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.

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21 episodes
Avg 32 min
English

Episodes 21

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October 1 · 43 min
The Unlikely Innovators | Ian Lane Talks Venture North PITCH, Entrepreneurship & Sudbury’s Future
This week on The Unlikely Innovators, we’re joined by the charismatic Ian Lane for a conversation packed with big ideas, local energy, and plenty of personality. Ian sits down with Dario to talk about the upcoming Venture North PITCH event, the importance of supporting entrepreneurship in Northern Ontario, what makes a great pitch, and much more. It’s a conversation about ideas, opportunity, community, and the people helping move Sudbury forward. Subscribe for more conversations with the innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders shaping the North.
September 18 · 46 min
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.
S2 · E19
September 2 · 30 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.
S5 · E15
July 18 · 37 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.
S5 · E14
July 4 · 23 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.
June 9 · 44 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.
May 22 · 38 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.
S7 · E7
May 15 · 34 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.
March 6 · 52 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.
February 27 · 31 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.
February 19 · 45 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.
S6 · E1
February 6 · 33 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.
S5 · E136
January 14 · 24 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.
S5 · E135
January 8 · 26 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.
S5 · E136
Dec 31, 2025 · 25 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.
S5 · E135
Dec 24, 2025 · 25 min
Dario Zulich on becoming a hometown sports mogul
On this week's episode, Mike and Steve chopped it up with Dario Zulich, CEO of Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment. Dario talked about sports ownership, how SWSE commissioned the world's largest goal light, making Sudbury a sports destination, and his white shirt philosophy.
S5 · E134
Dec 17, 2025 · 26 min
Kim Brouzes on innovating concussion prevention
On this week's episode, Mike and Steve sat down with Kim Brouzes, CEO of Kinmetrix. Kim talked about her journey from athletic therapist to entrepreneur, how her new venture, Kinmetrix, aims to prevent concussions in sport, and why Brad Pitt's character, Sonny Hayes, in the F1 movie should've been using the Kinmetrix Arc.
S5 · E133
Dec 10, 2025 · 24 min
Gabrielle Roy on 10 years of Stitch & Stone
On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Gabrielle Roy, founder and CEO of Stitch & Stone, back to the show. Gabrielle talked about how she is balanced brick and mortar and growing the brand's online presence, Stitch & Stone's 10-year anniversary, and how she's always able to pull off a stylish hat with her looks.
S5 · E132
Dec 3, 2025 · 25 min
Paul Lefebvre on the politics of growth
On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed the honourable Paul Lefebvre, mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury, to their studio at Eastlink. Paul talked about the importance of non-partisanship to get things done, the generational opportunity of critical minerals, balancing thinking long-term while working within the reality of four-year terms, and how he's making Sudbury more of a business-friendly community.
S5 · E131
Nov 26, 2025 · 24 min
Cody Ruberto on providing a safe ride home
On this week's episode, Mike and Steve were joined by Cody Ruberto, founder and CEO of Uride. Cody talked about why he decided to start Uride, its importance to small communities across Canada, and his plans for expansion around the world. They also shared some stories about their love for Thunder Bay, Cody's hometown.

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes