Shows
Zebras to ApplesEverything is Supply Chain with Cindy ClarkCindy Clark, President of Women in Supply Chain (WISC), joins us on the show today to outline how supply chain touches almost everything we do.She traces her path from the automotive and heavy-duty parts world to running her own repair shop, and shares how the profession grew up alongside her, especially as big manufacturers like Daimler leaned into new tech. Along the way, Cindy shows why logistics, procurement, and clear data aren’t just buzzwords: they’re how we keep things moving safely and efficiently.We also wander into some fascinating corners of t...
2025-11-1759 minZebras to ApplesDemystifying Negotiation with Adela ParillaIn today's conversation, Adela Parilla pulls back the curtain on how big contracts really get done and why smart negotiation is more about empathy than edge. From cranes and rental fleets to EPC mega-deals, Adela shows how clear strategy, safety, seasonality, and long-term risk trump a price-only mindset and why “lowest price” is a trap when factors like total risk, uptime, and human exposure are on the line. Adela then demystifies negotiation. She frames deals as reputation-building, trust-first problem solving that’s aimed at durable, executable contracts rather than short-term “wins” for one side or another. We dig into...
2025-11-0336 minZebras to ApplesPlastics, Cement, and the People Who Build Our World with Jonathan MoserIn this conversation, host Bryndis Whitson sits down with Jonathan Moser to demystify the everyday materials we rarely think about: plastics, cement, and concrete. They talk about the massive supply chains that bring them to life, from Alberta’s natural‑gas liquids and hydrocarbon “crackers” to the railcars that ship plastic pellets to manufacturers. Jonathan also shares stories from his time at Dow Chemical Canada, including the logistics and materials technology behind the Vancouver 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Games.Next, Jonathan shares his expertise on building materials: how limestone becomes clinker in 2,000°C kilns (and what clinker is), why that...
2025-10-2053 minZebras to ApplesAdvice That Matters: Career Lessons from the Zebras to Apples ArchiveThis special compilation pulls standout answers to one big question we ask on the show: “What advice would you give to someone entering supply chain and logistics, or pivoting their career?” Instead of one guest, you’ll hear a fast-moving montage of insights from across our first 21 episodes. It’s a mix of frontline wisdom, leadership perspective, and practical next steps, curated to help you move smarter, build trust, and chart a path that fits your values.Across the highlights, themes emerge that anyone can use: start with hands-on experience and learn how things really work, stay ada...
2025-10-0648 minZebras to ApplesBakery and Catering Logistics with Bridget RathwellIn this episode of Zebras to Apples, host Bryndis Whitson talks with Bridget Rathwell, a culinary entrepreneur who turned her lifelong love of cooking into several successful food ventures. Growing up in a family where food and hospitality were central, Bridget learned the importance of homemade, nourishing meals, and now shares the traditions taught to her by her mother through her meal-prep service and Indian cooking classes. Bridget began with a bakery that offered homemade desserts, coffee, and daily take-home dinners, then, as demand grew, she expanded into catering and created a line of jarred curry/s...
2025-09-2228 minZebras to ApplesLogistics of Security Transportation with Barry DavidsonHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes Barry Davidson to Zebras to Apples for a discussion about the logistics involved in security, from hotel security to dignitaries and policing. Barry has experience in security risk management and executive protection, as well as being a volunteer firefighter. Early in his career, he recognized that having a knowledge of logistics was key to providing security teams for world leaders because it meant involvement in transportation, accommodations, and everything else. Barry tells how he became proficient in the logistics of safety, so he could offer a complete security goal for clients. From g...
2025-09-0837 minZebras to ApplesRetail Logistics and Operational Efficiency with Tim CreedonHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes Tim Creedon to Zebras to Apples for a conversation about Tim’s career journey. Tim’s career has taken him from transforming retail logistics to driving economic development with many stops in between. The skills he learned in every job became valuable in every new endeavour along his path and helped inform how he formed supplier partnerships and led teams with steady engagement into success. Full of practical insights and rich stories, Tim even shares his passion for maritime traditions and heritage boat building with Bryndis. Tim started off in retail, where...
2025-08-2548 minZebras to ApplesSustainable Supply Chains and Events with Leor RotchildHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes consultant and author Leor Rotchild to the show to talk about sustainability in supply chains and his book “How We Gather Matters: Sustainable Event Planning for Purpose and Impact”. Leor’s experience planning large-scale events like the Calgary Stampede with a focus on sustainability gives him a great insight into what is being done throughout supply chains and in companies, and what we still need to get done.Sustainability starts with procurement and supply chains, where things are sourced and how they’re transported. Leor shares information about corporate net-zero goals, climate...
2025-08-1159 min
Zebras to ApplesConfessions of a Logistics Nerd on a Canadian Road TripHost Bryndis Whitson takes listeners on a cross-country road trip, recounting a 4,700-kilometer journey from Calgary, Alberta to Moncton, New Brunswick—and back again. With personal stories, geography trivia, and supply chain observations, Bryndis showcases the practical realities and quirky facts from traveling across one of the largest countries on Earth.Bryndis weaves together roadtrip logistics, tight timelines, and lessons in Canadian infrastructure. From the challenges of finding hotel rooms in Moose Jaw during construction season to the eerie stillness of a rest stop overnight in Kenora, and the pink-tinged pavement of Thunder Bay caused by local am...
2025-07-2840 minZebras to ApplesLogistics of HR and Customer Service with Norman PoonHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes Norman Poon, co-founder of BitWide and an instructor at Bow Valley College, to the show to discuss his career in a variety of industries from healthcare to banking, mainly in a Human Resources capacity. They examine the systems behind every industry and how employee needs drive those systems. Norman presents these industries from a customer service and employee perspective, highlighting organizational systems set up for stock, item returns, employee mindset, and store layout.Norman shares the challenges involved in ensuring healthcare providers have enough medication or emergency supplies on hand...
2025-07-1448 minZebras to ApplesFood Distribution and Logistics with Ron WatersHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes Ron Waters, Grocery Utility Clerk at a Calgary, Alberta grocery store, to the podcast to discuss his 40-year career and how food logistics have evolved over the years. Ron describes how food was shipped and stored 40 years ago, as compared to the digital systems and greater volumes he currently deals with. Ron has insight into everything to do with ordering, stocking, shipping, and maintaining a large city grocery store.Bryndis and Ron discuss why stores change stock that they hold based on their locations, how computers play a part in...
2025-06-3057 minZebras to ApplesLearning to Fly Gliders and Airplanes with Brian LewisHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes friend Brian Lewis to the podcast to talk about Brian's time in the Air Cadets and on the drill team, the discipline and teamwork it instilled in him, and how learning to fly gliders was a formative step in his career journey. Brian explains the ins and outs of gliders as compared to airplanes, becoming the Public Relations Director for the Air Cadets, and how he started a trucking company. The conversation is lively and fascinating, providing an inside glimpse into the world of gliders and Air Cadets.The conversation...
2025-06-1645 minZebras to ApplesThe Logistics of Fish with Halldor ThorgeirssonHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes Halldor Thorgeirsson, the Director of Operations for Salties seafood import company, to the show to discuss the logistics of bringing fresh, never-frozen Icelandic fish to Canada. Halldor explains the streamlined and multimodal supply chain - air, sea, and land transport - used by Salties that ensures fish are caught, processed, and delivered across Western Canada in days. Bryndis finds out exactly how fish travel from Iceland without ever being frozen to land on our tables fresh.Halldor talks about how Salties sets itself apart in the seafood logistics industry by...
2025-06-0246 minZebras to ApplesLoading Music Tours and Warehouses with Mike BorthwickHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes Mike Borthwick to the show to share his behind-the-scenes look at music tour logistics and warehouse operations. Through his career, Mike has been a roadie and a warehouse worker, and he describes how supply chain logistics apply just as much to traditional warehouses as they do to live events, concerts, and stage productions. Mike tells Bryndis stories of the intricacies of loading gear for bands like Aerosmith and Nickelback, and showcases how load-in/load-out processes, safety protocols, and space planning apply across varied industries.From dealing with snowy staircases to...
2025-05-1953 minZebras to ApplesSupply Chain Dynamics and Resilience with Dr. Rajbir BhattiHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes Dr. Rajbir Bhatti, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Logistics at Mount Royal University, to the show to talk about his career journey and what led him to Mount Royal. Having started with a background in engineering and data analytics, Dr. Bhatt’s PhD explored fuzzy logic in supplier relationship management. He explains this to Bryndis, and shares the academic and applied work that has defined his career, including contributions to logistics education and infrastructure planning in northern Canada. The importance of supply chain resilience is emphasized by Rajbir, especially considering rece...
2025-05-051h 03Zebras to ApplesThe Supply Chain Logistics of your Host - Bryndis WhitsonHost Bryndis Whitson becomes the interviewee in this special episode, and her husband, Scott Deederly, joins to interview her. Bryndis explains how her mother and university courses sparked her interest in the movement of people and goods, which became a deep passion for understanding human-centered logistics. She shares her academic journey, including a civil engineering course that helped her understand flow dynamics through examples of real-life scenarios. She counts her work at the Van Horne Institute as a cornerstone of her career: she led over 45 research projects and 100 events there. Bryndis illustrates how her lifelong interest culminates in this...
2025-04-2142 minZebras to ApplesWarehouse Logistics and Urban Planning with David KalinchukHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes David Kalinchuk, an economic developer and author of “Rich for the Right Reasons”, to discuss warehouse logistics and urban planning. Dave talks about rapid e-commerce growth and shifting consumer behaviors, how they are changing logistics hubs and requiring urban policies that can adapt. He and Bryndis explore the importance of integrating warehouses into city frameworks without disrupting communities. They also address technological advancements which are revolutionizing supply chain efficiency. Dave shares his insight into the challenge of zoning regulations in new warehouse developments, the impact of last-mile delivery on traffic, and s...
2025-04-0757 minZebras to ApplesAviation Logistics and Innovations with Greg PrincipatoHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes Greg Principato, current president of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale World Airsports and former CEO of the National Aeronautic Association of the United States, to the show. Greg brings an extensive history of experience and lifetime of passion for aviation to his conversation with Bryndis. He shares his career journey, insight into aviation logistics, and thoughts about current air travel and airports with listeners. Greg gives Bryndis a brief history of the aviation industry and discusses what his role at the National Aeronautic Association entailed, part of which included certifying aviation r...
2025-03-2454 minZebras to ApplesThe Logistics of Curating a Military Museum with Alison MercerHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes Alison Mercer, the Senior Curator of the Military Museums in Calgary, Alberta. Alison was the curator of the Cold War exhibit in the Air Force Museum and is currently overseeing its expansion alongside the board. Alison talks about what it’s like to curate museum exhibits, how artifacts are sourced, and the supply chain logistics of transporting a fighter jet down the highway. Alison has a breadth of museum knowledge and fascinating stories to share.Alison's interest in military history stemmed from her father, who she calls an amateur military hi...
2025-03-1051 minZebras to ApplesThe Fun Surprises of the Supply Chain with Siobhan ChinneryHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes executive and supply chain expert Siobhan Chinnery to the podcast to talk about some of the diverse industries, ever-changing challenges, and fun surprises the supply chain offers. Recognized as one of 100 Influential Women in Canadian Supply Chain by Supply Chain Canada, Siobhan has a wealth of experience and some fascinating hands-on stories to share about how the supply chain works and the allure of the problem-solving opportunities it offers.Siobhan first discusses the start of her career in the supply chain, explaining how she moved from accounting to getting on-the-job...
2025-02-241h 00Zebras to ApplesPort Infrastructure with Arénso BakkerHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes port operations developer and land lease logistics expert Arénso Bakker to the show to explore how port infrastructure impacts the supply chain. Bryndis and Arénso met at a Canada and Netherlands Roundtable over discussions on what was happening in both the Netherlands and Canada at the time. Arénso brings a wealth of land, operational, logistical, port, and mediation experience to this interview, shedding light on some of the unseen aspects of ports and how they operate.Arénso shares a bit about his own career journey before delv...
2025-02-1057 minZebras to ApplesTales from the Airline Supply Chain with Peter WallisHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes former transportation and airline executive Peter Wallis to the show to discuss the logistics of the airline supply chain. Peter talks about his work with Pacific Western Airlines and how his legal background and expertise in aviation law enabled him to handle regulatory and legal matters, such as aircraft sales and government relations. Bryndis’ discussion with Peter highlights the unexpected challenges in airline operations and the importance of vigilance and due diligence.Peter Wallis shares how Pacific Western Airlines, in a move to reach underserved communities, sought approval to provide ai...
2025-01-2754 minZebras to ApplesAll About the Railway Supply Chain with Trish SlivinskiHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes railway expert Trish Slivinski to the show. Trish works for railways and companies that are clients of railways and has experience in a wide array of different jobs relating to train travel. She shares how she got involved with rail and what she’s learned from it as well as how the different aspects of rail travel can affect the supply chain. Trish explains all the intricacies of rail transport including train schedules, loading, finance, operations, and a host of disciplines that keep railways functional. She has experience working in a g...
2025-01-2752 minZebras to ApplesThe Ripple Effect of Supply Chain issues in Natural Disasters with Steve ArmstrongHost Bryndis Whitson welcomes Steve Armstrong, a leadership expert with a career that spans the Canadian military, Canadian Red Cross, and many areas in between, to the show. Bryndis and Steve talk about military and emergency preparedness and how that fits in with supply chain logistics. Steve Armstrong’s experience with September 9/11 terrorist response, flood response, and military endeavors sheds much light on how supply chain is an integral part of emergency assistance.Bryndis and Steve discuss the complexities of even something as seemingly simple as getting food rations, enough for 3 meals per day fo...
2025-01-2745 minZebras to ApplesIntro to Supply Chain Logistics with George Read / Making Negotiation Fun!Welcome to the Zebras to Apples podcast, the fun and fascinating stories of supply chain logistics. In this first episode, host Bryndis Whitson talks with George Read, who has had a 25+ year career in supply chain, procurement and buying. The conversation focuses on his experiences in the supply chain logistics industry. George’s career runs from working with windows to office furniture through to technology and groceries. He opens a door into the world of supply chain with fascinating stories and real-world advice on how to work in the role of what he calls the unsung hero.
2025-01-2757 min2024-10-1000 min