The Explore84 Podcast

Meet Eoin Finn - a globally renowned yogi, surfer, author, and founder of Blissology Yoga.

Lauded by Yoga Journal as the “Thoreau of Yoga” and by Oprah as “one to watch,” Eoin’s mission centers on the simple idea of sharing happiness and connecting yogis more deeply to the spirituality of nature. One of his signature courses, The Blissology Project, focuses on how to make positive thinking, health, and happiness a habit. 

Join Dr. Gr...

Meet Jeff Archibald - retired entrepreneur and cofounder of Paper Leaf, a leading web & mobile app firm located in Edmonton, Alberta. 

After being acquired by ZGM, Jeff decided to take a step back from his digital agency and discover his identity outside of being an entrepreneur. In 2023, Jeff moved to a small ski town in British Columbia, and spends his time mountain biking, trail running, alpine and backcountry skiing.

Meet Bob Sumner, Director Of Media Relations & Business Development at PARKER PR. With over three decades of experience in news media, including roles at Global and CTV Calgary, Bob's expertise in storytelling is unparalleled. 

In today’s episode, we have the privilege of hearing Bob's journey firsthand, from his time on the news circuit to emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook amidst t...

Meet Don Saviak, President and owner of All Beef Catering, Smokehouse, and ABC Outpost in Calgary. From living the life of a musician to becoming an entrepreneur and proud father of two, Don has led a life full of creativity and community. 

After surviving the pandemic as a catering business, Don realized he needed to take a step back to prioritize his own mental, physical, and emotional health. In this episode, we jump into Don&apo...

Meet Jaclyn Panylyk - DJ, Entrepreneur, endurance runner, and devoted animal advocate.

In today’s episode, we discuss the mental and physical aspects of running (especially in 80km races), how to pivot when things don’t go as planned, and how finding balance is the ultimate key to success.

Jaclyn embodies the spirit of chasing your passions and embracing challenges head-on, while also advocating for causes close t...

Meet Chris Wiersma - a Harvard-trained executive coach, single father, multiple Ironman, marathon runner, and about to be an ultra-marathoner. 

His research and practice are based on subconscious goals and how these goals we don’t know we have to explain all of the differences between what we say we want, what we’re capable of, and the results we get (or don’t get).

Join us as we unravel the mysteries of our subco...

Meet Andrea McKay - the visionary behind b, Halfmoon, a unique fusion of two Canadian yoga brands that embody the essence of community, nature, and innovation.

Andrea's journey is an inspiring tale of passion that spans from her pursuit of an MBA in Australia to the establishment of B Yoga in 2014 and the merger with Halfmoon in 2023. Her journey is a continued commitment to providing the yoga community with practical, long-las...

Meet Sara and Mayo - the husband and wife duo behind Revol Cares, a groundbreaking leak-proof underwear brand based in Vancouver. What began as a school project created by Sara out of necessity has evolved into a multi-million dollar business on a mission to create a one-solution product for period protection. 

Together Sara and Mayo have scaled their business through many seasons, from losing their manufacturer to surviving the pan...

Why would someone in the prime of their career, equipped with everything society equates with happiness, decide to embark on a venture fraught with uncertainty?

That's the million-dollar question we unravel in this episode. Join us as Justin Barber shares the compelling saga behind "my-eforce," his latest venture, and the pivotal role played by his family, friends, and mentors in this daring transition. 

Meet Zoë Pawlak - artist, writer, coach, industrial designer, speaker, and entrepreneur. 

My curiosity was piqued by her unique ability to merge the realms of art and business, crafting her empire. In our discussion, we explore how she juggles the two crafts while also embracing her decision of sobriety and how it beneficially affects her creative process.

 Beyond her artistic pursuits, she has co-founded a group dedicated ...

Meet Ben Miller, Co-Founder of WIRTH HATS, a company on a mission to break the stigma surrounding mental health. 

This venture is more than just a business for Ben; it's a heartfelt tribute to friends he has tragically lost to suicide. These losses have profoundly affected Ben's life, fueling his dedication to fostering open conversations and breaking down barriers surrounding mental health.

My conversat...

Meet Danielle - Co-Founder of She Summits, Certified Life and Leadership Coach and entrepreneur. 

She Summits empower organizations globally to establish high-performance, inclusive workplaces while amplifying social impact. Danielle's efforts have benefitted thousands of employees in major companies like Wells Fargo, Teck Resources, Fairmont Hotels, TD Canada Trust, Athleta, and Tentree, among others.

Danielle is an a...

Meet Kris Andres - an ex-corporate employee turned renowned globetrotting photographer.

In this episode, Kris joins us from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories to share the details of his incredible journey. Heading next to Iceland, Kris exemplifies his philosophies of 'Creating with Intention' & 'Nomadic Living'. 

Get inspired by his adventurous life and contagious positivity. Tune in now f...

Meet Dr. Greg Uchacz - a sports specialist chiropractor and  Clinic Director of proActive Health Group.

Dr. Uchacz is known for his work with high-performance world-class athletes, including recent podcast guest Martin Parnell. This episode revolves around the profound impact of daily choices on long-term health. We explore the benefits of regular exercise and the critical, yet often neglected, aspects of mental health. 

In the season finale of Explore84, host Mark Kondrat joins forces with the wizard behind the curtain, podcast editor Krysten Loiselle, for a profound reflection on a season filled with inspiration and insight. This episode isn't just a look back; it's a journey through the lessons and stories that have shaped the show.

The episode begins with a revisit to Duff Gibson's insightful discussion on the fixed vers...

Meet Dr. Grant Kennedy -  Emergency Room Doctor and talented Singer-Songwriter.

Dr. Grant, who works out of the Rockyview General Hospital, first turned to writing and playing music as an escape from the hectic pace of his day job. He released a solo album, Home, in 2018 and a second album, Away, in 2021.

This album touched on Dr. Grant's personal experience working as an emergency physician during the COVID-19 pandemi...

Meet Duff Gibson - father, Olympic Gold Medalist, author, coach - oh, and a Captain with the Calgary Fire Department! 

In today's episode, we discuss his experience as a high-performance athlete, his book The Tao of Sport, and his passion for coaching. Through Dark Horse Athletics, Duff teaches both kids and parents why having fun through sports and building a Growth Mindset is so important.

What is the overall purpos...

Meet Ryan Quinn, a man who transformed his life from being a competitive hockey goaltender to an inspirational personal trainer for elite athletes. 

Ryan shares the unique story of how the discipline forged in the rink fueled his transition into the demanding world of ultra-marathon mountain running. He opens up about the profound impact of deepening his yoga practice and embracing fatherhood, revealing the secrets to bala...

Meet Jordan - General Manager of Sherlock Holmes Hospitality Group, and long-time friend of Mark and the ABF team.

In this candid conversation, Jordan reveals how he overcame his personal challenges, a moment that changed his life on February 10th, 2021, and the profound impact of yoga and fitness on his life. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity.

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