What drives someone to walk away from a secure career in law to build something completely new? Brett Colvin is the co-founder and CEO of Goodlawyer, a Calgary-based startup aiming to transform how people access legal services. In this episode, we explore Brett’s journey from aspiring professional soccer player to corporate lawyer, and finally, to entrepreneur. We discuss what it was like growing up with a clinical psychologist mother and a stockbroker father, how Brett’s early dreams of sports ...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 140
How do you go from self-doubt to embracing your creative side with confidence? Michele Doucette is an artist who didn’t pick up a paintbrush until later in life, but once she did, it completely changed her path. In this episode, we talk about how painting became her way to heal, gain confidence, and connect with others. Michele shares her early life experiences, the feeling of being “stifled” for years, and how finding art helped her process emotions and discover new opportunities. We also explo...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 139
What does it take to stay resilient when life doesn’t go as planned? Charlie Trafford is a professional soccer player for Cavalry FC who spent over a decade playing in Europe and with the Canadian national team. Born and raised in Calgary, Charlie recently moved back home and has since expanded his focus to include farming and entrepreneurship. In this episode, we talk about his journey from a determined kid obsessed with soccer to overcoming setbacks that would have broken most people. We dive ...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 138
Can creativity heal? From overcoming personal trauma to becoming one of Calgary’s most recognizable artists, Mandy Stobo shares how art became her way of processing life’s challenges. Mandy is known for her bold and expressive work, and in this episode, she opens up about her journey with mental health, her unconventional approach to creativity, and how she learned to embrace imperfection. We also explore her path to healing through art, the influence of family and community on her work, and the...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 137
What does it take to build a long-lasting business in the art world, especially when you’re starting small and going against the grain? In this episode, I sit down with Tamar Zenith, co-owner and director of Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art in Calgary. Tamar shares her journey from growing up in a creative household to navigating the challenges of running a gallery with her mother. We talk about how she’s built strong, lasting relationships with artists and collectors, the importance of trus...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 136
What does it take to stay at the top of your game for over three decades in sports broadcasting? Peter Maher spent 34 years as the play-by-play voice of the Calgary Flames, calling every major moment in the team's history, including their 1989 Stanley Cup win. In this episode, I sit down with Peter to explore his journey from small-town New Brunswick to becoming an iconic voice in Calgary. We talk about the early days of his career, the pressures of calling NHL games, and the behind-the-scenes s...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 135
How much do our backgrounds influence the paths we choose in life? In this episode, I sit down with Chloe Smith, an entrepreneur with a unique story rooted in a close-knit French-Canadian family. Growing up bilingual in Calgary, Chloe shares how her upbringing in a large, supportive family shaped her view of the world and her place in it. We explore her journey from early entrepreneurial ventures—like a house cleaning business—to founding her own company. Chloe opens up about the challenges she ...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 134
What really goes into starting a podcast, and why does it matter? In this episode, Tyler Chisholm and I dive into the realities of podcasting—the stuff that doesn’t always get talked about. From the unexpected challenges to the small wins that make it all worthwhile, we explore what it truly takes to create something meaningful. We discuss the importance of curiosity, the role of authenticity, and how podcasting can open doors you never saw coming. We also touch on the commitment required, the l...
Aug 27, 2024•22 min
In this episode, I sit down with Tyler Chisholm, CEO of ClearMotive Marketing and host of two successful podcasts, Collisions YYC and They Just Get It. Tyler's journey is anything but ordinary, starting on a farm in Southern Quebec where hard work was the currency of life. But what happens when your childhood dreams of becoming a pilot don't take off? Tyler opens up about the identity crisis that followed and how it led him down an unexpected path into fitness, and eventually, to becoming a lead...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 133
What drives someone to leave a stable career and dive into entrepreneurship? Jeff Jamieson is the co-owner of several Calgary spots like Vine Arts, Proof Cocktail Bar, and Donna Mac Restaurant. In this episode, Jeff talks about his journey from Regina, Saskatchewan to becoming a key figure in Calgary’s restaurant scene. We chat about Jeff’s early influences, the resilience he built growing up, working multiple jobs, and facing financial challenges. Jeff also shares his brief time in university, ...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 132
Why do community and business often seem like separate paths? In this episode, I sit down with James Costello, CEO and part-shareholder of Tool Shed Brewing Company and founder of Pedal Pub, to explore how these two worlds come together. James and I have known each other for years, and it was great to reconnect and hear his story. We talk about his roots in Calgary, his childhood in Rosedale, and his adventures in London. We share memories of simpler times, biking around and playing street hocke...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 131
How does an athlete channel their competitive spirit into the art of custom fashion design? In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Eaton, founder of World Of Vici and co-founder of Indie Hat Company. We explore Matthew's journey from growing up in Fort McMurray with a passion for hockey to becoming a successful fashion designer. Matthew shares candid stories about his early years, the influence of his family, and how sports shaped his resilience. We discuss his transition from hockey to fashio...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 130
How does one make the leap from teaching to becoming a TV personality? Dave Kelly, once a dedicated drama teacher, has taken a fascinating journey into the world of television. You might recognize him from his numerous appearances on TV and stage, but his path wasn't straightforward. In this episode, we dive into Dave's unique background, starting from his strict upbringing in a large family, to his decision to leave teaching and pursue his passion for performance. We explore his transition from...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 129
How do you transition from being an elite athlete to finding your path in the everyday world? Gilmore Junio, a three-time Olympic speed skater with Team Canada, joins me to share his journey from hockey rinks to speed skating arenas. We chat about his early life, growing up as the son of Filipino immigrants in Calgary, and the supportive role his father played in his sports journey. In this episode, Gilmore talks about the pivotal moments in his career, including his transition from hockey to sp...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 128
What does it take to turn personal setbacks into powerful achievements and a mission to inspire others? Chandra Crawford is a three-time Olympian and gold medalist in cross-country skiing. She is the founder of Fast and Female, a charity focused on empowering girls through sports. Raised in Canmore, surrounded by Olympians and mountain climbers, Chandra's journey is one of resilience and passion. In this conversation, Chandra shares how her early years in Canmore shaped her athletic career, the ...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 127
What drives someone to juggle multiple businesses while staying deeply connected to their community? Lourdes Juan is a Calgary-based entrepreneur, urban planner, and community advocate. In this episode, Lourdes shares her journey from working at an architecture firm in high school to starting her own development company and medical spa. We dive into her family's immigrant story, her dedication to public service, and how her parents' work ethic shaped her path. We discuss the balance between busi...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 126
Have you ever wondered what pushes an athlete to change their whole career and life direction? Meet Johan Hamm, a former Muay Thai fighter who’s now running his own business and helping others grow. In this episode, Johan talks about his life’s big changes from fighting in Thailand to making a difference right here at home in Calgary. We get into how his early life shaped his tough spirit and how he uses that today to help build a better community through his work. We chat about the challenges o...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 125
What drives someone to dedicate their life to sustainability and making a positive impact? Leor Rotchild is a consultant, author, and speaker with a deep commitment to environmental advocacy. His journey is shaped by his family's history, his experiences as an immigrant, and his passion for corporate social responsibility. In this episode, we dive into Leor’s reflections on his family's Holocaust history and how it fueled his dedication to justice and sustainability. We explore his unique path f...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 124
What does it take to move from being a concert pianist to working in metal manufacturing? In this episode, I talk with Jeff Neufeld, who used to be a concert pianist but now works in metal construction and manufacturing. Jeff’s story is all about handling big life changes and staying resilient. We chat about Jeff's early years playing the piano, performing around the world, and what happened when a back injury made him rethink his career. Jeff shares how he learned to adapt, using lessons from h...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 123
How do adaptability and a craftsman's approach shape the path of a serial entrepreneur? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Chad Hayden, a serial entrepreneur whose journey through various Alberta locales taught him the art of adaptability and reinvention—skills that he now applies to his businesses with the precision of a craftsman. Chad opens up about growing up under the influence of entrepreneurial parents and how their adventures and misadventures in business taught him...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 122
Have you ever felt a song resonate so deeply it seemed to speak directly to your soul? Meet Jennifer Buchanan, a seasoned music therapist and the president of JB Music Therapy, right here in Calgary. Jennifer has spent decades using music to bridge emotional gaps and heal the unseen wounds of the mind and heart. This episode takes us on a journey from her early musical influences to her profound engagements in music therapy across diverse settings. We dive into Jennifer’s experiences with music ...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 121
How do sports shape who we are, and how does our community help us grow? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I chat with Jon Cornish, a star in the Canadian Football League. Jon tells us about his early days, discovering he was fast and dreaming big because of heroes like Donovan Bailey. We also talk about Jon’s tough times dealing with unfair treatment and feeling out of place when he played football in Kansas. These stories show the challenges athletes face that we don’t always see. Our c...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 120
Can embracing our cultural legacies empower personal growth and inspire our futures? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Stephanie Eagletail, a passionate advocate for Indigenous culture and a creative force in the world of fashion. Stephanie, who blends traditional teachings with modern expressions, shares her journey from a childhood influenced by residential school legacies to finding her path in the arts. We chat about the lasting impact of historical trauma, the healing...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 119
Is finding one's true passion ever straightforward? Alex gets into a deeply personal story of rediscovery and self-acceptance. We explore the transformative journey from pursuing a conventional career path to embracing a life of artistic expression. Despite societal expectations and personal doubts, the path less traveled often leads to the most fulfilling destinations. We discuss the powerful moments of clarity that come from engaging deeply with one's passions, the role of perseverance when fa...
Apr 22, 2024•10 min
Can the city you live in shape your art and soul? This week on The Calgary Sessions, I explored this question with local artist Alex Kwong. Known for capturing the essence of Calgary in his vibrant artworks, Alex discusses how his surroundings fuel his creativity, the realities of making a living as an artist, and his personal journey into the world of art. We get into the challenges artists face in today’s world and the role of community in shaping artistic expression. How To Connect: Jeff Hump...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 118
Darcy Tuer is a serial entrepreneur at heart, co-founder, and CEO of ZayZoon, a financial technology company based in Calgary. Our conversation takes us from the nostalgic streets near the original Mercury to the very personal story of his brother's battle with addiction, illustrating the complex fabric of family, loss, and resilience. We delve into the world of startups, the allure of technology, and the critical importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Darcy reflects on his early entrepr...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 117
How does a decade of podcasting shape a person's life and career? In this bonus episode of The Calgary Sessions, I chat with Tim about his journey from launching a podcast to owning PodSummit. We delve into the life of a dedicated podcaster, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and growth that come with a long-term commitment to the craft. How To Connect: Jeff Humphreys - https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Tim Truax - https://www.podsummit.com Podcast Location - https://www.modelmilk.ca ...
Apr 08, 2024•19 min
Looking for inspiration on how to embrace change and follow your passion? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I'm joined by my friend, Tim Truax. His journey encapsulates the structured world of geology to the boundless realms of podcasting. Tim is a seasoned podcaster and the owner and CEO behind PodSummit. In this episode we explore his initial fascination with Jurassic Park, leading to a career amidst ancient rocks, to his eventual gravitation towards the microphone, where he found his t...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 116
Ever wondered what drives a person to chase their passion through sports, coaching, and building connections within their community? Robin Finley's journey is a testament to finding one's path through dedication, resilience, and a love for the game—whether it's on the ice, on the field, or in life. In episode 115 Robin shares his unique story of growing up in a city known for its tight-knit sports community, his adventures in hockey and lacrosse, and the unexpected turns his career took—from pot...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 115
How does an Olympic champion find fulfillment beyond the podium? In this bonus episode of The Calgary Sessions with Steve Mesler, we explore his journey from the track to the Classroom of Champions. We delve into themes of adaptability, resilience, and the quest for happiness. Discover the impact of mentorship, the value of community, and the importance of embracing change. This was an insightful moment about life after Olympic glory and the continuous pursuit of purpose and growth. How To Conne...
Mar 25, 2024•18 min
