Anyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently—pets aren’t just like family. They are family.
On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.
Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David, Founder & Executive Director at Parachutes for Pets (PFP) and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni & Athlete Ambassador, as they talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives.
Join JD, morning show host on CJAY 92, as he shares heartwarming stories about life, pets, and the unexpected lessons they teach us. Growing up on an acreage, JD always had a love for animals, but it was Scully - his first dog as an adult - who truly changed his life. From unconditional love, JD explores the deep bond between humans and their pets. Just like radio provides an escape, dogs bring purpose, joy, and companionship. Tune in for a mix of personal stories, pet wisdom, and the f...
13 Mar 2025
Heartbeats & Hoofbeats: Logan’s Life With Animals
Wild 95.3 radio host Logan has always had a heart for animals. From growing up with horses to adopting senior pets, her life has been shaped by the unconditional love of four-legged friends. In this episode, Logan shares touching stories about pets who stood by her through tough times from a cat named Rocket to Nelson, her now 24-year old horse. Hear about her experience training horses, the special place cats hold in her heart, and how her dog Mini is the ultimate adventure buddy - camping, ...
5 Dec 2024
Between the Pipes: Devin Cooley on Mental Mastery and Tito the Rabbit
Devin Cooley, goaltender for the Calgary Flames and Wranglers, shares mental mastery techniques and how his rabbit companion Tito helps him play with passion and presence.
21 Nov 2024
Finding Comfort After Loss - Team Evelyn meets Arco
Heather Roy shares her heart-wrenching journey of losing her daughter Evelyn to cancer, finding solace in the unexpected comfort of her four-legged friend Arco.
7 Nov 2024
A Journey of Love, Advocacy, and the Unbreakable Bonds that Shape Us: A Kodette LaBarbera Story
Kodette LaBarbera—wife, mother, TV personality, and dedicated advocate for Autism—as she opens up about her life in the spotlight and her heartwarming journey through parenthood and the hockey world. Married to Jason LaBarbera, Calgary Flames goalie coach, Kodette shares her passion for animals, family, and the causes closest to her, especially Autism, a journey made personal with her son Ryder’s early diagnosis.In this podcast, Kodette celebrates the deep bond between her family and their be...
24 Oct 2024
Wagons, Resilience, and Horses with Tuff Dreger
This week joining the podcast, we have Tuff Dreger, a farrier and a rising star in the world of chuckwagon racing. At just 21 years old, Tuff is already making waves in a sport steeped in tradition and adrenaline. Coming from a long line of chuckwagon drivers, Tuff carries forward the legacy of his family, but he's also carving his own path.Listen in as Tuff shares his passion for racing and his unique mission to give racehorses a second chance by transitioning them into their new careers as ...
10 Oct 2024
Reimagining Vet Care with Dr. Cody Creelman
Join Dr. Cody Creelman, a veterinarian who grew up on a ranch in Northern Alberta, as he shares his inspiring journey from a ranch volunteer to founder of Fen Vet, a revolutionary three-practice clinic. After facing uncertainty in his career, Cody redefined the veterinary experience, driven by three core strategies: a 7-star customer experience, a thriving practice culture, and relentless innovation.In this episode, Dr. Creelman dives deep into the realities of modern veterinary care, sheddin...
26 Sept 2024
The Skeleton of Strength: Ivy’s Impact on Grace Dafoe
In this heartwarming episode we dive into the incredible bond between Grace Dafoe, a Team Canada Skeleton Athlete, and her loyal labradoodle, Ivy. From the moment Grace got Ivy, just a week before her first season, Ivy has been there every step of the way—through the highs and lows of Grace’s athletic career. Now, 13 years later, Ivy’s presence is still a source of comfort and unwavering love.Grace shares the emotional connection that got her through the toughest challenges—those long stretch...
12 Sept 2024
From Moscow to the WHL: Maxim Muranov’s Journey with Lord Stanley
In this heartwarming episode, we dive into the life of Calgary Hitmen player Maxim Muranov, a 19-year-old athlete from Moscow who has called Calgary home for the past two years. Off the ice, Maxim shares how his 12-year-old dog back in Russia inspired him to rescue Lord Stanley Gaudreau, a pup who’s become a vital part of his journey as a professional athlete.Listen as Maxim opens up about the challenges of adapting to life in a new country, the mental toll of playing in the Western Hockey Le...
29 Aug 2024
A Hockey Hero's Heart: Mikael Backlund on Family, Pets, and Purpose
A hockey star's heart is captured by more than just the game. Mikael Backlund, a King Clancy Award winner and ambassador for Parachutes for Pets, joins Melissa in a mission close to their hearts. In this episode, discover how Lily & Dexter’s Legacy was born from a simple idea—to support children in foster care, children receiving cancer care, and families affected by ALS, three causes deeply personal to Mikael and Melissa. As letters from children began pouring in, Mikael and Melissa...
15 Aug 2024
Mighty & Tall Meets Sweet & Small: The Chris Cederstrand Story
A tragic accident shifts the course of a young man's life, and leaves him feeling lost and forever changed. Enter, a sweet young puppy named Gabby who urged him up and out, and back into embracing the world and making positive change.This episode we get to learn the story of Companions & Champions Co-host Chris Cederstrand. He's now a motivational speaker, coach, Team Canada Alumni, & Athlete Ambassador. Listen and learn how a tiny dog named Gabby helps lead him out of the darkness an...
1 Aug 2024
The Origin of Parachutes For Pets: The Melissa David Story
On the inaugural episode of Companions & Champions, Parachutes for Pets (PFP) Founder & Executive Director, Melissa David, shares her story and takes listeners on a journey through companionship, loss, and perseverance. From saving her dog Charlie, to being diagnosed with cancer in her 20's, to founding Parachutes for pets, this episode is a poignant walk down memory lane and an inspirational look at the future for both Melissa and PFP.---------About Companions & ChampionsAnyone w...
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
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