It is not easy to make a living as a musician, but when you have a passion and you're a self professed weirdo, anything is possible. Donnie takes us through a masterclass of what it takes to make it.

Unwavering perseverance, self awareness that gets challenged, and no one telling him he couldn't, all enabled the development of a rich and rewarding life.

What makes this even more enlightening is how he sees himself now. Seems to be a typical reflection from all the greats.

Love this guy! So please, grab an Eco Coffee, sit back and enjoy hearing Donnie McDougall's coffee chat!

An FML without a safety net. She’s had quite a few, but always with a safety net. In this episode we go through her last FML that didn’t have one. And it’s a critical perspective that we can all learn from.

Martha shares how she hit rock bottom and how she crawled out. Great lessons on what it takes and the Aha point. The strength of self reflection and the power of embracing a hard decision.

We also discover that she may have been responsible for the COVID outbreak (that’s called a tease). Seriously though, she is now living her best life and enjoying the ride.

So please, grab an Eco Coffee, sit back, listen and enjoy!

Do not judge a book by its cover. Martha, at first glance, seems like a sweet, happy go lucky person. Au contraire! While she is sweet, this powerful, driven woman seeks to understand, is driven by knowledge and is relentless and thorough at solving problems. What an incredible inspiration!

In the first of her TWO episodes we talk about parenting, discovery, influence and determination. We talk about her incremental path that led her to attain a science degree (her worst high school subject), an MBA, a CPA, start up a company before graduation and discover who she really is.

This is definitely an episode for parents, for kids, and for anyone trying to discover their true self. Please, grab an Eco Coffee, sit back, listen and enjoy!

You want authentic? You got it! Brian Bourke has been a voice in the region for over thirty years. Despite his bulldog exterior, just underneath is a heart that truly cares. A heart that has raised millions for local charities, has been a voice for those in need, and a loyal friend to Kitchener/Waterloo (and his old radio mates). Another thing that has been consistent amongst all our guest, Brian deeply loves, and lives for his wife and kids.

We talk about the world of radio and the future of communications. There are some enlightening thoughts that come of this conversation and Brian puts a perspective on things that we never considered.

Another great coffee chat with another local hero. Tune in and see where you can find XXL golf shirts, coffee mugs and a great example of what drives community.

We’ve never gone deep on the ‘Why’ of Founders Music Lab. We’ve touched on it, but we’ve purposefully left it on the back burner. Internally it has always been our driver, however, externally we have kept it pretty close to the chest. For Founders and Musicians, the ‘Why’ is the critical part. It’s the nucleus of any creator and most fail.

In this episode we touch on our journey to date, and we do a deeper dive on the core reason why FML is absolutely needed and by whom. We discuss our vision and what we consider will be required to get there.

The result may turn out different at the end of the day, but the ‘Why’ will always be the same. Please listen, and if you have any ideas, input or contacts, please let us know. And if you haven’t yet, please join our growing FML community at www.foundersmusiclab.com

Creativity and innovation need fuel. Today’s guest was part of Waterloo region's most successful and revolutionary Startups, Research in Motion. As employee 52, straight out of the University of Waterloo, Sassan was immediately surrounded by a sea of fellow innovators.

In this episode we dive into what it takes to be creative and innovative. What enables companies to not only make a difference but turn the world on its head. We also learn what it takes as an employee and team player to be part of something so incredible.

Our guest, Sassan Sanei, is a remarkable and intriguing person, and this episode will not only get you thinking, but it will also inspire you.

A big focus of ours is …. community. In our minds, community, or the lack of it, is at the center of most of the Mental Health issues. You’ll notice we keep bringing it up. It is also core to our mission for the Founders Musicians Lab.

Key figures that help drive community building are our local media personalities, and you’ll notice we have featured a fair number. This episode features Neil Aitcheson, one of the regions greatest community boosters and a voice you can’t help but recognize if you are from the region.

This episode is a lesson in authenticity, commitment to self, and community. Oh, and the value of laughter.

A big focus of ours is …. community. In our minds, community, or the lack of it, is at the center of most of the Mental Health issues. You’ll notice we keep bringing it up. It is also core to our mission for the Founders Musicians Lab.

Key figures that help drive community building are our local media personalities, and you’ll notice we have featured a fair number. This episode features Neil Aitcheson, one of the regions greatest community boosters and a voice you can’t help but recognize if you are from the region.

This episode is a lesson in authenticity, commitment to self, and community. Oh, and the value of laughter.