Geography 101 in its fourth season, featuring Catherine Crestani Leadership Coach, Author and Speaker as my guest.

The most fascinating nations in Northern Europe—Finland. Known for its pristine landscapes, innovative culture, and deep traditions, Finland is often called the “Land of a Thousand Lakes.” But as we’ll uncover, Finland is much more than its lakes—it’s a story of resilience, beauty, and balance between nature and modernity.Finland sits in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, while the Baltic Sea lies to the south. This strategic position has shaped Finland’s culture, trade, and history, making it both Scandinavian and distinctly unique.With over 188,000 lakes and forests covering about 75% of its land, Finland is one of the greenest countries on Earth. This abundance of nature has not only defined Finnish culture but also earned it a reputation for being one of the cleanest, most sustainable environments in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 Sep 8min

The breathtaking land of Sweden—a country that perfectly balances natural beauty, cultural depth, and modern innovation. Known as one of the happiest nations on earth, Sweden is more than just IKEA furniture and ABBA songs; it’s a country that thrives on history, sustainability, and creativity.Situated in Northern Europe, Sweden is the largest country in Scandinavia and the fifth largest in Europe by area. With coastlines along the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia, and borders shared with Norway and Finland, Sweden’s geography is a tapestry of forests, mountains, lakes, and islands that provide endless opportunities for exploration.The capital city, Stockholm, is often called the “Venice of the North.” Built across 14 islands and connected by over 50 bridges, the city blends medieval architecture with modern design. From the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, the old town, to the futuristic architecture of its business district, Stockholm reflects both history and progress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

31 Aug 8min

Norway is located in Northern Europe, sharing borders with Sweden, Finland, and Russia, while its long Atlantic coastline stretches thousands of kilometers. The country is famous for its dramatic landscapes—deep fjords carved by glaciers, towering cliffs plunging into icy waters, and vast forests and tundra. This rugged geography has shaped not only its natural environment but also the lifestyle of its people.One of Norway’s most iconic features is its fjords, particularly the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These natural wonders attract millions of visitors each year, who come to marvel at their sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters. Norway’s landscapes are often described as some of the most beautiful on Earth, earning it a top spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

27 Aug 7min

Iceland is an island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Greenland and mainland Europe. Despite its relatively small size—about 103,000 square kilometers—it sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. This location makes Iceland one of the most geologically active regions in the world. Its landscape is constantly being reshaped by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and glacial movements, creating a natural Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26 Aug 8min

Traycee MayerTraycee Mayer, Leadership Expert, Author, Certified Executive CoachTraycee is an expert in helping leaders leverage the strengths of human connection to achieve explosive success in their own careers and with those they lead. She has led teams of hundreds and helped to create paths for dozens of great leaders. Traycee can help teams and drive accountability, productivity, and positive financial results while guiding you in leadership presence, growth mindsets and new tools to help you attract and retain individuals with exceptional talent. She’s experienced great triumphs as an entrepreneur, executive coach, leadership trainer and as an author with a soon to be released book, The Leadership Contradiction-Choosing a Path of Love and Kindness.Traycee has over 40 years of Leadership success in many areas of hospitality, business development and facility operations. She has a uniquely authentic ability to relate to and develop all levels of employees and model excellence in a 360-degree fashion. She is known to be transparent, trustworthy, and intuitive in guiding you to your best path forward and is a Certified Coach by the UC Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 Juli 23min

Colleen & DanaColleen's background and practice as a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine has allowed her time to focus on pattern recognition, individuality, and the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit.Her work with “energy medicine” techniques and the creation of YIM: Your Integral Medicine has given her insight into how much capacity people have, how complex they are, and how much goodness they have. Her work with Dana and his all-embracing compass and personal guidance system of The Black Belt Mind has allowed her to recognize each person’s innate sense of knowingness and capacity to truly walk the path of being a better person every day, every choice, every moment. Dana’s background is as a problem-solver and pattern-finder. His martial arts training began before he entered school, and has never stopped. His work with athletes transferred quickly to working with executives who needed to bring out the best in themselves, and from there to helping companies deal with change management, communication issues, and personal empowerment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 Juli 29min

Calgary, Alberta Canada. Known for its western spirit, stunning natural surroundings, and growing metropolitan culture, Calgary is a place where tradition and innovation meet on the prairies. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or someone looking to learn more about the true Canadian West, Calgary offers something for everyone.Located in the province of Alberta, Calgary sits at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, providing a gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. The city is situated where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet, and its elevated geography offers clear skies and beautiful vistas. Calgary is also famous for its sunny weather—boasting more days of sunshine than any other major Canadian city—which makes it a great place to enjoy both urban and outdoor activities.One of Calgary’s most iconic events is the Calgary Stampede, often referred to as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” Held every July, this 10-day rodeo and exhibition brings the cowboy culture to life, drawing visitors from around the world. With chuckwagon races, music performances, and a grand parade, the Stampede showcases Calgary’s strong agricultural roots and western heritage while blending it with modern entertainment and family-friendly fun.Beyond the rodeo, Calgary has evolved into a bustling economic hub, especially known for its leadership in the energy sector, technology, and finance. The skyline is marked by architectural landmarks like the Calgary Tower and the Bow Building, while neighborhoods like Inglewood, Kensington, and the East Village offer vibrant arts, food, and cultural scenes. The city is also home to several universities and research centers, adding to its reputation as a center for innovation and learning.Calgary is a true representation of Canadian spirit—hardworking, welcoming, and proud of its natural beauty and cultural diversity. From scenic trails in Fish Creek Park to world-class skiing just a short drive away in Banff and Lake Louise, Calgary is a city that invites you to explore, discover, and appreciate. Thank you for joining me, Daniel Lucas, here on Geography 101. Stay curious, and I’ll see you next time as we journey to another remarkable place on the map. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 Juni 4min