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Grab a coffee and join us for a fascinating conversation with Shane Getson, MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland. Shane’s journey is anything but typical, and in this episode, we trace his roots from a family farm near Wildwood—where he learned the grit of manual labor and heavy machinery—to playing high school sports in a tiny K-12 school of just 300 students.

Shane takes us behind the scenes of his career as a Civil Engineer, including the high-stakes world of fly-in diamond mines and the massive undertaking of laying fiber optics across Canada. You’ll hear the story of how Canadian diamonds were first discovered by a geologist from Kelowna, and why Alberta gophers were once sold as "exotic pets" in Japan.

Finally, Shane shares the hilarious, "engineer-approved" way he met his wife: by building a spreadsheet of exactly what he was looking for. From running a successful consulting firm to choosing a life of public service to be closer to his family, Shane’s story is a testament to hard work and local roots.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Renowned Indigenous Chef Shane Chartrand, owner of PAPERBIRCH. From growing up on a farm outside Red Deer to competing on the national stage of Top Chef Canada, Shane’s journey is a masterclass in using doubt as fuel to build a world-class career.

Shane’s love for cooking began at a Red Deer truck stop, where he realized food could truly change someone’s day. After honing his craft at NAIT, he earned his Red Seal, a designation he views as vital to the culinary profession. As a member of the Enoch Cree Nation, Shane shares how he navigated the industry and traveled across North America to hone his skills before opening his own café, PAPERBIRCH, in the Old Strathcona Market.

Shane also pulls back the curtain on his extensive career and the "unfiltered" reality of appearing on major television shows, including Chopped, Iron Chef Canada, and Top Chef Canada (Season 11 & 12). He explains the complexity of managing a "kitchen within a kitchen" and the logistics of multi-floor culinary operations. We also dive into the three-year journey to publish his acclaimed cookbook, tawâw: Progressive Indigenous Cuisine—a title meaning "Come in, you’re welcome"—which was inspired by Myrna Petersen and co-authored with Jennifer Cockrall-King.

"I knew I could change someone's life or make their day through food."

Experience Shane’s vision firsthand at PAPERBIRCH in the Old Strathcona Market, where he brings his culinary expertise and love for community together.

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Grab your favorite mug (or a wine glass!) and tune in for a coffee and chat with Wine Sommelier Karen Principe, as we officially launch our new segment: Grape Expectations!

In this episode, Karen gives us a crash course on the fundamentals, ensuring you get the most out of every bottle. We cover:

• The essential steps to tasting wine like a professional, including the famous "swish method."
• Why temperature and the right wine glass truly matter for the complete wine experience.
• Karen's amazing tips for finding your perfect flavor and sweetness level.

To celebrate the holidays, Karen also walks us through three classic Christmas wines—Champagne, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir—and suggests delicious pairings for your festive table.

Whether you're a beginner or an enthusiast, you'll finish this episode equipped to appreciate wine on a whole new level.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review!

Follow Coffee in the Park with Jennifer and Cam on our social medias

Instagram: https://instagram.com/coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam

Website: https://www.coffeeinthepark.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffee-in-the-park-podcast/