The Calgary Sessions

Tom has built a life around work ethic, stability, and solving big problems. But in recent years, he started asking harder questions about what he actually wanted—and whether the safe path was still the right one. In this episode, we talk about what it means to walk away from structure, how creativity shows up in business, and why being second-in-command can be a strength. Tom opens up about the c...

Dan Allard helped start Cold Garden, one of Calgary’s most recognizable breweries. In this episode, we talk about how it came together, what drove the decisions behind it, and why building something a little different felt important. It’s a look at business, identity, and what it means to create something that reflects your values. How To Connect: Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca...

I didn’t know Scott before this episode, but his story left a mark. He built Crescent Point from scratch, led for 18 years, and eventually stepped away. We talked about the pressure of being a young CEO, the impact of government policy on Calgary’s energy sector, and the moments where everything could’ve gone sideways. What stood out most was how much of his leadership style came from unlikely pla...

Most careers follow a straight path. Kathy Macdonald’s didn’t. She started as a fitness instructor, then became a police officer, then a cybercrime expert and keynote speaker. At every turn, she faced setbacks—like failing the police fitness test twice—but kept pushing forward. We talk about reinvention, resilience, and how small decisions lead to unexpected careers. Kathy shares how policing shap...

Kate Ryan’s path wasn’t typical. Growing up in a turbulent home, she learned early how to adapt and figure things out on her own. At 16, she left, chasing something bigger than the life she knew. That decision took her across the world, where she discovered circus arts, built a career, and eventually founded her own entertainment company. We get into what it takes to carve out a creative career fr...

In Episode 157 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Calgary-based artist Amy Dryer for a real conversation about the creative process, self-doubt, and building a career in art. We talk about the early experiences that shaped her, the discipline she carried over from sports, and the persistence needed to carve out space in a competitive industry. Amy shares what it’s like to balance creativity...

In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Alex Kingcott, a prominent figure in Calgary's arts and public relations scene. Alex shares her journey from a theatre enthusiast to the founder of a leading PR agency, offering insights into the unexpected paths that passion can lead us down. We chat about her experiences transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the challenges...

In this episode, I sat down with Musap 'Moose' Abde to talk about the realities of struggle, resilience, and finding purpose when life doesn’t go as planned. His story isn’t a straight line—it’s filled with setbacks, tough decisions, and moments that could’ve gone either way. We talked about what it’s like growing up between cultures, facing failure head-on, and why the hardest experiences...

Tim Hunter spent 16 seasons in the NHL, most of them with the Calgary Flames, where he made his mark as an enforcer. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to play that role, the shift from player to coach, and the lessons that stick long after the game ends. Tim shares stories from his time protecting teammates like Theo Fleury, what he learned about leadership in the locker room, and how d...

Duff Gibson shares his unique journey to Olympic gold—one built on lessons learned from failure, persistence, and self-awareness. We talk about how his path through multiple sports shaped his mindset, the importance of finding the right fit, and the powerful role of mental fitness. We also dive into his thoughts on youth sports today—why early specialization is a problem, how fun drives true growt...

In this episode, I sit down with Brian Keating, a lifelong naturalist and explorer, to talk about what decades of adventures in nature can teach us about life. From birdwatching as a curious kid to leading conservation efforts at the Calgary Zoo, Brian shares fascinating stories and lessons learned along the way. We discuss the transformative power of connecting with nature, the mental clarity it...

In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Alvin Law, a Hall of Fame speaker whose story challenges assumptions and reshapes perspectives. Born without arms due to thalidomide, Alvin shares how he turned what many saw as a limitation into a life filled with creativity, impact, and connection. We explore his upbringing in rural Saskatchewan, where community and his foster parents inst...

DJ Kav has been a name in Calgary’s music scene for decades. In this episode, we explore his journey from sneaking time on his brother’s turntables to becoming a mainstay in clubs, radio, and festivals. Kav shares how the music industry has changed, the lessons learned from old-school DJing, and the challenges of staying true to himself in a world of constant shifts. We get into what it means to m...

How do food, family, and intuition shape the life you choose to live? Roni Zaide is a food storyteller. Her journey begins in small-town Israel, where family meals and childhood experiments in the kitchen sparked her love of cooking. From there, life took her across the globe — to Philadelphia, Mexico, Calgary, and places in between — following her gut and finding her own path. In this episode, we...

What does it take to bridge the gap between technology, leadership, and lessons learned in unexpected places? Mark Little grew up in Calgary with a love for technology and curiosity. Early lessons from the restaurant industry shaped his approach to leadership, guiding him through roles as CEO of Suncor and now as Co-Founder of Joston. In this episode, we talk about how those early experiences laid...

What does it mean to see the world through an artist's eyes? Sheila Kernan is a Calgary-based artist whose journey has been shaped by a creative upbringing, a love for experimentation, and a deep connection to the imperfect beauty of life. In this episode, we explore Sheila’s path from her inventive childhood to her career as a professional artist. We talk about how her mother’s resourcefulness in...

How do relationships shape our careers and the communities we call home? In this episode, I sit down with Eric Francis, a well-known sports columnist and analyst with Sportsnet. We talk about his journey from the Calgary Sun to Sportsnet, how his love for sports turned into a career, and the big moments that shaped his path—like covering the Olympics and Tiger Woods during his prime. Eric also sha...

How does a lifelong love for sports lead to a meaningful career in medicine? Ian Auld is a sports medicine physician, founder of Group 23 Sports Medicine, and Medical Director for the Calgary Flames. Growing up in a family that valued sports and discipline, Ian’s path evolved from playing sports to building a practice where he could combine his passion for sports with a purpose-driven approach to...

Why do we often push ourselves to fit into black-and-white thinking, even when life is full of grey areas? Sandra Wigg is an author, coach, and lifelong learner who believes in the power of ‘grey thinking’—seeing beyond absolutes and letting go of the pressure to always have things figured out. Her journey from a science-driven career in geology to coaching and writing is shaped by years of learni...

What does it mean to lead by being real and staying curious? Christine Dagenais is the founder and CEO of Bright Wire Leadership. In this episode, we talk about how she went from a corporate career to building her own business, all while keeping people and purpose at the center. Christine shares how early family influences and her love of travel shaped her approach to leadership, bringing together...

What drives a champion’s mindset—raw skill or relentless determination? In this episode, I sit down with Lisa 'Longball' Vlooswyk, an 8-time Canadian Long Drive Champion who transformed setbacks into stepping stones. Starting in gymnastics, Lisa later found her calling in golf, teaching herself the sport and breaking barriers along the way. We get into her path of resilience, the role of family va...

What does it mean to truly listen to someone's story? Loren McGinnis, host of CBC’s The Calgary Eyeopener, has built a career around asking thoughtful questions and mastering the art of listening. From growing up on the Sunshine Coast to adventuring in Yellowknife, Loren’s path to broadcasting has been anything but typical. In this episode, we explore the lessons he’s learned from small-town life,...

What shapes us more—our upbringing or the choices we make along the way? In this episode, I sit down with Gordon Breault, someone who’s lived both sides of that question. Gordon took over his family’s public speaking business, but his path to success wasn’t a straight line. From growing up in a family with tough love and early independence, to struggling with addiction and identity in his teenage...

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...

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...