The Gift of Happy with Mark Kondrat

Meet Mike Hanson, a devoted husband, father of four, and endurance athlete with a mission. Happily married and raising a young family, Mike’s life changed in 2012 when his twin boys were diagnosed with autism. Confronted with the challenges of accessing resources, Mike turned his determination into action, launching fundraising efforts to support families in need. In 2017, he ran his first marathon, raising an impressive $61,000. Since then, running has become more than a sport—it’s a vehicle for resilience, awareness, and community impact. This May, Mike is preparing for his biggest challenge yet: running 10 marathons in 10 days across 10 provinces with his friend, Dave Morin. Their ambitious goal? To raise $1 million for charities that break down barriers to sports and social support for children in need. Balancing intense training, work, and family requires discipline. Mike starts his days at 3 AM, proving that with routine and commitment, even the biggest goals are possible. Join us as we dive into Mike’s inspiring journey—his experiences as a father, runner, and advocate for children in need. We’ll talk about his upcoming challenge, his approach to balance, and how anyone, with enough passion and effort, can make an impact. Guest: Mike Hanson: LinkedIn 10in10in10: Instagram | Website Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteExplore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Lisa Clemens, Owner of Kootenay Yoga School, with operations in Canada, California and Mexico. Lisa is originally from Christina Lake BC - currently residing between Joshua Tree California and Isla Mujeres Mexico. Through her company, Lisa offers Yoga Teacher Training to aspiring teachers and has a blast doing it! On the podcast, we discuss how Lisa and her team built the Kootenay Yoga School. Lisa started working in wellness around 8 years ago, in Mexico, focusing on retreat coordination. Over time Lisa decided to branch off into education focused around wellness - which is where she was most passionate. When entrepreneurship, lifestyle and passion align it’s beautiful to see. I love sharing stories of people who have made this happen - and Lisa is one of these people! Guest: LISA CLEMENS - KOOTENAY YOGA SCHOOL: Instagram | Website Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteExplore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Derek Hovinga, Founder of The Inbound Lab - helping founders and startups grow their companies. Derek's career spans a number of industries - construction, radio, television and film. With all of the skills he’s acquired in these industries - and a knack of storytelling - he's now enjoying a successful career as an entrepreneur. On the podcast, we discuss how Derek balances his love of work with living a healthy lifestyle. When it comes to his positive daily habits, he says it’s about “showing up for myself”. Derek is a great example of how an entrepreneur can build a successful business on their own terms - I hope you enjoy our conversation. Guest: DEREK HOVINGA: Instagram | LinkedIn THE INBOUND LAB: Website Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteExplore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Brian Thiessen, practicing labour lawyer and candidate to be Calgary’s next mayor. Brian has witnessed firsthand the boom-and-bust cycles that have shaped Calgary’s economy, and worked with clean energy, agribusiness, tech and energy businesses, as they have grown and diversified the Calgary economy. In addition to his professional work, Brian is strongly committed to community service. As the former Chair of the Calgary Police Commission, he has been dedicated to ensuring public safety, accountability, and fostering trust between law enforcement and the community. For his volunteer service on the Calgary Police Commission, Brian was named Citizen of the Year by Calgary City Council in 2020. Guest: Brian Thiessen: Instagram | LinkedIn The Calgary Party: Instagram |Website Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteExplore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet James MacDonald, Founder and President of the WoodridgeMTB Trail Support Foundation. WoodridgeMTB Trail Support Foundation is a registered Non-profit society in Alberta that supports Alberta Mountain Biking associations and builds positive awareness towards the importance of Mental Health and addiction Recovery. On the podcast, James talks about his own journey of recovery and why he chose to seek help. We discuss how mountain biking helped inspire him, and why he chose to use his love of biking to help others. James is on a leadership journey to inspire others to find their inner potential. He has an amazing story and I’m grateful to share it on the podcast. Guest: James MacDonald WoodridgeMTB: Instagram |Website Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteExplore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Alyssa Kerbel, successful entrepreneur, mentor and community builder. Alyssa is a passionate, soul-led, entrepreneur who, over the past 20+ years, has started, grown, sold and exited two companies (Alyssa Agency, a wholesale fashion agency and mini mioche, a children’s apparel and lifestyle brand). Alyssa founded mini mioche in 2008 as a passion project and ‘side hustle’ after the birth of her first child to fill a void in the children’s apparel market for simple, gender-neutral organic cotton basics. mini mioche went on to become a multi-million dollar direct-to-consumer brand, while paving the way in sustainable and ethical fashion and values-based business practices. In 2023, Alyssa sold and exited mini mioche in order to focus on her passions in the areas of mentorship, community building, wellness, and supporting women entrepreneurs. Guest: Alyssa Kerbel: Instagram | LinkedIn Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteExplore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Quan Ly, Founder of Evil Corporation Brewing. By day, Quan Ly is a Chartered Professional Accountant and founder of McRally, a boutique fractional CFO services firm helping small businesses across Canada. By night, he’s the co-owner of Evil Corporation Brewing, a playful yet passionate brand dedicated to “world domination through quality craft beer.” Named one of Avenue Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 for 2024, Quan is a true entrepreneur whose passion for craft beer and creativity led to the birth of Evil Corp Brewing in 2018. Outside of his brewing ventures, Quan keeps himself motivated through working out, reading, golfing, and sharing motivational content on his Instagram. Join us as Quan shares his journey from CPA to brewery co-owner, Evil Corporation’s unique brand story, and his perspective on balancing a professional career with a growing craft beer empire. Guest: Quan Ly: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Evil Corp Brewing: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteExplore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

I first met Rebekah in 2023 after her first amateur boxing match. We discussed her amazing journey from being bedridden and almost having her leg amputated to competing as a boxer That first boxing match was supposed to be a one-and-done - just ask her daughter! But Rebekah called me recently to tell me that she was making plans to get back in the ring - and I needed to know why. In this episode, Rebekah shares her WHY behind the decision to get back in the ring. She has some unfinished business and wants one more fight to help close this chapter of her life. Rebekah is such an inspiration - her journey shows us all what is possible in life if we are willing to fight for it! Guest: Rebekah Goedbloed: Instagram Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteExplore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Jessica Schafer, psychotherapist and founder of My Inner Harbour, a membership-based self-care space for the mind, body and spirit in Nanaimo, British Columbia. With over a decade of experience in mental health, Jessica witnessed two major challenges her clients faced: the struggle to practice meaningful self-care and the isolating effects of loneliness, which made everything more difficult. Driven by a desire to address these issues, Jessica founded My Inner Harbour, a unique drop-in space designed as a "gym" for the mind, body, and spirit. Her mission is to make self-care accessible, foster resilience, and create a supportive community where authentic connections thrive. In this episode, Jessica opens up about her transition from psychotherapist to entrepreneur, the inspiration behind My Inner Harbour, and how she’s building a space where healing, connection, and hope are at the forefront. Guest: Jessica Schafer: LinkedIn | Website My Inner Harbour: Instagram | Facebook | Website Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteExplore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Marlo Brausse, a former Probation Officer turned entrepreneur. Marlo opened Barre Body Studio in 2013, Calgary's first barre studio. She has won multiple awards as a small business entrepreneur and fitness instructor and launched Barre Body On Demand in 2020. As an Integrative Somatic Therapy Practitioner and SPIRITUS Breathwork Facilitator since 2023, Marlo helps clients with nervous system regulation - which we discuss in great detail. Most importantly, Marlo is also a mother of three amazing kids and a passionate runner. Guest: Marlo Brausse Wellness Inc: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteHost: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteExplore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Natacha Mdawar - Yoga Teacher, Public Speaker, and Co-Founder of X Path. Born in Lebanon and raised in Canada, Natacha has spent her life embracing the power of individuality and connection. Natacha’s passion for human connection and storytelling drives everything she does—whether teaching yoga, speaking publicly, or co-creating X Path, a creative hub set to launch in Montreal in 2025. X Path blends movement, storytelling, and public speaking to empower individuals to discover their unique voices and foster meaningful connections. In this episode, Natacha shares her transformative journey with yoga, which has helped her feel safe in her body, process emotions, and embrace self-discovery. She discusses the tools she uses to inspire others—movement, breathwork, and storytelling—and how they can unlock healing and creativity. Join us as Natacha talks about the profound power of human connection, the importance of authenticity, and her mission to help others embrace their unique journeys. Guest: Natacha Mdawar: Instagram | LinkedIn X Path: Instagram Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Explore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Cheryl Berger, Executive Assistant to the VP of HR at Bombardier Aerospace. Cheryl’s career journey is anything but ordinary, working in industries such as architecture and finance, to aerospace and beyond. Her life story is one of resilience, shaped by overcoming personal trauma, and a serious accident, and navigating life’s unexpected turns with curiosity and hope. In this episode, Cheryl shares how she balances a demanding career with passions like scuba diving and outdoor adventures. She also opens up about finding joy after hardship, learning self-compassion, and embracing life with a renewed mindset. Join us as Cheryl reflects on how pursuing joy and self-forgiveness have become central to her journey toward peace and fulfillment. Guest: Cheryl Berger: LinkedIn Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Explore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteExplore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Jochen Fahr, founder of Brauerei Fahr, the award-winning brewery celebrated for its authentic German beers. Born in Ebringen, Germany, Jochen turned his passion for brewing into a thriving business. But in 2023, after losing both his brother to ALS and his father shortly after, Jochen found himself reevaluating life’s priorities. Determined to find a sense of clarity and resilience, Jochen began a daily fitness routine at F45, using physical movement as a tool for healing. This journey inspired him to take on HYROX, a gruelling fitness challenge combining running and strength training, and sign up for his first-ever marathon. In this episode, Jochen opens up about his journey to personal wellness, how fitness became a cornerstone of his healing process, and the lessons he’s learned about setting goals, finding balance, and prioritizing mental and physical wellbeing. Guest: Jochen Fahr: LinkedIn Fahr Beer: Instagram | Facebook | Website Host: Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website Explore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

This week on the podcast, we are joined once again by our good friend Lochlin Cross to chat about Mark's upcoming 28-day Yoga Challenge using the new Explore84 App! After a hockey injury left Lochlin with a broken tailbone, he reluctantly turned to yoga to aid his recovery. What started as a physical necessity became a life-changing practice, and Lochlin embraced yoga for its mental, physical, and spiritual benefits. Years later, Lochlin became a yoga instructor himself, hoping to make yoga accessible to everyone—including beer-loving, hockey-playing folks who might not see themselves in a yoga studio. In this episode, Lochlin shares his journey from skeptic to instructor and offers Mark insights as he embarks on his 28-day challenge. Tune in to learn how yoga can support physical recovery, mental well-being, and spiritual growth—even if it feels outside your comfort zone. Follow Lochlin: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | X | YouTubeFollow Explore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Michael Allemeier - Certified Master Chef and Instructor of Culinary Arts at SAIT Polytechnic. After years of enduring painful arthritis from the demands of a high-energy kitchen career, Michael recently underwent a full hip replacement. Michael shares the physical and mental challenges that came with his journey to recovery and offers insights into how healing his body has also opened doors to mental and emotional renewal. He emphasizes the importance of self-care in the culinary industry, urging young chefs to invest in their physical health to sustain long careers. Join us as Chef Michael reflects on his career, his personal journey, and the lessons he’s learned about resilience, wellness, and the interconnectedness of body and mind. Follow Michael Allemeier: Instagram | LinkedIn Follow Explore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Steve Rio - spiritual coach, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder of Enfold Institute. As a key figure in the psychedelic renaissance, Steve sits on the board of TheraPsil and advises leading companies in this space. His life’s work is to raise consciousness and help people realize their full potential. Enfold offers a unique psycho-spiritual model for healing and growth, combining psychedelic intensives, coaching, and community support. They are world leaders in the safe and sacred use of 5-MeO-DMT, helping individuals heal trauma, expand their consciousness, and unlock their true potential. For Steve and his wife Austin, Enfold is the culmination of their life’s work—a sacred calling to serve and elevate others during their most transformative moments. Join us for an inspiring conversation as we explore Steve’s journey, his work with Enfold, and his approach to expanding consciousness and healing trauma in an intentional community 🌿 Follow Steve: Instagram Follow Enfold: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | WebsiteFollow Explore84: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Kevin Bailey, Co-Founder and CEO of Dreamfuel, a company that provides founders with mental performance coaching on par with what pro athletes receive. A three-time Inc. 500 startup founder, Kevin is also completing his master's in applied neuroscience at King’s College London. Dreamfuel’s neuroscience-based coaching platform helps high achievers eliminate mental barriers and align their physiology, emotions, thoughts, and behaviours to boost performance. Through 1:1 mindset coaching and the Intrinsic app, Dreamfuel empowers individuals to prioritize mental performance and track their success. In this episode, Kevin shares his insights on the importance of mental fitness for founders, how neuroscience can be leveraged to eliminate 'head trash,' and the role of mindset coaching in supercharging success. Join us as we dive into the science of mental performance and how it can elevate entrepreneurs to new heights. Follow Kevin Bailey: LinkedIn | WebsiteFollow Explore84: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Richard Papp, a lifelong fitness enthusiast, athlete, and successful personal trainer who’s spent decades pushing the boundaries of physical potential—both for himself and his clients. Richard’s passion for fitness spans a wide range of disciplines, from gymnastics and cycling to bodybuilding, where he recently won the Alberta Open Bodybuilding Championships in the over-50 and over-60 classic physique divisions, all while placing 7th overall in the open age category at 61 years old. Beyond his athletic achievements, Richard has made a lasting impact in the fitness industry. He’s owned and operated a bike shop and road racing team, managed the Calgary Gymnastics Centre through its most successful period, and consulted for major fitness brands like Gold’s Gym Canada. In this episode, Richard shares his journey from competitive athlete to fitness entrepreneur, how he continues to defy age and limitations, and the mindset that has fueled his lifelong commitment to health and wellness. Join us for an inspiring conversation about success, longevity, and staying active at any age. Follow Richard: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteFollow Explore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Chad Gillies, a devoted family man and spiritual explorer on a mission to reclaim mental health. A true psychonaut, Chad is all about doing the dirty work of personal transformation. In this episode, Chad shares his powerful story of how ayahuasca transformed his life. Chad’s journey with this plant medicine began over a decade ago, with healing ceremonies in Costa Rica that cured his depression and issues with addiction. He now advocates for its potential to help others, including his daughter, who overcame addiction, and his partner, who found freedom from prescription drugs. Join us for a profound conversation with Chad as we navigate the complex intersection of mental health, spirituality, and the pursuit of alternative healing. Follow Chad: Instagram | LinkedIn Follow Explore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Meet Rod Stilwell, Chief Catalyst and President of Uni-Signal Development Group. With over 30 years of experience in leadership development, Rod specializes in helping executives and teams become the best versions of themselves. After leaving a successful executive career in banking, Rod found his calling working with engineering, mining companies, and technical leaders—guiding them through the complexities of building trust, navigating conflict, and fostering valuable stakeholder relationships. His work focuses on empowering newly appointed technical leaders to thrive in leadership roles where relational skills are often in high demand, but in short supply. From owning his first printing business at 16 to spending 18 months in the high Arctic learning new languages and cultures, Rod’s career path is a testament to continuous learning and adaptability. Join us for a conversation with Rod as we explore his journey into leadership development, his passion for helping technical leaders succeed, and the importance of relationships in achieving business success. Follow Rod Stilwell: LinkedIn | WebsiteFollow Explore84: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website