CREATE - The Podcast

Alastair Smart: Building a Life of Happiness Through Connection and Curiosity | CREATE - The Podcast

My friend and mentor, Alastair Smart, is someone who truly embodies what it means to live a full and happy life.  Born and raised in England, he began his career as a police officer before following a path that eventually brought him to Canada. Along the way, he embraced a wide range of experiences - from driving taxis to managing retail stores - each shaping his perspective on people, work, and community. That journey ultimately led him to Calgary, where he became the first salesperson for Big Rock Brewery, helping build one of Canada’s pioneering craft beer brands. Beyond his career, Alastair is known as a mentor and connector - someone who has helped foster a culture of generosity and collaboration across an entire industry.  Alastair’s story is one of curiosity, resilience, and leading with kindness. Guest: * Alastair Smart: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/trad_ala/?hl=en] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-smart-b45b2282/]  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] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]

Breaking Silence: Reclaiming Your Voice with Amber Nicole Hayes | CREATE - The Podcast

Amber Nicole Hayes is a Calgary-based interior designer, entrepreneur, and author of The Obedient Daughter – a powerful memoir about breaking silence, confronting trauma, and reclaiming your voice. After leaving the corporate world to build her own design business, Amber’s greatest transformation happened internally. At 37, after carrying the secret of childhood sexual abuse for 25 years, she faced a battle with depression that ultimately became the catalyst for radical honesty and healing. Refusing to dilute her truth – even when it meant walking away from a publisher – Amber chose integrity over comfort. Today, she is an advocate for women’s empowerment, mental health awareness, and breaking generational cycles of trauma. Guided by her two daughters – her ultimate “why” – Amber lives her message daily through movement, mindfulness, therapy, and fearless authenticity. Guest: * Amber Nicole Hayes: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ambernicolehayesauthor/] | Website [https://ambernicolehayes.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]

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]