Better Than Not

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the distinct pleasure to be joined by long-time friend and marketing executive Craig Evans. We talked about the old, the new and a lot of the in between from our rock band days to our respective corporate careers while ruminating on the lessons life teaches only through experience. We touched on advertising, the restaurant business, the music world and so...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of talking with Kenneth Emig, a transdisciplinary artist and consultant. Kenneth described his journey from high school bass player to acoustics expert and award-winning artist. He shared insights from his music industry experience, acoustics knowledge, and telecommunications work, to highlight the importance of collaboration across discipline...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of a return visit with friend, scientist and pilot Blake Steels. We talked a range of topics in this episode from the impact of replacement musicians in iconic bands to the legacy of the Avro Arrow. Blake talked about flying adventures, environmental change, military aviation, and the complexities of space exploration. We talked on the implica...

This is a special episode of Better Than Not, dedicated to remembering those who fought in war and returned and those who lost their lives, both sacrificing for the freedom we enjoy today. For this podcast, Bob Gardham returned to discuss the significance of Remembrance Day. Bob spent much of his career in Veterans Affairs where he helped create a website to honour veterans and organized a number...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of a return visit with Whitney Schreck - leadership entrepreneur and consultant. Though we started with her new house, we were quickly into her world of creativity, psychology and leadership both in and out of the workplace and their connection to community and relationships. Whitney shared her insight on creating cohorts for professional grow...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of a return visit with actor, filmmaker and author William C. Cole. Our conversation followed the recent success of his short film “The Mythical Cave.” The film was selected for showing at 2025 Cinefest in Sudbury ON as part of CTV's Best In Shorts program. Bill talked about the joys and struggles of being an actor, filmmaking, and the evo...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of talking with one of my nephews Isaiah Gardham, an engineer and talented musician. We explored Isaiah's journey into music and how he found his passion in high school. We delved into the intersection of music and engineering and the balance between pursuing a passion and a profession. Isaiah shared his experience of attending Berklee Col...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of talking with Stephen Nordin, musician, former firefighter and assistant fire chief. Steve talked about his journey from lead singer to fire fighter and his drive to save a University of British Columbia firehall. Steve spoke about mental health, the role firefighters can play in the community, and the intricacies of making real change. We d...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had a return visit from friend, entrepreneur and agent Max Tremblay, only this time in video. Max is the reason Better Than Not exists. And that’s how we started the episode continuing our most synchronistic friendship. Max spoke candidly about his personal journey, his spiritual awakening and the potential of podcasting as a tool for social change that in ess...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of a return visit with author and entrepreneur Scott Walker. We explored the themes of creativity, identity, and happiness. Scott shared his journey of navigating writer's block and redefining his world beyond being a writer. We discussed the science of happiness, the importance of community, and the impact of rapid technological change on...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the privilege to speak with internationally renown cellist Roman Borys, Artistic and Executive Director of Music Toronto and co-founder of the Gryphon Trio. This is the second episode where I talk with artists who will part of this year’s Valley Concert Society's season at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium in Abbotsford. The Gryphon Trio will perform o...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to again speak with (this time in video) Dr. Sophie Redlin, a medical doctor, expedition doctor and filmmaker in the UK. We spoke about the complexities of emotional expression in high-stake situations found in professions like medicine or during extreme expeditions. Dr. Redlin explored themes of moral injury, the importance of community in he...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to speak with investigative journalist Sam Cooper of The Bureau. Sam took me through his journey into journalism and the alarming realities of money laundering and corruption in Canada. He explained the 'Vancouver model' of money laundering, its connection to the fentanyl crisis, and how it impacts the housing market. He emphasized the...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the privilege of speaking with Pastor Jesse Schellenberg of Northview Community Church’s Mission Campus. Jesse talked about his journey to become a pastor, the true essence of Christianity, and the importance of humor in teaching. We delved into the nature of existence, the relationship between faith and science, and the vital role of the church in society...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I was joined by returning guest Siavash Kianpour--who now sells technology. Our conversation centred around the ever evolving world of technology and selling it. We discussed his transition from working with technology to selling it. We covered self-driving vehicles to drones to how advances in automation impact the world we live in. We explored how technology a...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I was joined by Bob Gardham, my uncle. This was a special episode for me in that I got chat with my father’s brother who is 16 years his junior (he’s closer to my age than my father’s). Our heartfelt conversation spanned decades of family history, personal anecdotes, and reflections on societal changes. Bob spoke about his early years of growing up in Prince Edw...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I was joined by Kiri Jane Erb, Director of Theology at Soul Edge Ministries, and a mom, teacher, speaker and writer. We dove right into Kiri's journey from a secular upbringing to a life dedicated to theological exploration and leadership. She explained how her experiences across continents have shaped her understanding of faith's role in addressing exis...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I was joined by author and speaker Peter Burrell. We talked about his two books “Free of Judgment” and “Marriage by the Book,” exploring the themes of marriage, spirituality, and personal transformation. Peter explained the inspiration behind writing the books and shared insights on how changes in perspective can lead to a deeper understanding and harmony in rel...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I welcomed Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann, who make up the Bergmann Piano Duo. This is the first episode where I’m talking with artists that will perform at this year's The Valley Concert Society at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium in Abbotsford. The Bergmann’s will open the 43rd Season on Thursday, October 2nd, joined by violinist Jasper Wood and cellist Su...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I welcome back friend, musician and music aficionado Craig Collett. Lots of music talk again in this episode and the transformative power of music through the lens of legendary musicians like the late Brian Wilson. Craig talks about how soundscapes and heartfelt lyrics not only shaped the music industry but touched so many worldwide. Craig shares stories of insp...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the privilege of a return conversation with adventurer West Hansen (first time on video). I first talked to West after he led the Arctic Cowboys, a four-person kayak team, to be the first not only to kayak through the Northwest Passage in one season but the first to kayak the passage period. In this conversation, West had just completed the Yukon 1000, a 1...

In this episode, I had the privilege of talking with Barry Keane, the renown drummer for the late Gordon Lightfoot. For 48 years, Barry performed along side his friend Gordon Lightfoot. In our conversation, Barry recounted the serendipitous events that led him to connecting with Lightfoot and being part of the North American music scene including unbelievable stories like that of recording the ico...

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with friend Carolyn Garton, who is currently doing missions work in the Ukraine. Carolyn shares her transformative story from the comforts of Canada to her “boots-on-the-ground” service in Ukraine amidst the ongoing war. She recounts the joys and challenges of living in a war zone, her commitment to humanitarian work and the profound impact of her f...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of talking with sports writer Scott Wheeler, who today writes for The Athletic of The New York Times. He’s written for the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Sun and the National Post. He’s also authored the book “On The Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Toronto Maple Leafs at the NHL Draft.” Scott shared his story from local newspa...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to speak with Robin Sather, a LEGO Certified Professional Builder. We explored his journey from childhood toy enthusiast to professional LEGO builder. We discussed the evolution of LEGO, the impact of the internet on the LEGO community, and the creative processes involved in building large exhibits. Robin shared insights from his experience de...