The Just Drew Podcast

Drew Walmsley
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  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Just Drew Podcast, where conversations flow as freely as the cocktails we craft. Join Drew and Drew on an unscripted journey through the lives and stories of fascinating individuals from all walks of life. Our guests span a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and experiences. There's no agenda here, no pre-planned questions—just genuine curiosity and a desire to connect with others on a human level. Explore the stories behind the people who inspire us and the paths that led them to where they are today.

  1. #53 - How Ryan Szucs Turned Design Into a Career (And Created a Norfolk Icon)

    10h ago

    #53 - How Ryan Szucs Turned Design Into a Career (And Created a Norfolk Icon)

    Ryan Szucs has been immersed in the world of design, signage, and custom graphics for more than two decades. From creating custom muscle car graphics and racing stripes at Stripe Art to building a unique artistic style using steel, rust, paint, and dark humour, Ryan has carved out a creative path that’s entirely his own. He’s also the creator of Norfolk County’s iconic word-map design — a piece of local art that has appeared on everything from buildings and beer glasses to apparel throughout the region. In this episode, Ryan and Drew dive into creativity, ADHD, procrastination, perfectionism, graphic design, parenting, logos, local art, craft beer, and the challenge of balancing creative passions with family life. It’s a conversation full of laughs, relatable creative struggles, and insight into the mind of an artist who sees the world a little differently.   We Talk About: Ryan’s journey from graphic design student to professional designerCreating Norfolk County’s iconic word-map artworkADHD, hyper-fixation, and creative obsessionWhy some creatives thrive under deadline pressureThe relationship between procrastination and creativityParenting a child on the autism spectrumRyan’s son’s obsession with logosOrganizing creative projects and workflowsCraft beer, local breweries, and design inspirationThe ethics of Banksy, street art, and artistic ownershipWhy perfectionism can be both a gift and a curseBalancing family life with creative pursuits

    2h 3m
  2. #52 - What 40 Years in Nursing Teaches You About People - w/ Shirley Kennedy

    Apr 22

    #52 - What 40 Years in Nursing Teaches You About People - w/ Shirley Kennedy

    What is it really like working inside a prison? Shirley Kennedy spent nearly 40 years as a nurse… with 29 of those years inside correctional facilities, a world most people will never see. From navigating healthcare in prisons to shaping policy across Ontario, Shirley shares the realities, challenges, and deeply human moments that defined her career. From caring for people, to marrying them, Shirley is now a wedding efficient. Something I had the pleasure of experiencing at my own wedding. But beyond the titles… this is a conversation about people, perspective, and connection. 🧠 In this episode, we talk about: What it’s really like working as a nurse inside prisons The biggest misconceptions about correctional healthcare How nursing has changed over the past 40+ years The emotional and human side of healthcare Balancing career, family, and life Writing a book with lifelong friends after 50 years How relationships and connection shape everything

    2h 22m
  3. #51 - Built From Nothing: The Reality of Entrepreneurship w/ Jonathan Jagt

    Apr 3

    #51 - Built From Nothing: The Reality of Entrepreneurship w/ Jonathan Jagt

    What happens when you lose everything as a kid… and decide to build it all back? In this episode, Drew sits down with Jonathan Jagt an entrepreneur from Norfolk County who turned early instability into fuel. From starting a business at 19 with no backing, to building something rooted in leadership, reputation, and long-term thinking, this conversation goes deep into what it actually takes to build something that lasts. This isn’t about hacks or shortcuts… It’s about doing things the right way — even when it’s harder. What we get into: Losing your home at a young age and how it shapes you Starting a business with zero backing Why reputation is everything in a small town Leadership, accountability, and doing things properly The reality of entrepreneurship (no glam, just work) AI, efficiency, and the future of work Mental clarity, burnout, and finding focus Why podcasting (and conversation) still matters

    1h 58m
  4. #50 - Red Venture: Resilience, rebuilding a tongue, and refusing to fold

    Mar 14

    #50 - Red Venture: Resilience, rebuilding a tongue, and refusing to fold

    Life can deal some brutal hands. The question is whether you fold or play them. On this episode of The Just Drew Podcast, Drew sits down with Red Venture - a Canadian born creative whose life has taken some extraordinary turns. After working in Los Angeles for one of the biggest media conglomerates in the world, Red made the bold decision to uproot everything and start fresh back in Canada. But that move came after surviving experiences that would break most people. Red is a rare cancer survivor, a MeToo movement survivor, a makeup artist and wig attendant for the Stratford Festival, a pin-up model, and the reigning Miss Wheels on the Danforth pageant winner. After losing part of her tongue to cancer and undergoing reconstructive surgery, she rebuilt not only her speech — but her entire life. In this conversation, Drew and Red talk about resilience, identity, creativity, advocacy, and why sometimes the hardest chapters lead to the most meaningful reinventions. This episode is about risk, survival, and choosing to keep playing the hand you’re dealt. Topics include: • Surviving rare cancer and reconstructive tongue surgery • Life in Los Angeles working in major media • Starting over in Canada • The Stratford Festival and the art of wigs & makeup • Accessibility in beauty and makeup education • Being a MeToo survivor and self-advocacy • Pin-up culture and the Miss Wheels on the Danforth pageant • Identity, resilience, and refusing to fold

    2h 30m
  5. #49 - Is The Superhero Era Over? DC , Marvel & The Future of Film with Tyrell Myers

    Feb 17

    #49 - Is The Superhero Era Over? DC , Marvel & The Future of Film with Tyrell Myers

    Superheroes were our generation’s mythology. But something’s changed. In this episode, Tyrell returns to the podcast to break down the rise of Marvel, DC’s struggles, Christopher Nolan’s legacy, the future of superhero films… and whether the genre is quietly dying. We get into: • Why the MCU worked — and why it’s struggling now • DC’s identity crisis and the James Gunn reboot • The decline of CGI quality • Why Batman resonates more than Superman • The problem with cinematic universes • Theatre vs streaming culture • Christopher Nolan’s filmmaking philosophy • Heath Ledger’s Joker and mythological storytelling • Absolute Batman and pushing canon boundaries • Why superheroes might be our modern Greek gods • Whether AI should ever make films • The future of superhero movies Superheroes aren’t just entertainment. They’re modern mythology. And we might be watching the end of an era.

    1h 59m
  6. #48 - Nick Kokkoros - The Business of Food, Family, and Community

    Jan 28

    #48 - Nick Kokkoros - The Business of Food, Family, and Community

    What does it take to keep a family restaurant thriving for nearly 40 years? In this episode of The Just Drew Podcast, I sit down with Nick Kokkoros, partner at The Barrel, one of Norfolk County’s most iconic restaurants. Nick grew up in the restaurant world, walked away from it for a career in healthcare leadership, and then made the leap back, returning to Simcoe to help run his wife’s family restaurant. What followed was a masterclass in long-term thinking, community driven business, and adapting. We talk about: Why most restaurants fail—and how The Barrel avoided it The difference between loving food and running a food business Balancing tradition with modern expectations Why small communities like Norfolk County punch above their weight Leadership, mentorship, and hiring young people the right way Sourcing locally, cooking from scratch, and resisting shortcuts This episode is for business owners, creatives, food lovers, and anyone thinking about building something that lasts.

    1h 16m
  7. #47- James Williams (Canuck Time Pieces) - Building a Watch Brand From Scratch

    Jan 14

    #47- James Williams (Canuck Time Pieces) - Building a Watch Brand From Scratch

    James Williams grew up in Stoney Creek obsessed with cars, design, and the outdoors — but never expected to build a watch brand. After moving to Simcoe and raising a family, James rediscovered creativity through horology. What began as tinkering with budget parts eventually became Canuck Timepieces, a Canadian-inspired watch company built on unity, collaboration, and craftsmanship. Topics: Growing up in Stoney Creek and discovering design Moving from Guelph to Norfolk County Why Canadians value community and unity The Tesla debate & reality of road-tripping EVs Newfoundland fjords & traveling Canada The importance of disagreeing respectfully How Canuck Timepieces was born Collaboration-driven creativity Watches as art, fashion, and identity Building a brand without big marketing budgets

    2h 47m
  8. #46 - Chad Steele on Turning a Backyard Passion for BBQ into a 80+ Store Brand

    Jan 1

    #46 - Chad Steele on Turning a Backyard Passion for BBQ into a 80+ Store Brand

    What started as a backyard obsession turned into one of Ontario’s fastest-growing local food brands. This week, I’m joined by Chad Steele, founder of Norfolk Barbecue, to talk about how a 14-year passion for barbecue became a full-time business now carried in 80+ stores across Ontario, using ingredients sourced right here in Norfolk County. We get deep into the culture of barbecue, the science behind smoke and fire, and the realities of turning a passion project into a scalable food business. In this episode, we talk about: How Norfolk Barbecue started during COVID — and why it worked The difference between grilling and real barbecue (low, slow, and smoky) Regional BBQ styles: Texas, Carolina, Kansas City & more Stick burners vs pellet grills — convenience vs tradition The science of smoke, wood selection, and clean burns Why resting meat is just as important as cooking it The realities of food regulations, health inspections, and scaling production What it actually takes to turn a hobby into a legitimate brand Whether you’re into food, entrepreneurship, or building something meaningful from a small community, this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe Spotify • Apple Podcasts • YouTube 📲 Follow the show Instagram: @thejustdrewpodcast 🤝 Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Send me a message, I’d love to work together.

    1h 53m
See All (53)

About

Welcome to The Just Drew Podcast, where conversations flow as freely as the cocktails we craft. Join Drew and Drew on an unscripted journey through the lives and stories of fascinating individuals from all walks of life. Our guests span a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and experiences. There's no agenda here, no pre-planned questions—just genuine curiosity and a desire to connect with others on a human level. Explore the stories behind the people who inspire us and the paths that led them to where they are today.

Information

  • Creator
    Drew Walmsley
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Drew Walmsley
  • Show Website
    The Just Drew Podcast

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