Leave Average for Joe

Most of us are often caught in the chaos of not knowing what we want — but what if the secret to clarity is just planting some seeds? Channing Sinclair, a self-proclaimed garden lover turned nutritionist and flower grower, reveals how digging in the dirt and embracing trial-and-error can actually help you find your true passion (and maybe a little Zen along the way). From her childhood passions to her unexpected career leaps, she shares how stepping out of her comfort zone in education, work, and even wedding planning has shaped her into the woman she is today — humble, thoughtful, and endlessly curious. You’ll discover:

• Why basketball was more than a sport — it was a natural fit for Channing's love of teamwork and movement, and how those lessons still influence her today.
• The surprising hurdles she faced navigating university and career shifts, including the reality of imposter syndrome and how experience is the best teacher.
• Her unique approach to gardening, which is more than just a hobby — it’s her creative outlet and a metaphor for growth, patience, and resilience.
• The importance of making choices aligned with our authentic selves, whether that’s wedding planning, career paths, or planting flowers.
• Practical tips on starting your own garden, no matter your space or skill level — because nurturing something is the ultimate act of self-care.

This episode isn’t just about plants or careers — it’s about understanding that life’s biggest lessons often come from the simplest things: patience, persistence, and raw curiosity. We delve into how embracing your unique journey, even when it seems messy or uncertain, sets the stage for your next big transformation. Perfect for anyone feeling stuck, curious, or craving a little more nature-induced clarity — or those just in need of a reminder that sometimes, to grow, you need to get your hands dirty. If you're pondering your next move or looking for a gentle nudge to trust the process, this is your episode. Why listen? Because sometimes the most profound advice comes straight from a garden bed — and who better to teach us than a woman with the heart of a scientist, the soul of an artist, and the humility of a true lifelong learner.

In this episode, Host, Briggs Gibbins, shares a reflective experience from a hot tub visit that leads to a profound discussion on environmental intelligence. She explores how our surroundings influence our behavior and mindset, emphasizing the importance of adapting to different environments. Through personal anecdotes, she illustrates the value of being present and aware of the energy in various settings, encouraging listeners to embrace a more mindful approach to life.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Environmental Intelligence

02:55 The Power of Shared Spaces

05:53 Understanding Our Place in the World

08:58 The Importance of Environmental Intelligence

11:55 Conclusion

Dayle Ross has battled her way from a tiny town in Spirit River, Alberta to the bright lights of the PWHL with New York’s Sirens, and her story is anything but straightforward. From dominating blocks and minutes at St. Cloud State to grinding through a brutal ACL injury, Dayle’s path to her pro debut has been defined by resilience, leadership, and an old-school defender’s mentality.

In this episode, we dive into Dayle’s early days in Alberta, her rise through St. Albert and Team Alberta, and how she evolved into one of college hockey’s most reliable shutdown defenders before hearing her name called 25th overall in the PWHL Draft. She opens up about rehabbing while captaining St. Cloud State, the mental side of coming back from injury, and what it felt like to finally pull on a New York Sirens jersey for her long-awaited debut.

We also explore Dayle’s new life in New York City: adjusting from small-town Alberta to a massive market, finding routine in the chaos, building chemistry with teammates, and what it means to be part of the growth of women’s pro hockey in one of the biggest cities in the world. If you’re into underdog stories, elite defensive hockey, and the mindset it takes to bet on yourself over and over again, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Connect with Dayle on socials:

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Team Roster and Stats

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In this episode of the Launch Nook Podcast, host Janice Figov interviews Briggs Gibbins, the founder of Last Shot Apparel, a sustainable clothing brand. Briggs shares her journey from a curious young entrepreneur to a leader in ethical fashion, discussing the challenges she faced, the importance of local manufacturing, and her commitment to sustainability. The conversation covers various aspects of building a brand, including sourcing materials, navigating regulations, and the role of social media in brand discovery. Briggs also highlights the significance of community support and collaboration in the fashion industry, as well as her innovative approaches to reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Check out The Launch Nook here!

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Solo Episode Alert!

In this episode, Briggs reflects on the pressures of creating content and the importance of planning for the future. She shares personal experiences of navigating business challenges, emphasizing the value of learning from failure and the necessity of doing the groundwork in both personal and professional endeavors. The episode highlights the significance of self-discovery and building confidence through personal experiences.

Guest recommendations? Comments? Questions? ---->

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In this engaging conversation, Nigel Jenkins shares his journey from law to music management, reflecting on the importance of family, the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, and the lessons learned from failure. He discusses the role of luck in success, the influence of childhood experiences on career choices, and the joys and challenges of parenting. The conversation also touches on health and fitness, literary influences, and the legacy one leaves behind, providing listeners with valuable insights and inspiration for their own journeys.

Learn more about Nigel's work here:

https://laughingheartmusic.com/contact/

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Episode Summary

In this reflective episode, Briggs Gibbins explores the progress humanity has made over the years, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and perspective as we transition into a new year. Through historical anecdotes and statistics, he illustrates how life has improved in terms of health, safety, and overall happiness, while also acknowledging the challenges that still exist today. The episode serves as a reminder to appreciate the advancements we've made and to approach the future with hope and determination.

Episode Takeaways

Reflect on the past year and express gratitude.

Life expectancy has significantly increased over the years.

Child mortality rates have drastically decreased.

Modern conveniences were not available to past generations.

Historical stories illustrate the struggles of ordinary people.

Progress in health and safety has transformed lives.

We live in a time of unprecedented opportunity.

Challenges still exist, but we have better foundations.

Gratitude for challenges can lead to personal growth.

Planning for the future is a luxury we should appreciate.

Reza Enaloui, P.Eng., PMP.⁠⁠, Founder of Semitechnics Corp, Chair of the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN) Steering Committee, Reza is advancing smart energy management solutions to help create a more sustainable future. He holds a Master’s in Electrical-Energy Systems and a PhD in Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Technologies from the University of Alberta.
In this conversation, Reza Enaloui shares his journey from Iran to Canada, detailing his experiences as an entrepreneur in the energy management sector. He discusses the challenges he faced while starting his first company in Iran, the decision to immigrate to Canada, and the subsequent journey of establishing his new company, Semi-Technique Corporation. Reza emphasizes the importance of innovation in technology, particularly in energy systems, and shares insights on balancing work, family, and personal growth. His story is one of resilience, motivation, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
Takeaways
-Reza started his first company in Iran before immigrating to Canada.
-He faced significant challenges in Iran due to political issues affecting business.
-Reza's wife received an acceptance letter from the University of Alberta, prompting their move to Canada.
-He worked multiple jobs in Canada while his wife pursued her PhD.
-Reza identified a gap in the Canadian market for energy management technology.
-His company focuses on providing insights into energy consumption for clients.
-Reza emphasizes the importance of family time and balance in life.
-He is currently pursuing a PhD in electrical engineering while running his company.
-Reza believes in the power of genuine connections and fairness in society.
-He aims to empower consumers to take control of their energy usage.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:54 Journey from Iran to Canada
06:10 Challenges of Immigrating and Settling in Canada
08:57 Cultural Adjustments and Perspectives
11:59 Early Career Struggles and Adaptation
14:58 Starting a New Life and Career in Canada
18:04 Pursuing Education and Professional Growth
20:45 Entrepreneurial Aspirations and Company Formation
27:59 The Spark of Innovation
32:32 Building a Business Plan
35:56 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
39:42 Developing Advanced Technology
45:36 Balancing Life and Work
53:09 The Importance of Genuine Connections

Check out https://semitechnic.com/ and connect with Reza on LinkedIn!

Reach out to Briggs and [email protected] or connect via instagram here!

In this episode of Leave Average for Joe, I sit down with Chad Midnight, founder of Aqueduct Water Systems, to explore how personal history can shape a powerful mission. Raised in Alberta, Canada, Chad grew up watching his father hustle in the restaurant business—learning firsthand the grit, discipline, and vision it takes to succeed at running your own company. But it was tragedy that gave his entrepreneurial drive its purpose: losing his mother at a young age due to contaminated water. That loss lit a fire that would become Aqueduct Water, a company committed to providing safe, clean water solutions. This is a conversation about resilience, legacy, and turning pain into impact. Chad talks about ways he calms his nerves through breath work, his recent experience in South Africa at the G20 YEA Summit, the books he likes to read and so much more.

Follow chads journey and his company here:

Instagram

Website

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Summary

In this episode, ultra runner Sarah Magyar shares her journey into the world of ultra running, detailing her experiences leading up to the Fat Dog 100K race. She discusses the challenges of training, the importance of mental resilience, and the role of nutrition and equipment in her preparation. Sarah emphasizes personal growth through overcoming obstacles and the significance of community and coaching in her running journey. The conversation concludes with reflections on future aspirations and the traits that contribute to success in ultra running.

How to connect?

--With Sarah: INSTAGRAM

---With Briggs: INSTAGRAM or EMAIL ([email protected])

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