In this inspiring episode of Table 6ix, hosts Tiana Atapattu Jayatunga and Dana Duncanson sit down with Aki Erenberg and Ricky Barrientos, the founders behind one of Toronto’s most talked-about food success stories: BEAR Steak Sandwiches. From a mother’s backyard during the Covid-19 lockdowns to becoming a Little Italy staple with a recently opened second location at The Well, Aki and Ricky share the grit, heart, and hustle behind their rise.This conversation dives into the power of community, the unseen intensity of building a food business from scratch and how documenting their journey through their YouTube docuseries The Backyard Boys is shaping the next chapter of their growth. Listeners will walk away inspired by their cultural influences, resilience through adversity, and their unshakable belief in bringing great food — and even greater storytelling — to Toronto.We also talk about:• The moment Aki & Ricky realized their backyard pop-up could become a full-scale Toronto restaurant success story.• What early chaos looked like — from long nights to juggling multiple jobs — and the lessons that stayed with them.• How their multicultural backgrounds influence their flavours, identity, and pride as POC founders.• The role community — both online and IRL — played in turning their sandwich into a citywide phenomenon.• What audiences can expect from The Backyard Boys docuseries, including behind-the-scenes stories and raw moments of self-reflection.• Their bold vision for the future, including their new location at The Well and what success looks like five years from now.Follow BEAR Steak Sandwiches on Instagram @bearsteaksandwiches and @thebackyardboysshow for the latest updates.Watch all episodes of The Backyard Boys Docuseries on YouTube @TheBackyardBoys-AkiRicky before or after you head over to The Well to try a sandwich yourself!Want more content from the table? Check out our socials: ✨ Follow on Instagram at @table6ixpodcast ✨ Follow on TikTok at @table6ix.podcast 🏆 Table 6ix is brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. For more information, visit: www.YourExperienceAwaits.ca

Ever find that you can’t seem to catch your breath? You may not even realize that you are holding it or that your shoulders are tense because you are busy at school or working or taking care of others. We sat down with transformational wellness educator, breath work facilitator, and entrepreneur Gio Bartholomeo to learn about the impact breath work can have on our professional and personal lives. It is an effective and easy aspect to integrate into a wellness plan and the most underrated!

We talk about reducing stress, unlocking emotional regulation, and reconnecting with the body through the breath as well as Gio’s start working with Wim Hof, The Iceman and the integration of other wellness practices like cold exposure, saunas, sleep and more.

Keep an eye out for the Mobility House Spotlight where show host, Tiana experiences a consultation and therapy treatment first-hand – the variety of treatments offered by such an experienced team downtown Toronto will reinvigorate and support your wellness plans all year long.

We also talk about:

- How you could be breathing wrong right now & how to fix it

- How Toronto compares to other cities when it comes to wellness

- Examples of different types of breathwork

- Why breathwork is the secret tool that leaders utilize for high performance

- How the integration of breathwork with treatments from Mobility House will maximise your wellness plan

- Practical tips and guidance to get started

Follow Gio Bartholomeo at @elementalgio & @elementalrhythm for free courses, content and more!

Follow Mobility House at @mobility_house - Your Home For All Things Wellness. 💪🏾

🚨 Discount code (6ix15) for 15% off all services

Want more content from the table? Check out our socials:

✨ Follow on Instagram at @table6ixpodcast

✨ Follow on TikTok at @table6ix.podcast

🏆 Table 6ix is brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. For more information, visit: www.YourExperienceAwaits.ca

It’s time to stop feeling guilt and shame when the same old New Years’ resolutions don’t stick.

Instead, we are starting 2026 off strong with Dr. Sapna Sriram, a renowned leader and CEO in the field of sports medicine, rehabilitation, fitness, and sports performance to tackle how we can reframe wellness this year as something practical and personal - built through small, consistent habits rather than extreme routines or perfection.

We talk about starting a wellness journey to managing stress, prioritizing sleep, and recognizing early signs of burnout, this episode offers grounded guidance for modern life.

Stay tuned for the Sobr Market Spotlight on non-alcoholic drinks, unpacking the benefits of mindful consumption and how alcohol-free alternatives can support better energy, sleep, and social connection. Guess which one is everyone's favourite!

We also talk about:

- Sustainable wellness hacks

- The realities of setting intentions and changing habits

- Building a wellness vision that prioritizes the mind-body connection

- Working from home vs. commuting to the office

- The definition and accessibility of “quiet luxury”

- Staying resilient as both a mom and an entrepreneur

- Digital detox, screen time and more

What will your wellness journey look like this year? Let’s get it!

Follow Dr. Sapna Sriram at @drsapna and @integrahealth

Follow SOBR Market at @thesobrmarket

Want more content from the table? Check out our socials:

✨ Follow on Instagram at @table6ixpodcast

✨ Follow on TikTok at @table6ix.podcast

🏆 Table 6ix is brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. For more information, visit: www.YourExperienceAwaits.ca