Today we talk to Nic Sulsky— TV personality, tech entrepreneur, and the guy on a mission to revolutionize the sport of curling.

Nic is a character. He went from hosting a kids' TV show to conning his way onto a sports talk show, to pioneering two fantasy sports companies to his latest challenge, making curling the biggest winter sport in the world. Now if you think that sounds a little far-fetched, I’m with you. But when you hear Nic’s passion for the game and his plans, you start thinking he could actually pull this off.

Nic’s talks about playing for Canada’s national rugby team in the Jewish Olympics, which I didn’t know was a thing. He talks about the pain of watching one of his companies implode in 3 weeks. And why he launched the Grand Slam of Karaoke to showcase the amazing athletes he wants to turn into superstars

I guarantee this conversation will change how you think about curling, which to be honest is not something I’ve thought much about at all. But more than that, it’s about what’s possible when you find the courage to take big swings on what you care about most, and giving zero fucks about what anyone says about it.

Resources and Links

Grand Slam of Curling – Learn more about the premier curling series that Nick is working to transform.

Instagram

YouTube

Twitter / X

Grand Slam of Karaoke – The fun event featuring curlers singing live on stage.

Alt Sports Data – The company helping to build live data and odds projection feeds for curling.

PointsBet – The international sports gaming company where Nick previously worked on expanding sports betting opportunities.

Waste Management Phoenix Open – The high-energy golf tournament that inspired some of the changes Nick wants to bring to curling.

Rick Rubin on Creativity – Nick references Rick Rubin’s philosophy on following an emotional charge to chase creativity.

• Book: The Creative Act: A Way of Being

The Maccabiah Games – Also known as the “Jewish Olympics,” where Nick represented Canada in rugby.

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Today we talk to Jim Estill, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with an incredible track record of building and scaling companies. He grew his first business to over $2 billion, sat on the founding board of BlackBerry during its meteoric rise, and after a career in tech and having earned the right to do anything he wanted - he decided to be the CEO of an appliance company. But what drew me to Jim wasn’t his business success—it was a video he posted about something he called Monk Mode. Trust me, you’re going to love it.

Jim provides a master class in leadership and entrepreneurship, and shares practical advice on time management, staying focused, building strong teams and the importance of using your wisdom over your work ethic as you get older. Jim has been a vocal critic of the business community for not giving enough back. And, he talks about how this leads to so many successful people struggling to find purpose even after they achieved everything they set out to do.

I can’t tell you how many moments during this conversation I thought, holy shit I have to talk to Jill about that, I have to take that idea back to my clients, that’s a new habit I need to build, that’s a new question I can ask. This was one of those rare conversations that bobs and weaves, goes in unexpected directions and somehow gives me exactly what I needed to hear at this point in my life.

Please enjoy, Jim Estill.

Key Takeaways

• Monk Mode & Digital Detox
• The 20-Second Rule
• The Power of Purpose
• Philanthropy as a Business Advantage
• Lessons from BlackBerry
• Applying Tech Speed to Traditional Industries
• The Journey vs. The Destination
• Wisdom Over Work Ethic

Resources and Links

• Danby Appliances
• Website
• LinkedIn
• X
• Medium

Books by Jim Estill
Zero to $2 Billion: The Marketing and Branding Story Behind the Growth

Time Leadership: Using the Secrets of Leadership for Time Management

Topics & Concepts Mentioned
The 20-Second Rule – Concept from Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage

BlackBerry (2023) Movie

Communitech – Tech innovation hub co-founded by Jim Estill

Jim’s Refugee Sponsorship Initiative

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Today, we talk to Michelle Stainton and Mikelle Ethier, two longtime friends and founders of the This is Perimenopause podcast. Half the population will spend nearly a third of their life dealing with this. It’s messy, confusing and riddled with stigma - and they’re on a mission to fix that.

Michelle and Mikelle share their emotional and sometimes hilarious journeys through perimenopause. We explore the systemic failures that have left women vulnerable to misinformation - from the patriarchy and sexism to a lack of research and medical education - and how people can take back control of their bodies and launch the best season of their life.

So whether you’re in it, coming up to it, supporting a partner through it, or just love weird conversations with powerful, inspiring women - I guarantee there is something here for you.

Please enjoy Michelle and Mikelle.

Key Takeaways:

• What Perimenopause Actually Is: Perimenopause refers to the years leading up to menopause when fluctuating hormones can cause symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and more. Menopause itself is just one day—the one-year anniversary of your final period.
• The Knowledge Gap: Most women aren’t prepared for perimenopause, and even many doctors lack the training to provide appropriate care. The stigma around menopause and outdated medical practices have left millions of women to figure it out on their own.
• The Economic Impact: Symptoms of unmanaged menopause cost the Canadian economy an estimated $3.5 billion annually. Women are leaving jobs, turning down promotions, and struggling to maintain productivity because they lack support and solutions.
• Finding Purpose in the Chaos: Michelle and Mikelle believe perimenopause can be a gateway to a powerful new phase of life. They describe how it’s helped them shed old expectations, embrace their confidence, and step into a “no more f***s to give” mindset.
• The Importance of Advocacy: Doctors can only help if you give them the information they need. Track your symptoms, research treatment options, and come prepared to advocate for the care you deserve.
• A Glimmer of Hope: Menopause is finally “having a moment.” From grassroots advocacy to collaborations like This is Perimenopause’s work with Lume Women’s Health, the conversation is starting to change. But it’s still a long road to systemic improvements.
• Advice for Partners: Understanding that perimenopause is real, chaotic, and often overwhelming is key. Partners don’t need to “fix” things—just listen, support, and educate themselves.
• It’s Not Over—It’s Just Beginning: Michelle and Mikelle emphasize that perimenopause is a chance to start fresh. With better tools, knowledge, and confidence, this stage of life can be full of growth, purpose, and new possibilities.

Links & Resources

• This is Perimenopause Podcast - Available on all major podcast platforms.
• This Is Perimenopause Website
• Lume Women’s Health
• The Menopause Foundation of Canada
• The North American Menopa

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Today I talk to Angie McQuillin, a speaker and coach that works with leaders to build their confidence to better connect with their teams. Angie shares intimate stories of abusive relationships from her past and how setting boundaries helped her break toxic patterns and rediscover her self-worth. She is a unique mix of kindness, vulnerability and 100% pure badassery.

Angie talks about how we slowly lose our self-worth every time we put someone else’s needs above our own. It’s not about being selfish, it’s about being clear and unapologetic about the things we will accept and the things we won't. If you ever suffer from imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, dysfunctional relationships, or burnout - this conversation is for you. And yeah, me too.

Angie also gives me a crash course in roller derby, a sport that seems like a sadistic mix of hockey and Quidditch from Harry Potter - just a whole lot more violent. She also shares inspiring stories of her nomadic life living in her van, and the heart-breaking loss of her dog Louie this year.

This is one of my all-time favourite conversations.

Please enjoy, Angie McQuillin.

Key Takeaways

• Roller derby as a metaphor for life: Angie explains how being the “jammer” on the track taught her lessons in presence, teamwork, and courage.
• The importance of boundaries: Why setting and honouring your boundaries is foundational to self-respect and better relationships.
• Self-worth revolution: Angie shares how understanding her own values and setting boundaries transformed her relationships and career.
• Confidence is not what it seems: Even people who appear confident often struggle with boundaries, imposter syndrome, or fear of failure.
• How to start small: Tips for initiating tough conversations about boundaries with long-time friends or loved ones.
• Freedom through self-discovery: Angie’s insights on embracing the nomadic lifestyle and pursuing passions outside work.
• Healing through connection: The universal need for deeper connections and how avoiding vulnerability can lead to unhelpful coping mechanisms.
• Living authentically: The power of showing up as your full self and embracing all aspects of your identity—professional and personal.

Resources
Angie’s Website
Angie on LinkedIn
Angie’s YouTube Channel

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Today I talk to Diane Allen, an author and speaker that helps people find and keep their flow state. If you’re wondering what flow is exactly, you’re not alone. In fact, Diane didn’t know it was a thing either until one day she lost it. She shares the story of being on stage as a violinist, and she froze. She couldn’t play. It was that humiliation that sent her on a quest to understand what had happened.

If you’re like me, you probably didn’t know there was a word for the flow state. I heard it for the first time a year ago. But I know you’ve felt it - those moments where time seems to stand still, your creative juices are flowing, and you’re getting more done in 20 minutes than you have in a week.

To me, it always seemed like magic. I never knew when or how it would strike. But it turns out you can control it, and conjure it whenever you want.

Diane takes us through the science of the flow state and a 3-step process for managing it.

I love this idea. And I’m obsessed with figuring this out.

Just imagine what more we could do.

Please enjoy, Diane Allen.

Key Takeaways

• What is Flow? Diane defines flow as an optimal state of mind where distractions vanish, creativity flourishes, and you feel fearless and uninhibited.
• The Science of Flow: Learn about the brain’s role in flow, including the activation of feel-good hormones like dopamine and the silencing of the inner critic.
• Recognize Your Flow State: Diane explains the “Where, What, Why” framework to identify and replicate your unique flow experiences.
• The Power of Intention: Distractions are the biggest killers of flow. Diane shares tips on managing interruptions and creating a distraction-free environment.
• Flow and Mental Health: How accessing flow helps move you from languishing to flourishing, improving your overall well-being.
• Collaboration in Flow: Discover how flow can be contagious, inspiring teams to perform at their best through a ripple effect of energy.
• Making Flow Routine: Practical tips to prioritize and practice flow, so it becomes an integral part of your life.

Connect with Diane:

Diane’s TEDx Talk: Get Into Your Life Like a Musician Gets Into the Music

Diane’s Book: Flow - Unlock Your Genius and Love What You Do.

Website https://dianeallen.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianeallenspeaker/

Resources:

Adam Grant on languishing: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.html

Book: Limitless by Jim Kwik

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Today I talk to Michelle Grocholosky, a CEO and speaker who works with leaders to build more diverse and inclusive companies. She’s one of Canada’s top 40 under 40 and has been recognized as one of the top 100 most powerful women in the country. She’s kind of a big deal.

I recently told a friend of mine that I was doing an episode on diversity and inclusion, and she said, “yeah that’s of no interest to me at all.” I appreciate her honesty, and it reflects how a lot of people are feeling about this topic. There is a lot of fatigue out there.

Maybe that’s why I loved this conversation so much - Michelle is so different than any other leader I’ve heard on this topic. She shares personal stories of how growing up in an intolerant household and working in a psychiatric hospital led her to her passion for this work. But even as an expert in the field, she’s honest about having to combat her deeply rooted biases and stereotypes on a daily basis.

You can’t control your first thought, but you can control your second. I take a lot of comfort in that, because I have made a lot of questionable decisions and told a lot of bad jokes. These conversations are never easy, which is kind of the point.

Please enjoy, Michelle Grocholsky.

Key Takeaways

• The DEI Dinner Analogy: Diversity is being invited, inclusion is feeling welcome, and equity is having access to enjoy the meal—each pillar is essential.
• Why Equity Lags Behind: Equity is often misunderstood as quotas when it’s really about fairness, removing barriers, and creating access for everyone.
• Overcoming Bias: You can’t control your first thought, but you can control your second. Curiosity and humility are powerful tools for growth.
• Unlearning and Relearning: Biases are often learned early, but through exposure and introspection, we can unlearn and build more inclusive perspectives.
• Navigating Discomfort: It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you’re willing to learn and adapt. Humility and compassion can create space for authentic dialogue.
• Shifting the Corporate Lens: When companies listen and act on feedback, they can create lasting, meaningful change for their employees and their bottom line.

Resources

• TED Talk: Michelle recently delivered a TED Talk at the University of Waterloo, highlighting stereotypes and strengths in the workplace.
• The Person You Mean to Be by Dolly Chugh.
• How to Be an Inclusive Leader by Jennifer Brown.

Connect with Michelle:
LinkedIn
Instagram

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Today I talk to Clarence Cachagee, an Indigenous leader, author and founder of Crow Shield Lodge - a land-based healing center for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

So, I don’t know how to explain this conversation and when you listen, you’ll know what I mean. Talking to Clarence, you’re struck by how peaceful, thoughtful and hopeful he is for someone who has been through such trauma. He talks about being placed in foster care with his sister at an early age, discovering alcohol at 8 years old, abandoning his high-school sweetheart and their two young daughters, living on the streets, being incarcerated - and then finding his way back. He got sober, graduated from college, reconciled with his family, and, most importantly, reconnected with the land and his Indigenous roots.

I’ve got a lot to learn about Indigenous teachings. So when Clarence talks about kindness, compassion, finding your purpose, and being of service - it's with a different lens than I’m used to. I’ve got a lot of work to do, and Clarence makes me feel ok about that.

https://www.amazon.ca/North-Wind-Man-Clarence-Cachagee/dp/1990827039Please enjoy, Clarence Cachagee.

Key Takeaways:

• Prayer as a Tool for Connection: Clarence explains how “praying forward” shifts the focus from personal needs to collective healing and gratitude.
• Healing Through the Land: The land holds the wisdom and medicine needed for healing and reconnection. All our teachings, ceremonies, and belonging are rooted in it.
• The Power of a Spirit Name: Receiving his name, North Wind Man, was pivotal for Clarence. It helped him rediscover his purpose: to bring change and foster connection.
• Breaking the Cycle of Trauma: Intergenerational trauma runs deep, but healing begins with acknowledgment, patience, and working for future generations.
• Truth and Reconciliation: We’re still in the truth stage, and it’s hard work. Allyship, listening, and challenging the status quo are critical for meaningful progress.
• The Importance of Alternatives: Clarence advocates for new pathways in health care, education, and justice systems to create spaces for Indigenous perspectives and healing.
• Hope for the Future: Being a “best ancestor” today involves creating opportunities and removing barriers for future generations to thrive.

Resources:

• Crow Shield Lodge
• Donate to Crow Shield Lodge
• Follow Clarence on Twitter, https://www.facebook.com/crowshieldlodge, https://www.instagram.com/crowshieldlodge/
• North Wind Man by Clarence Cachagee

Connect with Clarence
X
Facebook
Instagram

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Today I talk to Michelle Hillier, a speaker, educator and author who helps people find their authentic self by slowing down, finding their breath and re-igniting their fire.

She’s also a recovering alcoholic. I never thought a conversation about addiction, recovery and what’s on the other side could be so much fun. She shares hilarious and sometimes heart-breaking stories of how drinking helped her cope, and it worked pretty good for most of her life, until it didn’t. She talks about how the sudden death of her father made her realize she was living in the matrix - a life based on what society told her it should look like. And how things came to a head during the pandemic when she saw the real dark side of alcohol for the first time.

This was a really powerful and personal conversation for me. I don’t talk about my sobriety often and this felt like talking to a smarter, more enlightened girl version of myself. We’re all in recovery from something. Whatever yours looks like, this conversation is for you.

Please enjoy, Michelle Hillier.

Key Takeaways

• Uncovering Patterns and True Core Values: Michelle discovered that the times she felt out of alignment with her core values, authenticity and health, were often when her drinking increased.
• Transforming Tragedy into Purpose: The passing of her father and the COVID-19 pandemic both became wake-up calls that helped her start her own business and ultimately embrace sobriety.
• Slowing Down and Finding Balance: Michelle found that slowing down and being in tune with her body allowed her to truly experience joy and authenticity, bringing balance to her naturally high-energy lifestyle.
• Breath and Fire – A New Way of Living and Working: Michelle’s platform, Breath and Fire, embodies the balance between calm and passion, helping others find their fire while staying grounded.
• Rebuilding Relationships with Deeper Connections: Sobriety allowed Michelle to reframe her relationships, leading to a more authentic bond with friends and family.
• Creativity Reignited in Recovery: With sobriety, Michelle has found herself more connected to her creativity, whether through movement, problem-solving, or planning her next steps in life.

Resources

• Breath and Fire: Michelle Hillier’s platform for coaching, speaking, and workshops on authenticity and balance.
• Breath and Fire: FREE 5 Day Awaken Your Flame Practice
• Core Values Test: A tool for discovering personal core values, which helped Michelle see the impact of authenticity and health on her life.
• Greenstone Treatment Center: The recovery center where Michelle now works as a mind-body professional, giving back to those beginning their own journeys.

Connect with Michelle

• Breath and Fire Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. Here is how you can connect with us at the Growth Mixtape podcast.

Connect with Bob Mathers
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