Better Than Not

In this episode of Better Than Not, I’m joined by musician and President of Alma Records, Peter Cardinali. Peter talks of his early musical influences, his journey from playing accordion to bass, and his experiences touring Europe at a young age. Peter shares defining moments in his career in particular the transition from live performer to session player and working with artists like Anne Murray. He also shares the experience of starting his own record label and the importance of staying true to oneself through life's journey. For more on Peter, you can find him at www.almarecords.com.

In this episode of Better Than Not, I am joined by returning guest Payman Kianpour, founder of Kepstrom. In this conversation we explore the intricate relationship between design and human emotions, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, love, and respect in collaborative processes. The discussion delves into what Payman called - forming, storming, norming, and performing - highlighting how navigating the storming phase can lead to better outcomes in both design and life. The episode also touches on the significance of managing expectations and the role of questions in fostering understanding and innovation. To find our more about Payman, you can find him at www.kepstrum.com.

In this episode of Better Than Not, I am joined by an old friend Blake Steels. Our conversation explores our shared history, Blake's diverse career journey from music to nuclear physics, and his current role in real estate. We discuss the importance of music in our lives, the impact of education, and the significance of social connections. Blake delves into the environmental implications of nuclear energy while sharing insights on creativity, personal growth, and the value of human interaction. To find out more about Blake, you can find him at www.cottages4sale.com.

In this episode of Better Than Not, Dr. Michael Butler, an astrophysicist from the University of Saskatchewan, joins me to discuss the intersection of science and faith. The conversation explores how scientific principles can support biblical understanding, the challenges of evolutionary theory, and the role of AI in modern research. Dr. Butler shares his journey from a Christian upbringing to a career in astrophysics, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the limits of science when discussing the divine. For more on Michael, you can reach him at www.apologeticscanada.com.

Returning to the Better Than Not Podcast in this episode is author Scott Walker. In our candid conversation, Scott talks about trying to figure out what’s next in his creative journey. Having immersed himself in writing for the last six years, he had reinvented himself as L.A. Scott in the shared writing world of Cozy Vales from our last conversation. But he noticed something was missing. He talks about participating or leading new creative activities in a community. A fascinating discussion in understanding the creative life. Learn more about Scott at www.scottiswriting.com.

Returning to the Better Than Not Podcast in this episode is the host of The Cody Tucker Show and historian, Cody Tucker himself—only this time in video! Cody is back with lots on the go. His new book “And Now You Know” is out, filled with stories like those in his popular reels connecting strange and fascinating facts about movies, music, history and more. His book was published the same day he appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience in May. You can find Cody at @thecodytuckershow on Instagram or on his podcast.

Returning to Better Than Not in this episode is actor, author, writer, director and filmmaker William C. Cole. We talked more about Bill’s books this time around–Love Lonely and Who Lies Beside Me. We also talked a lot more about Bill’s acting with a behind-the-camera description of what an actor experiences while filming. What the camera captures and we see as viewers are quite different to what actually takes place. Bill talked more about his movie too—The Mystical Cave. To learn more about Bill, visit www.williamccole.com and his IMDB profile.

In this episode, I am joined by Doug Dueck, the Founder and President of Well of Plenty. A father of three and grandfather to six, Doug is an entrepreneur with a background in farming and real estate development. He not only knows how to put technology together but how to connect talented people—a true business leader—as you will discover in our conversation. Our discussion covers his founding of the Well of Plenty Foundation and what purposeful, creative work can accomplish. His story is not one to be missed. For more on Mr. Dueck, you can find him at www.wellofplenty.com.

Returning to Better Than Not podcast in this episode is friend and comedian Scott Stewart. Scott brings a surprise to this episode, which you’ll soon find out, I was not anticipating and in-line with his last visit titled--No Risk, No Reward. Scott performs stand-up in Los Angeles area. You can find Scott on Instagram at @scottstewartcomedy or the many comedy stages in L.A.

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Christopher Wright. Chris is the International Ministries Ambassador of the Langham Partnership International, a consortium of trusts founded by John Stott, a position previously held by Stott. Chris has been an Anglican clergyman for over 40 years and recognized as an Old Testament scholar. He’s also written over 40 books. Born in Belfast, Ireland, Chris was ordained in the Anglican Church of England and did missionary work in India but sees himself as a teacher of the Bible. Our conversation covers the Bible, ApostlePaul, science and the state of Christianity in the world. His most recent book is The Great Story and The Great Commission. For more on Chris, you can find him www.christopherjhwright.com.