Bragg N' Bout Business Podcast

Bragg N' Bout Business Podcast
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Bragg N’ Bout Business, the podcast that shines a spotlight on incredible entrepreneurs and business owners in and around Bragg Creek, Alberta. Each week we pull back the curtain on local storefronts, fantastic restaurants, skilled tradespeople, and dedicated service providers—giving them the chance to share their inspiring stories of resilience and success. You'll connect with the faces behind the businesses you love, discover some hidden gems, and be reminded how your support makes a remarkable difference in our communities.

  1. Apr 28

    Kevin Den Hoed on Why "Helping People" is the Ultimate Business Model

    "You’re going to help way more people as a mechanic than you will as a cop." 🚑🚔 That’s the advice that changed everything for Kevin Den Hoed. In this episode, Kevin joins Gregg Hinton to discuss his 30-year journey from a "joking dream" at an A&W to running a thriving family-run shop in Bragg Creek. Kevin breaks down the transition from teaching at SAIT to full-time entrepreneurship, his unique approach to staff mentorship, and why he’s choosing to be "whole-assed" in his commitment to the local community. Topics Covered: Moving from an employee mindset to an owner mindset. The importance of "PR" (Public Relations) over just "visiting" with customers. Why the internet makes us informed but not always smarter diagnosticians. The power of a multi-generational legacy in a small town. Follow the show for more interviews with the practitioners moving the needle in Alberta. ⏳ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Kevin Den Hoed & the CAT Automotive Origin Story02:30 – From A&W Jokes to a 30-Year Reality: Naming the Business07:45 – The COVID Pivot: How a Crisis Became a Blessing for KAT12:15 – Why Bragg Creek? Being the Local Mechanic & Giving Back16:30 – The "Circle of Life" Business Model: Win-Win Pricing21:00 – PR vs. Visiting: The Art of Customer Connection26:45 – Supporting the Core: Why Local Entrepreneurs Get a Discount31:30 – Leading Gen Z: Mentoring the Next Generation of Technicians36:45 – Work-Life Integration: Why "Work" is Therapeutic41:00 – Multi-Generational Legacy: The 50-Year History of the Property46:30 – The Recruitment Story: Why Kevin Chose Wrenching Over Policing51:15 – RAPID FIRE: How Often Do You Actually Need an Oil Change?56:45 – Check Engine Lights: When to Worry and When to Stop01:01:00 – The Truth About Brakes: Why They Squeak in 202601:05:30 – The Bigfoot Question & Kevin’s Philosophy on Life01:08:45 – Closing Thoughts: How to Support Local in Bragg Creek #BraggCreek #SupportLocal #KATAutomotive #Practitioner #SmallBizAlberta #CommunityMoat #BusinessLeadership #PodcastCommunity

    58 min

  2. Apr 21

    Grizzly Bears, Big Business, and the 2027 Election: The Sarah Elmeligi Masterclass

    Stop playing small. Sarah Elmeligi isn’t just the MLA for Banff-Kananaskis; she’s a PhD biologist who spent 20 years looking into the eyes of 600lb grizzlies before she ever looked at a ballot box. In this episode of Bragg N' Bout Business, we’re going deep on the "Human Dimension" of leadership. We talk about the "dirt" that makes our region the best in the province and why "balance" is a lie when it comes to the environment vs. development. Sarah gets real about the struggle of walking away from her own small business, Sarah E Consulting, to serve the public, and why she’s officially intending to seek the nomination for the 2027 run. If you’re an entrepreneur in Alberta trying to survive the "masses descending" on your community, this is the resilience training you didn't know you needed. #BraggCreek #AlbertaBusiness #SarahElmeligi #GrizzlyBears #SmallBusinessSuccess #BanffKananaskis #2027Election #EntrepreneurMindset #AlbertaPolitics #Resilience #WhatBearsTeachUsTime Stamps: 0:00 – Intro: Why Banff-Kananaskis has the "Best Dirt" in Alberta. 03:45 – The Trigger: From Grizzly Bear Scientist to MLA. 06:20 – Small Business Hustle: The Freedom of Running Sarah E Consulting. 10:15 – The "Balance" Myth: Why a Healthy Environment is the Economy. 14:40 – The Australia Winter: Escaping Hibernation and Living the PhD Life. 19:12 – Lessons from "The Boss": What 60-Grizzlies Can Teach You About People. 24:30 – What Bears Teach Us: Patience, Resilience, and Knowing When to Walk Away. 29:50 – Personal Lightning Round: Vet Clinics, Australia Backpacking, and Bigfoot. 34:10 – The 2027 Run: New Riding Boundaries and the Future of Banff-Kananaskis. 37:20 – The Bragg Creek Egress: Real Talk on Safety and Local Advocacy

    45 min

  3. Apr 7

    Untamed Luxury: Navigating the 2026 Bragg Creek Real Estate Market with Elise Lalonde

    What does "luxury" actually mean in 2026?. In this episode of Bragg N' Bout Business, we sit down with Elise Lalonde of the Rare Group (Real Broker) to talk about the shift toward "untamed luxury" in the Alberta foothills. Elise shares her unique journey from farm life and international flight attending to high-end couture design and, eventually, real estate. We dig into why Bragg Creek is a market like no other, the "Bragg Creek Unique" quirks you need to know before buying an acreage, and how to maximize your home's value without a massive renovation. Key Takeaways: Defining Untamed Luxury: Why space and peace are the new status symbols in 2026. The "Bragg Creek Unique" Factor: Navigating weird property lines, septic systems, and the "cone lickers" of the hamlet. High-ROI Seller Tips: Why cleaning and maintenance beat out "crappy renos" every time. 2026 Market Shifts: Insights on interest rates, amortization rules, and the return of "clean offers". Real Estate as Relationships: Managing the emotional side of difficult deals and estate sales. Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome Elise Lalonde to Bragg N' Bout Business 2:45 – What is "Untamed Luxury" in 2026? 8:15 – From Flight Attendant to Couture Designer to Realtor 14:30 – Common misconceptions about moving to Bragg Creek 21:10 – How to increase your home's value immediately 28:50 – Bigfoot, Tinder success stories, and local life #BraggCreek #AlbertaRealEstate #UntamedLuxury #BraggNBoutBusiness #EliseLalonde #RareGroup #RealEstate2026

    36 min

  4. Mar 31

    Why Niche Retail Wins: BBQ, Bigfoot, and Building a Destination Business

    Stop trying to be Home Depot. In this episode, I sit down with Leslie from Whisky and Woodsmoke Mercantile to talk about how she turned a "wild welcome" in Bragg Creek into a world-class destination for BBQ fanatics and outdoor enthusiasts. We’re diving deep into the 2nd Annual Hot Wings Challenge (yes, the legit Hot Ones sauces) and why Leslie chooses to stock the "notorious" stuff you can't find at Safeway. If you want to know how to pivot from a gift shop to an outfitting powerhouse while supporting the Veteran Association Food Bank, this is the blueprint. In this episode, we cover: Marketing Strategy: Why humor and "inappropriate" products build a loyal fanbase. Spice Science: Why your grocery store pepper makes you sneeze (and why Township 27 doesn't). Funding Realities: The truth about banks and the "thick skin" required to self-fund a dream. Bigfoot in Alberta? First-hand accounts of sightings near Bragg Creek. Support the Cause:Whisky and Woodsmoke collects for the Veteran Association Food Bank year-round—they’ve already raised nearly $2,000! Timestamps (The "Retention" Blueprint) 0:00 – The Hot Wings Challenge: Testing the "Battery Acid" sauce. 2:32 – The "Wild Welcome": Why Leslie signed a lease before she knew what to sell. 5:15 – Gauging the Audience: The motorcycle show trick for retail success. 7:45 – Pivoting: Listening to the community to become a BBQ mecca. 10:12 – The Science of Spices: Microplastics and low pH garlic. 13:40 – Local Legends: Why Township 27 and Craddyshack are must-haves. 16:20 – The "Wiener Warmer" and why your business needs to be funny. 19:05 – Hard Truths: Why banks won't help you and how to survive anyway. 22:15 – Bigfoot Sightings: Is the beast crossing White Abbey?. 25:40 – Leslie’s "Worst Job": Lessons from a chicken slaughterhouse. 29:10 – The Future: Archery, Paddleboards, and Outdoor Outfitting. #BraggCreek #AlbertaBusiness #SmallBusinessTips #BBQLife #HotOnesChallenge #EntrepreneurMindset #WhiskyAndWoodsmoke #LocalAlberta #NicheRetail

    30 min

  5. Mar 24

    The Conversation Everyone Is Avoiding (But Shouldn’t) | Julie Handrahan

    Stop scrolling and listen. We’re talking about the one thing 100% of us are going to face, but nobody wants to discuss. Julie Handrahan is a Death Doula and the founder of Transition Well, and she’s here to change the narrative. In this episode of Bragg N' Bout Business, we’re stripping away the fear and the "taboo" of end-of-life support. Julie brings a lighthearted, incredibly human perspective to a topic that usually feels heavy. If you care about legacy, empathy, and actually supporting your loved ones (and yourself), this is the most important hour of your week. What we’re diving into: What the heck is a Death Doula anyway? How to make "the end" a lot less scary for everyone involved. The business of empathy and human connection. Why a lighthearted approach is the best way to handle the heavy stuff. (0:00) Intro: Stop running, start living. This isn't a dark conversation; it’s the ultimate life hack for intention.(2:15) The Stigma vs. The Reality: What the heck is a "Death Doula" anyway? Breaking down the fear.(4:30) "Magic’s" Story: The human side of being an end-of-life worker.(8:12) It’s About Legacy, Not Just Loss: How planning for the end changes how you show up today.(11:05) "Transition Well": The mission to normalize the hardest conversation you’ll ever have.(14:55) Practical Empathy: How to actually support a loved one through the final chapter.(18:30) The Business of Humanity: Navigating entrepreneurship in a "taboo" industry.(22:45) Lightning Round / "Outro": Final thoughts on life, death, and not taking yourself too seriously. Follow Julie Handrahan & Transition Well:www.transitionwell.ca julie@transitionwell.ca

    45 min

  6. Mar 3

    How This Mom Sold Out Her Business in 24 Hours: The Power of Ritual with Lucy McMurray ☕✨

    What happens when a holistic nutritionist decides to fix her son's bedtime routine? She accidentally builds a thriving business. In this episode of Bragg N' Bout Business, host Gregg Hinton sits down with Lucy McMurray, founder of Ritual Wellness Collective, to discuss how she turned a personal need into a best-selling line of adaptogenic lattes. From navigating the "administrative nightmare" of a startup to securing "bucket list" retail partners, Lucy shares the raw, grassroots journey of building a brand in Bragg Creek. We dive deep into the science of adaptogens like Reishi and Ashwagandha, the challenge of sourcing high-quality Matcha, and why "intimate" local markets can outperform high-traffic events. Guest Info: Guest: Lucy McMurray Business: Ritual Wellness Collective Instagram: @ritualwellness.co Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: From the Bragg Creek Christmas Market to Podcast Guest 01:41 – Why Market Volume Doesn't Equal Sales Volume 02:35 – What are Adaptogens? Bringing the Nervous System into Regulation 03:32 – Product Breakdown: Mellow Mood Cacao vs. Golden Moon Milk 05:07 – The "Aha!" Moment: Making Hot Chocolate for a 4-Year-Old 07:23 – Glow Up Matcha: Skincare in a Mug & Sourcing Challenges 08:44 – Relocating to Bragg Creek: Chasing Alignment Over City Life 13:24 – The Launch: Selling Out 100 Bags in 24 Hours 15:37 – Winning the "Bucket List" Client: The Light Cellar Partnership 16:34 – The Hardest Part: Compliance, Packaging, and Administration 18:13 – Sourcing Integrity: Organic Mushrooms from New Earth Organics 21:35 – Setting Ritual Apart: Small Batches vs. Mass Production 23:54 – Growth Through Community: The Power of Word-of-Mouth 27:13 – Looking Ahead: Expanding Cafes and Streamlining Manufacturing 34:49 – Entrepreneurial Lessons: Handling Rejection and Maintaining Ego 38:04 – Lucy’s Top Tip: Identify Your Non-Negotiables #Entrepreneurship #WellnessBusiness #Adaptogens #BraggCreek #SmallBusinessGrowth #HolisticNutrition #RitualWellness #PodcastInterviews #LocalBusinessAlberta

    37 min

  7. Feb 24

    Burnout, PTSD and Real Healing | Psychologist Kelly Bischke

    Is the traditional therapy model broken? In this episode of Bragg N' Bout Business, we sit down with Kelly Bischke, founder of Rivan Psychology, who is flipping the script on mental health by taking clients out of the office and into the wild. Kelly shares her powerful transition from a career in law enforcement and the "golden handcuffs" of a government pension to launching her own practice in Bragg Creek. We go deep on the reality of First Responder burnout, the specific signs of PTSD that are often ignored, and why "Walk and Talk" therapy is the nervous system reset we all need in a hyper-digital world. We also tackle the elephant in the room: AI in Psychology. Will ChatGPT replace your therapist? Kelly breaks down why human connection, body language, and energy are the uncopyable assets of the future. The Pivot: Why leaving a secure job for happiness is the ultimate ROI.The Niche: Specialized trauma support for First Responders and Peace Officers.The Method: How nature and movement regulate the nervous system better than a couch.The Truth: Why asking for help is the most courageous metric of strength. 00:00 - Intro: Disrupting the Traditional Therapy Model02:15 - Kelly’s Journey: From Peace Officer to Psychologist08:45 - The "Golden Handcuffs": Leaving a Government Pension for Freedom13:20 - Identifying Burnout & PTSD in First Responders19:10 - Walk and Talk Therapy: How Nature Regulates the Nervous System26:30 - Why the "Stiff Couch" Approach is Outdated31:45 - AI in Mental Health: Can Computers Replace Human Empathy?38:50 - Advice for Anyone Stuck in a Toxic Work Environment42:00 - Connect with Rivan Psychology in Bragg Creek

    33 min

  8. Feb 17

    Dani Moon: Triplets, Divorce Songs and Starting Over at 48

    Singer-songwriter and author Dani Moon grew up in Bragg Creek, Alberta — raised by a stepfather who toured with Ian Tyson. She lived in Paris, survived the Congo, had triplets, lost her mother in 2013, the same year she experienced the Bragg Creek flood, and put music on hold for over a decade. Now at 48, she's back. Three new divorce songs are dropping, she's performing weekly at Rockies Tavern and Grill in Bragg Creek, and she's self-published two books including "The Water Dish Dogs." In this episode of Bragg N' Bout Business, Dani shares her songwriting process, why she calls herself a "white witch," her advice for young artists, what it's really like inside Calgary's struggling live music scene, and why she believes in Bigfoot. 🎵 Find Dani Moon: Instagram: @DaniMoonArtIsIt TikTok & YouTube: @MoonMoods Music: Spotify, Amazon, all major platforms 📚 Books: "The Water Dish Dogs" & "Baby Boom" — available on Amazon 00:00 — Welcome & Meeting Dani Moon 02:15 — Growing Up in Tucson and Moving to Bragg Creek 04:30 — Stepfather Tom Moon & the Ian Tyson Connection 06:00 — Living in a Cabin With No Running Water 08:00 — From Theater to Music at Mount Royal University 10:30 — Shakespeare in the Park & Finding Her Voice 13:00 — First Album: McLean and Moon (2001) 15:30 — Meeting Her Husband in Paris 17:00 — Living in the Congo & Restoring a Cathedral 20:00 — Triplets, Loss & the 2013 Alberta Floods 23:00 — Solo Album "Big Schemes, Little Dreams" & the $10K Fundraiser 25:30 — New Orleans Producer & the Music Industry 28:00 — How Dani Writes a Song in 5 Minutes 31:00 — Self-Publishing "The Water Dish Dogs" & "Baby Boom" 33:30 — Advice for Young Artists: Don't Get Sidetracked 36:00 — Handling Criticism & Writing Without an Instrument 38:30 — Social Media, AI & the Shift to "Interest Media" 40:30 — The Introvert Behind the Stage Persona 43:00 — Selling Shoes at Holt Renfrew & Cuba Gooding Jr. 45:30 — Stage Fright, Divorce & Not Caring Anymore 48:00 — Bigfoot, White Witches & Interdimensional Beings 51:00 — What's Next: New Songs, Books & Thursday Nights at Rocky's 53:00 — Where to Find Dani Moon

    32 min
See All (40)

Trailer

About

Welcome to Bragg N’ Bout Business, the podcast that shines a spotlight on incredible entrepreneurs and business owners in and around Bragg Creek, Alberta. Each week we pull back the curtain on local storefronts, fantastic restaurants, skilled tradespeople, and dedicated service providers—giving them the chance to share their inspiring stories of resilience and success. You'll connect with the faces behind the businesses you love, discover some hidden gems, and be reminded how your support makes a remarkable difference in our communities.

Information

  • Creator
    Bragg N' Bout Business Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bragg N' Bout Business Podcast
  • Show Website
    Bragg N' Bout Business Podcast