PODCAST · society
Better Than Not
by Doug Gardham
We don’t have it all figured out. And maybe never will. But doing something is better than nothing. It’s … Better Than NotBetter Than Not is a podcast that seeks to capture a conversation about shifting perspectives based loosely on the Substack series "A Changing Frame of Reference."
Episodes
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BTN #171 – Sam Cooper – Election Special: Wilful Blindness
In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure and privilege to talk with investigative journalist Sam Cooper. Sam is publisher of The Bureau on Substack with over 35,000 subscribers. He was the first journalist to break Vancouver’s money laundering story in 2019 coining the term...
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BTN #170 – Trish Rainone-DiLuzio – Turn Ideas Into Reality
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to talk with Trish Rainone-DiLuzio, actress, screenwriter and director. Trish shared her journey from small-town beginnings to her success in the entertainment industry with shows like My Roommate’s an Escort and Pink Is In. She...
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BTN #169 – Bruce Stanfield – Just Go Out and Do It
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with Bruce Stanfield - actor, producer and artist - who shared his unconventional journey from growing up in New Zealand to acting in Canada. Bruce talked about his many diverse experiences in the film industry and his...
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BTN #168 – Gerry Schramm – New Rush: A Celebration
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to again speak with Gerry Schramm, the co-host of the Something For Nothing podcast. We discussed the incredible resurgence of Rush the band, the impact of their latest tour, and the artistry behind their music. We explored how...
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BTN #167 – Marcus Kliewer – Write It, Post It
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the distinct pleasure and privilege of speaking with author Marcus Kliewer, who shared his journey from stop-motion animator to bestselling author. We discussed how his distinctive metaphors and storytelling techniques create such immersive worlds for...
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BTN #166 – Harold Godwin – This Thing Called Life
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to again speak with friend, writer and entrepreneur Harold Godwin. Harold was the very first guest to be part of the Better Than Not conversation back in 2023 – Episode #2 – where we talked about AI. Here, Harold shared his unique perspective...
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BTN #165 – Norman Wolfe – Change Impacts Your Identity: Believe It!
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with Norman Wolfe, CEO of Quantum Leaders, Inc. and author of The Living Organization. Norman shared insights from his journey from mathematician to organizational executive at Hewlett-Packard, exploring the concept of...
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BTN #164 – Whitney Schreck – Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding
In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure to speak with Whitney Shreck who shared her insights on leadership, the power of music, and the importance of reflection and advisory boards in personal and professional growth. Discover how non-linear learning and understanding…
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BTN #163 – William C Cole – Never Too Late To Start
In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the wonderful pleasure to speak with actor, author, director and now ACTRA National Councillor William C. Cole. Bill shared insight into his new roles within ACTRA, the impact of social media on acting, and the future of AI in the entertainment...
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BTN #162 – Steven Puri – Do The Thing
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with Steven Puri, CEO of The Sukha Company, who previously held positions of Vice President at 20th Century Fox and Executive Vice President at DreamWorks. Steven shared insights from his diverse career in film,...
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BTN #161 – Scott Walker – Small Habits, Big Impact
In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure and privilege to speak with LA entrepreneur and author Scott Walker. Scott shared his transformative journey from burnout to happiness through simple daily habits like morning walks. He spoke about discovering how small changes can lead...
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BTN #160 – Elena Neuman – Looking Up
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with director and filmmaker Elena Neuman. Elena shared her inspiring journey from journalism to filmmaking, her approach to storytelling, and the making of her first feature film 'Looking Up' about rock climbing and...
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BTN #159 – Martin Greindl– Curving Pathways
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to speak with Martin Greindl, Community Groups Coordinator at Northview Community Church. Martin shared his remarkable journey from nursing in Germany to discovering his calling in ministry through a series of divine encounters, personal...
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BTN #158 – James Campbell – The Humble Clarinet Maestro
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with renowned clarinetist James Campbell. Juno winner and recipient of the Order of Canada, James has been the Artistic Director of Parry Sound’s Festival of The Sound since 1985, which has featured such music…
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BTN #157 – Pastor Matt Erickson – The Pastor As Gardener
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the privilege to talk with Pastor Matt Erickson, Senior Pastor at Eastbrook Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Matt shared his journey from a potential career in software engineering to becoming a pastor. He spoke about his spiritual awakening, the influence...
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BTN #156 – Atlantis – Revisited: Past, Present, and Future
This is a special edition of Better Than Not in conversation with the members of the band Atlantis: Craig Collett, Craig Evans, Blake Steels and yours truly. My usual hosting duties were passed to radio personality and political commentator Scott Thompson for reasons that will become apparent in...
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BTN #155 – West Hansen – Experience, An Underestimated Competence
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to again speak with West Hansen, ultra-marathon kayak-canoeist, extreme expedition leader and Texas Chapter Chair of The Explorers Club. West shared new stories about some the incredible expeditions he's been on and led…
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BTN #154 – Marc Lapointe, PhD – Some Things Are Just a Mystery
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the distinct pleasure to speak with Mark Lapointe, Director of the Leadership Institute at Northview Community Church. I met Marc while attending the History of Christianity series organized by Northview’s Leadership Institute where he lectured on the…
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BTN #153 – Pastor Ezra Okoti – The Battle Is Not Flesh and Blood
In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure and privilege to speak with Pastor Ezra Okoti, Executive Pastor of Multiplication at Northview Community Church in Abbotsford BC. In Ezra’s last visit, he talked about planting a new church in Chilliwack. In this episode, not only has...
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BTN #152 – Kira Shishkin – Wading Thru the News Deluge
Do you have challenges getting the news you want? Then this episode may be for you. Even seemed appropriate to be the first episode done both on rooftop and in the rain. I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with serial entrepreneur Kira Shishkin, founder and president of informed.now and...
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BTN #151 – Bill Bell – From Sudbury To Big League
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to speak with musician Bill Bell about his musical life--and what a journey! From his early days in Sudbury playing in garage bands and working in music stores to performing with legends like Alex Lifeson, Jason Mraz and Tom Cochran. Discover...
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BTN #150 – Iain Provan – Cuckoos In Our Nest
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with historian and author Iain Provan, a retired professor from Regent College who now consults and lectures through his company The Cuckoos Consultancy. I met Iain at his lecture series on the History of Christianity…
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BTN #149 – Jon Balzer – An Astounding Miracle of Life
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had occasion to again speak with Jon Balzer, father, entrepreneur and mover. Our first conversation was in audio format, Episode #10 of the podcast. In that episode, Jon told the story of how he and his wife adopted two boys, but he could only go so far with...
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BTN #148 – Sam Cooper – Foreign Powers Are Shaping Canada’s Future
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the privilege of a second conversation with investigative journalist and publisher of The Bureau, Sam Cooper. Sam revealed the deeply interconnected issues plaguing Canada—from organized crime and government corruption to land disputes and international...
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BTN #147 – Mark Winters – From Aerospace to Musician
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to speak with Mark Winters, aerospace engineer turned touring musician. Mark shared his extraordinary story of morphing an engineering world into one of music. Mark explained how his innate curiosity, supportive family, and relentless pursuit...
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BTN #146 – Payman Kianpour – Expanding Our Understanding
In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure to speak with friend, engineer and innovator, Payman Kianpour. Payman is the founder and president of Kepstrum Inc, a design and thinking company. We explored the nature of problem solving through the idea of definition versus...
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BTN #145 – Pastor Eric Heath – Pastoral Calling
In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure to speak with Eric Heath pastor of Northview Community Church’s Central Abbotsford Campus. Eric guested previously in Episode #65. Eric shared more of his unique journey from lawyer to pastoral ministry. We explored the importance of...
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BTN #144 – Craig Collett – Riffs, Gear and Love Your Neighbour
In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure to talk with friend, music aficionado and Atlantis lead guitarist Craig Collett. Craig shared more of his musical journey, favorite instruments, legendary concerts, and the stories behind some of his iconic gear. Craig delved into some…
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BTN #143 – Pastor April Yamasaki – Hope Beyond Our Sorrows
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to talk with resident author at Valley CrossWay Church, Pastor April Yamasaki, who is also editor of Rejoice magazine. April shared her journey from childhood dreams of writing to her calling in pastoral ministry. She discussed her new book...
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BTN #142 – Paul Romanuk – From Fan To Voice of the Leafs
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the privilege to talk with sportscaster Paul Romanuk, who many will remember as the voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He shared his journey from playing road hockey in Oshawa to announcing play-by-play for the Leafs. We discussed the evolution of hockey…
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BTN #141 – Pastor Jesse Wilson – Unlocking Spiritual Prosperity
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to talk with Pastor Jesse Wilson who leads the Community and Care Ministry at Northview Community Church. Jesse shared his journey from a non-ministry background to becoming a pastor. He spoke on the power of prayer, community, and trusting…
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BTN #140 – Powfu – From Bedroom to 3.5 Billion Streams
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the privilege and pleasure to talk with lo-fi popstar and recording artist Powfu (aka Isaiah Faber.) Isaiah shared his journey from creating music in his bedroom and uploading to Soundcloud to become a streaming sensation with over 3.5 billion streams of...
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BTN #139 – Mark Medley– Live To See The Day
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to talk with Mark Medley, Deputy Editor, Opinion at Canada's The Globe and Mail and author of the new book “Live to See the Day.” This was a very unique and special episode for me. I originally met Mark through his Globe article, “The hardest...
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BTN #138 – Jeffrey Ryan – The Art of Musical Odyssey
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the distinct pleasure to talk with music composer Jeffrey Ryan. In 2025, I attended Gryphon Trio's performance of Jeff’s composition Chimera. Listening to the piece took me on a mind-expanding musical odyssey. Did the same to my wife. I reached out to…
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BTN #137 – John Johnstone – The Power Of Invitation
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the distinct privilege to talk with John Johnstone who is Stó:lō First Nations and works with Multiply and Inner Hope Youth Ministries in BC. I met John after participating in a Blanket Exercise that he hosted. I was so impacted by the event that I…
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BTN #136 – Pastor Cameron Moore – Let Us Begin Again, For Until Now We Have Done Nothing
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to talk with Pastor Cameron Moore about his journey from Atlanta, Georgia, to Nanaimo, British Columbia, where he is involved in church planting. Cam talked about God's faithfulness throughout his journey and emphasized the need for open...
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BTN #135 – Scott Thompson – A New Era … Maybe
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of a return visit with radio personality and political commentator Scott Thompson. Scott talked about the shifting political landscape in Canada including leadership and immigration. We talked about the shift in the housing market, the...
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BTN #134 – Tizneem Jiancaro – We’re Not in Control
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of a return visit with Tizneem Jiancaro, PhD, master coach and engineer. We explored a wide range of topics in this episode including the nature of perception, the evolution of AI, the importance of memory and beliefs, and the journey of...
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BTN #133 – Peter Cardinali – Japan Head and Bad Notes
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the good fortune of a return visit with renown bassist, producer, composer and arranger Peter Cardinali. Through Peter’s extensive career, he’s been part of the evolution of music recording and seen the changes first hand from analog to digital formats…
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BTN #132 – Tony Keller– Immigration: Borderline Chaos
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the privilege of talking with Tony Keller, long-time columnist at Canada’s national newspaper The Globe and Mail. Tony writes on economics, politics, public policy and international affairs. I invited Tony on to talk about his recent article on…
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BTN #131 – Kirk Sutherland – The Unseen World of Art
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of a return visit with Canadian artist Kirk Sutherland to talk about his world of art. Kirk shared his unique approach to teaching art, emphasizing the importance of observation and the ever-changing nature of color. We talked about the...
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BTN #130 – Michael Butler, PhD – God and Science Together
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the distinct pleasure of a return visit with Michael Butler, PhD of Astrophysics. Michael is a speaker with Apologetics Canada. We again explored the intricate relationship between science and God with a particular focus on Michael’s area of...
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BTN #129 – Sylvain Lapointe – Buzz Brass Quintet – VCS #3
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sylvain Lapointe, trumpet player and founder of Buzz Brass, an award-winning brass quintet that blends classical chamber music with innovative performance. This is the third episode where I talk with artists who will be part…
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BTN #128 – Pastor Kristal Toews – A Light To Faith Through Bible Study
In this episode, I had the distinct pleasure to welcome Kristal Toews, Pastor of Discipleship at Northview Community Church, to Better Than Not. Kristal leads the team responsible for the in-depth and remarkable Bible studies at Northview that I've often talked about on the podcast. Kristal…
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BTN #127 – Robin Sather – LEGO: The Toy That Keeps On Playing
In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure to talk with LEGO Certified Professional Robin Sather, LEGO’s first certified professional in the world. We began our discussion around LEGO’s evolving landscape with the rise of knockoff brands, the importance of building experiences,...
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BTN #126 – Adam Riley – Surviving Alone: The Psychological Toll
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the privilege to talk with Alone: Season 9’s Adam Riley, a professional alpaca shearer and adventurer. Adam shared his journey from introverted, book-reading child in the UK to seasoned traveler and survivalist—though he doesn’t think of himself as one.…
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BTN #125 – Barry Keane (Part 2) – It’s What You Leave Out That Makes All The Difference
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the privilege of a return visit with Barry Keane, the long-time drummer for the iconic Gordon Lightfoot. Our conversation continued from where Episode #102 left off. We again delved into Barry's extensive career in the music business including many of his...
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BTN #124 – Pastor Joshua Scott – The Heart of Joy in Faith
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of a return visit from Pastor Joshua Scott. When last we chatted (Episode 39) Joshua was still pastor at our church, so that's where we began, with his transition from single church pastor to overseeing multiple campuses at Northview…
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BTN #123 – Craig Evans – It’s Been Such a Long Time
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the distinct pleasure to be joined by long-time friend and marketing executive Craig Evans. We talked about the old, the new and a lot of the in between from our rock band days to our respective corporate careers while ruminating on the lessons life…
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BTN #122 – Kenneth Emig – The Dance of Curiosity
In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure of talking with Kenneth Emig, a transdisciplinary artist and consultant. Kenneth described his journey from high school bass player to acoustics expert and award-winning artist. He shared insights from his music industry experience, acoustics...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
We don’t have it all figured out. And maybe never will. But doing something is better than nothing. It’s … Better Than NotBetter Than Not is a podcast that seeks to capture a conversation about shifting perspectives based loosely on the Substack series "A Changing Frame of Reference."
HOSTED BY
Doug Gardham
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Better Than Not have?
Better Than Not currently has 171 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Better Than Not about?
We don’t have it all figured out. And maybe never will. But doing something is better than nothing. It’s … Better Than NotBetter Than Not is a podcast that seeks to capture a conversation about shifting perspectives based loosely on the Substack series "A Changing Frame of Reference."
How often does Better Than Not release new episodes?
Better Than Not publishes regularly with 171 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Better Than Not?
You can listen to Better Than Not on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Better Than Not?
Better Than Not is created and hosted by Doug Gardham.
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