The Calgary Sessions

Is it possible to transition from being a professional athlete to a successful entrepreneur in the food industry?

In episode 113 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Tony Spoletini, a former professional football player turned entrepreneur. Tony is not only known for his time with the Calgary Stampeders but also as one of the co-founders of Spolumbo's Fine Foods and Deli, a beloved Calgary institution.

During our conversation, Tony shares his journey from playing football for his hometown team to starting a business that has become a staple in the Calgary community. We explore the lessons he learned on the football field that have translated into his business ventures, the importance of family and community in both his personal and professional life, and how embracing his Italian heritage has influenced his success.

How To Connect:

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

Tony Spolentini - https://www.spolumbos.com

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

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

Are you curious about what it takes to turn a passion into a legacy?

In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Paul Brian Hardy, a visionary whose life embodies creativity, resilience, and transformation. Paul shares his extraordinary journey through the worlds of design and storytelling. We navigate through how his fascination with sewing and design as a youngster morphed into a renowned career. We delve into the power of storytelling through design, the impact of faith and opportunity, and the transformative lessons learned along the way.

This was a story about carving out a path of authenticity and impact in a world that often values conformity. Paul's pioneering spirit truly is reshaping the cultural landscape, one stitch at a time.

How To Connect

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

Paul Hardy - https://paulhardydesign.com

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

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

What drives an artist's journey?

In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with local artist and muralist, Rhys Douglas Farrell, a Calgary native whose vibrant works are shaping the city's visual landscape.

We chat about his early days of drawing Pokemon and Dragonball Z characters to creating large-scale murals that blend art and science. Rhys discusses his experiences at art school, the evolution of his style, and his unique approach to finding inspiration in the ordinary, from architecture to the patterns on manholes. He also shares fascinating stories about his travels, including a transformative trip to Tokyo and art residencies in places like Spain and Sicily.

This episode isn't just about art; it's a look into the life of someone who lives and breathes creativity.

How To Connect

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

Rhys Douglas Farrell - https://www.itsxyz.com

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

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

Have you ever wondered what it's like to capture the world through a lens, witnessing history as it unfolds?

In episode 110 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Leah Hennel, a photojournalist whose curiosity and visual storytelling have taken her from the Calgary Herald to the global stage of the Winter Olympics. We dive into her journey, touching on her roots, the balancing act of her personal and professional life, and the unique challenge of capturing Team Canada's spirit in an Olympics without fans.

Leah's stories, from her adventures in photojournalism to our shared passions like water skiing, underscore our conversation, highlighting the power of curiosity and the paths it can lead us down.

How To Connect

How does a passion for art turn into a thriving business and a life filled with creativity?

Meet Patti Dibski, a leader in Calgary's art scene and the force behind Gibson Fine Art and Interior Living. In episode 109 of The Calgary Sessions, Patti takes us on a journey from her roots in a small town to becoming a key member of the Calgary art community. We get into her adventures in Japan, her leap into fine art, and the evolution of her businesses.

Our conversation covers the blend of art and entrepreneurship, the power of staying true to your passions and adapting to a changing world. Patti shares the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the victories celebrated in creating a space for art in our lives and communities.

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

Patti Dibski: https://gibsonfineart.ca

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

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

In episode 108 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Bonnie MacRae-Kilb, a former professional volleyball player turned artist, whose journey through triumph and tragedy is both compelling and deeply human. Bonnie shares her experiences on and off the court as well as the profound grief of losing her son, stepson and nephew. Her story weaves through resilience, the healing power of community, sport, and now, her pursuit of art.

During our conversation Bonnie talks about the transformative power of embracing creativity, how her art has become a crucial outlet for expression and healing, and the value she finds in pursuing her artistic passions. Bonnie’s insights into overcoming adversity, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength in moments of despair are not only a testament to her character but also offer profound lessons for us all.

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

Bonnie MacRae-Kilb: https://macraekilb.com

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

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

In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Mark Kondrat, a key player in Alberta's beer scene and an avid podcaster. Mark shares his fascinating journey from Red Deer to becoming an influential figure in Calgary's event and beer industries. As the co-founder of Alberta Beer Festivals and the voice behind 'Let's Meet For A Beer' and 'EXPLORE84' podcasts, we chat about the power of community and collaboration in shaping successful ventures.

We dive into the evolution of Alberta's beer culture and how exploring genuine storytelling can forge a unique path. This conversation with Mark was not only a deep dive into the craft beer world and entrepreneurship but also an exploration of the art of meaningful conversations.

Jeff Humphreys

http://www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Mark Kondrat

https://www.kondratnetwork.com

Podcast Location

http://www.modelmilk.ca

Podcast Production

http://www.shortlinecreative.com

In this candid 'Calgary Sessions Moment,' Graham Matheos and I cover the entrepreneurial spirit of his journey and unpack what his experience was like starting a business from scratch. Graham shares his experience transitioning from a corporate setting to founding his clinic. Although he was conservative with his projections, it's always a risk starting your own business and Graham highlights the challenges and triumphs of this significant change.

https://www.instagram.com/jeffhumphreys

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffhumphreysyyc

In this episode of The Calgary Sessions I sit down with Graham Matheos, a physiotherapist by trade and the teetotaling founder of One for the Road Brewing. Our conversation takes a deep dive into Graham's journey - from his Saskatoon roots, to his evolution in the world of physiotherapy and his bold move into non-alcoholic craft brewing.

We explore the intriguing intersections of personal and professional life, discussing the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and the nuances of creating a balanced lifestyle. Graham shares his unique perspective on being a father, a business owner, and his decision to embrace a non-alcoholic lifestyle, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to find their own path.

In episode 105, we dive into the world of music and DJ culture with my good friend, Rob Faust. Rob is a key figure in the Calgary DJ scene. Rob shares his journey from a curious music enthusiast to a renowned local DJ, bringing with him stories filled with nostalgia, passion, and a deep love for the craft.