Rebel in the Writer’s Room with Joel Novoa
The RebelRebel Podcast
“I couldn’t afford a Plan B. It was all or nothing.” In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Venezuelan-American filmmaker Joel Novoa, a passionate storyteller whose journey winds through political unrest, deep personal reflection, and a relentless pursuit of creative expression. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Joel shares how his early life in Venezuela shaped his worldview, teaching him to move forward even when everything around him felt stuck. With both a legal background and a master’s in...
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Villains, Rogues, and Heroes of NYC
The RebelRebel Podcast
“If you want to create change, do it. Don’t wait for permission.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie sits down with Rebecca Bratspies, a law professor, author, and environmental justice advocate, to explore the fascinating and often overlooked history of New York City’s place names. Her book, Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York Place Names, reveals the incredible (and sometimes shocking) stories behind the names of streets, bridges, and parks in NYC. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share...
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Slow Trains and Big Ideas
The RebelRebel Podcast
“You have to be an advocate for curiosity.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie welcomes back Lou Maxon, a creative powerhouse whose journey spans branding, architecture, and the fascinating world of trains. Lou shares insights from his recent travels to Japan, where he immersed himself in the culture, history, and craftsmanship that continues to inspire his work. From exploring Komiko Art House to visiting a hidden model railroad museum in Yokohama, his experiences reinforced the idea that the best bets in life and work are the long ones. This episode is...
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One Golden Nugget For Creative Rebels
The RebelRebel Podcast
“There’s never a perfect time. Just begin.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie welcomes Steven Foster, the founder of One Golden Nugget, to share his remarkable journey through entrepreneurship, personal struggle, and self-discovery. From sleeping in his office during lockdown to creating a global platform that collects and shares wisdom nuggets, Steven’s story is as inspiring as it is humbling. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Steven takes listeners back to his early days when his...
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Taking The Fight Forward
The RebelRebel Podcast
“At what age should I stop achieving? At what age should I stop improving?” When most people hit their 50s, they might slow down, lean into comfort, and start looking forward to retirement. Not Stuart Warren Dansby. He did the opposite—he stepped into the ring. In this powerful episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie sits down with Stuart to talk about his journey into competitive fighting later in life, a path filled with punches, humility, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your...
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Success Rooted In Resilience
The RebelRebel Podcast
“The secret hack of life is empathy.” In this gripping episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, Michael Dargie sits down with Anthony McDuffie Jr., a man whose incredible life story is a testament to resilience and redemption. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles during a volatile period, Anthony experienced both the warmth of a loving family and the chaos of a troubled community. When tragedy struck, and his father passed away, Anthony’s life spiraled into rebellion, leading to a gang-affiliated crime and a 25-year prison sentence at the age of 17. This episode is sponsored by my new book...
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Middle Earth, Marketing, and Kiwi Birds
The RebelRebel Podcast
“Your dreams matter, but it’s your actions that get you there.” In this inspiring episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, Michael Dargie connects with Callum Armstrong, an environmentalist and entrepreneur from New Zealand, whose work bridges the gap between conservation and business. Callum shares his journey from childhood business ventures to becoming the founder of Paste and Publish, a marketing coaching and consulting company, and Conservation Amplified, a charity aimed at raising awareness and funds for environmental protection. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU,...
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From Archaeology To Voiceovers
The RebelRebel Podcast
“You make your own luck by saying yes to opportunities.” Liz Drury’s journey from an academic career in archaeology to becoming a successful voiceover artist is a masterclass in embracing unexpected opportunities. During this episode, Liz shares how a passion for storytelling and a chance experience with media led her to pivot from academia into the creative world of voiceovers. Liz discusses the evolution of the industry, the challenges posed by AI, and the importance of human connection in narration. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your...
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Bringing Human-Ness Back To Business
The RebelRebel Podcast
“The more technology we embrace, the less we interact on a human level.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie welcomes David Blake, known as the Flip Flop Philosopher. David is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, and advocate for bringing human-ness back to business in an era increasingly dominated by technology. Blake shares his incredible journey of transformation after a life-altering surgery left him temporarily unable to walk, talk, or even hold himself up. This pivotal moment sparked his unique philosophy—embracing the power of “flip-flopping”...
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The Science Behind Better Water
The RebelRebel Podcast
“We’re energizing water in a way that’s scientifically backed. It’s a game changer for performance and recovery.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie chats with entrepreneur Krish Sidhu, the visionary behind Evolve Co. and its groundbreaking Perform H2O. Broadcasting from Vancouver, Krish walks us through his latest venture in hydration science—a tech-enhanced water that improves absorption using frequency technology. Developed over ten years with $12.5 million in research, this water’s secret lies in a sticker embedded with thousands of nano layers,...
info_outline“The self-care was the choice to not go for the job that was sucking the life out of me.”
In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie connects with Rebecca Sidoti, the dynamic founder of Mind by Design, a virtual mental health practice based in New Jersey. Rebecca shares the innovative ways her practice breaks from traditional methods to make mental health care accessible and effective, including using VR for exposure therapy and offering ketamine treatments for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. With a rebellious spirit rooted in personal experience, Rebecca’s journey from Catholic school to pioneering virtual therapy reflects a lifelong resistance to unnecessary norms.
This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.
Rebecca explains how Mind by Design embraces alternative approaches to therapy, helping clients face fears head-on with VR technology that allows for a gradual, controlled exposure to anxiety-inducing situations. This approach proved successful even for clients who hadn’t flown in nearly two decades. Rebecca’s empathy and creativity are evident as she shares stories of how unconventional methods like these have helped her clients reclaim their lives. She also highlights her personal commitment to self-care through art, particularly pottery, and reflects on the value of aligning one’s work with personal passion.
Through this conversation, listeners are encouraged to confront uncertainty, embrace their own rebellious paths, and do things scared if necessary. Rebecca’s insights provide practical advice for anyone looking to break free from conventions and pursue their own way in life and business.
Cool Things Rebecca Says
“Uncertainty isn’t a threat. We don’t have to react to it like fight or flight.”
“Do it scared. Do it uncertain. No guts, no glory.” – Rebecca Sidoti
“The self-care was the choice to not go for the job that was sucking the life out of me.” – Rebecca Sidoti
“I wasn’t allowed to wear pants. That’s so crazy!” – Rebecca Sidoti
“Failure is only when we accept it. It doesn’t exist if we keep going.” – Rebecca Sidoti
Episode Highlights
Rebecca shares the unconventional beginnings of her journey into mental health care and the rebellious experiences that shaped her mindset.
Exploration of Mind by Design’s unique virtual and community-based therapy model, focusing on accessibility and personalization.
A deep dive into VR exposure therapy and its effectiveness in treating phobias and anxiety, including an inspiring client success story.
The introduction of ketamine therapy in Rebecca’s practice and how it assists in treating PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
Rebecca’s personal story about defying norms and finding her purpose despite challenges, including a reflection on her formative years in a Catholic school.
The role of art and pottery in Rebecca’s self-care routine, and how creativity keeps her grounded.
Rebecca’s advice for embracing uncertainty, learning from failure, and moving forward without fear.
Links from Episode
Rebecca Sidoti on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-sidoti-lcsw/)
Mind by Design – Rebecca Sidoti’s virtual mental health practice (https://mindbydesignllc.com/)
Mind By Design Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/MindByDesignCounseling/)
Fuck Anxiety Workbook (https://mindbydesignllc.com/therapy-worksheets-mental-health-resources/)
In the Whale – Two-person punk band recommended by Michael Dargie (https://www.inthewhalecult.com/)
Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM
Guest: Rebecca Sidoti, MINDBYDESIGNLLC.COM