Rise Up! The Baker Podcast with Mark Dyck

There are times when family is bigger than career and you need to figure things out.  And often, bread and baking becomes the way forward.  That's what happened to Mark Gavigan and Kristin Ryall, who gave up careers in the wine trade to relocate to Palm Springs to be closer to their family, and Mark fell into baking in a big way. In this episode, Mark, Kristin and your host Mark talk about the experience of giving it all up to move cross country, how baking started small and then grew and grew until they opened their brick and mortar location, and the challenging reality of baking in an extremely hot, extremely seasonal location. There is also talk about the Bakery Leadership Circle, Mark's new project offered via the BBGA Helpful Links Bread and Flours @breadandflours on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Arlo Brandl returns to Rise Up! after seven years, still in Tecumseh, Michigan but in a new location on the main street and with a brand new book!  In this episode, Mark and Arlo talk about the big move to the main street, why baking alone still works best for him and his family, and they dig into Early Riser, Arlo's new memoir and recipe book.  Just like his bakery, Arlo's book is a labour of love and true gift to his community and the baking community at large. There is also talk about Mark's new project, the Bakery Leadership Circle. Helpful Links Buy Early Riser on Amazon Tecumseh Bread & Pastry @tecumseh_bread_pastry on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin    

Laura Fessenden dreamed of being a record executive, but food nosed ahead of music at Moxie Bread Co. in Boulder, Colorado.  Starting as a barista, Laura took on more and more responsibility until her mentor and bakery founder Andy Clark died in 2022.  Now the overall Director of Operations, Laura and her team are continuing Andy's legacy while building a business that works for everyone, well into the future. There is also mention of Mark's new project, the Bakery Leadership Circle and two new, excellent baking books: Flour is Flavour by Dawn Woodward and Early Riser by Arlo Brandl Helpful Links Moxie Bread Co. @moxiebreadco on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Kevin Masse started a small bakery in a small state, but he didn't stay small for long.  These days, Small State Provisions has two locations in the Greater Hartford, CT area, is open seven days per week and is continuing to expand hours and flavours. In this episode, Kevin shares his journey from food writing to food making, the value of having a vision and a plan, and how it's impossible to shake a childhood dream of feeding people.  And before all that, Mark goes on a bit of a rant, so be warned. 

Scott France travelled extensively before settling down in Seattle, starting in the food business and joining Macrina in 2016.  Now he spends his days leading a team of over 200 employees and serving customers via six cafes and multiple wholesale accounts. In this episode, Mark and Scott talk about the value of world travel, especially for North Americans, how Macrina navigated the Covid pandemic and how they are now able to focus on their core goals and values in the years ahead. There's also some talk of the Bakery Leadership Circle, which is launching a new session in March.  Apply now! Helpful Links Macrina Bakery @macrinabakery on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Travis Gerjets is back on the podcast and holy dinah, he's got a five year old bakery now! A coffee shop, cafe and airstream trailer full of awesomeness too.   On this episode, Mark and Travis dig deep into the prairie baking mythos, talk about Prairie Sky Breads and the Minot food scene, about building a bakery that doesn't kill the baker, and embrace their shared love of amazing baking teams. There's also talk of The Bakery Leadership Circle, a leadership and change program for bakery owners and senior leaders, kicking off in March 2025.  Apply now! Helpful Links Prairie Sky Breads @prairieskybreads on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Lisa and Nic Romano had careers in food and hospitality, and got into market baking so Nic could stay home with his young family.  But when business took off and they had a chance for a Big Leap, they both dove in, taking over The Breadery in 2023.  Now they are delivering wholesale bread around the state, running a full retail bakery (complete with olive oil tasting!) and are still attending four markets.  In this episode, Mark learns more about the effort involved in taking over an existing bakery, merging two passionate customer bases together, and keeping the family intact and engaged in a massive bakery project.  There is also the Bakery Leadership Circle, which is accepting applications for the Spring 2025 session! Helpful Links The Breadery @the_breadery on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Tim Kastner loves bread and he loves the solitude of bread baking.  He also loves working at the Bread Lab, a wholesale bread bakery in St. Paul, Minnesota.   In this episode, Tim shares the origins of the Bread Lab, springing up as part of Patisserie46, a fine pastry shop founded by master patissier John Kraus, and how his passion for baking makes the night shift a feature of the job, rather than a burden. There's also talk of Mark's new workshop, the Bakery Leadership Circle, which is opening applications for the Spring 2025 session on December 10! Helpful Links Patisserie46 / The Bread Lab @patisserie46 on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

When Chris DiPiazza needed a break from his IT business, he took a cooking class with a bread baker.  That class opened up a portal that changed his life and career.  From small beginnings, Chris slowly built up his wholesale business until opening Mighty Bread Co. in a small corner of a larger building in 2017.  These days, his bakery is the main player in the building, as Chris and his team go from success to success. In this episode, Mark and Chris talk about how Chris' role has changed over the years, how they keep the team's creativity high and cohesion tight, and how he is revelling in connection with his neighbourhood and the robust food community in Philadelphia. There is also talk about Mark's new project, the Bakery Leadership Circle, which has a new session starting in the Spring 2025. Helpful Links Mighty Bread Co. @mightybreadco on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Erica Leahy was working in an office job when she realized she had missed her calling.  So she gave up her stock options and health plan, left the office and set off for the life of a pastry chef.  After unpaid internships, several stints baking for fine restaurants, finding her feet in a commissary kitchen and starting a family, she opened Three Daughters Baking Co. in 2018. In this episode, Mark and Erica talk about the people in her life that have been cheering her on (and pitching in) throughout Erica's baking career, and how she's put down deep roots over the past 16 years in South Orange. There is also talk about Mark's new project, the Bakery Leadership Circle, which has a new session starting in early 2025. Helpful Links Three Daughters Baking Co. @threedaughtersbaking2018 on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Gillian Lundgren was lured to the Bay Area by her favourite aunt and has never left.  Through a long and varied career as a baker in San Francisco, from bakeries to pop ups, she founded Black Jet Baking Co. right down the block from where she got her start.  She's putting down deep roots and making sure the people in her neighbourhood are well fed. In this episode, Mark and Gillian talk about both the need for and the short life span of Hustle, how Covid forced her bakery to flip from mostly wholesale to all retail, and how Gillian keeps her creative juices flowing in all aspects of her bakery.  There is also talk about Mark's new project, the Bakery Leadership Circle, which will run again in 2025 Helpful Links Black Jet Baking Co. @blackjetbaker on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Carly Rossmeissl wants to experience everything baking has to offer.  Since graduating from baking school she's travelled from New York to Austin to Wisconsin, working with bread, cakes, desserts and even stuffed pretzels.  But her work keeps coming back to two things: solving problems and building strong, happy teams.  In this episode we talk about Carly's long and winding journey in baking, with some trade union talk and even a detour into Halloween costumes as well. There is also talk about the Bakery Leadership Circle, which has a new session coming in 2025. Helpful Links Madison Sourdough @madisonsourdough on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

There's something special about small town bakeries.  And when your bakery is on the main street of a small town in the heart of Sonoma, California and you're baking stellar bread from a massive brick oven, well, now you really have something special. Jessie Frost has all that and more.  A native of the Sonoma area, she baked around the Bay Area before eventually taking over Nightingale Breads.  In this fun, thoughtful episode, Mark and Jessie talk about her love of place, taking the plunge to owner her bakery during a time of turmoil and her slow, steady approach to making the bakery her own.  There is also talk about the Bakery Leadership Circle, which has a new sessions coming up in the New Year. Helpful Links Nightingale Breads @nightingalebreads on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

When Mark Hart decided to go out on his own, he built a commercial baking space, but not for his own production baking.  Instead, he and his partner Luis Cabral started Rise Baking Lab, a teaching and event space where they can share their love of baking with professional and amatuer bakers alike. In this episode, Mark and Luis share their vision for their new bread lab, the joys to teaching, and their growing consulting business, while discussing how there are so many ways to be a part of the baking industry without focusing on early morning production.  There is also talk about Mark's new project, the Bakery Leadership Circle, which is offering a new session in early 2025. Helpful Links Rise Baking Lab @risebakinglab on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Jonathan Stevens new book, The Hungry Ghost Bread Book, is a throwback to the first wave of books on artisan baking in the 1990's.  And for good reason, because Jonathan has been part of the North American bread scene from the very beginning. In this episode, Mark and Jonathan take a trip back to the early days in Northern California, figuring it out with Alan Scott, opening an opinionated bakery in Western Mass, telling stories, singing songs and writing poetry.  And through it all, reconnecting to the power of feeding people good bread day after day. Helpful Links Buy Jonathan's Book via bookshop.org Hungry Ghost Bread @hungryghostbread on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Holly Showalter was a pastry chef in Virginia when the big skies of Montana came calling to her.  After several years working different jobs and settling into the local community, Holly opened Wild Oats Baking.  Now she's feeding the people and the people are fully embracing her and her food. In this episode, Mark and Holly talk a little about tiny houses, more about hiring from within a small town, and a lot about how serving the local community means bringing all your skills to bear on the things they want to eat.  Helpful Links Wild Oats Baking website @wildoatsbaking on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Today Mark is joined by Karen Bornarth of the Bread Bakers Guild of America and Martin Barnett of the Baking Association of Canada to talk about the state of the baking industry in North America.  They reflect on the success of two recent national meetings, discuss the range of benefits that nationwide education and advocacy can provide, ponder the implications of a $10 loaf of bread, and more.  Helpful Links @breadbakersguild on Instagram @bacnational on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Once Lyndsey Bell realized that the corporate life was not for her, she and her partner Jay Valeri dove into the world of donuts and coffee.  Since they found their sweet spot and opened Bigfoot Donuts seven years ago they have gone from strength to strength. In this episode, Mark, Lyndsey and Jay talk all things donuts and coffee, being able to take advantage of opportunities when they are presented, who exactly is going to drive their donut truck, and more.  It's a fun talk with two hard working bakers. Helpful Links Bigfoot Donuts @bigfoot.donuts on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

When we get tired and frustrated as bakery owners, we often fall into the trap of thinking of our employees as expenses and not assets and partners.  Luckily, there are resources like the Good Jobs Strategy to help us reset our thinking and put our employees at the forefront of our business success. In this episode, Mark talks with Sandhya Mahadevan of Good Jobs Institute about their work with large and small businesses evaluating the role of employees and implementing strategies to build long term benefits for the people and the business.  They talk specifically about the Good Jobs Strategy and how it can be applied to bakeries of all sizes. There is also talk about Mark's new project, the Bakery Leadership Circle, which has a new session starting in July. Helpful Links Good Jobs Institute The Good Jobs Strategy overview Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Ian Herrington turned the turmoil of Covid into the catalyst to make the leap into bakery ownership.  Now Leavened, his elegant bakery / cafe in Cleveland is making a name for itself within the neighbourhood and for miles around. In this episode, Mark and Ian talk about the quiet rhythms of a bake team working around the bench, the joy of working with great partners and the thrill of welcoming Ian's regulars into the bakery every morning. There is also talk about Mark's new project, the Bakery Leadership Circle, which has a new session starting in July. Helpful Links Leavened website @leavenedcle on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Tom Moore loves starting new projects.  And the best thing is, they work.  His new bakery cafe, Tombo Eats on Yates Street in Victoria launched to huge buzz this year and is already one of the must visit spots downtown. In this episode, Mark and Tom discuss the wild and crazy food journey Tom's been on since dropping out of school to apprentice as a chef, opening restaurants in his native Australia, teaching, mentoring and more, before switching to the bakery world in order to spend more time with his children.  Oh yeah, there's a move to Canada, a stellar bakery, a satellite store and a cookbook in there too.  It's a great talk with a fun, friendly baker and entrepreneur. There is also talk about Mark's new project, the Bakery Leadership Circle, which has a new session starting in July. Helpful Links Tombo Eats Crust Bakery @tomboeats on Instagram @crustbakeryonfort on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Carlos Ruiz was a litigation lawyer and quickly found that the daily grind of destroying the opposition was killing him inside.  Baking and especially feeding his community was the antidote. In this episode, Mark and Carlos talk about making the switch from law to the bakery life, making connections with teachers and mentors, the stresses of supporting your family through baking and what El Horno de Pane means to the people in his neighbourhood. There is also talk about Mark's new project, the Bakery Leadership Circle, which has a new session starting in July. Helpful Links El Horno de Pane @elhornodepane on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Jessica Rivers is co-owner and connection engine of the amazing bakery Working Culture Bread in Victoria BC.  In the three years since Mark talked to her husband Adam in Episode #128, the bakery has grown and their family has too.  Through it all, Jess and the Working Culture team have built even stronger ties within the community, through fundraising, advocacy and lots of listening. In this episode, Jess and Mark talk about how starting a family helped her baking team grow closer, her faith in food providers to come together to help people and her new project, Club Bop, which helps local small businesses of all stripes support each other. There is also talk about Mark's new project, the Bakery Leadership Circle, which has a new session starting in July. Helpful Links Working Culture Bread @workingculturebread on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Sarah Black sadly passed away on February 15, 2024.  To commemorate this kind and thoughtful baker and teacher, we are re-publishing Mark's chat with Sarah from Episode 153.  Recorded in October, 2021 Sarah's family announced her passing via Sarah's Instagram page. Helpful Links Support the Podcast Here Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

The podcast hits a major milestone by going back to the beginning.  In this special 200th episode, Mark is joined by Daisy Chow of Breadboard Bakery in Arlington, Mass. and Nate Houge of Brake Bread in St. Paul, Minnesota for a wide ranging conversation about everything that's changed since they first met back at Wheatstalk in Rhode Island in 2018, when the podcast was an idea but not yet a real thing. Recorded on the Monday before US Thanksgiving, with Nate preparing for a night of baking and Daisy rolling out pie dough on camera, the three friends talk about staffing, about product lineups, and about making the difficult changes to make their bakeries sustainable for the long term.  Helpful Links Learn more about the Bakery Leadership Circle workshop! Daisy on Instagram Nate on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Claudia Fimbres and her husband Brad named their store and restaurant Mamacita after Claudia's mother, but these days, it's Claudia who is mother and aunty to an entire community of Latin food lovers in her new home of Pearl Harbour, Newfoundland. In this episode, Mark catches up with his old friend and learns of her life in cooking, from growing up in Mexico, coming to Canada and deciding to move from Regina, Saskatchewan to 'the Rock.'  They also discuss the unique challenges running a fresh food emporium on the far side of a remote island in the North Atlantic Ocean and the involuntary urge to have the flavours of home even when you live and work in another land. There is also a special announcement of a new workshop Mark is launching in 2024 in collaboration with the Bread Bakers Guild of America, the Bakery Leadership Circle. Helpful Links Mamacita Mexican Kitchen @mamacitanl on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin    

Working with a coach or consultant can be a leap too far for many small business owners, especially owner-operator independent bakeries.  Lisa Arnold set out to bridge the gap in her town of Springfield, Tennessee, with Small Town Startup, a marketing agency, startup incubator, coaching practice and meeting space. Lisa is bringing the skills and best practices usually reserved for large corporations to small businesses in an accessible, affordable, sustainable way. In this episode, Lisa shares her story of moving to a small town and nurturing the energy and excitement of the entrepreneur community there.  Mark and Lisa discuss how she lowers the barrier to entry for her services by offering small classes and meetups, how being flexible to each business' needs has helped her grow, and how every small town needs a sparkplug to keep the small business community connected and thriving. Helpful Links Small Town Startup @smalltownstartup on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

After working as a baker on both coasts, Amy Corliss returned to her home state twelve years ago to open her own place in downtown Fort Collins, Colorado.  She recently moved down the road to a new space and is focused on building community, growing her team and feeding the people in a converted 1905 heritage house. In this episode, Mark and Amy talk about her pastry school experience in Vancouver, the benefits of fair but firm teachers, the evolution of good food in the centre of North America, and seeking out "partners in leadership" when building her team. Helpful Links Little Bird Bakeshop @the_little_bird_bakeshop on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Ed and Natasha Tatton have been building an outstanding, 100% plant based bakery in Whistler, BC for several years, and have just launched a stellar cookbook from the bakery.  The book is both approachable and very detailed, explaining the intricacies and advantages of vegan baking while bringing Ed's incredible flavour combinations to each recipe.  In this Episode, Mark talks with Natasha and Ed to learn about what's been happening at Ed's Bred since Ed was on the show in 2021, the challenges of writing a book and testing recipes while keeping the business running, and why plant based baking is no longer just a fringe 'alternative' option. Helpful Links Register for the BAC Webinar: Telling the story of your bakery on Nov. 14, 2023 Ed's Bred website Learn more about Bred: The Cookbook @eds_bred on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Martha Barber began her baking career by taking cookies into the office at Christmas time.  Now she's shipping her delicious shortbread all over Vancouver Island and onto the mainland too. In this episode, Mark and Martha discuss the steady growth of her bakery, how strategic partnerships have helped the business grow, finding predictable, repeatable wholesale contracts and why she still thrives on the personal, human touch at her bakery. Helpful Links Martha's Delectables @marthasdelectables on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Okotoks, Alberta is a small community south of Calgary that boasts an old-fashioned main street, beautiful views of the Rocky Mountain foothills and, for the past few years, a top notch bakery and cafe.  In this episode, Mark talks to Brad Labrenz and Marie-Luce Denis, owners of French50 Bakery, who are attracting hungry folk from well beyond the town limits.  They talk about how they've grown from a market bakery to renting a kitchen to recently opening their own place in an old house just off main street.  It's a conversation about family, community and bringing French tastes to Alberta. Helpful Links French50 Bakery @french50bakery on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

With the cost of living continuing to rise, bakers and other food service workers are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.  The Living Wage for Families Campaign is focused on identifying the real costs of living in Canadian cities and works with businesses to move toward paying employees a real living wage. In this episode, Mark talks with Anastasia French of the BC arm of Living Wage for Families about the rise in the living wage standard over the past year across the province, the particular challenges within the food service industry, and how her organization can help bakery owners implement living wage strategies at their bakery. Helpful Links Living Wage for Families website @lwforfamilies on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Tabitha Langel wanted to serve her community in Winnipeg first and foremost.  After much prayer and deliberation, she decided that baking was the way to do it.  Now, over 35 years later, Tall Grass Prairie Bakery is at the heart of two core neighbourhoods in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In this episode, Tabitha and Ryan Stoesz talk about the origins of Tall Grass, their intentional approach to change and growth, and how they are succession planning for a new generation of owners and bakers.   Helpful Links Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company @tallgrassprairiebakery on Instagram Ayoko Design, creator of Anthologie Magazine Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin Production Assistance by Leah Hayward  

Black Market Bakers is taking off like a rocket ship in Annapolis, Maryland.  Steve O'Leary, his dad and his brother have grown the business from a home kitchen (with Steve's mom selling the loaves door to door) to a food truck, to a full bakery/cafe to recently launching a second location.  But through it all, the business has had a singular focus on happy people -- happy staff, happy customers and a happy, loving relationship between the business partners. Helpful Links Black Market Bakers @blackmarketbakers on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Stefan Spicknell knows who his bakery is for.  All he has to do is look out his door on Great Western Road in Glasgow and look at the flats, the schools and the people walking by.  And his deep focus those people, and his craft, is what keeps Cottonrake Bakery grounded in his community.  In this episode, Mark and Stefan talk about Stefan's journey to the Great Western Road, from a rented kitchen, to a tiny shop, to a tiny shop with a cafe down the road.  And how he's overcome everything from heart surgery to volcanoes to make Cottonrake a mainstay in Glasgow's West End. Helpful Links Cottonrake Bakery @cottonrake on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Maurizio Leo has been writing the excellent Perfect Loaf blog for a decade now, teaching thousands and thousands of people to bake amazing sourdough bread.  His writing and teaching style, paired with top-notch photography, makes his site one of the most important resources in the baking community and his new book is helping him reach an even larger audience. In this episode, Mark learns what drives Maurizio to continually hone his baking craft, why it's important to share what you learn as you go, and how bread and baking keeps his creativity high, even after 10 years of writing and teaching.  Helpful Links The Perfect Loaf @maurizio on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin Production Assistant:  Leah Hayward  

Ron Bokenfohr is looking for a new (old) way to grow grain and feed the soil at the same time.  His farming and milling operation north of Edmonton, Alberta is focused on regenerative agriculture: farming with a focus on building a complex, healthy soil. In this episode, Mark and Ron talk about the process of shifting to a regenerative farming model and Ron's progress in building a grain sprouting and milling operation that he hopes will supply bakers from Vancouver to Thunder Bay. Helpful Links Regenerative Grain Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin Production Assistant:  Leah Hayward

Charlie and Hilde Muller were bakers before they moved to the middle of the forest in western Michigan and began carving a home, a bakery and a life from the woods.  Laughing Tree Bakery has been going strong for the past 14 years, feeding the people via the Muskegon Farmers Market and several stores and cafes in the region. In this episode, Mark, Hilde and Charlie swap stories about their shared baking ancestor, Alan Scott, discuss the early days of Laughing Tree and dig into why the Mullers may have a leap or two left in their baking journey.  It's a fun, wide ranging talk that lingers on a core question of life:  why (and how) do we choose our path? Helpful Links Laughing Tree Bakery @laughingtreebakery on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin Production Assistance by Leah Hayward

Moving to an island in the Pacific Northwest is not easy.  Moving intentionally, with a view of contributing to the community is even more difficult.  But Sage Dilts and Nathan Hodges have done just that with their farm and bakery on Lopez Island, Washington. In this episode, Mark learns how Sage and Nathan met in grad school in the Bay Area, where Sage also developed her baking chops, how they found their way to Lopez Island and how the locals embraced their quest to make the best bread from the localist grains.  And how Barn Owl Bakery is feeding their village.  Alan Scott also makes recurring appearances in the journey, as a mentor and guide. Helpful Links Barn Owl Bakery @barnowlbakery on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin Production Assistant:  Leah Hayward  

Tom Giancola caught the bread bug watching Netflix seven years ago, and his friends and neighbours have never been happier.  His generous spirit feeds an ever larger group of people in Annapolis, Maryland, through his exceptional basement bakery, Makeathe. In this episode, Mark and Tom talk about the intricacies of building a professional bakery under your living room, how his baking has been embraced by Annapolis food-lovers, how giving is a key part of what makes Tom tick, and how he helped cottage bakers of all kinds by making lasting political change. Helpful Links Makeathe website @makeathe_bread on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Production Assistant is Leah Hayward Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Fry's Bakery has been a stalwart of Craigflower Road in Victoria for a decade, a shining as an example of how a baker with an old mixer and a brick oven can feed a neighbourhood. In this episode, Mark and Byron sit down at the bakery (well, directly above it) to talk about how the world needs a bakery in every neighbourhood, about starting businesses at a young age, and how leadership is important in the baking industry and around the bench. Helpful Links Fry's Bakery @frysbakery on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

All it took was a well made hollandaise sauce for Daniel Saez to switch from life as a lawyer to a life in food.  Starting as a culinary chef in his native Venezuela, Daniel eventually made his way to Canada and shifted from culinary to pastry and finally to bread.  Now his bakery, Noctua Bread Project in the Junction in Toronto is focused on serving the best possible baked goods to the people in his vibrant, eclectic neighbourhood. In this episode, Daniel shares his story of deciding to leap into food, moving to Canada and overcoming the stresses of opening his own bakery.  We also dig into the importance of sticking to one's vision and principles, and using them to guide difficult decisions. Helpful Links Noctua Bread Project @noctuabakery on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin  

Haley Landa and Curtis Helm met in pastry school and have been steadily building their skills and experiences in hotels and restaurants in Canada and beyond.  All this work has culminated in opening Goodside Pastry House in Victoria last month, opening to huge lineups and extremely happy customers. In this episode, Mark takes a trip to the bakery to chat with Curtis and Haley around the bench, in between some test bakes and the start of their weekly croissant production.  They talk about the baker's lifestyle, and leaving yourself open to opportunities as they arise, the slow buildup of a clientele in Victoria, leading to the opening of their own brick and mortar shop.  It's a fun, energetic chat with several pearls of hard-earned wisdom. Helpful Links Goodside Pastry House @goodsidepastryhouse on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin

David Aplin was a rock guitarist who apprenticed as a baker at Loblaws.  Camelia Proulx was building a career in the food industry front-of-house.  Together, they spent the past 12 years rocking the baking world in Scarborough, Ontario at their bakery Cliffside Hearth. In this episode, Mark, David and Camelia sit down to talk bread, wood fired ovens and getting the maximum production from a very small baking space.  And Mark discovers just how closely his baking journey has aligned with David's, year after year. And also, some annoucements around baking gatherings with Mark over the next few weeks! Helpful Links Cliffside Hearth Website @cliffside_hearth_bread_company on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin

Anna Gordon started selling her amazing cookies at the Brooklyn Flea in 2010 and has since created a delicious destination bakery in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.   In this episode, we kick off 2023 with a vibrant conversation about Anna's love of creating layers of flavours and textures, visualizing the perfect day of a bakery owner, and what it's like to create a platform that does so much tasty good in her community. Helpful Links The Good Batch @thegoodbatch on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin

Karen Bornarth has been an active part of the American bread scene for over two decades.  This past July, she was named Executive Director of the Bread Bakers Guild of America and is fully engaged moving the baking profession forward. In this episode, Karen shares her baking story, from late nights at Amy's Breads to her baking and education work at Hot Bread Kitchen.  And they dig into Karen't vision for the Guild as they celebrate their 30th anniversary and set course for the next 30 years. Helpful Links Bread Bakers Guild of America @breadbakersguild on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin

When Kitty Tait was 14, she went through a very rough time, and baking bread was key to her recovery.  She baked, and baked, and baked some more, until her friends and neighbours were well fed, and she kept on baking.  Soon Kitty and her dad Alex were baking by subscription, then at a retail shop and are now running The Orange Bakery in Watlington, UK full time. In this episode, Mark, Kitty and Alex sit down to talk about the remarkable growth of the Orange Bakery, their excellent book Breadsong, how Instagram helped Kitty find her teachers and mentors and their latest project to spread the craft and nutrition of fine bread baking. Helpful Links The Orange Bakery website @the_orangebakery on Instagram Breadsong:  How Baking Changed Our Lives - goodreads Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin

When Josh Houston started teaching cooking at his local high school, the incumbent chef put him in charge of the baking program.  It didn't take long before Josh was baking so much bread and pastries in order to 'crack the code' of yeast and gluten that he needed to start selling his extras.  Stark Raving Bread was born. In this episode, Mark and Josh discuss the birth and growth of Josh's bakery, moving from home to a commercial kitchen and soon back home again, and how he is finding the balance to bake for hundreds of people and still be a great husband and father.   Helpful Links Stark Raving Bread @starkravingbread on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin

Teisha Huff is back!  She and Mark catch up on her new project as head pastry chef at the new, chic, contemporary Latin-fusion restaurant Fortuna's Row in downtown Calgary, Alberta.  After ten years honing her craft as a bread and pastry baker around Saskatchewan, what's it like to create composed desserts?  How do Mom and Dad like having their daughter back?  What's it like working the evening shift? Are there cast-iron brownies on the menu? Plus, as many stories as Mark can muster with his Covid-addled brain.  Hope you enjoy this talk! Helpful Links @_teishalynn on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin

Nels Leader is the second-generation CEO of the iconic Bread Alone Bakery in Boiceville, New York and is continuing to move their vision to Feed The World forward. In this episode, Mark and Nels talk about how you're never "done", even as the business expands, how Bread Alone shifted to being a carbon-neutral bakery and what the future holds for the bakery and the bakers at Bread Alone. Helpful Links Bread Alone Bakery @breadalonebakery on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin

Asking why a communion wafer might make her friend sick started Elizabeth DeRuff on twenty year journey of farming, baking and teaching.  As the President of Honore Farm and Mill in Marin County, California, Elizabeth both teaches city folk where their bread comes from and how to bake with flavour and health in the forefront.   Recently, the farm has begun growing out Hourani wheat, a heritage grain with, which was retrieved from the ruins of an ancient Jewish fortress in Palestine. In this episode, Mark learns about the evolution of Honore farm and the fascinating story of this ancient strain of durum wheat. Helpful Links Honore Farm and Mill @honorefarmandmill on Instagram Support the Podcast Here! Rise Up! The Baker Podcast website The Bakers4Bakers Community Mark's Blog, with the Bakernomics series Mark on Instagram Credits: Produced and hosted by Mark Dyck Theme song and music by Robyn Dyck Orange Boot Human logo by Fred Reibin