In this episode of Not So Avg., we dive deep into a topic that affects everyone—stress and anxiety. These challenges show up in different ways for each of us, but one thing is universal: learning how to manage them can change everything.

💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode: 🧠 Understanding stress & anxiety – How they’re connected and why they impact every part of life. ⚡ Personal struggles & real talk – The power of open conversations and setting boundaries. 🤝 Creating space for men’s mental health – Why vulnerability is strength. 🛠 Practical tools for managing stress – Breathing techniques, movement, and meditation to reset your mind.

Stress is inevitable—but suffering through it alone doesn’t have to be. This episode is packed with real, actionable ways to stay grounded, take control, and build resilience.

• Great Resources That Helped Me

  Modern Wisdom with Chris Williamson – Episode: How To Beat Stress, Feel Better & Live Longer (feat. Dr. Robert Sapolsky)📺 Watch here

• 
  On Purpose with Jay Shetty – Episode: If You Struggle With Stress & Anxiety, This Will Change Your Life (feat. Mel Robbins)📺 Watch here

Mandy Balak doesn’t just build businesses—she builds movements. From founding Date Night & Branded Magazine, to creating The Well, The Gathering Summit and Rise Women’s Conference, Mandy has carved out a Not So Avg. path rooted in branding, community, and personal growth.

This episode dives into:

🔥 Why authenticity is the ultimate business strategy

🤝 How meaningful connections fuel personal & professional success

💡 The power of intentional living & staying aligned with your purpose

🙅‍♀️ Mandy’s “If it’s not a F*ck Yes, it’s a No” philosophy on decision-making.

Mandy’s journey proves that success isn’t just about scaling a business—it’s about building something that truly aligns with who you are. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or someone striving for a life that feels Not So Avg., this episode will challenge you to think differently about success.

🔗 Where to find Mandy:

💼 LinkedIn: Mandy Balak

🌎 More about Mandy:

🎤 The Gathering Summit: The Gathering Festival

📝 Take Time to Grow! Get the free Integration Day prompts: Subscribe here

Josh Russell, one of Canada’s most respected 5th-degree black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, shares his journey defined by passion, perseverance, and relentless discipline.

This isn't a Joe Rogan podcast. From being inspired by 80s movies and Bruce Lee to training at the legendary Gracie Bara Academy in Brazil, Josh’s path to success is anything but average in martial arts.

This episode dives into:

🥋 From White Belt to Black Belt: Lessons in Discipline & Consistency

🇧🇷 Training with the Gracies & the Reality of Learning BJJ in Brazil

👨‍👦 Fatherhood & Mentorship: Teaching Confidence Through Martial Arts

🌊 His Passion for Free Diving & the Thrill of Catching a 300lb Black Marlin

🔥 Why Pursuing Passion & Mentoring Others is the Ultimate Success

Josh’s journey shows that greatness isn’t just about talent—it’s about the courage to pursue your own path, no matter how unconventional. Whether you’re an athlete, a mentor, or someone striving to live a Not So Avg. life, this episode will leave you inspired to keep pushing forward.

Tune in now and get inspired by the power of discipline and passion.

🥋 JR Academy - https://www.jracademy.co/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jra_bjj_yyc/?hl=en

In this episode of Not So Avg., we sit down with Haley Daniels, an Olympic canoe slalom athlete turned corporate, to dive into a story of grit, advocacy, and reinvention.

Haley’s journey is anything but average. From overcoming trouble as a youth, to competing on the world’s biggest stage, she fought not just for herself but for gender equality in sports—paving the way for women’s canoe slalom to be included in the Olympics.

This episode covers: 🚣‍♀️ The fight to get women’s canoe slalom into the Olympics 🧠 The mental & physical habits that built an Olympian mindset 💼 Her transition from elite sports to the corporate world ⚖️ Navigating an identity shift after retirement 💰 Her role in corporate sponsorships for the Banff Centre 👊 Why she’s still pushing for equality in sports today

This conversation is filled with real talk, resilience, and game-changing lessons—for athletes, leaders, and anyone chasing a Not So Avg. path.

Hit play now and get inspired by a story of breaking barriers. 🎧🔥

Other Mentions:

Calm App

Insight Timer

 Waking Up App

Waking Up by Sam Harris - Book

 Canmore Women's Enduro

"Not So Avg." Podcast: Innovating Education with Lisa Davis

In this episode ofNot So Avg., hostAlistair Shipley sits down withLisa Davis, founder of theSTEM Innovation Academy, to explore how education can be transformed when we stop playing by the usual rules.

Lisa’s journey is anything but average—bringing an entrepreneurial mindset fromcommercial real estate into the world of education, she’s redefining how students engage withscience, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Through innovative teaching and real-world challenges, she’s proving that learning isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about preparing for the future.

This episode dives into:🚀Why traditional education is overdue for disruption🧠How AI, ethics, and diversity are shaping STEM fields🏗️Building an academy that bridges school with real-world innovation💡The underestimated power of great teachers in shaping the future

Lisa’sNot So Avg. approach to education is inspiring, practical, and exactly what we need in a world evolving at breakneck speed. If you’re ready to rethink what educationshould be, this episode is a must-listen.

Hit play now and step into the future of learning. 🎧✨

In this special 10th episode of Not So Avg., host Alistair Shipley takes a moment to reflect on his journey—both in podcasting and his unconventional career path. This episode is different. It’s a look behind the mic, exploring the experiences, people, and lessons that have shaped him. Alistair shares: 🔹 The ethos of Not So Avg.—why everyone has something extraordinary to offer. 🔹 The friendships and mentors (like Jay & Ray DePaul) that pushed him past episode 10. 🔹 His winding career path—from carpentry to culinary arts, business school to startups, and eventually, the solar industry. 🔹 Wild stories from San Francisco, including working with an interactive fitting room mirror startup and Calgary robotics company Attabotics. 🔹 Why relationships, persistence, and storytelling have been the keys to every opportunity. This episode is a deep dive into the power of authenticity, consistency, and community—the very things that make Not So Avg. what it is today. Alistair wraps up with gratitude for the listeners and a renewed commitment to keep bringing beyond average stories to the world. Hit play and get inspired by the journey so far.

In this episode of Not So Avg., host Alistair Shipley sits down with Aislinn Grant, founder of the branding agency Grant., to unpack her Not So Avg. journey from managing stores at Lush to diving into the world of robotics and ultimately building her own creative powerhouse.

Aislinn shares raw insights on:🔥 Navigating imposter syndrome and stepping into leadership with confidence.🎨 How creativity, authenticity, and decisive action fuel great branding.💡 The power of genuine connections in both business and life.⚖️ Balancing family, career, and self without burning out.🚀 Why her mantra is “Do less, but better.”

This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and straight-up real talk about the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Whether you're a creative, a founder, or just someone chasing a Not So Avg. path, Aislinn’s story will leave you inspired to own your journey.

Hit play now and get ready to think differently about success.

Grant

https://www.wearegrant.com

In this episode of Not So Avg., host Alistair Shipley sits down with Grant Lahring, co-founder of Goodlawyer, to explore his extraordinary journey from working internationally with Uber to making waves in the startup world with ventures like Deepwater Farms and, ultimately, Goodlawyer.

Grant shares candid insights about: - The Not So Avg. challenges and triumphs of building startups. - How self-awareness has shaped his leadership style and personal growth. - His take on the overhyped world of business books and his preference for real, actionable insights. - Staying active on LinkedIn to foster genuine connections and share valuable lessons. - Balancing health, relationships, and ambition while managing the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.

Packed with raw honesty, practical wisdom, and thought-provoking stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to lead a Not So Avg. life. Whether you're navigating your own startup dreams or seeking inspiration for personal and professional growth, Grant's story will leave you ready to take on your next big challenge.

Hit play now and discover what makes Grant Lahring and his journey with Goodlawyer truly beyond average.

Links:

Goodlawyer

Grant Lahring