The Oven Light

Barry Clayton – American Society of Baking Hall of Fame-elect and a former senior vice president with AB Mauri North America – visits with ABMNA Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak in this latest episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ They discuss everything from baking enzyme technology to New Zealand All Blacks rugby, from living in America to exponential innovation, and everything in between. Listen wherever you are – including watching that football playoff game or biting into a Kiwi lolly cake, which is made with crushed malt biscuits, sweetened evaporated milk & fruit-flavored candy, by the way. It’s now time to flip the switch. Who’s ready for ‘The Oven Light’?

Kerwin Brown, President & CEO of BEMA – Bakery Equipment Manufacturers & Allieds – visits with AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak in the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ They discuss Kerdog’s longtime career within the baking industry, the importance of connection-driven experiences, the #1 baking trade show in North America - IBIE, his ‘On A Roll’ podcast, the impact of AI and kindness & so much more. Listen wherever you are – driving to a big college football or basketball game, enjoying a hot ham & cheese breakfast sammie or listening to your new favorite podcast…umm, ‘The Oven Light’, of course. Now it’s time to flip the switch…let’s go for ‘The Oven Light’.

Kristen Spriggs, Executive Director of the American Society of Baking based in Indianapolis, joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The duo discusses Kristen’s nearly three-year tenure at ASB, her previous work in the events industry & at a midwestern basketball powerhouse university, the ever-evolving world of industrial & artisan baking, new demands from today’s baked goods consumers, living in ‘Circle City’ and a whole ton more. Listen wherever you are – watching an open wheel race on TV, enjoying dunking a cake donut in a hot latte or even limping along in early morning traffic. Flip the switch. It’s time again for ‘The Oven Light’.

Erin Ball, Executive Director of the Grain Foods Foundation based in Washington D.C., joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The duo discusses the benefits of grain foods in a healthy diet, the changing face of the food industry today, consumer-led drives and demands, juggling an active nation’s capital, the importance of managing the little details and a whole lot more. Listen wherever you are – waiting in the grocery checkout line, waiting in the doctor’s office or waiting for the paint to dry. Flip that switch. Let’s go! It’s time for ‘The Oven Light’.

Two founding members of the iconic 80s New Wave & Modern Rock band Wang Chung – Jack Hues and Nick Feldman – join AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for a fascinating episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The trio dives into a dynamic era of popular music, the real meaning behind the band’s name, life on the road including food choices, the uniqueness of having Wang Chung woven into just having fun and so much more. Listen wherever you are, listening to tunes on the morning commute, searching for albums at the retro market or just hanging out on the beach with good friends. It’s time. Let’s flip the switch for ‘The Oven Light’…and as Wang Chung would suggest, Let’s Go!

Leading international business growth and customer experience expert Jay Baer – who is also an established purveyor of tequila – joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for an excellent episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The duo dives into connecting with customers, enjoying the perfect bottle of tequila, finding cool plaid clothing, being recognized as a global marketing guru, writing best-selling books, having the honor of being in the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame and so much more. Listen wherever you are – sipping a margarita on the beach, shopping for that stunning, new outfit on your laptop or just playing bocce ball with good friends. Flip the switch. It’s time for ‘The Oven Light’…let’s go!

1879 Distilling Company Founder Mark Disper and Head Distiller Kyle Decker join AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for this episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The trio dives into multiple topics including starting up a distillery, crafting the ideal alcohol beverage, generating great teamwork, telling unique stories through labels and branding, selling the perfect cheeseburger and much, much more. Listen wherever you are – on a business trip layover, unwinding after the workday with your favorite cocktail or even getting the yard ready for spring – and flip the switch. It’s time for ‘The Oven Light’…let’s do this!

Seth Godin – author of nearly two dozen bestsellers that have been translated into more than 35 languages – joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing, Rick Oleshak, for the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light.’ The duo discusses daily blogging, pioneering in the internet age, being married to a gluten-free baker, giving back & doing good, making a ruckus, racing to the top, simplifying strategic goals and so much more. Listen wherever you are – waiting for that shuttle pickup, reading an inspiring text, taking your favorite pooch to the dog park or just enjoying a mocha latte at your favorite coffee spot. Get ready to flip the switch…let’s go! It’s time for ‘The Oven Light’! Thanks for listening in!

Chef Matt Borchardt, executive chef of Ronald McDonald House Charities in St. Louis, joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing, Rick Oleshak, for the newest episode of ‘The Oven Light’ podcast. The duo recounts the impact of doing good, serving others through a meal, the new, state-of-the-art Ronald McDonald House build in the Gateway City, helping up & coming chefs along the way, favorite breakfast items at the Golden Arches & much more. Tune in wherever you are & whenever you can – during that trip through the fast food drive-thru line, in between holiday shopping stops or while you map out your giving back strategy in 2025. Flip the switch & get ready for another insightful episode of ‘The Oven Light’ podcast…you’ll be glad you did.

Matt McLean – known in the food world as ‘Uncle Matt’ from Uncle Matt’s Organic juices & beverages – joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing, Rick Oleshak, for the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light’. The duo discusses farming citrus crops with family, selling orange juice in Germany, drinking unsweetened black tea, supporting the Special Olympics, celebrating Florida Gator football and a whole lot more. Listen wherever you are – during that flight layover, after the pickleball rally or even while enjoying a glass of pulp-free organic orange juice – and flip the switch. Get ready for ‘The Oven Light’ & thanks for tuning in!

Terence Reilly – current President of Hey Dude footwear and previously President of the iconic Stanley portfolio of tumblers and other drinkware – joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about innovation, the power of teamwork, being ready for your audition, making fast decisions, dingers at Fenway Park, homemade Irish soda bread and so much more. Listen in wherever you are – cruising the neighborhood in your Crocs, sipping chilled water in your Quencher bottle or catching the latest in social media on your phone – and flip the switch. Tune into ‘The Oven Light’ & we can’t wait to see you here!

Charles K. Poole – established author, thought leader, fellow podcaster, award-winning communications executive & much more – joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for a new episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about living intentionally and changing lives – including your own – with of course with a dash of baking mixed right in. Have a listen wherever you can – walking the dog, listening to the cicadas or on the bus – and flip the switch. Get tuned into ‘The Oven Light’ & we’ll see you there!

James Thomas, Director of the St. Louis Black and Classic Film Festivals and movie man extraordinaire, joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for a new episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about the world of cinema, movie stars and more. In this episode, the duo jumps into favorite flicks, award-winning performers and the importance of innovation, with a bit of baking sprinkled in, too. Have a listen wherever you can – in the Uber, in the dentist chair or strolling through the park – and flip the switch. Tune in to ‘The Oven Light’ & we look forward to seeing you there!

Brandon Steiner, founder of CollectibleXchange and The Steiner Agency, joins AB Mauri North America Vice President of Marketing Rick Oleshak for this episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about the incredible landscape of baking, sports and so much more. In this episode, the duo dives deep into the everything bagel, women’s hoops, sports memorabilia, the Big Apple, the beginnings of today’s sports bars, playing MJ in basketball, trying new things and beyond. Take a listen wherever you are – in between flights, in the kitchen or on the commute – and flip the switch. Tune in to ‘The Oven Light’ & we’ll see you there!

Josh Allen, founder of St. Louis-based Companion Baking, joins AB Mauri North America’s Rick Oleshak for this episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about the wonderful world of craft baking. In this program, the duo discusses sustainable baking, frozen products, to-go food orders, today’s bakery customers, podcasts and much, much more. Take a listen wherever you are – after a swim, while reviewing photos from the recent solar eclipse or even at the table enjoying a fresh baguette with salted butter – and flip the switch. Tune in to ‘The Oven Light’ & we’ll see you there!

Acclaimed bakery executive and recent winner of Baking & Snack’s 2023 Operations Executive of the Year, Kevin Stevens, joins AB Mauri marketing head Rick Oleshak for this episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about the enlightening world of industrial baking. In this episode, the duo discusses the state of baking, motocross racing, equestrian sports, the importance of business relationships and much, much more. Take a listen wherever you are – during the commute, on a hike or overlooking the ocean during spring break – and flip the switch. Tune in to ‘The Oven Light’ & we’ll see you there!

Alastair Brogan, the chieftain of Boulder Spirits and Vapor Distillery in Colorado, joins AB Mauri North America VP of Marketing Rick Oleshak on the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light’ podcast. In this edition, the duo talks about Top Gun, the Royal Air Force, drinking whiskey with friends – with ice, Scotch eggs, Pinnacle Distillers Yeast, the iconic Red Rocks concert venue and much more. Whether you’re in the office, listening while on a hike or just tuning in during a traffic jam, flip the switch and tune in to ‘The Oven Light’ right now. We hope you enjoy the show.

Jim Morris, a former major league pitcher and inspiration for the Disney film, ‘The Rookie’, visits with AB Mauri North America VP of Marketing Rick Oleshak on ‘The Oven Light’ podcast. In this episode, the tandem discusses teamwork, making dreams come true, professional baseball, whether or not a hot dog is a sandwich and much, much more. Wherever you are listening – on a run or on the run – it’s time to flip the switch and tune in to ‘The Oven Light’ today. We’ll see you here!

Crown Bakeries CEO and esteemed baking industry leader Cordia Harrington joins AB Mauri North America VP of Marketing Rick Oleshak for this new episode of ‘The Oven Light’. In this episode, the duo tackles the future of baking, quick service restaurants, universities in the southeast, travel in Japan, U.S. real estate and much, much more. Wherever you are, take a listen – on the commute, in the office or on a treadmill– and flip the switch. Tune in to ‘The Oven Light’ & we’ll see you there!

Haas Hops Midwest Key Account Manager & former Yakima, Washington mayor Micah Cawley joins AB Mauri North America VP of Marketing Rick Oleshak for this episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk brewing. In Episode #25, the combo discusses the beer industry, current fashion and fast cars, being one of the youngest mayors in the United States & more. Take a listen wherever you are – on the road, in the office or on a jog – and flip the switch. Tune in to ‘The Oven Light’ & we’ll see you there!

New American Bakers Association President & CEO Eric Dell joins AB Mauri marketing head Rick Oleshak for this episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk hardcore baking. In Episode #24, the duo discusses the state of the union for baking, the convenience and vending industries, top spots for hanging out on a football game weekend in Columbia, South Carolina & more. Take a listen wherever you are – from the car, at the office or on foot – and flip the switch. Tune in to ‘The Oven Light’ & we’ll see you there!

St. Louis Sports Commission chief advisory officer, Frank Viverito, joins ABMNA vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, for this episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about how sports and baking intersect…trust us, they really do! Viv goes long (a football reference) into baking during the pandemic, the importance of sportsmanship in athletics and even circus highwire acts on Episode #23. Take a listen from the car, office or on that walk in the crisp Fall weather. Flip the switch & tune in to ‘The Oven Light’ today!

Long-time AB Mauri and AB Biotek senior vice president, Greg Strauss, joins ABMNA vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, on this exciting episode of ‘The Oven Light’ to talk about the wonderful world of yeast…outside of baking. Greg goes deep into the consumer alcohol space, his background at Coca-Cola, inspiration from past business leaders, music & more on Episode #22. Have a listen wherever you are and enjoy. Flip the switch & tune in to ‘The Oven Light’!

Award-winning cake artist, former AB Mauri North America brand ambassador & local St. Louis region baker Lia Holter joins ABMNA vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, on the latest 'The Oven Light' podcast. Lia gives her take on the post-pandemic craft baking business, her inspirations and background, creative tattoo artwork and so much more on the tip-off to Season 3 of the show. Don't miss out listening from the car, in the kitchen or wherever you may be. Flip the switch and check out 'The Oven Light' today!

Acclaimed & award-winning artisan baker Rachel Wyman – now part of the lecturing faculty at The Culinary Institute of America – joins AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, on the latest ‘The Oven Light’ podcast. Rachel provides her insights on fabulous donuts, the pandemic, family, the Florida Gators & more on this exciting episode you don’t want to miss. Flip the switch for ‘The Oven Light’…let’s go!!

Longtime Sosland Publishing executive and recent baking hall of fame inductee, Mike Gude, joins AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, on the latest ‘The Oven Light’ podcast. Mike – a popular figure with B2B bakers in the United States – shares his thoughts on both baking and media trends, The Masters golf tournament, top Kansas City barbecue hot spots and much, much more. Flip the switch…it’s time to turn on ‘The Oven Light’! Are you ready?

AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, welcomes technical manager Wes Snow to ‘The Oven Light’ podcast. Wes, who helps steer the company’s path in the indulgent, sweet bakery goods area, provides a keen eye on product trends, innovation, necessary ingredients with even a stop to discuss the growing vegan lifestyle that he enjoys. Flip the switch & turn on ‘The Oven Light’. Who is ready?

We turn back to music for more inspiration as AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, welcomes original MTV veejay and current Sirius XM satellite radio host, Alan Hunter, to ‘The Oven Light’. The duo talks about the gluten-free lifestyle for the Hunter family, concerts, lifestyle and so much more on this don’t-miss-it edition of the podcast. It’s time to flip the switch for ‘The Oven Light’. Let’s go!

There’s nothing like a studio audience of more than 60 people, especially during the American Society of Baking’s annual BakingTECH conference in Chicago. AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, welcomes Aladdin Bakers Chief Operating Officer Theresa Watkinson and AB Mauri North America product/baking experts Nicole Rees and Dana Duwe to the program from deep inside The Hilton Chicago. Tune in to this special edition of ‘The Oven Light’ podcast and enjoy the conversation. Who is ready for ‘The Oven Light’? Flip the switch.

In a twist from previous bakery only-focused episodes, AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, welcomes world-class musician and Foreigner rock band keyboard player Michael Bluestein to the program to talk music, brewing, cookies, travel & more. Tune in to this unique edition of ‘The Oven Light’ podcast and enjoy the ride. It’s time to flip the switch for ‘The Oven Light’. Are you ready?

Stefani Pollack – founder of The Bake Fest – joins AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing and podcast host Rick Oleshak to talk about stirring up the social media craze for new bakers. From pivoting her career by making cupcakes for a friend’s wedding to nearly a million followers today, Stef shares her impactful journey for the next wave of baking professionals. Flip the switch…it’s time for the ‘The Oven Light’!

In this latest episode of ‘The Oven Light’, The Bread Monk – aka Father Dominic Garramone – joins host Rick Oleshak to talk baking inspiration, holiday treats, the abbey life & more. As Father Dom says, “It’s a monk thing,” so be ready to be educated and encouraged in your next baked goods recipes. Flip the switch…and get ready for ‘The Oven Light’!

In the latest episode of ‘The Oven Light’, AB Mauri North America Product Director Nicole Rees returns to talk softening and extended shelf life in baking with host Rick Oleshak. Put the mixing bowl down, keep the oven warm and tune in to this fun conversation about how to keep bread fresh, the latest in favorite snacking choices, trips to London & more. Flip the switch…and get ready for ‘The Oven Light’!

In an exclusive opportunity, AB Mauri North America vice president of marketing, Rick Oleshak, welcomes celebrity baker, master chef, television personality, bass guitarist, and all-around great guy, Duff Goldman, to the program to talk baking, family, the upcoming IBIE trade event in Las Vegas, rock music & more. Tune in to this special edition of ‘The Oven Light’ podcast and have some fun with us along the way. Flip the switch…are you ready for ‘The Oven Light’? A video version of this podcast is also to view at www.abmna.com.

In Episode #10, AB Mauri North America welcomes yeast expert Michelle Brodie and innovation lead Paul Bright (our first 3-time visitor) to the booth to highlight the wonderful world of fermentation and breadmaking. Tune in to this kickoff podcast to Season 2 and learn more about the industrial and artisan baking industry. Flip the switch…and tune in to ‘The Oven Light’!

In Episode #9, AB Mauri North America Marketing Manager Tricia McNamara plays host to a discussion on the history and curiosities behind Fleischmann's Yeast with VP of Marketing Rick Oleshak. Tune in to this special edition of ‘The Oven Light’ podcast to learn more about the B2B baking industry. Flip the switch…and tune in to ‘The Oven Light’!

In Episode #8, AB Mauri North America baking experts Paul Bright and Kyle Christensen rejoin host Rick Oleshak to discuss preservation in baking, preferred traditional solutions, clean label mold inhibitors & a lot more. Listen to ‘The Oven Light’ podcast to learn more about the B2B baking industry and hear from our curious cast of professionals and insiders. Flip the switch…and tune in to ‘The Oven Light’!

In this seventh edition of ‘The Oven Light’, AB Mauri North America Product Director Nicole Rees joins host Rick Oleshak to discuss product management, emulsifiers, clean label baking ingredients, recipes & so much more. Listen in to ‘The Oven Light’ podcast to learn more about the B2B baking industry and hear from our cast of experts & insiders. Flip the switch…you won’t be sorry!

In the sixth installment of ‘The Oven Light’, baking professionals Darren Braulik and Oscar Carreon join host Rick Oleshak to discuss the surprising world of tortillas, pizza, flatbread & naan – including new trends, category growth, flavor options & more. Tune in to ‘The Oven Light’ podcast to learn more about the industrial and artisan baking environment as well as to meet our cast of interesting characters. Flip the switch to listen in!

In the fifth installment of ‘The Oven Light’, legal professional Eric Robben and host Rick Oleshak connect to discuss a wide range of topics from regulatory and retail sales to Wiffle® Ball and corporate mascots. Yet again, ‘The Oven Light’ podcast brings you entertaining and educational content that you will not soon forget. Flip the switch and tune in.

In the fourth installment of ‘The Oven Light’, baking professionals Dave Hufford and Trey Pope join host Rick Oleshak to discuss the intriguing topics of ingredient procurement, supply, and delivery, certainly hot topics under today’s business climate for industrial and artisan bakeries of all shapes and sizes. Once again, ‘The Oven Light’ podcast proves to be both educational and entertaining and highlights the team at AB Mauri North America responsible for helping make things happen. Flip the switch and tune in.

In the third installment of ‘The Oven Light’, baking professionals Paul Bright and Kenyatta Holmes join host Rick Oleshak to talk about the intriguing category of chemical leaveners which include baking powder and baking soda. The trio dives into key product formulation and application areas for everything from sweet goods to tortillas while having some fun along the way. As always, ‘The Oven Light’ podcast is both educational and entertaining. So, flip the switch and have a listen.

In this second episode of ‘The Oven Light’, three AB Mauri North America baking professionals join host Rick Oleshak to talk about the ins and outs of baking mixes – from doughnuts & cake to bread & more. Kyle Christensen, Mike Purvis & Wes Snow cover a lot of ground on the program, highlighting their respective expertise & backgrounds in product management, commercial sales, and technical applications. As always, ‘The Oven Light’ podcast is meant to be snackable. So, flip the switch and have a listen.

In the first episode of ‘The Oven Light’, new AB Mauri North America President Brent Fenton joins host Rick Oleshak to share the ins and outs of the B2B baking business in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, the pair discusses where the industry is headed in the new year, key themes along the ingredient and sustainability front & so much more. Just like a savory or sweet baked good, ‘The Oven Light’ podcast is meant to be snackable. So, flip the switch and have a listen.

Tune into this trailer for ‘The Oven Light’, coming soon to your favorite podcast platforms. In this series, we'll take a look at the industrial & artisan baking industry in North America: why it’s important, how is it changing, and what you can expect. We’ll hear from industry insiders and experts, see what’s baking in terms of trends and technology, and have some fun mixing it up along the way. Let’s get going, so flip the switch. From AB Mauri, makers of iconic Fleischmann’s Yeast and other bakery ingredient solutions, this is ‘The Oven Light’. Subscribe now.