CREATE - The Podcast

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 

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

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 

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

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 

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, 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