Chatter that Matters Podcast

What happens when a lifelong dream clashes with a tough new reality? This episode follows the compelling journey of Dapo Bankole, who left everything behind in Nigeria to create a brighter future for his family in Canada.

But what awaited him wasn’t a red carpet—it was a steep climb of survival jobs, diminishing savings, and the gradual loss of self-worth.

Through honest storytelling and deep reflection, Dapo shares how mentorship, microloans, and community support not only rebuilt his life but also inspired him to build bridges for others. His transformation from a struggling newcomer to founder of The Immigrant Life serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we stop wasting talent and start investing in human potential.

Joining the conversation is Andrea Barrack, Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Impact at RBC, who explains why RBC is supporting Windmill Microlending—a groundbreaking organization helping thousands of skilled newcomers reclaim their careers, dignity, and dreams.

A beautiful story of dreaming, doing and doing for others awaits.

From Hollywood Hits to Finding Happy: Peter Samuelson’s Mission to Lift Others

Peter Samuelson could have stayed in Hollywood, producing box-office hits like Revenge of the Nerds and The Return of the Pink Panther. Instead, he utilized his storytelling and leadership skills to rewrite the script of his life, founding seven nonprofits that empower society’s most overlooked individuals, including those in foster care.

In this inspiring episode, Peter reveals the decisive moments that shaped him, like a life-changing nudge from a 10th-grade teacher and his father’s unwavering belief in education. We explore his journey from film sets to social impact, from co-founding the Starlight Children’s Foundation with Emma Samms and STARBRIGHT World with Steven Spielberg, to building First Star, a program that sends 90% of foster teens to college.

Peter also shares the wisdom behind his new book, Finding Happy, a field guide for Gen Z and Millennials navigating life’s complexities. Packed with insight, humour, and “madcap adventures,” it’s a reminder that long-term happiness isn’t about fame or fortune—it’s about helping others.

If you’re looking for hope, purpose, and 'finding happy', don’t miss this conversation.

Andrea Barrack returns to the show to talk about the role organizations can play to support individuals and communities.

In this deeply personal and moving episode, I sit down with Alok Ahuja, co-founder and CEO of Trexity, for a conversation that goes far beyond business. When Alok’s father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Alok left a high-flying role at Shopify to become his full-time caregiver. That decision, rooted in love, sparked a journey of clarity, purpose, and the founding of a company built to serve Main Street, not Bay Street.

This is a story of legacy, resilience, and how one man chose presence over prestige to honor the father who shaped him. It’s also about the kind of father Alok hopes to be.

“My goal in life is not to say to my kids, but to show to my kids, to lead by example that hard work pays off.”

This Father’s Day, we celebrate the mentors, protectors, and everyday heroes who show up to lift their future, and ours on their shoulders.

To learn more about Trexity. https://trexity.com

In this episode of Chatter That Matters, as the RBC Canadian Open is minutes away from teeing off, I sit down with PGA Tour winner and Canadian golf icon Corey Conners. From his roots in Listowel, Ontario, to competing on the world stage, Corey’s journey is a testament to discipline, humility, and perseverance. 

Corey discusses his childhood passion for hockey and golf, the connection between math and mindset, and how fatherhood has altered his perspective on life and legacy. He also shares what it means to represent Canada in the Olympics and Presidents Cup, and the pride he feels wearing both the Maple Leaf and RBC shield.

This episode isn’t just for golf fans—it’s about what it takes to chase your dreams and stay true to yourself along the way. 

I close with three takeaways from our conversation, and Mark Soder from RBC joins me to discuss why Golf matters to you, to me and to RBC. 

An incredible story of a woman who takes the torch ignited by her father’s entrepreneurial spirit and uses it to light up entrepreneurial dreams and positive change across continents and industries, all with heart, humanity, and hustle. Bashak Ilhan is a founder, five-time entrepreneur, digital strategist, and brand architect who has achieved two multi-million-dollar exits and boasts a global career that spans London, the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. Bashak doesn’t follow the rules; she rewrites the playbook.

This episode is more than a resume—it’s a revelation. It tells the story of an individual who embraces her identity, relies on her resilience, and continually reinvents herself and her enterprises to seek and realize opportunities.

A blueprint for lighting your path in an increasingly complex world.

To learn more about Bashak's offering, Road Branding, and how they help companies expand internationally and manage their B2C and B2B operations, Click Here