Canadian Podcast with ZAK

Mafia life and the road out: Anthony Ruggiano Jr. on leaving the Gambino crime family and rebuilding a life beyond organized crime.

What does it actually take to walk away from the mafia? Could you leave that life behind and start over?

Expect to learn: how Anthony was drawn into the life at a young age, what had to change for him to walk away, and how he now helps others beat drug and alcohol addiction.

Blending business with the performing arts: Ilene Elkaim, entrepreneur, actor, producer and founder of Six Dynamix Agency, on building a career across both worlds.

How do you combine business savvy with artistic work? What does it take to thrive in both worlds?

Expect to learn: how Ilene built a consulting business alongside acting and producing since 1994, why she founded Six Dynamix Agency in 2020, and how collaboration fuels a career in the arts.

Western heritage and silversmithing: Scott Hardy, fifth-generation stockman and full-time western silversmith and engraver since 1981, on preserving the craft of the West.

What does it take to keep western heritage alive through handmade craft? Could you spend four decades perfecting a single art?

Expect to learn: how Scott became an award-winning engraver, the story behind his Calgary Stampede centennial buckles and Canada Post stamp, and why the image of the cowboy still stirs our ideals.

Learn more about Scott and his craftsmanship at: https://scotthardy.com/

Follow Scott on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/scotthardysilversmith/?hl=en

Country music and the road to 20 million streams: Alberta-born artist Dan Davidson on building a country career from indie roots to platinum records.

What does it take to go from an indie rock band to a chart-topping country career? How do you earn 20 million streams?

Expect to learn: how Dan exploded onto the Canadian country scene with his single "Found", what six CCMA nominations and ten ACMA awards taught him, and how ten years in Tupelo Honey shaped his music.

Gut health and what to watch for in your body: Selin Bilgin, B.A, C.H.N, speaker, host of the Luscious Living podcast, and holistic nutritionist, on lasting wellness from the inside out.

Why does gut health matter so much? What should you be looking out for in your own body?

Expect to learn: how Selin's consulting connects mind and body for sustainable wellness, what companies like Lindt, RBC, Hershey's and CIBC learn from her wellness workshops, and simple habits for feeling confident, healthy, and radiant.

Connect with Selin at www.selinbilgin.com, on the Luscious Living Podcast, or https://www.instagram.com/_lusciousliving_/

Childhood trauma and the myth of normal: Daniel Maté, award-winning musical theatre songwriter and "mental chiropractor", on healing, alignment, and innate freedom.

How does childhood trauma shape who we become? What would it mean to live in alignment with your true self?

Expect to learn: how Daniel's "mental chiropractic" work helps people find clarity and creativity, what he's learning co-authoring books with his father Dr. Gabor Maté, and how a career in theatre informs his approach to healing.

Building a band through the love of music: Western Canadian country trio Orchard Sky on finding their sound and their voice.

What does it take to build a band that lasts? How do you find the right voice to complete your sound?

Expect to learn: how Mitch Smith and Andreas Wegner found lead vocalist Krystle Dos Santos, the story behind their debut single "Canadian Party Song", and what it takes to become western Canada's next country export.

Learn more by visiting their site: https://orchardsky.ca/

Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orchardskyband/?hl=en

Finding the passion in music and life: Canadian country artist Jason Blaine on a decade at the forefront of the scene, from Pembroke to Nashville.

What does it take to keep the passion alive after 20 radio hits? How do you stay hungry when you've already made it?

Expect to learn: how Jason wrote "They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore" for his grandfather, what his charity golf classic has raised for Pembroke, and why he still feels like he's just getting started.

Cyber bullying and social media safety: Toronto Police Constable Laurie McCann on keeping kids and communities safe online.

What should parents know about cyberbullying and social media? How do you keep your kids safe on the internet?

Expect to learn: what Laurie has learned in 23 years of law enforcement and 11 years on social media, how she speaks to students, parents, and police agencies about cyberbullying and sexting, and practical tips for safe internet use.

Becoming a country star: Hailey Benedict, 2022 CCMA Interactive Artist of the Year, on turning dreams into reality in Canadian country music.

What does it take to go from dreaming about a music career to living it? How does a young artist break through?

Expect to learn: how Hailey became the first artist to secure both iHeart Radio Future Star and Stingray Trending features, the story behind "Wanted You To", and what her 2022 awards taught her about the road ahead.