There’s so much I want to say about my interview with Professor Mark Miller, but I won’t. It needs to be discovered without leading and verbose descriptions.

However, I will say this: If you’re a human, experiencing human things..you need to press play and listen.

When Mark and I met to conduct this interview, we greeted each other with a handshake; when it was over we embraced with a genuine hug. Mark is a beautiful mind, a wide open heart, and owner of one incredible journey.

Here are his credentials:

* Research Fellow at the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies (M3CS), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; 

* Visiting Researcher at the Center for Human Nature, Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.

* Website: markdmiller.live

* Twitter: @PredictiveLife

* thecontemplativescientists.com

Cait Mizzi had a very successful career in film/television as a Special Effects Makeup Artist. She was very good at it, and it was very good to her…but life had another path.

After a life long battle with Guttate Psoriasis, and one-too-many debilitating and demoralizing flare up’s, Cait dug deep and devised a battle plan.

This devout vegan went paleo, witnessed an immediate shift in her health/skin, and ultimately kicked her ailment in the teeth.

Through the power of FOOD…she was healed.

Cait is now a passionate nutritionist and a walking paradigm shift…helping others overcome ailments and finding their own pathway to health.

Her story is very compelling and proof that sometimes, the power to heal lies in our own hands…and stomach.

This is a good one. Enjoy.

Tomi Swick is a natural. He is, perhaps the most gifted songwriter I know.

The songs…they fall outta him like a cat shedding fur. I’m not being hyperbolic with this. It is the truth.

When I first met Tomi in ‘99 he was a tall, strong athletic type. More defensive-tackle and less music-maker. So, when I first heard him sing, I was very, very confused. Never judge a book, as they say….

At that time the evolution taking place in Tomi was REAL, and I was fortunate to witness this “chrysalis” moment unfolding.

The football player - become artist.

I get him in front of a microphone to hear his story, and pour over the connective moments that lead this east-end kid to a record deal and the winners podium at the JUNO Awards.

Enjoy.

I’m a memory keeper.

For a while now, I’ve been meaning to capture my children on a recording while they still live in innocence and own little joyful voices. So that’s what I did!

This episode is more of a memory album for me, but I wanted to share it nonetheless, as I know it’ll make many of you smile.

I smiled the whole time.

Some of the best conversations happen when the “interview” is over. When the microphones and headsets are put away, all that is left, are two people in a room.

Sometimes..this is where the gold is mined.

Luckily, the entirety of my time with Janna Dekker (Billie Flower Co.) felt like this.

Gold….both before and after.

Janna is truly an artist, and her floral pieces come from the same inspired space that gives the poet their words.

She’s real good at what she does.

This is a conversation with a deeply spiritual and honest person, and it was a pleasure to hear her story. Janna is very easy company, and you’ll hear it all over the interview.

Enjoy.

INSTAGRAM: the_rocky_talky_podcast

Chef Rebecca DeWildt’s PINBONES FISH MARKET is a special place. You know it as soon as you walk in.

A thoughtfully curated space that only a chef with the right experience and pedigree could create. Nuanced, yet to the point.

My only criticism of Pinbones is the fact it didn’t open its doors years ago. I’d have cooked a lot more seafood.

Rebecca and I chat about our first significant taste memories, coming up in kitchens, and what it means to build a healthy work culture, and being a good leader. A lesson we’re still aspiring to learn.

Take a listen.

INSTAGRAM: the_rocky_talky_podcast

Ian Pettigrew is a firebrand…

He is a photographer (among other things) that creates images that are simply hard to ignore. His work pops, challenges, commands attention, and pulls you by the proverbial nose.

I am a fan of his work.

Yet..it is Ian’s efforts as an advocate that are perhaps his most impressive and impactful; the particular details of which, I will leave for the listener to discover, as it is a story worth listening to.

Mr. Pettigrew owns a stout heart, a clever mind, and a truly generous spirit, and I am grateful he has shared his story with me.

The following is a conversation with a creative using his gift to knock down walls, and shine a guiding light on some issues that really, really matter.

Enjoy.

INSTAGRAM: the_rocky_talky_podcast

The cool thing about owning a coffee shop is constantly meeting awesome people. It always amazes me how many surprises pop up in a conversation while I’m making someone an Americano.

This is how I met my guest, Tyler Lord…

During our coffee shop small talk, he shares with me his role as Creative Director for one of country music’s biggest acts, the Zac Brown Band, and for musical up-and-comer, Caroline Jones.

Tyler’s role finds him criss-crossing between home (Burlington, On) and Nashville, Tennessee regularly; including the countless dates he spends on the road touring with the band.

If there is an image, video, or aesthetic vibe coming out of the Zac Brown/Caroline Jones camp…chances are it was constructed and curated by Tyler. He is these artists’ gatekeeper and producer for all the creative content being beamed out to the world.

How Tyler arrived to his current career is a story unto itself and is proof, that if you are good at what you do, and are genuinely a nice person…the stars can align and crazy success can find you.

Enjoy.

INSTAGRAM: the_rocky_talky_podcast

Joy Johnston is a longtime friend. We were roommates in Toronto (one of the best seasons of my life), and I worked closely with her husband for many years.

We go back…

Yet, it was during this interview where I truly discovered my friend.

I’m realizing that when you are a “friend”, you can get familiar, fall into a rhythm, and end up only seeing a certain spectrum of the person you think you know.

JUMP TO INTERVIEW: Joy is incredibly luminous and passionate when discussing the art of home design, and when it was all over…she made me a believer. When you hear her speak on the topic, you’ll be a believer too.

Joy Johnston Design goes far beyond the paint swatches, design boards, and industry terminology. It is in fact, a business fuelled by love, and the desire to make a habitat filled with purpose, memory, and permanence.

Joy is an artist, and I’m proud to be able to shine a light on that fact. When my ship finally comes in..she’ll be designing my future home.

Enjoy.

INSTAGRAM: the_rocky_talky_podcast

Allan Glanfield does WAY too much…

He’s also way too GOOD at everything he does. A conundrum that has kept him very busy building a legacy of cool and beautiful things.

He is one of a few true “renaissance men” I know of, and he boasts a life experience and resume that is off the charts cool.

This is an interview with a passionate and talented guy; attempting to slow down, pace himself, and enjoy the simple things.

I have a feeling that his talent and vision won’t let that happen…

Enjoy.

INSTAGRAM: the_rocky_talky_podcast