The Gift of Happy with Mark Kondrat

Meet Sarah Clark - artist, yogi, and owner of Art Beat Studios. From working in several art departments in television and film to owning and operating a yoga studio for nearly a decade, self-exploration and expression is a way of life for Sarah. Sarah has developed her own unique style of connecting her artwork with the wonders of the natural world. Mysticism and spirituality are strong influences...

Meet Andy Evans - Certified Performance & Development Coach and challenge seeker.  The real-life story of Andy Evans is not only entertaining and remarkable, but a true testament to the essence of what is the mission of the Explore84 journey. Harnessing the power of committing to small and consistent efforts over longer spans of time, Andy has generated an uncommon resilience and we were honou...

Meet Ben Douglas-Crampton outdoor enthusiast, avid adventure seeker, and founder of stand-up paddleboard business Ghosteknorth . Ben is a native Cochrane lad whose love for water led him down the path of Surfing, SUP and Foiling - the backbone of GhostekNorth. In today's episode, we discuss the business, aspects of the surf industry in general, and how accessible river and lake adventures hav...

Meet Dan Pichette - yogi and owner of Alchemy Yoga Studio in Cochrane. In today's episode, Dan helps us to understand what it means to use yoga not just for physical fitness but to gain self-realization and a deeper understanding of one’s self and the world around us.  Follow Alchemy Yoga Cochrane: Website | Instagram   Follow Explore84: Website | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn

Meet Nigel Lawrence -  Actor, Comedian, Writer and Vagabond. Nigel moved to LA to follow his dreams of becoming a writer and comedian.  He’s one of the funniest people I’ve ever met and I love when we get to hang out - especially for a podcast! I’m fascinated by people who have the courage to follow their dreams.  What is the process of turning a dream into reality?  You can read books on how to d...

In today's episode, we delve into the incredible journey of Rebekah, who battled with obesity and health challenges throughout her life. From being the first kid in elementary school to hit 100 lbs, to reaching over 240 lbs by high school graduation, Rebekah's story is one of resilience and determination. She candidly shares her struggles, including moments of limited mobility, medical e...

Happy Cows! In today's episode, we follow up with Veterinarian & Cattle Rancher Dr. Matt Kumlin.    Dr. Matt describes a unique way of dealing with cattle in which humans and animals can live in further harmony the way we are meant to. Sustainable and joyous connection with nature in the romance of an industry upon which our province was founded. Follow Explore84: Website | Instagram | Ti...

In this episode, Mark and Greg link up with a good friend Morgan Rosvold to discuss more of the personal nature of what modern manhood has evolved into from their perspectives. We also discuss how the guiding fundamentals of the Explore84 Project have become paramount in navigating a healthy experience in a biopsychosocial setting. We think you’ll find the conversation helpful and relevant! Follow...

In today's episode, Dr. Greg Long once again takes over the microphone for a conversation with Greg German - founder of Lifecraft . The Greg’s discuss hypnotherapy as well as the growing and effective role of psychedelics as related to mental health and wellness. Hypnotherapy and psychedelics, specifically psilocybin, have been shown to have substantial therapeutic benefits. This episode unco...

Meet Chad Hason - CEO of Agency Atlas, a creative marketing agency based in Calgary. EXPLORE84 is building a community of people to help each other reach our goals and realize our potential.  Chad Hason and his team at Agency Atlas are turning our idea of the EXPLORE84 App into a reality and I wanted to share his story. Follow Agency Atlas: Website | Instagram Follow Explore84: Website | Instagram...

Today Dr. Greg Long and Dr. Matthew Kumlin discuss how the ranching industry has been impacted due to the current demands of society.  As a Veterinarian and Cattle Rancher, Dr. Kumlin provides a real-world explanation on sustainable agriculture.  Follow Explore84: Website | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn

As the founder of Alberta Beer Festivals, I’ve been working with breweries for over 20 years - and I know that it can be a struggle to live a healthy lifestyle in this industry!  Explore84 is all about developing healthy daily habits and building community.  Eighty-Eight Brewing Company is helping to build a healthy community too - and we wanted to share their story! Eighty-Eight Brewing Company o...

Meet Cory Weese - coach, personal trainer, bodybuilder, and founder of Rock Point Fitness. After getting laid off, Cory dedicated himself to accomplishing his goal of competing as a bodybuilder.  The journey inspired him to start helping others to reach their fitness and nutritional goals. Helping yourself is the first step in helping others, and Cory is living proof of that. Follow Cory Weese: In...

In this episode, Explore84 Co-Founder Greg Long takes over the microphone and meets up with his friend Greg German - founder of Lifecraft . In today's episode, Greg tells the story of how LifeCraft came to be, and how he became an advocate for the meaning, fulfillment, and abundance available to us all in a purpose-driven life.  From a very young age, Greg formed a self-identity as a high ach...

Aaron McConnell is the President of TransRockies Races Series .   These unique events include multi-day adventures of mountain biking, gravel biking and trail running in Canada and the USA.  I’ve been interested in getting involved in these races for a few years now - and I think it’s time to commit!    I wanted to chat with Aaron to learn more about what the race series is all about - and that’s...

Meet Jeromy Farkas - former City Councilor and passionate political advocate. After an outspoken tenure on Calgary's City Council, Jeromy ran for Mayor in 2021, facing a significant setback when he lost to Jyoti Gondek. In this episode, Jeromy shares how he turned that disappointment into inspiration, demonstrating that failure is not the opposite of success—it’s part of the journey. Tune in...

Meet Michael Allemeier - Certified Master Chef and Instructor of Culinary Arts at SAIT Polytechnic. Micheal Allemeier has truly mastered his craft, and he seems to have as much energy now as he did when his journey began.  The hospitality industry can quickly burn people out - so how is Michael still thriving after a long career?  Well, let’s find out… Follow Michael Allemeier: Instagram Follow Ex...

Before COVID got in the way  - Samara Franzky was on the WBN Team and rode the Alberta Ride To Conquer Cancer every summer!  WBN stands for Wednesday Beer Night - while they weren’t the best team, they certainly looked the best, raised a ton of money for the fight against cancer, and had a blast! I met up with Samara to learn more about the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer and how people can get i...

What happens if you make the NHL - but you’re not quite Wayne Gretzky?  Sean Pronger wrote a book about his experience as a Journeyman in the NHL to answer that question.  His book is honest - he describes his career without any “sugar-coating” - and it’s hilarious!  On the podcast,  Sean shares some of his favourite stories from the book, his childhood,  and his life after hockey.  Sean is joinin...

If you’ve never heard of Give A Mile you need to listen to this podcast!  Kevin Crowe founded Give A Mile almost a decade ago after losing a close friend.  Their mission is to provide flights for people at end-of-life to connect with their loved ones for a final goodbye.   Kevin is also an adventure racer!  He’s ran and paddle-boarded around the world - and his stories are incredible.  He’s 1-part...

Welcome to the Explore84 Podcast!  Today I sat down with Dr. Greg Long, my good friend and co-founder of The Explore84 Project , to explain what it’s all about. The first season of the podcast starts next week with a new podcast being released each Monday.  If you would like to learn how to create your own EXPLORE84 journey connect with us on our website - explore84.com . Follow Greg: Website | In...