The Whisky Heathens: Ty Brandt, Josh Ward & Trica McCoomb

In Fort McMurray, a unique trio is redefining what it means to be leaders in their community while blending humour, heart, and a shared love for whisky. Ty Brandt, Josh Ward, and Tricia McCoomb aren’t just colleagues; they’re the Whisky Heathens, a Power Team committed to advocacy, volunteerism, and creating connections through their vibrant social media presence. Across YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms, they share whisky insights, storytelling, and a dose of irreverent humour, engaging thousands while using their reach to amplify causes that matter.

For Ty, the path to community leadership began in a surprising place: stand-up comedy. His passion for connecting with people, whether on stage or in a boardroom, informs every aspect of his work. Now a Membership Development Advisor for IUOE Local 955 — and recently elected to RMWB Council for Ward One — Ty is driven by a singular goal: fighting for the little guy. “The most rewarding part of my career is helping hardworking individuals earn what they’re truly worth,” he says. “Whether it’s negotiating a fair contract or opening doors to new training opportunities, I get to be the voice of the voiceless.”

Josh shares that dedication. Also a Membership Development Advisor with IUOE Local 955, he brings a grounded, service-focused approach. “Strong communities are built by showing up for one another,” he explains. “Collective action gives people strength, and my goal is to help them find their voice and claim the respect they deserve.” His hands-on experience as a journeyman welder and his deep understanding of the trades give him a unique perspective on the needs of workers and their families.

Rounding out the team is Tricia, whose career in safety leadership as HSE Superintendent with Fort McKay Group of Companies mirrors her dedication to the well-being of those around her. She approaches every project, every team, and every community initiative with precision, empathy, and energy. “Seeing crews go home safe every day, knowing I’ve helped build trust between operations and leadership…that’s what drives me,” Tricia says. “It’s about creating a culture where people feel empowered, included, and inspired.”

Together, the trio formed the Whisky Heathens, influencers who go beyond traditional content creation. From in-depth whisky reviews and tasting notes to behind-the-scenes looks at distilleries, spirits events, and charitable fundraisers, they engage audiences across YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms. Their content blends education, entertainment, and humour while emphasizing authenticity and connection. By sharing their passions online, they inspire viewers to explore whisky, connect with local culture, and become involved in community initiatives.

Yet their impact stretches far beyond social media. Each member is deeply committed to volunteerism and community engagement. They organize and participate in annual food bank drives, charity golf tournaments, and events supporting causes like animal welfare, mental health, and homelessness. Ty’s favourite events are his creative “Heckle Hole” or “Back Off Challenge” fundraisers, where humour and whisky meet philanthropy in unexpected ways. Josh and Tricia bring complementary energy to these initiatives, coordinating logistics, rallying volunteers, and ensuring every effort leaves a lasting impact.

At the heart of the Whisky Heathens’ philosophy is a belief in the power of voice, both for themselves and for those they represent. Their union work gives them a platform to advocate for economic justice, fair wages, and worker safety, and they extend that same passion to their community efforts. “We all have something to give,” Ty says. “Using our voices to amplify the needs of our neighbours is the most direct way we can make a difference.”

This dedication to service is reinforced by strong personal support networks. Josh credits his wife, Terri, for grounding him and reinforcing the values of resilience and compassion, while Ty’s partner and their pets provide perspective and unconditional support. Tricia draws strength from her family, which has encouraged her to step into leadership and give back through volunteer work. These networks have allowed the trio to maintain balance, energy, and focus as they tackle both professional and philanthropic goals.

The Whisky Heathens’ volunteer efforts are wide-ranging and consistent. They’ve contributed to SPCA initiatives, Big Brothers Big Sisters events, food drives, charity golf tournaments, and fundraisers for mental health awareness and disaster recovery. They even use their social media platforms creatively for good, organizing spirits-focused charity drives and engaging the community through interactive campaigns that educate, entertain, and inspire participation. “Every event, every fundraiser, every connection matters,” Josh explains. “Community resilience comes from showing up, collaborating, and supporting each other.”

The trio’s experiences have shaped a clear perspective on Fort McMurray’s challenges and opportunities. They see economic instability, the evolving oil and gas sector, and social pressures as issues that can be addressed through collective action, community engagement, and creative problem-solving. They’re not just observers; they’re active participants in shaping the region’s future. Ty and Josh leverage their union work to secure fair wages and protections for workers, while Tricia applies her leadership skills to safety and operational excellence, ensuring that the human element remains at the center of development.

Looking ahead, the Whisky Heathens have ambitious plans. Professionally, they aim to continue growing their influence in advocacy and labour leadership, mentoring the next generation of workers and leaders in the region. On the personal and creative side, they’re focused on expanding the Whisky Heathens’ reach across multiple social media platforms, producing engaging content that educates, entertains, and connects audiences around the world. Through it all, they remain committed to keeping their work grounded in humour, humanity, and authenticity, a philosophy that has become a hallmark of their brand.

Despite their busy schedules, the trio ensures that their contributions to the community never wane. From organizing youth sports events to coordinating charitable fundraisers, from mentoring colleagues to hosting spirits tastings that double as educational experiences, they demonstrate that leadership is about action, visibility, and consistency. They balance serious advocacy with fun, proving that impact doesn’t have to be dry or dull—it can be spirited, creative, and inclusive.

At its core, the story of the Whisky Heathens is one of connection—between people, between professions, and between communities. Whether through a labour negotiation, a community fundraiser, or a social media post exploring a rare whisky, they champion fairness, engagement, and collaboration. Their work embodies the idea that growth isn’t just measured in infrastructure or industry; it’s measured in the lives touched, the voices amplified, and the community strengthened.

With his tagline, “Fighting for the little guy, fueled by coffee, contracts, and cold shower beers,” Ty sums up the team’s ethos: a mix of humour, humanity, and hard work. Josh’s guiding principle, “Grounded in service and spirit. Purpose leads, progress follows,” reflects the trio’s commitment to intentional, meaningful action. And Tricia’s philosophy, “A strong woman, a fearless leader, and a funny soul who inspires others to rise, laugh, and lead with purpose,” reminds us that leadership is as much about empathy and humour as it is about skill and drive.

Together, Ty Brandt, Josh Ward, and Tricia McCoomb—the Whisky Heathens—are more than influencers. They are a Power Team shaping the social, cultural, and economic landscape of Fort McMurray. Through their professional work, volunteerism, and multi-platform storytelling, they demonstrate how passion, collaboration, and a touch of irreverence can leave a lasting impact. They are advocates, entertainers, mentors, and community builders, showing that real change happens when talent, heart, and commitment converge.

Whether you follow them for spirits insights, community engagement ideas, or simply to see a trio of friends making a difference while having fun, the Whisky Heathens embody the idea that leadership and impact are best shared and best enjoyed responsibly, with a dram in hand.