Awaken The Awesome

Ep. 072 - (Not So Happy) Holidays

On this solo episode - Highlighting my personal thoughts about an uncomfortable yet very real side of the holidays that some people would rather avoid talking about : Seasonal Affective Disorder (also known as Seasonal Depression.)
Thank you for listening.
#StayAwesome

Ep. 071 - Unmatched Quality (w. Coach Jay Renaud)

In the spirit of the New Year, I wanted to kick things off with an interview that I was fortunate enough to get with an individual who truly embodies what we try to promote and encourage here on the podcast. And that is to concretely and effectively ensure that your actions are elevated to the same level as your ambitions.
Don't let his bright smile and warm personality fool you - today's guest, Coach Jacques Renaud, or  just "Jay" for short, is a beast and in that mindset, pulls no punches. His clients - well, those who survived anyway - are the first to account for his dedication that has made them sweat, scream, cry, curse...and eventually acknowledge the reward of a job well done.
Jay's core values are rooted in his belief that one is accountable for their own success...or failure. He's not here to do the work for you but he will commit to guide you towards you getting the work done. 
A belief that has shaped his life, business and brand. As he likes to put it: "JayTrain is not just a workout...it's a lifestyle. 

Ep. 070 - Looking Back. Looking Ahead. (The Year-End Special)

On this solo episode, I wanted to close out the year with a simple yet intimate look back at the wild ride that has been this podcast so far. 
70 episodes is nothing to take for granted and it's definitely something that I had to acknowledge. 
With a deep sense of gratitude, humility, excitement, and ambition, I just wanted to share a bit of my personal side of the story so far.
With my sincere thanks and appreciation for your continued support, feedback and appreciation,
Enjoy.

Ep. 069 - You Have To Keep Pushing (w. Chef Alain Lemaire)

What I love about these exchanges I have the opportunity and privilege to share with these amazing individuals is the impactful truth and vulnerability that often resonates from their individual stories.
The fact that these are some of the brightest and most dedicated souls I get to chat with is also something to mark as noteworthy.
I could've taken this recording in quite a few familiar directions and had my next guest talk about his career, beginnings, accolades, awards, achievements, etc... but that's not why I reached out to him.
Thing is, this recording happened purely by drop of coincidence as I was catching up on one Chef Alain Lemaire's recent episodes from his Chef Talk podcast and the topic of the episode, which in itself was a very short one, was not one I would have brushed over.
I've never been shy about talking my personal issues with Mental Health and I have along the years found myself quite sensitive to the conversations and personal accounts I come across. So when I heard this quick episode about what was indeed a powerful yet unspoken topic, I was eager to connect with Chef Lemaire and invite him to share a bit more on his personal perspective on the matter of Mental Health issues in the culinary industry.
An episode charged with Chef Lemaire's usual sense of commitment, wisdom, generosity and honesty. And even though we only had a short time to make it happen, this was certainly one I'm sure you'll enjoy regardless.

Ep. 068 - Fiercely Loyal

On this short solo episode - I had this impactful memory hit me like a truck where I realized what it truly means to commit and honour your own core values. 
Enjoy.

Ep. 067 - The Pursuit

On this short solo episode - why I believe one's journey is the sum of simple habits.
Enjoy.

Ep. 066 - Align With Who You Truly Are (w. Gerardine Jeune)

I have a tremendous respect and appreciation for people whose work and overall message is a testament to their genuine authenticity as well as their dedication to serve something greater than themselves.
It's also a bonus when, given the opportunity to connect and exchange with these individuals, you come to find out how thoughtful, generous and incredibly down-to-earth they happen to be.
From her various posts and incredible content, ranging from fashion trends to personal development to image consulting, Gerardine Jeune, who most commonly goes by her familiar monicker MlleGeri, really stood out as someone obviously in tune with her sense of purpose and identity.
Throughout this candid and relaxed conversation, I had the opportunity to see the world through a very interesting perspective. Indeed, as you'll soon get to hear, you'd be surprised how some subtle details in our physical environment can reveal so much more about who we are. She was even gracious enough to give me some advice about a little personal dilemma I happened to share prior to our recording but felt appropriate to touch on.
The journey towards personal growth is one of commitment and and discipline, and Ms Geri's both honest and caring input is truly one to cherish.

Ep. 065 - Hug It Out

On this short solo episode, a small anecdote on refereeing the two minions and how, even at their tender age, they can surprise me in the  most amazing ways. 
Enjoy.

Ep. 064 - Arm People with Love, Hope & Faith (w. Svens Telemaque)

"I'm not interested in talking about your rap sheet" is what I told him.
Sure. It would have been easy and simple to make this a conversation layered with stories about his less precarious past. Anecdotes about his run-ins with the law, to local gangs, to friends that are not with us anymore, to pushing, to incarceration...
That, in my opinion was an easy route and consequentially a small thread in the tapestry that defines my next guest's journey.
Indeed, though his work as a poet, author, speaker, youth counselor and International Arms Dealer(not the kind you're thinking of), Svens Telemaque stood out to me as a true testament in regards to the fact that we truly are not defined by our past circumstances - but are certainly shaped by them.
This exchange was a long time coming as I'd been meaning to have Svens on the podcast for quite a long time. I'll admit he'd been added rather early to the increasingly long list of potential guests I'd been considering for this program.
What eventually transpired was a truly powerful, engaging and at times vulnerable exchange with an individual who, even having clearly connected with his sense of purpose, is still actively learning to strike the balance between his personal frailties and his mission to serve.
I'm thankful to Svens for his many lessons in courage, resilience and accountability throughout this amazing exchange.

Ep. 063 - Pursue What Inspires You (w. Christopher Durst)

One of the truest and most amazing things about this journey is the incredible conversations and wonderful insights I get to experience from these awesome people who accept my invitation to sit down and share their story and time. Most often, these people are genuinely new to my circle and these recordings are often the first interactions we get to have with each other. But, on some instances, some of these amazing guests are people whose work I've been a fan of for a really long time. And it's a pretty awesome treat when they say "Yes" to be on the program.
A wildly inspired Photographer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist...Christopher Durst has had an incredible impact on me over the years. Through what I can only describe as a sense purpose and drive, Christopher's message of overall body of work expresses a perspective that has always resonated with me over the years.
On this episode, I'm honoured to touch base with him about a formidable journey he and his associate, Will Loconto, are about to embark on. In short - 10 years. Start with $50 each...get to $500M. Simple enough, right? Surely not.
And it's this kind of audacity, long-term vision, and commitment that I wanted to tap into. Since we can all agree that accomplishing such a feat takes a special kind of mindset.
You can view Christopher's amazing photography portfolio on his official website and also stay in touch on Social Media as you can find him on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
Also, check out this intro to the Journey to 500 Million below and stay in touch with journey itself via the official Instagram page.