Shit My Dad Taught Me

In this special episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, Chris Carter and Jamie switch seats and join Larry Hagner on The Dad Edge for an honest conversation about fatherhood, resilience, entrepreneurship, leadership and building stronger communities.

Jamie shares his journey from a difficult childhood in Northern Ontario to leaving home at just 15 years old, overcoming adversity and creating a better future for his three sons. Chris reflects on growing up with a loving and present father, raising two confident daughters and the personal transformation that inspired him to lose nearly 100 pounds and prioritize...

What happens when a community comes together to turn heartbreak into hope?

In this special episode of Sh*t My Dad Taught Me, hosts Chris Carter and Jamie Kozub lead a powerful live conversation at A Night of Hope, an event created by Julie Neal and the Levie Initiative to raise awareness and support for families facing childhood cancer.

Through deeply emotional stories and honest discussions, six remarkable guests share their experiences with pediatric cancer, grief, resilience, family support, and the importance of finding hope during life's most difficult...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Canadian broadcaster, author and radio personality Roz Weston for a conversation about media, fatherhood, grief, family, friendship and finding meaning outside of your career.

Roz reflects on his journey from growing up in a small town and landing an early opportunity with The Howard Stern Show to building a decades long career in Canadian entertainment, including ET Canada and The Roz & Mocha Show. He shares what he's learned from interviewing some of the biggest names in entertainment, his relationship with Mocha and how the...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with entrepreneur, media founder and commentator Jonathan Harvey to talk about failure, resilience, business, fatherhood and what success actually means.

Jonathan shares his journey from dropping out of college and failing at businesses in his twenties to building companies across restaurants, construction, media and technology. He talks about learning through failure, staying focused as an entrepreneur, “burning the boats” and why knowing your definition of success matters before you spend your life chasing it.

He also opens up a...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with former Canadian national team captain Jason deVos for a conversation about soccer, leadership, coaching, fatherhood and finding purpose beyond the game.

Jason takes us from his childhood in rural Ontario through an 18 year professional soccer career, representing Canada and eventually moving into broadcasting, coaching and leadership. He shares what great coaches taught him about supporting young athletes, why parents don't need to coach their kids on the drive home and why leadership has nothing to do with the title beside your...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with brothers Julien and Jermaine Franklin for a conversation about family, sports, fatherhood, perseverance and legacy.

From their parents leaving Jamaica and building a life in Canada, to growing up moving across different cities and finding community through sports, the Franklin brothers share the foundation that helped shape their lives and careers.

Jermaine opens up about the years of grinding behind the scenes before getting his opportunity at TSN, while Julien shares how volunteering, mentorship and relationships...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Trey Tucker, founder of Rugged Counseling and author of Tough Enough, for a conversation about men’s mental health, masculinity, fatherhood and emotional resilience.

Trey shares his perspective on what real strength looks like, why men need accountability and meaningful relationships, and how faith, humility and discipline have shaped the way he approaches marriage, parenting and personal growth.

We talk about the pressures facing men today, learning how to navigate emotions without losing your sense of strength, and what it really means to...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Graham Nordin, a husband, father of two, and wine and spirits executive whose life changed after discovering a congenital heart defect that ultimately required open-heart surgery.

Graham shares his journey from playing football at UBC to building a career in the wine and spirits industry, along with the lessons his father taught him about integrity, generosity, and always being there.

We talk about fatherhood, resilience, marriage, leadership, health, Canada-US tariffs, raising kids, and why surviving a...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Dr. Norm O’Reilly, sports business leader, author, educator, endurance athlete and father of four. Norm has written more than 20 books, advised major sports organizations and worked with Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic teams.

We talk about his journey from growing up in Lindsay, Ontario to becoming a leading voice in sports business, completing 11 Ironman triathlons, climbing Aconcagua and qualifying for the Ironman World Championships. Norm also opens up about fatherhood, raising four kids, mentorship, leadership, lifelong learning and the legacy he hopes to leav...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Mark Rector, retired engineering professor and bestselling independent author and host of the podcast Oh Canada! Our Home and Inventive Land, to uncover some of the incredible Canadian inventions and innovators that helped shape the modern world.

Mark also shares the remarkable story of his father, who survived two devastating Springhill mining disasters and returned to help rescue others trapped underground. We discuss resilience, work ethic, Canadian history, engineering, entrepreneurship, the Avro Arrow, restoring a Lamborghini Diablo, and the lessons Mark inherited from one...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Nate Tanzman, a former motorcycle stunt rider, entrepreneur, speaker, husband, and father whose journey took him from depression and a lack of identity to discovering purpose, discipline, and responsibility.

Nate shares how motorcycle stunt riding became an escape, how a serious crash changed his perspective, and what happened when he eventually had to separate his identity from the bike. We also dive into fatherhood, men's mental health, entrepreneurship, spirituality, raising resilient kids, youth sports, social media, and breaking generational patterns.

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Michael Bartlett, CEO of Canada Basketball and former MLSE executive. Michael shares his journey into sports leadership, the incredible growth of basketball across Canada, and what it takes to build winning cultures at the highest level.

We also discuss leadership, mental health, fatherhood, raising resilient kids, the future of Canadian basketball, and the lasting lessons his father passed down that continue to shape both his career and his life. It's an inspiring conversation about purpose, perspective, and creating a legacy that...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Lee Benson. Serial entrepreneur, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and founder of Dinner Table. Lee shares his journey from a challenging childhood to building multiple successful companies, and why he now dedicates his life to helping families raise resilient, value-driven kids.

We explore intentional fatherhood, entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership, financial responsibility, family culture, and why learning to embrace struggle is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children. It's an inspiring conversation about creating value at home, in business, and throughout life.

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Matt Devlin, the longtime television voice of the Toronto Raptors. Matt shares his journey from small-town broadcasting to becoming one of Canada's most recognizable sports commentators, along with behind-the-scenes stories from the Raptors' championship run, Kawhi Leonard's iconic shot, and life inside the NBA.

We also dive into fatherhood, leadership, resilience, raising a son with special needs, and the sacrifices that come with building both a career and a family. It's an inspiring conversation about perseverance, purpose, and the legacy we...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Dan O'Toole. Former TSN SportsCentre Anchor, broadcaster, and storyteller, to discuss the journey behind one of Canada's most recognizable television careers. Dan shares stories from his path into broadcasting, his partnership with Jay Onrait, and the lessons he learned growing up on a farm in rural Ontario.

We also dive into addiction, sobriety, fatherhood, men's mental health, recovery, resilience, and the people who helped him rebuild his life after hitting rock bottom. It's an honest conversation about vulnerability, purpose, finding joy in everyday life...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Lexnour. Platinum producer, independent artist, songwriter, and social media creator whose music has connected with millions of people around the world. From leaving a government career to pursuing music full-time, Lex shares the journey of betting on himself and building a career on authenticity.

We discuss creativity, entrepreneurship, social media, mental health, heartbreak, faith, masculinity, and the importance of having people you can lean on during life's hardest moments. Lex also opens up about the personal experiences that inspire his music...

In this episode of *Shit My Dad Taught Me*, we sit down with Mike Holmes Jr., contractor, entrepreneur, television personality, and advocate for the skilled trades. Best known for growing up alongside one of Canada's most recognizable names in home renovation, Mike shares the personal journey of building a life and career that's uniquely his own.

We discuss overcoming adversity, fatherhood, marriage, entrepreneurship, leadership, the importance of the skilled trades, and the lessons Mike learned from both working with and learning from his father. He also shares why being present for his children, pursuing...

In this episode, we're joined by Ed Bolian, entrepreneur, founder of VinWiki, Cannonball Run record holder, and one of the most influential voices in automotive storytelling.

Ed shares the journey from growing up in a traditional household to building businesses, breaking records, and creating one of the largest automotive media communities in the world. Along the way, we discuss fatherhood, faith, mentorship, entrepreneurship, marriage, personal growth, and the lessons that shaped his approach to life and business.

This is a thoughtful conversation about risk-taking, chasing ambitious goals, raising great kids, and building a legacy that...

This week on Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Bryan Baeumler, one of Canada's most recognizable contractors, entrepreneurs, and television personalities.

Bryan shares the story behind his journey from aspiring lawyer and entrepreneur to HGTV star, business owner, and father of four. Along the way, we discuss risk-taking, leadership, entrepreneurship, family, work-life balance, personal growth, construction, television, and the lessons he's learned from building businesses and raising a family.

A candid conversation about success, resilience, fatherhood, and what it really takes to build something meaningful—both at...

Brittney Crabb joins the podcast to talk about content creation, the paranormal, social media, and the lessons that shaped her journey.

From uploading horror videos on YouTube as a teenager to becoming a paranormal investigator and celebrity interviewer, Brittney has built a career by embracing what makes her different. Along the way, she's learned how to navigate criticism, stay authentic, and continue pursuing the dreams she's had since childhood.

We talk about ghost hunting, growing up online, confidence, father-daughter relationships, social media, creativity, and why being yourself is still...

Larry Hagner, founder of The Dad Edge, joins us for a deep conversation about fatherhood, marriage, masculinity, and the lessons that shape who we become.

Growing up without a consistent father figure, Larry turned his personal struggles into a mission to help men become better dads, husbands, and leaders. Today, through The Dad Edge podcast and community, he's impacted thousands of families around the world.

We talk about parenting with intention, building a stronger marriage, creating psychological safety for your kids, breaking generational patterns, and why the quality of...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dan Trepanier — founder of Articles of Style, former Division 1 basketball player at Columbia University, and one of the early pioneers of online men’s fashion content.

Dan shares his journey from growing up on a farm in Ontario to playing Ivy League basketball in New York City, eventually transitioning into fashion, entrepreneurship, and content creation. Along the way, he opens up about identity, masculinity, fatherhood, and the lessons he learned from both success and failure.

We talk about:

Division 1 basketball and me...

In this special 50th episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we’re joined by Darryl Budd — longtime business leader, entrepreneur, mentor, and member of the family behind the Budds’ Group of Companies.

Darryl shares the story of building a family-run automotive business from the ground up, starting with a small dealership in Oakville in 1973 and growing it into one of Ontario’s most recognized automotive groups. Along the way, he opens up about leadership, risk-taking, mentorship, fatherhood, and the lessons passed down through generations.

We talk about:

In this special episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we’re joined by mixologist and entrepreneur Matt Sinagoga for a conversation about cocktails, fatherhood, business, and the unexpected lessons life throws at you.

Matt opens up about becoming a first-time dad just weeks before the recording, the emotional shift that comes with fatherhood, and how it changed the way he understands his own dad. He also shares how he built a successful mixology business during Covid—going from virtual cocktail classes in his basement to consulting for restaurants, creating content for major brands, and hosting cocktail expe...

In this episode, we’re joined by PJ Mercanti, CEO of Carmen's Group, for a conversation about family business, leadership, fatherhood, and building a meaningful life.

PJ shares how growing up in a hardworking Italian family in Hamilton shaped his values, why he chose to leave a promising career opportunity with ESPN to return home, and what it’s really like leading a multi-generational hospitality company under constant pressure.

We talk about:

Leadership and entrepreneurship

Fatherhood and family values

Mental heal...

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Palmer, Chief Commercial Officer at Golf Canada, for a conversation about leadership, fatherhood, and building a career in professional sports.

Mark shares how he went from entry-level ticket sales with the Toronto Blue Jays to leading the commercial strategy behind one of Canada’s biggest sports organizations.

We talk about:

In this episode, we’re joined by Dan MacKenzie, President of the Canadian Hockey League, for a conversation about leadership, fatherhood, and what it means to shape the next generation.

Dan shares his journey from teaching and coaching basketball to helping grow the National Basketball Association in Canada, and eventually stepping into one of the biggest leadership roles in junior hockey. He reflects on patience, timing, and the importance of taking chances when opportunities come.

We also talk about:

In this episode, we’re joined by JC Deacon, Head Coach of the University of Florida Men’s Golf Team, to talk about leadership, fatherhood, and what it takes to build champions.

JC shares his journey from growing up in Toronto to coaching at the highest level of collegiate golf, including winning a national championship and developing elite athletes. But beyond the wins, this conversation dives into the mindset behind success—focusing on attitude, work ethic, and building strong character.

We talk about the role of parents in youth sports...

This week we’re joined in studio by Dean McDermott, actor, producer, and storyteller whose life has played out both on screen and in the public eye, but whose real story goes far deeper than what people think they know.

Dean has experienced the highs of success and the lows of personal struggle, all while navigating it in front of the world. But what makes this conversation powerful isn’t the headlines, it’s the honesty behind them.

In this episode, Dean opens up about:

• Growing up and find...

Anthony is a former Vice President of Sports & NHL Sales at Rogers Sports & Media, where he helped lead the commercial partnerships behind Sportsnet and some of the biggest properties in Canadian sport, including the NHL and the Toronto Blue Jays.

In this episode, we go beyond what fans see on the surface and dive into the business side of sports, how deals get done, how brands connect with teams, and what really happens behind the scenes of major leagues.

But this conversation goes deeper than just sports.

Anthony shares:

How he...

This week, we’re joined in studio by Johnny Muresan, marathon runner, endurance athlete, and someone who understands what it really takes to push past your limits.

Johnny’s story is built on discipline, consistency, and the mental toughness required to keep going when most people would quit. From long-distance running to the mindset behind endurance, this conversation goes far beyond just physical performance.

In this episode we talk about:

• What it takes mentally to run marathons and push your limits

• The role discipline and consistency play in long-ter...

This week we’re joined in studio by Adam Greenberg, founder of One Bone, the apparel brand redefining how clothing fits and feels for bigger men

What started as a simple frustration turned into a mission driven company. Adam noticed that traditional fashion completely overlooked an entire group of men who wanted better fitting, better feeling clothes. Instead of accepting it, he decided to build a solution.

One Bone has since grown into more than just a clothing brand. It has become a community built around confidence, identity, and making men feel good in what th...

This week we’re joined by Chris Cullen, keynote speaker, mindset coach, three-time author, and founder of a performance consultancy helping leaders, teams, and organizations perform at their highest level.

Chris’s journey is anything but ordinary. A former Michigan State baseball captain who went on to play in the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system, he later built a successful career in medical sales and leadership at Stryker before shifting his focus toward mindset, leadership, and performance.

Today, his work helps organizations and elite teams rethink how they approach pressure, discipline, and pers...

This week, we’re joined in studio by Ryan Lazar, tech and AI executive, sales leader, former GM of Canada at Qualtrics and CareerBuilder, and proud Detroit sports fan.

Ryan’s career didn’t follow a straight line. After studying civil engineering and getting laid off during the recession, he pivoted into sales, starting at Xerox, grinding it out, building relationships, and ultimately leading high-growth teams across North America. Along the way, he’s learned that success isn’t about titles. It’s about culture, discipline, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

It’s not just highlight reels and championship rings. It’s late draft picks, getting cut, second jobs, injuries, and fighting to stay in the league every single season. Kyle Buchanan has spent 14 years in the National Lacrosse League. He was a 6th-round pick. He got released. He almost walked away. Now he’s a 3x NLL Champion with the Buffalo Bandits — chasing a fourth.

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we talk about what life in pro lacrosse is really like: the mental grind, surviving roster cuts, playing in front of 19,000 fans in Buffalo...

What does it really take to last 15 seasons in professional football?

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with 2x Grey Cup Champion Chris Van Zeyl, one of the most respected offensive linemen in the CFL and a true student of the game. From switching positions early in his career…To battling dark seasons, career-threatening injuries, and identity shifts…To winning championships and redefining greatness beyond the field…

Chris opens up about:

The mindset that built a 15-year career in the Canadian Football LeagueWhy learning how to lose matter...

🎙️ This week on Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Sim Bains — architect, designer, entrepreneur, and founder of All Eyes On Me.

Sim’s work lives at the intersection of space, culture, and human experience. As the driving force behind All Eyes On Me, he’s redefining what luxury eyewear and optometry can feel like — not just through product, but through emotion, environment, and intention.

Born in Windsor and raised in Tecumseh, Sim took a non-traditional path early on. He left university before completing his degree, choosing instead to bet on himself an...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Robin Yates, a quiet force behind some of the most respected outerwear brands in Canada and around the world.

Robin is a seasoned brand builder and operator whose career spans performance apparel, global brand strategy, and disciplined execution. He was appointed CEO of Woods, one of Canada’s oldest outdoor brands, where he helped guide the company into a modern era by focusing on relevance, authenticity, and long-term positioning in a crowded global market.

He also served as a senior executive at Ca...

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with John Romano, the founder and owner of Nickel Brook Brewing, for an honest conversation about family, legacy, and building something from the ground up.

John opens up about growing up in a traditional Italian household, the values passed down through his family, and how those lessons shaped both the father and entrepreneur he is today. From raising his children to navigating the risks, sacrifices, and long nights that come with starting a brewery, John shares what it really takes to turn passion into a...

Doug Gilmour is a Hall of Fame legend and Stanley Cup champion celebrated for his iconic, gritty leadership as the Toronto Maple Leafs' captain. Today, he remains an active figure through his DG93 lifestyle brand and his role as a dedicated family man.

Doug's Links: 

https://www.douggilmour.com/shop

https://www.prodrysport.com

Special thanks to our incredible sponsors:

This episode's opening sponsor is Circle Mortgage 

https://circlemortgage.ca/

This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal.

https://www.spicerl...