Better the Pond---PondCast

Warren Barry

The "Better the Pond—PondCast," hosted by Warren Barry, is a business-focused podcast that features conversations with individuals who are making positive impacts in their communities and beyond. Each episode delves into the personal stories and initiatives of guests who are "bettering the pond" through acts of generosity, innovation, and leadership. The podcast aims to inspire listeners by showcasing how individual actions can create ripples of positive change.

  1. Feb 5

    #118 Pondcast with Bob Lund

    In this episode of the Better the Pond Pondcast, Warren Barry sits down with Bob Lund, Corporate Health & Safety Manager at Main Road Group, for a candid and grounded conversation about youth in trades, safety leadership, and building meaningful career pathways. Bob shares his unexpected journey from mills, electrical work, and Alberta oil fields into safety management, highlighting how curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on experience shaped his career. Together, they explore what makes Main Road’s employee-owned, family-style culture exceptional, and why safety is less about rules and more about influence, ethics, and trust.  The conversation expands to the future of trades, education, and technology, challenging the idea that university is the only path to success. Warren and Bob emphasize the importance of early exposure, pre-apprenticeship programs, and real-world experience for young people—especially hands-on learners who thrive when building something tangible. They also discuss how AI will augment, not replace, skilled trades, reinforcing the irreplaceable value of human judgment, empathy, and experience. At its core, this episode is a reminder that the trades offer purpose, pride, financial stability, and the opportunity to make a real impact—on people, communities, and the youth get to leave their fingerprints on the world.  Website: Mainroad Highway Asset Management, Road & Bridge Maintenance  LinkedIn: (1) Robert Lund | LinkedIn  Instagram:  @boblund79

    1h 3m

  2. 12/11/2025

    #117 Pondcast with Valerie Paris

    From farm roots to the C-suite, Valerie Paris, COO of Durvet Corporation, has built her career on hard work, humility, and heart.  In this episode, Valerie shares her incredible journey—from growing up on a Missouri farm to leading a national animal health cooperative. We talk about leadership, self-advocacy, and how empowering others can ripple far beyond the workplace.  Valerie also opens up about her upcoming book, Be Her Biggest Fan, a collection of real and raw stories about parenting, perseverance, and raising strong, independent kids. One powerful moment in the book completely changed how she saw herself as both a mother and a leader.  Topics that take flight: • Raising kids who can hear “no” and still soar • Leadership through kindness and empowerment • The art of self-promotion without ego • How grace and gratitude can transform workplace culture  It’s her first-ever podcast appearance—and it’s a flocking great one!  Tune in now and connect with Valerie at https://www.linkedin.com/in/valarieparis/ to follow her journey and upcoming book release.

    59 min

  3. 11/16/2025

    #116 Pondcast with Safety Dave- Youth in the Trades

    Today, I’m diving into a topic that’s very close to my heart — the future of our workforce and the incredible opportunities waiting for young people in the trades.  I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dave Speerbrecker of Thyssen Mining, and this conversation really hit home. We explored the real challenges of attracting youth into the trades — what’s getting in the way — and how we can ignite curiosity, build confidence, and inspire the next generation to roll up their sleeves and build something meaningful.  If you caught my earlier episode with Josh Wood of West Shore Home, you’ll notice a theme. The trades aren’t just jobs — they’re legacies. They’re the foundations of our communities, and it’s up to us to ensure the next generation gets every opportunity to leave their fingerprints on the world.  So, grab a coffee, settle in, and join me for this important conversation about building pathways, sparking passion, and helping the next generation take flight.  I’d love to hear your thoughts — how can we do more to inspire youth to pursue careers in the trades?

    1h 9m

  4. 09/18/2025

    #115 Pondcast with Dave Speerbrecker

    What do underground mines and geese in formation have in common?  Both demand trust, clarity, and the courage to let others lead.  In this powerful episode of the Better the Pond Pondcast, I had the privilege of sitting down in person with Safety Dave, otherwise known as Dave Speerbrecker—a 36-year mining veteran and General Manager of Support Services at Tyson Mining.  We dug deep into: Dave’s rise from underground worker to safety leader The emotional impact of workplace injuries—and how empathy must lead safety How Thyssen Mining is reshaping the mining industry through workforce development, tech, and inclusion And why kindness, gratitude, and communication aren't “soft skills”—they’re people survival skills  This one’s about more than mining. It’s about flying in formation—at work, at home, and in life.

    51 min

  5. 09/03/2025

    #114 Pondcast with Burt Dew

    What do a surfboard, a postal route, and a tire shop have in common? They’re all part of the journey toward purpose, passion, and authenticity.  In this episode, I caught up with Burt Dew from Chapel Hill Tire—and we covered a lot of ground. From Burt’s raw and honest story of post-divorce transition and co-parenting, to Bert’s rise from the shop floor to store manager, we explored what it really means to live—and lead—with heart.  We unpacked: The power of showing up authentically Building customer relationships through “automotive hospitality” How life’s setbacks often become the turning points Why you should do what you love—and love who you’re becoming  This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a reflection on work, life, leadership, and what it means to better the pond—one ripple at a time. Well, not really, cause Burt is making wave’s.

    1h 4m

  6. 07/24/2025

    #113 Pondcast with Jason Belles

    From the Court to the Corner Office | Better the Pond Pondcast with Jason Belles  This week’s Pondcast is about momentum, milestones, and modern leadership.  Jason Belles stepped into full ownership of Store Assure—a self-storage company with 2 million sq. ft. under management—while preparing for a thoughtful CEO transition. But what really struck me wasn’t just the business strategy. It was the heart behind it.  We talked about: How he’s restructuring leadership while preserving legacy Why communication—like honking in a V-formation—makes or breaks a team The underestimated power of financial literacy for entrepreneurs His employee-led charity initiative creating impact and changing lives,  This one’s for the leaders who are navigating growth, honoring their instincts, and redefining what it means to lead with purpose.  Listen in and let us know: What’s the biggest leadership transition you’ve faced—and what did you learn?

    52 min

  7. 07/01/2025

    #112 podcast with Ed Gibbs

    What happens when you blend vision, vulnerability, and a deep-rooted family legacy? You get Ed Gibbs of Gibson Pools and Landscape Creations—a man who doesn’t just build beautiful backyards, but thriving cultures.  I had the privilege of sitting down with Ed at his stunning cottage on Lake Joseph in the Muskokas to talk about more than just pools. We dove into the heart of leadership, the soul of a family business, and the importance of kindness, love, and high-trust environments.  From working with billionaires in the Caribbean to navigating the challenges of COVID, 9/11, and shifting global markets, Ed’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, collaboration, and an infinite mindset.  He shares:  His father’s legacy and the rise of a multi-generational business  Lessons in vulnerability and the real meaning of culture  Why adversity can be your greatest ally  How to lead by creating more leaders, not followers  Whether you’re building a team, growing a business, or just trying to be a better human—this conversation will move you.    “Culture isn’t about perks. It’s about people. And leadership? It’s not about being the star—it’s about knowing when to pass the baton.” – Ed Gibbs    Tune in now, and get inspired by a man who's truly making waves.

    1h 6m

  8. 06/04/2025

    #111 Pondcast with Patrick Owen

    What if our biggest problems today are rooted in how far we’ve drifted from what we were designed for?  In this episode of the Better the Pond Pondcast, I sat down with Patrick—a McGill University lecturer and expert in ethnobotany and evolutionary health—to explore some of the most raw, real, and relevant issues of our time:  • Navigating personal transitions and the growth that comes with them • The disconnect between modern life and ancestral wisdom • What Papua New Guinea and Tibet taught him about nutrition and adaptation • How hyper-individualism, social media, and AI are hijacking our biology • Why belonging to a tribe might just be our most critical survival strategy  This isn’t just theory—Patrick lives it. And his ability to translate ancient insight into modern relevance is exactly the kind of voice we need more of.   Listen in and ask yourself: Are we evolving together, or drifting apart??

    1h 4m
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About

The "Better the Pond—PondCast," hosted by Warren Barry, is a business-focused podcast that features conversations with individuals who are making positive impacts in their communities and beyond. Each episode delves into the personal stories and initiatives of guests who are "bettering the pond" through acts of generosity, innovation, and leadership. The podcast aims to inspire listeners by showcasing how individual actions can create ripples of positive change.

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