In this episode of The Garrett Gaudet Podcast, I enter the conversation that’s got Canadians talking: WestJet’s viral bad-legroom video. A TikTok showing a family struggling to fit their legs under the seat on a newly reconfigured WestJet Boeing 737 has racked up over a million views — and sparked serious debate about comfort, safety, and how far airlines can push cost-cutting without isolating travellers. I discuss what’s happening with WestJet’s new seating layout, why the legroom is so tight, how the airline is responding, and what air passenger advocates are saying about the need for regulation.

Next, I investigate the rise of Flair Airlines — Canada’s low-cost airline that is innovating quickly to become a legitimate long-term competitor for all Canadian airlines. Flair has made headlines for its reliability, solid completion rates, and rock-bottom fares, carving out space against legacy players. I make direct comparisons to WestJet’s strategy and why it might be time to seriously consider Canada's Most Reliable airline, Flair, for your next flight. 

Connect with Garrett Gaudet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettgaudet/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garrettgaudet
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.garrettgaudet.com/

Garrett Gaudet reflects on his podcasting journey, detailing how he started EDM Weekly, a podcast focused on electronic dance music, and grew it into a recognized platform with over 500,000 downloads. He shares insights on the challenges and successes he faced, including building an audience, securing media accreditations, and connecting with artists. Garrett also discusses the evolution of podcasting and the impact of industry changes on his work. Podcasting emphasizes the importance of community and authenticity in creating meaningful content.

EDM Weekly with Garrett Gaudet
https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/edm-weekly-podcast-garrett-gaudet--701318

Connect with Garrett Gaudet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettgaudet/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garrettgaudet
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.garrettgaudet.com/

(00:00:00) The Rise and Fall of Hudson's Bay

(00:10:40) Identifying the Cracks: Early Warning Signs

(00:18:30) The Lack of Identity and Customer Experience

(00:25:32) Generational Disconnect: Evolving with Consumers

(00:36:43) The Final Days: A Retail Time Capsule

(00:40:36) Reimagining Hudson's Bay: A Path Forward

Garrett Gaudet explores the decline of Hudson's Bay, a historic Canadian retailer, focusing on the retail and customer experience aspects that contributed to its bankruptcy. He discusses the missed opportunities, lack of identity, and failure to adapt to changing consumer behaviours over the years. The conversation underscores the importance of understanding customer needs and adapting to the market, ultimately prompting a reflection on what could have been done differently to save the iconic brand.

Takeaways

• The decline of Hudson's Bay was not sudden; it was a result of years of neglect in adapting to consumer needs.
• The expansion into the Netherlands was a costly failure that highlighted the brand's lack of identity.
• The store's bland design and lack of Canadian identity contributed to its downfall.
• Younger generations viewed Hudson's Bay as a store to walk through rather than a shopping destination.
• The lack of personalized customer service diminished the shopping experience.
• Hudson's Bay failed to evolve with changing consumer behaviours, particularly among millennials and Gen Z.
• The final days of Hudson's Bay felt like a time capsule, showcasing outdated practices and designs.
• There was a disconnect between the brand's legacy and its current offerings, leading to a loss of consumer connection.

Connect with Garrett Gaudet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettgaudet/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garrettgaudet
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.garrettgaudet.com/

In this episode, Garrett Gaudet reflects on his recent experience attending Theatre Woodstock's production of Cabaret, which reignited his passion for theatre and performance. He discusses the play's emotional impact, the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, and how his background in theatre has influenced his teaching style. Garrett emphasizes the significance of creativity and personal expression in his life and wants to pursue more artistic endeavours.

Takeaways

• Rediscovering passions can lead to personal growth.
• Experiencing live performances can be transformative.
• Theatre can teach valuable life skills like public speaking.
• Teaching requires performance skills to engage students.
• Creativity should be prioritized in personal projects.
• Stepping out of comfort zones fosters growth.
• Improv skills can enhance teaching and communication.
• Pursuing passions can lead to deeper connections with others.
• It's essential to create for oneself, not just for clients.
• Finding joy in creative expression is essential for fulfillment.

Connect with Garrett Gaudet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettgaudet/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garrettgaudet
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.garrettgaudet.com/

In this episode, Garrett Gaudet reflects on the Netflix documentary 'I'm Tim,' which chronicles the life and struggles of Avicii, the renowned DJ and music producer. He shares his personal connection to Avicii's music, the impact of fame on the artist's mental health, and his own experiences with anxiety and regret. The conversation delves into themes of perfectionism, the challenges of creative output, and the quest for contentment in the face of success. In this reflective podcast episode, Garrett Gaudet discusses the impact of Tim Bergling's legacy on his personal growth and aspirations for 2025. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and creative expression while outlining his goals for the upcoming year, including travel, building connections, and establishing a support system. Garrett shares insights on overcoming self-doubt and the challenges of being an independent creator, ultimately aiming to embrace his true self and pursue his passions more fully.

Takeaways

• The documentary 'I'm Tim' is a tough but important watch.
• Avicii's early life was marked by a passion for music.
• Talent alone isn't enough; connections are crucial for success.
• Fame can take a significant toll on mental health.
• Avicii's music evokes strong emotional responses.
• Personal experiences with anxiety can resonate deeply with Avicii's story.
• Regret over missed opportunities can linger for years.
• The struggle for perfectionism can hinder creative output.
• Contentment is a challenging goal for many artists.
• Passion for music can lead to both joy and instability.
• Reflecting on Tim's legacy inspires personal change.
• Vulnerability is key to authentic creative expression.
• Setting clear intentions for the new year is essential.
• Travel and new experiences are vital for inspiration.
• Building connections with friends enhances well-being.
• Creating a support system can lead to professional growth.
• Embracing one's true self is a journey worth pursuing.
• Overcoming perfectionism is crucial for creativity.
• Consistency in content creation is a goal for 2025.
• Self-kindness and patience are essential in personal development.

Tim: The Official Biography of Avicii
https://a.co/d/bx3xq23

Connect with Garrett Gaudet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettgaudet/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garrettgaudet
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.garrettgaudet.com/

I examine Air Canada Free Beer & Wine in economy class, Porter & Air Transat's new partnership, and UltraBasic Westjet in this episode. 

First, I explore Air Canada's latest customer-centric initiative: free beer, wine, and premium snacks for economy passengers on select flights until the end of the year. What does this mean for the passenger experience, and how does it position Air Canada in the competitive market?

Next, I look at Porter Airlines' rise and influence in reshaping Canadian aviation for economy-class travellers, from its innovative product offering to how Air Canada is now changing because of Porter.

The exciting partnership between Air Transat and Porter Airlines was announced on June 5. What synergies will this collaboration bring, and how might it impact routes, services, and overall competition within the Canadian airline sector?

WestJet's introduces the new "ultrabasic" fare. What does this budget-friendly option entail, and how does it fit WestJet's broader strategy? I discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks for travellers and question if I should remain in WestJet's loyalty program moving forward.

Enjoy my info dump on the latest trends and developments shaping Canada's aviation landscape.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettgaudet/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garrettgaudet
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.garrettgaudet.com/

I've been producing podcasts for ten years, and this might be the episode that I am most proud of. Life in Hyperfocus is a very vulnerable conversation with one of my best friends about a shared experience of an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. Learning about being neurodivergent and understanding neurodiversity has forever changed how I see the world.

Resources
How to ADHD
I Have ADHD Podcast
Scattered Minds - Gabor Maté

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettgaudet/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garrettgaudet
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.garrettgaudet.com/

*The information in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. *

I've been producing podcasts for ten years, and this might be the episode that I am most proud of. Life in Hyperfocus is a very vulnerable conversation with one of my best friends about a shared experience of an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. Learning about being neurodivergent and understanding neurodiversity has forever changed how I see the world.

Resources
How to ADHD
I Have ADHD Podcast
Scattered Minds - Gabor Maté

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettgaudet/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garrettgaudet
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.garrettgaudet.com/

*The information in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. *

I've been watching the Tomorrowland Livestream for over a decade. After the 2023 edition, utilizing my customer experience (CX) career, I have three recommendations on how the Tomorrowland Livestream can be transformed with innovative ways to improve virtual experiences for music festivals.

Garrett's Recommendations

• Synching Stage Lighting with At-Home Smart Lights
• Global Watch Parties
• Fan Cam - FestivalGoer POV

Work with Garrett to Improve Your Customer Experience
https://www.strobecreative.com/cx

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettgaudet/
Email: [email protected]
Morning Rave Playlist: Spotify
Website: https://www.garrettgaudet.com/

After ten years with our current podcast hosting provider, the EDM Weekly Podcast can longer continue as a podcast and will move to Mixcloud. I explain in detail the situation and how EDM Weekly will continue. It is still fluid and moving very fast, this is entirely out of my control as it is a new policy, and episodes are actively removed without prior notice. I am grateful to everyone who has listened to the past 380 episodes, and I encourage you to move with me to Mixcloud. My priority is to keep this show going, and this move is necessary to make this happen.

Follow me on Mixcloud
https://www.mixcloud.com/garrettgaudet/

Listener Feedback on EDM Weekly Podcast
https://forms.gle/JuFnPKDA2bBttjuT6


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettgaudet/
Email: [email protected]
Morning Rave Playlist: Spotify
Website: https://www.garrettgaudet.com/