CREATE - The Podcast

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: [email protected]
• 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: [email protected]  

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