Afleveringen
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This week, we sit down with Devin Cooley, the new goaltender for the Calgary Flames and Wranglers, to dive into the mental techniques that keep him sharp in one of the most high-pressure positions in hockey. Devin shares how living in the present moment, controlling emotions, and playing from a place of passion instead of fear have shaped his game.
Joined by his partner Natalie, they open up about the unexpected joy Tito the rabbit has brought into their lives. From helping Natalie during tough times to now supporting Devin in his athletic journey, Tito has become a key part of their family. We also learn how Tito’s journey led to his role with Parachutes for Pets as the inspiration behind Tito's Treasures, a supply closet for small animals in need. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, resilience, and the profound benefits of pet companionship.
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About Companions & Champions
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently - pets aren't just like family. They are family.
On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.
Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David , Founder & Executive Director of Parachutes for Pets, and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni, Coach & Athlete Ambassador. They talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives.
Connect with us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/companions.champions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/companionsandchampions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/companions-champions/
X: https://x.com/CompChampPod -
In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Heather Roy, a mother who has faced the unimaginable. Heather shares the journey of her beloved daughter Evelyn, who battled cancer with incredible courage.
Heather opens up about how her family navigated their profound grief and how a four-legged friend named Arco brought unexpected comfort and healing. From the initial decision to bring Arco into their lives to the ways he’s helped Heather, her husband, and their younger daughter process their loss, this is a story about resilience, love, and the unique bond between humans and animals.
Grief is a journey no one should walk alone, and sometimes the most unexpected companions—like a loving pet—can bring light and hope when it’s needed most.
Join us to hear Heather’s moving story and learn more about how pets can offer solace and strength during our darkest times.
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About Companions & Champions
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently - pets aren't just like family. They are family.
On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.
Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David , Founder & Executive Director of Parachutes for Pets, and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni, Coach & Athlete Ambassador. They talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives.
Connect with us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/companions.champions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/companionsandchampions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/companions-champions/
X: https://x.com/CompChampPod
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Kodette LaBarbera—wife, mother, TV personality, and dedicated advocate for Autism—as she opens up about her life in the spotlight and her heartwarming journey through parenthood and the hockey world. Married to Jason LaBarbera, Calgary Flames goalie coach, Kodette shares her passion for animals, family, and the causes closest to her, especially Autism, a journey made personal with her son Ryder’s early diagnosis.
In this podcast, Kodette celebrates the deep bond between her family and their beloved pets, focusing on the incredible impact they have on young minds. Listen to inspiring stories about Aspen, the Bernese Mountain Dog who was the LaBarberas' loyal companion through hockey life’s ups and downs, and how he was their family’s foundation and sense of security. After Aspen’s passing, the family was forever changed, and the need for another furry friend was undeniable. Enter Doug—a big-hearted, strong-willed Bernese Mountain Dog with boundless personality and energy. As Kodette says, "It’s Doug’s world, and we’re just living in it."
This episode shares Doug’s antics and the joy he brings to their family, a constant reminder of the love and connection they experienced with Aspen. Discover how pets like Doug create a powerful, lasting impact, bringing comfort, laughter, and companionship in times of need.
Kodette Labarbera website:
https://www.kodettelabarbera.com/
@kodettelabarbera
@douglabarbera----------------
About Companions & Champions
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently - pets aren't just like family. They are family.
On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.
Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David , Founder & Executive Director of Parachutes for Pets, and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni, Coach & Athlete Ambassador. They talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives.
Connect with us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/companions.champions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/companionsandchampions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/companions-champions/
X: https://x.com/CompChampPod -
This week joining the podcast, we have Tuff Dreger, a farrier and a rising star in the world of chuckwagon racing. At just 21 years old, Tuff is already making waves in a sport steeped in tradition and adrenaline. Coming from a long line of chuckwagon drivers, Tuff carries forward the legacy of his family, but he's also carving his own path.
Listen in as Tuff shares his passion for racing and his unique mission to give racehorses a second chance by transitioning them into their new careers as chuckwagon horses. He takes us behind the scenes of the sport—what it’s really like to compete, the challenges, the preparation, and the deep bond between the drivers and their horses.
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About Companions & Champions
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently - pets aren't just like family. They are family.
On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.
Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David , Founder & Executive Director of Parachutes for Pets, and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni, Coach & Athlete Ambassador. They talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives.
Connect with us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/companions.champions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/companionsandchampions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/companions-champions/
X: https://x.com/CompChampPod
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Join Dr. Cody Creelman, a veterinarian who grew up on a ranch in Northern Alberta, as he shares his inspiring journey from a ranch volunteer to founder of Fen Vet, a revolutionary three-practice clinic. After facing uncertainty in his career, Cody redefined the veterinary experience, driven by three core strategies: a 7-star customer experience, a thriving practice culture, and relentless innovation.
In this episode, Dr. Creelman dives deep into the realities of modern veterinary care, shedding light on the challenges pet owners face, the perception that vet care is inaccessible, and how Fen Vet strives to change that narrative. With a strong belief in respect and kindness for all, Cody explains how veterinarians can alleviate anxiety not just for pets, but for the humans who love them.
Learn about the Fen Vet partnership with Parachutes for Pets, how social responsibility shapes their mission, and why community outreach is so important in veterinary care. Cody also opens up about the business side of vet med, the changing corporate landscape, and the balance between providing value-based care and keeping veterinary services affordable.
Whether you're a pet owner, a vet professional, or someone curious about the future of animal care, this conversation will inspire and challenge you to rethink how we care for our furry companions.
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About Companions & Champions
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently - pets aren't just like family. They are family.
On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.
Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David, Founder & Executive Director of Parachutes for Pets, and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni, Coach & Athlete Ambassador. They talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives.
Connect with us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/companions.champions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/companionsandchampions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/companions-champions/
X: https://x.com/CompChampPod
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In this heartwarming episode we dive into the incredible bond between Grace Dafoe, a Team Canada Skeleton Athlete, and her loyal labradoodle, Ivy. From the moment Grace got Ivy, just a week before her first season, Ivy has been there every step of the way—through the highs and lows of Grace’s athletic career. Now, 13 years later, Ivy’s presence is still a source of comfort and unwavering love.
Grace shares the emotional connection that got her through the toughest challenges—those long stretches of time away from home, the stress of competing, and the tears that come with the intense pressure of being an Olympian. Even during travel, the familiar sight of Ivy on FaceTime brings her that grounding sense of home.
Throughout their journey, Grace reflects on the unconditional love and deep commitment pet owners make. She acknowledges the privilege of having a support system that helps take care of Ivy when she’s on the road. Grace has also become an ambassador for Parachutes for Pets, a charity that ensures all pet owners have the help they need, especially those without the same family or community backing. Parachutes for Pets offers programs like daycare and safekeeping services, reminding everyone that it’s okay to ask for help.
As Grace’s career begins to wind down, and both she and Ivy face changes on the horizon—whether it’s starting a family or transitioning into a new phase of life—Grace reflects on what Ivy has meant to her. From being a young adult dreaming of the Olympics, to competing on the world stage, Ivy has been her constant. Grace’s message? Pets don’t just impact their owners—they enrich the entire community around them.
Join us as Grace tells her inspiring story of resilience, responsibility, and the gift of having Ivy by her side, always.
Follow Grace on social media! @gracedafoe----------------
About Companions & Champions
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently - pets aren't just like family. They are family.
On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.
Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David , Founder & Executive Director of Parachutes for Pets, and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni, Coach & Athlete Ambassador. They talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives.
Connect with us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/companions.champions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/companionsandchampions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/companions-champions/
X: https://x.com/CompChampPod
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In this heartwarming episode, we dive into the life of Calgary Hitmen player Maxim Muranov, a 19-year-old athlete from Moscow who has called Calgary home for the past two years. Off the ice, Maxim shares how his 12-year-old dog back in Russia inspired him to rescue Lord Stanley Gaudreau, a pup who’s become a vital part of his journey as a professional athlete.
Listen as Maxim opens up about the challenges of adapting to life in a new country, the mental toll of playing in the Western Hockey League, and how Lord Stanley – with the help of his welcoming billet family – has given him the sense of home he was missing. We also explore his passion for animals and his role as an ambassador for Parachutes for Pets, a community cause close to his heart. This episode is a testament to the unconditional love pets provide, no matter the day’s challenges.
This episode was recorded prior to the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. We would like to dedicate this episode to the Gaudreau family and his dog Bailey.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of Johnny and Matthew’s passing - your legacy will live on and continue to inspire players like myself” - Maxim Muranov----------------
About Companions & Champions
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently - pets aren't just like family. They are family.
On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.
Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David , Founder & Executive Director of Parachutes for Pets, and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni, Coach & Athlete Ambassador. They talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives.
Connect with us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/companions.champions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/companionsandchampions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/companions-champions/
X: https://x.com/CompChampPod
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A hockey star's heart is captured by more than just the game. Mikael Backlund, a King Clancy Award winner and ambassador for Parachutes for Pets, joins Melissa in a mission close to their hearts. In this episode, discover how Lily & Dexter’s Legacy was born from a simple idea—to support children in foster care, children receiving cancer care, and families affected by ALS, three causes deeply personal to Mikael and Melissa.
As letters from children began pouring in, Mikael and Melissa knew they had to do something. Together, they have helped over 150 children in Alberta stay with their beloved pets, bringing comfort and connection to so many lives. For Mikael, coming home to his dogs has offered much-needed comfort and support—especially on those tough days when the game is lost, but love is always won.
Join us as we explore the profound bond between humans and pets, the challenges of explaining the loss of a pet to a child, and how the friendship between Mikael and Melissa has saved so many lives and furry friends. From touching stories of resilience to the healing power of pets, this episode is a heartwarming testament to the family connections pets create and the lives they forever change.
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About Companions & Champions
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently - pets aren't just like family. They are family.
On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.
Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David , Founder & Executive Director of Parachutes for Pets, and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni, Coach & Athlete Ambassador. They talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives.
Connect with us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/companions.champions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/companionsandchampions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/companions-champions/
X: https://x.com/CompChampPod -
A tragic accident shifts the course of a young man's life, and leaves him feeling lost and forever changed. Enter, a sweet young puppy named Gabby who urged him up and out, and back into embracing the world and making positive change.
This episode we get to learn the story of Companions & Champions Co-host Chris Cederstrand. He's now a motivational speaker, coach, Team Canada Alumni, & Athlete Ambassador. Listen and learn how a tiny dog named Gabby helps lead him out of the darkness and into a bright new future.
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About Companions & Champions
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently - pets aren't just like family. They are family.
On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.
Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David , Founder & Executive Director of Parachutes for Pets, and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni, Coach & Athlete Ambassador. They talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives.
Connect with us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/companions.champions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/companionsandchampions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/companions-champions/
X: https://x.com/CompChampPod
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On the inaugural episode of Companions & Champions, Parachutes for Pets (PFP) Founder & Executive Director, Melissa David, shares her story and takes listeners on a journey through companionship, loss, and perseverance.
From saving her dog Charlie, to being diagnosed with cancer in her 20's, to founding Parachutes for pets, this episode is a poignant walk down memory lane and an inspirational look at the future for both Melissa and PFP.
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About Companions & ChampionsAnyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently—pets aren’t just like family. They are family.
On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.
Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David, Founder & Executive Director at Parachutes for Pets, and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni & Athlete Ambassador, as they talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives.
Connect with us on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/companions.champions/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/companionsandchampions/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/companions-champions/X: https://x.com/CompChampPod
