Justin Leger has been a close friend of mine since we were platoon commanders together in the Canadian Special Operations Regiment.

Justin finished his military career as a senior officer in the Royal Canadian Navy transitioned to civilian work during his MBA at Royal Roads University. Currently, he’s an Executive at Maximus Canada leading a multidisciplinary team focused on helping government deliver public services

An example of the strategic planning tool Justin referenced can be found here:

https://scalingup.com/growth-tools/

I interview Maximillian Waid, a local practitioner of an alternative healing technique known as bioenergetics. He and I discuss the session he conducted with me and the way his practice focuses on identifying emotional trauma to release the body and mind from pain and illness. Contact Maximillian for more information or to book a session through his website:

https://www.aeon.health/

Stephanie Arnold has a MA in political science and is working towards an MSc in the social dimensions of health. Her studies focus on the intersection of culture and policy and how these effect users of illicit substances.

Stephanie posts about issues related to this topic and more on her twitter:

@lilbbyacademic

Dr.TimParé has aPh.D. in Counselling Psychology and haspracticed asa psychologist for over thirty years.Tim shares his experiences and techniques in active listening and the development of counselling therapy since Freud. He also provides insight into how some patterns of thought which would have been helpful to our ancestors may be maladaptive in modern society and how to overcome fears.

https://www.mosshealthcare.com/team-members/dr-timothy-pare/

Dr. Robert Gifford and I discuss the psychological barriers to environmental action.

More information as well as contact information for Robert can be found on his website:

https://www.dragonsofinaction.com/

Jordan and I speak about the rise and influence of comic books and discuss whether racism is on the rise in the West.

Josh Nobleman is a friend I have met since moving to Victoria this summer. I wanted to interview him on the podcast after hearing how nuanced and well thought out his opinions were during personal conversations on a wide variety of topics.

We certainly don’t stick to any one topic, but if you you are interested in an open conversation about politics, work, and friendship I’d love to hear what you think of this podcast and our many tangents.

Josh offers private LSAT tutoring out of Victoria, BC. Contact him for more information at his website:

https://joshs-lsat-tutoring.business.site/

Elisha Almeida and I delve into her experiences working with troubled youth and some of the different social pressures and contradictory expectations placed on modern men and women. Elisha also has some beautiful insights into the integration of the feminine spirit.

Elisha runs a catering business specializing in supporting retreats with delicious and nourishing meals. Reach out to Elisha on Instagram cheekymonkeycaters or via her website cheekymonkeycaters.com

Questions, comments, or generalized existential terror can be directed to @contra_podcast or [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

This week’s guest is Alex Paquin. Through intense will and focus Alex has built an amazing lifestyle, family, and business on Vancouver Island. He has forced distraction out of his life and surrounded himself with the activities and people that bring him joy. We go into the daily tactics, strategies, and motivations he has used to overcome his personal obstacles and build the life he wants.

Alex is the founder and owner of Peak Orthotics and is opening a new venture on Vancouver Island's West Coast called Wild Pacific Camp. He has also been a touring musician, sponsored big mountain skiier, and all around adventurer.