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Disclaimer: Our apologies for the audio issues in the first half of the episode. We had some technical difficulties that made Cam sound a bit distant and echo-y, but we promise the second half is worth the wait!

Join us for a coffee with Josh Classen, CTV Edmonton's Chief Meteorologist, for a chat that's anything but predictable. Get to know the man behind the forecast as we explore his incredible life story. 

We'll start with his unique upbringing, from his parents leaving a cult and moving to Fort McMurray to their eventual settling in Lloydminster, where his father invented the now-famous "Deck Clip." Josh takes us through his educational path from NAIT to a specialized meteorology program at Mississippi State University—a course originally designed for military personnel.

This conversation goes well beyond the weather. Josh shares how he ended up in broadcasting, from his early days as a news reporter who wanted to cover sports to becoming the Chief Meteorologist. He also shares fun stories about his work, including his weekly visits to grade five classrooms to teach kids about the weather.

We also get into his personal life. Josh talks about his family, his kids' budding music careers, and his own surprising past as a rapper. You'll hear the full story of his hip-hop origins and a special performance you won't want to miss. Finally, we cover his extensive community involvement, from repelling down the side of a building for charity to touring Stollery Mighty Millions lottery homes.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with a true Edmonton legend, Gene Principe, Host of the Edmonton Oilers Broadcast on Sportsnet! We had the special opportunity to sit down with Gene in downtown Acheson to discuss his life and career.

Born and raised in Edmonton, Gene has been a lifelong Oilers fan and fondly remembers their first Stanley Cup victory. While he initially dreamed of being a professional soccer player, his passion for sports led him to broadcasting. He shares his journey from attending NAIT to breaking into the industry in Grande Prairie.

Gene also opens up about his personal life, sharing the charming story of how he met his wife, Karen. He recounts seeing her as a DJ, being turned down, and then seizing a second chance six months later—a moment that led to a beautiful 32-year relationship. Gene also reflects on the experience of helping Karen with her city council campaigns, and how he's received unexpected feedback on his haircuts while going door-to-door!

Beyond his career and family, Gene highlights the importance of giving back to the community, mentioning his recent half-marathon run for Sports Central. From its humble beginnings in the trunk of a car to an organization that now serves over 10,000 kids each year, Sport Central is a game-changer. They are instrumental in giving every child the opportunity to play, providing the essential sports equipment kids need to get in the game. 

Tune in to hear our full conversation about hockey, Wayne Gretzky, the enduring power of sports to unite generations, and how Gene’s love for the game has brought people of all ages together.

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"Best of the Best" Finale: Mike Myshak Sr.!

As Jennifer and Cam continue their well-deserved vacation, we're excited to present the grand finale of our "Best of the Best" podcast series this August! 🎧 We've been diving into our archives to highlight standout conversations and insights from our incredible past Lifetime Achievement Award Winners, and this week, we're wrapping it up with a true legend.

Join us for a special coffee and chat with Mr. Mike Myshak Sr., the esteemed Owner of the Myshak Group of Companies! At 90 years old, Mr. Myshak Sr. is a pioneering figure in the heavy equipment and transportation industry.

In this remarkable episode, Mr. Myshak Sr. shares the incredible journey of establishing the Myshak Group of Companies right here in Acheson. He passionately highlights the significance of family values and the virtue of humility that have guided his success. This conversation was made even more special with three generations of the Myshak family joining us, offering a unique glimpse into their legacy.

Don't miss this inspiring finale to our "Best of the Best" series! We'll be back with brand new episodes in September!

Tune in now to hear Mr. Myshak Sr.'s incredible story!

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"Best of the Best" - Lifetime Achievement Series Continues: Wes Wall!

While Jennifer and Cam are enjoying some well-deserved vacation time, we're excited to bring you the "Best of the Best" podcast episodes! This August, we're diving into our archives to highlight standout conversations and insights from our incredible past Lifetime Achievement Award Winners. Get ready to relive truly inspiring moments and hear from the trailblazers who've shaped our community.

This week, join us for a coffee and chat with Wes Wall, CEO and Co-Founder of Genics Inc.! Originally from Saskatchewan, Wes has gone on to do some truly amazing things. His early love for agriculture unexpectedly fueled his creation of game-changing products for the power and utility industry.

Don't miss this inspiring story of innovation, perseverance, and how one man's vision reshaped an industry. Wes is also the well-deserved recipient of last year's Acheson Business Association Lifetime Achievement Award!

Tune in to hear Wes's incredible journey!

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"Best of the Best" - Lifetime Achievement Series Continues!

While Jennifer and Cam are on vacation, we're bringing you a special "Best of the Best" series this August! We're diving into our archives to revisit inspiring conversations with our incredible Lifetime Achievement Award Winners.

This week, join us for a coffee and chat with Darlene Whittaker, President and CEO of Reliable Tube, and the recipient of the 2023 Acheson Business Lifetime Achievement Award. Darlene's life is a remarkable story of perseverance, love, and breaking boundaries.

Hear about her journey from Estevan, Saskatchewan, to Edmonton, where she met the love of her life. Darlene opens up about the challenges and triumphs of an interracial marriage, and the beautiful life she and her husband, Joe, built together. Plus, discover their profound philanthropic work through the Reliable Charitable Foundation of Hope (RCFOH).

Get ready to be inspired by a true trailblazer! We'll be back with brand new episodes in September!

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Join us for a coffee and chat with John Leder, the CEO and Owner of Supreme Steel! John is set to receive the prestigious 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award at the ABA Gala on September 20th, a well-deserved recognition of his immense impact.

John's incredible journey began in Wassenaar, Netherlands, before his family relocated to Winnipeg when he was five. After meeting his wife, Sally, through their church youth groups, they settled in Edmonton. What was meant to be a temporary job driving trucks quickly turned into a lifelong career. John joined his father as a general labourer at Centennial Steel, planning to attend university. However, a natural talent for the industry emerged as he quickly climbed the ranks in the shop and field, learning to weld and run night shifts. Despite a brief return to university with plans to study law, the call of the steel industry proved irresistible.

His entrepreneurial spirit truly ignited while working for Triangle Steel. After the company declined his innovative proposal to equip a mobile repair truck, they encouraged him to start his own venture. This led to the humble beginnings of Supreme Steel. Starting with small odd jobs and gradually expanding to hire his brother and join the unions in 1974, John steadily grew the company. Supreme Steel built its own shop, continuously expanding, and eventually made strategic acquisitions across Canada, including Saskatoon, to become the industry leader it is today.

In 2005, Supreme Steel moved its operations to Acheson, building their stunning facility complete with a fabulous glass atrium that has become a hub for community events. The building also houses the Bridgespan Cafe and Grill, renowned for its amazing food. John's career, from his early days as a general labourer to leading a national powerhouse, is a true testament to perseverance, vision, and entrepreneurial drive.

Congratulations to John Leder on his Lifetime Achievement Award! We celebrate his tremendous impact on the steel industry, and his enduring contributions to Acheson and beyond. If you're in Acheson, swing by Supreme Steel to experience their fabulous atrium and enjoy an amazing lunch at Bridgespan!

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Noah Welch, President of The Dome Red Deer! This Boston native grew up with big dreams of playing in the NHL and Olympics (his backup plan? A professional meatball judge!).

Noah's journey began with high school hockey and a pivotal decision to attend Harvard University, where his team won two ECAC championships. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins while still in high school, he signed with them after graduating, beginning his pro career. He shares memories of getting an assist in his first NHL game and being a rookie alongside Sidney Crosby.

After two years with the Penguins organization, Noah's career took him through trades to Florida (where an injury sidelined him) and Tampa Bay. A move to Chicago proved serendipitous, as he met his future wife, a Red Deer native. Shortly after their wedding, a deal to play in Sweden reignited his love for hockey, leading to seven more years in Europe and a career highlight: playing in the 2018 Olympics before retiring.

In retirement, Noah debated his next move until a friend inspired an idea for a Dome. Driven by the philosophy of using "sport to positively impact kids' lives," he connected with Bo Jackson, who owns similar domes in the U.S. Today, Noah uses his vast professional sports experience to guide youth, with The Dome Red Deer embodying that very motto.

Get ready to hear Noah's incredible journey, from his childhood dreams in Boston and his academic success at Harvard, through the highs and lows of a professional hockey career that saw him play in the NHL and the Olympics. Discover how his love for the game, combined with a desire to give back, led him to establish The Dome Red Deer, a place where his vast knowledge and experience are now channeled into positively impacting the lives of young athletes through the power of sport. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, adapting to new opportunities, and finding purpose beyond professional play. 

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Join us for a relaxed coffee and chat as Jennifer and Cam talk all things summer!

Get ready to hear about their recent adventures, including Cam's exciting trip to Toronto where he caught a Blue Jays game on Canada Day (calling it the best celebration ever!), explored Niagara Falls, and snapped a pic with the Stanley Cup at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Jennifer shares her experiences as a busy baseball team manager for her son's team, and both recount their fun times hitting the outlet stores in the U.S.

They'll also share a wild story about Jennifer witnessing a forest fire starting on a lake island in Saskatchewan, and you'll hear their thoughts on how fast summer flies by (hello, back-to-school commercials!) and the surprisingly bold gophers of Acheson – our unofficial "national animal!"

This episode is packed with summer stories, laughs, and a look at those little things that make the season special.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Erika Barootes, a dynamic force in Alberta, serving as Co-Host of The Discourse Podcast, Department Head & Director of External Relations at MaKami College, and an Alberta Senator in Waiting! 

Erika, a Regina native, initially pursued sciences at the University of Calgary before shifting to a Political Science degree. Dispelling the myth that a poli-sci degree is a direct ticket to politics, she reveals how her early involvement as a youth representative on local constituency boards laid the groundwork for her deep understanding of the political landscape.

Though she initially wanted politics to remain a passion rather than a career, Erika was drawn in during Gary Mar's 2011 PC Leadership campaign, quickly rising from running his Calgary office to traveling as his Executive Assistant. Her career continued through various political roles in Edmonton, including an impactful run for President of the UCP and later putting herself forward for the Senate, advocating for Alberta and new programs for veterans.

Beyond the political arena, Erika is an avid runner and cherishes time with her family. She's also the engaging Co-Host of The Discourse Podcast, where she and Cheryl Oates, from opposing political viewpoints, foster respectful debate. What started as TV and radio segments grew into a popular podcast, drawing significant media attention.

Erika's commitment to practical political education led her to create and launch the Applied Politics and Public Affairs 2-year diploma program. This hyper-partisan online pilot program, which highlights what she wished her own degree covered, provides a comprehensive introduction to politics, public affairs, and advocacy, and has garnered immense interest across Canada.

Get ready to hear Erika's insightful perspective on navigating the world of politics, the power of constructive discourse, and her dedication to practical education for the next generation of leaders.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Karren Menil, the visionary founder of Green Light Customs Broker! Born in the Philippines as the youngest of five, Karren grew up immersed in family and community. In 2014, she seized the opportunity to study in Canada, bringing with her a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a rich background in banking, insurance, and even running her own manufacturing business, Germ-Proof Solutions.

Her initial plan was to take her manufacturing business global upon returning to the Philippines after completing an international trade program in Vancouver. However, fate had other ideas. Instead, Karren dove into the world of customs brokerage, first with AMA Contract Customs Broker and later with FedEx Trade Network during the remote work era of COVID-19. This extensive experience laid the groundwork for her bold entrepreneurial leap.

After relocating to Alberta, with her husband, Karren began working as a customs specialist for BDS. It was this hands-on experience, collaborating closely with customs brokers, that ultimately inspired her to branch out, provide the full spectrum of services herself, and launch her own company. Fuelled by her deep understanding of customs and logistics, Karren started Green Light Customs Broker in 2023. The name itself, inspired by a literal green light, symbolizes her mission to be a "green light" for trade and customs for others. Since then, her company has rapidly expanded its reach across Canada and is soon entering the U.S.

Beyond business, Karren is driven by a profound dream to build communities, aiming to establish schools, libraries, hospitals, and orphanages to ensure basic necessities are accessible to all. She's also penned a guide book for children and teens, currently in the design phase and set for publication this year. Next year, she plans to gift copies to every student at her alma mater in the Philippines, further extending her vision of prosperity and accessibility.

Get ready to be inspired by Karren's journey of unexpected turns, entrepreneurial spirit, and her unwavering dedication to community building and global impact!

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