What is the journey like from uncertainty to Olympic glory, and how does one cope with life after the podium? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Steve Mesler, a former Olympian, World Champion, and the co-founder of Classroom Champions. Steve shares his remarkable journey from the track fields of Buffalo to clinching gold at the Vancouver Winter Olympics. We delve into the highs and lows of his athletic career, the critical moments that tested his resolve, and the profound ...
Mar 20, 2024•2 hr 10 min•Ep. 114
Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a simple dream into a thriving local business? In this bonus moment from episode 113 of The Calgary Sessions, I share a valuable snippet of my conversation with Tony Spoletini from Spolumbo's. We explore the crucial lessons learned from his journey, including knowing when it's time to move on from a job, the realities of the entrepreneurial journey, and the importance of community support. Tony's insights offer a glimpse into the dedication and resili...
Mar 18, 2024•21 min
Is it possible to transition from being a professional athlete to a successful entrepreneur in the food industry? In episode 113 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Tony Spoletini, a former professional football player turned entrepreneur. Tony is not only known for his time with the Calgary Stampeders but also as one of the co-founders of Spolumbo's Fine Foods and Deli, a beloved Calgary institution. During our conversation, Tony shares his journey from playing football for his hometown te...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 113
Are you curious about what it takes to turn a passion into a legacy? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Paul Brian Hardy, a visionary whose life embodies creativity, resilience, and transformation. Paul shares his extraordinary journey through the worlds of design and storytelling. We navigate through how his fascination with sewing and design as a youngster morphed into a renowned career. We delve into the power of storytelling through design, the impact of faith and oppor...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 112
What drives an artist's journey? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with local artist and muralist, Rhys Douglas Farrell, a Calgary native whose vibrant works are shaping the city's visual landscape. We chat about his early days of drawing Pokemon and Dragonball Z characters to creating large-scale murals that blend art and science. Rhys discusses his experiences at art school, the evolution of his style, and his unique approach to finding inspiration in the ordinary, from archi...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 111
Have you ever wondered what it's like to capture the world through a lens, witnessing history as it unfolds? In episode 110 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Leah Hennel, a photojournalist whose curiosity and visual storytelling have taken her from the Calgary Herald to the global stage of the Winter Olympics. We dive into her journey, touching on her roots, the balancing act of her personal and professional life, and the unique challenge of capturing Team Canada's spirit in an Olympics w...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 110
How does a passion for art turn into a thriving business and a life filled with creativity? Meet Patti Dibski , a leader in Calgary's art scene and the force behind Gibson Fine Art and Interior Living. In episode 109 of The Calgary Sessions, Patti takes us on a journey from her roots in a small town to becoming a key member of the Calgary art community. We get into her adventures in Japan, her leap into fine art, and the evolution of her businesses. Our conversation covers the blend of art and e...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 109
In episode 108 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Bonnie MacRae-Kilb, a former professional volleyball player turned artist, whose journey through triumph and tragedy is both compelling and deeply human. Bonnie shares her experiences on and off the court as well as the profound grief of losing her son, stepson and nephew. Her story weaves through resilience, the healing power of community, sport, and now, her pursuit of art. During our conversation Bonnie talks about the transformative pow...
Feb 07, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 108
In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Mark Kondrat, a key player in Alberta's beer scene and an avid podcaster. Mark shares his fascinating journey from Red Deer to becoming an influential figure in Calgary's event and beer industries. As the co-founder of Alberta Beer Festivals and the voice behind 'Let's Meet For A Beer' and 'EXPLORE84' podcasts, we chat about the power of community and collaboration in shaping successful ventures. We dive into the evolution of Alberta's bee...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 107
In this candid 'Calgary Sessions Moment,' Graham Matheos and I cover the entrepreneurial spirit of his journey and unpack what his experience was like starting a business from scratch. Graham shares his experience transitioning from a corporate setting to founding his clinic. Although he was conservative with his projections, it's always a risk starting your own business and Graham highlights the challenges and triumphs of this significant change. In this moment we also discuss the importance of...
Jan 29, 2024•15 min
In this episode of The Calgary Sessions I sit down with Graham Matheos, a physiotherapist by trade and the teetotaling founder of One for the Road Brewing. Our conversation takes a deep dive into Graham's journey - from his Saskatoon roots, to his evolution in the world of physiotherapy and his bold move into non-alcoholic craft brewing. We explore the intriguing intersections of personal and professional life, discussing the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of communi...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 106
In episode 105, we dive into the world of music and DJ culture with my good friend, Rob Faust. Rob is a key figure in the Calgary DJ scene. Rob shares his journey from a curious music enthusiast to a renowned local DJ, bringing with him stories filled with nostalgia, passion, and a deep love for the craft. Rob and I chat about the magic of connecting with a crowd, the unforgettable moments created through music, and how his career was more a result of happenstance than a predetermined path. Jeff...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 105
In episode 104 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Ryan Stutt, a sports media entrepreneur with an impressive journey in magazines and movies. We journey through Ryan's backstory, from his punk rock days in a small Ontario town to his bold leap into Calgary's vibrant job market. His story is a vivid tapestry of challenges, changes, and the drive to create something new. He shares his 'do or die' philosophy, emphasizing the importance of DIY spirit and community support in overcoming setback...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 104
In episode 103 of The Calgary Sessions, I chat with Paul Lavoie, an acclaimed interior designer in Calgary with a career spanning 38 years. We explore his childhood interest in floor plans, his growth under his father's guidance in construction, and his evolution from a shy kid to a seasoned professional. Paul's unconventional path from considering law to fully embracing interior design, and his adaptation to the industry's shift from the analog to the digital age, underscore his creative resili...
Jan 03, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 103
In this powerful 'Calgary Sessions Moment,' I revisit a candid conversation with Lisa Bowes about navigating the unpredictable waters of career change. Lisa shares her personal journey through the highs and lows of the media industry, offering an honest look at the emotional roller coaster that accompanies job loss and transitions. From her early days and rapid ascension in sports broadcasting to the difficult moments of contract non-renewals and public scrutiny, Lisa's story unfolds as one of r...
Dec 27, 2023•15 min
In this engaging episode of The Calgary Sessions, we're joined by Lisa Bowes, a prominent figure in sports media and the author of the "Lucy Tries Sports" children's book series. Lisa opens up about her upbringing and how it laid the foundation for her remarkable journey in the sports journalism world. We dive into her experiences navigating the industry, discussing the challenges and successes she encountered along the way. Lisa also shares insights into her storytelling approach and her drive ...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 102
Nik Lewis shares his unexpected journey into professional football, starting from a simple ambition to coach high school football. He reflects on the transformative experiences of his senior year, where he began to recognize his potential in the sport. Through rigorous training and overcoming both physical and mental challenges, Nik’s path led him from the local football fields to the professional arena. He discusses the resilience needed to face doubts and external pressures, and how a steadfas...
Dec 19, 2023•17 min
In this special episode of "The Calgary Sessions," I have an enriching conversation with Nik Lewis, a former CFL athlete with an extraordinary life story. From his modest beginnings in a small Texas town to his rise to CFL Hall of Fame, Nik's journey is a powerful testament to determination and resilience. We delve deep into the challenges he faced, the relentless hard work behind his athletic achievements, and his personal evolution. Nik shares insights about the vital role of family, community...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 101
Welcome to a special milestone episode of The Calgary Sessions – Episode 100! Join me, Jeff Humphreys, along with my dynamic team members, Brian and Emma, as we venture behind the mic for a change. In this episode, we're not just celebrating a number; we're diving deep into the soul of our show. Ever wondered what fuels our podcast? Or how our diverse backgrounds and unique motivations weave into the tapestry of stories we share? Episode 100 is all about peeling back the layers. From our initial...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 100
Mitch Jacobsen delves into the challenging yet rewarding journey of creating Rviita, his unique energy tea. With limited funds and bold ideas, Mitch navigates the complex R&D process, facing initial setbacks in product testing and formula refinement. He opens up about balancing his burgeoning business with a demanding job, the emotional weight of self-doubt, and the financial sacrifices made along the way. Mitch also touches on the vital role of family and trust in business partnerships, lea...
Dec 05, 2023•17 min
In this week's episode of The Calgary Sessions, I'm joined by Mitch Jacobsen, CEO of Rviita Energy Tea. Mitch walks us through his journey from the instant a personal challenge sparked his business idea to the realities of bringing it to life. We explore what it takes to start a business from scratch, especially when stepping into unfamiliar territory. Mitch shares his experiences with honesty and insight, not just about the business world but also about how his background in sports and his fami...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 99
In episode 98 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I had the opportunity to chat with Zenon, a talented local artist who’s making waves in the alternative R&B scene. Zenon shared with us their journey in music, beginning from the early days in a childhood choir and evolving into a distinctive style that’s all their own. A significant part of our conversation focused on the influences that have shaped their music, particularly the impact of their parents. From their father’s harmonica skills to t...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 98
This moment sheds light on the subtleties of mental well-being, particularly when there's no formal diagnosis, through Billie Rae's personal experiences. From grappling with the challenges of burnout to navigating life's unexpected turns, including personal tragedies and the global upheaval of the pandemic, Billie Rae's story is a testament to the human spirit's resilience. We discuss the societal stigma around mental health, the difficulty in acknowledging when we're struggling, and the importa...
Nov 21, 2023•18 min
In episode 97 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I sit down with the incredibly talented Billie Rae Busby, delving into her vibrant and inspiring artistic journey. Billie Rae opens up about the defining moments of her life – from an epiphany on a long drive that led to her stunning abstract landscapes, to her battles with mental health and the challenges of being a mostly single mom. Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience needed to follow one's passion, even when it means starting over...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 97
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeff de Boer, a Calgary born visual artist! His claim to fame began in 1986 when he crafted his first suit of armor for a mouse. From a young age, Jeff's passion for art and creativity set him apart from the crowd. While his peers were all about hockey and rough play, Jeff was captivated by the life and work of the brilliant Leonardo da Vinci, who inspired his artistic journey. Growing up, Jeff never quite fit in, which led him to explore and question his ...
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 96
In this moment we explore the key points in time that have shaped Wakefield and his artistic path. He reflects on how recent events, such as the impact of COVID-19, the presidency of Donald Trump, and the tragic murder of George Floyd, have influenced his work and his place in the community. Wakefield's story highlights the power of resilience, personal transformation, and artistic expression, and how these elements have led him to become the first black poet laureate in Calgary. His experiences...
Nov 07, 2023•19 min
In this compelling discussion with Wakefield, we delve into a life story marked by early traumas and the subsequent journey through addiction and mental wellness struggles. From the age of eight, Wakefield began using alcohol as a way to cope with the pain, ultimately spiraling into a life consumed by substance abuse. This moment also highlights the transformative power of art, emphasizing the role of audiences in a poet's life. Watch Episode 95 on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jeffhumphreys ...
Nov 06, 2023•20 min
I had the privilege of chatting with the amazing Wakefield Brewster on episode 95 of The Calgary Sessions podcast. We dove deep into some really personal and thought-provoking moments from his life. Wakefield opened up about his journey, sharing some raw and powerful moments about his experiences. From his childhood dreams of becoming a concert pianist to battling addiction and dealing with mental health issues, his story is one of resilience and self-discovery. Wakefield's journey was far from ...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 95
Join me in Episode 94 of The Calgary Sessions podcast as we chat with Calgary native, Cory Paddock. Cory reflects on his upbringing in a household where music and learning were not just an option but an integral part of life. We discuss the world of sports and the importance of focusing on the joy and lifelong love of movement rather than early specialization. Cory highlights the unique camaraderie and the invaluable life lessons learned from being an athlete. I had to ask Cory to explain the en...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 94
In Episode 93 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I had a chat with Todd Hirsch, a seasoned economist and an exceptional storyteller. Todd shared how his family influenced his values and work ethic, and he took us on a trip down memory lane to his school days, highlighting the teacher who sparked his curiosity. Things got interesting when Todd opened up about his experience of getting laid off and how it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, pushing him to improve and adapt. We also explored his...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 93
