Maverick Makers Podcast

Growing up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, surrounded by the warmth of home-cooked meals and the influence of his mother and grandmothers, chef Paul Watter's love for food began at an early age. His journey into the culinary world started at 17, peeling potatoes in a hotel kitchen, but his ambition quickly led him to pursue formal training and experience in some of the most prestigious kitchens across the world. From working in local restaurants to landing a career-changing opportunity at The Savoy in London, he embraced every challenge, learning that resilience and determination are key ingredients for success.

In this episode, Paul Watters shares his experiences traveling the world as a chef, cooking in iconic locations like the Sydney Opera House, and ultimately returning to Belfast to give back to the community. Through his blog Simple, Tasty, Healthy by PW, Chef Paul now inspires home cooks to embrace the joy of cooking with accessible, affordable meals. Tune in for an inspiring story about passion, perseverance, and the power of food to bring people together.

What makes a space not just beautiful, but truly transformative? This week on Maverick Makers, host Michelle Daides sits down with Sarah Paul, Director of Interior Design at Hariri Pontarini Architects, to uncover the art of designing spaces that stand the test of time. From luxury residences to world-class cultural institutions, Sarah’s vision is shaping the future of interior architecture with a bold, wellness-focused approach.

In This Episode:

-How Sarah blends international influences and bespoke craftsmanship to create spaces with soul.

-The power of art in design—how her background as an artist and advisor elevates her work.

-Behind the scenes of The New Miami—Sarah’s latest initiative redefining luxury living for an elite global community.

Whether you’re a design enthusiast, architect, or entrepreneur, this conversation will inspire you to rethink the way we interact with our surroundings. Tune in for a masterclass in innovation, creativity, and legacy-driven design!

Learn more about Hariri Pontarini Architects

Get to know Michelle!

Connect with Host Michelle Daides on LinkedIn.

Dive into the world of content with Maverick Makers Content Creation Collective.

In this inspiring episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast, host Michelle Daides sits down with

Marlina Ramchandran, a powerhouse in the world of startup growth and corporate partnerships. As Special Projects Manager at YSpace York University, Marlina plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation, spearheading impactful initiatives, and driving national expansion for women-focused programs.

With over 20 years of experience across startup consulting, hospitality, education, and media, Marlina has mastered the art of leading high-performance teams and scaling businesses. She is at the forefront of prestigious initiatives like VISA’s She’s Next $10K grant, which provides critical funding for women entrepreneurs, and she has played a key role in growing YSpace’s ELLA program, dedicated to supporting women-led ventures.

In this episode, we dive into:

If you're an entrepreneur, changemaker, or someone passionate about empowering those in business, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of the Maverick Makers Podcast, Michelle Daides sits down with Julia Suppa, an award-winning multi-platform media professional, producer, and consultant with over two decades of experience in the media industry. As the founder and president of Suppa Media, Julia specializes in helping businesses elevate their content creation through strategic storytelling, media marketing, video production, photography, social media management, and event production.

We explore:

-Julia’s journey from traditional media to founding her own company, Suppa Media.

-The power of storytelling

-Insights into content creation, media marketing, and the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Julia’s expertise and passion for storytelling inspire businesses and individuals alike to create content that resonates and drives change. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable advice and heartfelt stories!

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Maverick Makers Off The Cuff, an unscripted, unfiltered extension of the Maverick Makers Podcast. Host Michelle Daides reunites with two fascinating former guests, Julie Thurgood-Bennett and Will Greenblatt, for a spontaneous and lively roundtable discussion.

In this new format, nothing is rehearsed, and the conversation flows freely. With curiosity as the compass, Michelle and her guests delve into a wide range of topics, including:

From heartfelt reflections to moments of humor, this episode captures the raw and authentic energy of unscripted conversation.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

-Candid perspectives on setting meaningful goals and staying motivated

-The unspoken challenges of being an entrepreneur

-Vulnerable moments about overcoming grief and finding resilience

-Surprising and thought-provoking takes on success and happiness

Why You’ll Love It:

Maverick Makers Off The Cuff celebrates the power of curiosity and spontaneity. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the minds of two dynamic leaders, sharing wisdom and laughter as they navigate the complexities of life and work.

Chef Joe Gatto, celebrated host of the hit TV show From Scratch on Pluto TV, joins Michelle to share his inspiring journey from filmmaker to chef. Joe began his career in filmmaking, but a desire to start a family led him to leave the fast-paced life of Los Angeles and pursue his passion for cooking. Inspired by his culinary idol, Emeril Lagasse, Joe made the leap into the world of scratch-made cooking and never looked back.

Today, Joe is a private chef to A-list clients, including Boston Celtics and Red Sox players, the author of the acclaimed cookbook Seriously From Scratch, and the host of an NPR cooking show. On this episode, he talks about his dedication to making everything from scratch—from pasta to cheese—and how this philosophy shapes his cooking and storytelling.

Joe also shares highlights from hosting Chew on That, a podcast where he interviews top chefs, creators, celebrities, and athletes. Listen in for a conversation about chasing dreams, embracing change, and why food is the ultimate way to connect people.

Learn more about Chef Joe Gatto

Get to know Michelle!

Connect with Host Michelle Daides on LinkedIn.

Dive into the world of content with Maverick Makers Content Creation Collective.

On this episode of Maverick Makers, host Michelle Daides sits down with Sandra Bekhor, a dynamic Practice Management Coach with a fascinating career journey that spans architecture, toy design, and professional coaching. Sandra’s unique path has informed her ability to guide professionals in unlocking their potential through a blend of strategic tools, authentic storytelling, and mindset coaching.

Sandra’s experience helps her connect deeply with clients from diverse industries, empowering them to break through mental roadblocks and seize opportunities aligned with their true potential. As host of the podcast Get in the Driver’s Seat, Sandra shares stories of leadership moments in professional practice. She also contributes to groundbreaking initiatives like York University’s ELLA accelerator program and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Marketing for Architects course.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Meet Sandra

Get to know Michelle!

Connect with Host Michelle Daides on LinkedIn.

Dive into the world of content with Maverick Makers Content Creation Collective.

This week Michelle Daides sits down with Vanessa Marshall, a proud Edmontonian, Métis woman, and the visionary founder of Jack59. Vanessa’s journey from crafting haircare products in her kitchen to leading a globally recognized Indigenous-owned, women-led brand is a testament to her ingenuity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Vanessa shares the story behind Jack59’s mission to provide salon-quality, eco-friendly, plastic-free haircare products. Learn how her roots in Northern Alberta and passion for environmental stewardship shaped her path as an entrepreneur. Recognized with accolades like the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Indigenous Entrepreneur Award and the Amy Willier Award for Indigenous Artisans, Vanessa’s leadership has propelled Jack59 to Certified B Corporation status, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

Learn more about Jack59

Get to know Michelle!

Connect with Host Michelle Daides on LinkedIn.

Dive into the world of content with Maverick Makers Content Creation Collective.

In this empowering episode of Maverick Makers, host Michelle Daides welcomes Karla Smith, a Personal Transformational Coach, Self-Love Expert, and the creator of The Monday Mantra Collective and Morning Mantra card deck. Karla is on a mission to help highly supportive women—who often put themselves last—embrace self-care, balance, and lasting joy.

Karla shares her transformative approach to self-love, revealing how prioritizing oneself can lead to profound changes in every area of life. Known for her optimistic and uplifting guidance, Karla also discusses the creation of her Morning Mantra card deck and how mantras can serve as powerful daily reminders to stay aligned and inspired.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

If you’ve been searching for inspiration to embrace self-love and live a more balanced, joyful life, this episode is for you!

Learn more about Karla Smith and The Monday Mantra Collective

Get to know Michelle!

Connect with Host Michelle Daides on LinkedIn.

Dive into the world of content with Maverick Makers Content Creation Collective.

In this insightful episode of Maverick Makers, Michelle Daides sits down with Sholeh Alemi Fabbri, an award-winning producer and founder of Good Measure Productions. With over 20 years of experience and three Canadian Screen Award nominations, Sholeh has made an impressive mark in content production, particularly with projects that merge storytelling and social impact. Most recently, Sholeh produced Meteor, a short animated documentary directed by Atefeh Khademolreza, which premiered at TIFF 2023 and took home Best Canadian Short at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival in 2024.

Sholeh shares her journey from Executive Producer at ET Canada to launching her own company, where she is committed to producing content that drives change and inspires audiences. As an impact and audience outreach strategist, Sholeh also sheds light on how content can be crafted to engage and mobilize audiences effectively.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Whether you’re a filmmaker, storyteller, or simply passionate about impactful media, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of purpose-driven production.

Learn more about Sholeh and Good Measure Productions

Get to know Michelle!

Connect with Host Michelle Daides on LinkedIn.

Dive into the world of content with Maverick Makers Content Creation Collective.