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In this special episode, we sit down with the one and only Mark Connolly, the beloved, now-retired host of CBC Radio and the Morning Show.

Mark shares his deeply personal, Edmonton-based story, beginning with his family's immigration from Ireland and his first exposure to the world of broadcasting—cleaning the CBC building for his father’s janitorial business.

Hear about the unexpected twists and turns that led him through his first radio gig in Fort McMurray, a romantic encounter in a community production of Grease (where he met his wife!), and various stops in Red Deer and Edmonton before landing at CBC.

The heart of Mark's story lies in his incredible sports reporting career: from his breakthrough covering the 1995 Canada Games to reporting on 12 consecutive Olympic Games! He recounts thrilling moments, including the 1998 Bobsleigh Gold tie in Japan, before his memorable move to hosting the CBC Morning Show in 2013.

Tune in for an inspiring journey through local radio, Olympic history, and what it takes to build an unforgettable career in Canadian broadcasting.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Jordan Baker, President, Head Coach, and General Manager for the Edmonton Stingers!

Jordan's remarkable journey began right here, growing up in a basketball family (his mother coached the U of A Pandas) before becoming a standout at Harry Ainlay and a celebrated player for the U of A. He offers an authentic look at his professional playing career, sharing stories from his time overseas in Germany, Portugal, and Japan, and the pivotal moment—a serious jaw injury—that abruptly shifted his focus from the court to the clipboard.

We track his rapid transition from player to coach, starting with local roles at Harry Ainlay and NAIT, and discuss the unexpected opportunity with the Stingers that "threw a wrench" in his original plan to become the U of A Head Coach. Jordan provides a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to simultaneously manage, coach, and lead an expanding professional franchise in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).

Discover the inspiring story of how the Stingers grew their fanbase, successfully navigated the challenges of the pandemic, and built an operation focused on community accessibility. Jordan details the club's commitment to the local scene, highlighting initiatives like their post-game player autograph sessions, their innovative Basketball Bridge Program designed to connect players to opportunities, and the massive annual Holiday Hoops Tournament.

Whether you're a devoted basketball fan, interested in sports management, or just want to hear the story of an Edmonton native leaving a major mark on the city's sports scene, this episode is a must-listen. Plus, hear the charming story of how he met his wife, a Family Doctor in Edmonton, through their shared love of the game!

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You asked and we answered! Here is Pet Peeves Part 2!

We're back with a vengeance to tackle the minor (but infuriating) annoyances of everyday life that drive us all mad. This week, we dive deep into the specific frustrations of public life and retail chaos. From rogue shopping carts left stranded in the parking lot to the subtle anxieties of shopping mall drama, we chat all things pet peeves.

✨ WIN A GIVEAWAY! ✨

Want to vent your frustration and maybe win a treat?

We are hosting a giveaway! If listeners send in their biggest pet peeves to our Instagram @coffeeintheparkwithjenandcam or email them to camandjen@coffeeinthepark.com, we will choose one lucky winner to receive a $25 gift card to The Wall Coffee Roasters.

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In honor of Remembrance Day, we welcome Jon Alexander, a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and former Corporal, for a very special conversation about service and the transition home.

Jon, an Alberta native, recounts his path from graduating high school in Spruce Grove to his intensive year of training across Canada, which took him through Quebec, Wainwright, and Edmonton. He then details his deployment to Afghanistan, where he served with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). We delve into his time on the base, discussing the reality of military life, gaining insights into local culture and food, and reflecting on Canada's vital and respected reputation as a global peacekeeper.

Jon addresses the elephant in the room, confirming the legendary rumor about the Tim Hortons on the Canadian base, and offers an honest look at the emotional challenge of transitioning out of the military. He shares how he met his wife while beginning his civilian life and discusses his eventual career shift, which saw him take business courses from Athabasca University before finding success in the medical sales sector, where he currently works with Permobil in Edmonton.

This episode is dedicated to Cam's cousin, Corporal Richard Sonnenberg. We encourage you to wear your poppies and appreciate the profound service of all who have worn the uniform.

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What happens when spicy Buffalo sauce and savory Parmesan cheese join forces? Pure perfection! ✨ Wing Snob Canada presents their Flavor of the Month: Buffalo Parmesan! We spoke with Chief Chicken Wing Extraordinaire, Mike Chadi, who called it the definition of where fiery meets fancy. Are you ready to trade your usual order for this amazing combo? Find out why everyone is raving! Order now!

Don't wait—check out the nearest Wing Snob location and order yours today! 👇 https://www.wingsnob.ca/

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Join us for a coffee with Aariz Mawji, Founder of the Ben Stelter School Fundraiser and Self-Taught AI Engineer. Hear how this 15-year-old leader is inspiring students across Edmonton and driving the mission to fund proton beam therapy right here in Canada.

Aariz details his incredible journey—from learning prompt engineering at age 13 to single-handedly launching this massive initiative. Hear how he started by raising $11,000 in just one week at his own school, and how that effort blossomed into a city-wide movement involving 67 Edmonton schools!

This fundraiser is unique: it is run entirely by kids, with student-led operational and marketing teams ensuring success. Aariz shares how the students are using the time during the recent teachers' strike to build even stronger support for the campaign, which runs from November 18th to December 5th.

The mission is critical: supporting the Ben Stelter Foundation to bring life-saving Proton Beam Therapy to Canada—currently, families must travel to Jacksonville, Florida, for this treatment. So far, the student-led efforts have raised over $150,000 toward this goal! Plus, find out which schools are competing fiercely to win a motivational visit from Connor McDavid!

Tune in to hear how this young leader is making an enormous difference in the fight against childhood cancer.

Visit Ben Stelter School Fundraiser (BSSF) - Edmonton Fundraiser & Student Leadership Program to get involved today!

To learn more and donate to this fantastic cause, visit: Helping Families Who Have Kids With Cancer - Ben Stelter Foundation

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Geoff Cummer, Assistant Supervisor of Marine Life at West Edmonton Mall!

Geoff shares his journey—from growing up in Barrhead to working in Los Angeles before returning to Edmonton to pursue his lifelong dream. Learn how he transitioned from the educational side of WEM Marine Life to animal care following COVID.

We dive into the details of WEM’s accredited facility, which adheres to the highest animal care standards. Discover fascinating facts about their residents: 17 South African penguins that often travel across Canada, and 3 California sea lions (Geoff clarifies the common misconception: they have ears, unlike seals!).

Geoff walks us through a typical day for marine trainers, detailing everything from breakfast prep and animal checks to cleaning and dinner feeds. Finally, we explore WEM’s vital partnership with SANCCOB Penguin Rescue in South Africa, which helps rehabilitate injured and abandoned baby penguins until they are fit to be released back into the wild.

Learn all about penguins, sea lions, and what it takes to run a world-class aquarium!

Home - SANCCOB

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Join us for a coffee and chat with the legendary Dr. Randy Gregg! Randy shares his incredible, fast-paced story of balancing an elite hockey career with medical school, all while staying true to his Edmonton roots. From his active childhood as the youngest of six to his early academic success (graduating high school at 16!), Randy’s path was always extraordinary.

He recounts the demanding years at the University of Alberta, where he successfully tried out for the Golden Bears under the guidance of the legendary coach Clare Drake. Randy shares the insider story of Drake's famous 50-minute high-intensity practice and what it was truly like to be an athlete under his disciplined leadership, a regimen that prepared them for two championship victories.

We dive into his experiences representing Canada at the 1980 Olympics (where he met his future wife, a speed skater!) and the romantic, unforgettable moment he proposed after an NHL victory. Then came the call from Glen Sather and the unforgettable move to the Edmonton Oilers, where he became one of the key defensemen for the team's dynasty, ultimately winning five Stanley Cups. Today, Dr. Gregg continues to serve the community as a practicing physician, specializing in sports medicine. It’s a compelling look at a life defined by dedication and success in two high-stakes fields—a truly inspiring Edmonton story.

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