Best Moneris Podcasts (2025)

1
Bushwakker Brewpub 30:37

3d ago30:37

30:37

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…

1
Beyond the Tariff Headlines: STORE2025 Opening Keynote Ira Kalish, Chief Global Economist for Deloitte Prepares Canadian Retailers for Economic Change 23:31

6d ago23:31

23:31

In this timely episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back frequent guest and audience favorite Ira Kalish, Chief Global and US Economist for Deloitte, who is set to deliver the opening keynote address at Retail Council of Canada's STORE2025 conference on June 3rd. This conversation offers listeners a valuable preview of the …

1
Chief Economist Douglas Porter Discusses Canadian Economy: Trade War, Inflation, and Economic Outlook 23:08

9d ago23:08

23:08

Al 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…

1
Creative Kids 29:49

10d ago29:49

29:49

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…

1
ENCORE: Technology in the Service of The Customer with Michon Williams, Chief Technology Officer, Walmart Canada 28:11

13d ago28:11

28:11

🎧 Encore Episode Alert! Revisit one of our most popular conversations from Fall 2024 as I sit down with Michon Williams, Chief Technology Officer at Walmart Canada, for a wide-ranging discussion on leading technology innovation in Canada’s largest retail landscape. Recorded live at Walmart Canada headquarters, Michelle shares her career journey—fro…

1
Zippity Zoom Toys 30:41

17d ago30:41

30:41

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…

1
SophieGrace Founder Emma May on Tariffs, Tailoring, and Building a Community-First Brand 29:50

20d ago29:50

29:50

In this compelling episode of The Voice of Retail, I sit down again and catch up with Emma May, Founder of SophieGrace, a Calgary-based fashion brand transforming professional womenswear with modular, machine-washable designs. With a diverse background spanning law, politics, and real estate, Emma shares the origin story of SophieGrace, born from h…

1
Base Studio 24:01

24d ago24:01

24:01

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! …

1
(ENCORE) Radical Innovation, Leadership and Winning Every Race with Craig Baxter, Group President of Techtronic Industries Canada Inc. (Milwaukee, Ryobi, and Hoover) 37:13

27d ago37:13

37:13

In this compelling encore episode of The Voice of Retail, I reconnect with Craig Baxter, Group President of Techtronic Industries Canada Inc., a division of the $13.7 billion global manufacturing giant known for its market-leading brands including Milwaukee, RYOBI, Hoover, and Dirt Devil. Our conversation spans decades of experience, lessons learne…

1
BasketCases 29:04

1M ago29:04

29:04

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…

1
The world’s smartest AI-merchandising engine with Anabel Maldonado, Canadian Founder & CEO of PSYKHE AI 28:32

1M ago28:32

28:32

In this enlightening episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc interviews Anabel Maldonado, Founder and CEO of PSYKHE AI, a company at the forefront of using psychographic intelligence and generative AI to transform the future of e-commerce merchandising. With a rich background that spans neuropsychology and luxury fashion—having worked …

1
Prairie Flying Service 31:13

1M ago31:13

31:13

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 …

1
Hudson's Bay's Untimely Demise, Retail Turnarounds & Consumer Trends: A Conversation with Phil Wahba, Senior Writer at Fortune 32:53

1M ago32:53

32:53

In the latest episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Phil Wahba, Senior Writer at Fortune, to explore the ever-evolving landscape of retail leadership, consumer behavior, and strategic transformations. Wahba reflects on more than a decade covering retail bankruptcies, leadership shifts, and innovation, highlighting that…

1
What Are the Biggest Challenges Faced by Restaurants in Canada Today? 35:51

1M ago35:51

35:51

Rising 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…

1
Strategic Resets for Thriving in Turbulent Times with Dr. Rebecca Homkes (Encore) 29:00

2M ago29:00

29:00

In this special encore episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Dr. Rebecca Homkes, a globally recognized high-growth strategy expert and author of the acclaimed book Survive, Reset, Thrive: Leading Breakthrough Growth Strategy in Volatile Times. Dr. Homkes, who holds faculty positions at the London Business School and Duke Uni…

1
Transform Your Fraud Prevention Strategy: Yale Holder, VP of Customer Experience at Moneris, Shares Trends & Expert Tips 30:01

2M ago30:01

30:01

In the latest episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc speaks with Yale Holder, Vice President of Customer Experience at Moneris, about emerging retail fraud prevention trends and strategies for payment security. Drawing on Moneris’ extensive transaction data—covering billions of annual payments—Yale explains how fraud cases in 2024 dro…

1
Retail Revolution: When AI Took Over The Voice of Retail (And Almost Nailed It) 18:49

2M ago18:49

18:49

In the latest groundbreaking episode of The Voice of Retail podcast, host Michael LeBlanc presents a true innovation in nearly 500 episodes of broadcasting – the first 100% AI-generated episode, created entirely by Google's Notebook LM AI tool. This experimental episode marks a significant milestone in retail podcasting. LeBlanc uploaded a PDF of h…

1
From Clicks to Bricks: Silk & Snow’s Next Chapter in Retail with CEO and Co-Founder Albert Chow 25:30

2M ago25:30

25:30

In this episode, I welcome back Albert Chow, co-founder & CEO of Silk & Snow, to explore the company’s dramatic evolution from a digital-native sleep brand to a powerhouse in physical retail. The conversation dives into Silk & Snow’s ambitious expansion plans, with 14 new stores set to open across Canada by the end of the year. Albert shares the br…

1
How Are Canadian Grocers Responding To The Tariff Threats And The Growing ‘Buy Canadian’ Movement? 30:58

2M ago30:58

30:58

It’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…

1
Retail's Future Unlocked: AI, Fast Delivery & the New Consumer Mindset with Lindsey Mazza, Capgemini's Global Retail Lead 31:06

3M ago31:06

31:06

In this episode I welcome Lindsey Mazza Capgemini's Global Retail Lead, to explore the latest findings from their annual What Matters to Today's Consumer report. The conversation uncovers significant shifts in consumer behaviour, AI-driven retail strategies, and the future of fast delivery. Mazza outlines how 2025 marks a turning point where scienc…

1
Decoding Canadian Shoppers: Insights on Value, Personalization & Pricing with Cheryl Ong Seng, Vice President of Retail at Circana Canada 29:04

3M ago29:04

29:04

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, I sit down with Cheryl Ong Seng, Vice President of Retail at Circana, to explore the latest trends shaping the Canadian retail landscape. From consumer confidence and value-seeking behaviours to the challenges of personalization and pricing strategies, they cover the key insights retailers need to know. Chery…

1
Retail Readiness 101 with Liza Amlani, retail expert and author of the brand new book The Whole Sale: Profitable Wholesale Strategies For Brands 35:08

3M ago35:08

35:08

Retail success isn't just about having a fantastic product—it's about understanding the business of selling. On this episode of The Voice of Retail, I welcome Liza Amlani, renowned retail strategist and co-author of The Whole Sale: Profitable Wholesale Strategies for Brands. Liza shares insider insights from her 20+ years in buying, merchandising, …

1
From Marketing Leader to Independent Retailer: Daryl Aitken's Entrepreneurial Journey to Fabric Spark 39:09

3M ago39:09

39:09

On this episode of The Voice of Retail, I reconnect with Daryl Aitken, the founder of Fabric Spark, for an engaging conversation on the shifting landscape of retail. Darrell's journey is a masterclass in adaptation—starting in advertising and e-commerce, then pivoting into a fabric business that blends digital and brick-and-mortar retail. Fabric Sp…

1
Was The Tax Holiday In Canada Worth It For Canadian Businesses? 8:46

3M ago8:46

8:46

This 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.…

1
Retail Strategist Carl Boutet and his latest book "Blind Spot: Navigating the Unseen Effects of Technology on Commerce" 39:45

3M ago39:45

39:45

On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc speaks with retail strategist, professor, and author Carl Boutet about his journey in academia, insights from NRF 2025, and his latest book, Blind Spot: Navigating the Unforeseen Effects of Technology on Commerce. Carl discusses his evolving role in retail education, including his work at…

1
Vancouver's Innovative Retail Crime Fighting Solution, Project Barcode, with Sgt. Craig Reynolds & Arezo Zarrabian, Vancouver Police Department 42:40

4M ago42:40

42:40

In this episode, meet Sgt. Craig Reynolds & Arezo Zarrabian, a Senior Crime Analyst from the Vancouver Police Department. Together, they take us behind the scenes for a comprehensive discussion of both the criminal justice system & an update reflecting the work of their innovative and data-driven task force, Project Barcode, investigating and fight…

1
What Was The Busiest Shopping Day This Past Holiday Season? 10:02

4M ago10:02

10:02

In 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…

1
A Modern Take on Retail Media with Drew Cashmore, Head of Strategy, Vantage 30:19

4M ago30:19

30:19

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael LeBlanc sits down with Drew Cashmore, a retail media pioneer whose career spans over 15 years, including roles at Walmart and Vantage. Drew discusses his journey from building Walmart Canada’s advertising business to spearheading Walmart Connect in the U.S., scaling it into a multi-billion-dollar reta…

1
Fail Better: Special Guest Host Bonus Episode with Steve Dennis 21:43

4M ago21:43

21:43

If you have been following this short special series—or if you just think about what distinguishes organizations that are winning the future from the also-rans, it is very often that they act more boldly, they take more chances, they fail regularly, they adjust, they fail some more. They believe, as my friend Seth Godin says, “if failure is not an …

1
Safe Is Risky: Special Guest Host Bonus Episode with Steve Dennis 17:30

4M ago17:30

17:30

Clayton Christensen, the late great Harvard Business School professor, wrote one of the best business strategy books of all time. In his classic "The Innovator's Dilemma" he explains how successful companies often fail by becoming overly locked into their established business models and optimizing the heck out of them, thereby ignoring, more risky …

1
I Love You. But You Are Not Serious People: Special Guest Host Bonus Episode with Steve Dennis 22:23

4M ago22:23

22:23

Something different for this Holiday season on the #pod as I head into my eighth year of The Voice of Retail and prepare for the year ahead - a guest host, cross-over thought leader insight bonus series of episodes from my award-winning Remarkable Retail #podcast. This past summer, Steve Dennis and I released a series of six bonus episodes with lea…

1
I'm The Problem. It's Me. Special Guest Host Bonus Episode with Steve Dennis 21:31

4M ago21:31

21:31

Something different for this Holiday season on the #pod as I head into my eighth year of The Voice of Retail and prepare for the year ahead - a guest host, cross-over thought leader insight bonus series of episodes from my award-winning Remarkable Retail #podcast. This past summer, Steve Dennis and I released a series of six bonus episodes with lea…

1
Shift Happens: Special Guest Host Bonus Episode with Steve Dennis 19:37

5M ago19:37

19:37

Something different for this Holiday season on the #pod as I head into my eighth year of The Voice of Retail and prepare for the year ahead - a guest host, cross-over thought leader insight bonus series of episodes from my award-winning Remarkable Retail #podcast. This past summer, Steve Dennis and I released a series of six bonus episodes with lea…

1
Our Bold New Plan To Suck Less: Special Guest Host Bonus Episode with Steve Dennis 17:04

5M ago17:04

17:04

Something different for this Holiday season on the #pod as I head into my eighth year of The Voice of Retail and prepare for the year ahead - a guest host, cross-over thought leader insight bonus series of episodes from my award-winning Remarkable Retail #podcast. This past summer, Steve Dennis and I released a series of six bonus episodes with lea…

1
AI in Retail: Proof of Concept to Production with Cari Covent, Head of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology, Canadian Tire Corporation. 42:51

5M ago42:51

42:51

Recorded live on the stage at the Retail West conference in Vancouver in November, joining me after a brief introduction by RCC's excellent Greg Wilson, Director of Government Affairs for B.C., is Cari Covent, Head of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology, Canadian Tire Corporation. Together, we explore the importance of taking a holistic…

1
Taylor Swift Takes Toronto, Black Friday_Cyber Monday Flash results with Sean McCormick, Vice President from Moneris Data Services 35:22

5M ago35:22

35:22

On this episode, I welcome Sean McCormick, Vice President Business Development from Moneris Data Services, for a deep dive into the numbers behind consumer behaviour during the holiday season and beyond. Together, we unpack the fascinating data-driven impact of Taylor Swift's Toronto tour, which saw local spending skyrocket by an impressive 45% in …

1
Meet the Hosts of The She Means Business Podcast, retail veterans Gail Banack and Ilana Santone 40:37

5M ago40:37

40:37

Welcome to this entertaining and insightful episode as I chat with the hosts of The She Means Business Podcast, a new and welcome addition to the Canadian podcasting universe focussed on aspiring leaders looking for inspiration, motivation and mentorship in the business world, co-hosted by Gail Banack and Ilana Santone. Gail and Ilana also happen t…

1
How Ronald McDonald House Is Helping Canadian Families Heal 23:50

5M ago23:50

23:50

In 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…

1
A Fresh Take on Retail Leadership with Deb Craven, President, Longo's (Encore) 25:04

6M ago25:04

25:04

Meet Deb Craven, President of Longo's, one of Canada's most popular grocery stores with dozens of locations and more on the way across Southern Ontario. I joined Deb in the Longo's Store Support offices, and we talked about leadership and what it takes to innovate and compete in the crowded Southern Ontario grocery marketplace. Encore Episode. Abou…

1
RetroFestive 32:40

6M ago32:40

32:40

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…

1
The State & Dynamic Nature of Canadian Demographics with Doug Norris, SVP & Chief Demographer, Environics Anallytics 50:12

6M ago50:12

50:12

In this episode, a pickup of an RCC livestream I hosted in November 2024, Doug Norris, Senior Vice President and Chief Demographer with Environics Analytics and nationally renowned expert on the Canadian Census and demographic trends, with 40+ years of experience in social statistics, takes us through the current state of demographics in Canada. Ab…

1
Jenna Rae Cakes 29:34

6M ago29:34

29:34

Al’s final stop in Winnipeg is at Jenna Rae Cakes, co-owned by twin-sisters Jenna Hutchinson and Ashley Kosowan. Their dream began 15 years ago in their small apartment, sparked by an episode of Cake Boss, and grew into a legitimate business despite numerous legal and logistical hurdles. Hear about the challenges of balancing school, work, and star…

1
Yorkdale Uncovered: The Secrets Behind Canada's Most Productive Mall with Yorkdale Shopping Centre's VP and GM, Michael Renaud 28:35

6M ago28:35

28:35

In this episode of the Voice of Retail podcast, Yorkdale Shopping Centre's VP and GM, Michael Renaud, provides insights into what makes Yorkdale a top shopping destination in North America. Located in Toronto, the center sees 18 million visitors annually and generates $2,400 per square foot, making it Canada's most productive mall. Renault attribut…

1
Avo Gameroom 29:30

6M ago29:30

29:30

We hit the bullseye with this episode this week! Al visits Neil Migalski, General Manager at AVO Gameroom. They talk about the rich history and unique charm of this beloved Winnipeg establishment founded in April 1963 by three brothers, and how it has evolved into a community staple known for its pool supplies, dart equipment, poker accessories, an…

1
Getting Smart About AI for Retail with Rob Dunlap, Partner and Generative AI Practice Leader, IBM 28:54

6M ago28:54

28:54

In this episode, Rob Dunlap, Generative AI Practice Leader, IBM explores how AI can offer retailers a genuine ability to revolutionize their business processes and models and help drive leaps of productivity across various aspects of their business, including personalized recommendations, predictive inventory management, automated customer service,…

1
How To Bridge The Cashless Gap In In-Person Charitable Giving 29:04

6M ago29:04

29:04

One of the victims of moving to a more cashless society in the past has been charitable organizations that rely on people’s generosity during in-person donation opportunities. There are many people who simply just don’t like carrying cash with them. For the past few years, we’ve been following the progress of Canadian startup tiptap as they’ve grow…

1
Shooters Family Golf Centre & Restaurant 28:15

6M ago28:15

28:15

We tee off episode 5 as Al visits with Amy Cerasani, from Shooters Family Golf Centre and Restaurant. The Cerasani family transformed a modest driving range into a beloved community hub serving Winnipeg for the past 31 years and counting. Listen now to learn about the family's deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit, the challenges and triumphs they've …

1
Eric Morris, MD & Head of Retail, Google Canada on Holiday Insights and Trends for 2024 You Need To Know 32:20

6M ago32:20

32:20

In this engaging interview, Eric Morris, Managing Director of Google Retail in Canada, shares holiday season insights for retailers. Leveraging over two decades of experience at Google, Eric discusses the critical role of personalization, AI, and content-driven strategies in meeting the evolving demands of Canadian consumers. Noting that holiday sh…

1
Door World 23:31

7M ago23:31

23:31

This week Al is back in Ontario for a visit with Dave Guenther, owner of Door World in Tillsonburg. Dave balanced a growing family and an expanding business during an unprecedented global pandemic. Hear how together with his wife Breanne, their resilience and adaptability helped them build a thriving company from the ground up. You can learn more a…

1
RCC + Leger 2024 Holiday Consumer Survey with Luc Dumont, SVP Insights & Adrian Bachmann, AVP, Leger + Sean McCormack, VP Moneris 56:52

7M ago56:52

56:52

On this episode a recording of the RCC x Leger Holiday Shopping livestream dissecting the 7th annual, 2024 RCC+ Leger Holiday Shopping Survey. We discuss holiday shopping dynamics and navigate what sales and value mean this year, gift card preferences, online vs. in-store shopping trends, and key factors driving retailer choices. My guests Luc Dumo…

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