Maverick Makers Podcast

The world’s biggest sporting event is coming to North America — and soccer may never be the same.

In this special Maverick Makers World Cup Edition, Michelle Daides sits down with Carlo Rivas Jr., former professional soccer player, coach, mentor, and Technical Director of CR Soccer Academy, for an exciting conversation about the World Cup, the future of soccer, and what this historic tournament means for players, families, fans, and the next generation.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, making it the first World Cup shared by three host countries. It will also be the largest edition yet, expanding to 48 teams and 104 matches across North America.

Carlo brings a rare perspective to the conversation. Born in Toronto with deep Chilean soccer roots, he began his career with Cruz Azul in Mexico before playing professionally in Chile with Deportes La Serena, Municipal Iquique, and Universidad de Concepción. He also represented Canada at the U-20 level and earned a senior national team cap.

In this episode, Carlo shares his predictions, favourite teams, players to watch, dark horses, and expert insights into what fans should be paying attention to as World Cup fever builds. But this conversation goes beyond the scoreboard. Michelle and Carlo also explore what this moment could mean for soccer culture in Canada, youth development, national pride, and the belief that young players can dream bigger than ever before.

Whether you’re a lifelong football fan, a soccer parent, a young athlete, or someone just getting swept up in the excitement, this episode is your insider pass to the beautiful game on the world’s biggest stage.

To learn more about Carlo and CR Soccer Academy here!

In This Episode

Michelle and Carlo talk about:

• Why this World Cup is such a historic moment for North America
• What it means for Canada to host men’s World Cup matches for the first time
• Carlo’s predictions for the tournament
• Teams that could dominate — and teams that could surprise everyone
• Players and young stars to watch
• What separates the top soccer nations from the rest
• Canada’s missed opportunity on home soil
• How the World Cup can inspire the next generation of players

Why do we freeze when it’s time to take that bold step? Whether it’s launching a business, speaking up in a meeting, or saying yes to an opportunity, hesitation sneaks in and stops us in our tracks.

In this solo episode of The Maverick Makers Podcast, host Michelle Daides unpacks the hidden reasons we hesitate—fear of failure, fear of judgment, perfectionism, and the lure of the comfort zone—and the steep cost we pay when we let hesitation win.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait until fear disappears to make a move. Michelle shares powerful mindset shifts and practical strategies to help you:

• Name your fear so it loses power
• Reframe failure as feedback
• Break bold moves into small, doable steps
• Borrow courage from your community
• Anchor into your “why” so you can act with purpose

If you’ve been sitting on an idea, dream, or opportunity, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to stop hesitating and start moving.

Because Mavericks don’t wait for perfect timing—they take imperfect action, again and again.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to park fear at the curb and step boldly into your next Maverick Move.

Maria Arangio wears many hats—and she wears them all with fearless creativity. As CEO and Creative Director of Creativo Advertising Inc., she’s built a boutique agency that’s making waves with bold branding and digital marketing that connects businesses to their audiences in authentic, powerful ways.

But Maria’s story doesn’t stop in the boardroom. She’s also the creator and food host behind She’s Italian, where she brings her heritage to life through joyful cooking, storytelling, and her popular #RecipeRemix series. It’s a space where tradition meets modern flavor—and where Maria invites us all to find joy in simple, nourishing meals.

In this episode, Maria and I dive into her journey as an entrepreneur and creative visionary, how she balances agency life with building her food brand, and why storytelling is the secret ingredient in both business and the kitchen.

✨ If you’ve ever wondered how to blend passion and profession—or simply need a reminder that creativity has no limits—this one’s for you.

In this Off the Cuff episode, Michelle Daides sits down once again with returning guest and powerhouse visionary Alana Hurov, Founder and CEO of Niagara 5000—an event that’s part James Bond, part luxury experience, and all heart.

Now in its second year, Niagara 5000 is turning heads with its celebration of exotic cars, curated style, and bold community spirit—all in support of McMaster Children’s Hospital. But this isn’t just about horsepower and champagne. Alana shares how she's building more than just a destination event—she’s fueling a movement that shines a spotlight on the Niagara Region and gives back in a powerful way.

In this episode:

If you love stories about women who go full throttle on their dreams—and take others along for the ride—you’ll want to buckle up for this one.

To learn more about the event and purchase your tickets, visit www.niagara5000.com

Steven Branco doesn’t just talk about living boldly—he does it. As the driving force behind Stamina Group Inc. and former Editor-in-Chief of SWAGGER Magazine, Steven has built a career on vision, grit, and unapologetic authenticity.

In this episode, Michelle Daides and Steven have a real, vibrant conversation about:

What it takes to create powerful, stylish media that reflects real life

Navigating entrepreneurship as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community

Turning first-gen immigrant hustle into creative leadership

Balancing being everywhere (literally—42 countries!) while staying grounded

Letting your passions—fashion, food, storytelling—be your guide

From building lifestyle brands to challenging outdated industry norms, Steven is proof that forging your own path isn’t just possible—it’s magnetic.

If you’re craving honest insight, style-forward thinking, and a little jet-set inspiration, this one’s for you.

🔗 Follow Steven Branco
Instagram: @Mr.StevenBranco
More from Stamina Group: www.havestamina.com

Brad Woodgate didn’t just break into the wellness industry—he blew the doors off.

From co-founding a multimillion-dollar supplement brand in his twenties to building The No Sugar Company and Joyburst into household names, Brad has spent the last two decades turning big ideas into reality. His mission? Eliminate added sugar and make wellness something people actually enjoy.

In this no-holds-barred conversation with host Michelle Daides, Brad opens up about:

Brad’s story is all hustle, heart, and unshakable belief. If you’re building something from scratch or ready to challenge an industry standard—this episode is your fuel.

In this episode of The Maverick Makers Podcast, Michelle sits down with powerhouse media executive Kit Redmond, the Founding Partner and Executive Chair of RTR Media Inc. With a career spanning decades in Canadian content creation, Kit has made an indelible mark on the world of factual and lifestyle television, producing internationally beloved series such as Home Town and Home Town Takeover.

Kit opens up about her journey from journalist to executive producer to entrepreneur, and how staying grounded in authentic storytelling has helped her build not just a media company—but a creative culture that thrives. She shares valuable insights into leading a team, adapting to the ever-changing entertainment landscape, and the importance of human connection in content creation.

We also dive into:

How to create hit TV shows

The importance of values-driven leadership

Lessons learned from running a production company

Her vision for mentoring the next generation of creatives

If you’re a content creator, producer, or anyone looking to lead with purpose, this episode is packed with inspiration.

🔗 Connect with Kit Redmond
Visit RTR Media Inc. to learn more about their award-winning shows and behind-the-scenes brilliance.

Exciting news Home Town Takeover is coming to Canada - Stay tuned!

What does success really mean when you’re a Maverick?

In this bold solo episode, Michelle Daides unpacks the real, raw, and often hilarious truth about what it takes to be successful as a Maverick—on your own terms. From battling fear and ditching perfectionism to building a dream team and defining your legacy, Michelle drops practical wisdom (and a few mic drops) on how to thrive in life, business, and creativity.

Whether you're chasing passion over paychecks or just need a reminder that YOU are the legacy—this episode is for you.

“Success isn’t what you do—it’s who you are. Write your legacy now. Then live it.”

Connect with Michelle Daides:
 maverickmakersco.com
@maverickmakersco
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If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this really all there is?” — this episode is for you.
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This week on the Maverick Makers Podcast, I’m joined by Kena Paranjape — founder of All You Are, creator of the Supernova membership, and host of the Be All You Are podcast.

After two decades in retail (including VP at Seth Rogen’s Houseplant), Kena did something bold: she walked away from the known to build a life led by intuition, purpose, and truth.

Now, she helps women 35+ reclaim their story, their power, and their voice — guiding them through the beautiful mess of midlife reinvention.

We talk about:

-Redefining identity after corporate life
-And how choosing yourself changes everything

This one’s honest, inspiring, and full of soul.

In this powerful solo episode, Michelle Daides gets real, raw, and reflective as she celebrates a major mileston. Fresh from an unforgettable trip to Spain with family and friends, Michelle shares 50 lessons she’s learned as a Maverick—in life, business, motherhood, and the messy magic in between.

From taking big risks (sometimes without a net) to the importance of asking for what you want, embracing intuition, and leading with gratitude, Michelle opens her heart and her playbook to inspire fellow Mavericks to live boldly and create on their own terms.

Whether you're turning 30, 50, or simply looking for that next nudge of courage, this episode is your reminder that there's always more life to live, more chapters to write, and more adventures to chase.

Hit play, and get ready to celebrate the Maverick in YOU.