Better Than Not

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to talk with internationally acclaimed tenor Benjamin Butterfield to talk about his upcoming performance with world-renown classical pianist Sarah Hagen at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium Friday November 20th at 7:30pm. Their performance is presented as part of the Valley Concert Society series in Abbotsford British Columbia. T...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to talk with actress, filmmaker, ACTRA member and photographer Idalina Leandro. Idalina traced her creative path from childhood singing and acting to rave and fashion photography, documentary filmmaking, and her return to acting. She reflected on the realities of the fashion industry she witnessed as a photographer and pregnancy...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure and privilege to talk with investigative journalist Sam Cooper. Sam is publisher of The Bureau on Substack with over 35,000 subscribers. He was the first journalist to break Vancouver’s money laundering story in 2019 coining the term "Vancouver Model" for the transnational laundering system. He followed that with his bestsellin...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to talk with Trish Rainone-DiLuzio, actress, screenwriter and director. Trish shared her journey from small-town beginnings to her success in the entertainment industry with shows like My Roommate’s an Escort and Pink Is In. She highlighted the importance of perseverance, creativity, and embracing unpredictability. She spoke abou...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with Bruce Stanfield - actor, producer and artist - who shared his unconventional journey from growing up in New Zealand to acting in Canada. Bruce talked about his many diverse experiences in the film industry and his creative pursuits in painting. We talked about how spontaneity, adaptability, and passion can shape a c...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to again speak with Gerry Schramm, the co-host of the Something For Nothing podcast. We discussed the incredible resurgence of Rush the band, the impact of their latest tour, and the artistry behind their music. We explored how the band has maintained relevance over 50 years. Gerry shared insights into Rush's music, history,...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the distinct pleasure and privilege of speaking with author Marcus Kliewer, who shared his journey from stop-motion animator to bestselling author. We discussed how his distinctive metaphors and storytelling techniques create such immersive worlds for readers. Marcus spoke about how film and music shape creative work. We also explored his process, his infl...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to again speak with friend, writer and entrepreneur Harold Godwin. Harold was the very first guest to be part of the Better Than Not conversation back in 2023 – Episode #2 – where we talked about AI. Here, Harold shared his unique perspective on curiosity, AI, and the human condition. We explored how technological change and its increasing spe...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with Norman Wolfe, CEO of Quantum Leaders, Inc. and author of The Living Organization. Norman shared insights from his journey from mathematician to organizational executive at Hewlett-Packard, exploring the concept of living organizations versus machine paradigms, and how our frame of reference shapes reality and succes...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure to speak with Whitney Shreck who shared her insights on leadership, the power of music, and the importance of reflection and advisory boards in personal and professional growth. Discover how non-linear learning and understanding paradoxes can transform your approach to life and work. Whitney talked about building trust, vetting processes...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the wonderful pleasure to speak with actor, author, director and now ACTRA National Councillor William C. Cole. Bill shared insight into his new roles within ACTRA, the impact of social media on acting, and the future of AI in the entertainment industry. He spoke on how industry veterans navigate change and advocate for actors across Canada. He talke...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with Steven Puri, CEO of The Sukha Company, who previously held positions of Vice President at 20th Century Fox and Executive Vice President at DreamWorks. Steven shared insights from his diverse career in film, storytelling, and technology, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful work, understanding flow state...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure and privilege to speak with LA entrepreneur and author Scott Walker. Scott shared his transformative journey from burnout to happiness through simple daily habits like morning walks. He spoke about discovering how small changes can lead to profound improvements in well-being and how community and consistency play crucial roles. We explor...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with director and filmmaker Elena Neuman. Elena shared her inspiring journey from journalism to filmmaking, her approach to storytelling, and the making of her first feature film 'Looking Up' about rock climbing and visual impairment. Discover how her diverse experiences shaped her unique perspective on film and...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to speak with Martin Greindl, Community Groups Coordinator at Northview Community Church. Martin shared his remarkable journey from nursing in Germany to discovering his calling in ministry through a series of divine encounters, personal struggles, and life-changing experiences. We explored faith, resilience, and the sovereignty of God in ever...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with renowned clarinetist James Campbell. Juno winner and recipient of the Order of Canada, James has been the Artistic Director of Parry Sound’s Festival of The Sound since 1985, which has featured such music luminaries as Yo-Yo Ma, The Dave Brubeck Quartet and Gryphon Trio. James is an active musician performing across...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the privilege to talk with Pastor Matt Erickson, Senior Pastor at Eastbrook Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Matt shared his journey from a potential career in software engineering to becoming a pastor. He spoke about his spiritual awakening, the influence of literature and creativity in his faith, and some profound insights into the nature of control, crea...

This is a special edition of Better Than Not in conversation with the members of the band Atlantis: Craig Collett, Craig Evans, Blake Steels and yours truly. My usual hosting duties were passed to radio personality and political commentator Scott Thompson for reasons that will become apparent in the episode. You’ve seen or listened to each of the guests as they’ve all appeared on Better Than Not i...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to again speak with West Hansen, ultra-marathon kayak-canoeist, extreme expedition leader and Texas Chapter Chair of The Explorers Club. West shared new stories about some the incredible expeditions he's been on and led including: in 2012, the first complete source-to-sea descent of the 4200-mile Amazon River; in 2014, the fi...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the distinct pleasure to speak with Mark Lapointe, Director of the Leadership Institute at Northview Community Church. I met Marc while attending the History of Christianity series organized by Northview’s Leadership Institute where he lectured on the Arian Controversy and the Trinity. This was another experience timed perfectly with my journey of faith. M...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure and privilege to speak with Pastor Ezra Okoti, Pastor of Multiplication at Northview Community Church in Abbotsford BC. In Ezra’s last visit, he talked about planting a new church in Chilliwack. In this episode, not only has Northview opened the church with Pastor Luke Etelamaki (Ep #84) but Ezra had spoken at the new church. Ezra talked...

Do you have challenges getting the news you want? Then this episode may be for you. Even seemed appropriate to be the first episode done both on rooftop and in the rain. I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with serial entrepreneur Kira Shishkin, founder and president of informed.now and recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30. Kira shared his journey from a traumatic car accident to founding four c...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to speak with musician Bill Bell about his musical life--and what a journey! From his early days in Sudbury playing in garage bands and working in music stores to performing with legends like Alex Lifeson, Jason Mraz and Tom Cochran. Discover Bill’s insights into the music industry, song writing, and the importance of perseverance and “being r...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with historian and author Iain Provan, a retired professor from Regent College who now consults and lectures through his company The Cuckoos Consultancy. I met Iain at his lecture series on the History of Christianity, a course timed perfectly with my journey of faith. Iain shared insights into the importance of understa...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had occasion to again speak with Jon Balzer, father, entrepreneur and mover. Our first conversation was in audio format, Episode #10 of the podcast. In that episode, Jon told the story of how he and his wife adopted two boys, but he could only go so far with what he could say. In this heartfelt conversation, Jon shared the full story of his and his wife’s extr...