Shows
Behind the BusinessThe 1% That Changes Everything: Leadership Insights with Andrew LeithAndrew Leith, Founder of Octant Executive Advisory Group, joins Behind the Business to unpack what it really takes to lead through complexity and change.Andrew’s leadership philosophy wasn’t shaped in a boardroom. It began on a marina in Southern Ontario. Growing up on the water taught him early lessons about unpredictability, resilience, and navigating uncertainty. Those lessons became the foundation for Octant, a firm that empowers executives and teams across industries to embrace curiosity, accountability, and innovation.Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Grea...
2026-02-1224 minBehind the BusinessBehind the Lens: From Love Story to Global Brand with Gary & Kim EvansOn this episode of Behind the Business, Ian McLean sits down with Gary and Kim Evans — a husband-and-wife team who’ve built far more than an award-winning wedding photography brand.Ranked among the top photographers in the world, Gary and Kim have gone on to launch multiple businesses, redefining what’s possible within the creative economy. From Gary’s bold move from Wales to Canada and the challenge of rebuilding from the ground up in Waterloo Region, to Kim’s leadership in systems, strategy, and marketing, their story is one of calculated risk, reinvention, and intentional growth.Get a...
2026-02-0541 min
Kasterborous Classic TV: Exploring Doctor Who & Classic Sci-FiBrian Terranova and James McLean recall the early years of the podKast
This week's podcast is Patreon first as ever, with no ads! Christian Cawley chats with Brian Terranova, and then with James McLean, about the early years of Kasterborous. Among other things, we cover how we started it, the tools we used early on, and how we overcame Brian's departure...Shownotes
Why did we start the podKast with a K?
The first podKast
SPLINK
First podcast with James in 2011
This week, you get the podcast ad-free and early on Patreon. As this is a 500ish episode, it goes out in its entirety o...
2026-02-0438 min
The Simply Soul ShowIan K - The Simply Soul Show 29-01-26Play List
1 Staple Singers – If You’re Ready
2 Chaka Khan – Eye To Eye
3 Rahsaan Patterson – Where You Are
4 Kenny Thomas – Outstanding
5 Thomas & Taylor – You Cant Blame Love
6 Loose Ends – Hangin On A String
7 Odyssey – Native New Yorker
8 Change – You Are My Melody
9 Billy Paul – Bring The Family Back
10 Evelyn Champagne King – Your Personal Touch
11 Bitty McLean Feat Sly & Robbie – In And Out Of Love
12 The Upsetters – Return Of Django
13 Bob Marley & The Wailers – Stir It Up
14 Winston Reedy – Paradise (In Your Eyes)
15 John Holt – Private Doctor
16 Arthur Adams – Y...
2026-02-012h 00The Simply Soul ShowIan K - The Simply Soul Show 29-01-26Play List
1 Staple Singers – If You’re Ready
2 Chaka Khan – Eye To Eye
3 Rahsaan Patterson – Where You Are
4 Kenny Thomas – Outstanding
5 Thomas & Taylor – You Cant Blame Love
6 Loose Ends – Hangin On A String
7 Odyssey – Native New Yorker
8 Change – You Are My Melody
9 Billy Paul – Bring The Family Back
10 Evelyn Champagne King – Your Personal Touch
11 Bitty McLean Feat Sly & Robbie – In And Out Of Love
12 The Upsetters – Return Of Django
13 Bob Marley & The Wailers – Stir It Up
14 Winston Reedy – Paradise (In Your Eyes)
15 John Holt – Private Doctor
16 Arthur Adams – Y...
2026-02-012h 00Behind the BusinessBuilding More Than Homes: Philip Mills on Housing, Hope, and Systems ChangePhilip Mills is the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region and BUILD NOW: Waterloo Region. Housing affordability has become one of the defining challenges of our time, impacting businesses, families, talent attraction, and the overall health of our communities.Fortunately, Philip is at the forefront of tackling housing from both an affordability and systems-change perspective. In this conversation, Ian & Philip explore how Habitat for Humanity’s unique model creates long-term impact, why the “missing middle” is critical to our region’s future, and what it takes to move from incremental change to bold, collaborative solutions. They also tal...
2026-01-2933 minBehind the BusinessSelling Smarter with Kelly Koner: How CRM Strategy Turns Relationships into RevenueKelly Koner is an Account Executive at Rolldog CRM — an award-winning Canadian platform helping businesses better understand their customers, streamline sales, and drive smarter growth.Kelly’s career spans consumer goods, analytics, and technology, with a strong foundation right here in Waterloo Region as a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Lazaridis School of Business. She has previously held positions at Dynac Inc., Axonify, SC Johnson, and PepsiCo.In this episode, Ian and Kelly unpack what businesses often get wrong about CRM, how sales is evolving in a data-driven world, and why human relationships still sit at...
2026-01-2221 min
The Screwtape Letters: Confronting Evil in Our TimeMax McLean: Faith, C.S. Lewis, Theater, and the Screwtape LettersThis episode is an in-depth interview with Max McLean, an award-winning actor, producer, and founder of Fellowship for Performing Arts, whose career has been devoted to bringing Christian literature and Scripture to life on stage, screen, and audio. McLean is best known for his acclaimed portrayal of Screwtape in the stage adaptation of The Screwtape Letters and for portraying C. S. Lewis in The Most Reluctant Convert. He shares his own conversion story as an adult, describing how reading Scripture, especially the Gospel of John, and Lewis’s writings profoundly shaped his faith, awakening him to both the beauty of...
2026-01-1440 min
The Screwtape Letters: Confronting Evil in Our TimeSunday Update: Balancing Prayer and Action: Faith, Work, and the Legacy of C. S. LewisIn this episode of The Screwtape Letters: Confronting Evil in Our Time, Ian opens with prayer and a teaching on the biblical relationship between faith and work, stressing that God calls believers to active obedience, not passive spirituality. Drawing from Scripture, he emphasizes integrity, diligence, and purposeful action, encouraging listeners to “sow seeds” through faithful effort rather than relying on prayer alone. Ian connects this message to everyday life, work, job searching, and spiritual growth, urging listeners to live out their faith through meaningful action aligned with God’s values.The episode also highlights C. S. Lew...
2026-01-1108 minBehind the BusinessMentorship, Inclusion, and Infrastructure: Inside GRIT Engineering with Montana WilsonMontana Wilson, P.Eng., EMBA, is the founder and CEO of GRIT Engineering, a values-driven consulting firm delivering civil, geotechnical, environmental and surveying services across Ontario. Montana started as a practicing engineer and progressed into leadership with a clear mission: put people and community outcomes at the centre of infrastructure work.In this episode of Behind the Business, Montana shares the story of becoming a founder, why GRIT emphasizes mentorship, inclusion and long-term sustainability, and how the firm packages multidisciplinary work for municipalities, developers and communities. We dig into talent development for young engineers and internationally-trained professionals...
2026-01-0832 minBehind the BusinessBehind City Hall: Lessons in Leadership and Resilience with Dorothy McCabeDorothy McCabe, elected Mayor of Waterloo in 2022, brings decades of municipal experience and community-focused leadership to City Hall. In this episode we go behind the business of running a city — from the early career moments that shaped her, to the hands-on decisions that produce visible outcomes for residents. Dorothy discusses housing and growth, partnerships with post-secondary institutions and business, how leaders learn from setbacks, and the practical habits that keep her grounded. Whether you run a small business, lead a team, or simply care about the future of Waterloo Region, you’ll find practical lessons and honest stori...
2025-12-1836 minBehind the BusinessThe Good Effect: Reimagining Insurance Through Purpose, People, and Progress with Andy Taylor and Neil ParkIn this episode of Behind the Business, we sit down with Andy Taylor, President & CEO of Gore Mutual Insurance Company, and Neil Parkinson, Chair of Gore’s Board of Directors.Built on a foundation of financial strength for more than 180 years, Gore is one of Canada’s first property and casualty insurance companies. They are deeply rooted in community and are driving bold change with their intention to merge with Beneva, bringing together two well established, financially strong, trusted brands to reinforce the meaningful role of mutuals in the Canadian insurance industry.Andy and Neil share...
2025-12-1155 minBehind the BusinessFlying Forward: How Connect Airlines is Changing Regional AviationToday’s guest is John Thomas, CEO of Connect Airlines, a company on a mission to rethink regional aviation and lead the way in sustainable air travel. With a career that spans global airlines, startup ventures and bold innovation, John brings a unique perspective on leadership, infrastructure, and what it takes to build connectivity in today’s fast‑changing world.In this episode we’ll explore John’s journey from large carriers to launching his own operation, the vision for Connect Airlines, how they’re tackling a “broken model” in regional flight, and what that means for communities, sus...
2025-12-0445 minBehind the BusinessBuilding Water Confidence & Community with Ronjiny BasuRonjiny Basu is the founder of Puddles Swim School in Kitchener, a program dedicated to helping children develop confidence, safety, and joy in the water. After years in corporate program management and marketing, Ronjiny followed her passion to create a high-impact, safety-focused swim school that combines Montessori-inspired teaching with sensory-friendly design.In this episode, we go behind the business to hear how she built Puddles from the ground up, how she leads a small but mission-driven team, and how she’s partnering with the Waterloo Region community to make water safety and confidence accessible for all children.
2025-11-2726 minBehind the BusinessSubtly You: How a Husband-and-Wife Team Builds Business & CommunityShawna Leifso and Greg Quaile, the husband-and-wife team behind Subtly You, have built a medical aesthetics business that stands out through creativity, community engagement, and personalized client experiences. In this episode of Behind the Business, we explore how they combine clinical expertise with smart marketing strategies to grow a thriving business while staying authentic.Tune in to hear how Shawna and Greg leverage partnerships, innovative campaigns, and hands-on community involvement to make an impact and what lessons their journey offers to other entrepreneurs in service-based industries.Let’s go Behind the Business with Shawna and Gr...
2025-11-2033 minBehind the BusinessEmpowering Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs with Karen GallantKaren Gallant is the President and CEO of Junior Achievement JA South Western Ontario on, one of Canada’s most impactful youth organizations helping students develop financial literacy, entrepreneurial thinking, and work-readiness skills.Under her leadership, JA has expanded across the region, embraced digital learning, and continues to inspire young people to take ownership of their futures.We’ll talk about the importance of financial literacy, inspiring the next generation of innovators, and how businesses can play a hands-on role in developing future talent.Let’s go Behind the Bus...
2025-11-1325 minBehind the BusinessImmersive Art and Community Impact: The Precious Julius StoryPrecious Julius, founder of Last Minute Gallery, is transforming how Waterloo Region experiences art. What began as a passion project has grown into a vibrant, award-winning platform that celebrates emerging artists, fosters collaboration, and brings art directly into the community through immersive, hands-on events.In this episode, Precious shares the journey of building Last Minute Gallery, the inspiration behind The Art Experience, and how he connects artists with audiences in meaningful ways. From winning the 2025 Small Business Awards Event Impact Award to navigating the evolving arts landscape, he offers an insider’s perspective on...
2025-11-0627 minBehind the BusinessFrom Nursing to Cuisine: Vanessa Simon’s Recipe for Business Through CareVanessa Simon is the founder of Vanessa’s Cuisine. She made a bold career change from nursing to entrepreneurship, creating a Caribbean-rooted food brand that’s now featured on store shelves across Waterloo Region. Along the way, Vanessa has built strong community connections, earned the 2025 Exceptional Small Business of the Year Award (community-voted), and used her platform to inspire women and young entrepreneurs.Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
2025-10-3027 minBehind the BusinessBDC Small Business Week: The Story Behind Gladiator Pro WashToday’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution, and getting your business ready.Today, we’re sitting down with Nicholas Preisenhammer of Gladiator Pro Wash. What started as a small local exterior cleaning business quickly grew into a trusted comp...
2025-10-2426 minBehind the BusinessBDC Small Business Week: The Story Behind FoodZenToday’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution, and getting your business ready.Today, we’re sitting down with Destiny Moser, Founder & Executive Chef of FoodZen. After nearly two decades in corporate tech, Destiny followed her passion for food blending her Indigenous her...
2025-10-2241 minBehind the BusinessBDC Small Business Week: Behind The WAR Room Baseball Training CentreToday’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution, and getting your business ready.Today, we’re sitting down with Bruce Ysselstein (Eyes-el-stein) of The WAR Room Baseball Training Centre. A lifelong baseball enthusiast, Bruce turned his passion for the game in...
2025-10-2136 minBehind the BusinessBDC Small Business Week: The Story Behind Atum Financial ServicesAs we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution and getting your business ready. Today, we’re sitting down with Paul Brosnan of Atum Financial Services. After over two decades working in corporate finance across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive, Paul followed his passion for helping businesses and individuals thrive financially. Through Atu...
2025-10-2029 minBehind the BusinessBuilding the Future of Kitchener: A Conversation with Mayor Berry VrbanovicBorn in Croatia and raised right here in Kitchener, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic has dedicated over three decades to public service. First, as a city councillor, and now serving his third term as Mayor. His leadership has helped shape Kitchener into the dynamic, innovative, and inclusive city it is today.In this episode, we’ll go behind the business of city building, exploring what drives his vision for Kitchener’s growth, how we’re preparing for a population of one million, and what’s ahead in his upcoming State of the City Address.From lessons...
2025-10-2051 minThe Simply Soul ShowIan K - The Simply Soul Show 16-10-25Play List
1. Aretha Franklin – Wonderful
2. The O’Jays – My Favourite Person
3. Eugene Record – Overdose Of Joy
4. Surface – Happy
5. Michael Wycoff – Looking Up To You
6. Sunburst Band – Put A Lyric On It
7. Gary Byrd & The GB Experience – The Crown
8. Sweet Thunder – Everybody’s Singing Love Songs
9. Bobby Womack – Tell Me Why
10. Evelyn Champagne King – Your Personal Touch
11. Bob Marley & The Wailers – Three Little Birds
12. Dawn Penn – You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No)
13. Brown Sugar – Hello Stranger
14. Bitty McLean Feat Sly & Robbie – In And Out Of Love
15. Lou Rawls – You’ll...
2025-10-191h 59The Simply Soul ShowIan K - The Simply Soul Show 16-10-25Play List
1. Aretha Franklin – Wonderful
2. The O’Jays – My Favourite Person
3. Eugene Record – Overdose Of Joy
4. Surface – Happy
5. Michael Wycoff – Looking Up To You
6. Sunburst Band – Put A Lyric On It
7. Gary Byrd & The GB Experience – The Crown
8. Sweet Thunder – Everybody’s Singing Love Songs
9. Bobby Womack – Tell Me Why
10. Evelyn Champagne King – Your Personal Touch
11. Bob Marley & The Wailers – Three Little Birds
12. Dawn Penn – You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No)
13. Brown Sugar – Hello Stranger
14. Bitty McLean Feat Sly & Robbie – In And Out Of Love
15. Lou Rawls – You’ll...
2025-10-191h 59Behind the BusinessEmpathy, Energy, and Executive Coaching: The Amy Ballantyne WayAmy Ballantyne is a multiple TEDx Speaker, Executive Life Coach, Workplace Wellness & Emotional Intelligence Trainer, Certified Trainer of Neuro Linguistic Programing, and Hypnosis, author of “Celebrate Yourself” and host of the podcast: Power to the People Pleasers. Her whole-person coaching approach serves executives, professionals and entrepreneurs to break through their barriers and excel to new heights.On this episode, Amy talks about Embracing Worthiness and how she helps leaders live an Awesome Life. Let’s go “Behind the Business” with Amy Ballantyne. Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McL...
2025-10-0929 minBehind the BusinessReinventing Fun and Function : A Deep Dive with Mark BingemanMark Bingeman is the President and CEO of Bingemans, a family-owned entertainment, hospitality, and event destination in Waterloo Region. After studying hospitality internationally and gaining experience with major hotel brands, Mark returned to lead the business founded by his grandfather. Under his leadership, Bingemans has evolved into a modern, multi-faceted destination, offering waterparks, live events, and innovative experiences like Putt Social.Tune in to hear Mark share his journey stepping into a family-rooted leadership role, how he balances innovation with tradition, and the lessons learned while growing Bingemans. From modernizing the business to creating memorable experiences for...
2025-10-0233 min
The PulseIsland Volunteer Darrell MacKay Reports From Ukraine & Award Winning Author JP McLean"Send us a text about this episode!"This Episode Features:(27:10) Darrell MacKay of Campbell River speaks directly from Kyiv during his seventh volunteer trip to Ukraine with his girlfriend Olga Buhai. MacKay has raised $140,000 through Facebook fundraising and discusses his forthcoming book "My Time With Heroes." The interview provides firsthand accounts of evacuation efforts, infrastructure challenges, and the resilience of Ukrainian people.(7:10) JP McLean, an Eric Hoffer Award winner and three-time Literary Titan medallist from Denman Island, discusses her new book "The Never Witch" - the first...
2025-09-3050 minBehind the BusinessFrom BlackBerry to Danby: Jim Estill’s Playbook for Entrepreneurial LeadershipJim Estill of Danby Appliances is a Canadian technology entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist. Jim started a computer distribution business from the trunk of his car while in university. He turned that modest business into a company doing $350,000,000 in sales before selling to SYNNEX in 2004. He then became CEO of SYNNEX Canada and grew sales from $800,000,000 to $2 Billion over five years. Jim is active on various boards and was a founding board member of Research in Motion/Blackberry, before the company went public.In 2016 & 2017 Jim made the news Opens in new windowfor his sponsorship efforts to settle 58 refugee fa...
2025-09-2545 min
Behind the BusinessFrom Sri Lanka to Elmira: Cultivating Community and Inclusion with Abby CooperAbby Cooper is the Founder of Hearts Open For Everyone (H.O.P.E.). Abby immigrated as a young child from Sri Lanka and, after spending some time in Toronto, she settled in Elmira, where she launched H.O.P.E. Her work blends mindfulness, community engagement, DEI education, and grassroots activism.On this episode, she talks about what inspired her to launch H.O.P.E., and how mindfulness, leadership, and community building all come together in her work. We’ll talk about the impact of events like the Multicultural Festival of Elmira (coming up...
2025-09-1830 min
Cup of MetsS4 E19: Mets Take 2 of 3 In Detroit, McLean Continues To Shine, Juan Soto Is On Another Level, What's Next For Kodai Senga & Sean Manaea? Free Brandon SproatWith just 22 games remaining in the regular season, the Mets continue to fight for the NL East while holding a firm lead in the NL Wild Card race. The offense has been electric across the board led by Juan Soto with the rotation rounding into form thanks to the emergence of Nolan McLean. We discuss what's next in store for not just the club in their quest for the playoffs but for Kodai Senga & Sean Manaea in the rotation who continue to disappoint. Follow on YOUTUBE, X & INSTAGRAM: @cupofmetsSubscribe on SPOTIFY, APPLE or wherever...
2025-09-0449 min
Made In Lithgow#36: Death Cap & Deception – Lisa Mclean on the Mushroom Murder TrialFrom Lithgow to the world stage: journalist and podcaster Lisa Mclean has covered everything from Prince Andrew and Epstein to Vanderpump scandals — but nothing has captivated the nation like the Mushroom Murder Trial.Lisa sat inside the courtroom, tracked Erin Patterson’s lies, and brings us first-hand insight into one of Australia’s most shocking crimes — a Sunday lunch that ended in tragedy, three deaths, and headlines across the globe.In this exclusive chat, we cover:✅ Lisa’s strange online link to Erin years before the murders✅ The c...
2025-09-0450 minCup of MetsS4 E17: The Mets Offense Finally Awakes, Little League Classic Win, Nolan McLean, Praying For Francisco Alvarez's Thumb, Upcoming Series Preview in WashingtonThe Mets offense finally has a pulse as the Mets took the final two games versus the Seattle Mariners. We discuss the series, Nolan McLean's Debut, Pete Alonso's HR Record and look ahead to the upcoming series' in Washington & Atlanta.Follow us on INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE & X: @cupofmetsSubscribe on SPOTIFY, APPLE or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!Download The SeatGeek App! Use Code: "CUPOFMETS" at First Purchase to get $20.00 off!
2025-08-1950 minThe Simply Soul ShowIan K - The Simply Soul Show 31-07-25Play List
1. Light Of The World – London Town
2. BB&Q Band – Genie
3. Loose Ends – Nights Of Pleasure
4. Glen Goldsmith – I Won’t Cry
5. Matt Bianco – Half A Minute
6. The Whispers – And The Beat Goes On
7. Melba Moore – Love’s Comin’ At Ya
8. Blackbyrds –Rock Creek Park (M&M Mix)
9. Gene Chandler – Get Down
10. Stephanie Mills – Top Of My List
11. Bitty McLean Feat Sly & Robbie - In And Out Of Love
12. Phyllis Dillon – Perfidia
13. Morgan Heritage – She’s Still Loving Me
14. Marcia Aitken – I’m Still In love With You
15. Arthur Adams...
2025-07-312h 00