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PODCAST · business

The Oven Light

by Rick Oleshak & Tricia McNamara

Industrial & artisan baking doesn't have to be so complex. Let the expert team from AB Mauri North America shed some light on ingredients, finished baked goods & everything in between to help you have a successful & fun baking experience.

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Episodes

  1. DONUT STOP BELIEVING

    Chad Larson – the new CEO for Mel-O-Cream Donuts International based in Springfield, Illinois – visits with ABMNA Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak in this episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The tag team dives into the exciting world of donuts, the ever-changing baking industry, taking…

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  2. BAR NONE, THIS CHOCOLATE RULES

    Dan Abel Jr. – Chief Chocolate Officer for Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier based in St. Louis, Missouri – visits with ABMNA Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak in the next episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The duo discusses everything from the retail growth of the Bissinger’s brand, the...

  3. SPILLING THE TEA

    Stephanie Berez – Vice President of Marketing for Twinings North America – visits with ABMNA Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak in the next episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ They discuss everything from pairing teas with the perfect moments to working on iconic consumer brands for companies like...

  4. FLIPPING THE SWITCH: NICK FALLUCCA ON PIZZA INNOVATION, FLAVOR, AND COMMUNITY

    Nick Fallucca is Chief Product & Innovation Officer for Palermo’s, the Milwaukee-based frozen pizza manufacturer known for brands like Screamin’ Sicilian and Urban Pie and also one of the largest private label and food service manufacturers in the country. Nick visits with ABMNA Vice President of...

  5. BAKING, BAKING, BAKING – OI OI OI

    Barry Clayton – American Society of Baking Hall of Fame-elect and a former senior vice president with AB Mauri North America – visits with ABMNA Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak in this latest episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ They discuss everything from baking enzyme technology to New…

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  6. A BEAM OF LIGHT FROM BEMA’S OWN

    Kerwin Brown, President & CEO of BEMA – Bakery Equipment Manufacturers & Allieds – visits with AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak in the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ They discuss Kerdog’s longtime career within the baking industry, the importance of...

  7. The ABCs of A-S-B

    Kristen Spriggs, Executive Director of the American Society of Baking based in Indianapolis, joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The duo discusses Kristen’s nearly three-year tenure at ASB, her previous work in the…

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  8. LET’S GET THE BALL ROLLING

    Erin Ball, Executive Director of the Grain Foods Foundation based in Washington D.C., joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The duo discusses the benefits of grain foods in a healthy diet, the changing face of the food...

  9. EVERYBODY HAVE FUN TONIGHT

    Two founding members of the iconic 80s New Wave & Modern Rock band Wang Chung – Jack Hues and Nick Feldman – join AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for a fascinating episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The trio dives into a dynamic era of popular music, the real meaning...

  10. HE WHO WEARS PLAID IS TOTALLY RAD

    Leading international business growth and customer experience expert Jay Baer – who is also an established purveyor of tequila – joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for an excellent episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The duo dives into connecting with customers…

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  11. ONE BURGER, ONE SHOT & ONE BEER

    1879 Distilling Company Founder Mark Disper and Head Distiller Kyle Decker join AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for this episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The trio dives into multiple topics including starting up a distillery, crafting the ideal alcohol beverage,...

  12. MIXING IT UP WITH SETH GODIN

    Seth Godin – author of nearly two dozen bestsellers that have been translated into more than 35 languages – joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing, Rick Oleshak, for the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The duo discusses daily blogging, pioneering in the internet age, being...

  13. TO GIVE BACK IS GOLDEN

    Chef Matt Borchardt, executive chef of Ronald McDonald House Charities in St. Louis, joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing, Rick Oleshak, for the newest episode of ‘The Oven Light’ podcast. The duo recounts the impact of doing good, serving others through a meal, the new,...

  14. EP35 THE JUICE WORTH THE SQUEEZE

    Matt McLean – known in the food world as ‘Uncle Matt’ from Uncle Matt’s Organic juices & beverages – joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing, Rick Oleshak, for the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light’. The duo discusses farming citrus crops with family, selling orange juice in...

  15. EP34 HEY, DUDE…WHAT'S UP?

    Terence Reilly – current President of Hey Dude footwear and previously President of the iconic Stanley portfolio of tumblers and other drinkware – joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about innovation, the power…

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  16. EP33 THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A COOL POOLE

    Charles K. Poole – established author, thought leader, fellow podcaster, award-winning communications executive & much more – joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for a new episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about living intentionally and changing lives –…

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  17. EP32 THE MOVIE MAN

    James Thomas, Director of the St. Louis Black and Classic Film Festivals and movie man extraordinaire, joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for a new episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about the world of cinema, movie stars and more. In this episode, the duo…

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  18. EP31 - MORE THAN A GOOD SPORT

    Brandon Steiner, founder of CollectibleXchange and The Steiner Agency, joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for this episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about the incredible landscape of baking, sports and so much more. In this episode, the duo dives deep into the...

  19. EP30 - MY BAKERY COMPANION

    Josh Allen, founder of St. Louis-based Companion Baking, joins AB Mauri North America’s Rick Oleshak for this episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about the wonderful world of craft baking. In this program, the duo discusses sustainable baking, frozen products, to-go food orders, today’s bakery...

  20. EP29 - OPERATION EXCELLENT BAKERY

    Acclaimed bakery executive and recent winner of Baking & Snack’s 2023 Operations Executive of the Year, Kevin Stevens, joins AB Mauri marketing head Rick Oleshak for this episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about the enlightening world of industrial baking. In this episode, the duo discusses the...

  21. EP28 - ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH

    Alastair Brogan, the chieftain of Boulder Spirits and Vapor Distillery in Colorado, joins AB Mauri North America VP of Marketing Rick Oleshak on the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light’ podcast. In this edition, the duo talks about Top Gun, the Royal Air Force, drinking whiskey with friends – with...

  22. EP27 - CATCHING UP WITH ‘THE ROOKIE’

    Jim Morris, a former major league pitcher and inspiration for the Disney film, ‘The Rookie’, visits with AB Mauri North America VP of Marketing Rick Oleshak on ‘The Oven Light’ podcast. In this episode, the tandem discusses teamwork, making dreams come true, professional baseball, whether or not…

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  23. EP26 - A CROWINING ACHIEVEMENT

    Crown Bakeries CEO and esteemed baking industry leader Cordia Harrington joins AB Mauri North America VP of Marketing Rick Oleshak for this new episode of ‘The Oven Light’. In this episode, the duo tackles the future of baking, quick service restaurants, universities in the southeast, travel in...

  24. EP25 - YAKETY YAKIMA…DO TALK BACK

    Haas Hops Midwest Key Account Manager & former Yakima, Washington mayor Micah Cawley joins AB Mauri North America VP of Marketing Rick Oleshak for this episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk brewing. In Episode #25, the combo discusses the beer industry, current fashion and fast cars, being one of…

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  25. EP24 - THE BAKING INDUSTRY DELL-IVERS AGAIN

    New American Bakers Association President & CEO Eric Dell joins AB Mauri marketing head Rick Oleshak for this episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk hardcore baking. In Episode #24, the duo discusses the state of the union for baking, the convenience and vending industries, top spots for hanging out...

  26. EP23 - LET'S BE FRANK

    St. Louis Sports Commission chief advisory officer, Frank Viverito, joins ABMNA vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, for this episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about how sports and baking intersect…trust us, they really do! Viv goes long (a football reference) into baking during the...

  27. EP22 - THAT'S THE SPIRIT

    Long-time AB Mauri and AB Biotek senior vice president, Greg Strauss, joins ABMNA vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, on this exciting episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about the wonderful world of yeast…outside of baking. Greg goes deep into the consumer alcohol space, his background at...

  28. EP21 - MAMA MIA...IT'S MADE BY LIA

    Award-winning cake artist, former AB Mauri North America brand ambassador & local St. Louis region baker Lia Holter joins ABMNA vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, on the latest 'The Oven Light' podcast. Lia gives her take on the post-pandemic craft baking business, her inspirations and...

  29. EP20 - A RUN ON DONUTS

    Acclaimed & award-winning artisan baker Rachel Wyman – now part of the lecturing faculty at The Culinary Institute of America – joins AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, on the latest ‘The Oven Light’ podcast. Rachel provides her insights on fabulous donuts, the...

  30. EP19 - IT’S A ‘GUDE’ TIME TO BE A BAKER

    Longtime Sosland Publishing executive and recent baking hall of fame inductee, Mike Gude, joins AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, on the latest ‘The Oven Light’ podcast. Mike – a popular figure with B2B bakers in the United States – shares his thoughts on both…

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  31. EP18 - LIFE IS SO SWEET

    AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, welcomes technical manager Wes Snow to ‘The Oven Light’ podcast. Wes, who helps steer the company’s path in the indulgent, sweet bakery goods area, provides a keen eye on product trends, innovation, necessary ingredients with even…

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  32. EP17 - I WANT MY GLUTEN-FREE WITH MTV ICON ALAN HUNTER

    We turn back to music for more inspiration as AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, welcomes original MTV veejay and current Sirius XM satellite radio host, Alan Hunter, to ‘The Oven Light’. The duo talks about the gluten-free lifestyle for the Hunter family, concerts,...

  33. EP16 - LIVE FROM CHICAGO, IT’S ASB

    There’s nothing like a studio audience of more than 60 people, especially during the American Society of Baking’s annual BakingTECH conference in Chicago. AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, welcomes Aladdin Bakers Chief Operating Officer Theresa Watkinson and AB…

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  34. EP15 - BREAD BOX HERO WITH FOREIGNER MUSICIAN MICHAEL BLUESTEIN

    In a twist from previous bakery only-focused episodes, AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, welcomes world-class musician and Foreigner rock band keyboard player Michael Bluestein to the program to talk music, brewing, cookies, travel & more. Tune in to this unique...

  35. EP14 - BAKE + FEST = TWO GOOD THINGS

    Stefani Pollack – founder of The Bake Fest – joins AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing and podcast host Rick Oleshak to talk about stirring up the social media craze for new bakers. From pivoting her career by making cupcakes for a friend’s wedding to nearly a million followers...

  36. EP13 - HELLO MUDDAH, HELLO FATHER

    In this latest episode of ‘The Oven Light’, The Bread Monk – aka Father Dominic Garramone – joins host Rick Oleshak to talk baking inspiration, holiday treats, the abbey life & more. As Father Dom says, “It’s a monk thing,” so be ready to be educated and encouraged in your next baked goods…

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  37. EP12 - YOU OLD SOFTY, YOU!

    In the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light’, AB Mauri North America Product Director Nicole Rees returns to talk softening and extended shelf life in baking with host Rick Oleshak. Put the mixing bowl down, keep the oven warm and tune in to this fun conversation about how to keep bread fresh, the...

  38. EP11 - SHAKIN’ & BAKIN’ WITH DUFF GOLDMAN

    In an exclusive opportunity, AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, welcomes celebrity baker, master chef, television personality, bass guitarist, and all-around great guy, Duff Goldman, to the program to talk baking, family, the upcoming IBIE trade event in Las Vegas,...

  39. EP10 - RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

    In Episode #10, AB Mauri North America welcomes yeast expert Michelle Brodie and innovation lead Paul Bright (our first 3-time visitor) to the booth to highlight the wonderful world of fermentation and breadmaking. Tune in to this kickoff podcast to Season 2 and learn more about the industrial…

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  40. EP9 - FROM THE VAULT: FLEISCHMANN'S YEAST

    In Episode #9, AB Mauri North America Marketing Manager Tricia McNamara plays host to a discussion on the history and curiosities behind Fleischmann's Yeast with VP of Marketing Rick Oleshak. Tune in to this special edition of ‘The Oven Light’ podcast to learn more about the B2B baking industry....

  41. EP8 - CLEANING UP MOLD

    In Episode #8, AB Mauri North America baking experts Paul Bright and Kyle Christensen rejoin host Rick Oleshak to discuss preservation in baking, preferred traditional solutions, clean label mold inhibitors & a lot more. Listen to ‘The Oven Light’ podcast to learn more about the B2B baking…

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  42. EP7 - EMULSIFIER SMULSIFIER

    In this seventh edition of ‘The Oven Light’, AB Mauri North America Product Director Nicole Rees joins host Rick Oleshak to discuss product management, emulsifiers, clean label baking ingredients, recipes & so much more. Listen in to ‘The Oven Light’ podcast to learn more about the B2B baking...

  43. EP6 - TORTILLAS AIN'T FLAT

    In the sixth installment of ‘The Oven Light’, baking professionals Darren Braulik and Oscar Carreon join host Rick Oleshak to discuss the surprising world of tortillas, pizza, flatbread & naan – including new trends, category growth, flavor options & more. Tune in to ‘The Oven Light’ podcast to...

  44. EP5 - FLY FREE, LEGAL EAGLE

    In the fifth installment of ‘The Oven Light’, legal professional Eric Robben and host Rick Oleshak connect to discuss a wide range of topics from regulatory and retail sales to Wiffle® Ball and corporate mascots. Yet again, ‘The Oven Light’ podcast brings you entertaining and educational content...

  45. EP4 - PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES

    In the fourth installment of ‘The Oven Light’, baking professionals Dave Hufford and Trey Pope join host Rick Oleshak to discuss the intriguing topics of ingredient procurement, supply, and delivery, certainly hot topics under today’s business climate for industrial and artisan bakeries of all...

  46. EP3 - RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

    In the third installment of ‘The Oven Light’, baking professionals Paul Bright and Kenyatta Holmes join host Rick Oleshak to talk about the intriguing category of chemical leaveners which include baking powder and baking soda. The trio dives into key product formulation and application areas for...

  47. EP2 - MIXIN' IT UP WITH THE 3 AMIGOS

    In this second episode of ‘The Oven Light’, three AB Mauri North America baking professionals join host Rick Oleshak to talk about the ins and outs of baking mixes – from doughnuts & cake to bread & more. Kyle Christensen, Mike Purvis & Wes Snow cover a lot of ground on the program, highlighting...

  48. EP1 - B2B BAKING WITH ABMNA PREZ BRENT FENTON

    In the first episode of ‘The Oven Light’, new AB Mauri North America President Brent Fenton joins host Rick Oleshak to share the ins and outs of the B2B baking business in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, the pair discusses where the industry is headed in the new year, key themes along the...

  49. COMING SOON...'THE OVEN LIGHT' PODCAST

    Tune into this trailer for ‘The Oven Light’, coming soon to your favorite podcast platforms. In this series, we'll take a look at the industrial & artisan baking industry in North America: why it’s important, how is it changing, and what you can expect. We’ll hear from industry insiders and...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Industrial & artisan baking doesn't have to be so complex. Let the expert team from AB Mauri North America shed some light on ingredients, finished baked goods & everything in between to help you have a successful & fun baking experience.

HOSTED BY

Rick Oleshak & Tricia McNamara

Produced by Rick Oleshak

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Oven Light have?

The Oven Light currently has 49 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Oven Light about?

Industrial & artisan baking doesn't have to be so complex. Let the expert team from AB Mauri North America shed some light on ingredients, finished baked goods & everything in between to help you have a successful & fun baking experience.

How often does The Oven Light release new episodes?

The Oven Light has 49 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Oven Light?

You can listen to The Oven Light on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Oven Light?

The Oven Light is created and hosted by Rick Oleshak & Tricia McNamara.
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