CREATE - The Podcast

Mark Kondrat - Entrepreneur & Podcast Host
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CREATE - The Podcast is all about sharing uplifting stories of creative people - entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, community leaders and more. Episodes release every Wednesday!

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

    MAR 4

    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 | Website | LinkedIn Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

    1h 3m
  2. Living the Brand: How Steve McVicker Builds Culture, Not Just Products | CREATE - The Podcast

    FEB 20

    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 | WebsiteHost: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

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

    FEB 11

    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, 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 VayCay Brew Co: Instagram Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

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

    FEB 4

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

    Dillon Stecyk, COO of The Apres Collective, is a creative entrepreneur and one of the driving forces behind the Aroabora Music Festival 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 | LinkedIn ABF: Instagram | WebsiteAroabora Music Festival: Instagram | WebsiteHost: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

    48 min
  5. Tasha Swiderski: Creating a Healthier, More Intentional Life | CREATE - The Podcast

    JAN 28

    Tasha Swiderski: Creating a Healthier, More Intentional Life | CREATE - The Podcast

    Tasha Swiderski is a wife, mom of three, and wellness advocate shaped by resilience, faith, and intentional living. After navigating cancer, Lyme disease, and Desmoid tumors, her health journey became a catalyst for change - shifting her focus from survival to helping others live healthier lives. Guided by her faith, Tasha believes in turning pain into purpose and learning to listen to the body. Through her work with Hugh & Grace, she helps people simplify wellness by reducing toxic load, supporting hormone health, and building sustainable daily habits that fit real life. At her core, Tasha’s story is about curiosity, courage, and choosing growth - even when the path isn’t clear.  Guest:  Tasha Swiderski: Instagram Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

    1h 7m
  6. Michael Noble: A Lifetime at the Table | CREATE - The Podcast

    JAN 21

    Michael Noble: A Lifetime at the Table | CREATE - The Podcast

    Michael Noble is one of Canada’s most respected culinary leaders, with over 46 years in the kitchen and a legacy built on excellence, resilience, and mentorship. A competitor on the world stage, Michael has represented Canada in multiple international culinary competitions and remains the only Canadian chef to ever compete on Iron Chef Japan, battling Masaharu Morimoto in front of millions of viewers. Today, Michael is the Chef/Proprietor of NOtaBLE and The Nash, two cornerstone restaurants that have helped shape Calgary’s dining scene for more than a decade. While his accolades are impressive, Michael is most proud of the people he’s mentored and the teams he’s built along the way. Grounded, curious, and deeply passionate about hospitality, Michael continues to evolve—proving that longevity in this industry is built on people, purpose, and an enduring love for the craft. Guest:  Michael Noble - Chef & ProprietorNotable - The Steakhouse: Instagram | WebsiteThe Nash Restaurant and OffCut Bar: Instagram | WebsiteHost: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

    1h 9m
  7. Stephane Prevost: Refinement Through Simplicity | CREATE - The Podcast

    JAN 14

    Stephane Prevost: Refinement Through Simplicity | CREATE - The Podcast

    Stephane Prevost is a self-taught chef and restaurateur who has helped shape the Banff dining scene for more than two decades. His journey into hospitality began unexpectedly after studying film in Montreal and landing in Banff in 1980 - a moment that set the course for a life built around food, people, and place. Deeply influenced by nearly six years living in Japan, Stephane’s philosophy centers on refinement through simplicity and the belief that restaurants should serve as social hubs for their communities. As managing partner behind Block Kitchen + Bar and Shoku Izakaya, he continues to create spaces rooted in connection, optimism, and shared experience. In this episode, Stephane reflects on his unconventional path, the realities of building restaurants, and what continues to inspire him after decades at the table. Guest: Stephane Prevost - Restauranteur & ChefBlock Banff: Instagram | WebsiteShoku Banff :Instagram | WebsiteHost: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

    1h 11m
  8. Fueling Life: Jason Zaran on Health, Business, and Choosing the Hard Path | CREATE - The Podcast

    JAN 8

    Fueling Life: Jason Zaran on Health, Business, and Choosing the Hard Path | CREATE - The Podcast

    Jason Zaran is the President of Fit Kitchen and a pioneer in Calgary’s healthy, convenient food movement. After more than 20 years in the consumer packaged goods industry, Jason left corporate life at 42 to pursue entrepreneurship - launching The Main Dish and later founding Fit Kitchen, Alberta’s first meal prep company. In this conversation, Jason shares what it takes to build and scale a food business in a tough industry, how fitness and competition shape his leadership style, and why you should never stop learning. From family-run entrepreneurship to physical challenges and long-term vision, this episode explores how discipline, purpose, and risk-taking fuel both business and life. Guest: Jason Zaran: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | WebsiteHost: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

    1h 4m
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About

CREATE - The Podcast is all about sharing uplifting stories of creative people - entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, community leaders and more. Episodes release every Wednesday!

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Kondrat - Entrepreneur & Podcast Host
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    162
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 CREATE - The Podcast
  • Show Website
    CREATE - The Podcast