Coffee In The Park with Jennifer and Cam

Coffee In The Park with Jennifer and Cam

Coffee in the Park with Jennifer and Cam Re-imagined, Reinvigorated, Real. Pull up a chair, grab your favourite brew of coffee, and join Jennifer and Cam as they share the story behind the story of everyday people. From stories of resilience to laugh-out-loud moments, each episode is a blend of authenticity, inspiration and encouragement, celebrating the moments that make us all human. Whether you are walking your dog, commuting to work or enjoying your morning coffee, Jennifer and Cam are here to remind you that everyone has a story worth telling-and sometimes the most powerful ones are hiding in plain sight!

  1. A Coffee with Elisa Irlam, Founder of Dogs with Wings!

    5d ago

    A Coffee with Elisa Irlam, Founder of Dogs with Wings!

    Send us Fan Mail Grab a coffee and join us for a heartwarming conversation with Elisa Irlam, the incredible founder of Dogs with Wings! Elisa knew from a young age that her passion belonged to animals. After initially pursuing veterinary medicine in a fiercely competitive landscape, she pivoted to Biological and Ecological Sciences at NAIT. A twist of fate and a past connection introduced her to the world of guide dog training, leading her to Ottawa for a rigorous three-year apprenticeship with Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. Eventually returning to Alberta, a few late-night brainstorming sessions around a kitchen table birthed what would initially become the Western Guide Dog Foundation. Starting strictly with guide dogs for the blind, the organization steadily grew, expanding its services to mobility aid dogs, autism support dogs, and eventually PTSD and trauma support dogs. In 2007, they underwent a beautiful rebrand to become Dogs with Wings Assistance Dogs Society—a name that perfectly encompasses their soaring mission. In this episode, Elisa pulls back the curtain on the intense, multi-year process of raising a service animal: The Puppy Phase: Starting at just 8 weeks old, puppies undergo intensive socialization and basic behavioral training with foster raisers until 16–18 months.The Advanced Raiser Program: From 18 months to 2 years, the dogs enter "advanced school," getting dropped off every morning to train for specialized service work.The Graduation Rate: Elisa explains why only 30% to 50% of dogs successfully make it to "vested" status, and how the dogs who drop out still change lives through their Companion Dog Program.Today, Dogs with Wings is fully internationally accredited by Assistance Dogs International, handling everything from breeding and raising to specialized client matching. Tune in to learn about the incredible science, patience, and love behind these life-changing animals! Check them out here: Home - Dogs With Wings Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review! Follow Coffee in the Park with Jennifer and Cam on our social medias Instagram: https://instagram.com/coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam Website: https://www.coffeeinthepark.com  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam?si=8Fvb8swofNc1s_GL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffee-in-the-park-podcast/

    54 min
  2. A Coffee with Janna Tominuk, Chief Executive Officer at Sport Central

    Jun 11

    A Coffee with Janna Tominuk, Chief Executive Officer at Sport Central

    Send us Fan Mail Join us for a coffee and chat with Janna Tominuk, the Chief Executive Officer at Sport Central! Janna grew up in Peace River, Alberta, in a sport-loving household where being active was a way of life. This early passion led her to pursue a Sports Administration degree, starting at Grande Prairie Regional College before transferring to the University of Alberta. While her career would later take her across the province to work in cities like Grande Prairie and Lloydminster, her deep love for the Edmonton community eventually brought her back to the city she calls home. Janna’s career is a masterclass in sports event management. Her journey has taken her all over the province and across some of Canada's most iconic sporting events. She has worked on the 1995 Canada Winter Games, the 2010 Grey Cup, the wild and fast-paced Red Bull Crashed Ice, and spent 13 years with the Canadian Curling Association managing Briers, World Championships, and Olympic Trials. Today, Janna is channeling that lifetime of sports expertise into her role as CEO of Sport Central. Originally founded by Tiger Goldstick in 1991, this incredible organization is gearing up to celebrate its 35th anniversary this December! Sport Central collects, repairs, refurbishes, and redistributes gently used sports equipment to children facing financial hardships, offering gear for over 20 different sports. Janna shares details about their recent, massive move to a brand-new, consolidated warehouse—stepping up from a scattered setup of four buildings and 20 sea cans into a streamlined facility designed to outfit more kids than ever before. She also highlights the absolutely incredible wave of community support they received to make this massive move possible, proving once again how local businesses and volunteers step up when it matters most. If you have old sports equipment collecting dust in your garage, listen in to find out how you can support this incredible cause through one of their 50+ drop-off locations across Edmonton! Check them out at the links below! EQUIPMENT DONATION LOCATIONS – Sport Central Sport Central – Changing Lives Through Sport Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review! Follow Coffee in the Park with Jennifer and Cam on our social medias Instagram: https://instagram.com/coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam Website: https://www.coffeeinthepark.com  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam?si=8Fvb8swofNc1s_GL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffee-in-the-park-podcast/

    51 min
  3. A Coffee with Ben Kellert, Pastor, Auctioneer, and Former Mayor!

    Jun 4

    A Coffee with Ben Kellert, Pastor, Auctioneer, and Former Mayor!

    Send us Fan Mail Grab a coffee and pull up a chair for an unbelievable conversation with Ben Kellert; a pastor, champion auctioneer, and former small-town mayor! Ben's journey began on a farm in Leduc, Alberta, where he grew up speaking German as his first language and spent his mornings and evenings tending to livestock. After a family move to Wetaskiwin due to his father's health, Ben graduated high school with a clear calling: he was going to be a pastor. Along the way, he joined a church youth group in Edmonton where he met our very own Cam! Cam and Ben take a hilarious trip down memory lane, reminiscing about their Bible college "class clown" antics and skipping lectures in favor of Princess Donuts. Ben’s pastoral career took him all across Alberta, from Brooks to Barrhead. While serving in Brooks, he launched a groundbreaking handyman program to support single moms, seniors, and folks with disabilities. After navigating a period of severe burnout that led him to take a six-month hiatus in a mechanic shop, Ben pivoted to one of the most unique roles imaginable: the official Chaplain of West Edmonton Mall. From meeting visitors from every corner of the globe to officiating 347 weddings, including one on the bungee jump platform, no two days were ever the same. Eventually, Ben found his way to the town of Killam, Alberta, where a sudden turn of events saw him step into the role of Mayor. He also shares his passion for the art of auctioneering, having graduated from the Western Canadian School of Auctioneering and winning the Alberta Championship for New Auctioneers in 2008! This episode is packed with unexpected twists, deep wisdom on handling burnout, and a lifetime of incredible Alberta storytelling. You absolutely will not want to miss it! Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review! Follow Coffee in the Park with Jennifer and Cam on our social medias Instagram: https://instagram.com/coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam Website: https://www.coffeeinthepark.com  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam?si=8Fvb8swofNc1s_GL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffee-in-the-park-podcast/

    1h 2m
  4. A Coffee with Gail Powley, President of Technology Alberta & ED of the ASTech Awards

    May 28

    A Coffee with Gail Powley, President of Technology Alberta & ED of the ASTech Awards

    Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring coffee and chat with Gail Powley, the President of Technology Alberta and Executive Director of the ASTech Awards! Growing up in Alberta in a tight-knit, hardworking family, Gail discovered an early passion for math and people. This unique combination led her to the University of Alberta, where she earned her engineering degree. Entering a heavily male-dominated field, Gail designed advanced cruise control systems for refineries, proving that a sharp mind and thick skin can break any glass ceiling. She later used her technical expertise and championed a groundbreaking provincial initiative, later adopted nationally, focused on managing workplace transitions so companies wouldn't lose top-tier talent during parental and personal leaves. Gail dives deep into the Alberta Science and Technology Leadership (ASTech) Awards, which bring together industry, academia, and government to celebrate the province's brightest minds. She gives us a fascinating sneak peek into the local Alberta companies making global waves in AI, drone technology, space satellites, and even defense tech for the US Navy. Plus, she shares all the details for the upcoming 2026 ASTech Awards in Edmonton, kicking off with the opening ceremony on September 18th! Gail also weighs in on the evolution of AI, reminding us that while it feels brand new, it has actually been decades in the making. She reflects on how grassroots student groups and entrepreneurs are transforming into massive tech success stories. This is an absolute must-listen for anyone interested in the future of technology, business leadership, and the incredible innovation happening right in our backyard. Check out the ASTech Awards here: http://astech.ca/ Check out Technology Alberta here: http://technologyalberta.com/ Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review! Follow Coffee in the Park with Jennifer and Cam on our social medias Instagram: https://instagram.com/coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam Website: https://www.coffeeinthepark.com  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam?si=8Fvb8swofNc1s_GL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffee-in-the-park-podcast/

    50 min
  5. Coffee and Conversation with Jennifer and Cam!

    May 21

    Coffee and Conversation with Jennifer and Cam!

    Send us Fan Mail Grab your favourite brew and pull up a chair for a casual coffee and conversation with Jennifer and Cam! In this episode, Jennifer kicks things off with an Off the Field update. She is deep in the trenches of planning a massive tournament for the upcoming weekend—handling everything from coordinating volunteers to organizing the post-event cleanup. If you’re a local listener in the Spruce Grove area and have kids looking to make a little extra money or get some work experience this weekend, Jennifer wants to hear from you! Reach out and get involved. Cam and Jennifer dive into their drinks of choice and reminisce about their failed attempt to create a signature blend called the "JC"—a drink that, unfortunately, did not stand the test of time. The duo answers a rapid-fire round of fun, coffee-themed questions. Find out what specific coffee drink they think matches their personalities, what job they would actually want if they worked in a coffee shop, and when they first started drinking coffee in the first place. Tune in for laughs, local community updates, and plenty of caffeine-fueled banter! Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review! Follow Coffee in the Park with Jennifer and Cam on our social medias Instagram: https://instagram.com/coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam Website: https://www.coffeeinthepark.com  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam?si=8Fvb8swofNc1s_GL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffee-in-the-park-podcast/

    40 min
  6. Legends, Leaders, and Legacies: The Wish List Episode

    May 14

    Legends, Leaders, and Legacies: The Wish List Episode

    Send us Fan Mail What if you could pull up a chair and grab a coffee with anyone from history? In this special episode, Jennifer and Cam dive into their ultimate "Dead or Alive" guest Wish List. They each select three individuals who have shaped the world—or their own lives—in profound ways. Cam’s list spans from ancient history to local political legends. He shares his fascination with St. Peter, exploring the transformative journey of a fisherman who became a pillar of faith, and discusses the grit of former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein, who rose from a high school dropout to one of the most influential figures in the province's history. Jennifer’s picks lean into the pioneers who broke boundaries and changed the Canadian landscape. She discusses her admiration for Amelia Earhart, the legendary aviator who defied the odds of the 1930s, and pays tribute to the "Father of Medicare," Tommy Douglas. Who are the remaining guests on their lists? You’ll have to tune in to find out which Canadian musical storyteller and which deeply personal family connection made the final cut! We want to hear from you: If you could have coffee with anyone who has ever existed, who would it be and why? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review! Follow Coffee in the Park with Jennifer and Cam on our social medias Instagram: https://instagram.com/coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam Website: https://www.coffeeinthepark.com  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam?si=8Fvb8swofNc1s_GL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffee-in-the-park-podcast/

    45 min
  7. A Coffee With Tara Proskiw, Owner of Towne & Countree Kitchens

    May 7

    A Coffee With Tara Proskiw, Owner of Towne & Countree Kitchens

    Send us Fan Mail Join us for a coffee and chat with Tara Proskiw, the powerhouse owner of Towne & Countree Kitchens. Tara grew up in Duffield, Alberta, watching her father work at the TransAlta Power plant. While she initially considered a career in policing, her spirited and strong-willed personality eventually led her to the Court Stenography program at NAIT. Tara shares the fascinating reality of this profession—from learning what is essentially a different language to the extreme speed and accuracy required. However, her unwavering moral compass and high standards for integrity eventually led her to leave the industry behind.  After transitioning into the corporate world at Gateway Mechanical, Tara met her husband and eventually moved into the countertop industry. Her drive and talent saw her climb the ranks to become the first female branch manager in her field. Seeking a more personal, smaller-company atmosphere, she eventually found her home at Towne & Countree Kitchens. Tara was captivated by the transformational power of renovations and joined the team as General Manager with a clear vision: to one day become the owner. After a four-year "trial" proving her leadership, she purchased the company and is now celebrating five successful years of ownership! Tara also opens up about the philosophy that fuels her success: maintaining a positive mindset through intentionality and gratitude. She discusses the importance of making a conscious effort to look for the good in the world, rather than letting the weight of the negative take hold. By reframing obstacles not as failures, but as essential growth opportunities, she has learned how to progress forward with purpose. Tara emphasizes the necessity of finding what truly "fills your cup" and maintaining open, honest communication with partners to ensure everyone’s needs and goals are being met. This is an episode packed with heart, grit, and wisdom that you won't want to miss. Tune in to be inspired by Tara’s journey and gain valuable pieces of advice to live by. Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review! Follow Coffee in the Park with Jennifer and Cam on our social medias Instagram: https://instagram.com/coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam Website: https://www.coffeeinthepark.com  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam?si=8Fvb8swofNc1s_GL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffee-in-the-park-podcast/

    44 min
  8. A Coffee with Becky Oxton, Owner of Sunrise Estate Services!

    Apr 30

    A Coffee with Becky Oxton, Owner of Sunrise Estate Services!

    Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring coffee and chat with Becky Oxton, the owner of Sunrise Estate Services! Becky’s journey is one of service and evolution. Growing up in Alberta, she followed in her mother’s footsteps, graduating from Grant MacEwan’s Police Studies program and entering the force at just 21 years old. Her career as a Special Constable and Community Peace Officer took her across the province, where she spearheaded vital community programs like Dog Bite Prevention and Bike Rodeos. After transitioning from policing, Becky spent 13 years as a Regional Traffic Safety Consultant, working with organizations like MADD to launch the "Crashed Car" initiative—a project that grew from a local effort into a massive national safety campaign. Today, Becky leads Sunrise Estate Services, a business she co-founded with her husband to fill a gap she discovered after the loss of her own mother. Now in its 11th year, Sunrise is a compassionate, full-service estate company servicing Western Canada. Beyond liquidating estates and providing asset assessments, Becky has launched a brand-new merch shop featuring fun designs of the company’s beloved dogs and mascots, KC and Finnegan! She has even developed a comprehensive end-of-life planner to help families navigate the questions that arise when a loved one passes.  From the thin blue line to helping families preserve their legacies, Becky’s life is a masterclass in turning professional expertise into personal passion, and this is an incredible story of resilience and community heart that you will not want to miss.  Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review! Follow Coffee in the Park with Jennifer and Cam on our social medias Instagram: https://instagram.com/coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam Website: https://www.coffeeinthepark.com  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam?si=8Fvb8swofNc1s_GL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffee-in-the-park-podcast/

    51 min

About

Coffee in the Park with Jennifer and Cam Re-imagined, Reinvigorated, Real. Pull up a chair, grab your favourite brew of coffee, and join Jennifer and Cam as they share the story behind the story of everyday people. From stories of resilience to laugh-out-loud moments, each episode is a blend of authenticity, inspiration and encouragement, celebrating the moments that make us all human. Whether you are walking your dog, commuting to work or enjoying your morning coffee, Jennifer and Cam are here to remind you that everyone has a story worth telling-and sometimes the most powerful ones are hiding in plain sight!