Episode 015
Frank Martela
In this episode, Dr. Frank Martela — philosopher, researcher, and global expert on meaning and well-being — explores the profound difference between chasing happiness and building a meaningful life. Drawing on insights from Viktor Frankl, self-determination theory, and Finnish culture, Martela explores why coherence, purpose, and significance matter more than momentary pleasure. The conversation also asks an important question: is the World Happiness Report doing a good job measuring what truly matters?
Along the way, we dive into Finland’s value of quiet satisfaction, the role of autonomy and contribution in organizations, the cultural acceptance of negative emotions, and the resilience of Sisu. Listeners will walk away with science-backed tools, cultural wisdom, and practical actions to bring more meaning into their own lives. Frank Martela, PhD, is a philosopher and researcher at Aalto University in Finland, specializing in motivation, well-being, and the science of meaning. Known internationally for his expertise on why Finland consistently tops global happiness rankings, his work blends psychology, philosophy, and cultural insight to help people live more self-chosen and purposeful lives.
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Episode 014
Carl Richards
In this rich and reflective conversation, Carl Richards — renowned author, financial planner, and creator of the Behaviour Gap — shares the evolution of his work from behaviour-focused financial planning to meaning-centred money conversations. From his early Sharpie sketches to his recent books Freedom and Your Money, Carl’s journey is one of curiosity, courage, and redefining success.
Together, we explore what it means to live a self-authored life, how to embrace uncertainty, and why doing “your thing” matters more than any external benchmark. This is a conversation about money — but even more, it's about life, purpose, and finding beauty in the mess.
Carl Richards is a financial planner, keynote speaker, author, and the creator of the Behaviour Gap — a movement that blends financial advice with simple, powerful sketches. His work demystifies the complex emotional landscape of money. He’s the author of The One-Page Financial Plan, co-author of Your Money and Freedom, and founder of the Society of Advice. Carl’s mission is to spark one million meaningful money conversations.
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Episode 013
Matthew Barnaby
In this raw, reflective, and high-energy episode of YouPotential, Shaun sits down with former NHL player Matthew Barnaby, known for his gritty playing style and unforgettable persona as “the agitator.”
But beyond the penalty minutes and highlight reels, Barnaby shares the real story — of identity, perseverance, and finding meaning beyond the ice.
From growing up with adversity to carving out a 14-year NHL career, Matthew unpacks how deeply held beliefs about who he was helped him overcome the odds, stay grounded through fame and money, and find purpose in life after hockey.
This episode is about more than just sports. It’s about the power of choosing your identity — and the challenge of letting it go when the jersey comes off.Matthew Barnaby is a former NHL player known for his fierce playing style and outspoken personality. Over a 14-year professional hockey career, he became one of the league’s most recognized agitators, playing over 800 games with teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Rangers.
Since retiring, Barnaby has worked as a coach, broadcaster, and speaker. He’s also the author of Unfiltered, a memoir chronicling his journey through hockey, life, and personal growth.
Today, Matthew is passionate about family, mental health advocacy, and helping athletes navigate life after sport.
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Episode 012
Tamara Myles
In this episode, Tamara Myles—author, speaker, and expert in meaningful work—shares insights on how mentors, leaders, and organizations can foster a sense of purpose through community, contribution, and challenge. She explains why meaningful work is more about how we experience what we do than the tasks themselves, highlights the importance of psychological safety, and reflects on her own journey from advertising to becoming a leading thinker on work that matters.
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Episode 011
Dr. Todd Kashdan
What does it really mean to be a parent who grows with their child? Todd Kashdan shares research-backed, heartfelt reflections on how play, curiosity, flexibility, and even a bit of insubordination can shape deeper, more meaningful relationships with our kids—and ourselves.
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Episode 010
Dr. Cassie Holmes
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Cassie Holmes, professor of happiness at UCLA and author of "Happier Hour," explores the science of happiness and its profound connection to how we spend our time. She delves into defining happiness as both emotional wellbeing and life satisfaction, emphasizing that intentionality in our daily choices significantly impacts our overall happiness.
The discussion covers time poverty and its subjective nature, the surprising joy found in ordinary experiences, and the complex relationship between money, time, and happiness. Dr. Holmes shares evidence-based research alongside practical wisdom, offering listeners a roadmap for creating more meaningful lives through deliberate time choices and deeper human connections.
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Episode 009
Thomas G. Waites
What happens when Hollywood success becomes a beautiful trap? Thomas G. Waites knows firsthand. From sharing the stage with Al Pacino to starring in cult classics like "The Warriors" and "The Thing," Thomas had it all — until addiction took everything away.
In this raw conversation, Thomas opens up about losing his career, family, and money to alcoholism, then finding unexpected healing through cold therapy and Bruce Springsteen's music. He shares his philosophy of "meliorism" — creating beauty from life's darkest moments — and why he believes "money is a false idol." Most importantly, he reveals how surrendering everything led him to discover his most authentic self.
This isn't just another comeback story. It's about what it really means to live a life you're proud of.
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Episode 008
Dr. Brad Klontz
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Brad Klontz — the pioneer who created the field of financial psychology over two decades ago and bestselling author of 9 books including "Start Thinking Rich." Brad opens up about his journey from scarcity to abundance and reveals why smart people make terrible money decisions.
We explore the psychology behind wealth-building, how to develop a truly "rich mindset," and the harsh truths about financial success. Brad shares why experiences matter more than stuff, how childhood money scripts shape our futures, and why believing "if they can do it, I can do it" is the most important financial decision you'll ever make.
Tune in for a powerful conversation about breaking generational patterns, building real wealth, and transforming not just your life, but your entire family's future.
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Episode 007
Nathan Mackintosh
What happens when a kid from the Maritimes decides to chase a "completely stupid" dream? Nathan Macintosh knows exactly what that looks like. In this engaging conversation, Nathan discusses the profound impact of humor on health and social attractiveness, his journey into stand-up comedy, and the challenges he faced along the way.
Nathan shares insights on his unique comedic style of "positive anger" and his critical views on technology and AI, emphasizing their potential threats to humanity. The discussion touches on the importance of money and meaningful work in people's lives, highlighting the need for human connection and purpose in an increasingly automated world.
From performing at iconic venues like the Comedy Cellar to appearing on late-night shows, Nathan reflects on the balance between satisfaction and the drive to create, concluding with thoughts on living a meaningful life centered around human connections.
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Episode 006
Debra Kaplan
In this revealing conversation, we explore the hidden forces that shape our most intimate relationships. Debra Kaplan, therapist and former Wall Street trader, takes us behind the scenes of power dynamics most couples never recognize. From her unique journey trading commodities to helping couples navigate betrayal and financial conflict, Debra reveals why the "titans" of sex, money, and power control more of our relationships than we realize.
We explore how childhood experiences from the backseat of a car can shape adult relationship patterns, why the quiet partner often wields the real power, and how to transform destructive dynamics into deeper connection. Debra shares insights from her transition from high-stakes trading floors to therapy rooms, offering hope for couples caught in cycles they don't understand.
Tune in for an eye-opening discussion about the forces that can make or break relationships - and how to master them for genuine intimacy and fulfillment.
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Episode 005
Dr. Michael Steger
In this episode, Shaun Maslyk sits down with Dr. Michael Steger — a leading researcher in the psychology of meaning — for a wide-ranging conversation on why meaning in life truly matters. Together, they explore how meaning is built through action, immersion, and personal reflection. The discussion spans topics like community, sports, wealth, and AI — all through the lens of what it means to live a life filled with purpose. Mike shares how the pursuit of meaning, if misunderstood, can actually create anxiety rather than happiness. He also questions whether current practices in positive psychology are enough to meet the demands of a changing world. The conversation dives into the tension between materialism and self-transcendence, how wealth has become a scorecard, and why the way we spend our moments shapes our experience of a life well lived.
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Episode 004
Peter Katz
In this episode, we’re joined by Peter Katz — Juno-nominated musician, keynote speaker, and a master of creative reinvention. Known for his soulful storytelling and transformative keynotes, Peter opens up about facing fears, hitting rock bottom, and evolving to thrive. He discusses how hope became his anchor and how trusting his creative process helped him move forward. We explore how challenges can reveal our true selves and why embracing vulnerability is key to thriving. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about courage, creativity, and the human spirit with Peter Katz.
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Episode 003
James Victore
In this raw and transformative episode, renowned designer, creative rebel, and truth-teller James Victore sits down to challenge the rules we've been taught about fitting in, playing it safe, and compromising for approval. From being labeled 'too much' as a kid to becoming a global creative force, James shares how embracing his so-called weirdness became his greatest strength. He talks about the emotional cost of choosing creative freedom over conventional success—and why it’s worth every penny. This is not your typical career advice episode. It’s a manifesto for living out loud, reclaiming your voice, and leading a life that’s unmistakably your own.
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Episode 002
Hawksley Workman
In this episode, we’re joined by Hawksley Workman — a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and one of Canada’s most dynamic and fearless musical artists. From overcoming creative blocks to embracing vulnerability on stage, Hawksley opens up about his creative process, his personal battles, and what it means to push boundaries while staying true to himself.
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Episode 001
Mark Bowden
In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Bowden — the world’s leading expert on body language — for a fascinating conversation about human behavior, communication, and personal growth. Mark shares what he’s learned from working with presidents, prime ministers, and Fortune 500 CEOs about how we move from where we are to where we want to go. We explore how lies can actually serve a social purpose, why body language and storytelling are essential tools for influence, and how our early experiences shape the way we show up in the world. From his creative roots to becoming a trusted advisor to some of the world’s most powerful people, Mark opens up about failure, resilience, and what it really takes to live a meaningful, successful life.
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