Companions & Champions

Join JD, morning show host on CJAY 92, as he shares heartwarming stories about life, pets, and the unexpected lessons they teach us. Growing up on an acreage, JD always had a love for animals, but it was Scully - his first dog as an adult - who truly changed his life. From unconditional love, JD explores  the deep bond between humans and their pets. Just like radio provides an escape, dogs bring p...

Wild 95.3 radio host Logan has always had a heart for animals. From growing up with horses to adopting senior pets, her life has been shaped by the unconditional love of four-legged friends. In this episode, Logan shares touching stories about pets who stood by her through tough times from a cat named Rocket to Nelson, her now 24-year old horse. Hear about her experience training horses, the speci...

This week, we sit down with Devin Cooley, the new goaltender for the Calgary Flames and Wranglers, to dive into the mental techniques that keep him sharp in one of the most high-pressure positions in hockey. Devin shares how living in the present moment, controlling emotions, and playing from a place of passion instead of fear have shaped his game. Joined by his partner Natalie, they open up about...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Heather Roy, a mother who has faced the unimaginable. Heather shares the journey of her beloved daughter Evelyn, who battled cancer with incredible courage. Heather opens up about how her family navigated their profound grief and how a four-legged friend named Arco brought unexpected comfort and healing. From the initial decision to bring Arco into their...

Kodette LaBarbera—wife, mother, TV personality, and dedicated advocate for Autism—as she opens up about her life in the spotlight and her heartwarming journey through parenthood and the hockey world. Married to Jason LaBarbera, Calgary Flames goalie coach, Kodette shares her passion for animals, family, and the causes closest to her, especially Autism, a journey made personal with her son Ryder’s...

This week joining the podcast, we have Tuff Dreger, a farrier and a rising star in the world of chuckwagon racing. At just 21 years old, Tuff is already making waves in a sport steeped in tradition and adrenaline. Coming from a long line of chuckwagon drivers, Tuff carries forward the legacy of his family, but he's also carving his own path. Listen in as Tuff shares his passion for racing and...

Join Dr. Cody Creelman, a veterinarian who grew up on a ranch in Northern Alberta, as he shares his inspiring journey from a ranch volunteer to founder of Fen Vet , a revolutionary three-practice clinic. After facing uncertainty in his career, Cody redefined the veterinary experience, driven by three core strategies: a 7-star customer experience, a thriving practice culture, and relentless innovat...

In this heartwarming episode we dive into the incredible bond between Grace Dafoe, a Team Canada Skeleton Athlete, and her loyal labradoodle, Ivy. From the moment Grace got Ivy, just a week before her first season, Ivy has been there every step of the way—through the highs and lows of Grace’s athletic career. Now, 13 years later, Ivy’s presence is still a source of comfort and unwavering love. Gra...

In this heartwarming episode, we dive into the life of Calgary Hitmen player Maxim Muranov, a 19-year-old athlete from Moscow who has called Calgary home for the past two years. Off the ice, Maxim shares how his 12-year-old dog back in Russia inspired him to rescue Lord Stanley Gaudreau, a pup who’s become a vital part of his journey as a professional athlete. Listen as Maxim opens up about the ch...

A hockey star's heart is captured by more than just the game. Mikael Backlund, a King Clancy Award winner and ambassador for Parachutes for Pets, joins Melissa in a mission close to their hearts. In this episode, discover how Lily & Dexter’s Legacy was born from a simple idea—to support children in foster care, children receiving cancer care, and families affected by ALS, three causes dee...

A tragic accident shifts the course of a young man's life, and leaves him feeling lost and forever changed. Enter, a sweet young puppy named Gabby who urged him up and out, and back into embracing the world and making positive change. This episode we get to learn the story of Companions & Champions Co-host Chris Cederstrand. He's now a motivational speaker, coach, Team Canada Alumni,...

On the inaugural episode of Companions & Champions, Parachutes for Pets (PFP) Founder & Executive Director, Melissa David, shares her story and takes listeners on a journey through companionship, loss, and perseverance. From saving her dog Charlie, to being diagnosed with cancer in her 20's, to founding Parachutes for pets, this episode is a poignant walk down memory lane and an inspi...