Shit My Dad Taught Me

In this episode, we’re joined by PJ Mercanti, CEO of Carmen's Group, for a conversation about family business, leadership, fatherhood, and building a meaningful life.

PJ shares how growing up in a hardworking Italian family in Hamilton shaped his values, why he chose to leave a promising career opportunity with ESPN to return home, and what it’s really like leading a multi-generational hospitality company under constant pressure.

We talk about:

Leadership and entrepreneurship
Fatherhood and family values
Mental health and staying balanced
Building discipline through routine and fitness
Mentorship and personal growth
Faith, spirituality, and accountability
Handling stress, adversity, and business challenges
The future of Hamilton’s entertainment scene

PJ also reflects on the legacy his father built, the lessons that shaped him as both a leader and a dad, and why true success means nothing if you lose the people closest to you along the way.

A powerful episode about purpose, resilience, and showing up for the people who matter most.

Special Thanks To Our Incredible Sponsors:
This Episode’s Dad Jokes sponsor: Spicer Landscaping & Snow Removal Services

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Palmer, Chief Commercial Officer at Golf Canada, for a conversation about leadership, fatherhood, and building a career in professional sports.
Mark shares how he went from entry-level ticket sales with the Toronto Blue Jays to leading the commercial strategy behind one of Canada’s biggest sports organizations.
We talk about:
Breaking into the sports industry with no connections
Why sales skills can shape your entire career
Parenting in a blended family of five kids
Mental health, stress, and opening up as a man
The lessons his dad passed down—and how he’s passing them on
This is an honest conversation about work, family, and showing up the right way, both at home and in your career.
Special Thanks To Our Incredible Sponsors: This Episode’s Dad Jokes sponsor: Spicer Landscaping & Snow Removal Services

In this episode, we’re joined by Dan MacKenzie, President of the Canadian Hockey League, for a conversation about leadership, fatherhood, and what it means to shape the next generation.

Dan shares his journey from teaching and coaching basketball to helping grow the National Basketball Association in Canada, and eventually stepping into one of the biggest leadership roles in junior hockey. He reflects on patience, timing, and the importance of taking chances when opportunities come.

We also talk about:
The pressures facing young athletes today
Mental health in junior hockey
Parenting teens in a busy career
Lessons passed down from his father
Why being present matters more than perfection
This is a thoughtful episode about family, responsibility, and building a legacy that lasts far beyond sport.

Special Thanks To Our Incredible Sponsors:
This Episode’s Dad Jokes sponsor: Spicer Landscaping & Snow Removal Services

In this episode, we’re joined by JC Deacon, Head Coach of the University of Florida Men’s Golf Team, to talk about leadership, fatherhood, and what it takes to build champions.

JC shares his journey from growing up in Toronto to coaching at the highest level of collegiate golf, including winning a national championship and developing elite athletes. But beyond the wins, this conversation dives into the mindset behind success—focusing on attitude, work ethic, and building strong character.

We talk about the role of parents in youth sports, how pressure impacts young athletes, and why separating identity from performance is critical for mental health. JC also reflects on the lessons his father taught him, how those shaped his career, and what legacy means as both a coach and a dad.

A powerful episode on discipline, perspective, and raising the next generation the right way.

Special Thanks To Our Incredible Sponsors:
This Episode’s Dad Jokes sponsor: Spicer Landscaping & Snow Removal Services

This week we’re joined in studio by Dean McDermott, actor, producer, and storyteller whose life has played out both on screen and in the public eye, but whose real story goes far deeper than what people think they know.

Dean has experienced the highs of success and the lows of personal struggle, all while navigating it in front of the world. But what makes this conversation powerful isn’t the headlines, it’s the honesty behind them.

In this episode, Dean opens up about:
• Growing up and finding his path into acting
• The moments where things started to spiral
• Hitting rock bottom and what forced him to change
• Addiction, accountability, and rebuilding your life
• What it’s like having your struggles play out publicly
• Fatherhood, co-parenting, and showing up for your kids
• Mental health, sobriety, and doing the work daily
• Why authenticity matters more than ever

This isn’t a surface-level conversation.
It’s about taking ownership when you fall short, learning how to rebuild, and understanding that growth doesn’t happen overnight. Dean shares what it really takes to turn things around, not just for yourself, but for the people who depend on you most.

At its core, this episode is about redemption. About becoming a better man, a better father, and continuing to show up, even when it’s hard.
Because the real work begins when no one’s watching.Special Thanks To Our Incredible Sponsors:
This Episode’s Dad Jokes sponsor: Spicer Landscaping & Snow Removal Services
The Clothing and Swag Sponsor: One Bone