Not So Average

In this episode of Not So Avg, Isaac Bignell , owner of Say Cheese Fromagerie in Calgary’s Crossroads Market, shares how a simple cheese counter turned into a full community experience. From wheel openings and curated dinners to his tabloid-style print project The Daily Rind, Isaac has built more than a shop. He has created a gathering place where food, storytelling, and connection come together....

In this episode of Not So Avg , Nick Thompson pulls back the curtain on the realities of entrepreneurship. The parts people rarely talk about. An entrepreneur, coach, and author, Nick shares the story behind building and scaling a Canadian branded merchandise company through mergers and acquisitions, growing it into a culture-driven organization recognized for developing its people. But the journe...

In this episode of Not So Avg, Kealen Bailey takes us through a career path that’s anything but traditional. Starting as an interior designer and competitive equestrian, evolving into a Muay Thai fighter, and now leading the charge at Rumble Boxing as VP of Training & Development, while also growing PRML as a managing partner. This episode dives into how Kealen has become a culture architect....

In this episode of Not So Avg , Danijel Slisko opens up about what it really looks like to build, fail, and build again. Sharing the highs, lows, and hard-won lessons from founding six companies across multiple industries. Raised in an entrepreneurial household, Danijel reflects on how his father’s influence shaped his mindset early on, from financial literacy to calculated risk-taking. But this e...

In this solo episode of Not So Avg, we get real about something too many of us face but rarely talk about—burnout. Recognized by the World Health Organization as an occupational phenomenon, burnout is no longer just a buzzword. It’s a reality for healthcare workers, tech professionals, creatives, and especially young people navigating high-pressure careers. Drawing from my own experience in the te...

From varsity basketball courts to building brands across North America, Cameo Hanlon has never been afraid to go full tilt into her next chapter. In this episode of Not So Avg, she shares how the same mindset that fueled her in sport - resilience, discipline, and a healthy dose of stubbornness became the foundation for her life in entrepreneurship. She takes us behind the scenes of Best Marketing...

In this episode of Not So Avg , Jordana Armstrong unpacks what it really means to drive social innovation —and why it’s critical for solving global challenges like climate change, inequality, and migration . With experience spanning from Innovate Calgary to advisory roles in Maryland and D.C. , Jordana brings a sharp, purpose-driven perspective on how community-led, integrated solutions can fuel r...

In this episode of Not So Avg, master chocolatier Bernard Callebaut shares the highs, lows, and lessons from a lifetime in the chocolate industry. With family roots in chocolate dating back to 1911 in Belgium, Bernard built a thriving business in Calgary, only to lose it and rebuild not once, but twice. Through hardship and reinvention, Bernard’s story is a powerful example of resilience, craftsma...

In this episode of Not So Avg , Nicholas Beique , founder of Helcim , shares the journey behind one of Calgary’s standout FinTech companies. Built with the mission to level the playing field for small businesses, Helcim is redefining what it means to compete with giants by giving business owners access to powerful, transparent payments technology. From coding websites as a teen to leading a compan...

In this milestone episode of Not So Avg , we reflect on the biggest lessons from the first 20 episodes of the show. What started as a way to highlight the uncommon paths to success has turned into a powerful archive of real stories from everyday people doing extraordinary things. From Olympians and CEOs to pilots, mentors, and creatives , this episode unpacks the most impactful themes that have em...

In this episode of Not So Avg., we sit down with Michael Sydoryk, a self-taught wildlife painter who left chiropractic school to follow a creative path rooted in purpose and passion. We explore how Michael turned uncertainty into opportunity, building a career that blends fine art, wildlife conservation, and personal storytelling. He opens up about the realities of navigating commissions, staying...

In this episode of Not So Avg. , I sit down with Chef Mike Pigot , a force in Canada’s culinary scene and someone who has built his career on passion, precision, and people. We dive into his journey from discovering a love for food early on to becoming a leader in local establishments and operations that span across the country. Mike shares how mentoring, teamwork, and leadership has shaped his pa...

This one’s for the dreamers building bold things with real heart. In this episode of Not So Avg. , I sit down with Alexandra Sangster , founder of The Sarjesa Group and Owner of BUZZD Nutrition , who started a purpose-driven company while still in university. From day one, Alexandra has been focused on more than profit. She’s reshaping the future of manufacturing in Alberta , building supply chain...

This week on Not So Avg. , we sit down with Ray DePaul , a tech veteran turned educator who’s helped shape the future of entrepreneurship at Mount Royal University. From his early days at BlackBerry to selling a company to Intel , Ray’s path proves that the most Not So Avg. journeys are built on risk, reflection, and reinvention. 🔥 What You'll Learn: 📱 Career-defining moments in tech and what th...

In this episode of Not So Avg. , we dive deep into a topic that affects everyone — stress and anxiety . These challenges show up in different ways for each of us, but one thing is universal: learning how to manage them can change everything. 💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode: 🧠 Understanding stress & anxiety – How they’re connected and why they impact every part of life. ⚡ Personal struggles...

Mandy Balak doesn’t just build businesses—she builds movements . From founding Date Night & Branded Magazine, to creating The Well , The Gathering Summit and Rise Women’s Conference , Mandy has carved out a Not So Avg. path rooted in branding, community, and personal growth . This episode dives into: 🔥 Why authenticity is the ultimate business strategy 🤝 How meaningful connections fuel perso...

Josh Russell , one of Canada’s most respected 5th-degree black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu , shares his journey defined by passion, perseverance, and relentless discipline. This isn't a Joe Rogan podcast. From being inspired by 80s movies and Bruce Lee to training at the legendary Gracie Bara Academy in Brazil , Josh’s path to success is anything but average in martial arts. This episode dives in...

In this episode of Not So Avg. , we sit down with Haley Daniels , an Olympic canoe slalom athlete turned corporate, to dive into a story of grit, advocacy, and reinvention. Haley’s journey is anything but average. From overcoming trouble as a youth, to competing on the world’s biggest stage, she fought not just for herself but for gender equality in sports —paving the way for women’s canoe slalom...

"Not So Avg." Podcast: Innovating Education with Lisa Davis In this episode of Not So Avg. , host Alistair Shipley sits down with Lisa Davis , founder of the STEM Innovation Academy , to explore how education can be transformed when we stop playing by the usual rules. Lisa’s journey is anything but average—bringing an entrepreneurial mindset from commercial real estate into the world of education,...

In this special 10th episode of Not So Avg., host Alistair Shipley takes a moment to reflect on his journey—both in podcasting and his unconventional career path. This episode is different. It’s a look behind the mic, exploring the experiences, people, and lessons that have shaped him. Alistair shares: 🔹 The ethos of Not So Avg.—why everyone has something extraordinary to offer. 🔹 The friendship...

In this episode of Not So Avg. , host Alistair Shipley sits down with Aislinn Grant , founder of the branding agency Grant. , to unpack her Not So Avg. journey from managing stores at Lush to diving into the world of robotics and ultimately building her own creative powerhouse. Aislinn shares raw insights on:🔥 Navigating imposter syndrome and stepping into leadership with confidence.🎨 How creati...

In this episode of Not So Avg., host Alistair Shipley sits down with Grant Lahring, co-founder of Goodlawyer, to explore his extraordinary journey from working internationally with Uber to making waves in the startup world with ventures like Deepwater Farms and, ultimately, Goodlawyer. Grant shares candid insights about: - The Not So Avg. challenges and triumphs of building startups. - How self-aw...

In this heartfelt episode of Not So Avg, host Alistair Shipley sits down with Calgary tech leader David Cree for an emotional and inspiring conversation about purpose, resilience, and the profound impact of personal experiences. Alistair and David reflect on their shared history in the tech industry, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and the pivotal moments that shaped their careers. David s...

In this episode of Not So Average, host Alistair Shipley sits down with his close friend, David Chytracek—a dedicated teacher, family man, and true example of how ordinary roles shape extraordinary lives. Together, they dive into the essential role of teachers, unpacking the challenges, rewards, and personal stories that define David’s journey in education. From navigating work-life balance to fos...

Alistair Shipley, host of the 'Not So Average' podcast, delivers a bonus episode reflecting on personal and professional milestones achieved in 2024. He discusses the creation of his podcast, the purchase of his first home, the loss of a pet and a family member, and his new role as an executive at a solar company. Alistair shares his journey dealing with stress, the importance of meditation, journ...