Shooting it RAW with Ran Elfassy - podcast cover

Shooting it RAW with Ran Elfassy

If life really is a gift, how do we make every second count? We start with a photo and see where we end up. Join me as I meet amazing people and discover whatever rabbit holes come up. Every conversation is surprising and inspiring. Join us!
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Episodes

211 - Tong Ge on Her Book "The House Filler"

We live life going forward but make sense by looking back. Sitting with Tong Ge, talk about making sense of a life. Join us as she explains what it was like to live in China during the Cultural Revolution, and how she had to live away from her parents due to her father being a professor during those opaque, difficult times. Then let yourself get carried away by her stories around finding her passions, which included the writing of her family history into a trilogy. Just incredible. Check out her...

Oct 21, 202455 minSeason 5Ep. 211

210 - Machiel Hoek on the Soul Who Saved the World

After a two-month hiatus of not recording, Machiel Hoek and I sat for a truly inspiring conversation. So good! Machiel joined from Amsterdam and dove right into the world of phobias, fears and anxiety – but as a way to answer the question of what is the meaning of life? We then discussed Burning Man, how his son came to be, and then the lens or mirror we use to make sense of the world. Definitely worth checking out is his best-selling novel, now translated into English and available as "The Girl...

Oct 06, 20241 hrSeason 5Ep. 210

209 - Don Sawyer on Appreciating the Different Ways of Being

Welcome aboard Don Sawyer! But actually, it's who you took us on a world tour. Starting with the shot of a lone car on a deserted road in Newfoundland, Canada, Don brought us from there to Nicaragua, The Gambia, and then Louisiana. The common thread throughout? That we all experience life in our own unique ways, and that we can learn and appreciate them all. Humble, curious, thoughtful and empathic – listen in to Don's amazing stories of travelling the world and also putting these experiences in...

Aug 04, 202459 minSeason 5Ep. 209

208 - Russell Little on Squeezing Every Drop Out of Life

It is my supreme honour to introduce and welcome my brother from a different mother, Russell Little. Within seconds it was obvious that this was a thinking, feeling, and perspective spirit who truly does make every second count. You have to listen to the episode to really get why Russell is right on target when it comes to the values of the podcast, and what it is to make every second count. Join us and be inspired. * To see the full YouTube episode and subscribe, visit: https://youtu.be/tID5CFq...

Jul 22, 202452 minSeason 5Ep. 208

207 - Melody Horrill on How to Use Your Power for Kindness

After a short time away from recording, I'm back and none could have been a better guest than Melody Horrill. What a treat! Joining me from Melbourne, Melody shared the incredible story of getting to know and even be 'saved' by a wild bottlenose dolphin that researchers named Jock. A journalist by profession, the pandemic and the threats to local dolphin pods sparked her journey into book writing. She now has three books published or will soon be published, including "A Cat Called Q And The Magi...

Jul 15, 202452 minSeason 5Ep. 207

206 - Sam Spiro Brings Us from Bullsh*t to Bliss

Get ready to get turned inside out. Sam Spiro joined me after... A year? Or so. Finally, we spoke – and what a revelation! Joining me from Brisbane, the former Sai Kung resident and fully-present kind soul joined me to share the essence of her brilliant book, "A Transformative Guide To Self-Love, Abundance & In-Lightenment." After a pause of a month of recording, suddenly the universe put Sam and me together for a revealing and powerful conversation. Join us and learn. Join us and move from ...

Jun 10, 202457 minSeason 5Ep. 206

205 - Ann Aubitz on the Journey from Manuscript to Print

For the love of books and story, here's the delightful Ann Aubitz. Yet another kind soul coming in from Minnesota, Ann and I sat down to talk shop around cherishing the life of her strong and tenacious mother, what it's been like to raise a daughter with Down syndrome, running a publishing company and publishing a book on how to get published, and the incredible journey that is a life. We covered a lot of ground – and it was profound. Join us and be inspired... Maybe you too will take that first...

May 12, 202456 minSeason 5Ep. 205

204 - Cliff Beach Shows Us How to Hustle and Flow for Life

Welcome to Shooting it RAW, Cliff Beach! What a powerhouse of talent, energy, drive, and commitment. Join us as Cliff described his adventures into the world of making music, travelling cruise ships, getting his MBA, studying music, putting out jazz CDs, interviewing the likes of Jean Baptiste, and so much more. Here is a guy who makes every second count, and his book, "Side Hustle & Flow" is here to help you, too. Huge respect and thanks to Cliff for everything he does! * To see the full Yo...

May 05, 202458 minSeason 5Ep. 204

203 - Steve Fredlund Takes Us on Safari and Life's Epic Adventure

Buckle up and get ready to join Steve Fredlund on safari! Not quite about heading across Africa, mind you, but to have the safari mindset. This is the inspiring story of a man who ticked all the boxes when it came to life, yet something wasn't quite hitting it. On panic attack and months of growth later, Steve discovered the power and rewards of his new mission: Inspiring others to live life like it's an adventure. The podcast is about inspiring you to make every second count. Steve's work is ab...

Apr 28, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 5Ep. 203

202 - Lance Robinson on Science Fiction, Land, Society and Possibility

Lance Robinson is here and what an inspiring story to tell! Joining from Thunder Bay, Canada, he took us on a trip that covered the wide, inspiring, open spaces of the Prairies. He then spoke on how possibility and movement defined how he sees the world, which then included an incredible tribe of nomadic people in Kenya. Shifting gears, he shared how his work as a published author has evolved, and how he's now earning some much-appreciated recognition from leading Science Fiction associations – ...

Apr 21, 202455 minSeason 5Ep. 202

201 - Angela van Breeman Gets RAW About Her Singing Conservation and Writing

Welcome to episode 201 Angela van Breeman – yes to connecting with great and inspiring fellow Canadians! Angela joined me from outside Toronto, and shared her love of music, singing, her new album coming out, how she helps protect monarch butterflies, how she helps rehabilitate wild animals, and that her first novel is out! Talk about a powerhouse. Each second was a treat, but then when she sang a few bars – that was pure magic. Join us! * To see the full YouTube episode and subscribe, visit: ht...

Apr 14, 202455 minSeason 5Ep. 201

200 - Kendra Q Dodd Coaches Us for Growth Through Conflict

Welcome to episode 200 – with Kendra Q Dodd! Dialling in from Minnesota, we had a bright, engaged and profound chat about how to push through tough times and tough relationships. Setting big goals for yourself, making sure part of your daily habits include physical effort, journalling, and more... Join us and be inspired by Kendra's energy and brightness! And check out her book, Perspectives – Building Meaningful Connections by Learning 4 Steps to Courageously Speak Up. * To see the full YouTube...

Apr 07, 20241 hrSeason 5Ep. 200

199 - Mark Morton on Adoption, Dogs and Relationships to the Land

Mark Morton is now on Shooting it RAW! With the auspicious episode 199, Mark humbly met me for a call and... Blew my mind. Join us as he shared about the incredible generosity that he and his wife had to adopt two siblings... Twice! Weaving in the power of dogs for supporting people of call kinds, and also what it is to have a layered relationship to the world and the land you call home. Massive thanks to Mark for sharing a fascinating view of his world – including his novel! * To see the full Y...

Mar 31, 202455 minSeason 5Ep. 199

198 - Betsy Gall on the Hard Reality of Physician Suicide

Some conversations are hard, and Betsy Gall is here to courageously head right into the heart of one of the hardest conversations out there. Joining me from her home, Betsy shared her bright and even joyful soul, to reveal a small slice from her harrowing story. Trigger warning, we talk openly and plainly about death from suicide. Not an easy topic and not a typical podcast episode – but so important. Join us and be inspired by Betty, her energy, her book, and the need to have these tough conver...

Mar 24, 202458 minSeason 5Ep. 198

197 - Tim Eggebraaten Helps Find the Beat in the Rhythm of Life

Welcome to the podcast, Tim Eggebraaten! We got on a call and he joined from... You guessed it. Minnesota. What's up with that state and the amazing inspired folks from there? He shared why family was so important, what it was to serve for decades as a police officer and then Chief of Police, but then how that changed to inspiring others through his talks on leadership and more. Join us to learn more from this true Service-Network Leader, as I would put it. Or, as he would put it, to be guided b...

Mar 17, 202456 minSeason 5Ep. 197

196 - Brent Olson on the Warrior Who Stands Between the Helpless and the Darkness

It's all about making every second count – and Brent Olson sure knows what that means. What a great way to kickstart Season V of the podcast! As a child, he tried his hand at writing a novel and the sting of rejection set him back... So off he dove into farming. Those were his hands. Then, at the age of 40 and looking for change, he turned his hands to the keyboard, remaking himself as a journalist and columnist. Be sure to check out his books and writing, such as the editorial he mentions that ...

Mar 11, 202456 minSeason 5Ep. 196

195 - Anna Carranza Shares Her World of Dogs and Magical Realism

Anna Carranza – welcome to your first podcast episode! Joining me from Southern California, Anna chimed in while en route or just holding up in a hotel. In our hour's conversation, she brought me to meet Chico – that tiny but great teacher. Then Big Head, Sunny, and the renowned Colony Palms Hotel. We talked writing, be it poetry or magical realism, and decided that I must have fallen on my head when I said she gave off serial killer vibes. Not. At. All. Listen in. Laugh. Learn! * To see the ful...

Feb 25, 202454 minSeason 4Ep. 195

194 - Mathew Hampshire-Waugh Shows How to Cook a Climate Change Kitchen

Welcome back Mathew Hampshire-Waugh! Last time, it was to promote his book on getting to a net-zero carbon life, and this time it was how to create your climate kitchen. We talked shop about where emissions come from, and how one of the biggest spots where we can all get involved is around what we buy – to eat. Fact is, the toll on our climate from agriculture, livestock and industrial fishing is significant. So what we put on our plates has a direct (even if individually small) impact. Thankful...

Feb 18, 202459 minSeason 4Ep. 194

193 - Bashar Wali on the Practice of Hospitality to Create Belonging

There's this group of accomplished people who have a shared mindset – one that's like no other. Welcome, Bashar Wali. Based in the US, Bashar has dedicated himself to exploring and growing his deeply felt commitment to hospitality. Not as mere customer service, but as a way of life to bring people together. This is how he then delivers a unique experience that affirms people's sense of belonging. Want inspiration? Listen in on how he sees the world, how he understands community, and what it is t...

Feb 11, 202456 minSeason 4Ep. 193

192 - Dickie Suzuki Shares His Dystopian Hong Kong Photography

Dickie Suzuki is here! We spoke about his life in Hong Kong, what it's been like to explore and keep discovering, and how the city keeps revealing new sides that will make you look again. A huge fan of what goes on behind the incredible facade, Dickie shares the special moments revealed in the shadows. Dystopian? Sometimes. Surprising? Always. Be sure to catch his upcoming show, The Art of Celestials. Join us and be inspired. *To see the photos, the full YouTube episode, and to subscribe, visit:...

Feb 04, 202449 minSeason 4Ep. 192

191 - Molly Hayden Takes Us to Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and Beyond

Make no mistake – the world is there to be discovered, and people like Molly Hayden are here to remind us to think BIG. Our connection was from my sister in Savannah, where she met Molly. Then Molly moved to Korea, and once I returned to Hong Kong Molly and I finally got on a call and I was able to take a look at her life in photos. A creative spirit who seeks amazing people (e.g. the Haenyeo divers in Korea), Molly has explored the world to keep expending her horizons. Sure, some people are per...

Jan 28, 202445 minSeason 4Ep. 191

190 - Asaf Artel Shares the Trauma of October 7 and the Power of Community

Asaf Artel was living in a communal village in Israel, on the edge close to the Gaza border. We first met in Savannah, in the USA, as he and two other survivors brought their harrowing experiences to people beyond Israel. What kind of person is Artel? The kind who volunteers to help others during disaster relief missions. What kind of person is he? The kind who has dedicated himself to life as a Community Organizer. What kind of person is Artel? He's the kind who knows from experience the import...

Jan 15, 202458 minSeason 4Ep. 190

189 - Lance Aksamit on His Book and Living an Ethical Life

Lance Aksamit is here! I am deeeeelighted that Lance is kicking off 2024 on the podcast. Connecting from California, Lance shared some of his life's chapters, taking us to Hawaii, California, Central America, Thailand, and his first book! What a powerhouse. More comfortable being an outsider than in, Lance shared what it was like growing up in an Evangelical Christian family, and how through critical, independent thinking and history he has found his own path. What is this like? Listen in and fi...

Jan 02, 202457 minSeason 4Ep. 188

188 - Bruce Tretter On Safe Streets for All and Making a Difference

Welcome aboard, Bruce Tretter! We met years ago and finally reconnected to share his work. And what a powerhouse Bruce is! It's amazing to me how some people are just made to tinker, design, and try to make things happen. Like Bruce, who moved from making cycling apparel that tries to help cyclists be seen, to his launching Safe Streets for All as a business-supported initiative, to helping vets learn critical cooking skills. Bruce is powering through and you're invited to learn how he makes eve...

Dec 25, 202356 minSeason 4Ep. 188

187 - Myron Edwards on His Mistress of the Rock Trilogy

Myron Edwards, thank you for joining me from Cyprus! Born in 1952 to Welsh parents, Myron spent much of his early life in Essex. He worked in the travel industry for thirty years, and in the 70s he freelanced for BBC TV and Radio, writing for The Two Ronnies, Week Endings, and The News Huddlines. He soon became a full-time copywriter at JWT. He created Tubewalking, a set of short walking maps to help commuters and tourists in London. Moving to Cyprus in 2005, he completed his first manuscript of...

Dec 18, 202345 minSeason 4Ep. 187

186 - Kim Lengling Talks About Hope and Pawprints on the Couch

Welcome back to the podcast, Kim Lengling! The last time, she shared her nuggets of hope, and this time it's her new new book, 'Pawprints on the Couch'. Join us to learn more about Kim's commitment to spreading joy, hope, and a new way of seeing the world. This time, she shared more about her life with dogs and her anthology that connects us to all our pets. Thanks again for your energy and dedication! *For the full YouTube episode, visit: https://youtu.be/wYhxzGq9Ee0 **** More from Kim Lengling...

Dec 11, 202359 minSeason 4Ep. 186

185 - Rory Mackay on Going Wild and Just Getting Out in the World

OK. Life has to go on, and thankfully Rory Mackay is here to guide the way. I met Rory when he invited me to help him run tours for his company, Go Wild Hong Kong. From cycling with teens to taking couples and groups on hikes and kayaking tours across Hong Kong, Rory's tours are really impressive. But why does he do it? Well, listen in and find out! For starters, here's a guy who just has adventuring in his blood – like when he rode his bike from South Africa to... Cairo! That is incredible! Wan...

Dec 03, 202359 minSeason 4Ep. 185

184 - Sheila Priver on the Struggle to Not Harden the Heart

After October 7 and what happened in Israel because of Hamas, I decided to open my podcast to anyone who wants to share their story. Introducing Sheila Priver. The reason is simple enough: To help people better understand. To better understand how to care. Thanks to some connected people, I crossed paths with Sheila, who used to live in Hong Kong more than two decades ago and who now lives outside Tel Aviv. From hustling to evade bombs overhead to supporting friends and mourning the dead, this i...

Nov 26, 20231 hr 2 minSeason 4Ep. 184

183 - Raphael Chemtov on Being in Israel on October 7 2023

What can I say? I was born in Jerusalem. My identity, values, and cultural background are steeped in Israeli culture, history, philosophy, and so much more. I am very much an Israeli. For this reason, I reached out to Ralph to sit with me. This podcast's underlying value asks what if life really is a gift – how do we make every second count? Then, after October 7 happened, you can imagine how horrific those acts were. My training and who I am is about doing the decent thing. That's the sh*t test...

Nov 10, 20231 hr 3 minSeason 4Ep. 183

182 - Yuriy Polyashko on Getting Out of Your Home and Getting Busy

In the world, there are two kinds of people and Yuriy Polyashko is definitely in the camp with all the entrepreneurs and people who want to create value in the world. Thanks again to Miss Liz for the introduction, I ended up speaking with Yuriy after he settled more in his new home, in the city of opportunity that is Miami, Florida, USA. Listen in and soak up Yuriy's amazing energy and can-do spirit, moving from his animation company to summiting Ukraine's tallest mountain, the view of bombed Ki...

Nov 05, 20231 hr 1 minSeason 4Ep. 182
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