CREATE - The Podcast

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 young, ambitious restaurant owner to an internationally acclaimed culinary icon. Join us as we uncover the untold stories behind Vikram's success, gain insights into the challenges he's overcome, and hear wisdom from his remarkable journey. 

Whether you're an aspiring chef, a budding entrepreneur, or simply someone with a hunger for inspiration, this conversation promises to leave you informed, inspired, and hungry for more.

Host:

Mark Kondrat

Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/

ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com

LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com

Guest:

Vikram Vij

Restaurateur, TV Personality, Owner and Chef of Vij’s

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefvikramvij/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikram-vij-359570185/?originalSubdomain=ca

Website(s): 

https://vijs.ca/

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 landscape of craft brewing in the province. Grab a cold one, get comfortable, and get ready to gain a deeper understanding of what makes our province's beer scene so special.

Host:

Mark Kondrat

Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/

ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com

LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com

Guest:

Anthony Lynch

Vice President of Culinary Operations at Concorde Entertainment Group

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allynch1972/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-lynch-5675856/

Website(s): 

https://www.alleykatbeer.com/home

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 Pedhirney serves as the creative mind behind several of Calgary's top dining establishments, such as Major Tom, Surfy Surfy Bar, Barbarella Bar, and the acclaimed Bridgette Bar, contributing significantly to their success.

Tune in for a discussion about chasing your career goals and keeping your cup half full.

Host:

Mark Kondrat

Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/

ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com

LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com

Guest:

JP Pedhirney

Vice President of Culinary Operations at Concorde Entertainment Group

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jp_pedhirney/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-pedhirney-111796a1/ 

Website(s): 

https://www.concordegroup.ca/

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 brewery is pivoting its operations, optimizing resources, and forging ahead in the face of adversity. 

Grab a cold one and lets dive in into the inner workings of Tool Shed Brewing, as they craft a new chapter in their journey toward sustainable success.

Host:

Mark Kondrat

Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/

ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com

LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com

Guest:

Graham Sherman

Co-Founder of Tool Shed Brewing Company

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/shermandelux/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shermandelux/?originalSubdomain=ca

Website(s): 

https://www.toolshedbrewing.com/

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 to profitability. When it comes to brewing success in the cannabis industry, Paul’s crafting a blend that's sure to leave a lasting impression. 

Host:

Mark Kondrat

Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/

ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com

LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com

Guest:

Paul Wilson

CEO of Decibel Cannabis

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/decibelcc/

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldwilson001/

Website(s): 

https://decibelcc.com/

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-minded individuals through the power of audio storytelling. Now, Tim has the role of CEO and Chief Podcaster at @podsummit, where he continues to push the boundaries of podcasting innovation and collaboration.

Join us as we explore the art of building communities, fostering connections, and discovering the endless possibilities that arise when we unite over shared interests.

Host:

Mark Kondrat

Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/

ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com

LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com

Guest:

Tim Truax

CEO and Chief Podcaster at Pod Summit

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/podsummit/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-truax-212931a4/

Website(s): 

https://www.podsummit.com/

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. They've established themselves as a prominent supplier of high-quality Canadian garments with a strong focus on meaningful collaborations.

Join us for an engaging conversation about teamwork, community involvement, and creativity – all over a beer, of course!

Host:

Mark Kondrat

Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast

Instagram

LinkedIn

ABF Website

LMFAB Website

Guest:

Connor Curran

Founder and co-owner of Local Laundry. 

Instagram

Linkedin

Website: 

Local Laundry https://locallaundry.ca/ 

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 2009.

Over the years, Jacqueline's dedication and talent have transformed JACEK Chocolate Couture into a thriving enterprise. Today, they operate out of a state-of-the-art CFIA-licensed production facility in Sherwood Park, Alberta, where a skilled and passionate team of 25+ individuals works tirelessly to bring her delectable visions to life.

Join us for a delectable discussion where chocolate, creativity, and ambition converge.

Host:

Mark Kondrat

Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/

ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com

LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com

Guest:

Jacqueline Jacek

Founder of Jacek Chocolate

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jacekchocolate/

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-jacek-571a1b43/

Website: https://jacekchocolate.com/

Brought to you by Taste Alberta!

Taste Alberta

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastealberta/

Website: https://www.tastealberta.ca/

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 accomplished female chefs, including her grandmother, who catered to celebrities, Presidents, Ambassadors, Governors of Mexico, and even the Kings of Spain.

Join us for a conversation about the importance of pushing oneself to achieve goals, building upon family traditions, and proudly representing one's culture. Explore how Elia is taking Mexican cuisine in Canada to new heights with her restaurants: Milpa in Calgary, and Tecolote and Colibri in Toronto.

Host:

Mark Kondrat

Partner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/

ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com

LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com

Guest:

Elia Herrera

Chef and Co-Owner of Milpa, Tecolote and Colibri

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/chefeliaherrera/?hl=en

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/elia-herrera-8718754a/

Website(s): 

Milpa Restaurant

Tecolote Restaurant

Colibri Restaurant

Brought to you by Taste Alberta!

Taste Alberta

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastealberta/

Website: https://www.tastealberta.ca/

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 with his longstanding commitment to the local community, resulting in the establishment of Shortline Creative, a local digital marketing agency.

Tune in to the Let's Meet for a Beer podcast for a captivating discussion on digital entrepreneurship, community connections, and the pursuit of one's passions.

Host:

Mark Kondrat

Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast

Instagram

LinkedIn

ABF Website

LMFAB Website

Guest:

Jeff Humphreys

Founder of Shortline Creative and The Calgary Sessions

Instagram

LinkedIn

Website