@jilldrader

Jill Drader is a Calgary-based transformation strategist, public speaker, and award-winning entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in leadership development and personal growth. She is the founder of Steel Toe Stiletto, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the trades and advocating for more female representation in the industry. Jill’s commitment to women’s advancement has been widely recognized, and in 2014, she was honored with the prestigious Top 40 Under 40 award for her advocacy work for women in the trades and recovery.

Her entrepreneurial passion extends to education, where she developed the Entrepreneurial Trades program in collaboration with the Calgary Board of Education, aiming to inspire and educate the next generation of female entrepreneurs in skilled trades.

Jill is also the author of Knowings: The 7 Intuitive Principles to a Life of Certainty, published in 2024. The book explores seven intuitive principles that help guide readers toward personal and professional growth. Through her OwlSeek method, Drader integrates personal stories with these principles, encouraging self-discovery and the alignment of one’s life with their deepest truths. Knowings is a tool for anyone seeking to bridge logic with intuition for greater fulfillment and clarity in all aspects of life.

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Jill has built a successful career as a public speaker. She has delivered keynote speeches and workshops across North America, focusing on themes such as forgiveness, personal growth, and aligning one’s values with their career. Her talks inspire individuals to take charge of their personal transformations and professional success.

Jill holds a BA (Hons) in Counseling and Development Studies and has hands-on experience as a journeyman tile setter and stoneworker. This unique combination of academic knowledge and practical skills allows her to connect deeply with clients, helping them achieve fulfillment both personally and professionally.

For more information, to purchase her book, or to contact Jill, visit her official website: jilldrader.com.

Miss Universe Donation Link:https://windsoressex.cmha.ca/events/miss-universe-canada/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1Jbi7OkVLFIaLFvI4MfW2oBHo9Fk3qmc5WqxnitKapu7p-YBcGK7sm_BY_aem_oBYnmAORFpZxHboQuMDhsQFind Sarah on instagram: @miss.calgary and @sarahllambros Sarah Lambros is the current Miss Calgary 2025 and a passionate advocate for both science and community engagement. After earning her degree in geophysics, she is now working in her field, combining her academic expertise with her commitment to making a positive impact.Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sarah is also a proud participant in the Miss Universe Canada competition, where she is striving to represent her city on the national stage. Her journey is a blend of intellect, beauty, and empowerment, as she aims to inspire others to pursue their passions and challenge conventional expectations.Before being crowned Miss Calgary, Sarah served as the 2023 Calgary Stampede Princess, where she worked to promote the city’s western heritage and foster unity within the community. Throughout her reign as Miss Calgary, she has continued her dedication to both local and national initiatives, representing Calgary with pride.Sarah’s story is one of perseverance, breaking stereotypes, and showing that you can thrive in both academics and pageantry while remaining true to your authentic self. She hopes to inspire young individuals to embrace their diverse passions and actively engage in creating positive change within their communities.

Looking for the freshest boutique streetwear in Calgary? Milkrun at Market Mall is the go-to spot for curated fashion and unique styles. And behind it all is James Dean—a former rapper turned entrepreneur with a deep history in the city’s creative scene.

Once a key figure in Calgary’s hip-hop movement and a driving force behind Masters of Ceremony, James made a name for himself in music before shifting gears into the world of retail. Now, as the owner of Milkrun, he’s blending his passion for culture, creativity, and fashion to build something truly special in the boutique streetwear space.

In this episode of The Deets with Duddy, JD shares his journey from the rap game to running a successful boutique, the evolution of Masters of Ceremony, and what it takes to stay ahead in both music and business. From hip-hop roots to high-end boutique streetwear, this is a story of reinvention, hustle, and making an impact.

🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! #TheDeetsWithDuddy #Milkrun #JamesDean #MastersOfCeremony #RapToRetail #BoutiqueStreetwear

Dallas Soonias and Jocelyn Chugg are dynamic figures in Alberta's burgeoning film industry, seamlessly transitioning from diverse backgrounds into filmmaking.

Connect with Dallas IMDb:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10580523/

Instagram: @soonias

Connect with Jocelyn

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12283204/

Instagram: @jocechugg

Together, Dallas and Jocelyn exemplify the diverse talent enriching Alberta's film industry, contributing both in front of and behind the camera.Dallas Soonias is a former Canadian national team volleyball player, filmmaker, and advocate for Indigenous representation. He was the first Indigenous male athlete to represent Canada in volleyball, and a member of the national team for 13 years.In addition to his athletic career, Dallas transitioned into filmmaking, writing, directing, and starring in the short thriller The Saint and the Bear, which premiered at the 2024 Calgary Underground Film Festival. He also served as a co-producer for the film.A proud member of the Cree and Ojibwe communities, and a proud member of The Chippewas of Nawash, Dallas is committed to promoting Indigenous representation in both sports and film. With a diverse career spanning athletics, storytelling, and cultural advocacy, he continues to inspire future generations.Jocelyn Chugg is a Calgary-based actor, and filmmaker who began her film career in 2020. She has appeared in over 25 short films, eight feature films, multiple TV shows, and 40+ commercial projects. Notable roles include Matilda Cameron in Coupled Up for Christmas and Jael in X-Communicado, where she performed her own stunts.She stars as Rita in The Saint and the Bear, a short thriller directed by Dallas Soonias, which premiered at the 2024 Calgary Underground Film Festival. In addition to acting, she co-produced the film.A proud fifth-generation Albertan, she is passionate about Alberta’s growing film industry and has several projects in production.The Deets with Duddy is a Calgary-based late-night style podcast that highlights the city's vibrant people and culture. Hosted by Duddy, the show features a diverse range of guests, including athletes, entrepreneurs, artists, influencers, and more. Each episode dives deep into the stories, passions, and experiences of the guests, offering a unique and personal look at the heartbeat of Calgary. With engaging conversations and a focus on local talent, The Deets with Duddy celebrates the dynamic spirit of the city.

@ mitchpag Mitch Paglinawan is a Canadian entrepreneur and financial strategist known for his expertise in personal finance, business growth, and mentorship. With a background in mechanical engineering, he brings an analytical and structured approach to financial planning, helping individuals and businesses create sustainable financial strategies.Beyond his personal practice, Mitch is passionate about mentoring and training others in the financial space. He has guided and coached numerous professionals on building successful careers in financial services, emphasizing leadership, strategic planning, and wealth-building techniques.Mitch also shares his insights through social media and educational content, providing guidance on topics such as investment strategies, insurance planning, and financial independence. His work reflects a strong commitment to empowering individuals to take control of their financial future while fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented mindset.The Deets with Duddy is Calgary’s only late-night show-style podcast, bringing you unfiltered conversations with the city’s most fascinating personalities. From entrepreneurs and athletes to actors, musicians, and industry experts, we dive deep into their stories, successes, and struggles. Whether it’s business, entertainment, sports, or local culture, we’re here to give you the deets on what makes Calgary tick. Tune in for engaging interviews, insider insights, and a fresh take on the people shaping our city. 🎙️🔥 #TheDeetsWithDuddy #CalgaryPodcast #YYC

In this episode, I sit down with two incredible Calgary-based podcasters: Sophie Louise McLean (@sophie.louise.mclean), host of A Day in the Life Podcast (@adayinthelife_), and ZAK (@yyczak), host of The Canadian Podcast (@canadianpodcast) and MenTell (@mentell.ca).We dive into their podcasting journeys, the power of storytelling, and the importance of mental health conversations. From navigating life’s ups and downs to building a platform for meaningful discussions, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real talk.Tune in for an authentic conversation on life, growth, and the impact of podcasting! 🎧✨

Link for Sykamore Tickets Feb 28 YYC at King Eddy : https://www.showpass.com/sykamore-at-the-king-eddy-2025/

Check out her socials @sykamore

Jordan Ostrom, professionally known as Sykamore, is a Canadian country singer-songwriter hailing from Carseland, Alberta. Growing up on her family's ranch near Calgary, she was influenced by country artists such as George Strait, The Dixie Chicks, and Alan Jackson.In 2014, Sykamore won the ATB All-Albertan Songwriting Contest with her original song "Heaven in the Pines." The following year, she was nominated for the Canadian Country Music Association Discovery Award. Her song "I Can Make You Happy" was featured on Season 8 of the Canadian television series "Heartland." Sykamore's talent caught the attention of veteran songwriter Rhett Akins, leading to a publishing deal with Home Team Publishing in Nashville in 2017. In 2019, she became the first artist signed to Music Knox Records, a partnership between producer Michael Knox and Broken Bow Records/BMG. Her debut EP, "California King," was released in April 2020, showcasing a blend of country and pop influences. In August 2022, Sykamore independently released her first full-length album, "Pinto," which was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2023 Country Music Alberta Awards. Sykamore's songwriting combines intimate reflection with relatable storytelling, earning her recognition as a rising talent in the country music scene.

Jordan Hanania is a PhD candidate in medical physics at UBC. He is part of a research group at UBC studying dopamine and its effects on Parkinson's disease. Jordan received his master's degree in physics while attending the University of Guelph, where he worked with a research group for NASA that interpreted data from exploration rovers on Mars. Jordan's minor in philosophy got him curious about meaning, and his world view has been influenced by the work of Bernardo Kastrup, Carl Jung, and Don Hoffman, to name a few.Zach Hanania's spiritual journey evolved from religious at a young age, to atheist in his teen years, to a broader spiritual outlook in adulthood. This broader outlook began as curiosity, when he picked up a book about a near-death-experience called Proof of Heaven by former Neurosurgeon Eben Alexander. Very shortly afterwards, different information from spiritual channelers, extraterrestrial channelers, and various spiritual authors opened his perspective to understand: we are spiritual beings having a human experience, the existence of an afterlife and other dimensions, and the interconnectedness of all things. His healing experiences with ayahuasca, iboga, psilocybin, and recreational dabbling in LSD and DMT have reaffirmed all the spiritual information he had been exposed to conceptually but hadn't fully experienced without the assistance of these consciousness altering substances.Together, the brothers have a podcast called The Inner and Outer Worlds Podcast (@innerandouterworldspodcast) , where they analyze reality to gain a better understanding and deeper appreciation of reality through science and spirituality - which are both means of analysis: Science of course dealing with experiments of our outer worlds, and Spirituality dealing with the experience of our inner worlds. They believe through both, a person can find a wholesome understanding of what's going on in our reality and feel deeper fulfillment.Thanks for checking out Calgarys Only Late Night Show - The Deets!Look for us on instagram!

This week I sit down with Jordan Guildford and Dave Sweet."Gems for Gems is committed to ending the cycle of domestic abuse by focusing on the economic recovery and empowerment of survivors.Our Scholarship Program, HOPE’S CRADLE, Ambassador Program and more, are solution-focused and provide high, transformational impact to survivors of abuse."www.gemsforgems.cominstagram: gemsforgemscanada hopescradlecanadafacebook: Gems for GemsHopes Cradle CanadaJordan Guildford: jordanguildford.comfb: Jordan Guildford Consultinginsta: jordanguildford
Dave Sweet:www.unconventionalclassroom.cainsta: unconventionalclassroom.cayoutube TheUnconventionalClassroom 

Jordan Guildford, originally from a small town in Nova Scotia, moved to Calgary in 2014 and soon after initiated a successful Jewelry Drive to provide Christmas gifts to survivors of domestic abuse. This initiative led her to observe a critical need in the community: while people wanted to help survivors, they also wanted to make an impact using their own skills and time, especially amidst the challenges posed by a recession. This realization inspired her to createGems for Gems, a national charity aimed at ending domestic abuse through collaboration with the public.

Since its inception, Gems for Gems has made significant strides. The organization has gifted over 28,000 Christmas presents to survivors across Canada, supported thousands of survivors by providing essential skills such as financial literacy, self-defense, resilience, and psychological coping mechanisms, and built a scholarship program to help survivors rebuild their lives. Additionally, theGems for Gems Ambassador Program has grown across Canada and the U.S., attracting both celebrity ambassadors and passionate individuals dedicated to the cause.

One of the charity’s most recent initiatives isHope’s Cradle, a safe surrender location for mothers who feel they have no other choice but to leave their babies in order to ensure their safety. Gems for Gems continues to expand nationally, with ongoing efforts to ensure even greater reach.

In 2023, Jordan Guildford Consulting was founded to assist entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and organizations. The consulting service has supported over 30 startups and aspiring nonprofits. Jordan’s focus on humility, kindness, and teamwork underpins every project she pursues. She believes in the power of collective action, stating, “Everyone can be a meaningful part of change by uniting and understanding we are always stronger together.”

Dave Sweet, a key figure at Gems for Gems since 2019, serves as the chairperson of the board. He brings a wealth of expertise from his 25-year career in Canadian policing, which includes high-profile roles in undercover operations and homicide investigations. Dave spent 14.5 years in the homicide unit, solving some of Canada’s most notorious cases. His investigative work has been featured in documentaries and TV series, such as CBC'sThe Detectives and Netflix’sUnsolved Mysteries.

Dave has also ventured into authorship, co-writingSkeletons in My Closet – 101 Lessons from a Homicide Detective (2nd Edition, 2024) andUndaunted (2024), the latter of which highlights stories of courage. His career has earned him numerous accolades, including theChief's Award for Investigative Excellence (2017) and theGovernor General’s Exemplary Service Medal (2021). In 2022, Dave received theQueen's Platinum Jubilee Medal for his work in establishingHope’s Cradle, Southern Alberta’s first safe surrender site for unwanted infants.

Dave retired from policing in 2023 and foundedThe Unconventional Classroom, an investigation and training agency aimed at offering new perspectives on traditional investigation techniques. Throughout his career, Dave has remained committed to the principle of “love people,” which guides his current endeavors in life and business.