The Calgary Sessions

In episode 75, Salima Stanley-Bhanji shares her fascinating journey growing up in Australia as part of one of the few multiracial families in the country during the late 70s. Her parents were both travelers who met in East Africa, and her father went on to open the first South Asian restaurant on the Gold Coast. We also chat about her optimistic outlook on life and how she trusts that if you put i...

Sitting with Peter Tertzakian for episode 74 of The Calgary Sessions was a unique experience. I had no idea where the conversation would go because he's a man of many interests and talents. Peter has devoted his career to understanding the energy story. He's written two bestsellers and launched his personal passion project called Energyphile in 2020. We talked about curiosity, mindshare, c...

Episode 73 of The Calgary Sessions with Jason Ribeiro was a spectacular conversation! I've sat across from a few extremely articulate and thoughtful speakers and each time I'm amazed at their authenticity. We chatted about growing up ethnically ambiguous, chasing trophies for recognition at home, living under a strict roof, flirting with danger, duality, addiction, community, teamwork and...

Friday Sock Co. has been around for over 7 years! I've heard of the brand and seen their socks but I didn't know the story behind them. Episode 72 of The Calgary Sessions podcast sat down with the founder, Adam Thompson. We chatted about growing up in a really small town, taking a year off from high school, stand-up comedy, scaling a business, winning awards, culture and visualization. I r...

Having grown up in Calgary, I have vivid family memories of going to Joey's Only. Episode 71 of The Calgary Sessions podcast sat down with Joe Klassen who started the brand. We chatted about being an introvert, starting to work at a young age, leaving high school early, starting a restaurant, listening and the ups and downs of an entrepreneurial career. This was an honest conversation about being...

Episode 70 with Chris Green was a family affair that made for a special show! We're second cousins who had met once for 5 minutes a month before this show. I learned everything I know about him during our chat. Chris is an insanely talented bladesmith! His knives are some of the most beautiful, functional pieces of art I've ever seen. We talked about working at the family gallery, struggling with...

Episode 69 of The Calgary Sessions podcast with Megan Pope was full of great stories and lessons. Megan is the co-owner of Mondays Plant Café which is a plant based restaurant in Calgary. We chatted about growing up in an athletic family, learning about food choices at a young age, nutrition, what it takes to open a restaurant and feeling the imposter syndrome. Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffhumph...

Episode 68 of The Calgary Sessions Podcast was one of the most honest conversations I've had. Connor Curran is the founder and co-owner of Local Laundry which is a Canadian-made clothing company. We got into what it's really like to start and run a business! People see and hear the highlights. Awards, sales, exposure, brand awareness and media coverage. What they rarely hear is what's happening be...

Community. It's a word that might be overused. However, episode 67 of The Calgary Sessions Podcast with Bryon Brooks was a master's class on why it's so important! We chatted about finding the trades at a young age, family inspiration, and building community. Byron is in the custom home/renovation business, and trades tend not to focus on community all the time, which is why I found this conversat...

If you're into hockey you'll know the name Ryan Pinder! He jumped on The Calgary Sessions Podcast for Episode 66. As someone who grew up in the hockey world, I've known about Pinder for years!  When someone reaches a high level in their profession we often look at them like "they've made it" but we rarely hear what it took to get there. Pinder's journey story was really cool to hear firsthand...

Episode 65 was a special one! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bernard Callebaut! When this show started I would have never guessed I would have the chance to sit down with this Calgary icon. We chatted about his family background in the chocolate business, moving to Canada, the early days of his business, growth, losing it all and recreating himself.  Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffhu...

Episode 64 with James Boettcher was filled with enlightening moments and thoughtful stories. He's a fellow born and raised Calgarian which tends to create an interesting flow to the conversation. We chatted about his childhood, culture, his entrepreneurial path, working with his Dad and understanding that business is about optimism and survival.  Jeff Humphreys www.jeffhumphreys.ca James Boet...

Episode 63 with Danny from Savino Pizzeria was a lesson on how passion, work ethic and experience can lead to beautiful opportunities. We chatted about growing up in an Italian household, family meals, becoming a stonemason and PIZZA! If you haven't tried his pizza you're missing out! Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca  Danny Savino https://www.savinopizzeria.com

Episode 62 of The Calgary Sessions with Lisa Jacobs was an amazing conversation. Lisa was extremely engaging, thoughtful and well spoken! We chatted about growing up in a musical home, picking the biggest guitar on the wall, building a career in the music industry and finding balance. Jeff Humphreys https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Lisa Jacobs https://www.instagram.com/lisajuliejacobs

Hockey has been a big part of my life for a long time! Sitting down with Colin Patterson for episode 61 of The Caglary Sessions was one the coolest experiences I've had since launching the show. We talked growing up in hockey, American college, becoming a pro, wininng the Stanley Cup and being a part of one of the best alumni groups in the NHL.  Jeff Humphreys www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Jeremy and I worked together at a cool nightclub called the Embassy more than 20 years ago! Our paths hadn't crossed in years which made Episode 60 a fun one. We chatted about working in clubs, opening businesses, family, snowboarding and much more.  Jeff Humphreys www.jeffhumphreys.ca Jeremy Tooley www.xerris.com

Episode 59 with Graeme Edge was the most thoughtful and introspective conversation I've had on The Calgary Sessions! Our chat happened at the exact right moment in time. Was it a coincidence? I don't think so. Graeme is the Co-Founder of Energy Disruptors and he is also the CEO of multiple companies. We chatted about growing up in Scotland, sports, climbing the corporate ladder, self reflection an...

Sitting down with Gursh Bal for Episode 58 of The Calgary Sessions Podcast was like taking a master's course on self awareness and moving with purpose. We chatted about his family, growing up not fitting in, self reflection and finding purpose! This was a stunning conversation with an extremely thoughtful and well spoken person. Jeff Humphreys www.jeffhumphreys.ca Gursh Bal www.livezeno.com

Lara Smith's journey was incredible to hear! We chatted about her childhood, working on the retail floor, becoming an executive for some of the biggest brands (Eaton's, Northern Reflections & Marks) and the spark that caused her to create her own business. Lara's knowledge about branding blew me away! I was speechless listening to her articulate how brands need to operate. To cap it off she's...

Yep....Mike Commodore stopped by for Episode 56 of The Calgary Sessions! If you're into the NHL you'll know about this playing career and what he's been doing post hockey. 55 episodes in and I can say that I haven't laughed this much in any of them. Commie was thoughtful, well spoken and very genuine which made for a great conversation. www.twitter.com/commie22

Russell Broom blew me away! I was sitting across listening to his story and I kept having to refocus so I could ask a somewhat intelligent question. Episode 55 was one of the most thoughtful and articulate conversations about the creative world I've ever had.  He's a producer/songwriter/guitarist/engineer with a long resume! From playing guitar while touring with Jann Arden for over a decade...

Trent Dean is one of the most caring individuals I know! He's built his Chiropractic business the old fashioned way. No fancy tactics, no social media and no web site. Episode 54 gets into his dedication to volunteering and how trusting the process leads to success.

If you follow the sports scene in Calgary you've seen her work! Candice Ward is a sports photographer who works with the Calgary Hitmen (WHL), Calgary Roughnecks (NLL), Calgary Stampeders (CFL) and the Calgary Flames (NHL). www.candiceward.ca

Daniel San Martin was an extremely engaging interview! Our paths have crossed a few times over the past 8 years which made this a fun episode. He's the owner of a successful painting business, podcast host, musician and family man. We got into his passion for music, the decision to start his own business and building a brand on social media.  If you're trying to figure out why building a bran...

Listening to Lori talk about her entrepreneurial journey was so refreshing! She understood at a young age that the corporate world was not for her and she went all in on her own ideas. Episode 51 was a lesson on how understanding yourself makes all the difference. www.fitfrog.ca