Darian talks about starting his business Jelly Digital Marketing & PR, the importance of having communication strategies, and his podcast Marketing News Canada. Darian Kovacs is the Indigenous (Metis Nation) founder of Vancouver based PR, digital ads & SEO company Jelly Digital Marketing & PR and digital marketing school, Jelly Academy. He is the host of the podcast Marketing News Canada and on the board of NPower Canada. Darian specializes in mixing PR with digital marketing and has...
Feb 27, 2023•46 min•Ep. 94
In a conversation with Willie Sellars, Aaron inquires about his journey to becoming Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation, and delves into the themes of his books "Dipnetting with Dad" and "Hockey with Dad." They also chat about Willie's love for hockey and exchange thoughts on the prospects for the future of First Nation communities. Willie Sellars is a member of the Williams Lake First Nation who became one of the youngest elected councillors in his community's history at age 23. He served o...
Feb 20, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 93
Chad Anheliger tells Aaron about how he became a mixed martial artist, how MMA has influenced his life outside the cage and his journey into the UFC. Chad also talks about his new gym opening, what you can expect in 2023 and the potential for him to be on a UFC Canada fight card. In this video, Chad Anheliger shares his journey to become a UFC Bantamweight fighter. Chad shares his tips on how to become a successful fighter, from training hard to staying motivated. He also provides some insight i...
Feb 14, 2023•30 min•Ep. 92
Aaron spoke with Anickan about his work as an artist, producer, and filmmaker. Aaron asks about Anickan becoming an artist, and his latest album 'Interstellar Love Story' which released on January 22nd 2023. An awakening of the hybrid breed of artist is among us. As a Multi-Hyphenate Recording Artist, Producer, Professional Street Dancer, & Award Winning Independent Film Maker, Anickan is undeniably a fresh new force. From his initial rise in the sunny valley of Phoenix, AZ to his now ascend...
Feb 06, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 91
Aaron sits down with Tchadas Leo to discuss his popular podcast Our Native Land, his passion for journalism and storytelling. Tchadas Leo is an award winning Indigenous podcasting/TV host and producer of CHEK TV’s Our Native Land. He is currently completing his Broadcasting and Online Journalism Diploma at BCIT. Tchadas’ journalistic stories has also been featured on CBC Edmonton and he enjoys making stories to share with the public. He is also the host of 2 other podcasts that are based in Indi...
Jan 31, 2023•34 min•Ep. 90
Aaron and Sharon sit down to discuss her Indigenous cuisine business - the Kekuli Cafe. Sharon Bond-Hogg was born and raised in Merritt, British Columbia, and is a member of the Nooaitch First Nation. Sharon is married to Darren Hogg of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and they are the founders and owners of Kekuli Aboriginal Foods Inc., also known as Kekuli Café. They jointly own the Kekuli Café West in Kelowna and the Kekuli Bannock Food Truck, "Don't Panic…We Have Bannock!" Sharon is graduating with ...
Jan 24, 2023•52 min•Ep. 89
David Schaepe and Aaron Pete discuss Sto:lo history, archaeology, land acknowledgements and what reconciliation really means. Dr. David Schaepe is the Director & Senior Archaeologist of the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre at Stó:lō Nation. He has worked for over 15 years as a community-based researcher addressing issues of aboriginal rights and title, heritage management policy and practice, repatriation, land use planning, archaeological research, and education and outreach. ...
Jan 10, 2023•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 88
Aaron asks Vin Jay about becoming a musician, his hit song Mumble Rapper vs Lyricist, the decision to stay independent, and his album High Frequency with Bingx. Vin Jay also talks about his album The Human Experience and specifically the songs Paradise and Doubt. The two dive into the importance of pursuing your passion, the impacts of psychedelics, social media and what Vin Jay has in store for 2023. Vin Jay is an American independent rapper and songwriter who is well known for his viral song “...
Nov 28, 2022•58 min•Ep. 87
Aaron asks Ellis about his personal background, his thoughts on the role of Chief & Council, poverty in Indigenous communities, and his past interview on CTV Power Play. Ellis Ross was elected MLA for Skeena in 2017 and again in 2020. He currently serves as the Official Opposition Critic for Energy and LNG. Ross has previously served as the Official Opposition Critic for Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing. He ...
Nov 21, 2022•31 min•Ep. 86
Tara Henley and Aaron Pete talk about what made her become a journalist, her career, the reasons she left the CBC and becoming an independent voice on Substack. She is the writer of Lean Out with Tara Henley which is a current affairs newsletter focusing on heterodox writers and thinkers. Lean Out publishes essays and interviews, along with a weekly podcast conversation with an author. Paid subscribers also receive roundups of reading recommendations. Tara Henley is a Canadian journalist and the...
Nov 14, 2022•53 min•Ep. 85
Marion Buller and Aaron Pete sit down to discuss the Caribou-Chilcotin Justice Inquiry, First Nations court, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Honourable Marion Buller was appointed the first woman First Nations judge in British Columbia in 1994 and was appointed as chief commissioner for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in 2016. Prior to being appointed to the Provincial Court bench, Judge Buller worked as a c...
Nov 07, 2022•2 hr 22 min•Ep. 84
Tim Srigley and Aaron Pete sit down for the first ever Halloween episode. Aaron is dressed up as the Joker from the DC comic books. Tim Srigley, from Black Flag Leather Goods dresses up as Alan from the Hangover that was played by Zach Galifianakis. The two discuss the meaning of Halloween, spooky stories, the best scary movies, what scary movies mean, and the brilliance of the Joker characters. The two also discuss costume ideas for 2022. Tim Srigley lives in Chilliwack, BC, with his wife and 3...
Oct 28, 2022•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 83
Matthew James and Aaron Pete sit down to taste a variety of whiskeys and review them. They try the Macallen 12 year, GlenAllachie, Shelterpoint, Crown Royal Whisky, Brothers Bond, Tomatin Highland and Laphroaig. Matthew explains why the age of the whisky matters, adding spring water, letting the whisky sit, and different regions in Scotland. The two also discuss fishing, finding your passion and so much more. Matthew is a local whisky aficionado(read: geek) Over the last decade he has developed ...
Oct 24, 2022•3 hr 7 min•Ep. 82
Aaron sat down with Marvin Rosenau to learn about the current state of the Fraser River. The river has been impacted by over-fishing, larger dykes, and floods. Marvin is a biologist that has spent years studying the fish populations and habitats. In this conversation he explains the damage and risks the Fraser River faces. Marvin is an instructor in the Fish Wildlife and Recreation Program (FWR) at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). At BCIT he teaches Fish Ecology and Managemen...
Oct 17, 2022•2 hr 44 min•Ep. 81
Aaron and Kylie Bartel sit down to discuss anxiety, depression, addiction and other mental health challenges. They go on to discuss meaning, purpose, flow states and other positive mind sets. Near the end Kylie talks about animal therapy, and how horses play a role in her counselling practice. Kylie is a counselling therapist and rider mindset coach from Chilliwack, BC Canada. Kylie is an avid horseback rider and wilderness enthusiast so she specializes in integrating horses and outdoor activiti...
Oct 10, 2022•2 hr 57 min•Ep. 80
Aaron asks Nathan about his work on city council, his interest in local government and his recent run to become the Mayor of the City of Langley. Aaron goes on to ask Nathan about ego, the importance of disagreeing and the role of collaboration. Whether through his blog or by working with other members of Council, various community groups, and regional and city committees, Nathan has worked hard to bring forward awareness around intersecting components of affordable, sustainable, healthy, happy,...
Oct 04, 2022•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 79
Aaron visited John Borrows on Vancouver Island to discuss Indigenous law, the queen and reconciliation. Borrows shares his mother’s influence in learning Anishinaabe law, and for the passion he has for teaching Indigenous laws. John Borrows is a Canadian academic, jurist, and a full professor at the University of Toronto Law School where he is the Loveland Chair in Indigenous Law. He is known as a leading authority on Canadian Indigenous Law and constitutional law and is an Officer of the Order ...
Sep 29, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 78
Aaron sits down with Darwin Hanna to discuss First Nations Economic Development. The two dive into the the process for Indigenous communities to develop their own economies, the challenges they face, and the legal tools they can utilize. Darwin Hanna is a a member of the Nlaka’pmux Nation from the community of Lytton. He is an author, lawyer, adjunct professor with Peter A. Allard School of Law, and director with the piyeʔwiʔx kt Language Foundation Society. Darwin Hanna is a founding partner of...
Sep 26, 2022•2 hr•Ep. 77
Mathew Point and Aaron Pete sit down to discuss his business Creek Cedar Construction. Mr. Point believes in building up capacity of his employees, supporting their personal/professional development, and reinvesting in First Nation communities. Aaron and Mathew talk about National Truth & Reconciliation Day, careers in trades, housing in Indigenous communities, sobriety and First Nation economies. Mathew grew up on Seabird Island, working periodically with various trade industries before gra...
Sep 19, 2022•2 hr 27 min•Ep. 76
Aaron sits down with Eric Carter to discuss his experiences skiing around the world. Aaron also asks about Eric's research on the effects of competing at altitude and altitude chambers.Eric Carter is an elite ski mountaineering racer, endurance coach, and trail runner. He received a PhD for his research on high altitude and exercise physiology from the University of British Columbia. Eric is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is currently living in Squamish, BC. He is also a member of t...
Sep 12, 2022•2 hr 19 min•Ep. 75
During the first interview with Darryl, the court case against the Clerk of the House Craig James and Sergeant-At-Arms Gary Lenz was still proceeding, so Darryl had to be tempered to avoid interfering with the investigation. Now, Darryl Plecas comes on for the second time to discuss the findings of the investigation, and corruption within the BC Legislature. Aaron Pete and Darryl also discuss Brenda Lucki, Justin Trudeau and other scandals in Canada. Send us a text Support the show www.biggertha...
Sep 08, 2022•2 hr•Ep. 74
Aaron speaks with criminologist Yvon Dandurand to discuss his latest book Youth Crime Prevention & Sports . Aaron also raises the topic of corruption. Specifically, he raises the challenges Darryl Plecas faced when he pointed out corruption, and the current allegations against of Brenda Lucki, the current commissioner with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The two also discuss organized crime, human trafficking, and cancel culture in universities. Yvon Dandurand is a criminologist at...
Sep 05, 2022•3 hr 16 min•Ep. 73
Aaron sits down with William Johnson, the creator of Vancouver Tech Journal, to discuss technology, business and leadership. Specifically, the two explore technological innovations taking place in the health and agriculture sector. They also talk William being brought into a family in Canada from an orphanage in Kingston. William is a Vancouver-based writer who’s contributed to local, regional and national publications. He is currently general manager of the Vancouver Tech Journal, which was rec...
Aug 29, 2022•2 hr 42 min•Ep. 72
Aaron Pete and Julen Etxabe discuss how law interacts with religion, philosophy and Indigenous culture. Aaron asks Julen about his perspectives on western culture, belief systems, decolonization and meaning. Julen Etxabe is an Assistant Professor at Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia and the Canada Research Chair in Jurisprudence and Human Rights. Grounded on cultural and humanistic approaches to law, Etxabe is the author of The Experience of Tragic Judgment (Rou...
Aug 23, 2022•3 hr•Ep. 71
Erin Ryan and Aaron Pete sit down on episode 70 of the Bigger Than Me Podcast to talk Erin developing a passion for nature, attending UBC for a degree in biology, her graduate research on rodent pest control, the Jane Goodall Act, having tigers as pets, and so much more. Erin Ryan is a Wild Animal Welfare Specialist with the BC SPCA’s Science & Policy Division. Much of her work focuses on urban wildlife, including wildlife and rodent “pest” control. She has experience in research, communicat...
Aug 15, 2022•2 hr 34 min•Ep. 70
Tim was a past guest on the podcast. Tim is the creator behind Black Flag Leather Goods. Aaron and Tim catch up, drink whisky and discuss their background and current events. Send us a text Support the show www.biggerthanmepodcast.com
Aug 11, 2022•2 hr 28 min•Ep. 69
Ilia Poznak is an organizational psychologist, consultant, hiker, Jiu-Jitsu martial artist, photographer and mindset coach. Ilia and Aaron dive into the importance of mental toughness, how psychology can help people learn about themselves, the importance of facing physical adversity, and finding meaning in your life. Ilia also talks about his work helping support people in reaching their full potential, and the reasons he chooses to hike steep mountain ranges. Follow Ilia on Instagram , LinkedIn...
Aug 08, 2022•3 hr 10 min•Ep. 68
Aaron and Grace talk about her role with the Fraser Valley Current, and the stories she has written over the past year. The two also discuss journalism, municipal politics, community and so much more. Grace Kennedy is a mother and reporter with the Fraser Valley Current. Grace grew up in Langley and has been focused on journalism since she was a teen, when she helped start Langley Fine Arts School’s first online newspaper. After graduating from University of King’s College journalism program, Gr...
Aug 03, 2022•2 hr 45 min•Ep. 67
Aaron Pete & Joel Bakan discuss the role corporations play in western society and his recent movie The New Corporation . The two also discuss Mr. Bakan's recent lawsuit against twitter. Joel Bakan is an author, filmmaker, musician, podcast host, and a professor of law at the University of British Columbia. His work examines the social, economic, and political dimensions of law, and he has published in leading legal and social science journals as well as in the popular press. Mr. Bakan recent...
Jul 26, 2022•2 hr 10 min•Ep. 66
Henry Braun is a Canadian politician and businessman. He is the current mayor of Abbotsford, British Columbia. In this interview, Aaron Pete and Henry Braun discuss his family, entrepreneurship, culture, faith, and education. The two also talk about Mayor Braun's work during the 2022 Fraser Valley floods.Braun was born in Paraguay. His parents were Russian Mennonite refugees from the Mennonite colonies of southern Ukraine who fled to Paraguay during World War II. Before entering politics, Braun ...
Jul 18, 2022•2 hr 45 min•Ep. 65