The Calgary Sessions

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...

This moment sheds light on the subtleties of mental well-being, particularly when there's no formal diagnosis, through Billie Rae's personal experiences. From grappling with the challenges of burnout to navigating life's unexpected turns, including personal tragedies and the global upheaval of the pandemic, Billie Rae's story is a testament to the human spirit's resilience. We...

In episode 97 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I sit down with the incredibly talented Billie Rae Busby, delving into her vibrant and inspiring artistic journey. Billie Rae opens up about the defining moments of her life – from an epiphany on a long drive that led to her stunning abstract landscapes, to her battles with mental health and the challenges of being a mostly single mom. Her story is a...

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeff de Boer, a Calgary born visual artist! His claim to fame began in 1986 when he crafted his first suit of armor for a mouse. From a young age, Jeff's passion for art and creativity set him apart from the crowd. While his peers were all about hockey and rough play, Jeff was captivated by the life and work of the brilliant Leonardo da Vinci, who inspir...

In this moment we explore the key points in time that have shaped Wakefield and his artistic path. He reflects on how recent events, such as the impact of COVID-19, the presidency of Donald Trump, and the tragic murder of George Floyd, have influenced his work and his place in the community. Wakefield's story highlights the power of resilience, personal transformation, and artistic expression,...

In this compelling discussion with Wakefield, we delve into a life story marked by early traumas and the subsequent journey through addiction and mental wellness struggles. From the age of eight, Wakefield began using alcohol as a way to cope with the pain, ultimately spiraling into a life consumed by substance abuse. This moment also highlights the transformative power of art, emphasizing the rol...

I had the privilege of chatting with the amazing Wakefield Brewster on episode 95 of The Calgary Sessions podcast. We dove deep into some really personal and thought-provoking moments from his life. Wakefield opened up about his journey, sharing some raw and powerful moments about his experiences. From his childhood dreams of becoming a concert pianist to battling addiction and dealing with mental...

Join me in Episode 94 of The Calgary Sessions podcast as we chat with Calgary native, Cory Paddock. Cory reflects on his upbringing in a household where music and learning were not just an option but an integral part of life. We discuss the world of sports and the importance of focusing on the joy and lifelong love of movement rather than early specialization. Cory highlights the unique camaraderi...

In Episode 93 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I had a chat with Todd Hirsch, a seasoned economist and an exceptional storyteller. Todd shared how his family influenced his values and work ethic, and he took us on a trip down memory lane to his school days, highlighting the teacher who sparked his curiosity. Things got interesting when Todd opened up about his experience of getting laid off and ho...

On episode 92 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, we dive into the journey of David Oulton. From a chance encounter with the legendary actress in his teens to hosting a global talk show, David's story is very unique. We chat about moving from the UK to Fort McMurray, growing up in low-income housing with food stamps, getting adopted and continuing to say yes. He also shares how he refused to wast...

In episode 91 of the Calgary Sessions, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Phil Robertson, whose remarkable journey in life led him to the world of coffee. From chance encounters to moments of overconfidence, Phil's story is a testament to the power of following your passions and embracing change. Phil's journey begins with a twist of fate during his first year in engineering school, w...