The Keeping It Positive Podcast
by Ryan Benoit
The Keeping It Positive Podcast is a podcast that celebrates the power of positivity and the incredible people who embody it. We spotlight individuals who naturally uplift those around them, people whose kindness, generosity, and good hearts make the world a better place. Through inspiring stories and meaningful conversations, we explore what it truly means to be a good human being. Tune in for a dose of encouragement, motivation, and real-life examples of people who lead with positivity and make a lasting impact.
Episodes
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Episode 50 - Holly Tetzlaff: Treating people the way you would like to be treated and have a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
After about a month away, I’m so excited to have the opportunity to work on Episode 50 of Keeping It Positive! And I couldn’t think of a better person to celebrate this milestone with. This episode features such a special human being. If it weren’t for brand, who knows if our paths would have…
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Episode 49 - Matthew Spina: Dream big, work harder. If you have the option to be good, you should take it.
This week’s guest is another amazing individual, Matty Spina! I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet him during our university days, and even more grateful that we’ve stayed such good buddies ever since. Matt’s career path is a fascinating one, and I’m incredibly proud of how far he’s...
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Episode 48 - Veronyk Zinn: Treat everyone with kindness and respect.
It was such a special opportunity to record Episode 48 with the incredible Véro! This conversation was filled with so many meaningful topics. We talked about growing up in Sudbury, how she got her start with Tutor Doctor, helping grow the family business, entrepreneurship, community involvement,...
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Episode 47 - Justin Chaumont: Slowing things down, and enjoying every moment.
I can’t thank Justin enough for taking the time to join me and share a little bit of his story. From starting in the restaurant industry as a cook to becoming a co-owner of one of the most successful restaurants in Sudbury/Northern Ontario, The kouzzina, and now preparing to open The mazi Sudbury...
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Episode 46 - Brandon Edwards: The best part of you is what you give to others!
I know it’s been a few weeks since the last episode, and I sincerely apologize for the wait. But I can honestly say this episode was worth every minute. Some conversations stay with you long after they end, and this was one of them. For nearly an hour and forty minutes, I had goosebumps. Brandon...
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Episode 45 - Elissa Bertuzzi: Taking that first step. Enjoy the process, and not rushing it!
This Episode was so much fun to record. I can’t thank Elissa enough for taking the time to do this. Having a friend like her is truly special, and seeing everything she accomplishes on a day to day basis is incredibly inspiring. In this episode, we talk about her journey so far as a firefighter,...
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Episode 44 - Ryan Hutton: Treating People With The Upmost Respect.
This episode will be dropping this week, and it was truly such an honour and privilege to spend some time with the one and only Ryan Hutton. We are incredibly lucky to have someone like Ryan serving our community as a police officer. His passion for helping others, his leadership, and the way he...
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Episode 43 - Allison MacDonald: There is nothing that we can’t improve on. We should always be looking for ways to grow, to learn, and to constantly add new tools to our toolbox!
Allison did absolutely amazing in this episode. Anyone who knows her knows she truly has a heart of gold. We had such a great conversation about her journey in music, chasing her dreams, going after what you want, connecting with people, and the power of having the right attitude. Her passion and...
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Episode 42 - Guy Villeneuve: In a world where you can be anything, be kind!
This week’s guest, Guy Villeneuve, is another truly amazing human being. He is a wealth advisor and the owner of Villeneuve Financial Consulting. In this episode, we talk about a little bit of everything, growing up in Sudbury, his journey into the financial services world, his philosophy in...
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Episode 41 - Rick MacKenzie: Building relationships and listening with an open heart!!
This week’s guest is another truly amazing individual, Rick Mackenzie, Managing Partner in Group Benefits at Gold Leaf Financial Group. Rick and I have been good friends for a long time, and he is someone I look up to tremendously. He is one of the hardest-working people I know, someone who gives...
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Episode 40 - William Aiello: Being Authentically Yourself!
To know this guy is to absolutely love him. Wherever he goes, his attitude, personality, and demeanor are contagious in the best way possible. He is the definition of an uplifting person. Will is, hands down, one of the best people you’ll ever meet. His smile, kindness, and generosity truly make...
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Episode 39 - Sara Campbell: Creativity is infinite!
I truly can’t thank Sara enough for such an incredible experience. Being around her is extremely special. Her personality and character are so uplifting, and she brings such great energy wherever she goes. She has already accomplished so much in her life, which is both inspiring and incredibly...
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Episode 38 - Bryan Cooper: Humility, Gratefulness, and Generosity
I can’t thank Bryan enough for taking the time, this was such an unbelievable conversation. His mindset, perspective, and attitude are absolutely incredible. Bryan is truly a shining light in this world and in our community. Everywhere he goes, he shows love for Sudbury and makes people feel...
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Episode 37 - Sarah Beskorowany: You never lose. You either win or you learn
Back at it this week with another great episode! Whoever knows Sarah loves Sarah. She’s a ball of amazing energy and a true example of positivity, she always sees the good in people and in every situation. In this episode, we talk about a little bit of everything: her career path, world…
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Episode 36 - Rob Dubois: The best gift you can give someone is your time!
Whoever knows Rob knows that when you talk with him, you’re talking to a pure soul. The way he carries himself, the way he treats people, and the way he makes people feel whenever he’s around, it’s so special. He’s such an amazing guy with an incredibly caring heart. Wherever he goes, he brings...
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Episode 35 - Hugh Kruzel: Everyone has a story
This week’s guest is usually the one doing the interviewing, but this time, the roles are reversed. He is the perfect example of putting yourself out there, connecting with anyone, and giving the greatest gift of all: your time. He treats everyone with genuine respect and spreads kindness…
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Episode 34 - Jean-Paul Courtemanche: It takes a village to do something special!
JP absolutely crushed it. The perfect guest to start the new year! When you think of genuinely good hearted people who are truly making a positive impact in everything they do, JP is one of the first persons that comes to mind. I’m beyond grateful to call him a friend and a role model. His…
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Episode 33 - Kevin Kincaid: The fire has always been burning, since the world has been turning
This episode was absolutely amazing and so much fun to create. It was incredible to catch up with such an amazing human being. Kevin is a phenomenal producer, director, and actor, but even more impressive is the person he is. We first met when I was chosen to be featured on an AMI production…
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Episode 32 - Ryan Catton: Smile, be present and do things in which you love to do!
Back at it this week with another extraordinary guest, Ryan Catton! In this episode, we dive into a bit of everything: his career journey and what led him to Ionic Mechatronics, his passion for coffee and becoming a co-owner of Old Rock Coffee, family, life, and so much more.
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Episode 31 - Dania Johanson: Being our authentic selves and bringing the energy
This week, we have another great guest on the podcast, they just keep coming. It was an absolute honour and privilege to have the opportunity to chat with the amazing Dania Johanson. We talked about a bit of everything: her university experience, her incredible career thus far, teaching the...
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Episode 30 - Cole Dinsmore: Leading with Optimism and Kindness
Time flies when you’re having fun. We have an amazing guest joining us, the one and only Cole Dinsmore. I was so blessed to have had the opportunity to go to university with this incredible human being. I’m so excited to catch up with him and reminisce about our university days. I’m also looking...
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Episode 29 - Mike Taylor: The more you put into it, the more you get out of it
It’s an honour have this amazing individual as a guest on this weeks podcast. Mike has been a dear friend since my university days. I don’t think I would be where I am without him. He made my university experience so much more memorable. He always had my back, and helped me anyway he could. I am...
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Episode 28 - Mike Commito: In it to win it!
I’m incredibly honoured to have the opportunity to sit down with such an inspiring individual on this week’s podcast. Mike Commito is truly one of a kind, a man driven by passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to everything he takes on. His energy, heart, and dedication are contagious. In...
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Episode 27 - Alain Valiquette: Having the nothing to lose mentality and leading by example!
I think anyone who knows this guy loves this guy, he’s the definition of a glue guy, so to speak. Wherever Al goes, you’ll find him with a smile and hear his contagious laugh from a mile away. He’s someone who genuinely cares about others, so selfless and kind-hearted. We talk about a little bit…
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Episode 26 - Jeff Farquharson and Scott Walker-Gillett: Show Up, Go For It, and Have Fun With It
I’m so grateful that these two amazing guys agreed to be guests on the podcast. Jeff and Scott are two people I look up to a tremendous amount. In this episode, we dive into Mine Rescue in general, their positions with Ontario Mine Rescue, and why the work is so important. One of the main reasons…
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Episode 25 - Jordan Pennington: Put Yourself Out There!
This week’s guest is another incredible human being: Jordan Pennington! We first met during our time at Laurentian University. I was giving a speech at the residence banquet when Jordan received an award for his outstanding initiative. In his first year, he brought back and created the…
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Episode 24 - Tyler Fitch: Spinning the world as we see it!
This week’s guest is an extraordinary person and an ambitious business owner. I’ve had the privilege of building a friendship with this amazing guy in university as we took the same program. Ty has had an impressive career thus far, and he’s just getting started. From an outstanding academic...
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Episode 23 - Wayne Kelly: Don't wish for it, work for it!
Wayne is someone I look up to a tremendous amount. His outlook on life, work ethic, and respect for everyone he meets are truly impeccable, and he is such an amazing human being. In this episode, we talk about a little bit of everything, his early stages in life, his journey in sports, coaching,...
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Episode 22 - Ben Goodman: To Never Give Up! To never get to high or to never get to low!
This is a human being I’ve looked up to a tremendous amount for so long, ever since we first met. Ben is wise beyond his years, and what he has been able to accomplish thus far, not only in his life but in his professional hockey career, has been nothing short of amazing. He recently became a...
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Episode 21 - Jeremy Benoit: Go All in!
We finally got him! This is someone I look up to a tremendous amount. His go all in mentality is truly inspiring. Jer was recently promoted to Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Ottawa Senators, a role he absolutely deserves, and then some. He is also the co-founder of Momentous...
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Episode 20 - Doug Pflug: Making people smile everyday!
it is hard to believe we have already hit this milestone. What an incredible journey it has been so far. Right from the start, Doug was someone I knew I wanted to have on the podcast and I am so glad we made it happen. Just being around him fills you with positivity, his presence radiates warmth,...
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Episode 19 - Randy Battochio: Creating an environment for people to succeed and helping people become better versions of themselves.
You can’t help but smile and feel uplifted when you’re around this guy. I’m incredibly thankful and honoured to have Randy join us as a guest on the podcast. In this episode, we dive into a bit of everything; his experience growing up in sports, his educational journey and doctorate in human...
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Episode 18 - Martin Bourgeois: Never Judge A Book By It’s Cover
On this week’s episode, episode number 18, we’re thrilled to sit down with Marty for an inspiring conversation! We dive into his passion for art and tattooing, how he took the leap to start his own business, his love for ghost hunting, what inspires him, what drives him, and so much more.…
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Episode 17 - Michael Kussmann: Enjoy the Ride
It was so much fun catching up with Michael Kussmann and to have the opportunity to reminisce about our great experience attending university. He is such a special person and such a dear friend! We also discussed post Laurentian, working as a teacher, how he started a business in voice recording...
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Episode 16 - Claus Souza: Being patient, adapting and making the most out of each stage of life!
This one was truly heartwarming and such a fun experience. I had the chance to chat with a dear friend and one of my biggest role models, Claus Souza. We first met at Laurentian University when Claus was one of my personal trainers while I was a student. From there, we built a friendship that…
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Episode 15 - John Hillier: Being better than yesterday. Keep going the work and enjoying it along the way!
This episode features another remarkable person: John Hillier, an uplifting member of our community, a proud husband, girl dad, business owner, and teacher. Everything he does, he does with a great work ethic and a smile on his face. He has such a big heart and an outgoing, amazing personality, a...
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Episode 14 - Val Lariviere: Leading with love, and making everyone feel important!
This episode was so much fun to record, we laughed so much. We had a hard time starting because we were laughing hysterically. As Val says, she’s pretty hilarious. Haha! Whenever you’re around Val, you can’t help but have a warm heart and a smile on your face! She is a great friend and role model...
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Episode 13 - Andrew Demers: Everything Happens for a reason
This week’s guest is one of a kind. Andrew has such a great presence, whenever you’re around him, you can’t help but smile and have a good time. He’s incredibly personable and an all-around great guy. Whether it’s work, fishing, or anything in between, whatever he does, he gives it his all and…
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Episode 12 - Joseph "Bull" McGibbon: A conversation between two great friends
I’m super excited to have such a great friend featured in this week’s episode of Keeping It Positive. Joey is one of a kind. One of the many great outcomes of attending university was having the opportunity to meet this amazing guy and develop a lifelong friendship. He’s big in stature because he...
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Episode 11 - Chris Ackroyd: Creating positive environments and making the most out of our opportunities
If you know him, you definitely look up to him. It was such a treat to have the opportunity to catch up with Chris! He has been a role model for me since the day I met him. He’s someone who radiates kindness, the kind of person you always want to have around. Chris is doing incredible things in…
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Episode 10 - Robert Barette: One day at a time!
We’ve got another amazing guest this week. Rob is the definition of perseverance. No matter how he feels, he shows up and gives his best very single day. Doctors say he’s a walking miracle; defying the odds day in and day out, making the most of every moment, and living life to the fullest. A man...
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Episode 9 - Dan Lachance: Lifting each other up!
Being around this guy is truly magical. Dan brings out the best in others, he makes people feel good, smile, and laugh like crazy. He has such an amazing soul and a tremendous heart. As a teacher, he always goes above and beyond. He coaches multiple sports and is always there for everyone; his...
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Episode 8- Curtis Halladay: Control what you can, forget the rest!
It was an absolute honour and privilege to welcome the incredibly talented Curtis Halladay to the podcast. Curtis is a remarkable individual whose drive, passion, and determination shine through in everything he does. Whether it’s through his work as a filmmaker or his journey as a former...
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Episode 7 - Holly Reilly: Finding the joy in the little things
It was such an honour to have Holly Reilly as a guest. Even though it was out of her comfort zone, she absolutely crushed it. We talked about her path as a teacher, her passion for what she does, love for family, and so much more. The people that know Holly know that having her in your life makes...
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Episode 6 - Reagan O'Grady: Having a Purpose
Recording this episode was truly another incredible experience. From the very first time I met Reagan, I knew he was someone special, the kind of person whose energy, positivity, and character instantly stand out. In Episode 6, we dive deep into his journey, exploring his impressive hockey career...
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Episode 5: With Al, Tommy and Roberto from Behind the Bench - It's all with Love
This weeks episode is another doozy! The camaraderie that these guys have, their friendship, the banter, it’s pure magic, and you can catch it every week on the @btbpodcast__ ! This collaboration was truly special, because these guys are truly special. The keeping it positive podcast is all about...
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Episode 4 - Kevin Collins: Going around hurdles
Kevin Collins is the President and CEO of Easter Seals Ontario, where he leads with purpose, compassion, and a deep commitment to empowering children and youth with physical disabilities. With decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kevin is known for his visionary leadership and…
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Episode 3: Mark Broadfoot - Playing the game and Figuring it out
Mark is the definition of hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. A serial entrepreneur, he owns and operates Boss Supplements, The Food Truck (Sudbury and Chelmsford), and the Ironworks Gym. Mark is an example of someone who figures it all out and makes things happen, all while approaching every...
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Episode 2 - JP Rains: Willing to help in anyway!
JP Rains is a marketing and communications pro with a heart of gold. Born in Timmins ON, he holds a Sports Administration degree and an MBA from Laurentian University. He currently leads Laurentian’s Communications, Digital Strategy, and Translation teams, helping drive student recruitment and...
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Episode 1 - Joey Slattery: Being Nice and Having Fun
Joey Slattery is your friendly neighborhood sports guy, passionate about building community and telling the stories that matter. Whether he’s on the sidelines, in the studio, or behind the mic, Joey brings energy, heart, and authenticity to everything he does. Currently a sideline reporter for…
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About this show
The Keeping It Positive Podcast is a podcast that celebrates the power of positivity and the incredible people who embody it. We spotlight individuals who naturally uplift those around them, people whose kindness, generosity, and good hearts make the world a better place. Through inspiring stories and meaningful conversations, we explore what it truly means to be a good human being. Tune in for a dose of encouragement, motivation, and real-life examples of people who lead with positivity and make a lasting impact.
Hosted by
Ryan Benoit
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