The Unlikely Innovators

This week on The Unlikely Innovators, we’re joined by the charismatic Ian Lane for a conversation packed with big ideas, local energy, and plenty of personality.

Ian sits down with Dario to talk about the upcoming Venture North PITCH event, the importance of supporting entrepreneurship in Northern Ontario, what makes a great pitch, and much more.

It’s a conversation about ideas, opportunity, community, and the people helping move Sudbury forward.

Subscribe for more conversations with the innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders shaping the North.

Mike and Steve sit down with SWSE Owner and CEO Dario Zulich to talk about the new arena lease and this week’s blockbuster OHL trade.

They break down what both mean for the Sudbury Wolves and what comes next.

Five-time guest Gabe Roy is back in the Unlikely Innovators studio, which at this point basically makes her part of the furniture.

Mike and Steve sweat it out with Gabe for another round of stories, laughs, hot takes and unpredictable conversation.

Five appearances. Still plenty to talk about.

Hit play and enjoy another round with one of the show’s favourite returning guests.

Mike and Steve sit down with local entrepreneurs Liana Bacon and Dan Guillemette, the creative force behind several downtown Sudbury businesses, including the Night Owl and the popular, rapidly growing Knox Hall.

After purchasing the historic Knox Presbyterian Church in June 2023, Liana and Dan transformed the building into a vibrant live music, performance, and entertainment venue. They share the story behind their growing portfolio, their vision for downtown Sudbury, and what it takes to turn ambitious ideas into thriving community spaces.

Mike and Steve sit down with Max Massimiliano, the pizza legend behind Don’s Pizza, for a loaded episode of Unlikely Innovators.

The crew talks all things pizza, the upcoming HSN Pizza Eating Contest, local politics, community, and the burning question of the year: can Mike dethrone an NHL player and take the top spot in this year’s contest?

Pull up a chair, grab a slice, and enjoy the conversation.

This week, we’re inside the ovens, stories, and serious hustle behind one of Sudbury’s go-to Italian bakeries.

Paolo Massimiliano joins The Unlikely Innovators to talk tradition, taste, community, and the kind of craft that keeps people lined up and coming back. From old-school Italian baking to building a shop with real soul, Paolo breaks down what makes his bakery more than just a place to grab bread.

It’s food, family, culture, and Sudbury pride — fresh out of the oven.

Mike and Steve welcome back almost-show-regular Gabe Roy from Stitch and Stone for a dive into fashion hot takes, Sudbury style, and a very questionable Sudbury Top 5.

Clothes. Chaos. Class. Gabe Roy.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more Unlikely Innovators.

This week on The Unlikely Innovators Podcast, Steve and Mike sit down with Sudbury curling superstar and Olympic bronze medalist Tracy Fleury. From growing up in Northern Ontario to competing on the biggest stage in sports, Tracy shares what it’s really like chasing Olympic dreams while carrying the pride of a hockey-and-curling obsessed country on your shoulders.

This week on The Unlikely Innovators, Mike and Steve are joined by Sudbury’s own Mauro Nero — a well-known local character and the show’s special correspondent.Mauro brings his unique perspective, local stories, and signature personality to the conversation as the guys dive into life in Sudbury, community characters, and the unexpected paths that make someone an unlikely innovator. Expect laughs, insights, and a few classic Mauro moments along the way.Whether you know Mauro from around town or you’re meeting him for the first time, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

From unforgettable stories to hard-earned wisdom, Joe delivers the energy, perspective, and authenticity that have made him a legend. This episode dives into the moments that shaped him, the mindset behind longevity, and why passion still matters.