Best The Great Canadian Training Podcasts (2025)

1
We Regret to Inform You: Rejecting Monty Python 24:20

1d ago24:20

24:20

This week, more from our Apostrophe Podcast Network family! We think you will enjoy, "We Regret to Inform You: The Rejection Podcast." Sidney O’Reilly shares the stories of successful people who have encountered rejection in their careers – and triumphed nonetheless. For this episode, we enter the wacky world of Monty Python and hear how risky it w…

1
REWIND WEDNESDAY: Bloopers 19:33

8d ago19:33

19:33

Something special for you for our first bonus episode. From one of my absolute favourite Vinyl Cafe radio shows, from 2011, this is Stuart and I in studio talking about bloopers! We laughed so hard recording this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
REWIND WEDNESDAY: Summertime – Mexican Climbing Mint & Summer of Stars 48:40

15d ago48:40

48:40

“There is nothing like a neighbour throwing money about their garden to make you feel bad about yours.” It's summer all the way on this week’s episode. In our first story, Mary Turlington unwittingly trips off a chain of events that get heated under the summer sun. And in the second, Sam and Murphy have the summer of a lifetime in Big Narrows, Cape…

1
REWIND WEDNESDAY: Road Trip! – Cat in the Car 43:29

22d ago43:29

43:29

“Whenever the cat is around, things seem to go wrong.” This week, Dave discovers a stowaway on the family road trip, with hilarious consequences. And Jess shares two more of Stuart McLean’s Postcards from Canada: from St John’s, NFLD in the east and Powell River, B.C. in the west. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
275: From the Battlefield to the CBD Boardroom: Craig Henderson of Extract Labs 1:12:40

23d ago1:12:40

1:12:40

Craig Henderson is the CEO of Extract Labs, a Boulder, Colorado-based full-service hemp extraction laboratory offering a proprietary line of boutique CBD-infused products. Craig started the company in his garage in 2016. This Episode is Sponsored By: Jon Ostenson, Founder of FranBridge Consulting and Top 1% US Franchise Consultant is here to help y…

1
The Beatlology Interviews: Actor Mark Hamill 45:09

29d ago45:09

45:09

Something a little different this week that we think you’ll enjoy. From our friends at the Apostrophe Podcast Network: Terry O’Reilly’s “The Beatlology Interviews”. You may not know that Stuart McLean was a huge Beatles fan (though really, aren’t we all?) And he collected Beatles memorabilia. Another huge fan and collector is Terry O'Reilly. In thi…

1
REWIND WEDNESDAY: The Mistakes We Make – Petit Lac Noir & Dog Pills 46:06

1M ago46:06

46:06

Bonjour,” he said. “Je m’appelle Dave.” Yup, sometimes things go wrong. It happens to the best of us. Especially on the Vinyl Cafe, as you’ll hear in Stuart McLean’s Dave and Morley stories Dog Pills and Petit Lac Noir. Also on this week’s episode, Jess shares a surprising and funny backstory about the inspiration behind Dave’s mistake in Dog Pills…

1
REWIND WEDNESDAY: Summer – A Letter from Camp & The Waterslide 53:39

1M ago53:39

53:39

"This waterslide was the waterslide to end all waterslides” We are taking a break over the summer, so in honour of our final episode of Season 1 we’ve got two Vinyl Cafe stories for you about summer. If you listen carefully you’ll hear something unusual in the first, A Letter from Camp, when Stuart inserts a personal story from his own days at his …

1
Bonus Episode: Meet Greg! 1:03:52

2M ago1:03:52

1:03:52

For this summer bonus episode, my conversation with long-time Vinyl Cafe and Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe recording engineer, Greg DeClute. Greg has some great stories to share about working with Stuart McLean for so many years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Summer Trips - Canoe Trip & The Summer Cottage 42:08

2M ago42:08

42:08

“There is nothing like a 20th wedding anniversary to drive home the point that you are no longer 20 years old” For our final episode of this season, two entertaining stories about summer vacations. And Jess talks about the additional perspective going further afield can bring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
274: The Cable Cowboy Who Went from Broke to Broadband 🤠 | Terry Koosed of Bel Air Internet 2:16:14

2M ago2:16:14

2:16:14

Terry Koosed is the Founder of Bel Air Internet, a Los Angeles based Internet Service Provider, and a leading authority on successful entrepreneurship. He has founded and successfully run seven companies in the high-tech industry during the past 40 years, sometimes concurrently, and is what some would call, a serial entrepreneur. Listen to Part II,…

1
Childhood - The One and Only Murphy Kruger & The Great Train Adventure 52:02

2M ago52:02

52:02

“When are you supposed to let your children march off alone? When are you supposed to let them learn from their mistakes” On today’s episode, two stories about childhood. And Jess talks about how one of her own childhood dreams has recently come to fruition - with the making of the upcoming Vinyl Cafe: The Musical! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr…

1
Summer Things - Dave and Morley, Dancing 37:54

3M ago37:54

37:54

“Dave said, you’re thinking about dancing, aren’t you?” We’re looking towards summer on today’s episode. We have a script Stuart wrote about a magical evening spent in pursuit of fireflies. And a story of summer evenings in Dave and Morley’s neighbourhood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Toys - Rhoda’s Revenge & Planet Stuart 34:37

3M ago34:37

34:37

“When Dave was a boy, dolls terrified him” Something a little different on today’s episode: two stories about kids' toys -- the good, the bad and the ugly! One is a story about Dave's childhood, the other is a story by Stuart about his own childhood experience with toys. Plus a backstory from Jess about how that autobiographical story got its name.…

1
Out and About - Cousin Dorothy & Have Snake, Will Travel 42:45

3M ago42:45

42:45

“Murphy was terrified of snakes” Today’s episode features two stories that take place out and about, further afield. Dave’s Cousin Dorothy visits from England and has an exciting side adventure on their trip to Ottawa. And in the second story, Dave, Sam and Murphy make an unusual delivery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information…

1
Birthdays! - Sam’s Birthday & Morley’s 40th Birthday Bash 46:07

3M ago46:07

46:07

“I don’t want a birthday party, said Morley. I hate birthday parties” Some vintage Stuart McLean this week, as Morley celebrates a milestone birthday. And we have an older story for you, one you may not have heard before, where Dave is not necessarily his ‘best self’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Old Friends - The Wedding Dress & Jimmy Walker of Foggy Bottom Bay 50:46

3M ago50:46

50:46

“Dave was still a kid the night he and Jimmy met.” Stuart loved to write about old friends. This week we’ve chosen two of our favourite friendship stories – one will make you laugh, one might also make you cry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
273: Publishing to EdTech: The Unlikely Road to Evolution Labs with Founder Peter Kraft 1:26:53

4M ago1:26:53

1:26:53

Peter Kraft is the Founder and President of Evolution Labs. Prior to founding Evolution Labs, Kraft was instrumental in forming and re-envisioning two educational software companies that led the industry in recruitment, enrollment and retention of college students. He co-founded GoalQuest in 2000 and served as its CEO until 2007 when he spearheaded…

1
Car Trouble – Driving Lessons & Car Wash 34:32

4M ago34:32

34:32

"Thank God, he thought, help has arrived.” Today on the show, Jess shares a back story about a Vinyl Cafe tour bus adventure. Plus two Dave and Morley stories about more car trouble.“ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Stories from Way Back - Walking Man & Why I Buy 8-tracks 38:06

4M ago38:06

38:06

“Dave was going to see Morley. He was trying to find the courage to ask her to marry him.” Some vintage Stuart McLean this week with two stories from way, way back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Obsession - Blood Pressure Chair & Dave’s Truck 40:04

4M ago40:04

40:04

“It was not as if they *needed* a 1948 red panel truck…” On today’s episode, two hilarious Vinyl Cafe stories that highlight Dave’s tendency to, let’s say, really commit to the things in his life. In the first story it’s his health, in the second, a special new purchase. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Mechanical Mutiny - The Jock Strap & Dave and the Vacuum 31:15

4M ago31:15

31:15

“Morley thought she was the Athletic Support” We’re all about equipment failure on this week’s pod. Those everyday items that make life easier – until, suddenly, they very much don’t! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Parents 29:29

5M ago29:29

29:29

More about parenting and family life this week, with two moving essays by Stuart McLean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Kids - Susan is Serious & Sam Goes Green 50:00

5M ago50:00

50:00

“I think I have an alien.” This week, two wonderful stories about kids… and their parents. And Jess admits to a surprising source of inspiration for her own parenting journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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272: From Selling Phones Out of a Van to Leading a 9-Figure Empire | Brett Beveridge of T-ROC 1:13:10

5M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

Brett Beveridge is the President of The Revenue Optimization Companies. Brett is an entrepreneurial, results-driven executive with over 20 years of experience and success in the wireless and technology industries. He has hands-on success in start-ups, profit turnarounds, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs and fundraising and is the driving force behind…

1
The Power of Song - Dave's Last Kind Word Blues 39:26

5M ago39:26

39:26

“He didn’t understand that the organic confusion that’s at the heart of the Vinyl Cafe is, in fact, the thing that makes it work.” Is there anything that cuts to the heart quicker than music? On the pod today, we’re talking about the power of song. Jess shares a script Stuart wrote for the radio show, about a song that moved him to tears. And we ha…

1
Stealing - Sam Steals & Emil 40:14

5M ago40:14

40:14

“Crimestoppers. It’s synonymous.” We’ve got two of Stuart’s older stories on today’s episode. One from the very early days of the show; it’s one you may not have heard before. These two stories are both about…stealing! But, as Jess observes, they’re also about parenting, and love, and respect. And they’re both hilarious! Hosted on Acast. See acast.…

1
The Movies – Sam’s First Kiss 40:46

6M ago40:46

40:46

“Of all of the theatres, in all the complexes, in all of the towns, she walks into mine.” This week on the pod we’re at the movies, basking in the light of the silver screen. We have Stuart McLean’s Ode to the Movies, recorded at the glorious Capitol Theatre in Port Hope; including a fascinating story about a celebrity interview (with Peter O’Toole…

1
Deception - Dave and the Sourdough Starter & A Day Off 30:20

6M ago30:20

30:20

“I have a genealogy, said Carl. Of the starter. Like a family tree. I have it in a frame in the den.” A pandemic favourite on this week’s episode: Dave and the Sourdough Starter! And we have two more stories for you, stories about deception! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
People from the Past - Whatever Happened to Johnny Flowers & Morley and the Century of Wind Theatre Company 49:14

6M ago49:14

49:14

“In celebration of 100 years. Big Narrows, Cape Breton. Centennial Baby.” In our first story this week, Dave is jolted back in time by a sudden reminder of someone from long ago, someone he hadn’t thought about for years. And Jess shares the surprising reason why it took so many years to release our second story. You can find our latest CD, So Long…

1
Love – Love Never Ends 32:09

6M ago32:09

32:09

“It’s funny the things that you miss.” For you love birds out there, we’re playing one of our most requested love stories today. The chocolate bar story! And Jess plays an entertaining story exchange and reflects on the somewhat less romantic side of Valentines Day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
271: How to Breathe Life into a Business... Dr. Dan Cohen of Breathe Right Strips 55:39

6M ago55:39

55:39

Dr. Dan Cohen is the former Chairman of CNS, Incorporated. Dr. Cohen was the driving force behind the meteoric rise of Breathe Right nasal strips, acquiring the rights to manufacture and sell the product for the medical equipment company he founded in 1982. In 2006, GlaxoSmithKline acquired CNS, including its Breathe Right nasal strips and FiberCho…

1
Cape Breton Tales - The Black Beast of Margaree & The Roundabout 48:47

7M ago48:47

48:47

“I didn’t know you were a fan of Mr. Bond…” On this week’s episode we’re spending time in Dave’s childhood neighbourhood: Big Narrows, Cape Breton. Our first story is a hilarious tale of literary adventures, while the adventures in our second story are of the vehicular variety. And Jess shares the inspiration behind that story, inspiration from clo…

1
The Neighbourhood - Kenny Wong’s Contest & Late Date 40:50

7M ago40:50

40:50

“How could he explain skulking around their property when he was supposed to be inside eating” Oh Dave, how do you manage it! This week, two more hilarious stories from Stuart McLean, stories about good intentions gone awry. Plus, an exciting announcement about an upcoming project (hint: you’ll finally get to meet Dave). Hosted on Acast. See acast.…

1
Postcards from Canada - Whitehorse & Annapolis Royal 35:16

7M ago35:16

35:16

We’re on the road again! On this week’s episode, two of Stuart’s popular postcards from Canada, from two memorable spots across the country that we visited with the Vinyl Cafe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Growing up - Dream Bunnies & Sam is Home Alone 47:08

7M ago47:08

47:08

“It’s a tricky thing to negotiate, the war of independence” Today on the pod, Sam and Stephanie step towards independence, while Dave and Morley learn to let go. And Jess shares a backstory about the inspiration behind Stuart McLean’s story, Dream Bunnies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Winter – Minnedosa & Jim’s Toboggan 42:48

7M ago42:48

42:48

“Two men who should have known better, climbing onto an old wooden toboggan” Happy New Year and welcome back to Season 5 of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe! We’ll be with you all the way to summer. But right now, summer is the last thing on our minds: this week’s podcast is all about winter and the joys and perils of winter sports. Hosted on Acast. See…

1
Season 5 - Starting January 10th 0:42

8M ago0:42

0:42

Happy New Year everyone! Join us in 2025 for a brand new season of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe - featuring heartwarming and hilarious stories and essays by Stuart McLean. Plus behind-the-scenes back stories by longtime Vinyl Cafe producer, Jess Milton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
270: Once Again, the Return of the Non-Food Franchise King: Jon Ostenson of Franbridge Consulting 59:52

8M ago59:52

59:52

Jon Ostenson is the Founder of FranBridge Consulting. Jon is a top 1% Franchise Consultant in the US, and frequent contributor on franchising across a variety of outlets and publications. Jon is a multi-brand franchisee himself, and along with his business partners, he has great operators leading these ventures. As a result, he is able to commit ov…

1
Hanukkah - Dave’s Christmas Tree 30:48

8M ago30:48

30:48

“Light, said Dave, amidst the darkness.” An extra episode for the holidays with a special story about Dave and Sam out and about on a perfect winter’s night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Christmas Preparations - The Christmas Card & Morley’s Christmas Concert 56:02

8M ago56:02

56:02

“There is something about sitting on a plastic chair several sizes too small for you that puts you in touch with feelings you never knew you had.” Ah, the trials and tribulations of Christmas preparations! On today’s episode we have two wonderful stories for you: our first is the final Christmas story Stuart wrote. Jess tells the backstory of the r…

1
All I want for Christmas… - Stephanie’s Mystery Book & Dave Makes Snow 48:04

8M ago48:04

48:04

“It will snow. And it will be deep and crisp and even.” Some alternate approaches to festive gift giving on this week’s pod. In our first story a mysterious parcel keeps the family guessing, while in our second, Dave will go to any lengths to give Morley her Christmas wish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Christmas Chaos - Mary Turlington and Polly Anderson’s Christmas Collision & Ferrets for Christmas 53:56

9M ago53:56

53:56

“He stuck his head in the dryer. It was not the wisest decision.” Today on the pod, two more stories of festive shenanigans. Mary and Polly try to outdo each other as the ultimate party planner, while the neighbourhood races to keep up. And in our second story, Sam smuggles home a fragrant guest for the Christmas holidays. Hosted on Acast. See acas…

1
269: Blowing Minds with Carey Smith: The Big Ass Fans Story! 🫏... 1:12:04

9M ago1:12:04

1:12:04

Carey Smith founded Big Ass Fans in 1999 and served as its Chief Big Ass until the company's sale in 2017. Under his guidance, Big Ass Fans grew an average of 30% a year, with offices across the globe. It made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies 11 consecutive years — a feat achieved by only 34 others — and expanded from industr…

1
Cape Breton Christmas - Morley’s Christmas Present & Dave’s Christmas Parade 49:21

9M ago49:21

49:21

“Genius should never be confused with desperation.” Woohoo! It’s time to play some Christmas stories. This week, two stories from Dave’s hometown of Big Narrows. In the first, Dave tries to find the perfect gift to win Morley’s heart; in the second, his homemade float causes chaos in the Christmas parade! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for …

1
Getting Older - The Cruise & A Case of the Dwindles 49:25

9M ago49:25

49:25

“Bad things happen at sea.” Today’s episode is all about aging – in the best possible way! Mistakenly booked onto a seniors’ cruise, Dave has more fun than he could ever have imagined. And in our second story Morley learns that her mom’s independence is something to celebrate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Jobs - Newsboy Dave & On-Stage Defibrillator 48:34

9M ago48:34

48:34

“The door to days gone by is a strange little door.” Today on the podcast, two stories about jobs and some of Dave’s more unusual work experiences. In the first, in a fit of nostalgia he gets a paper route; in the second story he gets a taste of life on the road with a ‘vintage’ rock band. For more information about our brand new album, SO LONG FOR…

1
Remembrance – Zaidie’s story 52:44

10M ago52:44

52:44

“I will never forget that day.” We have something very special for you this week. From one of the most-requested Vinyl Cafe episodes, this is Stuart’s re-telling of the life story of holocaust survivor (and my husband’s Zaidie) David Kilberg. This episode features music by the Manitoba band Finjan, from the album “Dancing on Water”. Hosted on Acast…

1
Home - Rendi & Fire at the Old Town Hall 46:59

10M ago46:59

46:59

“How can you deny an old man his dying wish?” This week’s episode is all about the powerful pull of home. We start with a story about Dave’s neighbours Eugene and Maria and their longing for their hometown of Rendi. And in our second story, an event in Dave’s Big Narrows brings back a cascade of memories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for …

1
Myths and Magic – The Mermaid and Other Mysteries & Hello, Monster 54:33

10M ago54:33

54:33

“It was one of those moments that make you wonder if your life is cursed.” In this week’s episode, two stories of a mystical flavour, with mysterious encounters for both Stephanie and Dave. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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