On The Brink

The announcement of the Northwood Pulp closure has sent shockwaves through British Columbia's forest sector and the communities that depend on it. In this solo episode, entrepreneur and forestry advocate John Brink shares his perspective on what led to this moment, the challenges facing the industry, and what must happen to secure a stronger future for forestry in BC.

Gloria Vanderhorst began her career as a psychologist working with preschool children, primarily boys who were often perceived by female teachers as problematic because of their exuberance and physical energy. Many of these boys were labeled as hyperactive or attention-deficient, leading Gloria to explore the deeper emotional and developmental factors influencing their behaviour. Her work frequently brought fathers into the therapeutic process, where they examined their own emotional struggles. Through these experiences, Gloria gained unique insight into how society often limits boys' and men's access to the full range of emotions necessary for developing a healthy sense of self and meaningful relationships.

Josh Chernikoff is an entrepreneur, educator, and founder who has spent more than two decades building and leading businesses in the education space. After experiencing a serious heart health scare despite being active, healthy, and having none of the obvious warning signs, Josh became passionate about helping entrepreneurs understand the hidden cost of stress, pressure, and high performance. Today, Josh speaks openly about entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, burnout, preventive health, and what it means to protect the person behind the business. His message is simple: success should not come at the expense of your health, and entrepreneurs need to get checked before their body forces the conversation.

Nella Dwyer is an Irish singer-songwriter, executive performance coach, internationally recognized ADHD expert, neurodiversity consultant and podcast host whose career spans elite performance, neuroscience, leadership and the global entertainment industry.Best known to millions as the featured vocalist on *World of Warcraft*, Nella has built an international music career defined by excellence. She has achieved multiple No. 1 music releases, performed for audiences of thousands with Video Games Live across China and Europe, collaborated with Emmy and Grammy-winning composers and producers, and worked alongside some of the most respected names in film, television and video game music. Her career has been featured on Irish television, and she continues to record and release original music while preparing for her move to Los Angeles later this year. Behind the success is an extraordinary story of resilience. After becoming a teenage mother, Nella built an international career from Ireland while raising her daughter, who is now thriving at university. Her journey has become the foundation of her life's work - helping ambitious people realize that extraordinary success is possible regardless of where they begin. Alongside her music career, Nella has become a trusted voice in ADHD, executive performance and neurodiversity. Trained by ADDCA, the world's leading ADHD coach training institution, she helps founders, CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, investors, performers and high-achieving creatives transform ADHD into a strategic advantage. Her clients learn how to think more clearly, lead more effectively, regulate emotions under pressure and achieve sustained high performance without burnout. She also advises multinational organizations and NGOs on neurodiversity, leadership and unlocking exceptional talent. As the host of her own podcast, Nella explores the psychology of high performance, ADHD, creativity, entrepreneurship, resilience and human potential through honest, insightful conversations that challenge conventional thinking. Nella divides her time between Ireland and Los Angeles and brings a rare perspective that bridges world-class creativity with executive performance. She is equally at home discussing neuroscience, entrepreneurship and leadership as she is the realities of performing on global stages, building a music career, overcoming adversity and creating lasting success.

Pamela Maria De La Luz is an entrepreneur, brand builder, and longtime tequila industry professional whose career spans more than two decades. After spending years learning every aspect of the tequila business, she embarked on an ambitious three-year journey to create AgaveLuz—an organic, additive-free tequila brand built on authenticity, craftsmanship, and purpose. Rather than simply launching another premium spirit, Pamela designed a company that proves commercial success and meaningful social impact can go hand in hand. Her entrepreneurial journey is filled with practical lessons for founders, business leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs. From product development and supplier relationships to branding, retail distribution, marketing, and consumer psychology, Pamela has experienced the realities of building a consumer brand from the ground up. She openly shares the challenges of bringing a vision to life, overcoming setbacks, navigating a highly competitive marketplace, and remaining committed to long-term goals when the path forward is anything but easy. Beyond business, Pamela is deeply committed to animal welfare. For more than 15 years, she has dedicated her time, resources, and advocacy to supporting animal rescue organizations. Her passion is reflected in her own home, where she cares for 11 rescued cats and four rescued dogs. Rather than viewing charitable giving as something separate from business, she intentionally embedded philanthropy into the very foundation of AgaveLuz. Through AgaveLuz, every bottle sold contributes to animal welfare organizations, allowing customers to support rescue efforts simply by choosing the brand. The company's impact extends even further through partnerships with restaurants and hospitality venues that feature AgaveLuz cocktails, generating additional fundraising opportunities for animal rescue initiatives. This purpose-driven business model demonstrates how brands can create lasting value for both customers and communities while remaining commercially successful. Pamela's work has earned recognition from respected media outlets including the *Los Angeles Times*, *Orange County Register*, *LA Weekly*, *San Diego Union-Tribune*, and *Tasting Panel Magazine*. AgaveLuz is also available through *Total Wine & More* and numerous retail partners, reflecting the brand's growing reputation within the premium spirits industry. As a podcast guest, Pamela delivers candid, experience-driven conversations about entrepreneurship, resilience, innovation, and purpose. She offers audiences an inside look at what it truly takes to build a consumer product brand from concept to retail shelves, create meaningful partnerships, understand evolving consumer behavior, and grow a values-driven company in a competitive marketplace. Her story resonates with entrepreneurs, business owners, marketers, animal advocates, and anyone interested in building a successful business without compromising their principles.

Nathan Graham is the author of *Why Won't He Just Log Off?*, a speaker, coach, entrepreneur, AI consultant, and father. His work sits at the intersection of technology, human behavior, family connection, leadership, and personal growth. Through his work with families, parents, partners, communities, and business owners, Nathan helps people better understand the growing challenges of video game addiction, excessive screen time, digital dependency, and our increasingly complicated relationship with technology. Rather than focusing solely on limiting devices, Nathan explores the deeper emotional, social, and psychological needs that often drive excessive gaming, disconnection, avoidance, or digital overuse. His approach helps parents, partners, and families move beyond constant conflict, strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and reconnect with the person behind the screen. As the founder and CEO of Synthetic Echo, an AI and technology company, Nathan also helps small businesses, entrepreneurs, speakers, authors, and organizations understand how to use AI in practical, human-centered ways. He believes technology should not replace connection, creativity, or leadership — it should help us amplify them. Drawing from personal experience, extensive research, years of coaching, leadership, entrepreneurship, and his work in technology, Nathan provides practical, real-world strategies that families and business owners can implement immediately. His mission is simple: help people understand the needs behind behavior, whether that behavior shows up in a child who won't log off, a teen who is withdrawing, a partner who feels disconnected, a business owner overwhelmed by technology, or a leader trying to adapt in a fast-changing world. 

Janylene Turcotte lives in Quebec's Laurentians, surrounded by forests and the quiet that inspires both her life and her work.In the fall of 2026, she will launch her first exclusive client retreat, **Richesses inconscientes**—a four-day immersive experience designed for just twenty participants. Bringing her clients together in one place has long been one of her professional dreams. Her companion, Felipe, a phantom toy poodle, is the unofficial leader of her practice. Adopting her first dog at age 57 reinforced a belief that has shaped her life: it is never too late to embrace new experiences and continue growing. Janylene received an academic bursary from HEC Montréal in recognition of her outstanding academic performance, demonstrating that curiosity and discipline can go hand in hand. Yet throughout her career, she has also learned that potential often speaks louder than credentials. More than once, employers entrusted her with significant opportunities because they recognized her capabilities beyond what appeared on paper—from leading the integration of two law firms following a merger to landing her first human resources role while she was still completing her studies. Committed to her own growth, Janylene works continuously with a coach, intentionally choosing someone whose perspective differs greatly from her own. She believes that personal development flourishes when we challenge our assumptions and expand our worldview. Respect and freedom are the two values that guide every aspect of her life and work. They are reflected in the lasting relationships she has maintained, including friendships spanning more than 45 years. An avid podcast listener, lifelong learner, and passionate walker, Janylene does some of her best thinking outdoors. Her fascination with meaningful conversations began early—when she was a child, she would record herself pretending to interview people, asking and answering her own questions. Decades later, that same curiosity continues to fuel her work. She is the author of a book on sobriety and is a frequent podcast guest, enjoying thoughtful conversations from the other side of the microphone. Fluent in both English and French, she moves effortlessly between executive-level discussions and deeply human conversations. She has a love for art, home design, and authentic connection. She laughs easily, doesn't take herself too seriously, and believes the work itself deserves the utmost seriousness.

John Geyston has spent more than four decades transforming lives through the discipline of martial arts, coaching, and personal development. With over 42 years of experience as an instructor and mentor, he has dedicated his career to helping people of all ages build confidence, resilience, and the mindset needed to reach their full potential. A highly respected martial artist, Hanshi John believes that true success extends far beyond physical achievement. His life's work has focused on developing character, leadership, emotional intelligence, and self-belief—qualities that empower individuals both on and off the mat. Inspired by his passion for helping young people thrive, John recently authored Embrace Your Awesome, a confidence-building journal designed for children ages 8 to 12. More than just a book, it is an interactive guide that encourages kids to develop self-esteem, emotional resilience, empathy, healthy relationships, and a positive mindset through guided reflection and journaling. H is mission is simple but powerful: to help children recognize their unique strengths and believe in the incredible potential they already possess. Whether he's coaching athletes, mentoring families, speaking to audiences, or inspiring the next generation through his writing, John brings infectious enthusiasm, decades of wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to helping others become the very best version of themselves. In this conversation, John shares lessons learned from more than 40 years of teaching, why confidence is a skill that can be developed, the transformative power of journaling, and how parents, educators, and coaches can help children embrace who they are and build a foundation for lifelong success.

Hugo van den Biggelaar is a Dutch entrepreneur, former Nike brand leader, and the founder of BITSing USA, a proven business growth methodology that has helped more than 1,000 organizations accelerate performance over the past three decades. Originally developed in Europe and now being introduced to the United States from his base in Brooklyn, New York, BITSing has delivered measurable results for some of the world's most recognized brands, including HP Enterprise, DHL, BMW, Heineken, Shell, and KLM. Unlike traditional growth frameworks that often rely on trends, assumptions, or endless strategic planning, BITSing is built on a simple but powerful principle: focus on what has already been proven to work. By identifying where growth is being blocked and determining the most impactful actions to take at the right moment, organizations can unlock significant and sustainable growth. Under the BITSing methodology, HP Enterprise achieved 168% revenue growth across 72 countries, DHL increased revenue by 22%, and BMW tripled its market share to become Europe's fastest-growing automotive brand. These results stem from a disciplined approach that prioritizes timing, sequence, and execution over complexity. Hugo's core message challenges conventional business thinking: most companies are not failing because they are doing the wrong things—they are failing because they are doing the right things in the wrong order and at the wrong time. Through his inspiration sessions, workshops, and consulting work, Hugo helps founders, executives, and leadership teams diagnose growth bottlenecks, eliminate guesswork, and make confident decisions that drive meaningful business results. His mission is to bring one of Europe's most successful growth methodologies to the American market and help organizations achieve breakthrough performance through clarity, focus, and proven action

Gaylen Wilson is a heart transplant survivor, 20-years-sober former alcoholic, relationship author, erectile dysfunction advocate, Certified Thriving Relationship Coach, and founder of The Monument Method Institute with his wife Heather.Gaylen's life has not been one comeback. It has been a series of forced reinventions.After farm failure, a collapsed stockbroker career, alcoholism, sobriety, career disruption after 9/11, rebuilding as a computer repairman, and later becoming a successful field-service technician, Gaylen faced the largest crisis of his life.In 2014, a virus attacked his heart and left him in end-stage heart failure. For the next three and a half years, he and Heather lived through hospital rooms, fear, financial pressure, uncertainty, lost intimacy, disability, and the reality that without a transplant, he was going to die.On June 19, 2018, Gaylen sat Heather down and told her he likely had only a few months left. About thirty minutes later, the transplant center called. The next morning, he received a new heart.That experience left him with one driving question:What do you do with years you were never guaranteed?For more than five years, Gaylen helped inside two of the largest erectile dysfunction support communities on Facebook, serving roughly 60,000 men and partners. Through thousands of conversations, he saw that ED is often far more than a bedroom problem. It can become a mental-health crisis involving shame, anxiety, depression, avoidance, masculinity collapse, and relationship damage.Those experiences helped shape The Monument Method, a relationship system focused on emotional safety, conflict repair, intimacy restoration, personal responsibility, and protecting the bond under pressure.Gaylen and Heather are also building MVP — Monument Validated Person — a relationship-readiness dating platform designed for people who want to prepare for healthier relationships before they start dating.His mission is simple: to help people build relationships strong enough that neither person has to survive life alone anymore.

Elena Komarova is a strategic PR consultant and the founder of After Comma Agency, an NYC-headquartered firm at the intersection of AI, tech, and public relations.Her track record of rapid growth began at age 21, when she built a top-10 national PR agency in Russia—an achievement that later qualified her for a US Extraordinary Ability visa at age 23. Currently directing a team of 30+ specialists and generating $500K in revenue, Lena combines youth-driven market insights with proven executive leadership.

AJ Bubb has spent the last 15 years helping organizations navigate one of the most difficult challenges in business: turning ambitious ideas into meaningful change.Throughout his career, he has operated at the intersection of technology, leadership, and transformation, working with organizations ranging from global enterprises to rapidly growing mid-market companies. Early roles with Accenture and Amazon Web Services (AWS) gave AJ a front-row seat to some of the world's most ambitious innovation initiatives. Those experiences shaped a perspective that continues to guide his work today: technology alone does not create transformation—people do.Over the years, AJ witnessed both sides of the innovation equation. He saw organizations invest heavily in emerging technologies without achieving meaningful results, and he saw others create lasting competitive advantages by taking a thoughtful, human-centered approach to change. The difference between those outcomes became the foundation of his career.Today, AJ is the founder of MXP Studio, a fractional AI strategy consultancy focused on helping mid-market organizations successfully adopt and integrate artificial intelligence. Working primarily with companies in the $50 million to $500 million range, he helps leadership teams identify practical opportunities for AI, build realistic implementation roadmaps, and execute transformation initiatives without disrupting culture, overwhelming employees, or creating unnecessary risk.In addition to his consulting work, AJ is the host of Facing Disruption, a growing leadership-focused platform with nearly 40,000 followers. Through candid conversations with executives, founders, and innovators, he explores the realities of leading through uncertainty, disruption, and technological change. The show was born from a simple observation: the most valuable leadership conversations often happen behind closed doors. AJ's mission is to bring those conversations into the open, helping leaders learn from one another's successes, failures, and hard-earned lessons.AJ is also a contributor to the Forbes Technology Council and the founder of Convia, an early-stage technology venture. As a strong advocate for hands-on experimentation, he believes leaders should actively use the technologies they discuss. His commitment to learning through building has placed him at the forefront of AI-accelerated development and the emerging world of "vibe coding." In less than 60 days, AJ generated more than 980,000 lines of code on the Lovable platform, earning recognition among the top 1% of users globally.What distinguishes AJ is his pragmatic approach to innovation. He does not chase hype cycles or make exaggerated promises about the future of AI. Instead, he focuses on helping leaders understand both the opportunities and the realities of technological transformation. Having witnessed AI implementations fail, transformation programs stall, and leadership teams struggle under the weight of constant change, he brings an honest and balanced perspective to every conversation.At the same time, AJ has seen what is possible when organizations get it right. He has watched leaders unlock new levels of productivity, innovation, and growth by combining emerging technologies with strong leadership, clear communication, and a people-first mindset.Whether speaking on a podcast, advising executives, or leading strategic discussions, AJ's message remains consistent: successful transformation is not about technology. It is about people. The organizations that thrive in the age of AI will not be those that adopt the most tools—they will be the ones that empower their people to use those tools with purpose, confidence, and clarity. 

Bryant Oberg is the founder of Human Co-Pilot, an AI adoption and advisory company focused on helping business owners, professionals, and organizations navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence with clarity and confidence.His journey into AI began long before it became a mainstream business conversation. In late 2024, Bryant found himself enthusiastically encouraging friends, family, and colleagues to experiment with ChatGPT. His message was simple: "You have to try this." At the time, few people were paying attention. While Bryant could see the transformative potential of AI, most people viewed it as a novelty rather than a practical tool.Recognizing the gap between the technology and everyday users, Bryant launched a series of AI Adoption Sessions—30-minute workshops designed to make ChatGPT approachable, useful, and unintimidating. What began as a simple effort to help people understand AI quickly evolved into a thriving business built around a powerful realization: most people don't need more technology; they need guidance on how to use it effectively.Before founding Human Co-Pilot, Bryant spent years working in finance, restructuring, bankruptcy, and distressed investing. His career involved helping businesses navigate complex challenges, evaluating high-pressure situations, and finding practical paths forward when uncertainty was at its highest. That experience shaped the way he thinks about business, strategy, and decision-making.While finance taught him how to think like a businessman, AI taught him how to think like an entrepreneur.Today, Bryant believes the greatest value of artificial intelligence isn't simply access to more information—it's the ability to create clarity. In a world flooded with tools, content, and constant change, people are overwhelmed by options and uncertain where to begin. Bryant's work focuses on helping clients cut through that noise, identify what matters most, and use AI as a practical extension of their capabilities.Through Human Co-Pilot, he helps organizations implement AI workflows, trains teams on effective AI adoption, and coaches leaders on how to integrate AI into their daily operations. His approach is rooted in a simple philosophy: start with the human, then bring in the AI.Rather than focusing on technology for technology's sake, Bryant emphasizes context, strategy, and practical outcomes. He believes successful AI adoption is fundamentally a human challenge—not a software challenge. The most powerful AI tools in the world are only as effective as the people leading them.Known for translating complex concepts into plain language, Bryant positions AI not as a replacement for human thinking, but as a thinking partner, operating assistant, and strategic amplifier. His goal is to help people think more clearly, work more effectively, and make better decisions while remaining deeply human in an AI-shaped world.At the heart of everything Bryant does is a simple mission: helping people move from confusion to clarity, and from uncertainty to confident action.

Dr. Ben Olmos brings a rare combination of real-world operating experience, academic rigor, and current hands-on startup building. He spent more than 30 years in the consumer packaged goods industry working with Fortune 500 companies and emerging brands, giving him deep insight into how large organizations actually make decisions, execute strategy, and scale. In parallel, he has spent over 20 years in higher education teaching business students from undergraduate through doctoral levels, which allows him to translate complex ideas into clear, practical frameworks audiences can immediately apply.Today, he is the founder of DissedMedia and The Daily Pitch and the author of 10 Topics to Help Managers, Leaders & Entrepreneurs Get Better at What They Do. He also hosts the podcast DissedMedia: A Startup Story, where he documents the real journey of building a media company while interviewing founders and operators about what works, what fails, and why. This perspective allows him to speak not just from past success, but from current experience in the trenches.Listeners typically gain actionable insights on leadership, execution, decision-making, fundraising, growth, and the realities behind entrepreneurship that are often overlooked in purely motivational conversations. Dr. Olmos is particularly effective for audiences of founders, operators, managers, and professionals who want practical guidance rather than theory alone.He is a strong guest for shows focused on business, leadership, entrepreneurship, career growth, organizational effectiveness, or innovation, and he adapts easily to both strategic discussions and tactical, example-driven conversations.

Colin Corby is the CEO and Founder of Technology Wellbeing Ltd, creator of The Digital Detox Coach, a TEDx speaker, digital wellbeing expert, technologist, and accomplished endurance athlete. Since founding The Digital Detox Coach in 2018, Colin has helped individuals and organizations around the world develop healthier, more productive, and more sustainable relationships with technology in an increasingly connected world. With a career in technology spanning more than three decades, Colin's personal journey began in the early 1990s when chronic stress started taking a toll on his health. Despite a successful career and involvement in groundbreaking technology projects, he found himself facing a critical turning point. Determined to regain control of his wellbeing, Colin committed himself to improving his fitness, discovering firsthand the profound connection between physical resilience, mental strength, and overall performance. What started as a personal challenge evolved into a lifelong pursuit of excellence. Through years of disciplined training, Colin progressed from rebuilding his health to competing in masters swimming and triathlon events, ultimately completing four Ironman triathlons. Along the way, he became deeply fascinated by the psychology and neuroscience of high performance, studying the mindset that enables endurance athletes to overcome adversity, build resilience, and achieve extraordinary goals. This exploration led Colin to a new and urgent area of focus: the intersection of technology, psychology, and human behaviour. Recognizing the profound impact digital devices were having on attention, wellbeing, productivity, and relationships, he dedicated himself to understanding how people can thrive in an increasingly digital world. Today, Colin is recognized as a leading voice in digital wellbeing, helping audiences navigate the challenges and opportunities created by modern technology and artificial intelligence. Through keynote presentations, coaching programs, and thought leadership, he empowers people to take back control of their time, focus, energy, and mental wellbeing without disconnecting from the benefits of innovation. Colin's work is driven by a powerful belief: technology should enhance human potential, not diminish it. His mission is to help individuals and organizations create healthier digital habits, build greater resilience, and unlock peak performance in a world that is more connected than ever before.

Alan Lazaros is the Founder and CEO of Next Level University, a global personal development company and Top 100 podcast dedicated to helping individuals reach their full potential in health, wealth, and love.His journey into personal growth was shaped by profound life experiences. At just two years old, Alan lost his birth father in a tragic car accident. Then, at age 26, after surviving a nearly fatal car accident of his own, he was forced to confront a life-changing question: despite achieving what appeared to be success from the outside, was he truly fulfilled on the inside?Having followed the traditional path toward what many consider the American Dream—earning undergraduate and graduate degrees and building a successful career in corporate America—Alan discovered that external achievement alone could not provide lasting fulfillment. This realization launched a relentless pursuit of self-improvement, personal development, and human potential.Today, Alan leads a global team of 23 professionals and has built Next Level University into a thriving seven-figure business with a worldwide impact. Through more than 2,300 podcast episodes and over one million listens across 180+ countries, he has inspired audiences around the globe to pursue greater purpose, performance, and personal growth.With more than 12,000 hours of coaching, training, speaking, and podcasting experience, Alan has spent over a decade helping individuals and organizations unlock higher levels of success. His message is rooted in a powerful belief: people are capable of far more than they realize, and with the right mindset, habits, and guidance, they can achieve extraordinary results over the long term.Alan's mission is simple yet transformative: to help others elevate every area of their lives and reach their own unique next level.

Recently retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), after 24 years as a special agent, Eric Robinson worked a range of crimes including white collar, counterterrorism, crimes against children, gangs, drugs, and public corruption. He served as a SWAT operator, a firearms instructor, and a tactics instructor. Eric will soon release his first book, a collection of the humorous, surprising, and intriguing moments from his career. The memoir combines his years in law enforcement with his career prior to the Bureau. Eric joined the FBI after 12 years in Christian ministry, to include pastoring a Baptist church in Western NY. With a background as a pastor and years of experience in HUMINT, recruiting and developing informants, Eric is a gifted and easy speaker. He uses humor to disarm and a quick wit to win people over.

Anil Gupta overcame suicide in 2008 and has since then formulated the Happiness Formula, The Happiness Test, the Relationship Score and the Relationship Ratio, spoken on Fox News, Harvard, Sky TV, Tedx, i Heart radio, written three international best sellers and founded The Happiness Score. He developed the Three Way Test to have immensely more success in relationships. He has spoken on many stages alongside Les Brown, Richard Branson, Marcus Lemonis, Daymond John, Sharon Lechter. Anil has spoken in 18 countries and had his work translated in 8 languages over 4 continents. He has spoken to crowds of over 10,000 people and has been invited by world leaders to meet them like the Dalai Lama, royalty, presidents and billionaires as well as general members of the public. Anil is on a mission to share his knowledge so that people can lead reacher fuller happier lives with  methodologies that are practical, powerful and with immediate results. As a world traveler, he has traveled to over 80 countries and experienced many cultures.

Chris Bingham is a retired Federal Police K9 handler whose life was forever changed by his remarkable partnership with K9 Tambo, a highly trained working dog who spent years protecting people, property, and critical infrastructure in service to his country.What began as a professional partnership evolved into an extraordinary bond built on trust, loyalty, and shared purpose. Following Tambo's retirement from active duty, he became a beloved member of Chris's family. Their journey took an unexpected turn when Tambo was diagnosed at age 11 with an aggressive form of cancer, launching a battle that would test both dog and handler in ways they never imagined.Thanks to the support of organizations such as Project K9 Hero, along with an incredible community of supporters, Tambo has received life-saving treatment and continues to defy the odds. His inspiring fight has captured the hearts of thousands, leading to special recognition, including being honored during the Philadelphia Phillies' Salute to Service celebration on his birthday.Today, Chris shares Tambo's story as a powerful testament to resilience, service, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine partners. Through their journey, audiences gain a unique perspective on the lives of working dogs after retirement, the challenges facing retired K9s, and the profound lessons Tambo continues to teach about courage, hope, perseverance, and never giving up when the odds are stacked against you.Together, Chris and Tambo inspire others to appreciate the extraordinary contributions of working dogs and remind us all that true heroes continue serving long after their official duties have ended. 

Danny Brassell is a globally recognized speaker, bestselling author, communication strategist, and storytelling expert who has spent decades helping leaders transform the way they connect, communicate, and inspire. Known by many as “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.” for his high energy delivery and unforgettable stage presence, Danny has spoken to more than 3,500 audiences around the world and continues to deliver over 100 keynote presentations every year.A former inner city teacher turned internationally sought after business communicator, Danny built his career around one core belief: stories change people. Whether speaking to entrepreneurs, executives, educators, or organizations, he teaches audiences how to turn personal experiences into powerful narratives that build trust, create influence, and drive meaningful action.Danny is the author of 21 books, including Leadership Begins with Motivation and Misfits and Crackpots, blending humor, wisdom, and Paul Harvey style storytelling into lessons that audiences remember long after the presentation ends. His ability to merge entertainment with actionable insight has made him one of the most dynamic voices in leadership communication today.

Chip Scholz is an executive coach, author, and storyteller who writes about how people grow, change, and eventually let go.For nearly 30 years, he has worked with leaders and organizations navigating transition, uncertainty, and growth. Earlier in his career, he worked in sales, management, and public affairs, where he saw firsthand how easily identity becomes tied to roles, titles, and recognition.A layoff later in life gave him an unexpected reset. He moved across the country with his family, started his own coaching practice, and began building a life centered less on status and more on usefulness.Over time, his work and writing have come to focus on a simple progression. First, we learn to lead ourselves. Then life forces us to live what we know. Eventually, leadership asks something harder—letting go of control, identity, or the need to be needed.That arc shows up across his books:  Small Decisions, Big Shifts explores how change actually happens;  Every Dog Has Its Day reflects what it looks like to live those changes;  Handoffs examines what it means to release control and pass something onAcross all three, Chip returns to the same idea: the moments that shape us are usually quiet, and the work of a life is learning how to respond to them.

Russell Van Brocklen is known as the Dyslexia Professor. He shifts daily reading frustrations into confident academic wins for students facing dyslexia.Russell is on a mission to change how families and educators approach reading struggles. While dyslexia affects up to 15–20% of learners, many parents still hear the disheartening phrase: “wait and see.” Russell flips that script. Drawing from structured literacy methods backed by science, he breaks down proven strategies into simple, actionable steps parents can use right away.With a gift for clarity and empowerment, he shows audiences why multisensory routines outperform generic worksheets—and how to spark real progress before the next report card arrives. 

In this update episode, we take a hard look at the growing crisis facing British Columbia's lumber industry. With increasing U.S. tariffs and duties crushing profitability, mills across the province are shutting down, reducing operations, or bleeding millions just to stay alive.We discuss the devastating impact these policies are having on workers, communities, and the future of one of Canada's most important industries. John also dives into the frustration many business owners are facing with financial institutions, despite government programs and support mechanisms that were designed to help Canadian businesses survive. This is an honest discussion about the realities on the ground in BC's forestry sector — the economic pressure, the uncertainty, and what needs to change before more jobs and communities are lost. 

Tania Cazin, of Stalwart Sales Training is a master sales trainer and the creator of the 12-Step Stalwart® Selling System, a proven behavioral science-based and field-tested methodology designed to drive revenues by up to 700% growth in a short time across industries. With a career spanning more than three decades, she began selling in 1989 and built her career to a consistent 90% closing ratio - from the ground up in commission-only, one-call close environments, consistently generating her own cold leads—a practice she continues to this day. Learn more about Tania and her 12-Step Stalwart® Selling System at StalwartSales.com

Nicole Kernohan is a TEDx speaker, high-performance coach, and bestselling author of Audacious Joy.For more than a decade, she has worked with entrepreneurs, founders, and growth-driven leaders who want to break through internal ceilings, elevate their thinking, and create extraordinary results in both business and life.

Arusyak Abrahamyan doesn't just practice family law — she has lived inside its most complex, high-stakes realities.A California-based family law attorney and seasoned litigator, Arusyak brings more than a decade of courtroom experience navigating high-conflict, high-asset divorce cases.Her clients are often entrepreneurs, professionals, and financially sophisticated individuals — people with something real to lose, and even more at stake emotionally. From intricate business valuations to contentious custody battles and multi-layered asset disputes, she operates where legal strategy and human complexity collide.But what truly sets Arusyak apart is not just what she's seen — it's what she's learned from it.Years inside the courtroom reshaped her perspective on marriage itself.

Brittany Trafis is the CEO and Co-Founder of Soarion Digital, an AI-native marketing agency helping brands navigate the shift to AI-driven marketing and AI Search through a blend of intelligent agents and human expertise.With a deep background in digital strategy, Brittany has led teams through every major evolution in performance marketing and now focuses on how AI is reshaping the way brands compete, connect, and convert. 

For more than three decades, Robert B. Tucker has helped leaders anticipate disruption, navigate uncertainty, and reinvent how they add value in times of accelerating change. A globally recognized futurist and innovation advisor, Robert brings practical insight, compelling storytelling, and real‑world experience to conversations about leadership, artificial intelligence, and the future of work.

Martha Wright is a shamanic medicine woman whose work is deeply rooted in lived experience, global exploration, and spiritual remembrance. Raised in a government family, Martha spent her formative years moving across countries and cultures—experiences that unknowingly initiated her into a path of profound soul reconnection. From time spent in a Buddhist temple in Kathmandu, to the sea cliffs of Ireland, to the Mayan ruins of Copán in Honduras, her journey has been anything but conventional.

In this must-see episode of On the Brink, we dive into the growing crisis facing British Columbia's forestry industry, where mill closures and economic pressure are reshaping communities across the province. We discuss what's driving the shutdown of lumber mills, the ripple effects on workers and local economies, and what this moment signals for the future of the industry.John speaks on resilience in uncertain times, highlighting the critical role of having a financial lending partner you can truly trust when markets turn and challenges arise.This podcast episode also addresses a recent news article about our company, offering a clear response while setting the record straight.

Award-winning and bestselling author, speaker, panelist, workshop presenter and voice actor Aaron Ryan lives in Washington with his wife and two sons, along with Macy the dog, Winston the cat, and the finches Inky, Pinky, Blinky & Clyde.He is the prolific author of the bestselling Dissonance 6-book alien invasion saga (one of which has been adapted for the screen and is actively being pitched to streaming networks!), the Christian dystopian fiction trilogy The End, the Talisman trilogy, the sci-fi thrillers Forecast, The Slide, and The Phoenix Experiment, the nonfiction books God Is Not Santa, You are my whole Earth: A Daddy's love for his Sons, You're Going Straight To Helen (In A Handbasket) and Aaron Ryan presents "A Lyrical Empirical Satirical Miracle," the children's picture books The Ring of Truth, The Sword of Joy and The Book of Power, the business reference books How to Successfully Self-Publish & Promote Your Self-Published Book and The Superhero Anomaly, 6 business books on voiceovers penned under his former stage name (Joshua Alexander), as well as a previous fictional novel, The Omega Room. 

Jay Setchell lives by a simple but powerful philosophy: don't ask why—ask why not. He believes life is shaped by the choices we make, and that at any moment, we have the ability to choose a different path forward. For Jay, purpose is not fixed—it evolves, and discovering it has the power to transform a life. Born and raised on a working farm, Jay learned early that nothing of true value comes without effort. That foundation of hard work and accountability carried through every chapter of his life—from his time in the Marine Corps to his work as an entrepreneur and corporate professional. Across industries and experiences, one principle has remained constant: never quit. Now in his mid-70s and living with significant physical limitations, Jay continues to defy expectations. Despite being mostly paralyzed, he remains actively involved in multiple ventures and has no intention of slowing down. His mindset is grounded in faith, resilience, and an unshakable belief in what is possible.

Ahmet Bozer is a renowned global leadership thought leader and former President of Coca-Cola International, dedicated to supporting individuals in their personal and professional growth journey.Following his distinguished career spanning over 30 years and drawing on his global business leadership experience, he developed an innovative, actionable model to unlock human potential. On October 28, 2025, he will release his book, Soulgery, which introduces this model—a dynamic way of thinking about oneself and life to accelerate growth as a natural consequence of lived experiences. This transformative work helps readers harness their strengths, navigate challenges, and create a future rooted in purpose and meaning.

At just five years old, John Brink lived through the bombing of Rotterdam, the Nazi occupation, and the devastating Hunger Winter. In this must see podcast, John shares firsthand memories of what it was like to be a child during World War II in the Netherlands — the fear, the hunger, and the moment the Canadian soldiers arrived to liberate his country. It's a raw, intimate account of survival, resilience, and hope which kickstarted John's journey to Canada to live in the land of his heroes.

Kerisma Vere is a holistic wellness coach and author whose work is grounded in lived experience, professional training, and years of supporting others through change.Her background includes navigating trauma, mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, addiction, and significant life adversity.

John Brink shares an update to the real challenges he is facing dealing with institutions, revealing how financial roadblocks can slow down even the most determined entrepreneurs.

Jay Jacobson is a funeral director, entrepreneur, and leadership voice shaped by moments where pressure, grief, and responsibility collide. Jay has testified before the United States Senate on funeral ethics and draws on decades of experience in disaster response, business ownership, and mentoring leaders to explore what leadership looks like when it actually matters. He's the author of Lead by Legendary Example, a story-driven book on integrity, presence, service, and legacy in real-world leadership. He's spent decades working at the intersection of grief, crisis, ethics, and responsibility; places where decisions carry moral weight, where words matter, and where presence is not optional. As a funeral director, he served families at their most vulnerable. As a disaster responder, he worked in the aftermath of mass-casualty events that reshaped how the profession responds under pressure. As an entrepreneur, he's built and led businesses where trust, reputation, and human judgment matter more than speed or scale. That lived experience is why Jay was asked to testify before the United States Senate on funeral ethics. Not as a pundit, but as a practitioner who understood what happens when systems fail people, and what leadership looks like when it doesn't.

For half a century, John Brink has taken great pride and passion in BC's forest industry. This deeply personal podcast tells John's story - a man who built his life and legacy in the forestry industry, only to now face its uncertain future.As tariffs and cross-border policies have tightened their grip, support from institutions feels increasingly out of reach, he finds himself standing at the edge of losing everything he has spent 50 years creating. This is not just a story about business—it's about identity, resilience, and the quiet toll of forces far beyond control.

Dr. Mireille Vega is a PhD biochemist, former biotech executive, and now the founder & CEO of VGAM. She is the pioneer of Skin Science 3.0, a groundbreaking paradigm that views skin not just as a surface, but as a living system shaped by hormones, stress, trauma, and lived experience.

Dr. Anthony Silard is a professor of leadership and organizational psychology and the author of Love and Suffering: Break the Emotional Chains that Prevent You from Experiencing Love, released in April 2025.He is an internationally recognized authority in the fields of relationships, leadership, emotional intelligence, relational healing and personal transformation.

Nick Jain is the co-founder of Eagle Rock CFO Services, helping small businesses get elite financial advice without the Fortune 500 price tag.He graduated top of his class from Harvard Business School, spent a decade as a professional investor, and has scaled three businesses to over $100M across trucking, software, and eCommerce. He now works with companies doing $5-50M to help them run leaner and grow smarter.

Patrick van der Burght is an internationally respected expert in ethical persuasion and the science of influence, helping professionals and organizations communicate more effectively and achieve better outcomes in business and leadership.

In this special podcast, John speaks up about British Columbia's forestry industry—long considered the backbone of many communities, facing times of crisis. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the forces reshaping one of Canada's most important sectors.From the widespread closure of sawmills across the province to the growing pressure of U.S. tariffs and duties—now reaching as high as 45% on Canadian softwood lumber —the economic landscape has shifted dramatically. These trade barriers, rooted in a decades-long dispute over pricing and subsidies, are tightening margins, reducing exports, and forcing difficult times across the industry.We explore how these challenges have contributed to mill shutdowns and the ripple effects on communities.This episode also unpacks the policies behind the Canada–U.S. softwood lumber dispute.What does the future of forestry in Canada look like?Whether you're in the industry, living in an affected community, or simply trying to understand how global trade impacts everyday Canadians, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. 

Herman Petrick is an energy healer and spiritual guide focused on helping individuals reconnect with their authentic selves through holistic wellness practices.With more than a decade of experience working with clients around the world, he has developed a reputation for delivering alternative healing approaches that emphasize energetic balance, mindfulness, and personal transformation.

Dr. Jindal is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculofacial surgeon who specializes in complex eyelid revisions, blepharoplasty, canthoplasty, canthopexy, brow lifts, and reconstruction cases that blend vision preservation with aesthetic precision.Fast-tracked into medical school straight out of high school, he set surgical records during residency in Virginia before completing advanced fellowship training in Florida.He now practices in Raleigh, North Carolina, bringing a meticulous, microsurgical approach more commonly associated with Beverly Hills-level cosmetic surgery.Known for correcting “botched” surgeries and performing advanced endoscopic and scar-minimizing techniques, Dr. Jindal approaches each case with both functional and artistic precision—prioritizing natural outcomes, structural integrity, and long-term eye health. 

Darrell Jones embarked on his 46-year career in the food business in Cranbrook, British Columbia as a retail grocery clerk at the local Overwaitea store.From there, his career advanced through a series of progressively senior operating roles in 23 stores and communities with Save-On-Foods. In 2012, Darrell was promoted to president of Save-On-Foods, where his frankness, charisma and business savvy guide the strategic development of the company.In 2021, Darrell was named president of the newly-formed The Pattison Food Group, a Jim Pattison business comprising food, drug, wholesale and specialty retail operations with more than 30,000 employees and more than 280 stores.In 2017, Darrell received the Golden Pencil Award – the highest distinction in the grocery industry – from the Food Industry Association of Canada for his immense contributions to the grocery industry. Darrell channels his passions for the grocery industry and giving back into active participation on numerous industry boards, including those of The Grocery Foundation; GS1 Canada; the Food Marketing Institute (FMI); Retail Council of Canada GMC; BC Children's Hospital Foundation, for which he is the board chair; and the Telus Community Board for Vancouver, which recommends allocation of grants to grassroots projects, charities, and organizations and community groups.

Dr. Matt Kutz is an award winning author, educator, researcher, and speaker with a Ph.D. in Global Leadership who has spent nearly three decades helping people develop stronger leadership, deeper perspective, and the ability to navigate adversity with confidence.

Bryan Rigg is a Yale graduate and Cambridge-trained historian specializing in World War II, the Holocaust, and the intersection of religion and history.A former professor at SMU, retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, and veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, he has conducted archival research in eighteen archives across five countries.

Dr. Lani Jones is a clinical psychologist, HR-certified advisor, and founder of HBL Advisory Group, where she helps ambitious leaders stop chasing conventional success and start architecting a lasting legacy through her framework, The Final 1%.With a background in corporate healthcare and a sharp eye for human behavior, Dr. Jones brings a fresh, no-fluff approach to leadership performance, workplace relationships, and maximizing impact, both personally and professionally.

Today's guest is Michael Leung—a purpose-driven entrepreneur whose journey is nothing short of remarkable. From arriving in Canada as a non-English-speaking child to overcoming immense personal challenges—including PTSD, ADHD, discrimination, and addiction—Michael has transformed adversity into fuel for innovation.He is the founder of a groundbreaking company making affordable, life-changing hearing solutions accessible to seniors and those with disabilities.

Dr. Amy Loden Tiffany is a physician entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, author, and mom of five who's redefining what success looks like for ambitious women. After years in traditional medicine, Dr. Tiffany built a thriving concierge practice that helps women reclaim their health, energy, and confidence while leading in business, family, and life.