Buzz Worthy

What would you do if you stopped waiting, and just started?At 18, Vishar Yaghoubian didn’t have a roadmap, a network, or all the answers, just a question she couldn’t ignore.So she started.Hundreds of cold emails. Conversations with experts across North America. Learning everything she could about a problem most people overlook every day.That curiosity turned into Toothpod, the 1st research-backed re-mineralizing dental gum now used in over 400 dental clinics in the US. Its designed for the moments when brushing isn’t possible.But this conversation isn’t about the product.It’s about what it really takes to build something from nothing—before anyone believes in it, before it looks “real,” and long before it works.Because sometimes the difference between an idea and a company… is just the decision to go.Follow them:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toothpod/Instagram: @toothpod.coWebsite: https://toothpod.coFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToothpodTiktok: @toothpodJoin the Buzz:Know an entrepreneur we should be making a buzz about?Visit us on our website and suggest a guest https://buzzworthypod.ca/Stay up to date with what we're doing:Instagram: @buzzworthy_podLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzz-worthy-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueWatch our TV SHOW!Its the show and tell of innovation and products created locally! New episodes drop every month!Watch Live: https://cable14.com/buzzworthy#podcast #entrepreneurship #regenerativemedicine #mcmasteruniversity

What’s a micro experiment that didn’t work, but ended up teaching you something critical?For Jordan Russell, that mindset started early, selling hats out of his school locker at just 11 years old to fund what he wanted, instead of waiting for permission.Today, he’s the founder of Price Driven, a platform helping people buy new cars without the stress of negotiation by revealing the real numbers behind every deal.In this episode, Jordan breaks down how small “micro experiments” shaped his journey, why most buyers overpay without realizing it, and how transparency is changing the way we think about big purchases.Because sometimes the smartest way forward… is to test everything and trust what works.Follow them:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/price-driven/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pricedriven/Website: https://pricedriven.caFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pricedrivenYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@Price-DrivenJoin the Buzz:Know an entrepreneur we should be making a buzz about?Visit us on our website and suggest a guest https://buzzworthypod.ca/Stay up to date with what we're doing:Instagram: @buzzworthy_podLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzz-worthy-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueWatch our TV SHOW!Its the show and tell of innovation and products created locally! New episodes drop every month!Watch Live: https://cable14.com/buzzworthy#podcast #entrepreneurship #regenerativemedicine #mcmasteruniversity

What do you do when the risk of getting a job feels just as high as starting a business?For Gharsa Amin, the answer was simple: bet on herself.After struggling to find stable employment despite deep technical and regulatory expertise, Gharsa turned a personal challenge—sending money across borders to family—into a bigger question about how global payments really work.Today she’s the founder of Kavodax, a fintech platform helping Canadian businesses move money across borders faster, cheaper, and with far more transparency.In this episode, we talk about rejection, resilience, and the hidden costs businesses face every day when operating globally. It’s a story about entrepreneurship born not from opportunity—but necessity.Because sometimes the only person willing to bet on your idea… is you.Follow them:Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/company/kavodax/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kavodax_/Website: https://kavodax.com/Twitter: https://x.com/KavodaxJoin the Buzz:Know an entrepreneur we should be making a buzz about?Visit us on our website and suggest a guest https://buzzworthypod.ca/Stay up to date with what we're doing:Instagram: @buzzworthy_podLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzz-worthy-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueWatch our TV SHOW!Its the show and tell of innovation and products created locally! New episodes drop every month!Watch Live: https://cable14.com/buzzworthy#podcast #entrepreneurship #regenerativemedicine #mcmasteruniversity

What’s something you’ve done that goes against everything people expect, simply because you refused to betray yourself?Before social media became the marketing powerhouse it is today, Suzanne Zandbergen saw its potential. From launching one of the earliest photo-sharing initiatives at the Hamilton Spectator to founding The Generator, she has spent years helping businesses build real communities online.But the journey wasn’t always what she expected.In this episode, Suzanne reflects on hustle culture, redefining success on her own terms, and why authenticity still wins in an ever-changing world of social media and AI. She also shares insights on how businesses can show up online in ways that actually connect with people.Because sometimes the biggest growth comes from choosing to stay true to yourself.Follow them:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegeneratorca; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeneratorca; Website: https://thegenerator.ca/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegeneratorca; Join the Buzz:Know an entrepreneur we should be making a buzz about?Visit us on our website and suggest a guest https://buzzworthypod.ca/Stay up to date with what we're doing:Instagram: @buzzworthy_podLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzz-worthy-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueWatch our TV SHOW!Its the show and tell of innovation and products created locally! New episodes drop every month!Watch Live: https://cable14.com/buzzworthy#podcast #entrepreneurship #regenerativemedicine #mcmasteruniversity

What if the future of medicine isn’t found in a pill bottle but printed, layer by layer?This week, we sit down with the founders of Tessella Biosciences, a Southern Ontario–based biotech company building advanced ready-to-use bioinks for 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.CEO Jose, a Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster University, never set out to be an entrepreneur. Raised in a family of scientists in Mexico, his path was always rooted in research. But sometimes innovation pushes you beyond the lab and into the arena of building something the world needs.Alongside him is Eduardo, Head of R&D, who journeyed from Cuba to Mexico to Canada in pursuit of science. With deep expertise in nanomaterials and bioanalytical devices, he’s helping lead the development of proprietary biomaterial inks that are already outperforming existing commercial products in the market.Together, they’re not just publishing papers, they’re commercializing possibility.In this episode, they bring tangible proof to the studio: 3D-printed hydrogel noses, arteries, and mesh structures designed to support tissue regeneration. We talk about what it means to move from academic discovery to startup execution, the pressure and responsibility of creating materials that may one day live inside the human body, and the courage it takes to step into entrepreneurship for the first time.This conversation goes beyond science. It’s about legacy, immigration, first-time founders, and what happens when two scientists decide not to wait for the future of medicine but to build it.Because sometimes the next frontier of healing starts with a question:What if we could help the body regenerate itself?Follow them: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tessella-biosciences-inc/Instagram: @tessellabiosciencesWebsite: www.tessellabio.comJoin the Buzz: Know an entrepreneur we should be making a buzz about? Visit us on our website and suggest a guest https://buzzworthypod.ca/ Stay up to date with what we're doing: Instagram: @buzzworthy_pod Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzz-worthy-podcast/?viewAsMember=true Watch our TV SHOW! Its the show and tell of innovation and products created locally! New episodes drop every month! Watch Live: https://cable14.com/buzzworthy #podcast #entrepreneurship #regenerativemedicine #mcmasteruniversity

What's do you wish you wish you never stopped doing as a child?Resident and touring DJ for Juno Award winning artist Haviah Mighty, Myliek Mckenzie found himself living his 13yr old DJ dreams by simply shooting his shot at every moment. His stories show us how dedication to you craft, consistency, and keeping an eye open for opportunities builds a ladder to success. Gaining a love of music from his grandmother, practicing in church and not being afraid to tell everyone about his dreams, Myliek found himself growing as a DJ with every opportunity across industries from professional sport teams game day, club scenes, private events and tours!Myliek McKenzie is a DJ in the Hamilton scene playing in many different places throughout the city! You can hear his sounds at every tiger cat game at the Coors original patio, Also the game day curator for Hamilton Forge FC soccer team! He supports Canadian artists as their tour DJ and has great pride in being on stage to perform at festivals and nightlife!DJ Beenie Sounds and Services provides DJ and audio services to many different private events and local businesses. We take great pride on providing clients with musical memories that will last a lifetime! Follow DJ Beenie Sound and Services on Instagram:Instagram: @prod.beenieMix Cloud: @Beeniebop https://www.mixcloud.com/beeniebop/This episode is a part of a 4 Part Series memorializing black entrepreneurs leaving their mark and impact on the world today and in the future for Black History Month. This is made in collaboration with Blk Owned Hamilton and sponsored by Hamilton Chamber of Commerce & Invest in Hamilton.Join the Buzz:Know an entrepreneur we should be making a buzz about? Visit us on our website and suggest a guest https://buzzworthypod.ca/Stay up to date with what we're doing:Instagram: @buzzworthy_podLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzz-worthy-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueWatch our TV SHOW!Its the show and tell of innovation and products created locally! New episodes drop every month!Watch Live: https://cable14.com/buzzworthy

What's the biggest commitment you've made because you love someone?Coming off of the heels of Valentines Day where love looks like flowers and chocolate. Real love is taking a leap of faith into entrepreneurship just so your family can have jobs and find a purpose for everyday life.Lyns Corporation is made up of 3 companies built by 2 sisters over 27 years for their parents as immigrants in a new environment. But this conversation is between 2 generations, reflecting on the past, the current transition and the optimism of the next generation of business owners. Randy, now taking over after 27yrs has came to hard realizations and learning he confessed to with Vinnette having an incredibly proud moment knowing she made the right decision.This family affair is beyond just the owners. But companies built on trust, sacrifice, and community with active villagers. The ones you call upon, the customers that help you unload your delivery trucks, and the unwavering care of employees over the years.Follow Lyns Corporation Businesses on Instagram:@CaribbeanCanadianRestaurant @MissLynsWings @LynsLinsteadMarketThis episode is a part of a 4 Part Series memorializing black entrepreneurs leaving their mark and impact on the world today and in the future for Black History Month. This is made in collaboration with Blk Owned Hamilton and sponsored by Hamilton Chamber of Commerce & Invest in Hamilton.Join the Buzz:Know an entrepreneur we should be making a buzz about? Visit us on our website and suggest a guest https://buzzworthypod.ca/Stay up to date with what we're doing:Instagram: @buzzworthy_podLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzz-worthy-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueWatch our TV SHOW!Its the show and tell of innovation and products created locally! New episodes drop every month!Watch Live: https://cable14.com/buzzworthy

12 years from now, what would you be surprised about with a risk you are taking today?Max Francis, our guest today took a risk so big, his friends and family staged an intervention for him. Mac tells us his stories of building from the ground up, being mistaken as a drug dealer and even married women's boyfriend. This was all part of just building his company. Max was willing to fail big by putting one strep in front of the other to build his company True Hamilton. Inclusion not exclusion is how max describes himself and it shines through with his company True Hamiltonian. Against all warnings and interventions, this engineer quit his full time secure job to sell t-shirts.Tune into this episode for big laughs, almost devasting moments and life lessons learned from unusual places by simply saying yes to everything for a season. This conversation was an adventure and heart warming, just like the city we build in, Hamilton. Follow True Hamiltonian:Instagram: @truehamiltonianHamiltonianTwitter: @truehamiltonianWebsite: truehamiltonian.caThis episode is a part of a 4 Part Series memorializing black entrepreneurs leaving their mark and impact on the world today and in the future for Black History Month. This is made in collaboration with Blk Owned Hamilton and sponsored by Hamilton Chamber of Commerce & Invest in Hamilton.Join the Buzz:Know an entrepreneur we should be making a buzz about? Visit us on our website and suggest a guest https://buzzworthypod.ca/Stay up to date with what we're doing:Instagram: @buzzworthy_podLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzz-worthy-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueWatch our TV SHOW!Its the show and tell of innovation and products created locally! New episodes drop every month!Watch Live: https://cable14.com/buzzworthy

What's the one decision you made that you will never go back on?Faisal Bello made a decision that guided every decision he made from pre-teen to now. That decision eventually lead to Bello Foods. A food manufacturing company based in Hamilton, Ontario, specializing in high-quality herbs, spices, and specialty food products. Its aromatic herbs are responsibly sourced from West Africa and processed with a strong focus on quality, safety, and consistency, serving retailers, foodservice partners, and consumers across the globe.Through his journey the decision never waived, but the strategy did. Some may call it stubborn, but through it all, he dove deep into entrepreneurship, remaining grounded, and always looking to give back. Faisal is rich in many things, but most rich in stories, that keep him grounded and determined to build a legacy that now lives beyond his awe inspiring grandmother, through him and onto future generationsThis conversation takes up into the different areas of business including, Hibiscus (Sorrel) AI and the Human experience, comfort blanks, the telecom industry, and where it all began, Kano Nigeria.Follow Bello Foods:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HL97s8nVJ/?mibextid=wwXIfrInstagram: @bello_foodsWebsite: www.bellofoods.caThis episode is a part of a 4 Part Series memorializing black entrepreneurs leaving their mark and impact on the world today and in the future for Black History Month. This is made in collaboration with Blk Owned Hamilton and sponsored by Hamilton Chamber of Commerce & Invest in Hamilton.Join the Buzz:Know an entrepreneur we should be making a buzz about? Visit us on our website and suggest a guest https://buzzworthypod.ca/Stay up to date with what we're doing:Instagram: @buzzworthy_podLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzz-worthy-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueWatch our TV SHOW!Its the show and tell of innovation and products created locally! New episodes drop every month!Watch Live: https://cable14.com/buzzworthy

.What happens when the itch to build returns, but this time, it’s not about success, it’s about self-discovery?In this episode, Anita Grant shares how the end of one business led her back to herself—and how that personal rediscovery sparked the creation of Hello Hair, a social impact company blending textured hair education with identity and confidence-building tools for children, families, and educators.From navigating the lessons of a “failed” startup to stepping into her purpose as a mother and founder, Anita opens up about redefining success, representation, and what it really means to build something rooted in meaning rather than metrics.We talk about the beauty of second chances, the power of visibility, and how self-discovery can be the greatest entrepreneurial tool of all.🌐 Learn more: hellohairbook.com 📲 Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

Is the big hairy problem in your job ripe for a revamp? That’s the moment Ariella Racco, a passionate middle school teacher, faced before founding CoLab Education, a platform designed to connect and empower educators through collaboration, mentorship, and shared innovation. In this episode, she opens up about confronting the fear of leaving the classroom, the loneliness many teachers face, and how her mission to serve at scale became stronger than her comfort zone.From winning Lion’s Lair to transforming isolation into community, Ariella shares the powerful story of how building CoLab helped her rediscover purpose—and how creating space for teachers to thrive is ultimately about shaping the next generation of adults.🌐 Learn more: colab.education 📲 Follow on LinkedInhttps://www.instagram.com/colab.ed/

What creative idea did you have as a kid that could actually be a business today?.For Matt McNeil, it all started with a hockey sock on his head and a dream to create something that mattered. Dragons Den had Matt glued to the TV watching people pitch their ideas. Little did he know he would be one of those people. not on Dragons Den, but some who brings ideas to life! Years later, that moment became Toques From The Heart, a company turning upcycled hockey socks into purpose-driven winter wear. For every toque sold, another is donated to a Canadian in need.In this episode, Matt shares how his mom supported his creativity as boy and helped him start a business with very little upfront costs, how giving back became the company’s true north, and why his goal to donate 35,000 toques reflects more than just a number. It represents the 35,000 Canadians who experience homelessness each night.We talk about building a business rooted in compassion, finding resourcefulness in unlikely places, and how every small act of kindness can grow into a movement.🧢 Learn more: toquesfromtheheart.ca 📲 Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok

What could you build with just some straws, cardboard, a dish sponge, and pipe cleaners that could possibly change the world?At just 19, Lianna Genovese heard a story that changed her life; a woman with Cerebral Palsy who could no longer paint. Fueled by empathy and ingenuity, Lianna built her first prototype from nothing more than straws, cardboard, pipe cleaners, and a sponge. That scrappy idea became Guided Hands®, a life-changing device now empowering people in over 25 countries to paint, write, and express themselves again.Today, as the Founder and CEO of ImaginAble Solutions, Lianna shares how staying curious, resilient, and bold led her to raise over $1 million+ in non-dilutive funding, earn global recognition from Forbes 30 Under 30 and the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, and even land a signature from Shaquille O'Neal American basketball player aka Shaq along the way.In this episode, we talk about what happens when purpose meets persistence, how empathy can spark innovation, and why the best ideas often start from the heart.🌐 Learn more: imaginablesolutions.com 📲 Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

What if the key to success wasn’t having the perfect plan, but simply staying in motion?In this episode, we sit down with Keith Brink, Founder of Jasara Technology, the company behind powerful e-commerce tools like AZLabels and PrepBusiness, platforms now used by tens of thousands of sellers and logistics partners worldwide. Keith shares how curiosity, iteration, and motion led him from being an Amazon seller building automation tools for himself to running a software company managing over 130 million items shipped into Amazon FBA.We dive into how Keith turned a series of small experiments into scalable businesses, why analysis can often be the enemy of action, and how momentum, not perfection, is the real secret to entrepreneurial growth.If you’ve ever found yourself stuck on what to do next, this episode is your reminder that the best opportunities often appear after you start moving.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jasaratech/Website: https://jasaratech.com

Would you say yes to a career you never considered, just because you're curious?That’s exactly what Amin Ahmadi did. A lifelong tinkerer whose curiosity started at age 10 with a fascination for engines, Amin has carried that same spirit into his work as Co-Founder and CTO of AP Renewables, a Hamilton-grown company making clean energy more efficient and accessible using data and a bit of hometown ingenuity.In this episode, we talk about what happens when curiosity meets courage to go from climbing wind turbines to managing global teams. Amin opens up about the lessons learned in leadership, how “clarity over convenience” guides his decision-making, and why building a company often means rebuilding yourself in the process.If you’ve ever faced a layoff, felt stuck in a role that didn’t exist yet, or wondered how to turn your curiosity into your career — this episode will remind you that sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones you create.🌐 Learn more at aprenewables.com or connect on LinkedIn.

What happens when “yes” becomes your strategy for opening doors?For Ryan Patrick Moran, every opportunity—from co-founding a coworking community to designing watches inspired by Hamilton’s history—started with a simple yes. A yes to uncertainty. A yes to community. And a yes to building something that didn’t exist yet.As a founding member of the Hamilton Hive, co-founder of CoMotion, and the creative force behind Locke & King, Ryan has spent his career bridging business and culture. He has been helping shape Hamilton’s entrepreneurial ecosystem while balancing the responsibility of taking over his family’s industrial business, Central Rail Supply. But his story isn’t just about success, it’s about being present enough to turn problems into purpose and finding freedom in the spaces where certainty doesn’t exist.In this episode, Ryan reflects on what it means to build community, manage legacy, and keep saying yes, even when the path isn’t clear. If you’ve ever wondered how to find opportunity in ambiguity or make impact in your own backyard, this conversation will make you rethink how growth really happens.

What if the dream you had as a kid came true, but in a bigger way you never expected?For Eric Spearin, the journey from Hamilton boy with a football dream to the owner of a professional baseball team is anything but ordinary. A serial entrepreneur across software, sports, and gaming, Eric has built and scaled companies by following one simple compass: curiosity. From founding Logistadvise and Transervice Integrated Solutions (TIS), named one of the fastest-growing companies in America to launching Spear Interactive and transforming the Hamilton Cardinals brand, Eric’s story is one of bold pivots, relentless learning, and betting on himself.But behind the success is something more an instinct to give back. As a mentor at the McMaster Forge Incubator, Eric shares the kind of lessons you won’t find in textbooks: how to spot opportunity, how to make your next move when passion calls, and how to stay grounded when growth takes off.In this episode, Eric opens up about how interest has guided his journey, the mindset behind taking calculated risks, and the real meaning of building a business that reflects who you are. It’s a story about coming full circle and proving that the dream is still alive, even if it changes shape.https://tiscareers.com/our-tms; https://spearinteractive.com; https://www.hamiltoncardinals.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/transervice-integrated-solutions/https://x.com/spearinteractivhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4OAG8OgH9NKMorT9C5BG-Ahttps://www.instagram.com/spearinteractive; https://www.instagram.com/hamiltoncardinals

What happens when the path you thought you were on suddenly disappears? Do you quit, start over, or create something new entirely?For Precious Aigbe, authenticity has always been the compass. From helping class mates, to community friends pass standardized language test to turning setbacks into stepping stones, his story is one of staying true to what you love. Even when life doesn’t go as planned.As the founder of Lancity, Precious is building more than a platform—he’s building a language city. Through AI-powered tools and community-driven coaching, Lancity is helping immigrants and global learners prepare for the exams that open doors to new lives. But behind the product lies a deeper story: one about resilience, faith, and the belief that confidence can be built one step at a time.In this episode, Precious reflects on how he leverages his own “brag sheet,” when doubt steps in but the calling to more forward is still very strong. Connect with Lancity:🌐 Website: lancity.co📸 Instagram: @lancityhq🔗 LinkedIn: Lancity📘 Facebook: Lancity🐦 X: @lancityhq🎥 YouTube: @Lancityhq🎵 TikTok: LancityhqSuggest a guest by going to BuzzWorthyPod.ca 2026 Season will begin recording soon!

What if 'success' doesn’t make you happy? What if you can have the career, the home, the family; and still feel like something is missing?That’s exactly where Nikki Milligan, a corporate executive, and Linda, the CEO of her household, found themselves. Both successful in their own worlds, both doing “everything right,” and yet both realizing that happiness wasn’t guaranteed. Their curiosity about the science of happiness brought them together, and from that partnership, Mingle & Marvel was born to be a Happiness Centre designed to help people stop waiting and start living with intention, purpose, and community.But their journey wasn’t easy. When they launched their first event, no one showed up. What could have been the end became the beginning of something bigger. Instead of giving up, Nikki and Linda doubled down on their purpose: to help others practice happiness as a daily habit, supported by evidence-based tools and meaningful connections.In this episode, they share how purpose drives true happiness, why failure became one of their greatest teachers, and what it really means to build happiness through community. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why don’t I feel happy even when everything looks good on paper?", this conversation is for you.Instagram: @mingleandmarvel Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/nikki-milligan-80564a7www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grubic-mahs-acc-75b6483bFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mingle-Marvel-61561901777131/X: Website: mingleandmarvel.com

The most powerful inventions don’t just solve problems, they give people pieces of their lives back.For Sydney Robinson, the spark was a capstone project in mechanical engineering to design an ankle foot orthosis for a young girl that allowed her to play on the beach with her friends. That moment planted the seed for a career dedicated to transforming mobility for amputees.From a master’s in biomedical engineering to the elite Medical Innovation Fellowship, Sydney’s journey has been rooted in curiosity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to problem-solving. Today, as co-founder of Vessl, she’s leading a team pioneering Kinn, an automatically adjusting prosthetic socket system designed to bring comfort, confidence, and freedom of movement to amputees.In this episode, Sydney shares the moments that shaped her mission, the importance of remembering why you start, and how reinvention isn’t just a design philosophy, it’s a way of leading and living. Whether you’re an innovator, a healthcare professional, or someone navigating your own challenging path, her story will leave you inspired to keep moving forward.Connect with Sydney & Vessl:🔗 LinkedIn: Sydney Robinson🔗 LinkedIn: Vessl Prosthetics📘 Facebook: Vessl Prosthetics📸 Instagram: @vesslprostheticsWebsite: https://www.vesslpro.com/

For Primie Cegnar, entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business, it’s about rebuilding yourself. As an immigrant from the Philippines, Primie came to Canada expecting opportunity, but quickly learned the struggle of navigating barriers to employment. Instead of giving up, she leaned into the entrepreneurial spirit passed down through her parents and grandparents, daring to carve out her own path.Her latest venture, Aeon Stellar Commerce, is home to StellaEats, an AI-powered nutrition-first food marketplace designed for people with food allergies, chronic illness, and cultural dietary needs. More than a business, it’s a system of care built on community, purpose, and a belief that everyone deserves access to food that supports their healing.In this episode, Primie shares how she turned personal struggle into vision, why community is at the center of everything she builds, and what it really means to grieve old versions of yourself while creating something entirely new. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep going after a big pause, to stop or go, this story will remind you that sometimes resilience is the greatest innovation of all.Connect with StellaEats & Aeon Stellar Commerce:🌐 Website: stellaeats.co📸 Instagram: @stellaeatsofficial🔗 LinkedIn: StellaEats📘 Facebook: StellaEats🔗 LinkTree: stellaeatsofficial

For Kamran Ahmad, it started in childhood, working in his dad’s computer shop and creating his own co-op placement when opportunities didn’t exist. Those experiences taught him resilience, problem-solving, and the power of curiosity.What began as the simple act of dehumidifying his basement eventually grew into Hydrosphair: a pioneering company using atmospheric water generation technology to turn air into fresh, clean drinking water. Today, Hydrosphair is helping off-grid homes, tiny houses, farmers, disaster relief teams, and industries around the world access water in sustainable ways by proving innovation can flow from the most unexpected places.In this episode, Kamran shares the lessons he’s learned as a founder, how listening to customers drives continuous innovation, and why clean water isn’t just a commodity, it’s a human right. His story is one of curiosity turned into purpose, and purpose turned into a company with the potential to change lives globally.Connect with Hydrosphair:🌐 Website: hydrosphair.com🔗 LinkedIn: Hydrosphair📸 Instagram: @hydrosphair

Before MERIT Brewing, before reshaping Hamilton’s downtown, Tej Sandhu was chasing a different dream: music. His first curiosity led him into the world of producing, where he discovered the thrill of creating culture and community through sound. That spark eventually grew into a career defined not by one industry, but by a guiding principle: to build spaces that bring people together.From his grandfather’s furniture store in Nanaimo that inspired MERIT’s name, to his own ventures in music, real estate, and hospitality, Tej has never let traditional markers like age, education, or experience hold him back. Instead, he followed his instincts and carved out a path that worked for him. Today, MERIT Brewing is a brewery, kitchen, and bottle shop that reflects the heart, art, and soul of Hamilton. A place where history, innovation, and community come together.In this episode, Tej shares his entrepreneurial journey, the family roots that continue to guide him, and why keeping his north star in sight has been the key to building not just businesses, but culture, community and impact!Connect with MERIT Brewing: 🌐 Website: meritbrewing.ca 📸 Instagram: @meritbrewing 🔗 LinkedIn: MERIT Brewing

What do you do when you’re tired of living in and out of doctor’s offices, frustrated with quick fixes, and ready to take your health into your own hands? For Natasha Smith, the answer was to create a different path—not just for herself, but for anyone ready to live past their diagnosis and bloom into their full potential.As the Founder and Nutritionist of How to Bloom Inc., Natasha crafts gourmet, symptom-specific cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and teas. Each ingredient backed by science and formulated to target specific health concerns. In this conversation, she shares her personal journey from navigating her own health struggles to becoming runner-up in the Forbes Entrepreneur of Impact 2025 competition, and why she believes faith and persistence are an entrepreneur’s greatest assets.We dive into the shortcomings of the traditional medical system’s “bandage” approach and how Natasha is building a personalized, science-driven model that gets to the root of health challenges. From creating beverages that address specific symptoms to empowering clients with tools for lasting wellness, Natasha is proving that when you address the whole person—not just the problem—you can change the entire health journey.Connect with How to Bloom Inc.: 🌐 Website: howtobloom.ca 🔗 LinkedIn: How to Bloom Inc. 📸 Instagram: @ThisIsHowToBloom 📘 Facebook: This Is How to Bloom

For years, Kim Murphy said yes to everything and everyone until burnout, exhaustion, and a deep sense of invisibility made it impossible to keep going. That turning point became the start of a new chapter, one rooted in healing, boundaries, and the radical act of putting herself first.Now an Empowerment Coach and Trauma Release Practitioner, Kim helps women 50+ reclaim their worth, heal from emotional burnout, and rediscover the joy they thought they’d lost. Through It’s A Wonderful Life Coaching, she offers transformative programs and self-care tools that prove it’s never too late to start over or start saying “Yes” to yourself.In this episode, we talk about the courage it takes to embrace the journey (even when it’s not a straight path), the role resilience plays in entrepreneurship, and why surrounding yourself with the right mentors and communities can change everything. If you’ve ever felt stuck, exhausted, or invisible, Kim’s story is the reminder that you can rewrite your next chapter, starting now.Promotional Offer: Free Masterclass launching May 22.I have a 7-day Self-love course @$97 if they use the coupon HIVE as checkout, they get it for $47Connect with Kim & It’s A Wonderful Life Coaching:🔗 LinkedIn: Kim Murphy📸 Instagram: @its_a_wonderful_life_coaching📘 Facebook: It’s A Wonderful Life Coaching

What happens when the person who used to work for you becomes the one you trust to build everything with?In this episode, we meet Ryo (Uyen Phuong Wu) and Allison (Xuan Yen Nhi Le), a visionary duo who went from boss and employee to co-founders of COOCO. COOCO is an AI-powered platform that maximizes food in your fridge to reduce food waste, save money, and cook smarter at home. They are uncovering the proverbial "Elephant in the Kitchen" we are all talking about. Especially in this economy and era of sustainability. Ryo & Allison quietly helped scale some of Asia’s biggest startup unicorns to rallying over 200,000 people around their own idea pre-launchWe dive into what it really means to bet on someone’s potential, what it takes to grow from colleagues to co-founders, and the emotional rollercoaster of stepping out of the shadows of other people’s companies to finally create your own. If you’ve ever wondered when to make the leap or who to build with this episode is for you.Connect with COOCO:🌐 Website: cooco.app📘 Facebook Group: COOCO Community📘 Fanpage: COOCO Social📸 Instagram: @cooco.app🎵 TikTok: @cooco.social▶️ YouTube: COOCO Social🔗 LinkedIn: COOCO on LinkedInHave a guest you want to suggest? Tell us! Website: https://buzzworthypod.ca/Instagram: buzzworthy_podLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzz-worthy-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

Sometimes, a setback is just the setup for your purpose.We sit down with Monique Thompson, founder of Modeen Events, who turned an unexpected layoff into a life-changing leap into entrepreneurship. Born in Jamaica and raised in Hamilton, Monique’s path was always sprinkled with creativity and community. But it wasn’t until life gave her a pause that she finally answered the call to build something of her own. What started as a long-standing passion evolved into Modeen Events, a company known for its elegant, joyful, and highly personalized celebrations.Monique shares the deep discipline, unshakable faith, and tenacity it took to step into her calling. From community roots to corporate galas, she’s proving that you can bring your own sparkle to every room and leave a lasting impression doing it.Connect with Modeen Events: 📧 Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @modeen_events

What do you do when you see the same heartbreaking chaos unfold when families need to make decisions in the ER? If you’re Dr. Laura Shoots, you'd look to bring calm to the crisis and truly fulfilling a family members wishes.In this episode, Dr. Laura shares her journey from emergency physician to entrepreneur, blending her deep medical expertise and care for patient wellbeing and wishes. As the founder of Take Care, she’s building a platform to help families organize everything from medical wishes to emergency contacts in one secure, easy-to-share place. We talk about the emotional side of planning for aging, illness, and end-of-life that typically lacks clarity in moments of crisis.Laura also opens up about what it really takes to build a mission-driven business in healthcare: relentless drive, a smart support system, and sharp intuition. Connect with Dr. Laura & Take Care: 🌐 Website: takecaretogether.ca 📸 Instagram: @takecaretogether.ca 🔗 LinkedIn: Dr. Laura Shoots 📘 Facebook: Take Care Together

How do you keep going when the going gets hard? For Meisha Watson, the answer is simple but profound: faith, purpose, and creative fire.In this episode, Meisha opens up about the reality of building a meaningful life in media—from her early days on YTV’s The Zone to launching her own creative media company. She shares how prayer, community, and the desire to encourage others keep her grounded in the face of challenges. Whether she's behind the mic of My Single Story, leading kids with HEY MEISHA!, or helping others bring their vision to life, Meisha’s mission is clear: create with intention, lead with heart, and craft a life rooted in purpose and impact.We reflect on what it really means to build a business that gives you the freedom to live fully and authentically—not for likes, but for legacy.Follow Meisha to Explore More: Website: meishawatson.com Instagram: @iammeisha TikTok: @stillmeisha LinkedIn: Meisha Watson🎁 Special Offer: Take your content to the next level with Meisha’s Newbie to Natural: Social Media Masterclass, a personalized course designed to help you maximize your message and make every post count. Available now at meishawatson.com.

We’re kicking off Season 3 with a bang and there’s no better voice to lead the charge than Kelly Ng, co-founder of Main Stage Rehearsal Studios. As a former accountant turned entrepreneur, Kelly embodies the fearless, problem-solving spirit that defines Hamilton’s creative community. From never having stepped into the music scene to now running Ontario’s largest rehearsal space, her journey is anything but conventional. Through pandemic pivots, private equity problem-solving, and a relentless drive to serve the 95% of artists often overlooked, Kelly’s story is the kind that stays with you.This episode it's about listening deeply to her customers the way they listen to their music, building boldly, and choosing to serve with heart. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a local creative, or someone chasing their own leap of faith, Kelly’s energy is infectious. She’s created a space that champions inclusion, access, and evolution which started with one simple truth: she kept saying yes. A must-listen to set the tone for a season grounded in Hamilton’s grit, fueled by creativity, and built on community.Connect with Main Stage:📸 Instagram: @mainstagerehearsal🌐 Website: mainstagerehearsal.com🏆 Featured in Music Cities Awards and recognized with local entrepreneur honor

Recorded in 2023, this episode features our youngest guest yet Ainara Alleyne, the 13-year-old force behind Ainara’s Bookshelf, now a full-fledged TV show. What began as an Instagram account celebrating diverse stories has grown into a national platform with Ainara as host, co-creator, and executive producer.In this episode, Ainara shares how a love for reading turned into a mission to uplift underrepresented voices, inspire young readers, and make sure everyone sees themselves in a story.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ainarasbookshelf/Website: https://www.ainarasbookshelf.tv/

Recorded in 2023, this episode dives into the creative world of Bar Sazerac, a staple of Hamilton’s thriving cocktail scene. Co-founder Kyle Ferreira takes us behind the bar and behind the ideas exploring how storytelling, flavour, and design come together in every drink.From sourcing vintage glassware to crafting cocktails that double as art, Kyle shares what it takes to build a brand that isn’t just a bar, but a whole mood. If you’ve ever wondered how a cocktail becomes a conversation piece, this episode serves it straight up.Follow Bar Sazerac: 🌐 Website: barsazerac.caSocial Media: https://www.instagram.com/therealbarsazers/

Episode Notes:Recorded back in 2023, this unreleased episode captures a raw and rising voice in Canada’s plant-based food scene.Kerry Sobers is a self-taught chef and fearless founder of Bring Me Some and Nonno’s Plant-Based Butcher shares his early journey turning comfort food classics into bold, unforgettable vegan eats. From viral vegan fried chicken to deli slices that fooled meat lovers, Kerry is redefining what plant-based can be.Before the media features and viral fame, this episode is a time capsule of ambition, creativity, and a hunger to shake up the food industry.Follow our Guest: 📸 Instagram: @nonnosbutcher 🌐 Website: nonnos.ca 📧 Email: [email protected] 📘 Facebook: Nonno’s Plant-Based Butcher

We’re back with unreleased episodes from Season 2 that still pack a punch. Recorded in 2022, this conversation may have a few time-stamped details, but the story? Timeless!In this episode, Krista Halliday shares her bold transition from employee to entrepreneur, turning her marketing know-how into a powerhouse strategy firm. As the founder of Ray Management Group, Krista brings brands to life while driving sales and connection through bold vision, smart retail strategy, and constant innovation.Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or planning your leap, this episode will remind you that the next version of your career might be the one you build yourself.Ray Management Group - The brand behind the brands, a sales and marketing firm specializing in retail solutions and brand innovation. Strategy, vision, and mission of business growth.Follow our guest:Krista Halliday on LinkedInInstagram: @krista_hallidayUPDATE & CELEBRATION:Since our recording Krista has gone on to become President of Giftcraft Ltd in September 2023. Check out more here: https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-wire-news-releases-pmn/giftcraft-ltd-announces-appointment-of-krista-halliday-as-presidentDETAIL CORRECTION: Krista went from an employee to entrepreneur. This applies to the intro when transitioning from her employee status to contractor.

My Well Self is a personal health wellness concierge service that provides one on one virtual support from expert care navigators. We help triage health issues, route them to our vetted pool of wellness providers and keep them at their best well self.Brenda Ahenkorah is the Founder/CEO of My Well Self. She is a two-time founder within the healthcare space and the previous Founder/CEO of a clinical trial patient referral firm. After working in the Research and Development space for over 17 years of her career, personal health issues drove the inspiration for My Well Self. Brenda's entrepreneurial strengths have been recognized with the Professional Excellence Award by the Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Awards Committee in 2016 as well as Entrepreneur of the Year Selected Nominee for the Oakville Awards for Business Excellence in 2017.Visit: https://mywellself.ca/Follow My Well Self:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mywellselfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/my.well.self/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mywellselfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.well.self.canada/Follow us on social @hamiltonhive on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram

Julie Cole is a recovered lawyer, mom of six and co-founder of Mabel’s Labels. She is an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, and sought after speaker and emcee. Julie is no stranger to the media, having appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, HLN’s Raising America, Breakfast Television, The Marilyn Denis Show, CP24, among many others. Her articles have appeared in The Huffington Post, Today’s Parent, The Globe and Mail, Profit Magazine, Working Mother Magazine, and numerous websites.Frustrated by their children’s things getting lost, mixed up and leaving home never to return, Julie Cole, Julie Ellis, Cynthia Esp and Tricia Mumby knew they could do better than the scribbles on masking tape that were being passed off as labels. From there, the idea for the product was born: the very best personalized waterproof name labels and tags that were equally cute and durable. Mabel’s Labels started humbly out of a basement and has grown to be an award-winning, market-leading company loved by Moms and kids alike.Today, Mabel’s Labels is the best-known brand of durable labels for families, and our growing line of products features baby bottle labels, allergy and medical alert products, sports labels, household labels and seasonal items. They’re extremely durable, they’re laundry, dishwasher and microwave safe – and they’re 100% guaranteed.Follow MAbel's Labels:Twitter - @mabelhoodFacebook - /MabelhoodInstagram - @mabelslabelsTwitter - @juliecoleJulie's Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Like-Mother-Birthing-Businesses-Babies/dp/1989716628Follow @HamilonHive on Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, Facebook

AdMass helps companies save money on online marketing by turning their customers into communities of brand advocates that promote their brand on social media. Companies increase customer loyalty, raise more brand awareness, and drive more sales by using AdMass to create AI-driven flywheels that catapult their online presence forward.Follow Admass: https://www.linkedin.com/company/admass-io/https://www.instagram.com/admass.io/https://twitter.com/admass_ioAdMass | FacebookFollow us on:@hamiltonhive on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin

First responders and especial fire fighters put their lives at great risk everyday to serve us daily! Giving them the tools they need to be safer is critical. Longan Vision saw this opportunity when they were assessing technology in the automotive industry and saw how they can apply it to help first responders. Take a listen to this exciting episode with Enzo who takes us through Longan Vision.Based at McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton, Ontario, Longan Vision is a provider of design and sales of enhanced vision and communication devices. We provide advanced products to face extreme challenges. We are building an ecosystem of linked products to enhance communication and efficiency.At Longan Vision, one of our key values is working with our community partners to continue to adapt and evolve. Through these partnerships, we work together to make our lives better.Your Social Media Handles:LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/longan-visionTwitter https://twitter.com/LonganVisionFollow us @hamiltonhive on Insta, Facebook, Linkedin & Twitter. If you know an entrepreneur you thinkwould be great for our podcast, send us an email at [email protected]

Emily O’Brien is the founder of Comeback Snacks- a popcorn company that changes the status quo. A formerly incarcerated individual, Emily made it her mission create a platform to fight for fair chances of those that have been impacted by the justice system-and it all started with popcorn. The recognition of her efforts led her to being awarded with the Queens Platinum Jubilee Community Service Award from the House of Commons and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2022, as well as the Woman of Distinction Award in 2020 from the YWCA.Comeback Snacks mission is to develop a wide range of fun and delicious snacks while at the same time making a difference in the lives of people trying to make a comeback - especially those who have made a mistake in the past. We plan to do this in the following four ways:Raise awareness through our platform as a brand and in media appearances,Challenge business leaders directly through our growing number of speaking engagements to hire more people with criminal backgrounds,Where possible, hire people with criminal backgrounds or potentially help them find work through our partners,As we grow the business, provide a portion of our profits to organizations focused on reintegration programs, prison reform, and recidivism reduction.Follow our Guest:@comebacksnacks (twitter/IG/Tiktok)https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-o-brien-b628a4132Follow us instagram, facebook, twitter @hamiltonhive or on LinkedinSend us your entrepreneur suggestion [email protected]

Reconnect Hamilton is Hamilton Hive's quarterly networking event where we bring entrepreneurs, young people, and the community together to make connections, build partnerships and spark friendships. Our last Reconnect Hamilton event was focused on our municipal elections where candidates running for city council can meet young people and talk about important issues impacting them.October 24th the City of Hamilton is voting in a new city council. In this special episode, we have one of the top 3 mayoral candidates sit down with independent journalist of The Public Record, Joey Coleman. We want to acknowledge Bob Bratina and thank Bob for planning on joining us, however, due to a positive covid results the week of our event, Bob was not able to be on the panel. This special is the live recording at Reconnect Hamilton with real questions from young people for our other top Mayoral Candidate Keanin Loomis.About our Moderator: Joey Coleman is a Hamilton-born journalist best known for his tireless coverage of Hamilton City Hall and his election podcast, The 155, which interviews all candidates running for City Council and school board trusteeships. Additionally, Joey Coleman is a Southam Fellow.The Public Record: https://www.thepublicrecord.ca/archives/podcasts/155 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-155-hamilton-ontarios-news-podcast/id1428717163Find all Candidates at:https://www.hamilton.ca/city-council/municipal-election/candidates-third-party-advertisers/certified-candidatesFollow us on social media, at @hamiltonhive to see the the top 3 priorities for some candidates who participated in our election campaign.

Commitment, consistency and lots of coffee is what it took to build Kahawa Company. Co=Founder Tamir quickly jumped at the opportunity to partner with his friend after years of just being an idea. Like many entrepreneurs, Tamir found himself in a new exciting industry after selling his web development business he started in his early teens. Taking these early experiences as an entrepreneur, he enters unchartered territories to offer affordable specialty coffees through lean business principles.Kahawa Company started as a labour of love, bringing something genuinely missing to Hamilton, Ontario and Canada. It was the affordability of specialty coffee from East Africa. With our roots in sourcing and transporting coffee from East Africa to across the world since the early 1980s, we have grown valuable relationships with producers, coops and individual farmers to understand their need for a sustainable, well-funded ecosystem.Follow our Guest:LinkedInInstagramFacebookhttps://kahawa-company.com/Discount:Wake up with the rich notes of East African Coffee. Use code HIVE10 for a 10% discount off your first order.Follow us instagram, facebook, twitter @hamiltonhive or on LinkedinSend us your entrepreneur suggestion [email protected]

From a musician to digital marketing enthusiast to now co-founder of Search + Gather, Doug Gorrie is a born creator, problem solver and change maker. Doug and his co-founder Drew decided to be cowboys in the wild west of digital marketing landscape with an aspirations to build the most respected agency. Learning from past experiences, Doug takes us on their journey from friction to fireworks as they celebrate bringing on long standing employees as partners.Search & Gather is a digital marketing agency that works with startups and SMBs to develop a plan to achieve measurable results from their digital advertising. This involves getting clients on the most relevant networks, with accurate audience targeting, engaging creative and precise tracking for all campaigns.S+G is proud to be known in the Toronto start-up scene as the go-to agency partner that has helped companies grow through seed rounds and acquisitions with companies like Top Hat, QuickTapSurvey, Ecobee, Hi Mama, and many more.Follow our Guest:LinkedInInstagramTwitterFacebookFollow us instagram, facebook, twitter @hamiltonhive or on LinkedinSend us your entrepreneur suggestion [email protected]

Because its more than just a game Amar decided to take a big risk and quit his job as a lawyer. In this conversation, Amar dives into how all aspects of his life sunk to rock bottom and how he gained the courage and confidence to marry his passion and profession to become an entrepreneur in a space ripe for innovation.Our law firm was founded because we believe it’s more than just a game. It’s a growing multibillion-dollar industry that is underrepresented and underserved. There aren’t enough lawyers who care about video games. There aren’t enough lawyers who understand the industry. We do. We have the needs, wants, and ambitions of the video game industry in mind. This is how we practice law, and this is how we solve problems.Free 30-minute strategy sessiono One on one session with Amar Sidhu, where we discuss your venture and your goals for your venture. We dive in to assessing your current and potential obstacles, and outline strategies on how to overcome them. ($200 value)o Code: Buzz Worthyo Valid until December 31, 2022Follow our Guest:· Website: www.amarvrlaw.com· LinkedIn: Amar Sidhu· Instagram: @amarvrlaw· Twitter: @amarvrlaw· YouTube: AMAR-VR – Video Game Lawyer#AmarVRLaw #entrepreneurmindset #ontariobusiness #videogamelaw #canadianentrepreneur #IPLaw #intellectualproperty #businesslaw #esports #esportslaw #lawyerFollow us instagram, facebook, twitter @hamiltonhive or on LinkedinSend us your entrepreneur suggestion [email protected]

Innovation, vision, and dedication helped Matt and his Co-Founder build Collect Arts. With the odds stacked against them like most first time founders, Matt only had about an 18% chance of being successful. His story started in 2013 and is going strong as he continues to trust and lead his team to innovate and be creative.Collective Arts fuses the creativity of craft beverages with the inspired talents of artists from around the world. We feature limited-edition works of art on our labels, and we work to make sure the liquid on the inside is as diverse and creative as the artists we profile.Follow our guest!LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/collective-arts-brewingInstagram: @CollectiveBrewTwitter: @CollectiveBrewFacebook Collective Arts Brewing Follow us on all platform:@hamiltonhive

Passionate about our freedom to participate in our democracy, Sandra Bedawed sits down with us to talk about how her passion turned into co-founding Civiconnect.Civiconnect is a nonprofit organization focused on youth skill development and career-building. Its mission is to connect youth and private sectors to their communities to maximize their social impact through technology, innovation, and strategy. Civiconnect operates a Youth Skills Studio (YSS), a partnership with the Town of Lincoln and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. The YSS is designed to provide youth with the skills and experience they need to make valuable contributions to the workplace and beyond by working on real life projects for the small business community.Follow our Guest:Instagram: @civiconnectCiviconnect | LinkedInFollow us on all platform:@hamiltonhive