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Step Outside Your Comfort Zone with Wesley Warshawer

Ready for real growth? Discover how venturing beyond your usual perspectives can lead to powerful personal epiphanies. In this conversation with Wesley Warshawer you'll hear engaging stories from his journeys across the globe—from Arizona to South Korea, Togo, Chile, and beyond—each one revealing the wisdom gained by connecting with different cultures and challenging one's own assumptions.

If you’re curious, open-minded, and believe in lifelong learning, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring moments that will encourage you to stretch your boundaries, embrace discomfort, and accelerate your growth. Tune in and learn how breaking out of your bubble can transform the way you see yourself and the world around you.

A Bit About Wesley

As a storyteller and keen observer, Wesley Warshawer recalls a simple attempt to share a Halloween joke with someone unfamiliar with the "knock knock" tradition. When the joke fell flat, Wesley realized the importance of cultural context in communication. This brief, awkward exchange became a pivotal moment, opening Wesley’s eyes to the subtle assumptions we make about shared knowledge and the invisible bubbles shaping our understanding of humour and connection.

For More About Wesley:

Website: Wesley Warshawer

Substack: Wesley Warshawer | Substack

Recent Publication: We’re Not as Divided as We Think: The Hidden Unity in America

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You can connect with David Gouthro at:

• Website:https://davidgouthro.com/  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/

NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals!

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On today’s episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives, I sat down with Australian marketing expert John Dwyer, who shared how flipping the traditional branding approach—letting customers “taste” your product first—can drive massive results.

We explored creative freemium tactics, unforgettable incentives like free vacations, and how even the most ordinary business can stand out with the right wow factor. If you’re ready to break free from me-too marketing and start generating more leads with direct response strategies, this episode is packed with actionable, out-of-the-box ideas you don’t want to miss.

A Bit About John

John Dwyer stands out in the marketing world by challenging the conventions of traditional advertising agencies. While most agencies focus on slow brand-building tactics—like bus ads, sponsorships, and hoping customers eventually try a product—Dwyer revolutionizes this approach.

He believes in turning the process upside down: by getting people to experience the product first, he ensures they fall in love with the brand immediately. John's innovative philosophy cuts through the noise, delivering rapid engagement and tangible results for his clients.

To Reach Out to John:

Email: [email protected]

Website - https://theinstituteofwow.com/

Vacation Incentive - https://vacationsincentive.com/

Facebook Contest Leads - https://leadscontest.com/

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You can connect with David Gouthro at:

• Website:https://davidgouthro.com/  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/

NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals!

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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! Today, host David Gouthro sits down with business leadership and mindset coach Dagmar Meachem, whose expertise lies in helping people get unstuck and move toward meaningful change.

With a diverse clientele ranging from new founders and business leaders to elite mountain bikers, Dagmar shares her unique approach to coaching, the mindset shifts required for growth, and the power of reframing limiting beliefs. Tune in for an insightful conversation that explores what it means to recognize when you’re stuck, how to unlock your potential, and practical steps you can take to achieve lasting transformation in work and life.

A Bit About Dagmar

Dagmar is someone people turn to when they feel stuck or unable to move forward in life. She understands that many come to her with a goal, a dream, or simply a persistent frustration holding them back.

Dagmar helps clients uncover what's standing in their way, guiding them past obstacles so they can become, do, and have what they truly desire. Her approach begins by meeting people exactly where they are and supporting them as they work through their struggles toward meaningful change.

For More Info:

Website: https://couragespace.com

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dagmarmeachem/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragespacecoaching/

FALL Through Change Model - Free Diagnostic Tool for identifying where you're stuck in any change - FREE when you sign up for Dagmar's newsletter here.

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You can connect with David Gouthro at:

• Website:https://davidgouthro.com/  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/

NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals!

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Curious about what improv comedy can teach you about creativity, change, and resilience? Join us as Avish Parashar dives into the power of the “Yes, And” mindset—revealing how being open, embracing failure, and taking small purposeful steps can transform not just individuals, but whole organizations.

If you’re ready to learn practical ways to unlock your potential, respond to change with confidence, and infuse your daily life with greater creativity, this episode is made for you. Tap in for a fresh perspective and actionable inspiration!

A Bit ABout Avish:

Avish Parashar’s journey began with his parents taking pride in his academic decisions, but everything changed when he discovered improv comedy in his freshman year of college. Auditioning just for fun, Avish quickly immersed himself in the world of improv.

By senior year, others saw his talent and encouraged him to consider performing as a career. After graduating, he initially worked as a computer programmer but soon followed his passion by founding an improv group in Philadelphia, blending his love for performance with his professional ambitions.

Website: AvishParashar.com

Book: SayYesAndtoChange.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avishparashar/

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You can connect with David Gouthro at:

• Website:https://davidgouthro.com/  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/

NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Discover Fresh Perspectives. In this episode, host David Gouthro sits down with Mike McGraw, a candidate for mayor in the City of North Vancouver. David recently read a statistic which indicated that on Vancouver's North Shore, over the last number of elections, incumbents won something like 93% of the time. This makes it very difficult for someone who is not an incumbent (and may be relatively unknown) to be given serious consideration as a candidate.

David (who lives in West Vancouver) decided to have a conversation with a mayoral candidate outside his own municipality. He felt it's important for people to get to know a person who is running beyond what is found on their website or in all-candidates' meetings. Yes, it was a bit of an experiment!

As the city prepares for another election, David explores the character, motivation, and leadership approach of Mike McGraw—beyond typical debates and campaign literature. Together, they discuss what inspired Mike to enter public service, his commitment to servant leadership, and the challenges and hopes facing North Vancouver.

From the importance of engaged local governance and transparent decision-making, to bridging multicultural communities and empowering young voters, this candid conversation offers listeners a deeper look at the person behind the platform—and why truly listening to residents matters now more than ever.

About Mike McGraw

Mike McGraw grew up in North Vancouver, a place that always felt like home, even after his family moved away for a time. When they returned in 2008, he was eager to reconnect with the community. Inspired by his wife’s question about how he would get involved, Mike began attending school PAC meetings.

What started as a way to reconnect soon became a greater mission, as he took on a leadership role, helping to transform the district PAC into a strong voice for parents. Along the way, the encouragement of others led Mike to consider running for the school board, further deepening his commitment to serving North Vancouver families.

[Mike's Campaign Website: https://mcgraw4mayor.ca]

About David Gouthro

David Gouthro is a civic-minded individual who values character and transparency in municipal leadership. Although he does not reside in North Vancouver, he believes voters deserve deeper insights into their candidates than typical debates or websites provide.

Seeking to foster informed decision-making, David engages in candid conversations—such as his interview with mayoral candidate Mike McGraw—to help the community get to know their potential representatives beyond campaign platforms.

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You can connect with David Gouthro at:

• Website:https://davidgouthro.com/  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/

NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In today’s episode, host David Gouthro sits down with Kirsten Anderson, a self-described "playologist," to explore the vital role of playfulness in our personal lives and workplaces.

From her journey managing her family’s toy store to becoming an advocate for play at work, Kirsten shares why embracing play isn’t just for kids anymore—and how it can foster creativity, trust, and psychological safety even in the most serious corporate environments.

Listen in as we unpack the science, stories, and practical tips to bring more levity, connection, and innovation into your day-to-day, whether you’re leading a team or simply looking to enrich your life with a little more fun.

A Bit About Kirsten

Kirsten Anderson is a self-proclaimed “playologist,” a title she created after years of researching and practicing the power of play in daily life and at work. Her journey began on Granville Island, where she managed The Granville Island Toy Company, her mother’s store, for a decade. Later, Kirsten opened her own toy store in Port Moody, determined to do things differently from big box retailers.

She focused on personal customer service, training her team to act as “toyologists”—specialists who listened to each customer’s needs before making recommendations. Donning white lab coats with “Toyologist Prescriptions for Fun” emblazoned on the back, Kirsten and her team delivered playful solutions and expert toy guidance, ensuring every visitor left with the perfect find.

Resources

View Kirsten in Action - Speaker Reel

Kirsten's Website

Kirsten's LinkedIn

Kirsten's email

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You can connect with David Gouthro at:

• Website:https://davidgouthro.com/  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/

NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In today’s episode, David Gouthro sits down with Jeremy Strozer, a passionate advocate for embracing uncertainty, balancing personal capabilities, and fostering community. From his early drive to make a meaningful difference in the world—even aspiring to end war as a teenager—to his current mission to help people “thrive in any future,” Jeremy Strozer shares insights drawn from his rich experiences in international relations, improv, and disaster planning.

Together, David and Jeremy explore the tension between what we want to achieve and what we’re actually able to do, the power of accepting and working with uncertainty, and the importance of collaboration and community. Along the way, Jeremy explains how improv can be a model for navigating life’s unpredictability—and offers practical tips for anyone looking to find balance and take meaningful action, no matter their circumstance. This is a conversation filled with wisdom, optimism, and the encouragement to embrace both our limits and our potential.

A Bit About Jeremy

Jeremy Strozer has spent much of his life driven by the powerful inner story that he must create, contribute, and achieve. For years, he poured his energy into producing and making a difference in the world, guided by high expectations and a sense of responsibility.

However, as time has passed and his physical capabilities have changed, Jeremy has found himself reflecting on his motivations and limitations. Now, he seeks a healthier balance between ambition and acceptance, learning to honour both his desire to contribute and the reality of his current abilities.

Resources

Jeremy's Website

Improv Your Parenting: The Art of Turning Parenting Into Play! [Substack]

Improv Your Parenting on YouTube

Threads of War podcast on YouTube: Personal Truth-Inspired Flash-Fiction of The 20th Century's War

Threads of the War [books}

• Volume 1
• Volume 2
• Volume 3
• Volume 4

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You can connect with David Gouthro at:

• Website:https://davidgouthro.com/  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/

NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In this episode, host David Gouthro is joined by his longtime friend and colleague, Lea Brovedani, to dive into the fascinating world of speaking on cruise ships.

With over 20 years of experience blending her passions for travel and public speaking, Lea shares the unique journey that led her from being a pioneer in the field of emotional intelligence to delivering engaging presentations around trust and resilience on the high seas.

Together, David and Lea unravel the myths, mechanics, and personal joys of this unconventional speaking circuit, offering advice for those interested in following a similar path.

Whether you’re a fellow speaker, avid traveler, or simply curious about life aboard a cruise, this conversation promises fresh insights, practical guidance, and a few laughs along the way.

A Bit About Lea:

Over 20 years ago, Lea Brovedani got her start as a speaker on a Princess Cruise Line ship, journeying from Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta and back. With young children and a modest income, Lea discovered that giving talks on cruises offered her family an affordable way to travel—simply covering her husband’s airfare while enjoying a memorable holiday together. This creative solution sparked Lea’s enduring journey in public speaking, blending her professional passion with family adventures.

Lea's LinkedIn Profile

Lea's Resources:

Lea's website for cruise speaking is leabrovedanispeaker.com

Agencies that book speakers for cruise ships:

• Sixth Star Entertainment
• Compass Speakers and Entertainment
• Tim Castle
• Posh Talks
• Starboard Speakers
• Cruise Ship Enrichment

To go directly to the cruise ships:

• Princess Cruises: https://www.princesscruisesentertainment.com/careers/enrichment
• Oceania regularly carries destination lecturers and guest speakers on many voyages
  • Events Department: 305-436-4465
  • Events Email: [email protected]
• Regent Seven Seas https://www.oceaniacruises.com/charters-meetings-incentives

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You can connect with David Gouthro at:

• Website:https://davidgouthro.com/  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/

NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In this episode, host David Gouthro sits down with Ted DesMaisons, an expert in improv, mindfulness, and the art of bringing these two worlds together. Ted shares his journey from discovering improv at Stanford University to becoming an advocate for applied improvisation and mindfulness, both in personal growth and professional environments.

Through engaging stories—like playful improv games and heartfelt anecdotes about teaching and dog training—Ted reveals how core improv principles such as "yes, and" and "make your partner look good" create stronger connections, foster creativity, and help navigate both everyday challenges and deeper human experiences.

Join us as Ted explores the intersection of curiosity, kindness, and presence, offering practical wisdom for cultivating an improviser’s mindset in life. Whether you’re a leader, parent, teammate, or simply striving for a more joyful, connected existence, this conversation promises insights and inspiration for embracing life’s unpredictability with confidence and compassion.

A Bit About Ted:

Ted DesMaison’s journey into improv began during his freshman year at Stanford University, where he worked in the admissions office as part of his work-study program.

While on the job, he struck up a friendship with a recent graduate who was passionate about improv, having studied under the renowned Patricia Ryan Madsen. The graduate’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Ted found himself drawn into the world of improvisational theater.

What started as a casual introduction soon developed into a foundational experience, giving Ted an early taste of creativity, spontaneity, and collaboration that would influence his personal and professional path for years to come.

More Resources!

www.playfulmindfulness.info/store for Ted's book/e-book/audio book

www.animalearning.com for Ted's current main site

www.appliedimprov.com for Ted's Advanced Applied Improvisation trainings

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You can connect with David Gouthro at:

• Website:https://davidgouthro.com/  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/

NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to Discover Fresh Perspectives! I’m David Gouthro, and in this episode, I’m joined by the awesome Colette Shaw, a former college dean with a passion for supporting students who find themselves in trouble. From minor rule-breaking to more serious misconduct, Colette shares her journey, philosophies, and hands-on experiences working with students facing disciplinary actions.

We dive into the world of restorative justice, explore the pressures young people face today, and discuss the importance of creating supportive, non-shaming environments for learning—and for making mistakes.

Whether you’re an educator, a student, or simply curious about new ways to approach discipline and growth, this episode will offer fresh perspectives on what it truly means to support students during their most challenging moments.

A Bit About Collette Shaw

Colette always considered herself a bit of a nerd during her high school years, but college opened up a world of new experiences and freedoms. By her third year at university, curiosity (and the lure of the dance floor) got the better of her. Hoping to sneak into 21+ clubs before she was of age, Colette teamed up with a friend who worked the campus ID machine, asking for some plastic ID sheaths. In a burst of creativity, she tried to craft her own fake ID using an ironing board at home.

Though her clubbing career had to wait until she was officially 21, the adventure caught up with her when, years later, an administrator discovered the leftover ID materials in her lost wallet, revealing her brief flirtation with rebellion. Thus began her shift from being in trouble herself, to helping college students in trouble learn and grow from their own experiences!

Colette is the co-host of the Ms. Behavior Podcast. It can be found on Apple Podcasts and a variety of other popular podcast platforms!

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You can connect with David Gouthro at:

• Website:https://davidgouthro.com/  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/

NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals!