CREATE - The Podcast

The Business of Creativity: Pushing Boundaries in Craft Beverages | CREATE - The Podcast

Blake Belding is the co-founder of Cold Garden Beverage Company.  What started as homebrewing beer and making wine evolved into a vision - one that would eventually become one of Calgary’s most recognizable and innovative beverage brands. As the creative force behind Cold Garden’s ever-evolving lineup, Blake is constantly experimenting, pushing boundaries, and redefining what a local beverage company can be. His ideas don’t just come from a playbook—they come from experience. Travel plays a big role in that. Whether it’s exploring new cities, cultures, or flavours, Blake brings those inspirations back home, turning them into something tangible - something you can taste, share, and experience. At his core, Blake represents what CREATE is all about: starting with curiosity, taking action, and building something real. Guest: * Blake Belding - Cold Garden Beverage Company: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/direct/t/100205134717201/?hl=en] | Website [https://coldgarden.ca/] Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]

Beyond the Anchor Desk: Linda Olsen on Purpose & Reinvention | CREATE - The Podcast

Linda Olsen is a born-and-raised Calgarian and award-winning storyteller who spent nearly three decades as one of the most trusted voices at Global News Calgary. Over a 36-year career in journalism, she helped shape how the city understood its defining moments - from breaking news to powerful human stories that connected communities. In 2024, she stepped away from the anchor desk and into a new chapter- embracing freelance storytelling, speaking engagements, and hosting The Spotlight Hour with Linda Olsen on QR Calgary. Grounded in family and purpose, Linda continues to shine a light on the people and stories that make Calgary extraordinary - proving that reinvention isn’t about starting over, but about stepping forward with intention. Guest: * Linda Olsen: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/linda_olsen_global] | Website [http://lindaolsen.org] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-olsen-media/]  Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]

Living the Brand: How Steve McVicker Builds Culture, Not Just Products | CREATE - The Podcast

Steve McVicker is the Chief Brand Officer and Co-Founder of Matt & Steve’s, the proudly Canadian company behind The Extreme Bean and one of the most recognizable names in the Caesar and pickle category. What began as a bold idea between two best friends has grown into an international brand built on fun, flavour, authenticity, and emotional connection. Steve is the driving force behind the brand’s voice, personality, and cultural impact. He believes great brands aren’t just marketed — they’re lived. From storytelling and partnerships to consumer engagement and community-building, Steve ensures Matt & Steve’s doesn’t just stand out on shelves, but resonates with people in real life. Driven by curiosity, discipline, and a relentless work ethic, Steve continues to compete - and win - against much larger players by staying authentic and building experiences people don’t just see, but feel. Guest: * Steve McVicker - Matt & Steve’s: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/chefgass/?hl=en] | Website [https://can.mattandsteve.com/] Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]

Andrew Gass: Chef by Trade, Brewer by Passion, Competitor at Heart | CREATE - The Podcast

Andrew Gass is a chef with more than 35 years of experience around the globe.  He’s worked everywhere from Walt Disney World Resorts to elite international hockey tournaments - earning two gold medals as Team Canada’s chef at the World Junior Championships in Sweden and the Czech Republic.  A graduate of the Olds College Brew Master program (with distinction) - Andrew is now the co-owner of Vaycay Brew Co [https://www.vaycaybrew.co/], combining his culinary and brewing passions.   Today, we’re going to talk about personal growth and what it really takes to build excellence over decades. Guest: * Andrew Gass: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/chefgass/?hl=en]  * VayCay Brew Co: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vaycaybrewco/?hl=en]  Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]

Dillon Stecyk: Creating Aroabora - Banff’s Mountain Music Festival | CREATE - The Podcast

Dillon Stecyk, COO of The Apres Collective [https://aprescollective.com/], is a creative entrepreneur and one of the driving forces behind the Aroabora Music Festival [https://aroabora.com/] in Banff - a unique, mountain-set celebration that blends music, nature, and human connection. With a background rooted in events, culture, and collaboration, Dillon has helped shape Aroabora into an experience that brings people together and reminds them what music feels like when it’s intentional and intimate.  Dillon brings a refreshingly honest take on building creative projects with friends, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and staying grounded while building something meaningful. In this conversation, Dillon shares the behind-the-scenes realities of festival creation and why community - not scale - is the real measure of success. Guest:  * Dillon Stecyk - COO of ABF & Apres Collective: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dillonstecyk/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dillonstecyk/]  * ABF: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apresfestivals/] | Website [https://albertabeerfestivals.com/] * Aroabora Music Festival: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aroabora/] | Website [https://aroabora.com/] Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]