'Yes, We Are Open' tells the inspiring stories of Canadian small business owners who have faced challenges, adapted, and found success. Hosted by Al Grego, the show takes listeners on a journey across Canada, uncovering the resilience, innovation, and passion that keep local business thriving. From family-run shops to cutting-edge start-ups, each episode dives into the struggles and triumphs of entrepreneurs who refuse to give up. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur or jus ...
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Al Grego Podcasts
An award-winning monthly podcast with a focus on helping Canadian entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the ever-changing business landscape. The podcast delivers interviews with business leaders and industry experts offering advice and commentary on current events and business trends, with a focus on informing and educating Canadian businesses.
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With "Secondhand Talent", we want to devote a platform to taking moments to shine the spotlight on those that manage the spotlights. We want to use this platform to highlight some of our incredible colleagues in the industry whose names you might otherwise never hear. Thank you for joining us - come along, stay a while! LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/secondhandtalent Website: www.secondhandtalent.com
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How Are Ya Now? - The toughest podcast in Letterkenny Possibly the perfect podcast to please your palate while peacefully pausing to pour a pint of Puppers and partake in puns, pugilism, and provincial pride.
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"Hanging Out At The Produce Stand" wsg Al Grego
54:22
54:22
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54:22Send us a text Welcome to Season 5, Episode 9, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you our interview w…
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In the season 9 premiere of Yes, We Are Open, Al visits Paulo Chira, Owner of Champlain Table Tennis Club in Ottawa, Ontario. Originally founded in 1989, the club developed numerous national and international players but closed in 2015 due to a lack of support. Paulo, who started playing table tennis at six in Peru and moved to Canada for better tr…
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Season 9 of the award-winning 'Yes, We Are Open' podcast starts October 6th, 2025! In this season, Al visits Ottawa, Ontario. Here is a little teaser for the upcoming season. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts or visit YesWeAreOpenPodcast.com! Subscribe now! If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell …
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Send us a text Welcome to Season 5, Episode 8, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you our interview w…
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"All The Thoughts That He Had Thunk" wsg Ellis Godard
56:30
56:30
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56:30Send us a text Welcome to Season 5, Episode 7, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you, in his triumph…
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"Growing Brighter Now" wsg Isadora Bullock
59:51
59:51
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59:51Send us a text Welcome to Season 5, Episode 6, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you our interview w…
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Rediscovering Canada: Insights on Domestic Tourism
14:58
14:58
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14:58Discover how Canadians are embracing domestic tourism more than ever before! In this insightful episode, Al sits down with Sean McCormick, VP of Business Development at Moneris Data Services, to discuss his findings. Learn about the reasons behind the increased focus on local travel, how the exchange rate and political factors are influencing trave…
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"What's In The Box?" wsg Tory Smith
1:11:51
1:11:51
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1:11:51Send us a text Welcome to Season 5, Episode 5, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you our interview w…
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"What A Long, Strange Round Trip" wsg Paul Nixon
46:00
46:00
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46:00Send us a text Welcome to Season 5, Episode 4, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you our interview w…
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"A Fireside Chat" wsg Christopher Thorn
1:05:25
1:05:25
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1:05:25Send us a text Welcome to Season 5, Episode 3, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you our interview w…
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Navigating Canada’s Economic Crossroads with Douglas Porter
12:51
12:51
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12:51Canada’s economy has had a wild ride this year—but is it as bad as it seems? In our latest episode, BMO Chief Economist Douglas Porter returns to break down the numbers behind the headlines. From inflation and interest rates to the surprising strength of domestic tourism, Porter shares insights that every small business owner should hear. 💡 Why has…
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"Terra Firma" wsg Terra Lopez of Backline
50:11
50:11
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50:11Send us a text Welcome to Season 5, Episode 2, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you our interview w…
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"Listen To The Music Play" wsg Leo Elliott
57:01
57:01
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57:01Send us a text WE'RE BACK!!! Welcome to Season 5, Episode 1, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! It's the beginning of a brand new season, and we cou…
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How Are Canadian Small Businesses Tackling Succession Planning Challenges?
30:29
30:29
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30:29With the average age of business owners at 58 and many lacking succession plans, Canadian small businesses are facing climbing rates of closure. Al is joined by Dr. Sarah Burrows, Assistant Professor at Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business, to discuss the growing concern of succession planning in Canadian small businesses. Dr. Burrows disc…
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The Business of Golf In Canada: Is It An Economic Indicator?
28:01
28:01
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28:01This month, Al is joined by Jeff Calderwood, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), to discuss the economic impact of golf in Canada and how the industry reflects this year’s tourism trends. Jeff also delves into how golf courses are adapting to changes in travel due to tariffs and the various programs and services offered by t…
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In the season 8 finale of ‘Yes, We Are Open’, Al is back in Ontario, visiting Brenda and Rick Coletta, owners of The Fry’s The Limit and The Parlour. After retiring from her corporate career, Brenda gave entrepreneurship a try. She bought a food truck, called it The Fry’s The Limit, and sold poutine. Then Rick joined her and they bought a second tr…
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Al visits Jim Baiton, the founder and owner of Tumblers Pizza in Regina, Saskatchewan. Jim shares his journey from making pizza boxes at 14 to building a pizza empire that sells Regina-style pizza in over 140 locations across Saskatchewan. Hear the story behind the unique name, the secret formula for their incredible sauce, and the challenges faced…
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In this episode of YWAO, Al sits down with Grant Frew, Bar and Marketing Manager at Bushwakker Brewpub in Regina, Saskatchewan. Grant recounts Bushwakker’s unique German beer-inspired roots, and how it evolved to become a staple in Regina's brewing culture. Listen to stories and insights spanning over three decades at the brewery, detailing their o…
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Chief Economist Douglas Porter Discusses Canadian Economy: Trade War, Inflation, and Economic Outlook
23:08
23:08
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23:08Al welcomes Douglas Porter, Chief Economist at the Bank of Montreal, to the podcast to discuss Canada’s current economic landscape. They delve into topics such as Canada's economic performance in the first quarter of 2025 and the effects of trade wars with the U.S. on Canadian businesses and consumers. Porter shares valuable advice for small busine…
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This week, Al visits Gloria Walsh, Manager of Creative Kids, a charitable organization dedicated to removing financial barriers for Saskatchewan children aged 4 to 19 to participate in arts and culture. From its inception in 2007 to its growth and community impact, discover how Creative Kids has enriched lives and fostered cultural appreciation amo…
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Send us a text Welcome to the surprise, special Season 4.5, Episode A, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast", the grand finale for Season Four!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This wee…
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In this episode of YWAO, Al visits Tracy Bosche, the owner of Zippity Zoom Toys in Regina, Saskatchewan. Tracy shares the inspiring story of how she started the toy store in 2009, juggling a newborn and a new business. She talks about the evolution of the store, her background in retail, and her passion for toys. Tracy also discusses the challenges…
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In this episode, Al sits down with Amanda Rae, the owner of Base Studio, a thriving hair salon in Regina. Amanda shares her journey from a stylist to a business owner, the challenges she faced, and the resilience it took to overcome them, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more about Base Studio at basestudio.ca. Subscribe now! …
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This week Al sits down with Ashley Donald, the owner of BasketCases, a prominent gift basket store in Regina. Ashley shares her inspiring journey of buying and running the business, discussing her origins, struggles, and future outlook. Discover how she transformed from a dedicated customer to the “Chief Basket Case” herself, navigating the challen…
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"Lighting In A Bottle (Part II)" wsg Marc Janowitz
44:48
44:48
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44:48Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 19, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast", the grand finale for Season Four!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure …
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In the season 8 premier of ‘Yes, We Are Open’, Al flies to Regina, Saskatchewan to visit Kevin Toth, President of Prairie Flying Service. They delve into the storied history and rich legacy of the company which began in 1946, founded by four World War II pilots. The aviation industry has had many highs and lows during that time. Significant events …
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What Are the Biggest Challenges Faced by Restaurants in Canada Today?
35:51
35:51
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35:51Rising costs, labour shortages, sustainability, and yes, tariffs, these are just a few of the challenges facing the food service industry in Canada. What is being done about it? Al sits down with Max Roy, VP of Federal and Quebec at Restaurants Canada to talk about it. Also, we all know how important trust is in business, but how do you measure tru…
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"Lighting In A Bottle (Part I)" wsg Marc Janowitz
1:07:54
1:07:54
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1:07:54Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 18, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast", the almost-grand finale for Season Four!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pl…
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Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 17, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you our interview …
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Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 15, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you the Secondhand…
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Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 16, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you the Secondhand…
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"If He Builds It, You Will Strum" wsg Mike Lehtinen
36:45
36:45
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36:45Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 14, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week, we have the distinct pleasure of once-again interviewi…
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How Are Canadian Grocers Responding To The Tariff Threats And The Growing ‘Buy Canadian’ Movement?
30:58
30:58
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30:58It’s March, and the #1 topic on the minds of most Canadians is tariffs. How will this affect purchasing decisions moving forward? Al welcomes Gary Sands, Senior VP @ Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) to the podcast. They talk about how independent Canadian grocers are already preparing for the imminent tariffs and what this could me…
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"Bigger Fish To Fry (Part II)" wsg The Big Fish
28:57
28:57
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28:57Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 13, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you the second par…
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"Bigger Fish To Fry (Part I)" wsg The Big Fish
44:25
44:25
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44:25Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 12, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you the Secondhand…
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Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 11, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you the Secondhand…
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Was The Tax Holiday In Canada Worth It For Canadian Businesses?
8:46
8:46
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8:46This month, Al welcomes back Sean McCormick, VP Business Development at Moneris Data Services to talk about consumer spending data in the first half of the tax holiday in Canada. Was it worth it for Canadians? Obviously every bit of savings helps. But what about Canadian Businesses? Did it change anyone’s shopping behaviour? Listen now to find out.…
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Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 10, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you the Secondhand…
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1
"Glitchy" wsg Sam Baker aka "Glitch Gatsby"
1:02:25
1:02:25
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1:02:25Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 9, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you our expansive i…
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Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 8, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you Part One of the…
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What Was The Busiest Shopping Day This Past Holiday Season?
10:02
10:02
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10:02In the first episode of 2025, Allan welcomes back Sean McCormick, VP of Business Development at Moneris' Data Services, to discuss holiday spending trends from 2024 and their implications for 2025. They touch on the significance of Black Friday sales, regional differences in consumer spending, and predictions for economic recovery. Subscribe now! I…
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"Tide Turns (Part II)" wsg Caroline Herbster
1:00:34
1:00:34
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1:00:34Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 7, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you our Part Two of…
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"Tide Turns (Part I)" wsg Caroline Herbater
54:16
54:16
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54:16Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 6, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you our Part One of…
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Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 5, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you our expansive i…
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"Same Team, No Games" wsg David Kozin
1:15:30
1:15:30
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1:15:30Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 4, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you our expansive i…
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1
How Ronald McDonald House Is Helping Canadian Families Heal
23:50
23:50
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23:50In this episode, Kate Horton, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada (RMHC), pays Al a visit to discuss the organization's mission to support families with critically ill children. She shares insights into the history and impact of RMHC, including the challenges faced by families and their need for support. Kate also highlights…
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Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 3, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you the Secondhand …
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"Four On The Floor (Part II)" wsg's Ron Bruner Sr. and Pam Bruner
1:03:41
1:03:41
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1:03:41Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 2, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you Part Two of the…
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In the season 7 finale of Yes, We Are Open, Al is in Oakville, Ontario visiting Tyler and Jordie Schwartz from Retrofestive, a unique pop culture and Christmas store. Tyler started selling Christmas Story leg lamps back in 2007. When that went well, he added Christmas Vacation moose mugs. Now Retrofestive is Canada’s top shop for old-school fun! Le…
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"Four On The Floor (Part I)" wsg Ron Bruner Sr.
1:06:53
1:06:53
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1:06:53Send us a text Welcome to Season 4, Episode 1, of "Secondhand Talent: The Podcast"!!! We're so happy we're here and so, so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support along the way. On behalf of all of us here at Secondhand Talent, Steiner & Steener - WE LOVE YOU, FRANDS!!! This week we have the pleasure of releasing to you Part One of the…
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