“The first and best victory is to conquer self” - PLATO

There were plenty of takeaways from my chat with Tasha Star, chief among them…her devotion to discipline.

It is her true north, and it is clearly working.

Tasha has spent decades as an elite competitor (equestrian show jumping, fitness modelling, fitness-bikini competitor), and is now sharing her experiences and knowledge as a transformation coach; helping change lives and strengthen bodies.

My guest has many accolades to speak of, but above all else..Tasha is a sweet soul.

Genuinely kind, engaging, and VERY approachable. With an instagram following of 122K…I didn’t expect her to say “yes” to coming on the podcast. But, she did.

My kinda champion. Enjoy.

INSTAGRAM: the_rocky_talky_podcast

I have been a fan and follower of BIG WRECK for well over twenty years. I have seen them live at least five times, and have been attempting to play their tunes in vain; knowing full well I was surely playing them wrong (insane alternate tunings).

So, when Chris Caddell (rhythm guitar) said yes to coming on the podcast, I was thrilled, as he has some serious rock n’ roll pedigree.

Mr. Caddell has played with Canadian rock vocalist Sass Jordan, occasionally weaves in and out of Colin James’ blues/rock outfit, and has most recently found himself as Ian Thornley’s number two in BIG WRECK.

No. Easy. Feat.

Chris is miles away from where he started in Belleville, Ontario…yet he is humble, kind, and genuinely funny. This is a tiny glimpse into a surreal musical world that most of us will never experience.

Take a listen, and then go play some Big Wreck.

INSTAGRAM: the_rock_talky_podcast

Kristin Nicholls had a serious impact on my life twenty years ago; playing a pivotal role in making church relevant and something to be proud of.

A hard thing to do with a skeptic like me.

Kristin eventually moved on, and the years that followed him were not kind; teaching me that a “believer” can suffer, make mistakes, and fall apart with the best of them.

After watching what happened in my friends life, the realities of church quickly got real.

It can be a serious mess; full of broken & flawed people in search of hope, help, and a purpose.

I am one of them. So is Kristin…

Kris has been crushed, but he still has his sweetness. He still sings, writes, performs, and loves God. He still has his hope. He still has his belief. And, he is still a hero of mine.

This is a talk that jumps right into someone’s story of hell, and ultimately their path to redemption.

Love you Kris.

INSTAGRAM: the_rocky_talky_podcast

If Gene Simmons of KISS and a Kodiak Bear had a love child…I imagine it would sound a lot like Jon D. Harvey of MONSTER TRUCK. The man’s voice is larger than life, and I must admit, when I met him, I was very surprised by how low key his speaking voice is. Jon joins me for a super quick chat; pouring over the world of touring, writing, Christian punk & metal, and being a father while working in a successful rock n’ roll band. If you dig high octane, raunchy riffage and vocals….take a listen.

Nicole Lima wears dead peoples clothes….and she has the pictures to prove it.

She is a freelance model, vintage clothing connoisseur, ballet dancer, and curator of one of the coolest instagram feeds I’ve ever seen.

We chat about her shy beginnings as a wallflower (eating lunch alone in her schools bathroom stall), to today living front and centre in photo’s that are thematic, beautiful, and at times a little risqué.

We managed to cram in our love affair with 80’s metal, cemeteries, Whoppers (her fiancé ordered us some during our interview) and the fact that just prior to our interview that night…she got engaged. A first for our podcast.

Take a listen to a very cool and brave soul share their story. Nicole..you rule.

Enjoy.

INSTAGRAM: the_rocky_talky_podcast

Tucked away in a east end alley stands the garage sized workspace of J. Waldron Butchers. A tiny temple devoted to the art of butchery.

The same setting where we recorded our interview….

Jamie shares with me the winding path that took him from a butchers apprentice…to today; where he is establishing himself as a premier supplier of quality cuts.

His story was perilous & uncertain at times, but on his ninth life…he has landed beautifully in the back streets of Hamilton, Ontario. Take a listen.

INSTAGRAM: the_rocky_talky_podcast

When I met with Melissa Marchese, the air conditioning was busted….and it was HOT.

Not the ideal way to start a conversation.

Yet, Melissa shrugged it off and endured the sweaty heat with a nonchalant ease.

This seems to be her mantra…

Roll with it. Survive it. Overcome it. A pattern that catches on the longer I chat with her.

Melissa does A LOT: seasoned grade school teacher, devoted yogi, musician, and a recent killer of bad habits.

We discuss the release of her very personal album, and the eight year journey it took to bring it to life.

Take a listen.

INSTAGRAM: the_rocky_talky_podcast

It’s possible we may be the most tattooed generation to ever walk the earth; yet we are very uninformed about the in’s-and-out’s of tattoo culture.

Tom Penny and Steven James of Grey Harbour Tattoo join me and discuss the nuanced realities of being a “tattoo artist”, and prove that it is not a career for the undisciplined or faint of heart.

After our honest round table discussion, I can honestly say that my respect for these guys is real, and that I will never, EVER bail on a tattoo appointment ever again. Like…ever.

Enjoy.

INSTAGRAM: the_rocky_talky_podcast

Ashley Urie, of SMASH HAIR believes the greatest skill a hairstylist can have, is an ability and willingness to simply…

“LISTEN”

Kinda the perfect answer, especially if you’re repping the service industry.

Ashley is COLOUR personified, and it is obvious in everything she touches.

Take a listen to this chat with my friend; a talented and passionate stylist, busy making people look and feel beautiful.

Jay Dworsky of THE LOCAL SKATE SHOP pops in and gives me the rundown on skate culture; describing a very real world filled with unspoken rules, etiquettes, and ideals.

Minutes into the interview, I start to get it…

Skateboarding is not wasted on the youth. It is, in fact, an ecosystem and lifelong creed shared by a multitude everywhere.

Jay is a kind of Peter Pan; young at heart and preparing the way for the next generation of skaters and Lost Boys.

Check it out.

INSTAGRAM: the_rocky_talky_podcast