PODCAST

Let's Meet For a Beer

Mark Kondrat - Entrepreneur & Podcast Host

Mark Kondrat is the CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals, a company that produces some of the world's largest and most unique beer festivals. Each week, Mark talks with the artists, scientists, and dreamers that make up our unique community.

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Episode #63 - Kelti Baird - Managing Owner, Theoretically Brewing Company

3d ago

28 mins

Episode #63 - Kelti Baird - Managing Owner, Theoretically Brewing Company

I recently took a little road trip along the Southern Alberta Ale Trail from Blairmore to Medicine Hat. Along the way, I stopped in Lethbridge and met up with Kalti with Theoretically Brewing for the podcast.These self-described nerds have built a “quirky, nerdy little brewery bent on environmental sustainability” and are making amazing beer.It was great to connect with Kelti, and it was certainly worth the trip. But don’t take my word for it - plan your tour along the Ale Trail and check out Theoretically Brewing for yourself!Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagramTheoretically Brewing: website | instagram

3d ago

28 mins

Episode #62 - Rob Engman, President - Taps Media

Today I met up with Rob Engman, President of Taps Media. Rob is in Calgary with his team hosting the Canadian Brewing Awards & Conference.I’ve been lucky to have spent some time with Rob over the past few days and have learnt about his journey as an entrepreneur. Aside from the Canada Beer Awards, Rob produces beer festivals in Ontario and is the Founder of Sawdust City Brewing Company.Rob has built an incredible company and has an amazing story - I know you will enjoy our conversation!Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagramCanadian Brewing Awards: website Sawdust City Brewing Company: website | instagram

13-05-2022

1 hr 1 min

Episode #61 - Cooking With Beer! Featuring: Mike Garth, Village Brewing & Don Saviak, All Beef Catering

I met up with my friends Mike Garth and Don Saviak to talk about how things are shaping up for this weekend’s Cooking With Beer Seminars at the Calgary International Beerfest. Mike and Don will be hosting the seminars - so if you like beer and BBQ, you should probably join them!Before the podcast, we sat down to eat meat and drink beer. The goal was to decide what beer they would pair with Don's amazing BBQ (some days, I really love my job)! On the podcast, we talk about the festival and everything else they have lined up for the summer. These guys are so much fun - check out our conversation today and meet them in person at this weekend’s Calgary International Beerfest!A special thanks to Alberta Pork for helping to make the Cooking With Beer Seminars possible this year. The ABF Team has been working with Alberta Pork for many years now - they are great people who support our community any chance they have!Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagramVillage Brewing: website | instagramAll Beef Catering & Smokehouse: website | instagram

05-05-2022

28 mins

Episode #60 - Half Hitch Brewing’s Brew For Ukraine Project Featuring: Vern Raincock & Chris Heier

On today’s podcast, I met up with my friends Vern Raincock and Chris Heier about how they are involved in the Brew For Ukraine Project.Vern has been an important part of this worldwide project from the beginning. When he asked Chris and the team from Half Hitch Brewing in Cochrane to brew a beer they were happy to show their support.On March 15th, in partnership with some amazing companies in the Canadian brewing scene, Half Hitch brewed a batch of Pravda’s Putin Huylo Golden Strong Ale. Pravda provided Half Hitch with its recipe and high-resolution graphics of its labels to recreate their famous brew.Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagramHalf Hitch Brewing: website | instagramBrew For Ukraine: website | instagram

28-04-2022

44 mins

Episode #59 - Peter Keith Co-Founder, Meuwly’s Artisan Food Market

On today’s podcast, I met up with my friend Peter Keith, Co-Founder of Meuwly’s in Edmonton, Alberta. We discuss how Peter and his partners built Meuwly’s - taking the typical model of how a business “should'' be built and doing the exact opposite! Meuwly’s is all about showcasing the amazing food producers and artisans in and around their community. They aim to reconnect their customers with the stories behind the foods they enjoy. Peter hopes to see their products on the shelves of all the top food boutiques in Alberta and eventually across Canada.I first met Peter last year in Jasper where we were doing a seminar together and we quickly became friends. He’s passionate about what he does, and I know that you’ll enjoy the conversation!“I try to use the idea of community-building as a personal compass. Will this decision create something good; will it bring people together?” Peter Keith Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagramMeuwly’s Artisan Food Market: website | instagramPeter Keith: website | instagram

14-04-2022

45 mins

Episode #58 - TK Palermo Communications Manager, Collective Arts Brewing

I was in Hamilton, Ontario and had to go check out Collective Arts Brewing to see what all the fuss is about - and now I get what all the fuss is about!After a tour of the facility, I met up with TK to learn more about her journey that brought her to Collective Arts. She describes the culture that they have created and what makes them unique. Their passion for sharing artists’ stories is inspiring. As a beer lover, thankfully this passion goes into the beer and spirits they produce too!“We highlight people first - always. We lend our platform to different communities that need a voice.”Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagramCollective Arts Brewing: website | instagram

07-04-2022

33 mins

Episode #57 - Prairie Dog Brewing Co-Founders - Laura Cole & Jay Potter

On the podcast, I met up with Laura and Jay - two of the Co-Founders of Prairie Dog Brewing in Calgary, Alberta. There are some breweries that make amazing beer and have a neat little restaurant attached - and there are amazing restaurants with a cute little brewery attached. Prairie Dog chose to do the best of both - they built an amazing brewery and an amazing BBQ restaurant in the same building! If you love BBQ and beer - this is your destination.Laura was my guest for one of the last podcasts I did before this whole Covid thing - hard to believe that was 2 years ago! It was nice to sit down for a beer to see how they are doing and what they did to survive the pandemic. The good news is that the crew is still together - and they’re just as passionate about BBQ and beer as they were when they opened!Laura and Jay are great examples of what makes our community awesome - I hope you enjoy the conversation…Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagramPrairie Dog Brewing: website | instagram

24-03-2022

45 mins

Episode #56 - Rob Sawchcuk Co-Founder - Border City Brewing Company

My friend Rob Sawchuck grew up in Lloydminster, Alberta and after years in the Calgary area, he has returned to build Border City Brewing with his lifelong friends! I’ve worked with Rob on a few projects and always admire his vision and attention to detail. I’ve been watching him build the brewery from an idea into a reality and now that he has beer to drink I thought I would check in to see where he’s at on his journey. On the podcast, Rob talks about the challenges of starting a brewery in the middle of a global pandemic and what his vision is for the brand - I hope that you enjoy the conversation. And by the way - the beer is amazing!Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagramBorder City Brewing Co: website | instagram

10-03-2022

1 hr 7 mins

Episode #55 - Fahr Brewery Jochen Fahr (Founder) & Terra Harvey (Executive Assistant)

Jochen Fahr, Founder of Fahr Brewery, had the vision to make the best beer in the world! In only a few short years, Fahr’s hefeweizen was awarded the best in the world - so mission accomplished. I don’t think he’s quite done yet though - he has some big plans to expand the brewery and their distribution. So what is Terra’s role at Fahr? She is the glue that keeps the machine together! One of Jochen’s greatest skills has been to stay focused on this vision while building a team that is able to contribute in really meaningful ways. It was great to have both Jochen and Terra on the podcast to get a well-rounded vision of where Fahr is heading - I hope that you enjoy the conversation!Alberta Beer Festivals: website | instagramFahr Brewery: website | instagram

24-02-2022

42 mins

Episode #54 - Graham Sherman Founder - Tool Shed Brewery

Today I connected with my friend Graham Sherman to discuss Tool Shed’s new non-alcoholic beer called Zero People Skills. The non-alcoholic beer category is booming and I wanted to learn a little bit more about why it is growing so quickly. We also discuss how he’s healing after a crazy mountain bike accident he had last year. Graham has always been a ball of energy and is so much fun to chat with - I hope you enjoy the conversation!Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

12-02-2022

38 mins

Episode #53 - Emily Baadsvik Co-Founder & CEO - Wild Tea Kombucha

Emily Baadsvik is the Co-Founder and CEO of Wild Tea Kombucha, one of Canada’s premier kombucha producers since 2015. Emily is also an Olympic Athlete and represented Canada in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia as a member of our Bobsleigh Team.Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagramWild Tea Kombucha: website | instagram

27-01-2022

51 mins

Episode #52 - Bob Sutton VP Sales & Logistics RAHR Malting (Retired)

On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I connected with my friend Bob Sutton to discuss his career and how he helped to shape the Craft Beer Community.Bob has been a large part of the craft beer movement across North America and built relationships with many people who eventually became legends in the beer industry. Bob’s expertise and mentorship has helped many Alberta breweries succeed and we discuss how he has enjoyed watching the boom of the local craft beer scene.Bob has become a good friend and it was great to reflect on his career - I hope you enjoy our conversation. Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

13-01-2022

49 mins

Episode #51 - Steve Abrams, Rob Doyle & Mike Cuch Co-Founders - Harmon’s Craft Brewery

On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I connected with the team behind Harmon’s Craft Brewery - one of Canada’s fastest-growing non-alcoholic breweries.I first met Steve Abrams over ten years ago after he started Mill Street Brewery - which he eventually sold to Labatts Brewing Company. Rob Doyle is a former Brewmaster at Mill Street and currently works as a Professor at Niagara College Canada. Mike Cuch is an expert in consumer packaged goods - which is a pretty good way to round out the team! On the podcast, we discuss how the three of them teamed up to create Harmon’s and why they decided to focus on non-alcoholic beer. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities in the non-alcoholic sector of the beer industry and why they chose to go fully organic!“We named it 'Harmon's Craft Brewing' as a shout-out to my mom - because on a greater level this brewery is all about family.” Steve AbramsAlberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagramHarmon’s Craft Brewery : website | instagram

30-11-2021

47 mins

Episode 50 - Michael Allemeier Canadian Master Chef & SAIT Culinary Educator

To celebrate the 50th episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Michael Allemeier who is one of five Canada Master Chefs! We discuss what first attracted Michael to the kitchen and his journey to becoming one of Canada’s elite chefs.After 35 years, Michael has travelled the world as a chef and is just as passionate today as when his career began. As a Culinary Educator at SAIT in Calgary, Michael is motivated to share his knowledge with the next generation of chefs.“The shortest distance from food suppliers to the kitchen is the right choice - always!” Michael AllemeierAlberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagramMichael Allemeier : Michael Allemeier | instagram

23-11-2021

1 hr 2 mins

Episode 49 - Stewart Brown Brewery Operations Manager - Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant

On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I was in Banff to meet up with Stewart Brown - Brewery Operations Manager with Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant.Stewart has brewed across Canada and around the world. Before moving to Banff, Stewart was brewing beer in the Cayman Islands. In 2019, he decided to swap his flip-flops in for a snowboard and is glad he did. It was great to learn more about Stewart and the team at Three Bears Brewery - I hope you enjoy the conversation.“My philosophy with beer is to be approachable. We make beer for our customers - not our ego.” Stewart BrownAlberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagramThree Bears Brewery & Restaurant: website | instagram

16-11-2021

58 mins

Episode 48 - Mike Foniok & Dave Ronneberg, Co-Founders - The Establishment Brewing Company

On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with the Co-Founders of The Establishment Brewing Company - Mike Foniak and Dave RonnegergWhen we connected for the podcast they had just been awarded “Canada’s Brewery of The Year” for 2021 at the Canadian Brewing Awards. We discussed their journey in beer that started when they were passionate home brewers and what their vision is for the future of the brewery!Alberta Beer Festivals: website | Twitter | InstagramThe Establishment Brewing Company: website | Instagram

09-11-2021

51 mins

Episode 47 - Mental Health In The Hospitality Industry

On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast, I connect with my friend Cam Dobranski for part three of our series on mental health in the hospitality industry. On the podcast, we discuss how the stigma of mental health makes it so difficult to talk about and how we can change that. We also discuss how we can practice empathy and encourage open dialogue within our work environment. Through open conversations about mental health, Cam is committed to changing the culture of the hospitality industry for the better.Our goal with this podcast series is to help break through the stigma that prevents many of us from talking about mental health. Thank you for listening to this very special podcast - our hope is that you share this with others and continue the conversation about mental health.Skyler’s Go Fund Me Page: Website Medium Rare Chef Apparel: Website | InstagramAlberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | InstagramLet’s Meet For A Beer: Website

14-09-2021

20 mins

Episode 46 - Mental Health In The Hospitality Industry

On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast, Cam Dobranski joins me as co-host for part two of two in our series about mental health in the hospitality industry. Today we are joined by Nina Wallinder who recently lost her son Skyler to suicide. Nina’s son, Skyler, was a cook at Cam’s restaurant WineBar Kensington and his death impacted Cam and the team deeply. Nina joined us on the podcast to discuss mental health with the hope that her experience can help others. To donate to the Go Fund Me page that Nina has created in Skyler’s memory please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/mental-health-memorial-initiative-for-skylerOur goal with this podcast series is to help break through the stigma that prevents many of us from talking about mental health. Thank you for listening to this very special podcast - our hope is that you share this with others and continue the conversation about mental health.Skyler’s Go Fund Me Page: Website Medium Rare Chef Apparel: Website | InstagramAlberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | InstagramLet’s Meet For A Beer: Website

14-09-2021

37 mins

Episode 45 - Mental Health In The Hospitality Industry

On today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast, Cam Dobranski joins me as co-host for part one in our series about mental health in the hospitality industry. Today we are joined by Dr. Pratap Chokka, Founder of The Chokka Center For Integrative Health. On the podcast, Dr. Chokka talks to us about what we can do to identify signs that someone may need help and how they can access that help. We also discuss how we can be proactive with our own mental health on a daily basis.Our goal with this podcast series is to help break through the stigma that prevents many of us from talking about mental health. Thank you for listening to this very special podcast - our hope is that you share this with others and continue the conversation about mental health.The Chokka Center For Integrative Health: Website Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | InstagramLet’s Meet For A Beer: Website

14-09-2021

37 mins

Episode 44 - John Eresman, Founder - Gradient Beverages Corp.

For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet for a Beer Podcast I met up with John Eresman, co-founder of Gradient Beverages, a company that he started with his sister and brother-in-law. John is an “introverted” Advertising Creative with a background in Marketing and Copywriting. His unique perspective on the beverage industry led him to creating Gradient - a ready-to-drink vodka and soda that has 6 different alcohol levels in each box that range from 8% to 2%. Their entire business is based on the unique concept of modern moderation – a term they created to talk about how drinking less and less through the night can help you keep your night “bright”.It’s great to connect with people like John who are innovating within the beverage industry. I hope that you enjoy our conversation.Gradient Beverages Corp: Website | Instagram Alberta Beer Festivals: Website | Twitter | InstagramLet’s Meet For A Beer: Website

07-09-2021

33 mins