Not So Average

In this episode of Not So Avg., we sit down with Michael Sydoryk, a self-taught wildlife painter who left chiropractic school to follow a creative path rooted in purpose and passion.

We explore how Michael turned uncertainty into opportunity, building a career that blends fine art, wildlife conservation, and personal storytelling. He opens up about the realities of navigating commissions, staying authentic on social media, and redefining success on his own terms (something that is constantly evolving).

From collaborations with the Calgary Zoo to painting pieces that tell more than just a visual story, Michael shares what it means to work with intention and trust the unknown.

This one is for anyone wrestling with what it means to live a life that actually feels like yours.

Where to find Michael Sydoryk:

• Instagram - wildform.art
• Website - https://sydorykfineart.com/

In this episode of Not So Avg., I sit down with Chef Mike Pigot, a force in Canada’s culinary scene and someone who has built his career on passion, precision, and people.

We dive into his journey from discovering a love for food early on to becoming a leader in local establishments and operations that span across the country. Mike shares how mentoring, teamwork, and leadership has shaped his path, and opens up about the burnout and breakthroughs that come with the territory.

From creating Pigot’s Burgers, Pasta La Mano, and Calgary’s hottest go-to spot, Pat and Betty’s, Mike offers an honest look at what it takes to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure industry, all while staying grounded in purpose.

Whether you're in the food world or just curious about what drives a creative leader, this episode is full of real talk, life lessons, and plenty of flavour.

Where to find Chef Pigot on Instagram:

@chefpigot

@patandbettys

@pastalamano

@pigotsburgerclub

This one’s for the dreamers building bold things with real heart.

In this episode of Not So Avg., I sit down with Alexandra Sangster, founder of The Sarjesa Group and Owner of BUZZD Nutrition, who started a purpose-driven company while still in university. From day one, Alexandra has been focused on more than profit. She’s reshaping the future of manufacturing in Alberta, building supply chains that empower women, and selling goods that make a difference.

We get into it all. The entrepreneurial highs and lows, focus on causes close to home, and the importance of community and mentorship when you're building something bigger than yourself.

Alexandra shares what it really looks like to lead with values, build through adversity, and never let go of the mission. Even when things get tough.

If you're building something meaningful or just looking for that push to start, this one’s for you.

🎧 Show Notes:

Get the tea here: https://sarjesa.com/

BUZZD Nutrition: https://www.buzzdnutrition.com/

Trico Foundation: https://tricofoundation.ca/

Trico Mindset Videos: https://tricofoundation.ca/you/

This week on Not So Avg., we sit down with Ray DePaul, a tech veteran turned educator who’s helped shape the future of entrepreneurship at Mount Royal University. From his early days at BlackBerry to selling a company to Intel, Ray’s path proves that the most Not So Avg. journeys are built on risk, reflection, and reinvention.

🔥 What You'll Learn: 📱 Career-defining moments in tech and what they taught him 🎓 Why MBAs still matter—especially if you're not from a business background 💡 The value of mentorship, honest reflection, and knowing when to pivot ⚙️ Ray’s take on AI, partnerships, and building innovation into your life and work ⚖️ How he balances success with purpose and presence

This episode is packed with real stories and practical advice for anyone building something bold, especially those just starting out.

Show Notes:

Lenny’s Podcast - https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/podcast

Text to app coding - https://lovable.dev/

🎧 Listen now and tap into the wisdom of someone who’s been through it all.

In this episode of Not So Avg., we dive deep into a topic that affects everyone—stress and anxiety. These challenges show up in different ways for each of us, but one thing is universal: learning how to manage them can change everything.

💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode: 🧠 Understanding stress & anxiety – How they’re connected and why they impact every part of life. ⚡ Personal struggles & real talk – The power of open conversations and setting boundaries. 🤝 Creating space for men’s mental health – Why vulnerability is strength. 🛠 Practical tools for managing stress – Breathing techniques, movement, and meditation to reset your mind.

Stress is inevitable—but suffering through it alone doesn’t have to be. This episode is packed with real, actionable ways to stay grounded, take control, and build resilience.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty – Episode: If You Struggle With Stress & Anxiety, This Will Change Your Life (feat. Mel Robbins)📺 Watch here

Mandy Balak doesn’t just build businesses—she builds movements. From founding Date Night & Branded Magazine, to creating The Well, The Gathering Summit and Rise Women’s Conference, Mandy has carved out a Not So Avg. path rooted in branding, community, and personal growth.

This episode dives into:

🔥 Why authenticity is the ultimate business strategy

🤝 How meaningful connections fuel personal & professional success

💡 The power of intentional living & staying aligned with your purpose

🙅‍♀️ Mandy’s “If it’s not a F*ck Yes, it’s a No” philosophy on decision-making.

Mandy’s journey proves that success isn’t just about scaling a business—it’s about building something that truly aligns with who you are. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or someone striving for a life that feels Not So Avg., this episode will challenge you to think differently about success.

🔗 Where to find Mandy:

💼 LinkedIn: Mandy Balak

🌎 More about Mandy:

🎤 The Gathering Summit: The Gathering Festival

📝 Take Time to Grow! Get the free Integration Day prompts: Subscribe here

Josh Russell, one of Canada’s most respected 5th-degree black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, shares his journey defined by passion, perseverance, and relentless discipline.

This isn't a Joe Rogan podcast. From being inspired by 80s movies and Bruce Lee to training at the legendary Gracie Bara Academy in Brazil, Josh’s path to success is anything but average in martial arts.

This episode dives into:

🥋 From White Belt to Black Belt: Lessons in Discipline & Consistency

🇧🇷 Training with the Gracies & the Reality of Learning BJJ in Brazil

👨‍👦 Fatherhood & Mentorship: Teaching Confidence Through Martial Arts

🌊 His Passion for Free Diving & the Thrill of Catching a 300lb Black Marlin

🔥 Why Pursuing Passion & Mentoring Others is the Ultimate Success

Josh’s journey shows that greatness isn’t just about talent—it’s about the courage to pursue your own path, no matter how unconventional. Whether you’re an athlete, a mentor, or someone striving to live a Not So Avg. life, this episode will leave you inspired to keep pushing forward.

Tune in now and get inspired by the power of discipline and passion.

🥋 JR Academy - https://www.jracademy.co/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jra_bjj_yyc/?hl=en

In this episode of Not So Avg., we sit down with Haley Daniels, an Olympic canoe slalom athlete turned corporate, to dive into a story of grit, advocacy, and reinvention.

Haley’s journey is anything but average. From overcoming trouble as a youth, to competing on the world’s biggest stage, she fought not just for herself but for gender equality in sports—paving the way for women’s canoe slalom to be included in the Olympics.

This episode covers: 🚣‍♀️ The fight to get women’s canoe slalom into the Olympics 🧠 The mental & physical habits that built an Olympian mindset 💼 Her transition from elite sports to the corporate world ⚖️ Navigating an identity shift after retirement 💰 Her role in corporate sponsorships for the Banff Centre 👊 Why she’s still pushing for equality in sports today

This conversation is filled with real talk, resilience, and game-changing lessons—for athletes, leaders, and anyone chasing a Not So Avg. path.

Hit play now and get inspired by a story of breaking barriers. 🎧🔥

Other Mentions:

Calm App

 Insight Timer

 Waking Up App

Waking Up by Sam Harris - Book

 Canmore Women's Enduro

"Not So Avg." Podcast: Innovating Education with Lisa Davis

In this episode ofNot So Avg., hostAlistair Shipley sits down withLisa Davis, founder of theSTEM Innovation Academy, to explore how education can be transformed when we stop playing by the usual rules.

Lisa’s journey is anything but average—bringing an entrepreneurial mindset fromcommercial real estate into the world of education, she’s redefining how students engage withscience, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Through innovative teaching and real-world challenges, she’s proving that learning isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about preparing for the future.

This episode dives into:🚀Why traditional education is overdue for disruption🧠How AI, ethics, and diversity are shaping STEM fields🏗️Building an academy that bridges school with real-world innovation💡The underestimated power of great teachers in shaping the future

Lisa’sNot So Avg. approach to education is inspiring, practical, and exactly what we need in a world evolving at breakneck speed. If you’re ready to rethink what educationshould be, this episode is a must-listen.

Hit play now and step into the future of learning. 🎧✨

In this special 10th episode of Not So Avg., host Alistair Shipley takes a moment to reflect on his journey—both in podcasting and his unconventional career path. This episode is different. It’s a look behind the mic, exploring the experiences, people, and lessons that have shaped him.