The Unlikely Innovators

Mike and Steve sit down with Max Massimiliano, the pizza legend behind Don’s Pizza, for a loaded episode of Unlikely Innovators. The crew talks all things pizza, the upcoming HSN Pizza Eating Contest, local politics, community, and the burning question of the year: can Mike dethrone an NHL player and take the top spot in this year’s contest? Pull up a chair, grab a slice, and enjoy the conversatio...

This week, we’re inside the ovens, stories, and serious hustle behind one of Sudbury’s go-to Italian bakeries. Paolo Massimiliano joins The Unlikely Innovators to talk tradition, taste, community, and the kind of craft that keeps people lined up and coming back. From old-school Italian baking to building a shop with real soul, Paolo breaks down what makes his bakery more than just a place to grab...

Mike and Steve welcome back almost-show-regular Gabe Roy from Stitch and Stone for a dive into fashion hot takes, Sudbury style, and a very questionable Sudbury Top 5. Clothes. Chaos. Class. Gabe Roy. Like, comment, and subscribe for more Unlikely Innovators.

This week on The Unlikely Innovators Podcast , Steve and Mike sit down with Sudbury curling superstar and Olympic bronze medalist Tracy Fleury. From growing up in Northern Ontario to competing on the biggest stage in sports, Tracy shares what it’s really like chasing Olympic dreams while carrying the pride of a hockey-and-curling obsessed country on your shoulders.

This week on The Unlikely Innovators, Mike and Steve are joined by Sudbury’s own Mauro Nero — a well-known local character and the show’s special correspondent. Mauro brings his unique perspective, local stories, and signature personality to the conversation as the guys dive into life in Sudbury, community characters, and the unexpected paths that make someone an unlikely innovator. Expect laughs,...

From unforgettable stories to hard-earned wisdom, Joe delivers the energy, perspective, and authenticity that have made him a legend. This episode dives into the moments that shaped him, the mindset behind longevity, and why passion still matters.

Mike and Steve sit down with Cameron Lizotte, the creative force behind the iconic Great Canadian Jersey. Cameron shares the story behind the design, the inspiration that brought it to life, and what it takes to turn a bold idea into a national symbol. From creative process to unexpected challenges, it’s a conversation about innovation, identity, and betting big on a vision. Plus… Steve gets sandb...

Mike and Steve welcome Marie Litalien, President and CEO of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, to The Unlikely Innovators for a candid conversation about leadership, advocacy, and driving economic growth in the region.

On the season finale of the Unlikely Innovators, Mike and Steve sat down with Andrea Benoit, aka NOVA, to talk about her journey into professional wrestling. Andrea talked about balancing her career as a police officer with her aspirations in the ring. She talked about some of her wrestling influences, how she decided on the name NOVA, and some of the finer points of the industry. Andrea did put t...

On this week's episode, the guys sat down with Marla Tremblay, Executive Director of MineConnect. Marla chatted about her career in economic development, her transition to working with the mining industry, and the future of MineConnect. Anyone who knows Marla knows that she knows how to put a good event, so she also shared some of the keys to hosting a successful networking event.

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve sat down with Kerry Lamarche, Executive Director of Kivi Park. Kerry talked about her journey to taking on this exciting role, how Kivi Park has evolved over the years, and some of its future plans. Kerry also shared her passion for Hyrox competitions.

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve chopped it up with Dario Zulich, CEO of Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment. Dario talked about sports ownership, how SWSE commissioned the world's largest goal light, making Sudbury a sports destination, and his white shirt philosophy.

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve sat down with Kim Brouzes, CEO of Kinmetrix. Kim talked about her journey from athletic therapist to entrepreneur, how her new venture, Kinmetrix, aims to prevent concussions in sport, and why Brad Pitt's character, Sonny Hayes, in the F1 movie should've been using the Kinmetrix Arc.

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Gabrielle Roy, founder and CEO of Stitch & Stone, back to the show. Gabrielle talked about how she is balanced brick and mortar and growing the brand's online presence, Stitch & Stone's 10-year anniversary, and how she's always able to pull off a stylish hat with her looks.

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed the honourable Paul Lefebvre, mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury, to their studio at Eastlink. Paul talked about the importance of non-partisanship to get things done, the generational opportunity of critical minerals, balancing thinking long-term while working within the reality of four-year terms, and how he's making Sudbury more of a business-fr...

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve were joined by Cody Ruberto, founder and CEO of Uride. Cody talked about why he decided to start Uride, its importance to small communities across Canada, and his plans for expansion around the world. They also shared some stories about their love for Thunder Bay, Cody's hometown.

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve sat down with bestselling author Waubgeshig Rice. Waubgeshig talked about pursuing his passion for storytelling, writing in the post-apocalyptic genre, staying true to his vision, and some of his next book projects. As a diehard Leafs fan, Waub also gave some predictions for the team a couple of months before the season began.

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Daryl Adams, President of RufDiamond, back to the show. Daryl talked about transitioning from a career in the armed forces and policing to business, the Fat Truck platform, his leadership style, and what's in his "everyday carry."

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve sat down with Kelly Scott, GM of Barrydowne Paint. Kelly talked about how the paint industry is more innovative than you think and how she is revolutionizing how retailers sell paint through her new venture, Paint Pass. And, of course, Kelly also shared some painting tips.

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve sat down with Mauro Nero, owner of Mr. Nero Contracting & Restoration. Mauro talked about his journey into owning his family business, building on his father's legacy, and hidden treasures found at job sites. Mauro also shared a couple of his sports predictions for the year.

The Unlikely Innovators is back for its fifth season. To kick things off, Mike and Steve sat down with the legendary Peter Dal Bianco in their Eastlink TV Community studio. Peter talked about his humble beginnings, growing his businesses, and how he took on goliaths in the industry.

On the latest Unlikely Innovators, Mike and Steve with Lauren Tedesco, COO of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association (APMA) live at the fourth annual BEV In-Depth: Mines to Mobility conference in Sudbury. Lauren talked about her roots as a "car girl," her journey into the automotive sector, the importance of the APMA's Project Arrow, and her role on the Board of Governor...

On the latest episode, Mike and Steve chatted with Matt McMullen, founder and COO of Realbotix, and Andrew Kiguel, the company's Executive Chairman and CEO, along with their AI-enabled humanoid robot, Aria, live at the Ontario Centre for Innovation's DiscoveryX conference.

On the latest episode, Mike and Steve chatted with Edwin Reilly, co-founder and Managing Partner of Freelandt Caldwell Reilly, LLP, in front a live audience at Cambrian College's Hanson Venture Lab. Edwin talked about taking the leap to going into business for himself, how FCR maintained its culture and core values as it grew, and how it has continued to find ways to innovate. Finally, Edwin a...

On the latest Unlikely Innovators, Mike and Steve welcomed Andy Fenos, President of iDESIGN 365. Andy talked about how his company helps empower STEM students and educators with robotics and 3D printing. Andy also talked about the exciting world of VEX Robotics and how those competitions put students on the path towards rewarding careers in STEM such as automation and robotics.