Alex Kwong: Shaping Art In The Heart Of Calgary - The Calgary Sessions Ep118 The Calgary Sessions With Jeff Humphreys podcast

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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…

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Alex Kingcott: How Passion Led to Unplanned Entrepreneurship 1:14:04

hace 12 días1:14:04

1:14:04

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…

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Musap 'Moose' Abdel: Why STRUGGLE Is the Secret to SUCCESS 1:04:59

hace 19 días1:04:59

1:04:59

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…

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Tim Hunter: NHL Enforcer to Coach – The Mindset Behind Success in Hockey 1:13:10

hace 26 días1:13:10

1:13:10

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. How To Connect: Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Podcast Location - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modelmilk.ca Podcast Production - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.shortlinecreative.com…

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Duff Gibson: The MINDSET That Turned DREAMS Into GOLD 1:44:47

hace un año1:44:47

1:44:47

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…

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Brian Keating: The Power of Connecting with NATURE to CHANGE Your Life 1:12:48

hace un año1:12:48

1:12:48

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…

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Alvin Law: Why ADVERSITY Can Be Your GREATEST ADVANTAGE 1:47:30

hace un año1:47:30

1:47:30

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…

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DJ Kav: The Secret to Staying Relevant in a Changing Music World 1:07:58

hace un año1:07:58

1:07:58

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…

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Roni Zaide: From CHILDHOOD Kitchens to LIFE-CHANGING Journeys 1:20:11

hace un año1:20:11

1:20:11

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…

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Mark Little: From TECH PASSION to ENERGY LEADERSHIP 1:25:53

hace un año1:25:53

1:25:53

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…

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Sheila Kernan: The Beauty of Imperfection in Art 1:22:06

hace un año1:22:06

1:22:06

What does it mean to see the world through an artist's eyes? Sheila Kernan is a Calgary-based artist whose journey has been shaped by a creative upbringing, a love for experimentation, and a deep connection to the imperfect beauty of life. In this episode, we explore Sheila’s path from her inventive childhood to her career as a professional artist. We talk about how her mother’s resourcefulness influenced her creative spirit, the power of mentors who pushed her to embrace her potential, and the impact of travel on her artistic perspective. Sheila also shares her thoughts on failure, learning through mistakes, and why imperfections often make the most meaningful art. This is a conversation about creativity, exploration, and finding inspiration in the everyday. How To Connect: Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.jeffhumphreys.ca Sheila Kernan - www.sheilakernan.com Podcast Location - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.modelmilk.ca Podcast Production - www.shortlinecreative.com…

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Eric Francis: How community and connection shape success 1:07:45

hace un año1:07:45

1:07:45

How do relationships shape our careers and the communities we call home? In this episode, I sit down with Eric Francis, a well-known sports columnist and analyst with Sportsnet. We talk about his journey from the Calgary Sun to Sportsnet, how his love for sports turned into a career, and the big moments that shaped his path—like covering the Olympics and Tiger Woods during his prime. Eric also shares why Calgary feels like a city of opportunity to him, the unique sense of community here, and how he’s giving back through the Eric Francis Pizza Pigout, an annual event supporting KidSport Calgary. It’s a fun mix of stories, insights, and reflections on sports, media, and the power of connection. How To Connect: Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.jeffhumphreys.ca Eric Francis - x.com/ericfrancis Podcast Location - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.modelmilk.ca Podcast Production - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.shortlinecreative…

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Ian Auld: Finding Purpose in Medicine Through a Life of Sports 1:18:30

hace un año1:18:30

1:18:30

How does a lifelong love for sports lead to a meaningful career in medicine? Ian Auld is a sports medicine physician, founder of Group 23 Sports Medicine, and Medical Director for the Calgary Flames. Growing up in a family that valued sports and discipline, Ian’s path evolved from playing sports to building a practice where he could combine his passion for sports with a purpose-driven approach to medicine. In this chat, Ian shares what it means to build confidence from within, how family values shaped his career, and the importance of mental strength for high-performing athletes. He also talks about raising his own kids with lessons on hard work, self-discipline, and finding balance in a world that often demands extremes. This episode shows how purpose isn’t something you find by chance—it’s something you build through the choices you make. How To Connect: Jeff Humphreys - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.jeffhumphreys.ca Ian Auld - www.group23.ca/specialists Podcast Location - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.modelmilk.ca Podcast Production - www.shortlinecreative.com…

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Sandra Wigg: Finding PURPOSE Beyond External VALIDATION 1:34:25

hace un año1:34:25

1:34:25

Why do we often push ourselves to fit into black-and-white thinking, even when life is full of grey areas? Sandra Wigg is an author, coach, and lifelong learner who believes in the power of ‘grey thinking’—seeing beyond absolutes and letting go of the pressure to always have things figured out. Her journey from a science-driven career in geology to coaching and writing is shaped by years of learning to trust herself, especially when facing life’s toughest challenges. In our chat, Sandra and I dig into topics like the role of external validation and how it holds us back, why high achievers often burn out, and what it really means to build confidence from within. We talk about the lessons Sandra took from her work with high-performance athletes and how she uses them now to help others find purpose, peace, and perspective. This episode explores how shifting from ‘right or wrong’ to a more balanced view can open up possibilities in our lives. How To Connect: Jeff Humphreys - www.jeffhumphreys.ca Sandra Wigg - www.sandrawigg.com Podcast Location - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.modelmilk.ca Podcast Production - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.shortlinecreative.com…

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Christine Dagenais: Redefining Leadership with AUTHENTICITY and CURIOSITY 1:17:16

hace un año1:17:16