City of Champions

Michael Maxxis is an extraordinarily productive guy but I managed to pin him down for a few minutes on our way to grab lunch. Mike is a filmmaker, director, writer, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and far too many other titles to name. Most importanly, he is a born and bred, proud Edmontonian. Bear with the audio, past six and a half minutes it gets better!

Few companies transcend brand and encapsulate a lifestyle in the way that RVL Apparel does. RVL's founder, Steve Liang, went against the common convention of doing what he was "supposed to do" and instead chased what he actually "wanted to do". The result? A company locally grown, widely loved, and emblamatic of the pillars of success: "Work Hard. Stay Humble." I had the pleasure of sitting down with Steve and his business partners, Tony and Dustin, to catch up with them about where RVL came from and the places it's going.

I have been looking forward to this episode since the start of this podcast! Today I was joined by Fernie Brewing Company rep, #dadvice sage, and all-around solid guy, Sam Lofstrand. We were lucky to also have on friends of the show, Amer Ramic and Don Metz. Sam drops some serious beer knowledge bombs on us as we sample some of Fernie Brewing Co's latest and greatest brews.

The curious case of Kaylor Betts. When the once thriving TNP Fitness abruptly closed its doors this summer shortly after expanding into a new facility, more questions than answers remained. Gossip and speculation ran amok, and Kaylor's public reputation took a hit. But, did you ever stop to ask yourself what may have been going on behind the scenes that would cause a driven and dedicated business owner like Kaylor to do the unthinkable? Check your judgement at the door and hear from Kaylor on his reality, owning his mistakes, and not letting any setbacks keep him from ultimately forging forward.

Today I'm lucky to be joined by Frederick Pels, President and CEO of The Green Room, a chain of marijuana dispensaries across Canada. Fred has done more to push forward the legalization of marijuana than almost any other private citizen, advising the federal government and essentially writing Canadian cannabis legislation. Fred talks about the persisting stigma of the drug, despite the regular use he has witnessed firsthand by many prominent individuals in the community such as doctors, lawyers, and officers. Fred hopes that education and awareness can improve ahead of legalization so that the common misconceptions can be eliminated.

Michael can best be described as a Solo Adventure Specialist. On weekends he disappears into the Rocky Mountains for days at a time with nothing but his backpack, canine companion, and adventurous spirit. When he's not off the grid, Mike is helping others achieve their personal health and fitness goals through his company FitMD. Mike is a fantastic example of the monumentous feats we can acheive by dedicating ourselves to the neverending pursuit of personal growth and self-improvement.

Follow Mike's incredible adventures on his YouTube channel: MountainMike and on Instagram @michaeldietrich.

Bree is the definition of "float like a butterfuly, sting like a bee". She's gracious and kind, yet intensely athletic and competitive. Joga with Bree has allowed countless athletes to continue playing the sports they love by properly strengthening the body and rejuvenating the mind to improve performace and reduce risk of injury. Bree provides valuable insight into proper training, breathing awareness, and coaching as a female in typically male-dominated sports.

Keegan Lowe is a former Edmonton Oil King and Western Hockey League Champion, current prospect of the Edmonton Oilers, and he infamously beat up Vincent Lecavalier...twice...in his first NHL game. Catch him on the ice, and he's bound to leave you worse for wear. Catch him off the ice, and he'll win you over with his cheeky antics and laid back attitude.

Drew Stuve is an assassin in the ring and with a pair of scissors in the barbershop. This 21 year old is currently 3-0 in the amateur circuit and has aspirations of being a pro boxer.