Have you ever wondered what makes whiskey so distinct and unique? Let me take you on a trip down the whiskey lane with none other than Matthew James of Whiskey on the West Coast. This episode, packed with insights and intriguing facts, peels back the layers on the world of whiskey, starting from the stories behind Matthew's successful YouTube channel.As we journey through the rich history of whiskey, we uncover the intricate differences between bourbon and whiskey, Canadian whiskey, and the complexities of rye whiskey varieties. We delve into whiskey production practices and how they influence the taste of this timeless drink. From discussing whiskey filtration to tasting various brands, the episode holds a wealth of information for both seasoned whiskey enthusiasts and novice sippers. Matthew enlightens us about the regulations around Canadian whiskey and how the process of chill filtering impacts the quality of the drink.The latter half of the conversation focuses on the influence of marketing on whiskey and the importance of not judging a whiskey by its label. Does the soil type where the whiskey is grown affect its flavor? Can celebrity endorsements sway perceptions? As we mull over these questions, Matthew provides a hands-on guide on how to properly taste and enjoy whiskey. We also debate the concept of terroir in whiskey, testing its validity. Whether you're a whiskey aficionado or a curious beginner, this episode takes you one step closer to becoming a true whiskey connoisseur. So, pour yourself a glass and join us. Cheers!Send us a textSupport the showwww.biggerthanmepodcast.com

Ariel Helwani, the premier voice in sports journalism, along with Aaron, delves into insights from his career, the art of storytelling, and the motivating journeys of prominent fighters like Corey Sandhagen, Israel Adesanya, Alexander 'The Great' Volkanovski, and Conor McGregor, all while emphasizing the importance of trust, resilience, and emotional connection in the world of sports reporting.Ariel Helwani is a prominent Canadian sports journalist celebrated for his extensive coverage of the UFC and the broader world of MMA. Born in Montreal, Ariel has been at the forefront of MMA journalism, hosting shows like "The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani." His insightful interviews and in-depth analyses have solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the sport.Send us a textSupport the showwww.biggerthanmepodcast.com

School psychologist and "Wonder Pup" series author Angela Murphy discusses the overlooked struggles of the 'class clown', the rise in student mental health concerns post-pandemic, and the benefits of animal therapy and self-care, drawing from her personal experiences and insights from her books.Angela Murphy is an author, educator, school psychologist and Complex Trauma Resource's Director of School Programs. Angela completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Dalhousie University, and later completed a B.Ed. degree from the University of Calgary (U of C). Next, she completed a Master's degree in Child and Applied Psychology from the U of C. Angela brings expansive knowledge from her work over the past 16 years in schools, 13 years in Indigenous communities, and the past 6 years working from a trauma informed lens. Order the "Wonder Pup" books on Amazon.caSend us a textSupport the showwww.biggerthanmepodcast.com

Independent journalist Rav Arora joins us to challenge mainstream views on white privilege, discuss his journey from India to Canada, and address topics ranging from historical injustices, the Canadian media's decline to the COVID vaccine debate and the impact of psychedelics on mental health with host Aaron Pete. Rav Arora is an essayist and independent journalist writing on Substack. Passionate about challenging mainstream views, he writes extensively on civil liberties, free speech, pharmaceutical drugs, and psychedelic therapy. His thought-provoking pieces can be found on "The Illusion of Consensus" Substack, as mentioned on The Joe Rogan Experience. Rav's insights have been showcased on renowned podcasts, including conversations with luminaries like Jordan Peterson, Russell Brand and Ben Shapiro.Subscribe to Rav Arora: https://www.illusionconsensus.com/Send us a textSupport the showwww.biggerthanmepodcast.com

Dr. Amanda McCormick discusses youth crime, systemic racism, intimate partner violence, and the complexities of gambling addiction, all within the framework of the criminal justice system. Dr. Amanda McCormick is an Associate Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, specializing in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She is deeply involved in research on policing strategies, family violence, and at-risk youth, among other public safety issues. With over 30 research projects and numerous publications to her name, she also actively participates in committees focused on domestic violence awareness. Dr. McCormick teaches various courses and is currently working on several research projects centered on intimate partner violence.Send us a textSupport the showwww.biggerthanmepodcast.com

Acclaimed journalist Tara Henley dives into heated discussions on Canadian journalism, scrutinizing the Online News Act, media polarization, Big Tech's influence, and the future of journalistic integrity, all while exploring solutions for restoring public trust and fostering a more equitable and accountable media landscape in Canada.Tara Henley, an acclaimed Canadian journalist and author of the bestseller "Lean Out: A Meditation on the Madness of Modern Life," boasts a versatile 20-year career across various media platforms, including TV, radio, and print. With experience as a producer at CBC Radio and contributions to renowned publications like The Guardian and The Los Angeles Times, she is a respected voice in journalism, currently contributing to the Globe and Mail and hosting a popular Substack newsletter and podcast on heterodox thought.Follow her on Substack: https://tarahenley.substack.com/Send us a textSupport the showwww.biggerthanmepodcast.com

Professor Benjamin Perrin, author of "Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial," challenges 'tough on crime' policies, highlights systemic flaws, and explores solutions to reimagine a justice system that heals rather than punishes with host Aaron Pete.Benjamin Perrin is a professor at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. He has served in the Prime Minister’s Office as in-house legal counsel and lead policy advisor on criminal justice and public safety. He was also a law clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada. He is the national best-selling author of Overdose: Heartbreak and Hope in Canada’s Opioid Crisis (Penguin Random House, 2020). His latest book and podcast is Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial (University of Toronto Press).Order Indictment Here: https://utorontopress.com/9781487533731/indictment/Send us a textSupport the showwww.biggerthanmepodcast.com

Canadian creator Brent Butt shares his transition from rural life to creating the iconic sitcom Corner Gas. Aaron and Brent's conversation navigates through his work on TV, the nuances of his novel 'HUGE', reflections on creativity, and the nature of humour, offering a mix of entertainment and insight for fans and budding creators alike.Brent Butt, originating from Tisdale, Saskatchewan, rapidly rose through the ranks of the comedy world, ultimately creating the internationally recognized and acclaimed sitcom, Corner Gas. His versatility is evident as he successfully branched into various mediums, including films and animation, securing his status as one of Canada's multifaceted talents. With notable projects like Corner Gas: The Movie, Corner Gas: Animated Hiccups and No Clue under his belt, his influence in the entertainment industry continues to grow. His debut novel, HUGE, symbolizes the extension of his creative horizon, which is available now!Grab your copy of HUGE: https://linktr.ee/brentbuttbooksSend us a textSupport the showwww.biggerthanmepodcast.com

In the final episode, Aaron and Carolyn explore the art of self-leadership, navigating the evolving job market, dissecting leadership styles, and offering insights on remote working, bravery in career advancement, and the importance of emotional intelligence in daily life.Join host Aaron Pete on the Bigger Than Me Podcast for an enlightening Emotional Intelligence mini-series with renowned expert Carolyn Stern. In this 5-part series, we'll delve into why EQ matters and how it affects you, your family, and your workplace. Get ready to explore the various facets of Emotional Intelligence and enhance your life in meaningful ways!Learn more about Carolyn Stern:https://carolynstern.com/Send us a textSupport the showwww.biggerthanmepodcast.com

Carolyn Stern provides an essential holiday survival guide, as we delve into family dynamics, boundaries, meaningful gift-giving, and emotional intelligence to help you navigate festive gatherings with enjoyment and less stress. Join us for the fourth instalment of this mini-series.Join host Aaron Pete on the Bigger Than Me Podcast for an enlightening Emotional Intelligence mini-series with renowned expert Carolyn Stern. In this 5-part series, we'll delve into why EQ matters and how it affects you, your family, and your workplace. Get ready to explore the various facets of Emotional Intelligence and enhance your life in meaningful ways!Connect with Carolyn Stern:https://carolynstern.com/Send us a textSupport the showwww.biggerthanmepodcast.com