of Kelowna - your local podcast

Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Chris for a conversation about cars, craft, family and the road that led him to opening his own shop.Chris’s love for European cars started in the back seat of a mid 80s BMW and eventually took him from Ontario, to automotive school in Arizona, to high end BMW dealerships, and finally to Kelowna.What I loved about this conversation is how much meaning Chris finds in cars. They are not just machines. They hold memories, family stories, sacrifice, risk and connection.A great conversation about following the thing that keeps pulling at you, even when the path there is anything but straight.

Send us Fan MailOne year later.What started as me just wanting to sit down, chat, and get to know people has grown into something really special. This anniversary episode looks back at the very first recording I made into the mics. A big thank you to everyone who helped get this off the ground and to everyone who continues to listen, share, and send guest recommendations my way.Cheers

Send us Fan MailLuxury Muck creates art that is dark, strange, imaginative, and unmistakably original. Jordan joins me to talk about childhood creativity, the influences that shaped his style, and the way his work intertwines the edgy with a softness.

Send us Fan MailA heartfelt episode about an unstable childhood, the people who stepped in with love and stability, and the resilience that can grow from difficult beginnings. It’s an honest and moving conversation with Ash from @twoblueprints.styling about family, belonging, and how even the hardest chapters can leave behind meaningful gifts.#ofkelownapodcast #twoblueprintsstyling

Send us Fan MailBernie Ryan has lived a life full of movement, hands on learning, and community impact. In this episode, we talk about the road that took him from his early years in Toronto to the life he’s built today through motorcycles, mechanics, and hard earned experience. We also get into Bernie’s incredible fundraising efforts and the heart he has for giving back, making this a conversation not just about work and hobbies, but about purpose and community too. 

Send us Fan MailAt just 15, Rocklin has already built an incredible story. In this episode, he shares how a love of fantasy, a broken wand, and a pocket knife sparked Rockwands, a handmade business that grew fast through creativity, family support, and word of mouth. A fun and inspiring conversation about building something from scratch in Kelowna. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of of Kelowna, I sit down with Rosemary Thomson, Artistic Director of Opera Kelowna, to talk about the journey that shaped her life in music. From growing up in St. Catharines, Ontario, as one of seven kids in a home filled with singing, instruments, and chaos, to discovering the power of music through family, teaching, and conducting, Rosemary shares a thoughtful and inspiring look at how passion becomes a life’s work. We talk childhood, nature, music, community, and the path that eventually brought her west to Kelowna. 

Send us Fan MailBig shoutout to Shawn from Eco Grow Tech, Jared and Jamie from Better Good Agency, formerly Sessions Agency, and Vince, who took care of the design and photography in the early days. Their support played a huge part in helping bring the concept to life and get the business off the ground as quickly as it did. How do two Okanagan friends turn a side idea into a thriving local business? In this episode, Colton and Justin of @mycrogreensco share their journey from sports, trades, and side hustles to building a successful Kelowna microgreens business. They talk about starting during COVID, the grind of entrepreneurship, supplying Okanagan restaurants and grocery stores, and what it takes to grow something real from the ground up.#ofkelownapodcast

Send us Fan Mail98% of Canadian businesses are small.Most have no employees.Many struggle just to be found.In this episode, we explore the story behind Bibidi — a Central Okanagan-based platform designed to connect independent service providers with their community.From early entrepreneurial sparks to startup accelerators, tech builds, failed pitches, and unexpected pivots, this is a deep dive into what it means to build a marketplace from the ground up.It’s about more than hiring a painter or dog walker.It’s about restoring the fabric of community — one connection at a time.#ofkelownapodcast

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the helper becomes the one telling their story?In this episode of of Kelowna, therapist Melissa Campos opens up about her path into mental health work, supporting high achievers through anxiety and burnout, and the surprising lessons she learned about failure, imposter syndrome, and self-compassion along the way.A reflective conversation about growth, ambition, and why sometimes healing isn’t fixing — it’s simply sitting beside someone in the hard moments.#ofkelownapodcast

Send us Fan MailShe was told she wasn’t “McDonald’s material.”Today, she’s filling rooms with over 100 women.In this episode of of Kelowna, we sit down with a proud Rutland girl who grew up feeling like the quiet shadow in the background, introverted and unsure where she fit, convinced everyone else had it figured out.From working at Blockbuster on Friday nights to packing up her car and moving to Fort St. John on a whim, her path into real estate was not polished or predictable. She failed her licensing exam. She questioned herself. She wondered who would ever want to talk to “just another realtor.”And then she built something anyway.What started as a safe space for a handful of women has grown into The Boss Network, a thriving community here in Kelowna that sells out events, pairs strangers so no one walks in alone, and proves that the so called black sheep often become the ones who build the rooms.This conversation is about introversion, imposter feelings, entrepreneurship, community, and the quiet kids who grow up to take the stage.If you have ever felt like you did not quite fit in, this one is for you.

Send us Fan MailMatt is a Kelowna born chef whose path into food started early and took him around the world before bringing him back home. From working in Michelin starred kitchens in Copenhagen and San Francisco to becoming a head chef in the Okanagan at just twenty years old, his journey has been driven by curiosity, discipline, and an all in approach to learning.But one unexpected idea changed everything. What began as a way to use surplus chili peppers on a small winery farm eventually turned into MM. Sauce, a hot sauce company inspired by restaurant creativity, Costa Rican ingredients, and a push from family to bottle something special. Starting with small batches sold through Instagram and local markets, the project quickly became more than just a side experiment.In this episode, Matt shares how food, travel, and experience shaped his cooking philosophy, why balance matters more to him now than fine dining prestige, and how building MM Sauce fits into a life centered on family, community, and the Okanagan food scene.

Send us Fan MailMusician Ben Dunnill is a pianist and vocalist whose lifelong connection to music began in a home filled with instruments, creativity, and encouragement to follow his passion. Ben shares how performing in piano bars as a teenager became his real-world education in music, eventually leading to touring experiences, viral social media moments, and a move to Kelowna sparked by both opportunity and connection.The conversation explores Ben’s creative process, his love of improvisation, the discipline behind performing night after night, and how travel, relationships, and lived experience continue to shape his artistry. From public pianos in European train stations to stages across Canada, Ben’s journey is a reminder that growth often happens when curiosity leads the way.#ofkelownapodcast

Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Marie-Claude, the founder of Planty of Nosh, to explore a journey shaped by food family and resilience. From growing up near Montreal in a tight knit entrepreneurial family to training in culinary school working in France and eventually finding her way to the Okanagan her story spans continents and seasons of life.We talk about the realities of the restaurant industry the lessons learned from opening businesses and how motherhood and personal loss reshaped her relationship with food and health. The conversation follows the birth of Planty of Nosh just days before COVID and the pivots required to survive and rebuild.This episode is a thoughtful look at listening to your instincts adapting through uncertainty and creating something meaningful when the path forward is anything but clear.#ofkelownapodcast

Send us Fan MailTom shares the winding path that brought him from a small village in the Netherlands to building a life—and a butcher shop—in Kelowna. We talk about his upbringing, his education in food design and innovation, and the many roles he held in the hospitality world along the way. Tom opens up about the leap to Canada, the realities of starting a catering business from scratch, and the challenges and rewards of putting down roots in a new place. At its heart, this conversation is about craft, sustainability, community, and why working with your hands still matters in today’s world. 

Send us Fan MailChantal’s life has been shaped by movement, adaptation, and quiet resilience. From a cross-Canada road trip as a child to growing up in Northern BC, navigating family separation, and finding unexpected belonging in Kelowna, her story is one of constant transition. As a young adult, feeling overwhelmed by academic life but pulled toward something more, she took a leap that led her across the world with little more than a backpack and determination. This episode explores belonging, family, and the courage to follow an inner voice when the path forward isn’t clear. 

Send us Fan MailJoin us in this captivating episode of Twilight Valley Handwoven Textiles as we sit down with Jessica Crawford, the creative force behind Twilight Valley Hand Woven Textiles. Discover how Jessica transitioned from a music career to her side hustle of mastering the art of weaving, and learn about the intricate process of setting up looms and crafting unique textiles. Explore the vibrant world of fiber arts, the community that supports it, and the timeless connection between music and weaving. Tune in for an inspiring journey into the heart of traditional crafts and modern creativity.

Send us Fan MailDive into the sweet journey of Leanne and Hallie as they share their inspiring story of building a cookie empire on the latest episode of CHOMP! @chompcookiesca From dreams to delicious realities, discover how passion and partnership create magic.#ofkelownapodcast

Send us Fan MailAdam, the visionary behind @RedBirdBrewing. From humble beginnings in Vernon, gold hunting in the Amazon, to creating a community hub in Kelowna, Adam shares his passion for craft beer, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the serendipitous moments that shaped Red Bird Brewing. Discover how a simple idea turned into a beloved local landmark, complete with live music, community events, and a vibrant atmosphere. This is a story of resilience, creativity, and the power of community.#ofKelowna #KelownaPodcast #RedBirdKelowna #Kelowna #LocalBusiness #redbirdbrewing  #LocalStories #HumanStories #UnscriptedPodcast #CommunityVoices #Okanagan

Send us Fan MailExplore the captivating journey of Michelle, a photographer who seamlessly blends her passion for art and therapy. In this episode, Michelle shares how her advanced academic pursuits in psychology led her to the world of blending counselling and art through therapeutic photography. Discover her unique approach to capturing genuine emotions and connections in weddings and other events, and learn how she uses her craft to advocate for mental health. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of photography.#ofkelownapodcast

Send us Fan MailLaura Luckhurst, of Luckhurst Farm and Distillery, shares her journey from Calgary to Connecticut, and eventually to Kelowna, where she and her husband Joe run a successful distillery. The episode delves into Laura's experiences growing up, her transition into the wine industry, and the eventual shift to distilling. Laura discusses the importance of family, the creative process behind their unique product labels, and the joy of integrating personal history into their business. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of running a family business, the significance of community, and the art of balancing work with family life.

Send us Fan MailCarolina shares her inspiring journey from El Salvador to Canada, detailing her path to founding Casa Modelo Studio. Through personal stories of resilience and creativity, Carolina reveals how she turned challenges into opportunities, building a unique vintage shop that reflects her passion for sustainable and curated design. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of following one's dreams.#ofkelownapodcast

Send us Fan MailMatt from Plant Gather takes us through a winding journey that starts in a tiny Mennonite town in Manitoba and eventually lands in the Okanagan. From moving across provinces as a kid, to switching schools almost every year, to navigating the maze of commercial leases and unexpected costs as a small business owner Matt’s story is full of quiet resilience and thoughtful reflection.We talk about what it means to build a life and a business in Kelowna, the realities behind the scenes that most people never see, and the surprising lessons learned along the way. It’s an easygoing, honest conversation about roots, movement, and creating something meaningful in a place you love.Join us for a grounded, insightful look into Matt’s path and the heart behind Plant Gather.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of of Kelowna, we sit down with Gerry Jobe to talk life, legacy, and the joy of creating something bigger than yourself. From reliving the excitement of 80s and 90s culture to the responsibility of passing a company, and values, down to the next generation, Gerry reflects on what really matters: relationships, memories, and savoring the simple moments. This is a conversation about family, gratitude, and the sweet “syrup” that makes life rich. #ofKelownaPodcast #KelownaPodcast #OkanaganPodcast #Legacy #FamilyBusiness #LifeReflections #Gratitude #Nostalgia #CreatingALegacy #MemoriesMatter #PassItOn #ListenNow #LocalVoices #LifeWisdom #KelownaLife #OkanaganLiving #Inspiration 

Send us Fan MailThis week’s guest is Frances, manager of the Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market, and someone whose warmth, humour, and community spirit shine through every story. We talk about her path from working in the market to running it, what it’s like behind the scenes, and how much heart goes into building a space that supports local growers, makers, and connections. #OfKelownaPodcast #KelownaPodcast #KelownaFarmersMarket #KelownaCommunity #KelownaLife #SupportLocalKelowna #FarmersMarketStories #KelownaLocal #MeetTheMaker #OkanaganLife #OkanaganLiving #KelownaLove #LocalStories #BehindTheMarket #CommunityConnections #ShopLocalKelowna #OkanaganFarmersMarket #KelownaCreatives 

Send us Fan MailAfter years in the non-profit world, Stephanie knew she wanted to build something of her own, something rooted in meaning and connection. She just wasn’t sure what that was yet. Inspired by the people she met and a desire to create something that gave back, she landed on granola, even though she didn’t like granola! Through trial, error, and plenty of taste tests, she crafted a mix that was actually good, and Cabin Five was born.In this episode, we talk about finding purpose through experimentation, starting from scratch, and the power of building community one small, thoughtful batch at a time. 

Send us Fan MailFrom his early days at Earls to cooking at the world’s best restaurant, Noma, Brian Skinner’s culinary journey has been anything but ordinary. Brian's story of  Frankie We Salute You is a story of passion, purpose, and finding balance beyond ambition.#OfKelownaPodcast #FrankieWeSaluteYou #KelownaEats #KelownaPodcast #LocalStories #SupportLocalKelowna #KelownaRestaurants #FoodJourney #VegetarianCooking #OkanaganLife

Send us Fan MailWhat started as a dream of a Spanish-style charcuterie cart turned into a joyful mini pancake and dirty soda stand, complete with custom LED lighting, seasonal toppings, and an ever-changing menu. Evelyn brings global flavor memory from Spanish hot chocolate to Dominican sweets. Cody brings his no-measurement-needed family pancake recipe, perfected over years of Sunday breakfasts. Together, they build not just food, but vibes.This episode is warm, inventive, and ridiculously charming — like a pancake fresh off the griddle.

Send us Fan MailFrom a small town in Slovakia to van life across North America and finally settling in Kelowna, Jana has followed an unconventional path. What started as a side project during lockdown has grown into a passion for restoring furniture — work she finds both challenging and deeply rewarding. In this episode, she shares the full-circle connection to her family back home, the lessons learned from trial and error in the workshop, and her vision of blending sustainability, woodworking, and even coffee into a future community space.

Send us Fan MailWrapping up our coffee fest special is a redrop of one of the first podcast supporters and a fan favourite @craft42roasters. From roasting beans to building dreams, Taylor and Aaron of Craft 42 Roasters share their story of entrepreneurship, community, and the grind behind great coffee. It’s a deep dive into what it takes to grow a local business rooted in passion and purpose.

Send us Fan MailMobile: WinstonJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Sharlet, a passionate entrepreneur and founder of Momentous Coffee Co. In this episode, Sharlet shares her journey from healthcare to coffee, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, and the importance of community and family. Discover how her love for nature and adventure fuels her creativity and learn about the unique mission behind her coffee venture. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights and motivation to follow your dreams.

Send us Fan Mailwww.neoncoffeeroasters.comHenryk and Virginie of NEON Coffee share how their journeys—from Costa Rica and Kelowna to bread baking, social work, and international studies—came together through a shared passion for coffee. They reflect on starting NEON in a garage with a Loring roaster, their focus on light, bright roasts, and their commitment to paying producers fairly while cutting through industry greenwashing. Along the way, they explore the culture, politics, and craft of coffee, and how they’re working to reshape the way we value every cup.

Send us Fan Mailwww.modecoffee.caMo and Brooko started Mode Coffee at a farmers market with a humble home espresso machine, showing that coffee could be café-quality at home. Inspired by Australian coffee culture, they gradually upgraded equipment, honed their roasts, and expanded to markets with a custom trailer. Along the way, they navigated permits, packaging, and long days, all while building community connections and celebrating inclusivity in the craft coffee world. 

Send us Fan MailMobileFrom cruise ship stages to coffee carts in Kelowna, Megan and Eder’s journey is anything but ordinary. What started as two dancers meeting at sea eventually turned into a shared love of coffee, community, and building something of their own. After years of performing around the world, they returned to the Okanagan, juggling odd jobs, parenthood, and a dream that wouldn’t let go. Today, that dream is Boa Vida — a hand-built cart turned growing coffee business that reflects their story of resilience, creativity, and carving out a good life in Kelowna.

Send us Fan MailStewart from Urla returns for Part 2 — this time diving deeper into their coffee lineup. We planned for a quick follow-up and ended up talking beans, brews, and coffee philosophy for another full hour. 

Send us Fan Mailurlacoffee.caStewart and Cassandra share the story of Urla Coffee and the playful, community-focused spirit behind their brand. They’re building something fun, thoughtful, and deeply local. With humour, honesty, and a love of simplicity done well, they’re shaping a coffee identity that’s uniquely them. 

Send us Fan Mail1037 Richter StPeter takes us through his life journey from being one of the early pioneers of craft beer in BC, to a long chapter in the wine industry, to becoming part of Red Bird Brewing and now stepping into the world of coffee roasting. He’s become one of the few...if not only...masters of the Okanagan Trifecta: wine, craft beer, and craft coffee. 

Send us Fan Mail1880 Baron Rd.First drop of Coffee week is the one and only Bailey of Anarchy coffee. He was a ski bum for years, building jumps and chasing powder, when his love for coffee started to grow naturally and organically right alongside his own homemade roaster. In this episode, we dive into the unpredictable world of specialty coffee, the chaos of daily brewing, and the Kelowna Coffee Fest. It’s caffeine, creativity, and a little bit of punk-rock attitude in every sip. 

Send us Fan MailCarly never set out to be a wedding planner, but a hospitality course changed everything. What started as a curiosity quickly turned into Champagne Celebrations—her own company that grew faster than she ever expected. In this episode, she shares how her love of organization turned into a career, what it’s really like behind the scenes of weddings, why hiring a coordinator can save you from chaos, and the unforgettable story of a power-outage wedding lit only by cell phone flashlights.www.champagnecelebrationsbc.com

Send us Fan Mailwww.sourdoughschoolhouse.comShannon shares how her love for sourdough grew into teaching over 50 workshops, connecting with students in 17 countries, and building a vibrant online membership that’s still thriving four years later. From the artistry of bread across cultures to the science of fermentation and gut health, she brings both passion and practicality, reminding us that progress matters more than perfection. At its core, her journey is about more than bread—it’s about creating community, friendship, and connection around something as simple and powerful as baking.

Send us Fan Mail1111 Gordon Dr.When Remy and her dad turned a shared love of rocks into a small shop, they couldn’t have guessed it would grow into a thriving hub for collectors, learners, and the Kelowna rock club. In this episode, Remy shares how family support, a leap of faith, and a lot of self-teaching transformed a passion into a business. She opens up about leaving a “safe” city job, the challenges and joys of running a small business, and the importance of community — from volunteers building a workshop to local neighbors creating a little industrial-area gem.Whether you’re into minerals, small business stories, or just need inspiration to take your own leap, this conversation is full of heart, honesty, and a reminder that effort, curiosity, and support can turn a dream into something real.

Send us Fan MailFrom carpentry and massage therapy to running Kelowna’s first cornhole league, Chris and Kindra have built something bigger than a game—it’s a community. In this episode, we talk about how a backyard pastime grew into a nonprofit league that’s now connected to nationals, why cornhole is one of the most inclusive and affordable sports out there, and the challenges of keeping it accessible as it grows. With stories of friendship, family, and the joy of tossing a bag, Chris and Kindra share why cornhole is about more than points on a board—it’s about people. 

Send us Fan MailSarah’s vintage markets have become more than just shopping events—they’re hubs of creativity and connection. From figuring out low-cost marketing to experimenting with new venues, she’s constantly refining how to keep her shows both accessible and vibrant. Collaborations with local businesses like Railside Brewing have opened new doors, drawing crowds of all ages for evenings filled with music, food, and vintage treasures. For Sarah, success isn’t just about sales—it’s about building community, creating a sense of place, and bringing life to the spaces she helps shape. With a never-ending waitlist of vendors and an ever-growing following, she’s proof that when you pair passion with adaptability, you can create something lasting, joyful, and deeply rooted in place. 

Send us Fan MailAirport Business Park - 2030 Matrix Cres #7The road to 3 Lakes Brewing wasn’t a straight line. For founders Mel and Cathy, it took years of hard work, different jobs, and unexpected turns before they discovered where they were meant to be—running an entirely women-owned and operated brewery in the heart of Lake Country.In this episode, they share how their journeys came together to create 3 Lakes: from shaping a welcoming community space to designing standout beer cans, collaborating with local food trucks, and finding resilience through the challenges of entrepreneurship. It’s a story of passion, persistence, and the long path toward building something truly their own.

Send us Fan Mail2190 Cooper Rd. - at the Kelowna Fruit n Veggie FarmFrom competitive gymnastics to the chaos of the kitchen, Trevan’s journey has always been fueled by discipline and passion. After years in restaurants, catering, and private cheffing, he took a leap in Kelowna—transforming a secondhand trailer into @thesandwichslinger, a breakfast truck built from scratch.In this episode, we dive into community support, the realities of small business ownership, and Trevan’s dream of one day opening a cozy brick-and-mortar spot.It’s a story of hustle, heart, and why a great breakfast sandwich is worth waking up for.

Send us Fan MailCapri Centre: 1835 Gordon Dr.Kevin and Kristina are the passionate duo breathing new life into the Okanagan Bowling Club. Blending cherished nostalgia with thoughtful modern touches, they’re transforming it into a vibrant hub for the community. Hear how they’ve navigated the challenges of property management, reignited a love for bowling, and rallied the incredible support of local businesses like Wesco, a standout electrical company. After learning that outdated lights were triggering seizures for one of the bowlers, Wesco generously donated brand-new lighting to create a safer, more welcoming space for everyone. This is a story of dedication, resilience, and the power of community to keep a beloved institution thriving.

Send us Fan Mail#103 - 1851 Kirschner RdJoin Allisha as she reflects on her personal journeys, exploring themes of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the importance of travel. She discusses the challenges and growth that come from navigating life's twists and turns, the significance of starting small in sustainable living, and the value of community support. The conversation also touches on the impact of motherhood and the lessons learned through various life experiences, culminating in a rich dialogue about the interconnectedness of personal and professional growth.

Send us Fan MailCrawfordWe delve into the inspiring story of Celin, who moved from Germany to Kelowna in her youth. She shares her experiences of adapting to a new culture, including walking around school with a dictionary as she learned English. Now, as a mother of homeschooled children, Celin is channeling her passion for sourdough baking into a budding grassroots business. Join us as she discusses the challenges and triumphs of balancing family life with her entrepreneurial dreams. Tune in for a heartfelt journey of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of passion.

Send us Fan Mail1320 Water St.Join us as we dive into the extraordinary life of Sean, a dynamic entrepreneur who juggles the responsibilities of owning two successful companies while soaring the skies as a full-time pilot. In this episode, we also veer off into our shared passion for sports, discussing how it fuels our drive and keeps us grounded. Sean candidly shares how he navigates the challenges of balancing his professional and personal life, the wisdom he's gathered from his multifaceted career, and how sports play a crucial role in his journey as a father. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for inspiration, Sean's story is sure to motivate and uplift.

Send us Fan MailBrielle WalshIn this episode, we chat with Brielle - the baker, mom, and creative behind The Lazy Batch - whose bold cookies have become a local staple at the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market. What began as a comforting outlet during postpartum and pandemic life quickly grew into a full-blown cookie sensation.Brielle opens up about her journey from working in restaurants in Vancouver to baking in a tiny condo kitchen with a newborn in tow. She shares the early hustle of handwriting every label, baking through nap times, and selling out at markets while slowly scaling up to mixers and depositors that changed the game. With no formal training and no business plan, just pure love for nostalgia and flavor, The Lazy Batch is a story of heart, hustle, and staying true to what feels good.This episode is for anyone chasing a creative spark, building something out of nothing, or just obsessed with great cookies.Listen at www.ofkelowna.com or wherever you get your podcasts.