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Maverick Makers

Michelle Daidesmaverickmakerspodcast.com
The Maverick Makers Podcast™ is where trailblazers, disruptors, and daring creatives come to share their stories. Host Michelle Daides sits down with bold, forward-thinking risk-takers—from entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to innovators and artists—who are changing their industries and rewriting the rules. Each episode dives deep into the real stories behind the rise: the pivots, the failures, the breakthroughs, and the moments that sparked transformation. These are the voices of people from all walks of life who’ve had the courage to try, stumble, get back up, and ultimately redefine success on their own terms. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo, embrace your inner maverick, and be inspired by those who are unapologetically forging their own path—this podcast is for you. Listen, watch & subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!
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Episodes

Maverick Makers Inspiration Episode

In this special milestone episode of Maverick Makers, host Michelle Daides takes a look back at the past 30 episodes to highlight some of the most powerful insights and moments of inspiration from her incredible guests. Throughout the show, Michelle pulls out the gems and wisdom shared by some of the world’s most successful Mavericks, including marketing legend Tony Chapman, media personality and entrepreneur Erica Ehm, investor and mentor Mike Fata, financial commentator Pattie Lovett-Reid, and...

Sep 27, 202420 minSeason 1Ep. 31

Elvira V. Hopper: Big Pharma to Big Dreams - Her Miraculous Journey from Breakdown to Breakthrough

In this compelling episode of Maverick Makers, Michelle Daides welcomes the extraordinary Elvira V. Hopper, a woman who turned her life around in her late 40s to embrace her true calling. Elvira shares her powerful 'Crap Magnet to Miracle Magnet' story, detailing how a blessed mental breakdown led her to leave behind an award-winning six-figure career in Big Pharma—what she calls the 'Golden Handcuffs'—and step into her 'Authentic Act 2.' Elvira’s journey is nothing short of miraculous. After br...

Sep 19, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 30

Jake Gold: A Life of Legendary Music

In this episode of Maverick Makers, host Michelle Daides sits down with one of Canada's most legendary artist managers, Jake Gold. With an illustrious career that spans decades, Jake shares insights from his journey in the music industry, from founding The Management Trust in 1981 to playing a pivotal role in shaping iconic Canadian bands like The Tragically Hip and The Pursuit of Happiness. Known for his keen eye for talent, Jake discusses his time as a judge on the hit national TV show Canadia...

Sep 12, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 29

Julie Cole: From Lawyer to Label Maker - The Juicy Maverick

This episode features a joyful and juicy conversation with Maverick Julie Cole. She is a recovered lawyer, mom of six, and co-founder of Mabel’s Labels Inc. She is an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, and a sought-after speaker and emcee. Julie is no stranger to the media, having appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, HLN’s Raising America, Breakfast Television, The Marilyn Denis Show, and CP24, among many others. Her articles have been featured in The Huffington Post, Today’s Parent, ...

Aug 15, 202433 minSeason 1Ep. 28

Michelle Daides: Maverick Makers Soliloquy

On this week's episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast, host Michelle Daides presents a special Maverick Makers Soliloquy. In this solo episode, Michelle unveils her own Maverick journey and the influences that have shaped her path. As a seasoned creative professional, Michelle is passionate about telling compelling stories and combining strategy to create impactful content. Michelle’s journey is not just about professional success; she’s deeply committed to mentorship and entrepreneurship, havin...

Aug 09, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 27

Benjamin Rempel: Finding Stories Everywhere

On this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Benjamin Rempel, a celebrated Canadian writer and essayist known for his dark and gritty tone. Widely published, Benjamin’s work has appeared in The Toronto Star, Our Canada, Blank Spaces, Streetlight, and Fifteen Stories High Anthology, among others. His fiction has been nominated for several honors, including being shortlisted for the 2023 Georgian Bay Story Slam and the 2019 Rising Spirits Writing Award. His first novel, "INFECT," was released in Jun...

Aug 02, 202428 minSeason 1Ep. 26

Alana Hurov: Fuelling the World With Bold Ideas

On this episode, Host Michelle Daides speaks with Alana Hurov, the CEO & Founder of Niagara 5000 Powered by McLaren Toronto. Our paths have crossed in the entertainment industry, but I have not had the pleasure of connecting in person until now, and she is lovely. Alana has had such an interesting career as a successful television producer, radio producer/reporter, and print journalist. For more than 15 years, Alana has lived in six different cities and has led top newsrooms around the count...

Jul 25, 202432 minSeason 1Ep. 25

Salima Valji: Leading The Way For Women and People of Color

Join host Michelle Daides as she speaks with Salima Valji, an internationally sought-after speaker and thought leader on advancing women and people of color in leadership. As the CEO & Founder of Unleash Forward, Salima is dedicated to propelling underrepresented groups to senior leadership roles through executive coaching, training, consulting, and keynotes. Salima's career and entrepreneurial journey has been full of twists and turns. Her experiences, including failures, have provided valu...

Jul 18, 202435 minSeason 1Ep. 24

Leanne Monaghan: Level Up Your Life

Ready for another episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast? Host Michelle Daides speaks with Leanne Monaghan, a high-performance coach dedicated to body and mind fitness. Leanne specializes in helping women transform their lives, whether through her personalized coaching or her boutique-style fitness club. As a serial entrepreneur, Leanne is 60 years young and is blossoming into her second spring. Though her 4 pillars of WELLTH, she is focused on helping women achieve their best lives. Get inspire...

Jul 11, 202435 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Natalie Mounter: The Seven Figure Side Hustle

✨ Join us for an inspiring episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast featuring the amazing Natalie, the powerhouse founder of TotallyDazzled.com! 🌟 From humble beginnings to a 7-figure empire, Natalie has crafted a remarkable journey, all while balancing her main job as a mom. 👩‍👧‍👦 🌟 Natalie turned her side hustle into a thriving business and is an expert at working with influencers to sell physical products. Her passion for creating businesses that align with your lifestyle and helping entre...

Jul 05, 202433 minSeason 1Ep. 22

Amy Rempel: Full Circle in the Health & Beauty Space

On this episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast, Michelle Daides dives into Amy Rempel's Maverick story. Amy's journey in the health food and beauty industries began at the age of 2, when she became a 'food biz kid' involved in her father's entrepreneurial ventures. Surrounded by the latest trends and often serving as a taste-tester (even for the less-than-tasty products!), Amy has grown alongside the industry, witnessing its evolution first-hand. Since 2002, Amy has been a key player in the food...

Jun 27, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 21

Matt Cundill: Passion for Podcasting

🎙️🚀 Join us for an inspiring episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast as we dive into the incredible journey of Matt Cundill, the mastermind behind the Sound Off Podcast Network! 🌟 After 25 years as a radio on-air personality, music director, and program director, Matt faced a life-changing moment in 2014 when he was let go. Instead of seeing it as an end, he saw an opportunity for a new beginning. He turned his voiceover talents into a thriving business and found his true calling in podcasting...

Jun 20, 202434 min

Lisa Campbell: The Spice of Life

🌟 Meet Lisa Campbell: Founder & CEO of Mr. Frank’s Kitchen 🌟 Lisa started Mr. Frank's Kitchen to honor her dad’s legacy. He ran the Copper Rail Lounge, a beloved restaurant in Niagara Falls, for many years. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Lisa is a seasoned Founder with a rich history in consumer goods and food service. Not only is Lisa a skilled chef, but she also has a background as a competitive bodybuilder and is a dedicated humanitarian. She has managed pr...

Jun 13, 202424 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Pattie Lovett-Reid: A Lifetime of Possibilities

We're thrilled that Pattie Lovett-Reid joins us on the Maverick Makers Podcast! 🎙️ Pattie is a highly respected Canadian financial expert, known for her ability to simplify complex financial concepts into practical advice. Starting her career as a bank teller, she rose through the ranks to become Senior Vice-President at TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. In this episode, we discuss: -Pattie's journey from bank teller to financial expert and what it was like to learn she was dyslexic -Her role as Chief ...

Jun 06, 202432 minSeason 1Ep. 18

Emily O'Brien: There Are Always Second Chances

Join us on the Maverick Makers Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Emily O’Brien, the founder of Comeback Snacks! 🍿 Emily’s journey from a four-year jail term to becoming a successful entrepreneur is nothing short of remarkable. Using her time in prison to develop unique popcorn flavors, she launched Comeback Snacks, a brand that challenges the status quo with high-quality, health-conscious ingredients. In this episode, we chat about: Emily’s transformative journey and the founding of Co...

May 30, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Will Greenblatt: Reel Speak

🌟 Dive into an inspiring episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast! 🎙️ Join host Michelle Daides as she chats with the multifaceted Will Greenblatt, a true maverick whose journey spans from child actor to acclaimed public speaking coach. Will began his acting career at just seven years old, starring alongside Oscar® winner Anne Bancroft in The Homecoming. Despite graduating from the prestigious National Theatre School of Canada in 2010, he left the toxic environment of acting behind and moved to ...

May 23, 202439 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Mark Samuel: Winning In Business and Life

Join us on the Maverick Makers Podcast as we chat with Mark Samuel, founder and CEO of IWON Organics! 🌱 Mark is a health and fitness enthusiast with 19 years of start-up experience, and a dedicated dad. Discover how he’s revolutionizing plant-based snacks with bold flavors made from peas, beans, and brown rice. Find IWON Organics in over 4,000 stores nationwide and online! In this episode, we delve into: Mark's journey in the health and fitness world. The success story of IWON Organics. Mark's ...

May 16, 202434 minEp. 16

Nana Obeng: Operating as a Maverick

In this episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast, we sit down with Nana, a seasoned general manager and execution expert who has made her mark across multiple industries. As a Fractional COO at Highpoint Consulting, Nana partners with small business owners to enhance strategic planning, operational efficiency, and management. With 20 years of experience in dynamic fields such as pharmaceuticals and temporary tattoo manufacturing, Nana brings a wealth of knowledge and versatility to the table. Nana...

May 09, 202435 min

Kirk Buxton: Heal Your Gut & Your Life

In this deeply moving episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast, we sit down with Kirk Buxton, the founder of Kirk’s Probiotic Soda. Kirk's journey is one of incredible transformation—having battled with heroin and fentanyl abuse for years, he faced a pivotal moment in his life on March 10, 2017. That night, Kirk drove into a wall of solid rock, attempting to end his life along the Sea to Sky highway. But instead of dying, he found a new lease on life. Tune in as Kirk shares his raw and powerful st...

May 02, 202431 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Tasha Romanelli: How to Raise Your Vibes

This week, host Michelle Daides welcomes the inspiring Natasha Romanelli of Raise Your Vibes—a life coach, healer, and speaker who's all about transforming lives. For much of her adult life, Tasha lived on the edge as an adrenaline junkie and workaholic perfectionist. But after facing years of anxiety and depression, she reached a turning point. Tasha chose herself, her health, her family, and her future—a decision that changed everything. What followed was a profound journey of self-love, guidi...

Apr 25, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Julie Thurgood-Burnett: Field of Dreams

Dive into the aromatic world of entrepreneurship with host Michelle Daides as she sits down with the captivating Julie Thurgood-Burnett, the mastermind behind Hereward Farms. From marketing maven to lavender luminary, Julie's odyssey is nothing short of enchanting. In this episode, Julie takes us on a whirlwind journey through her transformation from corporate strategist to lavender aficionado. It's a tale of daring leaps and blossoming dreams, where she traded boardrooms for lavender fields and...

Apr 18, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Michelene Maguire: How You Grow...

Tune in to the latest episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast as host Michelle Daides sits down with the dynamic Founder & Agency Owner, Michelene Maguire. Prepare to be inspired as Michelene shares her insights on empowering women in business and driving exponential growth. Founder of Women Growing Empires, Michelene is on a mission to uplift and support women business owners in their journey towards building wealth and success. With a passion for fostering growth and cultivating multiple re...

Apr 11, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Candace Sampson: Empowering Women's Voices

Join host Michelle Daides for an electrifying conversation with the fearless, vulnerable, and ever-loving media powerhouse, Candace Sampson. Known for her bold approach to life and her unyielding commitment to trying anything that won't kill her, Candace is a force to be reckoned with. At the helm of "What She Said," Candace leads the charge in amplifying women's voices across Canada. This trailblazing radio show serves as a sanctuary for authentic female dialogue, free from the confines of mans...

Apr 04, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Aashima Verma: What it takes to have the courage to leap?

Join host Michelle Daides for an exhilarating conversation with the daring and visionary Director & CEO of AV Marketing Inc., Aashima Verma. Prepare to be inspired as Aashima shares her remarkable journey of scaling her business to 1 million dollars in just 3 short years. Recently nominated for the SME Business Magazine Young Entrepreneur Award, Aashima is a shining example of courage, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. With nearly a decade of experience in the marketing industry, sh...

Mar 28, 202424 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Mike Fata: Driven By Growth

Prepare to be inspired as host Michelle Daides delves deep into the world of entrepreneurship with the remarkable founder and entrepreneur, Mike Fata. Get ready for a dose of wisdom, motivation, and unparalleled insight in this must-watch episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast! As the co-founder of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods in 1998, Mike Fata's journey is a testament to the power of growth and scaling. In February 2019, he played a pivotal role in guiding the strategic sale of Manitoba Harvest...

Mar 21, 202426 minSeason 1Ep. 7

David Kwok: The Entrepreneur turned Intrapreneur Paving The Way to Innovation

Join host Michelle Daides for an illuminating conversation with the trailblazing intrapreneur/entrepreneur and visionary, David Kwok. Get ready to dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the keys to success in this week's episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast! As the Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at YSpace, York University, David Kwok is a force to be reckoned with in the innovation ecosystem. With a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Entrepreneurs...

Mar 14, 202429 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Andrea Buckett: What's the Recipe for Success?

Host Michelle Daides sits down for a delectable conversation with the renowned Chef and food expert, Andrea Buckett. Get ready to be inspired and tantalize your taste buds in this mouthwatering episode! Known for her ability to ignite the appetites of Canadians, Andrea Buckett is a culinary maverick who creates unique and engaging food content that captivates audiences far and wide. With a knack for sharing practical cooking tips, kitchen prowess, and easy recipes bursting with dynamite flavors,...

Mar 07, 202419 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Casie Stewart - The Positive Rays of Influence

Get ready for a dose of energy and excitement as host Michelle Daides sits down with the original OG influencer and ray of sunshine, Casie Stewart, in this lively episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast! As an award-winning content creator and digital media expert, Casie Stewart has been blazing trails since 2005 with her iconic blog, "This is My Life." A pioneer in brand storytelling through influencer marketing, Casie has been at the forefront of shaping the digital landscape. But Casie's talen...

Feb 29, 202426 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Erin Binns: How Being of Service Changes The Game...

Join host Michelle Daides for an enlightening conversation with the dynamic business coach and consultant, Erin Binns, in this empowering episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast! With a stellar 17-year career in the luxury hotel space, handling a whopping $10M in sales annually, Erin Binns has mastered the art of client relationships like no other. But her journey doesn't stop there—she then ventured into the realm of real estate and transformed a struggling business into a powerhouse generating ...

Feb 22, 202420 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Tony Chapman - Destiny is a matter of choice not chance

Prepare to be captivated as host Michelle Daides engages in a riveting conversation with the legendary Tony Chapman, creator and host of Chatter that Matters—ranked in the top 1% of the world's most popular podcasts. Join us for an exhilarating episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast! With accolades that speak volumes, Tony Chapman's illustrious career has earned him a place in the Marketing Hall of Legends and the Canadian Advertising, Branding, and PR Hall of Fame. As the founder of two interna...

Feb 15, 202424 minSeason 1Ep. 2
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