Shit My Dad Taught Me

🎙️ This week on Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Sim Bains — architect, designer, entrepreneur, and founder of All Eyes On Me.Sim’s work lives at the intersection of space, culture, and human experience. As the driving force behind All Eyes On Me, he’s redefining what luxury eyewear and optometry can feel like — not just through product, but through emotion, environment, and intention.Born in Windsor and raised in Tecumseh, Sim took a non-traditional path early on. He left university before completing his degree, choosing instead to bet on himself and chase a calling in the optical world — long before entrepreneurship was trendy. That decision set the foundation for a career built on instinct, discipline, and an uncompromising eye for detail.From launching his first boutique at a young age to establishing a flagship presence in Toronto’s Yorkville district, Sim has created immersive, jewel-box-style spaces featuring curated eyewear from global icons like Cartier, alongside collaborations with art, fashion, and lifestyle brands. With private showrooms, elevated hospitality, and exclusive events, All Eyes On Me has become more than a retail experience — it’s a destination.Today, the brand operates three locations across Yorkville, Oakville, and Milton, supported by a tight-knit team of optometrists and front-of-house staff all aligned around Sim’s vision of excellence. He’s not chasing trends — he’s setting standards.Most importantly, Sim is also a father of two. In this conversation, we go beyond architecture and business to talk about fatherhood, legacy, balance, and how becoming a dad has reshaped how he builds, leads, and lives.This episode is a masterclass in modern luxury, intentional leadership, and the quiet lessons that shape who we become.Special thanks to our incredible sponsors: This episode’s Dad Jokes sponsor: Spicer Landscaping & Snow Removal Services.The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is One Bone.

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Robin Yates, a quiet force behind some of the most respected outerwear brands in Canada and around the world.Robin is a seasoned brand builder and operator whose career spans performance apparel, global brand strategy, and disciplined execution. He was appointed CEO of Woods, one of Canada’s oldest outdoor brands, where he helped guide the company into a modern era by focusing on relevance, authenticity, and long-term positioning in a crowded global market.He also served as a senior executive at Canada Goose during a critical period of growth, playing a key role as the brand scaled from a respected Canadian label into a global icon.Following that chapter, Robin founded Nobis, a premium outerwear brand known for technical innovation, clean design, and uncompromising quality. Nobis earned its reputation not through hype, but through performance and product integrity.Across his career, Robin has built trusted relationships with elite athletes, industry leaders, and high-profile individuals by prioritizing credibility, long-term thinking, and doing things the right way — especially when the stakes are high.But this conversation goes beyond brands and titles.We talk about leadership under pressure, lessons learned the hard way, building things that last, and how fatherhood and legacy shape the way you show up, in business and in life.Performance thinking doesn’t stop at the big brands.Robin Yates helped shape Hatty Pro Dry — applying technical apparel principles to help kids stay dry, comfortable, and focused on play.Special thanks to our incredible sponsors:This episode's Dad Jokes sponsor: Spicer Landscaping & Snow Removal Services The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is One Bone

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with John Romano, the founder and owner of Nickel Brook Brewing, for an honest conversation about family, legacy, and building something from the ground up.John opens up about growing up in a traditional Italian household, the values passed down through his family, and how those lessons shaped both the father and entrepreneur he is today. From raising his children to navigating the risks, sacrifices, and long nights that come with starting a brewery, John shares what it really takes to turn passion into a lasting business.This episode goes beyond beer. It’s about hard work, responsibility, resilience, and the quiet moments that define success—at home and at work. Whether you’re a parent, a business owner, or someone chasing a dream, John’s story is packed with real perspective and timeless lessons.Grab a drink and enjoy this one 🍺Special thanks to our incredible sponsors:This episode's opening sponsor is Circle Mortgage. This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal.The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.This episode's closing sponsor is Lalande Personal Injury & Disability Lawyers.

Doug Gilmour is a Hall of Fame legend and Stanley Cup champion celebrated for his iconic, gritty leadership as the Toronto Maple Leafs' captain. Today, he remains an active figure through his DG93 lifestyle brand and his role as a dedicated family man.Doug's Links: https://www.douggilmour.com/shophttps://www.prodrysport.comSpecial thanks to our incredible sponsors:This episode's opening sponsor is Circle Mortgage https://circlemortgage.ca/This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal.https://www.spicerlandscaping.ca/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22983886066&gbraid=0AAAAA9cNwRLb_TgsFK8xf6fGW0UAG1VB0The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.https://onebonebrand.com/?tw_source=google&tw_adid=704028473756&tw_campaign=21416418368&tw_kwdid=kwd-496287830148&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21416418368&gbraid=0AAAAAChk8g2Rdf0jFMynF0fTHv7OxhuTpThis episode's closing sponsor is Lalande Personal Injury & Disability Lawyers.https://injured.ca/

Our guest today runs one of the most accessible Bitcoin entry‑points on the planet, Sat Chats, a welcome center for Bitcoin beginners. Stewart Arthur Pelto doesn’t preach crypto jargon. He simplifies it, humanizes it, and invites regular people to ask real questions about money, freedom, and the future. Stewart is more than a podcaster: he’s a former PAC manager turned tech‑sales rep turned full‑time Bitcoin evangelist. He uses his background in communications and systems thinking to make the complex world of Bitcoin relatable. On Sat Chats, he and his guests break down what “stacking sats” means in real life, how Bitcoin intersects with justice, financial sovereignty, generational wealth and personal freedom. Today we get to ask: who is Stewart beyond the microphone? What drove him to Bitcoin? What’s the mission behind the Welcome‑Center approach? And how does he navigate a world skeptical of crypto while trying to build something that might outlast us all.YouTube: Sat Chats, The Bitcoin PodcastWebsite: https://www.satchats.comThis episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance.Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#workInstagram: @mattstevensoninsuranceThis episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal.Website: https://www.spicerlandscaping.caThe Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.Website: https://onebonebrand.com

Steve Cadigan is someone who helped shape the culture of one of the most impactful platforms in the world, LinkedIn. He’s been called a Talent Hacker, a Culture Strategist, and a Future of Work thought leader. But today, we’re more interested in the man behind all that, what shaped him, what he’s learned, and what he’s still figuring out.Steve Cadigan is a rare blend of boardroom strategist and culture architect. He’s not just dug into the trenches of HR, he led those trenches. At LinkedIn, when the company was just a few hundred people, he helped scale it into thousands, shaping the very culture that made it a global icon.Before that, he cut his teeth at tech giants like Cisco and EA, helping organizations navigate rapid growth, acquisitions, global teams and change. Today, through Cadigan Talent Ventures, Steve advises leaders and companies around the world on how to turn talent into advantage, how to re‑think work in this era of disruption, and how to build cultures people actually want to join.This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance.Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#workInstagram: @mattstevensoninsuranceThis episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal.Website: https://www.spicerlandscaping.caThe Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.Website: https://onebonebrand.com

Ivan Fredette has lived what many of us fear: addiction, loss, numbing pain. Ivan didn’t hide from it. Instead, he built a way out. After 17 years of battling alcohol addiction and being wounded by the tragic suicides of a cousin and sister, Ivan decided to take full responsibility for his life. Today, he’s the founder of Ironclad Brotherhood, where men come together to reclaim discipline, purpose, sobriety, and legacy. He’s not just a coach. He’s a man who’s walked through the fire and now guides others through the flames. Outside of the mentorship world, he runs Safe Tree Ltd., a successful 7‑figure business in Niagara, proving transformation applies in business too. As a husband and father of three, Ivan brings to the table not just business savvy and recovery wisdom, but the real world challenge of living the legacy you teach. In this episode we’ll talk about: how to turn wreckage into leadership, what real accountability looks like for men, how fatherhood reshapes your mission, and why choosing life is the first step to building something meaningful.Follow Ivan on Instagram @ivanfredetteWebsite: https://www.ivanfredette.comThis episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance.Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#workInstagram: @mattstevensoninsuranceThis episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal.Website: https://www.spicerlandscaping.caThe Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.Website: https://onebonebrand.com

Emily O’Brien’s story is a rare, raw example of redemption and resilience. At age 25, she was caught smuggling cocaine and was later convicted—receiving a four-year prison sentence.  During her time behind bars, something unexpected happened: she noticed popcorn was one of the few treats that brought people together in confinement. With limited spices—lemon pepper, dill—she began experimenting. That simple idea grew into Comeback Snacks, which she officially launched after her parole in 2018, with a mission to fight stigma, hire formerly incarcerated people, and build hope one bag of popcorn at a time.  Today, Emily’s brand is stocked in hundreds of outlets across Canada and the U.S. She employs people who have criminal records, works to shift public perception, and speaks about never letting your past define your future.  Joining Emily O’Brien in studio is her father, John O’Brien — an accomplished executive, strategic advisor, Catholic leader, and mountaineer… but more importantly, a dad who’s walked through fire with his child and stood beside her every step of the way. John is currently the Chief Financial Officer of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines, and the founder of O’Brien Strategic Services, a consulting practice that supports Catholic organizations across North America. He spent over three decades with the Diocese of Hamilton, overseeing everything from cemeteries to insurance, while also mentoring new executives in the often complex world of religious governance.   Follow Emily on Instagram @emz.obrien   This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance. Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal. The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.

Today, we’re honoured to welcome Garvin Pinette to the show—a proud father, passionate public servant, archery champion, and a man who’s turned his deepest struggles into powerful fuel for change. Garvin is a Correctional Officer and Peer Support Coordinator with Manitoba Corrections, and the founder of the department’s first-ever Peer Support Program and Trauma-Informed Care Committee. After surviving three traumatic events early in his career and receiving a PTSD diagnosis, Garvin faced down some of the darkest days of his life—and chose to fight, not just for himself, but for the mental wellness of others in uniform. He partnered with the MGEU to launch the Healthy Minds at Work Campaign, building out a full Peer Support Training Program. Today, Garvin is a full-time Staff Trainer, a Divisional Coordinator, and a recognized mental health leader in first responder circles. But that’s just part of the story. Check out Garvin on Instagram @gcandostuff This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance. Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal. The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.

Meet Lexi & Brett Johnson, co‑partners in life and mission. Lexi is the founder of Lexi J Wellness®, a thriving online fitness & wellness brand built from her basement in 2020. Certified in multiple NASM specialties and with a degree in Health Sciences, her goal is simple: help women reclaim strength, health, and confidence in just 28 minutes a day. Brett, by her side as husband and partner, plays a supportive and active role in their shared vision. He works a full-time job while being both the CFO and COO of Lexi J Wellness. Though not as publicly profiled yet, he shows up in event campaigns, community support, and the “behind the scenes” muscle of Lexi’s growth. Their dynamic pairs business acumen, community focus, and personal drive. Website: https://lexijwellness.com/ Instagram: @lexijwellness This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance. Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal. The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.

Dave Hulshof is a commercial real estate expert with over 15 years’ experience in investment advisory and wealth management. As Co‑Founder of The Investments Group at Royal LePage Burloak, he co-leads one of Canada’s most active property investment teams—analyzing over 1,500 deals annually and facilitating more than $100 million in transactions in 2023 alone   Holding respected financial designations (CLU, CFP), Dave approaches real estate not just as a broker but as a strategic financial advisor—leveraging a vast network and sophisticated analysis to unlock hidden opportunities. Whether it’s off-market properties or complex valuations, his work helps clients build generational wealth through smart, data-driven investments.   Topics Discussed in This Episode – How Dave’s father saved their home from foreclosure – Lessons in resilience and how they shaped his parenting – Commercial multifamily strategy and CMHC financing – Co parenting, therapy, and mental health – Starting a finance podcast with his son – Fitness shows, jujitsu, and personal discipline   This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance. Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work

Rick Campanelli is one of Canada’s most recognizable and loved media personalities—a broadcasting icon whose career began when he won MuchMusic’s “MuchTemp” contest in 1994, earning the nickname “Rick the Temp” before becoming “The Franchise” on Much. Over 12 years, he became a fixture on Canadian entertainment television with roles on ET Canada and Deal or No Deal Canada. Since then, he’s transitioned into radio and live TV reporting with CHFI and Breakfast Television Toronto, while remaining deeply rooted in philanthropy and community. Off-screen, Rick is equally devoted to family. A proud father of three, he has openly shared how taking paternal leave early in fatherhood changed his life, cementing his belief in hands-on parenting Topics Discussed in This Episode – Rick’s journey from MuchMusic to ET Canada – The importance of staying authentic in media – Lessons from decades in television and radio – How the industry has evolved and where it is heading – Most memorable celebrity encounters and interviews – Balancing public life with personal values This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance. Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work

In this episode, we sit down with Antoine Vaillant, a bodybuilder, entrepreneur, and popular social media personality whose approach to life goes far beyond the gym. Antoine opens up about the mental side of fitness, what it means to push your limits, and how bodybuilding became both a passion and a path to personal growth.   He also shares the real challenges behind competition prep, his philosophy on suffering, and why many people get lost in the pursuit of validation. Whether you're into lifting, mindset, or simply understanding what drives people to become the best version of themselves, this episode offers something honest and real.   Topics Discussed in This Episode – Antoine’s journey through bodybuilding and competition – The mindset needed to build physical and mental strength – Learning from suffering and struggle – The trap of chasing validation through aesthetics – Daily routines and how they shape identity – Finding deeper meaning through fitness – How Antoine uses pain as a tool for growth   This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance. Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work

In this episode, we sit down with Brian and Mikey Ehrenworth of Frameworth Sports Marketing, one of the most recognized names in the sports memorabilia world. From working with legends like Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby to managing wild behind-the-scenes moments like recovering Rick Nash’s jerseys from a garbage dump. Brian and Mikey share what it takes to build trust and maintain excellence in the sports world. Their stories are a mix of grit, good timing, and genuine relationships. Whether it's traveling across the country to hang frames in a superstar’s home or coordinating one-of-a-kind memorabilia projects, they’ve built a business where passion meets precision. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work behind the scenes with the biggest names in sports, this episode gives you a front-row seat. Topics Discussed in This Episode: – How Frameworth became a go-to brand for athletes like Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky – The unbelievable story of Rick Nash’s missing jerseys – Building trust and relationships in the sports industry – Creating authentic memorabilia that fans love – Balancing family business dynamics with professional growth

A Bold, New Cancer Medicine that Big Pharma Doesn't Want People to Use | Lee Whitley | Ep.22 | In this episode, we sit down with Lee Whitley, the founder of Lee’s Oil, who has spent nearly a decade giving away plant-based medicine to people battling serious illnesses. Lee shares the story behind his cannabis-based formula that he claims has helped people with brain cancer, colon cancer, lupus, autism, and more. He tells us about the lives saved, including children, pets, and patients once told they had weeks to live. Lee says the proof is in the people—and he invites anyone to reach out and talk to them directly. In fact, he once turned down a $1.5 billion offer for his formula, refusing to hand over control to big pharmaceutical companies. His mission is to make healing accessible, not profitable. This episode offers a rare look into the mindset of someone who believes so deeply in what he’s doing, he’s willing to lose everything to keep doing it. Topics Discussed in This Episode: How Lee’s medicine is made using CBD and plant-based ingredients Why he turned down billions of dollars from pharmaceutical companies Stories of people who say they’ve healed using his formula The link between immune health and disease recovery Why he gives out medicine for free to those who can’t afford it

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ira Price, an emergency physician and founder of Synergy Health Services. Ira shares his unconventional journey from dropping out of high school to enrolling in one of the top medical schools in the world. As someone who struggled with ADHD, he opens up about strategies that helped him finally understand how to learn and succeed.   Ira's story is a reminder that you can break the mold, take a different path, and still create something meaningful.   Topics Discussed in This Episode:   – Growing up with ADHD – Discovering Ritalin and how it changed his ability to learn – Leaving high school and finding his way into medicine – Psychedelics and the early moments of self-awareness – Starting Synergy Health Services and developing cannabis protocols – Being a father and learning through failure – Honest thoughts on modern medicine and what needs to change

In this episode, we sit down with Ray Lugo, who shares the story of a near-death experience that changed everything. What started as a relaxing day on the lake with family turned into a fight for survival when sudden waves and exhaustion pulled him under. After helping someone else get to safety, Ray found himself alone, out of energy, and sinking. He was convinced that he met his end. But instead of fear, he describes a moment of peace, clarity, and vivid reflection. After surviving the near death experience, it helped change Ray's approach on life. This conversation goes far beyond survival. It’s about letting go, reconnecting with purpose, and shifting how we see life itself.   Topics Discussed in This Episode: - The events leading up to Ray’s near-death experience - What it felt like to mentally prepare for death - Processing fear, stillness, and surrender - How the experience reshaped Ray’s perspective on life - The importance of breathing - What it means to live with intention after surviving

In this episode, we sit down with Zyad, the creative force behind Daddy Day Club, to talk about chasing dreams while showing up as a present parent. Z shares his journey from DJing Toronto nightclubs to working in data analytics all while building a brand focused on modern fatherhood. We dive into the reality of being a dad with big goals: the balance between family and ambition, his experiences launching startups, and how he’s reshaped what success looks like. Topics Discussed: The creation and mission behind Daddy Day Club Z’s journey being a DJ Struggles and lessons from failed startups Parenting, presence, and generational expectations Letting go of perfection and redefining success

In this episode, we sat down with Ron Foxcroft. He is a referee, entrepreneur, and the inventor of the world-famous Fox 40 pealess whistle. Ron shares the incredible journey of turning a refereeing frustration into a global product used by the NBA, NHL, NCAA, and even the military. But the story doesn’t stop there. Ron talks about officiating Olympic basketball, building Fluke Transport, and his experience meeting with the Queen of England. From cold calls and missed flights to entrepreneurial grit and family legacy, this episode is packed with life lessons, hilarious stories, and raw honesty from a man who never stopped betting on himself. Topics Discussed: - Inventing the Fox 40 and changing sports forever - Refereeing the 1976 Olympic gold medal basketball game - Building Fluke Transport and surviving in trucking - Meeting the Queen and the story behind a royal gift - Lessons on leadership, work ethic, and giving back

In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Hannon, founder of Trinity Sauna Inc., to hear the raw and powerful story behind his personal transformation. After battling substance abuse, going through a divorce, losing his job, and hitting rock bottom with a DUI arrest, Bryan rebuilt his life from the ground up. He shares how that breaking point led him to sobriety, fatherhood, and a new mission—creating a safe space for physical and emotional healing. From cold plunges to deep conversations, Trinity Sauna became more than a wellness facility—it became a community built on vulnerability, growth, and second chances. Topics Discussed in This Episode: The night Bryan hit rock bottom and how it changed everything How sobriety reshaped his purpose and relationship with his son Creating Trinity Sauna as a space for healing and mental health support The power of vulnerability and holding space for others How contrast therapy and cold exposure impact more than just the body Rebuilding life through fitness, fatherhood, and small daily actions Why men need to talk—and how Bryan is helping make that happen