Original Six Feet Conversations: Recent Episodes
Sport Calgary
In light of COVID-19, Rob Kerr is connecting with Calgarians across the city to tell their stories and experiences in sport. Because being six feet apart doesn’t mean we can’t spend time together.
Dr. Ryan Todd is a sports fan who just happens to be the creator of the Headversity. His timing could not have been better entering the space of helping teams and businesses learn resilience and how to handle things like failure.
Mike has truly come full circle. Growing up in Calgary, he got into officiating as a teenager and soon found himself on a fast track to the NHL. In 1986, he arrived and stayed in the league for 30 years. Now back home in Calgary, he is working to help groom the next generation of officials. We talk a lot about the evolution of the rules in the game and still find some time to talk about one of Mike’s real passions: Stampede wrestling.
Scott was born in Calgary and returned first to go to journalism school, then later to work at the Calgary Herald. For the past 20 years, he has covered the Calgary Flames, and found some time to squeeze in some coverage on the Stampeders, baseball, and a few other sports. Those who know him are probably surprised that Scott and Rob Kerr chatted for nearly 2 hours, but it turns out he has a lot to say.
Marco is a born and raised Calgarian and at the top of the CPL for Cavalry FC. He was the CPL’s top player in its inaugural season and is hoping to keep that momentum going when the league resumes. Football has taken him on a journey and Marco has loved all of it.
Jeff is the current GM of the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. His father Ed is a hockey icon who oversaw the modernization of what was Major Junior Hockey to the CHL. Jeff has done it all in junior hockey, including owning a team in Cranbrook. Jeff returned home 3 seasons ago to lead the Hitmen.
Cindy is a Canadian Olympic hero with 6 total medals to her credit. That’s not bad for someone who gave up hockey for long track speed skating and 4 years later won a medal at her first game. Cindy is a great ambassador for the benefits of sport, and has one of the all-time great Olympic fan interaction stories.
Jason is a community leader who’s day job sees him hustling on behalf of our city for Calgary Economic Development. His is a story of redemption and recovery and sport plays a huge role in that. Jason is a new Dad, and Rob Kerr is sure in 10 years we are going to be watching him lead some part of our nation.
Mike Board put together the reining NLL champion Calgary Roughnecks, but it was a long journey to that title. As a youngster Mike competed against the “Great One” in both hockey and lacrosse. He is in elite company of guys who go from covering a pro team to running a pro team and what a story it is.
George is one of Calgary’s most well-known sports writers. “Shakey” talks about cutting his teeth in his hometown of Winnipeg before making his way west to cover the NHL. George is a throwback and a great storyteller and has a really really cool story involving THE champ.
Ryan is the Commissioner of the AJHL a position that like many has become more complicated, challenging, and rewarding over the past couple of years. Ryan became the head of the Junior A loop in his early 30’s and he reflects on the learning curve and the opportunities he has experienced. In many ways Ryan’s hockey journal has really come full circle.
Akeem Haynes is an accomplished speaker, author, and Olympic medalist, but he most importantly he is a leader. This is a frank, honest conversation, and Akeem won’t pull punches as he shares his testimony. This is the 50th #O6FC podcast and maybe the most important one.
Born and raised in Calgary, Glenn simply loves what he does, and what he does is tell Calgary’s sports stories. Glenn and Rob Kerr reminisce about the great voices of Calgary sportscasting most of whom he has crossed paths with. Despite growing up here, he was scouted out in Saskatchewan and that is a great story too.
Candice is the Executive Director of Charitable Foundations and Community investments for CSEC and has played a frontline leadership role leading their response. Candice oversees the investment of over $4 million dollars annually into the community through the Foundation, players, and alumni. She also possess one of the most infectious laughs you will find anywhere.
Rilee is the pride of the Siksika Nation who has quickly become an inspirational leader and mentor. Rilee is a long distance runner who, like many, had his Olympic hopes postponed by the pandemic, so he jumped into help his community. This is a raw and honest conversation the kind that Rilee has become very good at having.
Deb is a community events reporter, but earlier in her career she was the face of the Score network in Calgary. Unbeknownst to Rob Kerr, she also was a high level athlete at the University of Arkansas and we talk about life in the pool. Deb also has one of the all-time great wedding stories that she is more than willing to share.
Boomer is the legendary morning show host on SportsNet 960 The FAN Calgary’s all sports radio station. While the plan may have never to be a morning show host, Boomer and his colleagues have made the most of it the past 10 years. Boomer is candid about the challenge of morning radio, and details his long and winding media journey.
Jim Wells is one of the best photographers Rob Kerr know, and for the past 3+ decades has shot news and sports in his hometown. Jim has seen a lot and shares some stories about some of the most iconic Calgary sports photos and moments he has been part of. Jim also has a passion for soccer and his so happy about its growth in Calgary.
Ken is the Head Coach of Hockey Canada Para Hockey team that is preparing for the 2022 games, but prior to that he was the record breaking Head Coach of the SAIT Trojans Men’s Hockey Program. Ken has strong base in coaching that we discuss and is never shy about sharing his thoughts on leadership. Ken is kind enough to share some stories from his experiences working internationally.
Bob is a survivor, he has been to some dark places, but he works every day to help others with iGotMind.ca. This is a raw conversation and Bob holds back nothing as he talks about his journey through mental health. Even in this strange time we are living through Bob finds a way to make a difference.
Not just a professor of Marketing at Mount Royal University, David is a driving force behind the ActiveCITY Collective as he continually looks for ways to think outside of the box. We learn in this podcast that he has a number of outside the box projects on the go.
Ron has grown up with sport in Calgary, and saw firsthand how is father, a veteran of WWII, made sure kids could play. Ron has worked as an off ice official for the NHL, a front office member of the Calgary Cannons, and as a prominent member of the Executive of the Calgary Stampeders. Ron has seen a lot, and been part of a lot of Calgary’s Sports history.
Kevin is the executive director of HEROS Hockey a country wide program that has over 800 participants who use the sport as a tool to make their lives better. Kevin doesn’t back down from the philosophy that every child has something to add and deserves their shot to do so. He also doesn’t hold back when talking about the challenges of being a nonprofit in this day and age.
Maria is yet another Olympic caliber runner who calls Calgary home. Growing up she was always active, but it was around high school when track found her. Her event is steeplechase and it goes without saying that his has provided her with numerous ups and downs.
Duff is one of the most important voices in sport, but if only we could get him to open up. Gold Medalist and Fire Fighter is a heck of resume, but that’s just scratching the surface. Duff is an advocate for physical literacy in kids, or if you like, he thinks kids got to get outside and play.
In 1978 Eric moved west to become a Ski columnist, and little did he know that he would chronicle Abba through Zalapski over the next 42 years in Calgary. Now a writer for “The Athletic” Eric has been front and centre for all 40 years of the Calgary Flames and has been one of the most trusted voices in NHL coverage. But no chat with Eric is complete without some time spent on his true passion music.
As the son of a footballer there was no surprise that Tommy followed his father onto the pitch, but that’s not the only place the younger Wheeldon trailed Dad. Both ended up in Calgary, and the path to what would become Cavalry FC began. The CPL Manager of the Year sits down to talk about the “long game”.
Dale has been a coach and an administrator who has seen the Canadian Olympic movement from the inside. This spring Dale will step down as the CEO of the Canadian Sport Institute in Calgary the only one they have ever known. For Dale a lot has changed, but in a distinguished career some things have never changed.
A year ago it was possible that this conversation wasn’t going to take place, but Grace doubled down on her Skeleton career and here we are. Not an Olympic shoe in quite yet, but the former figure skater getting closer and closer to that dream. The self-described introverted extrovert opens up about being and athlete and advocate.
City of Calgary Councillor for Ward 5 by day, devoted father by night. George is a busy guy, but not busy enough to forget his passion. George is a sport guy and it weaves through all aspects of his life. He coaches his kids soccer, and hosts local sport council meetings just to name a few things. By the way, he is a bit of a ball hockey legend, having been to a number of world championships.
For 17 years, Jermain has been the lone reporter for TSN in Calgary, covering the Stamps, Flames, and any other major sporting events. He is the last of a dying breed of sport reporter who is only worried about the story and not opinion-making or analysis. He gets really candid about some of the craziest stories he has been a part of throughout his time in town.
Hafiz is a Calgarian who has gotten around and used his worldly experiences into a project to benefit locals looking to play. The founder and CEO of PlayCity talks about how Nepal impacted his life, but so did the search for a tennis partner. He is an open book when it comes to his love of sport and his drive to make a real impact.
There isn’t much that Geoff hasn’t done in the world of Lacrosse and he now devotes his time to getting the next generation of Calgary athletes to the heights he has reached. Along with his brother Bob, they operate ELEV8 Lacrosse in the city. It is always fun to lock horns with Geoff because there isn’t much that Geoff won’t talk about and that makes for a great podcast.
Perry and Colin are two popular members of the Calgary Flames Alumni who also started one of Calgary’s most enjoyable charity events. For 10 years the Esso 3on3 Alumni Tournament was a staple in January in the city. They have no problem share stories from behind the scenes and taking about the impact that is still being felt today.
We try to keep up with one of Canada’s fastest men Sam Effah. We explore Sam’s passion for public speaking and what the future on stage might hold. There will be an Olympics next year and Sam lets us in on his preparations.
Sports fans know Brent Krahn as a funny and insightful host and guest on local sports talk radio, but before that he was a star with the Calgary Hitmen and 1st round pick of the Flames. Brent details his journey of youth hockey in Manitoba to making to the big city to play Junior. Brent doesn’t hold back when he chronicles his path through pro hockey.
There aren’t a lot of stories like Chris’s a WHL player, who due to a very serious accident, becomes a Para Olympian. But even that doesn’t do him justice as he has become a mentor to so many in so many walks of life. Firefighter, family man, coach, and sledge hockey player are just a few of the hats that Mr. Cederstrand
Curler and CEO of Canada’s Sports Hall Of Fame these are some of things that keep Cheryl busy. She loves the sport deeply and it shows in this conversation. She also discusses with Rob Kerr about the future of Halls of Fame.
Jessica has already represented our country at one Olympics and hopes to do it again next year. The 5,000m runner talks about the camaraderie of her sport, her honest expectations, and why fast and female is such an important cause.
Blake is former Calgary Stampeder who is looking to make sport better through his Thrive Sport Project. Blake uses his experience with mental health challenges to help kids, parents, and coaches.
Jesse is a two sport superstar who excelled on the gridiron before he found himself sliding into the Olympics. We take a colourful journey through his football/bobsleigh career. We talk family, teammates, and why he chose the practice roster over the active roster.
Niki is chasing her Olympic dream as a Heptathlete, and along the way having some fun with her family and coach. This free spirit has travelled the globe competing in her 7 disciplines, over two days, and when she can she just wants to lead us all in a sing-a-long.
Darren is a writer for both Canadian Press and The Athletic, but he is one of a handful in the Calgary sports media that was born here. While the stories of following the Flames in the 80’s are fun. The real gold is mined when Darren takes us on a journey through the brief but entertaining history of the Calgary Cannons. A self-described baseball diehard, Haynes did almost everything in his time with the city’s former Triple A ball club.
Rob Cookson has a front seat to some of the most memorable hockey games and experiences of the last two decades. From Nagano in 1998, to the Red Mile in 2004, and just a month ago an empty arena in Switzerland. Rob’s coaching journey in Hockey is long and colourful.
Calgary was the first stop on a 5 decade journey through football for a young man from New Jersey. Clearly it left a lasting impression on him because despite stops all across North America as a player, coach, general manager, and administrator he has always come back. Tom is a special leader who opens up and shares his experiences and tells a few stories too.
CBC Sports “jack of all trades” Scott Russell was very forthcoming on his views of the state of the Olympics and sport in our country. Just like in his day job Scott flows effortlessly from sport to sport during a very distinguished career. Mr. Russell also has some very deep praise for the stampede city.
Former GM of the Calgary Flames talks about bringing a hockey team to London, England on top of a swimming pool. The first person hired when the Flames moved from Atlanta tells some battle of Alberta tales and debunks a few myths.
We dive into the importance of leadership with Mary Moran the CEO and President of Calgary Economic Development and Chair of the Sport Calgary Board. Along the way we travel down a really cool rabbit hole into the world of Synchronized Skating, and touch on why Calgary becomes a lasting destination for so many.
The 3 time Grey Cup Champion has jammed a whole lot of living into his first 40 plus years on the planet. As a Calgary Stampeder he found his calling as a Bullying Prevention speaker for Dare to Care. Now in his latest chapter, he is keeping us all safe as a City of Calgary Firefighter. Randy is a real life superhero and he has the stories to prove it.
She is the most decorated captain in Hockey Canada history, but did you know she could have just as easily been a Broadway star? Cassie talks about getting into broadcasting and breaking down tape. She recounts they very memorable first NHL game that she did colour for.
The pride of Calgary, Trevor Hofbauer has to wait another year before he gets to compete in the marathon at the Tokyo Olympics. He joins us to talk about his team, his quiet way of training, and he pulls back the curtain on the tricks of the trade in sport.
Host Rob Kerr goes one on one with the reigning Olympic Champ and self-professed Ninja Erica Wiebe. She talks about her preparation as she trains to defend her medal next summer in Tokyo as well as how you rally a professional wrestling team.
The top guy at Hockey Calgary is kind enough to sit and chat about the state of the game. He also tells a few stories about his coaching career and the prominent hockey people in the Kobelka family tree.
Country Music Superstar George Canyon sits for a candid conversation about singing, goaltending, and flying, along with some breaking news.
Hall of Fame voice of the Calgary Flames Peter Maher hasn’t missed a beat as he joins us and talks about the Flames and their three trips to the Finals. The statute of limitations has run out on a couple of stories so Pete comes clean.
The former radio voice of the Calgary Inferno talks about the urgency of getting women’s professional hockey going again as well as about the great recent successes in soccer.
Co-founder, president, and CEO of Classroom Champions talks about winning gold in “THE” Night Train, a brush with Tom Hanks and how a Calgary company is going to help parents get through the next couple of months at home.
Executive Director for KidSport Calgary joins Rob Kerr to talk about wrestling the mascot of the LA Galaxy, the difference between a golden gale and golden hawk, but more importantly how cleaning up our garages could help a kid.
Star of CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes goes over the rules of comedy in our current crisis, talks about his love of European football, the Calvary’s first season, and the one time he nearly got a stick at a Flames practice.
The one and only colour voice of the Calgary Flames on Sportsnet 960 the Fan stops by a leaves little doubt that he is the biggest Team Canada backer anywhere. He shows off one of the world’s best memories, and shares some news.
In the series’ inaugural episode, two-time Olympic champion - and Sport Calgary’s President & CEO - Catriona Le May Doan reflects with Rob Kerr on parenting young athletes, Calgary being rich with female leaders in sport, and some fun stories from her Olympic days.