The Reflect-On Podcast

Trevor Stooke began in a world where "Saying yes and doing the right thing was more important than saying no and doing your thing." And yet, his starvation of authenticity was the gift that led to his pursuance of radical creativity. This and more is what led to him to create Agenda Marketing, a company that celebrates what he calls the "soul of creativity." Trevor's journey exemplifies how entren...

Mahlon Head was forced into foreign mental territory when he suffered the tragic loss of his mother in 2021. Although he experienced seemingly insurmountable levels of hardship, he learned to look inward during his Grief Journey, which catalyzed lessons in loneliness, vulnerability, and our universal connectivity. This and more led to the co-founding Friends of Felix , a brand that seeks to suppor...

Christopher Warren is a board member, coach, and inspiring entrepreneur. His combination of curiosity, honesty, and drive are most recognizable in his creations of life. Expect to learn how recalibration can afford opportunities never seen before, including the frameworks that Chris employs and is trying anew. As well, he discusses how to be honest with yourself, where service to others lies in pe...

Dr. Adrienne Shnier is a professor, mother, lawyer, and owner of Apply Yourself Global. In this conversation we understand how Adrienne finds more value in truly respecting her time rather than simply scheduling it. This leads to tactful thought experiments that can help ensure every reflection of time spent is a successful one. We also discuss the forces of trust, and who to trust most in order f...

Dr. Adrienne Shnier is a mother, professor, founder of her own law firm and Apply Yourself Global. Her entrepreneurial spirit is a shining example of what can be achieved with a true understanding of one's values and the determination to maintain their truth while acting in service. Expect to learn how Adrienne's personal drive was fostered through periods of hardship in her earlier life, and how...

Alison Fung is an Investigator who recently transitioned from a traditional lawyer's path and is still unpacking her newest decisions. Perhaps most catalytic to her changes was Alison's drive for equity and giving a voice to those who have become more silenced in our modern world, all while attempting to remain as true to herself as possible. In this conversation, expect to learn learn about some...

Michael Kostka is a former National Hockey League Player who had perhaps a more difficult path to his peak athleticism, but also a most rewarding one. Growing up, Mike was enthralled of his introversion and used it to propel introspection; A skill that blossomed so many of his other passions, notwithstanding his hockey, golf, and constant mental improvements. His path has led him to now serve othe...

"I was free to create. There was no roadmap...And you just take risks." Though being in the relative middle-class, Yahaya Baruwa grew up in an impoverished part of Nigeria where materialism was scarce, but creativity was not. Whether it was creating toy cars out of bottle caps and milk cans, or using plastic bags or socks for soccer balls, Yahaya chooses to feel grateful for being so free in his e...

"The times where I didn't get the outcome that I wanted, and I sensed those were missing...Those are the hardest moments to accept." Jonathan Viscosi is a professional football (soccer) player that has lived his childhood dreams in ways he never actually envisioned. From playing locally in Ontario to representing his country during collegiate years, to playing in Europe and obtaining a Master's De...

"One thing that reflects life in cycling is that once you stop pedaling, you'll stop." John Barry is a small-town-born entrepreneur that gains his biggest fulfilments in life through spending time with family, providing dedicated care to his clients, and living a life in purpose for something greater than himself. By following his early childhood aspirations and entering in as a third-generation r...

Stephanie Iannacchino grew up dreaming about photography while being inspired by her entrepreneurial parents. Naturally, the pressures of societal success measurements drew her into the corporate world before deciding to go all-in on her fears. While hearing about Stephanie's journey, we discuss the fear of failure and how it manifests into ignorance of the childhood self. She reflects on where he...

This episode is meant to embody the spirit of what The Reflect-On Podcast is about. From finding your worth and building perspectives to celebrations we can all share, some of the most impactful lessons are summarized from the start of this journey. Expect to gain a culmination of the conversations had over the 10 episodes along with some uncut thoughts and experiments to help move you forward. No...

Imrun Texeira is a highly sought-after chef that is trailblazing a path of uniqueness in the culinary industry. He has trained at the former #1 ranked restaurant in the world, competed on the TV series Top Chef and Chopped, and been recognized as one of Canada's Top 30-Under-30 in the Hospitality Leader's space. Inspired by his fondest memories, multicultural roots, and teachings that all span aro...

"It was one thing that somebody couldn't take away from me..." ***If you have yet to listen to the first Part, please navigate back to WARCHILD: PART 1 - A STORY OF SURVIVAL WITH HELGA FLOWER.*** Helga Flower was a child of war, Born German in 1939 and residing in Czechoslovakia near the Austrian border, her and her family had to fight to survive in countless ways. In this episode, Helga reflects...

A story of survival, a plethora of perspectives gained, and an ability to reflect on what war brings to humanity. Helga Flower was a child of war, Born German in 1939 and residing in Czechoslovakia near the Austrian border, her and her family had to fight to survive in countless ways. This episode contains first-hand accounts of what Helga's journey was like growing up during World War II: Being f...

This is PART TWO of a two-part mini-series with Aatik Chopra. In this episode, Aatik describes his unique experiences on his 10-Day Vipassana Meditation Course, including how severe pain, numbness, and failures led to the biggest lessons translatable to life. As well, Aatik reflects on the key differences between psychedelic and severe meditative experiences which leads to the discussion of how po...

Aatik Chopra is an introspective powerhouse who had the traditional paths to success ready for him in his early twenties. Instead of taking the conventional routes, Aatik changed career paths, cities, and his mindset in ways that cultivated the purest forms of life. Whether it's interaction with formerly-incarcerated individuals for assisted re-emergence, inspiring the youth of today in innovative...

Craig O'Neill is currently the CEO of IWave, an organization that empowers nonprofits to engage in deeper philanthropic pursuits for a greater societal impact, amongst several other things. He is also a loving family member, an expert in the fintech field, and plays an inspiring role in his community. Craig substituted the life of a career-musician for one of an entrepreneur, and he truly believes...

Kirsi Maharaj loves bringing people together and challenges the boundaries of traditional Human Resources. She has been awarded as Canada's top Human Resources rising star, amongst several other professional accolades, but she is perhaps more motivated by her personal progress in life. We discuss how perfectionism can lead to procrastination, how a key to moving forward is actually to connect your...

Christopher Warren's professional role is the Executive Director for Sustainability Leadership. He is also a member of multiple boards ranging from sports to governmental travel regulations. A worldwide traveler himself, Chris is also a coach, a former Head Scout for Scouts Canada, and a fantastic critical thinker. That said, Chris often practices disassociation with a single identity and instead...

Dr. Taylor Thurston is a Naturopathic Doctor that uses her own experiences to empower the conversation and treatment of her clients. Among several anecdotes, she opens up about her journey of mental health which leads to the understanding that how vulnerability is strong, but also scary. We also reflect on the current graces, challenges, and opportunities within a developed healthcare system, and...

Jim Roche is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who is the CEO of Stratford Consulting Group, Think RF, and the Chairman of the Board for Ballard Power Corp. Perhaps more impressive than Jim's entrepreneurial accolades is his character. He is incredibly dedicated to the concepts of curiosity, community, and fulfilment. But as Jim explains, these traits and more are a result of nature and nurture, suc...