Featuring conversations on personal & professional growth, “Journeys with the No Schedule Man” (formerly “The No Schedule Man Podcast”) is now available for download and streaming. All episodes are listed below.

Subscribe to the podcast on: iTunes | iHeart Radio | Stitcher | Libsyn | YouTube

What is it? No Schedule Man = the journey is the destination. No plan is all part of the plan! “Journeys with the No Schedule Man” explores and encourages personal & professional growth by discovering and sharing the journeys of real people who have challenged themselves to expand and grow into their potential. The podcast features conversations with a variety of special guests, sharing real stories and lessons learned so that they may serve for the benefit of others.

As he continues to encourage people to become the best version of themselves through a combination of Hope, Creativity, Accountability and Positive Action, Kevin hopes the stories shared and perspectives offered will inform, empower and entertain.

Special thanks to Allstage for their support of the podcast!

 Click the Title of the Episode to Visit its Blog Post

Ep. 63: How To Go From Hopelessness To Happiness – Lori Peters
October 17, 2017

What is it exactly that you think is going to make you happy?

Over and over again, I hear stories of people who find – often after some time and a lot of struggle – that the answer to that question is not often found by acquiring or attracting anything outside of yourself, but rather allowed by fully embracing who you already are.

Such is the case with today’s guest, Lori Peters, the  author of “Getting Married At Last: My Journey From Hopelessness To Happiness.” She has been published and featured in several media outlets including Huffington Post, Your Tango, Brides, Fox News Magazine and more.

She is also the host of the “Happiness Hangout®” Radio Show, which has gained thousands of listeners as she and her guests dive into deep and interesting topics around personal relationship happiness and well-being.

Just some of the key things I took from this conversation with Lori include:

1. Unleashing creativity – I chuckled when she said she was worried she would have to learn to draw. I’m big on people finding themselves through expressing their unique voice, which is creativity. That doesn’t mean you have to draw, or dance, or sing. It means to just be yourself.
2. Balance – Her favorite word, and an easy thing to talk about but a tough thing to find and maintain.
3. The value and completeness of self-love – Lori said, “I couldn’t have the ultimate relationship until they accepted the entirety of who I am.” I hope people read/hear and truly contemplate and understand that. The best way to love others – and be loved by others – is to love yourself.

Listen to Episode 63 on: iTunes | iHeart Radio | Libsyn| Stitcher | YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 63

Ep. 62: How to Be Unstoppable – Unstoppable Tracy Schmitt
October 10, 2017

What is it really that is holding you back from doing the things you want to do in living the life you want to live?

In this episode, you are going to hear from somebody unstoppable. That’s who she is. That’s how she is. And it is how you are going to feel after you listen to her.

Unstoppable Tracy Schmitt is an award winning Leader, Humanitarian, Advocate, Decorated Athlete and International Speaker. She is now adding “author” to her long list of amazing accomplishments. Her upcoming book  is called “Unstoppable YOU; Exceed Uncertainty, Embrace Possibilities, Earn Independence.”

And by the way, she was born a 4-way amputee. But that has never stopped her.

Listen to Episode 62 on: iTunes | iHeart Radio | Libsyn| Stitcher | YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 62

Ep. 61: How To Change Lives By Being Yourself – Kevin O’Hara of Alcohol Mastery
October 3, 2017

Can you change people’s lives for the better simply by being yourself?

The answer is absolutely yes. I know this for a fact because my life has been changed for the better thanks to today’s guest.

Kevin O’Hara is a very “normal” person doing extraordinary things. He has improved lives all around the world simply by having the courage to be exactly who he is and to allow himself to be vulnerable enough to openly and authentically share his journey and progress as he goes.

In Kevin’s case, the journey was a serious commitment to stop drinking alcohol for good, and to try and help other people in the process.

Listen to Episode 61 on: iTunes | iHeart Radio | Libsyn| Stitcher | YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 61

Ep. 60: Putting People First: Business That Scales On Doing The Right Thing – Jim Estill
September 19, 2017

Can you build a business worth multiple hundreds of millions of dollars, and even a multi-billion dollar business, by putting people first and doing the right thing?

The answer must be yes, because that’s what Jim Estill does.

Jim is the CEO and president of Danby, an appliance company that sells microwaves, compact refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, wine coolers and other small appliances. They’re based in the city of Guelph, Ontario, not too far from Toronto.

Jim recently sponsored more than 50 families of Syrian refugees to get resettled in the Guelph area. He was named to the Order of Ontario here in Canada, the province’s highest honour.

But that’s not why Jim did it. He did it because he felt it was the right thing to do, and he actually feels guilty that he’s not able to help everyone.

And while we did discuss the decision – and process – to facilitate assisting those families, I was really interested in Jim’s journey overall, and what led him to be in the position he’s in today. It’s a terrific story filled with many valuable lessons.

Listen to Episode 60 on: iTunes | Libsyn| Stitcher | YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 60

Ep. 59: You’ve Got To Go Or You’ll Never Know – Antarctic Mike Pierce
September 12, 2017

How can you really ever know what your limits are unless you are constantly testing and challenging them? And when times are tough, how does one continue to pour hope into people?

Mike Pierce, better known as “Antarctic Mike,” is a professional speaker who has a powerful perspective on that and a fascinating tale to tell. Inspired by the true story of Ernest Shackleton and his team of 28 men who became stranded in the antarctic for two years back in the early 1900’s, Mike eventually became one of nine people to run the first-ever Antarctic Ice Marathon. He later became the first American to run the Antarctic 100K, a grueling 62 miles on an ice shelf 600 miles from the South Pole.

His flagship program, “Leading At 90 Below Zero,” connects the principles of Antarctic expedition history to the real world of finding, engaging and keeping great people in today’s business world.

It’s a heckuva story.

Listen to Episode 59 on: iTunes | Libsyn| Stitcher | YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 59

Ep. 58: How Far Would You Go? The Story Of Jesse’s Journey, with John Davidson
September 5, 2017

How far would you be willing to go to make a difference for someone you love and for something that you believe in? And, what is one thing that you can do, to take that first step to just get started?

In 1998, John Davidson walked across Canada, never sleeping in the same bed for almost 300 straight nights, walking over 30km a day for more than three-quarters of a year. He journeyed 8,300 km all the way across the entire country of Canada on foot. That is over 5,157 miles

It’s a BIG country. And John Davidson walked across it.

Why would he do that? For his son, and to help others like him.

It is an extraordinary story.

Listen to Episode 58 on: iTunes | Libsyn| Stitcher | YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 58

Special Edition 4 of 4: Positivity (Creating and Cultivating Good)
August 29, 2017

In my opinion, this episode brings all the previous three “special edition” episodes together; it’s what you want that to look like? It’s the over-arching principle you’d like to follow – your default operating system.

Do you choose to believe we live in a friendly world, or not?

When I first connected with Cornell Thomas, something magical happened that I don’t know how to explain. I enjoy and am completely grateful for the connection I have with every single guest on the this show. But every now and then, it’s just different.

Talking with Cornell was one of those times.

I just had to bring Cornell back to wrap up this special edition series and poise us to launch into the next phase of this podcast adventure.

Listen to “Positivity” on: iTunes | Libsyn| Stitcher | YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Special Edition 4

Special Edition 3 of 4: Reinvention (Agility & Acting On Impermanence)
August 22, 2017

Are you a willing participant in your constant reinvention?

I believe that life is a constant process of reinvention. Call it evolution or whatever you like, but impermanence is a fundamental fact of life and yet it’s something that we, as humans, seem to resist the most.

No one person that I’ve met in recent years has had as much impact on my life – my own reinvention – in a positive way as Gair Maxwell. Gair is an International Speaker, Author, Co-Creator of “Huggable University” with Jim Gilbert (featured in Ep. 50) & “The Antarctic Method” with Mike Pierce. But more than any of that, he’s just become an absolutely treasured friend and mentor as I embark upon my own reinvention.

I hope that, whether you actually listen to the episode or not, you’ll take what I’ve shared here and then consider it in the context of your own life. Who are the people who have really made the difference for you? How have you changed as a result? How have you grown? What have you learned?

Listen to “Reinvention” on: iTunes | Libsyn| Stitcher | YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Special Edition 3

Special Edition 2 of 4: Choice (You Are What You Choose To Be)
August 15, 2017

This is part 2 of 4 Special Edition episodes, as we reflect back upon the journey of this project so far and take a few moments to recognize some of the key developments along the way. This week, we’re revisiting a conversation with speaker, author and musician, Sara Westbrook.

As I look back, I can see that reconnecting with Sara Westbrook was no accident. They say that, when you buy into and study the Law of Attraction and start living and working in an effort to serve your highest self, you’ll be begin to see certain people cross your path as if by magic. What happened when I re-connected Sara felt like that.

It was during my conversation with Sara that I was hit with a “lightning bolt” of inspiration (a “voice”) that ended up shaping much of how my life would change from that point on. What happened next is the subject of the opening to this episode, as I examine the choices I’d made up to that point, and look ahead to how I’d have to choose – and act – differently to get to that new place I was inspired to seek while talking with Sara.

This episode will appeal to you especially if you’re interested in empowering women, mindset, choices, the law of attraction and taking 100% responsibility for your life.

Listen to “Choice” on: iTunes | Libsyn| Stitcher | YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Special Edition 2

Special Edition 1 of 4: Possibility (The Story of Voices.com)
August 8, 2017

In the first of four “Special Edition” episodes to launch the podcast’s new name (“Journeys with the No Schedule Man”), Kevin reflects on the evolution of his life’s journey in the time since he began the podcast. For the next four weeks, Kevin has hand-picked specific conversations that have made a major impact on his personal and professional development, noting why that’s been the case and how what he’s learned may be of some help to you, too.

With an all new introduction and wrap-up, this episode features almost 30 minutes of new content and perspective, along with the recounting of a conversation that was transformational for Kevin in the development of the podcast and his career in general: a chat with David Ciccarelli of Voices.com, about the journey of starting from nothing and organically and systematically growing into the global company it is today.

Listen to “Possibility” on: iTunes | Libsyn| Stitcher | YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==>Special Edition 1

Ep. 57: Expanding Kindness & the Privilege of Awareness | Cindy Brett
July 25, 2017

Cindy Brett is a life success consultant who has studied about the mind and the creative process throughout her career. The creator of a movement called “Kindnessology,” Cindy has learned there are exact laws in place which, if implemented, create unrivaled serenity and harmony throughout our lives. Cindy feels that it is her purpose to more deeply understand how it is that we create our own lives and how we can inspire others to do the same.

Among the many incredible things that stood out from my conversation with Cindy were:

1. The privilege of awareness – I had yet to hear anyone describe awareness in quite this way, using the word “privilege.” It felt completely appropriate as soon as Cindy mentioned it.

2. Pain as an agent of change – I asked Cindy what precipitated her transformation and she quickly answered with one word: Pain. She said, “Pain got me looking into how I could change my life.”

3. Stay with it – Cindy noted that what we focus on expands and I was probably turning a little bit red when she talked about how common it is for people who like to learn and grow to flit about from book to book to book and course to course to course, gobbling up information and forever searching for what they perceive to be the missing piece of their puzzle. Cindy suggests to take certain material and to stay with it.

Listen to Episode 57 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 57

Ep. 56: Letting Go Of Limitations | Susan Kovacs
July 18, 2017

Known as the “Game Changer,” Susan Kovacs is a sought-after straightforward coach to ambitious high performers and an inspiring speaker who advocates that we can up our game and step into our greatness.

30 years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and living those decades under the cloak of limitations suggested by both doctors and the disease, Susan competed in and completed her first triathlon. As you will hear as she describes her story, even deciding to try to do a triathlon, let alone completing one, was an enormous leap, both physically and spiritually.

Anyone who has ever doubted themselves for any reason is going to love this conversation.

Just some of the key elements that stood out to me included:

1. Identity vs authenticity and a question from her daughter – About a half hour into our discussion, Susan talked about how she recognized that so much of her identity was wrapped up in being a wife and mother and a people-pleaser. When her daughter asked her why she cared so much about what other people thought of her, she realized that she had an “identity” but that was not necessarily an accurate reflection of who she authentically.

2. Hitting “delete” on the self-talk tape – This, yet again, is a perspective on the importance of awareness, choice and mindset.

3. Focus on the process – Susan mentioned, “We get caught up in the outcome.” But when you can focus on each step of the journey, it will pull you into the present and you will enjoy it all a whole lot more.

Listen to Episode 56 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 56

Ep 55: Sharing More Of Our Stories & Ourselves | Michel Neray
July 11, 2017

Michel Neray is an international speaker, co-author of “The Great Crossover” and founder of “MoMondays,” a monthly variety show that combines storytelling, comedy and live music and which, since its creation in 2012, has expanded to multiple cities across Canada and in the United States.

Michel helps people craft and perform more effective, “purposeful” stories to become more effective at what they do. He also uses Purposeful Storytelling to more effectively help organizations position and brand themselves in the marketplace.

But of course, this podcast is most about the story – the journey – of the guest. In this case, it’s Michel Neray, and I can tell you that it is a fascinating and thought-provoking story.

Some f the key things I took from my time with Michel Neray include:

1. Never lose sight of the intense desire to see the good in people and the love in the world (a lesson from his mother)

2. Keeping your stories and experiences to yourself can eat away at you, no matter how brave and admirable a face you may be putting up (a lesson from his father)

3. Know what you want, but getting clear on what you do not want maybe just as or even more important

Listen to Episode 55 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 55

Ep. 54: The Balancing Act Of A Well-Lived Life | Tonia Adelta
July 4, 2017

Tonia Adleta is an international speaker, the founder and host of The Single Parent Summit and the owner of multiple businesses, including an award-winning wedding and event planning and floral design company. She describes herself as a recovering perfectionist and single mom to the two most amazing kids ever.

Tonia is another powerful and dynamic example of those who live so much of their life trying to do everything they really thought they were supposed to do, all the while unknowingly shrinking away from who they really are. The symptoms are not uncommon. It often looks like this: driving yourself into the ground trying to keep everyone else happy often results in no one being happy and you facing a total life and career makeover. That’s what happened to me, that’s what has happened to so many of the other guests on this podcast, and that’s what happened to Tonia.

Some of the key things I took from my time with Tonia include:

1. There’s no such thing as work-life balance – There’s just life. This was one of my favourite beginnings to any episode of this podcast so far. I thought I’d tossed Tonia a bit of a curveball and was interested to see what she do with it. I was fascinated when she didn’t even swing at it.
2. Mindfulness versus looking backward or forward – Tonia gives a terrific account of how you can tell if you are in one of two very common camps of people. The first is to evaluate if you are treating yourself like a victim, as if life always happens to you. The other camp has you looking forward. This one delays the thought of happiness until a certain result can be achieved.
3. Awareness – Tonia gives a great account of why this is important so I encourage you to listen for that along with the other of the six points that she delivers part way through our discussion.

Listen to Episode 54 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 54

Episode 53: How Do You Want to Be Remembered? | Melissa Schenk
June 27, 2017

Melissa Schenk is the creator of MS2 Productions, a high impact video marketing agency. Melissa also works as a speaker, author, producer and business consultant, among other things. She has a vast background in media that includes both radio and a long run as television weather anchor.

Melissa certainly knows the landscape of media and broadcasting first-hand. Her creative passions and entrepreneurial instincts have continued to drive her forward into creating new and exciting ways to communicate and to help empower others to do the same.

Some of the key things I took from my time with Melissa include:

1. Doing what can’t be done – Melissa tells a great story about a camp that she created for kids in her days and radio. She had a vision and an idea that she believed in but did not have an existing model that she could point to in order to get other people to understand what she was getting at. So she created it!

2. You become like the people you spend the most time with – This came up in the context of her recognizing one of her mentors in TV broadcasting.

3. Remember, it’s what I can do for you and not the other way around – This comes up near the end when she tells the story about how she landed inside the top 10 of a competition of more than 35,000 entries for tourism Queensland’s “Best job in the world” competition. 95% of people took the tactic to say why they would be the best and why this organization should give them the job. Melissa took a different approach

Listen to Episode 53 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 53

Episode 52: Finding Who You Really Are vs. The Role You Play – Andre Radmall
June 20, 2017

A self-described “student of transformation,” Andre Radmall is a registered psychotherapist (UKCP, BUPA) and life coach based in London England with over twenty years experience working for the Priory Hospital, London School of Theology and in private practice. Andre is also an international speaker and trainer who combines his drama and therapy experience to offer a unique approach to business coaching (he gives us some terrific examples of this during our discussion). Andre is the author of the books “Insight Into Addiction” and “Holistic Health”

Andre has a unique approach that has grown out of more than twenty years of helping people change. Over the years, he realized that one big reason for people getting stuck in habits of addiction, stress or eating disorders was the way they saw themselves. His way of using theatre to help people step both out of – and into – themselves is inspired.

Some of the key things I took from my time with Andre included:

1. The Power of a Name – For both good and not-as-good … His story about going from “William” to “Andre” is powerful. I wonder what other names, labels, ideas or stories we may be putting upon ourselves to define our sense of worth but don’t really describe WHO we really are??
2. Monologue to Dialogue – As Andre notes, being stuck in a monologue takes its toll on the imagination, and therefore can be very limiting. Monologues see people trapped in a perspective and not open to change. Dialogues are like dance. Which sounds most familiar to you?
3. Letting Go to Receive – This is one of many paradoxical concepts we discuss. This describes his transformational shift in theatre – when he learned to relax and let go – he said he was “taking his eyes off of me.”

Listen to Episode 52 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 52

Episode 51: Discovering a Deeper Why – Gerry Visca
June 13, 2017

Known as the “Why Guy” and Canada’s Creative Coach, Gerry Visca exists to inspire people and their ideas to action.  His current mission is to inspire One Million Whys, all around the world.

Gerry’s energy and passion are awesome to observe. As one of Canada’s top Inspirational Speakers, a 16-time author and publisher of Defyeneurs, Gerry’s on a mission to inspire a new ROI in the World – one where we all Reach Out & Inspire others.

Some of the key points I took from my time with Gerry include:

1. Finding Your “Why” Is Not Linear – His discussion points about discovering your “why” not being a linear process really made me think about my own journey to “why,” my eventual reconnection to my inner child and where and when the different sparks of inspiration arrived.

2. Quantum Creation – I can only imagine how often Gerry gets asked something like, “How do you do all of this?” I get asked it a lot, so I can only imagine what it’s like for Gerry. He gives us some great insight into it how he creates and does all that he does.

3. Passion + Purpose = Outcome – And the outcome is the deeper why. If you spend any time at all around Gerry or absorbing his work, you’ll come across that formula of his. It may sound fundamental, but do you even know what you are passionate about? You may not. At a deeper level, you do. But on the surface? That may take some work. As Gerry said, “Most people are unaware that they are even unaware.”

Listen to Episode 51 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 51

Episode 50: How I Got So Huggable – Jim Gilbert
June 6, 2017

 

 

Since the late 1970’s, Jim Gilbert has been earning a reputation as Canada’s Huggable Car Dealer. Along with his wife Dawna, Jim has built a family-run business that is a shining example of what it means to never be afraid of standing in your own truth and believing in the magic of possibilities.

In an age where common courtesy isn’t quite so comment, Jim and Dawna stand out and have built a well-deserved reputation over time for being exactly why they say they are: Huggable.

You’ll hear that right away when Jim begins telling his story. It’s remarkable, enjoyable and, well …. Huggable … and you’re going to love it.

Some of the key takeaways I took from Jim included:

1. Working Weekends & Learning From the Customer – Listen for how Jim got his initial opportunities, and what he did to sell more boats than anyone else at the time.
2. Shoot the Gun, Ride the Bullet – Jim’s become a master at “riding the bullet.” He’s learned to trust his intuition, take action, and figure it out as he goes.
3. He Did What Everybody Else Did … Until He Didn’t – Jim describes how he eventually realized he was doing the same thing as everyone else in the used car business until he saw someone different he could model … and eventually surpass. He did this with his personal growth, too (listen for the Zig Ziglar tape story). This can only come from the curiosity of a growth mindset.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 50

Listen to Episode 50 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 49: Step Into Life & A New Level Of Mind – Angela Kontgen
May 30, 2017

Angela Kontgen is a meditation coach and creator who helps people live life at new levels. After a decade of coaching people in all aspects of life and leadership, these days she focuses on one thing: meditation. There are a number of reasons why, and she goes over those in our conversation.

If you have ever questioned the path that you were on and wondered if there’s something more, you’re going to want to listen through this entire conversation.

Some of the key takeaways I took from Angela included:

1. Value of Awareness – First, there’s the art of noticing that you are not noticing, and recognizing the crutch of always being in a state of doing. Second, as young people we mostly did not have an awareness to even have awareness in the first place, which is why so many of us get well into our lives and find ourselves unhappy and adorned with what Angela calls the “golden handcuffs.”
2. The Joy of Rediscovering Yourself – Ideally, you’ll never lose yourself in the first place, but Angela rediscovered her love for wellness and physical fitness, which she had largely fallen out of touch with. For me, it was music, this podcast, creative expression … what is it for you?
3. What to Expect Once You Decide to Forge Your Own Destiny – Angela gives a great description of this phenomenon, and it outlines why so many people never try. But if you can listen to and allow yourself to be guided by those who have gone through the fire before us, you’ll see that there is, in fact, a way through.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 49

Listen to Episode 49 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 48: The Paradox of People Pleasing – Amanda Weber
May 23, 2017

Amanda Weber is affectionately known as a Happiness Coach and recovering people pleaser. She helps people discover their happiest, healthiest and most successful version of themselves amid the often chaotic nature of life. Through one-on-one coaching, group workshops and speaking, and through her blog and podcast called “The Full Life,” Amanda helps bring clarity, perspective and what she calls the full life to those with whom she interacts.

Some of the key points I took from my time with Amanda include:

1.  Take care of yourself so you can take care of others – Listen for her story of how she recognized that by depleting herself, it was affecting her kids, and how she describes her “3 a.m. promise” to stop being reactive them.
2. Life Gets Away – This happens to a lot of us without us realizing it. It certainly happened to me. If you don’t stop to consider where you’re going and why, life will carry you along on its own … and it won’t always take you to where you’d like to go. As Amanda says, “I think life kind of got away on me … I got that first job, and it led to the second, and it led to the third, and the more that I people-pleased and got stuff done, the more the next-best opportunity would come. And so I think life kind of took me somewhere versus me deciding where I would go, and I’m not sure it lines up at all with that little person that I started out as.” Sound familiar? Yeah, it does for me, too.

2. Recognizing Adversity as Opportunity – Her story of being grateful to her husband for leaving is powerful.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 48

Listen to Episode 48 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 47 – Separation, Divorce & Good Family Matters: Carl Good
May 16, 2017

Carl Good is the co-founder of Good Family Matters, a mediation center based here in London, Ontario that teaches and encourages positive methods mediation (PMM) where they reframe conflict into an opportunity to create a best-case working partnership.

Here are some key takeaways I took for my time with Carl Good:

1. Negative Becoming Normal and Your Environment Changing Who You Are – When Carl’s divorce court proceedings were over and he was ready to move on, he thought he should have been happy but wasn’t. Negative had become normal and he didn’t know what to do next.

2.   Finding Common Ground – He said it took about four years but after all of that negativity there was there was a time when he and his former wife came together over an issue involving the school that their child was attending. This brought them together he shares a story about it that I found extremely touching. There is an incredible power in common ground, especially when you realize that you’re in it together and are really willing to put the children first.

3. Check Your Ego – For the sake of yourself and your future, and your children (if you have them) and their future … when the waters get rough, take as many deep breaths as you need to. Check your ego. Make good decisions.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 47

Listen to Episode 47 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 46 – Soul-Centred Sales: Laurie Hawkins
May 9, 2017

Laurie Hawkins is a certified business coach, success strategist, speaker, facilitator and founder of Hawk Inspired. She inspires business leaders and teams toward peak performance and achievement, and has walked an interesting path – both personally and professionally – to get to where she is today and I think you’re going to find the story really interesting.

Some of the other key takeaways I took from my time with Laurie included:

1. Guiding vs Telling – Laurie gives some great accounts of her father guiding and mentoring her versus just “telling” her what to do or not do. It’s a huge difference! Have a listen for that.
2. Service & Authenticity – The more of these podcasts I do, the more I am convinced that these are two essential elements for success in life in any form: contribution and being true to yourself. What a potent combination, and it’s right there waiting for every single one of us to embrace and employ.
3. Human Connection – From sales techniques to the priorities of people in other parts of the world to the coming and going of technological trends, we discussed it all and agreed on one thing that applies for it all: human connection. And for a great way to initiate those connection, see the other two key takeaways, listed above.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 46

Listen to Episode 46 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 45 – Overcoming Anxiety: Steve Zanella
April 25, 2017

Steve Zanella helps people learn to overcome anxiety, stress & fear with meditation, mindfulness and love. As he says, “he’s just sharing his story.”

In this conversation, Steve openly discusses the challenges he faced for much of his life. But he also shares an open and honest account of what he did – and is doing – to reclaim his well-being and to live a life free of anxiety. He is living proof that it is possible, and it’s part of his mission to help as many people as he can by authentically sharing his experiences from this point on.

Some of the key things I took from my time with Steve included:

1. Changing Your “Why” – Steve tells a moving story of how his love for his daughter “Became The Why” which precipitated his effort to truly change. In short, he wondered if he could love himself the way he loved his daughter. What a thought! Listen for that, and what happened as a result.
2. Asking “Why?” – Steve talked about learning to approach everything like a toddler when it comes to understanding his own thoughts, feelings, emotions and beliefs. It’s a great way to look at it! Find out why by listening for what Steve has to say about asking “why?”
3. You Can Teach Yourself Anything – As Steve notes, the knowledge is free and readily available to anyone with access to a library, and especially to anyone with access to the internet. But you’ve got to do the work. If you’re willing to do that, you can literally teach yourself to do just about anything, including overcoming anxiety.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 45

Listen to Episode 45 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 44 – Living Fully: Michael Doyle
April 18, 2017

Michael Doyle is a speaker, musician, business coach and author who believes that everyone has the power to follow their dreams and live their purpose. At the time of this discussion, he is just about to release his first book called “At The Helm: Take Control and Live Fully.”

Among all of the great bits of perspective Michael shared, some of my favourites were:

1. Confidence Comes Last – As Michael says, “If we wait until we have the confidence to do something we’ll probably never do it.” He went on to say, “Once you start to build skills, that’s when the confidence starts to come. Confidence comes last in almost every obstacle I’ve worked through.”
2. Being Open to Receive – I misunderstood this for a long time, much as I did with the idea of loving myelf; it seemed selfish to me. But that’s not it at all. Michael noted that, through the course of his personal growth and redevelopment, he discovered that being open to receive was his biggest block.
3. Underestimating what we can do in a long period of time – Michael said, “We as humans will over-estimate what we can do in a short period of time. We’ll try to schedule too much and will try to do too much. But at the same point I think we grossly underestimate what we can do in a long period of time. It’s about doing little things and being consistent and being intentional.” That’s a really great observation. I’m certain that he’s right and confess to falling into that trap in bits and pieces every day.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 44

Listen to Episode 44 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 43 – Learn To Do By Doing: Doug Vincent
April 11, 2017

Doug Vincent is a Charter Member and Past President of the Woodstock-Oxford Rotary Club in Canada. He has traveled the world on Rotary humanitarian aid activities and is a Rotary Representative to the United Nations, among many, many other things.

Doug is often called Rotary’s “Roving Ambassador.”  He is a kind, caring and compassionate man and the stories he tells in this episode are absolutely priceless.

Among the many key things that stood out from my time with Doug include:

1. Saying Yes To Life – Doug gives a powerful account of what led to his decision to say “yes” to more global engagements, and what caused him to make a commitment to himself of something he would do within 30 days of getting home after being unwell in another part of the world.
2. Learn To Do By Doing – As Doug described his start in his own branch of the family business, “Rather than me going into a big business when I didn’t have big business skills, this allowed me to start from grassroots small business. And then my business skills grew at the same time as the business grew.” He shares many valuable insights along these lines, a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and those looking for a succession plan for their existing business
3. Understanding the Difference One Person Can Make – Doug recounts a moving story near the end of our discussion that truly gave me pause for consideration. He observed that, “I get really, really, really frustrated when people don’t see the difference they could make in a very simple way.” Each and every one of us has the opportunity to make a positive difference. And for each one of us who does, the bigger the collective difference we all make.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 43

Listen to Episode 43 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 42 – Putting Purpose Into Perspective: Eustan Matthews
April 4, 2017

Eustan Matthews is a Business Coach, Consultant & Speaker who helps busy entrepreneurs and business owners avoid or escape what he calls “The Freedom Quandary.” At the time of our discussion, he’s taken on a project called “40 Coffees in 40 Days,” designed to meet with a different small business owner on 40 separate occasions and to solve one challenge in their business over a cup of coffee.

It’s clear that Eustan is passionate about helping other people, and when you spend even just a few moments with him, you’ll quickly realize that his kind and nurturing spirit puts you at ease.

Some of the key things I took away from the time with Eustan include:

1. Leaving Authentic Impressions – We make impressions on so many other people, both good and not as good, without even trying, and these impressions become part of our collective experience, in both how we identify ourselves, and in what we say about ourselves to others.
2. Invest in the Person, Not in the Business (or the numbers) – A wise choice for any business involving human beings, in my opinion.
3. Positivity is a Choice – Eustan tells a great story about a time when he asked his wife, “Am I a negative person?” The honest answer he got to that question presented him with a choice as to how he wanted to move forward. I believe he chose well.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 42

Listen to Episode 42 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 41 – The Power of Positivity: Cornell Thomas
March 28, 2017

Cornell Thomas describes himself as a father, husband, son, speaker, coach, motivator, world changer, free thinker, lion, doer, giver, and active dreamer. His mission in life is to serve others and make this world a better place. He’s doing a heckuva job so far.

Originally, Cornell thought his purpose in life was to play professional basketball. And in 2003, he received a contract to play pro ball in Portugal. It was the realization of a dream he’d held since he discovered the sport at 16 years of age.

And then it all fell apart.

Little did he realize at the time that the setback would help him find & embrace his true purpose in life:

Some of the key things I took from my time with Cornell include:

1. You Can Always Sell the Cookies –In one of my favourite stories of any of this podcast’s episodes so far, Cornell tells a terrific tale of mindset , resourcefulness & hustle.
2. If You Build It, They Don’t Always Come –You have to do the work. You better know your stuff. Cornell was reminded of that in the days when he started his first basketball camp and the results brought to mind a famous quote from a certain Kevin Costner movie … only in reverse.
3. You’ll Never Arrive – There is an irony here, because the acceptance of this fact is your gateway to freedom. Wherever you go, there you are. You’ll never arrive. Embrace it.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 41

Listen to Episode 41 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 40 – Learning to Love Yourself: Katie Kozlowski
March 20, 2017

Katie Kozlowksi is a spiritual teacher, self realization coach and healer. I was immediately intrigued to talk with Katie when I saw the phrase “Learn to Love Yourself” associated with her website, and the idea of her inviting people to be a part of the “Loving to be Me” Collective.

Katie’s is a powerful story about how so many of us start out so happy and free, how it easy it is to get lost, and the consequences of the unconscious cruelty we inflict on ourselves and others when we’re not in touch with who we really are. And most of us aren’t.

A few key things I took from my time with Katie include:

1. You Are Not Your Body – She talks about the difference between your soul and your body, and how her accident (which she describes) jolted her soul and her body back together. It’s a powerful observation
2. Happy Can Look Messy – Listen for how she describes herself as a kid. As we get older, we start putting all sorts of conditions on what it takes to be happy. But happy can be simple, and even messy. The reverse is also true: so many of us put up appearances and seem to look as if we have everything all tidy and put together when, in fact, we’re actually falling apart inside.
3. The Irony of “Playful Transformation” (because it brings you back to the real you) – Listen for why Katie jokes that she “peaked” in Grade 3. She already knew who she was. She just needed to find her again, or “transform” back to who she already used to be (and still was). I believe the same is true for most of us.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 40

Listen to Episode 40 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 39 – Run Toward the Roar: Martin Reid
March 14, 2017

Martin is the creator of “Personal Victory,” a fitness consulting company developed to help people determine and reach their fitness goals. He is also an Education Specialist at Life Time Athletic. On social media, he calls himself a “Tabata & Pilates Guy!”

In addition, Martin has begun to do some speaking and was featured as a contributing writer to the book “Dreaming Big Being Bold: Inspiring Stories from Trailblazers, Visionaries and Change Makers” by Paula Morand & Victoria Craig.

What’s interesting is that we did not talk much about fitness, or speaking, or writing, in this discussion. Instead, this conversation was very much about accountability, “Moments of Grace,” relationships, reinvention and self-realization.

Some of the key things I took from my time with Martin include:

1. Embracing Brokenness – He tells the story of a broken bowl, and how the pieces that are glued back together are actually stronger than the other, “non-broken” parts of the bowl. I love the idea of putting flecks of gold in the glue, too.
2. An Evolving View of Courage – Martin gives a clear account of how his views have changed on what constitutes true nobility, strength and courage. He notes that he used to view transparency as weakness. He now knows better, and I couldn’t agree with him more.
3. Significance of the Insignificant – This is the ripple effect. And it can work both for you or against you. Little becomes big. Whether it’s a simple kind word or encouragement to someone, or more related to the story he tells of the pebbles building up into a wall, little becomes big.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 39

Listen to Episode 39 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 38 – Love Yourself First, Know Your Flow: Dr. Carlen Costa
March 8, 2017

Dr. Carlen Costa is one of Canada’s most sought-after Sexologist & Relationship Experts. She believes everyone is capable of achieving deep and meaningful intimate relationships; sometimes we just need inspiration to grow them.

Carlen is a dynamic, cheerful soul who clearly loves what she does and has been through quite the journey of self exploration and actualization to become that way. And that is, for the most part, what we discussed in this episode.

Some of the key things to listen for from Dr. Carlen include:

1. Honouring & Nurturing Your Awareness – Carlen described a “heavy feeling” that she experienced at the outset of her professional journey. Rather than pushing past it, as so many of us do in the face what we feel we’re “supposed” to do, she listened to it, honoured it, gave it space and looked to truly understand it.
2. Embracing the “Process” – Dr. Carlen took an objective and honest macro view of her life in order to choose the next micro move. She knew it would be a process and she embraced it and then went to work.
3. Understanding & Cultivating Intimacy – The word “intimacy,” in my opinion and experience, is largely misunderstood. That’s probably due to the accepted phrase of “being intimate” taken to mean “having sex.” But that’s not what real intimacy is, and we’re missing out!

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 38

Listen to Episode 38 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 37 – What’s Tougher: Getting Started, or Moving Through The Middle?
February 28, 2017

If you’re like me, and have committed yourself to relentlessly working toward your goals and dreams, which have you found to be more of a challenge: the effort and action to get started in the first place, or the courage and commitment it takes to keep moving through the murky middle? This episode explores that idea.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 37

Listen to Episode 37 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 36 – Sharing Vulnerability & Growing Together: Jason MacKenzie
February 21, 2017

Jason MacKenzie is a speaker, coach and author of “The Dadly Book of Open: How Cultivating Vulnerability Makes You a Stronger, Wiser & More Courageous Father.” He teaches people how to find the courage to create new and deeper relationships with people, including their kids.  And if they want to use those relationships to power personal and professional growth, he shows them how to do that too.

Jason is a survivor of his first wife’s battle with bipolar disorder and subsequent suicide. He’s also overcome a decade-long battle with alcohol and eventually stopped running from grief and fear, which allowed him to become the husband and father he is today.

Some of the key things to listen for from Jason include:

1. Growing Together – We discuss this at a few different points in the conversation, related not just to parents with their kids, but with their parents as well.
2. You will know when it is time for you to know – His description of the peace and the clarity of the moment when he knew he was done drinking is a great example of how, with any large, looming issue in your life that you’re not sure how to handle, you will know when it’s time.
3. The power of vulnerability – Authentically sharing our true selves with others almost never pushes others away. It has the reverse effect: it almost always brings us closer together.
4. Perseverance – He does a terrific job of describing the process of actually creating the book and what it took. Listen to that carefully because it’s an important lesson for just about anything that you do in life.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 36

Listen to Episode 36 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 35 – When Life Calls Time Out
February 7, 2017

My question with this episode is: how do you recognize when it’s time for a personal “timeout,” and what do you do about it? How are you able to distinguish it from an everyday excuse born of fatigue or routine (we all have things we don’t feel like doing but we go through with it anyway).

What I’m referring to here are the times when you’ve tried all your tricks and life is still clearly telling you to slow down or stop. Perhaps you’ve been working through a cold that just isn’t going away so your body ramps up the fatigue to slow you down, or you’re noticing that a few little disruptions seem to be turning into an avalanche of obstacles and your ability to cope is dwindling. However you characterize it, how do you know and what do you do about it?

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 35

Listen to Episode 35 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 34 – Go With Your Gut, Run Your Own Race: Cole Pearn
January 31, 2017

NASCAR Fans will recognize Cole Pearn as the Crew Chief for the Furniture Row Racing Team and driver, Martin Truex Jr. Cole’s story is a terrific example of knowing yourself, trusting your gut and going with what feels right to you.

Cole’s is a fascinating story and a great example of how important it is to really know yourself, understand what it is that is important to you and what can happen when you take action to pursue it.

Some of the key points that stood out to me from my time with Cole include:

1. Go with your gut. Trust your intuition.

2. Run your own race. To do this, you’ve got to really know yourself and what’s important to you. That won’t always look the way you think it should, or mirror what others may be doing. But if you truly know and trust yourself, you can make decisions from the heart and be at peace with the outcome.

3. Pursuit. Action. Once you know who you are and what you want, you’ve got to go after it. Just take the next step and be fully present wherever you are. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 34

Listen to Episode 34 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 33 – Embracing Contentment & Letting Go: Derek Botten
January 24, 2017

Derek Botten is a voice-over artist and voice actor who brings to life a wide variety of commercials, videos, voice characterizations, audio books and much more. To each project, he brings authenticity, sincerity and a kind and compassionate spirit.

Derek is an absolute gem of a human being. I treasure his friendship, encouragement, wisdom and kindness well beyond what I feel I could accurately describe. It’s my great wish that everyone should have at least one friend like Derek, and so perhaps that’s why I feel compelled to share his spirit with you.

This particular episode is very much a conversation. It’s not so much an interview as a philosophical chat between two very close friends. While it goes a little bit deeper than we might have if we were just meeting for breakfast, I do feel that this conversation is representative of so many of the very helpful discussions that we have enjoyed over the years, and I hope that you are able to gain something from it as well.

Some of the key things that stood out from the discussion with Derek include:

1. The empowering value of letting go
2. Reframing “regret” and appreciating who you are now as the sum of your collective experience
3. Getting to the cause of something (as opposed to continually treating symptoms) and being mindful of which example or path you’re choosing to follow

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 33

Listen to Episode 33 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 32 – Becoming a Resiliency Ninja: Allison Graham
January 17, 2017

Allison Graham is a business growth consultant, speaker and best-selling author. She has been featured as an authority on sales and networking and has worked with some of North America’s most influential brands. At the time of our conversation, she was just about to release a book called “Married My Mom, Birthed a Dog: How to be Resilient When Life Sucks.”

Some of the key things Allison has taken from her journey that I encourage you to listen for in this discussion include:

1. Identifying and Re-Voicing what she calls “The Internal Messenger of BS.” As she said, “If we ever spoke to somebody else in front of us the way that we speak to ourselves, about ourselves, they would probably punch us!”

2. Awareness. More specifically, self-awareness. As Allison said during the course of our conversation, “I wish I had been self-aware enough to know that I needed a break.”

3. Forgiveness. This is such a HUGE piece of the puzzle, one that in my opinion is missing for many of us. Applying responsibility and forgiveness together is the only path to emotional freedom I’ve discovered so far. Allison seems to feel the same way.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 32

Listen to Episode 32 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 31 – Putting Creativity in Motion: Jeff Boudreau of Jeff’s Musical Car
January 10, 2017

Jeff Boudreau is the creator and host of the fabulously creative web video series, “Jeff’s Musical Car.” Based in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Jeff has produced over 250 episodes at the time we recorded this podcast, ranging from local artists from the Moncton music scene all the way to Internationally renowned talents such guitarist, Jesse Cook.

Jeff’s story is a terrific example of the power of an idea and the fuel that genuine passion gives to it. I continue to be amazed by what people can do when they’re acting from their heart and allowing themselves to learn as they go while enjoying the process. Jeff Boudreau and his Musical Car are an exceptional positive example for the rest of us in that regard.

Some of the key takeaways I got from Jeff’s “Musical Car” Journey:

1. The gratification that comes from pursuing an idea and allowing yourself to figure it out and get better as you go. As Jeff puts it, “There’s no guidebook on how to record bands in vehicles.”

2. The value of building relationships & power of networking with patience and good intentions.
3. Expressing and encouraging creativity is its own reward, and the value of real connection and human experience are gifts the process will present to you.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 31

Listen to Episode 31 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 30 – Driving High-Performing Cultures, Walking on Wet Paint: Bob Parker 
January 3, 2017

What does a NASCAR-style pit crew changing tires have to do with high-performing business culture? Quite a lot, as it turns out, and Bob Parker is the man who puts people – quite literally – into the action to discover that for themselves.

Bob is a Speaker, Experience leader, Management Consultant & Facilitator and Author of “The Pit Crew Challenge: Winning Customers Through Teaming.” The “Pit Crew Challenge” also serves as the name of Bob’s benchmark program for the last many years, a metaphorical learning experience that builds high-performing cultures leading to greater efficiencies. He does this by bringing an actual late model (NASCAR-style) race car to people.

Some Key Takeaways To Listen For From Bob:

1. The idea of culture as opposed to “team-building.”
2. The importance of failing.
3. The effect of just one loose lug nut. Just one lug nut (or wheel nut) being the slightest bit loose will magnify itself over time into a bad vibration. And that’ll cost you, on the race track, in business and in life.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 30

Listen to Episode 30 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 29 – Intention Mixed With Action Equals Magic – Reflections On a Year of the Podcast Journey
December 28, 2016

At this time a year ago, I was finally deciding to get off the sidelines, drop my excuses and finally being doing something I’d previously only thought about for a good long while.

This podcast episode goes over what happened as a result, and the incredible and unpredictable twists, turns and triumphs of the journey so far. It’s my hope that this will be of help to you as you consider your goals for 2017 and beyond, and that it will give you ample evidence that you cannot go wrong if you are acting with the intention to truly follow your heart.

Visit this episode’s blog post here ==> Episode 29

Listen to Episode 29 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 28 – The Art of Being There & Value of Human Connection: Jim Cressman
December 20, 2016

Jim Cressman is a professional baseball umpire and retired sportswriter. He still umpires and has been doing so for over 50 years.

I know Jim best as a sportswriter. For decades, Jim covered sports for the London Free Press, the daily paper in the city where we live. Umpiring, on the other hand, took Jim to the Olympics and other international events, as well as through baseball’s minor leagues.

Some of the key steps in the journey that I took away from my time with Jim included:

1. Perspective. Whether it’s with writing or umpiring or anything else, we’re all looking at life through a different lense. That fact alone can explain a lot of “taken out of context” complaints.

2. What you love most seems to stay with you. In Jim’s case, it’s umpiring, and an appreciation for sharing new experiences with other people.

3. The art of actually being there & the value of human connection. These two things put together answered some questions I’d had about Jim for years, like how come he’s not written a book or started a blog? The answers emerge in this discussion.

Listen to Episode 28 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 27 – Five Books That Changed My Life & The Stories Behind Them
December 13, 2016

Every once in a while, a book comes along and gives you exactly what you need to see precisely when you need to see it. Some books are like that. Their contents stick with you and become a permanent part of your experience, personality, and thought process from that point forward.

With that in mind, I decided to do a podcast on five books that have had that effect on me and to share my personal stories of why they’ve meant so much. My hope is that it will eventually help someone else, and possibly even save them from some of the personal challenges I’ve been through.

The five books are “Conscious Living” by Gay Hendricks, “Five Wishes” by Gay Hendricks, “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, “The Magic of Thinking Big” by David J. Schwartz and “Tao Te Ching” (translation by Stephen Mitchell).

Listen to Episode 27 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 26 – Healing Grief & Loss, Connecting with Spirit: Jennifer Farmer
December 6, 2016

Jennifer Farmer is an intuitive, medium and spiritual teacher is passionate about empowering you to embrace joy and inner peace through the deep healing.

Among the many things that stood out for me from my time with Jennifer were:

1. Choice over your view of your experience. She talked about deciding to view the world as a friendly place, and putting to use effective tools to maintain and nurture that view, such as counselling, meditation, prayer, action & service to others.

2. The other side of that choice, and what it represents. She noted how some people choose to come at life through a lower energy frequency, using things like blame, guilt and regret to shape their view. In that case, Jennifer suggests that such a person is “learning to connect to life through suffering,” and she suggests that, while each of us will encounter some form of suffering along the way, how long we suffer can be optional. I find that hopeful and empowering.

3. She shared three main things that are essential tools for success: Awareness, Learning How to Control Your Mind, and the Ability to Let Go & Renew, which we discussed at greater length.

Listen to Episode 26 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 25 – Thriving Loving Relationships: Kim Von Berg
November 29, 2016

Kim is a long-time love coach, is passionate about transforming the lives and relationships of singles and couples – and has owned and operated Thriving Loving Relationships since 1997.  She is a certified singles and couples coach, a communication specialist, a credentialed teacher and holds a master’s degree in Humanistic Psychology. In addition, she is certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and about to certified as a Calling in the One Coach.

Among the key takeaways from the conversation with Kim are:

1. It starts with self. This is true of so many things in life, and relationships are no different. The manifest of your outer reality all begins from your inner dialogue.
2. Coming to a relationship from a place of “I” instead of “You.” Here’s an example: If I say, “I feel this way,” it’s not really arguable. I’m sharing how I’m feeling about something. I’m not stating a cause: I’m sharing the effect.
3. No one can make you feel anything. Easy as it is to blame and criticize, if you’re upset, that’s your choice. This is a pill that many (most?) people don’t want to swallow.

Listen to Episode 25 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 24 – What It Takes to Be a Game Changer: Michelle Dutro
November 22, 2016

Michelle Dutro is the host of The Game Changer Podcast and creator of Inner North Star.com. She describes herself as being inspired by people who are willing to risk it all to pursue their dream, stand up for what they believe, or go above and beyond to help another. Like me, she has a natural curiosity about the mindset of these kinds of people and she loves to discover what sets them apart.

She refers to these kinds of people as “Game Changers” and by reaching out to them, she’s able to share the stories of their challenges, their successes and most importantly their “why” behind what they do. She does that with The Game Changer Podcast.

Some key thoughts I took from the conversation with Michelle:

1. Structure and Discipline with Creativity. You must have structure and discipline enough to complete and share your creative gifts.
2. The Snow Globe analogy. Everyone needs time to just “be” with zero input, and let things settle before deciding on the next step.
3. Making friends with challenge.
4. You don’t get what you want. You get what you are.

Listen to Episode 24 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 23 – Fear Less & Live More: Sue Curr
November 15, 2016

Sue Curr is a Speaker, Empowerment Coach & Author who prides herself on being able to inspire others to Fear Less & Live More by adopting the practices of forgiveness, gratitude, mindfulness & positivity as part of their daily lifestyle choices.

Sue has 15-year background in the fields of education and social healthcare specializing in Mental Ill Health Awareness. She works tirelessly with people of all ages, enabling them to achieve their full potential and instilling in them the confidence to live life in their own way.

Sue’s story is an incredible example of all the things I feel so passionately about: Hope, Creativity, Accountability and Positive Action. She’s got them all covered, but as you’ll hear, she did not come by living life on her own terms without significant effort, challenge and change. She does a wonderful job of sharing her story openly and genuinely.

Here are a few of the key things that stood out from my time with her:

1. Just how far a facade will take us. And what that does to us.

2. The power of “No.” This is a challenge for many compassionate people.
3. Taking personal responsibility.

This is a powerful story from a kind, genuine and dynamic woman. It was my great privilege to spend the time with her, and I’m equally as grateful to be able to share her spirit with you now.

Listen to Episode 23 on: iTunes | Libsyn| YouTube

Episode 22 – Reinvention & Focusing on Possibility: Gair Maxwell
November 8, 2016

Gair Maxwell is an International Speaker, Author of the critically-acclaimed book, “Nuts, Bolts & a few Loose Screws,” and a Reinvention Strategist. With a background in Broadcast Journalism, Gair himself has been reinvented, long ago transitioning into a life of speaking, coaching and creating, which led him to being recognized as TEC Canada’s “Speaker of the Year” in 2012.

Gair brought all kinds of helpful insights to this episode. Among the  key takeaways were:

1. It’s not about the many. It’s about the ONE. You never know who’s listening / watching / reading and how what you’re sharing may impact them. Sharing your experiences openly and genuinely helps others – and ourselves – in ways we often cannot conceive of at the time. Don’t worry about thousands upon thousands of views, listens, fans, clicks, likes or shares. It’s about a genuine connection with the ONE.
2. Understanding Purpose vs Result. For instance: the purpose of a business is to make money. Is it? Or is that the result of fulfilling the real purpose?
3. Focus on Possibility as opposed to Problems. This is a great lesson in business and in life.

Listen to Episode 22 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 21 – How to Keep Calm
November 1, 2016

Through the course of a lifetime we are going to be faced with countless interruptions, disappointments and calamities that we would just as soon avoid or not have to deal with it all. But they happen, and for the most part, they are well beyond our control. So how do you navigate through those times without a complete disruption of your emotional equilibrium?

In this podcast, I share some practical tips on how to keep calm, like the art of responding vs. reacting, the difference between the two and why it’s so important. I quickly explore meditation and how that helps, go over the “10-10-10 rule” and a few other things.

I also share a story from my Delaware Speedway management days as an example of how today’s chaos can become tomorrow’s stories.

Listen to Episode 21 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 20 – What is Greatness?
October 25, 2016

In this, my first “solo” episode, I’m both offering my thoughts and asking for yours on the subject of “Greatness,” “Success” and “Balance.” What, if anything, do they mean to you?

Consider:

• Does acquiring a certain amount of money make you great? What about a specific achievement or accolade?

• Is there a specific level of public attention, fame, or celebrity that one can equate with finally having achieved greatness?

• What about on the opposite extreme? Can greatness mean satisfaction through simplicity and even solitude, or perhaps maintaining cheerfulness and gratitude while living with less. Is that great?

Listen in and see how you feel about it.

Listen to Episode 20 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 19 – Grounded in Gratitude, Tied to Technology: Carmi Levy
October 18, 2016

Carmi Levy is a leading Canadian technology journalist and analyst. He provides insights into how technology is reshaping the way we work and live. He writes extensively for some of the leading publications in Canada, and is a frequent on-air contributor on radio and television when technology-related news needs additional perspective.

More than that, Carmi is a wonderful human being, one of the few that I see on a day-to-day basis that makes sure to acknowledge and appreciate the simple acts of others. A stroke survivor, Carmi has lived through some challenging times that forced him to look at things a little differently from that point on. His perspective is extremely valuable.

Some key takeaways from my time with Carmi:

1. Gratitude. Carmi may be the best, among people I know, at naming and appreciating all the little things, every single day. I admire and appreciate it and am trying to be more like him. It’s worth the effort.

2. Usability. It’s not what you have. It’s what you do with what you have that matters. I love what Carmi shared about this during our discussion. Listen for it. It will change your perspective on a number of levels.

3. Impermanence. It runs through everything we discussed, from the forever-changing technological landscape to the act of naming and appreciating all the good things as we go through life, Carmi acknowledges that nothing stays the same forever. Enjoy it now. It’s a great lesson.

Listen to Episode 19 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 18 – Life is a Marathon: Bruce Van Horn
October 4, 2016

Bruce Van Horn is an Author, Speaker, Teacher and Coach who helps people to ReStory their Passion, Purpose & Vision. Bruce is the creator and host of the “Life is a Marathon Podcast” and author of the books, “Worry No More! 4 Steps to Stop Worrying and Start Living” and ” You Can Go The Distance.”

His story is incredible.

Some key takeaways (though there were many more) from Bruce:

1. In order to transform anything in your life, you need to first make the decision to do so. And you need to make that decision more than once. Much more than once. I love the way Bruce describes this so I’ll leave it at that for now and let you listen for yourself.
2. Through all the “problems” Bruce felt he had, he was able to boil it all down to recognizing he really only had just one problem: A Bruce problem. He speaks on it with remarkable clarity and accountability. This point alone one is a little piece of magical knowledge that anyone can apply in their life to great effect, if they’re only as willing to accept responsibility as Bruce.
3. Stop criticizing yourself and start coaching yourself. I loved it when Bruce said that he finally recognized the negative voice in his head and that once he did, he was able to say to it, “You’re a liar.”

Listen to Episode 18 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 17 – Clearing Limiting Beliefs & Facing Life With Resilience: Sheila Stevenson
September 20, 2016

An Author, Speaker, Human Potential Life Coach and overall wonderful person, Sheila Stevenson specializes in emotional wellness, helping people make the changes they need to achieve what they desire in life. In a lot of cases, that desire is a moment or two of peace of mind and heart, and a building sense of hope.

Sheila endured abuse of every kind as a child. She has turned that experience into a means of helping people and to celebrate her own personal transformation. Her spirit is kind and gentle. Her story is extraordinary, and it’s not just for people who have been affected by abuse.

Anyone who’s ever wondered, “Is there a better way to live?” will benefit from hearing what Sheila Stevenson has to share.

Among the things that stood out to me from my conversation with Sheila were:

1.  The incredible power of LOVE, or even holding on to the idea of love, and what it can pull you through.
2. Shine a Light, to borrow a phrase from the 2nd edition of her book. If we keep bad things in the dark, they will remain as they are: unseen, not dealt with, not processed, not prepared for, not discussed … not eliminated. Make change. Shine the light.
3. Learning about ourselves is a lifelong journey. It is amazing, what we can carry around with us without knowing why. Listen for Sheila’s story about why she hated winter for so long, and what’s happened since she realized why.

Listen to Episode 17 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 16 – Thriving Through Adversity & Personal Reinvention: Winnie Anderson
September 6, 2016

Winnie is, among other things, the creator and host of a podcast called the “Let’s Talk Tech Show.” On its own merit, the show is terrific; a treasure-trove of easily digestible resources for anyone looking to navigate the word of entrepreneurship, especially as it relates to the use of technology. But once you learn more about Winnie’s journey, you’ll come to appreciate her efforts even more.

Some of the key things that jumped out at me from my time with Winnie included:

1. How we tend to attach labels to our identity, too often defining what we do as who we are. And we then set ourselves up to struggle when these labels inevitably change, whether it be through career, relationships, health, or all of the above.
2. How the most significant challenges in your life can become some of your greatest gifts.
3. Pride – or Ego, if you like – and how it can hold us back from doing what we love, asking the questions we want to ask, or taking the steps necessary toward living the life we really want to live.

Listen to Episode 16 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 15 – Lifestyle over Motivation. A Journey of Fitness & Creativity: Sean Vigue
August 23, 2016

A chat with the incredible Sean Vigue, of Sean Vigue Fitness (Fitness Unleased)!  Sean is known as “the Most-Watched Online Yoga and Pilates Guy” and was recently named one of the “Top 50 Workout Brands” by The Huffington Post. He is a six-time bestselling author, including Power Yoga for Athletes and several bestselling eBooks including Pilates for Men and Sean Vigue’s 30 Day Beginner Program, among others.

In this conversation, Sean gives us a detailed look at his journey to how he got to where he is today and what are some of the events in his life that have shaped and steered his path.

Some terrific insights came out of the chat with Sean, including …

1. The idea of Lifestyle over Motivation

2. Get out there and get going.

3. “Nothing is stopping you from going further than your own limitations.”

Listen to Episode 15 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 14 – Owning Your Choices & Working Your Mental & Emotional Muscles: Sara Westbrook
August 9, 2016

In this episode, I had a chat with Sara Westbrook, a motivational speaker, author & singer who specializes in Resilience, Confidence and Respect. She is the creator of UPower, helping people to see that they are in control of their choices – how they choose to act, react and what they choose to believe.

Sara also has created the the UPower journal, not only for young people to express their thoughts and feelings, but also to build their confidence and resilience through the stories, exercises, and quotes found inside.

A few key things that stood out from my time with Sara:

1. Owning your choices.
2. Work your mental and emotional muscles as you would any other part of your body.
3. The power of sharing.

Listen to Episode 14 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 13 – Dare to Care, Dig In & Learn From Where You Are: Andy Thibodeau
July 26, 2016

In this episode, I visit with Professional Speaker, Andy Thibodeau. Since 1992, Andy has delivered thousands of fun & inspirational assemblies and workshops across North America.  Over two million people have seen him speak in all 10 Canadian provinces and 40 of states in the USA.

Andy’s positive energy is contagious, and this conversation will be of great benefit for anyone looking to get more natural enjoyment and fulfillment out of wherever they are in life: work, family, school, social – it all applies.

Some key things I took from Andy in this discussion:

1. Dare To Care. Dig In. Ask questions!
2. Collect, consider and act upon constructive feedback.
3. Love what you do and listen to your heart

Listen to Episode 13 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 12 -The Spirit of Giving & Power to Change: Jason Stephenson
July 12, 2016

A visit with Jason Stephenson, founder of Relax Me Online.com and MeditationMasters.tv. Jason has been involved in the meditation/relaxation healing field for the past couple of decades, and through Relax Me Online, he offers  a diverse and effective assortment of guided meditations, affirmations, music for massage, meditation, reiki healing, yoga, hypnosis, brainwave entrainment, binaural beats and new age music.

Together we discuss Jason’s personal story, some of the troubles he overcame from a certain part in his life and how he emerged into a better version of himself than he was before. We also talk about how Relax Me Online came to be, how he got it going, what some of the challenges were and how he overcame them and how that’s translated into what his life is like now.

Some key things that came away from this discussion:

1.      Giving & Contribution.
2.      Struggle and challenge.
3.      You DO have the power to change. Just listen to Jason’s story for proof of that. Wow.

Listen to Episode 12 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 11 – Getting Started, Moving Forward & Living Sober: Kevin O’Hara
June 28, 2016

Celebrating the first anniversary of his decision to stop drinking alcohol, Kevin talks with Kevin O’Hara of Alcohol Mastery.com (author of the books How To Stop Drinking Alcohol & Alcohol Freedom), who has been an enormous positive influence on Kevin over the last couple of years. Together they discuss self-improvement, what it feels like to change, and what are some of the things to consider that either help or hurt the chances of real change occurring.

Some key takeaways to listen for in this discussion:

1. You can be an inspiration and make a difference to other people just by being who you are. Not only that, but you’ll feel more fulfilled and better about yourself in the process.
2. You CAN change, if you truly want to
3. Just get started and keep moving forward. You will figure things out as you go.

Whether you have a difficult relationship with alcohol or not, you’re going to get a lot from this discussion.

Listen to Episode 11 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 10 – Building a Global Business and Brand: David Ciccarelli
June 14, 2016

Kevin chats with David Ciccarelli, the CEO and Founder of Voices.com, an industry-leading website that connects business with professional voice talent. Voices.com is used by radio and television stations, advertising agencies and a wide Variety of Fortune 500 companies, who rely on David and his team to be able to help them search for, audition and hire voice talent.

In this conversation, you’re going to hear how that all started, where the ideas came from, how David & his wife Stephanie acted upon those ideas and have evolved into where they are today.

Some lessons and takeaways to listen for in this discussion:

1.     Keep moving forward and taking action
2.     Be creative and resourceful
3.     Make decisions!

If you have any kind of entrepreneurial aspirations at all, you’ll find great value in hearing what David has to say. Enjoy!

Listen to Episode 10 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 9 – Creativity, Contentment & Living in a Treehouse: Mike McCurlie
May 31, 2016

Kevin talks with Mike McCurlie of MJM Media, a marketing company that has created thousands of audio and video commercial productions for some of Canada’s best businesses over more than 35 years. A lifelong musician, Mike’s stories and experiences are certainly unique and interesting.

In this conversation, Mike covers everything from his love of music to the formation and history (and a bit about the future) of MJM Media and everything in between, including an extraordinary (but true) tale of how he spent part of his life living in a treehouse!

Listen to Episode 9 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 8 – The Incredible Power of Music to Cross All Cultures: Alfredo Caxaj
May 17, 2016

Kevin talks with Alfredo Caxaj, the Executive and Artistic Director of Sunfest, a name that belongs both to one of the premier outdoor festivals in Canada (which takes place in London, ON every July), and a year-round world music concert series and non-profit community arts organization.

In this conversation, Alfredo reflects on how he and his family found themselves uprooted from Guatemala in the 1980’s, what challenges they faced as they tried to adapt, and how he managed to follow his passion for music into what has become one of the premier world music festivals anywhere on the globe.

Alfredo’s story is honest, touching and inspiring. The results of his efforts (and those around him, as part of the Sunfest group) have touched and empowered countless lives in Canada and around the world.

Listen to Episode 8 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 7 – Re-engineering Life & Doing What You Love: Jim McCormick
May 3, 2016

Kevin is joined by Jim McCormick, founder of Allstage and the classic rock band, Bender. Jim shares many interesting and relatable stories, such as how and why he initially fell in love with drumming, burned out, gave it up for a long time and then eventually came back to it with more drive than ever. He discusses how the award-winning band “Bender” came to be, how he managed through a forced career change later in life and what inspired and motivated him to create something completely new with Allstage. And in a fun example of “you never know who you’re going to meet,” Jim recalls a chance encounter with an interesting guest, backstage at the Grey Cup several year ago.

Listen to Episode 7 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 6 – Balancing Multiple Creative Passions: Lisa Brandt
April 18, 2016

Kevin talks with Lisa Brandt, co-anchor of “The First Thing” morning show on News Talk 1290 CJBK in London, ON, and former news anchor of 680 News in Toronto. Lisa is also the author of four books, a popular blog and a periodic column for Sun Media called “House Proud.” Lisa and Kevin discuss each of those things, taking listeners inside the world of radio broadcasting and reflecting on life in a newsroom, on-air highs and lows, the process of writing books, professional development and personal discovery. To learn more about Lisa, visit www.voiceoflisabrandt.com

Listen to Episode 6 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 5 – Doing What You Love With Who You Love: Jay Doerr
April 5, 2016

Kevin chats with Jay Doerr, a long-time top Ontario stock car driver. Kevin and Jay discuss memories of their shared time at Delaware Speedway, when Kevin went from announcer to Sales and Marketing Manager to General Manager and Jay went from Open Wheel Modified Division up to the Sportsman class and, later, what became the Late Model division. They also discuss Doerr’s career, which includes 2 Ontario Sportsman Series championships, a Canadian Dwarf car championship, and multiple race wins at Delaware Speedway and many other tracks. Doerr is getting set to compete again this year in the APC Late Model Racing series.

Listen to Episode 5 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 4 – Embracing & Expressing Creativity: Chad Price
March 21, 2016

Kevin is joined by musician Chad Price. Together, they discuss how Chad first discovered and tested his talent for writing and performing, who his major influences were, reaching out to Producer Bill Bell, recording his first full-length CD, “In This Dream,” his most recent single, “Honesty,” the songwriting process and what’s coming up for Chad in 2016 and beyond. Chad also does an acoustic rendition of a song that will be on his forthcoming new album, which he hopes to release some time later this year.

Listen to Episode 4 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 3 – Living, Learning & Embracing the Journey: Rose Cora Perry
March 6, 2016

Kevin reconnects with Rose Cora Perry, who took part in Kevin’s “Celebrating Hope” concert in November of 2010. Through the conversation, Rose discusses the origins, highs and lows of her first two bands (Her and Anti-Hero), the disappointment that followed their conclusions and the personal development that followed. Rose also talks about how her solo acoustic CD, “Off of the Pages” came to be and the personal and professional processes that have led her to where she is now, having put together a new band and nearing release of her latest project, “Onto the Floor.”

Listen to Episode 3 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 2 – Reframing Setbacks to Live With Passion & Purpose: Mike Mulligan
February 2, 2016

Kevin talks with Mike Mulligan, founder of Moving Forward Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in London, Ontario, Canada. Mike recalls the incident that left him a C4 quadriplegic at just 16 years of age, and the incredible journey in the time since as Mike strives to achieve his goal of walking by age 40.

Listen to Episode 2 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube

Episode 1 – Reminiscences of Race Track Announcers: Derek “Rock” Botten
January 19, 2016

Kevin talks with his good friend, Derek “Rock” Botten, a deeply respected radio broadcasting legend in this part of Ontario, Canada, and my former announcing partner at a stock car racing track called Delaware Speedway. In the late 90’s, Derek and Kevin began as an announcing tandem for the local stock car races, a role they enjoyed together for over half a decade.

Listen to Episode 1 on: iTunes | Libsyn | YouTube