The Calgary Sessions

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...

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...