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Bread and Butter Collective Podcast
Bread and Butter Collective Podcast
Author: CHEK Podcasts
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Join two Victoria, BC restauranteurs as they share the secrets of the industry.
Bread & Butter is a peer-driven collective aimed at providing resources and tools for improved levels of performance, peer accountability, learning & growth, political advocacy along with guidelines for operating businesses and managing lifestyles that are meaningful and lasting.
We believe that the hospitality industry has not been working for all stakeholders for a long time and that the cracks have been blown wide open by the COVID-19 crises leaving most business owners struggling to survive and concerned about the future.
Bread and Butter also believes that we can work together to develop a better way forward with the creation of a progressive community committed to holistic improvement as our foundation.
Sponsored by Big Wheel Burger: bigwheelburger.com
Learn more about the Big Wheel Burger Community Foundation: bigwheelfoundation.org
Bread & Butter is a peer-driven collective aimed at providing resources and tools for improved levels of performance, peer accountability, learning & growth, political advocacy along with guidelines for operating businesses and managing lifestyles that are meaningful and lasting.
We believe that the hospitality industry has not been working for all stakeholders for a long time and that the cracks have been blown wide open by the COVID-19 crises leaving most business owners struggling to survive and concerned about the future.
Bread and Butter also believes that we can work together to develop a better way forward with the creation of a progressive community committed to holistic improvement as our foundation.
Sponsored by Big Wheel Burger: bigwheelburger.com
Learn more about the Big Wheel Burger Community Foundation: bigwheelfoundation.org
123 Episodes
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Sam and Calen dive into the latest controversies surrounding the files, exploring power, privilege, and accountability. They also discuss how BIPOC and anti-discrimination laws contribute to a fairer society and stronger communities, and why equitable systems help a country thrive.
Sam and Calen sit down with Dave Thompson, Victoria City Councillor, for an honest conversation about homelessness and the challenges facing the city. Drawing on his background in law, economics, climate policy, and governance, Dave shares his perspective on housing, public safety, and what it will take to build a more livable and sustainable Victoria.
Sam and Calen sit down with Maddison Violet, owner of Veohlay Acres, to talk about her journey into vineyard ownership and what it really takes to build a life in the wine industry. Maddison shares the challenges, lessons, and passion behind growing her business, along with insights for anyone dreaming of working the land or starting something of their own.
Calen and Sam take time to reflect on the whirlwind that was 2025. From navigating the ups and downs of running small businesses to revisiting some of the year’s most inspiring conversations, this final episode of Bread & Butter looks back on the lessons learned and looks ahead to what’s next.
Chef Michael Williams joins The Bread & Butter Podcast in this week’s episode to share his journey from his first job in fast food as a teenager to becoming the owner of flourishing local business, Urban Forage. He talks about how his passion for food, combined with his commitment to supporting and strengthening local businesses, has resulted in incredible meals and a thriving business community.
This week on the Bread & Butter Podcast, we’re sitting down with Kirn Bawa, the Owner and Operator of Sizzling Tandoor Restaurant Group. Kirn talks about what it’s really like to run a local ethnic restaurant, the challenges that come with it, and why understanding how neighborhood restaurants operate makes all the difference
In this week’s episode of Bread & Butter, Pelan Hospitality Co-Founder Madone Pelan shares her expert insights on the vital role downtown hotels play in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of Victoria. Tune in as we explore how hotels contribute to the vibrancy, growth, and overall success of the city’s core.
This Bread & Butter episode bridges the personal and the political including health scares, leadership, staff development, and the realities of entrepreneurship. Plus taking big-picture look at inequality, housing, corporate influence, and how communities can push for a fairer future.
Join us on this episode of Bread & Butter as we welcome hospitality strategist and industry innovator Shawn Soole, founder of Soole Hospitality Concepts (SHC). With more than two decades immersed in the craft, bar and restaurant world. Shawn brings a deep insight into building hospitality businesses that thrive.
Sam and Calen sit down with olive oil sommelier and cookbook author Emily Lycopolus to uncover the secrets behind one of the world’s most misunderstood ingredients. From how long olive oil actually stays fresh, to what makes a truly great bottle, to the ancient groves of Europe. Emily shares her expertise, stories, and tips to help you never look at olive oil the same way again.
On this episode of Bread and Butter, co-hosts Calen McNiel and Sam Jones dive into the growing economic impacts of ongoing labour strikes across British Columbia. They explore how widespread disruptions are affecting local businesses, including the closure of Jones’ own 2% Jazz Coffee location at the Royal B.C. Museum.
This week on Bread and Butter, co-hosts Sam Jones and Calen McNeil sit down with Paul Stewart — Executive Chef at Kool-Aid and board member of Food Day Canada — for a thoughtful conversation about the many ways food brings people and communities together. From food production to preparing meals, they explore how food connects us, tells our stories, and strengthens community bonds.
In this episode of Bread and Butter, Calen and Sam look back on the highlights of a collaborative cooking experience. They also discuss the important role foreign workers play in the food industry and why these contributions matter.
In this episode of Bread & Butter, we head to the Cooks Camp event at a farm for an inspiring conversation with restaurateur and mentor Robert Belcham, Cooks Camp organizer.Calen and Sam, and metal artist Ryan Fogarty of Leechtown. From forging connections in the hospitality world to literal blacksmithing, the group dives into the meaning behind Cooks Camp, a grassroots event that brings chefs, makers, and mentors together to reconnect with craft, community, and the land.
Calen and Sam talk creativity, money, and meaning. Simple conversations about building a life that works, without losing what matters.
We sit down with Alistair Howes from FED Urban Agriculture to explore how food, community, and sustainability intersect in the heart of the city. Learn how FED is reshaping urban spaces and growing more than just produce.Learn more at www.get-fed.ca
In this episode of Bread and Butter, we tee up with Zamian Parsons — founder of the Pacific Sunday Tour and the creative force on a mission to design the best golf bag in the world. Zamian shares how his passion for golf, design, and functionality led to a brand that’s reimagining what a golf bag can be. From inspiration to innovation, we dig into the story behind the product, the mindset of a founder aiming for excellence, and what it takes to stand out in a traditional industry. A must-listen for creatives, entrepreneurs, and golf lovers alike.
In this episode of The Bread & Butter Podcast, Sam dives into the world of coffee, exploring everything from sourcing beans and climate conditions to the art of roasting.Grab a cup and join us!
In this episode of Bread and Butter, hosts Sam and Calen sit down with Maryanne Carmack from The Roast and Cristen Decarollis of Pizzeria Prima Strada. They dive into how their businesses approach team culture, wages, taxes, and healthcare benefits—sharing insights on building supportive, sustainable workplaces in the food industry.
In this episode, Sam and Calen talk about items on the menu, the importance of being creative when updating them, and how to adapt to changes in business and community needs.




