The Keeping It Positive Podcast

The Keeping It Positive Podcast

By Ryan BenoitLeisure
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The Keeping It Positive Podcast episodes

  • Episode 20 - Doug Pflug: Making people smile everyday!

    it is hard to believe we have already hit this milestone. What an incredible journey it has been so far. Right from the start, Doug was someone I knew I wanted to have on the podcast and I am so glad we made it happen. Just being around him fills you with positivity, his presence radiates warmth, compassion, and kindness. When you are around him, your heart is so full, and you have the biggest smile on your face. In this episode, we cover a bit of everything. Doug shares insights from his nearly 30 year career as a police officer with the Guelph Police Service, his longtime role as a strength and conditioning coach for both the Guelph Storm and the University of Guelph football team, and his powerful personal journey with PTSD. We also talk about how he has turned his experiences into books to help others facing similar challenges. You will not want to miss this one.

    Doug's website: https://riseupandexcel.ca/

    1 hr 20 min
  • Episode 19 - Randy Battochio: Creating an environment for people to succeed and helping people become better versions of themselves.

    You can’t help but smile and feel uplifted when you’re around this guy. I’m incredibly thankful and honoured to have Randy join us as a guest on the podcast. In this episode, we dive into a bit of everything; his experience growing up in sports, his educational journey and doctorate in human studies, his passion for sports psychology, and his career in health and safety. We also explore the importance of mental health, his perspective on fatherhood, coaching sports, and so much more! PLEASE NOTE THAT THE QUALITY OF THE RECORDING IS A LITTLE SCRATCHY, IT IS NOT THE BEST, BUT THE QUALITY OF THE GUEST IS THE VERY BEST!

    1 hr 28 min
  • Episode 18 - Martin Bourgeois: Never Judge A Book By It’s Cover

    On this week’s episode, episode number 18, we’re thrilled to sit down with Marty for an inspiring conversation! We dive into his passion for art and tattooing, how he took the leap to start his own business, his love for ghost hunting, what inspires him, what drives him, and so much more. Warning, there is explicit language in this episode!

    1 hr 48 min
  • Episode 17 - Michael Kussmann: Enjoy the Ride

    It was so much fun catching up with Michael Kussmann and to have the opportunity to reminisce about our great experience attending university. He is such a special person and such a dear friend! We also discussed post Laurentian, working as a teacher, how he started a business in voice recording and audio production, being a new father, and so much more. Mikey has one of the biggest hearts and kindness souls around. This episode was another great one, I am forever grateful for his time.

    1 hr 17 min
  • Episode 16 - Claus Souza: Being patient, adapting and making the most out of each stage of life!

    This one was truly heartwarming and such a fun experience. I had the chance to chat with a dear friend and one of my biggest role models, Claus Souza.


    We first met at Laurentian University when Claus was one of my personal trainers while I was a student. From there, we built a friendship that will last a lifetime. Back in those early days, we would always talk about our dreams. He was actually one of the very first people I told about my vision to start a clothing brand. At the same time, he shared his own dream of one day working in the NBA and with elite athletes.

    Fast forward to today, Claus is living that dream as an NBA Champion, working as one of the health and conditioning coaches for the Denver Nuggets. In this episode, we talk about his incredible journey, growing up in Brazil, coming to Canada for school, moving to the United States for new opportunities, and everything in between.

    Claus is one of those people who carries himself with wisdom and humility and has a way of making everyone around him feel seen and heard. His heart of gold, his relentless work ethic, and his drive for success are nothing short of inspiring. I could not be prouder of him, not just for what he has accomplished on the court but for the beautiful life he is building off the court as well with his growing family and so much more.

    1 hr 26 min
  • Episode 14 - Val Lariviere: Leading with love, and making everyone feel important!

    This episode was so much fun to record, we laughed so much. We had a hard time starting because we were laughing hysterically. As Val says, she’s pretty hilarious. Haha! Whenever you’re around Val, you can’t help but have a warm heart and a smile on your face! She is a great friend and role model to so many people, including myself! Her perspective on life is absolutely beautiful.

    1 hr 13 min
  • Episode 13 - Andrew Demers: Everything Happens for a reason

    This week’s guest is one of a kind. Andrew has such a great presence, whenever you’re around him, you can’t help but smile and have a good time. He’s incredibly personable and an all-around great guy. Whether it’s work, fishing, or anything in between, whatever he does, he gives it his all and does it with a great attitude. He’s wise beyond his years and the kind of person who’s destined for continued success

    1 hr 1 min
  • Episode 12 - Joseph "Bull" McGibbon: A conversation between two great friends

    I’m super excited to have such a great friend featured in this week’s episode of Keeping It Positive. Joey is one of a kind. One of the many great outcomes of attending university was having the opportunity to meet this amazing guy and develop a lifelong friendship.


    He’s big in stature because he has an even bigger heart. Joey would do anything for anyone, and he’s always there to listen and lend a hand to those in need. Just a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy who makes the Laurentian University community, the Sudbury community, and the world a better place.

    1 hr 30 min
  • Episode 11 - Chris Ackroyd: Creating positive environments and making the most out of our opportunities

    If you know him, you definitely look up to him. It was such a treat to have the opportunity to catch up with Chris! He has been a role model for me since the day I met him. He’s someone who radiates kindness, the kind of person you always want to have around.


    Chris is doing incredible things in his career as the Director of Social Media Partnerships at the National Hockey League. He’s also thriving in his personal life, living it to the fullest and recently becoming a proud father of twin girls. I couldn’t be happier for him, this guy deserves everything in the world and more.

    We had such a great conversation, reminiscing about the sports administration program and life in general.

    Thank you so much for taking the time, Acky!

    1 hr 4 min

About The Keeping It Positive Podcast

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The Keeping It Positive Podcast is a podcast that celebrates the power of positivity and the incredible people who embody it. We spotlight individuals who naturally uplift those around them, people…