Awaken The Awesome

Ep. 192 - Care For Eeach Other (w. Coach Djimy Rouzard)

As a Caribbean man, I can tell you firsthand that there is true effort happening as we speak to bring some necessary light to the serious needs of Men in regards to their Mental Health.
Men don't talk. When your cultural and societal upbringing has patiently designed you to keep things in for so long, it it really a surprise?
But - turns out Men will talk to other Men about things.
When I first joined a Men's group some 2-3 years ago, I did not know what to expect. What I found was a group of peers : men, black men, fathers, mostly of Haitian descent who took this confident and intimate step towards opening up to other Men about things on their mind.
This is how I got the opportunity to meet and connect with today's guest, Coach Djimy Rouzard.
As one of the group's main Moderators, Coach D, as he's commonly known, has faithfully helmed our regular meeting sessions as both facilitator and mentor.
Coach D is a Personal Trainer, Speaker, Certified Life Coach and Violence Prevention Specialist for at-risk youths.
Coach D proudly integrates mindfulness into the multi-faceted work he does with people of all ages. His unique approach can help deepen self-awareness, increase well-being, enhance performance, reinforce self-esteem, achieve goals, improve interpersonal relationships and decrease stress.
On this episode, Coach D shares his insights on the important milestones being set by men in our community as they demonstrate an increasing willingness to participate in these groups, how self-forgiveness is necessary, how men are more layered than they're given credit for, doing the work...and so much more.
Enjoy
- Oli
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Ep. 191 - Your Truth Will Guide You (w. Freeway Frank)

 
 
Every time I hit 'Record' to create the magic that brings you guys these episodes, I never fail to be grateful for that pivotal moment where I got to learn the ropes of what would become something I truly do enjoy - and that's the art of broadcasting.
Turns out there's more to just sitting behind a mic and opening your mouth to say what's on your mind.
This last particular detail was very much on my mind over the past few months.
In this Age of Distraction that we're currently experiencing, I've noticed that certain things have become somewhat revolutionary: being yourself, speaking your truth and the consequences that come with that.
I'm not kidding on this one. You hear a lot about authenticity and being vulnerable but I get the feeling that the revolutionaries of today are the ones who speak the uncomfortable truths. And I for one believe my my next guest has a very solid take on the matter. 
"Freeway" Frank Depalo was born and raised in Montreal, and went on to become a popular Canadian radio personality.  Having worked in the industry from coast to coast over the last 30 years, he has hosted top radio shows, including the Canadian Top 20 Countdown, from Vancouver, to Toronto, to Calgary and back to his hometown of Montreal.
In a surprising state of events however, after having helmed hosting duties along with co-host Natasha Gargiulo on Montreal's Virgin Radio morning show for close to 9 years, their services with the station were terminated and both Frank & Natasha were quite literally tossed out.
As heartbreaking as it undoubtedly was, Frank has remained true to his passion for broadcasting and bringing his voice and expertise to serve in a newfound  medium : podcasting.
As the host of the incredible Drive By Podcast, Frank takes off the shackles of traditional radio and, in his own singular, warm and sometimes biting way, discusses topics and issues, some light, some tougher from a perspective that I believe people need to hear.
On this episode, Frank and I have a quite open conversation about how to overcome adversity despite such a public setback, pivoting and reinventing yourself, the dark side of freedom of speech, the hypocrisy of the industry, always staying positive...and some much more.
You can connect with Frank via Instagram : @freewayfrank
Subscribe to The Drive By Podcast via : Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Podbean / Amazon
Enjoy
- Oli
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Ep. 190 - The Endurance Of A Champion (w. Jamal Henry)

 
Enjoy
- Oli
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Ep. 189 - Create Your Vision (w. Andy Pho)

I don't know a thing about the Tattoo culture. 
I have personally teased my brain with the idea of getting one but one thing I  do know about the artists who have truly dedicated their life’s journey to specializing in this very intimate form of art, it’s a beautiful thing to behold.
I came across Andy Pho(@andypho)’s body of work and engaging personality as randomly as an Instagram Reel will allow for that quick 7-second sound bite. 
I could have easily scrolled past it but there was something so truthful and empowering about Andy’s message that I had to get to know about the individual.
Purely from a layman's perspective, when you get to see Andy's impressive work, there is no denying why he is such a well respected artist, known all around the tattoo community.
As an illustrious tattooer, Andy spent most of his life creating art in New York and Las Vegas and has now settled in Texas with the creation of Upside Tattoo, a new vision for a tattoo environment, where he performs custom tattoo work and mentors tattooers of all different styles and experience levels. 
His patience and a do or die mentality has accelerated him as a tattooer, building a reputation upon respect and technique within the community. 
He is continuously pushing the limits of his work, manifesting new concepts into reality. 
For Andy, the art of tattooing is not a job - it is his life’s calling as it’s something he genuinely lives and breathes.
This is not a conversation about the best needle cartridges to use or ink brands he recommends.
What motivated me to have Andy on the show is his clear sense purpose, self awareness and humility despite his unquestionable talent.
Here is a guy who does not sit on his laurels but willingly challenges himself mentally, physically and spiritually in order to consistently fuel his creativity as well as personal growth.
On this episode, Andy shares his insights on self-mastery, the willingness to serve, keeping a positive outlook, staying disciplined...and so much more.
You can connect with Andy via Instagram : @andypho or the Upside Tattoo official website
Enjoy
- Oli
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Ep. 188 - Brothers Got Your Back (w. Danny Moïse)

 
2022 was not the best year for me mentally. 
A lot personal issues, both personal and professional had me really struggling and trying to keep my head level.
In the heat and thick of it, I was trying as best I could to try and find some form of support from outside sources that I felt could rely on. 
See, sometimes, you have to acknowledge when you need help and most importantly, identify the right people that can help you.
Oftentimes, as Men, all we need is an ear to listen and make us feel understood.
And that's how I fortunately came across the impactful work that Danny (@mtl.un.common) was doing with the Men in our community here in Montreal.
Not a Social Worker, not a Therapist - just a regular guy, who, along with other like-minded Men, is motivated to help, simply by listening, creating space and furthering the conversation towards healing and strengthening the necessary bonds between our brothers.
On this episode: how we can be better allies, learning to empathize, having the courage to open up and speak up, vulnerability among Men...and so much more.
You can connect with Danny via Instagram : @mtl.un.common
Enjoy
- Oli
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Ep. 187 - Positive Impact (w. Benjamin Von Wong)

Back in the days when I was really into photography I got to discover a wide array of incredibly talented photographers.
One who undoubtedly stood out was Benjamin Von Wong. Funny enough, it's only a lot later that I found out that, despite his worldly travels and spectacular body of work, that he was local Montrealer.
Ben's work as photographer and visual storyteller is nothing short of amazing. His images are an experience. He pulls you into the story and grabs your emotions with his subjects in a way that not many photographers can aspire to, let alone achieve.
As a bonafied 'artivist' translating devastating data into emotional experiences, he has merged his imagery with his willingness to serve causes he believes can bring valuable change.
Being quite active on social media, he has become known for his photographic projects taking aim at the environmental threats posed by fast fashion, plastics in our oceans and electronic waste.
His current work lies at the intersection of fantasy and photography and combines everyday objects with shocking statistics. 
It has attracted the attention of corporations, like Starbucks, Dell, and Nike and has generated over 100 million views highlighting various environmental issues, such as climate change or biodiversity loss.
He was also most recently named one of Adweek's 11 content branded masterminds.
His projects come together thanks to large-scale collections by an army of volunteers, resulting in spectacular installations designed to capture the imagination and provoke radical changes in our perspectives and our behaviour.
Still carving his own path, and always with the same infectious smile and inspiring energy, he has made it his mission to make positive impact unforgettable.
When passion meets intention and happens to be guided by purpose, it's an obviously potent and impactful mix.
It it possible to change the world?Can one picture make a difference?
If you take it from Von Wong's vantage point, I can assure you the answer is an engaging 'Yes'.
You can connect with Ben via Instagram(@vonwong) or his official website(www.vonwong.com).
For collaborations, you can fill out the Google form via : https://www.vonwong.info 
Enjoy
- Oli
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Ep. 186 - Do What It Takes (w. Stofie ”Staygold” Pok)

In an industry where the workforce has been unmistakably dominated by men, Sofie "Staygold" Pok (@Staygold31) has indeed carved her own path and clearly made her mark.
A celebrated and talented barber for over a decade, Sofie has spent the last decade laser-focused on building her global lifestyle brand, Staygold LA. She's been featured in numerous publications such as VICE, American Salon and Inked to name a few, and has won quite a few prestigious awards in her field including Female Barber of the Year at BarberCon.
Raised in Orange County, she began as a skillful barber with a quest for sharing knowledge and has turned into a highly sought after Visual Artist with a love for global hair education, filmmaking and photography. Sofie enjoys being an open book on her journey to becoming one of - if not THE - most respected female barbers in the world.
She is currently a Global Educator for Babyliss Pro, a brand ambassador for Mizutani Scissors and is a proud co-founder of the STMNT grooming collection, born out her impactful vision along with fellow creators, co-founders & equally talented barbers Julius Arriola(aka @Julius Cvesar) and Miguel Gutierrez (aka @NomadBarber).
Sofie's incredible sense of vulnerability, audacity to remain true to herself, willingness to serve her audience as well as her clients, and never backing down from an opportunity to learn is a testament to her indomitable personality and stratospheric rise. With no signs of slowing down, one can only get excited imagining what the future has in store.
On this episode, Sofie shares her story on breaking away from family scripts, taking chances despite the unknown, learning from every circumstance, focusing on being the best...and so much more.
You can connect with Sofie via Instagram : @staygold31 & @staygold.la
Enjoy
- Oli
 
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Ep. 185 - Clarity (2022 Year-End Special)(w. guest host: Max De La Cruz)

 
Another year.
We've come a long way, dear Awesome Tribe.
Every opportunoty, every guest, every second put into bringing you the value and knowledge that I hope you get from every episode is always, as I like to say often, an honour and a thrill.
2022 has been a year of ups and downs for 'A.T.A' and I can honestly say I questioned my sanity a few times wondering if I had anything left in the tank.
Fortunately, some of you were kind enough to step in and lend a hand. Support comes in many forms and I cannot tell you how your wordsof encouragement, appreciation, check-ins and nudges were always welcome throughout the year.
This year, keeping up woth tradition, your guest host is none other than veteran A.T.A. guest and all-around Awesome gent, Max De La Cruz.
And THIS was a heckuva conversation. Max came out guns blazing and it shows.Memories, highlights, successes, setbacks...he really brought it out of me.
So let's not waste any time and get into this.
The End-Of-Year Special...for your appreciation.
Happy Holidays
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Ep. 184 - Never Too Late (w. Michelle Martel)

 
 
On today's episode...
I want to first and foremost give a shoutout to Isaiah.
I connected with Isaiah some years ago. I can tell you I know an awesome gent when I meet one.
At the time, holding down hosting resposabilities for The Booth Life which is how he came across my radar as local Montreal doing his podcast thing.
And one of his guests, on one of his later episodes, he actually interviewed his mom, Ms Michelle Martel, and she had an amazing story to tell.
Michelle basically rewrote her script. Even after leaving workforce, going back home, raise kids full time and then decidingtake the helm of her own life and go back to school and just open up a new chapter in her life as famed and reputableinterior designer. With a notoriety that caught the eye of established publications such as Apartment Therapy & HGTV.
I'm just letting you guys know that if you go on her Instagram page, it's definitely something that's going to brighten up your day.
We always think that it's too late to rewrite our script, when I don't believe that at all.
It is so inspiring to see people, even at a certain point in your life, even having good done the career, the kids...can go farther. If you listen to Michelle's story, it's something that can only show you how a choice can define the greater things that are to come.
Another exciting episode, which I do hope you'll enjoy.
You can connect with Michelle via her Instagram page : @michellemartelathome
or email : michellemartelinteriors (at) gmail.com
#StayAwesome
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Ep. 183 - Reading IS Fundamental (w. Ty Allan Jackson)

"I may not have all the answers but I'm sure there's a book that does."
Those were, among many more, some of my father's memorable words of wisdom. 
Whenever my siblings and I would come to him with a question beyond his impressive knowledge, with those words, he was simply nudging us to get resourceful and just figure it out.
And 'figuring it out' often meant digging and researching within the incredible amount of books he had on every conceivable topic. No joke.
This eventually led to a serious love for books and thirst for knowledge that has stayed with us to this day.
These are the kind of powerful anecdotes that my next guest truly resonates with as his passion for the wonders and rewards that stem from the love of reading are summed up in his personal slogan : Read or Else.
Ty Allan Jackson is an award-winning children’s book author, youth motivational speaker, literacy advocate, and honorary Doctorate recipient. 
A three-time TEDx presenter, he travels around the US inspiring children to read and educating adults about the impacts of illiteracy. 
Jackson’s self-published books have been featured on CNN, NBC Nightly News, The Steve Harvey Show, PBS, and the Hallmark Channel. 
In 2020, he appeared on Marvel’s Hero Project on Disney+ and a Good Morning America segment featuring Sidney Keys, a young man who was inspired by Jackson’s book Danny Dollar Millionaire Extraordinaire: The Lemonade Escapade to create an innovative book club for Black boys. 
Ty is also the cofounder of the Read or Else movement and the financial literacy program, the Danny Dollar Academy.
On this episode, Ty shows us how to push past the rejection and create our own opportunities, the importance of standing firmly in our happiness, practical tips to get your kids on board with reading more ...and so much more.
You can connect with Ty via his many presences around the web, including...
His Instagram page : @ty_allan_jackson
His main website : https://tyallanjackson.com/
To shop for Ty's books and merch : https://tyallanjackson.com/shop/
#StayAwesome
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