Beyond 2 Bridges

Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce

Beyond 2 Bridges Hosted by Ryan Donally & Matthew Dumouchel Beyond 2 Bridges is a weekly podcast exploring what happens when business, arts, sport, and culture collide in Windsor-Essex. Hosted by Ryan Donally, President & CEO of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and former professional athlete, alongside Matthew Dumouchel, Director of Operations and lifelong arts advocate, the show brings together two very different perspectives — united by a shared passion for the region and its people. Each episode features: Insightful conversations with local business leaders, creatives, athletes, and community buildersReal stories about leadership, growth, creativity, and impactWeekly updates on what’s happening across Windsor-EssexAnd a signature segment where hosts and guests sample a “Bounty from the County” — showcasing local food, drink, and makers from the region Beyond 2 Bridges isn’t just a podcast — it’s a reflection of Windsor-Essex itself: diverse, resilient, creative, and collaborative. Produced with full video and audio production at the All In Content Studio, the show delivers high-quality storytelling designed to spotlight the people and ideas shaping the future of our region. 🎧 New episodes released weekly. For questions on the show, connect with us at: b2b@windsoressexchamber.org

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    Creating Memorable Celebrations in Windsor-Essex with Ember Ridge | Beyond 2 Bridges

    In this episode of Beyond 2 Bridges, hosts Matthew Dumouchel and Ryan Donally kick things off with updates on what’s happening across Windsor-Essex, including the She Means Business Brunch and the upcoming 150th anniversary celebration of the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce. The conversation then turns to community, entrepreneurship, and celebration as they welcome Sandi Guadagno and Amanda LaSorda, co-founders of Ember Ridge. Amanda and Sandi share the story behind building Ember Ridge, a unique Windsor-Essex event space rooted in personal connection, thoughtful details, and meaningful gatherings. From weddings and celebrations of life to corporate events and community milestones, they discuss what it takes to create experiences that feel warm, intentional, and memorable. Learn more at https://emberridge.ca This episode also marks a fun and important moment in the Windsor-Essex Iconic Battle of Champions, as Amanda and Sandi become the first guests to help decide who advances to the next rounds. Without giving anything away, there are a few early surprises that set the tone for what’s shaping up to be an unpredictable and highly engaging bracket competition. Throughout the conversation, the group explores: - Why networking and local partnerships matter for small businesses - The realities and challenges of entrepreneurship - How attention to detail elevates event experiences - The role of social media in growing a modern business - Why community support is essential to long-term success - Their vision for Ember Ridge and a more connected Windsor-Essex As always, the episode blends business, arts, culture, and community,  highlighting the people helping shape the region in meaningful ways. 🎧 New episodes of Beyond 2 Bridges are released weekly. This Episode’s Sponsor: Plantscape This episode of Beyond 2 Bridges is proudly sponsored by Plantscape. Plantscape helps businesses and organizations across Windsor-Essex enhance their spaces through professional landscaping, seasonal décor, and year-round property services — creating welcoming environments that bring people together. 👉 Learn more: https://plantscape.ca Timestamps 00:00 – Upcoming Chamber events and celebrations 08:11 – Introducing Ember Ridge Celebrations 20:29 – Building a business together 28:21 – Local food, partnerships, and community connection 40:49 – Vision for the future

    44 min
  2. FEB 2

    Tal Czudner | Windsor Iconic Battle, Play for a Cure and Community Leadership | Beyond 2 Bridges

    In this episode of Beyond 2 Bridges, hosts Ryan Donally and Matthew Dumouchel sit down with Tal Czudner, CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Corporation, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, community identity, and what truly defines Windsor-Essex. A central focus of the discussion is the Windsor-Essex Iconic Battle of Champions — a 32-bracket community competition designed to identify the most iconic people, places, and things connected to Windsor. From Windsor-style pizza and the minivan, to JP Wiser’s whisky, landmarks, institutions, and local favourites, the bracket invites the community to vote, debate, and celebrate what makes Windsor unmistakably Windsor. Tal explains how the idea came to life, why it struck such a chord locally, and how friendly competition can spark civic pride, conversation, and deeper community engagement. The initiative isn’t about declaring a single winner — it’s about storytelling, shared identity, and reminding people why Windsor-Essex matters. The conversation then expands into Tal’s leadership journey, including: Running one of the region’s most important cross-border connections through the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Why communication and collaboration are essential to effective leadership His advocacy for local initiatives, including Play for a Cure A long-term vision for a vibrant, diversified Windsor-Essex by 2040 Tal also shares a personal side — including podcasting with his son — reinforcing how leadership, family, sport, and community connection all intersect. In this episode, you’ll hear: ➡️ How the 32-bracket Windsor Iconic competition was built ➡️ Why celebrating local culture matters alongside economic growth ➡️ What makes Windsor-Essex truly iconic ➡️ The role of cross-border leadership in shaping the region ➡️ Why community engagement starts with participation 🎧 New episodes of Beyond 2 Bridges are released weekly. This Episode’s Sponsor: Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance Plan This episode of Beyond 2 Bridges is proudly sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance Plan — Canada’s leading employee benefits program for small and medium-sized businesses, available exclusively through local Chambers of Commerce. Trusted by tens of thousands of businesses nationwide, the plan offers flexible coverage options including health, dental, disability, and critical illness benefits, along with added supports like telemedicine and mental health services — all designed to help businesses attract and retain great people. 👉 Learn more: https://www.chamberplan.ca/ Community Spotlight: Play for a Cure This episode also highlights Play for a Cure, a Windsor-Essex–based initiative supporting cancer research and community impact through sport and fundraising — a cause Tal Czudner is deeply passionate about. 👉 Learn more or get involved: https://www.playforacure.ca/ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction to Tal Czudner 03:03 – Windsor-Essex Iconic Battle of Champions (32-bracket explained) 14:58 – Running the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Corporation 16:07 – Tal’s leadership journey and community involvement 24:49 – Cross-border relations and regional impact 31:55 – Play for a Cure and advocacy 35:46 – Vision for Windsor-Essex in 2040 36:56 – Podcasting with family and community connection

    43 min
  3. JAN 26

    Danielle Campo-McLeod | Beyond 2 Bridges | Episode 6

    In this episode of Beyond 2 Bridges, hosts Ryan Donally and Matthew Dumouchel kick things off with a more relaxed, unplugged conversation — sharing personal stories, favourite movies, food, and pop culture. The light-hearted start gives listeners a deeper look at the hosts beyond their professional roles at the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, and reinforces the importance of connection and community in everything they do. The episode then shifts into a powerful and inspiring conversation with Danielle Campo-McLeod, award-winning keynote speaker, Paralympian, and disability rights advocate. Danielle shares her remarkable journey through significant health challenges, elite sport, and public speaking, offering an honest look at resilience, advocacy, and the strength that often emerges through adversity. She speaks candidly about the impact of storytelling, the responsibility that comes with sharing personal experiences, and why celebrating community — especially in Windsor-Essex — truly matters. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why connection must come before influence How struggle can reveal unexpected strengths The importance of challenging people with care and purpose The role community plays in empowerment and progress Why Windsor-Essex deserves to be celebrated This Episode’s Sponsor: All In Content This episode of Beyond 2 Bridges is proudly sponsored by All In Content. The podcast is recorded and produced at the All In Content Studio, using one of their professional, multi-set podcast spaces designed for high-quality conversations and consistent storytelling. Learn more about All In Content: 👉 https://allincontent.ca Book a podcast or video session at the studio: 👉 https://studio.allincontent.ca Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and personal insights 08:37 – Welcoming Danielle Campo-McLeod 11:04 – Danielle’s journey and advocacy 20:33 – Connection, resilience, and impact 30:00 – Looking ahead: community and vision Beyond 2 Bridges brings together voices from business, arts, sport, and culture to explore the stories shaping Windsor-Essex — one conversation at a time. 🎧 New episodes released weekly.

    38 min
  4. JAN 19

    Revitalizing Windsor: The Power of Community with Shane Potvin | Episode 5

    In this episode of Beyond Two Bridges, hosts Matthew and Ryan welcome Shane Potvin, a passionate community advocate and creative entrepreneur.  The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted introduction, where the hosts share their excitement about Shane's involvement in the local community and the upcoming Business Excellence Awards. They discuss the significance of these awards, highlighting the partnerships and finalists that represent the best of Windsor's business community. Shane shares his journey as the chair of the Ford City BIA, emphasizing the revitalization efforts in the neighborhood and the importance of community engagement in fostering local businesses. As the discussion progresses, Shane elaborates on his role in organizing the Dropped On Drouillard Festival, which celebrates local arts and culture. He reflects on the challenges and successes of revitalizing Ford City, showcasing the collaborative spirit that drives the community forward. The episode wraps up with Shane discussing his design studio, Spotvin, and his vision for the future of Windsor, emphasizing the region's potential for growth and transformation.  TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Beyond Two Bridges 01:40 Business Excellence Awards Announcement 10:25 Introducing Shane Potvin 13:39 The Drop Down Drouillard Festival 15:50 Revitalizing Ford City 22:12 Spotvin: Shane's Design Studio 36:01 Shane's Secret to Success 41:14 Vision for Windsor 2040

    46 min
  5. JAN 12

    Dartis Willis | Beyond 2 Bridges | Episode 4

    In Episode 4 of Beyond 2 Bridges, hosts Ryan Donally and Matthew Dumouchel are joined by Dartis Willis for a conversation about the priorities shaping Windsor-Essex’s future — from budget decisions and economic development to the role of sport and culture in building strong, connected communities.   Dartis Willis shares his perspective on fostering community pride, the power of basketball to bring people together, and the importance of maintaining strong cultural ties that define the region and support sustainable growth. The episode highlights how strategic planning, local engagement, and accessibility can shape Windsor-Essex through 2040 — and why leadership rooted in community makes all the difference. In this episode, you’ll learn: • What budget priorities matter most for Windsor-Essex • Why economic diversification supports long-term stability • How sports help build community connection and pride • The importance of cultural ties between Windsor and Detroit • A shared vision for Windsor-Essex’s future through 2040 New episodes of Beyond 2 Bridges drop weekly, spotlighting the leaders, builders, and changemakers shaping Windsor-Essex. This Episode’s Sponsor: Daniel James Pike This episode is proudly sponsored by Daniel James Pike — a Windsor-Essex County–based writer, graphic designer, and filmmaker/screenwriter, and the founder of County House Pictures, a film production company focused on crafting stories “from script to screen.”  Learn more and explore Daniel’s work: 👉 https://danieljamespike.ca/ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Budget Priorities for Windsor-Essex 05:40 Community Engagement and Basketball  13:03 Building Community Spirit  23:03 Cultural and Economic Connections  34:14 Vision for Windsor-Essex 2040

    41 min
  6. JAN 5

    Craig Ramsay (Amazing Race Canada Winner) | Beyond 2 Bridges | Episode 2

    In Episode 2 of Beyond 2 Bridges, hosts Ryan Donally and Matthew Dumouchel sit down with Craig Ramsay — winner of The Amazing Race Canada, actor, and reality TV personality — for a fun, honest conversation about performance, identity, and what it’s like to represent your roots on a national stage. Craig shares stories from his journey into entertainment, what competition and public visibility teach you about resilience, and how creativity and confidence show up in both the arts and business worlds. The hosts also explore Craig’s connection to Windsor-Essex and why the region continues to shape the people who leave it, build in it, and come back to it. In this episode, you’ll hear: What it takes to perform under pressure and stay grounded Lessons from competition, collaboration, and creativity How storytelling and personal brand evolve over time Why Windsor-Essex continues to be a place people rally behind And of course, the episode wraps with Bounty from the County — where Ryan brings the local surprise of the week and Craig and Matthew find out what they’re tasting in real time. New episodes of Beyond 2 Bridges drop weekly, bringing together business, arts, sport, and culture to spotlight the people shaping Windsor-Essex. This Episode’s Sponsor: Daniel James Pike This episode is proudly sponsored by Daniel James Pike — a Windsor-Essex County–based writer, graphic designer, and filmmaker/screenwriter, and the founder of County House Pictures, a film production company focused on crafting stories “from script to screen.”  Learn more and explore Daniel’s work: 👉 https://danieljamespike.ca/

    40 min
  7. JAN 5

    Windsor-Essex County Warden Hilda MacDonald | Beyond 2 Bridges | Episode 3

    In Episode 3 of Beyond 2 Bridges, hosts Ryan Donally and Matthew Dumouchel welcome Windsor-Essex County Warden Hilda MacDonald for a timely conversation about leadership, regional collaboration, and the work happening behind the scenes to support communities across Windsor-Essex. Hilda shares perspective on what it takes to lead at the county level, why cooperation across municipalities matters, and how long-term thinking influences economic development, infrastructure decisions, and the overall health of a region. The episode explores how government, business, and culture can work together to strengthen Windsor-Essex, and what leadership looks like when you’re focused on outcomes that last. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the role of County Warden involvesWhy regional collaboration shapes long-term growthHow leadership decisions connect to community well-beingA forward-looking perspective on Windsor-EssexThe episode closes with Bounty from the County, featuring another local taste from the region — because the best way to talk about community is to experience it. New episodes of Beyond 2 Bridges drop weekly, spotlighting the leaders, creators, and builders shaping Windsor-Essex. This Episode’s Sponsor: Plantscape This episode is proudly sponsored by Plantscape — a Windsor-Essex company providing year-round property services, including landscaping, snow removal, and custom planters, with a long-standing local history dating back to 1976.  Learn more about Plantscape:  👉 https://plantscape.ca

    41 min
  8. 2025-12-24

    Launching Beyond 2 Bridges: Business, Arts, and Windsor-Essex | Episode 1

    Welcome to the very first episode of Beyond 2 Bridges — a new podcast from the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce that brings together the worlds of business, arts, sport, and culture. In this kickoff episode, hosts Ryan Donally and Matthew Dumouchel officially unveil the show, share why this podcast matters to the region, and walk listeners through what to expect each week. From weekly insights on what’s happening across Windsor-Essex to conversations with local leaders, creatives, and athletes, Beyond 2 Bridges is designed to spotlight the people and ideas shaping our community. Ryan and Matthew also flip the script with lighthearted, mini-interviews of each other — exploring their very different backgrounds and how those perspectives collide and complement one another on the show. And of course, no episode would be complete without the debut of Bounty from the County — a signature segment where the hosts and guests sample a local food or drink from the region. This week’s bounty is selected by Ryan… and revealed as a surprise. The timing of this launch is intentional. As the Chamber heads into 2026, a milestone year marking its 150th anniversary, Beyond 2 Bridges plays a key role in how the organization connects, communicates, and celebrates the region moving forward. This Week’s Sponsor: All In Content This episode is proudly sponsored by All In Content, the Windsor-Essex–based content and video production team behind the show. Beyond 2 Bridges is recorded and produced at the All In Content Studio, using one of their multi-set podcast spaces built for high-quality conversations and professional storytelling. Learn more about All In Content:  👉 https://allincontent.ca Book a podcast or video session at the studio:  👉 https://studio.allincontent.ca

    33 min

About

Beyond 2 Bridges Hosted by Ryan Donally & Matthew Dumouchel Beyond 2 Bridges is a weekly podcast exploring what happens when business, arts, sport, and culture collide in Windsor-Essex. Hosted by Ryan Donally, President & CEO of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and former professional athlete, alongside Matthew Dumouchel, Director of Operations and lifelong arts advocate, the show brings together two very different perspectives — united by a shared passion for the region and its people. Each episode features: Insightful conversations with local business leaders, creatives, athletes, and community buildersReal stories about leadership, growth, creativity, and impactWeekly updates on what’s happening across Windsor-EssexAnd a signature segment where hosts and guests sample a “Bounty from the County” — showcasing local food, drink, and makers from the region Beyond 2 Bridges isn’t just a podcast — it’s a reflection of Windsor-Essex itself: diverse, resilient, creative, and collaborative. Produced with full video and audio production at the All In Content Studio, the show delivers high-quality storytelling designed to spotlight the people and ideas shaping the future of our region. 🎧 New episodes released weekly. For questions on the show, connect with us at: b2b@windsoressexchamber.org