Edify Unfiltered

A Syrian refugee who turned his experience into service to other 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers. A world class brewer on Edmonton’s Happy Beer Street. Hear from two members of Edify’s Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.

First, hosts Trudy Callaghan and Steven Sandor chat with Basel Abou Hamrah, founder of the Newcomer Centre’s Rainbow Refuge program. Basel Abou Hamrah tells of how he went from closeted refugee to helping put Edmonton on the map for 2SLGBTQ+ refugees looking for a welcoming city.

Then, listen to Doug Checknita, head brewer and blender at The Monolith. Doug takes the title of beer nerd to another level with his scientific approach to the brand’s Beer World Cup-winning barrel-fermented beer.

Buy tickets to Top 40 Under 40 now.

Read Basel Abou Hamrah's Top 40 profile

Read Doug Checknita's Top 40 profile

See the Top 40 Under 40 class of 2024

Comment on Edify's Instagram

--Related Links--

Edmonton Wins the World Cup (of Beer)

--Chapters--

• (00:11) - Top 40 Under 40 Event Preview
• (03:21) - Basel Abou Hamrah's Story
• (11:02) - Rainbow Refuge Achievements
• (18:21) - Doug Checknita's Journey in Beer Making
• (25:55) - Education and Research in Brewing
• (28:24) - Winning Worldwide
• (34:20) - Doug's Reflections and Future Plans

--Credits—

Hosted by Trudy Callaghan and Steven Sandor

Produced by Odvod Media

Audio Engineering by Steve Glen

Original music by Darrin Hagen

In the Age of Instagram, paid influencers and people peddling empty content, how can you make sure to set your personal filter to spot legitimate journalism? Edify publisher Trudy Callaghan and editor-in-chief Steven Sandor discuss what it's like to try and stick to the ethical principles when there is so much pressure on magazines to sell their souls.

--From This Episode--

• Read the article “Ottawa keeps spending on influencers. Liberals say it’s about stemming disinformation” from the Globe and Mail.
• Read the article “The Contestant Who Outsmarted The Price Is Right” by Chris Jone. (Note: the article is owned by Esquire and is behind a paywall).
• Learn more about the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association (AMPA).
• See more from Edify Magazine.
• Find Edify on Facebook, Instagram and X.

--Chapters--

• (00:00) - Intro
• (05:47) - Integrity
• (11:23) - Trust
• (16:12) - Meaningful Stories
• (24:42) - Democracy Matters
• (28:16) - Values
• (36:45) - Close

Hosted by Steve Sandor and Trudy Callaghan

Produced by Odvod Media

Audio Engineering by Steve Glen

Original music by Darrin Hagen

Bike lanes are a divisive topic here in Edmonton. Some people advocate in their favour, while others are filled with rage at their very existence, and the fact that the City Council put $100 million aside for them. But love ‘em or hate ‘em, bike lanes are an important part of urban infrastructure, allowing for many types of active transportation.

Mauricio Ochoa, President and CEO of FCX Developments, joins us to talk about how he builds homes for people who like to get around — and why we should love cyclists.

--From This Episode--

• Find out more about how FCX Developments approaches affordable housing.
• Read the Edify article: Hate Bike Lanes? Read This Now.
• See more fromEdify Magazine.
• Find Edify on Facebook, Instagram and X.

--Chapters--

• (00:00) - Intro
• (03:56) - Design
• (07:33) - Location
• (13:44) - Colombia to Canada
• (20:15) - Lane Rage
• (26:04) - Close

--Credits—

Hosted by Steve Sandor and Trudy Callaghan

Produced by Odvod Media

Audio Engineering by Steve Glen

Original music by Darrin Hagen

Steven and Trudy dispel myths and provide insights into the selection process for Edify's Top 40 Under 40 honorees.

--From This Episode--

• Get your tickets to the 2024 top 40 Awards.
• See more from Edify Magazine.

Find Edify on Facebook, Instagram and X.

--Chapters--

• (00:00) - Intro
• (01:10) - What Is Top 40
• (05:45) - Judging
• (09:54) - Tips for Applying
• (14:16) - Integrity of Process
• (21:10) - Open Intake
• (25:42) - Connections
• (30:05) - More Myths
• (35:04) - Close

Hosted by Steve Sandor and Trudy Callaghan

Produced by Odvod Media

Audio Engineering by Steve Glen

Original music by Darrin Hagen

Sina Zere didn’t plan to be an entrepreneur. But when she saw a gap in Edmonton’s esthetics market, she opened her own wax bar, Buff Wax Spot. She joins Trudy and guest co-host Heather Thomson, Vice President of Economy and Engagement at Edmonton Chamber of Commerce for a lively conversation ranging from what sets Buff Wax Spot apart from the pack, why Sina will always stick to her inclusive business practices, and why clients don’t want to look at your family photos while they’re getting waxed.

Find Edify on Facebook, Instagram and X.

--From This Episode--

Read about all the Edifier Awards winners in the Jan/Feb issue of Edify Magazine.

• (00:15) - - Meet Guest Co-host, Heather Thomson
• (03:22) - - Introducing Retail Maverick Sina Zere
• (05:39) - - Building a Client Base
• (08:22) - - Doing Business Differently
• (15:24) - - Inclusivity in Business
• (21:11) - - Creating the Right Client Experience
• (27:05) - - If I Could Turn Back Time

Hosted by Trudy Callaghan with guest co-host Heather Thomson

Produced by Odvod Media

Audio Engineering by Steve Glen

Original music by Darrin Hagen