The Calgary Sessions

In Episode 157 of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Calgary-based artist Amy Dryer for a real conversation about the creative process, self-doubt, and building a career in art. We talk about the early experiences that shaped her, the discipline she carried over from sports, and the persistence needed to carve out space in a competitive industry.

Amy shares what it’s like to balance creativity with the realities of making a living, and how she found confidence in her work over time.

This episode is an honest look at the ups and downs of being an artist and what it takes to keep going.

How To Connect:

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

Amy Dryer - http://www.fragmentsofsoul.com

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

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

In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Alex Kingcott, a prominent figure in Calgary's arts and public relations scene. Alex shares her journey from a theatre enthusiast to the founder of a leading PR agency, offering insights into the unexpected paths that passion can lead us down.

We chat about her experiences transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the challenges of promoting live events in an evolving media landscape, and the importance of community in business growth. Alex also reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome and the significance of strategic storytelling in the arts.

This conversation sheds light on the intersection of arts and business in Calgary, providing valuable perspectives for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, public relations, and the vibrant arts community.

How To Connect:

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

Alex Kingcott - https://shareworthy.ca

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

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

In this episode, I sat down with Musap 'Moose' Abde to talk about the realities of struggle, resilience, and finding purpose when life doesn’t go as planned. His story isn’t a straight line—it’s filled with setbacks, tough decisions, and moments that could’ve gone either way.

We talked about what it’s like growing up between cultures, facing failure head-on, and why the hardest experiences often teach the most valuable lessons.

Moose shared how he navigated everything from family challenges to starting over more than once, and how those experiences shaped his mindset around success. This isn’t a story about overnight change—it’s about the small, often uncomfortable steps it takes to figure out who you are and what really matters.

How To Connect:

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

Moose -https://siys.ca

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

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

Tim Hunter spent 16 seasons in the NHL, most of them with the Calgary Flames, where he made his mark as an enforcer. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to play that role, the shift from player to coach, and the lessons that stick long after the game ends.

Tim shares stories from his time protecting teammates like Theo Fleury, what he learned about leadership in the locker room, and how discipline and work ethic shaped his career. We also get into what makes a team culture work and why some players succeed while others fade out.

It’s an inside look at the game from a guy who’s lived it at every level.

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

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

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

Duff Gibson shares his unique journey to Olympic gold—one built on lessons learned from failure, persistence, and self-awareness. We talk about how his path through multiple sports shaped his mindset, the importance of finding the right fit, and the powerful role of mental fitness.

We also dive into his thoughts on youth sports today—why early specialization is a problem, how fun drives true growth, and what parents and coaches get wrong.

From balancing life as a firefighter, coach, and athlete to creating meaningful change in how we approach sport, Duff’s story offers lessons that go far beyond the podium.

How To Connect:

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

Duff Gibson - https://www.darkhorseathletic.ca

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

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

In this episode, I sit down with Brian Keating, a lifelong naturalist and explorer, to talk about what decades of adventures in nature can teach us about life. From birdwatching as a curious kid to leading conservation efforts at the Calgary Zoo, Brian shares fascinating stories and lessons learned along the way.

We discuss the transformative power of connecting with nature, the mental clarity it provides, and why protecting intact ecosystems is more urgent than ever. Brian reflects on his experiences in the Arctic, the Rockies, and beyond, offering a unique perspective on the beauty and challenges of the wild.

This conversation explores themes of personal growth, finding purpose, and how small moments—like watching a bird in your backyard—can lead to a lifetime of discovery.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Brian Keating - www.goingwild.org

Podcast Location - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.modelmilk.ca

Podcast Production - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.shortlinecreative.com

In this episode of The Calgary Sessions, I sit down with Alvin Law, a Hall of Fame speaker whose story challenges assumptions and reshapes perspectives. Born without arms due to thalidomide, Alvin shares how he turned what many saw as a limitation into a life filled with creativity, impact, and connection.

We explore his upbringing in rural Saskatchewan, where community and his foster parents instilled a mindset of independence and possibility. Alvin reflects on his journey as a musician, his passion for jazz, and the mentors who helped him thrive in unexpected ways. He talks about the pivotal role of humor, the realities of navigating a world not built for him, and his thoughts on how face-to-face interactions shape genuine human connection.

Alvin’s story isn’t about overcoming—it’s about creating a life that fits you, on your own terms. Whether it’s his perspective on the history of thalidomide, his shift from radio to public speaking, or his take on staying curious and present, this conversation offers honest insights into what it means to live fully.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Alvin Law - www.alvinlaw.com

Podcast Location - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.modelmilk.ca

Podcast Production - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.shortlinecreative.com

DJ Kav has been a name in Calgary’s music scene for decades. In this episode, we explore his journey from sneaking time on his brother’s turntables to becoming a mainstay in clubs, radio, and festivals. Kav shares how the music industry has changed, the lessons learned from old-school DJing, and the challenges of staying true to himself in a world of constant shifts.

We get into what it means to make a living doing what you love, balancing creative passions with life’s responsibilities, and navigating the highs and lows of a career that’s as unpredictable as it is rewarding. From the revival of old-school jams to the evolution of DJ culture, this conversation dives deep into the realities behind the music.

If you’re curious about the intersection of passion, persistence, and adaptability in the music world, this episode is for you.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.jeffhumphreys.ca

DJ Kav - www.djkav.com

Podcast Location - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.modelmilk.ca

Podcast Production - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.shortlinecreative.com

How do food, family, and intuition shape the life you choose to live?

Roni Zaide is a food storyteller. Her journey begins in small-town Israel, where family meals and childhood experiments in the kitchen sparked her love of cooking. From there, life took her across the globe — to Philadelphia, Mexico, Calgary, and places in between — following her gut and finding her own path.

In this episode, we talk about how food became her love language, why intuition is worth trusting, and the experiences that shaped her as a storyteller. Roni shares how growing up in a home full of food and stories influenced her life, what traveling taught her about people and herself, and how trusting her gut helped her navigate both challenges and opportunities.

It’s a conversation about family, food, travel, and the lessons you learn when you decide to live life on your terms.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Roni Zaide - www.roniskitchen.com

Podcast Location - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.modelmilk.ca

Podcast Production - www.shortlinecreative.com

What does it take to bridge the gap between technology, leadership, and lessons learned in unexpected places?

Mark Little grew up in Calgary with a love for technology and curiosity. Early lessons from the restaurant industry shaped his approach to leadership, guiding him through roles as CEO of Suncor and now as Co-Founder of Joston.

In this episode, we talk about how those early experiences laid the foundation for his success, the lessons he learned managing risk and complexity, and why connecting people across silos creates real opportunities. We also touch on Calgary’s growth, the role of curiosity in problem-solving, and the power of diverse perspectives in driving change.

How To Connect:

Jeff Humphreys - www.jeffhumphreys.ca

Mark Little - www.jotson.com

Podcast Location - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.modelmilk.ca

Podcast Production - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.shortlinecreative.com