Awaken The Awesome

It started out with one song. Just a simple listen of one song and I was hell-bent of having this individual on the podcast.

The lyrics, the beat, the energy, the message...come to think of it, I guess it was pretty good mix of all of the above. 

What was undeniable though was the feeling I felt from the words of truth and honesty that his latest single "Lakay Mwen"("My Home" in Creole) was conveying. 

See, Chabin Golden Child, through a very colourful and intelligent mix of wordplay and humor, talks about the social and racial discrimination that stems from the simple fact of being of a lighter skin tone in one's own homeland.  

The words (and the infectious rhythm) sure did a number on me. Not that the subject matter was in any way news to me. Not in the least. But I applauded this creative and transparent effort in highlighting a very real (and ongoing) issue. 

Conversation was a short one as we were unfortunately met with some pesky technical difficulties. We can't solve issues overnight - but talking about them, whether through creative mediums or other platforms, is a definite step in the right direction.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

Enjoy.

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.

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.

"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.