Shows
Think Big with Dan & QasimInnovative Fashion: A Conversation with Blake Roberson Founder Bitcoin Sock Club | Think BigWelcome to | Think Big with Dan and Qasim, where we explore the stories behind unique and innovative businesses. In this episode, we chat with Blake Roberson, the founder of the Bitcoin Sock Club. Join us as Blake Roberson shares his entrepreneurial journey of creating the Bitcoin Sock Club, a brand that merges fashion with the world of cryptocurrency. Blake discusses the inspiration behind the concept, the challenges of launching a niche product, and the success stories that have defined his business. Discover how Bitcoin Sock Club is revolutionizing the sock industry with its creative designs and crypto-themed flair. Whether...2024-07-0316 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickA.L.M.A - Journey into the AI Frontier with Eric Monteiro - Part 2Send us a textEmbark on a thought-provoking journey, as we continue our fascinating conversation with Eric Monteiro. We attempt to unravel the complex tapestry of AI, free will, and the human condition, offering insights that promise to challenge your perspectives on a future with generative AI. Our discussion spans the ethical quandaries of AI's impact on creativity and wealth distribution, to the practical experiences of using AI tools like Copilot AI in content creation. We're balancing on a tightrope strung between dystopia and utopia, and together, we're questioning how much of that future is...2023-12-2125 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickA.L.M.A - Journey into the AI Frontier with Eric Monteiro - Part 1Send us a textWhat if our future was not just shaped by human intelligence but also artificial intelligence? This week on "For What It's Worth", we explore one possible future in a world dependent on Generative AI as we sit down with Eric Monteiro, analytics expert, robotics engineer, and author, through the lens of his science-based novel ALMA. We weave our way through Eric's fascinating journey from Brazil to Canada, his unexpected shift from engineering to writing, and his profound thoughts on AI's potential role in our future.Imagine quantum mechanics influencing business decisions; so...2023-12-1432 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickThe Power of Mathematics, Innovation & Optimal Learning, with John Mighton -Part 2Send us a textHave you ever considered how intellectual inequality in education might be a root cause of socioeconomic disparity? Join us as we dive deep into this thought-provoking issue with our guest, John Mighton, the founder of Jump Math. We take a hard look at intellectual inequality, a hidden yet pervasive issue in our society, and discuss how promoting intellectual equality in schools can eradicate it within two years. John brings a unique perspective, weaving in the power of mathematics, innovation, and optimal learning into this urgent conversation.What if the key to...2023-12-0745 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickThe Power of Mathematics, Innovation & Optimal Learning, with John MightonSend us a textEver wondered why some people are naturally good at math while others struggle ? Get ready to debunk the myth of the 'math gene' as we chat with one of Canada's most distinguished innovators, John Mighton. A self-taught mathematician, John takes us on a fascinating journey from his diverse background in mathematics, literature and theatre, to his innovative approach in teaching mathematics. Discover how his time as a consultant for Good Will Hunting help to shift his perspective on learning and education.Immerse yourself in an enlightening conversation about the art of...2023-11-2333 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickExploring Mathematics, Innovation, AI Futures, Affordable Housing, and the Power of Music: A New Season KickoffSend us a textWelcome to a new season of For What It's Worth that promises to be a whirlwind journey through the world of innovation, music, and social issues. Our first guest is John Mighton, whose contributions to the fields of Mathematics, Literature, Drama, Education and Social Entrepreneurship are nothing short of extraordinary. His charity organization JUMP Math is changing how we can create intellectual quality in our society through the teaching of mathematics.Can you imagine a world governed by Artificial Intelligence? Eric Montiero, a robotics engineer, analytics executive, and author, paints a fa...2023-11-1305 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake Melnick2023 Updated Show TrailerSend us a textAs we are set to begin Season 5 of #ForWhatitsworthwithBlakeMelnick, we figured it's time to update the show trailer for the benefit of our new listeners prior to the launch of the new season. The show began in June 2020 and oh what changes have occurred since that time ... The storming of the U.S. capitol; The impeachment of President Trump; The war in the Ukraine, and the advent of A.I. as a commercial product ...and we've been there through it all.We are really excited about Season 5 of the sho...2023-08-3002 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickTake Five - Season 4 - The FinaleSend us a textWelcome to this week's episode of #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, called #TakeFive, the final episode of Season 4 of the show. Thanks to all the wonderful guests we've had on the show this season - #DrTomCarey #DrTerrySoleas #StephenCohos, #DrRuthBackstrom, #TomPowers and #SueSiri . And my special thanks to you, our listeners. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Without YOU there would be no show.We'll be back again with the start of Season 5 towards the end of September. Season 5 is shaping up to the best season ever. We will b...2023-08-2505 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickThe Space [inbetween] - What We're Watching, Reading & Listening toSend us a textThis Week on #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, our next instalment of #WhatWereWatchingReadingandListeningto on #TheSpaceinbetween. As in the past, I'm joined by my co-host, #CameronBrown to discuss our recommendations for what to watch; what to read, and what to listen to as the Summer draws to a close.We have some great picks for you - #TeskeyBrothers, #AlwaysattheCarlyle #InsideMan and many more ...For What it's Worth.Accompanying playlist https://spotify.link/v46xVcjBnCbThe music for this episode, "High Water" is written and performed by o...2023-08-1832 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickEyes Wide Open with guest, Sue SiriSend us a textThis week on #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, the next installment in our series #ManyFacesofInnovation, #EyesWideOpen - my interview with #SueSiri, Founder and CEO of #IrisBooth.Often times good ideas "die on the vine" so to speak, because at the time the idea was conceived, there was no context to which it could be applied. In some cases, the right context might be the right market condition. In others, it might be the lack of funds and expertise for development. Or it might be an outlier idea. In many cases, however, it might some...2023-08-1159 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickEyes Wide Open - The TrailerSend us a textThis week on #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, the trailer for our up and coming episode, the next instalment in our series #TheManyFacesofInnovation, called #EyesWideOpen with my guest #SueSiri, Founder of #IrisBooth.Sometimes the opportunity for innovation is right in front of us. It's not necessarily an idea that's new to the world ...sometimes it's a better mousetrap ...Check out the trailer and join us for the next episode to hear Sue's story ....For What it's WorthThe music for this episode, "How Come I Gotta" is written and p...2023-07-2708 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickPower of Ideas Part 2 with Dr. Ruth BackstromSend us a textThis week on #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick , part two of my interview with Dr. #RuthBackstrom author of #IgnitingaBoldNewDemocracy . In part one, Dr. Backstrom and I discussed the context for change; the eroding belief that our democracy can provide for the needs of all our citizens. In part two, we pick up from where we left off and focus our conversation on the impact of the Reagan years, technology, social media, and the need to re-imagine education. For what it's worth. The music for this episode, "How Come I Gotta" is w...2023-05-2941 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickThe Power of Ideas Part 1 with Guest Dr. Ruth BackstromSend us a textThis week on #ForWhatitsWorhwithBlakeMelnick, Part 1 of my interview with Dr. #RuthBackstrom, author of the recently published book #IGNITINGABOLDNEWDEMOCRACY: Empowering Citizens Through Game-Changing Reforms. In Part 1 of our interview, Dr. Backstrom discusses her background and the motivation for wanting to write her book; The root causes of the dysfunctional state of Democracy in the U.S. and Canada; The disconnect between the political system and the needs of citizens and the power of ideas to ignite large scale change....For What it's WorthThe music for this episode, "2023-05-1831 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickThe Power of Ideas - The TrailerSend us a textWe are all acutely aware of the stark polarization in our world; We have begun to lose faith In our political, social and economic systems. Our belief that our democracy can provide adequately for our citizens, is fraying at the edges.We have lost the art of open minded discourse and it would seem that we no longer value perspectives different from our own - Cancel culture, negative labelling; distortion of the truth has prevented all voices from being heard and has splintered our citizenry around political linesWhat...2023-05-0806 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickEntrainment & The Power of Sound - Part 2 with Tom PowersSend us a textThis week on #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick and our #ManyFacesofInnovation series, is part 2 of #EntrainmentandPowerofSound, with my guest @TomPowers. In part one, Tom explained the Theory of Entrainment and his “aha!” moment when he realized that something in music had changed post 1995.We had inadvertently lost the natural interpersonal musical entrainment, which occurs between artists and their music and their audience as a result of the mass adoption of digital technology. Tom's prior experience as a recording engineer came into play as he began to advance his hypothesis.Could we bring...2023-03-1729 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickEntrainment & the Power of Sound - Part 1 with Tom PowersSend us a textThis week on #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, the next instalment of our #TheManyFacesofInnovation series, called #EntrainmentandthePowerofSound with my guest @TomPowers.In this episode, Tom explains the concept of #Entrainment - the natural synchronization that occurs in the mechanical world; the biological world; the social world and between musicians and their audience.Entrainment is natural ....and it is something that we've inadvertently lost as a result of the over use of digital technologies in the production of music...Tom has created the means for bringing it back using the very technologies that caused...2023-03-0343 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickEntuitive Ennovation - Part 2 with guest Stephen CohosSend us a textThis week on #ForWhatItsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, part of our Many Faces of Innovation series with my guest, Stephen Cohos from #EntuitiveEngineering in Calgary, Alberta. In part one of our interview, Stephen and I discussed Entuitive's innovation ecosystem, their goals and objectives for trying to create a culture of innovation in their workplace.In this episode, Stephen and I zero in on some of the success stories, the things that have worked really well, the "ah ha" moments that have happened as a result of this drive to create an employee led c...2023-02-0340 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickEntuitive Ennovation - Part 1 with guest Stephen CohosSend us a textThis week on #ForWhatItsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, the next instalment in our series, #TheManyFacesofInnovation, we focus on innovation at the organizational level. For those of you new to the series, here's a bit of a recap. #TheManyFacesofInnovation Series is designed to make innovation more understandable, accessible, and actionable to both individuals and organizations alike.In our first two episodes of the series this season, we profiled the ground-breaking research of Dr. Terry Soleas from Queens University around what motivates people to want to innovate, and conversely, why do some people struggle with...2023-01-2628 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickUnderstanding the Motivations to Innovate Part 2 with guest Dr. Terry SoleasSend us a textWell, Happy New Year and welcome to this week's episode of #ForWhatIt'sWorthwithBlakeMelnick. This is part two of our episode, #UnderstandingthMotivationtoInnovate with my guest, #Dr.TerrySoleas from #QueensUniversity. Dr. Soleas's seminal research on the factors which motivate people to innovate is key to making innovation more understandable, accessible, and actionable to individuals and organizations alike.We need to resist thinking about innovation as the preserve of geniuses, and we need to avoid lionizing individuals and giving them singular attribution for large scale innovations and inventions. We need to begin to focus on...2023-01-0534 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickUnderstanding the Motivations to Innovate - Part 1- with guest Dr. Terry SoleasSend us a textIn this episode of #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, the #MotivationstoInnovate, my guest is #DrTerrySoleas from #QueensUniversity in Kingston Ontario. Terry and I discuss #Innovation, Invention and the difference between the two. We share stories and insights about innovation with the collective goal of making innovation more understandable, accessible and actionable to individuals and organizations alike ...For What it's WorthLink to Episode Blog PostThe music for this episode, "Queen of Queen's" is written and performed by our current artist in residence, #DouglasCameron. You can f...2022-12-1940 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickEmployee-led Innovation and the Quality of Work - TrailerSend us a text This week on #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, the season 4 trailer for our series, #TheManyFacesofInnovation, #EmployeeLedWorkplaceInnovationand theQualityofWork, where we speak with innovators from across multiple fields of endeavour to hear about their innovation journey and through their stories, seek to better understand how to unlock and support Innovation dynamic within yourself and your organization regardless of its nature or size ...For What it's WorthThe music for this episode, "High Water" is written and performed by our current artist in residence, #DouglasCameron. You can find out more about Do...2022-12-0904 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickLittle Feat A.G. - Playlist EpisodeSend us a text This week on #ForWhatItsWorthwithBlakeMelnick an episode of #TheSpaceinBetween called #LittleFeatAG.As our listeners know, we've been doing a fairly deep dive into the music of Little Feat. I had a great interview with Mr. Bill Payne, co-founder and pianist for the band, and during that interview we discussed the need to encourage new listeners to Little Feat. What came out of the interviews, both with Bill and with some of the fans on the street before their show in Seattle this past summer was Little Feat fans are a little bit stuc...2022-11-2529 minFOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickStraight from the Heart - Part 2 - With Bill Payne of Little FeatSend us a textWelcome to this week's episode of #ForWhatItsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, part 2 of my interview, #StraightfromtheHeart with my guest, the great #BillPayne from #LittleFeet. In part one, Bill and I discussed the recent tour, his early musical influences, the renewed power of music in our tumultuous times, and his short lived career as a drummerIn this episode, Bill and I pick up from where we left off and do a deep dive into the art and craft of songwriting, the growth of the band, the joy of playing together, the importance of...2022-11-1028 minFOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickStraight from the Heart Part 1 - With Bill Payne of Little FeatSend us a textThis week on #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, part 1 of #Straightfromthe Heart, my interview with the great #BillPayne, keyboardist and co-founder of #LittleFeat. I spent a lot of time listening to interviews given by Bill over the years , looking for a different angle, something that we could talk about that perhaps nobody has talked about before. One of the comments Bill made in one interview was, "We lost Lowell George, we lost Richie Hayward. We lost Paul Barrere - If we were to lose Bill Payne, Little Feat would still survive"So that...2022-11-0330 minFOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickSeason 4 Trailer & Night On The Town with Little FeatSend us a textWe're Back! Welcome to season 4 of #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick and #TheSpaceinBetween. We have a great season in store for you and we're kicking it off where we left off at the end of season 3 - our multipart episode featuring #LittleFeat and their 45th anniversary tour of #WaitingforColumbus.In this episode we also celebrate the accomplishments of our past guests on the show, @Heather Gemmell, @BenHunter, @BlairPackham, @DouglasCameron and @TomCarey.My old co-host of #TheSpaceinBetween @CameronBrown will be returning this season and we're really excited to have him back in the line-up.2022-10-2013 min
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake MelnickFeats Don't Fail Me Now - The TrailerSend us a textWe have an exciting announcement for y’all! We are going to be having #BillPayne, Co-Founder and Pianist extraordinaire of #LittleFeat as a guest on #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick and #TheSpaceinbetween! This will be a multipart experience encompassing the journey from #VictoriaBC to #SeattleWa to see #LittleFeats 45 Anniversary Tour of their masterpiece live record, #WaitingforColumbus.We’ll be #puttingonoursalinshoes and jumping on the ferry from Victoria to Seattle harbour, On route we will interview #FeatFans onboard and later on the streets of Seattle prior to the show. We have been give...2022-07-2010 min