The Calgary Sessions

What does it take to stay resilient when life doesn’t go as planned? Charlie Trafford is a professional soccer player for Cavalry FC who spent over a decade playing in Europe and with the Canadian national team. Born and raised in Calgary, Charlie recently moved back home and has since expanded his focus to include farming and entrepreneurship. In this episode, we talk about his journey from a det...

Can creativity heal? From overcoming personal trauma to becoming one of Calgary’s most recognizable artists, Mandy Stobo shares how art became her way of processing life’s challenges. Mandy is known for her bold and expressive work, and in this episode, she opens up about her journey with mental health, her unconventional approach to creativity, and how she learned to embrace imperfection. We also...

What does it take to build a long-lasting business in the art world, especially when you’re starting small and going against the grain? In this episode, I sit down with Tamar Zenith, co-owner and director of Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art in Calgary. Tamar shares her journey from growing up in a creative household to navigating the challenges of running a gallery with her mother. We talk abo...

What does it take to stay at the top of your game for over three decades in sports broadcasting? Peter Maher spent 34 years as the play-by-play voice of the Calgary Flames, calling every major moment in the team's history, including their 1989 Stanley Cup win. In this episode, I sit down with Peter to explore his journey from small-town New Brunswick to becoming an iconic voice in Calgary. We...

How much do our backgrounds influence the paths we choose in life? In this episode, I sit down with Chloe Smith, an entrepreneur with a unique story rooted in a close-knit French-Canadian family. Growing up bilingual in Calgary, Chloe shares how her upbringing in a large, supportive family shaped her view of the world and her place in it. We explore her journey from early entrepreneurial ventures—...

What really goes into starting a podcast, and why does it matter? In this episode, Tyler Chisholm and I dive into the realities of podcasting—the stuff that doesn’t always get talked about. From the unexpected challenges to the small wins that make it all worthwhile, we explore what it truly takes to create something meaningful. We discuss the importance of curiosity, the role of authenticity, and...

In this episode, I sit down with Tyler Chisholm, CEO of ClearMotive Marketing and host of two successful podcasts, Collisions YYC and They Just Get It. Tyler's journey is anything but ordinary, starting on a farm in Southern Quebec where hard work was the currency of life. But what happens when your childhood dreams of becoming a pilot don't take off? Tyler opens up about the identity cris...

What drives someone to leave a stable career and dive into entrepreneurship? Jeff Jamieson is the co-owner of several Calgary spots like Vine Arts, Proof Cocktail Bar, and Donna Mac Restaurant. In this episode, Jeff talks about his journey from Regina, Saskatchewan to becoming a key figure in Calgary’s restaurant scene. We chat about Jeff’s early influences, the resilience he built growing up, wor...

Why do community and business often seem like separate paths? In this episode, I sit down with James Costello, CEO and part-shareholder of Tool Shed Brewing Company and founder of Pedal Pub, to explore how these two worlds come together. James and I have known each other for years, and it was great to reconnect and hear his story. We talk about his roots in Calgary, his childhood in Rosedale, and...

How does an athlete channel their competitive spirit into the art of custom fashion design? In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Eaton, founder of World Of Vici and co-founder of Indie Hat Company. We explore Matthew's journey from growing up in Fort McMurray with a passion for hockey to becoming a successful fashion designer. Matthew shares candid stories about his early years, the influence...

How does one make the leap from teaching to becoming a TV personality? Dave Kelly, once a dedicated drama teacher, has taken a fascinating journey into the world of television. You might recognize him from his numerous appearances on TV and stage, but his path wasn't straightforward. In this episode, we dive into Dave's unique background, starting from his strict upbringing in a large family, to h...

How do you transition from being an elite athlete to finding your path in the everyday world? Gilmore Junio, a three-time Olympic speed skater with Team Canada, joins me to share his journey from hockey rinks to speed skating arenas. We chat about his early life, growing up as the son of Filipino immigrants in Calgary, and the supportive role his father played in his sports journey. In this episod...

What does it take to turn personal setbacks into powerful achievements and a mission to inspire others? Chandra Crawford is a three-time Olympian and gold medalist in cross-country skiing. She is the founder of Fast and Female, a charity focused on empowering girls through sports. Raised in Canmore, surrounded by Olympians and mountain climbers, Chandra's journey is one of resilience and passi...

What drives someone to juggle multiple businesses while staying deeply connected to their community? Lourdes Juan is a Calgary-based entrepreneur, urban planner, and community advocate. In this episode, Lourdes shares her journey from working at an architecture firm in high school to starting her own development company and medical spa. We dive into her family's immigrant story, her dedication...

Have you ever wondered what pushes an athlete to change their whole career and life direction? Meet Johan Hamm, a former Muay Thai fighter who’s now running his own business and helping others grow. In this episode, Johan talks about his life’s big changes from fighting in Thailand to making a difference right here at home in Calgary. We get into how his early life shaped his tough spirit and how...

What drives someone to dedicate their life to sustainability and making a positive impact? Leor Rotchild is a consultant, author, and speaker with a deep commitment to environmental advocacy. His journey is shaped by his family's history, his experiences as an immigrant, and his passion for corporate social responsibility. In this episode, we dive into Leor’s reflections on his family's Ho...

What does it take to move from being a concert pianist to working in metal manufacturing? In this episode, I talk with Jeff Neufeld, who used to be a concert pianist but now works in metal construction and manufacturing. Jeff’s story is all about handling big life changes and staying resilient. We chat about Jeff's early years playing the piano, performing around the world, and what happened w...

How do adaptability and a craftsman's approach shape the path of a serial entrepreneur? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Chad Hayden, a serial entrepreneur whose journey through various Alberta locales taught him the art of adaptability and reinvention—skills that he now applies to his businesses with the precision of a craftsman. Chad opens up about growing up under th...

Have you ever felt a song resonate so deeply it seemed to speak directly to your soul? Meet Jennifer Buchanan, a seasoned music therapist and the president of JB Music Therapy, right here in Calgary. Jennifer has spent decades using music to bridge emotional gaps and heal the unseen wounds of the mind and heart. This episode takes us on a journey from her early musical influences to her profound e...

How do sports shape who we are, and how does our community help us grow? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I chat with Jon Cornish, a star in the Canadian Football League. Jon tells us about his early days, discovering he was fast and dreaming big because of heroes like Donovan Bailey. We also talk about Jon’s tough times dealing with unfair treatment and feeling out of place when he played...

Can embracing our cultural legacies empower personal growth and inspire our futures? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Stephanie Eagletail, a passionate advocate for Indigenous culture and a creative force in the world of fashion. Stephanie, who blends traditional teachings with modern expressions, shares her journey from a childhood influenced by residential school legacies...

Is finding one's true passion ever straightforward? Alex gets into a deeply personal story of rediscovery and self-acceptance. We explore the transformative journey from pursuing a conventional career path to embracing a life of artistic expression. Despite societal expectations and personal doubts, the path less traveled often leads to the most fulfilling destinations. We discuss the powerful...

Can the city you live in shape your art and soul? This week on The Calgary Sessions, I explored this question with local artist Alex Kwong. Known for capturing the essence of Calgary in his vibrant artworks, Alex discusses how his surroundings fuel his creativity, the realities of making a living as an artist, and his personal journey into the world of art. We get into the challenges artists face...

Darcy Tuer is a serial entrepreneur at heart, co-founder, and CEO of ZayZoon, a financial technology company based in Calgary. Our conversation takes us from the nostalgic streets near the original Mercury to the very personal story of his brother's battle with addiction, illustrating the complex fabric of family, loss, and resilience. We delve into the world of startups, the allure of technol...

How does a decade of podcasting shape a person's life and career? In this bonus episode of The Calgary Sessions, I chat with Tim about his journey from launching a podcast to owning PodSummit. We delve into the life of a dedicated podcaster, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and growth that come with a long-term commitment to the craft. How To Connect: Jeff Humphreys - ⁠https://www.j...