Writing Through The Darkness with Corey Croft
The RebelRebel Podcast
“Let the ego shrivel up and die on the vine.” In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Vancouver-based independent author and publisher Corey Croft for a candid conversation about writing, depression, ego, and the strange compulsion to finish terrible books. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Corey shares how his path to becoming a novelist began not with ambition, but with anxiety. During a difficult stretch marked by depression, he realized he always had “time” to write — he just wasn’t using it. A...
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Mr. Incredible's Business Case for Boldness with Robert Schmidt
The RebelRebel Podcast
“Awesome hides on the other side of fear.” In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with Robert Schmidt—brand strategist, educator, and senior skydiving instructor based in Calgary, Alberta. Robert runs a national brand strategy firm called Box, where he helps organizations figure out who they are, what they stand for, and how to connect with the people that matter most. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Robert’s superpower? Helping brands be something for someone—not everything to everyone. He shares the...
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The Biker's Voice Goes Global with India Hayes
The RebelRebel Podcast
In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with India Hayes, founder of Bikers Hangout—a grassroots global movement for motorcycle riders. Broadcasting from Warrington, England, India shares how her idea to connect riders around the world began in a hospital while recovering from pneumonia. Frustrated by the lack of an international biker network, she started a Facebook group. That seed grew into Bikers Hangout, a multimedia platform complete with its own radio station, live shows, club directory, and growing global partnerships. India opens up about riding through personal health struggles,...
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From Academia to Identity with David Mendes
The RebelRebel Podcast
“Sometimes just doing more is not the solution.” In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with David Mendes, a bilingual podcaster, medical writer, and creator of Papa PhD. Originally from Portugal, raised in Belgium, and now based in Montreal, David shares his journey through academia, translation, and eventually podcasting as a form of rebellion and reinvention. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. After completing his PhD in biology, David faced the all-too-familiar crossroads many graduate students encounter: a lack of...
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Prompt Like a Pro with Tris Hussey
The RebelRebel Podcast
“Curiosity is what keeps me moving forward.” What happens when a former scientist becomes Canada’s first pro blogger, publishes four books, and now builds custom AI marketing tools for fun? In this episode, I talk with Tris Hussey about curiosity, content, and building a life around technology that empowers people. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with Tris Hussey, a lifelong technologist, educator, author, and self-described curiosity-driven geek. Based in...
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Neurodivergent by Design with Rebecca Prejean
The RebelRebel Podcast
In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with Rebecca Prejean, an artist, instructional designer, and fierce advocate for neurodivergent people in corporate learning. Based just outside Austin, Texas, Rebecca brings her lived experience as a mother of an autistic child into her work—designing training that’s inclusive, accessible, and actually usable by everyone, especially folks with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. She shares the deeply personal story of her son’s diagnosis, how doctors told her he would never walk or talk, and how that experience shaped everything that came after. From early...
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Life Lessons from the Arctic with Heather Thorkelson
The RebelRebel Podcast
“You don’t need to know how—just know that it lights you up.” What happens when a creative rebel says yes to a fluke invite to Antarctica? In this episode, I talk with Heather Thorkelson about wild pivots, polar travel, and building a business with impact. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In this episode, Michael Dargie speaks with Heather Thorkelson—entrepreneur, polar expedition guide, and founder of PolarTracks Expeditions. From growing up as a third-culture kid to building a pair of polar travel...
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Keep the Cocktail, Fix The Brand With Shawn Soole
The RebelRebel Podcast
“I help people stop working in their business and start working on their business.” In this episode, Michael Dargie chats with hospitality veteran and industry provocateur Shawn Soole. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Shawn has seen—and done—it all. From washing dishes at 13 in Australia to building bar programs, authoring books, consulting internationally, and running a podcast, his journey is nothing short of relentless. And that’s exactly how he likes it. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Their...
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Life as an Independent Vet with Dr. Beth
The RebelRebel Podcast
“Create the things you wish existed.” What happens when a little girl obsessed with animals grows up, faces down fear, and builds a vet clinic on a dream? In this episode, Beth Barrett shares her story of grit, independence, and what it really means to live in alignment with your values. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with veterinarian and entrepreneur Beth Barrett about her decades-long career, her passion for animals, and the power of doing hard things. From...
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Gen X Women Who Kick Ass with Oonagh Duncan
The RebelRebel Podcast
“Weight loss isn’t controversial in science, only on social media.” What happens when a former smoker and self-described non-athlete turns into one of Canada’s most refreshing voices in fitness and habit formation? In this episode, I talk with Oonagh Duncan about Gen X women, body neutrality, the power of pleasure, and her dream of fronting an 80s hair band at brunch. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with Oonagh Duncan—fitness coach, author of Healthy as...
info_outline“Without research you don’t start the engine of your mind, your body, your action.”
In this episode, Michael Dargie welcomes Jacopo Iasiello, an international real estate investor, entrepreneur, and author of Healthy, Rich, and Happy.
This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.
Born in Naples, Jacopo began life with a dream of becoming a professional soccer player. When injury cut that career short, he pivoted into entrepreneurship—launching jewellery shops, scaling multimillion-dollar companies, and eventually becoming a real estate investor across Italy, Dubai, and Miami .
Jacopo shares how he built his success without experience, money, or connections, and how those challenges shaped his philosophy of growth. By 28, he had already achieved financial wealth, but he realised material success wasn’t enough. That’s when he developed his “Four Pillars”—research, growth, action, and contribution—as guiding principles for living with purpose.
He opens up about journaling daily, the importance of gratitude, and why travel is essential for expanding one’s perspective. His reflections on abundance, both internal and external, bring depth to his outlook on business and life. For Jacopo, wealth is not about accumulation, but about creating value for others—whether that’s through real estate that nourishes the senses, or by supporting charitable initiatives like Hermano de la Calle in Miami .
This conversation explores the balance between ambition and mindfulness, success and contribution, and how to build a life that is not only profitable but also meaningful. Whether you’re just starting out or already on your entrepreneurial path, Jacopo’s story is proof that clarity and consistent action can transform any beginning into something remarkable.
Quoteable Quotes
“Without research you don’t start the engine of your mind, your body, your action.” — Jacopo Iasiello
“If you don’t have time to journal, you don’t have time to improve your life.” — Jacopo Iasiello
“When your bank account becomes bigger, you don’t think about only yourself. You spread it out to your community.” — Jacopo Iasiello
“I think when people plug in and hear a story like yours, they’re going to have an aha moment.” — Michael Dargie
Episode Highlights
Starting From Zero | Jacopo explains how he launched his first business without money or experience.
Dreaming of Soccer | His journey toward becoming a professional athlete before injury changed his path.
Building Businesses | From jewellery shops to multimillion-dollar companies in Italy.
Pivot to Real Estate | How he moved to Florida and rebuilt his career in property investment.
The Four Pillars | Research, growth, action, and contribution as his framework for success.
Daily Gratitude | Why journaling and gratitude practices ground him.
Iceland’s Beauty | How nature recharges him and why travel is vital.
Healthy, Rich, and Happy | The philosophy behind his book and what it means to him.
Purpose and Abundance | Why wealth with purpose fuels unstoppable growth.
Journaling as a Must | How daily writing shapes focus and resilience.
Italian Food Traditions | Favourite meals and Sunday pizza rituals.
Diving Adventures | Exploring underwater worlds from Naples to the Bahamas.
Advice for Rebels | Clarity and action as the essentials for moving forward.
LINKS FROM EPISODE
Website (http://www.luxuryandwealthgroup.com/)
Jacopo on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacopo-iasiello-50936244/)
Jacopo on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jacopoiasiellorealestate)
Jacopo on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jacopoiasielloinvestorbroker/)
Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
"BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
Indigo | Barnes & Noble | BrandJitsu.com