Edify Unfiltered

A Syrian refugee who turned his experience into service to other 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers. A world class brewer on Edmonton’s Happy Beer Street. Hear from two members of Edify’s Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.

First, hosts Trudy Callaghan and Steven Sandor chat with  Basel Abou Hamrah, founder of the Newcomer Centre’s Rainbow Refuge program. Basel Abou Hamrah tells of how he went from closeted refugee to helping put Edmonton on the map for 2SLGBTQ+ refugees looking for a welcoming city. 

Then, listen to Doug Checknita, head brewer and blender at The Monolith. Doug takes the title of beer nerd to another level with his scientific approach to the brand’s Beer World Cup-winning barrel-fermented beer. 


Buy tickets to Top 40 Under 40 now.

Read Basel Abou Hamrah's Top 40 profile
Read Doug Checknita's Top 40 profile
See the Top 40 Under 40 class of 2024
Comment on Edify's Instagram

--Related Links--
Edmonton Wins the World Cup (of Beer)


--Chapters-- 
  • (00:11) - Top 40 Under 40 Event Preview
  • (03:21) - Basel Abou Hamrah's Story
  • (11:02) - Rainbow Refuge Achievements
  • (18:21) - Doug Checknita's Journey in Beer Making
  • (25:55) - Education and Research in Brewing
  • (28:24) - Winning Worldwide
  • (34:20) - Doug's Reflections and Future Plans


--Credits—
Hosted by Trudy Callaghan and Steven Sandor
Produced by Odvod Media
Audio Engineering by Steve Glen
Original music by Darrin Hagen

What is Edify Unfiltered?

Get behind the scenes of Edmonton’s award-winning, city magazine: Edify — which celebrates living in the dynamic city of Edmonton.

Hosts Steven Sandor (Editor-In-Chief) and Trudy Callaghan (Publisher) share the curious stories from behind Edify’s glossy pages. Tune in to explore the ideas that shape our city, and find out what happens when you dare to publish a city magazine.