Curt Vossen and Kristjan Hebert - Food Means the World To All of Us
Chatter that Matters
What if Canada could become a global food superpower—from farm to fork, from field to plate? In this live-recorded episode taped at Farm Credit Canada's Future of Food Conference, I sat down with two titens transforming Canada's agricultural landscape: Curt Vossen, the visionary CEO of Richardson International, and Kristjan Hebert, a farmer who manages his tens of thousands of acress of land with intelligence, passion, and pursuit. Together, they tackle the future of food—from battling inefficiencies in our supply chains to seizing untapped global markets. They speak with brutal...
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Canadian Tourism -Sightseeing to Soul Seeking
Chatter that Matters
Have you ever stood in a place that felt like more than just a location? Where the air carried stories, the land echoed memory, and you walked away with more than a photo, or even a memory that will last a lifetime, you walked away different? Two weeks ago on Chatter that Matters I interviewed Ben Cowan-Dewar who built Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs on Cape Breton Island. Two golf courses that have captured the attention of golfers all over the world and brought energy and vitallity to one of the most beautiful places in the world. Last week, my guest was Zita Cobb, who was a force of...
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Zita Cobb - The Miracle of Fogo Island
Chatter that Matters
Zita Cobb’s story isn’t just worth hearing—it’s worth hugging. In this episode of Chatter That Matters, you’ll meet a woman who helped to transform Fogo Island, one of the most remote and rugged places in Canada, into a beacon that attracts the world. Zita's perspective on hospitality, community, and the miracles of reimagining a place will change how you view tourism, shifting from merely visiting to truly experiencing Mother Nature and Human Nature. Zita speaks with wisdom carved from the rocks of a small fishing village in Newfoundland and Labrador, where everything her...
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Ben Cowan-Dewar - Build It and They Will Come
Chatter that Matters
"Tourism advances our Cabot brand and provides people and communities with an incredible opportunity to escape inequality.” – Ben Cowan-Dewar. Welcome to Chatter That Matters, where we share inspiring stories of human journeys, extraordinary dreams, and transformative ideas. The timing couldn't be more perfect for this episode—today marks the beginning of The Masters, one of the most celebrated sporting events of the year. It's also a pivotal moment as we explore ways to create a more self-reliant economy that attracts foreign investment, generates employment, and brings positivity and...
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Tony Chapman - How Canada can survive and thrive.
Chatter that Matters
I am breaking format to share my conversation with Ben Mulroney this morning on his national radio show on the Corus network. I offer six transformative ideas for Canada on how we can thrive in the next decade. Forget the partisan debates and dive deep into bold ideas that transcend politics and policy. Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear: 1)Unlocking Canada's Tourism Potential: From a place to visit to the place to be. 2)Old and New": Powering the Future with Resources and Innovation: Can Canada responsibly harness its natural resources while simultaneously building a...
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Marcel Bregstein - A Character with Immense Character
Chatter that Matters
“We’re not in the hospitality business. I create experiences. I create moments. I create memories.” – Marcel Bregstein What does turning a dining room into a stage and service into soul-stirring theatre take? In this week’s 'Taped Live' - Chatter That Matters, I sit down, glass in hand and mic on—with Marcel Bregstein: sommelier, showman, and the heart behind The Toronto Hunt, one of Canada’s most extraordinary clubs. His story is a cinematic sweep—from privilege in Costa Rica, to hardship in Canada, to cruise ships, heartbreak, fine wine, and a calling. Marcel doesn’t...
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Gina Livy - Earned, Not Given
Chatter that Matters
“I just have an idea. I’m motivated. I figure out how to do it, and away I go.” I usually avoid experts who offer lifestyle advice since so many podcasts already cover that territory. However, I was at a loss for words when I learned more about Gina Livy's unique journey. Gina’s story isn’t about lost pounds but about purpose reclaimed. From a university experience that saw her gain 100 pounds and a new perspective to becoming a fierce entrepreneur who leads with instinct, Gina didn’t just overcome the odds—she rewrote them. What makes this conversation matter...
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Jennie Coleman - One Amazing Banana
Chatter that Matters
What if the challenges life throws at you aren’t roadblocks but stepping stones to something greater? Born almost blind, Jennie Coleman never saw the world like others until a miraculous surgery at 13 changed everything. But that was just the beginning. She built a trailblazing career at Bombardier, specializing in corporate strategy and travelling between Montreal, Zurich, Berlin, and Beijing. Then, life threw her another challenge: her daughter Laura, born with an ultra-rare genetic mutation, forever needed care. Jennie could have retreated, but instead, she redefined success. Jennie left...
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Dr. Anmol Kapoor - Be the CEO of your Health
Chatter that Matters
I encourage everyone to listen to this interview. Why? It's about your longevity. Yes, adding years to your life—and more importantly bringing life to your years. It’s about taking control of your health instead of leaving it to chance. I know this firsthand. After undergoing extensive advanced medical testing, I feel empowered. I now understand the changes I must make to enhance my longevity while living my best life. My guest is a visionary cardiologist and entrepreneur, Dr. Anmol Kapoor, founder of BioAro Inc., a Calgary-based firm transforming health care worldwide....
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Marion Thénault - Fly Like an Eagle
Chatter that Matters
For my International Women’s Day episode, I chose Marion Thénault—a Canadian who flies like an eagle on the global stage. After realizing that gymnastics wouldn’t take her to the Olympics, Marion felt lost. On a promise to her Mom, she went to RBC Training Ground, where her trampoline skills caught the attention of a scout. She was asked if she had ever tried those flips on skis. As it turned out, she had only been on skis a handful of times. Marion leaped into Freestyle Aerial Skiing, and in short order became a World Cup champion and Olympic Medallist. Her biggest...
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“We’re not in the hospitality business. I create experiences. I create moments. I create memories.”
– Marcel Bregstein
What does turning a dining room into a stage and service into soul-stirring theatre take? In this week’s 'Taped Live' - Chatter That Matters, I sit down, glass in hand and mic on—with Marcel Bregstein: sommelier, showman, and the heart behind The Toronto Hunt, one of Canada’s most extraordinary clubs. His story is a cinematic sweep—from privilege in Costa Rica, to hardship in Canada, to cruise ships, heartbreak, fine wine, and a calling. Marcel doesn’t just serve food or wine. He serves memory. Meaning. Magic. And along the way, he reminds us that what truly matters is how you make people feel.
Listen to this episode to discover how a busboy turned maître d’ became a knighted sommelier, how a bottle of ’47 Lafite taught more than taste, and how great service is never about the table—but the story you take home from it.
And as a bonus? Special appearances were made by three Canadian icons—wine entrepreneur extraordinaire Elayne Bassett, one of Canada’s most celebrated musicians, John Lennard, and celebrated chef Jamie Kennedy, who shared their reflections on what makes Marcel a character of immense character.
This is a great listen for anyone who loves a good rags-to-riches-to-emotional riches story and those who want to matter more by creating experiences that linger long after the lights go out.
Many years ago, Marcel was a newcomer to Canada. To learn more about RBC and how they support those who come here to chase the Canadian dream. https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/en-ca/new-to-canada/newcomers/