BTN #155 – West Hansen – Experience, An Underestimated Competence

BTN #155 – West Hansen – Experience, An Underestimated Competence

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to again speak with West Hansen, ultra-marathon kayak-canoeist, extreme expedition leader and Texas Chapter Chair of The Explorers Club. West shared new stories about some the incredible expeditions he's been on and led including: in 2012, the first complete source-to-sea descent of the 4200-mile Amazon River; in 2014, the first to kayak (source-to-sea) the 2200-mile Volga River (Europe’s longest); in 2023, the first (led Arctic Cowboys team) to kayak the full 1600-mile Northwest Passage and for the first-time in one season. West also shared insight on teamwork, technology, climate change, and the future of Arctic exploration, including plans to paddle to the North Pole. For more on West, you can find him at www.westhansen.com.

BTN #154 – Marc Lapointe, PhD – Some Things Are Just a Mystery

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the distinct pleasure to speak with Mark Lapointe, Director of the Leadership Institute at Northview Community Church. I met Marc while attending the History of Christianity series organized by Northview’s Leadership Institute where he lectured on the Arian Controversy and the Trinity. This was another experience timed perfectly with my journey of faith. Marc talked about his own journey from Roman Catholic roots to becoming the Director of the Leadership Institute. In our conversation, we explored classical theology, the attributes of God, the Trinity, and the importance of church history in understanding orthodox doctrine, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual growth. For more on Marc, you can find him at www.northview.org.

BTN #153 – Pastor Ezra Okoti – The Battle Is Not Flesh and Blood

In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure and privilege to speak with Pastor Ezra Okoti, Pastor of Multiplication at Northview Community Church in Abbotsford BC. In Ezra’s last visit, he talked about planting a new church in Chilliwack. In this episode, not only has Northview opened the church with Pastor Luke Etelamaki (Ep #84) but Ezra had spoken at the new church. Ezra talked about the experience. This time he also shared insights into spiritual warfare and the profound impact of the Gospel in various cultural contexts. Discover how faith transforms communities and the unseen spiritual battles that influence our lives. For more on Paster Ezra, you can find him at www.northview.org.

BTN #152 – Kira Shishkin – Wading Thru the News Deluge

Do you have challenges getting the news you want? Then this episode may be for you. Even seemed appropriate to be the first episode done both on rooftop and in the rain. I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with serial entrepreneur Kira Shishkin, founder and president of informed.now and recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30. Kira shared his journey from a traumatic car accident to founding four companies, the fourth of which—informed.now—is a revolutionary news platform, designed to cut through the deluge of available news to get us the news we need. Kira talked about the company, how he founded it and the machinations behind how it works. Learn how Kira and informed.now aims to restore trust in media, simplify news consumption, and empower individuals to think critically in a world overwhelmed by disinformation and advertising. Sign up for informed.now. For more on Kira, you can find him at www.kirashishkin.com.

BTN #151 – Bill Bell – From Sudbury To Big League

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to speak with musician Bill Bell about his musical life--and what a journey! From his early days in Sudbury playing in garage bands and working in music stores to performing with legends like Alex Lifeson, Jason Mraz and Tom Cochran. Discover Bill’s insights into the music industry, song writing, and the importance of perseverance and “being real” in a career spanning over 45 years and still rocking. Bill shared some of the highs and lows of a life in music including aspects of mental health. He talked about his current projects as the newest member of The Lightfoot Band. You also can see him perform with his trio regularly at Shore Grill & Grotto in Port Credit. For more on Bill, his music and causes, you can find him at www.billbellmusic.com.