In this episode, I speak with Stephan Olivier, a photographer whose passion for wildlife began in his childhood in South Africa. Growing up surrounded by extraordinary animals, Stephan started out capturing them as a hobby. It wasn’t until he moved to Canada and shared his photos with a local photography club that his business began to take shape. For many of us, the landscapes and places we call home can feel ordinary—until someone else helps us see their beauty. Stephan shares how this realization unfolded for him and how he now finds joy in introducing others to the landscapes and wildlife he loves. Follow Stephan on Instagram at @stephan.olivier.photography, and be sure to visit www.stephanolivier.com to view his work and book a seat on one of his upcoming excursions. If, like Stephan, you want to transform your “ordinary” into someone else’s “extraordinary,” Firecircle can help. Our comprehensive digital business planning programs, one-to-one expert mentorship, and supportive entrepreneurial community are here to guide you every step of the way. Learn more at www.thefirecircle.ca/memberships.

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Morrow, whose ocean fishing and guiding business follows the example set by his grandfather: teaching people how to fish — not to make a fortune, but because it’s a valuable skill that helps families create lasting memories. Jason found his way into tourism after a serious workplace accident forced him into early retirement. But he wasn’t one to sit still. With the support of his wife, he launched Fierce Fish Ocean Adventures, offering affordable, family-friendly fishing excursions on the ocean. As you’ll hear in our conversation, Jason is a strong advocate for the lost art of simply talking to people. Networking comes naturally to him—it’s a skill he’s passed on to his kids and one he recommends to any new entrepreneur. So, after you listen to this episode, take out your earbuds, turn off your phone, step outside, and talk to your neighbours. You never know what can come from a good old-fashioned conversation. If you’re looking to learn a new skill and make unforgettable memories with your family—without breaking the bank—book a trip with Jason at www.fiercefishoceanadv.com . And if you, like Jason, find yourself at a crossroads and have always dreamed of working in tourism, Firecircle can help. Our digital business planning programs, one-on-one expert mentorship, and supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs are here to guide you every step of the way. Learn more at www.thefirecircle.ca/memberships .

In this episode, I sit down with Nadine Furnell, a trailblazer in British Columbia’s evolving tourism industry. BC is well known for its wine and cider scenes, where many producers pair their beverages with curated culinary experiences. But there’s another iconic BC product that is entering the Tourism Market: cannabis—known globally as "BC bud." British Columbia has long been a leader in cannabis culture, and while legalization has brought significant benefits, it’s also created challenges. An oversaturated market has made it difficult for small-scale growers to thrive. Nadine, a passionate advocate for cannabis as medicine—born from her own journey with pain management—is tackling this challenge head-on. She’s pioneering cannabis-based culinary experiences that highlight not just the unique flavour profiles of different strains, but also the complex effects of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Nadine creates a variety of cannabis enhanced experiences through education, storytelling, infused dining and more that celebrate this plant in a thoughtful and innovative way. 

If you’re curious to learn more, check out Mama Deen’s Enhanced Experiences on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mama-deen-s-enhanced-experiences-7ab804269/?originalSubdomain=ca and Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mamadeens_enhanced_experiences/ You can also read about Nadine’s impressive background on the BC Craft Farmers Co-op website at www.bccraftfarmerscoop.com/nadine-furnell If you, like Nadine, have an idea you’re ready to turn into a business, Firecircle can help. Our comprehensive and easy-to-use digital business planning programs, live one-on-one expert mentorship, and supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs are here to guide you every step of the way. Learn more at www.thefirecircle.ca/memberships.

In this episode, I talk with MC Pace.  MC recently launched Salt+Sickle Homestead in Nova Scotia, where they grow food and create accessible spaces to build community.  So often, the mantra around entrepreneurship is ‘go, go; more, more; push, push’!  While starting a business undoubtedly takes hard work, MC speaks eloquently about the importance of slowing down and taking self-care seriously.  It is an important message as so many of us experience burnout on the journey to realizing our dreams.  MC also discusses the importance of accessibility as part of a sustainable business model.  If you’d like to learn how you can plan your business with accessibility in mind, check out Firecircle’s Tourism for All program that will help you plan your business to both maximize your clientele and avoid costly mistakes down the road.  Accessibility in business is about both doing good and doing well.  If you’d like to learn more, visit http://www.thefirecircle.ca/programs-tourism-for-all

To learn more about Salt+Sickle Homestead, visit https://www.saltandsicklehomestead.com 

On this episode I talk with Jordan Dooley. Jordan is a serial entrepreneur who is bursting with ideas. Jordan is coming at the tourism industry from a slightly different angle than many other guests on this pod. Jordan comes from an outdoor guiding and adventure tourism background, but his business development has come through the world of digital sales platforms and computer coding. Jordan has recently launched RezBuddy, a website and app that lets people share information about real-time gas prices on Indigenous reservations across Canada. Rezbuddy is a great example of a business that supports tourism by providing information services to tourists. As you’ll hear, gas prices are just the start. Jordan is also thinking about how to meet many travelers’ needs by connecting them to other local businesses in the communities where they stop to fuel up. The tourism industry is a big umbrella under which you’ll find all kinds of businesses. In it’s purest form, tourism is all about helping people do what they love. Jordan’s app is great example doing just that. If you’d like to support Indigenous-owned businesses and find the best gas prices out there, visit www.rezbuddy.ca If you are an Indigenous entrepreneur and you’d like to be listed on Jordan’s website, drop him a line. You can DM him on Instagram - @rezbuddy.ca or fill out to contact form on the website: rezbuddy.ca/contact-us . Or if you want to reach out directly, you can send him a message on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-dooley-/ If you, like Jordan, have an idea that you’d like to turn into a business, Firecircle can help with our proven, comprehensive and easy to use digital business planning programs, live one to one expert mentorship and the support of an incredible community of entrepreneurs. Learn more at www.thefirecircle.ca/memberships

On this episode I talk with Meagan Bruneski. Meagan recently married and moved to a ranch in rural BC where she is able to spend time working with - and introducing others to - the healing power of horses through equine learning and therapy. She and her family are building MeadowView Reins, a place where people can come to stay, ride, eat and connect, free from the distractions of the digital world. While Meagan’s property and business are serene, her story is anything but. Meagan found Firecircle as the result of a really bad accident. Her journey is not for the faint of heart. A heads-up: if, like me, you’re squeamish about graphic descriptions of accidents and injuries you may want to skip ahead about 90 seconds when Meagan starts to talk about “being stuck on the couch”. Here’s a link to Meagan's website: www.meadowviewreins.ca If you, like Megan, have a passion you’d like to turn into a business, Firecircle can help with our proven, comprehensive and easy to use digital business planning programs, live one to one expert mentorship and the support of an incredible community of entrepreneurs. Learn more at www.thefirecircle.ca/memberships

In this episode I talk with Jonathan Gillingham. Jonathan is a professional photographer who also works full-time for the Government of the Northwest Territories. Jonathan is originally from Newfoundland but packed up his life and drove across the country to follow his dream of becoming a wildlife biologist. On the road, he discovered that, not only did he enjoy photography, but he was really good at photography. Now an established wildlife photographer, he is excited to offer workshops to tourists and locals alike, sharing his expertise. Jonathan was kind enough to talk about his journey, his love of the North, and the importance of listening to those who have come before him to learn from their experience. Do yourself a favour and check out Jonathan’s website: https://jgphotography.ca/ and follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jg_photography23/?hl=en He really does extraordinary work, showcasing the landscapes and wildlife of the Northwest Territories.  If, like Jonathan, you or someone you know has a business that you’d like to expand into the tourism industry, Firecircle can help you strategically expand your business for both profitability and sustainability. Visit www.thefirecircle.ca

In this episode I speak with Lowanda Knox who has been a Firecircle member for the past nine months. In that time, she has made significant progress on her business planning while juggling a very busy life. Lowanda is a mother of 5, who works a full-time job, and somehow has made the time to turn her passion for food, and her training as a red seal chef, into her lifelong dream of professional cooking. Lowanda was kind enough to share her personal story with us including the twists and turns that led her to where she is today, on the cusp of opening her first food truck Sima7qa7 (Come and Eat). Lowanda talks about the freedom that comes with entrepreneurship and why running a food truck, rather than a bricks and mortar restaurant is the right move for her. Lowanda has also planned her meals with a deeper purpose in mind; to make quick and health 'to go' meals available in her community. If you, have a passion that you’d like to turn into a business to share with the world, we are here to help. Come visit us at www.thefirecircle.ca/memberships to learn more. 

On this episode I speak with Gina VandenDool who is Firecircle’s beloved Member Experience Coordinator. Gina puts in a ton of time and energy into making sure that Firecircle members have everything they need to be successful. Gina makes a big impact on a lot of people’s lives and I asked Gina to tell us a bit more about her path to working with Firecircle and why she does what she does with so much passion. Gina is also uniquely qualified to share some of the larger trends that she sees in Firecircle members, what common challenges they face, and what characteristics and strategies bring people the most success. Gina is part of an amazing team at Firecircle who are dedicated to helping entrepreneur make their business dreams come true. If you or someone you know would thrive in a community of passionate entrepreneurs and supportive and caring experts, all working to help you take your business to the next level, consider joining us and getting the Firecircle Experience for yourself. Find out more at www.thefirecircle.ca/memberships.

In this episode I speak with Denise Miller who has recently started Experience Saghalie in Kamloops, British Columbia. Through her business, Denise provides both a beautiful and restful place for visitors to unwind, as well as catered and personalized tours, experiences and itineraries. In our conversation, Denise and I talk about the twists and turns, peaks and valleys that she has encountered on her journey as a long-time entrepreneur. We also talk about the great privilege and the amazing opportunity we have in the Tourism industry to create unique and memorable experiences for people, and the joy and satisfaction that comes from giving guests that 'wow' feeling. To learn more about Experience Saghalie or to book a stay, please visit. https://www.experiencesaghalie.com Firecircle is a Tourism Accelerator that uses our proven 5x5 method, one to one personalized business mentorship, and many other tools and resources to help new and existing entrepreneurs plan, launch, grow and maximize successful and sustainable tourism businesses. If you have a dream that you’d like to make a reality, or you’ve started a business and are feeling overwhelmed, please visit us a https://www.thefirecircle.ca/memberships to find out how we can help.