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Dillon Stecyk is the COO of APRÈS Beverage Festivals, an entrepreneur, and a consciousness coach who bridges two worlds: large-scale festivals and deep synchronistic transformation.As the operational force behind some of Western Canada's most iconic events - Dillon has spent over a decade creating spaces where people connect through music, food, beverage & celebration. Behind the scenes, his personal journey has been devoted to understanding alignment, synchronicity, and what it means to live authentically in a world that often pulls us out of ourselves.After life-altering experiences traveling, lucid dreaming, and witnessing reality respond to his thoughts in uncanny ways, Dillon became fascinated with how our inner world shapes our outer world. His work now blends ancient wisdom with practical structure, offering a “progressive overload for consciousness” approach—helping people align their energy, strengthen their intuition, and design lives that feel meaningful, sovereign, and creatively powerful.Today, Dillon helps high-achievers, founders, creatives, and curious seekers integrate spirituality without abandoning their careers, identities, or modern lives. His philosophy is simple: when you're aligned, the world responds.This podcast explores the intersection of:Synchronicity, intuition & reality designAuthenticity and the energetic mechanics of creationSpiritual growth without giving up success, ambition, or joyThe human experience—from festival floors to float tanksIf you've ever felt like there's more to life than what you've been told, Dillon is here to help you bring that “more” into the real world.Interviewed on the Kid Carson Podcast:Kid Carson: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteContact: business.kidcarson@icloud.comFeatured on CREATE - The Podcast:Dillon Stecyk: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, and I am Joy Stephen, an authorized Canadian Immigration practitioner bringing out this data analysis on the number of applicants approved for Canadian Permanent Residence for multiple years Under the Federal Express Entry program based on your country of Citizenship. I am coming to you from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, OntarioBritish Columbia approved 8,900 TR→PR admissions in 2022, continuing to lead Western Canada in successful transitions from temporary to permanent residence. Stay tuned with IRCnews for weekly updates, data and programs on Canada Immigration.Should you be interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Federal Skilled Worker Express Entry Immigration Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after selection, we warmly invite you to connect with us via https://myar.me/c. We highly recommend attending our complimentary Zoom resource meetings held every Thursday. We kindly ask you to carefully review the available resources. In case you have any inquiries, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can access details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing professional assistance throughout your immigration journey. Furthermore, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, accessible at https://ircnews.ca/consultant. Support the show
Guest Levi Minderhoud, policy analyst with ARPA- educate, equip, and encourage Reformed Christians to action. Levi and I recap the October 18 IMPACT seminar in Edmonton bringing awareness to the connections between human trafficking, pornography and abortion in Canada. Policy analyst based in Western Canada, Levi researches, analyzes, and advocates for public policy issues from a Christian worldview at the federal level and in the Western Canadian provinces. He also has a particular expertise in issues relating to gender and sexuality.Prior to joining the ARPA staff in June 2019, Levi earned a bachelor's degree from Dordt University in political science, business, and economics and a Master of Public Policy degree from Simon Fraser University. He also spent stints interning for a Member of Parliament, working within the federal civil service, and leading a local ARPA chapter.Levi lives with his wife Jillian and two daughters in Mission, British Columbia. When off the clock, you'll find Levi participating in all things hockey, tickling the ivories, and playing every board and card game imaginable.Contact Levi at Levi@ARPACanada.cahttps://arpacanada.cahttps://www.youtube.com/arpacanadahttps://www.facebook.com/arpacanadaARPA'S MISSIONTo educate, equip, and encourage Reformed Christians toPOLITICAL ACTIONPlease share this with others!❤️
Today I'm joined by Jared Priestner, CEO of Go Auto. Jared breaks down why Go Auto is expanding aggressively into the U.S., how concentration risk in Western Canada shaped that move, and what it takes to scale culture across borders. We talk financial discipline, acquisition integration, and why used cars remain one of the biggest profit unlocks for dealers willing to operate differently. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Ikon Technologies - Ikon Technologies delivers a connected vehicle program for dealers that maximizes Customer Lifetime Value by driving sales efficiency and securing non-cancellable PVR on your front end while delivering an average of 50 additional customer-pay ROs every single month for your service bays. At NADA 2026 in Las Vegas, visit Stand 1763 West to see the benefits for yourself and take your chance to roll the dice to win a Rolls Royce (terms and conditions apply; no purchase necessary). Plus, as an exclusive offer for listeners, mention “Car Dealership Guy” when you sign up at NADA to have your entire initial installation fee waived—book your demo today @ http://www.ikontechnologies.com/CDG 2. PayJunction - For a limited time, PayJunction is giving dealers one free month (with up to $10,000 in non-credit processing fees back) when you activate and use SmartSurcharge. Claim your free month @ https://carguymedia.com/4p2LzcS 3. CDG Recruiting – Hire top dealership talent, fast. From sales managers to GMs and C-suite execs, we've placed over 1,000 roles across auto retail. Ready to scale without the hassle? Visit @ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com to get started. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 00:07 Strategy for US market expansion? 01:51 How did Jared's early career shape him? 06:33 Key to strategic evolution and growth? 13:18 What defines the company's culture? 26:51 How do team dynamics impact customers? 27:54 How to balance profit and experience? 29:21 Best integration strategy for new acquisitions? 32:29 Why sell your store to this company? 37:07 Future vision and growth strategy? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Chris Schoengut has spent nearly 20 years shaping some of Western Canada's biggest live experiences—from grassroots events to major festivals like the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival, where he served as Director of Brand & Partnerships.Now, after two decades in the industry, Chris is stepping into a new chapter—one driven by balance, purpose, and fatherhood. A long-time community supporter and proud dad, he's rethinking what creativity and impact look like in this next season of life.In this episode, Chris reflects on burnout, reinvention, and the power of building moments that truly bring people together.Guest:Chris Schoengut: Instagram | LinkedInHost:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
In this very special BONUS EPISODE, Cooper and Nolan unbox the first 18 beers from Tag Liquor Stores' 2025 Craft Beer Advent Calendar! What kind of Western Canada brews will they find waiting for them, and how will they build their rosters for this year's Christmas episode? Find out while also hearing the guys' opinions on mayochup, the cast of Full House, and the state of Vermont - all expressed with varying levels of Christmas cheer.
Thursday afternoon means a fresh episode of Real Life was recorded and edited, and it's ready to help you wrap up the week. On today's podcast, the guys discussed the Jarry vs. Skinner game, Leon Draisaitl's 1000th point, and more.The guys kicked off the Thursday episode of Real Life with a conversation about ginger beef being invented in Calgary and how you can only find it in Western Canada unless the restaurant owner is Canadian. From there, the guys jumped into the Stuart Skinner conversation and how the Oilers celebrated Leon Draisaitl's 1000th point only a few feet away from their former goaltender. Should the Oilers have tried to move the pile away from Stu? Are we being too sensitive about the situation?Changing gears, the conversation turned to Leon Draisaitl's 1000th point picture in the room, and how everyone had a cigarette in their mouth to commemorate his viral wedding photo. From there, Chalmers tried to figure out which players had enjoyed a butt or two based solely on how they had it sitting in their mouths. Sticking with the Oilers, the fellas looked ahead to Thursday's matchup against the Bruins and whether a trip to Boston can be enough to wake up Trent Frederic. Finally, the guys wrapped up the podcast with the Thursday episode of Real Life, covering a random collection of topics, including beefs of the week and maybe a moment or two of Edmonton Oilers hockey talk. Needless to say, when the team is as bad as they've been lately, talking about literally any other topic just seems more enjoyable. As always, the Thursday episode was all over the map, which is precisely what you'd expect from the Real Life podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler is joined by Hugo Lafontaine, Vice President of Schneider Electric, to unpack the human side of digital transformation in Canada's infrastructure and energy sectors. From automation to AI, Hugo offers a refreshing take on why technology alone isn't enough to drive progress—and why Canada needs to rethink its approach to risk, mentorship, and innovation culture.In this episode:The three pillars of successful digital transformation: tech, adoption, and implementationWhy Canada's conservative business culture is slowing innovationHow Schneider Electric is investing in Calgary's energy and tech ecosystemThe rise of smart buildings and what's stalling their mainstream adoptionThe promise and pitfalls of AI in operations and trainingThe importance of simplifying tech to make it more humanTop 3 Wisdom Bombs"By doing all that at the same time—making sure you grow, making sure you're profitable, and being sustainable—they're not mutually exclusive, they actually can work quite well together.” - Hugo Lafontaine“The main reason [the US is accelerating] is the massive investment that countries, sectors, and so on are doing with technology.” - Hugo Lafontaine“Technology is not going to come and fix your process.” - Hugo LafontaineThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We're on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that's amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler's website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Hugo Lafontaine's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugolafontaineSchneider Electric's Website: https://www.se.com/ca/en/Schneider Electric's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/schneider-electricSchneider Electric's Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/SchneiderElectricSchneider Electric's Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/schneiderelectricSchneider Electric's X: https://www.x.com/SchneiderElecCASchneider Electric's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SchneiderElectricCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing
Thursday afternoon means a fresh episode of Real Life was recorded and edited, and it's ready to help you wrap up the week. On today's podcast, the guys discussed the Jarry vs. Skinner game, Leon Draisaitl's 1000th point, and more.The guys kicked off the Thursday episode of Real Life with a conversation about ginger beef being invented in Calgary and how you can only find it in Western Canada unless the restaurant owner is Canadian. From there, the guys jumped into the Stuart Skinner conversation and how the Oilers celebrated Leon Draisaitl's 1000th point only a few feet away from their former goaltender. Should the Oilers have tried to move the pile away from Stu? Are we being too sensitive about the situation?Changing gears, the conversation turned to Leon Draisaitl's 1000th point picture in the room, and how everyone had a cigarette in their mouth to commemorate his viral wedding photo. From there, Chalmers tried to figure out which players had enjoyed a butt or two based solely on how they had it sitting in their mouths. Sticking with the Oilers, the fellas looked ahead to Thursday's matchup against the Bruins and whether a trip to Boston can be enough to wake up Trent Frederic. Finally, the guys wrapped up the podcast with the Thursday episode of Real Life, covering a random collection of topics, including beefs of the week and maybe a moment or two of Edmonton Oilers hockey talk. Needless to say, when the team is as bad as they've been lately, talking about literally any other topic just seems more enjoyable. As always, the Thursday episode was all over the map, which is precisely what you'd expect from the Real Life podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler is joined by Katrina German, Founder and CEO of Ethical Digital, to explore how we can build technology that respects people. From AI governance to inclusive design, Katrina shares the mission behind her company's work: making digital tools that are not only effective, but truly ethical. They explore into how organizations can implement AI and data systems responsibly, how diverse teams lead to better tech, and why we're at a critical crossroads in digital evolution. Katrina offers practical strategies, personal stories, and big-picture thinking about what it means to create tech with humanity at its core.In this episode:Why AI and digital ethics matter more than everThe role of diverse lived experience in ethical innovationHow AI can be weaponized—and how to prevent itTech solutions that prioritize inclusion, consent, and transparencyHow to move from compliance-driven to values-driven systemsTop 3 Wisdom Bombs"Technology is influencing every single industry. It is creating the future as we speak.” - Katrina German“If we want to see changes in the Internet, we need to make sure that corporations and businesses are educated in terms of what some of these impacts are of where they're putting their money.” - Katrina German“ The biggest skill you need right now is resilience.” - Katrina GermanThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We're on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that's amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler's website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Katrina German's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinagermanKatrina German's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinavisionEthical Digital's Website: https://www.ethicaldigital.caEthical Digital's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ethicaldigitalcaEthical Digital's Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/ethical_digitalEthical Digital's Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/EthicalDigitalCAEthical Digital's X: https://www.x.com/Ethical_DigitalCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing
Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of modern marketing and how creativity, strategy, and technology work together to drive measurable growth for Canadian businesses.We are joined by Jordan Mair, Director of Homebuilder Marketing and Value & Innovation at ZGM Modern Marketing Partners, Western Canada's largest independent marketing agency. With over 15 years of experience, Jordan helps brands build trust, stand out creatively, and navigate changing markets across Canada and Texas.Key Highlights:1. Brand as a Business Tool: Jordan shares how purpose-driven branding solves core business challenges and builds trust through strategy and data.2. Creative Differentiation: He explains why standing out is essential for SMBs and how ZGM's integrated model helps brands stay memorable.3. AI's Role in Modern Marketing: Jordan discusses how AI is reshaping full-funnel strategy and how ZGM balances humanity with technology.4. Expansion Insights: He describes how entering Texas informs market strategy and how research like ZGM's builder study supports businesses.5. Future Vision for ZGM: Jordan highlights ZGM's long-term focus on innovation, impact, and supporting industries from homebuilding to social change.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
In this episode of the Growing the Future Podcast, Dan sits down with a prairie-based entrepreneur and investor helping unlock a new wave of ag-tech innovation across Western Canada.The conversation spans angel investing, Startup TNT, and the roots of prairie innovation — from early farm accounting software and fertilizer exits to today's venture-backed ag-tech startups. Along the way, we dig into a powerful idea: agriculture doesn't just need better technology, it needs farmers back in the innovation value chain as owners, not just test pilots.This episode also reflects on the Yorkton Harvest Showdown Ag Tech Pitch, where Dan and his guest recently connected with emerging founders — several of whom will be featured in upcoming episodes.If you're a farmer, founder, investor, or someone curious about how ag-tech actually gets built and funded, this conversation offers a grounded, honest look at capital, community, and purpose-driven investing.Key Topics / Bullets (Optional but recommended)Angel investing in agricultureStartup TNT and prairie startup ecosystemsThe legacy of AgExpert and early ag innovationWhy farmers are losing equity in the value chainPurpose, responsibility, and investing in communityHow ag-tech startups actually get fundedStartup TNT: https://www.startuptnt.comGrowing the Future Podcast: https://www.growingthefuturepodcast.ca Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.
As highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) disrupts poultry farms across Canada for a fifth straight winter, a poultry veterinarian who oversees chicken farms across Western Canada says the Canadian government must move beyond decades-old policies and pursue vaccination as a tool in managing the disease. "Again this year, it’s had a significant impact in multiple... Read More
In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler is joined by Bri Falls, Co-Founder and CEO of Leeg Group, a Calgary-based consultancy challenging conventional HR and people operations. Bri shares her perspective on how organizations can build better human systems by addressing the root causes of dysfunction, not just the symptoms. From shifting HR from transactional to strategic, to navigating co-leadership and founder vulnerability, Bri offers sharp, honest insight into what it takes to lead a truly people-first organization. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, founders, and HR professionals looking to build work cultures rooted in trust, transparency, and long-term thinking.In this episode:Why HR is often reactive—and how to make it strategicThe power of co-leadership and founder-level trustHow to use systems thinking to solve human problemsWhy “future of work” is a moving target with no silver bulletWhat real culture transformation looks like inside companiesTop 3 Wisdom Bombs"The cage does not exist. You are making a cage around yourself and all you have to do is open the door and walk through it.” - Bri Falls“We all feel scared for some reason or another. The most powerful thing is momentum. And just keep swimming.” - Bri Falls“Bravery isn't the absence of feeling fear. It's just the fact that you keep walking through it when you're uncomfortable.” - Bri FallsThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We're on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that's amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler's website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Bri Falls' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bri-falls-21718498/Bri Falls' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianamfallsLeeg Group's Website: https://www.leegworks.comLeeg Group's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeg-group/Leeg Group's Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/leeg.worksLeeg Group's Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/leeg.worksCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing
When two employees of Handy Dan hardware store gave this idea to management, they got fired! So, they started Home Depot. Someone’s kicking themselves now! Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not so secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So here’s one of those. [No Bull RV Ad] Dave Young: Welcome back to the Empire Builders Podcast. I’m Dave Young. That’s Steve Semple whispering in your other ear. And on today’s episode of the Empire Builders- Stephen Semple: [inaudible 00:01:44] your live stereo. Dave Young: We knew that it would only be a matter of time having so recently discussed the Lowe’s Empire that we would be discussing Home Depot, and today is that day. Stephen Semple: Today is that day because really, there’s a pretty shared DNA there. Dave Young: Sure. And again, I always think, “Well, okay, start as a little hardware store and then somebody grew into a big hardware store and then they made a bunch more.” Stephen Semple: It’s a little bit like that. Dave Young: A little bit? Stephen Semple: Except this is a little different. It’s a little bit different. Dave Young: Okay. I always like a good twist. Stephen Semple: There’s a little bit of a twist in this. So it was founded in February 6th, 1978, Marietta, Georgia by Bernard Marcus, Arthur Blank, Ron Brill, Pat Farrah, and Ken Langone. So these guys basically got it started. Dave Young: So it doesn’t go near as far back as Lowe’s. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Lowe’s is a little bit earlier, but not much. And today they have over 2,300 locations. They do 160 billion in revenue with over 450,000 employees. So it’s a big deal. And we all know who the Home Depot is, right? We’ve all pretty much heard of it. Now, a couple of the guys got basically fired from a hardware store in the West Coast called Handy Dan. Dave Young: Handy Dan. Okay. Stephen Semple: And it wasn’t really all that big and it was one-stop. But here’s why they got fired. They kept pestering management saying, “You need to go larger, then you need to go national.” And basically, management got tired of listening to that and fired them. So I told you there was a little twist. So when they left, they called one of Handy Dan’s investors, Ken Langone, and said, “Here’s what we want to do. We want to make 100,000 square foot hardware store, stock everything, make it cheaper, and make it more like a wholesaler. That’s what we want to do.” And they drew their inspiration from Walmart. They’re looking at what Walmart was doing. They said, “We want to do the Walmart thing for hardware and building.” And Ken was like, “Great, let’s do it.” And they drew up a plan that basically said they needed $25 million to get going, and they had to settle on raising three and a half million. So this is important to keep in mind because it shapes a couple of things that they do. And so the first thing that they needed to do… And they had a guy, Pat Farrah join them for merchandising. The first thing that they needed to do was create a name for the company. Now, I don’t know if you remember Crazy Eddie’s, the guy in New York City? Dave Young: Yeah. Stephen Semple: New York City. And he was selling electronics and all this other stuff. Dave Young: But he’s no Handy Dan. Stephen Semple: He’s no Handy Dan, but they were inspired by Crazy Eddie’s. And what I found interesting is in Toronto around the same time, there was a furniture company that started that also was inspired from it because it was Bad Boys. They would dress in the black and white retro, “I’m a prisoner” uniforms. And they’d be like, “Bad Boys. Does anybody have a better price? Nobody.” That was their slogan. But what these guys decided was they were going to call it Bad Bernie’s Buildall. Dave Young: Bad Bernie’s Buildall? Stephen Semple: Bad Bernie’s Buildall. Yes. The investors didn’t like it. That name did not go forth. Dave Young: Of course they didn’t like it. Stephen Semple: Well, because it didn’t have the name Home and all those other things. So they said, “Okay. Well, let’s call it the Home Depot.” Dave Young: Look, Lowe’s doesn’t have the name Home in it either, but it’s not Bad Bernie’s. What was it? Builders? Stephen Semple: Buildall. Dave Young: Buildall? Stephen Semple: Yes. Dave Young: It doesn’t roll off the tongue. It blurts out of your mouth in a not great way. Yeah. I have to side with the investors on this one. Stephen Semple: I have to say, I think even on this one, the investors, they’re often not right, but I think on this one they were right. So they opened in Atlanta, 60,000 square feet. Remember that little bit of a difference in terms of the money that they wanted to raise? Dave Young: Yeah. Stephen Semple: They wanted to raise the 25 million and only had three and a half million. So it made a couple of things difficult, such as stocking 60,000 square feet full of merchandise. Dave Young: Sure. That’s a lot of merchandise. Stephen Semple: So to make it look full, they went out and they bought empty paint cans, thousands of empty paint cans and thousands of empty boxes and basically put them on the shelves. Dave Young: Oh, boy. Stephen Semple: And they wanted to make it feel like a working warehouse so they threw sawdust on the floor. So it’s sawdust on the floor, empty boxes, empty paint cans. Dave Young: Just have one guy driving around with a forklift randomly just… Stephen Semple: They couldn’t afford a lit sign, so they had to make it bright to stand out. So that’s why they went with the orange. Now here’s what’s really interesting. Dave Young: Okay. That makes sense. Stephen Semple: Our client in Edmonton who sells used RVs has a location that’s relatively close to the airport, so you can’t do a lit sign. Jay Mistry Art Design. We picked a very specific shade of orange because what we knew is the setting sun would hit it. And when the setting sun hits that sign, it looks like it’s glowing. And then we got Rick to buy a spotlight and Jay even said to him, “Spotlight has to have this specific criteria to it.” And we put the spotlight onto it and it looks like it’s glowing. There’s cheap ways to make a sign look lit without lighting it. But anyway, that’s why it was orange. Dave Young: Shining the light on it is fine. Stephen Semple: Right. But that’s why they went with the orange, is like, “We can’t light it. It’s got to stand out.” So they do launch day. Launch day does not go well. Literally, they had a newspaper ad that was supposed to run that didn’t run. Nobody showed up. They literally sent kids and family into the parking lot, literally to hand out dollar bills, come to the store. First year’s a disaster. They lose a million dollars in the first year. Dave Young: Here’s what we know about hardware. When do we buy hardware? When we need it. Stephen Semple: Yes, when we’re fixing something. Yep. Dave Young: When we’re fixing something, when we need it. I don’t need it today, but I don’t know if I need it tomorrow because nothing’s broken yet and I don’t have a project I’m working on. So you got to be patient in the hardware business, don’t you? Stephen Semple: Well, they also did something interesting to stimulate sales. So the first year they lose a million dollars and then they get this chance to buy fireplace accessories really cheap. Now think about this. It’s the summertime, they’re in the South and there’s these cheap fireplace accessories. They buy 4,000 of them and they plan to sell them at just above the price and advertise it like crazy. They’re selling these things for 37 bucks. And here’s what’s crazy. People travel from miles away to buy this stuff. And when they’re there, they’re walking around and they buy other things. So the original history- Dave Young: Get an empty can of paint. Stephen Semple: Yeah. And to get some paint. Dave Young: A big box. Stephen Semple: So the original history of Home Depot is they did all these flash sales. Flash sale, flash sale, flash sale. Okay. So in 1980, they do more sales. But one of the things they also do is they start hiring professional contractors and start running these clinics inside the store. This whole idea is we’re going to do a flash sale. Dave Young: I remember that. Yeah. Stephen Semple: Right. We’re going to do a flash sale to bring people in and then people will maybe watch the clinic and then they’ll buy other stuff. Dave Young: They’ll learn how to do tiling or all that stuff. Stephen Semple: So it’s 1985, they have 50 stores. Lowe’s has 300 stores and Lowe’s secret shops them. They start copying each other at this point. Now, Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, ends up becoming important in all this because Sam Walton calls them and you’re going to love Sam’s advice. Dave Young: Stay tuned. We’re going to wrap up this story and tell you how to apply this lesson to your business right after this. [Using Stories To Sell Ad] Dave Young: Let’s pick up our story where we left off and trust me, you haven’t missed a thing. Stephen Semple: Sam Walton calls them and says, “Guys, love what you’re doing, but you need to shift your model.” And you’re going to love Sam’s advice because it speaks to what we do from the standpoint of running these sales, there’s a downside to running all these sales. And he said, “Get rid of the flash sales, buy in bulk, keep everything as cheap as possible.” If that’s your dealio, low prices, don’t do flash sales, just do low prices, advertise that you got low prices on everything, go that way, and sales soar. So remember, Home Depot was 50 stores and Lowe’s was 300 stores. So that was ’85. So 1992, seven years later after implementing Sam Walton’s advice, Home Depot was doing seven billion in sales and Lowe’s is doing four billion. They blow past Lowe’s. Blow past them and even started opening locations in the same location. Lowe’s basically never catches up. There was one point where every 53 hours there was a Home Depot open. Dave Young: That’s a lot of cans of empty paint. Empty cans of paint. Stephen Semple: That’s a lot of cans of empty paint. Dave Young: Do you know what I miss about Home Depot? I remember when they did the little seminars and things, I thought it was cool. I didn’t ever take one. From where I lived at the time, you had to drive 100 miles to get to Home Depot. But when you got there, you could always get a sausage. They always had somebody out front cooking- Stephen Semple: Oh, doing food. Dave Young: … smoked sausage or something, right? Stephen Semple: Yeah. I think it’s a mistake that Home Depot has gotten away from that. But I do find interesting that what they recognized was when you do a flash sale, you’re not making money on the flash sale. The flash sale is a loss-leader to get people into the store. Now that I’ve got you in the store, I need to do something. And so running those clinics and those things was a great way to get people further engaged, see them as being professional and buy other things. What I do like was Home Depot wasn’t just flash sale, bring people in. There was a further leg to that stool. But what I also love was Sam Walton saying, “Forget the flash sales. Just do everyday low prices.” Dave Young: Well, it’s an interesting distinction between having a flash sale and a loss-leader that you don’t advertise as a sale. You just say, “Hey, screwdrivers are $1.99.” Stephen Semple: Correct. Dave Young: It’s not a sale price. That’s the price of a screwdriver today. Stephen Semple: Correct. Correct. Dave Young: And then people go, “Oh, well.” And maybe the screwdrivers cost you $4. But you advertise that screwdrivers are $1.99, and people that need screwdrivers also need screws and other size screwdrivers and all kinds of other things. But it gives the impression that everything you buy in there is going to be that kind of a price. But like you said, it’s not a flash sale. Stephen Semple: It’s not a flash sale. Dave Young: It’s just the price of a screwdriver. And that was what Walton was so good at, right? Stephen Semple: Yes. Right. Dave Young: He made Walmart become known for low prices, even though they weren’t always the lowest price. Stephen Semple: Well, that’s exactly it. And that’s what Sam’s advice was. Sam’s advice was the place that you want to occupy in somebody’s mind is, “You’ve got it, you’ve probably got a couple and they’re all a good price for your category,” because then when you do that, you own the mind in that category. Dave Young: Now here’s what’s interesting too. Did Sam Walton just call them up? Stephen Semple: Yeah, he did. Dave Young: And he wasn’t an investor. Stephen Semple: No. Dave Young: He was just like, “Hey guys, here’s how you’re screwing this up.” Stephen Semple: Hey guys, here’s how you- Dave Young: That’s pretty amazing. Stephen Semple: It might be a myth, but that’s the story floating out there according to the folks from Home Depot, is one day, Sam called and said, “Hey guys.” Dave Young: And here’s the other amazing thing is they took his advice because what I’ve found, you’ve found, all of us that do ad consulting work is the advice you give somebody that you don’t charge them for- Stephen Semple: They often don’t take it. Dave Young: … they often don’t do anything with it. Stephen Semple: It’s true. Dave Young: If they do, then you’re like, “Okay, well, I’ve got somebody I can work with.” Because often people look at it and go, “Well, shoot, you didn’t charge me anything for that. So how valuable could that be?” I remember our friend, Jeffrey Eisenberg. This is, shoot, 20 years ago, when someone would contact him for website consulting, he would get on the phone with them and they’d look at the site together and he’d make them two or three recommendations, “Here’s what you need to fix right now and this other thing. These are easy fixes. Just have your web guy do this, this and this, and your website will convert a lot better. And then let me know if you want to talk again.” And if they called him back a few weeks later and are like, “I want to talk again,” he’s like, “Well, have you done the things I told you?” “No. Because we’re not…” And like, “No, dude, I’m not even talking to you if you don’t do those things. Not even doing it, not having another conversation with you.” So I love that Sam just called him up. Stephen Semple: And the other part about taking advice, because look, in marketing and business, everybody wants to give their advice. But when a guy like Sam Walton is giving you advice, you should listen. Dave Young: You should. Stephen Semple: I was joking the other day with a client of mine who’s in Western Canada, one of the self-made billionaires is a guy by the name of Jimmy Pattison. We were talking about advice and I was like, “Yeah, if Jimmy Pattison ever calls and gives you some advice, take it.” Now, if the guy who’s just read a lot of books gives you some advice, maybe not. If Sam Walton calls, take it. Dave Young: This is terrible, but the most frustrating thing is when a business owner takes the advice of their veterinarian’s nephew. Stephen Semple: Well, exactly. Dave Young: Or, “My cousin says that we shouldn’t do it that way.” Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: And I’m like, “Well, you should just hire your cousin.” Stephen Semple: Right. And it happens a lot, as we know, in marketing because we all feel like we have an opinion in it because we’re all exposed to the messages all the time. But here’s the interesting thing, I’ve grown up my entire life with homes with indoor plumbing. Does not make me a plumber. Dave Young: No. Stephen Semple: Right. Miraculously. So to me, the part that I really loved with Home Depot was this audacity of, “Okay, how do we make it look big? How do we make it look real?” And even that first flash sale being this weird thing because it was fireplace accessories in the South in the summer. Even though we’re not big fans of flash sales, they saw something that worked and replicated it and it worked for a period of time. But then we’re still willing to pivot off of that, and so to go, “Okay, you know what? There is limitations to that. Let’s pivot off of that and do this thing.” And not everybody can be successful being low price. You can be successful being low price when you are giving a depot feeling, because let’s face it, you go in there, and the stores are bare bones, they’re buying in high volume. You can win at that game when you do it that way. Dave Young: Yeah. It could have been that the fireplace accessories is when Walton first noticed them. If I was writing this legend- Stephen Semple: Maybe. Dave Young: Because that’s really the tactic that he used, that’s what got started with his story, is buying [inaudible 00:18:53]. Stephen Semple: That’s his origin as well. Yes. Dave Young: There were a whole bunch of lawnmowers. I could get them real cheap and the staff was like, “Okay, so we’re going to store them till next summer,” because this is the end of the summer, right? Somebody else was overstocked. And he’s like, “No, we’re going to line them all up by the road and put a low price on them.” Stephen Semple: Yeah. And just move them. Dave Young: We just move them out, just blow them out. It’s not a lawnmower sale. It’s lawnmowers cost this much right here, right now, and there they are and that’s all there are. Stephen Semple: Right. So that’s a great observation. So their origin is very similar to his, except he didn’t make it a flash sale. He just sold them at a low price. Yeah. Dave Young: Yeah, just like, “No, I got these lawnmowers. Here’s what they cost and there they are. There’s that many of them.” Stephen Semple: That’s probably where it came from. I hadn’t connected those dots. That’s a great observation, Dave. Dave Young: That’s just part of the same DNA. Stephen Semple: It is. Dave Young: I love the story of Home Depot. I wish I could drive over there right now and get a smoked sausage, but alas. That ship has sailed, my friend. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Well, they still got hot dogs at Costco, so there’s still hope. Dave Young: Oh, there is that. All right. I’ll go to Costco instead. Thank you, Stephen. Stephen Semple: All right, thanks. Dave Young: Thanks for listening to the podcast. Please share us, subscribe on your favorite podcast app and leave us a big, fat, juicy five star rating and review at Apple Podcasts. And if you’d like to schedule your own 90-minute Empire Building session, you can do it at empirebuildingprogram.com.
Episode 296 is a first for The Business Development Podcast – we finally dive deep into Canada's French-speaking community and what most business leaders are missing. Kelly sits down with bilingual consultant Colin Fagnan, founder of Nyloc Consulting (and now Executive Director of the Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont County Regional Chamber of Commerce), to unpack how growing up Francophone in Alberta shaped his worldview, why French is actually on the rise in Western Canada, and how bilingualism boosts learning, creativity, and problem-solving in business. Colin shares his own story of moving between countries and cultures, and why he believes language is a strategic asset, not just a personal skill.From there, the conversation shifts into hard business reality: the sheer GDP locked inside Francophone markets, how tourism and immigration are changing Alberta's economic landscape, and why so many companies hit an invisible wall when dealing with Quebec or French-speaking clients. Colin breaks down where the real opportunities are, how immersion education has quietly transformed the next generation, and what leaders can do right now to better serve French speakers at home and abroad. If you've ever thought “French is only for back East,” this episode will challenge that belief and show you a very real growth path hiding in plain sight.Key Takeaways: 1. The Francophone community in Canada is not just cultural it is a massive, under-served economic market that most businesses simply ignore.2. Bilingualism is a competitive advantage because it helps you build trust faster with customers partners and communities who rarely feel truly seen.3. Language is not just translation it is context nuance and relationship and if you get that wrong you will lose deals you never see.4. Western Canada massively underestimates how many French speakers live work and travel here which means the businesses who serve them well can stand out quickly.5. Immersion and bilingual education are quietly creating a new generation of leaders who think globally and move comfortably between markets and cultures.6. Companies that want to do business in Quebec or with Francophone clients need to show real respect for the language and culture not just slap French on a brochure.7. Tourism and immigration are reshaping local economies and the businesses that prepare to serve visitors and newcomers in both languages will win first.8. If you do not have internal bilingual capacity yet you can start small by partnering with translators consultants or community leaders who understand the space.9. Treat French speaking customers like a primary market not a side note and you will uncover long term loyalty repeat business and powerful word of mouth.10. The real opportunity is not just learning French it is deciding that language inclusion can be part of your business development strategy and then taking action on it.The Catalyst Club is my private community for founders and business development leaders who want real support, real strategy and real momentum together. Join us here:https://www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubCompanies mentioned in this episode: Fort Saskatchewan and Lamont County Regional Chamber of Commerce Capital Business Development NYLOC Consulting CDEA Conseil de Développement Économique de l'Alberta Parallèle Alberta National Bank Financial
An 18-year-old Regina actor just took home a top prize at one of Western Canada's most respected acting and modelling conventions. Elly Gerspacher is honing her craft further in Saskatchewan and joins Evan to share more about entering this profession with so much success right here in our province.
In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler is joined by Derek Crager, Founder of Practical AI, the mind behind Practical AI and creator of Pocket Mentor, an AI-powered voice companion that delivers scalable, personalized coaching for real-world leadership challenges. Drawing from his deep experience in the tech space, including his time at Amazon, Derek shares how simplicity, empathy, and human-centred design inform his approach to AI development. The conversation explores how Pocket Mentor bridges the gap between formal training and everyday problem-solving, offering just-in-time guidance in moments that matter from onboarding and performance feedback to high-stakes leadership decisions. Derek also discusses the ethical responsibilities of building AI tools, especially those that influence how people lead, manage, and grow in their roles. If you're curious about how AI can enhance human capability in the workplace, this episode is a must-listen.In this episode:How Pocket Mentor turns everyday work into scalable, accessible trainingWhy the AI panic (job losses, sentience fears) needs a serious reality checkWhat Amazon taught Derek about simplicity and user experienceWhy neurodiversity and AI might be the perfect matchHow storytelling and voice interfaces are shaping the next era of learningTop 3 Wisdom Bombs"We use AI not to think for the person, but to think with the person, just like a true mentor would.” - Derek Crager“The best interface a human has is another human. And that can be a true human or it could be AI with the voice of a human acting as a proxy.” - Derek Crager“AI is a tool and we can use it, you know, for humanity or against humanity...we are at a dividing point right now. We are at a fork in the road.” - Derek CragerThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We're on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that's amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler's website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Derek Crager's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amazonleadershipPractical AI's Website: https://www.practicalai.appPractical AI's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/practical-ai-for-businessCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing
In this episode of Serving Sundays, Dave and Candace dive into the complexities of "Rock Star" marriages following a vivid dream Dave had about Dave Grohl. They discuss the unique "split shift" lifestyle of being married to a morning radio host as Dave approaches his 25th year on the air.The couple also gets vulnerable about their decision to go "full sober" (no booze, no weed) for the past year. They open up about navigating social pressures in the industry, the "California Sober" debate, and why they don't feel like they are missing out.Plus, Candace updates us on her fitness competition prep (while drinking out of a massive Costco pickle jar), dealing with body dysmorphia, and the couple plans their upcoming family trip to see the Foo Fighters. Finally, find out what rule Candace would pass if she ran Western Canada—it involves getting your money back from insurance companies!Topics Covered:Navigating marriage dynamics and the "Rock Star" pass.Reflecting on 25 years in Morning Radio.One Year Sober: The challenges and benefits of a year without alcohol or weed.Fitness Prep Diaries: Protein powder mishaps and trusting the process.Concert stories: From Green Day to Tool to the Foo Fighters.Connect with us:Instagram: @itscandaceraeInstagram: @wheelerj28Have a question or story to share? Leave us a voicemail! speakpipe.com/servingsundaysSupport the showFollow us on social media: Dave Wheeler Candace Rae
Wildfire smoke is fouling air quality across the US with increasing regularity, and it carries a heavy toll. A September 2025 study published in the journal Nature found that every year around 40,000 Americans are dying from wildfire smoke, with more on the way as the planet warms. Air filters, face masks and low-intensity prescribed burning can help protect the public from this growing threat. Also, around a third of the firefighters who battle wildfires in California are incarcerated, and until recently they were paid just $5 to $10 a day. Under a state law enacted in October 2025, incarcerated firefighters are now paid at least $7.25 per hour while actively fighting fires. And around the world, Indigenous people have been using fire on the landscape for thousands of years. One such practice comes from the Métis tradition in Western Canada. A Cree-Métis scientist shares with us how this low-intensity “good fire” helps rekindle cultural traditions and cultivate healthier ecosystems. --- Do you have a story of recovery or rethinking your relationship with wildfire you'd like to share? Record and send us a voice memo at comments@loe.org, and we might feature your story on Living on Earth. To find out how, check out this week's Living on Earth newsletter. Just go to the Newsletter tab at loe.org and click on “View previous newsletters.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AGI territory sales manager Blake Taylor says growers across Western Canada saw bumper crops for 2025, but the challenge has been storing those big yields in a year of softer commodity prices. “A good problem that they had this year were phenomenal yields," he says, "the not-so-good problem? Commodity pricing.” Transport limitations vary by province,... Read More
James O'Reilly, vice president of Trail Tire Group, provides a snapshot of the tire market in western Canada, in this episode of The Modern Tire Dealer Show.
The canola market is dealing with a wide range of trade and political uncertainties this season, as growers navigate large supplies in Western Canada and slower movement into export and crush channels. Tariffs on seed, oil, and meal going into China, along with unclear U.S. biofuel policies, are creating added volatility at a time when... Read More
0:11 - How is B.C. feeling with all this pipeline talk? 12:38 - Your calls and texts on the potential pipeline. 19:20 - Capital conversations with Colin Aitchison, director, Western Canada with Enterprise Canada and formerly a staff member with the Kenney and Smith governments and Melissa Caouette, principal at MC Consulting and Founder of Pocket Lobbyist. 38:11 - Do you agree with Bill 11? We take your calls and texts. 49:44 - We continue with your calls and texts. 57:40 - Care-first auto insurance offers a promise of lower rates. 1:07:33 - We take your calls and texts on auto insurance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Colin Aitchison, director, Western Canada with Enterprise Canada and formerly a staff member with the Kenney and Smith governments and Melissa Caouette, principal at MC Consulting and Founder of Pocket Lobbyist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler is joined by Paul Moore, longtime Calgary executive and author of Hitchhiking Through Management: Moore's 10 Laws for Successful Leadership. Together, they explore the often-overlooked realities of stepping into management roles, from the emotional toll to the strategic responsibility of leading teams.In this episode:Why trust is the foundation of any leadership modelThe difference between positional power and earned influenceWhat to do when you inherit underperformersNavigating the awkward first months as a new managerWhy authenticity and hard conversations matter more than charismaThe value of mentorship and self-awareness in leadership developmentThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We're on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that's amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler's website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Paul Moore's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmoore100Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing
In this episode, we sit down with Edmonton-based jazz bassist and composer Aretha Tillotson to discuss her highly anticipated second album, Kinda Out West, releasing on November 7th, 2025. Following her Western Canadian Music Award-winning debut, Introducing Aretha Tillotson, this new album pays tribute to the musicians and landscapes of Alberta and British Columbia. Aretha's chordless quartet channels the spirit of legendary groups led by Sonny Rollins and Ornette Coleman, creating a sound that's both rooted in tradition and distinctly modern. Enjoy, and give Aretha a follow on Instagram and bandcamp! Connect with DBHQ Join Our Newsletter Double Bass Resources Double Bass Sheet Music Double Bass Merch Gear used to record this podcast Zoom H6 studio 8-Track 32-Bit Float Handy Recorder Rode Podmic Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ. Thank you to our sponsors! Upton Bass - From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic, each Upton Bass is crafted with precision in Connecticut, USA, and built to last for generations. Discover your perfect bass with Upton Bass today! Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah's website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here. theme music by Eric Hochberg
In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler Chisholm welcomes Andrew Bullied, Co-Founder and Sales Director of Annex Ale Project, for an inside look at how one of Calgary's most creative breweries became a beverage company to watch. While known for their beer, it's their soda line—playful, nostalgic, and totally unique—that's stealing the spotlight. Andrew explores how Annex's non-alcoholic sodas went from taproom curiosity to a core business line, appealing to everyone from sober adults to soda-loving kids. They talk brand flexibility, beverage innovation, local sourcing, and how embracing fun can be a serious strategy. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, product expansion, or the future of craft beverage, this episode fizzes with insight.In this episode:How Annex Ale Project has evolved its brand without becoming too precious about itThe challenges and rewards of crafting non-alcoholic beer that actually tastes goodWhy today's consumers crave novelty, creativity, and “weird” in their beerBalancing local identity with broader market ambitionsThoughts on taproom culture, pricing pressures, and pandemic pivotsWhat it means to stay independent and inventive in a competitive craft beer landscapeTop 3 Wisdom Bombs“The beer consumer that wants new and exciting bold flavours and they want to be challenged with the things.” - Andrew Bullied“One thing that we've really focused on over the last years is not being too precious about a brand.” - Andrew Bullied“The giant breweries like Asahi and Heineken and Guinness, they're driving the non-alcoholic beer market and they've invested in technology to make sure it actually tastes pretty good.” - Andrew BulliedThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We're on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that's amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler's website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Andrew Bullied's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-bullied-031b33262Annex Ale Project's Website: https://www.annexales.comAnnex Ale Project's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/annex-ale-project/Annex Ale Project's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annexalesCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing
Buoyed by record crude oil flows and the expectation of further growth in Western Canada, Enbridge has been sanctioning more pipeline expansion projects and discussing plans to add more capacity.
Ovintiv, one of Western Canada's largest natural gas and condensate producers, has upped its Montney position with a takeover of rival NuVista Energy, continuing the recent consolidation trend.
In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler chats with Elaine Wilson, CEO of CUPS Calgary AB, for a timely conversation on Red Express—a holiday initiative that brings joy, dignity, and relief to Calgary families facing real economic hardship. Red Express is more than a gift program, it's an extension of CUPS' broader mission: to walk alongside Calgarians navigating trauma, poverty, and health challenges, and to provide long-term, integrated care that helps families build brighter futures. Elaine brings grounded insight into what's happening on Calgary's frontlines—from food insecurity to housing gaps—and shares how partnerships like Red Express reflect what's possible when community steps up.If you would like to support Red Express, please visit: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/fundraising/2025-red-expressIn this episode:The story and evolution of Red ExpressCUPS' trauma-informed, whole-family approach to careCalgary's growing affordability crisis—from food to housingWhy holiday giving is about dignity, not charityThe value of community partnership and sustainable supportTop 3 Wisdom Bombs“We are essential parts of the social fabric of our communities.” - Elaine Wilson“Calgary would look really different if nonprofits didn't exist.” - Elaine Wilson“I think something Cups does well in all areas of our programming is that outreach component. We go out and we build connection, we build relationship, we show up for people and we work to really empower them.” - Elaine WilsonThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We're on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that's amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler's website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Elaine Wilson's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-wilson-3307335aCUPS Calgary AB's Website: https://www.cupscalgary.comCUPS Calgary AB's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cups-health-and-education-centresCUPS Calgary AB's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CUPSCalgaryABCUPS Calgary AB's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CUPSCalgaryAB/CUPS Calgary AB's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CUPSCalgary1989Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing
NGL production in British Columbia has been on the rise. Plans by NorthRiver Midstream to build a pipeline to fractionators in Alberta will give producers in the Montney more runway for growth.
Stuhini Exploration Ltd. (OTCQB: STXPF) a well-structured mineral exploration company focused on Western Canada managed by a team with a track record of entrepreneurial success in the mineral exploration sector and the business sector. Meredith Eades, CEO and President of Stuhini Exploration, joins us to share how the company is unlocking value at its Ruby Creek project in British Columbia. With a significant molybdenum resource and promising exploration upside—including high-grade silver and gold—Stuhini is advancing a dual-path strategy to drive future growth and discovery.
Greetings, and welcome back to the podcast. This episode, we are joined by Mr. John Dielwart - Chairman of TransAlta a TSX listed ectricity generation and wholesale marketing company with a market cap of ~$7 billion. Mr. Dielwart was formerly Chief Executive Officer of ARC Resources Ltd., which owns and operates oil and gas properties in Western Canada. He oversaw the growth of ARC Resources from start-up in 1996 to a company with a total capitalization of approximately $10 billion at the time of his retirement. After his retirement from ARC Resources on January 1, 2013, Mr. Dielwart re-joined ARC Financial Corp. as Vice-Chairman and Partner. ARC Financial is Canada's leading energy-focused private equity manager. In 2020, Mr. Dielwart resigned from the board but remained as Partner and member of ARC Financial's Investment and Governance committees, and currently represents ARC Financial on the board of Aspenleaf Energy Limited.Mr. Dielwart has a Bachelor of Science with distinction (civil engineering) from the University of Calgary. He is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta and is a past-Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. In 2015, Mr. Dielwart was inducted into the Calgary Business Hall of Fame and in 2018 he received the Oil and Gas Council's Canadian Lifetime Achievement Award.Among other things we learned about Building ARC Resources, 1st Montney Wells & Canadian Power Markets.Thank you to our sponsors.Without their support this episode would not be possible:Connate Water SolutionsATB Capital MarketsEPACAstro Oilfield Rentals Platinum EndeavorsTreeline Well ServicesSupport the show
A common theme on the bird report is the omnidirectional origins of the interesting birds we see, especially in fall – in any given week we may see lost birds from Europe, Western Canada, the Caribbean, and the desert southwest. This week is a good example, with species hailing from all of these destinations making landfall on the Cape.
Tyler Chisholm talks with Brian McLennan, CEO and co-founder of Link—a Calgary-based fintech platform revolutionizing how workplace savings plans are built and delivered across Canada. Rather than compete with financial institutions, Link enables them. The company provides a white-label infrastructure for banks, credit unions, and employers to deliver modern, digital-first retirement savings plans like RRSPs, TFSAs, and pensions. Brian shares how Link is helping close the access gap for the more than 50% of working Canadians who currently have no workplace savings plan—and why that's not just a market opportunity, but a national challenge. They discuss the shift from legacy administration models to flexible, advisor-friendly platforms; the ROI of employer matching; and how even the smallest businesses can now offer big-company benefits. Brian also unpacks Link's early pivots, the power of partnerships, and why solving the infrastructure problem is the key to lasting impact.In this episode:What Link is and how it works behind the scenesWhy financial infrastructure is often the invisible unlockThe benefits of employer matching and behavioral nudgesDigital advice, fund selection, and user experienceRetirement savings access across Canada's workforceHow Link balances tech scale with advisory partnershipsCalgary's emerging role in Canada's fintech ecosystemThe global future of workplace financial benefitsTop 3 Wisdom Bombs“Ultimately what we're trying to accomplish is afford employees the ability to have a *dignified retirement*—to retire on their own terms.” - Brian McClennon“Energy stocks can make 25-year-old millionaires—or cut portfolios in half. Diversify.” - Brian McClennon“Australia's superannuation system shows what happens when saving is mandated—assets in the trillions, people ready for retirement.” - Brian McClennonThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We're on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that's amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler's website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Brian McClennon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmcclennonLink Investment Management's Website: https://www.link-plans.comLink Investment Management's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/link-investment-managementCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing
Join Phil and Kenny as they hit the road with Simran Kaur, Sales Manager for Western Canada at Chiba Organics, for an unfiltered conversation about navigating the Canadian CPG and retail landscape.From her start handling national accounts for McDonald's and Starbucks at Zomato in Delhi to building relationships with independent grocers across Western Canada, Simran shares hard-earned wisdom about what it really takes to succeed in this business. Recorded on a marathon road trip, this episode dives into the realities of selling into retail: managing out-of-stocks honestly, building authentic store relationships, understanding that it's never about you—it's about helping stores serve their customers better, and why owning your mistakes is non-negotiable.Whether you're breaking into the industry, managing accounts, or just trying to understand how products make it onto shelves, this conversation delivers practical insights and real talk about the challenges and rewards of life in Canadian retail and CPG.You can find Simran here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaur-mansimran/In case you're interested in working with Jiva Organics: https://www.jivaorganics.ca/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
The future of hockey is now. Meghan Angley and Jesse Montano dive into the league's youth takeover with names like Leo Carlsson, Connor Bedard, and Macklin Celebrini already chasing Nathan MacKinnon atop the scoring charts. Closer to home, the Avs' penalty kill is thriving at a top-three clip, and Meghan shares part of her conversation with Brock Nelson on what makes elite PK units click. Plus, we check in on Colorado's prospects Sean Behrens and Alex Gagne after a strong Eagles weekend, and preview the PWHL's upcoming Denver tour stop at Ball Arena. Jesse Montano and Meghan Angley are LIVE after Colorado's second game of a two-game road trip out in Western Canada to take on the Canucks for the first time this season #ColoradoAvalanche #GoAvsGo #AvsNation #NathanMacKinnon #CaleMakar #GuerillaSports #Hockey #AvalancheHockey #MileHighHockey #AvsFans #Avalanche2025 #Mikko Rantanen #AvsGameDay #NHLHighlights #DenverSports #AvalancheForever #MakarMagic #HockeyInColorado #StanleyCup #NHL This show is brought to you by RefiJet Did you know you could refinance your auto loan? With RefiJet, you could save around $150 a month—all with just a soft credit pull and zero hassle. Lower payments, flexible terms, even cash back from your car's equity. RefiJet does the work, you get the savings. Start today at RefiJet.com! The Faster, Easier way to Refinance
Jesse Montano and Meghan Angley are LIVE after Colorado's second game of a two-game road trip out in Western Canada to take on the Canucks for the first time this season #ColoradoAvalanche #GoAvsGo #AvsNation #NathanMacKinnon #CaleMakar #GuerillaSports #Hockey #AvalancheHockey #MileHighHockey #AvsFans #Avalanche2025 #Mikko Rantanen #AvsGameDay #NHLHighlights #DenverSports #AvalancheForever #MakarMagic #HockeyInColorado #StanleyCup #NHL This show is brought to you by RefiJet Did you know you could refinance your auto loan? With RefiJet, you could save around $150 a month—all with just a soft credit pull and zero hassle. Lower payments, flexible terms, even cash back from your car's equity. RefiJet does the work, you get the savings. Start today at RefiJet.com! The Faster, Easier way to Refinance
Exciting news: The Humphrey Group has been acquired by Humance! In this special episode of The Inspire Podcast, Bart Egnal speaks with Bernard Letendre, Managing Partner, Ontario and Western Canada at Humance, about the story behind this decision and the journey that led him there. Bernard shares his remarkable career path from practicing law to leading major divisions in Canada's financial services industry, to joining Humance and becoming the architect behind its acquisition of The Humphrey Group. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned about taking risks, creating opportunities rather than waiting for them, and pursuing growth with purpose. He also draws powerful parallels between leadership and his lifelong practice of judo, where discipline, humility, and mutual benefit are essential to success. Bart and Bernard close with an inside look at how the merger came to be after a year of conversation and a shared vision for growth, and how it will set both organizations up to continue serving their clients in existing and new ways. Whether you're navigating your own career transitions or leading through change, this conversation offers powerful insights on creating your own opportunities, embracing non-linear growth, and finding strength in partnership. Show Notes: 00:14 Show intro 00:48 Welcoming Bernard 01:14 Special announcement 02:05 "Humance" meaning 02:29 Judo and its importance 04:40 How Bernard began his career 05:01 Law and the law of electronic surveillance 05:34 Wife: "law made you less fun to be around" 06:47 Joined IG 07:06 Taking a 100% commission job 07:53 Making cold-calls to the bar phonebook 08:35 Finding opportunities in the new job 08:40 Officer training in the military 09:05 Good at management 10:19 Changing career paths regularly 10:36 Switching to Standard Life 11:21 Standard life 12:05 2009 Financial crisis - lost job 12:14 Landing at Manulife 12:36 Should you take a step down in your career? 13:01 Building a biz plan for private wealth at Manulife 13:44 Manulife tapped him to run his business plan 14:54 Advice for people who are ambitious with their careers 15:08 Don't wait for opportunity, come up with ways of creating value 15:36 Congrats, you have employment now figure out your job 16:50 How the Pandemic transformed his life 17:53 cert in organizational coaching 20:59 Why he made the leap to Humance 22:38 Long-term thinking 22:45 Doing is big "act" before it was too late 24:16 Advice: A career does not have to be linear 25:13 Not having a rigid mind 25:36 The final act: Humance 27:05 His Biz plan for expanding Humance outside the Quebec market 28:48 How Bernard reached out to Bart 31:17 Mutual benefit in Judo 33:41 Thank yous and wrap up 34:02 Outro
November isn't usually known for being warm and dry, and this year is no exception, as snow begins to fly in parts of Western Canada — even a few spots in Ontario. For this week's episode of Wheat Pete's Word, we're going to start with wet weather, how it complicates corn dry-down, and so much... Read More
November isn't usually known for being warm and dry, and this year is no exception, as snow begins to fly in parts of Western Canada — even a few spots in Ontario. For this week's episode of Wheat Pete's Word, we're going to start with wet weather, how it complicates corn dry-down, and so much... Read More
In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler chats with Josh Rainbow, founder of Future Summit, a uniquely curated conference that's fast becoming Canada's premiere platform for innovation. Held annually in Calgary, Future Summit brings together leaders from AI, energy, aerospace, robotics, and more to connect, collaborate, and co-create the future. Josh walks us through the behind-the-scenes mechanics of producing a large-scale event with intention—sharing how curated dinners, experiential salons, and smart sponsor management help foster real relationships. With over 90 speakers, cross-sector partnerships, and a clear Calgary-first ethos, Future Summit is more than a conference. It's a platform for change.In this episode:* How curated collisions replace keynotes and pitch decks* The importance of building cross-sector, cross-generational networks* Balancing sponsor ROI with authentic engagement* Creating tangible next steps for attendees* Calgary's moment as a national and global innovation hub* Why community and humility are core to building impactful eventsTop 3 Wisdom Bombs“If you're not building something for Calgary, in Calgary, with Calgary—why should anyone else care?” - Josh Rainbow“Most people underestimate the power of a 10-person dinner to change the trajectory of a company.” - Josh Rainbow“It's not about having a tech event. It's about creating the room where the right people get to meet at the right time.” - Josh RainbowThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We're on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that's amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler's website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Josh Rainbow's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarainbowFuture Summit's Website: https://www.futuresummit.aiFuture Summit's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futurexsummit/Future Summit's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurexsummitFuture Summit's X: https://www.x.com/futurexsummitCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing
On this episode, we discuss the Blue Jackets early season success, including a four game winning streak that came to a bitter end in Long Island, share the player we think played with the most ****ing heart last week, and preview the week ahead, including kicking off a pesky Western Canada road trip. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Thread, and Twitter: @CBJectivelyPod Check us out on Facebook and YouTube: CBJectively Speaking Rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen! Check out our merchandise: www.cbjectivelymerch.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The addition of a dry fertilizer option for corn planting and growing evidence of seed savings in canola has many growers in both Eastern and Western Canada taking a hard look at Fendt Momentum planters. In this report from the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, Fendt marketing manager Arthur Santos notes that 30-foot Momentum... Read More
Some young wingers are getting it done for the St. Louis Blues! In this episode of Lets Go Blues Radio, we discuss Jake Neighbours' and Jimmy Snuggerud's onslaught through Western Canada. We also discuss our thoughts on the Blues' dismal open to the season against Minnesota and what we have seen from goaltenders Joel Hofer and Jordan Binnington. We'll also bring you Bill's Save of the Week and discuss the opening of the 2025-26 NHL season. Let's Go Blues Radio is the longest-running St. Louis Blues hockey podcast, bringing fans unfiltered analysis and in-your-face commentary since 2011. Hosted by Curt Price, Bill Day and Jeff Ponder. Sponsors: Mike Burgoyne Real Estate – Email Mike at Mike@strikewithmike.com for the best realty service in St. Louis. Six Zero Pickleball – Go next level with Six Zero paddles, equipment, and apparel! http://www.sixzeropickleball.com (Use code CPRICE10 for 10% off).
Why do birds consistently follow certain routes in their migrations? Pathways of migration evolved, shaped by the wind. During the height of the last ice age, ice-free breeding habitat for songbirds remained in what is now Alaska and parts of Western Canada. Studies of fossil pollen show that consistent winds blew across the continent on a northwest-southeast heading of 155 degrees. Scott Weidensaul recounts in his book Living on the Wind, “A powerful high-pressure center over central Canada pumped strong northwest winds, precisely the conditions that would aid migrants.” The birds rode these tailwinds to traverse the ice fields. And today, the birds still follow this bearing on their migration to South and Central America and the Caribbean.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ray Cotolo and Mikee P analyze harness racing stakes action from Century Mile for Saturday (Oct. 11), which features a pair of eliminations for the 2025 Western Canada Pacing Derby, a prep for the Century Casinos Filly Pace and the return of Shark Week as he looks to rebound off his first defeat after uncorking seven wins straight during the Century Downs meeting.
Episode 278 of The Business Development Podcast dives into the explosive rise of Startup TNT with co-founder Tim Lynn, a financial strategist and serial entrepreneur who has helped reshape Western Canada's startup ecosystem. Tim shares his journey from investment banking to building a community-driven angel investing platform that has mobilized millions in capital, empowered new investors, and opened doors for founders across the Prairies. With a unique blend of expertise as a CPA, CFA, and CBV, Tim explains how Startup TNT is lowering barriers to entry for angel investing and creating real momentum for entrepreneurs.In this conversation, Tim breaks down the realities of angel investing — why most startups fail, how to build a diversified portfolio, and why collaboration beats going it alone. He shares powerful lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of growing companies in Alberta, and the opportunities that make Western Canada a force on the global stage. Packed with insights, practical wisdom, and explosive energy, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about startups, investing, and the future of entrepreneurship in Canada.Key Takeaways: 1. Most startups fail — 80–90% don't make it, which is why diversification is critical in angel investing.2. A winning portfolio isn't about one bet, it's about 20–40 “shots on goal” to increase the odds of success.3. Angel investing doesn't have to mean $100K+ cheques — pooling $5–10K investments makes it accessible to more people.4. Collaboration beats isolation: Startup TNT thrives by bringing investors, founders, and communities together.5. Investors shouldn't impose their own vision — success comes from backing founders who see the future clearly.6. The role of investors is to champion companies — providing introductions, advice, and resources when asked, not dictating.7. Great companies are built on strong teams — weak team dynamics can derail even the best products.8. Distribution and sales often matter more than the product itself; the best idea isn't enough without reach.9. Alberta and Western Canada have world-class talent and innovation, but need more business and sales expertise to scale.10. Early mistakes and failures are part of the process — both founders and investors grow by “bumping into walls” and learning.
It's been about a month since the NDP leadership race began and two main contenders have emerged: longtime climate activist and former broadcaster Avi Lewis, and NDP MP for Edmonton-Strathcona, Heather McPherson, one of the most prominent New Democrat voices in Western Canada.The NDP suffered a crushing defeat last election. The party went from 24 MPs to only seven, losing official party status. The next leader is faced with a monumental challenge to rebuild.Today, we've got two people with different visions of what that looks like.Martin Lukacs is the managing editor of the independent progressive media outlet The Breach. He's also the author of ‘The Poilievre Project'.Cheryl Oates is a political consultant, who worked for former Alberta NDP premier Rachel Notley. She's also worked on NDP campaigns across Western Canada, and teaches at McGill's Max Bell School of Public Policy.They join host Jayme Poisson for a spirited debate about the future of the NDP.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts