Trent McClellan didn’t step on stage until he was 30. No plan, no roadmap. Just a feeling he couldn’t ignore. We talked about what it took to go from a full-time day job to late-night open mics, touring small towns across Alberta, and eventually landing on 22 Minutes. Trent shared the less visible side of his career. The mental discipline. The self-doubt. The pressure to define success without tying your identity to it. This episode touches on creative risk, purpose, men’s mental health, and wha...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 169
Crystal was chasing the Olympics when she was diagnosed with MS. What came next was unexpected, but the way she handled it shaped everything that followed. In this episode, we talked about competing at a high level, what it’s like to face a sudden diagnosis, and why Crystal started rethinking the healthcare system from the inside. We also got into the early days of the Branch Out Foundation and the mindset shift that helped her turn a personal challenge into something bigger. This one’s about re...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 168
Dr. Karen MacNeill and I talk about what it really takes to perform under pressure. Whether you’re an athlete, leader, or just someone trying to keep it together in tough moments. She shares honest stories about setbacks, the mindset shift from fear to freedom, and how mental fitness makes the difference when it counts. We talk about resilience, finding balance, and why clarity and purpose matter more than ever. This one’s for anyone curious about high-pressure performance, real leadership, and ...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 167
Ross has done a lot in his life: firefighter, nurse, musician, speaker, and now the host of a TV show. What really stood out was how all those parts of his story came together. We talked about service, identity, and the tension between being who you are and who you're expected to be. Ross shared what it’s like to discover his Métis roots later in life, the lessons that come from frontline work, and how music gave him space to finally be himself. If you’ve ever tried to balance different sides of...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 166
I sat down with Nicole Robertson, a journalist and founder of Muskwa Productions, to talk about where her voice comes from and how she’s used it to tell hard stories for nearly 30 years. With Cree and Scottish roots, she spoke about growing up between cultures and the early experiences that shaped her sense of identity. We talked about the loss of her childhood friend Neil Stonechild, her early reporting on residential school survivors, and why she built a media company to ensure Indigenous stor...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 165
In this episode, I sit down with Emma Harding, a voice coach and artist development expert who grew up backstage in the British rock scene and later built a creative life in Calgary. We get into what it really means to unlock your true voice, how healing your past can change your performance, and why community matters more than chasing perfection. We also talk about ADHD, imposter syndrome, and the impact of neuroscience and trauma on creativity. How To Connect: Jeff Humphreys - https://ww...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 164
Daniel Plenzik built a steady career as an electrical engineer before deciding to leave it behind. What started as a personal passion for winemaking turned into a full-on commitment to craft spirits, leading to a Calgary distillery that quietly produced the best brandy in the world. We talked about what it really takes to step away from security, how long-term thinking shapes every decision, and why building something meaningful often means doing it the hard way. This one’s about passion, patien...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 163
Tom has built a life around work ethic, stability, and solving big problems. But in recent years, he started asking harder questions about what he actually wanted—and whether the safe path was still the right one. In this episode, we talk about what it means to walk away from structure, how creativity shows up in business, and why being second-in-command can be a strength. Tom opens up about the cost of doing things you're good at but don’t love, the pull to make art later in life, and the tensi...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 162
Dan Allard helped start Cold Garden, one of Calgary’s most recognizable breweries. In this episode, we talk about how it came together, what drove the decisions behind it, and why building something a little different felt important. It’s a look at business, identity, and what it means to create something that reflects your values. How To Connect: Jeff Humphreys - https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Dan Allard -https://coldgarden.ca Podcast Location - https://www.modelmilk.ca Podcast Producti...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 161
I didn’t know Scott before this episode, but his story left a mark. He built Crescent Point from scratch, led for 18 years, and eventually stepped away. We talked about the pressure of being a young CEO, the impact of government policy on Calgary’s energy sector, and the moments where everything could’ve gone sideways. What stood out most was how much of his leadership style came from unlikely places—NHL locker rooms, family dinner tables, and quiet conversations with mentors. He built a culture...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 160
Most careers follow a straight path. Kathy Macdonald’s didn’t. She started as a fitness instructor, then became a police officer, then a cybercrime expert and keynote speaker. At every turn, she faced setbacks—like failing the police fitness test twice—but kept pushing forward. We talk about reinvention, resilience, and how small decisions lead to unexpected careers. Kathy shares how policing shaped her, why public speaking became her next challenge, and why most people hesitate before taking li...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 159
Kate Ryan’s path wasn’t typical. Growing up in a turbulent home, she learned early how to adapt and figure things out on her own. At 16, she left, chasing something bigger than the life she knew. That decision took her across the world, where she discovered circus arts, built a career, and eventually founded her own entertainment company. We get into what it takes to carve out a creative career from nothing—the struggle, the setbacks, and the relentless work behind the highlight reel. Kate share...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 158
In Episode 157 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Calgary-based artist Amy Dryer for a real conversation about the creative process, self-doubt, and building a career in art. We talk about the early experiences that shaped her, the discipline she carried over from sports, and the persistence needed to carve out space in a competitive industry. Amy shares what it’s like to balance creativity with the realities of making a living, and how she found confidence in her work over time. This epis...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 157
In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Alex Kingcott, a prominent figure in Calgary's arts and public relations scene. Alex shares her journey from a theatre enthusiast to the founder of a leading PR agency, offering insights into the unexpected paths that passion can lead us down. We chat about her experiences transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the challenges of promoting live events in an evolving media landscape, and the importance of community in busines...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 156
In this episode, I sat down with Musap 'Moose' Abde to talk about the realities of struggle, resilience, and finding purpose when life doesn’t go as planned. His story isn’t a straight line—it’s filled with setbacks, tough decisions, and moments that could’ve gone either way. We talked about what it’s like growing up between cultures, facing failure head-on, and why the hardest experiences often teach the most valuable lessons. Moose shared how he navigated everything from family challenges to s...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 155
Tim Hunter spent 16 seasons in the NHL, most of them with the Calgary Flames, where he made his mark as an enforcer. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to play that role, the shift from player to coach, and the lessons that stick long after the game ends. Tim shares stories from his time protecting teammates like Theo Fleury, what he learned about leadership in the locker room, and how discipline and work ethic shaped his career. We also get into what makes a team culture work and why ...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 154
Duff Gibson shares his unique journey to Olympic gold—one built on lessons learned from failure, persistence, and self-awareness. We talk about how his path through multiple sports shaped his mindset, the importance of finding the right fit, and the powerful role of mental fitness. We also dive into his thoughts on youth sports today—why early specialization is a problem, how fun drives true growth, and what parents and coaches get wrong. From balancing life as a firefighter, coach, and athlete ...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 153
In this episode, I sit down with Brian Keating, a lifelong naturalist and explorer, to talk about what decades of adventures in nature can teach us about life. From birdwatching as a curious kid to leading conservation efforts at the Calgary Zoo, Brian shares fascinating stories and lessons learned along the way. We discuss the transformative power of connecting with nature, the mental clarity it provides, and why protecting intact ecosystems is more urgent than ever. Brian reflects on his exper...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 152
In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Alvin Law, a Hall of Fame speaker whose story challenges assumptions and reshapes perspectives. Born without arms due to thalidomide, Alvin shares how he turned what many saw as a limitation into a life filled with creativity, impact, and connection. We explore his upbringing in rural Saskatchewan, where community and his foster parents instilled a mindset of independence and possibility. Alvin reflects on his journey as a musician, his pa...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 151
DJ Kav has been a name in Calgary’s music scene for decades. In this episode, we explore his journey from sneaking time on his brother’s turntables to becoming a mainstay in clubs, radio, and festivals. Kav shares how the music industry has changed, the lessons learned from old-school DJing, and the challenges of staying true to himself in a world of constant shifts. We get into what it means to make a living doing what you love, balancing creative passions with life’s responsibilities, and navi...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 150
How do food, family, and intuition shape the life you choose to live? Roni Zaide is a food storyteller. Her journey begins in small-town Israel, where family meals and childhood experiments in the kitchen sparked her love of cooking. From there, life took her across the globe — to Philadelphia, Mexico, Calgary, and places in between — following her gut and finding her own path. In this episode, we talk about how food became her love language, why intuition is worth trusting, and the experiences ...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 149
What does it take to bridge the gap between technology, leadership, and lessons learned in unexpected places? Mark Little grew up in Calgary with a love for technology and curiosity. Early lessons from the restaurant industry shaped his approach to leadership, guiding him through roles as CEO of Suncor and now as Co-Founder of Joston. In this episode, we talk about how those early experiences laid the foundation for his success, the lessons he learned managing risk and complexity, and why connec...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 148
What does it mean to see the world through an artist's eyes? Sheila Kernan is a Calgary-based artist whose journey has been shaped by a creative upbringing, a love for experimentation, and a deep connection to the imperfect beauty of life. In this episode, we explore Sheila’s path from her inventive childhood to her career as a professional artist. We talk about how her mother’s resourcefulness influenced her creative spirit, the power of mentors who pushed her to embrace her potential, and the ...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 147
How do relationships shape our careers and the communities we call home? In this episode, I sit down with Eric Francis, a well-known sports columnist and analyst with Sportsnet. We talk about his journey from the Calgary Sun to Sportsnet, how his love for sports turned into a career, and the big moments that shaped his path—like covering the Olympics and Tiger Woods during his prime. Eric also shares why Calgary feels like a city of opportunity to him, the unique sense of community here, and how...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 146
How does a lifelong love for sports lead to a meaningful career in medicine? Ian Auld is a sports medicine physician, founder of Group 23 Sports Medicine, and Medical Director for the Calgary Flames. Growing up in a family that valued sports and discipline, Ian’s path evolved from playing sports to building a practice where he could combine his passion for sports with a purpose-driven approach to medicine. In this chat, Ian shares what it means to build confidence from within, how family values ...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 145
Why do we often push ourselves to fit into black-and-white thinking, even when life is full of grey areas? Sandra Wigg is an author, coach, and lifelong learner who believes in the power of ‘grey thinking’—seeing beyond absolutes and letting go of the pressure to always have things figured out. Her journey from a science-driven career in geology to coaching and writing is shaped by years of learning to trust herself, especially when facing life’s toughest challenges. In our chat, Sandra and I di...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 144
What does it mean to lead by being real and staying curious? Christine Dagenais is the founder and CEO of Bright Wire Leadership. In this episode, we talk about how she went from a corporate career to building her own business, all while keeping people and purpose at the center. Christine shares how early family influences and her love of travel shaped her approach to leadership, bringing together values like authenticity and adventure. We chat about what makes strong leadership today—things lik...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 143
What drives a champion’s mindset—raw skill or relentless determination? In this episode, I sit down with Lisa 'Longball' Vlooswyk, an 8-time Canadian Long Drive Champion who transformed setbacks into stepping stones. Starting in gymnastics, Lisa later found her calling in golf, teaching herself the sport and breaking barriers along the way. We get into her path of resilience, the role of family values, and the challenges of navigating a male-dominated sport. Lisa shares insights on the power of ...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 142
What does it mean to truly listen to someone's story? Loren McGinnis, host of CBC’s The Calgary Eyeopener, has built a career around asking thoughtful questions and mastering the art of listening. From growing up on the Sunshine Coast to adventuring in Yellowknife, Loren’s path to broadcasting has been anything but typical. In this episode, we explore the lessons he’s learned from small-town life, his time working with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and his unexpected detours into stan...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 13 min
What shapes us more—our upbringing or the choices we make along the way? In this episode, I sit down with Gordon Breault, someone who’s lived both sides of that question. Gordon took over his family’s public speaking business, but his path to success wasn’t a straight line. From growing up in a family with tough love and early independence, to struggling with addiction and identity in his teenage years, Gordon’s story is one of resilience and finding purpose in unexpected places. We get into the...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 141
