Before we take a short holiday break, we have a special treat for you! This week’s guest is Rolf Runkel, finalist on Season 11 of Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. Did he win? No spoilers here! Maybe he was was your instructor at SAIT or you watched along on TV as he competed like Mariah & Ty did!

Rolf gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the intense competition, from tight time constraints and high-stakes challenges to facing the judges’ scrutiny. He also shares his creative process and how he tackled the show’s unique baking tasks.

We couldn’t resist talking about our friend Chef Kevin Conniff, who competed last season (Rolf + Kevin collab, anyone? We’ll gladly taste-test!). Beyond the show, we explore Rolf’s fascinating career journey — from training in Switzerland to setting roots in Calgary, with some tropical adventures along the way.

Plus, we play a fun round of Would You Rather!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

BONUS: CHEF KEVIN CONNIFF ON AFTER HOURS WITH MARIAH AND TY