Better Than Not

In this episode of Better Than Not, I’m joined by musician and President of Alma Records, Peter Cardinali. Peter talks of his early musical influences, his journey from playing accordion to bass, and his experiences touring Europe at a young age. Peter shares defining moments in his career in particular the transition from live performer to session player and working with artists like Anne Murray. He also shares the experience of s...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I am joined by returning guest Payman Kianpour, founder of Kepstrom. In this conversation we explore the intricate relationship between design and human emotions, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, love, and respect in collaborative processes. The discussion delves into what Payman called - forming, storming, norming, and performing - highlighting how navigating the storming phase can lead ...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I am joined by an old friend Blake Steels. Our conversation explores our shared history, Blake's diverse career journey from music to nuclear physics, and his current role in real estate. We discuss the importance of music in our lives, the impact of education, and the significance of social connections. Blake delves into the environmental implications of nuclear energy while sharing insights...

In this episode of Better Than Not, Dr. Michael Butler, an astrophysicist from the University of Saskatchewan, joins me to discuss the intersection of science and faith. The conversation explores how scientific principles can support biblical understanding, the challenges of evolutionary theory, and the role of AI in modern research. Dr. Butler shares his journey from a Christian upbringing to a career in astrophysics, emphasizing ...

Returning to the Better Than Not Podcast in this episode is author Scott Walker. In our candid conversation, Scott talks about trying to figure out what’s next in his creative journey. Having immersed himself in writing for the last six years, he had reinvented himself as L.A. Scott in the shared writing world of Cozy Vales from our last conversation. But he noticed something was missing. He talks about participating or leading new...

Returning to the Better Than Not Podcast in this episode is the host of The Cody Tucker Show and historian, Cody Tucker himself—only this time in video! Cody is back with lots on the go. His new book “And Now You Know” is out, filled with stories like those in his popular reels connecting strange and fascinating facts about movies, music, history and more. His book was published the same day he appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience ...

Returning to Better Than Not in this episode is actor, author, writer, director and filmmaker William C. Cole. We talked more about Bill’s books this time around–Love Lonely and Who Lies Beside Me. We also talked a lot more about Bill’s acting with a behind-the-camera description of what an actor experiences while filming. What the camera captures and we see as viewers are quite different to what actually takes place. Bill talked m...

In this episode, I am joined by Doug Dueck, the Founder and President of Well of Plenty. A father of three and grandfather to six, Doug is an entrepreneur with a background in farming and real estate development. He not only knows how to put technology together but how to connect talented people—a true business leader—as you will discover in our conversation. Our discussion covers his founding of the Well of Plenty Foundation and w...

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Christopher Wright. Chris is the International Ministries Ambassador of the Langham Partnership International, a consortium of trusts founded by John Stott, a position previously held by Stott. Chris has been an Anglican clergyman for over 40 years and recognized as an Old Testament scholar. He’s also written over 40 books. Born in Belfast, Ireland, Chris was ordained in the Anglican Church of En...

In this episode, I am joined by Jake Gold. Jake is the co-founder of The Management Trust, a 6-season Canadian Idol judge and the manager of iconic Canadian band The Tragically Hip. With over 40 years of managing talent, Jake has seen a lot, an understatement by any measure. Born in New Jersey, Jake grew up in Toronto, started his career by managing a friend’s band, and never looked back. Jake tells his story including the discover...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I am joined by Pastor Luke Etelamaki. Luke is the father of four with 15 years of pastor experience and the new Campus Pastor for Northview Community Church’s church plant in Chilliwack. Luke is originally from the Seattle area, planted a church in Regina and moved to Chilliwack recently to begin his new work. Luke tells his story mixing in many personal experiences, his discovery of books and hi...

In this special episode of Better Than Not, I am joined by radio personality and political commentator Scott Thompson. Scott’s seen a lot in his 40+ year career in radio. Immersed in the world of media and politics, I thought who better to talk about this important election for Canada and Canadians. Whether we’re still deciding or decided, Scott brings a lot of information and perspective to this election’s conversation that we may...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I am joined by my dad, Rogers Gardham. Dad is in his 90th year and 65th year of marriage to my mom. He is the father of three, granddad to six and great granddad to one. He’s been retired thirty years after working for the Bank of Nova Scotia for forty-one. In our conversation, Dad talks of his early life growing up in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island to his transfer to Toronto, which eventual...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I am joined by returning guest pianist Laura Altenmueller (first time in video)! Laura is a concert pianist, music teacher and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts. Laura talks about her music and use of the Suzuki Method in teaching her students. She also talks about the story behind her collaboration with mezzo-soprano Noelle Carey who she will be performing with, Sunday April 13th, 2025 at Calvin Pr...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I am joined by Pastor Mike Bellanti. Mike is the father of two, an author and the Lead Pastor at Northbrook Church in Wisconsin. He is a Fuller Seminary graduate and recently completed a Doctor of Ministry, out of which came his book “A Liturgy For Wholeness.” Mike talks of working with youth in the inner city of Los Angeles, church planting in Colorado and moving to his current role in Wisconsin...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I am joined by Norm Hubbard. Norm is father to six kids, an author (a self-confessed word nerd) and works for the Navigators. He holds a Masters in Linguistics (I’ll never play Scabble with him) and is working on his Masters in Divinity. Like most episodes, we were back and forth and all over the place on subjects. Norm talks about writing his book More Than Christians and explains the titlesof t...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I was joined by Graham Nickel. Graham is the father of four kids, a high school teacher of English and Bible and an elder at Northview Community Church. We’re all over the place in this episode, which was so fun. Graham is a wealth of knowledge on a variety of subjects. From the books Dune and Lawrence of Arabia to social media and much more, Graham gives insight into the trends of our culture an...

In this episode of Better Than Not, I was joined by Pastor Levi Friesen. Levi is the new pastor at East Abbotsford Campus of Northview Community Church. He’s recently completed Northview’s Immerse Program that earned him a Masters in Divinity. Levi gives insight into his process of creating and delivering a message and how important personal stories are in that form of communication. He also explains his fascination with how differ...