Community is the Cure — Inside the Whitby Wellness Expo 2025
I walked into a wellness expo expecting to talk about protein and yoga. What I found was something much bigger.
In this field episode host Bram Bains takes you inside the Whitby Wellness Expo at the Canada Event Centre — recorded live on the floor in February 2025. Real people, real conversations, and one question asked to every founder and vendor along the way: what are you grateful for?
About this episode
The Wellness Expo was hosted by Cameron Ward and Ricky Lee with a simple vision — bring everything fitness and wellness under one roof. Maverick was there alongside the Gratitude Company, running a wall activation in the lobby asking attendees one question: what are you grateful for?
I'll be real — I've been making more of an effort lately when it comes to my own health. Being more intentional about it. So I went in open and curious. And what I kept hearing from every vendor, every founder, every person I stopped — wasn't just health. It was community. Every single time.
Who you'll hear in this episode
Heart of a Champ — Rajan — a mental health clothing brand built in honour of DeMar DeRozan, who saved Rajan's life with a tweet about depression in 2018
Stretch Healer — Rhonda — a 62-year-old model who has been teaching people to listen to their bodies and reverse the aging process for 30 years
BioX Protein — a Canadian brand with 30-40 years in the market, available at Popeye's across Canada
Vanguard Gym — Josh — 10,000 square feet, ranked number one, home of HYROX training in East York and Ajax
Power Yoga Canada Durham — Kayla — a hot yoga studio described as a home for healing, expanding across Canada and the US
Bare Protein — three ingredients, women-founded, built clean from the ground up
Fitness & Wellness Travel — connecting communities through customized wellness travel worldwide
What you'll hear in this episode
How DeMar DeRozan's tweet about depression saved a founder's life and became a brand
What a 62-year-old model who looks 40 knows about aging that most people don't
Why the businesses that keep showing up — even at a wellness expo — are the ones that last
What every single person said when asked what they're grateful for
A note on this episode
This was recorded live on a busy expo floor. The audio reflects that. But there are real gems in here — real people, unscripted, talking about the things that actually matter. That's why it's being released exactly as it was captured.
Listen now
Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone on their own wellness journey who needs to hear that they're not alone.
About the host
Bram Bains is the founder of Maverick Insurance Brokers and host of Insuring Your Success — a podcast for entrepreneurs, community builders, and leaders across Ontario. Based in Brampton. RIBO licensed.
Ready to insure your success? Book a private consultation with Bram. Whether you're protecting a home, a business, or a legacy — we're here for you.