Wells Jones, Courage, Curiosity, and Leadership

In this episode of They Just Get It, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by the multi-faceted Wells Jones—former Antarctic pararescue jumper, actor, foundation executive, and co-author of A Line in the Sand. Together, they explore Wells’ remarkable life journey, including:His service in the Navy’s elite pararescue team in AntarcticaThe life-changing mentorship of his mother and the wisdom of ChurchillLessons learned through acting, adventure, and near-death experiencesThe journey that inspired A Line in the Sand, retracing T.E. Lawrence’s footsteps across the Middle EastReflections on conflict, connection, and the role of empathy in leadershipWells’ perspective is shaped by experience, humility, and a commitment to telling stories that matter. If you’re looking for inspiration rooted in action and meaning, this conversation delivers.Resources & Mentions:Book: A Line in the Sand on AmazonNonprofit: Seeds of PeaceCo-author: Miles SpencerInfluences: T.E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, Joseph Campbell

What do you get when resilience meets relentless optimism, when a rare diagnosis collides with adolescent dreams, and when the will to take one more step becomes a mission to change lives? You get Rylan LaPlante—a 24-year-old student, fundraiser, and champion for hope whose story will leave you both humbled and inspired. Diagnosed at eleven with a rare genetic disorder that took away his movement, speech, and sense of certainty, Rylan spent more than 1,000 days in hospital, learned to type with his toes, and grappled with belief, identity, and the limits of medicine. In this episode, Rylan details his ongoing recovery, including his first step in twelve years and a recent 10K walk in support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital—while unpacking the power of community, the gift of support, and the everyday work of never giving yourself an out. If you’ve ever wondered what real resilience looks like or how one young man finds hope after setback after setback, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

What do you get when a sanitation worker, a compost wizard, and a gravel pit come together to grow community? You get Jay Fish, Founding Co-Farmer at Highfield Regenerative Farm, a 15-acre urban oasis tucked in the heart of Calgary. Jay’s story is anything but conventional: from chipping away at compacted industrial soil to pioneering a community-driven model of regenerative agriculture, he’s spent the last eight years transforming overlooked land into a living, breathing space for people and plants alike. In this episode, Jay gets candid about what it really takes to restore soil health, navigate municipal red tape, and foster a thriving volunteer-led ecosystem. Whether you’re curious about compost, passionate about food justice, or just wondering how one guy with a skid steer and a lot of grit helped turn a brownfield into a green space, this episode will ground you in hope and human connection.

What do you get when an endurance coach ditches callipers for cutting-edge science, challenges the fitness tech obsession, and helps people live longer, stronger lives? You get Cory Fagan, Founder of TCR Sport Lab. With over 4,000 VO₂ max tests under his belt, Cory brings decades of expertise in human performance and a refreshingly grounded take on what it truly means to be healthy. Cory unpacks the rise of VO₂ max testing and the explosion of wearables to the overlooked power of Zone 2 training. Cory debunks old-school fitness formulas, explains why most of us are addicted to training too hard, and shares why longevity has more to do with consistency than crushing your workout. Whether you’re an elite athlete, weekend warrior, or just trying to keep up with your kids, this conversation will have you rethinking what fitness means—for the long haul.

What do you get when a high-achiever gets arrested and discovers the potential of psychedelic therapies in fostering genuine emotional and psychological healing? You get Greg German, Founder of LifeCraft, where empowerment meets holistic healing. In this riveting episode, Greg shares how he was recognized for his accomplishments in academics and athletics, spending his early years driven by external validation, and achieving success in university, sports, and business. Yet, this relentless pursuit left him feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from his true self. Greg found himself entangled in a high-stakes, cross-border legal situation, which resulted in a period of incarceration. During this time, Greg experienced a profound awakening, a journey of introspection that ultimately shaped the founding principles of LifeCraft.

What do you get when you combine a top orthopedic surgeon with fatherhood and enthusiasm for gravel biking? You get Dr. Jeremy Lamothe, who joins the show to unveil his journey from marathon running to conquering gruelling, 350-mile gravel bike races, including the Unbound XL. Viewing these as a personal challenge to overcome fuels Jeremy across the finish line, providing him with opportunities for growth and enjoyment. And as a busy surgeon and father, these exhilarating races give him a break from the daily grind and its pressures. Whether you’re an endurance athlete seeking inspiration for your next adventure or simply interested in an exciting, fast-paced lifestyle, this episode is for you!

What do you get when you mix a celebrated novelist, a relentless storyteller, and a sharp sense of humour? You get author Ali Bryan! In this episode, Ali explores the art of blending humour with humanity, her journey as an author, and the power of storytelling across different mediums. Tyler and Ali explore the realities of the publishing world, the beauty of embracing life’s messiness, and her dreams of seeing her stories come to life on screen. Get ready for laughs, insights, and a deeper look at what makes us all human.

What do you get when you mix the wisdom of 89 years of life and surviving cancer four times with the relentless pursuit of life's challenges? You get Tom Shindruc, a man who has tried almost everything you can throughout his lifetime and believes in the power of positivity and perseverance. This episode spans Tom’s remarkable journey, from surviving multiple cancer diagnoses to teaching oil and gas safety into his late 80s. Through it all, Tom shares his unwavering belief in staying active, mentally sharp, and engaged with the world, showing us all how to live with purpose and joy, no matter the obstacles.

What do you get when you combine expert insights on spinal health, sports training, and overall well-being? You get Dr. Greg Uchacz, a leader in sports medicine and chiropractic care and Clinic Director at ProActive Health Group. Dr. Greg sheds light on the long-term impacts of poor posture in adolescents and the crucial role of establishing proper movement patterns early on. He also debunks myths about resistance training in youth, explores the consequences of early sports specialization, and shares effective pain management techniques. 

What do you get when someone rides their motorcycle from the northern tip of Canada to the southern tip of Argentina, only to crash right before the finish line? You get Lucas Scheer, a senior tech executive in Calgary who had decided to leave work and pursue his lifelong dream. This episode isn't just a story of miles and milestones; it's a deep dive into moments that redefine life's essence. Through his accident, Lucas encountered profound self-reflection, exploring themes of forgiveness, intentionality, and the transformative power of being present. His insights go beyond the road, resonating with anyone seeking depth in their daily lives.