In this episode of Not So Average, host Alistair Shipley sits down with his close friend, David Chytracek—a dedicated teacher, family man, and true example of how ordinary roles shape extraordinary lives. Together, they dive into the essential role of teachers, unpacking the challenges, rewards, and personal stories that define David’s journey in education. From navigating work-life balance to fostering resilience in the classroom, this heartfelt conversation explores the power of recognizing everyday moments that matter. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, Alistair and David highlight the importance of happiness, appreciation, and redefining success on your own terms. Tune in to hear how one teacher’s story proves that extraordinary lessons often come from the most relatable places. Book Recommendation: You're Not Listening - Kate Murphy

Alistair Shipley, host of the 'Not So Average' podcast, delivers a bonus episode reflecting on personal and professional milestones achieved in 2024. He discusses the creation of his podcast, the purchase of his first home, the loss of a pet and a family member, and his new role as an executive at a solar company. Alistair shares his journey dealing with stress, the importance of meditation, journaling, seeking mentors, and improving sleep hygiene. He also emphasizes the value of listening skills and maintaining meaningful connections with friends and family. The episode concludes with recommended books, memorable quotes, and an optimistic outlook for 2025.

Book Recommendations:

You’re Not Listening - Kate Murphy - https://amzn.to/4iRzZiW

How to Make a Few Billion Dollars - Brad Jacobs - https://amzn.to/40aWEzG

Trust - Hernan Diaz - https://amzn.to/3DqRoPh

Bonus Book Recommendation: The Daily Stoic (Boxed Set) - Ryan Holiday - https://amzn.to/4gTme1q

Mental & Physical Health Recommendations

Ashwagandha - https://amzn.to/3DysNbq

Vitamin D - https://amzn.to/408KLKt

Parasite Cleanse with Cellcore - https://cellcore.com/en-ca/products/para-kit

On the final 2024 episode of Not So Average, we sit down with Jennifer Aubin, a trailblazer in Calgary’s tech and startup scene with over 25 years of experience in people and culture. Jennifer’s career spans impressive milestones, from her early days at the University of Calgary’s Olympic Oval to co-founding her own HR SaaS venture and serving as Chief People and Culture Officer at Attabotics during a period of rapid growth and innovation.

Jennifer opens up about navigating the high-stakes pressures of venture capital-backed startups, balancing an ambitious career with personal life as an ultra-runner and mother of two, and why she prefers the term "people and culture" over "HR." She offers insights on fostering a thriving workplace culture, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and the power of celebrating small wins.

The episode concludes with Jennifer reflecting on her current journey, exploring new opportunities, and sharing her thoughtful approach to deciding what’s next. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional navigating career transitions, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation will leave you empowered to embrace adaptability and growth in your own journey.

In this episode of the Not So Average podcast, host Alistair Shipley sits down with Zac Hartley, a Mount Royal University alumnus and multi-faceted entrepreneur. Zac shares his journey from early entrepreneurial stumbles to landing a spot on Dragons' Den with his company Burgundy Oak, and even running for Calgary’s mayor.

Now, Zac focuses on finance education through his social media platforms and Skillshare courses, where he breaks down complex financial topics to make them accessible. From mining cryptocurrency profitably to understanding First-Time Home Savings Accounts, Zac has built a reputation for his straightforward, actionable advice.

In this conversation, Zac discusses:

• The value of authenticity over perfection when building content.

• The lessons learned running a 3D printing business from home.

• Balancing a fulfilling lifestyle instead of chasing the "next big thing."

• Managing online trolls and staying focused on personal goals.

• Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs to get started.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a finance enthusiast, or someone navigating their own path to success, Zac’s insights will inspire and empower you to take action.

📌 Follow Zac Hartley

• YouTube: Zac Hartley

• Website: zachartley.ca

• Instagram: @zaac_

• Skillshare Courses: Zac's Skillshare Profile

Tune in now to hear Zac’s story and learn from his experiences!

In this episode of Not So Avg, we sit down with entrepreneur Derek Rucki to explore his journey from top junior golfer to successful business founder. Derek shares his experiences launching TLink Golf and Inspired Go, highlighting the resilience needed to navigate challenges like the closure of TLink Golf. We discuss the power of personal habits, routines, and genuine human connections in achieving balance and growth in life and business. Derek also offers insights into scaling Inspired Go across Canada and the U.S., emphasizing the importance of customer engagement and adapting to obstacles.

✨ First-time Inspired Go salad delivery users: Use promo code NOTSOAVERAGE ✨

Welcome to 'Not So Average', the podcast that celebrates the extraordinary stories of everyday people. Here, we believe that success doesn’t have to come from fame or fortune to be inspiring. In each episode, we engage in candid conversations with community shakers, like pilot and content creator Evan Luft, who joins us for our very first episode. 🎙️✈️ Evan’s journey is a perfect example of finding purpose in passion—he’s turned his love for flying into a career that inspires others while navigating the challenges of aviation. We highlight relatable journeys, practical insights, and the human side of success—setbacks, pivots, and resilience included. Evan shares how he found peace in the clouds, overcame obstacles, and connected with others through his unique story. By redefining what success looks like, 'Not So Avg' empowers you to embrace your unique potential and take your next step, no matter where you are in your journey. Whether you’re a dreamer, a go-getter, an everyday achiever, a lifelong learner, or someone who loves community stories, this podcast is for you. We offer authentic, motivating content that speaks to your aspirations. Join us as we find inspiration in relatable, real-world stories and uncover the extraordinary in the everyday. Subscribe and don’t miss any of our next video releases. ----------------------------------------- Where to find Evan Luft: YouTube @EvanLuft Instagram @evan_lufty

Hi, I’m Alistair—a world traveler, entrepreneur, and someone who’s never been afraid to take the road less traveled. From diving into tech in San Francisco to working with bison, running restaurants, and now helping lead one of Canada’s largest residential solar companies, I’ve learned that success isn’t a straight line. It’s about finding purpose in the unexpected and growth in the challenges.

Through Not So Average, I’ll explore the lives of people you might already know or see in your everyday life—neighbors, coworkers, and friends who’ve taken unexpected paths to achieve something remarkable. These aren’t celebrities or untouchable figures—they’re relatable individuals whose stories prove that extraordinary success often starts in the most ordinary places. Their journeys will inspire and remind us all that we’re capable of so much more than we think.

Our first episode is coming soon, so hit follow and join me as we uncover the twists and turns that define success. Don’t miss out—because your journey might be more "not so average" than you think.