Obstacle Course

For episode 45, we chatted with the great Jim Gardiner! Jim was a, "weak asthmatic kid," who couldn't run half a mile and often ended up in the hospital for weeks at a time. One day, he decided he wasn't going to let asthma control his life anymore. From there, he became a champion rower, legendary bartender, successful business owner, off Broadway performer and inspiring life coach. Along the way he worked out with The Rock, got a great tip from Colin Farrell, witnessed Robin Williams sadness, survived 911 and learned that despite his incredible accomplishments, fulfillment only comes from contribution -which he's currently doing as a powerful coach with Leapzone Strategies. This is a GREAT conversation and checks all the boxes of what we're trying to do with this Podcast. This! Is Obstacle Course. Enjoy this one. :)

Welcome to 2020 everyone! For the first episode of the year, we're proud to present the behind-the scenes conversations we had with the speakers and organizers of The Connection Project. For this episode to make any sense whatsoever, you first need to watch the video and witness the incredible stories of mental health that are shared there - including John's, who was one of the speakers. There is power in our stories and we all need to be heard.

For our 43rd and final episode of 2019, we talk Christmas! We discuss our traditions, our favourite holiday food and films, why we love Christmas and why we don't. We also cover off the history, toxicity and beauty behind gift giving. This fun/informative episode is our gift to you! Enjoy folks. :)

For episode 42, we sat down with Courage to Comeback Award winner, Suzanne Venuta. Suzanne was one of 9 children raised in abject poverty and experienced horrific abuse causing her to eventually disassociate as a way to cope with the trauma. We talk to Suzanne about what's it's like to live with DID (formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder) and how she eventually learned to forgive her abusers and become whole. We also talked about Suzanne's many adventures with Outward Bound! Suzanne is currently bringing hope to many through her inspirational volunteer work with schools and online through her writing. She has her sights set on giving a TED talk next. This! Is Obstacle Course. Let's Go!

For episode 41, we hosted our first (of many) roundtable discussions on Spirituality. In this conversation, we sat down with a Preacher, a Mystic and someone who has found recently found Spirituality through trauma. The purpose of this discussion was not to define spirituality or worse, prescribe the "right" spirituality but rather describe those practices that are enriching our lives. We are very grateful to Jill Lawrence, Allen Close and Shauna Janz for tackling such a multi faceted topic. This! Is Obstacle Course. Let's Go!

For our 40th episode, we took the show on the road and recorded in John's hometown of Duncan, BC at the Duncan Chamber's Small Business Big Day! We spent an inspiring day with dozens of local small business owners and were motivated by powerhouse speakers from Leapzone Strategies and Spiro Creative. This episode includes 5 inspiring interviews for the price of one! Also, you'll get to hear Andrew and John sing. Oh joy. This! Is Obstacle Course. Let's get down to business!

For episode 39, we sit down with Alyne Gomes. As a Civil Engineer, Alyne recently immigrated with her family from Brazil to Vancouver Island. Upon arriving she fell in love with the area and community. Some time later, after a self examination, Alyne discovered a lump in her breast and everything changed. In this gripping conversation we discuss matters of life and death, immigration, negating emotion, fear, health, healing and the power of living and loving in the moment. This! Is Obstacle Course. Vamoose!!

For this special Remembrance Day episode, we had the honour of a lifetime to sit down with George Brewster, a 96 year old World War II veteran. George was a pilot and did what he had to do despite his apprehension. "I'm just an ordinary man trying to do some things which are sometimes more than I'm capable of." George's humility and perspective are astonishing and the amount of wisdom he shared with us in this conversation should be required listening. The episode concludes with a sacred moment as George recites the epic poems In Flanders Fields and High Flight, from memory. We shall remember them!

For episode 37, we sit down with Terry Edison Brown. Terry grew up in an abusive home and as a teenager he left to find safety and belonging. His journey took him to the streets where he lived homeless and addicted for years. One day he heard about a Big Blue House in Victoria called Anawim. Upon arriving, he found everything. A Place To Call Home. This episode will touch your heart as it is our shared human search for love and belonging! This! Is Obstacle Course. Let's go!

For our 36th episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Adam Kreek. Adam is a former Olympic rower winning Gold in 2008. 5 Years later, Adam joined an oceanic exploration crew that nearly rowed across the ocean from Africa to America. Adam is currently a world renown speaker, motivator, executive coach, thought leader and most recently, author. This episode floats along as we cover incredible moment's from Adam's life and what he's learned along the way. This! Is Obstacle Course. Let's row!