On episode 92 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, we dive into the journey of David Oulton. From a chance encounter with the legendary actress in his teens to hosting a global talk show, David's story is very unique. We chat about moving from the UK to Fort McMurray, growing up in low-income housing with food stamps, getting adopted and continuing to say yes. He also shares how he refused to waste any time, constantly seeking new experiences and opportunities, ultimately leading him to create his o...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 92
In episode 91 of the Calgary Sessions, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Phil Robertson, whose remarkable journey in life led him to the world of coffee. From chance encounters to moments of overconfidence, Phil's story is a testament to the power of following your passions and embracing change. Phil's journey begins with a twist of fate during his first year in engineering school, where he found himself separated from his friends due to a logistical glitch. Little did he know that this se...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 91
Episode 90 of The Calgary Sessions podcast was an incredible journey into the world of music and life with the remarkable Matt Masters Burgener. Matt's story begins with his upbringing in Calgary, where he was blessed with a loving family and a world of opportunities. From early gigs at iconic venues like the Ship and Anchor to his adventures as a globetrotting musician, Matt embodies the essence of a "music worker" – a multifaceted artist excelling in performance, singing, songwriting, and even...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 90
Welcome to Episode 89 of the Calgary Sessions Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Käthe Lemon, who takes us on a journey from her early years in Ontario, moving to Vancouver and settling in Calgary. Käthe's family had an unconventional approach to work, with many pursuing creative careers. Despite her initial aversion to entrepreneurship, she eventually realized that business, like her creative work, involves problem-solving and improvisation. Käthe emphasizes that becoming a business per...
Sep 06, 2023•1 hr 6 min
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kelly Streit of Mode Models for episode 88 of The Calgary Sessions podcast! To steal a line from this amazing guest...this episode was major! We went back to Kelly's early experiences of being featured on national news, to his job as a manager at McDonald's, where he unintentionally started scouting models over the counter! From there, Kelly's journey in the fashion industry took off, landing him on prestigious magazine covers and even working for the Ford...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 88
Welcome to Episode 87 of the Calgary Sessions Podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Janneane Madill, a passionate advocate for rescued, surrendered, and abandoned farm animals. During our conversation, Janneane shared insights about her family's involvement in the farming industry, societal expectations, the pursuit of fulfillment, and the importance of authenticity, purpose, intention, and integrity. We also talked about a pivotal moment in Janneane's life when she r...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 87
Episode 86 of The Calgary Sessions podcast was a fun one! I had the chance to sit down with 3 time Rugby World Cup player and current CEO of 360 Energy Liability Management, Ryan Smith. We chatted about growing up around thoroughbred horses, golf, playing for Team Canada, chasing a professional rugby career, storytelling and business partnerships. Ryan shared a bunch of rugby stories but the one that gave me tingles was about his awe-inspiring encounters with the All Blacks and the iconic haka. ...
Jun 28, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 86
On episode 85 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I had a chance to sit down with Luke Obodzinski from Dream Ridge Homes! We chatted about growing up in Poland, the importance of family, the sacrifice his father made coming to Canada, going down the entrepreneurial path, traveling the world and working in the family business. This was a fun chat with one of Calgary's best home builders! Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Luke Obodzinski https://www.dreamridgehomes.com...
Jun 21, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 85
On episode 84 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting with the incredibly talented Sinzere! We had a deep and personal conversation about her musical journey and the profound impact it has had on her life. We chatted about her early musical influences, yearning for more while in school, traveling across Canada with a dance group, climbing the ranks as a DJ, trauma, depression and how music served as her lifeline. Sinzere's story is a powerful reminder of the transformative...
Jun 14, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 84
On episode 83 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Holly Singer. Holly is not only a candle maker and business owner, but she's also a force of nature when it comes to creating inclusive spaces and promoting the true meaning of inclusion in the workplace. During our chat, Holly opened up about her childhood as an extremely shy kid, her experiences with pen pals, fitting in, wearing a back brace for two years due to Scoliosis, leading a purpose-driven ...
Jun 07, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 83
On episode 82 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I sat down with the incredible Russell Reimer for a truly enlightening conversation. Russell is a visionary entrepreneur who believes in the power of sport to drive social change. Growing up as a Mennonite, he developed a strong sense of purpose and values that guided his journey. In our chat, Russell shares how he never focused on a specific destination, but rather on being a difference maker in Canadian sport. His goal was clear: to utilize sport ...
May 31, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 82
Episode 81 with Jackson McDonough didn't disappoint! When I met Jackson for the first time I knew he'd be a great guest on The Calgary Sessions! His positive energy and love for Calgary are infectious. We chatted about growing up in Calgary, moving to Texas at a young age, playing on Canada's National Ruby team, jumping out of a plane and the entrepreneurial call to come home. When the conversation shifted to what drives him the show came alive! One of the most profound statements he shared was ...
May 24, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 81
Dan Balaban stops by for episode 80 of the Calgary Sessions podcast, and he brings with him a wealth of experience and wisdom. As an entrepreneur for over 25 years, Dan has learned valuable lessons that he shares in this inspiring conversation. Growing up as a grandchild of Holocaust survivors, Dan felt a deep sense of responsibility to honor the memory of his family members and make a positive impact in the world. Drawing from his Jewish background, he discusses the concept of "tikkun olam," th...
May 17, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 80
Episode 79 with Devin Cooper was a fun one! We chatted about his early music memories, falling in love with the Beatles, writing his first song about the -40 weather in Alberta, overlooking little successes and learning from his Dad about time, dedication and perseverance. Devin's recent story caught fire at the 2023 Country Music Alberta Awards! He was the most nominated solo artist for the year, and he walked away with the Horizon Male Artist of the Year award. Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffh...
May 10, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 79
Episode 78 had me choked up. Part of my not doing research or screening calls allows me to experience stories for the first time. Those stories can be inspirational, emotional, shocking and informative. Peter Smed is a born a raised Calgarian with a story. We talked about his family, the business path that was laid out for him, depression, self discovery and his current business, Oasis Wellness Centre & Spa. Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Peter Smed https://myoasisspa.ca...
May 03, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 78
Episode 77 of The Calgary Sessions Podcast featured former CFL player and Olympic athlete Jesse Lumsden. This was another great athlete conversation that shed light on what a professional/Olympic journey looks like. We chatted about growing up around football, the importance of being a multisport athlete, draft day, chasing the NFL dream, training for bobsleigh, learning about winning culture and much more. Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Jesse Lumsden https://www.instagram.com/jesse...
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 77
In Episode 76, Julie Van Rosendaal shares her deep love for food and the profound impact it has on our lives. As an avid food lover and home cook, she believes that food connects people and is a way to show affection, nourish, comfort, entertain and celebrate. Julie's passion for cooking stems from her desire to make people happy, and she finds the process of cooking therapeutic, especially the aroma of food cooking and the joy of sharing it with others. Julie's entrepreneurial spirit led her to...
Apr 19, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 76
In episode 75, Salima Stanley-Bhanji shares her fascinating journey growing up in Australia as part of one of the few multiracial families in the country during the late 70s. Her parents were both travelers who met in East Africa, and her father went on to open the first South Asian restaurant on the Gold Coast. We also chat about her optimistic outlook on life and how she trusts that if you put in the work and stay open, life will take you where you need to go. As a host, she emphasizes the imp...
Apr 12, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 75
Sitting with Peter Tertzakian for episode 74 of The Calgary Sessions was a unique experience. I had no idea where the conversation would go because he's a man of many interests and talents. Peter has devoted his career to understanding the energy story. He's written two bestsellers and launched his personal passion project called Energyphile in 2020. We talked about curiosity, mindshare, cutting through the noise, differentiating oneself, storytelling and much more. Jeff Humphreys https://www.je...
Apr 05, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 74
Episode 73 of The Calgary Sessions with Jason Ribeiro was a spectacular conversation! I've sat across from a few extremely articulate and thoughtful speakers and each time I'm amazed at their authenticity. We chatted about growing up ethnically ambiguous, chasing trophies for recognition at home, living under a strict roof, flirting with danger, duality, addiction, community, teamwork and so much more. Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Jason Ribeiro https://www.calgarysurge.ca...
Mar 29, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 73
Friday Sock Co. has been around for over 7 years! I've heard of the brand and seen their socks but I didn't know the story behind them. Episode 72 of The Calgary Sessions podcast sat down with the founder, Adam Thompson. We chatted about growing up in a really small town, taking a year off from high school, stand-up comedy, scaling a business, winning awards, culture and visualization. I really connected with Adam's thoughts about visualizing. Some business owners have 5 year plans documented an...
Mar 22, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 72
Having grown up in Calgary, I have vivid family memories of going to Joey's Only. Episode 71 of The Calgary Sessions podcast sat down with Joe Klassen who started the brand. We chatted about being an introvert, starting to work at a young age, leaving high school early, starting a restaurant, listening and the ups and downs of an entrepreneurial career. This was an honest conversation about being an entrepreneur which really resonated with me! Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Joey's G...
Mar 15, 2023•53 min•Ep. 71
Episode 70 with Chris Green was a family affair that made for a special show! We're second cousins who had met once for 5 minutes a month before this show. I learned everything I know about him during our chat. Chris is an insanely talented bladesmith! His knives are some of the most beautiful, functional pieces of art I've ever seen. We talked about working at the family gallery, struggling with school, the pull toward archaeology and how the lost art of smithing became his life's passion. Jeff...
Mar 08, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 70
Episode 69 of The Calgary Sessions podcast with Megan Pope was full of great stories and lessons. Megan is the co-owner of Mondays Plant Café which is a plant based restaurant in Calgary. We chatted about growing up in an athletic family, learning about food choices at a young age, nutrition, what it takes to open a restaurant and feeling the imposter syndrome. Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Megan Pope https://www.mondaysplantcafe.com
Mar 01, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 69
Episode 68 of The Calgary Sessions Podcast was one of the most honest conversations I've had. Connor Curran is the founder and co-owner of Local Laundry which is a Canadian-made clothing company. We got into what it's really like to start and run a business! People see and hear the highlights. Awards, sales, exposure, brand awareness and media coverage. What they rarely hear is what's happening behind the scene. Connor and I chatted about growing up in an entrepreneurial house, figuring out how ...
Feb 22, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 68
Community. It's a word that might be overused. However, episode 67 of The Calgary Sessions Podcast with Bryon Brooks was a master's class on why it's so important! We chatted about finding the trades at a young age, family inspiration, and building community. Byron is in the custom home/renovation business, and trades tend not to focus on community all the time, which is why I found this conversation fascinating. Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Byron Brooks https://www.instagram.com/...
Feb 15, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 67
If you're into hockey you'll know the name Ryan Pinder! He jumped on The Calgary Sessions Podcast for Episode 66. As someone who grew up in the hockey world, I've known about Pinder for years! When someone reaches a high level in their profession we often look at them like "they've made it" but we rarely hear what it took to get there. Pinder's journey story was really cool to hear firsthand. We chatted about his passion for hockey at a young age, hosting a music radio show, living in Toronto an...
Feb 08, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 66
Episode 65 was a special one! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bernard Callebaut! When this show started I would have never guessed I would have the chance to sit down with this Calgary icon. We chatted about his family background in the chocolate business, moving to Canada, the early days of his business, growth, losing it all and recreating himself. Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Bernard Callebaut https://www.masterchocolat.com
Feb 01, 2023•55 min•Ep. 65
Episode 64 with James Boettcher was filled with enlightening moments and thoughtful stories. He's a fellow born and raised Calgarian which tends to create an interesting flow to the conversation. We chatted about his childhood, culture, his entrepreneurial path, working with his Dad and understanding that business is about optimism and survival. Jeff Humphreys www.jeffhumphreys.ca James Boettcher www.righteousgelato.com...
Jan 25, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 64
Episode 63 with Danny from Savino Pizzeria was a lesson on how passion, work ethic and experience can lead to beautiful opportunities. We chatted about growing up in an Italian household, family meals, becoming a stonemason and PIZZA! If you haven't tried his pizza you're missing out! Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Danny Savino https://www.savinopizzeria.com
Jan 18, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 63
