The Calgary Sessions

This moment sheds light on the subtleties of mental well-being, particularly when there's no formal diagnosis, through Billie Rae's personal experiences. From grappling with the challenges of burnout to navigating life's unexpected turns, including personal tragedies and the global upheaval of the pandemic, Billie Rae's story is a testament to the human spirit's resilience.

We discuss the societal stigma around mental health, the difficulty in acknowledging when we're struggling, and the importance of recognizing the signs of deteriorating mental health. Billie Rae reflects on their journey through these challenges and how art became a sanctuary and a form of self-expression during these times. This moment is more than just a narrative; it's a glimpse into the reality many face silently - balancing professional responsibilities, personal passions, and the complexities of family life.

https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca⁠

Billie Rae Busby⁠

https://www.billieraebusby.com

⁠Podcast Location

⁠https://www.modelmilk.ca

⁠Podcast Production

⁠https://www.shortlinecreative.com

In episode 97 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I sit down with the incredibly talented Billie Rae Busby, delving into her vibrant and inspiring artistic journey.

Billie Rae opens up about the defining moments of her life – from an epiphany on a long drive that led to her stunning abstract landscapes, to her battles with mental health and the challenges of being a mostly single mom. Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience needed to follow one's passion, even when it means starting over in mid-life.

This episode goes beyond the canvas, shedding light on the intertwining paths of artistic creativity and personal growth. Billie Rae's experiences resonate deeply, offering valuable insights into embracing life's changes and finding joy in the unexpected.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeff de Boer, a Calgary born visual artist! His claim to fame began in 1986 when he crafted his first suit of armor for a mouse.

From a young age, Jeff's passion for art and creativity set him apart from the crowd. While his peers were all about hockey and rough play, Jeff was captivated by the life and work of the brilliant Leonardo da Vinci, who inspired his artistic journey.

Growing up, Jeff never quite fit in, which led him to explore and question his own existence. He found solace and inspiration in unexpected places, like the "Kung Fu" TV series, which introduced him to Buddhism.

As Jeff shares his story, you'll discover how he combined history, art, and a touch of whimsy to create armor for the unlikeliest of recipients – mice.

In this moment we explore the key points in time that have shaped Wakefield and his artistic path. He reflects on how recent events, such as the impact of COVID-19, the presidency of Donald Trump, and the tragic murder of George Floyd, have influenced his work and his place in the community. Wakefield's story highlights the power of resilience, personal transformation, and artistic expression, and how these elements have led him to become the first black poet laureate in Calgary. His experiences and the city of Calgary itself have played a crucial role in his artistic journey, turning trials into triumphs and making him feel truly embraced by a community he's proud to contribute to.

Watch Episode 95 on YouTube

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jeffhumphreys⁠

Jeff Humphreys

⁠https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca⁠

Wakefield Brewster

⁠https://wakefieldbrewster.com⁠

Podcast Production

⁠https://www.shortlinecreative.com⁠

In this compelling discussion with Wakefield, we delve into a life story marked by early traumas and the subsequent journey through addiction and mental wellness struggles. From the age of eight, Wakefield began using alcohol as a way to cope with the pain, ultimately spiraling into a life consumed by substance abuse. This moment also highlights the transformative power of art, emphasizing the role of audiences in a poet's life.

Watch Episode 95 on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@jeffhumphreys

Jeff Humphreys

Wakefield Brewster

Podcast Production

I had the privilege of chatting with the amazing Wakefield Brewster on episode 95 of The Calgary Sessions podcast. We dove deep into some really personal and thought-provoking moments from his life.

Wakefield opened up about his journey, sharing some raw and powerful moments about his experiences. From his childhood dreams of becoming a concert pianist to battling addiction and dealing with mental health issues, his story is one of resilience and self-discovery. Wakefield's journey was far from ordinary.

We also explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which, as you'll hear, changed everything for him. In the midst of the lockdown, he continued to channel his art and creativity, even though he was no stranger to adversity.

This was the most raw and emotional conversation I've had on the podcast. It was an honour to sit across from this spectacular human.

Jeff Humphreys

https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Cory Paddock

Podcast Production

Join me in Episode 94 of The Calgary Sessions podcast as we chat with Calgary native, Cory Paddock.

Cory reflects on his upbringing in a household where music and learning were not just an option but an integral part of life. We discuss the world of sports and the importance of focusing on the joy and lifelong love of movement rather than early specialization. Cory highlights the unique camaraderie and the invaluable life lessons learned from being an athlete.

I had to ask Cory to explain the energy trading industry, and his answer helped shed some light on this unique industry. He draws an intriguing parallel between a farmer and a mill, shedding light on the intricacies of price convergence for societal benefit. We also explore the challenges of managing electricity supply and demand, emphasizing the behind-the-scenes orchestration to keep the lights on.

Cory also shares his experiences as a business owner and the dynamic journey of navigating a highly competitive industry while nurturing a successful partnership. His ability to compartmentalize and focus on the most important things sets him apart.

https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Cory Paddock

Podcast Production

In Episode 93 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I had a chat with Todd Hirsch, a seasoned economist and an exceptional storyteller.

Todd shared how his family influenced his values and work ethic, and he took us on a trip down memory lane to his school days, highlighting the teacher who sparked his curiosity.

Things got interesting when Todd opened up about his experience of getting laid off and how it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, pushing him to improve and adapt. We also explored his impressive 16.5-year journey at ATB Financial, where he worked as the Chief Economist.

But the real gem of our conversation was Todd's take on storytelling. He gave us a sneak peek into the science and appeal of storytelling, showing how it connects with the human mind.

Enjoy the podcast!

https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Todd Hirsch

Podcast Production

On episode 92 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, we dive into the journey of David Oulton. From a chance encounter with the legendary actress in his teens to hosting a global talk show, David's story is very unique.

We chat about moving from the UK to Fort McMurray, growing up in low-income housing with food stamps, getting adopted and continuing to say yes. He also shares how he refused to waste any time, constantly seeking new experiences and opportunities, ultimately leading him to create his own social media talk show during the early days of COVID-19.

David's talk show, "Face to Face with David," became a global sensation, defying skeptics who initially doubted its success. Despite facing setbacks, including the unexpected cancellation of a second season by Amazon, David's determination led him to secure multiple network deals, reaching audiences in 56 countries.

Podcast Production

In episode 91 of the Calgary Sessions, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Phil Robertson, whose remarkable journey in life led him to the world of coffee. From chance encounters to moments of overconfidence, Phil's story is a testament to the power of following your passions and embracing change.

Phil's journey begins with a twist of fate during his first year in engineering school, where he found himself separated from his friends due to a logistical glitch. Little did he know that this setback would lead to new friendships and life-changing experiences, including meeting Sebastian and Chris, who would become integral to his journey.

Throughout our conversation, Phil shared insights about the importance of confidence and being a little overconfident, especially when embarking on entrepreneurial ventures. We delved into the value of being data-driven, the significance of countering biases, and the role of faith in achieving success.

Phil also revealed how he and his team at their coffee company set aspirational goals, driven by their vision of pushing the boundaries of what coffee can be. They've transitioned from chasing what others have done to pursuing what's possible, all while reflecting on their journey and continuously striving for improvement.

One of the most captivating moments in Phil's story was his encounter with Drew, a barista at a cafe in Vancouver, where he tasted an espresso that left an indelible mark on him. This experience ignited his belief in the vast potential of coffee and fueled his passion to bring a new level of quality to the world of coffee.

Enjoy the episode!