The Studio D Podcast

A conversation with Taylor Pfeifer.

A conversation with Candace Laing

TLDR: A powerful conversation about neuroplasticity, stress, and the connection between the mind and body - and how changing your thoughts can completely change your life.In this episode, Matt sits down with Marie Barker, founder of Marie Barker Wellness and a MindBody Wellness Practitioner, for a deep and honest conversation about stress, healing, self-awareness, and what it really means to feel good. Marie shares her journey through chronic illness, anxiety, and burnout, and explains how practices like breathwork, mindfulness, journaling, and nervous system regulation can help people reconnect with themselves. Together, they unpack neuroplasticity, subconscious programming, social media addiction, emotional regulation, and the importance of authenticity in a world that constantly pulls us away from ourselves. You’ll hear about:* What neuroplasticity is - and how your thoughts shape your reality.* The connection between stress, the nervous system, and physical health.* Why social media, dopamine, and constant stimulation leave us feeling disconnected.* How subconscious beliefs influence confidence, success, and relationships.* Practical tools for grounding yourself, regulating stress, and building self-awareness.* Why authenticity, gratitude, and emotional honesty are essential for wellness.Connect with Marie Barker:Instagram: @mariebarkerwellnessRhythm Co-creative: https://www.mariebarkerwellness.com/rhythmcocreative

TLDR: A real, honest conversation about leadership, values, and why the best results come from human connection - not performance metrics.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Brett Elmgren, founder of Axum Leadership, to explore what leadership actually looks like in practice. With a background in HR and organizational strategy, Brett shares how leadership is often misunderstood - and why it should be treated as a profession, not just a promotion. They unpack the gap between corporate systems and human behavior, the limitations of metrics, and how culture is shaped by everyday interactions. At the core of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: leadership is about having the courage to create positive change.  

You’ll hear about:

• Why great leadership isn’t about titles - but about behaviour and courage.

• The tension between metrics and human connection in business.

• How personal values - not corporate ones - drive real performance and fulfillment.

• What separates dysfunctional, transactional, and “legendary” team cultures.

• Why authenticity and trust are the foundation of high-performing teams.

Connect with Brett Elmgren:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettelmgren/ere)

TLDR: A grounded conversation about creativity, personal evolution, and how trusting your voice can unlock both professional and personal growth.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Christine Marie, creative professional and entrepreneur, to talk about the journey of building a life and career around creativity. Christine shares how her path evolved through exploration, risk-taking, and learning to trust her instincts as both an artist and a business owner. They discuss the tension between creativity and structure, how self-belief develops over time, and why authenticity is one of the most powerful forces in creative work. The conversation also explores identity, personal growth, and how creative expression often becomes a catalyst for deeper transformation.  

You’ll hear about:

• Why trusting your creative instincts is essential for building meaningful work.

• How personal growth and creative expression often evolve together.

• The role authenticity plays in developing a voice that resonates with others.

Connect with Christine Marie:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-marie-1526321a2/

TLDR: A thoughtful conversation about purpose-driven work, leadership, and how strong relationships shape meaningful careers.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Roberta Barrington, community leader and nonprofit executive, to talk about building a career centered on impact. Roberta shares lessons from her leadership journey, including how collaboration, empathy, and clear purpose guide both organizations and individuals toward meaningful results. They explore how nonprofit leadership differs from traditional business environments, why community partnerships matter, and how values-driven work can create lasting change. The conversation also dives into resilience, navigating complex challenges, and why strong relationships are often the foundation of long-term success.  

You’ll hear about:

• How purpose-driven leadership shapes stronger organizations and communities.

• Why collaboration and partnerships are essential for solving complex challenges.

• How resilience and values help leaders navigate uncertainty and growth.

Connect with Roberta Barrington:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-barrington-5293852a/

TLDR: A candid conversation about leadership, courage, and how trusting your instincts can shape both career and life decisions.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Monique Simair, entrepreneur and community leader, to talk about the realities of building businesses while staying grounded in personal values. Monique shares insights from her entrepreneurial journey, including navigating uncertainty, making tough decisions, and learning to trust her instincts as a leader. They explore the role of resilience in entrepreneurship, how community and relationships support long-term success, and why growth often requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. The conversation also touches on balancing ambition with purpose and how leadership evolves as both businesses and people grow.  

You’ll hear about:

• Why trusting your instincts can be one of the most powerful leadership tools.

• How resilience and adaptability help entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty.

• The role relationships and community play in building sustainable success.

Connect with Monique Simair:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmoniquesimair/

TLDR: A grounded conversation about leadership, people-first culture, and why strong teams are built through trust, clarity, and consistent communication.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Hannah Wheeler, marketing and communications leader, to talk about what it takes to build healthy, high-performing teams. Hannah shares lessons from her career working across organizations and how strong leadership often comes down to clarity, empathy, and supporting the people around you. They explore how communication shapes workplace culture, why feedback and accountability matter, and how leaders can create environments where people feel both supported and challenged. The conversation also dives into career growth, mentorship, and why investing in people is one of the most important decisions any organization can make.  

You’ll hear about:

• How clear communication and trust create stronger, more resilient teams.

• Why leadership today requires balancing empathy with accountability.

• How mentorship, feedback, and intentional culture-building drive long-term organizational success.

Connect with Hannah Wheeler:

• LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehannahwheeler/

• Vision to Thrive Experience: https://guidebranding.com/discover-your-vision-to-thrive/

TLDR: A real conversation about discipline, mindset, and how consistent habits build confidence, performance, and long-term success.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Tre Bynoe, athlete and entrepreneur, to talk about the mindset required to pursue high performance in both sport and life. Tre shares lessons from his journey through competitive athletics, how discipline and routine shape daily performance, and why personal accountability is at the center of growth. They explore building confidence through preparation, handling setbacks, and how the habits developed in sport often translate directly into business and leadership. The conversation also dives into resilience, identity beyond competition, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better.  

You’ll hear about:

• How consistent habits and routines build the discipline needed for high performance.

• Why setbacks and pressure can become powerful drivers for personal growth.

• How lessons from sport translate into leadership, business, and everyday life.

Connect with Tre Bynoe:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trebynoe/

TLDR: A thoughtful conversation on leadership, career pivots, and how curiosity and courage shape meaningful professional growth.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Heather Morrison, marketing and communications leader, to talk about building a career through curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks. Heather shares how her path evolved across roles and industries, the importance of staying open to new opportunities, and why great leadership often comes down to listening well and supporting the people around you. They explore navigating change, developing confidence over time, and how learning never really stops when you’re building a meaningful career. The conversation also touches on mentorship, perspective, and how small decisions often shape the biggest career outcomes.  

You’ll hear about:

• Why staying curious and open to change can lead to unexpected career opportunities.

• How strong leaders build trust by listening, supporting their teams, and creating space for growth.

• What long-term professional development really looks like beyond titles and promotions.

Connect with Heather Morrison:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-heather/