Off Air Talks

What happens when two curious media hosts sit down with one of the world’s leading voices in AI and innovation and then the conversation goes way deeper than expected? This week on Off Air Talks, we’re joined by Edmonton’s own Shawn Kanungo — global AI and innovation keynote speaker, consultant, and one of the most in-demand voices on the future of work. He’s fresh off booking one of his biggest keynote stages yet, and he walks us through how he built a career speaking around the world, starting in Edmonton.
We dive into why AI isn’t something to fear but something to understand, how Shawn carved out his path as a global keynote speaker while managing marriage, kids, and traveling most of the year. We also talk about why Edmonton continues to shape all of us, no matter how far we go.
But it doesn’t stop there…Somewhere between innovation and inspiration… we spill a little tea. ☕️ Shawn flips the script and gets us to open up about our careers, dating, long-term relationships, the future of this podcast, and where Off Air Talks could really go next. We also share how all three of us first connected inside Good Space at the Mercer Building — a coworking hub that’s quietly become a launching pad for big ideas in this city. This episode is about ambition, technology, relationships, growth and loving the city that raised you while building something bigger than yourself.

Ciara and Lisa are catching up on everything from a Galentine’s Day feast with P.F. Changs, the new series Love Story about John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and the incredible comeback story of Liv golfer Anthony Kim.
Plus — Edmonton is buzzing. New bars, new energy, packed rooms, and that feeling of the city coming alive again. We talk about why getting dressed up and heading out, even just to bop around sober, is genuinely good for the soul.
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Studio furniture provided by The Staging Place
Episode edited by Grailed Media

Country musician Brett Kissel is Off Air with Ciara and Lisa and this one’s a gem. Brett joins us for a wide-ranging, feel-good conversation about the life chapters that inspire his music today, how getting older has changed his perspective, and how he manages a busy career and fatherhood. He opens up about writing new music rooted in real life, embracing this next era, and finding joy in the moment.
We also get into some hilarious stories from the road, including partying with Nelly the rapper, plus what it’s like splitting time between Nashville and Edmonton, and why his Alberta roots still run deep. Brett shares the pride he has in his family history, his connection to the province of Alberta, and what it means to represent Alberta on a global stage. And of course, we wrap things up talking tour life and what fans can expect as he gets ready for his upcoming run with Lee Brice.
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Ciara and Lisa's hair brought to you by Below Hair Studio
Studio furniture provided by The Staging Place
Episode edited by Grailed Media

Episode 16 is brought to you by: C.J. Campbell Insurance.
It’s just us and we’re calling it the silver lining episode. Ciara and Lisa sit down to unpack one hell of a week: the stress, the curveballs, the emotional highs and lows and how we still managed to get through it together. It’s real, unfiltered, and a reminder that even when things feel overwhelming, perspective (and a little humour) goes a long way.
We also catch up on what we’ve been up to around the city, from attending the Edmonton Oilers Oil Country Influencer Summit, to supporting an Alzheimer’s fundraiser where both reconnected with alumni legends who share a meaningful personal connection to Ciara's mom (haha).
We dive into current events, pop culture, and everything buzzing right now — including Justin Bieber’s performance, the Olympics, the full moon energy, and some exciting things coming up that we can’t wait to share. __________________________________________________________________________
Ciara and Lisa's hair brought to you by Below Hair Studio
Studio furniture provided by The Staging Place
Episode edited by Grailed Media

Legendary Oilers broadcaster Gene Principe, the undisputed king of puns, and his wife Karen Principe, a woman of many layers and long-time city councillor, join us for a candid, charming, and surprisingly fun conversation about life, love, and partnership in the public eye.
 
We talk about how they met, what’s kept their relationship strong over the years, and how they continue to support one another and volunteer in the community while each pursuing demanding, high-profile careers. From Gene’s quick wit and legendary wordplay to Karen’s thoughtful, grounded approach to leadership, the chemistry between them is undeniable.
 
They open up about balancing city politics and sports broadcasting at home, talking shop as a couple, raising their family of three, and how mutual respect, church, humour, and a passion to help others has shaped both their relationship and their individual success. We also get into a memorable (and glamorous) photo shoot they did together, a few fun behind-the-scenes stories, and yes, we even talk about Gene’s iconic hair. ___________________________________________________________________________
Ciara and Lisa's hair brought to you by Below Hair Studio
Studio furniture provided by The Staging Place
Episode edited by Grailed Media

In this week's episode of Off Air Talks, Ciara and Lisa are flying solo — no guest, just the two of them catching up after a busy few weeks. They recap what they’ve been up to lately, from birthday celebrations and sushi nights to hair blowouts and all the little moments in between.
They get into why Edmonton feels especially electric right now, chat about the new show Heated Rivalry that has people buzzing, and tee-up two exciting events this week — an Oilers game Oil Country Influencer Summit and an Alzheimer’s fundraiser they're emceeing Friday at Lux Steakhouse.
They also touch on skincare (shoutout Rejuvaderm), why they genuinely value these solo episodes so much, and how Off Air Talks has become an outlet to vent, laugh, connect, and just be themselves. ___________________________________________________________________________
Ciara and Lisa's hair brought to you by Below Hair Studio
Studio furniture provided by The Staging Place
Episode edited by Grailed Media

In this episode of Off Air Talks, hosts Ciara Yaschuk and Lisa MacGregor welcome Kristina Botelho, a remarkable entrepreneur who shares her inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful business owner.
Kristina discusses her plant-based café, KB & Co, and the unique experiences that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit, including buying a Quiznos franchise at 19! She reveals her involvement in a documentary titled "Unbecoming," which explores the transformative power of psychedelics in personal and professional growth. Her candid reflections on her past, including her struggles with family dynamics, provide a profound backdrop to her current endeavors.
Throughout the conversation, Kristina emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the drive to break free from her past. She shares insights into her experiences with microdosing psychedelics as a means to gain clarity and direction in her life and business. The episode highlights the challenges of running a business in a competitive environment, especially during the pandemic, and her determination to succeed against the odds. Her story serves as a testament to resilience, growth, and the pursuit of one's passions, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and personal development.
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Ciara and Lisa's hair brought to you by Below Hair Studio
Studio furniture provided by The Staging Place
Episode edited by Grailed Media

In this episode of Off Air Talks, Ciara Yaschuk and Lisa MacGregor sit down with Simon Bennett, a true Edmonton original whose impact on fitness, health, and entrepreneurship spans decades. Simon created one of the first personal training facilities in Edmonton — and in Canada — Body by Bennett, long before boutique gyms were the norm.
Most recently, he’s the founder of Archetype Gym, a space built around intentional, whole-body training and long-term health. He’s also the original co-creator of Viper, a revolutionary whole-body training tool now used worldwide.
Beyond fitness, Simon opens up about his deeply personal health journey, sharing how he ended a 25-year battle with IBS and went on to co-found Sense Naturals tea, turning healing into purpose. From training Edmonton Oilers players to building every venture from the ground up, Simon walks us through the mindset, risks, failures, and lessons that shaped him into the entrepreneur he is today. _______________________________________________________________________
Ciara and Lisa's hair brought to you by Below Hair Studio.
Studio furniture provided by The Staging Place.
Episode edited by Grailed Media.

In episode 11 of Off Air Talks, Ciara Yaschuk and Lisa MacGregor welcome football digital creator Caroline Salame for an unfiltered conversation on reinvention. Caroline shares how a car accident led her to discover her voice online, the realities of staying authentic in content creation, and how motherhood transformed her sense of self. With powerful insights on community, choosing the right partner, and self-belief, this episode is all about trusting the pivot and betting on yourself.
Ciara and Lisa's hair brought to you by Below Hair Studio.
Studio furniture provided by The Staging Place.
Episode edited by Grailed Media.

In this festive New Year’s Eve episode, hosts Ciara Yaschuk & Lisa MacGregor ring in the celebration with indulgent local bites, flowing wine, and candid conversation. From savoring caviar and homemade pasta to breaking down the art of perfect wine pairings, the duo shares their latest local food and culinary obsessions. As the year comes to a close, they reflect, laugh, and look ahead setting intentions, sharing aspirations, and welcoming the new year with full glasses and open hearts.
Ciara and Lisa's hair brought to you by Below Hair Studio.