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Join us for an inspiring coffee and chat with Gail Powley, the President of Technology Alberta and Executive Director of the ASTech Awards!

Growing up in Alberta in a tight-knit, hardworking family, Gail discovered an early passion for math and people. This unique combination led her to the University of Alberta, where she earned her engineering degree. Entering a heavily male-dominated field, Gail designed advanced cruise control systems for refineries, proving that a sharp mind and thick skin can break any glass ceiling. She later paired her technical expertise with an MBA and championed a groundbreaking provincial initiative, later adopted nationally, focused on managing workplace transitions so companies wouldn't lose top-tier talent during parental and personal leaves.

Gail dives deep into the Alberta Science and Technology Leadership (ASTech) Awards, which bring together industry, academia, and government to celebrate the province's brightest minds. She gives us a fascinating sneak peek into the local Alberta companies making global waves in AI, drone technology, space satellites, and even defense tech for the US Navy. Plus, she shares all the details for the upcoming 2026 ASTech Awards in Edmonton, kicking off with the opening ceremony on September 18th!

Gail also weighs in on the evolution of AI, reminding us that while it feels brand new, it has actually been decades in the making. She reflects on how grassroots student groups and entrepreneurs are transforming into massive tech success stories.

This is an absolute must-listen for anyone interested in the future of technology, business leadership, and the incredible innovation happening right in our backyard.

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Grab your favourite brew and pull up a chair for a casual coffee and conversation with Jennifer and Cam!

In this episode, Jennifer kicks things off with an Off the Field update. She is deep in the trenches of planning a massive tournament for the upcoming weekend—handling everything from coordinating volunteers to organizing the post-event cleanup. If you’re a local listener in the Spruce Grove area and have kids looking to make a little extra money or get some work experience this weekend, Jennifer wants to hear from you! Reach out and get involved.

Cam and Jennifer dive into their drinks of choice and reminisce about their failed attempt to create a signature blend called the "JC"—a drink that, unfortunately, did not stand the test of time.

The duo answers a rapid-fire round of fun, coffee-themed questions. Find out what specific coffee drink they think matches their personalities, what job they would actually want if they worked in a coffee shop, and when they first started drinking coffee in the first place.

Tune in for laughs, local community updates, and plenty of caffeine-fueled banter!

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What if you could pull up a chair and grab a coffee with anyone from history?

In this special episode, Jennifer and Cam dive into their ultimate "Dead or Alive" guest Wish List. They each select three individuals who have shaped the world—or their own lives—in profound ways.

Cam’s list spans from ancient history to local political legends. He shares his fascination with St. Peter, exploring the transformative journey of a fisherman who became a pillar of faith, and discusses the grit of former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein, who rose from a high school dropout to one of the most influential figures in the province's history.

Jennifer’s picks lean into the pioneers who broke boundaries and changed the Canadian landscape. She discusses her admiration for Amelia Earhart, the legendary aviator who defied the odds of the 1930s, and pays tribute to the "Father of Medicare," Tommy Douglas.

Who are the remaining guests on their lists? You’ll have to tune in to find out which Canadian musical storyteller and which deeply personal family connection made the final cut!

We want to hear from you: If you could have coffee with anyone who has ever existed, who would it be and why?

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Tara Proskiw, the powerhouse owner of Towne & Countree Kitchens.

Tara grew up in Duffield, Alberta, watching her father work at the TransAlta Power plant. While she initially considered a career in policing, her spirited and strong-willed personality eventually led her to the Court Stenography program at NAIT. Tara shares the fascinating reality of this profession—from learning what is essentially a different language to the extreme speed and accuracy required. However, her unwavering moral compass and high standards for integrity eventually led her to leave the industry behind. 

After transitioning into the corporate world at Gateway Mechanical, Tara met her husband and eventually moved into the countertop industry. Her drive and talent saw her climb the ranks to become the first female branch manager in her field. Seeking a more personal, smaller-company atmosphere, she eventually found her home at Towne & Countree Kitchens. Tara was captivated by the transformational power of renovations and joined the team as General Manager with a clear vision: to one day become the owner. After a four-year "trial" proving her leadership, she purchased the company and is now celebrating five successful years of ownership!

Tara also opens up about the philosophy that fuels her success: maintaining a positive mindset through intentionality and gratitude. She discusses the importance of making a conscious effort to look for the good in the world, rather than letting the weight of the negative take hold. By reframing obstacles not as failures, but as essential growth opportunities, she has learned how to progress forward with purpose. Tara emphasizes the necessity of finding what truly "fills your cup" and maintaining open, honest communication with partners to ensure everyone’s needs and goals are being met.

This is an episode packed with heart, grit, and wisdom that you won't want to miss. Tune in to be inspired by Tara’s journey and gain valuable pieces of advice to live by.

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Join us for an inspiring coffee and chat with Becky Oxton, the owner of Sunrise Estate Services!

Becky’s journey is one of service and evolution. Growing up in Alberta, she followed in her mother’s footsteps, graduating from Grant MacEwan’s Police Studies program and entering the force at just 21 years old. Her career as a Special Constable and Community Peace Officer took her across the province, where she spearheaded vital community programs like Dog Bite Prevention and Bike Rodeos.

After transitioning from policing, Becky spent 13 years as a Regional Traffic Safety Consultant, working with organizations like MADD to launch the "Crashed Car" initiative—a project that grew from a local effort into a massive national safety campaign.

Today, Becky leads Sunrise Estate Services, a business she co-founded with her husband to fill a gap she discovered after the loss of her own mother. Now in its 11th year, Sunrise is a compassionate, full-service estate company servicing Western Canada. Beyond liquidating estates and providing asset assessments, Becky has launched a brand-new merch shop featuring fun designs of the company’s beloved dogs and mascots, KC and Finnegan! She has even developed a comprehensive end-of-life planner to help families navigate the questions that arise when a loved one passes.

 From the thin blue line to helping families preserve their legacies, Becky’s life is a masterclass in turning professional expertise into personal passion, and this is an incredible story of resilience and community heart that you will not want to miss. 

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This week’s episode is extra special as we celebrate a major milestone—100 episodes of Coffee In The Park! 

To mark the occasion, we’re joined by Morgan Kunitz of the iconic Kunitz Shoes. While her parents founded the business in 1981 as a franchise store, it has since evolved into a premier independent shoe destination. Morgan grew up in the aisles and backrooms of the family shop, but her journey took her far beyond the storefront. After studying in the Theatre Arts program at Grant MacEwan, she spent several years living in Germany with a theatre company, immersing herself in European culture and gaining a unique perspective on the global shoe market.

Since returning to Canada and taking on a leadership role in the family business alongside her brother, Morgan has helped the brand flourish. We dive into their experience visiting the massive Milan shoe show six years ago—a trip that highlighted the scale of the global industry—and their incredible collaborations with local artists. This includes a partnership with Indigenous artist Lance Cardinal to create custom shoes that are now featured in the Royal Alberta Museum. Morgan also shares fascinating industry insights, from why Canada leans so heavily on European styles to why great winter footwear is surprisingly rare on the global stage.

A massive thank you to our listeners, our wonderful guests, and our sponsors for helping us reach 100 episodes. We couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to the next 100!

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Miss Emily and her mother, Alison, from Sweet Freeze! 

Born with an extremely rare genetic disorder, Miss Emily has spent her life defying the odds and becoming a source of joy for everyone she meets. An entrepreneur at heart, Emily is now launching her latest venture: a mobile ice cream shop called Sweet Freeze.

This isn’t Emily’s first time in the entrepreneurial spotlight. Her previous business, Wags Cookies—inspired by the bond she shared with her service dog, Levi—reached incredible heights, even making it to the Grammys where celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber received her treats. Beyond her business success, Emily has been a powerful advocate for the community, appearing on the Larry King Show for World Autism Awareness Day to spread awareness about service dog access. Her appearance was so impactful that it led to a service dog being donated to another family in need.

Now, Emily is hitting the streets with Sweet Freeze to bring treats and smiles to local neighborhoods. Using a custom-adapted three-wheel mobility trike wrapped in bright pink, she’ll be serving up ice cream and even specialized watermelon popsicles for dogs. Check out our Instagram to see photos of this amazing ice cream trike in action! Emily’s mission has always been to spread love, and her story is a beautiful testament to perseverance and passion. We invite you to support this mission—Coffee in the Park is proud to be an official sponsor of Sweet Freeze, and we challenge you to join us in sponsoring this incredible initiative!

You can visit them here: Sweet Freeze — Frozen Treats. Warm Hearts.

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Join us for the second segment of Grape Expectations!

We are joined once again by Karen Principe to dive into two more featured wines: an 1884 Cabernet Sauvignon and an Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc. 

Karen guides us through a masterclass on flavor profiles, explaining the fascinating way grape genetics play a role in flavour profiles and so much more. We also explore the art of pairing, discussing everything from seafood to the best wine to suit a classic grilled cheese. Make sure to tune in at the start of each month for more fabulous wine recommendations, fun facts, and perfect pairings!

Make sure to tune in at the start of each month for more fabulous wine recommendations, fun facts, and perfect pairings!

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Chef Adam Brack, Executive Chef at the DoubleTree and Home2 Suites by Hilton West Edmonton!

Originally from Peterborough, Ontario, Adam initially expected to follow in his father's footsteps into the trades, but his natural affinity for working with his hands eventually found a different outlet. His lifelong love of food was rooted in simple traditions, like the fish and chips he enjoyed every Friday growing up, but it wasn't until a high school Home Economics elective that he truly fell in love with the craft. To this day, Adam still keeps the first recipe he ever wrote framed in his home as a reminder of where it all began.

Adam honed his skills at the prestigious Stratford Chefs School, where he went through a rigorous hands-on program. His first year was spent learning every facet of the industry, from washing dishes and prep work to acting as a sommelier while cooking for the school's restaurant. By his second year, the program transitioned into a residency format where students acted as chefs in residence. This allowed them the opportunity to take the lead in the kitchen, giving them the creative freedom to design their own menus and significantly expand their professional cooking abilities. 

While Adam originally intended to avoid large chain restaurants, a unique opportunity at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge changed his perspective. Having never been to Alberta before, he spent three months working at JPL between his school years and immediately returned to the Rockies upon graduation. Since then, Adam has worked at various renowned kitchens throughout Alberta, leading him to his current role at the DoubleTree. 

His story is one of craftsmanship and passion, and after hearing it, you will definitely want to stop by for a meal.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Doug Lang as he shares a life story that feels like it belongs on the silver screen. Originally from Winnipeg, Doug bypassed a career in his father’s insurance firm to pursue his own passions, first earning a pilot’s license in Vancouver before finding his true calling in policing at age 24. His diverse career on the force spanned from the motor core and detective division to serving as the department’s media spokesperson and working in the vice department, where he spent months filming a documentary on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Beyond the badge, Doug’s personal life is defined by a cinematic romance with his wife, Georgialee. After meeting at an Italian restaurant and sharing a legendary first date night-skiing, the two lost touch for several years. Their paths eventually crossed again through some intentional police work; having kept tabs on her, Doug pulled Georgialee over on purpose while she was driving to go skiing to reignite their connection. 

The couple also had to navigate a unique professional overlap early in their marriage, as Doug was arresting individuals while Georgialee was working to get them out of jail. This led to a career transition for Georgialee into family law, while Doug has spent his retirement fueling his lifelong love for machinery by collecting cars and motorcycles. 

This episode offers a fascinating look at the complexities of police life, the power of a second-chance romance, and the importance of following your own path. To hear the other side of this incredible tale, be sure to listen to Georgialee’s episode for the full story of how they found their way back to one another.

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