On today's episode of Conscious Collingwood we host our first  guest, Dan Fotopoulos. Dan is the co-owner of Everlove Yoga Studio in Collingwood, visionary and leader of local men's groups and a realtor by trade.

We start off as Dan shares what brought him and his family to Collingwood and the origin and purpose behind the men's groups he facilitates out of Everlove. Starting off with one circle of men less than a year ago, Dan now has four active circles, co-captains and a waiting list of other men eager to expand their awareness. It's inspiring  to see a community of men who are committed to cultivating deeper relationships with themselves, those they love and willingness to connect with other like minded men.

THEN, for the first time Dan is sharing his story about his recent vision quest, an 8 day camping experience where he was unplugged from technology. Part of this experience was a 4 of the day fast, in the bush, alone in the heart of Texas, with only drinking water, minimal gear, a journal, and nature as his only friend.

Dan shares what prompted him to even contemplate a trip of this magnitude and how it all came to fruition.  He shares the journey getting there, how he prepared for the fast and some great stories along the way. Let's just say this wasn’t a vacation. This was a full on spiritual death and rebirth. 

Buckle up for this one. 

In today's episode of Conscious Collingwood, we take you on a journey beyond the ordinary. In this unscripted conversation, we unravel the complexities of our world and delve deep into our personal opinion the impact media has on our thoughts and emotions. We explore how the constant stream of information can often trap us in a cycle of dwelling on the past, leaving us disconnected from the beauty of the present and our power to make a positive change.

Justin offers a grounded perspective, reminding us that the coexistence of good and evil provides us with the necessary contrast and diverse viewpoints that enrich our lives.

As the conversation unfolds, we discuss the delicate balance of seeking external validation and share personal experiences in this regard.

Join us as we reflect on our journey, the power of gratitude, and the hard work that has brought them to where they are today. Conscious Collingwood is your ticket to a deeper understanding of the world and a reminder that in our shared human experience, we have the potential to create more beauty and meaning. Tune in and become a conscious contributor to the world we live in.

Welcome back! In this episode we get right into our epic and gruelling 10k Spartan race. This intense race was no ordinary feat. Set against the backdrop of beautiful Blue Mountain, it was made ever more challenging by the muddied terrain. The constant struggle to maintain balance while conquering uphill and downhill sections added an extra layer of intensity. Then throw in 25 relentless obstacles, everything from treacherous monkey bars to crawling under menacing barbed wire and lugging heavy sandbags through the mud.

We share our invaluable takeaways and the profound self-discoveries that emerged from this demanding experience. We also discuss our contemplation of whether we'll return to the Spartan arena and what exciting adventures lie ahead.

We both express deep gratitude for the dedication we've poured into our physical health over the past year, setting ourselves up to perform at our best in this unforgiving competition.

To wrap it up, we reflect on our friend and brother, Dan Fotopoulos, who is embarking on a four-day vision quest in Texas. While we hope he returns with newfound insight and motivation, we can’t help but wonder if he’ll come back as a changed, and perhaps, slightly eccentric individual. 

We hope you enjoy this weeks episode of  Conscious Collingwood as we explore and reflect on this awesome Spartan adventure.

Welcome to another exciting episode of Conscious Collingwood. Get ready for a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration as we delve into the concept of our higher selves and connect it to the Hero's Journey.

We kick things off by discussing our higher selves and how they relate to the epic Hero's Journey. Jeff shares his inspiration, Tom Cruise, as his higher self, while Justin finds alignment with the Matthew McConaughey archetype, envisioning himself a decade into the future. It's a captivating exploration of our aspirational personas!

Justin then delves into the world of "Surge Class," where he guides participants in tapping into their unique higher self archetype. This higher self archetype is a psycho-physical theme that materializes through daily habits, actions, and thoughts, making you physically healthier and more capable of achieving your future aspirations. Imagine having a vivid visualization that inspires you to become the absolute best version of yourself.

Jeff shares a compelling story about his introduction to the higher self archetype by the enigmatic Ariana. He recounts his transformative experience during a retreat known as the "Purpose Quest," where he designed his dream team and dove deep into meditation, leading to profound acceptance and excitement for his future coaching journey.
We also tackle the question of whether living with purpose can lead to a disease-free existence and why even luminaries like Ram Dass may still grapple with pain and illness despite their enlightenment.

Justin jumps in with a holistic perspective on embodiment, unveiling the secrets to living consciously and avoiding the pitfalls of pain, discomfort, and potential diseases over time. We wrap up by discussing the essential balance between responsiveness and reactivity in our day-to-day lives.

So, if you're in the mood for an episode filled with insights, introspection, and a touch of humour, Conscious Collingwood offers a journey toward embracing your higher self and living your best, most conscious life. Join us on this adventure of self-discovery!

Welcome to another episode of Conscious Collingwood. In this podcast, we're diving deep into some of the most relatable and impactful topics that you can apply to your own life for positive change and growth.

First up, we're exploring "Sober October" and our personal relationships with substances like alcohol and marijuana. We'll discuss the pursuit of a balanced lifestyle, one that avoids the extremes and finds that sweet spot in the middle. It's about learning when to rally and when to say no, always choosing what's best for you on any given day.

Moving on, we tackle the ever-present challenge of procrastination and achieving productivity. We'll share our insights on managing the expectations we place on ourselves and dealing with those nagging feelings of guilt or not doing enough. The key is realizing that you are, in fact, doing enough and discovering how to be at ease with your daily output while finding grace for yourself.

We'll reveal the superpower of "beginning again" and how it can propel you towards success in all aspects of your life. Learning how to restart, recalibrate, and keep moving forward is a fundamental skill for achieving your goals.

Habit formation is another essential topic we explore, drawing parallels to the power of compounding interest. Small, consistent actions can lead to significant, positive changes over time. We'll share tips and strategies to help you develop and maintain habits that support your growth and well-being.

Justin opens up about the pitfalls of the "rise and grind" mentality and emphasizes the incredible power of a good night's sleep. Sacrificing sleep now can lead to a hefty price later, and he'll shed light on the importance of prioritizing rest for long-term success.

So, if you're eager to learn about balancing your lifestyle, achieving productivity while finding grace in your efforts, harnessing the superpower of starting afresh, and mastering the art of habit formation, this episode of Conscious Collingwood is a must-listen. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with valuable insights to apply in your own life journey.

In this episode, we start off by sharing stories about our friend Ariana, who's known for her penchant for asking profound questions and our weekly rituals that keep us grounded.

As we delve deeper into our conversation, we shift our focus to the significant transition we both underwent—from physical labor in the construction industry to a more mentally engaging path.

We reflect on our individual journeys toward pursuing our dreams and passions, and the incredible transformation it has brought to our lives. This transformation has led us to a happier, more present, and harmonious state of being.

Justin shares a personal health journey, revealing how he successfully overcame asthma through lifestyle changes and a deliberate approach to managing stress. This includes a combination of weightlifting, running, and breathwork.

Our discussion takes an intriguing turn as we explore the realm of intuition, emphasizing its heart-centered nature and its crucial role in navigating life's complexities.

Jeff chimes in with an engaging story about how Dan convinced him to attend an ecstatic dance event, an experience that unexpectedly deepened his connection with his wife.

Along the way, our conversation takes an unexpected detour, leading us to discuss topics like gathering our own food and farming, exploring the profound connection between self-sustainability and our evolving perspectives.

But rest assured, we eventually return to our central theme—relationships. We share insights into how we approach receiving feedback and explore the concept of the "divine mirror" within relationships. We ponder whether they help us grow together or potentially lead us down separate paths.

So, join us on this captivating episode of "Conscious Collingwood" as we delve into a wide range of interconnected life facets, sharing stories and insights that we hope will resonate with you.

Welcome everyone! 
In their inaugural podcast episode, Justin and Jeff open up about their individual journeys leading to the present day, recounting the experiences that shaped them. They delve into the story of how they crossed paths and ultimately formed a connection. Additionally, they discuss the underlying purpose and motivation for launching this podcast, providing insight into what listeners can expect from future episodes.
Welcome to Conscious Collingwood