The Studio D Podcast

TLDR: A thoughtful conversation about purpose-driven work, leadership, and how strong relationships shape meaningful careers.In this episode, Matt sits down with Roberta Barrington, community leader and nonprofit executive, to talk about building a career centered on impact. Roberta shares lessons from her leadership journey, including how collaboration, empathy, and clear purpose guide both organizations and individuals toward meaningful results. They explore how nonprofit leadership differs from traditional business environments, why community partnerships matter, and how values-driven work can create lasting change. The conversation also dives into resilience, navigating complex challenges, and why strong relationships are often the foundation of long-term success.  You’ll hear about:How purpose-driven leadership shapes stronger organizations and communities.Why collaboration and partnerships are essential for solving complex challenges.How resilience and values help leaders navigate uncertainty and growth.Connect with Roberta Barrington:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-barrington-5293852a/

TLDR: A candid conversation about leadership, courage, and how trusting your instincts can shape both career and life decisions.In this episode, Matt sits down with Monique Simair, entrepreneur and community leader, to talk about the realities of building businesses while staying grounded in personal values. Monique shares insights from her entrepreneurial journey, including navigating uncertainty, making tough decisions, and learning to trust her instincts as a leader. They explore the role of resilience in entrepreneurship, how community and relationships support long-term success, and why growth often requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. The conversation also touches on balancing ambition with purpose and how leadership evolves as both businesses and people grow.  You’ll hear about:Why trusting your instincts can be one of the most powerful leadership tools.How resilience and adaptability help entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty.The role relationships and community play in building sustainable success.Connect with Monique Simair:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmoniquesimair/

TLDR: A grounded conversation about leadership, people-first culture, and why strong teams are built through trust, clarity, and consistent communication.In this episode, Matt sits down with Hannah Wheeler, marketing and communications leader, to talk about what it takes to build healthy, high-performing teams. Hannah shares lessons from her career working across organizations and how strong leadership often comes down to clarity, empathy, and supporting the people around you. They explore how communication shapes workplace culture, why feedback and accountability matter, and how leaders can create environments where people feel both supported and challenged. The conversation also dives into career growth, mentorship, and why investing in people is one of the most important decisions any organization can make.  You’ll hear about:How clear communication and trust create stronger, more resilient teams.Why leadership today requires balancing empathy with accountability.How mentorship, feedback, and intentional culture-building drive long-term organizational success.Connect with Hannah Wheeler:LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehannahwheeler/Vision to Thrive Experience: https://guidebranding.com/discover-your-vision-to-thrive/

TLDR: A real conversation about discipline, mindset, and how consistent habits build confidence, performance, and long-term success.In this episode, Matt sits down with Tre Bynoe, athlete and entrepreneur, to talk about the mindset required to pursue high performance in both sport and life. Tre shares lessons from his journey through competitive athletics, how discipline and routine shape daily performance, and why personal accountability is at the center of growth. They explore building confidence through preparation, handling setbacks, and how the habits developed in sport often translate directly into business and leadership. The conversation also dives into resilience, identity beyond competition, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better.  You’ll hear about:How consistent habits and routines build the discipline needed for high performance.Why setbacks and pressure can become powerful drivers for personal growth.How lessons from sport translate into leadership, business, and everyday life.Connect with Tre Bynoe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trebynoe/

TLDR: A thoughtful conversation on leadership, career pivots, and how curiosity and courage shape meaningful professional growth.In this episode, Matt sits down with Heather Morrison, marketing and communications leader, to talk about building a career through curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks. Heather shares how her path evolved across roles and industries, the importance of staying open to new opportunities, and why great leadership often comes down to listening well and supporting the people around you. They explore navigating change, developing confidence over time, and how learning never really stops when you’re building a meaningful career. The conversation also touches on mentorship, perspective, and how small decisions often shape the biggest career outcomes.  You’ll hear about:Why staying curious and open to change can lead to unexpected career opportunities.How strong leaders build trust by listening, supporting their teams, and creating space for growth.What long-term professional development really looks like beyond titles and promotions.Connect with Heather Morrison:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-heather/

TLDR: A real conversation about building a business through persistence, learning on the fly, and focusing on what actually creates value.In this episode, Matt sits down with Levi Smith, entrepreneur and business owner, to talk about the realities of starting and growing a company from the ground up. Levi shares lessons from early risks, figuring things out through experience, and why adaptability matters more than having everything perfectly planned. They discuss the importance of relationships, staying focused on solving real problems for customers, and how entrepreneurship shapes personal growth over time. The conversation also explores leadership, resilience through setbacks, and the mindset required to keep building when things get hard.  You’ll hear about:Why learning through action and experimentation is often the fastest way to grow a business.How strong relationships and trust create opportunities that strategy alone cannot.What resilience actually looks like when navigating challenges as an entrepreneur.Connect with Levi Smith:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levismithbroker/

TLDR: A practical conversation on leadership, growth, and why the best businesses are built on relationships - not transactions.In this episode, Matt sits down with Andrew McDonald, business leader and entrepreneur, to talk about what it really takes to grow a business while staying grounded in people-first values. Andrew shares lessons from building and leading teams, how trust and relationships shape long-term success, and why leadership often means stepping back so others can step forward. They explore decision-making, personal growth through entrepreneurship, and the importance of clarity and accountability inside organizations. The conversation also touches on resilience, learning through challenges, and why strong culture always starts with leadership.  You’ll hear about:Why long-term business success is built on relationships, trust, and consistent leadership.How leaders create space for their teams to grow while maintaining accountability and clarity.What entrepreneurship teaches about resilience, decision-making, and personal growth.Connect with Andrew McDonald:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-mcdonald-5026168/

TLDR: Here’s the podcast description for Cam Zimmer, written in the same structure and tone as the previous episodes and based on the transcript.  A practical conversation about how data, experimentation, and curiosity drive modern marketing success.In this episode, Matt sits down with Cam Zimmer, marketing leader and growth strategist, to talk about what it really takes to build marketing that performs. Cam shares how his career evolved from early digital experimentation into leading data-driven growth strategies, and why curiosity is one of the most valuable traits a marketer can develop. They explore how experimentation fuels better decision-making, why marketers need to stay grounded in fundamentals even as tools evolve, and how thoughtful measurement helps teams focus on what actually moves the needle. The conversation also dives into balancing creativity with analytics and why the best marketing teams build a culture of testing and learning.  You’ll hear about:Why curiosity and experimentation are essential for marketers navigating constant change.How strong measurement frameworks help teams focus on results instead of vanity metrics.Practical ways to balance creative thinking with data-driven decision-making.Connect with Cam Zimmer:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-zimmer-mact-scmp-a99b2b16/

TLDR: A calm, honest conversation about money, simplicity, and how confidence - not optimization - leads to a better financial life.In this episode, Matt sits down with Evan Neufeld, financial planner and founder of Cedar Point Wealth, to talk about what it actually means to “retire with confidence.” Evan shares why most people feel overwhelmed or anxious about money, how simplicity is often the most effective strategy, and why financial planning is far more about clarity and behavior than chasing returns. They dig into savings rates, retirement timing, estate planning, talking about money within families, and the emotional shift from saving to spending in retirement. The conversation also explores generosity, values, and why having “enough” is often more powerful than endlessly pursuing more.  You’ll hear about:How focusing on big financial “levers” (not minutiae) creates clarity, confidence, and better outcomes.Why retirement decisions made without a plan often lead to regret - and how to avoid it.How values, generosity, and simplicity shape long-term satisfaction far more than net worth alone.Connect with Evan Neufeld:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-neufeld-cfp%C2%AE-3a2697111/

TLDR: A behind-the-scenes look at how food, farming, and storytelling intersect - and why simple, repeated messaging matters more than ever.In this episode, Matt sits down with Amber Johnson, Director of Marketing and Communications at Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, to explore what modern marketing looks like in agriculture and food systems. Amber shares how she balances grower-facing communications with U.S. market development, working directly with chefs and food service leaders to get Canadian-grown lentils on menus across North America. They talk about trust, long-term brand building, why marketers often overcomplicate their message, and how food connects emotionally with people in a way few industries can. The conversation also dives into leadership, team structure, measurement beyond sales, and why clarity beats constant reinvention.  You’ll hear about:How simple, repeatable messaging builds trust with audiences who don’t live inside your industry.Why food storytelling works - and how emotional connection drives awareness and adoption.What strong marketing leadership looks like when you’re setting vision instead of executing every tactic.Links mentioned in the episode:Canadian Food Focus: https://canadianfoodfocus.org/Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan: https://aitc.sk.ca/Saskatchewan Open Farm Days: https://skopenfarmdays.ca/Connect with Amber Johnson:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-christine-johnson/

TLDR: A thoughtful conversation on how clarity, curiosity, and well-designed systems help people and teams do their best work.In this episode, Matt sits down with Josie Kornelson, performance and compensation systems consultant at Lead Up Coaching & Consulting, to unpack how organizations can better support growth, motivation, and retention. Josie explains what compensation systems really are, why career pathways matter more than titles, and how misalignment - not dysfunction - is often the real issue on teams. They explore CliftonStrengths, people-first leadership, and why understanding how individuals are wired creates healthier cultures, clearer expectations, and more sustainable performance. This episode is equal parts practical and reflective, offering insight for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone responsible for building or growing a team.  You’ll hear about:How clear performance and compensation systems reduce friction, improve retention, and create fairer growth paths.Why leaning into strengths (instead of fixing weaknesses) leads to more engaged, energized teams.How curiosity, self-awareness, and shared language improve leadership, communication, and trust.Connect with Josie Kornelson:Website: https://leadup.caLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-kornelson-7b4170261/

TLDR: Great conversation - here’s the episode description for Alex Black, written in the same format, tone, and structure as the others, and based strictly on the transcript.  A grounded, people-first look at what great leadership really requires - and why culture is built in the small moments.In this episode, Matt sits down with Alex Black, HR professional and people leader at SIIT, to unpack what it actually takes to build healthy, high-performing teams. With nearly two decades in HR and years spent in people leadership, Alex shares why trust, empathy, and psychological safety are no longer “soft skills,” but foundational business necessities. They explore outdated leadership models that no longer work, the difference between managing work and leading people, and how tools like DISC help leaders understand themselves and their teams better. The conversation also dives into accountability, feedback, conflict, and why strong workplace culture is everyone’s responsibility - not just management’s.  You’ll hear about:How trust, empathy, and psychological safety directly impact performance, retention, and innovation.Why many leaders struggle when moving from subject-matter expert to people leader - and how to close that gap.Practical ways to build healthier teams through communication, self-awareness, and shared accountability.Connect with Alex Black:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-blackcphr-clc-ctmp-qmed-rpr/

TLDR: A thoughtful conversation on people-first leadership, honest communication, and building teams that actually work well together.In this episode, Matt sits down with Jen Korney, Operations Director at ZU to talk about what it really takes to lead people - not just projects. Jen shares her journey from product owner to operations leadership, how clear communication and trust shape strong teams, and why creating space for direct feedback matters more than avoiding discomfort. They explore leadership growth, managing complexity across teams, celebrating small wins, and how AI is becoming a practical tool (not a replacement) in modern operations. The conversation is honest, grounded, and full of real-world perspective from inside a fast-moving tech organization.  You’ll hear about:How people-first leadership and clear communication prevent burnout and improve team performance.Why direct conversations (instead of “roundabout” feedback) build healthier, more effective workplaces.Practical ways AI can support operations, project management, and efficiency - without replacing human judgment.Connect with Jen Korney:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenkorney/

TLDR: Building social media that actually works means showing up consistently, sounding human, and focusing on what truly matters.In this episode, Matt sits down with Colby Anderson, co-founder of Scout Media, to break down what effective organic social media really looks like for businesses today. Colby shares hard-earned insights from creating thousands of pieces of content for clients across industries, including why being on camera matters, how to get comfortable doing it, and what to do when ideas feel tapped out. They talk candidly about metrics that actually matter (and which ones don’t), balancing quality with consistency, using AI as a creative support - not a replacement - and how businesses should think about handling social media in-house versus outsourcing. This episode is packed with practical advice for founders, marketers, and anyone responsible for content. You’ll hear about: How to create consistent, authentic social content without overthinking or burning out.Which metrics actually signal success in organic social - and why comments and shares beat likes and followers.Practical guidance for doing social media in-house, including common pitfalls, burnout risks, and how to structure the role for long-term success.Connect with Colby Anderson: • Website: https://scoutsask.ca • Instagram & Facebook: @scoutmediasask

TLDR: A powerful reminder that the fastest way to change your life is to start leading yourself - on purpose.In this episode, Matt sits down with Corliss Rassyle, keynote speaker, empowerment expert, author, and founder of Lead Conference Canada, to talk about what it really means to lead yourself first. Corliss shares how entrepreneurship, loss, and personal reinvention shaped her philosophy that every next level in life requires a next level of you. They explore vision-setting without overwhelm, giving yourself permission to want more, breaking old conditioning, and why ambition isn’t something to be ashamed of. This is a deeply honest conversation about purpose, belief, courage, and choosing to live a big, intentional life - before life forces you to wake up.  You’ll hear about:How to create a clear vision for your life without getting stuck in fear, doubt, or “what’s realistic.”Why giving yourself permission is often the missing step between wanting more and actually going after it.How belief, values, and small intentional goals compound into confidence, fulfillment, and long-term growth.Connect with Corliss Rassyle:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corliss-rassyle-63107a77/

TLDR: Marketing doesn’t work without trust - and trust is built long before the sale ever happens.In this episode, Matt sits down with Kevin Meldrum, Senior Regional Marketing Manager at MNP, to talk about why relationship-driven marketing still outperforms hype, tactics, and quick wins. Kevin shares how his early career at the Chamber of Commerce shaped his grounded approach to marketing, why simplicity is often misunderstood as “easy,” and how trust shows up in real-world brand decisions. They unpack employer branding, recruiting in competitive talent markets, and why storytelling - not job descriptions - helps people decide where they want to work. The conversation also dives into B2B decision-making, emotional drivers in corporate environments, and what happens when brand values don’t match reality.  You’ll hear about:Why strong marketing strategies are built on real relationships, not isolated campaigns or content.How authentic storytelling helps organizations attract talent, especially in competitive, people-driven industries.Why B2B decisions are far more emotional than most marketers admit - and how trust influences long-term loyalty.Connect with Kevin Meldrum:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-meldrum-yxe/

TLDR: A thoughtful conversation on community, leadership, and why better marketing starts with people - not platforms.In this episode of the Studio D Podcast, Matt sits down with Kamila Wyszomirski, President of the Saskatchewan Professional Marketing Association (SPMA), to explore the role community, education, and shared responsibility play in shaping stronger marketing professionals across the province.Kamila brings a unique dual perspective - working full-time in a corporate marketing role while leading a volunteer-driven professional association. Together, they unpack the realities of marketing in Saskatchewan: small teams, limited resources, evolving expectations, and the importance of connection in an industry that often feels siloed.The conversation dives into the purpose of SPMA, the future of marketing education, the challenges of volunteer-led organizations, and why in-person events, shared learning, and human connection still matter deeply in a digital-first world  .You’ll hear about:Why community is the foundation of strong marketing ecosystemsThe challenges (and rewards) of leading a volunteer-based organizationWhat marketers in Saskatchewan actually need right nowThe role of education, events, and peer learning in career growthWhy marketing is a practice, not a finished productLetting go of perfection and building on what already worksThe ripple effect of raising the bar for marketing across an entire provinceThis episode is especially valuable for marketers working on small teams, leaders navigating growth, and anyone who believes that better marketing starts with collaboration, curiosity, and showing up for each other.Connect with Kamila & SPMA:🌐 saskmarketing.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwyszomirski/

TLDR: A deep, practical conversation on social media strategy, audience trust, and how to turn content into long-term momentum - not just views.In this episode of the Studio D Podcast, Matt sits down with Olivia Bell, Social Media Manager at TripleTen, to unpack what it really takes to build social media that performs in today’s crowded digital landscape.Olivia brings a rare blend of creativity and data-driven thinking, sharing how she approaches strategy across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn - especially when the goal isn’t just reach, but real connection and conversion. From content pillars and platform-specific strategy to funnels, analytics, and the psychology behind stopping the scroll, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how modern social teams actually work.The conversation also explores burnout, authenticity, and the tension between data and intuition - plus why entertaining content, trust-building, and consistency still matter more than any single viral moment  .You’ll hear about:What “strategy” really means in social media (and why it’s not one-size-fits-all)Turning followers into fans through entertaining, useful, and inspiring contentHow LinkedIn’s algorithm actually works - and how to use it intentionallyWhy comments, conversation, and community outperform vanity metricsFunnels, quizzes, and lead magnets that support long-term growthBalancing analytics with gut instinct when interpreting performanceWhy borrowing inspiration (not copying) is essential for creative momentumThis episode is packed with actionable insight for marketers, founders, and creatives who want to build social media systems that are sustainable, human, and results-driven.Connect with Olivia & TripleTen:🌐 www.tripleten.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-bell-a81b80122/

TLDR: A refreshingly honest conversation on brand experience, culture, and why marketing doesn’t always need a playbook.In this episode of the Studio D Podcast, Matt sits down with Madison Bymoen, Marketing Lead at 3twenty Modular, to talk about what it really looks like to grow a brand from the inside out.Madison shares her unconventional approach to marketing - one rooted in listening, relationships, and real-world experience rather than rigid KPIs or trend-chasing. From documenting modular builds across Saskatchewan to shaping company culture through events, storytelling, and community connection, Madison offers a candid look at what happens when marketing is driven by trust and long-term thinking.The conversation explores what it means to truly own a brand voice, how culture and marketing are deeply connected, and why showing the process matters just as much as showing the finished product  .You’ll hear about:Why Madison calls herself “the least marketing-y marketer”Focusing on brand experience over traditional marketing metricsBuilding trust and visibility through documentation and storytellingHow culture, events, and employee experience shape brand perceptionUsing tools like photography, drones, Matterport, and AI to support - not replace - human connectionWhy “it’s just marketing” is sometimes the healthiest mindsetThis episode is a must-listen for marketers, founders, and creatives who want a more grounded, people-first approach to building brands that grow sustainably and authentically.Connect with Madison & 320 Modular:🌐 3twenty.ca🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisonbymoen/

TLDR: A thoughtful conversation on design, consistency, and why good branding is built with intention - not shortcuts.In this episode of the Studio D Podcast, Matt sits down with Amber Glendening, Senior Graphic Designer at LMNO Consulting, to unpack what it really means to build strong, consistent brands inside an agency environment.Amber shares her journey from early creative instincts to over two decades in the design industry, offering an inside look at how senior designers think about problem-solving, collaboration, and storytelling through visuals. They talk about brand guides as living documents, the balance between creativity and strategy, and why consistency across digital touch points matters more than ever - especially when your online presence is often the first impression.The conversation also explores agency life, B Corp values, collaboration across teams, and how design decisions quietly shape how people experience brands every day  .You’ll hear about:Why brand consistency isn’t about rigidity - it’s about clarityHow good design guides users, emotionally and functionallyThe role of storytelling in logos, websites, and campaignsWhy templates don’t replace strategy (and where tools like Canva do fit)How staying open-minded keeps creatives relevant in a fast-changing industryIf you’re a business owner, marketer, or creative who cares about building brands that last, this episode offers grounded insight from someone deep in the work.Connect with Amber & LMNO Consulting:🌐 meetlmno.com🔗 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-glendenning-54223915/

TLDR: A deep dive into the mindset, systems, and analytics behind world-class marketing - and why curiosity is the real competitive advantage.In this episode, Matt sits down with Chris de Jong, VP of Marketing at Portless and former marketing leader at high-growth tech companies including Seven Shifts and Gorgias. They talk about what it really takes to thrive in modern marketing: balancing burnout and ambition, building discipline around measurement, and treating marketing as both science and art. Chris shares stories from scaling tech companies through major funding rounds, how to build a true revenue engine, why talking directly to customers matters more than any metric, and how curiosity and experimentation shape the best marketers. They also dig into tools, workflows, AI, and the future of Saskatoon’s marketing community.  You’ll hear about:How to evaluate what marketing actually works—and why marketers must commit to revenue, not just creativity.What it takes to scale: choosing channels that fit your business model, building a repeatable revenue engine, and staying analytical under pressure.How curiosity, continuous learning, and real customer conversations make marketers dramatically better at their craft.Connect with Chris de Jong:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dejong/

TLDR: A candid look at how proactive marketing, community-building, and long-term vision can transform any brand.In this episode, Matt sits down with Kelli Miller, marketing manager and community-builder known for her work shaping Dream’s award-winning Brighton development. They dive into what it really takes to shift from reactive, last-minute marketing to intentional, strategic planning - and how that shift creates stronger brands, better customer experiences, and more sustainable results. Kelli shares lessons from building a community literally from dirt fields to vibrant public spaces, the power of authentic imagery, and why experimentation (and even failure) is essential in marketing. They also explore confidence, mindset, and how creative leaders learn to trust themselves through uncertainty.  You’ll hear about:How to build a proactive marketing foundation that makes future campaigns easier, faster, and more effective.The role of genuine community-building in creating desire - especially for products or places that don’t exist yet.Why experimentation matters, how to handle flops, and the mindset that helps marketers adapt without burning out.Connect with Kelli Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-miller-21545152/

TLDR: A practical conversation on how to stop chasing trends and start building digital marketing that actually works.In this episode, Matt sits down with Harley Rivet, digital marketing strategist and founder of Deep Dish Digital, to talk about what really drives results in a constantly changing industry. Harley shares how two decades in the digital space shaped his “fundamentals first” philosophy, why most businesses confuse activity with achievement, and how to build marketing that’s grounded in strategy - not hype. They also discuss staying power, the pitfalls of trend-chasing, client education, and the realities of running a business in a noisy digital landscape.  You’ll hear about:How to avoid wasting time on tactics that don’t move the needle - and what to focus on instead.Why fundamentals like websites, email, and tracking still outperform the “shiny objects.”How long real marketing takes, and why consistency beats quick wins every time.Connect with Harley Rivet:Website: https://deepdishdigital.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harleyrivet/

Welcome to the Studio D podcast. We made this show because we wanted to have more conversations that dig into how people think, work, and make their ideas come to life. We are glad you are here. This show is produced and filmed by the Studio D team in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.Connect with us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/studiodyxe and follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/studiodyxe.