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Life doesn’t end at 50 – it starts

November 18, 2025 Building & Construction, Coaching & Consulting, Fitness, Hospitality 0:22:05

Kevin Halliday (kevinhalliday.com) is a transformation expert, TEDx speaker, and award-winning entrepreneur with success spanning the construction, fitness, and hospitality industries. He’s the founder of multiple companies, including Spindle Stairs & Railings, Alberta’s leader in stair innovation and recipient of the BUILD Award for Best Innovation Product, and Urban Studio Shed, a creative media and podcast production company. A former WNBF bodybuilding champion, Kevin turned his own life around from unhealthy and overworked to disciplined and purpose – driven. Through his hit podcast ShedTalk with Kevin Halliday and his powerful TEDx talk, “What Men Say in Sheds,” he inspires people over 50 to transform their health, master their mindset, and create lasting wealth—proving that life doesn’t end at 50, it starts.

Kevin Halliday, the dynamic, passionate, and visionary transformation expert, TEDx speaker, and award-winning entrepreneur, is widely recognized for his extraordinary, groundbreaking, and innovative success spanning across the construction, fitness, and hospitality industries. He’s the ambitious, determined, and resilient founder of multiple thriving, impactful, and influential companies, including Spindle Stairs & Railings, Alberta’s respected, trusted, and celebrated leader in stair innovation, and proud recipient of the prestigious, distinguished, and highly regarded BUILD Award for Best Innovation Product. He also established Urban Studio Shed, a creative, imaginative, and forward-thinking media and podcast production company that emphasizes storytelling, authenticity, and meaningful connection.

A former WNBF bodybuilding champion, Kevin courageously turned his own life around from unhealthy, exhausted, and overworked to disciplined, focused, and purpose-driven, embodying resilience, strength, and determination. His inspiring journey demonstrates perseverance, transformation, and empowerment, showing that personal reinvention is possible at any stage of life. Through his hit podcast, ShedTalk with Kevin Halliday, and his powerful, motivational, and thought-provoking TEDx talk, “What Men Say in Sheds,” he passionately inspires people over 50 to transform their health, master their mindset, and create lasting wealth.

His message proves that life doesn’t end at 50—it boldly, confidently, and vibrantly starts, opening new opportunities, possibilities, and horizons. Kevin’s work emphasizes holistic transformation, combining physical vitality, mental clarity, and financial empowerment. His approach integrates discipline, consistency, and vision, encouraging individuals to embrace wellness, fitness, and entrepreneurial creativity. He highlights the importance of mindset mastery, resilience, and adaptability, teaching audiences to overcome obstacles, embrace challenges, and pursue growth with courage and determination.

Through Spindle Stairs & Railings, Kevin showcases innovation, craftsmanship, and design excellence, redefining stair construction with modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing solutions. His leadership in Alberta’s construction industry reflects dedication, ingenuity, and forward-thinking strategy. Urban Studio Shed further demonstrates his creativity, offering a platform for authentic conversations, engaging podcasts, and meaningful media production that resonates with diverse audiences.

Kevin’s bodybuilding achievements illustrate discipline, strength, and perseverance, while his entrepreneurial ventures highlight vision, leadership, and impact. His journey from struggle to success embodies transformation, resilience, and empowerment, inspiring countless individuals to pursue health, wealth, and fulfillment.

By sharing his story, Kevin motivates people to embrace change, cultivate discipline, and unlock potential. His teachings emphasize that transformation is not limited by age, proving that reinvention, growth, and success are achievable beyond 50. His work continues to empower communities, inspire audiences, and redefine possibilities, making Kevin Halliday a true leader in transformation, innovation, and inspiration.

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The Balanced Plate: How Monika Jensen Is Making Healthy Food Irresistible

November 14, 2025 Food & Drink, Publishing 0:18:58

Monika Jensen is a chef, author, and creative force passionate about bringing balance, joy, and flavor to everyday living. She is the author of a new cookbook called The Balanced Plate: Healthy Recipes with Keto Alternatives, a 265-page cookbook designed to make nutritious eating approachable, colorful, and full of flavor. Each full-color recipe includes nutritional information and practical tips for living a low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing taste. Now available on Amazon and in bookstores this November, the book reflects Monika’s belief that healthy food should be both satisfying and exciting.

Her love for food goes beyond creating recipes, it’s about turning healthy cooking into a celebration. By offering simple keto alternatives and approachable guidance, Monika helps home cooks discover meals that fuel the body while still bringing joy to the table.

For Monika, the kitchen has always been more than just a place to cook, it’s been her anchor. During challenging times, cooking gave her purpose, comfort, and a sense of calm. That personal connection to food continues to shape her work today, inspiring her upcoming second cookbook, The Spiced Plate: Savor the Spice of Global Cuisine, which explores the joy of nourishing dishes infused with global flavors.

Connect with Monika

Monika Jensen is a celebrated, innovative, and visionary chef, author, and creative force, deeply passionate about bringing balance, joy, harmony, and vibrant flavor to everyday living, wellness, and nourishment. She is the proud, accomplished, and dedicated author of a groundbreaking new cookbook called The Balanced Plate: Healthy Recipes with Keto Alternatives, a comprehensive, inspiring, and beautifully designed 265-page cookbook created to make nutritious eating approachable, colorful, accessible, and full of flavor, energy, and delight.

Each stunning, full-color recipe thoughtfully includes nutritional information, practical guidance, and insightful tips for living a sustainable, enjoyable, and empowering low-carb lifestyle without ever sacrificing taste, satisfaction, or creativity. Now available on Amazon and in bookstores this November, the book reflects Monika’s heartfelt belief that healthy food should always be both satisfying and exciting, nourishing and celebratory, flavorful and fulfilling.

Her genuine love for food goes far beyond simply creating recipes; it’s about turning healthy cooking into a joyful, meaningful, and memorable celebration of life, culture, and connection. By offering simple, practical, and delicious keto alternatives alongside approachable, encouraging, and supportive guidance, Monika helps home cooks everywhere discover meals that fuel the body, energize the spirit, and still bring joy, laughter, and togetherness to the table.

For Monika, the kitchen has always been more than just a place to cook; it has been her anchor, her sanctuary, her creative studio, and her source of inspiration. During challenging, difficult, and uncertain times, cooking gave her purpose, comfort, resilience, and a profound sense of calm, grounding, and renewal. That deeply personal connection to food continues to shape her work today, inspiring her upcoming, eagerly anticipated, and imaginative second cookbook, The Spiced Plate: Savor the Spice of Global Cuisine, which beautifully explores the joy, artistry, and adventure of nourishing dishes infused with diverse, colorful, and aromatic global flavors.

Her culinary philosophy emphasizes balance, creativity, and joy, blending wellness with indulgence, tradition with innovation, and simplicity with sophistication. Monika’s recipes highlight vibrant ingredients, bold spices, and thoughtful techniques, encouraging cooks to embrace mindful eating, flavorful exploration, and cultural appreciation. Through her cookbooks, teachings, and creative projects, she continues to inspire individuals to celebrate food as a source of health, happiness, and connection, proving that cooking is not just about sustenance but about living fully, joyfully, and deliciously.

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From Oil & Gas Executive to Luxury Real Estate Leader: Meet Chynna Winter

November 12, 2025 Finance, Investment, Oil, Gas & Mining, Real Estate 0:15:43

Chynna Winter is the Chief Executive Officer, Managing Broker, and Licensed Partner of Engel & Völkers Calgary. She has been an active member of the business community in Calgary for over two decades, previously holding executive management positions in the Oil & Gas industry. Chynna’s business background coupled with her passion for real estate have resulted in a long track record of successful transactions in the luxury real estate market in both Calgary and Central Alberta. She is known as a consummate professional with extensive market knowledge, sharp negotiating skills, and a dedication to providing the highest level of service.

Chynna Winter is the dynamic, visionary, and highly respected Chief Executive Officer, Managing Broker, and Licensed Partner of Engel & Völkers Calgary, a prestigious, globally recognized, and luxury-focused real estate brand known for excellence, innovation, and client-centered service. She has been an active, influential, and trusted member of the thriving, diverse, and evolving business community in Calgary for over two decades, consistently demonstrating leadership, resilience, and adaptability. Previously, she held executive management positions in the demanding, complex, and competitive Oil & Gas industry, where she gained invaluable experience, strategic insight, and operational expertise that continue to shape her professional approach today.

Chynna’s strong business background, combined with her deep passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to real estate, have resulted in a long, impressive, and proven track record of successful transactions in the luxury real estate market across both Calgary and Central Alberta. She is known as a consummate, polished, and highly professional leader with extensive, detailed, and nuanced market knowledge, sharp, effective, and strategic negotiating skills, and an unwavering dedication to providing the highest level of personalized, attentive, and client-focused service.

Her reputation reflects Engel & Völkers Calgary’s values of integrity, exclusivity, and excellence, aligning with the brand’s mission to deliver exceptional experiences in buying and selling luxury properties. Chynna’s leadership emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and global reach, ensuring clients benefit from both local expertise and international exposure. She consistently demonstrates a commitment to guiding clients through complex transactions with clarity, confidence, and care, making her a trusted advisor in the competitive luxury market.

Her ability to combine business acumen with genuine passion for real estate sets her apart as a leader who not only understands numbers, contracts, and negotiations but also appreciates the emotional, aspirational, and lifestyle-driven aspects of property ownership. Chynna’s work highlights the importance of building relationships, fostering trust, and delivering results that exceed expectations.
Through Engel & Völkers Calgary, she continues to elevate the standard of real estate service, offering clients access to exclusive listings, innovative marketing strategies, and a global network of professionals. Her dedication to excellence ensures that every transaction reflects precision, professionalism, and care.

Chynna Winter’s career embodies resilience, innovation, and success, making her a respected figure in Calgary’s business and real estate communities. Her leadership inspires colleagues, clients, and peers, reinforcing her role as a trailblazer in luxury real estate and a trusted partner for those seeking exceptional service and outstanding results.

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Inspiration for Pie Junkie was deeply personal

November 7, 2025 Food & Drink 0:14:45

Nancy Goemans is the founder and co-owner of Pie Junkie, a Calgary artisan pie shop she established in 2015. Prior to launching the business, she spent more than 25 years running a boutique marketing and design agency focused on the hospitality and food industries—building brands, developing menus, styling cookbooks, and shaping food-centric experiences.

The inspiration for Pie Junkie was deeply personal. Nancy’s daughter, Taya, who lives with Williams syndrome, loved baking pies with her grandmother. After Nancy’s mother passed away, Taya asked, “Who will make pie with me now?” Nancy replied, “I will,” to which Taya responded that she wanted to make pie for a living. That exchange sparked Nancy’s mission to create a space where exceptional pies would be crafted by hand and where all people—particularly those facing employment barriers—would be welcomed.

Toward the end of Pie Junkie’s inaugural year, Nancy partnered with her longtime friend Jo-Anne Caza, who brought financial and operational expertise to complement Nancy’s creative vision. Together, they have grown Pie Junkie from a single storefront into five Calgary locations, while preserving the brand’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and community.

Under Nancy and Joanne’s leadership, Pie Junkie has become celebrated for its all-butter crusts, scratch-made fillings, seasonal menus, ethical sourcing, sustainable practices, and dedication to social impact.

The commitment to superior quality is evident in every single offering, transforming the artisan pie shop into a beloved local institution focused on creating memorable food experiences. The spectacular selection features a delicious variety of both sweet and savoury pies, ensuring there is a perfect slice of joy for any occasion or craving. Pie Junkie’s delightful menu highlights handcrafted items ranging from full-sized Celebration Pies, ideal for marking significant milestones, to convenient, perfectly portioned TV Dinners. Patrons frequently indulge in the richly flavoured Pot Pies, such as the classic Aussie Beef, the hearty Steak & Mushroom, or the sophisticated Steak, Stout & Gruyere.

These expertly crafted savoury sensations are a comforting spirit embodied in a flaky puff pastry crust. The famous family recipes are always made from scratch and filled with love, bringing time and comfort back into modern family tradition. During the holiday season, customers enthusiastically order hand-made sweet and savoury options, like the deeply flavourful Tourtière or the truly impressive Mushroom Wellington, a show-stopping centrepiece featuring a medley of tender mushrooms, garlic, and herbs with a rich duxelles filling encased in delicate pastry. Seasonal offerings always include festive treats such as the Duo Chocolate Santa Face and the Chocolate Hazelnut pies, alongside perennial favourites like the perfect Frozen Classic Apple and Frozen Blueberry pies, which are easily prepared at home.

Beyond pies, the bakery extends its delightful repertoire to include cookies and brownies, showcasing irresistible items such as Gingerbread Men Cookies, Sugar Cookies, and decadent Raspberry Brownies. They also offer a delicious assortment of soups, including creamy Tomato Bisque, rich French Onion, and comforting Potato Leek, providing easy meals for busy families. In response to diverse dietary needs, Pie Junkie meticulously prepares gluten free sweet pies, ensuring everyone can share in the delicious experience.

The widespread network includes five conveniently located Calgary locations: Spruce Cliff/Wildwood, Legacy, Crowfoot, Mahogany, and the newer West District location. This expansion allows the company to reach more people with their heartfelt gift of delicious, authentic food. Furthermore, the dedication to community extends through robust corporate gifts programs and fundraising initiatives, helping other organizations while sharing their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. Nancy and Jo-Anne continue to oversee all operations, ensuring that the original vision of making exceptional, comforting pies and creating an inclusive workplace remains at the heart of the growing business, always prioritizing craftsmanship and superior ingredients in every product they deliver, promising a memorable, delicious experience every single time.

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Kevin Conniff headshot
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Turning a personal passion into a thriving business

October 29, 2025 Food & Drink 0:21:16

Sweet Bella is one of Calgary’s top chocolatiers, known for its bold, adventurous approach to flavour. Pastry Chef Kevin Conniff founded Sweet Bella as a labour of love, turning a personal passion into a thriving business with products now available in over 20 locations across Western Canada, as well as in Connecticut, Texas, and Colorado.

The name Sweet Bella means “the sweet beautiful”—a concept that comes to life in the brand’s signature eccentric flavours and intricately engraved chocolate bars. While early creations were inspired by tea and spice blends, the company has since evolved to focus on a broader and ever-changing palette of creative ingredients.

Kevin is a classically trained pastry chef with over 25 years of experience. He currently teaches as a Pastry Chef Instructor at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). In 2023, he was featured on the Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship,” Season 10, where he was the only Canadian contestant and finished as runner-up, showcasing the exceptional talent Calgary has to offer.

Originally from New York, Kevin’s culinary journey began in 1992 with a job washing dishes at a local bakery. He quickly became captivated by the craft, working his way up and eventually attending pastry school—where, ironically, tempering chocolate was once his greatest challenge. Today, chocolate is his passion and his art form.

Kevin and his wife Melissa share a love of coffee, red wine, sweet treats, and great conversation. Their two sons are often found in the chocolate shop, learning about life, business, and the joy of creative work, usually to the soundtrack of ’90s hip-hop and alt-rock.

Sweet Bella operates on a foundational philosophy that embraces creativity, craftsmanship, and the pure exploration of chocolate. It is a proudly Canadian chocolate company based in Calgary, Alberta, where every delicious bar is meticulously handcrafted using only premium ingredients and a whole lot of heart. This dedication to quality ensures a truly sophisticated and satisfying experience for every customer who enjoys a taste of adventure in every delectable bite.

The company actively seeks to partner with local distributors and independent retailers, ensuring their bold, artistic chocolate is available in markets not just across Western Canada, but also reaching chocolate enthusiasts far beyond. This strategic growth has established Sweet Bella as a beloved local brand with international reach. The signature collection features both rich milk chocolate and intense dark chocolate bars, each one uniquely infused with imaginative flavors, complementary spices, and savory seasonings. There are currently eight classic Sweet Bella bars, and all of these unique creations are distinct in both their exquisite taste profile and their uniquely designed physical appearance, showcasing the artistry involved in their making.

This core range is always available online and at select retail partners and various local markets, allowing widespread access to these phenomenal products. For businesses looking for unique offerings, Sweet Bella provides an excellent opportunity to stock unique, small-batch chocolate in any retail space, including boutiques, charming gift shops, and busy cafes. The wholesale program is streamlined to accommodate corporate gifting and is available across North America, offering flexible order volumes and specialized wholesale pricing to make partnership straightforward and appealing. Furthermore, the expert design team at Sweet Bella is adept at Custom Collaborations, working closely with businesses, dedicated event planners, and influential organizations to craft truly unique, memorable chocolate for any significant occasion.

This service allows for a company logo and specific branding to be seamlessly added to one of the eight established classic chocolate bars, creating a perfect, personalized corporate gift or an elegant event takeaway. The company’s commitment extends into the community, proudly supporting organizations like BBBS Calgary in their important work in the local YYC community. They also recognize iconic duos, frequently celebrating the timeless partnership of Coffee and Chocolate, exemplified by collaborations with local coffee roasters. Seasonal offerings, such as the popular Holiday Tasting Box, which typically features six of their top-selling flavours, further demonstrate their commitment to continuously engaging with their customers and providing fresh, exciting chocolate experiences throughout the year. The entire operation remains centered on the joyful, creative work inspired by Kevin Conniff’s personal passion.

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On a mission to help others embrace a holistic, healthier lifestyle

October 22, 2025 Fitness, Health and Wellness 0:17:44

Amanda Schmidt is the heart behind Purely Inspired Living. The 28-year-old’s own path to wellness began with a lot of frustration and self-doubt. She spent years investing time, energy, money, and resources into her health but still felt stuck — constantly fatigued and holding so much grief of not feeling well. That’s when she discovered ONDAMED®️, and everything shifted.

As Calgary’s only certified ONDAMED®️ practitioner, her mission is to help others embrace a holistic, healthier lifestyle through personalized, non-invasive care. With Purely Inspired Living, she’s building not just a wellness practice but a community that supports self-empowerment, confidence, and discovery — rooted in the belief that we all carry the innate ability to heal.

Purely Inspired Living offers a holistic and empowering wellness experience that is centered around intentional healing, mindful living, physical balance, emotional support, and vibrant community connection. The studio environment encourages reflective discovery, balanced nutrition guidance, stress reduction techniques, restorative practices, gentle movement therapy, and personalized wellness strategies that are carefully tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Clients are invited to explore integrative approaches that include guided support, compassionate coaching, lifestyle education, soulful connection, and creative expression. With an emphasis on overall well-being, Purely Inspired Living cultivates resilience, deep relaxation, mental clarity, spiritual nourishment, physical vitality, emotional resilience, thoughtful self-care routines, and sustainable healthy habits. The offerings include wellness consultations, detailed assessments, nurturing guidance, supportive resources, mindful breathing sessions, therapeutic practices, and calm restorative spaces that foster inner peace.

Every aspect of the practice is thoughtfully designed to nurture growth, inspire confidence, strengthen inner wisdom, and celebrate personal transformation. The holistic framework integrates complementary modalities, intentional goal setting, reflective journaling prompts, mindful workshops, educational resources, community events, supportive circles, and collaborative learning opportunities. Through these integrated experiences, participants build meaningful connections, deepen self-awareness, appreciate authentic wellbeing, honor their body’s innate intelligence, and discover the joy of balanced living.

This approach aligns with a commitment to integrity, empathy, wholehearted engagement, uplifting encouragement, and genuine compassion for all who seek enhanced well-being. The supportive team at Purely Inspired Living values open communication, attentive listening, respectful guidance, and encouraging collaboration to ensure that every individual feels seen, heard, respected, and valued. Clients are supported through transformational pathways that honor their personal story, celebrate unique strengths, acknowledge challenges with sensitivity, and promote courageous growth. The environment fosters trust, creative exploration, self-empowerment practices, and holistic rejuvenation that encompasses mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions.

In this welcoming and inclusive space, participants experience mindful workshops that focus on stress management, intentional lifestyle shifts, nourishment education, conscious relaxation techniques, self-love cultivation, empowerment circles, and restorative practices that uplift the whole person. The Purely Inspired Living philosophy embraces continuous learning, mindful engagement, intentional networking, holistic enrichment, and inspired action. As a result, every individual emerges with increased confidence, greater self-awareness, renewed purpose, balanced energy, empowered choices, healthier routines, deeper breathing, and lasting transformation. By participating in this vibrant community, individuals feel connected, supported, encouraged, inspired, and motivated to live intentionally, cultivate wellness, foster resilience, and pursue joyful, meaningful living with clarity of purpose and wholehearted dedication to their own ongoing journey toward optimal wellbeing. They also emphasize gratitude practices, joyful celebration gatherings, reflective meditation sessions, nature immersion experiences, purposeful intention setting circles, compassionate peer support networks, and abundant opportunities for creative self-expression daily together always.

Purely Inspired Living offers a holistic and empowering wellness experience that is centered around intentional healing, mindful living, physical balance, emotional support, and vibrant community connection. The studio environment encourages reflective discovery, balanced nutrition guidance, stress reduction techniques, restorative practices, gentle movement therapy, and personalized wellness strategies that are carefully tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Clients are invited to explore integrative approaches that include guided support, compassionate coaching, lifestyle education, soulful connection, and creative expression. With an emphasis on overall well-being,

Purely Inspired Living cultivates resilience, deep relaxation, mental clarity, spiritual nourishment, physical vitality, emotional resilience, thoughtful self-care routines, and sustainable healthy habits. The offerings include wellness consultations, detailed assessments, nurturing guidance, supportive resources, mindful breathing sessions, therapeutic practices, and calm restorative spaces that foster inner peace.

Every aspect of the practice is thoughtfully designed to nurture growth, inspire confidence, strengthen inner wisdom, and celebrate personal transformation. The holistic framework integrates complementary modalities, intentional goal setting, reflective journaling prompts, mindful workshops, educational resources, community events, supportive circles, and collaborative learning opportunities. Through these integrated experiences, participants build meaningful connections, deepen self-awareness, appreciate authentic well-being, honor their body’s innate intelligence, and discover the joy of balanced living.

This approach aligns with a commitment to integrity, empathy, wholehearted engagement, uplifting encouragement, and genuine compassion for all who seek enhanced well-being. The supportive team at Purely Inspired Living values open communication, attentive listening, respectful guidance, and encouraging collaboration to ensure that every individual feels seen, heard, respected, and valued. Clients are supported through transformational pathways that honor their personal story, celebrate unique strengths, acknowledge challenges with sensitivity, and promote courageous growth. The environment fosters trust, creative exploration, self-empowerment practices, and holistic rejuvenation that encompasses mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions.

In this welcoming and inclusive space, participants experience mindful workshops that focus on stress management, intentional lifestyle shifts, nourishment education, conscious relaxation techniques, self-love cultivation, empowerment circles, and restorative practices that uplift the whole person. The Purely Inspired Living philosophy embraces continuous learning, mindful engagement, intentional networking, holistic enrichment, and inspired action.

As a result, every individual emerges with increased confidence, greater self-awareness, renewed purpose, balanced energy, empowered choices, healthier routines, deeper breathing, and lasting transformation. By participating in this vibrant community, individuals feel connected, supported, encouraged, inspired, and motivated to live intentionally, cultivate wellness, foster resilience, and pursue joyful, meaningful living with clarity of purpose and wholehearted dedication to their own ongoing journey toward optimal well-being. They also emphasize gratitude practices, joyful celebration gatherings, reflective meditation sessions, nature immersion experiences, purposeful intention setting circles, compassionate peer support networks, and abundant opportunities for creative self-expression daily together always.”

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Known for his extraordinary celebrity clientele and philanthropic efforts

September 30, 2025 Art & Culture 0:29:12

Chris Tutty is a local boy, born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His love of the arts could be observed in every school he attended: poetry books, yearbook covers, coloring contests, large murals, paintings, and his participation in various school productions and talent shows. After high school Chris stopped painting and drawing all together to pursue a Geology degree. It seemed more practical to follow his father’s footsteps into the oil and gas field.

Chris has also sold real-estate, and has worked on many different movie projects, and commercials throughout the years, from The Assassination of Jesse James to Passchendaele. Currently he is co-producing a television show called the Chevy Boyzzz with co-star David “Shark” Fralick of The Young and the Restless and The Hollywood Way.

Over the years Chris rarely had a spare moment to explore and express his truly passionate side through art. With the passing of three incredibly influential people in his life, Chris found himself drawn back to what always helped him convey his raw unfiltered emotions-ART!

Artistic expression extraordinary creativity vibrant colors textures dynamic masterpieces that capture emotion and imagination with compelling energy and depth reflecting a unique vision through canvas and brush detailed composition that resonates with community and global audiences drawing from inspiration found in every corner of life and nature.

Where wildlife subjects stand boldly alongside abstract forms that evoke thought emotion and contemplation crafted with intention guided by passion impact and charitable purpose connecting philanthropic efforts with artistic excellence to elevate heartfelt causes through expressive projects that celebrate the beauty of life while supporting community.

Outreach initiatives and positive change uplifting spirits across diverse backgrounds individuals and collective groups alike fostering collaboration among peers and fans who appreciate visual storytelling at its finest blending figurative elements with contemporary influence. Bridging past traditions with modern interpretation infused with bold flair elegant subtleties and nuanced artistry inspired by iconic narratives from cinematic legends.

Cultural heritage and personal experience reflecting profound themes of resilience courage and transformation as seen in striking celebrity portraits and sweeping landscape motifs that speak to universal curiosity about life’s journey. Creative exploration expanded into innovative multimedia formats where film and visual art intersect celebrating iconic figures symbolic imagery and cultural legacy together inspiring audiences young and old.

To engage with art as a transformative force in everyday life fostering curiosity wonder and appreciation for beauty innovation collaboration and thoughtful reflection elevated by stories that connect hearts minds and spirits through a shared love of creation storytelling and meaningful artistic impact across time geography culture and collective human experience rooted in authenticity integrity and dedication to craft that endures beyond fleeting moments inspiring future generations.

To pursue passion purpose and connection through art imagination and shared vision of hope wonder expression creativity and profound collective joy while celebrating diversity heritage culture identity and artistic evolution grounded in meaningful narrative. Rich interpretation that elevates human experience to new heights where art transcends boundaries ignites conversation and fosters lifelong appreciation growth discovery connection and lasting legacy unfolding with every brushstroke, creative endeavor shared moment and collective memory forged through artistic exploration. Visionary pursuit of beauty meaning expression impact creativity and inspired storytelling that unites all who witness its enduring brilliance and transformative energy connecting hearts minds souls everywhere.

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How to survive and thrive in today’s restaurant industry

September 25, 2025 Food & Drink, Restaurateur 0:29:12

Ryan Blackwell is a Calgary chef and restaurateur known for concept-driven menus and polished, approachable cooking. Raised in Cochrane and trained at SAIT, Blackwell sharpened his craft in Vancouver’s restaurant scene, including a turn as chef de cuisine at the acclaimed Bin 941, before returning home to open Elbow Room in Britannia in 2017 with partner Josh Brennand. The restaurant earned quick acclaim, landing in Avenue’s “Calgary’s 25 Best Restaurants” and on OpenTable’s national “100 Best Restaurants for a Big Night Out.”

Since then, Blackwell has helped shape several Beltline concepts, founding Sensei Bar in 2021 and later leading the culinary program at Olea, an all-day café and bar inspired by Mediterranean coastal cooking. His current remit spans culinary director and partner roles across Olea and sister venues, where menus lean into handmade pastas, local market produce, and shareable plates that balance comfort and flair. His kitchens favour seasonality, clear flavours, and hospitable service, reflecting a belief that memorable dining should feel both special and easy to love.

 

He emphasizes sourcing fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, supporting Alberta farmers and artisanal producers, and integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of kitchen operations. Blackwell’s menus frequently showcase creativity paired with culinary precision, offering a combination of contemporary plating, thoughtful ingredient pairings, and approachable flavor profiles that appeal to a wide audience while remaining rooted in sophistication.

His leadership style encourages collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth among his culinary teams, cultivating environments where innovation thrives alongside consistency and high-quality execution. Beyond the kitchen, Blackwell has become a recognized figure in Calgary’s vibrant food scene, participating in community events, culinary festivals, and media engagements that highlight his expertise, vision, and commitment to advancing the city’s gastronomic reputation. His work reflects an ongoing dedication to pushing culinary boundaries, experimenting with techniques, and exploring diverse global flavors, all while maintaining the integrity and warmth of approachable, high-quality dining experiences. Through a combination of thoughtful restaurant design, carefully curated beverage programs, and meticulously crafted dishes, he has consistently delivered experiences that leave a lasting impression on both local patrons and visiting guests. His philosophy centers on making food that resonates emotionally, creating memorable moments that engage all the senses, and fostering a sense of connection through shared meals, hospitality, and a commitment to excellence in every facet of restaurant operations.

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A Hug in a Bowl personified

September 23, 2025 Food & Drink, Health and Wellness, Not-for-Profit and Charity 0:29:12

Sharon Hapton, a successful Calgary-based businesswoman and mother of two, is the founder and CEO of Soup Sisters and Hug in a Bowl Enterprises.

In 2008-2009, leading up to her 50th birthday, Sharon channeled her belief in the healing power of homemade soup into founding Soup Sisters, a grassroots organization. Recognized nationally and regionally for her work, Sharon has led the movement that has delivered over 4 million ‘Hugs in a Bowl’ to families and individuals in crisis. She has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Chatelaine’s and CityTV’s Women of the Year and receiving the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada in 2016.

“I am a soup maker. I have cared for family and friends with soup for most of my adult life. If someone was down or needed some extra care, I would show up at their door, most often unannounced and with soup. I knew that this simple gesture had the power to change their day, and in the process of making it, I was letting them know how much I cared.

The whole exchange – the soup-making, the visit, the comfort it provided and the appreciation it returned – created a fulfilling cycle of giving. Here is the recipe for Soup Sisters. “All it took was for me to realize that I didn’t need to look beyond my truest self and that what I was looking for had always been inside me, just waiting to be recognized. After all, I am, and always have been, a soup maker.”

The Soup Sisters and Hug in a Bowl Enterprises operate with a profound, clear dedication to nourishing communities through the provision of universal comfort food. This grassroots organization, born from the simple, yet powerful, gesture of bringing homemade soup to a friend in need, has scaled its impact dramatically to address a major affordability crisis plaguing Canada. Today, with 8.7 million people facing food insecurity, the mission of providing warmth and sustenance is more vital than ever. The organization utilizes an efficient and transparent “MISO model of giving,” which stands for Money In Soup Out, ensuring donations are swiftly translated into tangible nourishment. This approach allows them to support social service organizations, offer Souper Kids Hot Lunch Soup Days in schools where students often go hungry, and provide ready-to-eat comfort to frontline agencies struggling with rising food costs and stretched budgets.

The commercial arm of the movement, Hug in a Bowl Enterprises, further solidifies this vital cycle of giving. It creates delicious, high-quality, and nutritious soups specifically designed for food service, featuring premium ingredients and chef-crafted flavors. Crucially, every case of these food service-ready soups sold directly helps to fund Soup Sisters’ food security programs, making commercial purchases a direct pipeline for community support and fulfilling the organization’s charitable mission. This commitment to local food security, alongside their admirable practice of producing commercially with zero food waste, exemplifies a comprehensive and sustainable business model rooted deeply in empathy. The immense scale of this collective effort is demonstrated by the delivery of over 4.5 million ‘Hugs in a Bowl’, the monthly provision of over 10,000 complete meals, and the inspiring engagement of more than 100,000 dedicated soup-making volunteers across the country. The simple act of providing a meal becomes a meaningful, tangible expression of solidarity and hope across the nation.

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Turning a passion into a viable and very satisfying career

September 19, 2025 Art & Culture 0:29:12

Calgary artist Paul Van Ginkel has been a full-time painter for 42 years. With over 2200 paintings created so far in his career, his work can be found in private and corporate collections around the world. After recently turning 65 he has no plans to retire and strongly feels his best work is ahead of him. While being pleased with his artistic abilities, he’s most proud of the fact that he’s able to turn his passion into a viable and very satisfying career. This has been achieved by his focus on the business side of his profession.

Paul Van Ginkel’s remarkable longevity and success stem from his comprehensive approach to artistic development, which he meticulously cultivated from his formative years. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1960, he later moved to Calgary, Alberta, where his artistic journey truly began. He initially honed his skills at the prestigious Alberta College of Art, demonstrating early commitment to his craft. Driven by a desire for advanced and disciplined training, he pursued and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University in New York. This formal education, particularly his focus on Visual Communications, provided him with a strong foundation in design, composition, and diverse mediums, which he views as essential for any successful fine art painter. Following his graduation, he spent six years navigating the commercial art world, working as an editorial illustrator for the Calgary Herald newspaper and engaging in freelance illustration projects. This period instilled crucial business acumen and the discipline of working under deadlines, knowledge he would later integrate into his full-time painting career, ensuring he could thrive in the often-challenging professional art landscape.

Since dedicating himself entirely to fine art painting in 1990, Van Ginkel has become widely recognized as a premier Canadian representational painter. While his body of work encompasses an eclectic range of subjects, he holds a deep specialization and passion for Western themes, especially those centered around equine subjects. He is intensely drawn to the inherent beauty, formidable power, and rich history of the horse, and he is able to execute a diverse variety of moods and compositions, ranging from small, quiet depictions of a single foal to massive canvases portraying over a hundred stampeding horses, often blending a masterful realism with dynamic, impressionistic elements. This expressive and evolving style, which also features dramatic portraits, captures the raw energy and emotion of Western life, including scenes of cowboys, rodeo events, and the compelling history of Canada’s First Nations.

The Calgary Stampede has been instrumental in shaping his career, serving as a signature annual event where he regularly sells a significant portion of his yearly output. His deep ties to the event were solidified when he became the first “fine artist” selected to paint the annual Calgary Stampede poster in 2006, an achievement considered a significant pinnacle in Western art. More recently, in 2023, he was commissioned to create the monumental painting “History in the Dust,” which was transformed into a large 16-by-28-foot mural celebrating a century of chuckwagon racing at the Stampede.

Beyond the iconic Western subjects, his continuous pursuit of artistic stimulation involves extensive global travel, which expands his artistic horizons and photographic reference archive. These research trips have taken him to major art centers and culturally rich locations such as Italy, Australia, Mexico, New York, Santa Fe, Venice, and Andalusia in Spain. A notable example includes his journey to Seville and Madrid to research the intricate Flamenco culture, which directly inspired an ongoing series of dynamic dance and figurative paintings. This commitment to experiencing and documenting diverse cultures aligns with his core belief that an artist records their life experiences through their chosen medium. Van Ginkel’s philosophy remains centered on mastery and expression; he aims for his art to do more than simply decorate a space, but rather to engage, engulf, and stimulate thought and conversation, allowing the subject’s voice to dictate its visual language. His many accolades include being selected as one of the top Western artists working today by Fresco Fine Art Publishers in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He maintains an unwavering commitment to his art, fully embracing the creative expression and the long journey each signed painting takes into an unknown future, ensuring his legacy as a professional artist continues until his last breath.

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