CREATE - The Podcast

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 Kananask...

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...

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...

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 brushs...

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...

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...

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 landsca...

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 Pedhir...

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 brew...

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 t...

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-minde...

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...

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...

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 accompl...

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...

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...

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 an...

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:...

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 Schoengut Vice President of Trixstar LIVE Website: https://trixstarlive.com L...

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.rapidascen...

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 Link...

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: htt...

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 Rou...

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...

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://gnucraftspiri...