Tea with Mike

Brandon Stone joins me to kick off 2026 with a fast-paced, honest conversation centered on the past, present, and future. In this episode, we ask each other random questions that spark reflection, real dialogue, and authentic storytelling.One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is the importance of doing what you genuinely enjoy. Rather than getting caught up in making everything perfect, we talk about why it’s better to focus on what you love—like live streaming—than stressing over flawless production. This episode is all about growth, perspective, and choosing passion over perfection.

Mike drinks tea with Nicholas Lavere. Nick is the CEO of the National Ability Basketball League and is committed to creating more opportunities in the athletic world for neurodivergent individuals. Nick thinks society doesn't do enough for neurodivergent individuals and wants to change this. 

The theme of Nick's story was learning how NABL had progressed since we last chatted in May 2021. Nick shared how the league became a non-profit and how the league plans to raise awareness for the work they are doing in their own community and eventually across the country. Nick revealed some professional opportunities and shared NABL's social media channels. Other topics of conversation included marketing, mental health, and community building. Share this episode with someone you know.

Find the Tea with Mike show through: 

Website: http://teawithmike.com 

X: https://twitter.com/tea_with_mike?lang=en 

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/michael-johnson933 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teawithmike 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEAWITHMIKEJ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teawithmike 

Find Nick Lavere through: 

X: https://twitter.com/ability_league 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalAbilityBasketballLeague 

Mike drinks tea with Kayla Williams. Kayla describes herself as a yacht-pop songstress and a full-time seasoned musician and vocal coach. A 2021 Red Deer Emerging Artist winner, you may have seen Kayla perform at the 2019 Canada Winter Games on TSN. 

The theme of Kayla's story was learning about how she got started in music and understanding what a yacht-pop songstress is. Kayla shared how she won the 2021 Red Deer Emerging Artist Award. We also discussed her performance at the 2019 Canada Winter Games. Other topics of conversation included business, entrepreneurship, and mental health. Share this episode with someone you know.

Find the Tea with Mike show through: 

Website: http://teawithmike.com 

X: https://twitter.com/tea_with_mike?lang=en 

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/michael-johnson933 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teawithmike 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEAWITHMIKEJ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teawithmike 

Find Kayla Williams through: 

X: https://twitter.com/kaylamusic 

Website: https://kaylawilliams.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaylawilliamsmusic 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylawilliamsmusic 

Mike drinks tea with Suzanne Hermary. Suzanne studied music and completed the Theatre Studies – Performance diploma program at Red Deer College. She then went to Sheridan College, Ontario, and graduated with Honours from their Bachelor of Musical Theatre Performance. Living in Toronto and Paris, Suzanne developed a passion for fine arts, architecture, food, history, culture, music, and literature. 

The theme of Suzanne's story was learning about her passion for the arts and theatre and how she went from working as a travel agent to becoming the Executive Director of the Red Deer Arts Council. Suzanne shared how she obtained a Bachelor's in Musical Theatre Performances and some of the countries she has visited. Other topics of conversation included volunteering, community, music, and architecture. Share this episode with someone you know.

Find the Tea with Mike show through: 

Website: http://teawithmike.com 

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/michael-johnson933 

X: https://twitter.com/tea_with_mike?lang=en 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teawithmike 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEAWITHMIKEJ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teawithmike 

Find Suzanne Hermary through: 

X: https://twitter.com/mamaofjazz?lang=en 

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-hermary 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.hermary 

Mike drinks tea with Ben Fuller. In 2022 Ben decided to follow his passion and switched from a career in engineering to becoming a Web 3 Strategist in the motorsport and gaming industry. Ben works for Velcoe, a leading racing, gaming, and lifestyle media platform.  

The theme of Ben’s story was learning about his career switch from engineering to working in Web 3. Ben shared how he got started in the space and his thoughts on the future of Web 3.0. Other topics of conversation included formula one, pickleball, and journaling. Share this episode with someone you know! 

Find the Tea with Mike show through: 

Website: http://teawithmike.com 

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/michael-johnson933 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tea_with_mike?lang=en 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teawithmike 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEAWITHMIKEJ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teawithmike 

Find Ben Fuller through: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenFuller94 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benfullerf1 

Mike drinks tea with David Dionne. After working for nearly a decade in the energy sector, David decided it was time for drastic change. Searching for healthy ways to manage his mental health, he spent three months out in the Canadian Rockies camping and exploring and decided to share his love of the outdoors with others. David joined the Mission Overland Trailers team for three years before becoming an owner of the Alberta Outdoor Adventure Expo. 

The theme of David’s story was learning about his love for the outdoors and how he went from working in the energy sector to pursuing his passions for a living. David shared how he developed the Yucca-Pac from a concept to manufacturing the product before sharing how he co-founded the Alberta Outdoor Adventure Expo. The event is known as a 2-day event to elevate, educate, and enhance the lives of outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Other topics of conversation included mental health, entrepreneurship, travel, and overlanding. Share this episode with someone you know! 

Find the Tea with Mike show through: 

Website: http://teawithmike.com 

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/michael-johnson933 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tea_with_mike?lang=en 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teawithmike 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEAWITHMIKEJ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teawithmike 

Find David Dionne through: 

Website: https://www.blindmanoverland.com 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrDrave5 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlindmanOverland 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindmanoverland 

Mike drinks tea with Noah Stauffer. Noah was once an intern for Gary Vaynerchuk’s One37pm brand and has since started Arc Creative. Outside of work, Noah loves to play sports and spend time working out at the gym.

The theme of Noah’s story was learning about his childhood and how he first became interested in sports and graphic design. Noah shared some lessons learned and skills developed from interning at places such as Penn State Football and One37pm before sharing the founding story behind Arc Creative. Other topics of conversation included social media and a discussion of the pros and cons of having your business. Share this episode with someone interested in sports, social media, and graphic design. 

Find the Tea with Mike show through: 

Website: http://teawithmike.com 

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/michael-johnson933 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tea_with_mike?lang=en 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teawithmike 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEAWITHMIKEJ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teawithmike 

Find Noah Stauffer through: 

Website: https://arkcreativeco.carrd.co 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Noah_Stauffer 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@noahstaufferofficial 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arc-creative-llc 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-stauffer-4a1361171 

Mike drinks tea with Lindsay Recknell. Lindsay is a Calgary-based speaker, facilitator, and mental health advocate who teaches you how you can make your future can be better than today by taking action over the things you can control and using the Science of Hope. Lindsay is a Certified Psychological Health & Safety Advisor and also hosts two of her own podcasts, one of which is Hope Motivates Action with Lindsay Recknell.

The theme of Lindsay's story was learning about her childhood and her educational journey including switching from human resources to business and back again. Lindsay shared the founding story behind her first business Wedding Recycle and her current company Paradigm Corporate Wellness. Other topics of conversation included public speaking, podcasting, and an insight into what Lindsay has coming up personally and professionally. Share this episode with someone interested in mental health, business, and entrepreneurship. 

Find the Tea with Mike show through: 

Website: http://teawithmike.com 

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/michael-johnson933 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tea_with_mike?lang=en 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teawithmike 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEAWITHMIKEJ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teawithmike 

Find Lindsay Recknell through: 

Website: https://www.paradigmcw.com 

Website: https://www.expertinhope.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindsrecknell?lang=en 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expertinhope 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsayrecknell 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-recknell 

Mike drinks tea with Sleeprlo founder Kris Nowak. Sleeprlo is an e-commerce sleep accessory brand that makes comfy and high-quality sleep products to help entrepreneurs and working professionals sleep better so they can live their best lives.

The theme of Kris's story was learning about his move to Canada from Poland and his interest in business and entrepreneurship. Kris shared the story behind how he started his company Sleeprlo and his future goals for the company. Kris also gave insight into some business lessons learned and shared how he looks after his physical and mental health. Share this episode with some interested in getting better sleep at night!

Find the Tea with Mike show through: 

Website: http://teawithmike.com

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/michael-johnson933

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tea_with_mike?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teawithmike

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEAWITHMIKEJ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teawithmike

Find Kris Nowak through: 

Website: https://sleeprlo.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sleeprlo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleeprlo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleeprlo

Mike drinks tea with John Guiterrez. John is the owner of Whadafunk. Whadafunk is a clothing brand made in New York that sells internationally across the US, Canada, and countries like the Philippines. John does a live YouTube show, which has 1.47 K subscribers. John creates weekly content around his brand that you can see across the company's social media channels.  

The theme of John's story was learning about his childhood and his interest in design. John shared how the story behind how Whadafunk came to be and his advice for someone looking to get into business and the design industry. John also gave insight into how he finds creative inspiration and revealed something people don't know about him. Share this episode with someone interested in design, business, nature, and content creation.

Find the Tea with Mike show through: 

Website: http://teawithmike.com

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/michael-johnson933

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tea_with_mike?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teawithmike

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEAWITHMIKEJ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teawithmike

Find John Gutierrez through:

Website: https://www.whadafunk.net

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WHADAFUNK

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Whadafunk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whadafunk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/WHADAFUNK