Unexpected Journeys

What does it take to pack up your life, leave everything you know behind, and start over from scratch? In this deeply personal episode, Oleg Kostyuchok shares the story of immigrating from Ukraine to Canada with his family. We step away from the corporate spreadsheets to look at the raw human side of settlement—the quiet sacrifices, the culture shock, and the relentless drive required to rebuild a professional and family identity in a completely new country. Oleg opens up about how his Ukrainian roots shape his perspective on grit, gratitude, and what it truly means to build a meaningful home.   Connect with Oleg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oleg-kostyuchok/   For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!)   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected] We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

For decades, Bill Welychka had the best seat in the house for the defining moments in music history. This week, one of Canada’s most recognizable and enduring music journalists steps up to our mic to pull back the curtain on the nation's most iconic music channel. We dive deep into his favorite interview memories, swap untold behind-the-scenes secrets, and explore the fascinating journey that led him from the bustling MuchMusic environment to writing his life story. Follow Bill on Social Media: Instagram: Bill Welychka Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.welychka YouTube:  @WelychkaBill  Website: https://www.billwelychka.ca/   For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!)   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

Pamela Topjian discusses her childhood trauma, including the loss of a sibling as a young teen. She was abused, living in poverty, moving often and constantly being evicted. Pamela was a teen mom and went on to have two abusive marriages. After her second divorce, at age 50, she bought a one-way bus ticket to California. She is now remarried and is in a loving, respectful relationship. She has written several books and has her own holistic health podcast. For More Information: Linktr.ee/PamelaTopjian If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]   For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!)   We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

What happens when a prominent, multi-decade career in broadcasting comes to an abrupt, unexpected halt? You rewrite the script! In this episode, we sit down with Dan Reynish, a household name in broadcasting, who faced the ultimate professional pivot when the television station he worked for, suddenly shut its doors. Instead of fading into the static, Dan channeled his decades of community connection into a brand-new frequency: municipal politics. Now serving as a City Councillor for Medicine Hat, Alberta, Dan is proving that a sudden sign-off can actually be the perfect cue for a powerful second act. We discuss the challenges of transitioning from reporting the news, to making it at City Hall, and how he stays connected to the community he loves. Dan is active on social media and on the roads across Alberta and North America, bringing both together using the hashtag Travelling With Dan #TravellingWithDan To connect with Dan: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danreynish/ Facebook - Facebook.com/DanielReynish LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danreynish/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@danreynish   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

Meet Jessica Lemmon: a Vancouver powerhouse who helps artists and brands achieve their biggest dreams.   But in 2020, her own dream faced a crisis when the pandemic completely shut down her business.   This week, Jessica opens up about the raw reality of rebuilding her life and company from scratch. We explore her inspirational journey, her deep passion for artist advocacy, and what it truly takes to rise above unexpected challenges.   For More Information: Instagram: @lemmonent Facebook:  facebook.com/LemmonEntertainment YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@lemmonent Website: https://lemmonent.com/ E-mail: [email protected]   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected].   For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!)   Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

Welcome to Season 2 of Unexpected Journeys!  We begin this season with an inspirational guest who has had an unexpected journey through entrepreneurship! What does it take to build a national brand before you’re old enough to drive? In this episode, we sit down with Chanelle Chalazan, the incredible 16-year-old founder of Chic & Charmed Boutique. Chanelle launched her jewelry line from her hometown of Saskatoon at just 13 years old, transforming a simple passion project into a thriving coast-to-coast e-commerce business. She has grown the brand across Canada through major trade shows, national media coverage, speaking opportunities, and billboard campaigns. Chanelle is passionate about entrepreneurship and hopes her journey inspires other young people to pursue ambitious goals regardless of their age. Follow Chanelle on Social Media: Instagram: @chicandcharmedbychanelle Facebook: Chic & Charmed Boutique by Chanelle Website: https://chicncharmedjewelry.com/   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]   You can find the video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!)   We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected]   Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

Season 2 of Unexpected Journeys kicks off August 23rd. Thank you to everyone who has listened along the way! Executive Producer Sean Lannan joins me to discuss what is planned for the new season. For the video version on YouTube, click here: https://youtu.be/gaE8zK5DUW8   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.  

This week, Wilde Transformation founder and Rapid Transformational Hypnotherapist Nemara Wilde joins the show to demystify how the subconscious mind drives our daily compulsions, stress, and anxiety. Moving past the myths of stage hypnosis, Nemara explains how to consciously communicate with your mind to break negative thought loops, reclaim your clarity, and navigate life’s heaviest chapters without relying on toxic positivity. Tune in for a fascinating dive into the mind-body connection, featuring actionable mental tools you can use immediately. Follow Nemara on Social Media: TikTok: wilde.transformation Website: https://wildetransformation.com/   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!) We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected]   Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.  

Patrick Barbar is a retired police officer, Afghanistan veteran, adventure motorcyclist, and creator of Adventures Without Borders. After selling most of his possessions, he set out to explore the world on two wheels, riding across the Americas and beyond. Through his YouTube channel and podcast, Patrick shares the realities of overland travel, the people he meets, and the lessons found far beyond the familiar. His next adventure will take him across Europe and beyond on his Honda Transalp 750, exploring Iceland, the Balkans, Turkey, North Africa and eventually travelling east toward Central Asia and Mongolia. The journey continues, with new roads, new cultures and plenty of stories still waiting to be discovered.   Follow Adventures Without Borders on Social Media: Instagram: adventureswithoutborders TikTok: adventureswithoutborders YouTube:adventureswithoutborders If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!) We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected]   Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

What happens when a healthcare professional suddenly becomes the patient? In this episode, we sit down with Kristen Traverse, a Developmental Health and Educational Consultant, Registered Nurse and Neuromovement practitioner from Kitscoty, Alberta, to discuss her extraordinary journey of resilience. At just 31 years old, Kristen suffered a severe stroke that robbed her of her ability to speak, read, and write, leaving her with aphasia and apraxia. Kristen opens up about the reality of losing her voice, the grueling process of relearning how to communicate, and how she discovered innovative therapies like NeuroMovement to literally rewire her brain. Folllow Kristen on social media: Instagram:  @MindfulCare  Facebook: Kristen Traverse   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!) We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected]   Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

Robert Zappia is a screenwriter with 35 years of industry experience, with credits including Halloween H20, Home Improvement, and Prey for the Devil. Through his company, Easy To Dream Entertainment, he continues developing new film and television projects. A graduate of USC's School of Cinematic Arts, he is a member of the WGA West Mike Axe is an Executive Producer and Strategic Development & Growth Partner who helps bring important stories to the world. He brings creative vision, strategy, and a deep belief in people to every project, building the teams, opportunities, and the progress forward needed to turn meaningful work into lasting impact. More information on Robert: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robert-zappia-writer YouTube: https://youtube.com/@canwebefrankpodcast?si=IKu9tQWYgPijbme0 More information on Mike: Instagram @mikeaxe Facebook mikewithanaxe LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeaxe/   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!) We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected]   Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

Lauren Rodych-Eberle is a Certified Conscious Parenting Coach, music educator, philanthropist, and mother of three.  She is the co-founder of the Sticks and Strings Foundation alongside her husband, Jordan Eberle. Lauren specializes in helping families transition from standard behavioral micromanagement to a relationship rooted in empathy, core connection, and self-awareness. Lauren and Jordan recently announced they are expecting twins! Follow Lauren on Social Media: Instagram: @laurenrodycheberle @sticksandstringsfoundation Website: www.LaurenRodychEberle.com   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!) We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected]   Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.  

Special Bonus Episode!! Joshua Yakes is the founder of Conquer All Things, a private gym in Burbank, California, and the host of the Conquer Podcast. Born with achromatopsia, a rare condition that left him unable to see color and severely sensitive to light, suddenly temporarily losing the majority of his remaining sight at twenty-five. That year he also lost his job and moved into a school for the blind, where he learned braille and how to navigate with a cane. It was the lowest point of his life, and it was where he made the decision that has defined everything since: he would dictate his own outcome. He earned his degree, went on to graduate study at USC, opened his first business, lost it, and built another. In 2021, he launched Conquer All Things with fifty thousand dollars and no debt, and expanded it fivefold within three years. Today he competes as an amateur men’s physique athlete, stepping onto stages he can barely see under lights that blind him, while his vision continues to decline. He is a husband, a father of two, and a fourth-generation Burbank native whose mission is to heal a million hearts, foster a million minds, and change a million lives. On the Conquer Podcast, he works through what it actually takes to move from surviving a fight to conquering it. He speaks candidly about disability, adversity, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the difference between winning and choosing, and he brings a rare perspective to the question that shapes his work: what can I leave in the light before everything goes dark? Follow Josh on Social Media: Instagram: @joshua.yakes / @conquerallthings Facebook: Josh Yakes LinkedIn: Joshua Everett Yakes TikTok: @conquerallthings YouTube: @conquerallthings Website: https://www.conquerallthings.com/   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!) We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected]   Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

Theresa Lynn is the founder of Clarity at Work. She helps mid-sized businesses navigate complex challenges surrounding people and AI integration. Her background spans corporate leadership, HR, and real estate. After completing Oxford's Advanced Management and Leadership Programme, she aligned her long-held purpose—guiding people through difficult situations—into her current business. Theresa operates from Canada, serving a cross-border clientele. For More Information: Instagram: Clarity at Work Co. Facebook: Clarity At Work LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/theresalynn YouTube: Clarity at Work Website: ClarityatWork.ca E-mail: [email protected]   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!) We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected]   Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

WARNING: DISCUSSION CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE, DRUG USE AND GRAPHIC, SEVERE INJURY. The following episode contains explicit language and mature themes, including discussions of drug use, violence, and graphic descriptions of a severe injury. Listener discretion is advised. Ian Gladue is a resilient entrepreneur from Alberta who has dedicated his career to revitalizing and bringing Indigenous cuisine mainstream. A proud member of Wabasca First Nation on Treaty 8 Territory, Ian’s journey began with adversity, navigating life on his own from the age of 13. Ian openly shares his story about life on the streets, drug use and an accident that resulted in severe injuries. His life immediately changed after becoming a father and he channeled his childhood passion for cooking. After many tries, he finally got approval for a food cart, which eventually grew into an acclaimed restaurant, Native Delights. Inspired by his mother's time-honored techniques, Ian went on to create Mitsoh, a brand that preserves the original superfoods of the land. Mitsoh means "eat" in Cree. Products include bison pemmican, dry bison meat, and modern meat snacks. By combining cultural preservation with modern scale, Ian brings "elder-approved" traditional protocols to major national retail shelves to feed the modern spirit. You can find Mitsoh products in Canadian stores, and now on Amazon! Ian is working on plans to expand to the United States. Follow Ian on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pansawandrymeat Instagram: @mitsohdotcom Tik Tok: @mitsohdotcom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-gladue-22089374/ Website: https://www.mitsoh.com/ If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. Watch the video version on ou YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada We appreciate it if you would subscribe to our YouTube channel! It's free! We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

What happens when two friends notice a massive gap in women’s golf apparel? They build a brand to fix it! In this episode, we sit down with Clarissa Scheidl and Jacy Worobec, the founders of Threeputt Golf Co. They share how their fairway friendship sparked a business venture, how they are infusing a "prairie mindset" into a legacy sport, and why their brand prioritizes comfort, style, and inclusivity for every female golfer. Follow ThreePutt on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Threeputtgolfco Instagram: Threeputtgolf.co Website: https://www.threeputtgolfco.ca/ TikTok: Threeputtgolf.co   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!) We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected]   Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

What does it take to dominate the pool table for over two decades? This week, we’re sitting down with Sharon Pahtayken for a chat about dedication, family, and breaking records. Sharon has achieved World Amateur Champion status in the world of pool. She is a proud mom of four, grandmother to eight, and member of the Onion Lake First Nation on Treaty 6 territory. She’s also a history-maker. After 26 years of refining her game, Sharon recently headed to Las Vegas for the World VNEA Amateur Pool Tournament—and absolutely crushed it. She took home four "Charlie” awards. We dive into how she balances her busy family life with her deep passion for pool, what it felt like to sweep the awards in Vegas, and her advice for anyone trying to take their passion to the professional level. This is an incredible story about chasing your dreams, breaking barriers, and proving it’s never too late to make history. Sharon would like to thank her sponsors Onion Lake Cree Nation and Onion Lake Sports, Culture and Recreation. Follow Sharon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.bull07 If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!) We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected]   Thank you for listening and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.

What does it take to become a Justice of the Peace without a law degree? ⚖️ In this episode of Unexpected Journeys, we sit down with Keera, a woman from Alberta with an extraordinary life story.  For years, Keera lived in remote northern Canada, just south of the Arctic Circle. She was appointed as a JP in one of the country's most isolated regions—despite having no formal background in law. Keera shares the fascinating, unique, and unpredictable cases she handled during her time in the far north.  But her unexpected path didn't stop there. We also dive into her powerful, moving experiences working as a caregiver in youth homes.  Today, Keera continues her mission of service as an ambassador with Caregivers Alberta. She opens up about her current work advocating for everyday caregivers and ensuring they get the vital support they deserve.   If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!) We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected]   Thank you for listening, and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.    

In the debut episode of Unexpected Journeys, host Stacey Commer sits down with Mike Doll to share the story no parent ever expects to tell. After the tragic loss of his 15-year-old son, Christian in 2024, Mike and his family chose to transform their grief into something that would make a lasting difference. Through the Christian Doll Foundation, they are helping young people access sport and other activities by easing the financial burden on families. Mike reflects on Christian's life, the inspiration behind the foundation, its vision for the future, and how one family's heartbreak is being turned into a legacy of hope, opportunity, and community. Follow the foundation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianDollFoundation Website: https://www.thechristiandollfoundation.ca/ If you have feedback about this episode, a suggestion for a future guest, or a story of an unexpected journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]. For the video version, please go to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedPod-Canada (We appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel! It's free!) We are represented by Lemmon Entertainment: https://lemmonent.com/ For sponsorship inquiries e-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening, and remember—sometimes life's greatest journeys are the ones we never planned.