The Calgary Sessions

In episode 104 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Ryan Stutt, a sports media entrepreneur with an impressive journey in magazines and movies.

We journey through Ryan's backstory, from his punk rock days in a small Ontario town to his bold leap into Calgary's vibrant job market. His story is a vivid tapestry of challenges, changes, and the drive to create something new. He shares his 'do or die' philosophy, emphasizing the importance of DIY spirit and community support in overcoming setbacks. Ryan launched KING SNOW Snowboard Magazine in 2008 and has been pushing cool things ever since

https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Ryan Stutt

https://www.kingnetwork.com

Podcast Location

https://www.modelmilk.ca

Podcast Production

https://www.shortlinecreative.com

In episode 103 of The Calgary Sessions, I chat with Paul Lavoie, an acclaimed interior designer in Calgary with a career spanning 38 years. We explore his childhood interest in floor plans, his growth under his father's guidance in construction, and his evolution from a shy kid to a seasoned professional. Paul's unconventional path from considering law to fully embracing interior design, and his adaptation to the industry's shift from the analog to the digital age, underscore his creative resilience. Starting his own business marked a significant turn in his journey, driven by client support and organic growth, culminating in a feature in Architectural Digest in 2001.

Jeff Humphreys

⁠https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Paul Lavoie

http://www.paullavoie.com

Podcast Location

⁠https://www.modelmilk.ca⁠

Podcast Production

⁠https://www.shortlinecreative.com

In this powerful 'Calgary Sessions Moment,' I revisit a candid conversation with Lisa Bowes about navigating the unpredictable waters of career change. Lisa shares her personal journey through the highs and lows of the media industry, offering an honest look at the emotional roller coaster that accompanies job loss and transitions.

From her early days and rapid ascension in sports broadcasting to the difficult moments of contract non-renewals and public scrutiny, Lisa's story unfolds as one of resilience and strength. She dives deep into the emotional impact of being let go, the challenge of being a woman in a competitive field, and how sometimes, despite all your efforts, external factors can dictate career paths.

But it's not just about the fall; it's about the rise. Lisa discusses how every ending led to new beginnings and how maintaining professionalism and gratitude opened unexpected doors. She emphasizes the importance of support systems, personal coping mechanisms, and always keeping an eye toward the future.

This episode is a reflection on personal growth, understanding the value of self-worth beyond job titles, and the ever-present potential for reinvention.

Jeff Humphreys

⁠https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca

⁠Lisa Bowes⁠

https://lucytriessports.com⁠

Podcast Location

⁠https://www.modelmilk.ca⁠

Podcast Production

⁠https://www.shortlinecreative.com

In this engaging episode of The Calgary Sessions, we're joined by Lisa Bowes, a prominent figure in sports media and the author of the "Lucy Tries Sports" children's book series.

Nik Lewis shares his unexpected journey into professional football, starting from a simple ambition to coach high school football. He reflects on the transformative experiences of his senior year, where he began to recognize his potential in the sport. Through rigorous training and overcoming both physical and mental challenges, Nik’s path led him from the local football fields to the professional arena. He discusses the resilience needed to face doubts and external pressures, and how a steadfast belief in himself propelled his career forward. Nik's story is not just about football; it's about the determination and self-belief that turn dreams into reality.

Jeff Humphreys

⁠https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca⁠

Nik Lewis

⁠https://www.instagram.com/nikel18⁠

Podcast Location

⁠https://www.modelmilk.ca⁠

Podcast Production

⁠https://www.shortlinecreative.com

In this special episode of "The Calgary Sessions," I have an enriching conversation with Nik Lewis, a former CFL athlete with an extraordinary life story.

From his modest beginnings in a small Texas town to his rise to CFL Hall of Fame, Nik's journey is a powerful testament to determination and resilience. We delve deep into the challenges he faced, the relentless hard work behind his athletic achievements, and his personal evolution. Nik shares insights about the vital role of family, community, and staying grounded. His experiences on and off the field are not just about sports, but about life lessons and staying true to one's roots.

This episode is a blend of inspiration, real-life struggles, and the raw, authentic journey of a remarkable individual.

Jeff Humphreys

https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Nik Lewis

https://www.instagram.com/nikel18

Podcast Location

https://www.modelmilk.ca

Podcast Production

https://www.shortlinecreative.com

Welcome to a special milestone episode of The Calgary Sessions – Episode 100!

Join me, Jeff Humphreys, along with my dynamic team members, Brian and Emma, as we venture behind the mic for a change. In this episode, we're not just celebrating a number; we're diving deep into the soul of our show.

Ever wondered what fuels our podcast? Or how our diverse backgrounds and unique motivations weave into the tapestry of stories we share? Episode 100 is all about peeling back the layers. From our initial steps in the podcasting world to the evolution of our brand and community, we're laying it all out there.

For me, podcasting started as a tool to voice my brand. Little did I know, it would transform into a community-centric platform, brimming with shared journeys and vibrant energies. Brian brings his voracious appetite for knowledge to the table, turning every episode into a learning adventure. And Emma? She's all about connection – deep, meaningful conversations that transcend the usual chit-chat.

We're very proud of this milestone, and we'd like to thank you all for listening to and watching The Calgary Sessions!

Mitch Jacobsen delves into the challenging yet rewarding journey of creating Rviita, his unique energy tea. With limited funds and bold ideas, Mitch navigates the complex R&D process, facing initial setbacks in product testing and formula refinement. He opens up about balancing his burgeoning business with a demanding job, the emotional weight of self-doubt, and the financial sacrifices made along the way. Mitch also touches on the vital role of family and trust in business partnerships, leading to the pivotal decision to leave his stable job and fully commit to Rviita. This moment offers an authentic glimpse into the grit and perseverance behind an entrepreneurial venture.

In this week's episode of The Calgary Sessions, I'm joined by Mitch Jacobsen, CEO of Rviita Energy Tea. Mitch walks us through his journey from the instant a personal challenge sparked his business idea to the realities of bringing it to life.

We explore what it takes to start a business from scratch, especially when stepping into unfamiliar territory. Mitch shares his experiences with honesty and insight, not just about the business world but also about how his background in sports and his family values shaped his approach. We discuss the ups and downs, the doubts, and the small victories that kept him going, all through the lens of the discipline and resilience learned from sports and the support and lessons from family.

This episode is more than just a business story; it's about the drive, the persistence, and the lessons learned along the way. It's about taking risks, embracing the hard work, and not giving up, even when the path gets tough.

Mitch's story is a real look at what it means to chase a dream and the resilience it takes to build something from scratch. An episode for anyone who's ever wondered what it really takes to turn an idea into reality.

In episode 98 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I had the opportunity to chat with Zenon, a talented local artist who’s making waves in the alternative R&B scene.

Zenon shared with us their journey in music, beginning from the early days in a childhood choir and evolving into a distinctive style that’s all their own. A significant part of our conversation focused on the influences that have shaped their music, particularly the impact of their parents. From their father’s harmonica skills to their mother's Caribbean roots, it’s clear that family has played a vital role in their artistic development.

We also delved into Zenon's love for performing. Zenon talked about the exhilaration and sense of belonging they feel when on stage – a sentiment that echoes with many in the artistic community. It’s in these moments, under the spotlight, that an artist truly comes into their own.

A key highlight of our chat was Zenon's experience at the Berklee College of Music. Their story is a genuine account of embracing challenges and persistently pursuing their dreams, showcasing a journey marked by both hardship and triumph.

Lastly, we touched upon Zenon's path back to music after facing personal obstacles. Their story is a compelling narrative about finding one's way back to a passion, demonstrating a remarkable strength in overcoming life’s unexpected turns.

Jeff Humphreys

https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Zenon

https://www.zenonepp.com

Podcast Location

https://www.modelmilk.ca

Podcast Production

https://www.shortlinecreative.com