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The Business Development Podcast

Episodes

Why You Should Buy a Business Instead of Starting One with Jory Evans (Part 2)
265
Aug. 19, 2025

Why You Should Buy a Business Instead of Starting One with Jory Evans (Part 2)

In Part 2 of Why You Should Buy a Business Instead of Starting One with Jory Evans, we move past the mechanics of deal-making and into the high-stakes world of execution. Jory Evans, CEO of Evans Trucking, explains why acquisitions succeed or fail not in the negotiation room, but in how leaders handle the transition afterward. He highlights the importance of logistics, leadership depth, and cultural alignment, drawing from his own experiences of scaling Evans Trucking through multiple acquisitio...
Guest: Jory Evans
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The Hidden Future of Generative AI Revealed with Charlene Li
264
Aug. 16, 2025

The Hidden Future of Generative AI Revealed with Charlene Li

In episode 264 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with New York Times bestselling author and disruption expert Charlene Li to unpack what it truly means to lead in the age of generative AI. Drawing on more than three decades of experience helping global companies navigate internet revolutions, social media shifts, and now AI, Charlene shares how the biggest obstacle to transformation isn’t the technology—it’s imagination. This conversation explores how leaders can refra...
Guest: Charlene Li
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Podcast Playbook (Part 7): How to Edit Your Podcast Like a Pro — My Full Workflow for Clean, Studio-Quality Sound
263
Aug. 12, 2025

Podcast Playbook (Part 7): How to Edit Your Podcast Like a Pro — My Full Workflow for Clean, Studio-Quality Sound

Episode 263 of The Business Development Podcast takes you deep into the editing stage of podcast production, where a raw recording transforms into a polished, professional show. In Part 7 of the Podcast Playbook series, Kelly Kennedy shares his complete start-to-finish editing workflow, honed over hundreds of episodes. From understanding your DAW workspace to identifying and fixing common audio problems, he covers the why and how behind every step, always keeping the listener’s experience front ...
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The Climate Crisis Could Be Your Biggest Business Opportunity with Jodi Scarlett
262
Aug. 9, 2025

The Climate Crisis Could Be Your Biggest Business Opportunity with Jodi Scarlett

In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy welcomes Jodi Scarlett, CEO of EcoClaim, for a deep dive into how the insurance industry — and the businesses in its supply chain — can transform the climate crisis into a powerful business advantage. Drawing on over two decades of leadership in restoration and insurance, Jodi shares how EcoClaim is pioneering solutions to measure, reduce, and report Scope 3 emissions while cutting costs and meeting emerging regulatory demands. S...
Guest: Jodi Scarlett
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Podcasting Built a Movement That Changed Everything with Tim Truax
261
Aug. 5, 2025

Podcasting Built a Movement That Changed Everything with Tim Truax

Episode 261 of The Business Development Podcast features Tim Truax, CEO of PodSummit YYC, longtime host of The Nerd Room, and a true pioneer in Canadian podcasting. With nearly 500 episodes under his belt, Tim shares the unfiltered reality of what it takes to build a show that lasts—without chasing trends or downloads. From late-night basement recordings to leading Canada’s premier podcasting summit, his story is a testament to passion, consistency, and the power of building community one episod...
Guest: Tim Truax
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Leading Through Pain and Purpose with Shawn Neels
260
Aug. 2, 2025

Leading Through Pain and Purpose with Shawn Neels

In Episode 260 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Shawn Neels, the resilient and inspiring founder of Plains Equipment Rentals. At just 26, Shawn has built a successful business grounded in grit, values, and relentless personal growth. This episode dives deep into his journey—from overcoming life-altering trauma and confronting mental health through therapy and fitness, to discovering the power of 75 Hard, faith, and routine. Shawn opens up about introversion, entr...
Guest: Shawn Neels
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Podcast Playbook (Part 6): How to Plan, Set Up, and Record Your First Episode with Confidence
259
July 29, 2025

Podcast Playbook (Part 6): How to Plan, Set Up, and Record Your First Episode with Confidence

Episode 259 of The Business Development Podcast is Part 6 of the Podcast Playbook series, and it’s the game-changer. In this episode, Kelly Kennedy walks listeners through the pivotal moment that separates aspiring podcasters from real ones—recording your first episode. He covers everything from crafting a flexible show plan to choosing a topic you're genuinely excited about, setting up your mic for clean pro-level sound, and building a pre-recording ritual to overcome self-doubt and imposter sy...
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How Gratitude Builds Legendary Leaders with Chester Elton
258
July 26, 2025

How Gratitude Builds Legendary Leaders with Chester Elton

Episode 258 of The Business Development Podcast features the incomparable Chester Elton, globally known as The Apostle of Appreciation. In this electrifying and heartfelt conversation, Chester dives deep into the transformative power of gratitude in leadership, sharing wisdom from his 15 bestselling books, including The Carrot Principle and Leading with Gratitude. He opens up about his personal journey, the core values that shaped his leadership philosophy, and how simple acts of appreciation ca...
Guest: Chester Elton
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Podcast Playbook (Part 5): How to Choose the Right Hosting & Recording Tools to Launch, Grow, and Monetize Your Show
257
July 22, 2025

Podcast Playbook (Part 5): How to Choose the Right Hosting & Recording Tools to Launch, Grow, and Monetize Your Show

In Episode 257 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy delivers Part 5 of the Podcast Playbook series, focused on choosing the right hosting and recording tools to launch, grow, and monetize your podcast. He breaks down the often-confusing world of podcast technology, sharing hard-earned insights from producing over 250 episodes. Kelly offers a detailed, no-fluff comparison of the top hosting platforms—including Captivate, Buzzsprout, and Libsyn—emphasizing the importance of selecting...
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Build Freedom Today with Ben Spangl
256
July 19, 2025

Build Freedom Today with Ben Spangl

In Episode 256 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly welcomes back mindset and performance coach Ben Spangl for a powerful conversation about redefining success and reclaiming freedom now—not someday. Together, they dive deep into the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, unpacking the burnout, emotional resistance, and false beliefs that keep high performers stuck in overdrive. Ben shares how he rebuilt his life after burning out, why the “sacrifice now, live later” mindset is broken, and how bus...
Guest: Ben Spangl
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Podcast Playbook (Part 4): How to Lock in Your Schedule, Format, and 50-Episode Plan for Long-Term Success
255
July 15, 2025

Podcast Playbook (Part 4): How to Lock in Your Schedule, Format, and 50-Episode Plan for Long-Term Success

In Episode 255 of The Business Development Podcast, we bring you Part 4 of the Podcast Playbook series, diving deep into the strategy behind building a podcast that lasts. This episode is all about locking in your release schedule, choosing a format that fits your energy and goals, and creating a 50-episode content plan that keeps you consistent and confident. Whether you're going solo, interviewing guests, or co-hosting, you’ll learn how to structure your show for long-term sustainability—witho...
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Where Hustle Meets Heart with Kapil Kalra
254
July 12, 2025

Where Hustle Meets Heart with Kapil Kalra

In Episode 254 of The Business Development Podcast, we sit down with Kapil Kalra, the passionate force behind Naturemary and a powerhouse in the world of natural wellness. Kapil opens up about his early days working in his family’s grocery store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and how those humble beginnings shaped his unshakable work ethic. From selling electronics to launching a national wellness brand, Kapil’s journey is packed with gritty determination, unfiltered lessons, and the relentless beli...
Guest: Kapil Kalra
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Podcast Playbook (Part 3): How to Build a Brand That Gets Clicks
253
July 8, 2025

Podcast Playbook (Part 3): How to Build a Brand That Gets Clicks

In Episode 253 of The Business Development Podcast, we dive into Part 3 of the Podcast Playbook and walk you through how to build a podcast brand that captures attention and drives growth. From naming your show with clarity and SEO in mind to designing high-impact cover art and creating intros and outros that set the tone, this episode is packed with tactical advice to help you stand out. Kelly Kennedy shares how getting the name right from day one can make or break discoverability, why securing...
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Make Them Feel It with Ben Wise & Darren Chiu
252
July 5, 2025

Make Them Feel It with Ben Wise & Darren Chiu

In Episode 252, Kelly is joined by Ben Wise and Darren Chiu—two senior leaders at Google and co-founders of Captivate—for a raw and insightful breakdown of what truly drives persuasion in today’s world. They reveal why facts alone don’t move people, and how emotional strategy, trust, and authenticity are the real keys to influence. From sales calls to boardrooms, they show how mastering emotional connection will radically transform how you pitch, sell, and lead. Packed with powerful concepts ...
Guests: Ben Wise , Darren Chiu
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Podcast Playbook (Part 2): The 4 Essential Pieces of Podcasting Equipment
251
July 1, 2025

Podcast Playbook (Part 2): The 4 Essential Pieces of Podcasting Equipment

In Podcast Playbook (Part 2), Kelly Kennedy rips the fluff off podcast tech and gives you the real, unfiltered truth about the gear that actually matters. If you’re serious about launching a podcast that sounds world-class, this episode is your blueprint. From computers and microphones to audio interfaces and headphones, Kelly breaks down what to buy, why it matters, and how to build a pro-level setup without wasting a dollar. No gimmicks. No jargon. Just clarity and confidence to build your stu...
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Unleashing the Power of Edmonton’s Regional Innovation Network with Janice Baskin
250
June 28, 2025

Unleashing the Power of Edmonton’s Regional Innovation Network with Janice Baskin

In this milestone 250th episode, host Kelly Kennedy sits down with Janice Baskin, Manager of the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN), for a deep dive into how Alberta entrepreneurs can better navigate the complex ecosystem of supports, funding, and opportunities available to them. From breaking down the role of ERIN as a connector organization to sharing personal insights from her own entrepreneurial journey, Janice offers a transparent and practical look at what’s working—and what’s sti...
Guest: Janice Baskin
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Podcast Playbook (Part 1): Should You Start a Podcast? The Brutal Truth About What It Really Takes
249
June 24, 2025

Podcast Playbook (Part 1): Should You Start a Podcast? The Brutal Truth About What It Really Takes

In this milestone 249th episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy kicks off the highly requested Podcast Playbook series with brutal honesty and real talk about what it actually takes to start—and sustain—a successful podcast. As one of the few shows to break into the top 1% globally with over 250 episodes, Kelly shares the behind-the-scenes truths that most people won’t tell you. From fighting fear and imposter syndrome to the time, cost, and consistency required, this episode ...
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Trust, Sales and Storytelling with Ken Gee
248
June 21, 2025

Trust, Sales and Storytelling with Ken Gee

In Episode 248 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly reconnects with community builder and master storyteller Ken Gee to explore how authentic storytelling builds the trust and relationships that make business happen. Ken shares lessons from decades spent connecting people, growing communities, and using stories to showcase what makes businesses special. From his broadcasting roots to horse racing and AK Media, Ken shows how trust and genuine connection always outperform flashy marketing. ...
Guest: Ken Gee
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Overwhelmed? 7 Ways to Take Back Control
247
June 17, 2025

Overwhelmed? 7 Ways to Take Back Control

In episode 247 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy gets real about something every high performer faces but rarely talks about: overwhelm. Sharing his own packed calendar and the pressure to juggle it all, Kelly walks listeners through why we end up so overloaded, the habits that make it worse, and how to take back control without burning out. He reminds us that saying no, protecting our time, and focusing on what truly moves the needle can turn chaos into progress and help us sho...
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Sorting Not Selling with Josh Braun
246
June 14, 2025

Sorting Not Selling with Josh Braun

In Episode 246 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly sits down with renowned sales educator Josh Braun to dismantle outdated selling tactics and replace them with something far more human — sorting, not selling. Josh shares how the best salespeople detach from the outcome, ask smarter questions, and guide prospects to discover the truth for themselves, building trust every step of the way. From his early days as a teacher to shaping sales teams at top tech firms, Josh’s approach proves you ...
Guest: Josh Braun
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You Don’t Have to Suffer to Succeed
245
June 10, 2025

You Don’t Have to Suffer to Succeed

In Episode 245 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy dismantles the toxic belief that suffering is required for success. If you’ve been grinding endlessly, sacrificing your peace for performance, this episode is your wake-up call. Kelly reveals how the real wins in business development come not from burnout, but from clarity, calm, and consistent execution. Through personal stories, industry truths, and sharp insights, he shows you how to break free from the hustle trap and still hi...
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Why You Should Buy a Business Instead of Starting One with Jory Evans
244
June 7, 2025

Why You Should Buy a Business Instead of Starting One with Jory Evans

In Episode 244, Kelly Kennedy welcomes back powerhouse entrepreneur and Built to Lead podcast host Jory Evans for a bold conversation that challenges conventional business thinking. Jory shares how he scaled Evans Trucking from a single unit into a diversified empire with over 100 trucks, a heavy-duty mechanic shop, and a construction company — all rooted in disciplined leadership and a values-driven approach. But the real gold? Jory reveals why buying a business can be a smarter, faster path to...
Guest: Jory Evans
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Fear Is Fuel
243
June 3, 2025

Fear Is Fuel

In Episode 243 of The Business Development Podcast , Kelly Kennedy tackles one of the most universal yet misunderstood forces in business: fear. From the early days of launching the podcast to working with founders, CEOs, and business developers around the world, Kelly shares how fear isn't a weakness—it's often the clearest sign you're stepping into growth. He breaks down the ten most common fear triggers in the modern world, from visibility pressure to comparison culture, and reframes them as ...
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Sell and Stay True to You with Alex Blumenstein
242
May 31, 2025

Sell and Stay True to You with Alex Blumenstein

In this episode of The Business Development Podcast , Kelly sits down with Alex Blumenstein, co-founder of The Peak and former CEO of Canada’s first cannabis accelerator, Leaf Forward . From politics to print, cannabis to comedy, Alex has never been afraid to pivot—and his approach to business is anything but traditional. Together, they unpack what it really means to build a company with the end in mind and why emotional detachment might be the most underrated tool in an entrepreneur’s arsenal. ...
Guest: Alex Blumenstein
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