Zebras to Apples

Supply Chain is Everywhere: Reflections & Stories from 30 Episodes

What happens when you spend a year asking curious questions about how the world really works? In this special milestone episode, Bryndis Whitson steps out from behind the mic to reflect on the first 30 episodes of Zebras to Apples. From lost microphones and recording mishaps to unforgettable stories about airplanes, grocery stores, fish logistics, concerts, political campaigns, sustainability, security, and everything in between, this episode is a candid, heartfelt look at why these stories matter, what connects them, and how supply chain logistics shows up everywhere, whether we notice it or not. Bryndis’ Big Takeaways from 30 Episodes: * Supply chain is everywhere — grocery stores, concerts, elections, emergencies, and everyday life * Careers are rarely linear — skills travel across industries in surprising ways * Economic development and supply chain are interlinked  * Logistics is about people, trust, and relationships as much as processes * Adaptability matters more than perfection * Behind every smooth experience is a lot of invisible coordination * Curiosity opens doors, and stories connect us all Resources discussed in this episode: * “Connecting the Dots” – Steve Jobs  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz0j7z38LIg] * Astronomic Audio (podcast production) [https://astronomicaudio.ca/] — Contact Bryndis Whitson:  * Website: ZebrasToApples.com  [http://zebrastoapples.com] * Instagram: @ZebrasToApples [https://www.instagram.com/zebrastoapples/] * LinkedIn: Zebras to Apples [https://www.linkedin.com/company/zebrastoapples/]

Supply Chain Logistics of Northern Rural Canada with Christina Monroe

What does supply chain look like when there are no street addresses, limited cell service, and groceries travel thousands of kilometers? Bryndis Whitson sits down with Christina Monroe to explore the realities of living in Northern Canada, from freight and food security to shipping, travel, and planning far ahead.  The conversation spans what it takes to move goods, people, and services across vast distances with limited infrastructure. From coordinating IKEA orders and freight consolidation to navigating cell service dead zones, Christina shares practical examples of how logistics shapes daily life in the North. The conversation also touches on logistics people rarely think about, including veterinary access, emergency preparedness, shipping without physical addresses, and why durable containers are essential for northern freight. Christina’s stories highlight how planning, adaptability, and community cooperation are key to making life work in remote regions. About Christina Monroe Christina Monroe has lived and worked in the Northwest Territories for over 27 years and brings deep, lived experience of what it means to navigate life in northern, rural, and remote communities. With a background that spans childcare, community work, advocacy, and political organizing, Christina has firsthand insight into the logistics of food systems, transportation, healthcare access, emergency preparedness, and daily life in the North. Known for her practical mindset and sharp observations, Christina understands how essential it is to draw on the resilience, adaptability, and the creative problem-solving that northern communities rely on every day. Resources discussed in this episode: * Drumbeat Expediting [https://drumbeat.ca/] * Northwestel - a subsidiary of Bell [https://www.nwtel.ca/personal] * Cortex podcast by CPG Gray and Myke Hurley [https://www.relay.fm/cortex] — Contact Bryndis Whitson:  * Website: ZebrasToApples.com  [http://zebrastoapples.com] * Instagram: @ZebrasToApples [https://www.instagram.com/zebrastoapples/] * LinkedIn: Zebras to Apples [https://www.linkedin.com/company/zebrastoapples/]

Behind the Transit Logistics That Built Calgary’s LRT System with Lorne Fleming

In this heartwarming episode, Bryndis sits down with Lorne Fleming, whose career journey spans the Royal Canadian Air Force, Calgary Transit, and the very beginnings of Calgary’s LRT system. After leaving the military, Lorne wanted to continue in a role that focused on serving, so he found his way into transit, where he began as a trolley and bus driver. His understanding of city routes, complex transit technology, and community needs positioned him perfectly for the next chapter: training new operators. Lorne’s stories illuminate the often unseen logistics and human effort behind a system millions now rely on. He shares vivid stories of trolleybus operations, the challenges of overhead wire systems, and the problem solving required to navigate a growing city. His anecdotes include everything from sparking wires in winter hoarfrost to the delicate dance of avoiding power overloads on steep hills. As Calgary prepared for the arrival of the LRT, a serendipitous meeting at a bus rodeo led Lorne and his colleague Gene into becoming Calgary’s first LRT trainers.  This episode is more than transit history; it’s a celebration of humour, service, learning, collaboration, and the pride of building something that shaped an entire city for decades.  About Lorne Fleming Lorne Fleming is a former Royal Canadian Air Force member and longtime Calgary Transit professional. Over more than 30 years, he worked as a bus and trolley operator, a training officer, and one of Calgary’s first LRT trainers. Lorne helped design and deliver the city’s original LRT training program and collaborated closely with Edmonton Transit during the system’s development. His contributions helped shape transit operations during one of Calgary’s most transformative periods. Lorne was honoured by Edmonton Transit as an Honorary LRT Training Officer and remains a source of historical insight into Western Canada’s transit evolution. — Contact Bryndis Whitson:  * Website: ZebrasToApples.com  [http://zebrastoapples.com] * Instagram: @ZebrasToApples [https://www.instagram.com/zebrastoapples/] * LinkedIn: Zebras to Apples [https://www.linkedin.com/company/zebrastoapples/]

The Logistics of Politics with Anna Murphy

In this episode of Zebras to Apples, Bryndis welcomes political professional, advocate, and community-builder Anna Murphy to uncover the surprising parallels between politics and logistics. From managing leader schedules to coordinating multiday provincial tours, Anna reveals how political offices operate like high-stakes logistics hubs. Every movement, including flights, vehicles, venues, speaking notes, security protocols, must be coordinated with careful precision and flexibility. Anna shares her journey from fashion retail to political work, explaining how service, empathy, and attention to detail shaped her approach to staffing leaders such as Former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Saskatchewan Opposition Leader Carla Beck. She explains the intricacies involved in travel coordination, stakeholder management, reading political climates, and preparing for “known unknowns,” from last-minute emergencies to natural disasters that force a full schedule pivot. Her stories give listeners a rare look behind the curtain at the people who quietly keep democracy moving.  Together, Bryndis and Anna explore the personal side of political staffing: teamwork under pressure, building trust, supporting leaders with both structure and intuition, and navigating safety, security, and real-time decision-making. This episode offers a thoughtful insider’s perspective for anyone curious about politics, logistics, or service-driven careers. About Anna Murphy Anna Murphy is a nationally recognized advocate and political professional dedicated to building inclusive, connected communities across Calgary and Canada. Most recently, she served as Executive Assistant and Tour Officer to Alberta’s Leader of the Official Opposition, Hon. Rachel Notley, where she coordinated schedules, travel, events, and on-the-ground logistics. Her work also supported meaningful public initiatives, including the Transgender Day of Remembrance Member Statement and the first official Transgender Day of Visibility reception at the Legislature. Beyond politics, Anna is a committed community leader. She chairs the City of Calgary’s Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee, serves on the Social Wellbeing Advisory Committee, and volunteers with organizations such as the Calgary Stampede, Calgary Arts Academy, and the Women’s Centre. Recognized as one of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, and a recipient of both the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and the Calgary Stampede Western Trailblazer Buckle, Anna brings passion, precision, and purpose to every space she serves. — Contact Bryndis Whitson:  * Website: ZebrasToApples.com  [http://zebrastoapples.com] * Instagram: @ZebrasToApples [https://www.instagram.com/zebrastoapples/] * LinkedIn: Zebras to Apples [https://www.linkedin.com/company/zebrastoapples/] Contact Anna Murphy:  * Linkedin: Anna Murphy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/murphydianne/?originalSubdomain=ca]

The Logistics of Project Management with Jen Borno

On this episode of Zebras to Apples, host Bryndis Whitson is joined by Jen Borno, an experienced project manager whose career spans forecasting, IT systems, software development, corporate services, and supply chain logistics. Jen shares how she navigated industries by bringing a problem-solving mindset to every role, whether through optimizing contracts, launching disability systems, or leading cross-functional teams. This episode includes plenty of fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from high-stakes projects, such as negotiating international contracts and bridging gaps between siloed departments. Jen explains why project management is really about identifying needs, managing change, and keeping the bigger picture in focus, especially during implementation and integration. She also shares tips for new project managers and reflects on the personal values that guide her leadership style. About Jen Borno Jennifer Borno is a seasoned project management professional known for her versatility. With a background that includes roles in major oil and gas corporations, IT consulting, and supply chain leadership, Jen specializes in turning complex problems into coordinated plans. She’s passionate about problem-solving, people-centered leadership, and driving success through strategic alignment. Jen is also deeply committed to authenticity, creativity, and lifelong learning: values that she brings to every team and project she leads. Resources discussed in this episode: * Microsoft Project – Timeline and Task Management Software [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/planner/project-management] * SAP Business Suite – Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System [https://www.sap.com/products/business-suite.html] * ADP Workforce Now – Payroll and HR Software for Enterprise Integration [https://www.adp.ca/en/what-we-offer/payroll/payroll-software.aspx] * MBTI® (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) – Personality Profiling for Team and Leadership Insight [https://www.mbtionline.com/] * Steve Jobs’ “Connecting the Dots” – Stanford Commencement Speech (2005) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc] — Contact Bryndis Whitson:  * Website: ZebrasToApples.com  [http://zebrastoapples.com] * Instagram: @ZebrasToApples [https://www.instagram.com/zebrastoapples/] * LinkedIn: Zebras to Apples [https://www.linkedin.com/company/zebrastoapples/] Contact Jen Borno:  * LinkedIn: Jen Borno [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jenborno]