“I’m hoping to use my life as an experiment and model what it means to take a risk.”

From high school teacher to actor, musician, and risk-taking coach, Adam LaSalle shares how courage, belief, and creativity can change your life.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode

In this episode, Michael talks with New York-based actor, musician, and coach Adam LaSalle about the art of taking risks, believing in yourself, and helping others find their creative spark. After a decade as a high school teacher, Adam left the classroom to pursue acting and music full time—while also building a practice that helps others make bold moves in their own lives.

Adam shares his early love for the arts, the anxious tendencies that made risk-taking feel impossible, and the moment he realized creativity was essential to his wellbeing. From his most challenging stage role in Two Pianos, Four Hands to his pilot group program connecting “rebels in waiting,” Adam’s story is about alignment, persistence, and using personal experience as a model for others.

The conversation wanders through New York moments, from bagels in pajamas to advice from strangers, and touches on everything from instruments as self-care tools to the song he and his fiancée sing daily to their cat, Iris. Adam’s advice to would-be rebels? Acknowledge what you feel, believe change is possible, and have the courage to try—before you think you’re ready.

Quotable Quotes

“I’m hoping to use my life as an experiment and model what it means to take a risk.”

“You stop being creative when you’re an adult… that’s when I went out of alignment.”

“People are kinder than we think they’re going to be.”

“The process is the product.”

“You have more access to your potential than you realize.”

Episode Highlights

From Teacher to Actor | Leaving the classroom to pursue music, theatre, and coaching.

Creative Childhood | Band, drama club, and finding community in the arts.

Out of Alignment | Losing creativity in adulthood and its impact on wellbeing.

Two Pianos, Four Hands | Preparing for a nine-minute double concerto on stage.

Human Conversations | Why “fine” isn’t enough when someone asks how you are.

The Process Is the Product | Lessons from music that apply to life and growth.

Instruments as Self-Care | Keeping guitars, piano, and bass within arm’s reach.

Most New York Moments | From bagels in pajamas to sushi in gym shorts.

Rebel Advice | Acknowledge, believe, and have the courage to try—before you’re ready.

LINKS FROM EPISODE

Adam’s Website (http://www.adamlasalle.co/coaching)

Adam on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jennlynnmaclean/)

Adam on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AdamLaSalleOfficial)

Adam on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-lasalle/)

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

“Be a sponge in life. Don’t be a rock.”

From farm life to global brand transformation, Jean-Pierre Lacroix shares how emotional connection, travel, and persistence fuel his 35-year journey in business.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode

In this episode, Michael talks with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, president of one of Canada’s longest-running privately owned brand transformation agencies. From helping reinvent Dairy Queen’s image to working with global banks, Jean-Pierre has spent 35 years guiding companies through change by focusing on emotional connections over functional features.

Raised on a farm in Chesterville, Ontario, Jean-Pierre traded strawberry fields for design school and built his first firm into the largest independent brand consultancy of its time. His journey spans opening offices in China and the Middle East, writing Think Blink: The Blink Factor Manifesto, and earning an MIT certification in AI for business during the pandemic.

Jean-Pierre shares how travel fuels his creativity, why colour and shape matter in branding, and the need for businesses to understand the emotional needs driving customer decisions. He also opens up about painting watercolours of his travels, his favourite haunts in Toronto, and the importance of persistence for “rebels in waiting.”

Quotable Quotes

“We’re emotional creatures. We don’t reason, we feel.”

“Be a sponge in life. Don’t be a rock.”

“Persistence—the darkest hour is the hour before sunrise.”

“If you resonate emotionally, you make it easier for people to buy from you.”

“My biggest fear is becoming irrelevant.”

Episode Highlights

From Farm to Fortune 500 | How early life shaped a career in creative problem-solving.

The Blink Factor | Why emotional connection trumps functional benefits in branding.

Global Offices | Opening in China and Oman to follow future market growth.

Learning Always | Earning an MIT AI certification before ChatGPT was public.

Colour and Emotion | How hues like green, blue, and orange influence trust and aspiration.

Travel as Inspiration | Connecting the dots between cultures, ideas, and innovation.

Artistic Side | Painting watercolours of European holidays as a creative practice.

Favourite Toronto Spots | Monkey Bar, Sebastien’s pastries, and the local Starbucks.

Rebel Advice | Persistence—the toughest time is just before you succeed.

LINKS FROM EPISODE

Jean-Pierre on LinkedIn (http://linkedin.com/in/jeanpierrelacroix)

Jean Pierre on Instagram (https://www.facebook.com/jeanpierre.lacroix.96)

Website (http://www.sld.com/)

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

“No man can succeed on their own if they’re by themselves.” 

From accidental author to award-nominated actor, Jennifer “Panda” MacLean shares how a snarky cat, a love of theatre, and pure self-awareness shaped her creative journey.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode

In this episode, Michael talks with Jennifer “Panda” MacLean—healthcare worker, actor, and the accidental author of An Ode to Myself, a book of poetry “written” by her late cat, Newton. What began as a cheeky Facebook page to update friends on Newton’s life turned into a literary project filled with feline wit, existential musings, and a surprising publishing deal.

Panda shares the full origin story, from her post-divorce life in a tiny apartment to Newton’s online rise, his unique quirks (wasabi, cumin, and lavender were among his favourites), and how a literary agent eventually brought his voice to print. Beyond the book, she talks about her love for theatre, her CAT Award nomination, and the lessons she learned growing up as a middle child with close-knit sisters.

The conversation meanders through sushi recommendations, bucket list travel dreams, reflections on Canada’s place in the world, and the value of asking for help. Her advice for rebels in waiting? Know why you’re doing something, do it because you love it, and let go of the expectation that success is the only worthy outcome.

Quotable Quotes

“I am actually a published author—an accidental published author, I might add.”

“He was something else. The hate did run deep, but he adored me.”

“No man can succeed on their own if they’re by themselves.”

“Sometimes it doesn’t matter what the end goal is—it’s all about the journey and the friends along the way.”

“Just fucking do it. Going in expecting success is the wrong way to look at it.”

Episode Highlights

Accidental Author | How a cat’s Facebook page became a published poetry book.

Newton the Cat | From wasabi and cumin to deep-running feline disdain.

Stage Life | Acting in Agatha Christie’s Spider’s Web and a CAT Award nomination.

Middle Child Superpower | Growing up with two sisters and a tight family bond.

Moving West | From Dartmouth, Nova Scotia to Calgary, Alberta.

Bucket List Dreams | Japan, mountain ranges, and community theatre abroad.

Sushi Favourites | Sushi Bar Zipang in Bridgeland and Globefish in Kensington.

Man Is Not an Island | The importance of community and asking for help.

Rebel Advice | Be self-aware, do it because you love it, and let go of outcome pressure.

LINKS FROM EPISODE

Jennifer’s Book (https://jennifermaclean.ca)

Jennifer on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jennlynnmaclean/)

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

“Be sure that what you are doing is rooted in truth and rooted in you.”

From Jamaican roots to Texas living, Carrolee Moore shares how loss, resilience, and truth fuel her mission to help overlooked voices be heard.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

In This Episode

In this episode, Michael chats with Carrolee Moore—entrepreneur, storyteller, and fierce advocate for underrepresented voices. From her early years in Jamaica creating entire imaginary worlds in her backyard to navigating a new culture in Boston, Carrolee’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and refusing to hide.

She shares how losing her hair unexpectedly became a catalyst for stepping into her true self, leading her to help overlooked experts find their voice and share their ideas with the world. Her upcoming podcast, The Currency of Visibility, is a love letter to her former self—a reminder that success is not about fitting in, but about being rooted in truth.

The conversation winds through memories of Jamaican breakfasts, the cultural layers of Boston, life in Texas, and the lessons she’s learned in different “seasons” of life, including the loss of her father. Carrolee opens up about journaling as a tool for self-discovery, why empathy grows from lived experience, and her advice to rebels in waiting: make sure your goals are truly yours, not borrowed from someone else’s definition of success.

Quotable Quotes

“I had to become the light in order to help people come out of their own darkness.” “Seasons of life teach you something about yourself, the world, and your future.” “Be sure that what you are doing is rooted in truth and rooted in you.” “It’s scary to meet yourself over and over again in the middle of the mess.” “Suffering anywhere is not contained—it will come to your front door.”

Episode Highlights

From Hiding to Seen | How losing her hair became a turning point for visibility and confidence.

Rooted in Jamaica | Childhood memories of elaborate imaginary worlds and cultural grounding.

Currency of Visibility | Helping overlooked and underestimated experts share their voice.

Defining Success | Why you must know if your goals are truly yours—or borrowed from others.

Food and Culture | From pineapple curry alligator to traditional aki and saltfish breakfasts.

Resilience in Loss | Lessons from the death of her father and other life “seasons.”

Journaling the Journey | Capturing thoughts in writing and audio to uncover patterns and truths.

Global Family Threads | How living in different countries shapes empathy and connection.

Rebel Advice | Make sure what you’re doing is rooted in truth and rooted in you.

LINKS FROM EPISODE

Carrolee on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carroleemoore/)

Carrolee on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/carroleemoore/)

Carrolee Moore Website (https://www.carroleemoore.com/)

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

“Nobody ever comes from nowhere.” 

Award-winning director and producer Jaze Bordeaux shares his journey from finance to filmmaking, his rebel philosophy for creating outside the system, and his mission to bring big-scale sci-fi to life from Toronto.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode

In this episode, Michael chats with Jaze Bordeaux—an award-winning Canadian director, producer, and storyteller whose career began far from the film set. From his early work in corporate finance to creating globally-recognized independent films, Jaze’s path has been shaped by an instinct to move against the grain and a deep belief in building his own lane.

Jaze shares the inception moments that shifted his life—from walking off a high school track field to pursue the people calling the shots, to a phone call from Alberta that sparked his move into the film industry. His 2023 film EFC defied the odds, winning more than 30 international awards while being produced entirely outside the traditional Canadian funding system.

Now, he’s leading a 10-year slate of six sci-fi thrillers, including Genesis—a massive, Inception- and Interstellar-scale original story he wrote about the future of thought as currency. He opens up about his collaborative directing style, his vision for Toronto’s indie film community, and why patience, momentum, and resisting comparison are essential for creative rebels.

Along the way, the conversation flows from coffee culture to the Toronto food scene, from humility learned through winning and losing everything, to advice for “rebels in waiting” about staying consistent and taking the long view.

Quotable Quotes

“Nobody ever comes from nowhere.” 

“The one thing you can’t buy is momentum.” 

“Treat others the way you want to be treated. That’s the golden rule.”

Episode Highlights

From Finance to Film | Jaze’s transition from corporate finance to producing and directing.

Defying the System | How EFC was made entirely outside the Canadian funding model.

The Inception Moment | Why seeing Interstellar crystalized his directing path.

Genesis | The upcoming sci-fi epic about thought as currency in a future AI-driven world.

Collaboration Over Dictatorship | How Jaze works with actors, DPs, and crew to elevate the vision.

Toronto as a Film Hub | Why the city’s growth and talent make it a global film player.

Life Lessons | The track-and-field race that taught him to stop comparing himself to others.

Rebel Advice | Patience, momentum, and focusing on your own path over chasing instant success.

LINKS FROM EPISODE

Jaze Bordeaux (http://jazebordeaux.com/)

Jaze on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jazebordeaux/)

Jaze on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jazebordeaux/)

Threads (https://www.threads.net/@jazebordeaux)

Jaze on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@jazebordeaux)

X (https://x.com/jazebordeaux)

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

“Be afraid, but go anyway.”

Texas polymath Chris Doelle shares how curiosity, creativity, and persistence took him from cinnamon toothpicks to podcasting’s earliest days, AI strategy, and even board games that bring legendary football teams to life.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode

In this episode, Michael chats with Chris Doelle — one of the original podcasters and a serial entrepreneur whose career spans media, sports, AI consulting, and game design. Based deep in the heart of Texas, Chris has been launching projects for decades, often long before the market is ready for them.

Chris recounts how he jumped into podcasting in 2004, creating multiple shows in the first week, and stuck with it for a decade before it became profitable. He shares why he believes podcasting should be the cornerstone of any content strategy and how every business — from plumbers to pro sports teams — will soon be a brand.

The conversation covers his ventures into AI and automation, including agentic workflows that can accomplish in minutes what used to take weeks. Chris also tells the story of Friday Night Legends, the board game that lets fans pit real high school, college, and professional football teams from any era against each other — a project born from his deep love of sports storytelling.

Michael and Chris swap stories about creativity, side hustles, and the strange perks of homemade media passes, from press box access to free food — even sneaking into the Super Bowl. Chris’s philosophy is simple: try everything, say “yes” to the interesting stuff, and don’t let fear or doubters get in the way.

From Texas barbecue to breakfast taquitos made from fridge leftovers, from barefoot mornings with chickens to speaking on AI’s future, Chris proves that a curious mind and a willingness to act can build a life that’s anything but ordinary.

Quotable Quotes

“Find cool things you like to do, and then see if there’s a way to monetize it.” – Chris Doelle

“Be afraid, but go anyway.” – Chris Doelle

“My life philosophy is to do cool and weird stuff with cool and weird people.” – Michael Dargie

“Don’t assume you can’t do things. The only way to fail is not to try.” – Chris Doelle

“Everyone will become a brand.” – Chris Doelle

Episode Highlights

Podcasting Pioneer | Launching six shows in 2004, long before it was profitable.

Branding for Everyone | Why every business will be a personal brand.

Agentic AI | How automation can now do in minutes what used to take weeks.

Friday Night Legends | Turning real football history into a playable board game.

Media Pass Perks | From free food to the Super Bowl with homemade credentials.

Texas BBQ Philosophy | Why Central Texas salt-and-pepper brisket reigns supreme.

Daily Ritual | Barefoot mornings, chickens, and breakfast taquitos with whatever’s on hand.

Rebel Advice | Be afraid, but go anyway. Don’t let other people’s voices in your head stop you.

LINKS FROM EPISODE

Fresh Media Works (https://www.freshmediaworks.com/)

Chris on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdoelle/)

Chris on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/chrisdoelle/)

Chris on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/chris.doelle/)

Threads (https://www.threads.net/@chrisdoelle)

Chris on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisdoelle)

Chris on Twitter (https://twitter.com/ChrisDoelle)

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

“There’s never going to be the perfect time to take a leap.”

AI strategist and global HR leader Dan Friker shares how curiosity, culture, and tech are reshaping the world of work—and why small businesses can now play big.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode

In this episode, Michael chats with Dan Friker, a global HR strategist and AI consultant with decades of experience helping organisations—from Fortune 100s to small businesses—navigate the evolving world of talent management. From his early career in accounting to leading global workforce strategies at Manpower Group, Dan’s path has been shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Dan shares how AI in HR has evolved from buzzword to practical game-changer, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses. He recounts real-world examples—from regional plumbing companies to Airbnb hosts—leveraging AI tools that were once reserved for massive corporations. He also addresses the gap between the rapid development of AI capabilities and the slower pace of human adoption and understanding.

The conversation travels back to formative experiences, including Dan’s study abroad in Germany, visits to global institutions like NATO and the European Commission, and the cultural lessons he absorbed from living and working internationally. These experiences underpin his belief that a global perspective is essential for competitiveness, whether in business or life.

Dan also opens up about the importance of embracing failure, recounting the risks and rewards of leaving a secure corporate role for the uncertainty of new challenges. His advice for “rebels in waiting” is practical and profound: take quiet time to reflect, start small, map your goals, and accept setbacks as part of the journey.

From cat film festivals to electric Mustangs, from the intricacies of hospital staffing to the joy of live music, Dan’s stories remind us that curiosity is a powerful driver—not just of career success, but of a rich and connected life.

Quotable Quotes

“Curiosity gives some people anxiety, right? Like going outside of the norm… gives them a certain amount of fear of failure.” – Daniel Paul Friker

“Agentic workflows are so rad. It’s such a game changer.” – Michael Dargie

“What used to be out of reach or just cost prohibitive for a lot of companies is now accessible for free or a fraction of the cost.” – Daniel Paul Friker

“There’s never going to be the perfect time to take a leap.” – Daniel Paul Friker

“I would not be where I am today personally or professionally had it not been for a litany of failure.” – Daniel Paul Friker

Episode Highlights

AI in HR | Dan’s work helping companies—from Fortune 100s to $25M firms—understand and apply AI tools in staffing and recruitment.

HR Analytics Origins | How Dan’s early focus on data science in HR set the stage for his career.

The Bar Conversation | How a casual chat led to a side hustle in AI case studies.

Levelling the Field | Small businesses using AI to compete with large corporations.

Global Perspective | The role of travel and cultural exposure in shaping Dan’s worldview.

Top Three Cities | Geneva, Singapore, and Tokyo, and what each taught him.

Life at Home | Cooking, family, and why he leaves insect cuisine to others.

Transportation Choices | From motorcycles to his Ford Mustang Mach-E EV.

Bucket List | Returning to “his” Germany with his family.

Rebel Advice | Take quiet time, make a plan, start small, embrace failure.

LINKS FROM EPISODE

Dan on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-friker/)

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

“Why hit the bottom? Just go up from where you are.”

A laughter leader. A worm advocate. A wellness warrior.

Cathy Nesbitt is transforming stress into joy—one giggle and compost bin at a time.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode

Cathy Nesbitt joins Michael Dargie for a one-of-a-kind conversation about joy, purpose, worms, and why laughter really might be the best medicine. From corporate secretary to compost queen to laughter yoga teacher, Cathy’s journey is anything but ordinary—and totally intentional.

It all started with worms. Cathy’s mission to teach people about indoor composting using red wigglers began in 2002, just as the Greater Toronto Area landfill closed. But her passion didn’t stop there. When the world shut down in 2020, she pivoted once again—this time using laughter yoga to help people move out of stress and into joy.

This episode goes deep into personal reinvention, the power of saying yes, and how weird ideas might just be the ones that save us. Cathy shares her philosophy on business, community, media, and staying curious in a chaotic world. Plus: the art of winning radio contests, biking while laughing, and why she still doesn’t have a cell phone.

You’ll laugh. You’ll learn. You might even start a worm bin.

Quotable Quotes

“Laughter is the best medicine—but not everybody’s laughing.”

“Why hit the bottom? Just go up from where you are.”

“Joy is our birthright.”

“It’s no for sure unless you ask.”

“Without awareness, action is impossible.”

“We’re literally in charge of our own pharma.”

“I’m not afraid to go and look ridiculous.”

“Save the worms—they’re as important as bees.”

Episode Highlights

Laughter Yoga | How Cathy discovered the science of joy

Worm Composting | Red wigglers and the black gold revolution

Garbage Strikes | How a Toronto protest led to her first press hit

Career Pivots | From secretary to social worker to solo entrepreneur

Indoor Composting | Turning food scraps into soil in your own kitchen

Morning Show Limo Ride | Proof that asking really works

Radio Contests | How Cathy wins big with a whiteboard and a landline

Relationship Tips | When to say yes, and how to support an idea generator

The Enneagram | Adventurers, researchers, and fun as a guiding light

Phone-Free Living | On landlines, fruit flies, and the beauty of quiet

Why Titles Don’t Matter | Connection trumps status

Advice for Rebels | Make joy your baseline, and ask anyway

Links from the Episode

Cathy’s Laughter Club (https://www.cathysclub.com)

Cathy on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathynesbitt/)

Cathy on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559438955975)

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

“I wish people would just know that their fear is what is stopping them”

A misfit. A filmmaker. A disruptor for good.

Guillermo Barraza is building a future where creators know their power—and how to use it responsibly.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode

Michael Dargie welcomes Guillermo Barraza to the studio—filmmaker, founder of the Homegrown Arts and Media Collective, and passionate advocate for ethical media creation. From growing up in Calgary in a traditional Latino family to building a brand-new platform for mentorship and media literacy, Guillermo shares a raw and compelling journey of purpose, burnout, resilience, and reinvention.

What began as a film festival to help underdog creators has grown into a non-profit collective aimed at helping young people—and new grads in particular—learn how to create and consume media responsibly. The show dives into his belief that everyone is a media producer now, whether they realize it or not, and the stakes have never been higher.

We talk about what it means to be the minority, how travel changes everything, and why fear of the unknown might be holding you back more than you think. Guillermo shares the trials of job hunting, the accidental magic of film festivals, and the turning point when he watched his four-year-old instinctively start vlogging—and realized he had to do something.

This episode is a rallying cry for rebels, misfits, and creators who know there’s a better way.

Quotable Quotes

“I’ve always shone in destabilization. I’m always the one throwing a monkey wrench into things.”

“My purpose was never more solidified than when I saw my four-year-old daughter instinctively start vlogging.”

“All knowledge is essentially self-knowledge. What you don’t know is where you grow.”

“Lean into your ignorance—there’s invincibility in not knowing what’s ahead but knowing you can handle it.”

“I wish people would just know that their fear is what is stopping them.”

Episode Highlights

Homegrown Arts & Media Collective | Mentoring the next generation of ethical creators

Four-Year-Old Vlogger | The moment that changed everything

Firelight Film Festival | A love letter to underdog creators

Calgary Life | Growing up in a city of sovereign quadrants

130+ Job Applications | The journey that pushed him to build something new

Early Travel | Realizing Calgary El Salvador isn’t all there is

Rubber the Movie | Weird cinema and why it matters

Tennyson & Bruce Lee | Unlikely combo, deep philosophy

Existential Crisis at 27 | Learning who he is by becoming who he wasn’t

Comfort Food | Mini-Wheats, cereal stress eating, and Italian tomato sauce

Favourite Films | Godfather Part I, Dead Man, Mission: Impossible as cinema history

Cuba Cigar Quest | Street smarts, Santa Claus, and the ultimate hustle

Advice for Rebels | “Head down, get through it.”

Links from the Episode

Homegrown Arts & Media Collective *Under Development* (http://wearehomegrown.ca/)

Guillermo on Insta (https://www.instagram.com/weare.homegrown/)

Guillermo on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WeAreHomegrownYYC/)

Guillermo on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-homegrown/?viewAsMember=true)

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

“People don’t belong in boxes”

A disruptor. A costumer. A soul stylist.

Stacey Gonder fuses fashion and mindset to help people stop hiding—and start showing up as themselves.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode

In this episode, Michael Dargie connects with Stacey Gonder—a creative rebel, transformational coach, and custom costume designer based in Toronto, Canada. Known for reinventing herself, Stacey is now blending two of her passions: clothing and coaching. Her mission? To help people walk through the world fully expressed, from the inside out.

Stacey shares how her career evolved from professional dancer to costume designer to intuitive coach—and how those disciplines intersect in powerful, surprising ways. We explore what it means to shed the “beige” of conformity and design a wardrobe (and life) that aligns with who you actually are.

Through coaching, couture, and conversation, Stacey helps clients ditch the mainstream script and embody their truest selves—feathers, sequins, and all. She speaks openly about burnout, beauty, resistance, contrast, and the courage it takes to show up differently. There’s also some potato theft, a lot of laughs, and maybe a little rage against frogs.

Whether you’re on the verge of a reinvention or just wondering why your clothes don’t feel like you, Stacey’s rebel journey is your permission slip to do the thing that scares you—and dress like you mean it.

Quotable Quotes

“The thing that you’re most afraid of? That’s the thing you do.”

“Move toward the fear. It’s either the thing in your way—or the thing that teaches you.”

“You don’t have to be beige just because you work in beige places.” – Stacey Gonder

“People don’t belong in boxes.”

“You get to be that all the time—not just when you’re off the clock.” – Stacey Gonder

“We’re not human doings. We’re human beings.”

“Built by pierogies, cabbage, and hard work ethic.”

“Let’s break the machine.”

Episode Highlights

Stacey’s Latest Reinvention | Coaching meets custom costuming

From the Stage to the Studio | Life as a pro dancer turned designer

Born a Rebel | Why she never fit the mainstream model

Inside/Out Work | Matching inner truth with outer expression

Closet Coaching | Why most wardrobes don’t reflect who we are

Getting Loud with Style | Contrast, creativity, and permission

Retail Reimagined | Revamping her Toronto studio

Frame Game | Why glasses are an underrated accessory

Driving to Think | Cross-country road trips and Morkie copilots

Frog Phobia | Don’t ask, just accept

Ukrainian Roots | Built by grandmas and pierogies

The Thing You’re Afraid Of | A rebel’s roadmap to action

RuPaul & Reflection | Why quiet time and drag shows both heal

Deep Sea > Space | Where Stacey would rather explore

Entrepreneur Energy | Wearing who you are, wherever you go

Links from the Episode

Stacey’s Website (bystaceyg.com)

Stacey on Instagram (https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceygonder/)

Stacey on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/stacey.gonder)

Stacey on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceygonder/)

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com