The RebelRebel Podcast

The RebelRebel Podcast is a regular dive into the hearts and minds of creative rebels and entrepreneurs who are making the world a better and more interesting place—it's a love letter to everyone who thinks audaciously and acts courageously in service to their passion and purpose—ikigai. 2023 CANADIAN PODCAST AWARDS NOMINATION Outstanding Business Series 2021 CANADIAN PODCAST AWARDS NOMINATION Outstanding Business Series 2020 CANADIAN PODCAST AWARDS NOMINATION Outstanding Business Series 2019 CANADIAN PODCAST AWARDS NOMINATIONS Best Host | Outstanding Business Podcast | Outstanding Title Theme | Outstanding Original Music Hosted by Michael Dean Dargie | MichaelDargie.com Produced by Make More Creative | MakeMoreCreative.com

Life as an Independent Vet with Dr. Beth 12/24/2025

Life as an Independent Vet with Dr. Beth “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 her clinic just outside Calgary, Alberta, Beth shares what it took to build her dream practice—complete with an indoor dog arena, a fancy chicken coop, and the best damn surgery suite this side of anywhere. Beth knew she wanted to be a vet since she was a kid, and she never looked back. But the path wasn’t without its setbacks. After a serious horseback riding accident, she had to decide whether to quit or face her fears. She chose to ride again. That decision changed her. She and Michael talk about everything from the corporatization of veterinary care, to why tired dogs are good dogs, to Stoic philosophy and dried mango. Beth opens up about the joys of riding, training, and how teaching dogs stretches their bodies and their minds. Her message to rebels in waiting: do hard things. That’s where the growth is. Quotable Quotes “Create the things you wish existed.” “A tired dog is a good dog.” “The growth I’ve experienced in life has come at those hard spots.” “Doing hard things will make you extraordinary.” “You don’t get stronger when things are cushy.” Episode Highlights Becoming a Vet | From childhood dream to lifelong career. The Power of Vision | Turning a horse farm into a full-service clinic. Private vs. Corporate | Why independence matters in vet med. Doing Hard Things | How fear almost kept her out of the saddle. Training for Health | Dog yoga, strength, and stretching. Riding for Joy | The magic of working equitation. Dog Park & Arena | Why tired dogs are good dogs. Fill Your Bucket | What Beth does to recharge. Favourite Place | Cycling and hiking in the Tonto Preserve. Favourite Season | Autumn, and what it teaches us. Rebel Advice | Do the hard thing. Links From Episode (http://barrettvet.ca) (https://www.facebook.com/barrettveterinarypractice/) (https://www.instagram.com/barrettveterinarypractice) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/39528790

Gen X Women Who Kick Ass with Oonagh Duncan 12/22/2025

Gen X Women Who Kick Ass with Oonagh Duncan “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 Fck*, and host of the podcast Goals, Grit and Some Woo Woo Shit. From her home on Salt Spring Island, BC, Oonagh shares how she helps Gen X women build habits that actually stick, even when nothing else has before. Once a reluctant exerciser who smoked and hid from gym class, Oonagh discovered the power of habits while walking on a salvaged treadmill, watching Jerry Springer. That single act of curiosity led her to build Fit Feels Good, an online community helping women find fitness through pleasure, not punishment. She and Michael talk about niching down, the evolution of the fitness industry, and how new weight-loss drugs like Ozempic are transforming the conversation around health. Oonagh also opens up about her beginnings as a fat activist, her pivot to inclusive wellness, and why the ectomorph-mesomorph body type theory belongs in the past. Beyond business, she talks about life on Salt Spring Island, Sunday hikes, fart reels, fake meat, and why living in a small community has taught her to be kinder. They also dive into her creative past as a playwright, the pain of a sophomore flop, and why her next big dream involves spandex, power ballads, and brunch. Her message to rebels in waiting: don’t wait to have everything figured out. Move toward whatever feels warmer, follow the good feelings, and the rest will come. Quoteable Quotes “If you hate exercise, you just haven’t made it small and pleasurable enough.” — Oonagh Duncan “Don’t be a dick.” — Michael Dargie “Weight loss isn’t controversial in science, only on social media.” — Oonagh Duncan “You just have to move towards warmer.” — Oonagh Duncan “Living on an island makes me a better person—reluctantly.” — Oonagh Duncan Episode Highlights Finding Her Niche | Why Oonagh focuses on Gen X women and habits that feel good. Fitness for Everyone (Almost) | The lessons from bootcamps and niching down. The Weight Loss Shift | How GLP-1 drugs are reshaping the wellness industry. Habit Loops | The treadmill, Jerry Springer, and discovering pleasure in movement. Body Neutrality | From fat activism to inclusive health conversations. Small and Pleasurable | The secret to habits that stick. Island Life | How community keeps her accountable and kind. Fake Meat & Fart Reels | Her unapologetic guilty pleasures. Sophomore Flop | The tough lesson from her second play, Talk 60 to Me. Brunch Rock | Her dream of fronting an 80s hair band… before noon. Rebel Advice | “Move toward the warmer.” Links From Episode (http://www.fitfeelsgood.com/) (https://www.instagram.com/oonaghduncan) (http://facebook.com/fitfeelsgood) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/39416410

Copywriting Without Borders with Rachel Allen 12/18/2025

Copywriting Without Borders with Rachel Allen “It’s never going to be as hard as you think it is.” What happens when a theater nerd from Appalachia drops out of college, moves to Hong Kong with $200, and discovers people will actually pay her to write? In this episode, I talk with Rachel Allen about words, travel, and building a business from scratch. 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 Rachel Allen, a writer, fractional CMO, and founder of Bolt from the Blue Copywriting. Rachel’s path has been anything but straightforward—from studying theatre, journalism, and Asian studies, to living in Hong Kong, England, Greece, and beyond. Along the way, she discovered that words could pay the bills and eventually built a career helping businesses make words make money . She shares how her early love of theatre shaped her understanding of story, why dropping out of college and moving across the world was the best decision she ever made, and how a $3.25 writing job turned into a global business. From luxury real estate copy to probiotic rhyming board books for kids, Rachel has written just about everything—and learned to embrace the freedom and fear that come with running her own company . The conversation digs into big questions: why travel makes us better humans, how language literally shapes the way we see the world, and why pseudo-historical utopias are both fascinating and dangerous. Rachel also shares the story behind her upcoming memoir Bat Shit, her next book Feral Wife, and her self-assigned PhD project exploring the cultural roots of the American South . Beyond business, she talks about her love of bourbon, her habit of walking in cemeteries for peace and quiet, and her introverted approach to networking. Her advice to rebels in waiting: decisive action unlocks doors you didn’t know existed—and you are far more capable than you think. Quoteable Quotes “I make words make money.” — Rachel Allen “Whatever it is, it’s not welded into the rebar of the universe. We made it. We can change it.” — Rachel Allen “It’s never going to be as hard as you think it is.” — Rachel Allen “I am not a 100% all-the-time likable human.” — Rachel Allen “Experiences are the most important part of this whole thing.” — Michael Dargie Episode Highlights From Appalachia to Asia | How Rachel went from Tennessee to Hong Kong with $200. The $3.25 Job | The moment she realized words could make money. Luxury Real Estate & Dog Costumes | Early days of writing anything and everything. Theatre Roots | Why acting and writing are two sides of storytelling. Travel as Teacher | Why everyone should see the world if they can. Pseudo-Historical Utopias | The danger of longing for a past that never existed. Memoir: Bat Shit | Growing up in Christian nationalism and breaking free. Next Book: Feral Wife | Learning what it means to be loved. Self-PhD | Exploring the cultural roots of Southern identity. Cemetery Walks | Why quiet, unusual spaces fuel creativity. Advice to Rebels | Take decisive action—you’re more capable than you know. Links From Episode (https://www.boltfromthebluecopywriting.com/) (https://www.rachelcatherineallen.com/) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelallenwrites/) (https://boltfromthebluecopywriting.substack.com/) (http://instagram.com/boltfromthebluecopywriting) (https://rachelcatherineallen.substack.com/) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/39416040

Seven Startups and a Standup with Mary McCorvey 12/17/2025

Seven Startups and a Standup with Mary McCorvey “You have a finite number of heartbeats. There are infinite possibilities.” What happens when a seven-time founder who once built a company around landing on the moon steps into the arena as herself? In this episode, I talk with Mary McCorvey about moonshots, stand-up comedy, and living life on your own terms. 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 speaks with Mary McCorvey, a seven-time founder, Army veteran, broadcaster, author, and stand-up comic based in Philadelphia. Mary has built companies around products, services, and even competitions to land on the moon. Now she’s turning the spotlight on herself with her book Experience Over Expectation: Let Go of the Plan and Live on Your Terms . Mary shares the story of Moonmark, her most ambitious project yet: a global competition where high school students designed lunar landers, with two teams producing designs that NASA engineers agreed could actually work on the moon. Although the pandemic halted the mission, the experience changed lives, and the Lander Company eventually did reach the moon in 2024 . Her journey into entrepreneurship began after serving in the Army, where she went from digging trenches for cable to becoming a broadcaster thanks to a leader who recognized her potential. That chance moment shaped her lifelong commitment to leadership, integrity, and creating opportunities for others . Mary also talks about embracing AI in her writing process, blending platforms like GPT, Perplexity, and Grok to analyze her memoir and craft her latest book. She opens up about her love of stand-up comedy, her unexpected passion for high-performance driving at tracks like Watkins Glen, and her belief that peace is possible if we’re willing to choose it . From growing up in Sarasota with limited opportunities, to enlisting in the Army at 18, to building seven companies and reinventing herself again and again, Mary embodies what it means to live without default. Her advice to rebels in waiting is unforgettable: “You have a finite number of heartbeats. There are infinite possibilities. Quoteable Quotes “You have a finite number of heartbeats. There are infinite possibilities.” — Mary McCorvey “Every time I’ve built a company, it’s been about how to positively impact others.” — Mary McCorvey “I was digging trenches, holding a shovel, when I said, ‘I’d like to be a broadcaster.’ And someone gave me that chance.” — Mary McCorvey “Peace is possible. It’s complex, but possible.” — Mary McCorvey “Experiences are the most important part of this whole thing.” — Michael Dargie Episode Highlights Seven-Time Founder | Building companies again and again with purpose. Moonmark | A global competition to design landers for the moon. Army to Broadcasting | How a shovel and a sergeant changed her life. AI in Writing | Using multiple platforms to analyze her memoir. Experience Over Expectation | Her new book about living on your terms. Stand-Up Comedy | Why the stage is her favourite place in Philly. High-Performance Driving | Racing at Watkins Glen and loving every second. Peace is Possible | Lessons from time spent in war zones. Dinner Guests | Why she’d choose comedian Leanne Morgan and Barack Obama. Advice to Rebels | Finite heartbeats, infinite possibilities. Links From Episode (http://marymccorvey.com/) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marylmccorvey/) (https://www.facebook.com/McCorveyMary/) (https://www.facebook.com/McCorveyMary/) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/39415880

Lessons From A Go-Giver with Bob Burg 12/16/2025

Lessons From A Go-Giver with Bob Burg “Kindness is never wasted—it expands into greatness.” What happens when a broadcaster-turned-salesman discovers that giving is the fastest path to success? In this episode, I talk with Bob Burg, co-author of The Go-Giver, about kindness, influence, and building a life around service. 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 speaks with Bob Burg, speaker, author, and co-creator of the international bestseller The Go-Giver. Known for its simple but powerful message—that shifting focus from getting to giving leads to success—The Go-Giver has sold over a million copies worldwide and become a staple in leadership, business, and personal development . Bob shares how he stumbled into sales after early stints in radio and television. With no formal training, he failed fast—until a desperate trip to a bookstore introduced him to the work of Tom Hopkins and Zig Ziglar. Devouring their books, he quickly learned that sales wasn’t about talking people into something, but about providing real value. That discovery launched a lifelong pursuit of learning, leading him into the world of personal development classics like How to Win Friends and Influence People and Think and Grow Rich . The conversation spans from his childhood dream of playing third base for the Boston Red Sox to his career as a sought-after speaker, traveling the world to talk about influence, persuasion, and service. Bob explains why nobody buys because of your quota or goals—they buy because they believe they’ll be better off. He also shares stories about life in Jupiter, Florida, with his rescue cat Buddy, his admiration for hockey legend Bobby Orr, and his simple joys like reading over coffee and bagels . Looking ahead, Bob is reworking his book Adversaries into Allies into a new edition called Genuine Influence: How to Master the Art of Persuasion, slated for release in 2026. His advice to “rebels in waiting” is grounded and practical: know your cause, find systems and mentors, take action, persist through the no’s, and never mistake failure for finality . At its heart, this episode is about shifting perspective—success isn’t about self-focus, it’s about making every person and moment better off for having crossed your path. Quoteable Quotes “Nobody’s going to buy from you because you have a quota. They buy because they believe they’ll be better off.” — Bob Burg “Success is really an inside job. It starts with what you put in your head and heart.” — Bob Burg “The highest purpose of life is to make each moment better off because it passed by you.” — Bob Burg “Kindness is never wasted—it expands into greatness.” — Bob Burg “Our job in business is to be the Yoda. The customer is the Luke.” — Michael Dargie Episode Highlights The Go-Giver | Why giving first creates success. From Radio to Sales | How failure led Bob to personal growth. Discovering Systems | Learning from Zig Ziglar and Tom Hopkins. Inside Job | Success begins with mindset and personal development. Jupiter Life | Bagels, coffee, and reading with his rescue cat, Buddy. Sports Memories | From dreaming of the Red Sox to admiring Bobby Orr. Travel & Speaking | 35 years of conferences and lessons from the stage. Genuine Influence | His next book on persuasion and people skills. Advice to Rebels | Know your cause, persist, and learn from failure. Links From Episode (https://burg.com) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/39415750

The Call Center Rebel with Richard Blank 11/17/2025

The Call Center Rebel with Richard Blank ““You shouldn’t use words to burn. They should be for light and for warmth.” Richard has spent the last 19 years running a near-shore bilingual contact center that thrives on empathy, communication, and human connection in an era dominated by automation. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center. Richard has spent the last 19 years running a near-shore bilingual contact center that thrives on empathy, communication, and human connection in an era dominated by automation . Richard’s story begins in Philadelphia, where childhood trips to Mexico sparked his love of Spanish and culture. After studying Spanish in college, he took what was supposed to be a short trip to Costa Rica to teach English at a friend’s center. Instead, he fell in love—with the country, with the culture, and with the woman who would become his wife. That leap of faith became a lifelong adventure, culminating in the creation of Costa Rica’s Call Center . He explains why call centers aren’t just about dialing lists—they’re about rhetoric, persuasion, and the art of speech. For Richard, the real skill lies in listening, building rapport, and finding those rare “positive escalations” where a customer compliments an agent to their supervisor. He compares communication to fire: it can burn, but it can also light and warm, and the best agents know how to use it for encouragement and clarity . The conversation ranges widely, from his love of 1970s electromechanical pinball machines and jukebox rescues in the Costa Rican mountains, to his passion for movies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and The Maltese Falcon. Richard also shares the daily joys of Costa Rican life—warm rain in a convertible, fresh seafood at the market, and the surreal beauty of the rainforest . At the heart of it all is his philosophy: rebels in waiting should remove unnecessary weight, play the long game, and find balance. Business doesn’t require shortcuts or being number one—it requires integrity, patience, and compassion. His advice is simple: plan ahead, stay curious, and make space for yourself so your best ideas can surface. Quoteable Quotes “It’s a luxury trade—where else can you speak to hundreds of people a day?” — Richard Blank “You shouldn’t use words to burn. They should be for light and for warmth.” — Richard Blank “If you can’t find ways to decompress, you’ll never last as an entrepreneur.” — Richard Blank “They need more compassion—it starts with simply acknowledging existence.” — Richard Blank “You’re Canadian, that’s fun.” — Richard Blank Episode Highlights Costa Rica’s Call Center | Building a near-shore bilingual hub of empathy and communication. Spanish Major to CEO | How a short trip turned into a lifelong adventure. Pura Vida Life | Why Costa Rica feels like paradise. The Art of Speech | Listening, persuasion, and positive escalations. Pinball Collection | Rescuing 1970s electromechanical treasures from the mountains. Jukeboxes Too | Preserving vintage machines as cultural artifacts. Movie Buff | From The Maltese Falcon to Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Rain in a Convertible | Everyday magic in Costa Rica. Compassion First | Why acknowledging existence is the start of connection. Advice to Rebels | Remove weight, play the long game, and find balance. Links From Episode Website () Richard on LinkedIn () Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/39050765

From Teeth to Tech with Brandon Sherwood 11/17/2025

From Teeth to Tech with Brandon Sherwood “Entrepreneurship is the craziest, scariest roller coaster ever.” What happens when selling RVs leads to buying dental scrap, melting it down for precious metals, and then launching a startup with a mission to bless lives? In this episode, I talk with Brandon Sherwood about entrepreneurship, family, and why it’s just not that serious. 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 chats with Brandon Sherwood, an entrepreneur from Heber City, Utah, whose path has been anything but ordinary. Brandon runs a business that buys dental scrap—old crowns and bridges—and refines them into precious metals like gold and palladium. It’s a niche market with a 10-to-15 year runway, but for Brandon, the real story is how it led him to launch Gladly Network, a startup built on a mission statement as simple as it is powerful: bless lives . Gladly is designed to connect small, impact-driven businesses with people in meaningful ways, starting with dental offices as a kind of employee perk system. For Brandon, it’s about more than business—it’s about making sure his company continues to add value long after the dental scrap dries up. He explains the challenges and joys of building something new, calling entrepreneurship “the craziest, scariest roller coaster ever” . The conversation stretches back to Brandon’s roots: growing up in Arkansas, working in his dad’s RV dealership, and discovering that while cubicle life wasn’t for him, sales and relationships were. He tells the story of how a cousin pulled him into the strange world of dental scrap on his day off from selling RVs—and how eight months later, he made the leap into a whole new career . Beyond work, Brandon opens up about raising four teenage boys, how experiences like concerts, sports, and camping trips matter more than things, and why his favourite recharge involves disappearing into the Utah mountains to sit under an aspen tree and remember that life’s problems aren’t that serious . From street tacos in Cozumel to family Halloween costumes, Brandon’s story is one of humour, humility, and hope. His advice to rebels in waiting: you’ve got to love it, believe in it, and remember that failure is just part of the process—so keep throwing the ball in the right direction. Quoteable Quotes “It’s just not that serious. Take a breath. Everything’s going to be okay.” — Brandon Sherwood “Entrepreneurship is the craziest, scariest roller coaster ever.” — Brandon Sherwood “You’ve got to love it and believe in it—otherwise it’s not worth doing.” — Brandon Sherwood “Mistakes are only mistakes if you don’t learn from them.” — Brandon Sherwood “Experiences are the most important part of this whole thing.” — Michael Dargie Episode Highlights The Dental Scrap Business | Turning crowns and bridges into precious metals. The Gladly Mission | Building a company around blessing lives. The Startup Roller Coaster | Why entrepreneurship is equal parts scary and exciting. From RVs to Teeth | How a day off changed his career. Family First | Raising four teenage boys and finding joy in their passions. Sports & Memories | Why experiences last longer than presents. Nature Therapy | Grounding himself under an aspen tree in Utah. Street Tacos | Why he’ll walk miles for the perfect taco. Fluent in Spanish | How it came in handy during a car sale. Bucket List Dreams | Attending major sporting events and seeing Tom Waits live. Advice to Rebels | Love it, believe in it, and don’t take life too seriously. Links From Episode (http://www.gladlynetwork.com/) (https://www.instagram.com/gladly.good/) (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gladly-network) (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565968919272) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/39050670

The Sound of Success with Jodi Krangle 11/16/2025

The Sound of Success with Jodi Krangle In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Jodi Krangle, a professional voice actor, singer, and host of the Audio Branding podcast. Based just north of Toronto, Jodi has been a full-time voice actor for nearly two decades, lending her voice to clients around the world while exploring the psychology and power of sound . Jodi shares how her journey started in the mid-90s when she volunteered at CNIB, recording articles to reel-to-reel tape for the visually impaired. Years later, after burning out in SEO and internet marketing, she returned to the idea of voice acting and built a thriving career from scratch . She talks about running The Muse’s Muse, one of the earliest songwriting websites that grew into an online community of thousands, and how those lessons in marketing and community-building set her up for success in voiceover work. She also explains what it’s like to balance union and non-union work, how AI voice technology is changing the industry, and why genuine acting and emotional authenticity will always set human performers apart . The conversation also explores her passions outside of the booth—role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, a massive dice collection, and anime storytelling that blends lighthearted fantasy with deeper themes of love, loss, and memory. Jodi reflects on pivotal moments, like overcoming stage fright as a teenager, and shares her philosophy that “comparison is the thief of joy.” Her advice for rebels in waiting is clear: run your own race, build relationships with clients who value you, and never assume you need to follow someone else’s path . Quoteable Quotes “Some of the things we think are going to be so super important, just aren’t really that important.” — Jodi Krangle “Run your own race.” — Jodi Krangle “The number one thing you’re paying a voice actor for is to not waste your time.” — Jodi Krangle “Good audio makes everything look better.” — Michael Dargie Episode Highlights Finding Voiceover | From CNIB volunteer work to professional voice actor. Leaving SEO Behind | Why she pivoted from internet marketing to audio. The Muse’s Muse | Running a thriving online songwriting community in the 90s. Stage Fright Lessons | Learning resilience from performing in high school. Life in the Booth | Home studio vs downtown Toronto sessions. Union vs Non-Union | Balancing Canada and U.S. work in a changing industry. Clients That Matter | Building long-term relationships with people who value you. Dungeons & Dragons | Dice collections, role-playing, and storytelling as improv. Anime & Webcomics | Finding new perspectives through storytelling media. The AI Question | Why authentic acting still beats a cloned voice. Sound Matters | How audio branding influences trust and perception. Advice to Rebels | Run your own race and stop comparing yourself. Links From Episode Website () Jodi on LinkedIn () Jodi on Facebook () Jodi on Instagram () /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/39050405

Speed Learning for Rebels with Howard Berg 11/06/2025

Speed Learning for Rebels with Howard Berg “Speed reading doesn’t work. Speed learning works.” What happens when a kid from Brooklyn grows up to become the world’s fastest reader and teaches others to learn 100% faster in just four hours? In this episode, I talk with Howard Berg about speed learning, knowledge, and why smarter decisions could change the world. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Howard Berg, officially recognized as the world’s fastest reader by the Guinness Book of Records. Howard reads at a staggering 80 pages per minute, but more importantly, he has spent decades teaching others how to learn faster, retain more, and apply knowledge in ways that transform lives . Howard grew up in the Brooklyn projects, where the library became his safe haven from gangs. By eleven, he was already reading at a college level. Later, while double-majoring in biology and psychology, he discovered that no one ever teaches students how to learn—only what to learn. Determined to change that, he developed methods that helped him finish a four-year psychology program in just one year, all while working multiple jobs. He proved his system worked by acing the GRE after reading 48 textbooks in three nights . Since then, Howard has taught speed learning techniques to the U.S. Special Forces, the Royal Thai Army, corporate teams, and students around the world. He explains why speed reading alone isn’t enough—it’s about combining reading with comprehension, retention, and emotional intelligence to ensure knowledge sticks when it matters most. From teaching 11-year-olds to write graduate-level papers, to helping entrepreneurs read a business book a day, his system opens new doors for anyone willing to learn . The conversation also touches on Howard’s personal journey—his years as a Red Cross swimming instructor, his eclectic reading habits, his love of travel and music, and the joy he finds in helping others succeed. He shares stories of students who went from struggling to excelling—like a C student who became a professor at 22, and another who finished a college degree in just six months before selling his company for $38 million . Howard’s message is simple but powerful: the world’s problems won’t be solved by more people making bad decisions. If we can learn faster, understand more, and apply knowledge wisely, we stand a better chance of building a smarter, better future. Quoteable Quotes “The library was the safest place in Brooklyn—gang kids would rather be dead than caught there.” — Howard Berg “Speed reading doesn’t work. Speed learning works.” — Howard Berg “Truth is, you don’t need the stories—you need the ideas.” — Howard Berg “The number one asset every entrepreneur has is their ability to make choices and decisions.” — Howard Berg “This is already a learning process for me.” — Michael Dargie Episode Highlights World’s Fastest Reader | How Howard Berg earned his Guinness record. Brooklyn Beginnings | Finding safety and purpose in the library. Learning to Learn | Why schools never teach how to learn. The Psychology Degree | Finishing a four-year program in one year. Speed vs Learning | Why comprehension and EQ matter as much as speed. Teaching the World | From 11-year-olds to the U.S. Special Forces. One Book a Day | How entrepreneurs can transform by reading daily. Stories of Students | From struggling kids to millionaire founders. Life Outside Reading | Swimming, travel, music, and family. Advice to Rebels | Learn from those who’ve already done it—and do it faster. Links From Episode (http://www.berglearning.com/) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardstephenberg/) (https://www.facebook.com/howard.berg.988711) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/38940375

RebelRebel Takeover Episode: BrandJitsu Uncovered 11/05/2025

RebelRebel Takeover Episode: BrandJitsu Uncovered “Your value proposition is the reason people choose you.” What happens when Michael Dargie hands over the mic to branding legend JP Lacroix? In this takeover episode, they unpack the lessons behind BrandJitsu and why truth and clarity are the foundation of every brand story. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In this special takeover episode, Michael Dargie flips the script and lets branding veteran Jean Pierre Lacroix take the host’s chair. The focus is Michael’s book BrandJitsu, which JP describes as one of the most insightful books on positioning he’s read in his 40+ years of brand transformation work . JP probes the origins of the book—how it accidentally shifted from a West Coast adventure narrative into a hands-on branding guide—and why Michael felt compelled to put decades of client work into a framework anyone could use. At the heart of the conversation is the metaphor of jiu jitsu: fast, effective techniques to defend against brand confusion, grounded in truth and clarity . The two explore the fundamentals of the BrandJitsu model: defining purpose and values, clarifying value propositions, and using archetypes to shape brand personality. Michael explains why brands need to know who they are, what they do, who they serve, and why anyone should care. They discuss the importance of storytelling—how even one short line, like Nike’s “There is no finish line,” can hold more power than a thousand ad campaigns . Along the way, Michael shares stories from client work, including how a funeral home found its voice in a campaign called Life by Mary, shifting focus from grief to celebration. He also explains the “brand playbook” process he uses with companies: two intensive weeks of truth-finding, alignment, and clarity that result in a living guide to identity and positioning . The episode underscores why branding isn’t about logos or taglines, but about aligning internal purpose with external storytelling. For entrepreneurs, executives, and creative rebels alike, BrandJitsu offers a way to cut through the noise and build something meaningful. Quoteable Quotes “Truth and clarity—that’s all the bottom stuff is.” — Michael Dargie “Your brand is the Yoda, not the Luke Skywalker.” — Michael Dargie “It’s not as complicated as you think. Branding is simple—it’s just a bunch of little pieces.” — Michael Dargie “Your value proposition is the reason people choose you.” — Michael Dargie Episode Highlights RebelRebel Takeover | JP Lacroix interviews Michael about BrandJitsu. Accidental Author | How a planned adventure book became a branding manual. The BrandJitsu Metaphor | Fast, effective, story-driven branding. Purpose and Values | Guardrails for how a company shows up. Value Proposition vs Values | Why most businesses confuse them. Brand Archetypes | Creator, Explorer, and finding your tribe. The Iceberg | Story lives below the surface. The Brand Playbook | A two-week process for truth and clarity. Life by Mary | Reframing funerals as celebrations of life. Storytelling Matters | Why one line can define a brand. Advice to Rebels | Branding isn’t a logo—it’s your story, told with clarity. Links From Episode (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldargie/) (https://instagram.com/michaeldargie) (https://brandjitsu.com) (https://makemorecreative.com) (https://michaeldargie.com) (http://linkedin.com/in/jeanpierrelacroix) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/38928015

Lead It Like Lasso with Marnie Stockman & Nick Coniglio 11/05/2025

Lead It Like Lasso with Marnie Stockman & Nick Coniglio “Question everything and see it from every perspective.” What happens when a high school math teacher and a computer programmer leave the corporate grind, write books inspired by Ted Lasso, and create a personal leadership app? In this episode, I talk with Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio about building businesses, books, and better leaders. 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 welcomes co-authors, entrepreneurs, and leadership coaches Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio. From opposite ends of the U.S.—Marnie on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Nick in Georgia—they’ve joined forces to write Lead It Like Lasso and The Business of You, books that blend leadership frameworks with pop culture touchstones to help people live and lead authentically . Marnie began her career as a high school math teacher before moving into administration and customer success in ed tech. Nick started as a computer programmer, eventually moving into leadership roles where he learned firsthand what ineffective and authentic leadership looked like. Their paths converged at a company where values didn’t match reality, and from that misalignment came the spark to build something of their own . Together, they’ve built Scaled, authored award-winning books, and are now developing Blue, an app that helps young people build their personal leadership brand. They share stories of book festivals, awkward signings, and creative ways to connect with readers, like Marnie signing books as bathroom passes. They also talk about resilience in business, why storytelling is 22 times more effective than facts, and how job seekers can stand out in a sea of sameness . Outside their professional world, Marnie knits and walks like it’s an Olympic sport, while Nick swears by stretching and a daily dose of Wordle. They swap stories about crabs in Maryland, golf in Georgia, and how authenticity, curiosity, and humour fuel both their partnership and their writing . Their advice to “rebels in waiting” is simple but powerful: find your people, question everything, and keep rewriting your own story. Quoteable Quotes “Leadership is life—it doesn’t just happen in the boardroom.” — Marnie Stockman “Question everything and see it from every perspective.” — Nick Coniglio “Find your Diamond Dogs—your personal board of advisors.” — Marnie Stockman “The game is reviews. That is the game.” — Michael Dargie Episode Highlights Lead It Like Lasso | Why Ted Lasso became the perfect framework for leadership. The Business of You | Helping young people build a brand that stands out. Math Meets Code | How a teacher and programmer became co-authors. Misaligned Values | Leaving corporate life to build something better. Diamond Dogs | The importance of personal advisors and support networks. Leadership is Life | Why it matters in classrooms, living rooms, and boardrooms. Book Signing Stories | Bathroom passes, LA Times Book Fest, and awkward empty tables. Stretching & Knitting | Daily practices that fuel creativity and wellbeing. Job Hunting Truths | Why resumes aren’t enough and storytelling matters. Advice to Rebels | Be authentic, be curious, and keep building community. Links From Episode ( https://www.leaditlikelasso.com/) (https://www.facebook.com/leaditlikelasso) (https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-it-like-lasso) (https://www.instagram.com/leaditlikelasso/) (https://twitter.com/leaditlikelasso) (https://www.tiktok.com/@leaditlikelasso) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/38924680

Rebels, Rogues, and Role Playing with Jim Zub 11/03/2025

Rebels, Rogues, and Role Playing with Jim Zub “Sometimes you just have to create your own creative circle.” What happens when a kid from Oshawa who loved Dungeons & Dragons grows up to write the Avengers, Conan the Barbarian, and create new canon for D&D itself? In this episode, I catch up with my longtime friend Jim Zub, a comic writer, teacher, and storyteller who proves that staying in the game is the game. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In this episode, comic writer, teacher, and storyteller Jim Zub joins Michael Dargie to talk about a creative journey that started with webcomics and led to writing some of the most iconic characters in popular culture. From his early days as a self-taught comic creator to his current role as the flagship writer for Conan the Barbarian, Jim shares how passion, persistence, and a willingness to reinvent himself have shaped his career . He recounts the leap of faith that began with Makeshift Miracle, his first webcomic, and how an encouraging email from Scott McCloud, author of Understanding Comics, set him on a path that took him to San Diego Comic-Con and ultimately into the professional comics world. Along the way, Jim navigated setbacks, like being rejected from Sheridan College’s animation program, which pushed him to hone his skills and broaden his creative vision . The conversation ranges from his time working at Udon Studios, colouring old Conan comics, to writing Avengers during the height of Marvel’s cinematic success, and how it felt to suddenly become a household name in Canadian media. He reflects on his love for Dungeons & Dragons, the joy of creating characters like Cridle who became official D&D canon, and how storytelling allows us to understand ourselves and others more deeply . Beyond the industry milestones, Jim talks about cooking as a personal creative outlet, karaoke traditions that built lifelong friendships, and the importance of carving out time to make work worth paying for. He offers candid advice to “rebels in waiting” who want to create: build a body of work, stay consistent, and don’t wait for permission. His story is a reminder that creative success isn’t about a single dream but about telling stories that resonate and building communities that last. Quoteable Quotes “Staying in the game is the game.” — Jim Zub “Sometimes you just have to create your own creative circle.” — Jim Zub “I don’t think, ‘I can’t do this.’ I think, ‘here’s the part where I try and convince myself I can’t do this.’” — Jim Zub “This is old man wisdom—just stop, then say the important thing.” — Michael Dargie Episode Highlights Who is Jim Zub | From Oshawa to Toronto, building a life in comics. Big Titles | Writing Avengers, Conan, Dungeons & Dragons, Stranger Things, and more. Makeshift Miracle | His first webcomic and early lessons in storytelling. Scott McCloud Email | The encouragement that launched him into comics. San Diego Comic-Con | The moment everything became real. Childhood Dreams | From wanting to animate Disney films to creating comics. Artist to Writer | How knowing every role in comics made him a better storyteller. Japan and Wayward | How travel shaped one of his most successful creator-owned series. Writing the Avengers | Behind the scenes of Marvel’s biggest event during Infinity War. Conan the Barbarian | Carrying the torch of a legendary character. Dungeons & Dragons | From fan to official creator with characters like Cridle. Karaoke Traditions | Building community through music at conventions. Advice to Rebels | Create consistently, build work worth paying for. The Discipline of Writing | How persistence outweighs inspiration. Writer’s Block | Lessons from 80 published books and counting. Where to Find Him | JimZub.com as the hub for everything. Links From Episode Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/38896005

Bold Moves Only with Dr. Apollo Emeka 10/09/2025

Bold Moves Only with Dr. Apollo Emeka “So many people are waiting for permission. A decision is the permission.” In this episode, Dr. Apollo Emeka joins the conversation from Panama City, Panama, where he and his family relocated after wildfires forced them from their home in California. What began as an evacuation turned into a bold life decision—one that exemplifies the very work Apollo now does with leaders and entrepreneurs: helping them make decisions so bold that the path forward becomes obvious. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode Apollo shares his framework for understanding choices, distinguishing between inherited, default, and big decisions. From leaving school in fourth grade to joining the U.S. military at seventeen, his life has been shaped by pivotal moments where courage, clarity, and conviction mattered more than circumstance. His story winds through service as a Green Beret, intelligence analyst in the FBI, entrepreneur, and now decision strategist and coach. He reflects on how his parents’ defiant love—marrying across racial lines when it was still illegal in many states—set the stage for his own willingness to challenge norms. Losing his mother as a teenager forced him into independence, while deployments in Iraq revealed the cost of poor decisions and deepened his commitment to developing better frameworks for making them. The conversation explores how bold decisions create clarity, why “waiting to see how it plays out” is rarely the answer, and how courage transforms fear into thoughtful action. Alongside stories of family life in Panama, skateparks with his kids, and date nights with his wife, Apollo underscores the importance of deciding with heart, not just with feasibility. Whether moving across continents, leaving stable careers, or reframing personal values, Apollo shows that life-changing clarity comes not from more information, but from the courage to choose. Quoteable Quotes “When you decide with heart, it lights you up even if you fail.” — Apollo Emeka “So many people are waiting for permission. A decision is the permission.” — Apollo Emeka “Sometimes you just have to let shit go and make space for what’s next.” — Michael Dargie “Critical thinking is thinking about your thinking while you’re thinking.” — Apollo Emeka Episode Highlights Born into Boldness | Apollo’s parents’ interracial marriage set the tone for defying convention. Fourth Grade Dropout | How being allowed to choose school sparked his decision-making journey. Military Intelligence | Training taught him to structure decisions in high-stakes contexts. Big Life Shifts | From physiotherapist to soldier, Green Beret, FBI analyst, and entrepreneur. Fires and Panama | Wildfires in California led his family to relocate across continents in 30 days. Decide With Heart | Why “can, could, should” aren’t strong enough drivers. Raising Rebels | Skateparks, BMX, and resourcing kids in Panama’s expat community. Courage Over Fear | How fear can be a catalyst for action. Lessons from the FBI | Understanding biases and critical thinking as tools for better choices. Rebel Advice | Define success in your own terms and crave it like air. LINKS FROM EPISODE (https://www.apollostrategy.com/about-us) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/apolloemeka) (https://www.instagram.com/apolloemeka) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/38525205

From Sea Kings to Stout with Rob Truscott 10/09/2025

From Sea Kings to Stout with Rob Truscott “You don’t know what you don’t know—until you travel.” Today’s guest is Rob Truscott—retired Canadian Forces navigator, brewer, and motorcycle enthusiast. From flying in Sea Kings and responding to Swissair 111 to surviving cancer and brewing in Nova Scotia, he’s living proof that memento mori is less about dying—and more about living. 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 welcomes Rob Truscott—retired military navigator, brewer at Great Roads Brewing, motorcycle tour lead, and veterans’ advocate. Rob shares how growing up off-grid in BC set him on a path to the Canadian Armed Forces, where he logged nearly 3,000 hours on Sea Kings, taught mission planning, and supported major operations—including the response to Swissair Flight 111 off Peggy’s Cove. Rob speaks openly about his bladder cancer diagnosis, the whirlwind of surgeries and treatments, and how memento mori (“remember you will die”)—and its counterpart, memento vivere (“remember to live”)—reshaped everything. Today he brews beer, rides long distances, and helps fellow veterans with marketing and awareness. From navigating by starlight to crafting a double-chocolate oatmeal stout, Rob’s story is a masterclass in resilience, planning under pressure, and choosing joy—now, not later. Quoteable Quotes “Build the plan, execute the plan, expect the plan to go off the rails, make a new plan.” “Motorcycling is about the journey, not the destination.” “Your time is limited—so go for it.” “You don’t know what you don’t know—until you travel.” “What can you control? Start there.” Episode Highlights Off-Grid Beginnings | Growing up in BC with hippie parents, trading horses for bikes, and planning an exit strategy. Too Tall to Fly | Turned away from being a pilot, Rob became a navigator—learning celestial navigation by starlight. Sea King Life | Nearly 3,000 hours in the air, operations around the world, and teaching future mission commanders. Swissair 111 | A night seared into memory, flying search patterns off Peggy’s Cove with a handheld spotlight. Cancer Shock | A diagnosis that flipped everything upside down—five surgeries, treatments, and a medical release. Memento Mori | Living with mortality in view, and embracing memento vivere—to live your best life now. Brewing Beginnings | From buckets in the barracks to becoming head brewer at Great Roads Brewing. Drinkability First | Reds, ambers, stouts, and a double-chocolate oatmeal stout—beer designed to enjoy more than one. Motorcycle Therapy | Why riding clears the cobwebs, and why branch plans matter on the Cabot Trail. Travel Perspective | Rome, Korea, Japan—why you don’t know what you don’t know until you’ve been there. Simple Rebel Advice | “Start now. Define your own path. Your time is limited—so go for it.” LINKS FROM EPISODE (https://www.instagram.com/dead_nought) (https://www.facebook.com/Noughtdead) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-truscott-99510818/) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/38524985

Ignite Your Neurons with Utkarsh Narang 10/09/2025

Ignite Your Neurons with Utkarsh Narang “I’m someone who’s building life one day at a time—and loving it.” In this episode, coach, facilitator, TEDx speaker, and podcast host Utkarsh Narang checks in from Melbourne—“in the future,” as he jokes—and lays out a life stitched together by courage, curiosity, and conscious impact. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode Raised in a family of doctors, he followed a straight path into physiotherapy, running three clinics in Delhi. But a restless question kept tugging: what’s my larger impact? That question pulled him into a start-up tied to Columbia Business School, where “I’ll figure it out” turned a three-month experiment into eight years of filmmaking, production, and later sales and operations. Then came another leap. In the middle of the 2020 pandemic, Utkarsh quit a stable corporate role to become a coach—despite understandable pushback from family. Those pivots, he says, weren’t acts of recklessness; they were experiments run in partnership with fear. Understand the fear, test it with small actions, then move. Utkarsh shares the values that anchor his days—freedom, growth, love, discipline—and why he recently replaced excellence with presence after a powerful retreat. He talks parenting two boys, starting the Ignite Neurons podcast to spark deeper conversations, and committing to an 800-plus-day meditation streak as a practice of simply “being.” Travel, too, shapes his worldview: Melbourne’s four seasons in a day, the energy of New York, and a romantic fascination with Paris. There’s lighter fare—kangaroos, garage spiders named Spidey, and table tennis battles in the backyard—but the thread is consistent: define success on your terms, keep learning, and cultivate the courage to choose your own road—even when you can’t see it to the end. His long-game ambition? Support a billion lives to create more clarity, courage, and conscious impact—one day at a time. Quoteable Quotes “I’m someone who’s building life one day at a time—and loving it.” — Utkarsh Narang “If you can see your path till the end, you’re walking someone else’s path.” — Utkarsh Narang “Courage to express love, to leave what’s not serving you, to try—courage is the point.” — Utkarsh Narang “Sometimes you just have to let shit go to make space for what’s next.” — Michael Dargie “Fear can be a guide if you run small experiments instead of freezing.” — Utkarsh Narang “What’s the most rebellious thing you’ve done?” — Michael Dargie Episode Highlights Melbourne Check-In | “I’m in the future” and yes, the lotto joke. Many Hats, One Line | Coach, facilitator, speaker, author—“building life one day at a time.” Doctor’s Son → Physio | Three clinics in Delhi and a fitness centre. Bigger Impact Itch | From local care to wondering about global reach. The Three-Month Bet | A start-up gig linked to Columbia Business School turns into eight years. Filmmaking to Ops & Sales | Stacking skills across creative and commercial lanes. Pandemic Pivot | Quitting a stable job in 2020 to coach—family shock included. Values Upgrade | Swapping excellence for presence after deep inner work. Coaching Focus | Clients across Australia, the US, and India—especially in tech. Define “Rebel” | Freedom to choose your days; a path you can’t fully see. Face Fear Thoughtfully | Identify the real trigger, then test with small actions. Meditation Streak | 800+ consecutive days; “not about success—just being.” Travel & Empathy | Melbourne’s weather, NYC’s energy, and a Paris daydream. Backyard Life | Kangaroos in the Grampians, a respectful détente with “Spidey.” Sport & Play | Table tennis with his kids; tennis fandom lives on. Rebels-in-Waiting | Know your why, keep learning, define success for yourself. The Big Goal | Touch a billion lives with clarity, courage, and conscious impact. LINKS FROM EPISODE (http://www.utkarshnarang.com/) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang/) (https://youtu.be/5aj0btxnBLo) (https://www.instagram.com/ignitedneurons?igsh=MTB4aGJyMTdsdmMwdw==) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/38524660

Never Ask A Cat For Financial Advice with Alex Joonto 09/30/2025

Never Ask A Cat For Financial Advice with Alex Joonto “You have a moral duty to yourself to go after the thing—even if you have to go alone at first.” In this episode, writer and blogger Alex Joonto joins from the border of Spain and Portugal, where he’s about to move into a new countryside home. He shares how writing has always been both his calling and his rebellion—leaving university against the advice of his family, diving into technical writing, and now pursuing life as a full-time author. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In this episode Alex talks about experimenting with AI by creating a parody of Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life. He asked ChatGPT to generate its own rules, resulting in surprising gems like, “Never ask a cat for financial advice.” The process showed him that while AI is a useful tool, what gives writing its true value is the human effort, vulnerability, and even suffering poured into it. He also discusses his debut book, Thank You President Corona, written in the heart of the pandemic. Instead of despair, Alex found growth—embracing fitness, therapy, and journalling while reframing adversity as opportunity. He shares his belief that even in the darkest times, silver linings can be found. This conversation weaves through his love of journalling as daily practice, thoughts on Medium vs. Substack, his favourite typeface (Verdana), and the family lasagna secret of adding nutmeg to the sauce. His advice for rebels-in-waiting is bold and simple: expect resistance, especially from those closest to you, but pursue your dream anyway. You have a moral duty to yourself to walk the difficult path. Quoteable Quotes “Never ask a cat for financial advice.” — Alex Joonto “A piece of art is as valuable as the suffering the artist puts in it.” — Alex Joonto “You have a moral duty to yourself to go after the thing—even if you have to go alone at first.” — Alex Joonto “It just made the vein on my head pulse a little… a wasted opportunity to actually say something that matters.” — Michael Dargie “Life can be a big joke—you don’t need to take yourself so seriously all the time.” — Alex Joonto Episode Highlights Portugal vs. Spain | Why Alex calls Portugal home but keeps returning to Spain. Becoming a Writer | From technical manuals to novels. AI Experiment | Creating “12 Rules for Life” through ChatGPT. Rule #1 | “Never ask a cat for financial advice.” Going Against the Grain | Dropping out of university to pursue work and writing. Technical Writing | Manuals nobody reads and why it mattered. Spain’s Inspiration | Its cultures, history, and lifestyles. Thank You President Corona | A rebellious pandemic book. From Push-Ups to Therapy | How pandemic habits reshaped his life. Medium vs. Substack | Pros, cons, and plans for publishing. AI and Art | Why suffering and vulnerability matter. Filling the Bucket | Journalling as mental training. Favourite Typeface | Verdana for clarity. Life Philosophy | Don’t take yourself too seriously. Food Corner | Salads, olive oil, and lasagna with nutmeg. Books to Recommend | Atomic Habits and Jurassic Park. Advice for Rebels | Go despite resistance; a moral duty to yourself. Links from Episode ( ( (https://www.instagram.com/alexjoonto/) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/38408320

Healthy, Rich, and Happy with Jacopo Iasiello 09/30/2025

Healthy, Rich, and Happy with Jacopo Iasiello “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 , 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 (http://www.luxuryandwealthgroup.com/) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacopo-iasiello-50936244/) (https://www.facebook.com/jacopoiasiellorealestate) (https://www.instagram.com/jacopoiasielloinvestorbroker/) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/38408170

From Lyme to Leading AI with Rachael Garnett 09/30/2025

From Lyme to Leading AI with Rachael Garnett “We’re only limited by what we can imagine.” In this episode, Michael Dargie chats with Rachael Leventhal Garnett, an AI consultant, trainer, and all-around creative force based in Fort Worth, Texas. Her story weaves together resilience, reinvention, and curiosity—qualities that shine through every chapter of her life. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Rachael opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, from running a successful estate sales business to being sidelined by Lyme disease, only to reinvent herself multiple times through upholstery, nonprofit work, and eventually finding her place in the AI space. What started with experimenting in MidJourney in 2022 quickly grew into a full-blown career helping nonprofits, municipalities, and foundations harness AI for real-world impact . Her projects range from developing AI-driven literacy data tools for unhoused populations, to building educational systems for dementia care organizations, to creating Spanish-language resources that empower caregivers . She also shares her role in shaping curriculum for city-wide AI training programs—no small feat considering she’s writing and delivering more than 21 hours of material . The conversation isn’t all business, though. Rachael shares stories about her love of cats (including a daring kitten rescue that left a hole in her living room wall), her travel dreams, her favourite guilty-pleasure snacks, and her belief that “everything just turns out OK.” She also speaks candidly about what excites her most in AI, how she advises “rebels in waiting” to start small and shut out the hype, and why ancient history and cosmic energy continue to inspire her outlook on life . It’s a lively, layered conversation that touches on technology, creativity, compassion, and the quirky joys that make us human. Quoteable Quotes “We’re only limited by what we can imagine.” — Rachael Leventhal Garnett “Everything just turns out OK. We’re all just people doing our best.” — Rachael Leventhal Garnett “I’ve really got into vibe coding lately… it’s such a great way to build tech these days.” — Michael Dargie “Close out the hype. Pick one platform and start simple.” — Rachael Leventhal Garnett Episode Highlights Snapshot of Rachael’s Work | AI consulting, nonprofit projects, and government contracts DFW Women’s Club | Board member and Elevate 2025 conference workshop From Estate Sales to AI | Lyme disease forced a career pivot First Foray into AI | Discovering MidJourney and AI art Using AI in Nonprofits | ChatGPT for grants, newsletters, and events Meeting Her Mentor | Inspired by Jeff Hunter’s talk in Las Vegas What She Wishes the World Knew | “Everything turns out OK—we’re all just people doing our best” Travel Bucket List | From Morocco to Göbekli Tepe Snacks of Choice | Pretzels, cheese sticks, and popcorn AI for Social Good | Literacy studies for the unhoused in Fort Worth Dementia Care Education | Building learning systems with AI Advice for Beginners | Ignore the hype, start small with one tool Cat Rescue Story | Accidentally sealed in her attic, saved with a camera and some DIY demolition LINKS FROM EPISODE ( ( (https://www.facebook.com/leventhalgarnett?) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/38408015

Rewiring the Brain with George Haymaker 09/23/2025

Rewiring the Brain with George Haymaker “Your brain is not fixed. It’s as trainable as your body.” In this episode, Michael Dargie welcomes George Haymaker, a neuroscience educator and brain performance coach, who helps people understand and train their brains for lasting change. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. George’s path to neuroscience wasn’t straightforward—he began in food and beverage, running restaurants and eventually becoming a serial entrepreneur. But at the age of 52, addiction nearly ended his life. Fifty pain pills and two bottles of vodka a day left him in rehab, questioning if change was even possible . That turning point became the start of a new chapter. George dove into psychology, spirituality, and ultimately neuroscience, where he discovered how deeply malleable the brain truly is. He now works to share that knowledge, making brain science accessible so people can rewire unhelpful patterns, shape mental activity, and reclaim their lives . George explains that brain change doesn’t happen through hacks or shortcuts—it takes repetition, emotional salience, and meaningful practice. He shares insights on prediction, survival instincts, and why the brain resists change, even when our current patterns are destructive. He also talks about how diet, daily structure, and simple practices can radically transform brain health . The conversation spans cooking, the lessons dogs can teach us, and George’s newest venture, Brain Club—a “gym membership for your brain” where people can learn, connect, and train their mental fitness in a community setting . For rebels in waiting—those standing on the edge of change—George offers both empathy and a challenge: ask yourself if you’d be proud of the life you’ve lived if it ended tomorrow. If not, maybe that’s enough to begin your own transformation today. Quoteable Quotes “The brain doesn’t change with hacks. It changes through repetition, reward, and meaning.” — George Haymaker “Money is oxygen.” — Michael Dargie “Your brain is not fixed. It’s as trainable as your body.” — George Haymaker “Even if life feels destructive, your brain resists change because it knows the past.” — George Haymaker “Would you be proud of the life you’ve lived if it ended tomorrow?” — George Haymaker Episode Highlights From Hotels to Entrepreneurship | George’s early career in food and beverage. Hitting Bottom | Addiction, rehab, and the start of change. Discovering Neuroscience | How studying the brain became a calling. Why Change Is Hard | The brain’s resistance and survival instincts. Hacks Don’t Work | Why repetition and meaning drive transformation. Eating for the Brain | How George rebuilt his diet around whole foods. Finding Joy | Structure, gym time, and life with two puppies. Introducing Brain Club | A community approach to brain training. Mentorship and Empathy | Why lived experience matters in coaching. Lessons from Dogs | Forgiveness, presence, and unconditional love. Advice for Rebels in Waiting | Facing resistance and choosing change. LINKS FROM EPISODE ( ( ( (https://www.youtube.com/@georgehaymakerneuroeducator) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/38327180

Nature's Blueprint for Gardens with Matthieu Mehuys 09/15/2025

Nature's Blueprint for Gardens with Matthieu Mehuys “Biodiversity is the key to making you a lazy gardener.” In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with landscape architect, permaculture expert, and entrepreneur Matthieu Mehuys. From a childhood on a Belgian farm to a home base in the Azores, Matthieu’s story is rooted in a lifelong fascination with how tiny seeds become thriving ecosystems. His journey weaves through entrepreneurial experiments with chickens and the stock market, an Amazon rainforest adventure cut short by dengue fever, and ultimately, the creation of a global business teaching people how to garden in harmony with nature . This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Matthieu shares how gardening is more than just growing food—it’s a form of sovereignty, health, and rebellion against industrialized food systems. He explains why biodiversity makes you a “lazy gardener,” how soil microbiomes mirror the human gut, and why working with nature is always more profitable than fighting against it . The conversation turns practical too: growing radishes and potatoes as first steps, tapping into community gardens, and even indoor tower farms. Matthieu also challenges common misconceptions around GMOs, gluten, and bread, contrasting modern food production with traditional practices that honour the balance of nature . Alongside gardening wisdom, Matthieu opens up about surfing, gratitude practices, and the thrill of seeing clients transform their gardens and their lives. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of pulling fresh food from their backyard—or rebelling against the system by growing a potato—this episode is a reminder that small steps can lead to profound change. Quotables “Every small change you can make in your diet is going to have a big impact.” — Matthieu Mehuys “Money is oxygen.” — Michael Dargie “Biodiversity is the key to making you a lazy gardener.” — Matthieu Mehuys “Growing something of your own feels like reconnecting with the universe.” — Michael Dargie “The only people who have ever changed the world are entrepreneurs.” — Matthieu Mehuys Links From This Episode Matthieu’s Garden Training: Instagram: Instagram: TikTok: Facebook: LinkedIn: Free Training: Real Estate & Landscaping Projects: BrandJitsu Book by Michael Dargie: The Biggest Little Farm (film): Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/38207420

From Toxic to Transformed with Mike Radoor 09/09/2025

From Toxic to Transformed with Mike Radoor “Don’t come and say ‘I’m good’ if what you really mean is you’re settling” Today on the RebelRebel you get to meet Mike Radoor — an Entrepreneur and coach who shares his story about building a $400 million dollar company and losing himself to excess. But this show isn’t that. Its how Mike found purpose as a father and helping men live with discipline, honesty and self-respect. 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 connects with entrepreneur and coach Mike Radoor, who has made it his mission to help men become both good at being men and good men. From Marbella, Spain, Mike opens up about his personal journey of transformation—one that began with wealth, excess, and self-destruction, and shifted dramatically the moment his daughter was born. Mike shares candidly about the lifestyle he once lived: building and selling multi-million-dollar companies, chasing validation, and indulging in the darker sides of success. But with fatherhood came a reckoning. He realized he wouldn’t want his daughter to marry a man like he was, and that stark moment of clarity forced him to change. That shift has become the foundation of his work—coaching men worldwide through masterminds, training systems, and now his forthcoming book that lays bare his mistakes and lessons learned . The conversation explores what it means to live with discipline, honour, and self-respect in today’s world. Mike explains the difference between external validation and inner growth, why physical fitness is an act of self-respect, and how resisting temptation—whether it’s food, anger, or comfort—is a cornerstone of character. He also speaks about the necessity of brutal honesty, taking accountability for past actions, and finding freedom in vulnerability. From Danish comfort food to the crab-bucket mentality of his homeland, from bucket-list travel dreams to the importance of calling people he wronged, Mike’s raw honesty sets this episode apart. He doesn’t pretend change is easy—he argues it requires pain, sacrifice, and confronting uncomfortable truths. But as he reminds listeners, that pain is the path to power. For anyone questioning their own path, or rebels in waiting ready to make a change, Mike’s advice is simple: look at who you are, decide who you want to be, and kill everything that doesn’t serve that vision Quotable Quotes “I became a father and knew instantly—I wouldn’t want my daughter to marry a man like me.” — Mike Radoor “Don’t come and say ‘I’m good’ if what you really mean is you’re settling.” — Mike Radoor “Bring it to light and kill it. That’s how you change.” — Mike Radoor “One of the things I love to ask is: when did you zig when everyone else zagged?” — Michael Dargie “I would love to be that brave. I’ve never been that brave.” — Michael Dargie Episode Highlights Mission for Men | Mike explains the difference between being good at being a man and being a good man. Fatherhood Changed Everything | Becoming a dad triggered Mike’s transformation. Rebel Roots | How low self-worth and the need for validation fuelled his rebellious drive. Qualities of a Good Man | Strength, courage, mastery, honour, respect, and fitness. Resisting Temptation | Why true strength lies in discipline. Redefining Happiness | Mike connects happiness with growth, not comfort. Self-Deception | The danger of wanting more but not acting accordingly. Danish Comfort Food | Mike describes his favourite dish, svensk pølseret. Leaving Denmark Behind | Why he no longer wants to live in his home country. Writing the Book | Exposing his darkest decade of excess and mistakes. Freedom in Vulnerability | Why telling the truth made him fearless. Advice for Rebels in Waiting | Brutal honesty is the first step toward change. Making Amends | Calling people from his past to apologize. LINKS FROM EPISODE (https://instagram.com/mikeradoor) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeradoor/) (https://www.facebook.com/mikeradoorprivate) (https://www.aboveaveragemethod.com/) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/38145045

Human Potential for Everyone with Adam LaSalle 08/27/2025

Human Potential for Everyone with Adam LaSalle “I’m hoping to use my life as an experiment and model what it means to take a risk.” From high school teacher to actor, musician, and risk-taking coach, Adam LaSalle shares how courage, belief, and creativity can change your life. 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 talks with New York-based actor, musician, and coach Adam LaSalle about the art of taking risks, believing in yourself, and helping others find their creative spark. After a decade as a high school teacher, Adam left the classroom to pursue acting and music full time—while also building a practice that helps others make bold moves in their own lives. Adam shares his early love for the arts, the anxious tendencies that made risk-taking feel impossible, and the moment he realized creativity was essential to his wellbeing. From his most challenging stage role in Two Pianos, Four Hands to his pilot group program connecting “rebels in waiting,” Adam’s story is about alignment, persistence, and using personal experience as a model for others. The conversation wanders through New York moments, from bagels in pajamas to advice from strangers, and touches on everything from instruments as self-care tools to the song he and his fiancée sing daily to their cat, Iris. Adam’s advice to would-be rebels? Acknowledge what you feel, believe change is possible, and have the courage to try—before you think you’re ready. Quotable Quotes “I’m hoping to use my life as an experiment and model what it means to take a risk.” “You stop being creative when you’re an adult… that’s when I went out of alignment.” “People are kinder than we think they’re going to be.” “The process is the product.” “You have more access to your potential than you realize.” Episode Highlights From Teacher to Actor | Leaving the classroom to pursue music, theatre, and coaching. Creative Childhood | Band, drama club, and finding community in the arts. Out of Alignment | Losing creativity in adulthood and its impact on wellbeing. Two Pianos, Four Hands | Preparing for a nine-minute double concerto on stage. Human Conversations | Why “fine” isn’t enough when someone asks how you are. The Process Is the Product | Lessons from music that apply to life and growth. Instruments as Self-Care | Keeping guitars, piano, and bass within arm’s reach. Most New York Moments | From bagels in pajamas to sushi in gym shorts. Rebel Advice | Acknowledge, believe, and have the courage to try—before you’re ready. LINKS FROM EPISODE (http://www.adamlasalle.co/coaching) (https://www.instagram.com/jennlynnmaclean/) (https://www.youtube.com/@AdamLaSalleOfficial) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-lasalle/) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/37890330

The Blink Factor with Jean-Pierre Lacroix 08/25/2025

The Blink Factor with Jean-Pierre Lacroix “Be a sponge in life. Don’t be a rock.” From farm life to global brand transformation, Jean-Pierre Lacroix shares how emotional connection, travel, and persistence fuel his 35-year journey in business. 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 talks with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, president of one of Canada’s longest-running privately owned brand transformation agencies. From helping reinvent Dairy Queen’s image to working with global banks, Jean-Pierre has spent 35 years guiding companies through change by focusing on emotional connections over functional features. Raised on a farm in Chesterville, Ontario, Jean-Pierre traded strawberry fields for design school and built his first firm into the largest independent brand consultancy of its time. His journey spans opening offices in China and the Middle East, writing Think Blink: The Blink Factor Manifesto, and earning an MIT certification in AI for business during the pandemic. Jean-Pierre shares how travel fuels his creativity, why colour and shape matter in branding, and the need for businesses to understand the emotional needs driving customer decisions. He also opens up about painting watercolours of his travels, his favourite haunts in Toronto, and the importance of persistence for “rebels in waiting.” Quotable Quotes “We’re emotional creatures. We don’t reason, we feel.” “Be a sponge in life. Don’t be a rock.” “Persistence—the darkest hour is the hour before sunrise.” “If you resonate emotionally, you make it easier for people to buy from you.” “My biggest fear is becoming irrelevant.” Episode Highlights From Farm to Fortune 500 | How early life shaped a career in creative problem-solving. The Blink Factor | Why emotional connection trumps functional benefits in branding. Global Offices | Opening in China and Oman to follow future market growth. Learning Always | Earning an MIT AI certification before ChatGPT was public. Colour and Emotion | How hues like green, blue, and orange influence trust and aspiration. Travel as Inspiration | Connecting the dots between cultures, ideas, and innovation. Artistic Side | Painting watercolours of European holidays as a creative practice. Favourite Toronto Spots | Monkey Bar, Sebastien’s pastries, and the local Starbucks. Rebel Advice | Persistence—the toughest time is just before you succeed. LINKS FROM EPISODE (http://linkedin.com/in/jeanpierrelacroix) (https://www.facebook.com/jeanpierre.lacroix.96) (http://www.sld.com/) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/37890185

The Extraordinary Life of an Accidental Author with Jennifer MacLean 08/22/2025

The Extraordinary Life of an Accidental Author with Jennifer MacLean “No man can succeed on their own if they’re by themselves.” From accidental author to award-nominated actor, Jennifer “Panda” MacLean shares how a snarky cat, a love of theatre, and pure self-awareness shaped her creative journey. 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 talks with Jennifer “Panda” MacLean—healthcare worker, actor, and the accidental author of An Ode to Myself, a book of poetry “written” by her late cat, Newton. What began as a cheeky Facebook page to update friends on Newton’s life turned into a literary project filled with feline wit, existential musings, and a surprising publishing deal. Panda shares the full origin story, from her post-divorce life in a tiny apartment to Newton’s online rise, his unique quirks (wasabi, cumin, and lavender were among his favourites), and how a literary agent eventually brought his voice to print. Beyond the book, she talks about her love for theatre, her CAT Award nomination, and the lessons she learned growing up as a middle child with close-knit sisters. The conversation meanders through sushi recommendations, bucket list travel dreams, reflections on Canada’s place in the world, and the value of asking for help. Her advice for rebels in waiting? Know why you’re doing something, do it because you love it, and let go of the expectation that success is the only worthy outcome. Quotable Quotes “I am actually a published author—an accidental published author, I might add.” “He was something else. The hate did run deep, but he adored me.” “No man can succeed on their own if they’re by themselves.” “Sometimes it doesn’t matter what the end goal is—it’s all about the journey and the friends along the way.” “Just fucking do it. Going in expecting success is the wrong way to look at it.” Episode Highlights Accidental Author | How a cat’s Facebook page became a published poetry book. Newton the Cat | From wasabi and cumin to deep-running feline disdain. Stage Life | Acting in Agatha Christie’s Spider’s Web and a CAT Award nomination. Middle Child Superpower | Growing up with two sisters and a tight family bond. Moving West | From Dartmouth, Nova Scotia to Calgary, Alberta. Bucket List Dreams | Japan, mountain ranges, and community theatre abroad. Sushi Favourites | Sushi Bar Zipang in Bridgeland and Globefish in Kensington. Man Is Not an Island | The importance of community and asking for help. Rebel Advice | Be self-aware, do it because you love it, and let go of outcome pressure. LINKS FROM EPISODE (https://jennifermaclean.ca) (https://www.instagram.com/jennlynnmaclean/) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/37877620

Jamaican Roots, Global Perspective with Carrolee Moore 08/20/2025

Jamaican Roots, Global Perspective with Carrolee Moore “Be sure that what you are doing is rooted in truth and rooted in you.” From Jamaican roots to Texas living, Carrolee Moore shares how loss, resilience, and truth fuel her mission to help overlooked voices be heard. 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 chats with Carrolee Moore—entrepreneur, storyteller, and fierce advocate for underrepresented voices. From her early years in Jamaica creating entire imaginary worlds in her backyard to navigating a new culture in Boston, Carrolee’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and refusing to hide. She shares how losing her hair unexpectedly became a catalyst for stepping into her true self, leading her to help overlooked experts find their voice and share their ideas with the world. Her upcoming podcast, The Currency of Visibility, is a love letter to her former self—a reminder that success is not about fitting in, but about being rooted in truth. The conversation winds through memories of Jamaican breakfasts, the cultural layers of Boston, life in Texas, and the lessons she’s learned in different “seasons” of life, including the loss of her father. Carrolee opens up about journaling as a tool for self-discovery, why empathy grows from lived experience, and her advice to rebels in waiting: make sure your goals are truly yours, not borrowed from someone else’s definition of success. Quotable Quotes “I had to become the light in order to help people come out of their own darkness.” “Seasons of life teach you something about yourself, the world, and your future.” “Be sure that what you are doing is rooted in truth and rooted in you.” “It’s scary to meet yourself over and over again in the middle of the mess.” “Suffering anywhere is not contained—it will come to your front door.” Episode Highlights From Hiding to Seen | How losing her hair became a turning point for visibility and confidence. Rooted in Jamaica | Childhood memories of elaborate imaginary worlds and cultural grounding. Currency of Visibility | Helping overlooked and underestimated experts share their voice. Defining Success | Why you must know if your goals are truly yours—or borrowed from others. Food and Culture | From pineapple curry alligator to traditional aki and saltfish breakfasts. Resilience in Loss | Lessons from the death of her father and other life “seasons.” Journaling the Journey | Capturing thoughts in writing and audio to uncover patterns and truths. Global Family Threads | How living in different countries shapes empathy and connection. Rebel Advice | Make sure what you’re doing is rooted in truth and rooted in you. LINKS FROM EPISODE (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carroleemoore/) (https://www.instagram.com/carroleemoore) (carroleemoore) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/37863190

High Finance to Feature Films Jaze Bordeaux 08/18/2025

High Finance to Feature Films Jaze Bordeaux “Nobody ever comes from nowhere.” Award-winning director and producer Jaze Bordeaux shares his journey from finance to filmmaking, his rebel philosophy for creating outside the system, and his mission to bring big-scale sci-fi to life from Toronto. 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 chats with Jaze Bordeaux—an award-winning Canadian director, producer, and storyteller whose career began far from the film set. From his early work in corporate finance to creating globally-recognized independent films, Jaze’s path has been shaped by an instinct to move against the grain and a deep belief in building his own lane. Jaze shares the inception moments that shifted his life—from walking off a high school track field to pursue the people calling the shots, to a phone call from Alberta that sparked his move into the film industry. His 2023 film EFC defied the odds, winning more than 30 international awards while being produced entirely outside the traditional Canadian funding system. Now, he’s leading a 10-year slate of six sci-fi thrillers, including Genesis—a massive, Inception- and Interstellar-scale original story he wrote about the future of thought as currency. He opens up about his collaborative directing style, his vision for Toronto’s indie film community, and why patience, momentum, and resisting comparison are essential for creative rebels. Along the way, the conversation flows from coffee culture to the Toronto food scene, from humility learned through winning and losing everything, to advice for “rebels in waiting” about staying consistent and taking the long view. Quotable Quotes “Nobody ever comes from nowhere.” “The one thing you can’t buy is momentum.” “Treat others the way you want to be treated. That’s the golden rule.” Episode Highlights From Finance to Film | Jaze’s transition from corporate finance to producing and directing. Defying the System | How EFC was made entirely outside the Canadian funding model. The Inception Moment | Why seeing Interstellar crystalized his directing path. Genesis | The upcoming sci-fi epic about thought as currency in a future AI-driven world. Collaboration Over Dictatorship | How Jaze works with actors, DPs, and crew to elevate the vision. Toronto as a Film Hub | Why the city’s growth and talent make it a global film player. Life Lessons | The track-and-field race that taught him to stop comparing himself to others. Rebel Advice | Patience, momentum, and focusing on your own path over chasing instant success. LINKS FROM EPISODE (http://jazebordeaux.com/) (https://www.facebook.com/jazebordeaux/) (https://www.instagram.com/jazebordeaux/) (https://www.threads.net/@jazebordeaux) (https://www.tiktok.com/@jazebordeaux) (https://x.com/jazebordeaux) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/37774565

From Football to Futurism with Chris Doelle 08/15/2025

From Football to Futurism with Chris Doelle “Be afraid, but go anyway.” Texas polymath Chris Doelle shares how curiosity, creativity, and persistence took him from cinnamon toothpicks to podcasting’s earliest days, AI strategy, and even board games that bring legendary football teams to life. 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 chats with Chris Doelle — one of the original podcasters and a serial entrepreneur whose career spans media, sports, AI consulting, and game design. Based deep in the heart of Texas, Chris has been launching projects for decades, often long before the market is ready for them. Chris recounts how he jumped into podcasting in 2004, creating multiple shows in the first week, and stuck with it for a decade before it became profitable. He shares why he believes podcasting should be the cornerstone of any content strategy and how every business — from plumbers to pro sports teams — will soon be a brand. The conversation covers his ventures into AI and automation, including agentic workflows that can accomplish in minutes what used to take weeks. Chris also tells the story of Friday Night Legends, the board game that lets fans pit real high school, college, and professional football teams from any era against each other — a project born from his deep love of sports storytelling. Michael and Chris swap stories about creativity, side hustles, and the strange perks of homemade media passes, from press box access to free food — even sneaking into the Super Bowl. Chris’s philosophy is simple: try everything, say “yes” to the interesting stuff, and don’t let fear or doubters get in the way. From Texas barbecue to breakfast taquitos made from fridge leftovers, from barefoot mornings with chickens to speaking on AI’s future, Chris proves that a curious mind and a willingness to act can build a life that’s anything but ordinary. Quotable Quotes “Find cool things you like to do, and then see if there’s a way to monetize it.” – Chris Doelle “Be afraid, but go anyway.” – Chris Doelle “My life philosophy is to do cool and weird stuff with cool and weird people.” – Michael Dargie “Don’t assume you can’t do things. The only way to fail is not to try.” – Chris Doelle “Everyone will become a brand.” – Chris Doelle Episode Highlights Podcasting Pioneer | Launching six shows in 2004, long before it was profitable. Branding for Everyone | Why every business will be a personal brand. Agentic AI | How automation can now do in minutes what used to take weeks. Friday Night Legends | Turning real football history into a playable board game. Media Pass Perks | From free food to the Super Bowl with homemade credentials. Texas BBQ Philosophy | Why Central Texas salt-and-pepper brisket reigns supreme. Daily Ritual | Barefoot mornings, chickens, and breakfast taquitos with whatever’s on hand. Rebel Advice | Be afraid, but go anyway. Don’t let other people’s voices in your head stop you. LINKS FROM EPISODE (https://www.freshmediaworks.com/) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdoelle/) (https://www.instagram.com/chrisdoelle/) (https://www.facebook.com/chris.doelle/) (https://www.threads.net/@chrisdoelle) (https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisdoelle) (https://twitter.com/ChrisDoelle) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/37774300

AI, HR and the Future with Dan Friker 08/13/2025

AI, HR and the Future with Dan Friker “There’s never going to be the perfect time to take a leap.” AI strategist and global HR leader Dan Friker shares how curiosity, culture, and tech are reshaping the world of work—and why small businesses can now play big. 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 chats with Dan Friker, a global HR strategist and AI consultant with decades of experience helping organisations—from Fortune 100s to small businesses—navigate the evolving world of talent management. From his early career in accounting to leading global workforce strategies at Manpower Group, Dan’s path has been shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives. Dan shares how AI in HR has evolved from buzzword to practical game-changer, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses. He recounts real-world examples—from regional plumbing companies to Airbnb hosts—leveraging AI tools that were once reserved for massive corporations. He also addresses the gap between the rapid development of AI capabilities and the slower pace of human adoption and understanding. The conversation travels back to formative experiences, including Dan’s study abroad in Germany, visits to global institutions like NATO and the European Commission, and the cultural lessons he absorbed from living and working internationally. These experiences underpin his belief that a global perspective is essential for competitiveness, whether in business or life. Dan also opens up about the importance of embracing failure, recounting the risks and rewards of leaving a secure corporate role for the uncertainty of new challenges. His advice for “rebels in waiting” is practical and profound: take quiet time to reflect, start small, map your goals, and accept setbacks as part of the journey. From cat film festivals to electric Mustangs, from the intricacies of hospital staffing to the joy of live music, Dan’s stories remind us that curiosity is a powerful driver—not just of career success, but of a rich and connected life. Quotable Quotes “Curiosity gives some people anxiety, right? Like going outside of the norm… gives them a certain amount of fear of failure.” – Daniel Paul Friker “Agentic workflows are so rad. It’s such a game changer.” – Michael Dargie “What used to be out of reach or just cost prohibitive for a lot of companies is now accessible for free or a fraction of the cost.” – Daniel Paul Friker “There’s never going to be the perfect time to take a leap.” – Daniel Paul Friker “I would not be where I am today personally or professionally had it not been for a litany of failure.” – Daniel Paul Friker Episode Highlights AI in HR | Dan’s work helping companies—from Fortune 100s to $25M firms—understand and apply AI tools in staffing and recruitment. HR Analytics Origins | How Dan’s early focus on data science in HR set the stage for his career. The Bar Conversation | How a casual chat led to a side hustle in AI case studies. Levelling the Field | Small businesses using AI to compete with large corporations. Global Perspective | The role of travel and cultural exposure in shaping Dan’s worldview. Top Three Cities | Geneva, Singapore, and Tokyo, and what each taught him. Life at Home | Cooking, family, and why he leaves insect cuisine to others. Transportation Choices | From motorcycles to his Ford Mustang Mach-E EV. Bucket List | Returning to “his” Germany with his family. Rebel Advice | Take quiet time, make a plan, start small, embrace failure. LINKS FROM EPISODE (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-friker/) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/37773985

Free-Range Joy with Cathy Nesbitt 08/11/2025

Free-Range Joy with Cathy Nesbitt “Why hit the bottom? Just go up from where you are.” A laughter leader. A worm advocate. A wellness warrior. Cathy Nesbitt is transforming stress into joy—one giggle and compost bin at a time. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode Cathy Nesbitt joins Michael Dargie for a one-of-a-kind conversation about joy, purpose, worms, and why laughter really might be the best medicine. From corporate secretary to compost queen to laughter yoga teacher, Cathy’s journey is anything but ordinary—and totally intentional. It all started with worms. Cathy’s mission to teach people about indoor composting using red wigglers began in 2002, just as the Greater Toronto Area landfill closed. But her passion didn’t stop there. When the world shut down in 2020, she pivoted once again—this time using laughter yoga to help people move out of stress and into joy. This episode goes deep into personal reinvention, the power of saying yes, and how weird ideas might just be the ones that save us. Cathy shares her philosophy on business, community, media, and staying curious in a chaotic world. Plus: the art of winning radio contests, biking while laughing, and why she still doesn’t have a cell phone. You’ll laugh. You’ll learn. You might even start a worm bin. Quotable Quotes “Laughter is the best medicine—but not everybody’s laughing.” “Why hit the bottom? Just go up from where you are.” “Joy is our birthright.” “It’s no for sure unless you ask.” “Without awareness, action is impossible.” “We’re literally in charge of our own pharma.” “I’m not afraid to go and look ridiculous.” “Save the worms—they’re as important as bees.” Episode Highlights Laughter Yoga | How Cathy discovered the science of joy Worm Composting | Red wigglers and the black gold revolution Garbage Strikes | How a Toronto protest led to her first press hit Career Pivots | From secretary to social worker to solo entrepreneur Indoor Composting | Turning food scraps into soil in your own kitchen Morning Show Limo Ride | Proof that asking really works Radio Contests | How Cathy wins big with a whiteboard and a landline Relationship Tips | When to say yes, and how to support an idea generator The Enneagram | Adventurers, researchers, and fun as a guiding light Phone-Free Living | On landlines, fruit flies, and the beauty of quiet Why Titles Don’t Matter | Connection trumps status Advice for Rebels | Make joy your baseline, and ask anyway Links from the Episode (https://www.cathysclub.com) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathynesbitt/) (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/37759845

Making Media That Matters with Guillermo Barraza 08/08/2025

Making Media That Matters with Guillermo Barraza “I wish people would just know that their fear is what is stopping them” A misfit. A filmmaker. A disruptor for good. Guillermo Barraza is building a future where creators know their power—and how to use it responsibly. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode Michael Dargie welcomes Guillermo Barraza to the studio—filmmaker, founder of the Homegrown Arts and Media Collective, and passionate advocate for ethical media creation. From growing up in Calgary in a traditional Latino family to building a brand-new platform for mentorship and media literacy, Guillermo shares a raw and compelling journey of purpose, burnout, resilience, and reinvention. What began as a film festival to help underdog creators has grown into a non-profit collective aimed at helping young people—and new grads in particular—learn how to create and consume media responsibly. The show dives into his belief that everyone is a media producer now, whether they realize it or not, and the stakes have never been higher. We talk about what it means to be the minority, how travel changes everything, and why fear of the unknown might be holding you back more than you think. Guillermo shares the trials of job hunting, the accidental magic of film festivals, and the turning point when he watched his four-year-old instinctively start vlogging—and realized he had to do something. This episode is a rallying cry for rebels, misfits, and creators who know there’s a better way. Quotable Quotes “I’ve always shone in destabilization. I’m always the one throwing a monkey wrench into things.” “My purpose was never more solidified than when I saw my four-year-old daughter instinctively start vlogging.” “All knowledge is essentially self-knowledge. What you don’t know is where you grow.” “Lean into your ignorance—there’s invincibility in not knowing what’s ahead but knowing you can handle it.” “I wish people would just know that their fear is what is stopping them.” Episode Highlights Homegrown Arts & Media Collective | Mentoring the next generation of ethical creators Four-Year-Old Vlogger | The moment that changed everything Firelight Film Festival | A love letter to underdog creators Calgary Life | Growing up in a city of sovereign quadrants 130+ Job Applications | The journey that pushed him to build something new Early Travel | Realizing Calgary <> El Salvador isn’t all there is Rubber the Movie | Weird cinema and why it matters Tennyson & Bruce Lee | Unlikely combo, deep philosophy Existential Crisis at 27 | Learning who he is by becoming who he wasn’t Comfort Food | Mini-Wheats, cereal stress eating, and Italian tomato sauce Favourite Films | Godfather Part I, Dead Man, Mission: Impossible as cinema history Cuba Cigar Quest | Street smarts, Santa Claus, and the ultimate hustle Advice for Rebels | “Head down, get through it.” Links from the Episode *Under Development* (http://wearehomegrown.ca/) (https://www.instagram.com/weare.homegrown/) (https://www.facebook.com/WeAreHomegrownYYC/) (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-homegrown/?viewAsMember=true) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "" | | /episode/index/show/rebelrebel/id/37665360

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