Shed Talk with Kevin Halliday

Filmmaker and MS Hope founder/president Mathew Embry joins Shed Talk to discuss being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 19, turning fear into discipline, and finding purpose through suffering. He also opens up about alcoholism, recovery, health, service, and why small daily choices matter more as men get older. Guest: Mathew Embry - MS Hope - President Learn the key strategies that have kept Mathew Embry symptom-free from MS for nearly 30 years. Hope & Health with Mathew Embry is a weekly talk show exploring health, wellness, and resilience through science, strategies, and personal stories. In this episode: - Meet Mathew Embry ...

Artist David Brunning joins Shed Talk to discuss the life behind the work, from hip-hop and graffiti roots to murals, commissions, galleries, and teaching graffiti art. He reflects on relevance, ego, money, social media, and what it means for an artist to stay true when tastes and attention change. Guest: David Brunning - The Artist In this episode: - David Brunning joins Shed Talk - Hip-hop, skate, and graffiti roots - Early crews, rapping, and first sales - AI and creativity - A 25K sale and art pricing - Art Under Pressure - Finding sold work again Chapters: 0:00 The cost...

Karen Judge joins Shed Talk to discuss happiness beyond toxic positivity, the role of hope in mind health, and why prevention matters before crisis. She shares her personal family story, her proactive mind health framework, and practical ways people can build daily habits that support well-being. Guest: Karen Judge - Proactive Mind Health Researcher With a background as a stylist, Karen used fashion as a tool to empower people to shine. Drawing on a decade of research surrounding the brain-mind-body connection and human potential, Karen now inspires others to prioritize their mind health to prevent a brain health challenge. In...

Jennifer Keable joins Shed Talk to share how burnout forced her to question the version of success she had been chasing. She talks about the warning signs, the role of meditation and personal planning, and why slowing down does not have to mean giving up achievement. Guest: Jennifer Keable - speaker Jennifer helps organizations build high-performing teams that don't burn out. Jennifer offers leadership coaching and organizational consulting that help turn insight into sustained action. In this episode: - Jennifer's early warning signs - The aerial yoga breaking point - Are you successful if you are not happy? - Asking...

Amanda Ovaici joins Shed Talk to discuss failure, entrepreneurship, women in business, and the legal industry. She shares why authentic relationships matter, how workplaces can better support parents, and why entrepreneurs should stop hiding the mistakes that teach the most. Guest: Amanda Ovaici - Lawyer at OP Lawyers LLP Amanda earned an Honours degree in Philosophy with a Business minor from the University of Calgary before completing her law degree at the University of Southampton in England. Called to the Alberta Bar in 2020, Amanda represents clients in a broad range of matters involving family disputes, workplace issues, civil litigation, and...

Corinne Lyall, CEO and owner of Royal LePage Benchmark, joins Kevin for a candid conversation about leadership, panic attacks, grief, market cycles, and hidden burnout. She shares how she moved from selling real estate to leading more than 220 realtors, why high achievers need boundaries, and how purpose and volunteer leadership helped her through difficult seasons. Guest: Corinne Lyall - CEO and owner of Royal LePage Benchmark With over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, she brings a strategic vision and a deep understanding of Calgary’s dynamic market. Corinne has held prominent leadership roles, including Past President of th...

Poet and spoken word artist Wakefield Brewster joins Kevin for a vulnerable conversation about addiction, suicidal ideation, sobriety, wellness, and the healing power of language. He reflects on becoming Calgary’s sixth Poet Laureate, writing his way toward wellness, and using poetry to help others speak what they have carried in silence. Guest: Wakefield Brewster - Poet & Spoken Word Artist Wakefield Brewster is a poet and spoken word artist based in Calgary whose work connects words, wellness, recovery, mental health, and live performance. A former Calgary Poet Laureate, he speaks openly about addiction, suicidal ideation, sobriety, and using poetry to he...

Danijel Slisko joins Kevin to talk about building a business from age 20, selling after nearly three decades, and facing the identity shift that followed. They discuss ambition, grief, mental health, community, branding, AI, and why action matters more than endless planning. Guest: Danijel Slisko - Owner of Brand Magazine Danijel Slisko started his first business at age 20 and built Supreme Windows Group into one of Alberta's largest commercial coatings businesses, with approximately 200 employees and more than $200 million in completed projects. After almost three decades, he sold the business to the people who helped build it and moved into a new...

Kevin talks with Managing Partner, Incito Executive and Leadership Development Jenn Lofgren about imposter syndrome, ego, perfectionism, and the moment a leader becomes the bottleneck. She shares coaching stories about founders, executive teams, boundaries, trust, and why 'letting go' by even five percent can change how leaders show up at work and at home. Guest: Jenn Lofgren - Managing Partner, Incognito Executive and Leadership Development Jenn Lofgren is a professional coach focused on leadership development for individual leaders and teams. Her path included 11 years in network infrastructure, HR work, professional coaching training beginning 17 years ago, and board service that helped...

Jayme Minor joins Shed Talk for an honest conversation about sobriety, toxic stress, authentic sales, and leading without hiding behind alcohol or performance. He shares the tools he uses to handle triggers, protect his peace, connect with customers, and turn vulnerability into real trust.

Guest: Jayme Minor - Owner of MAXgreen Windows Siding and Roofing

Jayme Minor owns MAXgreen Windows, Siding and Roofing and has built a career in sales, construction, and home improvement. In this conversation, he shares openly about sobriety, toxic stress, authenticity in business, music, social media, and learning to lead with...

Gregg Farineau, founder of Headhunters Canada, joins Kevin for a raw conversation about entrepreneurship, burnout, anxiety, addiction issues, and the pressure of looking like you have it all together. He shares the moment burnout led to a hospital visit, how EMDR and breathing practices helped him recover, and why staying present matters when business uncertainty hits.

Guest: Gregg Farineau - Founder of Headhunters Canada

Gregg Farineau is a Calgarian entrepreneur, business leader, recruiter, and the founder of Headhunters Canada. In this conversation, he shares his path from struggling with social anxiety and addiction issues earlier...

Shauna Ockey founded Tanbridge Academy in 2007 for her son and seven boys to focus on education and hockey during the school day. Originally, the school was to run for one year for grade six students, with the boys moving on to other schools for junior high. During this year, there was tremendous interest in the school. Therefore, instead of ending after grade six, Shauna created a non-profit organization and established Tanbridge Academy as a private school, where she serves as president and board chair.

Get Connected With Shauna:

https://www.theflourishcentre.com/<...

Dr. David Hardy helps the go-to people—those who carry organizations, crews, and families—train the most important tool they own: their brain. Drawing on decades of clinical mastery, a deep teaching background, and hard-won personal experience, he’s known for his relatable, interactive style and ability to demystify neuroscience for “everyday heroes.” Whether you’re navigating the rigors of business, blue-collar leadership, education, or health, Dr. Hardy empowers you to think better, recover faster, and perform at levels you thought impossible.

Get Connected With Dr. David:

https://thehardybrain.ca/

https://www...

Amy Bondar, Nutritional Therapist, Eating Psychology Coach, Author, and Professional Speaker, has been helping individuals transform their relationship with food, body, and self for over two decades. Combining the science of nutrition with the wisdom of eating psychology, Amy guides her clients to rediscover the joy of eating while creating lasting improvements in health, energy, and overall well-being. Known for her compassionate and insightful approach, Amy inspires others to nourish both body and mind to achieve true, sustainable vitality.

Get Connected With Amy:

https://www.amybondar.com/

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Dustin Hogan is a Men’s Mental Health Counsellor, TEDx Speaker, and founder of Therapy For Dudes — a movement redefining what it means to be strong by helping men build emotional resilience, self-awareness, and purpose. Through 1:1 counselling, powerful online programs, and raw, relatable content, Dustin empowers men to take charge of their mental well-being without shame or stigma. After facing his own struggles with anxiety and depression, Dustin committed his life to helping other men navigate their inner world. He believes that vulnerability is not weakness — it’s a strength. His work blends therapeutic and coaching expertise with lived experience...

Stephanie Di Maria is a psychotherapist (qualifying) and founder of Rise Wellness Collective in Calgary, Alberta. She specializes in ADHD, trauma, and emotional regulation, helping individuals and families better understand how their brains and nervous systems respond to stress. Stephanie’s approach is practical, relatable, and grounded in real-life application, focusing on reducing overwhelm and improving day-to-day functioning. She works with children, teens, and parents, and also provides workshops and group programs focused on stress management, self-regulation, and building sustainable coping strategies.

Get Connected With Stephanie:

https://www.risewellnesscollective.ca/

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Bryan Goehringer is a Canadian nonprofit leader, mental health advocate, and community builder based in Calgary. He serves as Director of Philanthropy and Community at Wood’s Homes, one of Canada’s leading mental health centres supporting children, youth, adults, and families. Bryan is a frequent speaker and podcast guest, openly exploring the importance of men’s mental health, fatherhood, faith, and community connection. Through his work and personal story, he champions honest conversations, resilience, and the power of support systems in helping men and families navigate life’s hardest moments.

Get Connected With Bryan:<...

Cheryl Gilbert MacLeod is a registered psychologist with over 25 years of clinical experience with children, adolescents, and their families. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The University of British Columbia and has since worked at prominent children’s hospitals, including the IWK Health Centre in Halifax and the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. She has been in private practice since 2009 and works collaboratively with the great team of health care professionals at The Family Psychology Place as well as with many pediatricians in Alberta.

Get Connected With Cheryl:

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Delaine Bennett is a Calgary-based Registered Social Worker who works with individuals, couples, and families navigating stress, trauma, and life challenges. Before moving into private practice, she spent over 16 years working in child protection, where she saw firsthand how pressure, burnout, and unresolved trauma affect people and families. Raised in a farming and oilfield community and now married to a carpenter who runs his own business, Delaine has a deep appreciation for the realities of trades work. She’s passionate about expanding the definition of workplace safety to include mental and emotional health, because safety on the job doesn’t st...

Brad Van De Walle is the co-owner of Gameday Mens Health In Calgary,  and the co-owner of Boxfort Homes. Brad followed his passion in 2009 when he became a Realtor. Since then, Brad has brought together several teams of successful, reliable Realtors and talented staff, dedicated to creating the very best real estate experience for their clients. His ability to connect with people combines with his infectious energy and unique sales approach to make Brad one of the most well connected and well liked people in the real estate industry. After 15 years in Real Estate, Brad moved into the medical s...

Adam Jones, named Top 40 Under 40 in 2016, earned his Business Degree at just 20. He quickly learned real-world business demands more than textbooks. Starting in sales, he embraced mentorship and rose into management, leading his branch to over $1 million in additional profit. After a sabbatical abroad and a hard lesson when a small business owed him $25,000, Adam launched MAXgreen Windows, Siding and Roofing. Sixteen years later, MAXgreen has surpassed $100 million in sales. Adam is a mental health advocate, focused on strategy, systems, and team growth, and a passionate multi-business entrepreneur, husband, and father of three.

Get...

Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is an Organizational Psychologist, Keynote Speaker, Business Leader, Author, and Podcast Host of Where Work Meets Life™, with 25 years of experience. She is a thought leader in workplace psychology, career development, and the future of work. Dr. Laura founded Canada Career Counselling and other consulting practices and is an Adjunct Professor of Psychology. A Canadian Women of Inspiration Award winner, she is dedicated to helping people and organizations thrive. She is the author of the #1 International Amazon Bestseller 'I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss.'

Dr. John Ogrodniczuk is a Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the UBC Psychotherapy Program.  His research program focuses on a variety of psychotherapies and patient populations, with a particular focus on personality disorders and men’s mental health. He is Past-President of the North American chapter of the International Society for Psychotherapy Research, and Founder of HeadsUpGuys, the world’s leading men’s mental health resource. Dr. Ogrodniczuk also maintains a private psychotherapy practice.

Get Connected With John:

https://www.facebook.com/HeadsUpGuys

https://x.com/headsupguys

https...

Diamond Fernandes is the founder of Heart Fit Clinic, disrupting cardiac healthcare with AI-driven assessments and non-invasive treatments. As a published author and respected authority in heart health, he frequently features in the media. He is an inspiring public speaker, addressing topics like common myths about heart disease, navigating heart disease, the truth about heart stress tests and angiograms, advancements in heart health supplements and medications, and using food as medicine for heart health.

Get Connected With Diamond:

https://heartfit.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/heartfitclinic/

https://www...

We're celebrating 100 episodes of Shed Talk! In this solo episode, Kevin reviews his successful 2025, and what he has in store for Shed Talk moving forward.

So, are you ready to shed the talk and embark on a journey of self-discovery, innovation, and inspiration? Subscribe now to "Shed Talk with Kevin Halliday" and be part of a community that dares to venture beyond boundaries.

Get Connected with Kevin:

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In 2014, Frank Selden decided to end his life one year after an incurable disease, and his responses to it, destroyed his health, business, and identity. An ethereal encounter in a cemetery offered him an opportunity to try life again with a different approach. He healed his body, rebuilt his business, found daily happiness, and considers himself abundantly alive. Frank now believes that our most important life work is building our souls for their next adventure. He argues that soul care is our highest priority. What happens to our souls after death depends on what we do today.

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Kevin Lawrence is an author, speaker, and strategic advisor who has spent more than 30 years coaching entrepreneurial CEOs and leadership teams across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Known for his no-nonsense style, he helps leaders break through challenges, scale their companies, and sustain success without burning out. His Growth Management System has guided companies from tens of millions to hundreds of millions in revenue, with expertise spanning high-performance teams, market expansion, customer growth, and profitability. He is the author of Your Oxygen Mask First, a playbook of 17 habits for avoiding burnout while achieving success, and...

Sussi Mattsson is an international coach & speaker, mother and author of the upcoming book “From Me To You™”. In this book Sussi takes readers on a powerful and poignant journey of hope and overcoming obstacles as she describes her personal harrowing story of how she ran away from home only 8 years old, after finding out that her abusive father was about to sell her to strangers in a foreign country. The From Me To You™ Movement was born – an exceptional venture dedicated to help others address and make peace with their traumas from the past by writing their own Wisdom Let...

Michael Dargie is an international speaker, founder of Make More Creative, and author of BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From “Meh” to Memorable. He is also a director and host of the multi-award-nominated RebelRebel Podcast, heard in more than 85 countries. A retired black belt in Japanese jujitsu, advanced scuba diver, and lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Michael combines decades of brand-strategy expertise with an adventurous spirit, inspiring audiences and organizations worldwide to shape unforgettable stories and build brands that stand out.

Get Connected With Michael:

https://makemorecreative.com/

https://instagram.com/michaeldargie/

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Laura Reid is a rebel with a cause. A multi-bestselling author, award-winning international speaker, and host of The Public Speaking Horror Show podcast, she's on a mission to help professionals empower their voices and give killer presentations. Once a shy kid with a severe stutter and a paralyzing fear of public speaking, Laura now coaches others to find their most authentic voice and slay the stage through her business, Speech Slayer. Laura is the author of The Public Speaking Horror Show and F*ck, I'm 50, both of which deliver equal parts humor, heart, and the kind of unfiltered truths...

A survivor of a life-threatening cancer that left him with a permanent facial difference, Terry Healey is an author, keynote speaker, and business strategist. A graduate of UC Berkeley with a thirty-five-year career as a marketing executive, Terry challenges audiences to face adversity and change, and apply his ReBAR resilience framework and principles to gain confidence, build resilience, and find greater purpose and joy in their personal and professional lives. Terry lives in Santa Cruz, CA with his wife Sue.

Get Connected With Terry:

https://www.terryhealey.com/

https://www...

At 87, while proving age is just a number, David Selley is not slowing down..... he's taking on a Guinness World Record attempt to be the oldest author to publish the most books in a single year - 12+ books and inspiring others to chase their dreams, no matter their age. With decades of entrepreneurial success and 65 years of marriage, he is a powerhouse of wisdom, humor and storytelling.

Get Connected With David:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/selleydavid/

So, are you ready to shed the talk and embark...

Carlamay Sheremata is a retired police officer, award-winning author of Youth Truth, keynote speaker, and Family Conflict Resolution Specialist helping families and leaders rebuild trust under pressure. With over two decades in law enforcement—including 8.5 years as a School Resource Officer—she now equips teams to lead with empathy, engage youth meaningfully, and communicate with clarity in high-stress environments. Carlamay is the founder of Diamond in the Rough Consulting and creator of The CALM Leadership Method™, a trauma-informed framework for connection-first leadership. Her mission is simple: help people connect where it matters most—at home and at work—because connection...

Mitch Jacobsen is the founder, CEO and Janitor of Rviita Energy Tea. When he's not obsessing over how to cram more goodness into a sleek, eco-friendly beverage pouch, he’s probably brainstorming ways to make energy drinks that don’t make you feel like you’ve licked a battery. Armed with a passion for sustainability and fueled by his own product (literally), Mitch is on a mission to keep you awake and make the world a healthier place, one sip at a time.

Get Connected With Mitch:

https://rviitalize.com/

https...

A remarkable leader who's transformed her family's traditional manufacturing business into a highly recognized brand in Calgary. Through a steadfast commitment to service and quality, Wendy Murphy has built a reputation for excellence in the market, and after successfully selling the family business, she has recently partnered with a private equity firm to elevate the company's impact even further. Her focus on vertical integration has been key to meeting the growing demand of Calgary’s home builders, all while staying true to her family's core values and guiding principles. Wendy’s leadership philosophy is grounded in the 5 pillars of busin...

Tom Hagerty is a retired corporate executive and business fixer, with a career spanning over 45 years. He has made presentations at numerous public and private events, written articles and op-ed pieces, and has been interviewed by a variety of print publications and electronic media outlets. He is Dad, Papa, and the author of The Business of Relationships… in that order.

Get Connected With Tom:

https://www.thetomhagerty.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomhagerty0126/

https://www.facebook.com/tom.hagerty.33/

So, are you re...

Don Bell co-founded WestJet in 1995 and played a key role in its quick growth to become Canada’s second largest airline. Bell’s vision, ideas and leadership were instrumental in creating a powerful company culture based on employee engagement and empowerment. Don served many roles in WestJet including Co-Chief Operating Officer, EVP of Customer Service and as a Boeing 737 Captain. Prior to WestJet, Bell spent 18 years as President and owner of a Calgary-based company that developed, installed and supported specialized software systems for enterprises. Don has a beautiful wife and four children and grandbaby, stays busy with many business inte...

Cameron Herold is the mastermind behind hundreds of company's exponential growth and has earned his reputation as the business growth guru.  He has built a dynamic consultancy with clients that include a monarchy and a Big 4 wireless company.  The author of 6 books, Cameron is also a top rated international speaker, having spoken on all 7 continents. The founder of the COO Alliance, the World's Leading Network for Seconds in Command, he’s also the host of the Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief podcast, where he interviews COOs and other seconds to share their insights with his listeners. 

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Michelle Cameron Coulter is an Olympic gold medalist, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, mom of four, and host of Inspiring Possibilities – The Courage to Jump In podcast. She helps leaders, entrepreneurs, high achievers, and former athletes ditch burnout, perfectionism, and self-doubt—and step boldly into their next chapters with clarity, confidence, and momentum. Michelle’s lived through the messy stuff (and still dances with it!) and is passionate about building real connection and community through her signature IAM Pods and coaching. She’s known for her down-to-earth wisdom, contagious energy, and belief in what’s possible when we show up real and t...

Amy Alkon is an award-winning investigative science writer who specializes in “science-help.” She does a deep dive into the research, critically evaluating it and then translating it into everyday language, allowing us to make scientifically informed decisions for the best of our health and well-being. Alkon’s new book, her fifth, out May 20th, is GOING MENOPOSTAL: What You (and Your Doctor) Need to Know About the Real Science of Menopause and Perimenopause.  The book not only exposes the shocking gap between scientific evidence and medical practice standards in women's health, but in all of medicine—as well as how to ov...