I’m thrilled to introduce a true Club Med veteran who brought energy and versatility to resorts from 1988 to 1992, then made a return in 2012. Kicking off his journey as a DJ and Waterski G.O. at Club Med Cancun, he later mastered a range of roles like Sound Engineer, Annex Restaurant Manager, Chief of Animation, Animator, and Public Relations guru. Hailing from Cornwall, Ontario, please join me in giving a warm welcome to the one and only Leo Caron! Leo is a gifted storyteller with a vivid memo...
Jun 29, 2025•49 min•Ep. 250
Mon invité aujourd'hui est une véritable légende du Club Med. Il a travaillé pour l'entreprise de 1985 à 1990. Il a commencé son parcours au Club Med Punta Cana en tant que – croyez-le ou non – responsable du Mini Club, avant de passer au Cirque et de finir par devenir responsable du Cirque. Depuis 36 ans, il est un visage familier de la télévision en tant qu'animateur et produit actuellement trois émissions différentes. Sa voix a également résonné sur la scène internationale, puisqu'il a été l’...
Jun 22, 2025•55 min•Ep. 248
My guest today is a true Club Med legend, having worked with the company from 1985 to 1990. He began his journey at Club Med Punta Cana as—believe it or not—the Chief of Mini Club, before transitioning into Circus and eventually rising to become the Chief of Circus. For the past 36 years, he’s been a familiar face on television as a host and now produces three different shows currently airing. His voice has echoed on the world stage too, serving as the French PA announcer at both the 2010 Vancou...
Jun 22, 2025•53 min•Ep. 247
My guest today spent over a decade with Club Med, working from 1985 to 1996. He began his journey in Turks and Caicos as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager and quickly rose through the ranks to become Food and Beverage Manager. His career took him around the globe, with assignments in Brazil, Switzerland, Mexico, Haiti, and even aboard the Club Med 2 cruise ship. Originally from Bangor, Maine, and now calling California home, please join me in welcoming the seasoned world traveler and hospitali...
Jun 16, 2025•45 min•Ep. 245
My guest today had an incredible run with Club Med, working on and off from 1982 to 2009. He kicked off his first season as a Bar G.O. at Club Med Paradise Island—and beyond bartending, he also lent his talents to waterskiing, circus, and picnics. I had the pleasure of meeting him during my very first season, and he’s here today to clear up a funny bit of confusion I had about him back then! A Florida State University alum with a business background, he even had the chance to hang out with David...
Jun 08, 2025•52 min•Ep. 246
My guest today hails from Newfoundland and began his journey studying Physical Education and playing basketball at Memorial University. He kicked off his Club Med career in 1998 as a Sailing G.O. in Eleuthera but soon found his calling under the big top with the Circus team. He continued with Club Med until 2000, finishing his final season at Playa Blanca. After his time with Club Med, he transitioned into television, co-hosting the popular home improvement show Colour Confidential, and contribu...
Jun 02, 2025•40 min•Ep. 244
Today’s guest worked just one season as a Bar G.O. at Club Med St. Lucia in 1991. What’s truly extraordinary is her journey afterward. Among all the guests on this podcast, she’s the only one I know who became a medical doctor after Club Med. Remarkably, she credits her Club Med experience as a pivotal influence on her path to medicine. Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, please join me in welcoming the inspiring Dr. Antonella Morra! In this captivating episode, we explore Antonella's unforgettable f...
May 26, 2025•43 min•Ep. 243
My guest today has a fascinating Club Med journey that spans decades. She first joined the company in 1992 as a Costume Designer and worked until 1994. Then, twenty-three years later, she returned to Club Med—this time as an Excursions G.O. at Columbus Isle in 2017. Her very first season was at Club Med St. Lucia, where she had the unforgettable experience of dressing none other than Queen’s legendary guitarist, Sir Brian May—for the G.M. show—without even realizing who he was at the time! She s...
May 19, 2025•46 min•Ep. 240
Mon invitée d'aujourd'hui a un parcours fascinant au Club Med, qui s'étend sur plusieurs décennies. Elle a rejoint l'entreprise en 1992 en tant que costumière et y a travaillé jusqu'en 1994. Vingt-trois ans plus tard, elle est revenue au Club Med, cette fois en tant que responsable des excursions à Columbus Isle en 2017. Sa toute première saison s'est déroulée au Club Med de Sainte-Lucie, où elle a vécu l'expérience inoubliable d'habiller nul autre que le légendaire guitariste de Queen, Sir Bria...
May 19, 2025•53 min•Ep. 242
My guest today began her Club Med journey as a Reception G.O. and later served as Chief of Horseback. Her first season was at Club Med Sandpiper in 1997. Originally from Walnut Creek, California, she grew up near an equestrian center, which sparked her passion for horses. She went on to play polo at UC Santa Barbara while studying Communications and also showcased her vocal talents by singing in the All-State Honor Choir. Her path to Club Med was first set in motion during a family vacation to C...
May 12, 2025•49 min•Ep. 241
My guest today is a true Club Med veteran, having worked from 1992 to 1995. He started his adventure at Club Med St. Lucia, juggling roles as a Polyvalent Bartender, Landsports G.O., Tennis G.O., and Golf G.O.—basically, if it involved fun, he was your guy. Fun fact: we apparently met during my very first season… and yet, neither of us remembers it. So clearly, it was very memorable! He once described his most romantic moment at Club Med as a quiet evening—alone—on the beach. Yep, just him, the ...
May 05, 2025•39 min•Ep. 239
My guest today is a Criminal Justice graduate with a minor in Police Science from Ithaca College. He showcased his athleticism as a collegiate baseball player, playing centerfield, at Ithaca. His journey with Club Med began as a G.M. during the 1984 opening of Club Med Turks and Caicos, leading to his first official season as a Landsports G.O. in Club Med Cancun in 1994. He continued to share his expertise at Club Med Sonora Bay in 1999. Hailing from Long Island and now residing in New York City...
Apr 28, 2025•42 min•Ep. 238
My guest earned her degree in Communications from San Diego State University and her first season was at Club Med Sandpiper in 1997 as a Reception G.O. Although her initial ambition after college was to work for Contiki, she has since become a prolific and award-winning songwriter-artist, best-selling author, producer, and publisher. Beyond her creative endeavors, she dedicated several years to raising funds for the construction of freshwater wells and schools in remote Zambian villages. Please ...
Apr 21, 2025•50 min•Ep. 236
In October 1989, Janet Jackson's "Miss You Much" topped the charts, and the film "Look Who's Talking" was a box office hit. With a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Airline Travel, my guest aspired to become a travel agent. After receiving several rejection letters from airlines, she applied to Club Med. In 1989, she began her first season as a Traffic G.O. at Club Med Sandpiper in 1989, where she met her future husband. Following her tenure at Club Med, she moved to Japan to help...
Apr 14, 2025•48 min•Ep. 235
This episode serves as the final project for my Winter 2025 course at the School of Irish Studies, Concordia University in Montreal. The course, IRST 398 – Irish Horror, is led Irish Studies professor and author Dr. Emer O’Toole. For this project, I’ve reimagined the narrative of the 2018 film Black '47—set during the darkest year of Ireland’s Great Famine—by introducing a chilling zombie element. In the original story, an Irish Ranger deserts the British Army and returns home, only to find his ...
Apr 10, 2025•10 min•Ep. 237
Today's guest had an incredible journey with Club Med from 1990 to 1995, starting as an Aerobics G.O. at Club Med Moorea before rising to Choreographer in 1993. Before Club Med, she was a cheerleader and model, and she holds a Communications degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Originally from Moraga and now calling Folsom, California, home—please join me in welcoming the amazing Kendra Courey Blake! Kendra worked with esteemed managers such as Ye, Lionello Burtet, Carlos Cas...
Apr 07, 2025•53 min•Ep. 234
Salut les saisonniers! Mon invité d'aujourd'hui a travaillé comme instructeur de golf au Club Med de 1991 à 1993. J'ai eu le plaisir de travailler avec lui lors de ma première saison au Club Med Turks et Caicos - et quelle saison inoubliable! Avant de travailler au Club Med, il était un joueur de hockey junior et, depuis 31 ans, il est un professionnel de golf dévoué. Il n'y a pas beaucoup de G.O. de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue (et encore moins qui peuvent le prononcer correctement!), alors souhaito...
Mar 31, 2025•44 min•Ep. 233
My guest today worked as a Golf Instructor at Club Med from 1991 to 1993 and his first season was at Club Med Ixtapa. I had the pleasure of working with him during my first season at Club Med Turks and Caicos—and what an unforgettable season it was! Before his time at Club Med, Claude was a junior hockey player, and for the past 31 years, he has been a dedicated golf professional. There aren’t many G.O.s from Abitibi-Témiscamingue (and even fewer who can pronounce it correctly!), so let’s give a...
Mar 24, 2025•55 min•Ep. 232
My guest today worked for Club Med from 1987 to 1990. She began her journey as a Hostess at Club Med Cancun and went on to work in stunning locations like Moorea, Guadeloupe, Paradise Island, Sandpiper, and aboard the Club Med 1 in 1990. A graduate of San Jose State University with a degree in Marketing and Communications, Tiffani first discovered Club Med during a summer break from college. And, surprise of surprises, she is connected to the Star Trek universe and we will talk about that as wel...
Mar 17, 2025•48 min•Ep. 231
My guest worked for Club Med from 1991 to 1994, beginning her journey as a Scuba and Snorkeling G.O. at Club Med Sonora Bay. Before Club Med, she worked at Atlantis Submarines in Hawaii, and fun fact—two-time Academy Award winner Olivia de Havilland was the commencement speaker at her high school! You know we’re going to ask her all about that and so much more. Joining us from California, please welcome Kris Painchaud Holden! In this interview, we dive into Kris’s incredible job in Hawaii before...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 230
My guest today may have only spent one season at Club Med, but what a season it was! In 2000, he kicked off his Club Med journey as a Sailing and Windsurf G.O. at Club Med Lindeman Island—right amid the Sydney Olympics. A Sydney native, he earned a degree in Environmental Science from Macquarie University and even competed in the prestigious Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in 1994. Now calling San Francisco home, please join me in welcoming Doug Walker! Doug’s adventures began long before his time at C...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 229
My guest today worked for Club Med from 2000 to 2002, starting her first season as a Fitness G.O. at Club Med Cancun. Before joining Club Med, she earned a degree in History from the University of Portland. After her time with Club Med, she pursued a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, Broadcasting, and Film & Television at San Francisco State University. She put her degree to great use, building an impressive career as a Segment Producer, Film Critic, and Junket Reporter at WSVN-TV in ...
Feb 24, 2025•43 min•Ep. 228
My guest today has a fascinating journey with Club Med, where he worked from 1986 to 1990. His very first season was at Club Med Sonora Bay, where he served as a Bar G.O. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in Business Administration, Mario first discovered Club Med in a uniquely fitting way—by watching a movie called, you guessed it, Club Med! In addition to his Club Med adventures, Mario is now the creator of the YouTube channel “Hablemos de Hoteles” or "Let’s Tal...
Feb 17, 2025•44 min•Ep. 227
My guest today has truly lived an extraordinary life. He began his journey with Club Med in 1989, working until 1992, before taking a 22-year hiatus and returning in 2014 for another two memorable years until 2016. His first season was at Club Med Sandpiper, where he started as a Bar G.O. Over the years, he wore many hats, including Excursions, Traffic, Choreographer, and Entertainment Manager, showcasing his versatility and creativity. A standout moment in 1990 happened when he met Serge Trigan...
Feb 10, 2025•53 min•Ep. 226
Hello, Seasoners, and welcome to the 4th-anniversary episode of My First Season! What began as a humble podcast in a closet has grown into something I’m proud to share with you today. We have an extraordinary guest joining us today for our fourth year! My guest has two daughters, Kyla, who is currently pursuing an MBA at Pepperdine University and is engaged to be married in June of 20025. Congratulations, Kyla! Her other daughter, Carly, appeared on the podcast back in August 2022 and is the own...
Feb 03, 2025•54 min•Ep. 225
My guest today has an impressive background with Club Med, where he worked from 1997 to 2000. He began his journey as a Snorkeling G.O. at Club Med Eleuthera before advancing to become a scuba instructor at Club Med Columbus Isle and Turks and Caicos. A California native, he holds a degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master’s degree in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management from Eastern Kentucky University. Now calling Kentucky home, please join me...
Jan 27, 2025•53 min•Ep. 224
My guest today worked for Club Med from 1985 to 1987. He began his journey as a Tennis G.O. at Club Med Sonora Bay and later spent a season as a Sailing G.O. at St. George’s Cove in Bermuda in 1986. A lifelong sailor, he honed his skills at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto and even had the chance to play tennis with Swedish champion Stefan Edberg. Joining us from Ontario, Canada, please warmly welcome David Wright! David's first season was nothing short of captivating, filled with unforg...
Jan 20, 2025•50 min•Ep. 223
My guest’s journey with Club Med began when she was just two years old, experiencing her first stay at Club Med Sandpiper in Florida. Growing up, with her mother working as a travel agent, Michelle had the chance to visit various resorts over the years. Inspired by these experiences, she applied to Club Med at twenty-two years old. After an interview in New York City, Michelle embarked on her first season in 2009 as a Boutique G.O. at Club Med Sandpiper. Please help me welcome, from Rochester Ne...
Jan 13, 2025•54 min•Ep. 222
Happy New Year Seasoners to every one of you! This is the new year's first episode, and I couldn’t be more excited about my guest today. She was one of my first interviewees, and we focused exclusively on her debut season. Now, she’s back to share more of her incredible journey with Club Med! Starting her career in 1985, she climbed the ranks from Hostess to Chief of Village, an extraordinary accomplishment in her nearly two-decade career. From California, you know her, you love her—the one and ...
Jan 06, 2025•58 min•Ep. 221
My guest today worked for Club Med from 1992 to 1993, with seasons at Huatulco, Copper Mountain, and Sandpiper. His first role was as a DJ and Assistant Set Design G.O., but his talents extended far beyond Club Med. Before and after his time there, he pursued a career as a stand-up comedian, club DJ, and commercial voice actor. Originally from Boston, he now calls Orlando home. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Matthew Fearnley! In this episode, Matthew reflects on his three seasons at ...
Dec 30, 2024•53 min•Ep. 219
