Rolando “Oly” Reid is a bundle of of relentless positivity with a dash of hope and joy. I am not certain if this is a required recipe to be a Jamaican Bobsledder but Rolando seems to be equipped with all character traits to attempt such a feat. The magnitude of confidence and sheer willpower it takes to apply for such a position as a Jamaican Bobsledder is unfathomable. Trust me, I know from which I speak. I am not, nor will I ever be a Jamaican Bobsledder but I did play one on TV. I can assure you it’s not quite the same thing.

It was my utmost privilege to talk to such a magnanimous human being. I caught up with Rolando fresh from the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. There was excitement in his cheeks and he could not stop smiling from his recent accomplishments. He relays his Olympian story with a buzz of enthusiasm. The Jamaicans did not win a medal but they won our hearts.

James Pool is a man on a mission. When talking to James, one gets a sense of his urgency to make a difference and do good in the world. Don’t get me wrong, James does not come off as one of those do gooders. He is the first one to mention that he’s a flawed human being and filled with gratitude for those flaws. James Pool is a Life Coach who’s mantra seems to be “A never ending supply of self love”. Not exactly the type of self love that pubescent boys learn while discovering their sexuality, no no, this goes beyond that. James’ version of self love is armed with actions such as self-gratitude, self-care and self-forgiveness. Taking care of oneself is an essential part of growth according to the James Pool handbook. James himself is on a constant trajectory towards growth, mental health and joy. He is using the very techniques recommended to his clients on himself. He’s getting high on his own supply. It is always fun and yet refreshing to talk to someone so enthusiastic about human growth and change.

I had an inspirational conversation with Flobito Boyce. I know the word inspirational gets thrown around frequently but this conversation was precisely that. Flobo was raised by Caribbean parents who apparently instilled that strong stereotypical work ethic within him because, “Him hav four or five jobs”. Let’s see, he’s a DJ, Podcaster, Comedian, Host, Author, Political candidate and self proclaimed nerd. There were a barrage of topics I could’ve talked to Flobo about but I chose to focus on one of his most fascinating accomplishments. You see, Flobo was always a big kid and unfortunately that carried over into his adulthood. At one point he weighed 375 pounds. During this podcast conversation Flobo openly talks about the catalyst behind him finally losing 150 pounds. He also openly reveals his mindset and the psychological effects of growing up as a big kid. He candidly gave us snapshots and insights into his world plus a play-by-play on what it was like traversing through life at that particular weight. Flobito is a charismatic orator who is able to relay heartfelt information by sprinkling bits of humor amongst his words.

There was no getting whisked off to a Witness Protection Program for my guest Vicky. She was left to her own devices, having to find her own escape route out of an abusive, dangerous marriage. Not to mention unwillingly partnering up with a morally uncomfortable lifestyle. You see Vicky, who’s identity is being shielded by this fake name, was married to a mobster a mafioso a goodfella. Now most of us are some what familiar with these euphemistic terms from consuming too many Hollywood movies. For Vicky, this was no movie. Unfortunately for her this became a real life nightmare without popcorn or commercial breaks.

Vicky casually recounts horrifying events in an abusive and danger filled live. She explains how she was able to escape her mob matrimony. Freeing herself and her two children from exposure to a crime filled life. Vicky candidly tells us how she broke loose from sleeping with a gangster without sleeping with the fishes.

Dr. Erica Rivera is an Organizational Psychologist. Go ahead, Google it, I’ll wait. This job title sounds more complicated than the actual logistics of the job. Then again, perhaps the job is extremely convoluted and complex but Erica Rivera is just extremely proficient at explaining all its complexities and duties. I’m still not certain of the answer to the question I have posed. What I am certain about however, is that Erica Rivera absolutely loves her occupation. Perhaps this is why she is able to eloquently paint pictures with her words when expressing all the intricate details of a her job. Erica makes complex concepts and ideas clear enough for a layman to grasp. One could easily see why Erica is able to effortlessly interact and be respected by execs from Fortune 500 companies and CEO’s worldwide. Erica’s communication skills can only be attained from decades of experience. I must add that her enthusiasm and love for her job makes her a fun infectious guest to talk with.

TRAINING DAY

The name Deon Williams is a common one but there is nothing common about this particular human. Deon has risen to the ranks of a super trainer. However, this physical trainer’s obvious display of skill and competency in the fitness game pales in comparison to his philosophical guru-like personality. I think this is why he has hordes of clients beating down the door to be trained by him. Deon Williams has a myriad of life interest and doesn’t hesitate to throw these experiences into his teaching techniques. He has worked with Hollywood royalty, beauty queens, models, prince and paupers...lions & tigers & bears, oh my! Deon treats them all with the same level of respect and interest. When clients go to see Deon, it’s like going to see “The Wizard”, except Deon’s wizardry is the real deal.

Aisha Alfa, is a Canadian, comedian, actor, writer, host, wife and a recent mother of two beautiful children. Her role of mother is the one she is most proud of. I am equally proud to call Aisha my friend. She has pursued a life in show business in multiple countries beginning in Canada and now good ol Ameerka. Despite her many success in all these various fields in show business she still manages to put her family first. Aisha and I had a candid conversation about what it means to be happy and the art of pursuing a well balanced fulfilled life.

Jean Franzblau is occasionally viewed as some sort of a sex police at her current job as an Intimacy Coordinator. That could not be further from the truth. Jean takes the “awkward” out of shooting uncomfortable sex scenes. It would appear that Jean has stumbled into one of most recent occupations on a Hollywood movie set. The newness of such a position has created confusion by some who cannot fully yet grasp the concept of such a position and what the job entails. Jean is often caught in a position of performing her job whilst simultaneously explaining her job to the necessary parties involved. It also seems as though she inadvertently has to dispel misconceptions and false narratives in order to put others at ease.

It light of the #metoo movement and the sudden awareness of Hollywood’s sexual assault cases and various indiscretions towards women, an Intimacy Coordinator on a set seems like a job position that’s long overdue. Jean appears to be very well trained and does more than a thorough job explaining in a fun way, the protocol and the nuances of what this job requires. Intimacy is her superpower.

Domestic violence or abuse is no laughing matter but somehow Vanessa Fors is able to use levity as she recounts the details of her 10 year long abusive relationship. She emerges from that ordeal a new woman, an enhanced version of her former self. She now uses her experiences to help others overcome their traumas through her Life Coaching business. Now raising two young daughters, she is currently focused on becoming a positive role model for them before unleashing them into the world.

At first encounter, Ramon Garcia comes off as a mild mannered citizen but as he keeps talking we soon get a sense that he’s a deeper ocean of complexities. Ramon was both kind and candid in relaying his experiences in Afghanistan. Mr. Garcia was a Counter Intelligence Agent for the US army who served in Afghanistan. He was initially deployed there just a few months after 9/11 in early 2002. He then returned in 2005 and 2008. So needless to say he’s had ample experience and exposure to the Afghan social and political climate as a “Boots on the ground” US soldier. Ramon was extremely honest as he recounted various incidents during his interactions with the various Afghan character types, ex-Taliban commanders, tribe leaders, civilians etc…

Ramon’s amazing anecdotal stories are not just filled with candor but also a surprisingly vulnerable insightful take on war and it’s effects on us humans. One of my favorite soul enhancing moments during this interview was getting Ramon Garcia’s take on PTSD. Hearing this made the entire interview a worthwhile endeavor.