Get to know Steve Goldbloom, host of The Spark!
Meet the newest member of the Calm family!
We’re welcoming Steve Goldbloom, host of The Spark—a new Calm series offering a quick dose of motivation, inspiration, humor, and comfort. Twice a week, Steve interviews a variety of fascinating people, ranging from entrepreneurs to athletes to inspiring thought leaders. Each guest will share their own wisdom and "eureka" moments.
Steve is no stranger to the mic; he has interviewed hundreds of people throughout his career. Previously he hosted the Forbes Under 30 podcast, the PBS series Everything But The News, and was even nominated for an Emmy for Brief But Spectacular.
So what’s the new kid on the block all about? (To start: He’s Canadian! Like really Canadian.) We took some time to get to know Steve:
What was it like growing up in Canada?
I was born in Halifax and mostly raised in Toronto. But, despite being a die-hard Leafs fan, I’m proudest of my maritime roots. My production company Second Peninsula is named after my family's favorite spot in the province, where we spent every summer.
I think there’s an unassuming quality that comes with being Canadian. It gives you a license to observe, which can lend itself to better understanding people. In my case, it has allowed me to connect quickly with strangers. I’ve spent the past decade interviewing people for a living, so that trait has given me an incalculable advantage over the years.
Sorry, we’re stuck on Canada. What are a few uniquely Canadian things we might not know about?
We call garbage disposals “garburators.” We call hazard lights “four ways.” And for most of my childhood, I referred to wind-chill as “windshield.” As in: “It’s going to be 30 below windshield tomorrow.” At some point, I realized it was only me who did this. I’m prone to malapropisms, by the way. I inherited it from my mom.
What are three things you loved as a kid you still enjoy today?
Other people. Hockey. American history (go figure).
Which notable figure—dead or alive—would be your dream guest for The Spark?
Her Majesty The Queen. I mean, how does she do it?
What are some of your favorite movies?
Network and Body Heat.
My ideal vacation looks like:
Ocean. Boats. Fishing. Beach. Reading. Eating fish … repeat. My wife enjoys 4/6 of those activities, so it’s always a bit of a negotiation.
What is one thing that instantly relaxes you (besides Calm)?
My daughter’s laugh.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m left-handed. I mean, how would they?
During my downtime, I …
fantasize about playing in the NHL.
The only thing I’m irrationally afraid of is …
over-confident squirrels.
The most underrated food, dish, or condiment is …
maple syrup. I realize that answer is a little too on brand but its usefulness extends well beyond the sweets and is essential in most salad dressings. My wife Jenny wants to “cut back on our sugar” so she doesn’t think I use it anymore in our dressings, but I do. And have been for years. Sorry, Jenny.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Can you imagine if I answered anyone other than my wife and daughter? I would never be heard from again...
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned since becoming a dad?
First, I can function on far less sleep than I ever imagined. There’s nothing that conditions you better for a red-eye than living with a baby. Second, the beautiful and spectacular moments of parenting—like when you make eye contact with your child and laugh spontaneously—tend to happen when you slow everything way down. I’m still refining this skill but it’s where the magic is.
What is your idea of happiness?
Feeling content with what you have. Feeling like what you have is enough.
What’s one motto you try to live by?
The thing that trips us up the most in life is the picture in our head of the way it’s supposed to be.
Get to know Steve by tuning into The Spark on Calm!
