The Calgary Sessions

Episode 90 of The Calgary Sessions podcast was an incredible journey into the world of music and life with the remarkable Matt Masters Burgener.

Matt's story begins with his upbringing in Calgary, where he was blessed with a loving family and a world of opportunities. From early gigs at iconic venues like the Ship and Anchor to his adventures as a globetrotting musician, Matt embodies the essence of a "music worker" – a multifaceted artist excelling in performance, singing, songwriting, and even administrative roles within the music industry.

Our conversation touches on pivotal moments in Matt's life, including his bold decision to go all-in on music and a hard lesson he learned in 2001 – a stark reminder that being on a magazine cover doesn't guarantee job security. We also explore the complex relationship between artists and the media, shedding light on the critical role storytelling plays in shaping musical journeys.

Matt also shares a transformative experience in Texas in 2007, prompting a profound reevaluation of his life choices. We discuss the fine line between the rock and roll lifestyle and self-respect, offering valuable insights into the hidden challenges musicians face behind the scenes.

Fast-forward to the tumultuous year of 2020, when the pandemic brought the music industry to a standstill. Matt's response was nothing short of innovative, as he pioneered curbside concerts to bring music safely to people's doorsteps. It's a heartwarming tale of resilience and community spirit, highlighting the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

Jeff Humphreys

Welcome to Episode 89 of the Calgary Sessions Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Käthe Lemon, who takes us on a journey from her early years in Ontario, moving to Vancouver and settling in Calgary.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kelly Streit of Mode Models for episode 88 of The Calgary Sessions podcast! To steal a line from this amazing guest...this episode was major!

We went back to Kelly's early experiences of being featured on national news, to his job as a manager at McDonald's, where he unintentionally started scouting models over the counter! From there, Kelly's journey in the fashion industry took off, landing him on prestigious magazine covers and even working for the Ford Modeling Agency in New York.

We also dive into Kelly's unique perspective on success and how he challenges the conventional idea of "sticking to your dreams." He shares his belief in finding what you're genuinely good at and passionate about, rather than forcing yourself into a mold that might not suit you.

One of the most powerful moments in this episode is when Kelly discusses the perception versus reality dilemma. He opens up about the misconceptions people have about him due to his vivacious personality, and how he has always been self-aware and deeply in tune with his surroundings.

Jeff Humphreys

Welcome to Episode 87 of the Calgary Sessions Podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Janneane Madill, a passionate advocate for rescued, surrendered, and abandoned farm animals.

During our conversation, Janneane shared insights about her family's involvement in the farming industry, societal expectations, the pursuit of fulfillment, and the importance of authenticity, purpose, intention, and integrity.

We also talked about a pivotal moment in Janneane's life when she reached her breaking point, which occurred in the garden of her rundown rental home. Overwhelmed and feeling adrift, she sought guidance and a sense of purpose from something greater than herself. Her journey took a remarkable turn when she received an unexpected phone call, offering her the opportunity to embark on her first rescue mission. It was a chance to save a six-week-old piglet named Oliver.

With unwavering determination and in the face of numerous challenges, Janneane embraced this rescue mission as her true calling. Despite financial limitations and skepticism from others, she courageously worked with the resources at her disposal, defying expectations and demonstrating her capabilities.

Janneane's story takes us on a transformative journey from uncertainty to purpose, illustrating that it's never too late to pursue what truly ignites your soul.

Jeff Humphreys

Episode 86 of The Calgary Sessions podcast was a fun one! I had the chance to sit down with 3 time Rugby World Cup player and current CEO of 360 Energy Liability Management, Ryan Smith.

Throughout the episode, Ryan delves into the evolution of his business mindset and the importance of continuous growth. He shares how his team's high-performance mindset and refusal to settle for plateaus have propelled them forward. They are committed to designing a 100-year business model, a concept that may seem daunting, but one that they approach with intention and a belief in the power of a well-crafted culture.

Jeff Humphreys

On episode 85 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I had a chance to sit down with Luke Obodzinski from Dream Ridge Homes!

We chatted about growing up in Poland, the importance of family, the sacrifice his father made coming to Canada, going down the entrepreneurial path, traveling the world and working in the family business.

This was a fun chat with one of Calgary's best home builders!

https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Luke Obodzinski

On episode 84 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting with the incredibly talented Sinzere! We had a deep and personal conversation about her musical journey and the profound impact it has had on her life.

We chatted about her early musical influences, yearning for more while in school, traveling across Canada with a dance group, climbing the ranks as a DJ, trauma, depression and how music served as her lifeline.

Sinzere's story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.

Jeff Humphreys

https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Sinzere

https://sinzereofficial.com

On episode 83 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Holly Singer. Holly is not only a candle maker and business owner, but she's also a force of nature when it comes to creating inclusive spaces and promoting the true meaning of inclusion in the workplace.

During our chat, Holly opened up about her childhood as an extremely shy kid, her experiences with pen pals, fitting in, wearing a back brace for two years due to Scoliosis, leading a purpose-driven business and giving back from day one.

We also got into her vision for the future, where she hopes to inspire other businesses to embrace inclusive hiring practices. Holly firmly believes that diversity and inclusion should be a natural part of every workplace, and she's been actively advocating for this cause through talks and collaborations with organizations like Inclusion Alberta.

On episode 82 of The Calgary Sessions podcast, I sat down with the incredible Russell Reimer for a truly enlightening conversation.

Jeff Humphreys

www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Russell Reimer

www.manifestosport.com

Episode 81 with Jackson McDonough didn't disappoint! When I met Jackson for the first time I knew he'd be a great guest on The Calgary Sessions! His positive energy and love for Calgary are infectious.

We chatted about growing up in Calgary, moving to Texas at a young age, playing on Canada's National Ruby team, jumping out of a plane and the entrepreneurial call to come home.

When the conversation shifted to what drives him the show came alive! One of the most profound statements he shared was from his Grandfather, Murray. He said, "When someone says, 'Somebody should do something about that,' recognize that you are somebody and do something about it." This philosophy has guided Jackson on his path and continues to propel him in business and in helping others.

Jeff Humphreys