Long Term Podcast

Iven Xiao’s YouTube and self-improvement journey is defined by the transformation of "delusional self-belief" into a grounded, disciplined reality, a shift solidified after crossing his 14,000-subscriber milestone. Recognizing early on that mimicking established creators like Hamza or Iman Gadzhi felt inauthentic, Iven found his unique voice by deeply understanding his audience, addressing their objections directly in his content, and prioritizing genuine engagement over polished perfection. He approaches life and content creation with the mindset that action generates motivation, a principle that helped him slowly crawl out of deep depressive slumps by committing to non-negotiable daily habits like the gym, protecting his sleep, and meticulously scheduling his days. At the core of his philosophy is his "2.0 you protocol," which shifts the focus from blindly chasing external goals to actively building the identity of the person capable of achieving them, ultimately empowering his community to reject the societal pressure of being "realistic" in favor of passionately pursuing their dreams.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!

University of Alberta protest against Alberta premier, Danielle Smith.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!

I headed to MacEwan University to conduct on-the-ground street interviews outside the clock tower, capturing student and community perspectives on the recent fallout from campus security's forceful handling of a peaceful demonstration. Speaking directly with students, alumni, and participants, I documented powerful accounts of the escalation, including reports of aggressive security tactics, student detainment, and the subsequent mobilization of the campus community pushing back against institutional silence.

Through these conversations, my interviews highlighted the core demands driving the demonstrations: calls for full financial transparency and divestment from ties associated with the conflict, fierce defense of student speech rights, and deep concerns over accountability and safety on campus.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!

Cole Bennett, widely known online as @cole.notcole, has carved out a distinct path as an independent Canadian political pundit, newsfluencer, and digital journalist. Before building a large audience on TikTok, Instagram, and Substack focused primarily on Canadian and Alberta-centric politics alongside broader world news, his journey started far away from media boardrooms. He never initially planned on entering political commentary and spent time doing other jobs such as taking care of horses and more.

During those long shifts, listening to the news and feeling frustrated by traditional media headlines and political spin, he began focusing on making democracy more transparent, clear, and accessible for everyday citizens. He has transformed those everyday observations into a platform reaching tens of thousands of Canadians, dedicated to cutting through the noise and breaking down what policy and power actually mean for ordinary people's lives.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!

Alberta Legislature, Edmonton

KEEP IT LONG TERM!

Edmonton, Alberta

KEEP IT LONG TERM!

Kelsey Lyseng is a registered nurse and human rights advocate who uses civic engagement, direct action, and digital media to shed light on and challenge ongoing global complicity in Palestine, fight for the safety and visibility of marginalized intersections within the queer community, and critically examine the shortcomings of modern feminism through grassroots solidarity.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!

Sam Slauenwhite is a wealth advisor who believes that financial guidance should combine analytical rigor with a human touch. A University of Alberta Bachelor of Commerce in Finance graduate and CFA Level II candidate working toward his charter, he brings a solid foundation in investment analysis and portfolio support from his previous background as a financial analyst at a commercial real estate investment firm. Early in his own career, Sam connects naturally with younger professionals and next-generation families by relating directly to the challenges of building a future, managing career risk, and navigating market noise. Outside of the office and his writing for the Early Reflections blog, he can frequently be found cycling through the river valley or playing a round of golf.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!

Will Brisbin is a homegrown Edmonton talent who has carved out a compelling path from our local stages to the international screen. Now based in Toronto, Will is best known as the voice behind Ryder in the global blockbuster PAW Patrol: The Movie (2021), as well as for his gripping performances in live-action projects like Forbidden Playground (2016) and Abducted (2021). But long before stepping into high-stakes sound booths and film sets, Will’s creative journey began right here in Alberta at just seven years old, finding his footing under the lights of the Citadel Theatre in landmark productions like A Christmas Carol, Matilda, and Evangeline. Today, we sit down for an authentic, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it truly takes to make the leap from Edmonton's vibrant theatre community to the heart of Toronto’s film industry. We explore the raw technical craft of channeling emotional leadership into a microphone, the vulnerability of tackling heavy screen roles, his enduring love for the unscripted energy of live audiences, and how staying grounded in his roots continues to shape his creative voice.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!

Vinny Veksler is the owner and chef of The Better Baker and hospitality consultant, who pairs a purist approach to food with a no-nonsense perspective on the hospitality industry. Drawing deep inspiration from pre-industrial baking methods and classic sourdough craft, where technique and water substitute for reliance on commercial yeast, Vinny grounds his kitchen philosophy in rigorous, time-tested traditions. Outside the kitchen, his leadership is guided by an uncompromising moral compass inspired by 19th-century abolitionist Cassius Marcellus Clay. As an outspoken operator in Edmonton, Vinny pulls no punches regarding the harsh realities facing independent business owners: navigating bureaucratic delays, surviving early growth without a paycheck, confronting street-level social issues directly outside storefronts, and rejecting industrialized food supply chains by hand-sourcing ingredients each week to adjust to market costs. Now consulting for fellow restaurateurs, he brings this unapologetic, practical realism to an industry he believes has outgrown its broken legacy standards.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!