The Unlikely Innovators
The Unlikely Innovators
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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.
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
The Unlikely Innovators Choose Sudbury’s Best List — With Marie Litalien
Mike and Steve welcome Marie Litalien, President and CEO of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, to The Unlikely Innovators for a candid conversation about leadership, advocacy, and driving economic growth in the region.
Feb 6
33 min
Andrea Benoit on stepping into the ring
On the season finale of the Unlikely Innovators, Mike and Steve sat down with Andrea Benoit, aka NOVA, to talk about her journey into professional wrestling. Andrea talked about balancing her career as a police officer with her aspirations in the ring. She talked about some of her wrestling influences, how she decided on the name NOVA, and some of the finer points of the industry. Andrea did put the guys in a headlock, but released them in time to launch this episode.
Jan 14
24 min
Marla Tremblay on connecting the mining industry
On this week's episode, the guys sat down with Marla Tremblay, Executive Director of MineConnect. Marla chatted about her career in economic development, her transition to working with the mining industry, and the future of MineConnect. Anyone who knows Marla knows that she knows how to put a good event, so she also shared some of the keys to hosting a successful networking event.
Jan 8
26 min
Kerry Lamarche on bringing Kivi Park to the world
On this week's episode, Mike and Steve sat down with Kerry Lamarche, Executive Director of Kivi Park. Kerry talked about her journey to taking on this exciting role, how Kivi Park has evolved over the years, and some of its future plans. Kerry also shared her passion for Hyrox competitions.
Dec 31, 2025
25 min
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