Reaching for the Middle

SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to the Reaching For The Middle Podcast. 

In Part 2 of my conversation with Ashley (Ash) Gard we discuss: How he’s learning to overcome the pessimism that tends to float to the surface in the sometimes murky waters of personal protection, and how that got him to volunteer with the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES). Ash also talks about the importance of his family's involvement with his career, working almost 24/7 with his wife, Anna, and how it affects their relationships. How selling Amway changed his outlook on career and life. His definition and advice for success. Why he’s proud of being a career chameleon.  His experience as a bodyguard (third party protection) for the rich and famous, and what it takes to be one. Working with the Rolling Stones, Paris Hilton, Harry Styles and One Direction to name a few. And, how his brother saved Keanu Reeves’ life during the filming of the movie The Matrix. Inspired by his daughter, Ash Gard is also writing a self-help book and video series for young adults. 

How to contact Ashley Gard (Gold Coast Australia based, but online and travel available) 

InDefence Personal Safety Specialists: https://indefence.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-gard-68045a21/ 

Part 2 references and links 

QLD SES: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/about-us/frontline-services/state-emergency-service “That’s Hot” quote: Paris Hilton - The Simple Life 

Podcast Links 

Follow RFTM on Instagram for exclusive photos and videos of guests: https://www.instagram.com/reachingforthemiddle/ RFTM YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEjk9rzjHJAQn7m-Zl9rjyQ Hosted By: James Donison at JimJamPro Creative Services https://www.jimjampro.com/ 

If you enjoyed this episode please SUBSCRIBE and give Reaching For The Middle 5 STARS on your favourite podcast platform. Thanks :) https://www.jimjampro.com/reaching-for-the-middle-podcast 

Keep Reaching Everyone

SUPPORT THE RFTM PODCAST
Buy the Host/Producer/Editor/Marketer a Coffee (donate to fuel the production of the RFTM podcast): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reachingpoS?ref=widget-1919953
Don't forget to Follow, Share, and Subscribe to our other RFTM platforms. Thanks :)

Reaching For The Middle podcast is edited and produced by JimJamPro Creative Services ( based on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia)

Share and Subscribe to the Reaching For The Middle Podcast, then listen to Ashley (Ash) Gard discuss how his childhood in a small New Zealand town, with parents who volunteered in victim services and a brother, who's a highly regarded bodyguard (third party protection), led Ash to a career in the military, achieve expert status in the Israeli fighting system Krav Maga, and provide third party protection to high profile clients like the Rolling Stones, Axl Rose, Paris Hilton, Harry Styles, and the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team. (Note: Host James Donison mentioned Ash was third party protection for AC/DC. Correction: He did not, but hung out with Angus Young while looking after Axl Rose of Guns n' Roses)

Ash Gard also discusses how he deals with career stress, why the birth of his daughter changed the way he thinks about personal protection, running a business with his wife and two kids in tow, and the motto he subscribes to, that just happens to come from one of the 80's best action movies.

Other topics include:

- What is Krav Maga

- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

- Private school bullying 

- Why architecture is boring

- Ash Gard's upcoming book and online course

This episode will be in two parts. Part 2 will be released the end of December 2021. 

How to contact Ashley Gard (Gold Coast Australia based, online and travel available)

InDefence Personal Safety Specialists: https://indefence.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-gard-68045a21/

Part 1 references and links 

The A-Team tv show theme song - Pete Carpenter and Mike Post

The Castle movie scene (1997) "Straight to the pool room!"

Australian Waterfront Dispute 1998 (Maritime Union of Australia) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03k5feo1iCo

Survivor tv show - Council Theme

Road House movie (1989) - bar lecture scene

Podcast Links

Follow RFTM on Instagram for exclusive photos and videos of guests:

https://www.instagram.com/reachingforthemiddle/

RFTM YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEjk9rzjHJAQn7m-Zl9rjyQ

Hosted By: James Donison at JimJamPro Creative Services

https://www.jimjampro.com/

If you enjoyed this episode please SUBSCRIBE and give Reaching For The Middle 5 STARS on your favourite podcast platform. Thanks :)

https://www.jimjampro.com/reaching-for-the-middle-podcast

KEEP Reaching Everyone

SUPPORT THE RFTM PODCAST
Buy the Host/Producer/Editor/Marketer a Coffee (donate to fuel the production of the RFTM podcast): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reachingpoS?ref=widget-1919953
Don't forget to Follow, Share, and Subscribe to our other RFTM platforms. Thanks :)

Reaching For The Middle podcast is edited and produced by JimJamPro Creative Services ( based on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia)

SUBSCRIBE. SHARE. RATE THE PODCAST.

In this episode we’ll listen back to our Best of 7 guests. Of course, being only 7 guests thus far it’s more about the inspiring, and sometimes controversial, things they’ve said that resonated with myself and my fabulous listeners. I’ve chosen the theme ‘Perspective and Redefining Success’.

If you’re new to the Reaching For the Middle Podcast, this will give you a good ‘jump in point’. If you find a guest(s) that appeals to you, listen to their entire episode and share it with friends, family and that lady working the self-checkout section of your grocery store who looks like she’d rather be anywhere but there.

Guests (in order of appearance)

Episode 1

Geoff Wilson - BTTY Certified Change Coach, Instructor at Acorn Wealth, online Creator, MMA Show Host and Commentator.

Episode 2

Dr. Cameron Norman - Psychologist, Design Thinker, Evaluator, Educator and Podcaster

Episode 3

Cpl Kelly Risling - RCMP Police Officer, Founder of the Unidentified Human Remains Unit, and PTSD sufferer

Episode 4

Jeff Buck - Certified Financial Analyst, devoted father and amateur chef

Episode 5

Kevin Li - TV Producer (Ultra Rich Asian Girls, Canadianzie Me, InFURencers, and Agent Unbreakable)

Episode 6

Melissa Stone - HR Director, Career Coach, and Director in the Charity Sector

Episode 7

Megan Cameron - Unscripted TV Producer (Paramedics: Life on the Line, Yukon Gold, and This is High School)

You can find more information on my guests in their full episode description.

Podcast Links

Follow RFTM on Instagram for exclusive photos and videos of guests:

https://www.instagram.com/reachingforthemiddle/

RFTM YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEjk9rzjHJAQn7m-Zl9rjyQ

Hosted By: James Donison at JimJamPro Creative Services

https://www.jimjampro.com/

If you enjoyed this episode please SUBSCRIBE and give Reaching For The Middle 5 STARS on your favourite podcast platform. Thanks :)

https://www.jimjampro.com/reaching-for-the-middle-podcast

KEEP Reaching Everyone

Podcast Music

- Absolutes, My Life

- Hockey Night In Canada theme (old) aka Dolores Claman’’s The Hockey theme’ (1968)

- Cody Martin, Lifted High

SUPPORT THE RFTM PODCAST
Buy the Host/Producer/Editor/Marketer a Coffee (donate to fuel the production of the RFTM podcast): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reachingpoS?ref=widget-1919953
Don't forget to Follow, Share, and Subscribe to our other RFTM platforms. Thanks :)

Reaching For The Middle podcast is edited and produced by JimJamPro Creative Services ( based on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia)

Subscribe to the Reaching For The Middle Podcast.

Megan Cameron works as a Line Producer for Unscripted Television in Vancouver, Canada. 

In this episode, Megan explains what she feels is the big difference between unscripted and Reality TV, and why her job preferences tend to side with the former. She talks about her slow rise into TV Production, and how barely anyone spoke to her at her first major TV job. Now in a career she loves, Megan discusses sexual harassment on set, and how the unscripted genre she works in may have less support than others. 

We chat about musical theatre and the importance of knowing how to sing, abduction, and how, when I was 5-years-old, I thought singer Neil Diamond was a mass murderer (it’s funnier than it writes).

Links for Megan Cameron

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-cameron/

Unscripted TV Shows mentioned 

Paramedics: Life on the Line https://youtu.be/CIfi10FFlIU

Big Timber https://youtu.be/-swFnrFptc4

Yukon Gold https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVnLyuAGKA4

This is High School https://youtu.be/ZP0u9QHTPtQ

Reaching For The Middle (RFTM) Podcast Links

Follow RFTM on Instagram for exclusive photos and videos of guests:

https://www.instagram.com/reachingforthemiddle/

RFTM YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEjk9rzjHJAQn7m-Zl9rjyQ

Hosted By: James Donison at JimJamPro Creative Services

https://www.jimjampro.com/

If you enjoyed this episode please SUBSCRIBE and give Reaching For The Middle 5 STARS on your favourite podcast platform. Thanks :)

https://www.jimjampro.com/reaching-for-the-middle-podcast

KEEP Reaching Everyone

Podcast Music:

Absolutes - My Life

Cody Martin - Lifted High

Additional soundbites from:

The Bachelor Australia (Season 4)

America’s Next Top Model (2003)

Kitchen Nightmares (2007-14)

Trading Spouses (2004-2007)

Bachelor In Paradise (2014)

Song: Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline

Definitions of acronyms mentioned in episode:

UBC: University of British Columbia

BCIT: British Columbia Institute of Technology 

IATSE: International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees

People and places randomly mentioned in episode:

Ian Mackenzie: Director of Communications - SonoAsh (former co-worker at Citytv Vancouver)

Kevin Li: Little Ram Media (past RFTM guest, and former co-worker at Citytv Vancouver)

Kamloops:

SUPPORT THE RFTM PODCAST
Buy the Host/Producer/Editor/Marketer a Coffee (donate to fuel the production of the RFTM podcast): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reachingpoS?ref=widget-1919953
Don't forget to Follow, Share, and Subscribe to our other RFTM platforms. Thanks :)

Reaching For The Middle podcast is edited and produced by JimJamPro Creative Services ( based on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia)

Subscribe to the Reaching For The Middle Podcast.

Melissa Stone makes an impact wherever she goes. Whether it be as a high level HR Director in Australia, or back home in Ireland coaching those of us in our careers that can’t seem to figure out how to get to that next level, or perhaps the passion for the role has floundered.

In this episode, Melissa discusses what differentiates her from other Career Coaches, why she lied to a reporter, as a teen when asked “What do you want to do with your life?”, how she might just be the worst server (“waitress”) that the restaurant TGI Fridays ever had, and how it provided vital lessons for every job after.

As a former mentor to host James Donison, Melissa Stone also lays out her leadership philosophy and how it can help any company flourish.

She also spoke about the difficulties women can find in male dominated workplaces, and what she did, and is doing, to create a more inclusive environment for everyone. How she struggles with the concept of Reaching For The Middle, and her belief in mantras over mottos.

Get ready to learn and be inspired with the always engaging Melissa Stone.

Links

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-stone-08386911/

Your Career Coach (available Internationally):

https://www.facebook.com/yourcareerandinterviewcoach/

or

https://5fc2b8b6f1412.site123.me/?fbclid=IwAR1uHsZ9KVf6RvOjXLapMA1V9MOd1c4Cgo4gfXF0sAVj5Au5KwubXhzKhNk

Podcast Links

Follow RFTM on Instagram for exclusive photos and videos of guests:

https://www.instagram.com/reachingforthemiddle/

RFTM YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEjk9rzjHJAQn7m-Zl9rjyQ

Hosted By: James Donison at JimJamPro Creative Services

https://www.jimjampro.com/

If you enjoyed this episode please SUBSCRIBE and give Reaching For The Middle 5 STARS on your favourite podcast platform. Thanks :)

https://www.jimjampro.com/reaching-for-the-middle-podcast

KEEP Reaching Everyone

SUPPORT THE RFTM PODCAST
Buy the Host/Producer/Editor/Marketer a Coffee (donate to fuel the production of the RFTM podcast): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reachingpoS?ref=widget-1919953
Don't forget to Follow, Share, and Subscribe to our other RFTM platforms. Thanks :)

Reaching For The Middle podcast is edited and produced by JimJamPro Creative Services ( based on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia)

Subscribe to the Reaching For The Middle Podcast. Kevin Li is a Canadian TV Producer (Little Ram Productions) best known for the viral sensation reality show 'Ultra Rich Asian Girls'. You can watch full episodes on YouTube as well as 'Canadianize Me' (What it means to be Canadian), upcoming trailers for 'InFURencers' (social media influencer pets) and 'Agent Unbreakable' about controversial Vancouver real estate agent Layla Yang. 

In this episode Kevin Li discusses what it was like growing up Chinese in Vancouver, how past and current racism influences the type of programming he produces, some breaking personal news that may be a podcast and social media first, and the perspective he's gained now that he's in his 40's as an asian, Canadian, and as a representative of the media.

Learn more about Kevin and our other RFTM guests. 

SUPPORT THE RFTM PODCAST
Buy the Host/Producer/Editor/Marketer a Coffee (donate to fuel the production of the RFTM podcast): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reachingpoS?ref=widget-1919953
Don't forget to Follow, Share, and Subscribe to our other RFTM platforms. Thanks :)

Reaching For The Middle podcast is edited and produced by JimJamPro Creative Services ( based on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia)

In this episode of Reaching for the Middle, Jeff Buck shows why he's the father that all men should be, and the father all kids deserve. We talk about how he gave up careers and pushed aside friendships in pursuit of a healthy relationship with his children. He talks about love, love lost, and his passion for cooking. This episode has many pearls of wisdom and a few movie quotes thrown in for good measure. 

.

Hosted By: James (Jimmy) Donison 

.

Subscribe to the Reaching For the Middle podcast, Watch clips on YouTube, and learn more about the guests: https://linktr.ee/ReachingForTheMiddle

.

This podcast is produced by JimJamPro Creative Services

.

Soundbites from the movies: Tombstone, Family Ties (TV), Cocktail, Ferris Bueller's Day off, True Romance.

Note: Jeff Buck refers to former guests Kelly Risling (Riz), Cam Norman, and Geoff Wilson in the episode..

Thanks for listening. KEEP Reaching For the Middle.

SUPPORT THE RFTM PODCAST
Buy the Host/Producer/Editor/Marketer a Coffee (donate to fuel the production of the RFTM podcast): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reachingpoS?ref=widget-1919953
Don't forget to Follow, Share, and Subscribe to our other RFTM platforms. Thanks :)

Reaching For The Middle podcast is edited and produced by JimJamPro Creative Services ( based on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia)

Corporal Kelly Risling (Riz) is a member of Canada's esteemed RCMP police force, founder of the Unidentified Human Remains Unit, and Bourbon aficionado.

Listen and Subscribe to the Reaching For the Middle Podcast to hear Corporal Risling's thoughts on police perceptions, politics and mismanagement in the RCMP, his experiences in the counterterrorism unit, why, and how, he created the Unidentified Human Remains Unit (UHRU), and his love for cranking Celine Dion's music. He’ll also talk mental health and suffering from PTSD, and offer advice and tips to people in similar situations.

As always with our ‘middle aged’ guests, we’ll look back at what we wish we would have known when we were younger, and where we thought we’d be today.

Find out more:

Kelly’s UHRU involvement with the Severed Feet Mystery in Canada:

Follow RFTM on Instagram for exclusive photos and videos of guests:

Bonus video on the RFTM YouTube Channel: 

Hosted By: James (Jimmy) Donison

Subscribe to the Reaching For the Middle podcast: https://www.jimjampro.com/reaching-for-the-middle-podcast

KEEP Reaching For the Middle

This podcast is produced by JimJamPro Creative Services

soundbites from: the movies Passenger 57, Bridesmaids, and the song My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion. 

SUPPORT THE RFTM PODCAST
Buy the Host/Producer/Editor/Marketer a Coffee (donate to fuel the production of the RFTM podcast): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reachingpoS?ref=widget-1919953
Don't forget to Follow, Share, and Subscribe to our other RFTM platforms. Thanks :)

Reaching For The Middle podcast is edited and produced by JimJamPro Creative Services ( based on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia)

Subscribe to the Reaching For The Middle podcast now, then listen to Dr. Cameron Norman discuss the wisdom of midlife and the foolishness of youth, how the key to a successful life is to not plan it, the secret to true happiness and why he's not there yet, how he is, and isn't, coping with the solitude during the COVID pandemic, the pettiness of academia, and why the best things seem to come from left field. 

A Dr. of Psychology and Master of Design Thinking, Cameron Norman resides in Toronto, Canada. He is the Principal and President of Cense Ltd, which "helps organisations with strategic thinking for innovation and enhance people’s potential for joy, excellence, and well-being through their engagement with their work. Cameron is an award-winning educator and his research is among the top 1% of the most highly cited studies worldwide within his field (Ekos & Council of Canadian Academies, 2016)." (info courtesy Cense Ltd.)

Dr. Norman also writes a fantastic Censemaking blog (pron. Sensemaking) and has his own podcast called Censemaking: The Innovation Podcast. Subscribe to both, it will improve your outlook on life, I guarantee. 

If you or your business would like to take advantage of the psychological prowess of Dr. Norman, you can also sign up for his online Academy or book him in person. 

Host: James Donison

Subscribe to the Reaching For the Middle podcast: https://www.jimjampro.com/reaching-for-the-middle-podcast

Follow on Instagram        Subscribe, Like and Watch show excerpts on YouTube

KEEP Reaching For the Middle

Episode 2 soundbites courtesy: Clash of the Titan (2010) movie,  Powers of 10 (Eames Office LLC)

SUPPORT THE RFTM PODCAST
Buy the Host/Producer/Editor/Marketer a Coffee (donate to fuel the production of the RFTM podcast): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reachingpoS?ref=widget-1919953
Don't forget to Follow, Share, and Subscribe to our other RFTM platforms. Thanks :)

Reaching For The Middle podcast is edited and produced by JimJamPro Creative Services ( based on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia)

He’s not only a dynamic thinker, Geoff Wilson is a BTTY Certified Change Coach, Instructor at Acorn Wealth, an online Creator, MMA Show Host and Commentator.

Listen to the full podcast episode where host, James Donison, and Geoff Wilson discuss:

• His upcoming book on psychedelic treatments and his personal experimentation
• the psychedelics tie-in to being a Being True To You (BTTY) Change Coach 
• Our mutual connection to retail men’s store Randy River (now closed), famous for tacky silk and rayon shirts
• Why he moved from Canada to Costa Rica to live with his mom
• His thoughts on COVID, strategy to reduce it, and why he doesn’t suffer the effects of isolation and social distancing
• The MMA.I and MyFortay online Mixed Martial Arts shows he hosts 
• Stock Market Education at Acorn Wealth and its founder John Seville 
• And more advice for those of us who just can’t seem to reach the top, let alone the middle

Host: James Donison

Subscribe to the Reaching For the Middle podcast: https://www.jimjampro.com/reaching-for-the-middle-podcast

Follow on Instagram        Subscribe, Like and Watch show excerpts on YouTube

KEEP Reaching For the Middle

SUPPORT THE RFTM PODCAST
Buy the Host/Producer/Editor/Marketer a Coffee (donate to fuel the production of the RFTM podcast): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reachingpoS?ref=widget-1919953
Don't forget to Follow, Share, and Subscribe to our other RFTM platforms. Thanks :)

Reaching For The Middle podcast is edited and produced by JimJamPro Creative Services ( based on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia)