Today we talk to Kristi Falturosso, who is a Chief Customer Officer, a LinkedIn Influencer, and CS Strategist. She’s a very big deal.  When I started this podcast, it was about talking to people from way outside my comfort zone, to talk about anything other than what I did for a living.  And that hasn’t changed.  But Kristi and I both work in very similar circles so this conversation was a bit of an experiment - what if two people who did the same thing for a living got together and talked about anything but work? What would we have in common?  What could we learn about each other? 

And it turns out it was one of the most vulnerable, thoughtful, and emotional conversations I've ever had. And it makes me wonder what I might be missing by staying in my lane, and the conversations I could be having with people if I were as brave as Kristi to talk about things we just never talk about. 

Kristi talks about growing up on Long Island, losing her brother in a motorcycle accident, the pain she still carries from family trauma, her complicated relationship with alcohol and her journey with sobriety.  We also explore the fragility of self-confidence, and the quiet courage it takes to completely be yourself online.

Full disclosure, the most memorable part of this conversation for me happened after we hung up.  I sat in my chair, and cried.  I can’t explain why.  The closest I can come up with, is that it’s conversations like this I’ve been searching for.

Please enjoy, Kristi Faltorusso.

Key Takeaways

• Confidence can be fragile. Kristi opens up about how even with years of experience and external validation, her confidence can unravel with a single moment of doubt.
• Stereotypes run deep. Despite her authentic and vulnerable presence online, Kristi shares how people often misjudge her based on surface-level impressions—and how powerful it is when we prove those assumptions wrong.
• Grief changes everything. The loss of her brother in a motorcycle accident became one of the biggest forks in the road of her life, shifting her perspective and fueling her to live with intention.
• LinkedIn is more than a platform. For Kristi, it’s been a creative outlet, a community, and even a form of therapy. She shares how writing has helped her find her voice and connect more deeply with others.
• The dark side of alcohol. With over 800 days of sobriety, Kristi talks candidly about the decision to quit drinking, the cultural normalization of alcohol, and how giving it up has been one of the best decisions of her life.
• You don’t need a five-year plan. Instead of rigid goals, Kristi’s leaning into the unknown—welcoming the opportunities that show up when you bring your whole self to your life and your work.
• The people closest to you can hurt the most. She reflects on how deep family wounds still linger, and the ache that comes from not getting closure, even years later.
• Creativity is everywhere. From work emails to support tickets, Kristi finds inspiration all around her—and keeps a notebook nearby to capture ideas as they come.

Links & Resources

Kristi on LinkedIn

Kristi’s Website

Kristi’s “The Journey” Newsletter

She’s So Suite Podcast

Connect with Bob Mathers

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Today we talk to Stefanie Peachey, a therapist and mental health advocate about what’s been called, Trump anxiety.  Whether it’s tariffs or rhetoric around Canada becoming the 51st state, Canadians are feeling betrayed, bullied and pissed off.  And it’s taking a dramatic toll on our mental health.

I wanted to have this conversation because I have dear friends in the US, customers, and partners, and this is an elephant in the room I’ve been avoiding.  I don’t even like having the conversation with my Canadian friends because it’s so emotionally charged.  At work, we’re told never to talk politics, but here’s the thing - this is not a political issue.  It’s deeply personal, and it affects everyone differently.  

I’m recording this intro 4 days after Stefanie and I spoke, and there have already been 2 major changes in Trump’s position on tariffs.  If you think things will calm down, it won’t.  Nobody is coming to save us.  The current chaos of the day will simply be replaced by something else because that’s what bullies do.  Whether you like it or not, dealing with uncertainty and the anxiety people are feeling - is a core competency you need to build.

Stefanie gives us language for how we’re feeling and practical steps we can take to take back some control in our lives, and feel less powerless.   We also talk about the power of collective experiences like concerts and sports that bring us together and remind us that we’re all better than this.

Please enjoy, Stefanie Peachey.

Key Takeaways

• Stefanie highlights how many Canadians are experiencing a sense of collective trauma—not unlike emotional abuse in toxic relationships—with feelings of gaslighting, fear, and powerlessness triggered by political uncertainty.

• It’s not political, it’s personal. These issues are impacting people’s day-to-day lives, their sleep, their stress levels, and their relationships.

• Leaders don’t need to have all the answers—but they do need to acknowledge what’s going on and show their teams that they’re listening and paying attention.

• Self-care isn’t about spa days—it’s about the basics: drinking water, getting sleep, moving your body, and monitoring how your environment (including your media diet) impacts your emotions.

• Doom scrolling is real—and dangerous. Being intentional about your screen time (even removing passwords or deleting apps) can make a huge difference in your mental health.

• Quiet moments—whether sitting in a restaurant alone or going for a run—can be grounding. Learning to sit with our thoughts is a skill worth re-building.

• We need more collective joy. Concerts, hockey games, shared wins—these experiences remind us that we’re connected and help us feel less alone.

• Her billboard message? “This is tough. But so are you.” A powerful reminder that while we can't control everything, we are more resilient than we think.

Links & Resources

Stefanie Peachey Counselling

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Article: Trump, tariffs, stock market crash: Are politics and finances stressing you out?

Connect with Bob Mathers

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Today we talk to Drew Smith – a sailor, storyteller, and seeker who just completed a six-year voyage to the far side of the world on his 32-foot sailboat.

Drew set out to reach his antipode – the exact opposite point on Earth from where he was born. He’s got incredible stories, but the one that still haunts me is getting caught in a storm in 30 foot waves, 750 miles off the coast of Australia, in the middle of the night, all alone.

I grew up around boats and I could listen to Drew’s tales of nautical disaster for hours.  There are so many takeaways from this conversation.  But the most dramatic is this idea that not only can you spend your life consumed by these big goals that are never as satisfying as you think when you achieve them, but that you come back to a life, friends, a job that no longer fits. Everyone expects you to be the same person but you've changed.  You don’t need to sail around the world for years to know what this feels like.  If you’re working on yourself and sometimes feels weighted down by an old life that no longer serves you, you’ll love hearing how Drew is navigating his way back to a life that fits this new version of him. You’re never going to forget this conversation.

Batten down the hatches, and please enjoy, Drew Smith.

Key Takeaways

• Drew’s journey started with a question: what’s the farthest he could go from where he was born without leaving the planet? The answer became a six-year solo sailing mission to his geographical antipode.
• Growing up in a small town in eastern Canada, Drew developed a thirst for something bigger—and he's been chasing horizons ever since.
• Reaching your goal is never as satisfying as you think. The real reward is in the journey, the rhythm, and the self-discovery along the way.
• After years of wandering, Drew’s realizing that what he wants next isn’t distance—it’s community, purpose, and something that lasts.
• The scariest moment of his voyage? Being caught in a 10-meter swell 750 miles off the coast of Australia, completely alone, relying on gear he’d never tested in real-world conditions.
• Solo sailing is both isolating and deeply meditative. You become one with your boat, hyper-attuned to every sound, every shift in the wind, every creak of the hull.
• Coming home was harder than expected. The thrill of arrival fades fast, and the question quickly becomes: “Now what?”

Links & Resources

Drew on Instagram

Drew on TikTok

Jordan Series Drogue - A storm safety device used in extreme offshore conditions.

Ze Frank’s “Earth Sandwich” Concept - The fun idea that inspired Drew’s Earth Sandwich celebration at his antipode. 

Connect with Bob Mathers

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LinkedIn

Today we talk to Syd "The Jewel" Vanderpool—former boxer with a pro record of 35-4 with 23 knockouts.  He was super middleweight champion and he did what virtually no boxers do - he walked away at the top of his game.  He now owns his own boxing gym, coaches Olympic athletes and works with business leaders to take what he learned in the ring to help them build thriving businesses of their own.

It’s hard to believe as I sit here in this comfy leather chair that Syd and I are the same species.  He had his first fight when he was 6 years old and spent his life getting in the ring with trained killers.  I’ve been in 2 fights in my life, they didn’t go well and I pretty much spent the rest of my life avoiding conflict.  But as Syd says, boxing isn’t about fighting - it’s about discipline, resilience and knowing when to stand your ground.  And that hit me right between the eyes.

Syd’s got some incredible stories from inside and outside the ring.  And he is a wisdom soundbite machine. Here are 2 I can’t get out of my head.

"If you don’t believe in yourself, no amount of training, coaching, or preparation will save you. At some point, you have to decide you belong."

"If you never feel like an imposter, you’re not pushing yourself hard enough.” 

Man, this conversation really hit home.  

Please enjoy, Sid Vanderpool.

Links & Resources

• Sid Vanderpool’s Gym (SydFit Health Centre) – Boxing training for all levels, from beginners to elite athletes. 
• Boxing Gym Growth Academy – Coaching for gym owners to build successful businesses.
• Champion for Charity Boxing Event - Annual boxing event raising money for McMaster Children’s Hospital and other charities.

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

Key Takeaways

• The making of "The Jewel" – How Sid got his nickname and why it represents more than just a catchy ring name.
• First fight at six years old?! – The wild story of how Sid’s boxing career started when his dad volunteered him on the spot.
• The mental and emotional game – Why fear, self-doubt, and emotional regulation play a bigger role in boxing (and life) than most people realize.
• Knowing when to walk away – How Sid made the rare, smart decision to retire before taking too much damage—a choice most fighters struggle with.
• What happened to boxing? – Why the sport isn’t in the spotlight like it was in the Ali and Tyson eras, and how UFC stepped in.
• Coaching beyond the ring – Sid’s work training not just fighters, but also gym owners and business leaders on discipline, strategy, and resilience.
• Stepping outside your comfort zone – Whether it’s boxing, business, or life, pushing past fear is where real growth happens.

Today we talk to Suzanne Kearns, a pilot, professor, and visionary in the future of aviation. I must admit, this might be the hardest intro I’ve ever had to write.  My job now is to give you 2-3 reasons to keep listening.  And no matter what I do, I can’t get it down to less than 10.

Suzanne's story is incredible—she started flying at 15, soloed on her 16th birthday, and was flying helicopters before she had a driver’s license.  She shares what it’s like to be a woman in an industry where still only 5% of pilots are women.  We talk about the collective trauma that the aviation community suffered when the entire industry shut down over the pandemic.  How it sparked a global conversation around sustainability for one of the most unsustainable industries on the planet.  

Suzanne’s passion for inspiring new generations of pilots is intoxicating.  She talks about how jetpacks and electric planes are not they’re all cracked up to be, but how electric air taxis like in the Jetsons are closer than you think.

I cannot get enough of this conversation, or of Suzanne.  

Please enjoy, Suzanne Kearns.

Links and Resources

Dr. Kearns at the University of Waterloo 

LinkedIn

Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) 

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

International Air Transport Association (IATA) 

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) 

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Today we talk to Nic Sulsky— TV personality, tech entrepreneur, and the guy on a mission to revolutionize the sport of curling.

Nic is a character.  He went from hosting a kids' TV show to conning his way onto a sports talk show, to pioneering two fantasy sports companies to his latest challenge, making curling the biggest winter sport in the world.  Now if you think that sounds a little far-fetched, I’m with you.  But when you hear Nic’s passion for the game and his plans, you start thinking he could actually pull this off.

Nic’s talks about playing for Canada’s national rugby team in the Jewish Olympics, which I didn’t know was a thing.  He talks about the pain of watching one of his companies implode in 3 weeks.  And why he launched the Grand Slam of Karaoke to showcase the amazing athletes he wants to turn into superstars

I guarantee this conversation will change how you think about curling, which to be honest is not something I’ve thought much about at all.  But more than that, it’s about what’s possible when you find the courage to take big swings on what you care about most, and giving zero fucks about what anyone says about it.

Resources and Links

Grand Slam of Curling – Learn more about the premier curling series that Nick is working to transform. 

Instagram

YouTube

Twitter / X

Grand Slam of Karaoke – The fun event featuring curlers singing live on stage.

Alt Sports Data – The company helping to build live data and odds projection feeds for curling.

PointsBet – The international sports gaming company where Nick previously worked on expanding sports betting opportunities.

Waste Management Phoenix Open – The high-energy golf tournament that inspired some of the changes Nick wants to bring to curling.

Rick Rubin on Creativity – Nick references Rick Rubin’s philosophy on following an emotional charge to chase creativity.

• Book: The Creative Act: A Way of Being

The Maccabiah Games – Also known as the “Jewish Olympics,” where Nick represented Canada in rugby.

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Today we talk to Jim Estill, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with an incredible track record of building and scaling companies. He grew his first business to over $2 billion, sat on the founding board of BlackBerry during its meteoric rise, and after a career in tech and having earned the right to do anything he wanted - he decided to be the CEO of an appliance company. But what drew me to Jim wasn’t his business success—it was a video he posted about something he called Monk Mode. Trust me, you’re going to love it.

Jim provides a master class in leadership and entrepreneurship, and shares practical advice on time management, staying focused, building strong teams and the importance of using your wisdom over your work ethic as you get older.  Jim has been a vocal critic of the business community for not giving enough back.  And, he talks about how this leads to so many successful people struggling to find purpose even after they achieved everything they set out to do.  

I can’t tell you how many moments during this conversation I thought, holy shit I have to talk to Jill about that, I have to take that idea back to my clients, that’s a new habit I need to build, that’s a new question I can ask.  This was one of those rare conversations that bobs and weaves, goes in unexpected directions and somehow gives me exactly what I needed to hear at this point in my life.

Please enjoy, Jim Estill.

Key Takeaways

• Monk Mode & Digital Detox 
• The 20-Second Rule 
• The Power of Purpose 
• Philanthropy as a Business Advantage 
• Lessons from BlackBerry
• Applying Tech Speed to Traditional Industries 
• The Journey vs. The Destination
• Wisdom Over Work Ethic

Resources and Links 

• Danby Appliances 
• Website 
• LinkedIn 
• X 
• Medium

Books by Jim EstillZero to $2 Billion: The Marketing and Branding Story Behind the Growth

Time Leadership: Using the Secrets of Leadership for Time Management

Topics & Concepts MentionedThe 20-Second Rule – Concept from Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage

BlackBerry (2023) Movie

Communitech – Tech innovation hub co-founded by Jim Estill

Jim’s Refugee Sponsorship Initiative

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. Here is how you can connect with us at the Growth Mixtape podcast. Connect with Bob MathersWebsiteLinkedIn

Today, we talk to Michelle Stainton and Mikelle Ethier, two longtime friends and founders of the This is Perimenopause podcast. Half the population will spend nearly a third of their life dealing with this.  It’s messy, confusing and riddled with stigma - and they’re on a mission to fix that.

Michelle and Mikelle share their emotional and sometimes hilarious journeys through perimenopause.  We explore the systemic failures that have left women vulnerable to misinformation - from the patriarchy and sexism to a lack of research and medical education - and how people can take back control of their bodies and launch the best season of their life.

So whether you’re in it, coming up to it, supporting a partner through it, or just love weird conversations with powerful, inspiring women - I guarantee there is something here for you.  

Please enjoy Michelle and Mikelle.

Key Takeaways:

• What Perimenopause Actually Is: Perimenopause refers to the years leading up to menopause when fluctuating hormones can cause symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and more. Menopause itself is just one day—the one-year anniversary of your final period.
• The Knowledge Gap: Most women aren’t prepared for perimenopause, and even many doctors lack the training to provide appropriate care. The stigma around menopause and outdated medical practices have left millions of women to figure it out on their own.
• The Economic Impact: Symptoms of unmanaged menopause cost the Canadian economy an estimated $3.5 billion annually. Women are leaving jobs, turning down promotions, and struggling to maintain productivity because they lack support and solutions.
• Finding Purpose in the Chaos: Michelle and Mikelle believe perimenopause can be a gateway to a powerful new phase of life. They describe how it’s helped them shed old expectations, embrace their confidence, and step into a “no more f***s to give” mindset.
• The Importance of Advocacy: Doctors can only help if you give them the information they need. Track your symptoms, research treatment options, and come prepared to advocate for the care you deserve.
• A Glimmer of Hope: Menopause is finally “having a moment.” From grassroots advocacy to collaborations like This is Perimenopause’s work with Lume Women’s Health, the conversation is starting to change. But it’s still a long road to systemic improvements.
• Advice for Partners: Understanding that perimenopause is real, chaotic, and often overwhelming is key. Partners don’t need to “fix” things—just listen, support, and educate themselves.
• It’s Not Over—It’s Just Beginning: Michelle and Mikelle emphasize that perimenopause is a chance to start fresh. With better tools, knowledge, and confidence, this stage of life can be full of growth, purpose, and new possibilities.

Links & Resources 

• This is Perimenopause Podcast  - Available on all major podcast platforms.
• This Is Perimenopause Website
• Lume Women’s Health
• The Menopause Foundation of Canada
• The North American Menopa

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Today I talk to Angie McQuillin, a speaker and coach that works with leaders to build their confidence to better connect with their teams.  Angie shares intimate stories of abusive relationships from her past and how setting boundaries helped her break toxic patterns and rediscover her self-worth.  She is a unique mix of kindness, vulnerability and 100% pure badassery.

Angie talks about how we slowly lose our self-worth every time we put someone else’s needs above our own.  It’s not about being selfish, it’s about being clear and unapologetic about the things we will accept and the things we won't.  If you ever suffer from imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, dysfunctional relationships, or burnout - this conversation is for you.  And yeah, me too.

Angie also gives me a crash course in roller derby, a sport that seems like a sadistic mix of hockey and Quidditch from Harry Potter - just a whole lot more violent.  She also shares inspiring stories of her nomadic life living in her van, and the heart-breaking loss of her dog Louie this year.

This is one of my all-time favourite conversations.

Please enjoy, Angie McQuillin.

Key Takeaways

• Roller derby as a metaphor for life: Angie explains how being the “jammer” on the track taught her lessons in presence, teamwork, and courage.
• The importance of boundaries: Why setting and honouring your boundaries is foundational to self-respect and better relationships.
• Self-worth revolution: Angie shares how understanding her own values and setting boundaries transformed her relationships and career.
• Confidence is not what it seems: Even people who appear confident often struggle with boundaries, imposter syndrome, or fear of failure.
• How to start small: Tips for initiating tough conversations about boundaries with long-time friends or loved ones.
• Freedom through self-discovery: Angie’s insights on embracing the nomadic lifestyle and pursuing passions outside work.
• Healing through connection: The universal need for deeper connections and how avoiding vulnerability can lead to unhelpful coping mechanisms.
• Living authentically: The power of showing up as your full self and embracing all aspects of your identity—professional and personal.

Resources
Angie’s Website
Angie on LinkedIn
Angie’s YouTube Channel

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Today I talk to Diane Allen, an author and speaker that helps people find and keep their flow state. If you’re wondering what flow is exactly, you’re not alone.  In fact, Diane didn’t know it was a thing either until one day she lost it.  She shares the story of being on stage as a violinist, and she froze.  She couldn’t play.  It was that humiliation that sent her on a quest to understand what had happened. 

If you’re like me, you probably didn’t know there was a word for the flow state.  I heard it for the first time a year ago.  But I know you’ve felt it - those moments where time seems to stand still, your creative juices are flowing, and you’re getting more done in 20 minutes than you have in a week.

To me, it always seemed like magic.  I never knew when or how it would strike.  But it turns out you can control it, and conjure it whenever you want.  

Diane takes us through the science of the flow state and a 3-step process for managing it.

I love this idea.  And I’m obsessed with figuring this out.  

Just imagine what more we could do.

Please enjoy, Diane Allen.

Key Takeaways

• What is Flow? Diane defines flow as an optimal state of mind where distractions vanish, creativity flourishes, and you feel fearless and uninhibited.
• The Science of Flow: Learn about the brain’s role in flow, including the activation of feel-good hormones like dopamine and the silencing of the inner critic.
• Recognize Your Flow State: Diane explains the “Where, What, Why” framework to identify and replicate your unique flow experiences.
• The Power of Intention: Distractions are the biggest killers of flow. Diane shares tips on managing interruptions and creating a distraction-free environment.
• Flow and Mental Health: How accessing flow helps move you from languishing to flourishing, improving your overall well-being.
• Collaboration in Flow: Discover how flow can be contagious, inspiring teams to perform at their best through a ripple effect of energy.
• Making Flow Routine: Practical tips to prioritize and practice flow, so it becomes an integral part of your life.

Connect with Diane:

Diane’s TEDx Talk: Get Into Your Life Like a Musician Gets Into the Music

Diane’s Book: Flow - Unlock Your Genius and Love What You Do.  

Website https://dianeallen.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianeallenspeaker/

Resources:

Adam Grant on languishing: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.html

Book: Limitless by Jim Kwik

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Connect with Bob Mathers
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