The Unlikely Innovators
The Unlikely Innovators
Sorta Local
Innovation can emerge from the most unlikely places. Each week, Mike Commito and Steve Gravel, two unlikely innovators in their own right, will highlight stories of unlikely innovation in post-secondary education and the private sector. Drawing from their experiences in the college applied research world, they will showcase the bright ideas happening in colleges and communities across Canada. Mike Commito is the Director of Applied Research at Cambrian College and Steve Gravel is the Manager of the Centre for Smart Mining, Cambrian's Technology Access Centre.
Dario Zulich on the New Arena Lease + OHL Blockbuster Trade
Mike and Steve sit down with SWSE Owner and CEO Dario Zulich to talk about the new arena lease and this week’s blockbuster OHL trade.They break down what both mean for the Sudbury Wolves and what comes next.
Sep 18
46 min
Gabe Roy Is Back… for the FIFTH Time?!
Five-time guest Gabe Roy is back in the Unlikely Innovators studio, which at this point basically makes her part of the furniture.Mike and Steve sweat it out with Gabe for another round of stories, laughs, hot takes and unpredictable conversation.Five appearances. Still plenty to talk about.Hit play and enjoy another round with one of the show’s favourite returning guests.
Sep 2
30 min
Reimagining Downtown Sudbury with Liana Bacon and Dan Guillemette
Mike and Steve sit down with local entrepreneurs Liana Bacon and Dan Guillemette, the creative force behind several downtown Sudbury businesses, including the Night Owl and the popular, rapidly growing Knox Hall.After purchasing the historic Knox Presbyterian Church in June 2023, Liana and Dan transformed the building into a vibrant live music, performance, and entertainment venue. They share the story behind their growing portfolio, their vision for downtown Sudbury, and what it takes to turn ambitious ideas into thriving community spaces.
Jul 18
37 min
Pizza Legend Max Massimiliano Joins Unlikely Innovators 🍕
Mike and Steve sit down with Max Massimiliano, the pizza legend behind Don’s Pizza, for a loaded episode of Unlikely Innovators.The crew talks all things pizza, the upcoming HSN Pizza Eating Contest, local politics, community, and the burning question of the year: can Mike dethrone an NHL player and take the top spot in this year’s contest?Pull up a chair, grab a slice, and enjoy the conversation.
Jul 4
23 min
The Italian Bakery Sudbury Is Obsessed With
This week, we’re inside the ovens, stories, and serious hustle behind one of Sudbury’s go-to Italian bakeries.Paolo Massimiliano joins The Unlikely Innovators to talk tradition, taste, community, and the kind of craft that keeps people lined up and coming back. From old-school Italian baking to building a shop with real soul, Paolo breaks down what makes his bakery more than just a place to grab bread.It’s food, family, culture, and Sudbury pride — fresh out of the oven.
Jun 9
44 min
Gabe Roy Returns and Immediately Takes Over
Mike and Steve welcome back almost-show-regular Gabe Roy from Stitch and Stone for a dive into fashion hot takes, Sudbury style, and a very questionable Sudbury Top 5.Clothes. Chaos. Class. Gabe Roy.Like, comment, and subscribe for more Unlikely Innovators.
May 22
38 min
The Unlikely Innovators Podcast - Rocks, Rings & Sudbury Things with Tracy Fleury
This week on The Unlikely Innovators Podcast, Steve and Mike sit down with Sudbury curling superstar and Olympic bronze medalist Tracy Fleury. From growing up in Northern Ontario to competing on the biggest stage in sports, Tracy shares what it’s really like chasing Olympic dreams while carrying the pride of a hockey-and-curling obsessed country on your shoulders.
May 15
34 min
Special Correspondent Mauro Nero Joins Mike & Steve | The Unlikely Innovators
This week on The Unlikely Innovators, Mike and Steve are joined by Sudbury’s own Mauro Nero — a well-known local character and the show’s special correspondent.Mauro brings his unique perspective, local stories, and signature personality to the conversation as the guys dive into life in Sudbury, community characters, and the unexpected paths that make someone an unlikely innovator. Expect laughs, insights, and a few classic Mauro moments along the way.Whether you know Mauro from around town or you’re meeting him for the first time, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Mar 6
52 min
The Unlikely Innovators Are Back with the Legend Joe Bowen – Holy Mackinaw!
From unforgettable stories to hard-earned wisdom, Joe delivers the energy, perspective, and authenticity that have made him a legend. This episode dives into the moments that shaped him, the mindset behind longevity, and why passion still matters.
Feb 27
31 min
The Great Canadian Jersey and Steve gets sandbagged again?
Mike and Steve sit down with Cameron Lizotte, the creative force behind the iconic Great Canadian Jersey. Cameron shares the story behind the design, the inspiration that brought it to life, and what it takes to turn a bold idea into a national symbol.From creative process to unexpected challenges, it’s a conversation about innovation, identity, and betting big on a vision.Plus… Steve gets sandbagged again. Some things never change.
Feb 19
45 min
Load more