Obstacle Course
John Close and Andrew Langford
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Top 10 Obstacle Course Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Obstacle Course episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Obstacle Course for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Obstacle Course episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
The Jesse Roper Show
Obstacle Course
10/07/20 • 75 min
We're super excited to welcome local rock star, Jesse Roper, to the podcast. What a great guy. And super talented! You can check out everything Jesse, here! Jesse's also very active on Instagram and Facebook!
23 years baby! Love you Ang.
I feel like my and Andrew's live music stories could have been reversed. No wonder we get along. :)
The Golden Hinde is the tallest mountain on Vancouver Island. Jesse's a beast. If you're not ready for this 3-5 day hike, start with Mount Benson or Mount Arrowsmith.
To our Saskatchewan listeners.... we feel for you... kisses.
Resilience is often an artist's most important tool.
The notion of an artist being in the "transportation," business, is a topic we also discussed in our fantastic conversation with Coco Jones.
Here's the American Idol story!!
Jesse's song, "Anytime of Night is his most personal. Here's his hair (and mind) blowing video.
"People will love you more for hanging it all out there than trying to be something you're not." Jesse
"If you can capture the best parts of yourself and give them to people over and over again, you're probably a pretty good musician."
Here's the music video for Jesse's latest song, Right Now.
The 27 Club.
Living a comfortably miserable life is all too common. We all have the ability to live better.
Here's the music video for Jesse's song, Cherry.
Anton Wilson is an up and comer in Victoria's music scene (and more importantly, he treats my daughter great!!) You can connect with him here. Anton is currently working on a new project to be release 2021.
The Art of Coco Jones
Obstacle Course
07/01/20 • 57 min
Our guest today is local artist Coco Jones.
While they appreciate great art, Andrew and John have no painting or drawing talent whatsoever.
Coco Jones... coolest name in history.
John seems to debut a new laugh in this episode. Similar to Cookie Monster. It's lovely?
We're everywhere folks. Even on Spotify.
Coco's daughter, Enya, was in studio for this one! Hiiiiiii Enya!!
"Art is a mad search for individualism." Gauguin
"Art is anything you can get away with." Andy Warhol
All artists long to be original in some way.
Art is a compulsion. Something you can't NOT do.
"The feeling I got from doing art was a conduit to the Divine. It took away my pain and suffering." Coco.
Perfection is often the great escape from ourself." We talked about this in our fantastic conversation with Lindsay in episode 66.
Coco's Dad wanted her to be a lawyer and not a starving artist. Her compulsion won out.
"Fulfillment comes from doing what you want rather than what's expected."
Born to Run - Storytelling at its best.
A steamy affair with a military man brought Coco to the West Coast. "I kissed him and that was it."
Parent's don't always know what's best. "If you can allow your kids to be who they are, they will always come back to you."
"I am one of those people whose inner child gets to run rampant through their existence." Coco.
Why does it take more vulnerability to hang out in joy than sorrow or pain? Life is waiting for no-one. Joy is your job.
Does art create healing or does pain create art? Both. Your pain becomes the way and in the way.
Painting is never finished. You just learn when to stop.
Nothing owes you anything. You have to show up.
If Psychedelic medicine doesn't call to you, stay away. You'll know when it's time. Plant medicine won't give you anything you don't need. The loss of control and purging aspects of Ayahuasca are difficult but the result is transformative. It helps you own and face the sickness within.
"I was shown I was still holding onto the things I had long forgiven."
Parenting Moment: Never say to kids, "it's just your imagination."
The job of plant medicine is not to remove or takeaway but help you embrace and take in.
"Our souls are so magnificent, we have NOTHING to be afraid of."
While drugs have often been used to numb or help the user escape. The purpose of plant medicine is to help you face and experience. Set and Setting is everything.
"Plant medicine has helped me see where my art comes from." Coco
To be clear, John said, "you look at an amazing pianist and they just play."
One key to a healthy relationship is a strong balance between dependance and independence. Each partner needs their space to create!
"It's difficult to be creative without a musical influence."
"The only difference between people is tints, tones and shades."
Black people don't need your guilt. And it doesn't inspire action.
"The War of Art." Fantastic book.
"The Muse isn't going to wake you up. You still have to do the work."
We still have to prime the canvas.
"I hope when people look at my art, they experience healing."
Getting To Sleep
Obstacle Course
04/01/20 • 62 min
It's all about the downloads baby!!
It's worth sticking around to the end folks.
"Dainty but sharp." The worst kind of sharp.
John has a scissor fetish. Deal with it. Also, you should buy one of Angie's scarfs.
John also has a Jalapeño Havariti cheese fetish.
"Fool me once. Strike one. Fool me twice. Strike 3." - Michael Scott
Daniel Erichsen - Insomnia Insight
It's CBT not CBD folks. One letter. Big difference.
Not everyone needs 8 hrs of sleep. Listen to your body.
The only way to get past insomnia is to stop fighting it. Embrace it. Be ok with it. Anxiety works the same way.
"You have to be willing to have insomnia to get past it." Nick Wignall.
Train your brain to not see sleeplessness as the enemy.
Sometimes sleep aides backfire as they convince our brain that sleeplessness is an adversary to be conquered which then puts us in a fight mode. Anxiety is not far away.
Let it be! Let it go! You may need a professional to help guide you through.
Be gentle with yourself. It's completely normal to lose sleep over COVID, job loss, financial struggles. Fighting this feeling only makes it worse. Be ok with the restlessness and you'll find rest.
It's so true and so difficult. We must learn to make peace with the difficulty.
Here is Daniel's excellent YouTube channel - Insomnia Insight.
Chris Manley - Resthouse Sleep Solutions
An expert helps make you aware of needs you didn't know you had.
One thing will not fix your problem. A mattress is a start but there's much more to consider. Body pillows. Mattress toppers. Temperature regulation.
Sleep is the ultimate healer.
"If you toss and turn a lot, that's because you're uncomfortable in you body and mind."
If you're ok with a bad sleep experience, you're ok with a bad 30 years of your life. It's NOT the norm.
Going to Battle and Becoming Deerheart
Obstacle Course
08/21/19 • 104 min
Introduction Notes
Nearly 25 years ago, Timothy McVeigh killed 168 people including 19 children, when he parked a rental van full of explosives in front of the Oklahoma Building, exited the vehicle then triggered the bomb as he walked away. At the time, it was the worst act of homegrown terroism in U.S. history. This was the same building where John had received his dual citizenship years earlier.
Chesapeake Shores is Vancouver Island's Hallmark Darling.
Doing Death Better! Our excellent episode with Shauna Janz and Linda Hunter
We got into Shame today people! Guess who we brought up?
If you would like to throw your lot in with Lorelai and Rory. check out Gilmore Girls on Netflix.
Episode Notes
An active volcano, climbing Mount Baker is no small thing. Also, it's over 10,000 feet tall. It's Indigeous name is Kulshan (Nooksack).
Wade described himself as an "empath." This was the same term that was used in Blair's excellent episode.
When Wade first looked in the mirror as a 12 year old boy, he gave himself what he thought he needed. He shut off his empathy. This decision took him on a 30 year journey away from his true self.
If somoene tells you, "men don't cry," they are mistaken. The fact is, a "real man" knows who he is and certainly doesn't hide from his emotions or his true self. This is true for any human being.
If you would like more information on Wade's involvement in Crotia, here are some great articles and videos! The Battle at Medack Pocket (Medack is a town in Croatia)
NATO Article.
Here is the History Channel Documentary on the Battle.
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) affects countless Veterans and many people who have endured trauma.
Being positive is only one part of the journey. Learning to Be With all of our emotions is the only way to be fully human and discover our true selves.
Corinna Stevenson facilitates Vision Quests, a transformational multi day experience that helps with connecting with your true self. This was a game changer for Wade.
Wade has done the hard work of learning to embrace his true self. He can help you do the same!
Rebuilding Identity: An Olympic Journey
Obstacle Course
04/10/19 • 87 min
Here's Jason's website. Jason offers high performance coaching and would be a great keynote speaker for your next event.
Here's Jason's next event. We'll be recording at this event and interviewing entrepreneurs so get your tickets, invest in yourself and experience a day of transformation - this Friday at Bear Mountain Resort. Also, you can drop by the podcast and chat with us!!
Jason's great question.. "How can this be the best thing that ever happened to us?"
David Meggyesy, the NFL linebacker who later became a good friend of Jason's, wrote the tell-all book Out of Their League. An excellent article which compares his stand to today's anthem protests can be found here.
Robyn Meagher was a whole person before the gun went off. She now helps others become whole too. We hope Robyn will come on the podcast one day. Robyn! Robyn! Robyn!
Robyn's transformative quote.
"Our being is the currency of our doing."
What Was That? Jon Williams: Part Two
Obstacle Course
09/02/20 • 79 min
This is Part Two of our conversation with Jon Williams. If you haven't listened to Part One, we highly recommend it.
"Look after yourself, have fun and for goodness sake smile." Want a t-shirt?
Anyone else relate to Jon's library trolley brain analogy? #onpoint
What Was That Radio is now LIVE! Check it out!!!
$7/month or $55 per year will help Jon bring you the music and artists you want!
Jon really loves his M&M's.
This podcast finds its origin and identity in Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey.
"You have to ask yourself what you've been through and you have to face that."
"You have to push yourself as an individual to eventually be one with the darkest part of your being."
"You've got to tell them who you are. You have to be yourself and you must vocalize your truth!"
"Look after yourself. Have fun. And I love you." Jon Williams
The Future of Business
Obstacle Course
04/08/20 • 57 min
Mike Miler is the CEO and Founder of Abstract Developments
Mike bought his first house as a 19 year old at 10.5% interest.
"If you're getting into business to make money, you're going about it the wrong way. If you're getting into business because you're passionate about something, you want to help shape your future and you want to be part of something bigger than yourself and make your mark in the world, that will fuel you." Mike Miller
"Fake it until you make it. I had a napkin." Mike Miller.
"I loved what I was doing and it wasn't about the money." Mike Miller"
"When you're knee deep in shit, know that you're in shit and breathe through it because this too shall pass." Mike Miller
Here's another great interview Mike gave with CBRE.
Prioritizing is crucial when going through tough times.
Mike and Shellie Gudgeon
Mike and Shellie Gudgeon are the proud owner's of one of Victoria's best restaurants - Il Terrazzo.
In the beginning, Mike and Shellie opened 5 restaurants in 5 years. Mike's strength was fiscal responsibility.
"The keys to our success is fiscal responsibility, designing our restaurants around the chef and keeping long term employees. We don't micro-manage. We empower them." Shellie Gudgeon
"Most people think restaurants are about cooking and recipes when in actual fact restaurants are about systems and it's the duplications of those systems over and over again that allows you to do the volume and allows you to make money. Most people open a restaurant because they've been told they are a good cook. Anyone can look up recipes." Mike Gudgeon.
This is not the end of restaurants. People need to connect. We as a species needs to connect." Shellie Gudgeon.
If you don't know who Harry and Meghan are... just google.
Small Business, Big Day!
Obstacle Course
11/27/19 • 70 min
30 years ago, Bobby McFerrin won a Grammy award for his extremely catchy song Don't Worry Be Happy. As of today, over 162 million people have watched his video on YouTube.
What John lacks in musical ability he makes up for in a nice full beard.
This episode was recorded LIVE at the Ramada Inn in Duncan, BC. We were capturing the event chatter as well as interviewing some local business owners and presenters. A big thanks to the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and Alec Wheeler for including us in their event plans!
The big 5 letter word that can ruin us all is....worry!
Thanks to Rick's James St Cafe for the tasty sandwiches. His grilled chicken bacon mozza melt is to die for! John likes the classic egg salad on white.
Andrew and John are both successful entrepreneurs which has allowed them to pour a few days a week in this podcast. That said, they wouldn't say no to a potential sponsorship opportunity. :)
We LOVE doing events!! If you're looking for an X Factor, we'd like to be it. We can capture the chatter and go deeper with your presenters.
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We had the pleasure of interviewing 6 people. Sadly, the audio from one of our interviews was garbled so we'll look forward to re-recording with Chris from Resthouse Sleep Solutions. Sorry Chris!!
Riot Brewing - Ralf and Ally are such a riot. Learn how they didn't give up on their dream and worked tirelessly for 7 years to make Riot a reality. Their greatest success is building business that reflects who they really are. Plus, their beer is delicious. We look forward to recording a full episode with them soon!
Isabelle-Mercier-Turcotte - Creator of the successful coaching enterprise, LeapZone Strategies, Isabelle talked to us about knowing your secret sauce, being authentic, how to truly connect with people, realizing what you're tolerating and most of all, how to worry less. Isabelle was also the Key-note Presenter of this great event! We look forward to recording a full episode with Isabelle and her partner Margarita, at their beautiful Ranch in Nanoose Bay!
Jim Gardiner - Jim is a powerhouse coach with Leapzone Strategies. As we came to discover, Jim has one helluva story. Jim shared how he had it all but was miserable. Since this recording, we have sat down with Jim and recorded a full episode which will come out in the New Year. His life story will blow you away! One of the most interesting and dynamic people we've met.
Jean Cardino - Jean is the owner of the successful high end, uber comfortable Cardino's Shoes, in Duncan, BC. Cardino's has been selling quality made West Coast shoes like Blundstone's for over 20 years competing directly with Wal-Mart and other "cheaper" options. Cardino's is a great example of a small business who knows who they are and doesn't apologize for it. We also spoke about the value of luxury brands and why it's worth spending more money on high quality goods.
Adera Angelucci - Adera has spent decades both in front of and behind the camera and is a dynamic powerhouse motivator and presenter. Her real passion is breathing life into your story and she's told over 2000 stories worldwide. Ultimately, consumers will be inspired to interact with you and your business once they know your real story. Adera and Spiro can make it happen! They are currently working on an upcoming documentary-series for Netflix!
Our Response Ability
Obstacle Course
10/30/19 • 109 min
We are looking for Sponsors folks! If you are interested in discussing a mutually beneficial arrangement, hit us up!
For the record, here's what the A&W and Darth Vader (The Imperial March) theme songs actually sound like.
Here's the incredible Dateline Documentary about Adam and his crew's attempt to row across the Ocean from Africa to Florida. They capsized in the Bermuda Triangle.
"You have to pay the tax if you want to have these divine experiences." -Adam
Adam's Stats: 2.5% (sublime) 2.5% (terror) 95% (Monotony/ Boredom)
Adam's friend Markus Pukonen is currently circumnavigating the Globe without a motor... in a row boat! Follow him here! Routes for Change.
Our discussion on poop was on point. And here's the point.
Adam's excellent book, 'The Responsibility Ethic,' means we have the ability to choose our response.
If you don't like the idea of stumbling down a mountain while chasing green ferries and waking up in a cardboard box, perhaps Absinthe isn't the drink for you.
Adam's British accent was a surprising addition to this episode. "Do you want to win a gold medal Adam?"
Team Canada's crushing loss in Athens was nearly the end of Adam's rowing career. He managed to rise up and win Gold 4 years later in Beijing.
Check out Adam's excellent YouTube Channel where you can see videos of his amazing career as an Olympic Athlete, Open Ocean Explorer, TED talk and his current career as a World Class Coach, Speaker and Author.
The great Ron MacLean talking about the importance of Adam's spontaneous singing of Oh Canada and what it meant to the nation.
Cocaine is more dangerous (and more expensive) than prayer. -Adam
Andrew's wholesome sense of humour is adorable. That said, I think I speak for everyone when I say, Dough Not make those jokes anymore.
Unfortunately, incest porn is a real thing. Be warned. Shame traps people in unhealthy addictions. Fundamentalist religion often creates these unhealthy states.
The difference between guilt and shame is this: Shame means I am bad, Guilt means my behaviour is bad. Both are unhelpful and should be avoided. Like doughnuts.
Adam's use of the word, "doughnut," broke all previous uses of the word on our podcast. If there was a gold medal for this... well.. he deserves it.
The Power of Habit is a fantastic book that can transform your relationship with your life.
Tim Bits of Wholeness. Coming soon to a better you.
Did we mention Adam has an incredible book called The Responsibility Ethic? Get your copy today!
Adam's website is the resource you need to get to the next level.
If you're looking for more details on Adam's ocean adventure, check out the Dateline Documentary or pick up his book and read his account.
Adam gifted us with signed copies of his book. "To the Obstacles... may they always be there." Amen.
You have 2 choices. Sit and eat doughnuts or set sail. Let's set sail!
Eco Psychology and Finding your Refuge
Obstacle Course
06/26/19 • 92 min
That glorious running scene in Last of the Mohicans.
Born to Run book. So good.
Strava! The number one app for runners/cyclists/podcasters.
I stand corrected. Wet rocks is a thing.
Here is Jason's episode if you haven't listened to it yet.
THE RACE!! Robyn's incredble second place finish at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria. Fast forward to 13min to see the final lap! :)
See, she's smiling!!!
Robyn is an Openist. Resistance brings suffering so its best to embrace what is and then from there, work to change those things in your power to change.
If you or someone you know are currently struggling to find your safe place, Robyn can help! She runs her own private practice offering life saving therapy for all of us!
If you're looking for an inspiring coach or presenter for your next event, Robyn and her partner Jason Dorland, are fantastic!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Obstacle Course have?
Obstacle Course currently has 87 episodes available.
What topics does Obstacle Course cover?
The podcast is about Success, Stress, Society & Culture, Personal Growth, Anxiety, Resilience, Mindset, Challenge, Podcasts, Social Sciences, Fear, Science and Philosophy.
What is the most popular episode on Obstacle Course?
The episode title 'Sonia: Political Connections and Protecting Democracy' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Obstacle Course?
The average episode length on Obstacle Course is 80 minutes.
How often are episodes of Obstacle Course released?
Episodes of Obstacle Course are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Obstacle Course?
The first episode of Obstacle Course was released on Mar 1, 2019.
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