Best Chris Baird Podcasts (2025)

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233. Beyond the Rides — Building Life Skills at Lagoon 42:32

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6h ago42:32

42:32

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with David Gray, director of human resources at Lagoon Amusement Park (Lagoon), Rob Coursey, attorney and owner at Modern Age Employment Law, and Nancy Sylvester, a labor and employment attorney at the Ogletree Deakins law f…

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Ep 44: Executive Functioning & Leadership: How to Lead Without Burning Out with Dr. Anna Levy-Warren 57:33

2d ago57:33

57:33

If you're a high-achieving leader pushing through overwhelm every day, this conversation is for you. Dr. Anna Levy-Warren brings over 20 years of clinical psychology, leadership insight, and real-world strategies to help you reclaim clarity, calm, and effectiveness in how you lead—and how you live. In this episode, you'll learn: What executive func…

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232. Tanner Thompson — From Richfield Roots to Apparel Powerhouse 24:28

7d ago24:28

24:28

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Tanner Thompson, CEO and owner of The Shirt Stop. Thompson discusses how he stumbled into entrepreneurship by purchasing an existing screen printing business in his hometown of Richfield, Utah. He explains that this dec…

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231. Ben Hart — Fueling Local Economies and Utah's Future 27:15

14d ago27:15

27:15

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Ben Hart, executive director of the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA). Hart discusses his career detour from banking to public service, driven by a desire to give back to the community and make a tangible difference. He…

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55: kdp publishing sizes: How to Select the Right One 18:30

15d ago18:30

18:30

How do you select the right KDP publishing size? CLICK to find out!===================================================☆★☆ FREE Self-Publishing Secrets Checklist! ☆★☆https://selfpublishingmadeeasynow.com/freechecklist ☆★☆ FREE 1-On-1 Discovery Session With Chris! ☆★☆https://selfpublishingmadeeasynow.com/Discovery ====================================…

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230. Sharlene Wells — Building a Holistic Support System for Utah's Business Community 34:06

21d ago34:06

34:06

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Sharlene Wells, senior vice president of public relations and organizational communications at Mountain America Credit Union. Wells shares her career path, which includes being Miss America, working at ESPN, and serving…

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229. Corissa Webster — Teeing up Connections on the Green 29:56

28d ago29:56

29:56

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Corissa Webster, founder of Executives Cup. Webster founded the Executives Cup after realizing the need for a more meaningful and dynamic networking experience. Drawing from her background in venture capital, she reimag…

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228. Wayne Aston — Powering a Legacy of Energy and Infrastructure 30:37

1M ago30:37

30:37

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Wayne Aston, CEO of Invictus Sovereign. Aston discusses his career as an entrepreneur and his company's role in Utah's energy sector. His background in construction, the Marine Corps, and a church mission to Russia — co…

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227. Bryan Phelps — Building Brands in a Digital World 34:55

2M ago34:55

34:55

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Bryan Phelps, CEO of Big Leap. Phelps discusses his digital marketing career, highlighting his journey through prominent Utah-based digital marketing companies like OrangeSoda and SEO.com before founding Big Leap in 200…

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Ep 43: The Truth About Grief, Leadership & Moving Forward with Chris Mamone 1:01:21

2M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

In this deeply moving episode, I’m joined by Acceptance Coach and podcast host Chris Mamone to explore how grief, while brutal, can also be a catalyst for deep personal transformation. We talk about what grief really is (hint: it’s not just something to “get over”), why it hits so differently for everyone, and how leaders can better support themsel…

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226. Anil Singh — Unlocking Careers With AI Education 24:56

2M ago24:56

24:56

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Anil Singh, founder and president of Saras AI Institute. Singh shares his journey, from growing up in a small village in India to becoming a successful entrepreneur, highlighting how education transformed his life and i…

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225. Emily Ashby — Connecting Utahns To Local Agriculture and Food Industries 33:23

2M ago33:23

33:23

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Emily Ashby, program manager for Utah's Own. Ashby shares insights into her passion for local industries with Utah's Own, a state-branded program promoting Utah's agriculture and food business. She discusses the vital f…

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224. Chris Baird — Providing Connectivity Solutions With OptConnect 32:16

2M ago32:16

32:16

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Chris Baird, CEO of OptConnect. Baird discusses his journey from sales and operations before becoming CEO of OptConnect. The company began by providing temporary cellular connectivity for ATMs at an outdoor festival and…

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Ep 42: Authenticity Is Your Leadership Advantage: Lead Boldly, Break the Mold, and Stop Hiding with Brittany Rogars 1:01:50

2M ago1:01:50

1:01:50

What if the very thing you’ve been taught to hide is actually your greatest leadership advantage? In this bold, real conversation, Brittany Rogar joins me to share how she went from gas station clerk to CEO of a six-figure business—without watering down who she is. If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink your story, tone down your personality, o…

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223. Stephanie Frohman — Utah's Proactive Approach to Environmental Challenges 25:07

3M ago25:07

25:07

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Stephanie Frohman, associate director of the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air at Utah State University. Frohman shares her career journey and the critical work the institute is doing in Utah. With…

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222. Thomas Laakso — Bringing Innovation and Sustainability to Utah's Slopes 25:38

3M ago25:38

25:38

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Thomas Laakso, senior vice president of DPS Skis. Laakso highlights Utah's unique advantage of outdoor access, which allows him to combine his career in skiing with living in the mountains. His material science and comp…

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Ep 41: From Hustling to Aligned Action: Your June Goal-Setting Reset 31:19

3M ago31:19

31:19

Join me, Caroline Baird, as we delve into achieving balance in leadership through self-reflection and practical strategies. June is upon us and it's time to revisit and reset our goals for the year. This is a great practice, as we can often find ourselves in hustling to meet our objectives, when in fact, aligned action steps are what we need to cro…

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221. Brian Cassil and Jeffrey Tuft — Looking Beyond the Blueprints With Architectural Nexus 29:06

3M ago29:06

29:06

Season 7 Episode 22: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Brian Cassil, principal director of communications, and Jeffrey Tuft, principal partner at Architectural Nexus. Cassil discusses his 28-year career with Architectural Nexus, bringing a unique film a…

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220. Mark and Sally Dietlein — 40 Years of Magic, Drama, and Stunning Performances at Hale Centre Theatre 34:15

3M ago34:15

34:15

Season 7 Episode 21: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Mark Dietlein, president, CEO, and co-founder, and Sally Dietlein, artistic director, executive producer, and co-founder of Hale Centre Theatre. Mark and Sally Dietlein share their journey of buildi…

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219. Natalie Kaddas — Powering Innovation, Employees, and Wildlife Outage Protection 29:56

4M ago29:56

29:56

Season 7 Episode 20: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Natalie Kaddas, CEO of Kaddas Enterprises. Kaddas discusses her journey from hospitality to leading a second-generation family business. She highlights the company's evolution from making aviation c…

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Ep 40 The Truth About Burnout: What Your Body Has Been Trying to Tell You with Katie Townsend 1:14:23

4M ago1:14:23

1:14:23

Understanding This Will Change How You Lead, Live, and Heal Today’s episode will forever change how you think about overwhelm, burnout, leadership, and why your nervous system—not your mindset—is often running the show. I'll sit down with Katie Townsend, a former therapist turned powerhouse branding and business coach, to explore what it really mea…

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218. Ryan Wedig — Making Digital Transformation Attainable With Vasion 30:19

4M ago30:19

30:19

Season 7 Episode 19: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Ryan Wedig, CEO and co-founder of Vasion, opens in a new tab. Wedig shares his journey of co-founding PrinterLogic — now Vasion — in St. George in 2012. He recounts meeting the founder and recognizi…

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217. Scott Holmes — Building Better Through Value-Driven Entrepreneurship 32:13

4M ago32:13

32:13

Season 7 Episode 18: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Scott Holmes, founder and CEO of Teton. Holmes discusses his career path, which unexpectedly pivoted from biology and medical school after being mentored by an entrepreneur in the import business. T…

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Ep 39: Balanced Leadership in 2025: Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, and Thriving Teams 57:50

4M ago57:50

57:50

What if the secret to unstoppable, balanced leadership in 2025 isn’t about working harder—but leading with deeper connection, courage, and resilience? In this episode, I sit down with leadership experts Melissa and Kevin Thallemer to reveal the keys to thriving as a leader in 2025. Together, they explore how emotional intelligence, psychological sa…

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216. Ryan Starks — Reflecting on the Road So Far and What's Ahead 37:19

4M ago37:19

37:19

Season 7 Episode 17: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), talks with Ryan Starks, GOEO's executive director. Starks shares his deep appreciation for the innovative spirit and strong work ethic of Utah's diverse communities. Reflecting on his recent visits to a…

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215. Preston Cochrane — Building Community and Restoring Lives with The Other Side Village 25:58

4M ago25:58

25:58

Season 7 Episode 16: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Preston Cochrane, CEO of The Other Side Village. Cochrane discusses his journey into social impact work, driven by a desire to contribute to something larger than himself. He highlights his previous…

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214. Matthew Sanders and Erik Mikkelsen — Elevating Hospitality by Investing in People 35:21

5M ago35:21

35:21

Season 7 Episode 15: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Matt Sanders, founder and CEO, and Eric Mikkelsen, vice president of product, at Longitude. Sanders and Mikkelsen delve into their professional backgrounds, which both involve building new enterpris…

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213. Jeremy Barker — Behind the Hidden Door 31:05

5M ago31:05

31:05

Season 7 Episode 14: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of Business Services, talks with Jeremy Barker, CEO of Murphy Door. Barker shares his deep Utah roots and diverse career path, which began with several entrepreneurial ventures after a brief time at the University of Utah — including construction and a shed-building business that…

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212: Tyson Andrus — Combining Technology and Fragrance for Customized Sensory Experiences 34:51

5M ago34:51

34:51

Season 7 Episode 13: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Tyson Andrus, co-founder of ATMOS Fragrance. Andrus shares his experiences living and working in Utah since 2008, highlighting his love for the state's outdoor activities and the work-life balance. …

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211. Jacob Baadsgaard — Building an Entrepreneurial Success From a Foundation of Authenticity 25:36

5M ago25:36

25:36

Season 7 Episode 12: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Jacob Baadsgaard, founder and CEO of Disruptive Advertising. Baadsgaard discusses his journey from working at Omniture to founding his data-driven marketing agency. He highlights the importance of c…

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Ep 38 Lead with Clarity and Courage: The Power of Boundaries 44:56

5M ago44:56

44:56

Are you exhausted from holding everything together—at work, at home, in your head—and still feeling like it’s not enough? You’re not alone. So many high-achievers are secretly overwhelmed, constantly on, and silently wondering, “Is this really what leadership is supposed to feel like?” In this powerful episode of Today’s Balanced Leader, I take you…

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210. Jonathan Freedman — Delving Into Tariffs, Foreign Policy, and Utah's Foreign Trade Zone 29:01

6M ago29:01

29:01

Season 7 Episode 11: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Jonathan Freedman, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah). Freedman highlights the numerous trade missions and foreign dignitary visits WTC Utah facilitates, emphasizing the state's…

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209. Lorena Riffo-Jenson — Fostering Salt Lake City's Growth From Main Street to the Olympics and Beyond 33:32

6M ago33:32

33:32

Season 7 Episode 10: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Lorena Riffo-Jenson, director of the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development. Riffo-Jenson discusses her extensive career in public service and economic development. She highlights her wor…

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208: Amy Meyer — Bridging Australian Talent and US Employers 28:50

6M ago28:50

28:50

Season 7 Episode 9: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Amy Meyer, founder of Aussie Recruit. Meyer discusses how Aussie Recruit connects U.S. employers with qualified Australian professionals across various industries, from tech and healthcare to enginee…

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Ep 37: The New Definition of Inclusive Leadership: Leading with Impact with Caroline Baird 27:30

6M ago27:30

27:30

Leadership is evolving. The old model—where leaders hold all the power, control every decision, and push for results at any cost—is broken. Today’s most successful leaders don’t just manage—they inspire, empower, and create lasting impact. In this episode of Today's Balanced Leader, we explore the new definition of inclusive leadership and how to l…

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207. Elliott Parker — Driving Growth and Innovation Through Co-Creation of Advantaged Startups 27:12

6M ago27:12

27:12

Season 7 Episode 8: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Elliott Parker, CEO of High Alpha Innovation. Parker discusses his extensive experience in corporate innovation and startups, sharing his career trajectory, from working in corporate venture capital …

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206. Adrienne Woolley — Exploring Career Paths With Hands-on Experience and Project-Based Learning 28:45

7M ago28:45

28:45

Season 7 Episode 7: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Adrienne Woolley, program manager for the Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies (PCCAPS). Woolley discusses her PCCAPS career managing a project-based learning initiative for high school…

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Ep 36 How to Build a High-Trust Workplace & Transform Your Culture with Tim McCleary 1:16:48

7M ago1:16:48

1:16:48

Are you facing disengaged employees, struggling with organizational change, or trying to create a high-performance culture in your workplace? In this episode of Today's Balanced Leader, I sit down with Tim McCleary, an expert in culture activation and founder of The Involvement Practice. With 20+ years at NBC, Warner Bros., and GE, Tim shares actio…

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205. Catherine Raney Norman — Utah's Olympic Legacy and the Road to 2034 36:27

7M ago36:27

36:27

Season 7 Episode 6: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Catherine Raney Norman, board chair of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games. Raney Norman discusses her journey to Utah as a four-time Olympic speed skater, her appreciation for the state’…

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204. Romney Williams — Rescuing Devices and Gear From Moisture While Supporting Vulnerable Utahns 32:11

7M ago32:11

32:11

Season 7 Episode 5: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services, talks with Romney Williams, CEO of DRYOUT. Williams shares his extensive entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the crucial support of his wife, who encouraged him to pursue his startup dreams full-time, even when faced with financial uncertainty. His career p…

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Ontario: Arthur Sturgis Hardy 15:54

7M ago15:54

15:54

The fourth premier of Ontario, Arthur Hardy was the last Liberal premier of Ontario. He took over from Oliver Mowat, but served only through two years and one election. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate: buymeacoffee.com/craigu Donate: canadaehx.com (Click Donate) E-mail: crai…

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Ep 35 BONUS: Navigating Uncertainty: Leadership with an Empowered Edge with Caroline Baird 21:22

7M ago21:22

21:22

Feeling the weight of uncertainty? Economic shifts, trade tensions, rising costs, and workforce concerns are hitting leaders across industries. If you’re responsible for a business, a team, or simply trying to keep things afloat, this episode is for you. You don’t have to let uncertainty paralyze you—you can lead through it with confidence, clarity…

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Ep 34 Master Leadership Communication & Emotional Regulation with Jayna Swan 1:04:28

7M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

Imagine having the confidence to communicate with clarity, the emotional regulation to navigate challenges with ease, and the alignment to ensure every goal you set fuels both your success and fulfillment. What if the key to thriving as a leader wasn’t about doing more, but about being more intentional with your time, energy, and values? Join me in…

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203. Cassie Michael — Community-Driven Food at Wholesale Prices 34:24

7M ago34:24

34:24

Season 7 Episode 4: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Cassie Michael, founder of Food and Meat Co-op. Michael discusses how she launched the business during the 2020 supply chain crisis to help communities access affordable, high-quality proteins and ot…

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Ontario: Sir Oliver Mowat 20:00

7M ago20:00

20:00

The longest serving premier in the history of Ontario, he transitioned it from a new province to the 20th century. He also served in the Canadian Senate, as the federal Minister of Justice and as Lt. Governor of Ontario. Oh, and he is related to Farley Mowat. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-hi…

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202. Loren McClure — Delivering Fuel to Doorsteps With FuelUp 25:09

7M ago25:09

25:09

Season 7 Episode 3: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Opportunity, talks with Loren McClure, chief executive officer of FuelUp. McClure shares his entrepreneurial journey with FuelUp, an innovative gas delivery service that offers convenient and cost-effective refueling for vehicles, b…

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Ep 33: Why Your Goals Fail and How To Achieve Success: Neuroscience-Backed Strategies 34:30

8M ago34:30

34:30

Hey there, it's Caroline, your friend and guide to balanced leadership. In this episode, we're diving into why most of us struggle with goal-setting and how to reframe it for lasting success. If you've ever felt the frustration of New Year's resolutions slipping away, this episode is for you. We'll explore the psychology behind why traditional goal…

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201. Robbyn Scribner — Breaking Into Tech and Transforming Women’s Careers With Tech-Moms 36:25

8M ago36:25

36:25

Season 7 Episode 2: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Robbyn Scribner, co-founder and director of outreach at Tech-Moms. Scribner discusses her career journey, Tech-Moms’ mission, and its impact. She shares her experience of reentering the workforce aft…

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Ontario Edward Blake 26:30

8M ago26:30

26:30

Not only did he serve as the second premier of Ontario, but Blake was also the first of only three federal Liberal leaders to not serve as Prime Minister. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Merch: https://www.ohcanadashop.com/collections/canadian-history-ehx Donate: buymeacoffee.com/craigu Donate: canadaehx.com (Click Donate) E-mail: [email protected]…

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200. Mark Giles and Domeda Duncan — Building Social Connection and Community Retention 38:04

8M ago38:04

38:04

Season 7 Episode 1: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Mark Giles and Domeda Duncan, co-founders of Our Sundays. Giles and Duncan discuss their backgrounds in communications and marketing, their transition to Utah, and their shared passion for creating i…