The Gift of Happy with Mark Kondrat

Meet Sara and Mayo - the husband and wife duo behind Revol Cares, a groundbreaking leak-proof underwear brand based in Vancouver. What began as a school project created by Sara out of necessity has evolved into a multi-million dollar business on a mission to create a one-solution product for period protection.  Together Sara and Mayo have scaled their business through many seasons, from losing the...

Why would someone in the prime of their career, equipped with everything society equates with happiness, decide to embark on a venture fraught with uncertainty? That's the million-dollar question we unravel in this episode. Join us as Justin Barber shares the compelling saga behind " my-eforce ," his latest venture, and the pivotal role played by his family, friends, and mentors in...

Meet Zoë Pawlak - artist, writer, coach, industrial designer, speaker, and entrepreneur.  My curiosity was piqued by her unique ability to merge the realms of art and business, crafting her empire. In our discussion, we explore how she juggles the two crafts while also embracing her decision of sobriety and how it beneficially affects her creative process.  Beyond her artistic pursuits, she has co...

Meet Ben Miller, Co-Founder of WIRTH HATS, a company on a mission to break the stigma surrounding mental health.  This venture is more than just a business for Ben; it's a heartfelt tribute to friends he has tragically lost to suicide. These losses have profoundly affected Ben's life, fueling his dedication to fostering open conversations and breaking down barriers surrounding mental hea...

Meet Danielle - Co-Founder of She Summits, Certified Life and Leadership Coach and entrepreneur.  She Summits empower organizations globally to establish high-performance, inclusive workplaces while amplifying social impact. Danielle's efforts have benefitted thousands of employees in major companies like Wells Fargo, Teck Resources, Fairmont Hotels, TD Canada Trust, Athleta, and Tentree, amo...

Meet Kris Andres - an ex-corporate employee turned renowned globetrotting photographer. In this episode, Kris joins us from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories to share the details of his incredible journey. Heading next to Iceland, Kris exemplifies his philosophies of 'Creating with Intention' & 'Nomadic Living'.  Get inspired by his adventurous life and contagious positivi...

Meet Dr. Greg Uchacz - a sports specialist chiropractor and  Clinic Director of proActive Health Group. Dr. Uchacz is known for his work with high-performance world-class athletes, including recent podcast guest Martin Parnell. This episode revolves around the profound impact of daily choices on long-term health. We explore the benefits of regular exercise and the critical, yet often neglected, as...

In the season finale of Explore84, host Mark Kondrat joins forces with the wizard behind the curtain, podcast editor Krysten Loiselle, for a profound reflection on a season filled with inspiration and insight. This episode isn't just a look back; it's a journey through the lessons and stories that have shaped the show. The episode begins with a revisit to Duff Gibson's insightful di...

Meet Dr. Grant Kennedy -  Emergency Room Doctor and talented Singer-Songwriter. Dr. Grant, who works out of the Rockyview General Hospital, first turned to writing and playing music as an escape from the hectic pace of his day job. He released a solo album, Home , in 2018 and a second album, Away , in 2021. This album touched on Dr. Grant's personal experience working as an emergency physicia...

Meet Duff Gibson - father, Olympic Gold Medalist, author, coach - oh, and a Captain with the Calgary Fire Department!  In today's episode, we discuss his experience as a high-performance athlete, his book The Tao of Sport , and his passion for coaching. Through Dark Horse Athletics , Duff teaches both kids and parents why having fun through sports and building a Growth Mindset is so important...

Meet Ryan Quinn, a man who transformed his life from being a competitive hockey goaltender to an inspirational personal trainer for elite athletes.  Ryan shares the unique story of how the discipline forged in the rink fueled his transition into the demanding world of ultra-marathon mountain running. He opens up about the profound impact of deepening his yoga practice and embracing fatherhood, rev...

Meet Jordan - General Manager of Sherlock Holmes Hospitality Group, and long-time friend of Mark and the ABF team. In this candid conversation, Jordan reveals how he overcame his personal challenges, a moment that changed his life on February 10th, 2021, and the profound impact of yoga and fitness on his life. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit's ability...

Meet Scott Rees - an engineer, and legally blind athlete who remarkably swam a staggering 30 kilometres across the Georgia Straight to raise awareness and funds for Canadian Guide Dogs! His extraordinary journey, fueled by sheer determination and a quest to give back to the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind – an organization that empowered his independence, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.  This...

Meet Jasmin Shannon - mother of three, online creator, entrepreneur, and all-around force of nature.  From the heartwarming origins of sharing cherished family moments to spearheading a digital haven for mothers worldwide, Jasmin has turned her personal diary into the go-to social media oasis, "Lemons for Days". But who's the woman behind this empire? Join us in this episode as we t...

Meet Jen Lussier, a dynamic entrepreneurial force propelling Calgary's tech scene to unprecedented heights. As the COO of Platform Calgary , she's leading the charge in bringing the organization's audacious vision to life—empowering and catalyzing the extraordinary growth of Calgary's tech sector. During our conversation, we touched on Calgary's evolution into a thriving t...

Meet Martin Parnell , a man whose life journey is truly inspirational. Driven by some friendly sibling rivalry, Martin began his running adventures at 47 and soon discovered a passion for it. He didn't stop there – he became an International Keynote Speaker , Author, and holder of multiple Guinness World Records. In 2010, after a 25-year mining career, Martin launched his "Quests for Kid...

Court Sandau's life story reads like a captivating fusion of Canadiana and academia, reminiscent of the adventurous spirit in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." If you've enjoyed watching that classic film, you'll find the connection is genuine.  With a heart full of dreams and unyielding optimism, Court weaves a remarkable tale that connects the worlds of forensic chemist...

Meet Kendall Hunter - a dynamic mother of two, journalist, and three-time author! From the breathtaking landscapes of Banff to a globetrotting journey spanning South Africa, England, Wales, Switzerland, and Toronto, Kendall's life is an adventure. Now, she's back in Banff with her latest book, " Beer Hiking: Canadian Rockies ," to take her audience on the breathtaking trails an...

Meet Scott Jackson - the visionary Co-Founder of Tenacra, a tech powerhouse nestled in the vibrant city of Calgary.  With a futuristic outlook, Scott is on a mission to unravel the incredible potential of technology and its profound impact on our world. Buckle up as he reveals why he believes AI won't be unleashing robot overlords anytime soon – at least, not in the next decade.  As we plunge...

Meet Russell Broom - JUNO, SOCAN, WCMA and AMPIA award-winning music producer, writer and musician! Join us as we explore the electrifying journey of this award-winning music producer, guitarist, composer, and music engineer. Russell's musical odyssey has taken him around the globe, collaborating with legends like Jann Arden, Ian Tyson, and Kyle McKearney. In Russell's universe, music is...

Meet Kendra Watt - a seasoned real estate professional and equine rescuer from Cochrane, Alberta.  Joined by Dr. Greg, Kendra discusses her unique and intertwining worlds of real estate, equine rescue, and mass food consumption while also sharing her ways to avoid burnout and achieve work-life balance.  Kendra's unwavering dedication to equine rescue and desire to aid in the urgent need for p...

Meet Shane Melanson - Author and Vice President of Kalamoir, a Construction Project Management company based in Calgary. In today's episode, Shane shares invaluable insights on setting goals and overcoming challenges through his journey of preparing for a triathlon. Discover practical strategies for cultivating a positive mindset, staying motivated, and navigating obstacles along the way. Fol...

Meet Brett Rehman -  IFBB Pro bodybuilder and owner of Reflex Supplements in Cochrane. In today's episode, Brett delves into the fascinating world of fitness and health, with a particular focus on weight lifting. To get to IFBB Pro level bodybuilding, discipline is everything. He shares his inspiring journey of transforming from an avid skateboarder to a professional in the field, providing u...

Meet Pete Bombaci - visionary speaker, coach, and Founder of The GenWell Project. The mission of The GenWell Project is to make the world a happier and healthier place by educating, empowering, and catalyzing people around the importance of proactive face-to-face social connection as an action we can all take for our health, happiness, longevity, and the betterment of society. Join us for an inspi...

Meet Daniel Cociș - the ultimate embodiment of living a life of surrender. Dr. Greg synchronized a friendship with Daniel in a dog park of all places, where they have had many conversations in the woods under the blue skies. These “dog park conversations”  were thought-provoking enough to be recorded into today's chapter of the Explore84 podcast library - we hope you enjoy it. Follow Explore8...