- 13
- Episodes
- 2023
- First episode
About Why Bother?
Why Bother? is a podcast produced by Maker House Co. It's an exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way, from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Ultimately, why we BOTHER to do these things when there are so many shortcuts & access to unlimited products through larger retailers online. WHY do we bother to do things the hard way? Learn more about the people behind the products you love, hear interesting stores about them and their business, the importance of human connection & more! Join us for discussions with local makers with host: Gareth Davies.
- Publisher
- Maker House Co.
- Category
- business
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 19 Jul 2023
- Latest episode
- 28 Dec 2023
Latest episodes
13 episodes in the feed.
28 Dec 2023
*BONUS* WHY BOTHER? S1E13 - The Artery Community Roasters
BONUS EP Join us this week with our final episode of Season 1 of the Why Bother? Podcast hosted by Gareth Davies as we speak with Will Wells, from The Artery Community Roasters. This episode is an extra-long bonus episode that is full of great conversation. Will walks us through why & how he started this social enterprise back in 2020. We discuss the challenges and barriers folks with disabilities face when seeking meaningful employment. Will also discusses the importance of ethics within his business model; from his relationships with farmers to his customers. There is no doubt Will is truly passionate about coffee, in this episode learn more about the roasting process, tasting notes and the difference between light and dark roast coffee. Filled with puns, the coffee The Artery creates is flavourful and roasted with care and gives back to the community. Host, Gareth, who is not a coffee drinker also tries coffee for the first time in years…providing lots of laughs! Why Bother? Is a Podcast produced by Maker House Co. An exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way, from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Learn more about the people behind the products you love, and hear the interesting stories behind them. Follow/Keep Up With The Artery: https://www.instagram.com/thearterycommunityroasters/ (https://www.instagram.com/thearterycommunityroasters/) Visit them here: https://thearterycommunityroasters.com/ Come into Maker House store, located at 987 Wellington Street in the lovely neighbourhood of Hintonburg (Ottawa, ON) SHOP OUR WHOLE SITE HERE: https://makerhouse.com/ (https://makerhouse.com/) Additional Resources Mentioned in the Episode https://www.able2.org/ (https://www.able2.org/) https://liveworkplay.ca/ (https://liveworkplay.ca/) https://www.domorecoolshit.com/ (https://www.domorecoolshit.com/)
20 Dec 2023
S1E12- Science Cobs
Join us this week with our twelfth episode of the Why Bother? Podcast hosted by Gareth Davies as we speak with Julie Lan , from Science Cobs. Julie designs adorable characters that are featured on her greeting cards, stickers & other small gifts. Her sassy cards always create laughs for customers at Ottawa markets. Julie works as a Software Developer by day but a few years ago started to sell her stickers and cards after being encouraged to put her art out to the world by a friend! She’s inspired by nature, animals and just a bit of dark humor. She has a background in acrobatics, swimming & other sports and a true love for traveling. Julie walks us through how her small business has evolved over the years and how she balances three jobs with her hobbies. Why Bother? Is a Podcast produced by Maker House Co. An exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way, from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Learn more about the people behind the products you love, and hear the interesting stories behind them. Follow/Keep Up With Science Cobs: @sciencecobs (https://www.instagram.com/sciencecobs) Visit them here: https://sciencecobs.com/ (https://sciencecobs.com/) Come into Maker House store, located at 987 Wellington Street in the lovely neighbourhood of Hintonburg (Ottawa, ON) SHOP OUR WHOLE SITE HERE: https://makerhouse.com/ (https://makerhouse.com/)
6 Dec 2023
S1E11- Ottawa Press & Publishing
Join us this week with our eleventh episode of the Why Bother? Podcast hosted by Gareth Davies as we speak with Ron Corbett, from Ottawa Press and Publishing. Ron is an author and owner of Ottawa Press and Publishing. He walks us through the publishing process, how they choose what books to print and how they source “relentlessly local” stories. Ottawa Press and Publishing was established in 2015, as a way to celebrate local Ottawa stories. All of their books are printed in Canada and use high-quality paper stock. Interestingly, quite a few of their bestsellers started as Facebook pages & Blogs! Ron is an author himself and is in the process of publishing his next book in his mystery Frank Yakabuski series: Muskie Falls. Ron is a celebrated author & journalist, who has prided himself on sharing local and Canadian tales. Spanning Time: The Bridges of Ottawa/Gatineau is one of the newest releases that you can find at Maker House & other bookstores. Why Bother? Is a Podcast produced by Maker House Co. An exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way, from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Learn more about the people behind the products you love, and hear the interesting stories behind them. Follow/Keep Up With Ottawa Press & Publishing: Visit them here: https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com/ (https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com/) Ron Corbett: https://www.roncorbettbooks.com/ (https://www.roncorbettbooks.com/) Come into Maker House store, located at 987 Wellington Street in the lovely neighbourhood of Hintonburg (Ottawa, ON) SHOP OUR WHOLE SITE HERE: https://makerhouse.com/ (https://makerhouse.com/)
22 Nov 2023
S1E10- Creationz by Catherine (Holiday Special!)
Join us this week with our tenth episode of the Why Bother? Podcast hosted by Gareth Davies as we speak with Catherine Perron from Creationz by Catherine! Catherine has a background in theatrical design + fine arts, though she has worked for 10 years as a flight attendant! Her two biggest passions are travel and art, and she successfully found a way to get paid for both. Creationz by Catherine began when Catherine designed and sewed some custom stockings one holiday season, that were very popular on Etsy & the market scene. Now you can find her unique retro designs, which have a focus on Canadiana, on her ornaments, tea towels, pillows & more. She designs each one of her pieces starting as a sketch, then printing the fabric. She prints, cuts and sews each ornament from her own home and designs while traveling as a flight attendant. Her family are some of her biggest supporters and have a tradition of helping stuff ornaments ahead of the season! Why Bother? Is a Podcast produced by Maker House Co. An exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way, from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Learn more about the people behind the products you love, and hear the interesting stories behind them. Follow/Keep Up With Creationz by Catherine: @creationzbycatherine Visit them here:https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/creationzbycatherine Come into Maker House store, located at 987 Wellington Street in the lovely neighbourhood of Hintonburg (Ottawa, ON) SHOP OUR WHOLE SITE HERE: https://makerhouse.com/ (https://makerhouse.com/)
8 Nov 2023
S1E9- Y's Owl Maclure (Owl Pottery Studio)
Join us this week with our ninth episode of the Why Bother? Podcast hosted by Gareth Davies as we speak with Paulette & Viktoria, two representatives from Y’s Owl Maclure; the organization that runs Y’s Owl Pottery Studio. Paulette & Viktoria both work within Y’s Owl Maclure in the Employment Program. Working with employers to aid in the training & transition of adults with developmental disabilities into the workforce. They both take us through how they began their careers working in social services, and how they work to create meaningful work for individuals in the program. Y’s Owl Maclure also hosts multiple social enterprises that create work within the organization for adults with Autism & Developmental disabilities. Like the Owl Cafe & Meeting Place, the Pottery Studio & more. Y’s Owl Life Skills Centre provides space & services that better the day to day lives of individuals. We are lucky to sell ornaments that are made in their pottery studio at our shop! Why Bother? Is a Podcast produced by Maker House Co. An exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way, from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Learn more about the people behind the products you love, and hear the interesting stories behind them. Follow/Keep Up With Y’s Owl Maclure: @owlcafeandpotterystudio (https://www.instagram.com/owlcafeandpotterystudio/#) Visit them here: https://ysowlmaclure.org/ (https://ysowlmaclure.org/) Cafe: https://ysowlmaclure.org/the-owl-cafe/ (//ysowlmaclure.org/the-owl-cafe/) Come into Maker House store, located at 987 Wellington Street in the lovely neighbourhood of Hintonburg (Ottawa, ON) SHOP OUR WHOLE SITE HERE: https://makerhouse.com/ (https://makerhouse.com/)
25 Oct 2023
S1E8- Ondarez
Join us this week with our eighth episode of the Why Bother? Podcast hosted by Gareth Davies as we speak with Paula from Ondarez! Paula brings the culture of the Anishinaabe to her work, crafting pieces that can be worn and used by anyone. Growing up in a small First Nation in Northern Ontario, she taught herself to create her own regalia, jewellery, clothes, & more. She began to make screen printed t-shirts and designs & sell them back in Highschool–she has always had a knack for business. Along with her daughters, she also runs a Cafe in the popular Lansdowne plaza in Ottawa. Paula discusses her connection with her products, hurdles of being a small business owner, and the significance of becoming the Indigenous business idol for her kids that she never had. Paula also introduces us to the meaning of her Good Life Planner, creating balance in all aspects of our lives. Why Bother? Is a Podcast produced by Maker House Co. An exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way, from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Learn more about the people behind the products you love, and hear the interesting stories behind them. Follow Ondarez: @ondarezclothing Visit them here: https://www.ondarez.com/ (https://www.ondarez.com/) Cafe: https://www.beandigen.ca/ (https://www.beandigen.ca/) Come into Maker House store, located at 987 Wellington Street in the lovely neighbourhood of Hintonburg (Ottawa, ON) SHOP OUR WHOLE SITE HERE: https://makerhouse.com/ (https://makerhouse.com/) Heritage Bee: https://makerhouse.com/collections/meet-the-maker-heritage-bee-co (https://makerhouse.com/collections/meet-the-maker-heritage-bee-co)
11 Oct 2023
S1E7- Split Tree Cocktail Co.
Join us this week with our seventh episode of the Why Bother? Podcast hosted by Gareth Davies as we speak with Steve from Split Tree Cocktail Co. Steve has a true passion for good tasting cocktails, foods & local business. All of his cocktail mixers are made with real fruit, real ingredients, and he uses as many locally sourced ingredients as he can. Ever wonder where the Split Tree got its name? Listen to this episode to find out! Steve also newly opened a store front where he runs workshops, events & you can shop cocktail accessories. He focuses on community, bringing people together through good drinks & company. Check it out if you’re local to Ottawa! Why Bother? Is a Podcast produced by Maker House Co. An exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way, from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Learn more about the people behind the products you love, and hear the interesting stories behind them. Follow Split Tree Cocktail: @splittreemixers (https://instagram.com/splittreemixers?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) Visit them here: https://splittree.ca/ (https://splittree.ca/) Shop Location: 98-J Richmond Road (Ottawa, ON) Come into Maker House store, located at 987 Wellington Street in the lovely neighbourhood of Hintonburg (Ottawa, ON) SHOP OUR WHOLE SITE HERE: https://makerhouse.com/ (https://makerhouse.com/)
27 Sept 2023
S1E6- Hummingbird Chocolate
Join us this week with our sixth episode of the Why Bother? Podcast hosted by Gareth Davies as we speak with Erica from Hummingbird Chocolate. Erica, along with husband Drew are the founders & owners of the much beloved Hummingbird Chocolate. They have both worked careers in the International Development field- leading them to meet with farmers all across the globe and learn about the process behind making delicious chocolate. Erica takes us through the steps of starting their business, and how they became the must-stop in Almonte that we all know and love. Erica has a true passion for connecting with customers, and how the little things in life (like chocolate) can make a huge difference. She also has a knack for craft chocolate, Hummingbird chocolate makes chocolate from “bean to bar” making them chocolate makers rather than chocolatiers. They source their cacao from sustainable farms, where farmers receive better than Fair Trade prices, and are farmed ethically. Why Bother? Is a Podcast produced by Maker House Co. An exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way, from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Learn more about the people behind the products you love, and hear the interesting stories behind them. Follow Hummingbird Chocolate: @hummingbirdchocolate Visit them here: https://hummingbirdchocolate.com/ (https://hummingbirdchocolate.com/) Come into Maker House store, located at 987 Wellington Street in the lovely neighbourhood of Hintonburg (Ottawa, ON) SHOP OUR WHOLE SITE HERE: https://makerhouse.com/ (https://makerhouse.com/)
13 Sept 2023
S1E5- Kirk Brant
Join us this week with our fifth episode of the Why Bother? Podcast hosted by Gareth Davies as we speak with Indigenous artist Kirk Brant. Kirk Brant is a painter and artist member of the Mohawks of Tyendinaga who currently lives in Ottawa. Kirk shares with us how his art & love for it has evolved over the years. His happy place is on the lake, fishing. He has a deep connection to the land and the beauty that it offers, inspiring his gorgeous paintings. Kirk is a woodland style artist, he breaks down what this means and shares his knowledge of the medium with us! As an Indigenous artist, Kirk also opens up about some of the struggles & hurdles he’s had to face as a student while beginning his career. Why Bother? Is a Podcast produced by Maker House Co. An exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way, from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Learn more about the people behind the products you love, and hear the interesting stories behind them. Follow Kirk Brantt: https://www.facebook.com/woodlandstyle (https://www.facebook.com/woodlandstyle) Come into Maker House store, located at 987 Wellington Street in the lovely neighbourhood of Hintonburg (Ottawa, ON) SHOP OUR WHOLE SITE HERE: https://makerhouse.com/ (https://makerhouse.com/)
30 Aug 2023
S1E4- North Standard Trading Post
Join us this week with our fourth episode of the Why Bother? Podcast hosted by Gareth Davies as we speak with Frank from North Standard Trading Post (Ottawa, ON). Pam & Frank are the founders behind the Canadian brand, NSTP. With their bear mascot, their apparel has been beloved across Canada for years! Frank takes us on the journey of starting their business, and how it has evolved over the years, while staying true to the brand's fundamental values. They even got married in the front window of the first storefront they had! Why Bother? Is a Podcast produced by Maker House Co. An exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way, from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Learn more about the people behind the products you love, and hear the interesting stories behind them. Follow North Standard Trading Post: @northstandard (https://www.instagram.com/northstandard/) Website: https://northstandard.com/ (https://northstandard.com/) Come into Maker House store, located at 987 Wellington Street in the lovely neighbourhood of Hintonburg (Ottawa, ON) SHOP OUR WHOLE SITE HERE: https://makerhouse.com/ (https://makerhouse.com/)
16 Aug 2023
S1E3- Wood Chip Decor
Join us this week with our third episode of the Why Bother? Podcast hosted by Gareth Davies as we speak with Liz from Wood Chip Decor (Ottawa, ON). Liz talks growing up creative, with her mom sewing & dad teaching her how to build. She’s always been surrounded by the making world and has a history working in construction, including historic building restoration! We also learn more about how Liz balances parenthood & a 2000 acre farm alongside her small business making bright & colourful shelves, coasters, trivets & more. Why Bother? Is a Podcast produced by Maker House Co. An exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way, from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Learn more about the people behind the products you love, and hear the interesting stories behind them. Follow Wood Chip Decor: @wood_chip_decor Website: https://www.woodchipdecor.com/ Come into Maker House store, located at 987 Wellington Street in the lovely neighbourhood of Hintonburg (Ottawa, ON) SHOP OUR WHOLE SITE HERE: https://makerhouse.com/ (https://makerhouse.com/)
3 Aug 2023
S1E2- Mansfield Woods
Join us this week for the second episode of the Why Bother? Podcast hosted by Gareth Davies as we speak with Martin from Mansfield Woods (Ottawa, ON). Martin shares all the ins-and-outs of being a local maker & small business owner. Discussing with Gareth his love for cedar (Red Cedar, aromatic Cedar… ALL of it!), his day job, and how he got into woodworking! Martin discusses his role at the Ottawa City Woodshop & teaching classes and his connection with the community. Mansfield Woods creates wooden barbecue scrapers, cedar bath mats & wooden cooler totes! You can check them all out at the links listed below. Why Bother? Is a Podcast produced by Maker House Co. An exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way, from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Learn more about the people behind the products you love, and hear the interesting stories behind them. Keep up with Mansfield Woods Here: https://www.mansfieldwoods.ca/ (https://www.mansfieldwoods.ca/) @martinthornell Ottawa City Woodshop: https://ottawacitywoodshop.com/ (https://ottawacitywoodshop.com/)https://www.instagram.com/ottcitywood/ (https://www.instagram.com/ottcitywood/) Come into Maker House store, located at 987 Wellington Street in the lovely neighbourhood of Hintonburg (Ottawa, ON) SHOP OUR WHOLE SITE HERE: https://makerhouse.com/ ( https://makerhouse.com/)
19 Jul 2023
S1E1- Good Neighbour Soap
Join us this week for our premier episode of the Why Bother? Podcast hosted by Gareth Davies. In this episode, we speak with Meredith from Good Neighbour Soap Co (Ottawa, ON). Meredith shares all the ins-and-outs of being a local soap maker & small business owner. She chats with Gareth about things she chooses to do the “easy way” and the “hard way”, and the unexpected costs that come up when running your own business. Why Bother? Is a Podcast produced by Maker House Co. It's an exploration of why we choose to do things the hard way; from creating products, to community change, to TikTok! Learn more about the people behind the products you love, and hear the interesting stories behind them. Follow Good Neighbour Soap: @goodneighboursoap (https://www.instagram.com/goodneighboursoap/#) Website: https://goodneighboursoap.com/ (https://goodneighboursoap.com/) Come into the Maker House Co. store, located at 987 Wellington Street West in the lovely neighbourhood of Hintonburg (Ottawa, ON) SHOP OUR WHOLE SITE HERE: https://makerhouse.com/ (https://makerhouse.com/)
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