Steve Cadigan is someone who helped shape the culture of one of the most impactful platforms in the world, LinkedIn. He’s been called a Talent Hacker, a Culture Strategist, and a Future of Work thought leader. But today, we’re more interested in the man behind all that, what shaped him, what he’s learned, and what he’s still figuring out.Steve Cadigan is a rare blend of boardroom strategist and culture architect. He’s not just dug into the trenches of HR, he led those trenches. At LinkedIn, when the company was just a few hundred people, he helped scale it into thousands, shaping the very culture that made it a global icon.Before that, he cut his teeth at tech giants like Cisco and EA, helping organizations navigate rapid growth, acquisitions, global teams and change. Today, through Cadigan Talent Ventures, Steve advises leaders and companies around the world on how to turn talent into advantage, how to re‑think work in this era of disruption, and how to build cultures people actually want to join.This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance.Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#workInstagram: @mattstevensoninsuranceThis episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal.Website: https://www.spicerlandscaping.caThe Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.Website: https://onebonebrand.com
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Ep 30 - Ivan Fredette
Ivan Fredette has lived what many of us fear: addiction, loss, numbing pain. Ivan didn’t hide from it. Instead, he built a way out. After 17 years of battling alcohol addiction and being wounded by the tragic suicides of a cousin and sister, Ivan decided to take full responsibility for his life. Today, he’s the founder of Ironclad Brotherhood, where men come together to reclaim discipline, purpose, sobriety, and legacy. He’s not just a coach. He’s a man who’s walked through the fire and now guides others through the flames. Outside of the mentorship world, he runs Safe Tree Ltd., a successful 7‑figure business in Niagara, proving transformation applies in business too. As a husband and father of three, Ivan brings to the table not just business savvy and recovery wisdom, but the real world challenge of living the legacy you teach. In this episode we’ll talk about: how to turn wreckage into leadership, what real accountability looks like for men, how fatherhood reshapes your mission, and why choosing life is the first step to building something meaningful.Follow Ivan on Instagram @ivanfredetteWebsite: https://www.ivanfredette.comThis episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance.Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#workInstagram: @mattstevensoninsuranceThis episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal.Website: https://www.spicerlandscaping.caThe Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.Website: https://onebonebrand.com
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Ep 29 - John and Emily O'Brien
Emily O’Brien’s story is a rare, raw example of redemption and resilience. At age 25, she was caught smuggling cocaine and was later convicted—receiving a four-year prison sentence.
During her time behind bars, something unexpected happened: she noticed popcorn was one of the few treats that brought people together in confinement. With limited spices—lemon pepper, dill—she began experimenting. That simple idea grew into Comeback Snacks, which she officially launched after her parole in 2018, with a mission to fight stigma, hire formerly incarcerated people, and build hope one bag of popcorn at a time.
Today, Emily’s brand is stocked in hundreds of outlets across Canada and the U.S. She employs people who have criminal records, works to shift public perception, and speaks about never letting your past define your future.
Joining Emily O’Brien in studio is her father, John O’Brien — an accomplished executive, strategic advisor, Catholic leader, and mountaineer… but more importantly, a dad who’s walked through fire with his child and stood beside her every step of the way.
John is currently the Chief Financial Officer of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines, and the founder of O’Brien Strategic Services, a consulting practice that supports Catholic organizations across North America. He spent over three decades with the Diocese of Hamilton, overseeing everything from cemeteries to insurance, while also mentoring new executives in the often complex world of religious governance.
Follow Emily on Instagram @emz.obrien
This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance.
Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work
This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal.
The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.
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Ep 28 - Garvin Pinette
Today, we’re honoured to welcome Garvin Pinette to the show—a proud father, passionate public servant, archery champion, and a man who’s turned his deepest struggles into powerful fuel for change.
Garvin is a Correctional Officer and Peer Support Coordinator with Manitoba Corrections, and the founder of the department’s first-ever Peer Support Program and Trauma-Informed Care Committee. After surviving three traumatic events early in his career and receiving a PTSD diagnosis, Garvin faced down some of the darkest days of his life—and chose to fight, not just for himself, but for the mental wellness of others in uniform.
He partnered with the MGEU to launch the Healthy Minds at Work Campaign, building out a full Peer Support Training Program. Today, Garvin is a full-time Staff Trainer, a Divisional Coordinator, and a recognized mental health leader in first responder circles.
But that’s just part of the story.
Check out Garvin on Instagram @gcandostuff
This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance.
Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work
This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal.
The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.
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Ep 27 - Lexi and Brett Johnson
Meet Lexi & Brett Johnson, co‑partners in life and mission. Lexi is the founder of Lexi J Wellness®, a thriving online fitness & wellness brand built from her basement in 2020. Certified in multiple NASM specialties and with a degree in Health Sciences, her goal is simple: help women reclaim strength, health, and confidence in just 28 minutes a day.
Brett, by her side as husband and partner, plays a supportive and active role in their shared vision. He works a full-time job while being both the CFO and COO of Lexi J Wellness. Though not as publicly profiled yet, he shows up in event campaigns, community support, and the “behind the scenes” muscle of Lexi’s growth. Their dynamic pairs business acumen, community focus, and personal drive.
Website: https://lexijwellness.com/
Instagram: @lexijwellness
This episode was sponsored by Matthew Stevenson Insurance.
Website: https://matthew-stevenson.ca/#work
This episode's Dad Jokes Sponsor is Spicer Landscaping and Snow Removal.
The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is OneBone Clothing.
Shit My Dad Taught Me is where real conversations meet fatherhood, life lessons, and laughter. Hosted by Chris Carter and Jamie Kozub, the show dives into what it means to be a modern dad—navigating success, failure, and everything in between. With over 2.5 million monthly views and guests like Rick “the Temp” Campanelli, Ron Foxcroft, Antoine Vaillant, and even the Trailer Park Boys, we’re building a community of men who believe growth starts with honest talk.
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