The Calgary Sessions

Looking for inspiration on how to embrace change and follow your passion? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I'm joined by my friend, Tim Truax. His journey encapsulates the structured world of geology to the boundless realms of podcasting. Tim is a seasoned podcaster and the owner and CEO behind PodSummit. In this episode we explore his initial fascination with Jurassic Park, leading to...

Ever wondered what drives a person to chase their passion through sports, coaching, and building connections within their community? Robin Finley's journey is a testament to finding one's path through dedication, resilience, and a love for the game—whether it's on the ice, on the field, or in life. In episode 115 Robin shares his unique story of growing up in a city known for its tight...

How does an Olympic champion find fulfillment beyond the podium? In this bonus episode of The Calgary Sessions with Steve Mesler, we explore his journey from the track to the Classroom of Champions. We delve into themes of adaptability, resilience, and the quest for happiness. Discover the impact of mentorship, the value of community, and the importance of embracing change. This was an insightful...

What is the journey like from uncertainty to Olympic glory, and how does one cope with life after the podium? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Steve Mesler, a former Olympian, World Champion, and the co-founder of Classroom Champions. Steve shares his remarkable journey from the track fields of Buffalo to clinching gold at the Vancouver Winter Olympics. We delve into the hi...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a simple dream into a thriving local business? In this bonus moment from episode 113 of The Calgary Sessions, I share a valuable snippet of my conversation with Tony Spoletini from Spolumbo's. We explore the crucial lessons learned from his journey, including knowing when it's time to move on from a job, the realities of the entrepreneurial jour...

Is it possible to transition from being a professional athlete to a successful entrepreneur in the food industry? In episode 113 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Tony Spoletini, a former professional football player turned entrepreneur. Tony is not only known for his time with the Calgary Stampeders but also as one of the co-founders of Spolumbo's Fine Foods and Deli, a beloved Calgary...

Are you curious about what it takes to turn a passion into a legacy? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Paul Brian Hardy, a visionary whose life embodies creativity, resilience, and transformation. Paul shares his extraordinary journey through the worlds of design and storytelling. We navigate through how his fascination with sewing and design as a youngster morphed into a re...

What drives an artist's journey? In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with local artist and muralist, Rhys Douglas Farrell, a Calgary native whose vibrant works are shaping the city's visual landscape. We chat about his early days of drawing Pokemon and Dragonball Z characters to creating large-scale murals that blend art and science. Rhys discusses his experiences at art sc...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to capture the world through a lens, witnessing history as it unfolds? In episode 110 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Leah Hennel, a photojournalist whose curiosity and visual storytelling have taken her from the Calgary Herald to the global stage of the Winter Olympics. We dive into her journey, touching on her roots, the balancing act of her per...

How does a passion for art turn into a thriving business and a life filled with creativity? Meet Patti Dibski , a leader in Calgary's art scene and the force behind Gibson Fine Art and Interior Living. In episode 109 of The Calgary Sessions, Patti takes us on a journey from her roots in a small town to becoming a key member of the Calgary art community. We get into her adventures in Japan, her...

In episode 108 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Bonnie MacRae-Kilb, a former professional volleyball player turned artist, whose journey through triumph and tragedy is both compelling and deeply human. Bonnie shares her experiences on and off the court as well as the profound grief of losing her son, stepson and nephew. Her story weaves through resilience, the healing power of community, s...

In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Mark Kondrat, a key player in Alberta's beer scene and an avid podcaster. Mark shares his fascinating journey from Red Deer to becoming an influential figure in Calgary's event and beer industries. As the co-founder of Alberta Beer Festivals and the voice behind 'Let's Meet For A Beer' and 'EXPLORE84' podcasts, we...

In this candid 'Calgary Sessions Moment,' Graham Matheos and I cover the entrepreneurial spirit of his journey and unpack what his experience was like starting a business from scratch. Graham shares his experience transitioning from a corporate setting to founding his clinic. Although he was conservative with his projections, it's always a risk starting your own business and Graham hig...

In this episode of The Calgary Sessions I sit down with Graham Matheos, a physiotherapist by trade and the teetotaling founder of One for the Road Brewing. Our conversation takes a deep dive into Graham's journey - from his Saskatoon roots, to his evolution in the world of physiotherapy and his bold move into non-alcoholic craft brewing. We explore the intriguing intersections of personal and...

In episode 105, we dive into the world of music and DJ culture with my good friend, Rob Faust. Rob is a key figure in the Calgary DJ scene. Rob shares his journey from a curious music enthusiast to a renowned local DJ, bringing with him stories filled with nostalgia, passion, and a deep love for the craft. Rob and I chat about the magic of connecting with a crowd, the unforgettable moments created...

In episode 104 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Ryan Stutt, a sports media entrepreneur with an impressive journey in magazines and movies. We journey through Ryan's backstory, from his punk rock days in a small Ontario town to his bold leap into Calgary's vibrant job market. His story is a vivid tapestry of challenges, changes, and the drive to create something new. He shares his...

In episode 103 of The Calgary Sessions, I chat with Paul Lavoie, an acclaimed interior designer in Calgary with a career spanning 38 years. We explore his childhood interest in floor plans, his growth under his father's guidance in construction, and his evolution from a shy kid to a seasoned professional. Paul's unconventional path from considering law to fully embracing interior design, a...

In this powerful 'Calgary Sessions Moment,' I revisit a candid conversation with Lisa Bowes about navigating the unpredictable waters of career change. Lisa shares her personal journey through the highs and lows of the media industry, offering an honest look at the emotional roller coaster that accompanies job loss and transitions. From her early days and rapid ascension in sports broadcas...

In this engaging episode of The Calgary Sessions, we're joined by Lisa Bowes, a prominent figure in sports media and the author of the "Lucy Tries Sports" children's book series. Lisa opens up about her upbringing and how it laid the foundation for her remarkable journey in the sports journalism world. We dive into her experiences navigating the industry, discussing the challenge...

Nik Lewis shares his unexpected journey into professional football, starting from a simple ambition to coach high school football. He reflects on the transformative experiences of his senior year, where he began to recognize his potential in the sport. Through rigorous training and overcoming both physical and mental challenges, Nik’s path led him from the local football fields to the professional...

In this special episode of "The Calgary Sessions," I have an enriching conversation with Nik Lewis, a former CFL athlete with an extraordinary life story. From his modest beginnings in a small Texas town to his rise to CFL Hall of Fame, Nik's journey is a powerful testament to determination and resilience. We delve deep into the challenges he faced, the relentless hard work behind hi...

Welcome to a special milestone episode of The Calgary Sessions – Episode 100! Join me, Jeff Humphreys, along with my dynamic team members, Brian and Emma, as we venture behind the mic for a change. In this episode, we're not just celebrating a number; we're diving deep into the soul of our show. Ever wondered what fuels our podcast? Or how our diverse backgrounds and unique motivations wea...

Mitch Jacobsen delves into the challenging yet rewarding journey of creating Rviita, his unique energy tea. With limited funds and bold ideas, Mitch navigates the complex R&D process, facing initial setbacks in product testing and formula refinement. He opens up about balancing his burgeoning business with a demanding job, the emotional weight of self-doubt, and the financial sacrifices made a...

In this week's episode of The Calgary Sessions, I'm joined by Mitch Jacobsen, CEO of Rviita Energy Tea. Mitch walks us through his journey from the instant a personal challenge sparked his business idea to the realities of bringing it to life. We explore what it takes to start a business from scratch, especially when stepping into unfamiliar territory. Mitch shares his experiences with hon...

In episode 98 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I had the opportunity to chat with Zenon, a talented local artist who’s making waves in the alternative R&B scene. Zenon shared with us their journey in music, beginning from the early days in a childhood choir and evolving into a distinctive style that’s all their own. A significant part of our conversation focused on the influences that have sha...