The Innovation Day Podcast Sun, 07 Jun 2026 05:28:20 -0400 https://idp.buzzsprout.com en-ca © 2026 Brightworks yes 945fa08b-95c6-5d4b-9975-754b427694ac neil@broadviewlabs.ca Studio245 episodic false Innovation is defined simply as; the generation, and realization, of new ideas. In reality, innovation is far from simple. In this podcast host Neil Follett speaks with the founders, creatives and creators who are leading, living, and (usually) loving innovation. Brought to you by Studio 245, the Innovation Day Podcast showcases diverse points of view, personal stories and creative solutions in the world of business, culture and the arts. It is a podcast about imagination, risk, courage, leadership, and the reward of seeing your idea come to life.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) innovation, personal interest, entrepreneurship Studio245 neil@broadviewlabs.ca https://storage.buzzsprout.com/m3follau5ky0a2ob5jq8h89ymtcm?.jpg The Innovation Day Podcast https://idp.buzzsprout.com Elan Lee, Co-Founder and CEO of Exploding Kittens, on How One of the Most Successful Kickstarter Campaigns Ever Has Turned Into a Decade of Hit Games Elan Lee, Co-Founder and CEO of Exploding Kittens, on How One of the Most Successful Kickstarter Campaigns Ever Has Turned Into a Decade of Hit Games On the day of launch, the card game Exploding Kittens raised millions on Kickstarter, and went on to be one of the most successful campaigns in the history of the platform. In this episode Exploding Kittens Co-Founder Elan Lee shares what led up to that experience, how it felt to see those numbers continue to grow, and how the world of tabletop games has changed in the decades since that initial campaign. Elan is as great a story teller as he is a game designer and business leader and I know this episode will make you smile and think in equal measure.

The Innovation Day Podcast is hosted by Neil Follett and produced by Chess Originals.

]]> On the day of launch, the card game Exploding Kittens raised millions on Kickstarter, and went on to be one of the most successful campaigns in the history of the platform. In this episode Exploding Kittens Co-Founder Elan Lee shares what led up to that experience, how it felt to see those numbers continue to grow, and how the world of tabletop games has changed in the decades since that initial campaign. Elan is as great a story teller as he is a game designer and business leader and I know this episode will make you smile and think in equal measure.

The Innovation Day Podcast is hosted by Neil Follett and produced by Chess Originals.

]]> Studio245 Buzzsprout-17836103 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400 2762 full false Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Little Canada, on Turning Wonder Into a Miniature World. Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Little Canada, on Turning Wonder Into a Miniature World. Little Canada is consistently rated as one of the best attractions in Ontario, and those who've been know why. This is the story of how Jean-Louis channeled his love of Canada and his love of modelling into an astounding 45,000 square foot world inhabited by over 40,000 little people.

The Innovation Day Podcast is hosted by Neil Follett and produced by Chess Originals. The song "Your Eyes" featured at the end of this episode if from Windsor, Ontario artist Ron Leary and appears on his 2017 album, Tobacco Fields.

Happy Canada Day, everyone! 

]]> Little Canada is consistently rated as one of the best attractions in Ontario, and those who've been know why. This is the story of how Jean-Louis channeled his love of Canada and his love of modelling into an astounding 45,000 square foot world inhabited by over 40,000 little people.

The Innovation Day Podcast is hosted by Neil Follett and produced by Chess Originals. The song "Your Eyes" featured at the end of this episode if from Windsor, Ontario artist Ron Leary and appears on his 2017 album, Tobacco Fields.

Happy Canada Day, everyone! 

]]> Studio245 Buzzsprout-17425673 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0400 3047 4 3 full false Kassia Meador, Pro Surfer and Founder of KASSIA+SURF, on the Power of Endings and Beginnings. Kassia Meador, Pro Surfer and Founder of KASSIA+SURF, on the Power of Endings and Beginnings. Kassia Meador has crafted an incredible career as a professional surfer, wellness advocate, and entrepreneur. From turning pro at 16 through to her very recent decision to set a new path for her business, Kassia has dropped in with focus and intentionality. In this episode Kassia brings her trademark candour, humour and warmth as she reflects on her journey, and shares her thoughts on what might come next.

The Innovation Day Podcast is produced by Chess Originals. 

]]> Kassia Meador has crafted an incredible career as a professional surfer, wellness advocate, and entrepreneur. From turning pro at 16 through to her very recent decision to set a new path for her business, Kassia has dropped in with focus and intentionality. In this episode Kassia brings her trademark candour, humour and warmth as she reflects on her journey, and shares her thoughts on what might come next.

The Innovation Day Podcast is produced by Chess Originals. 

]]> Buzzsprout-17266344 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400 2875 4 2 full false Ben Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Beachman, on the Power of Design, and the Passion Behind the Brand. Ben Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Beachman, on the Power of Design, and the Passion Behind the Brand. When he was just 18, Ben Taylor started the Beachman Life account on Instagram, and at the time it was a brand in search of a product. Fast forward to 2025 and that product is now an eBike (and soon to be motorcycle) like you’ve never seen before. On this episode Ben shares the Beachman story, from those very first bikes to the immanent launch of their electric motorcycle.


 

]]> When he was just 18, Ben Taylor started the Beachman Life account on Instagram, and at the time it was a brand in search of a product. Fast forward to 2025 and that product is now an eBike (and soon to be motorcycle) like you’ve never seen before. On this episode Ben shares the Beachman story, from those very first bikes to the immanent launch of their electric motorcycle.


 

]]> Studio245 Buzzsprout-17095474 Tue, 06 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400 2820 4 1 full false Jayme Jenkins, Co-Founder of Everist: Concentrating on the Future of Hair and Beauty Products. Jayme Jenkins, Co-Founder of Everist: Concentrating on the Future of Hair and Beauty Products. Jayme and her co-founder Jessica set out to solve a complex and layered problem and wound up being voted one of Time Magazine's best new inventions. Jayme brings her infectious energy and passion to the show and shares with us how Everist is going about transforming the world of beauty care. 

]]> Jayme and her co-founder Jessica set out to solve a complex and layered problem and wound up being voted one of Time Magazine's best new inventions. Jayme brings her infectious energy and passion to the show and shares with us how Everist is going about transforming the world of beauty care. 

]]> Studio245 Buzzsprout-15373006 Tue, 09 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400 2631 3 10 full false Dave Bidini, Founder West End Phoenix on the Genesis, Launch and Evolution of a Much-Loved Toronto Community Newspaper. Dave Bidini, Founder West End Phoenix on the Genesis, Launch and Evolution of a Much-Loved Toronto Community Newspaper. For many, newspapers may not exactly be synonymous with “innovation”, but that opinion may change after listening to this episode. In 2017 musician and author Dave Bidini was inspired to start up a community paper in his west end Toronto neighbourhood. It was a labour of love and, with the help of his team and community, the West End Phoenix was born. The paper, and now the WEP’s office and event space, bring people, family and friends together through shared experiences and stories. Speaking of stories, Dave is a great storyteller and we are thrilled to have him on the show.

]]> For many, newspapers may not exactly be synonymous with “innovation”, but that opinion may change after listening to this episode. In 2017 musician and author Dave Bidini was inspired to start up a community paper in his west end Toronto neighbourhood. It was a labour of love and, with the help of his team and community, the West End Phoenix was born. The paper, and now the WEP’s office and event space, bring people, family and friends together through shared experiences and stories. Speaking of stories, Dave is a great storyteller and we are thrilled to have him on the show.

]]> Studio245 Buzzsprout-15282591 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400 2290 3 9 full true Robert Kirstiuk, Founder & CEO Freshline, on Disrupting Supply Chains, a Big Pandemic Pivot, and the Business of Moving Food. Robert Kirstiuk, Founder & CEO Freshline, on Disrupting Supply Chains, a Big Pandemic Pivot, and the Business of Moving Food. The path to entrepreneurial success is winding, steep and treacherous – just ask anyone who’s started a business. As with so many founders, Robert Kirstiuk had to make a ‘pandemic pivot’, and the result was Freshline. Robert’s story is one of starting local, with what you know, scaling up, scaling down and then rebuilding something new from the pieces. It’s a story about staying committed and being resilient, and one that we think you’ll really enjoy.

]]> The path to entrepreneurial success is winding, steep and treacherous – just ask anyone who’s started a business. As with so many founders, Robert Kirstiuk had to make a ‘pandemic pivot’, and the result was Freshline. Robert’s story is one of starting local, with what you know, scaling up, scaling down and then rebuilding something new from the pieces. It’s a story about staying committed and being resilient, and one that we think you’ll really enjoy.

]]> Studio245 Buzzsprout-15194027 Tue, 11 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400 2087 3 8 full false Britta Shillingsburg, Founder of Wild Thing Skincare, on Sustainability, Tenacity and Taking the Time to get it Right for Both Customers and the Planet. Britta Shillingsburg, Founder of Wild Thing Skincare, on Sustainability, Tenacity and Taking the Time to get it Right for Both Customers and the Planet. Britta Shillingsburg has been hands-on in her quest to create a product that is just right
for her customers and the best it can be for the planet. As you’ll hear in the episode. It's a high bar to meet, one that has set Britta on a multi-year journey from the hiking trails to her kitchen to her new online store. Britta’s story is one of commitment to the vision through the twists and turns of bringing both a product and a company to market.

]]> Britta Shillingsburg has been hands-on in her quest to create a product that is just right
for her customers and the best it can be for the planet. As you’ll hear in the episode. It's a high bar to meet, one that has set Britta on a multi-year journey from the hiking trails to her kitchen to her new online store. Britta’s story is one of commitment to the vision through the twists and turns of bringing both a product and a company to market.

]]> Studio245 Buzzsprout-14878453 Tue, 23 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400 2337 3 7 full false Ali Sabti, Founder of OtO, on Curiosity, Tinkering and Building a Product that Really (really) Meets Customer Needs. Ali Sabti, Founder of OtO, on Curiosity, Tinkering and Building a Product that Really (really) Meets Customer Needs. Founders like Ali Sabti, who have built a product are inventors at heart. Every inventor has their “Eureka” moment, for Archimedes it was in his bathtub and for Ali it was on his front lawn. Dealing with wasps and watering was the problem and, eventually, OtO was the solution. In this episode Ali shares his journey to create the product that was named one of the “Best Innovations” at CES and one of the “Best Inventions of 2022” by Time magazine. Who knew lawn care could be so cool?

]]> Founders like Ali Sabti, who have built a product are inventors at heart. Every inventor has their “Eureka” moment, for Archimedes it was in his bathtub and for Ali it was on his front lawn. Dealing with wasps and watering was the problem and, eventually, OtO was the solution. In this episode Ali shares his journey to create the product that was named one of the “Best Innovations” at CES and one of the “Best Inventions of 2022” by Time magazine. Who knew lawn care could be so cool?

]]> Studio245 Buzzsprout-14833296 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400 2298 full false Craig Follett, Co-Founder of Peggy, on Collecting, Selling and Loving Art Without Having to Be in the 1%. Craig Follett, Co-Founder of Peggy, on Collecting, Selling and Loving Art Without Having to Be in the 1%. Founders find inspiration in all sorts of places, and for Craig Follett, Co-Founder of Peggy, it was at Art Bazel in Switzerland. Craig, along with his Co-Founder Adam, set out to take all the best elements of the Blue Chip art market and make it available to the rest of us. The result is Peggy, a platform that enables discovery, purchase and resale of art. If you love art, technology and creativity this episode is for you.

]]> Founders find inspiration in all sorts of places, and for Craig Follett, Co-Founder of Peggy, it was at Art Bazel in Switzerland. Craig, along with his Co-Founder Adam, set out to take all the best elements of the Blue Chip art market and make it available to the rest of us. The result is Peggy, a platform that enables discovery, purchase and resale of art. If you love art, technology and creativity this episode is for you.

]]> Studio245 Buzzsprout-14648036 Tue, 26 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400 2385 3 5 full false Tony Richardson, Co-Founder and CDO of RUX, on Inspiration, Getting a Product to Market and Design with Purpose. Tony Richardson, Co-Founder and CDO of RUX, on Inspiration, Getting a Product to Market and Design with Purpose. It’s astounding to think of all the puzzle pieces that need to fall in place for a successful product launch. From a great design, to manufacturing, to product market fit, to shipping and sales and so (SO) much more. In this episode Tony take us from a conversation that inspired the RUX system through to today, where the product is sold online and in major retailers across North America, Europe and Asia. It’s an amazing product and a great story.

]]> It’s astounding to think of all the puzzle pieces that need to fall in place for a successful product launch. From a great design, to manufacturing, to product market fit, to shipping and sales and so (SO) much more. In this episode Tony take us from a conversation that inspired the RUX system through to today, where the product is sold online and in major retailers across North America, Europe and Asia. It’s an amazing product and a great story.

]]> Studio245 Buzzsprout-14595190 Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500 2190 3 4 full false Eric Beynon, President, Sustainable Growth Company, on Open Innovation, the XPRIZE and Reasons for Hope. Eric Beynon, President, Sustainable Growth Company, on Open Innovation, the XPRIZE and Reasons for Hope. Open innovation and prizes to drive exponential change have been around for a long time and have delivered huge results. In this episode Eric shares insights and stories from the front lines of sustainability – from Paris, to the UN to the XPRIZE. Eric is a fantastic storyteller and listening to this episode will be 40 minutes well-spent.

]]> Open innovation and prizes to drive exponential change have been around for a long time and have delivered huge results. In this episode Eric shares insights and stories from the front lines of sustainability – from Paris, to the UN to the XPRIZE. Eric is a fantastic storyteller and listening to this episode will be 40 minutes well-spent.

]]> Studio Two Forty Five Buzzsprout-13771836 Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500 2631 3 3 full false Bern Euler, Executive Director and Founder of the Canadian Film Festival, on Resilience, Pivots and the Power of a Great Party. Bern Euler, Executive Director and Founder of the Canadian Film Festival, on Resilience, Pivots and the Power of a Great Party. This episode is for everyone sitting in their cubicle (if that’s still a thing!) or working from their kitchen table dreaming of following their passion and starting up a business. Bern shares his journey from self-funded festival founder running the event on vacation time and credit cards, to pre-pandemic heights through the inevitable pandemic pivot. Filled with insight and humour, this is a story of passion, resilience and the power of a great party.

]]> This episode is for everyone sitting in their cubicle (if that’s still a thing!) or working from their kitchen table dreaming of following their passion and starting up a business. Bern shares his journey from self-funded festival founder running the event on vacation time and credit cards, to pre-pandemic heights through the inevitable pandemic pivot. Filled with insight and humour, this is a story of passion, resilience and the power of a great party.

]]> Studio Two Forty Five Buzzsprout-13837417 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500 2251 3 2 full false Emily O’Brien, Founder of Comeback Snacks, on Second Chances and Building a Business Within a Very Unique Set of Constraints. Emily O’Brien, Founder of Comeback Snacks, on Second Chances and Building a Business Within a Very Unique Set of Constraints. Every Founder has their “Founder’s Story”, but few have a story like Emily’s. In this episode Emily takes us on an incredible journey, from incarceration to inspiration to the shelves of your local grocery store. With humility and humour Emily shows us that creativity can’t be constrained, and that second chances can deliver astounding results.

]]> Every Founder has their “Founder’s Story”, but few have a story like Emily’s. In this episode Emily takes us on an incredible journey, from incarceration to inspiration to the shelves of your local grocery store. With humility and humour Emily shows us that creativity can’t be constrained, and that second chances can deliver astounding results.

]]> Studio245 Buzzsprout-14347476 Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500 2344 3 1 full false Ralph Dunning, Founder of Foreign Rider Co., on the Purpose and Passion of Starting a New Clothing Brand. Ralph Dunning, Founder of Foreign Rider Co., on the Purpose and Passion of Starting a New Clothing Brand. Dieter Rams, the legendary industrial designer, created with the ethos of “less, but better” and that pretty neatly sums up Ralph Dunning’s approach to Foreign Rider Co. Based out of Toronto, Ralph is channeling his experience from creating Dunning Golf in his newest venture. Ralph is passionate about getting it right: for his customers, his suppliers and for the planet. Purpose is one of the most commonly misused words in business, and Ralph shares his view on what purpose really means. Foreign Rider marries great design with strong values and that foundation is the launching pad for a brand poised to take off.

]]> Dieter Rams, the legendary industrial designer, created with the ethos of “less, but better” and that pretty neatly sums up Ralph Dunning’s approach to Foreign Rider Co. Based out of Toronto, Ralph is channeling his experience from creating Dunning Golf in his newest venture. Ralph is passionate about getting it right: for his customers, his suppliers and for the planet. Purpose is one of the most commonly misused words in business, and Ralph shares his view on what purpose really means. Foreign Rider marries great design with strong values and that foundation is the launching pad for a brand poised to take off.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-10885017 Thu, 30 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -0400 3223 2 8 full false Dr. Brian Goldman, MD, Author of The Power of Teamwork, Discusses Lifesaving Teamwork Lessons From the OR. Dr. Brian Goldman, MD, Author of The Power of Teamwork, Discusses Lifesaving Teamwork Lessons From the OR. “We aren’t saving lives here.” This is a phrase I’ve heard many times in the business world as we put our projects and stress into perspective. Well, as an ER physician, Dr. Brian Goldman is actually saving lives, and in his latest book The Power or Teamwork, How We Can All Work Better Together, he brings the teamwork tools from the OR into perspective for the rest of us.

]]> “We aren’t saving lives here.” This is a phrase I’ve heard many times in the business world as we put our projects and stress into perspective. Well, as an ER physician, Dr. Brian Goldman is actually saving lives, and in his latest book The Power or Teamwork, How We Can All Work Better Together, he brings the teamwork tools from the OR into perspective for the rest of us.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-10798424 Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0400 3180 2 7 full false Jennifer Moss, Author of The Burnout Epidemic, on What We’ve Been Getting Wrong About Workplace Stress, and How We Can Get it Right. Jennifer Moss, Author of The Burnout Epidemic, on What We’ve Been Getting Wrong About Workplace Stress, and How We Can Get it Right. As businesses across North America struggle with the concept of “hybrid” work, employees are experiencing record levels of stress. In this episode Jennifer Moss shares her insights on what makes work meaningful. Strong bonds, individual contributions and empowered teams all contribute to happy employees, but remote work can stand in the way and employees are often trading the commute for real connections at work. Jen brings years of experience as an author, researcher, Harvard Business Review contributor and combines those with personal anecdotes in this very timely episode.

]]> As businesses across North America struggle with the concept of “hybrid” work, employees are experiencing record levels of stress. In this episode Jennifer Moss shares her insights on what makes work meaningful. Strong bonds, individual contributions and empowered teams all contribute to happy employees, but remote work can stand in the way and employees are often trading the commute for real connections at work. Jen brings years of experience as an author, researcher, Harvard Business Review contributor and combines those with personal anecdotes in this very timely episode.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-10653096 Wed, 25 May 2022 16:00:00 -0400 3059 2 6 full true Chris Billingham, Head of Platform GTM, Peak AI on Using AI to Drive Smarter Business Decisions. Chris Billingham, Head of Platform GTM, Peak AI on Using AI to Drive Smarter Business Decisions. AI is popping up everywhere, from helping your photos look better to finishing the sentences in your email. But despite all the talk of, “big data”, for many leaders AI has not come knocking on their door. Peak AI is looking to change all that. At Peak, AI is being used to help business make better decisions, and in this episode Chris Billingham guides us through the what, how and why of AI powered decisions.

]]> AI is popping up everywhere, from helping your photos look better to finishing the sentences in your email. But despite all the talk of, “big data”, for many leaders AI has not come knocking on their door. Peak AI is looking to change all that. At Peak, AI is being used to help business make better decisions, and in this episode Chris Billingham guides us through the what, how and why of AI powered decisions.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-10553277 Mon, 09 May 2022 16:00:00 -0400 2406 2 5 full true Karen Hold, Co-Author of Experiencing Design: The Innovator’s Journey, on Unlocking the Innovator Within Each of Us. Karen Hold, Co-Author of Experiencing Design: The Innovator’s Journey, on Unlocking the Innovator Within Each of Us. “Innovation”, the very subject of this podcast, is still a mysterious concept to most. Often understood to be a magical moment of “eureka”, the process of innovating is actually slow, messy and fraught with emotional landmines. In her new book, Experiencing Design: The Innovator’s Journey, Karen and her co-authors break down the innovation journey and, most importantly, focus on the barriers and biases that often limit our capacity to be innovative.

]]> “Innovation”, the very subject of this podcast, is still a mysterious concept to most. Often understood to be a magical moment of “eureka”, the process of innovating is actually slow, messy and fraught with emotional landmines. In her new book, Experiencing Design: The Innovator’s Journey, Karen and her co-authors break down the innovation journey and, most importantly, focus on the barriers and biases that often limit our capacity to be innovative.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-10062108 Mon, 21 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0500 2850 2 4 full false Jared Hanley, Co-Founder of NatureQuant, is Putting a Number on Nature, and is Hoping Exposure to the Outdoors Will be the Next Key Health Metric You Track. Jared Hanley, Co-Founder of NatureQuant, is Putting a Number on Nature, and is Hoping Exposure to the Outdoors Will be the Next Key Health Metric You Track. Getting outside is good for you, that is a well-established fact. Fresh air, exercise and being in nature have positive, and measurable, health benefits. Now, powered by AI and machine learning, NatureQuant is putting a number on nature and working to quantify the positive impacts of getting off your screen and out of your home. This start-up is mapping North America and Europe, pulling in data from myriad sources and providing insights that are driving decisions within not only the public and private sector, but also by individuals who want better health outcomes.

]]> Getting outside is good for you, that is a well-established fact. Fresh air, exercise and being in nature have positive, and measurable, health benefits. Now, powered by AI and machine learning, NatureQuant is putting a number on nature and working to quantify the positive impacts of getting off your screen and out of your home. This start-up is mapping North America and Europe, pulling in data from myriad sources and providing insights that are driving decisions within not only the public and private sector, but also by individuals who want better health outcomes.

]]> Buzzsprout-10028121 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0500 2710 2 3 full false Melissa Young, Director of Engineering, Revenue Product & Commerce, Vox Media, on Privacy, Personalization and Premium Experiences. Melissa Young, Director of Engineering, Revenue Product & Commerce, Vox Media, on Privacy, Personalization and Premium Experiences.
In 2022 your time, eyes and data are fought over, and sought after, by a long list of advertisers, app developers, publishers and brands. Vox media is no different, they want your eyes and need your time, but they are different in the way they are going about it. In this episode Melissa shares the personal journey that led her to Vox, and shares her perspectives on the future of everything from privacy to co-branded content, and from personalization to premium experiences.

]]>
In 2022 your time, eyes and data are fought over, and sought after, by a long list of advertisers, app developers, publishers and brands. Vox media is no different, they want your eyes and need your time, but they are different in the way they are going about it. In this episode Melissa shares the personal journey that led her to Vox, and shares her perspectives on the future of everything from privacy to co-branded content, and from personalization to premium experiences.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-9908173 Mon, 24 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0500 2222 2 2 full false Leith Moore, Founder of R-Hauz, on Fast, Repeatable and Sustainable Homes For the Future of Our Cities. Leith Moore, Founder of R-Hauz, on Fast, Repeatable and Sustainable Homes For the Future of Our Cities. In big cities around the world, housing, especially in a downtown core, has become financially out of reach for many. Add to that the disruption of development on those in a neighbourhood, and the environmental impact of building and we are truly facing a multi-faceted housing crisis. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Leith Moore envisioned a future where houses and land can be used more efficiently, and developments can be built quickly, more affordably and significantly more sustainably. That vision has formed the foundation of his Toronto-based firm R-Hauz, and in this episode Leith shares with us that vision, and the reality of building at a more human scale.

]]> In big cities around the world, housing, especially in a downtown core, has become financially out of reach for many. Add to that the disruption of development on those in a neighbourhood, and the environmental impact of building and we are truly facing a multi-faceted housing crisis. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Leith Moore envisioned a future where houses and land can be used more efficiently, and developments can be built quickly, more affordably and significantly more sustainably. That vision has formed the foundation of his Toronto-based firm R-Hauz, and in this episode Leith shares with us that vision, and the reality of building at a more human scale.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-9852332 Sat, 08 Jan 2022 18:00:00 -0500 2611 2 1 full false Steve Abrams, Co-Founder of Harmon’s Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer, on Getting Back to Doing What You Love. Steve Abrams, Co-Founder of Harmon’s Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer, on Getting Back to Doing What You Love. After the tragic events of 9/11 Steve Abrams took a hard look at his career and decided it was time for a change. That change—starting Mill St. Brewery with some friends—took him on an amazing journey, one he is starting all over again. Steve and his Co-Founders sold sold Mill St. to Labatt in 2015, but the entrepreneurial spirit was still very much alive and Steve is at it again. His new company once again making craft beer, but this time non-alcoholic. On this episode Steve shares the story of starting up one again.

]]> After the tragic events of 9/11 Steve Abrams took a hard look at his career and decided it was time for a change. That change—starting Mill St. Brewery with some friends—took him on an amazing journey, one he is starting all over again. Steve and his Co-Founders sold sold Mill St. to Labatt in 2015, but the entrepreneurial spirit was still very much alive and Steve is at it again. His new company once again making craft beer, but this time non-alcoholic. On this episode Steve shares the story of starting up one again.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-9624526 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 13:00:00 -0500 2754 1 16 full true iD Short: Meet our Producer Darryl Webster and Hear How He Couch Surfed the World, and Wrote a Book About It. iD Short: Meet our Producer Darryl Webster and Hear How He Couch Surfed the World, and Wrote a Book About It. In this, our first iD Short, we are taking a quick break from our regular format as we introduce you to our Producer, Darryl Webster. Far more than just our Producer, Darryl is also a musician, published author and film adapter. On this episode we get Darryl in front of the mic to tell us the story of his first book, Pride in Travel.

]]> In this, our first iD Short, we are taking a quick break from our regular format as we introduce you to our Producer, Darryl Webster. Far more than just our Producer, Darryl is also a musician, published author and film adapter. On this episode we get Darryl in front of the mic to tell us the story of his first book, Pride in Travel.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-9587498 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 13:00:00 -0500 854 1 full false Luke Anderson, Co-Founder of the StopGap Foundation, on the Power of Perspective, Patience and Perseverance Luke Anderson, Co-Founder of the StopGap Foundation, on the Power of Perspective, Patience and Perseverance When Luke Anderson was 24 years old he experienced a mountain biking accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury, leaving him with quadriplegia. That moment set in motion a series of events that led Luke to create the Stopgap Foundation, an organization dedicated to both the creation of ramps that solve some of the challenges of our build environment, and also to education and awareness of the barriers that exist in that environment. Luke is truly a renegade, his story is moving, funny and carries with it lessons that transcend business to touch on the spirit of who we are and what we can achieve.

]]> When Luke Anderson was 24 years old he experienced a mountain biking accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury, leaving him with quadriplegia. That moment set in motion a series of events that led Luke to create the Stopgap Foundation, an organization dedicated to both the creation of ramps that solve some of the challenges of our build environment, and also to education and awareness of the barriers that exist in that environment. Luke is truly a renegade, his story is moving, funny and carries with it lessons that transcend business to touch on the spirit of who we are and what we can achieve.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-9503231 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0500 3840 1 15 full true Founder Carmen Sandor and Sales Director Suzie Sheckter from Green Owl Vodka, on Following Your Passion and Starting a Spirits Brand From Scratch. Founder Carmen Sandor and Sales Director Suzie Sheckter from Green Owl Vodka, on Following Your Passion and Starting a Spirits Brand From Scratch. It all started on vacation in Mexico when Carmen Sandor fell in love with a brand of mescal and decided to import it to Canada. While the mescal didn’t work out, it started Carmen on a journey that led her to start her own brand — a green-tea-flavoured vodka called Green Owl. Launched during the pandemic as Carmen’s side hustle, within a year the brand was being carried in over 150 stores and is now on its way to going national.

]]> It all started on vacation in Mexico when Carmen Sandor fell in love with a brand of mescal and decided to import it to Canada. While the mescal didn’t work out, it started Carmen on a journey that led her to start her own brand — a green-tea-flavoured vodka called Green Owl. Launched during the pandemic as Carmen’s side hustle, within a year the brand was being carried in over 150 stores and is now on its way to going national.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-9416012 Tue, 19 Oct 2021 16:00:00 -0400 2437 1 14 full false Aron Levitz, President of Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, on the Power of Community and the Next 100 Years of IP. Aron Levitz, President of Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, on the Power of Community and the Next 100 Years of IP. Aron Levitz and his team have over 100 projects in production all over the world, stories mined from the more than one billion pieces of content uploaded to the Wattpad and Webtoon platforms. Combining community, creators and technology, Aron is helping to integrate Wattpad and Webtoon after a $600 million acquisition from South Korea-based Naver. It is an incredibly exciting moment in time for the Toronto-based Levitz who’s tasked with bringing stories to life in exciting new forms.

]]> Aron Levitz and his team have over 100 projects in production all over the world, stories mined from the more than one billion pieces of content uploaded to the Wattpad and Webtoon platforms. Combining community, creators and technology, Aron is helping to integrate Wattpad and Webtoon after a $600 million acquisition from South Korea-based Naver. It is an incredibly exciting moment in time for the Toronto-based Levitz who’s tasked with bringing stories to life in exciting new forms.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-9329036 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 15:00:00 -0400 2875 1 13 full false Naomi Blackman and Mikayla Wujec, Co-Founders of Alder Apparel, on Transforming the World of Outdoor Clothing. Naomi Blackman and Mikayla Wujec, Co-Founders of Alder Apparel, on Transforming the World of Outdoor Clothing. Friends since elementary school, when Mikayla and Naomi discovered a shared desire for better style, inclusivity and sustainability in the world of outdoor apparel, they made the big decision to leave their jobs—Mikayla a National Geographic explorer, Naomi a fashion marketer— and start Alder Apparel. Alder launched during the pandemic; a time when the need to get outside was more acute than ever, but also a time when comfy and casual were the main criteria for clothing. 

]]> Friends since elementary school, when Mikayla and Naomi discovered a shared desire for better style, inclusivity and sustainability in the world of outdoor apparel, they made the big decision to leave their jobs—Mikayla a National Geographic explorer, Naomi a fashion marketer— and start Alder Apparel. Alder launched during the pandemic; a time when the need to get outside was more acute than ever, but also a time when comfy and casual were the main criteria for clothing. 

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-9235528 Mon, 27 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0400 2823 1 12 full true Rob Miller, CMO at Hyperloop TT, on an Incredibly Fast, Safe and Energy Efficient Way to Move People and Things. Rob Miller, CMO at Hyperloop TT, on an Incredibly Fast, Safe and Energy Efficient Way to Move People and Things.
In 2013 Elon Musk published the Hyperloop Alpha  paper.  Just a few weeks later Hyperloop TT was founded and started down the long road to commercialize the concept. Fast forward to today and Hyperloop TT is one of the front runners to get hyperloop to market; and it has been a wild ride. Hyperloop sounds almost too good to be true—safe, reliable, super-fast, and modelling that shows a hyperloop system will put energy back into the grid. In our conversation Rob provides us with a “hyperloop 101”, discussing the hurdles that have been crossed and those still to come, while sharing Hyperloop TT’s staffing model that is now the subject of multiple business school case studies.

]]>
In 2013 Elon Musk published the Hyperloop Alpha  paper.  Just a few weeks later Hyperloop TT was founded and started down the long road to commercialize the concept. Fast forward to today and Hyperloop TT is one of the front runners to get hyperloop to market; and it has been a wild ride. Hyperloop sounds almost too good to be true—safe, reliable, super-fast, and modelling that shows a hyperloop system will put energy back into the grid. In our conversation Rob provides us with a “hyperloop 101”, discussing the hurdles that have been crossed and those still to come, while sharing Hyperloop TT’s staffing model that is now the subject of multiple business school case studies.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-9068462 Mon, 30 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0400 2478 1 11 full false Hugues Bissonnette, Country Manager Polestar Canada, on the All-Electric Future of Driving. Hugues Bissonnette, Country Manager Polestar Canada, on the All-Electric Future of Driving. If you’ve paid even a little attention to the news lately you’ve noticed the flurry of all-electric announcements by major global automakers. Ford, GM and Volvo, amongst others, are aiming to make the vast majority of their fleet fully-electric within the next 15 years. In this episode, we talk about the EV revolution with Hugues Bissonnette, the Country Manager for Polestar Canada. Polestar joined forces with Volvo in 2017 and is boldly charting a new path, with plans to double their footprint in 2021 and then again in 2022. In our conversation, Hugues shares the challenges, excitement and passion of the Polestar team when looking ahead to what will be an exciting EV future.

]]> If you’ve paid even a little attention to the news lately you’ve noticed the flurry of all-electric announcements by major global automakers. Ford, GM and Volvo, amongst others, are aiming to make the vast majority of their fleet fully-electric within the next 15 years. In this episode, we talk about the EV revolution with Hugues Bissonnette, the Country Manager for Polestar Canada. Polestar joined forces with Volvo in 2017 and is boldly charting a new path, with plans to double their footprint in 2021 and then again in 2022. In our conversation, Hugues shares the challenges, excitement and passion of the Polestar team when looking ahead to what will be an exciting EV future.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-8956197 Mon, 16 Aug 2021 01:00:00 -0400 2100 1 10 full false Rosemary Thompson, VP at the National Gallery of Canada, on Experiencing Art in a New Way. Rosemary Thompson, VP at the National Gallery of Canada, on Experiencing Art in a New Way. Almost everything has changed in some way or another over the last year and a half, and the world of presenting and experiencing art is no exception. In this episode we talk to Rosemary Thompson, VP Corporate, Public Affairs and Marketing at the National Gallery of Canada, about helping to lead Canada’s premier public art institution through the practical and social change that has come about through the pandemic. Candid, insightful and deeply human, Rosemary shares her experiences and perspective as the Gallery opens with a blockbuster exhibition that is very much presented through a contemporary lens. If you’ve missed art and wondered what the future of exhibitions might look like, then this episode is for you.

]]> Almost everything has changed in some way or another over the last year and a half, and the world of presenting and experiencing art is no exception. In this episode we talk to Rosemary Thompson, VP Corporate, Public Affairs and Marketing at the National Gallery of Canada, about helping to lead Canada’s premier public art institution through the practical and social change that has come about through the pandemic. Candid, insightful and deeply human, Rosemary shares her experiences and perspective as the Gallery opens with a blockbuster exhibition that is very much presented through a contemporary lens. If you’ve missed art and wondered what the future of exhibitions might look like, then this episode is for you.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-8915442 Mon, 02 Aug 2021 01:00:00 -0400 2834 1 9 full false David Stover, Co-Founder of Bureo, on the Journey to Turn Commercial Fishing Nets From Ocean Waste into Useful Products. David Stover, Co-Founder of Bureo, on the Journey to Turn Commercial Fishing Nets From Ocean Waste into Useful Products. LA-based Bureo started as many companies do; with an opportunity and an idea. The opportunity was a start-up program in Chile, and the idea was a skateboard made from recycled fishing nets. While the Bureo team is still on the ground in Chile, and you can still buy one of those skateboards, a lot has changed since 2013 when David and his partners wrote that first business plan. They’ve recycled millions of tons of nets, they’ve partnered with Patagonia to develop new fabrics and products, and they are branching out well beyond the borders of Chile. This is a story of small steps, community engagement and creative thinking coming together to make a big impact.

]]> LA-based Bureo started as many companies do; with an opportunity and an idea. The opportunity was a start-up program in Chile, and the idea was a skateboard made from recycled fishing nets. While the Bureo team is still on the ground in Chile, and you can still buy one of those skateboards, a lot has changed since 2013 when David and his partners wrote that first business plan. They’ve recycled millions of tons of nets, they’ve partnered with Patagonia to develop new fabrics and products, and they are branching out well beyond the borders of Chile. This is a story of small steps, community engagement and creative thinking coming together to make a big impact.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-8837394 Mon, 19 Jul 2021 01:00:00 -0400 2777 1 8 full false Maayan Ziv, Founder of AccessNow, Talks Entrepreneurship and Mapping Accessibility Around the World. Maayan Ziv, Founder of AccessNow, Talks Entrepreneurship and Mapping Accessibility Around the World. In 2005 Maayan Ziv founded AccessNow, a platform to crowdsource and share accessibility data for locations around the world. In a time when there was an app for pretty much everything, Maayan still found it difficult to find information that would help her, and others living with a disability, navigate a world filled with barriers. Fast forward to 2021 and AccessNow has more than 1,000,000 data points for locations in over 32 countries. This is a story everyone should hear, about an idea whose time has come, the determination to succeed and a mission to map the world.

]]> In 2005 Maayan Ziv founded AccessNow, a platform to crowdsource and share accessibility data for locations around the world. In a time when there was an app for pretty much everything, Maayan still found it difficult to find information that would help her, and others living with a disability, navigate a world filled with barriers. Fast forward to 2021 and AccessNow has more than 1,000,000 data points for locations in over 32 countries. This is a story everyone should hear, about an idea whose time has come, the determination to succeed and a mission to map the world.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-8795530 Mon, 05 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0400 3107 1 7 full false Taylor Lane and the Cigarette Surfboard. Taylor Lane and the Cigarette Surfboard. With a great idea and literally buckets of cigarette butts he collected off of California beaches, Taylor Lane and his friend Ben designed a surfboard that won an international design competition and kicked off a journey that would take them around the world. In this episode, Taylor tells host Neil Follet the improbable story of a surfboard made of cigarette butts, the documentary film he’s nearly finished, and the inspirational people he’s met along the way. 

]]> With a great idea and literally buckets of cigarette butts he collected off of California beaches, Taylor Lane and his friend Ben designed a surfboard that won an international design competition and kicked off a journey that would take them around the world. In this episode, Taylor tells host Neil Follet the improbable story of a surfboard made of cigarette butts, the documentary film he’s nearly finished, and the inspirational people he’s met along the way. 

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-8524342 Mon, 21 Jun 2021 01:00:00 -0400 3379 1 6 full true David Lavin, Founder of The Lavin Agency, on Building a Successful Business Based on Interesting People David Lavin, Founder of The Lavin Agency, on Building a Successful Business Based on Interesting People David Lavin founded The Lavin Agency over 30 years ago, and his business has grown to be North America’s largest “intellectual talent” agency. In David’s words he works with “smart people”, and in this episode he takes us on the journey from his very first booking, to dominating the market. He shares what happened when COVID meant all his bookings were cancelled, how he managed through that crisis and how he’s now ended up even stronger than ever. If you enjoy entrepreneurial stories of resilience, creativity and taking big leaps then you’ll love this episode.

]]> David Lavin founded The Lavin Agency over 30 years ago, and his business has grown to be North America’s largest “intellectual talent” agency. In David’s words he works with “smart people”, and in this episode he takes us on the journey from his very first booking, to dominating the market. He shares what happened when COVID meant all his bookings were cancelled, how he managed through that crisis and how he’s now ended up even stronger than ever. If you enjoy entrepreneurial stories of resilience, creativity and taking big leaps then you’ll love this episode.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-8398905 Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2160 1 5 full false Chris Barth and His Urban Farming Side Hustle Chris Barth and His Urban Farming Side Hustle Chris Barth is an author and a Lead Strategist for Contagious Communications, a strategic intelligence business.  He’s also an urban farmer, growing vegetables on a plot of land in downtown Minneapolis. Running the farm with his wife Ashley, and now his very young son Rhys. Chris speaks with Neil as he is about to start his third planting season. Chris and Neil talk about the trend of urban farming, the trials of running a farm while also having a full-time job, and the joys of being connected to the land and the community. If you love good food and good conversation this episode is for you!

]]> Chris Barth is an author and a Lead Strategist for Contagious Communications, a strategic intelligence business.  He’s also an urban farmer, growing vegetables on a plot of land in downtown Minneapolis. Running the farm with his wife Ashley, and now his very young son Rhys. Chris speaks with Neil as he is about to start his third planting season. Chris and Neil talk about the trend of urban farming, the trials of running a farm while also having a full-time job, and the joys of being connected to the land and the community. If you love good food and good conversation this episode is for you!

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-8436869 Mon, 24 May 2021 16:00:00 -0400 2555 1 4 full false Jacie DeHoop Talks Sports, Start-Ups and Friendship Jacie DeHoop Talks Sports, Start-Ups and Friendship In this episode host Neil Follett speaks with Jacie DeHoop, co-founder of TheGist, a growing sports content platform targeted at the more casual fan. Jacie shares how the Gist came to life, talks about leading a growing business with her best friends, and reflects on the challenges a sports-focused business faces when sports are cancelled due to a global pandemic. For anyone who’s ever dreamt of starting a business with friends, this episode is for you.

]]> In this episode host Neil Follett speaks with Jacie DeHoop, co-founder of TheGist, a growing sports content platform targeted at the more casual fan. Jacie shares how the Gist came to life, talks about leading a growing business with her best friends, and reflects on the challenges a sports-focused business faces when sports are cancelled due to a global pandemic. For anyone who’s ever dreamt of starting a business with friends, this episode is for you.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-8284700 Mon, 10 May 2021 01:00:00 -0400 2287 1 3 full false David Sax Breaks Down the Start-Up Myth David Sax Breaks Down the Start-Up Myth In his latest book, The Soul of an Entrepreneur: Work and Life Beyond the Startup Myth, best-selling author David Sax takes us from Silicon Valley all the way back to the roots of entrepreneurship. Host Neil Follett talks to David about why the start-up myth is a myth, what drives and connects entrepreneurs, and the process of writing his new book. If you are an entrepreneur, know one, or have ever thought of going out on your own, this episode (and David’s book) is for you.

]]> In his latest book, The Soul of an Entrepreneur: Work and Life Beyond the Startup Myth, best-selling author David Sax takes us from Silicon Valley all the way back to the roots of entrepreneurship. Host Neil Follett talks to David about why the start-up myth is a myth, what drives and connects entrepreneurs, and the process of writing his new book. If you are an entrepreneur, know one, or have ever thought of going out on your own, this episode (and David’s book) is for you.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-8399315 Sun, 25 Apr 2021 18:00:00 -0400 2282 1 2 full true LaRayia Gaston and the Lost Art of Giving a F*ck LaRayia Gaston and the Lost Art of Giving a F*ck
LaRayia Gaston, founder of the non-profit Lunch on Me can now add published author to her long list of accomplishments. In her new book Love Without Reason, The Lost Art of Giving a F*uck, LaRayia lays out a personal, powerful and accessible blueprint for being more connected to those around you, and to yourself. In this episode Neil and LaRayia talk about her book, her many business ventures and what she’s learned through running Lunch on Me and serving over 10,000 meals a month to those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. If you’ve ever wanted to give a little more or find more balance, this episode (and LaRayia’s book) is for you.

]]>
LaRayia Gaston, founder of the non-profit Lunch on Me can now add published author to her long list of accomplishments. In her new book Love Without Reason, The Lost Art of Giving a F*uck, LaRayia lays out a personal, powerful and accessible blueprint for being more connected to those around you, and to yourself. In this episode Neil and LaRayia talk about her book, her many business ventures and what she’s learned through running Lunch on Me and serving over 10,000 meals a month to those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. If you’ve ever wanted to give a little more or find more balance, this episode (and LaRayia’s book) is for you.

]]> Brightworks Buzzsprout-8248250 Fri, 02 Apr 2021 17:00:00 -0400 2318 1 1 full true