A few years ago, I attending a talk with choreographer Crystal Pite at a Creative Mornings session—those breakfasts-with-a-side-of-inspiration talks that have been running for years in downtown Vancouver and around the world. The Vancouverite is one of the most acclaimed choreographers in the world, and has created some of the most unusual and awe-inspiring performances I’ve ever seen in modern dance. And while it’s been decades since I’ve put on a pair of dance shoes, there was so much about what Pite had to say that resonated with me about the work I’m lucky enough to do every day here at the magazine. My biggest takeaway from her talk continues to resonate with me to this day: when someone in the audience asked her about her inspiration sources, she answered something to the effect of: you just work. You work and you work, and then as you all work together, you hope for something beautiful to come out that work. (And man, does it ever in Crystal Pite’s case.)

That whole concept is why I’m excited to dive into designer Aly Velji’s new podcast, Inspire—launching on Tuesday, June 24—which explores and celebrates the creative process. “After nearly two decades as a creative, I’ve come to realize that some of the most powerful moments in this journey haven’t come from the final product—but from the conversations in between,” he says. “The laughs during late-night deadlines, the honest chats about burnout, the thrill of a new idea or a shared obsession over the smallest detail.”

Regular readers of Western Living will be very familiar with designer Alykhan Velji’s work—his British manor-inspired renovation of a ’70s Varsity Estates home in Calgary was in our recent May/June issue. He’s been a design force in Western Canada for over 15 years now, and his work ranges from playful and eccentric to elevated and luxe, depending on what the project calls for. For the podcast, Velji will be chatting with his “closest friends and creative muses — artists, makers and icons,” he says, “digging into what’s lighting us up, what’s challenging us and what keeps us going.”

In the dining room of one of Aly Velji’s latest designs in the Varsity Estates neighbourhood of Calgary. (Photo: Michelle Johnson Photography)

Whether you’re working in the industry or inspired by those who are, it promises to be an inspiring listen—guests include broadcaster Marilyn Dennis, Jonathan Sotto of Yabu Pushelberg, textile artist Simone Saunders and Will Sorrell of IDS Vancouver.

“For me, design has always been about more than just aesthetics—it’s about connection, storytelling,” says Velji, “and creating something that feels personal and meaningful.”

Listen to Inspire on all the usual ways you usually do – find the links here.