Awaken The Awesome

As a Caribbean man, I can tell you firsthand that there is true effort happening as we speak to bring some necessary light to the serious needs of Men in regards to their Mental Health.

Men don't talk. When your cultural and societal upbringing has patiently designed you to keep things in for so long, it it really a surprise?

But - turns out Men will talk to other Men about things.

When I first joined a Men's group some 2-3 years ago, I did not know what to expect. What I found was a group of peers : men, black men, fathers, mostly of Haitian descent who took this confident and intimate step towards opening up to other Men about things on their mind.

This is how I got the opportunity to meet and connect with today's guest, Coach Djimy Rouzard.

As one of the group's main Moderators, Coach D, as he's commonly known, has faithfully helmed our regular meeting sessions as both facilitator and mentor.

Coach D is a Personal Trainer, Speaker, Certified Life Coach and Violence Prevention Specialist for at-risk youths.

Coach D proudly integrates mindfulness into the multi-faceted work he does with people of all ages. His unique approach can help deepen self-awareness, increase well-being, enhance performance, reinforce self-esteem, achieve goals, improve interpersonal relationships and decrease stress.

On this episode, Coach D shares his insights on the important milestones being set by men in our community as they demonstrate an increasing willingness to participate in these groups, how self-forgiveness is necessary, how men are more layered than they're given credit for, doing the work...and so much more.

Enjoy

Oli

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Connect with us //

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/awakentheawesome

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/atapodcast

Telegram : https://t.me/atapodcast

Email : [email protected]

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Our full back catalog of episodes is also available on your favourite platforms :

Apple Podcasts : https://apple.co/3bcWAWX

Spotify : https://spoti.fi/3rZOA1B

Amazon(Alexa) : https://tinyurl.com/enk2dkk4

Google Podcasts : https://tinyurl.com/y57gshn4

On today's episode...

I want to first and foremost give a shoutout to Isaiah.

I connected with Isaiah some years ago. I can tell you I know an awesome gent when I meet one.

At the time, holding down hosting resposabilities for The Booth Life which is how he came across my radar as local Montreal doing his podcast thing.

And one of his guests, on one of his later episodes, he actually interviewed his mom, Ms Michelle Martel, and she had an amazing story to tell.

Michelle basically rewrote her script. Even after leaving workforce, going back home, raise kids full time and then decidingtake the helm of her own life and go back to school and just open up a new chapter in her life as famed and reputableinterior designer. With a notoriety that caught the eye of established publications such as Apartment Therapy & HGTV.

I'm just letting you guys know that if you go on her Instagram page, it's definitely something that's going to brighten up your day.

We always think that it's too late to rewrite our script, when I don't believe that at all.

It is so inspiring to see people, even at a certain point in your life, even having good done the career, the kids...can go farther. If you listen to Michelle's story, it's something that can only show you how a choice can define the greater things that are to come.

Another exciting episode, which I do hope you'll enjoy.

You can connect with Michelle via her Instagram page : @michellemartelathome

or email : michellemartelinteriors (at) gmail.com

#StayAwesome

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Connect with us //

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/awakentheawesome

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/atapodcast

Telegram : https://t.me/atapodcast

Email : [email protected]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Our full back catalog of episodes is also available on your favourite platforms :

Apple Podcasts : https://apple.co/3bcWAWX

Spotify : https://spoti.fi/3rZOA1B

Amazon(Alexa) : https://tinyurl.com/enk2dkk4

Google Podcasts : https://tinyurl.com/y57gshn4

Stitcher : https://tinyurl.com/yxrfp2s3

I have a tremendous respect for the Military. Truly.

Anytime you want to take an example where values of commitment, consistency and teamwork are the core elements of the job at hand - you can't leave out those individuals, men and women, whose service and sacrifice allow us the freedoms that we enjoy and oftentimes take for granted.

I had to opportunity to meet and connect with my next guest, Mr Dave Morrow (M.A., BSc., BEd., CD) at a recent Rogers Small Business Centres Speaker Series event.

It was my first time ever attending an actual networking event so I didn't quite know what to expect out of it but after the keynote, we got to chat up about about mutual interests.

As it goes with most people I've had on this program, Dave had a really cool story to tell.

From being a fifteen year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, an Afghan war veteran, to being a teacher, which also ranks one of those selfless vocations we talked about, as well as a Crossfit dad...you'd think that quite enough to talk about.

But no, there's more - as the author of The Nimble Warrior, a guide serving the veteran and first-responder community towards increasing performance and reducing injury, Dave is also the host of the HRD2KILL podcast where he and an amazing array guests share their stories of mindset, grit, resilience and other essential skills for a strong way of life.

Another amazing conversation which I do hope you'll enjoy.

I cannot tell a lie. Today's guest really intimidated me at first.

Thing is, having been a sub-par student in a past life, I often find myself dealing with a bit of insecurity when I realize the level of accomplishment, both academic as well as professional, that many of my guests have under their belts.

Call me foolish but it's still something I find myself struggling with at times. I've done a reasonably good job of keeping this subtle Impostor Syndrome at bay. But sometimes, you get to exchange with someone who is so accomplished and a literal force to be reckoned with, you have an urge to sit up straight because you know there's going to be some serious knowledge coming your way.

In that regard, I can tell you that Eloïse Gagnon did NOT disappoint.

An entrepreneur for over 20 years and an international corporate lawyer for more than 15, Eloïse has worked alongside business leaders from around the world, leading her own 7 and 8 figure businesses along the way.

Eloïse’s ownership approach to leadership and culture is responsible for countless clients redefining what’s possible and shattering glass ceilings. She’s been featured in some of the world’s leading publications, including Authority Magazine and Thrive Global.

This conversation both moved and impacted me in so many ways. From Eloïse's incredibly warm and vulnerable sense of truth, to her resonating message of courage and ownership, this was a reminder of why we aim to bring these incredible individuals and their stories to you.

On this episode, we discuss the importance of recognizing your incredible potential, defining your purpose(because we all have one), learning to get comfortable with our discomfort...and some many life-altering truths...this is one to take notes, guys - trust me.

// Connect with Eloïse //

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/eloise-gagnon

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/eloisegagnonstrategist/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/eloisegagnon_strategist/

Website : https://eloisegagnon.com/

Also, be sure to signup for her "UNWAVERING" audio course where Eloïse's no-nonsense and result-oriented approach could be the necessary springboard to catapult you towards the next Level on your incredible journey.

Enjoy.

#StayAwesome #ATATribe

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// Connect with us //

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/awakentheawesome

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/atapodcast

Email : [email protected]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Our full back catalog of episodes is also available on your favorite platforms :

Apple Podcasts : https://apple.co/3bcWAWX

Spotify : https://spoti.fi/3rZOA1B

Google Podcasts : https://tinyurl.com/y57gshn4

Stitcher : https://tinyurl.com/yxrfp2s3

#StayAwesome #ATATribe

There's this sense of ferocious intensity that I walked away from following this extraordinary conversation with my next guest that has left me both impacted and humbled. Passion - TRUE passion - is infectious and when you have the opportunity to witness and learn from it, you should take a second to stop and listen.

Throughout his career a professional actor, screenwriter, director, producer, poet, motivational speaker and author, David Bianchi is no stranger to the kind of experiences and life lessons rooted in dedication, commitment, discipline and personal growth that we aim to communicate on this program. When I came across an interview he gave on the Bollywood Meets Hollywood podcast in which he unabashedly laid out how, speaking of the Hollywood film industry, one should aim to chase your dream with no second guesses and no excuses...or otherwise, pick another dream.

David's energy is truly of the resounding kind. In this exchange, we tap into his deeper sense of purpose, living by your own set of standards, owning up to your frailties, acceptance of others as well as ourselves, dedication to serve...and so much more.

The stereotypical cynicism that arises when you think of people in Hollywood would often lead one to make comments about how it's all "fake" and "self-absorbed" and such...but lemme tell you, there are some genuinely passionate, authentically kind and remarkably warmhearted individuals out there as well. I got the meet with one of them and for that, I am truly grateful.