The Calgary Sessions

What does it take to stay resilient when life doesn’t go as planned?

Charlie Trafford is a professional soccer player for Cavalry FC who spent over a decade playing in Europe and with the Canadian national team. Born and raised in Calgary, Charlie recently moved back home and has since expanded his focus to include farming and entrepreneurship. In this episode, we talk about his journey from a determined kid obsessed with soccer to overcoming setbacks that would have broken most people.

We dive into the challenges he faced in Europe, the pressure of constantly competing, and how a major injury shifted his path. Charlie opens up about what it was like to return home feeling like his dream was over, only to find a new sense of purpose. Along the way, we talk about the lessons he’s learned, from the importance of mental toughness to the role of community and family in staying grounded.

This is a real conversation about resilience, adaptation, and chasing your passion, no matter how many times life throws obstacles your way.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠⁠www.jeffhumphreys.ca⁠⁠⁠

Charlie Trafford - ⁠www.instagram.com/ctrafford10

Podcast Location - ⁠⁠⁠www.modelmilk.ca⁠⁠⁠

Podcast Production - ⁠⁠⁠www.shortlinecreative.com⁠

Can creativity heal? From overcoming personal trauma to becoming one of Calgary’s most recognizable artists, Mandy Stobo shares how art became her way of processing life’s challenges.

Mandy is known for her bold and expressive work, and in this episode, she opens up about her journey with mental health, her unconventional approach to creativity, and how she learned to embrace imperfection.

We also explore her path to healing through art, the influence of family and community on her work, and the importance of letting go of control in the creative process.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠www.jeffhumphreys.ca⁠⁠

Mandy Stobo - www.stoboart.com

Podcast Location - ⁠⁠www.modelmilk.ca⁠⁠

Podcast Production - ⁠⁠www.shortlinecreative.com⁠

What does it take to build a long-lasting business in the art world, especially when you’re starting small and going against the grain?

In this episode, I sit down with Tamar Zenith, co-owner and director of Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art in Calgary. Tamar shares her journey from growing up in a creative household to navigating the challenges of running a gallery with her mother. We talk about how she’s built strong, lasting relationships with artists and collectors, the importance of trusting your instincts in business, and why breaking down barriers in the art world has been key to her success.

We also chat about what it’s like growing a business in Calgary, how community and accessibility shape the art scene, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠⁠www.jeffhumphreys.ca⁠⁠⁠

Tamar Zenith - ⁠www.newzones.com⁠

Podcast Location - ⁠⁠⁠www.modelmilk.ca⁠⁠⁠

Podcast Production - ⁠⁠⁠www.shortlinecreative.com⁠⁠

What does it take to stay at the top of your game for over three decades in sports broadcasting?

Peter Maher spent 34 years as the play-by-play voice of the Calgary Flames, calling every major moment in the team's history, including their 1989 Stanley Cup win. In this episode, I sit down with Peter to explore his journey from small-town New Brunswick to becoming an iconic voice in Calgary.

We talk about the early days of his career, the pressures of calling NHL games, and the behind-the-scenes stories that shaped his legacy. Peter also shares insights into what it was like to move with the Flames from the Corral to the Saddledome, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Whether it's his advice for aspiring broadcasters or his reflections on some of the most unforgettable moments in hockey, Peter's stories give a real sense of what it means to be dedicated to your craft.

If you’re curious about the life of a sports broadcaster or a Calgary Flames fan, this conversation with Peter Maher is one you won’t want to miss.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠www.jeffhumphreys.ca⁠⁠

Podcast Location - ⁠⁠www.modelmilk.ca⁠⁠

Podcast Production - ⁠⁠www.shortlinecreative.com⁠

How much do our backgrounds influence the paths we choose in life?

In this episode, I sit down with Chloe Smith, an entrepreneur with a unique story rooted in a close-knit French-Canadian family. Growing up bilingual in Calgary, Chloe shares how her upbringing in a large, supportive family shaped her view of the world and her place in it. We explore her journey from early entrepreneurial ventures—like a house cleaning business—to founding her own company.

Chloe opens up about the challenges she faced, including struggles with mental health, and how these experiences led her to develop a deep sense of resilience. We also dive into her love for climbing and how it became a meditative practice that helped her find balance.

Throughout our conversation, Chloe reflects on the importance of understanding your own strengths and the role that family and culture play in shaping who you are. Whether it's the influence of her bilingual upbringing or the lessons learned from her entrepreneurial failures, Chloe’s story is a reminder of the power of self-awareness and persistence.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠www.jeffhumphreys.ca⁠⁠

Chloe Smith - LinkedIn

Podcast Location - www.modelmilk.ca⁠⁠

Podcast Production - www.shortlinecreative.com⁠

What really goes into starting a podcast, and why does it matter?

In this episode, Tyler Chisholm and I dive into the realities of podcasting—the stuff that doesn’t always get talked about. From the unexpected challenges to the small wins that make it all worthwhile, we explore what it truly takes to create something meaningful. We discuss the importance of curiosity, the role of authenticity, and how podcasting can open doors you never saw coming.

We also touch on the commitment required, the lessons learned along the way, and the unexpected connections that can change everything. Whether you’re just thinking about starting a podcast or you’re deep into the journey, this conversation offers a look at the realities behind the mic.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠⁠www.jeffhumphreys.ca⁠⁠⁠

Tyler Chisholm - ⁠www.tylerchisholm.com⁠

Podcast Location - ⁠⁠⁠www.modelmilk.ca⁠⁠⁠

Podcast Production - ⁠⁠⁠www.shortlinecreative.com⁠

In this episode, I sit down with Tyler Chisholm, CEO of ClearMotive Marketing and host of two successful podcasts, Collisions YYC and They Just Get It. Tyler's journey is anything but ordinary, starting on a farm in Southern Quebec where hard work was the currency of life. But what happens when your childhood dreams of becoming a pilot don't take off? Tyler opens up about the identity crisis that followed and how it led him down an unexpected path into fitness, and eventually, to becoming a leader in the marketing world.

We explore how Tyler’s upbringing instilled a work ethic that became the backbone of his success, his transition from fitness to entrepreneurship, and how embracing a growth mindset transformed his personal and professional life. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for inspiration, Tyler’s story offers valuable lessons on resilience, identity, and the power of reinvention.

Tyler’s experiences provide a unique perspective on the intersection of hard work, identity, and success.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠www.jeffhumphreys.ca⁠⁠

Tyler Chisholm - www.tylerchisholm.com

Podcast Location - ⁠⁠www.modelmilk.ca⁠⁠

Podcast Production - ⁠⁠www.shortlinecreative.com⁠

What drives someone to leave a stable career and dive into entrepreneurship?

Jeff Jamieson is the co-owner of several Calgary spots like Vine Arts, Proof Cocktail Bar, and Donna Mac Restaurant. In this episode, Jeff talks about his journey from Regina, Saskatchewan to becoming a key figure in Calgary’s restaurant scene.

We chat about Jeff’s early influences, the resilience he built growing up, working multiple jobs, and facing financial challenges. Jeff also shares his brief time in university, his initial dream of becoming a journalist, and how he found his passion in the restaurant world.

We touch on personal growth, the importance of community, and the changes in Calgary’s nightlife. Jeff’s honest reflections on life, business, and philosophy offer a lot of insights.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca⁠⁠

Jeff Jamieson - Linkedin

Podcast Location - ⁠⁠https://www.modelmilk.ca⁠⁠

Podcast Production - ⁠⁠https://www.shortlinecreative.com⁠

Why do community and business often seem like separate paths?

In this episode, I sit down with James Costello, CEO and part-shareholder of Tool Shed Brewing Company and founder of Pedal Pub, to explore how these two worlds come together.

James and I have known each other for years, and it was great to reconnect and hear his story. We talk about his roots in Calgary, his childhood in Rosedale, and his adventures in London. We share memories of simpler times, biking around and playing street hockey.

James opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, from starting a landscaping business at 17 to leading a brewery. He talks about the challenges of balancing university, running a business, and working in Calgary’s nightlife scene. He also shares candid moments about getting fired and how those experiences shaped his path.

A significant part of our conversation is about the importance of community. Whether it's his childhood friends, the local rugby team, or the community around his brewery, James highlights the power of connections.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca⁠⁠

James Costello - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlcostello

Podcast Location - ⁠⁠https://www.modelmilk.ca⁠⁠

Podcast Production - ⁠⁠https://www.shortlinecreative.com⁠