Bread and Butter Collective Podcast

In this bread-and-butter episode, we sit down with Ginger Henderson of Ginger Henderson Counselling Services to explore the foundations of mental health, the power of therapy, and what truly matters when supporting personal growth and well-being.

Bruce Williams is the outgoing CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. He is currently set to step down from the position in June 2025. Williams has led the Chamber since June 2020, navigating the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges.The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce was among the first Chambers in Canada to publicly acknowledge and apologize for its historical role in the social and economic suppression of Indigenous People. They also became the first Chamber to introduce an economic reconciliation membership program for Indigenous-owned businesses. 

In this episode, Sam and Calen sit down with Victoria City Councillor Dave Thompson for a candid conversation on two of the country's most pressing issues: housing and fossil fuels. From zoning challenges to green energy transitions, tune in for a deep dive into what's shaping the future of our country.

Calen McNeil (Big Wheel Burger) is back from Cambodia & Europe with fresh insights! He joins Maryanne Carmack (The Roast) and Sam Jones (2% Jazz) to talk culture, food, and how global experiences are shaping local lifestyle. A must-listen episode of the Bread & Butter Podcast! 

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Chan, co-owner of Ghost Ramen, to talk about the journey of running a business in the heart of downtown. Jason shares the challenges and rewards of building a culinary brand in a vibrant urban space—and what crafting the perfect bowl of ramen truly means to him.

In this episode of Bread and Butter, Jeff Bray, the Executive Director of the Downtown Business Association in Victoria, BC, discusses the challenges local businesses face in attracting visitors downtown amidst ongoing issues. Bray explores the delicate balance between supporting vulnerable communities and creating a thriving, safe environment for businesses and tourists, shedding light on the complex socio-economic factors at play in Victoria's downtown core.

In this episode of Bread and Butter, we sit down with Treska Watson, the Executive Director of The Mustard Seed in Victoria, BC, to discuss their impactful work in the community. Tune in to hear about their programs and the difference they are making. For more information, visit mustardseed.ca.

On this episode of Bread and Butter, Maryanne Carmack, president of the Bread and Butter Collective, and Dino Osmanovic, a talented food cook, dive into the evolving landscape of immigration laws in Canada. They discuss how recent changes to the LMIA and point system are impacting immigrants and businesses, especially those struggling to find workers. Tune in for insights on the challenges faced by both employees and employers in navigating this shifting environment.

In this podcast, Robert Belcham, co-owner of Popina Canteen, shares his journey in the culinary world, from building a unique dining experience to navigating the challenges of running a successful restaurant and tipping.

Join Sam and Calen in their analysis of the current political situation in North America and how it can affect business.

Tara Black, the CEO and sole owner of Origin Bakery, joins the Bread and Butter podcast to share her incredible journey in the world of baking.With over 15 years of leadership, Tara co-founded Origin Bakery in 2009 and became its sole owner in 2020. Starting her career in hospitality at just 13 years old, she honed her skills through culinary and pastry apprenticeships, shaping her expertise in the craft. Tune in as she discusses the art of baking, entrepreneurship, and the story behind her bakery.

In this episode, Andrew Moyer from Ottavio shares his experience in the service industry as well as beekeeping, and bee behaviour he has learnt throughout the years.

Sam and Calen are back to talk about changes in businesses and shrinking the size, they'll share their experiences and thoughts.

Mara Jernigan is a Canadian food and hospitality specialist with over 30 years of hands-on, international experience specializing in sustainability, local food and cultures. She shares her experience in the food industry and thoughts on food safety.Calen also shares an organization that works with food safety and teaching farming, for more information you can visit get-fed.ca

Join Sam and Calen as they dive into the essentials of business growth. In this episode, they unpack the power of promotions, combos, and discounts, helping you make sense of your system data, SOPs. Together, they explore how supporting local businesses not only strengthens the economy but can also drive your success. Tune in for actionable insights and advice to bring your business back to basics!

In this new episode, Calen and Sam welcome Victoria City Councillor and documentary filmmaker Krista Loughton for an insightful discussion on homelessness and the challenges surrounding shelters in Victoria and other municipalities.Krista shares her experiences working at the intersection of policy and personal stories, offering a deeper look into the crisis facing vulnerable communities in Victoria. This episode explores the realities of homelessness, the complexities of shelter systems, and the urgent need for compassionate, sustainable solutions.

We have Alistair Howes from Get Fed Urban Agriculture sharing his experience with produce, restaurants, volunteering, food safety and much more!

Elections, new politics, inflation, taxes, changes in costs, preparing your business for changes and much more!

Changes, politics, elections, planning your business for the unexpected and much more!

In this episode, Chef Castro the owner of House of Boateng, shares his journey and experience of becoming a chef as well as adapting his food to a new community.

Calen and Sam share their experience while closing stores, and what they have learnt from them.

Theresa Ito is the principal owner of Blue Mountain Solutions and is an experienced professional who is passionate about people and serves as a catalyst to them achieving their aims.The company is named Blue Mountain Solutions Inc. after the stunning mountain range in Jamaica. 

Solomon Siegel the owner of Pagliacci's tells us the story of the restaurant and his experience in the hospitality industry.

New season! Sam and Calen are back and talking about evaluating the importance of risk in business. What is the peak value of your business?

This is the last episode of the season, Sam and Calen choose their most favorite interviews.

Empire Dounuts owner Melanie Laverick tells us her origin story; shares some of the struggles she has had along the way and gives an update on her new collaberations and expansion of her business.

Shane Deveraux the owner of Habit Coffee, shares his experience in the coffee business and as an owner.

Byron Fry from Fry's Bakery Owner joins us in this episode and shares his experience with bread and dairy.

Calen and Sam dive into the Carbon tax conversation and the usage that has been given to it. Housing and much more!

Audrey Alsterberg from Pure Vanilla, joins us in this episode to talk about her journey as a business owner and how the first Starbucks coffee in Victoria was served.

John Sanders, owner of Origins Coffee and the Vancouver Coffee Academy. Shares his experience with coffee roasters.

In this episode, Sam and Calen explore business relationships, partnerships and core values in business.

Co-owner of Foo Asian Street Food and Pinhalla. Joins us to tell his journey through South East Asia and the hospitality business.

Peter Zambri's shares the history of his long-time partnership with Calen on Big Wheel Burger and Zambri's, also his path to becoming a chef.

Andrew Furness from The Doughnut Vault, joins us in this episode of Bread and Butter to talk about his process of making his doughnut business and keeping creativity while creating new flavours.

Join us in this new episode of Bread and Butter with Greg Hays, the owner of Cafe Brio, who shares his experience in the food service industry and his process of owning a business.

Sam and Calen dive into a conversation focused on the Ceba loan and the options business owners are currently getting to pay it back.

Chris Jones joins us in this podcast to share his experience as an entrepreneur in the industry and how he got the idea. The owner of Jones Bar-B-Que and The Ruby shares his process to open the business.

Calen and Sam talk about Christmas decorations and holidays in the business. Also business complains and future projects.

John Reese from Table Nine Coaching joins Calen and Sam to share some business advice.

Sam and Calen discuss the balance between work and passion projects; food sustainability; making emotional decisions in the workplace; and how owners can sometimes get in their own way...

Maryanne Carmack from the Roast and Cristen DiCarolis from Pizzeria Strada join us in this podcast to talk about the Ceba loan and the consequences.

Sam and Calen dive into the texture of milk changing, is the change in weather affecting the quality of the milk?