Explore every episode of the podcast Shit My Dad Taught Me
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 5 - Dr. Shahab Tabesh (Audio Only.mp3) | 04 Feb 2025 | 01:34:26 | |
Episode Title: From War Zones to Dentistry: Dr. Shahab Tabesh on Resilience, Family, and Success Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shahab Tabesh, a dedicated family dentist and co-owner of Romic N. Tabesh Family Dentistry. Born in the middle of a war in Iran, Dr. Tabesh shares his incredible journey—from escaping conflict to building a thriving dental practice in Canada. We dive into the lessons his parents taught him, dental advice, and the mental health challenges faced by medical professionals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a parent, or just someone looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and powerful insights. Topics Discussed in This Episode:
Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with humor, heart, and valuable life lessons. Funny Quotes
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| Episode 4 - Nelson Borges (Audio Only.mp3) | 04 Feb 2025 | 01:18:44 | |
*We dedicate this episode to the memory of Jose Adriano Borges, who passed away on January 31st, 2025, between the recording and airing of this episode. Our deepest love and thoughts go out to the Borges family and everyone celebrating Jose's remarkable life. Breaking the Silence: Men's Mental Health, Anxiety, and Fatherhood with Nelson Borges Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Nelson Borges, founder of Capillary Wave, to discuss men’s mental health, anxiety, fatherhood, and personal growth. Nelson shares his powerful story of overcoming a mental health crisis, the challenges of raising a blended family, and the mission behind his nonprofit, which provides support for men struggling with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. This conversation breaks the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and highlights the importance of connection, vulnerability, and self-care. Topics Discussed in This Episode:
Listen now to hear Nelson’s incredible journey and gain insights into mental health, resilience, and fatherhood. Funny Quotes
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| Episode 3 - Lance Slack (Audio Only.mp3) | 04 Feb 2025 | 01:41:12 | |
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we sit down with Lance Slack to discuss fatherhood, resilience, and personal growth. Lance shares his experiences growing up in a tough environment, raising children—including one with autism—and navigating major life transitions. He also talks about his latest venture, Storyay, a creative storytelling platform designed to inspire literacy in kids. With a mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and valuable life lessons, this conversation is a must-listen for parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking for inspiration on overcoming life’s obstacles. Topics Discussed in This Episode:
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| Episode 2 - Mike Yates (Audio Only.mp3) | 04 Feb 2025 | 01:25:14 | |
In this episode of *Sh*t My Dad Taught Me*, we sit down with Mike Yates, president of Sunrise Construction & SmartWall Solutions, to talk about his journey as an entrepreneur, father, and community leader. Mike shares valuable lessons on running a successful business, balancing work and family, and overcoming personal struggles, including his experience with mental health. From hilarious dad moments to deep reflections on life, this conversation is packed with insights, humor, and wisdom.
**Topics Discussed in This Episode:**
- How Mike Yates built a thriving construction business from the ground up
- The biggest lessons Mike learned from his father and how they shaped his approach to parenting
- The importance of mental health and how Mike overcame anxiety to become a better leader and dad
- Hilarious dad moments, including “the secret seat” and family traditions
- The story behind Mike’s connection with Nelk and his Muskoka cottage rental
- Why 2025 is all about prioritizing family, health, and energy for Mike
Listen now for an inspiring and entertaining conversation filled with real-life lessons and dad wisdom!
Funny Quotes
I rent my cottage and they happened to be one of the guests at our cottage (NELK) In 2025, I’m shutting down that voice that says, ‘You’re tired.’ My kids come first—no excuses | |||
| Episode 1 - Rachel Morgan (Audio Only.mp3) | 04 Feb 2025 | 01:29:54 | |
Episode Summary: In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with real estate pro Rachel Morgan to discuss life lessons, fatherhood, and the impact of family values. From racing alongside her dad to navigating loss, Rachel shares heartfelt stories, powerful insights, and a few laughs along the way. We dive into the importance of self-care, mental health, and the wisdom passed down from generations. Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with takeaways you won’t want to miss. Topics Discussed in This Episode:
Listen now and gain a new perspective on family, success, and the legacies we leave behind. Emotional Quotes
"Stop hitting on me, just get your triple mix." (The struggles of being a young woman in a male-dominated industry.) | |||
| Episode 6 - Nathan Kennedy (Audio Only.mp3) | 05 Mar 2025 | 02:08:09 | |
Episode Title: How Nate Kennedy Built a Million-Dollar Personal Finance Brand & Quit His 9-5
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Nathan Kennedy, aka New Money Nate, a personal finance content creator with over a million followers. Nate shares how he went from working at Pepsi to building a wildly successful online brand that helps people master financial literacy, negotiate raises, and invest smarter. We dive into the highs and lows of quitting a 9-5, the realities of entrepreneurship, and why taking a calculated bet on yourself is sometimes the best investment you can make. Whether you're thinking about starting a side hustle, asking for a raise, or just want to level up your financial game, this episode is packed with no-BS money talk, real-life lessons, and a ton of laughs. Topics Discussed in This Episode:
💰 "Nate's a big fing deal. Yeah, he's a big fing deal." 😂 "Yeah, you f**ing wrote that, didn’t you? Just scraped my LinkedIn."* 😆 "Dude, like, I don’t know, I liquidated my parents’ place." Emotional Quotes:🔥 "Who gives a s**, bro? I could go back to Pepsi or Coke or wherever, but what if I don’t take that bet?"* 💭 "Man, like, what is this crazy opportunity that I’m giving up right now?" ⏳ "I should have done it earlier." Fun Quotes:💸 "I was up 200 bucks. Back then, that was like 200,000." 🏡 "Man, I was saving up for a rental property, then I realized—this content thing might be a bigger opportunity." 🗺️ "I was gonna buy a property in some buttf** nowhere town in Ontario."* Interesting Quotes:💡 "You make endless amounts of money doing endless amounts of things." 📈 "There’s a lot of people on TikTok who are making big career moves—VP positions, negotiating equity." 🔑 "The best business owners are the ones who can tell you what they’re terrible at." Miscellaneous Quotes:🚤 "I don’t need that 52-foot boat, but if you want it, I want you to have it." 🏠 "Some guys think they need to have the biggest house, the biggest car, the biggest boat—but I want all my friends to have the boat too." 🔊 "You gotta change the noise. Don’t just ignore it—completely remove yourself from it." | |||
| Episode 7 - Andrew Irving (Audio Only.MP3) | 11 Mar 2025 | 01:34:28 | |
Episode 7: Andrew Irving on Childhood Alcohol Addiction and Overcoming the Challenges of a Rockstar Career Path.
In this powerful episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, musician Andrew Irving shares his raw and emotional journey through addiction, redemption, and self-discovery. As an adopted child, Andrew struggled with identity and belonging, which contributed to his early battles with drugs and alcohol. He opens up about the life-changing moment when his son gave him an ultimatum, how music became his saving grace, and the lessons he learned from his grandmother and father. From his early days in church performances to touring the world as a musician, Andrew reflects on the highs and lows of his career and the personal growth that shaped him. This episode is filled with deep insights, hard truths, and inspiring messages about resilience, family, and finding purpose.
Topics Discussed in This Episode:
How addiction nearly cost Andrew his family—and how he turned his life around
The moment his son told him to stop drinking or lose him forever
The lessons grandmother taught him about resilience and grace
His journey from church performances to international music tours
Why music became his purpose and how he uses it to help others
The emotional struggles of being adopted and how it shaped his life
The importance of leading with grace and pushing past self-doubt | |||
| Episode 8 - Ryan Gallagher | 19 Mar 2025 | 01:02:48 | |
Episode 8: Ryan Gallagher on Addiction, Mental Health, and Resilience As An Endurance Athlete In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Gallagher, a firefighter, mental health advocate, and endurance athlete, to discuss his journey through addiction recovery, overcoming grief, and building resilience. Ryan opens up about the loss of his father at 16, how it shaped his career, and his struggles with alcohol before becoming 558 days sober. He shares how running became a tool for mental clarity and how he's now using it to give back—by running 21 half-marathons in 21 days to raise $21,000 for youth mental health. Topics Discussed in This Episode:
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| Episode 12 - Scott Fox | 16 Apr 2025 | 01:11:54 | |
Episode Description: In this episode, we sit down with Scott Fox, a longtime Canadian radio host and now the voice behind the hit podcast Scott Fox After 9. With over two decades in radio—most notably at Z103.5 and Energy 95.3—Scott shares how he transitioned from live FM broadcasts to building a national podcast audience. We explore Scott’s passion for news, politics, and current events, his thoughts on mental health and fatherhood, and how he balances his role as a step-parent. He also shares the journey to getting your own radio show and how he transitioned to having his own podcast show. Topics Discussed in This Episode: The evolution of Scott’s career from DJ to morning host Why he left FM radio to launch Scott Fox After 9 The importance of unbiased and thoroughly explained content in today’s media landscape The public's attitude on Canada's political situation Navigating mental health and vulnerability as a man and father Being a step-parent and supporting kids through modern challenges Behind the scenes with the Toronto Rock and local sports broadcasting | |||
| Episode 11 - Dave Knight | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:51:46 | |
In this episode, we sat down with Dave Knight, a police officer, real estate investor, and financial strategist who is helping first responders build lasting wealth. As the founder of 911 Wealth Network and First Responders Wealth Network, Dave combines his first-hand experience in law enforcement with his deep knowledge of real estate investing and financial planning to help others secure their future. Dave has a hands-on approach to real estate investing, from single-family homes to duplex conversions and larger multi-unit properties. In this episode, we dive deep into how to force equity, smart investment strategies, and where he believes the market is headed—insights that are valuable for anyone looking to grow their portfolio. Topics Discussed in This Episode:
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| Episode 10 - Jim Germanakos | 02 Apr 2025 | 01:34:19 | |
Episode Description: Jim Germanakos is a man with many stories. His dad said that Jim had done more things by the age of 21 than he had done in his entire life. He has been a NYPD officer, 9/11 first responder, actor, and Super Bowl commercial star. He served as a police officer in New York during the 9/11 attacks. He shares a detail that was missed by many during that time. After years in law enforcement, Jim made the leap into acting, landing roles in major productions like Amazon’s hit series Reacher and appearing in various Super Bowl commercials.
Topics Discussed in This Episode:
The story of how he would drive from NYC to Burlington to see his wife. Serving as an NYPD officer during 9/11 How his experience differed from being a cop to being cast as a cop Dirty cops in Coney Island Making the most of every opportunity | |||
| Episode 9 - Richard Fast | 26 Mar 2025 | 01:42:12 | |
In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Richard Fast, the creator of the hit game MindTrap and a best-selling author. Richard shares how a $17 million loss from his failed video game venture led to one of the most successful games in history. He also dives into insights from his books, discussing misconceptions about obesity and how to approach difficult decisions. Topics Discussed in This Episode: - Navigating a failed video game venture and the aftermath - The story behind the creation of MindTrap - Why failure can be the best teacher in business and life - Insights from Richard’s books on obesity misconceptions - How to approach difficult decisions with confidence - What makes a product go from idea to bestseller - Lessons on staying resilient and adapting after failure | |||
| Episode 13 - Matt Stevenson | 23 Apr 2025 | 01:08:01 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Matt Stevenson to talk about loss, healing, and fatherhood. Matt opens up about the death of his father by suicide—a moment that changed everything. He shares what it was like navigating grief, the guilt he carried, and how he eventually found a way forward through therapy and inner work. But this isn’t just a story about pain. It’s about resilience. Matt talks about the promises he’s made to himself, how he’s chosen to show up differently for his own kids, and the importance of being a present, supportive father. His story is raw, honest, and full of wisdom for anyone who’s ever faced loss and wanted to break the cycle. Topics Discussed in This Episode:
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| Episode 14 - Chris Sandre | 30 Apr 2025 | 01:18:38 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Sandre, Senior National Manager at the Mark Anthony Group, to talk about brand-building, sports, and fatherhood. Chris shares his journey from studying sports management at the University of Florida to helping lead many new product launches at the Mark Anthony Group, the group behind the creation of Mike Hard lemonade, White Claw and Mas+ by Messi. Beyond his corporate achievements, Chris opens up about his love for sports—not just as a pastime, but as a powerful way to teach kids about discipline, teamwork, and life. From the field to the boardroom, this conversation dives into how sports shape character and how branding can influence culture. Topics Discussed in This Episode:
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| Episode 15 - Moustafa Hassan | 07 May 2025 | 01:03:08 | |
Probably our most educated guest yet. In this episode, we sit down with Moustafa Hassan, a licensed therapist and founder of EMClinic, to talk about personal transformation, purpose, and mental health. He has studied in the United States, Russia and the UK over the span of many years. In this conversation we talk about what it means to live with intention, how mental and physical health are connected, and why therapy can be one of the most powerful tools for lasting change. There is a heavy focus on therapy that helps people deal with childhood traumas. Topics Discussed in This Episode: What is the meaning of life Childhood trauma and unfinished business What is happiness 5 necessities a child needs from their parents The link between physical and emotional health. Links:
http://www.emclinic.ca | |||
| Episode 16 - Reginald Matthew Michael Wesley Adamantium Green Werner Lochner Grey | 21 May 2025 | 01:39:54 | |
Reginald Matthew Michael Wesley Adamantium Green Werner Lochner Grey, but you can call him Reggie. That’s not the name his parents gave him, it’s one he chose for himself. Even if it makes ID checks a bit more complicated, it’s all part of Reggie’s unique story. In this episode, Reggie shares his experiences living a nomadic lifestyle, creating content out of his trailer, and crossing paths with unforgettable people. He reflects on his early days in filmmaking before the tech boom, his encounters with the paranormal, and his journey through substance use. Now in a new chapter of life, Reggie talks about his addiction to learning, his search for purpose, and what it’s like to start a family later in life. Topics Discussed in This Episode: The story behind his name and how it causes trouble Filmmaking before all the new technology Living a nomadic lifestyle and van life content creation Paranormal and extraterrestrial experiences Substance use His recent found addiction to learning Starting a family at a later age | |||
| Episode 17 - Bryan Hannon | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:59:59 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Hannon, founder of Trinity Sauna Inc., to hear the raw and powerful story behind his personal transformation. After battling substance abuse, going through a divorce, losing his job, and hitting rock bottom with a DUI arrest, Bryan rebuilt his life from the ground up. He shares how that breaking point led him to sobriety, fatherhood, and a new mission—creating a safe space for physical and emotional healing. From cold plunges to deep conversations, Trinity Sauna became more than a wellness facility—it became a community built on vulnerability, growth, and second chances. Topics Discussed in This Episode:
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| Episode 18 - Ron Foxcroft | 11 Jun 2025 | 01:35:24 | |
In this episode, we sat down with Ron Foxcroft. He is a referee, entrepreneur, and the inventor of the world-famous Fox 40 pealess whistle. Ron shares the incredible journey of turning a refereeing frustration into a global product used by the NBA, NHL, NCAA, and even the military. But the story doesn’t stop there. Ron talks about officiating Olympic basketball, building Fluke Transport, and his experience meeting with the Queen of England. From cold calls and missed flights to entrepreneurial grit and family legacy, this episode is packed with life lessons, hilarious stories, and raw honesty from a man who never stopped betting on himself. Topics Discussed: - Inventing the Fox 40 and changing sports forever - Refereeing the 1976 Olympic gold medal basketball game - Building Fluke Transport and surviving in trucking - Meeting the Queen and the story behind a royal gift - Lessons on leadership, work ethic, and giving back | |||
| Ep 19 - DaddyDayClub | 18 Jun 2025 | 01:15:03 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Zyad, the creative force behind Daddy Day Club, to talk about chasing dreams while showing up as a present parent. Z shares his journey from DJing Toronto nightclubs to working in data analytics all while building a brand focused on modern fatherhood. We dive into the reality of being a dad with big goals: the balance between family and ambition, his experiences launching startups, and how he’s reshaped what success looks like. Topics Discussed: The creation and mission behind Daddy Day Club Z’s journey being a DJ Struggles and lessons from failed startups Parenting, presence, and generational expectations Letting go of perfection and redefining success | |||
| Ep.20 - Ray Lugo | 25 Jun 2025 | 01:19:13 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Ray Lugo, who shares the story of a near-death experience that changed everything. What started as a relaxing day on the lake with family turned into a fight for survival when sudden waves and exhaustion pulled him under. After helping someone else get to safety, Ray found himself alone, out of energy, and sinking. He was convinced that he met his end. But instead of fear, he describes a moment of peace, clarity, and vivid reflection. After surviving the near death experience, it helped change Ray's approach on life. This conversation goes far beyond survival. It’s about letting go, reconnecting with purpose, and shifting how we see life itself.
Topics Discussed in This Episode: - The events leading up to Ray’s near-death experience - What it felt like to mentally prepare for death - Processing fear, stillness, and surrender - How the experience reshaped Ray’s perspective on life - The importance of breathing - What it means to live with intention after surviving | |||
| Ep 22 - Lee Whitley | 16 Jul 2025 | 01:18:12 | |
A Bold, New Cancer Medicine that Big Pharma Doesn't Want People to Use | Lee Whitley | Ep.22 | In this episode, we sit down with Lee Whitley, the founder of Lee’s Oil, who has spent nearly a decade giving away plant-based medicine to people battling serious illnesses. Lee shares the story behind his cannabis-based formula that he claims has helped people with brain cancer, colon cancer, lupus, autism, and more. He tells us about the lives saved, including children, pets, and patients once told they had weeks to live. Lee says the proof is in the people—and he invites anyone to reach out and talk to them directly. In fact, he once turned down a $1.5 billion offer for his formula, refusing to hand over control to big pharmaceutical companies. His mission is to make healing accessible, not profitable. This episode offers a rare look into the mindset of someone who believes so deeply in what he’s doing, he’s willing to lose everything to keep doing it. Topics Discussed in This Episode:
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| Ep. 21 - Dr. Ira Price | 09 Jul 2025 | 01:14:33 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ira Price, an emergency physician and founder of Synergy Health Services. Ira shares his unconventional journey from dropping out of high school to enrolling in one of the top medical schools in the world. As someone who struggled with ADHD, he opens up about strategies that helped him finally understand how to learn and succeed.
Ira's story is a reminder that you can break the mold, take a different path, and still create something meaningful.
Topics Discussed in This Episode:
– Growing up with ADHD – Discovering Ritalin and how it changed his ability to learn – Leaving high school and finding his way into medicine – Psychedelics and the early moments of self-awareness – Starting Synergy Health Services and developing cannabis protocols – Being a father and learning through failure – Honest thoughts on modern medicine and what needs to change | |||
| Ep 23 - Brian and Mikey Ehrenworth | 24 Jul 2025 | 01:24:01 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Brian and Mikey Ehrenworth of Frameworth Sports Marketing, one of the most recognized names in the sports memorabilia world. From working with legends like Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby to managing wild behind-the-scenes moments like recovering Rick Nash’s jerseys from a garbage dump. Brian and Mikey share what it takes to build trust and maintain excellence in the sports world. Their stories are a mix of grit, good timing, and genuine relationships. Whether it's traveling across the country to hang frames in a superstar’s home or coordinating one-of-a-kind memorabilia projects, they’ve built a business where passion meets precision. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work behind the scenes with the biggest names in sports, this episode gives you a front-row seat. Topics Discussed in This Episode: – How Frameworth became a go-to brand for athletes like Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky – The unbelievable story of Rick Nash’s missing jerseys – Building trust and relationships in the sports industry – Creating authentic memorabilia that fans love – Balancing family business dynamics with professional growth | |||
| Ep 24 - Antoine Vaillant | 06 Aug 2025 | 01:00:35 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Antoine Vaillant, a bodybuilder, entrepreneur, and popular social media personality whose approach to life goes far beyond the gym. Antoine opens up about the mental side of fitness, what it means to push your limits, and how bodybuilding became both a passion and a path to personal growth.
He also shares the real challenges behind competition prep, his philosophy on suffering, and why many people get lost in the pursuit of validation. Whether you're into lifting, mindset, or simply understanding what drives people to become the best version of themselves, this episode offers something honest and real.
Topics Discussed in This Episode – Antoine’s journey through bodybuilding and competition – The mindset needed to build physical and mental strength – Learning from suffering and struggle – The trap of chasing validation through aesthetics – Daily routines and how they shape identity – Finding deeper meaning through fitness – How Antoine uses pain as a tool for growth
This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance. Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work | |||
| Ep 25 - Rick Campanelli | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:52:26 | |
Rick Campanelli is one of Canada’s most recognizable and loved media personalities—a broadcasting icon whose career began when he won MuchMusic’s “MuchTemp” contest in 1994, earning the nickname “Rick the Temp” before becoming “The Franchise” on Much. Over 12 years, he became a fixture on Canadian entertainment television with roles on ET Canada and Deal or No Deal Canada. Since then, he’s transitioned into radio and live TV reporting with CHFI and Breakfast Television Toronto, while remaining deeply rooted in philanthropy and community. Off-screen, Rick is equally devoted to family. A proud father of three, he has openly shared how taking paternal leave early in fatherhood changed his life, cementing his belief in hands-on parenting Topics Discussed in This Episode – Rick’s journey from MuchMusic to ET Canada – The importance of staying authentic in media – Lessons from decades in television and radio – How the industry has evolved and where it is heading – Most memorable celebrity encounters and interviews – Balancing public life with personal values This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance. Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work | |||
| Ep 26 - Dave Hulshof | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:54:35 | |
Dave Hulshof is a commercial real estate expert with over 15 years’ experience in investment advisory and wealth management. As Co‑Founder of The Investments Group at Royal LePage Burloak, he co-leads one of Canada’s most active property investment teams—analyzing over 1,500 deals annually and facilitating more than $100 million in transactions in 2023 alone
Holding respected financial designations (CLU, CFP), Dave approaches real estate not just as a broker but as a strategic financial advisor—leveraging a vast network and sophisticated analysis to unlock hidden opportunities. Whether it’s off-market properties or complex valuations, his work helps clients build generational wealth through smart, data-driven investments.
Topics Discussed in This Episode – How Dave’s father saved their home from foreclosure – Lessons in resilience and how they shaped his parenting – Commercial multifamily strategy and CMHC financing – Co parenting, therapy, and mental health – Starting a finance podcast with his son – Fitness shows, jujitsu, and personal discipline
This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance. Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work | |||
| Ep 27 - Lexi and Brett Johnson | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:50:08 | |
Meet Lexi & Brett Johnson, co‑partners in life and mission. Lexi is the founder of Lexi J Wellness®, a thriving online fitness & wellness brand built from her basement in 2020. Certified in multiple NASM specialties and with a degree in Health Sciences, her goal is simple: help women reclaim strength, health, and confidence in just 28 minutes a day. Brett, by her side as husband and partner, plays a supportive and active role in their shared vision. He works a full-time job while being both the CFO and COO of Lexi J Wellness. Though not as publicly profiled yet, he shows up in event campaigns, community support, and the “behind the scenes” muscle of Lexi’s growth. Their dynamic pairs business acumen, community focus, and personal drive. Website: https://lexijwellness.com/ Instagram: @lexijwellness This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance. Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal. The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing. | |||
| Ep 29 - John and Emily O'Brien | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:54:50 | |
Emily O’Brien’s story is a rare, raw example of redemption and resilience. At age 25, she was caught smuggling cocaine and was later convicted—receiving a four-year prison sentence. During her time behind bars, something unexpected happened: she noticed popcorn was one of the few treats that brought people together in confinement. With limited spices—lemon pepper, dill—she began experimenting. That simple idea grew into Comeback Snacks, which she officially launched after her parole in 2018, with a mission to fight stigma, hire formerly incarcerated people, and build hope one bag of popcorn at a time. Today, Emily’s brand is stocked in hundreds of outlets across Canada and the U.S. She employs people who have criminal records, works to shift public perception, and speaks about never letting your past define your future. Joining Emily O’Brien in studio is her father, John O’Brien — an accomplished executive, strategic advisor, Catholic leader, and mountaineer… but more importantly, a dad who’s walked through fire with his child and stood beside her every step of the way. John is currently the Chief Financial Officer of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines, and the founder of O’Brien Strategic Services, a consulting practice that supports Catholic organizations across North America. He spent over three decades with the Diocese of Hamilton, overseeing everything from cemeteries to insurance, while also mentoring new executives in the often complex world of religious governance.
Follow Emily on Instagram @emz.obrien
This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance. Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal. The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing. | |||
| Ep 28 - Garvin Pinette | 15 Oct 2025 | 01:05:42 | |
Today, we’re honoured to welcome Garvin Pinette to the show—a proud father, passionate public servant, archery champion, and a man who’s turned his deepest struggles into powerful fuel for change. Garvin is a Correctional Officer and Peer Support Coordinator with Manitoba Corrections, and the founder of the department’s first-ever Peer Support Program and Trauma-Informed Care Committee. After surviving three traumatic events early in his career and receiving a PTSD diagnosis, Garvin faced down some of the darkest days of his life—and chose to fight, not just for himself, but for the mental wellness of others in uniform. He partnered with the MGEU to launch the Healthy Minds at Work Campaign, building out a full Peer Support Training Program. Today, Garvin is a full-time Staff Trainer, a Divisional Coordinator, and a recognized mental health leader in first responder circles. But that’s just part of the story. Check out Garvin on Instagram @gcandostuff This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance. Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal. The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing. | |||