The Calgary Sessions

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...

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...