your night “bright”.
It’s great to connect with people like John who are innovating within the beverage industry. I hope that you enjoy our conversation.
Gradient Beverages Corp: Website | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast teaming up with our good friends from Brightside. Brightside by ATB is a free banking app that helps you do more “you” - so you can save for and spend on the craft beer you enjoy. Just like our team at Alberta Beer Festivals, Brightside calls Alberta home and is proud to support great local breweries and businesses with their Friends with Benefits program . Today we’re at Folding Mountain Brewing - one of Brightside's Friends with Benefits where Brightsiders can earn extra savings.
Today we drove from Jasper to Folding Mountain Brewing which is about 20km outside the town of Hinton, Alberta. When we arrived we were surprised (but very happy) to see that the parking lot was packed! The brewery has awesome beer, an amazing restaurant and scenic patio so it’s easy to see what attracted all of the people! We set up the podcast gear in the middle of the restaurant to enjoy the vibe - so you might hear a little extra background noise on this episode.
Aric and Jason are lifelong friends who both grew up in the area. After moving away to explore the world and go to school, they both eventually returned to their hometown and built this brewery together! It was really great to see their vision come to life - Folding Mountain Brewing should definitely be a destination on your next road trip! I hope that you enjoy the conversation.
More About Brightside
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more you. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free. You can learn more about Brightside by ATB at hibrightside.ca. Brightside’s giving all you lucky listeners $30 when you sign up using the code BEER. Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $30 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website
Brightside and Alberta Beer Festivals have teamed up to create a unique podcast series showcasing unique craft breweries across Alberta. I recently met up with Christie Pelehos to learn more about Brightside and why they are excited to help showcase Craft Breweries across Alberta through this series.
Our fourth series with Brightside focuses on breweries in mountain towns across Alberta that are involved with Brightside’s “Friends With Benefits” Program. These podcasts feature conversations with the teams from Canmore Brewing, Banff Ave Brewing, Jasper Brewing and Folding Mountain Brewing. Through these podcasts, you will learn more about what makes each of these breweries unique and how they make a positive difference in their community. I hope that you enjoy the conversations.
More on Brightside:
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free.
- Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
___________________________________________________________________
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast teaming up with our good friends from Brightside. Brightside by ATB is a free banking app that helps you do more “you” - so you can save for and spend on the craft beer you enjoy. Just like our team at Alberta Beer Festivals, Brightside calls Alberta home and is proud to support great local breweries and businesses with their Friends with Benefits program . Today we’re at Banff Ave Brewing Co. - one of Brightside's Friends with Benefits where Brightsiders can earn extra savings.
Today we drove to Banff - home of the World’s Most Beautiful Beer Festival (shameless plug) - and the amazing Banff Ave Brewing Company! I met up with their Head Brewer, Miranda Batterink, to chat about her journey as a brewer and why she loves working in Banff. We talk about how the brewery has become so connected with the local community and the challenges of working in a tourist destination through the current pandemic. Aside from initially pulling the fire alarm to try to get out of talking with me (somewhat true story) - I think we had a great conversation and I hope you enjoy!
More About Brightside
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more you. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free. You can learn more about Brightside by ATB at hibrightside.ca. Brightside’s giving all you lucky listeners $30 when you sign up using the code BEER. Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $30 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast teaming up with our good friends from Brightside. Brightside by ATB is a free banking app that helps you do more you - so you can save for and spend on the craft beer you enjoy. Just like our team at Alberta Beer Festivals, Brightside calls Alberta home and is proud to support great local breweries and businesses with their Friends with Benefits program . Today we’ll be chatting with Brian Dunn, owner and founder of Canmore Brewing - one of Brightside's Friends with Benefits where Brightsiders can earn extra savings.
Today me and Trevor from the ABF team were in Canmore for a pint with our friend Brian Dunn who is the brains and the smile behind Canmore Brewing. Brian and his team have embraced the mountain lifestyle - he was literally on his way to join some friends to go mountain biking as we left the brewery! Brian has an inspirational story for anyone who dreams of leaving their 9-5 someday and following their passion - I hope that you enjoy the conversation.
More About Brightside
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more you. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free. You can learn more about Brightside by ATB at hibrightside.ca. Brightside’s giving all you lucky listeners $30 when you sign up using the code BEER. Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $30 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast teaming up with our good friends from Brightside. Brightside by ATB is a free banking app that helps you do more “you” - so you can save for and spend on the craft beer you enjoy. Just like our team at Alberta Beer Festivals, Brightside calls Alberta home and is proud to support great local breweries and businesses with their Friends with Benefits program . Today we’re at Jasper Brewing Company - one of Brightside's Friends with Benefits where Brightsiders can earn extra savings.
Today we drove along the beautiful Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper to meet up with Spike Baker, Head Brewer at Jasper Brewing Company. It was great to connect with Spike and share his story on the podcast. He is literally living his dream - I asked him where he wants to be in 5 years and he told me that he wants to be doing exactly what he’s doing now! He loves the town of Jasper and the amazing team they have assembled at the brewery and has no plans of leaving any time soon!
More About Brightside
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more you. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free. You can learn more about Brightside by ATB at hibrightside.ca. Brightside’s giving all you lucky listeners $30 when you sign up using the code BEER. Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $30 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website
For episodes 30-35 of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast my friend Cam Dobranski, owner of Medium Rare Chef Apparel, is joining me as co-host! Cam made some calls to his friends across Canada (who also happen to be world-class chefs) to see if they would join us to share their stories - and luckily they said yes!
Today we connect with Nicole Gomes, Chief Chicken Officer at Cluck N Cleaver. How should I describe Nicole? She’s a ball of energy, loves cooking, is Canada's Top Chef, knows business & tells it like it is. No holds barred...tune into this great conversation.
- Chef Nicole Gomes: Instagram
- Cluck N Cleaver: Website
- Medium Rare Chef Apparel: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast teaming up with our good friends from Brightside. Brightside by ATB is a free banking app that helps you do more you - so you can save for and spend on the craft beer you enjoy. Just like our team at Alberta Beer Festivals, Brightside calls Alberta home and is proud to support great local breweries and businesses with their Friends with Benefits program. Today we’ll be chatting with Troubled Monk, one of Brightside's Friends with Benefits where Brightsiders can earn extra savings.
Today I sat down with Marc Shields and Bud Kelly with Troubled Monk in Red Deer, Alberta....
More About Brightside
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more you. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free. You can learn more about Brightside by ATB at hibrightside.ca.
Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast teaming up with our good friends from Brightside. Brightside by ATB is a free banking app that helps you do more you - so you can save for and spend on the craft beer you enjoy. Just like our team at Alberta Beer Festivals, Brightside calls Alberta home and is proud to support great local breweries and businesses with their Friends with Benefits program. Today we’ll be chatting with Blindman Brewing, one of Brightside's Friends with Benefits where Brightsiders can earn extra savings.
Today I sat down with Shane Groendahl, Matt Willerton and Hans Doef with Blindman Brewing in Lacombe, Alberta....
More About Brightside
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more you. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free. You can learn more about Brightside by ATB at hibrightside.ca.
Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast teaming up with our good friends from Brightside. Brightside by ATB is a free banking app that helps you do more you - so you can save for and spend on the craft beer you enjoy. Just like our team at Alberta Beer Festivals, Brightside calls Alberta home and is proud to support great local breweries and businesses with their Friends with Benefits program. Today we’ll be chatting with Snake Lake Brewing Company, one of Brightside's Friends with Benefits where Brightsiders can earn extra savings.
Today I sat down with Adam Nachbaur and Amanda Gammel with Snake Lake Brewing Company in Sylvan Lake, Alberta....
More About Brightside
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more you. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free. You can learn more about Brightside by ATB at hibrightside.ca.
Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast teaming up with our good friends from Brightside. Brightside by ATB is a free banking app that helps you do more you - so you can save for and spend on the craft beer you enjoy. Just like our team at Alberta Beer Festivals, Brightside calls Alberta home and is proud to support great local breweries and businesses with their Friends with Benefits program. Today we’ll be chatting with Dog Island Brewing, one of Brightside's Friends with Benefits where Brightsiders can earn extra savings.
Today I sat down with Ben Fiddler and Kennedy Ball with Dog Island Brewing in Slave Lake, Alberta....
More About Brightside
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more you. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free. You can learn more about Brightside by ATB at hibrightside.ca.
Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For episodes 30-35 of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast my friend Cam Dobranski, owner of Medium Rare Chef Apparel, is joining me as co-host! Cam made some calls to his friends across Canada (who also happen to be world-class chefs) to see if they would join us to share their stories - and luckily they said yes!
Today we connect with James Holmes, Chef at Salt & Brick in Kelowna, British Columbia. Late to the game, James started his culinary career at the age of twenty-seven. While on a family trip to Europe, he found a real connection to the product, process and quality of European food culture. His passion for food, and skills as a chef, have landed him on Canada’s Food Network’s Fire Masters and Big Food Bucket List!
“You have to find yourself in the kitchen. If you don’t stand out - you’re not going to stand out!” - Chef James Howell
- Chef James Howell: Instagram
- Salt & Brick: Website
- Medium Rare Chef Apparel: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Brightside and Alberta Beer Festivals have teamed up to create a unique podcast series showcasing unique craft breweries across Alberta. I recently met up with Michael Ulrich to learn more about Brightside and why they are excited to help showcase Craft Breweries across Alberta through this series.
Our third series with Brightside focuses on breweries across Alberta that are involved with Brightside’s “Friends With Benefits” Program. These podcasts feature conversations with the teams from Troubled Monk, Snake Lake Brewing, Dog Island Brewing and Blindman Brewing. You will learn more about the breweries and how they make a positive difference in their community.
Stay tuned for a new series each month throughout the summer from Alberta Beer Festivals and our friends at Brightside.
More on Brightside:
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free.
- Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
___________________________________________________________________
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For episodes 30-35 of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast my friend Cam Dobranski, owner of Medium Rare Chef Apparel, is joining me as co-host! Cam made some calls to his friends across Canada (who also happen to be world-class chefs) to see if they would join us to share their stories - and luckily they said yes!
Today we connected with Paul Rogalski, Owner & Culinary Director at Rouge Restaurant which has been ranked as one of San Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Paul is also the Co-Creator, Culinary Director, and Host of Wild Harvest Films and stars in an amazing food/adventure show called Les Stroud’s Wild Harvest.
Paul is such a genuine person and always fun to connect with - I hope you enjoy our conversation.
“Why did I choose to be a chef? It's a long story but the bottom line is that I love food, I love cooking and I love people!” - Paul Rogalski
- Paul Rogalski: Website | Instagram
- Rouge Restaurant: Website | Instagram
- Medium Rare Chef Apparel: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For episodes 30-35 of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast my friend Cam Dobranski, owner of Medium Rare Chef Apparel, is joining me as co-host! Cam made some calls to his friends across Canada (who also happen to be world-class chefs) to see if they would join us to share their stories - and luckily they said yes!
Today we connected with Christine Sandford, Executive Chef at Biera in Edmonton, Alberta. Christine wanted to be a banker, psychologist or interior designer when she grew up. So how did she end up studying Butchery and working in restaurants across Europe? Her path may seem strange to some people - but it’s exactly the kind of experience that Biera was looking for in an Executive Chef!
“I'm proud to promote equality in kitchens. No matter what your sex or ethnicity is - you should always be give an equal opportunity.” - Christine Sandford
- Christine Sandford: Instagram
- Biera: Website | Instagram
- Medium Rare Chef Apparel: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For episodes 30-35 of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast my friend Cam Dobranski, owner of Medium Rare Chef Apparel, is joining me as co-host! Cam made some calls to his friends across Canada (who also happen to be world-class chefs) to see if they would join us to share their stories - and luckily they said yes!
Today we connected with Derek Dammann, Chef and Owner of Maison Publique and McKiernan in Montreal, Quebec. Chef Derek hails from the West Coast but rocks out in Montreal. On the podcast we talk about Derek’s rise to become one of Canada’s top chefs and his amazing cookbook, True North - Canadian Cooking From Coast To Coast. Derek also opens up about his personal struggles, why he chose to get sober and new beginnings.
“You'll be way better off if you take a step back from what you're doing and focus on self-care.” - Derek Dammann
- Derek Dammann: Twitter | Instagram
- Medium Rare Chef Apparel: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For episodes 30-35 of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast my friend Cam Dobranski, owner of Medium Rare Chef Apparel, is joining me as co-host! Cam made some calls to his friends across Canada (who also happen to be world-class chefs) to see if they would join us to share their stories - and luckily they said yes!
Today we connected with Todd Perrin, Chef and Owner of Mallard Cottage in Quidi Vidi, Newfoundland which was ranked #22 in Canada’s Top Restaurants in 2018. Todd has appeared on The Food Network’s Top Chef Canada twice and also is a featured judge on Wall of Chefs.
Todd is a passionate chef and thinks the concept of work-life balance is overrated! On the podcast, he is very open about his journey as a restaurant owner and the challenges that the current pandemic has meant for him, his family and his team. I’m grateful that he took the time to connect with us and I hope you enjoy the conversation.
“I don’t think about what I do as a job - it’s my life.” - Chef Todd Perrin
- Todd Perrin: Twitter | Instagram
- Medium Rare Chef Apparel: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast I’m teaming up with our good friends from Brightside. Brightside by ATB is a free banking app that helps you do more you - so you can save for and spend on the craft beer you enjoy. Just like our team at Alberta Beer Festivals, Brightside calls Alberta home and is proud to support great local breweries and businesses with their Friends with Benefits program. Today we’ll be chatting with SYC Brewing Company, one of Brightside's Friends with Benefits where Brightsiders can earn extra savings.
Today I sat down with Richard Fyk, Co-Founder of SYC Brewing Company in Edmonton, Alberta. The first thing we discuss is what exactly SYC stands for? Is it Show Your Colors? Is it Share Your Craft? Do you pronounce every letter S-Y-C, or is it pronounced “SICK” like the kids say? These are the hard-hitting questions I like to ask on my podcast!
SYC has been around for a relatively short amount of time and they have faced many challenges since the doors opened. It’s one thing to deal with the learning curve of opening a new business in an unfamiliar industry - but let’s add a global pandemic to the mix and see how you handle it! Well I’ve been following SYC closely since their doors opened and I’m proud to see how they have responded to the challenges and the products that they have introduced to the market. It was great to meet up with Richard at the brewery to get a look at the operations. I had a blast (as always) and I hope you enjoy our conversation!
More About Brightside:
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more you. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free. You can learn more about Brightside by ATB at hibrightside.ca.
Brightside’s giving all you lucky listeners $30 when you sign up using the code BEER. Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $30 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast I’m teaming up with our good friends from Brightside. Brightside by ATB is a free banking app that helps you do more you - so you can save for and spend on the craft beer you enjoy. Just like our team at Alberta Beer Festivals, Brightside calls Alberta home and is proud to support great local breweries and businesses with their Friends with Benefits program . Today we’ll be chatting with Town Square Brewery, one of Brightside's Friends with Benefits where Brightsiders can earn extra savings.
Today I sat down with Brandon Boutin and Nik Kozub with Town Square Brewing in Edmonton, Alberta. Brandon is one of the original founders of the brewery and describes it as his passion project. Nik is their brewer as well as a musician and he approaches brewing with the same passion as he does to music.
The Town Square motto is “Brewing Change in Our Community'' and they built the brewery to be a safe place for everyone to gather. The past year has been challenging for them but they remain hopeful for the future. And what does the future look like for Town Square? Well, they did give me a hint of what to expect as we toured and sampled some products from their emerging barrel program - and the future looks awesome!
More About Brightside:
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more you. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free. You can learn more about Brightside by ATB at hibrightside.ca.
Brightside’s giving all you lucky listeners $30 when you sign up using the code BEER. Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $30 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast, I’m teaming up with our good friends from Brightside. Brightside by ATB is a free banking app that helps you do more you - so you can save for and spend on the craft beer you enjoy. Just like our team at Alberta Beer Festivals, Brightside calls Alberta home and is proud to support great local breweries and businesses with their Friends with Benefits program. Today we’ll be chatting with Alley Kat Brewing Company, one of Brightside's Friends with Benefits where Brightsiders can earn extra savings.
Today I sat down with Zane Christensen and Cameron French, owners of Alley Kat Brewing in Edmonton, Alberta. Zane and Cameron purchased Alley Kat in 2020 from founder Neil Herbst and his wife and business partner Lavonne. Alley Kat is one of the longest-running and most respected craft breweries in Alberta - and we discuss the responsibility that comes along with that.
Zane and Cameron both have backgrounds in accounting and have a solid understanding of business. They have been careful to ensure that the Alley Kat culture is maintained and have spent the past year observing and learning from their team. As Zane puts it, “We have an amazing staff at Alley Kat and we believe that our people are at the core of what we do.”
It was great to connect with Zane and Cameron to learn more about them. Alley Kat is in good hands and they will continue to be leaders in our community - I hope you enjoy our conversation.
More About Brightside:
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more you. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free. You can learn more about Brightside by ATB at hibrightside.ca.
Brightside’s giving all you lucky listeners $30 when you sign up using the code BEER. Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $30 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast I’m teaming up with our good friends from Brightside. Brightside by ATB is a free banking app that helps you do more you - so you can save for and spend on the craft beer you enjoy. Just like our team at Alberta Beer Festivals, Brightside calls Alberta home and is proud to support great local breweries and businesses with their Friends with Benefits program. Today we’ll be chatting with Analog Brewing, one of Brightside's Friends with Benefits where Brightsiders can earn extra savings.
Today I sat down with Bryan Launier and Adam Corsaut with Analog Brewing in Edmonton, Alberta. Analog was created by two best friends from college with a love for craft beer/video games. While they both held different jobs throughout their lives they eventually got tired of the grind and sought out to do something that combined their passions of craft beer and being “massive nerds”. In 2018 their dream became a reality and Analog Brewing was born!
One thing you know as soon as you meet Bryan and Adam - they are authentic! The video game themes aren't just a fun marketing gimmick, it is something that these two are truly passionate about. What I love about the craft beer community is that I get to meet so many unique people who aren’t afraid to be themselves. Sitting down for this podcast reminded me of that and I hope you enjoy the conversation.
More About Brightside:
Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more you. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free. You can learn more about Brightside by ATB at hibrightside.ca.
Brightside’s giving all you lucky listeners $30 when you sign up using the code BEER. Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $30 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Brightside and Alberta Beer Festivals have teamed up to create a unique podcast series showcasing unique craft breweries across Alberta. I recently met up with Christie Pelehos and Michael Ulrich to learn more about Brightside and why they are excited to help showcase Edmonton Craft Breweries through this series.
Our second series with Brightside focuses on Edmonton-based breweries that are involved with Brightside’s “Friends With Benefits” Program. These podcasts feature conversations with the owners and brewers of Town Square Brewing, Analog Brewing, Alley Kat Brewing and SYC Brewing. You will learn more about the breweries and how they make a positive difference in their community.
Stay tuned for a new series each month throughout the summer from Alberta Beer Festivals and our friends at Brightside.
More on Brightside:
- Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more.
- Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free.
- You can learn more about Brightside by ATB here.
- Brightside is giving all you lucky listeners $30 when you sign up using the code BEER.
- Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $30 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
- Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
- Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
This episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast is part of a series that we created with our friends at Brightside. Each episode in this series showcases a unique Calgary-based craft brewery that is part of Brightside’s “Friends With Benefits” Program.
Today I sat down with sisters Jill and Tracy Johnson, who recently opened Bitter Sisters Brewing in Calgary, Alberta. Before opening the brewery, Jill and Tracy were co-owners of Atlantic Trap and Gill for over 20 years. I’m always curious about how siblings manage to build successful businesses together - so I had a lot of questions for them!
Bitter Sisters Brewing was opened for only a couple of months before the pandemic - so just the fact that they have survived is a success story! They credit their success to the neighborhood that they serve and are amazed by the support that their neighbors have shown them. Having a strong background in the restaurant industry, Jill and Tracy knew they needed to focus on high-quality beer and great food to ensure their success - and they have certainly accomplished both.
It’s great to connect with people who are living out their passion - and seeing them succeed as a family makes it even more special. It was great to catch up with Jill and Tracy - I hope you enjoy our conversation!
More on Brightside:
- Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free.
- You can learn more about Brightside by ATB here.
- Brightside is giving all you lucky listeners $10 when you sign up using the code BEER.
- Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $ 10 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
- Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
- Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
This episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast is part of a series that we created with our friends at Brightside. Each episode in this series showcases a unique Calgary-based craft brewery that is part of Brightside’s “Friends With Benefits” Program.
Today I sat down with three of the four co-founders of The Dandy Brewing Company in Calgary, Alberta. It’s hard to describe Dandy in a single sentence - they certainly aren’t your “typical” brewery. The beer is amazing and the food is way beyond what you might expect. What strikes me about them more than anything though is that they are still having fun - and they still laugh at each other's jokes!
I first met the crew from Dandy in 2014 - shortly after they opened their first location in northeast Calgary. They had the smallest brewery I had ever visited but somehow managed to make an insane number of unique beers right from the start. Today they are in their second location in Ramsey that features a much larger brewery and one of Calgary’s best restaurants.
It’s been challenging to connect with the guys from Dandy through the pandemic so it was nice to catch up on the podcast - I hope you enjoy the conversation.
More on Brightside:
- Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free.
- You can learn more about Brightside by ATB here.
- Brightside is giving all you lucky listeners $10 when you sign up using the code BEER.
- Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $ 10 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
- Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
- Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
This episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast is part of a series that we created with our friends at Brightside. Each episode in this series showcases a unique Calgary-based craft brewery that is part of Brightside’s “Friends With Benefits” Program.
Today I sat down with Doug Hamilton, CEO, and co-founder of Inner City Brewing which is located in the beltline area of Calgary - two blocks from the Alberta Beer Festival office! Before opening the brewery, Doug worked around the world as a Geologist for almost 30 years. He has always been passionate about beer with the mind of an entrepreneur - so for his next adventure, he combined the two to help create Inner City Brewing.
On the podcast, we discuss the challenges of operating a new business during a pandemic. Doug shares how the brewery was able to pivot (I know - I hate that word too) and credits his team, led by his fellow co-founder and Brewery GM Dave Bell, for their survival. They built Inner City as a way to connect with people and are excited to bring back live music, and other community-minded events soon!
Our team has worked with Inner City Brewing on a number of projects, including Be The Brewer and Beerfest-In-A-Box. It was great to connect with Doug and learn more about his journey - I hope you enjoy the conversation.
More on Brightside:
- Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free.
- You can learn more about Brightside by ATB here.
- Brightside is giving all you lucky listeners $10 when you sign up using the code BEER.
- Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $ 10 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
- Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
- Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Brightside and Alberta Beer Festivals have teamed up to create a unique podcast series showcasing unique craft breweries across Alberta, so I met with Michael Ulrich to learn more about the series and Brightside.
The first series (available today) focuses on Calgary-based breweries that are involved with Brightside’s “Friends With Benefits” Program. These podcasts feature conversations with the founders of Marda Loop Brewing, The Dandy Brewing Company, Bitter Sisters Brewing and Inner City Brewing. You will learn more about the breweries and how they make a positive difference in their community.
Stay tuned for a new series each month throughout the summer from Alberta Beer Festivals and our friends at Brightside.
More on Brightside:
- Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more.
- Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free.
- You can learn more about Brightside by ATB here.
- Brightside is giving all you lucky listeners $10 when you sign up using the code BEER.
- Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $ 10 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
- Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
- Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
This episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast is part of a series that we created with our friends at Brightside. Each episode in this series showcases a unique Calgary-based craft brewery that is part of Brightside’s “Friends With Benefits” Program.
Today I sat down with my friend Mike De Jonge, owner of Marda Loop Brewing to find out what led him to build the brewery, how his team has navigated the challenges of the current pandemic, and what his thoughts are on the future of the craft beer industry.
Mike, along with his wife (and mentor) Lolly, opened Marda Loop Brewery in 2018 to be a “second home” for the people and businesses in the neighborhood. They have weathered the pandemic with the mantra “stick to what got us here” - which is community support, an amazing team and a willingness to embrace change.
Mike is an optimistic entrepreneur and it was great to learn more about his journey - I hope you enjoy our conversation.
More on Brightside:
- Join Brightside and experience the banking app that helps you do more. Download the app to sign up in minutes from your phone to get spending and saving - all for free.
- You can learn more about Brightside by ATB here.
- Brightside is giving all you lucky listeners $10 when you sign up using the code BEER.
- Download the app, sign up and minutes and put that $ 10 to good use (let’s face it, we know you’ll likely use it on beer!)
- Brightside: Download | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
- Let’s Meet For A Beer: Website | Twitter | Instagram
- Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | Instagram
On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with my friend Stephen Lowden - owner of The Pig & Duke Pubs in Calgary, Alberta. With Alberta’s restaurants closing for the fourth time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I wanted to get a sense of what the mood is behind the scenes and if there is still hope for the future of our hospitality industry.
Stephen has been in the restaurant industry for many years and has built a large network of friends from breweries and restaurants across Alberta. Along with his wife Joanne, they built the Pig & Duke almost 10 years ago and have since added a second location. Their team of employees is like family, which makes the constant shutdowns even harder for both them and their staff.
Stephen wears his heart on his sleeve and always speaks his mind - which makes him the perfect person to connect with to get the pulse of the industry. We had a great conversation - I hope that you enjoy it!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Pig & Duke : website | twitter | instagram
On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Jen Rogers - Chief Awesome Officer, Brewer, and Founder of Wild Winds Brewery. Jen has already had an amazing journey in the beer industry - she’s worked at Village Brewery, Last Best Brewery, Railyard Brewery, and back to Village. Jen is now building her own brewery - Wild Winds Brewery - with her husband Tim in Pincher Creek, Alberta. What’s even more impressive is that Jen only graduated from the Olds College Brewmaster Program in 2019 … with distinction of course!
Jen grew up in Newfoundland and moved to Alberta after graduating from Memorial University. After working in Oil & Gas for years, Jen and her husband Tim decided to follow their dreams and start a brewery. After years of research, additional education at Olds College, and practical experience at various craft breweries, they have finally secured financing and are ready to make their dreams come true!
Pincher Creek will be the home of Wild Winds Brewery, which Jen is hopeful will be operational in 2022. They fell in love with the town while touring the province - and it sounds like the town is pretty excited to be home to a brewery soon too!
With a passion for outdoor activities like snowboarding and hiking, Pincher Creek is the perfect basecamp for Jen and Tim. I’m excited for their new adventure and grateful that Jen shared her story with me on the podcast - I hope you enjoy it!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Wild Winds Brewery : website | twitter | instagram
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast I met up with Dr. Ranjan Kumar with Delta Brewstillery in Calgary, Alberta. Ranjan started Delta and produced beer as a contract brewer for several years. In the spring of 2021, Ranjan and the team at Delta opened a large brewery focused on distribution across Alberta with plans to ship across Canada and Internationally soon.
Ranjan was born and raised in India and came to Canada to continue his post-secondary education. He received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Calgary and is proud of the contribution he has made in the community as a doctor.
Ranjan’s decision to stay in Canada was based on the vast opportunities he realized were available here. As a young boy, he had a desire to be an entrepreneur - a dream he has realized by opening Delta Brewstillery. His passion in the field of neuroscience remains strong and he has plans to continue practicing as a doctor in the future - which we discuss in detail on the podcast.
Dr. Ranjan Kumar is a passionate and optimistic person and it was fun connecting with him to learn more about his journey. He has made a positive impact in our world and has big plans for the future - I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Delta Brewstillery : website | twitter | instagram
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast I met up with my friend Rieley Kay, owner of Cilantro & Chive in Lacombe, Alberta. We discuss the craziness of the past year - not only has Rieley navigated through the pandemic (which is chaos enough for most people) he has also opened a second location in Red Deer!
Rieley started washing dishes in a restaurant when he was 13 and has been involved in the hospitality industry ever since. After High School, he attended the cooking program at SAIT and has also completed programs at Red Deer College in Food & Beverage Management and Accommodations & Marketing Management to ensure he has a deeper understanding of the industry.
We discuss the challenges facing hospitality and what he is doing to address these issues within his restaurants. “The restaurant industry is a badly broken and damaged industry across North America. We can’t change an entire industry, but we can change how we do business. We ensure our team is looked after, and our guests and community are cared for.”
Over the years Cilantro & Chive has won a number of awards and we discuss what Rieley believes makes them unique. His goal is to recreate “Grama’s kitchen table - to be a place where conversation and connections happen. People can enjoy good food, good drinks, and some good company.” It was great to connect with him and share his story - I hope you enjoy our conversation!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Cilantro & Chive : website | twitter | instagram
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast I met up with my friend Geoff Allan, the General Manager Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub in Calgary, Alberta. Bottlescrew Bill’s is a family-run business and Calgary Institution - they’ve been serving beer for over 40 years! So when you want to get a historical perspective on how crazy things are these days it seems logical to ask Geoff.
Geoff and his sister Jennifer manage the pub that their parents opened in the early 1980’s. As a family, they have seen a lot of booms and busts in this town - so it was great to see where this chapter in our history compares to the other struggles we’ve faced. Obviously, we discuss the challenges of COVID, but we also discuss the “hollowing out of the downtown core” due to the economic instability that Calgary already faced prior to the current pandemic.
We discuss Geoff’s mentors who have inspired him and how becoming a dad has changed his perspective on work and the world in general. Despite the craziness that we live in, Geoff has an incredibly positive outlook and is grateful to work alongside his family and many staff that have become family over the years.
Bottlescrew Bill’s isn't going anywhere and Geoff has learned to enjoy the journey. As he put it, “You can’t get it all done in one day, and you can’t control everything. I need to respect that.” I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Bottlescrew Bill’s : website | twitter | instagram |
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Lane and Kelsey Gibson, co-founders of Buffalo 9 Brewing Company. We discuss their journey in the beer industry - from homebrewers to commercial producers. We also talk about the challenges of building a business during a pandemic and why they are still optimistic about the future of craft beer.
Why the military theme? Lane and Kelsey have had family members serve in both WWI and WWII - so the theme it holds great importance for both of them. Kelsey’s father was also a Fire Fighter and she grew up within this brother/sisterhood. “We choose this theme for our brewery to pay honour and respect to veterans and first responders both past and present, and to keep the education of Canadian War history alive.”
A major goal of theirs is to build a brewery soon where they can grow camaraderie around their beer and in their community. Lane and Kelsey are very passionate entrepreneurs and it was great to connect with them to share their story - I hope you enjoy!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Buffalo 9 Brewing Company : website | twitter | instagram |
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Big Rock Brewing’s very own Brad Goddard. I’ve known Brad for a long time and was excited to connect and get his thoughts on the Craft Beer Community that he has been a part of for 20 years now!
Brad was born and raised in Lucan, Ontario and grew up wanting to be either an actor, minister or politician (I’m still convinced those are all the same profession). He studied Theater in University and taught First Year Acting at The University of Waterloo until moving to Toronto to pursue a career in acting.
True story - When Brad moved to Toronto, his identical twin brother Chris (who was also an aspiring actor) had a job working for Steam Whistle Brewing. One day, Chris had an acting audition and they thought it would be a great idea to have Brad take his shift at the brewery. When the brewery boss found out what was happening he thought it was hilarious - so instead of Chris being fired they decided to offer Brad a job!
20 years later - and a move across the country - Brad is still passionate about the Craft Beer Community. He has made Calgary his home where he is married with three young kids! It was great to meet up with him for a beer - I hope you enjoy the conversation.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Brad Goddard, Big Rock Brewing : website | twitter | instagram |
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Mark Freeland, Founder of Two Rivers Distillery in Calgary, Alberta. Mark is a passionate artist who has played music professionally for over 30 years. As a distiller, Mark applies the same passion to his new craft of distilling spirits.
On the podcast, we discuss Mark’s journey as an entrepreneur that has been very challenging over the past couple of years. Two Rivers Distillery had opened just months before COVID shut them down, and like many small business owners, Mark was worried that he may have to close his doors permanently.
We also discuss what makes Two Rivers Distillery unique and how Mark is creating a whole craft experience for his guests. “My music background has taught me to look at the entire picture when it comes to the customer experience.” Mark has distilled an amazing list of vodkas and unique gins - with barrels in the back aging whiskey that he’s already excited for!
If you want to support passionate local businesses make sure to add Two Rivers Distillery to your “bucket list” of places to visit. It was awesome to connect with Mark on the podcast - I hope you enjoy the conversation!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Two Rivers Distillery : website | twitter | instagram |
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Jenny Burthwright, Founder of Jane Bond BBQ in Calgary. Jenny started Jane Bond BBQ as a food truck and has since added a brick-and-mortar location. Despite the challenges that our economy and COVID-19 have thrown at her, Jenny continues to grow and has big plans for the future!
Jenny has always been a creative force and studied Advertising at Centennial College in Toronto before moving to Calgary. Through the restaurant, Jenny’s purpose is to touch as many lives with her passion for food as possible. “We offer an experience. Above the food, our environment is aimed to transport guests to a southern culture tour.”
Jenny is also committed to making her restaurant a place where everyone can feel welcome. “From our team members to all of our guests, we amplify acceptance and kindness. These are our values as a company.”
It was great to have Jenny on the podcast and I’m happy to share her story. I hope you enjoy!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Jane Bond BBQ : website | twitter | instagram |
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Don Saviak, President of All Beef Catering & Smokehouse. From living the life of a musician to being an entrepreneur and proud father, Don has an amazing life. On the podcast, we discuss the challenges of being a small business owner and how he has managed to survive through the past year of COVID-19. Oh - and I asked a mutual friend, Craig Sorette, to join us on this episode to lighten the mood.
Don has always been a hard worker who meets challenges head-on and seems to find a way to adapt and survive. When COVID-19 forced people into isolation, Don was hit especially hard as the demand for catering disappeared overnight. It was scary to think that someone like Don, who had worked so hard to build a business, might be forced to close down for good. But as you will hear on the podcast, Don has taken this time to restructure his company, and plans to come out of this stronger than ever!
Don’s advice to young entrepreneurs? “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. From mistakes, you learn. From learning you grow.” It has been amazing to watch him grow as an entrepreneur and I’m grateful to share his story. Enjoy.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
All Beef Catering and Smokehouse : website | twitter | instagram |
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Faye Warrington and Marty Lastiwka, Co-Founders of Skunkworks Distillery in Calgary, Alberta. We discuss the wild adventure of opening a distillery right before a global pandemic, the lessons they have learned, and their vision for the future.
Where does the name come from? Faye and Marty are energy industry workers - Faye is a geologist and Marty is an engineer, thus the science and technology theme to their brand. “Skunkworks” is the name of Lockheed Martin’s advanced engineering group, where top secret, high-tech ideas are born and realized. Skunkworks Distillery is Faye and Marty’s Skunkworks project.
The distillery is located in the Barley Belt District in Calgary and focuses on distilling moonshine. As Marty explains, “Our product is first class but simple, and our branding is fun. This combines to make something unique but approachable for everyone.”
COVID-19 has presented many challenges for the team at Skunkworks. Being forced to close their tasting room for most of 2020 made it difficult to connect with consumers directly to share their stories. Their hope is that 2021 will be the year to share their passion with consumers, finally, attend The Calgary International Beerfest as vendors (their words not mine), and make the term “skunks n soda” a part of our culture!
“Do it well, have fun, be nice” is their company motto. It was great to connect with them and share their story. I hope you enjoy.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Skunkworks Distillery : website | twitter | instagram |
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Troy Kamphuis-Finnigan (Founder, Rapid Ascent Brewery) & Michael Wood (President, Rok Glacier Water). We discuss how all of the pieces of their really cool puzzle fit together - Fortress Mountain, KPOW Cat Skiing, Rok Glacier Water, and Rapid Ascent Brewery.
Troy has over 20 years of experience in the beverage industry and established Rapid Ascent Brewery in 2016. He built the brewery with a long-term growth strategy in mind - his goal was to “create and build quality brands that don’t chase trends but provide quality, value, and consistency.”
Michael Wood has degrees in forestry and environmental science - so he knows a thing or two about water! He also loves skiing and is a director at Eagle Pass Heliski in Revelstoke. Mike connected with his friend Thomas Heath, Managing Director of Fortress Mountain, to commercialize their unique water source available to the resort through Rok Glacier Water.
After researching how to properly package the water they partnered up with Troy who joined the Rok team as a director. Their focus is now on distributing the purest water (and beer) in the world to consumers with a focus on sustainability. One example of this - their choice to package the water in aluminum cans, rather than plastic bottles, due to the infinite recyclability of aluminum.
Their motto is “flows here - not flown here”. Rok Glacier Water is creating local jobs using environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. Revenue from the water, and the craft beer produced with the water, will be used to fund the redevelopment of Fortress Ski Resort, ongoing land reclamation efforts, educational grants and more.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Rapid Ascent Brewery : website | twitter | instagram
Rok Glacier Water: website | twitter | instagram
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Ian Binmore, Co-Founder of Bow River Brewing in Calgary, Alberta. Ian’s passion for craft beer began in the 1980’s when he was a student in California. As a member of a homebrewing group called the Maltose Falcons he was introduced to unique beer styles before the idea of craft beer was even close to mainstream.
Ian graduated to become a Petroleum Engineer and had a career that allowed him to travel around the world. Along the way, his passion for unique beer continued to grow, “wherever I went I would try the beers and especially seek out the small breweries. I learned a lot this way about beer from all over - especially North America and Europe”.
Once Ian retired from the Oil & Gas Industry he decided to follow his passion and built Bow River Brewing with his wife Beatrice. They wanted a brewery that combined great beer, good music and a comfortable, open atmosphere. “I get a real thrill hearing customers laughing and sharing stories together over a pint.”
We discuss how being an engineer was an asset when it came to building the brewery, as well as developing unique recipes as a brewer. “There are a lot of engineers in craft beer because brewing - like good engineering - requires both technical understanding and a vision to create great results”.
The current pandemic has been a challenge for Ian and his team and they look forward to seeing their guests enjoying the taproom again soon. It was great to learn about Ian’s journey and his passion for beer - I hope you enjoy the conversation.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Bow River Brewing : website | twitter | instagram |
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Ty Hinton - Founder of Sydewynder Hops, and Vice President of the Alberta Hops Producers Association. We discuss his experience in the craft beer community that led him to his current venture of growing hops locally, and what he thinks the future of hops in Alberta can be.
After HIgh School, Ty moved to California to play baseball and study Motion Pictures and Television in Chico. Chico is also home of Sierra Nevada Brewing (considered by many as the pioneers of hoppy craft beer) which inspired his passion for beer at a young age. After moving back to Canada, Ty had various jobs in the beer industry before getting into farming, which he says “allowed me to understand that not just any hop will do.”
Hop farming is not common in Alberta and Ty understands that there will be challenges in creating a viable local industry. “Right now we can really only provide brewers with fresh hops, meaning they can only use them in September.” To overcome this challenge, Ty is hoping to grow so that he can justify the purchase of equipment that will allow him to supply brewers with his hops year-round.
We discuss mentors in his life, including his dad who “worked extremely hard but was always there when I needed him”. He also talks about his old baseball coach who taught him to “improve on one aspect of your game everyday” - which is the advice he applies to his business on a daily basis.
I hope you enjoy the conversation.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Ty Hinton / Sidewynder Hops : website | twitter | instagram | LinkedIn
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with my friend Phil Brian, Director of Brewing Bearhill Brewing Co. - the company behind Jasper Brewing, Banff Ave Brewing, Campio Brewing, Last Best Brewing & Distilling and Albeerta Provisions.
We start off by discussing Phil's life in Australia growing up - why he wanted to become an engineer as a kid - and how he realized that dream. He explains how he became passionate about beer - a passion that led him to work alongside his mentor Dr. Chuck Hahn while still getting his education.
Phil is currently living his favorite experiment - living in Canada! After doing zero research, Phil decided to move to Canada in 2011. As he said to his friend before leaving, “I think I should move to Canada - I need more mountains in my life.”
On the podcast, Phil enlightens me on where he thinks the beer industry is headed and what he believes new entries into the community can do to succeed. We also chat about some of his hobbies that keep him sane - cycling, woodworking, cooking, and eating!
A conversation with Phil wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t enter at least one rabbit hole. Want to know about Phil’s strangest habit - “obsessing over urban form, urban design, economics and the effects on everyday life.”? Of course, you do - and that’s why you’re tuning in to the podcast!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Phil Brian/Bearhill : website | twitter | instagram | facebook
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Scott Messenger to discuss his new book “Tapping The West - How Alberta’s Craft Beer Industry Bubbled Out Of An Economy Gone Flat”.
Scott’s journey as a beer writer* started in 2016 with his blog entitled “One Year of Alberta Beer”. His goal was to drink a unique Alberta-based beer everyday for a beer! Spoiler alert - he didn’t achieve his goal - which is probably a good thing for both his liver and his family life. After the attempt, he realized that there was a really cool story to tell about the beer community and decided to write his book.
Scott does a great job explaining the beer industry and how we arrived at this point in our history. What makes the book really interesting though is the conversations with people who have helped to build the industry, allowing the reader inside access to the human side of our community.
I asked him about his plans for the future and he said he might have another book about beer in him! That’s assuming that his wife and kids let him write it. The “research” involved in writing beer-related books makes it hard to hold down a full-time job and maintain a happy family life.
Tapping The West is a great book and I was grateful that Scott took the time to meet up and discuss it on the podcast - I hope you enjoy the conversation.
*Scott doesn’t consider himself a beer writer - but I would say the fact that he literally wrote a book on beer qualifies him as one!
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Scott Messenger: website | twitter | instagram | buy the book
On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Kevin and Graham with One For The Road Brewing - a non-alcoholic brewery based out of Calgary, Alberta. We discuss the rise of non-alcoholic beer in the craft beer industry - or, as Graham would prefer to call it “AnyBeer”. As in “a beer for Anytime, Anywhere and Anyone”.
Graham started the company as a passion project and to satisfy his own desire for really good beer with no alcohol. He wanted people like himself who choose not to drink to feel included and not have to miss out on a tasty pint after a bike ride!
Kevin joined his friend Graham to help grow the company. He was attracted to the beer as a way to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Kevin still loves all kinds of beer - and as he puts it “alcohol is not a bad thing, but there are scenarios where the right choice does not involve alcohol”.
The pair realizes that they have some real challenges ahead of them to end the stigma of non-alcoholic beer. The major obstacle being consumers and industry peers asking “what’s the point” of beer with no alcohol? They plan to win people over by “making good beer and having the beer do the work”.
Graham and Kevin have ambitious plans and would love to see their beer available around the world someday. It’s great to see people working hard to make our community as inclusive as possible - I hope you enjoy the conversation.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
One For The Road Brewing: website | instagram |
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met with the two newest members of Village Brewery - Jeff Popeil (their newly appointed President) and Fraser Abbott, (Vice President Marketing & Community). We discuss the brewery’s legacy and what the future looks like, as Village Brewing prepares to celebrate 10 years of brewing beer in Calgary!
Jeff’s diverse background includes experience in the food industry with Tropicana Pepsico and the Campbell Soup Company, to working with Beakerhead Creative Society as their President. This range of experience will all come into play with Village and makes him a great fit to be their new President. For Jeff, this new chapter in his life is very personal, as he put it, “Village is more than just a company - to me, it represents a philosophy.”
I’ve known Fraser Abbott for a few years and I was excited when I found out that he was joining Village. Fraser and Jim Button (Village Brewing Co-Founder) have been friends for a long time and I think that Fraser will bring a certain intangible quality to the brewery that Jim is famous for. As Fraser commented, “Our main task is to find ways to build on this impressive foundational legacy and continue to lead.” No pressure Fraser!!\
Like many companies, Village Brewing is working through some challenging times. I am grateful that Jeff and Fraser took time to share their stories with me - I hope you enjoy the conversation.
Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Alberta Small Brewers Association: website | twitter | instagram | facebook |
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Blair Berdusco to discuss the Alberta Small Brewers Association and its role in shaping the future of Alberta’s craft beer community.
Blair has a unique background that makes her an ideal person to lead the Alberta Small Brewers Association (ASBA). Among her past positions, Blair has worked with the Alberta Government and a large lobby group for Oil & Gas. When I asked her about her passions she said, “I am fascinated by government, stakeholders, and member engagement.” Well Blair - I guess you’ve found a home then!
The main purpose of ASBA is to bring awareness to Alberta Craft Beer, and to create a community that is accessible and welcoming for consumers. In her role, Blair is motivated by helping to solve the issues that keep their members up at night. She admires the passion that people in the industry have for their work - “They love what they do, and that makes everything I do much easier and more gratifying.”
There are a number of challenges that the industry faces, and we discussed many of them on the podcast. Among these challenges are - educating consumers on the difference between “Manufactured in Alberta” vs “Made in Alberta”, encouraging diversity in the industry, and overcoming the barriers of inter-provincial trade.
It was great to learn more about Blair and how she is making a difference in our community and I hope you enjoy our conversation.
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Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
Alberta Small Brewers Association: website | twitter | instagram | facebook |
For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I sat down with Euan Thomson - Founder and CEO of RAFT Beer Labs in Calgary, Alberta. Basically, Euan is a science nerd that makes sure beer doesn’t taste funky!
Euan grew up in Nova Scotia and moved to Calgary as a young boy with dreams of becoming a paleontologist. As Euan grew older, his love for science remained, but his passion for dinosaurs was replaced with craft beer as he experienced the delightful flavors of The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company, Big Rock Brewery, and Wild Rose Brewery.
While attending the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Euan was able to combine his interests in helping Alley Kat Brewing Company improve its quality control measures. As Euan explains, “Alley Kat showed me that there was a demand for people with my skill set.”
Through a series of fortunate events, Euan soon found himself working for Phillips Brewing and Malting Company in Victoria, BC. As Phillips Lab Manager, Euan was able to further develop his skill set. Recently Euan returned to Calgary and created RAFT Beer Labs with a mission to help craft breweries increase their market share.
Outside of work, Euan and his wife are passionate about social activism. Currently, they are rallying Alberta companies to support harm reduction initiatives - which he discusses on the podcast.
Euan is a great person and making a positive impact in our community - I hope you enjoy the conversation!
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Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram
RAFT Beer Labs: website | twitter | instagram | facebook |
Andrew and Damon, the brothers behind Common Crown Brewing, join The ABF Podcast to share the story of their journey that has resulted in being recognized as the 2020 Canadian Brewery of The Year!
Their interest in brewing beer started years ago with Damon’s passion for home brewing. Always a loving brother, Damon was nice enough to let Andrew help pay for the equipment and clean kegs so that he felt like he was contributing. Their love for making beer grew, and in 2014 the brothers made the decision to start a brewery.
From the beginning, they knew they would need help to make their vision a reality and visited some of the new startups that were opening in Calgary at the time. The brothers recall how critical breweries like The Dandy Brewing Company, Tool Shed Brewing, and Village Brewery were to their early success. At one point Damon remembers saying to Andrew, “If everyone is like this then starting a brewery is not something we should do - it’s something we have to do.” Finally, in November of 2016, Common Crown poured their first pint and the dream became a reality.
Because the brothers didn’t have experience in the beer industry, they knew that they needed to build a strong team to succeed. With their Tagline of “Team One”, Damon and Andrew have built a strong culture with buy-in from people in all areas of the company from production to packaging and sales. Their goal is to continue to make beer that is true to style and that everyone who is part of the Common Crown team can be proud of.
Common Crown Brewing is an important part of Alberta’s beer community and well-deserving of their title as the 2020 Canadian Brewery of the Year.
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Alberta Beer Festivals: website | Twitter | Instagram
Common Crown Brewing: website | Twitter | Instagram | facebook