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“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 BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.
Stuart shares his origin story—how a single humbling training session led him down a path of obsession with martial arts. Training alongside fighters half his age, Stuart pushed his limits physically and mentally, defying not only his age but also two severely damaged knees. His story is captured in the gripping documentary Taking the Fight, a film that chronicles his journey toward earning respect in the ring and within himself.
The conversation dives deep into what it means to face your fears, push past your limits, and embrace pain as a catalyst for growth. Stuart reflects on the power of perseverance and the importance of showing up—not just for yourself, but for those around you who look to you as a source of inspiration.
The bond between fighters, the thrill of testing one’s spirit, and the beauty of being fully present in the moment are all explored in this honest and inspiring episode. Whether you’re an aspiring fighter or simply seeking motivation to face your own challenges, Stuart’s story will remind you that the fight is always worth it—and it’s never too late to step into the ring.
Cool Things Stuart Says
- “If you’re not sore and you’re not tired, then don’t call yourself a fighter—and you’ll never be a champion.”
- “At what age should I stop achieving? At what age should I stop improving?”
- “Every one of us has a fight—we all hold ourselves back. But we can all push through.”
- “You gotta want that. You gotta wrap your soul around it.”
- “Rise, grind, function, achieve—in gratitude.”
Episode Highlights
- Stuart’s late start into martial arts and fighting in his 50s.
- His journey from being humbled in his first training session to competing against fighters 30 years younger.
- Overcoming severe knee injuries and pushing beyond physical limitations.
- The making of Taking the Fight documentary—a nine-year journey.
- The role of mentors and coaches in personal development.
- The mental resilience needed to endure hits in the ring—and in life.
- The deeper bond formed through combat and mutual respect among fighters.
- Stuart’s mantra: “Rise, grind, function, achieve—in gratitude.”
- Advice to rebels in waiting: Believe in yourself, work relentlessly, stay positive, and never stop learning.
Links from the Episode
- Taking the Fight Documentary – Available on multiple streaming platforms (Launching Sept 1)
- Stuart Warren Dansby – Taking the Fight (https://takingthefight.com/)
- Greg Choplin – WBC Muay Thai Champion (https://www.muaythaitv.com/fighters/greg-choplin-f2941.html)
- Yoel Romero – Professional MMA Fighter (https://www.ufc.com/athlete/yoel-romero)
Hosted by: Michael Dargie
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