Round II for the Vancouver-BJJ episodes! This week, I spoke with Evan Hutcheon. Not only does he roll at the black-belt level, but he also does fascinating research with hypobaric chambers around hypoxia and other oxygen-depleted conditions. Evan and I first met on the mats in New Westminster, in beautiful beige Vancouver, and reconnected for a great online call. Badass grappler. Fascinating researcher. Amazing biker getting air in concrete bowls. The doctor is IN. To view the full episode, visi...
Feb 16, 2023•50 min•Season 3Ep. 151
While I was in Vancouver this past year, one key source of good times was BJJ. One of the gyms I went to was BUDO, run and owned by Scott Boudreau. What really stands out about Scott's teaching method is how rational, thoughtful, and even sensitive he is when it comes to grappling and fighting. This unexpected approach is what attracted me to his gym – and of course, if this student sucks, don't blame the teacher! Join us. Learn about this incredible, personal fighting art. One of the best worko...
Feb 09, 2023•58 min•Season 3Ep. 150
We have one life – how do we make every second count? Join Emery Fung and me as we have the best, most awkward conversation. We met in Causeway Bay and chatted while overlooking the incredible crush of human population, industry, office towers, and residential highrises. We talked shop about sports, what it is to be comfortable in your own skin, and how life really is an unfolding of transitions. He also shared his latest project for increasing diversity and inclusion through his podcast, Awkwar...
Feb 03, 2023•56 min•Season 3Ep. 149
What is the podcast about? Why, SIR. Why? Join me as Gabriel Chan shoots a quick interview on how the podcast began and what I'm trying to do. Have a good one! - Ran
Jan 19, 2023•2 min•Season 3Ep. 148
Ah yes... When things fall apart. The podcast is something I created as an expression of who I am and where I want to put my energy – such as inspiring people to appreciate that life is a gift and these are ways to make every second count. Hopeful, optimistic, constructive to others and inspiring. Those are the podcast's highest values. This isn't to say that I also don't stumble, because the past few weeks were hard AF. In this episode, I'll turn the lens around and share more about myself. In ...
Jan 12, 2023•30 min•Season 3Ep. 147
In this episode, Elizabeth and I caught up online for an inspiring call about what it's like to be a 'committed' artist in these COVID-19 times. From her work as an artist-in-residence in Hong Kong, she tried to complete some international travel to Turkey, only to realize Hong Kong raised the mandatory quarantine from 14 to 21 days. Sharing her experience with being processed, treated like a pariah, and locked in a 200 sq/ft hotel room, Elizabeth remains thankful for her ability to still travel...
Jan 04, 2023•47 min•Season 3Ep. 146
What a fantastic way to end 2022 and usher in 2023 ❤️ Barrister and dedicated animal-welfare advocate Kim McCoy joined me in Hong Kong, first for episode 50 and now listen again because it was SO GOOD! We talked shop about photography, how COVID-19 can force a person to launch new projects, and why we must expand our appreciation of animals in our lives. Specifically, Kim highlighted why he founded the Hong Kong Animal Law and Protection Organisation – HK-ALPO – and the need to mobilize the law ...
Dec 29, 2022•51 min•Season 3Ep. 145
In this episode, Regina Larko joined me to share her experience and stories from her own podcasting journey. This is worth revisiting because it formed part of the reason why I decided to run with the podcast... Even if it was already years in the making. As for Regina, she's still running Hashtag-Impact and has created and attracted a community of change-makers and other passionate people. The aim: help people make a difference and inspire progress. A truly inspiring conversation! * To view the...
Dec 22, 2022•39 min•Season 3Ep. 144
In this reissue, I bring up the conversation I had with Thor Hanson, back in December 2021. I've long appreciated how much ecology is a critical tool for understanding how we fit in the world and our impact and this conversation with Thor is a GREAT one. Wanting to build the choir of voices on the podcast that addresses conservation, climate change, and what science tells us, I stumbled upon Thor Hanson. Was it a TED talk? A Wired clip? An article in some magazine or other? I don't remember. But...
Dec 15, 2022•59 min•Season 3Ep. 143
On my flight back from Dallas to Vancouver, my in-flight neighbour stepped past and I noticed something a little odd. A throwback to decades past and a NKOTB fanny pack. Er... OK? Unable to prevent myself from being Mr. Friendly, we strike up a conversation and I discover this amazing, kind soul. Catherine Hall. By the time the plane touched down in YVR, I convinced Catherine to join me on the podcast. Because she's the embodiment of the whole spirit of this podcast! Here is someone who's making...
Dec 08, 2022•58 min•Season 3Ep. 142
How do we make every second count? In this episode, I sit with Jordan Mallon to hear how he ended up as a tattoo artist, working out of Tramp Art Studios, in Savannah, Georgia, USA. The original idea was to sit with a female artist – if only to share her perspective in what was probably a male-dominated industry. I reached out to as many places in Savannah that I could find, but the only person willing to commit was Jordan. Yes, OK, I thought. That's what the universe wants so that's what it wil...
Dec 01, 2022•59 min•Season 3Ep. 141
I first met Michael Kistler in Hong Kong. Where and how exactly, we don't quite remember. Yet he's always had this place in my head of great artistic expression and talent. Here is someone who has a signature way of seeing and capturing the world in images. After playing email tag, we finally sat down for a recording. He's now in Singapore, and I set up in Savannah, Georgia, USA. We live in amazing times! We talked shop, geeked out, and dove into what it is to be a photographer with a specific s...
Nov 24, 2022•56 min•Season 3Ep. 140
In this second installment of episodes met through coffee-shop friendlies, we now have Adam Stevens. Both of us sitting and working at Bean Around the World, and this friendly guy with bright energy noticed my Shark Rescue sticker. We began to talk and recognizing a fellow creative, I immediately decided he HAS to be on the podcast. We exchanged deets and lived our lives. Two months go by, maybe three, and then while carefully making my way down the aisle of the flight from Vancouver to Dallas-F...
Nov 17, 2022•42 min•Season 3Ep. 139
We are surrounded by opportunities to be astounded. For example, a few weeks ago I was at Bean Around the World, in Vancouver. I was wet. It was cold. But when I looked over my shoulder I faced the most astounding image. Was it a photo? No. It was a print. But what a print! Looking closer at the name, I decided I just had to talk to this incredible person. Elisabeth Sommerville invited me over to her house to talk shop. To share how she sees the world. To welcome me into her world of the most in...
Nov 10, 2022•55 min•Season 3Ep. 138
Sometimes life throws you a curveball. And then another. And then another. For people, like Allison Graham, one twist of fate can suddenly change everything. Out of her own need to come to terms with a mountain of adversity, chronic neuropathic physical pain, and how to manage stress for greater resilience, Allison stood tall and has fought hard to master her fate. Amazingly, she still made time to join me, even while caring and offering loving support for her mother. This podcast has four recur...
Nov 03, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 137
Be an activist. Lobby for good. Just get out there and fight climate change denial and the urge to slip into climate doomist. Listen and get inspired! This week's guest is right up my alley. John Pabon is a dedicated and sharp sustainability professional, author, and more. The type who heads into the heart of the matter to deconstruct and better understand how to make positive change. Now based in Melbourne, Australia, he used to work at the UN and has lived and worked in Shanghai, Korea, on pal...
Oct 27, 2022•52 min•Season 3Ep. 136
How do you see the world? Not only what shapes your perspective and point of view, but also how far can you accept what your eyes and mind tell you is the world as it actually is? For this week's episode, I'll reissue the one I recorded with David Stuss, back in December 2020. David has a sharp mind and what a view on how to make sense of the world. He shares his thoughts on what it is to be a thoughtful educator, a perceptive individual, and a person who'll go to great lengths to get the perfec...
Oct 20, 2022•55 min•Season 3Ep. 135
At the end of 2005, I began working with a retired executive and we would meet for fascinating talks at the Mandarin, in Hong Kong. I was deeply impressed with this guy's commitment to big ideas. Little did I know at first that this humble business legend was Po Chung, co-founder of DHL. I had never used DHL so I didn't think much of it at first... Uh... Until I saw how truly global and innovative the company was. We talked a lot about the importance of leadership character and values. We would ...
Oct 13, 2022•56 min•Season 3Ep. 134
Isn't it amazing when we look in our backyard to find a hidden treasure? That's what happened when I crossed digital paths with Lilian Sue. I'm from the world of marketing and communication, so thanks to the LinkedIn algorithms I found a connection to follow. Hey, Lilian, think you'd like to be on my podcast? YES! Join us for the class that's in session, as Lilian takes us through the path of personal growth for professional success. And be sure to check out Lilian's website as well – unlearn yo...
Oct 06, 2022•55 min•Season 3Ep. 133
Jen and I played email tag and finally sat down to record. We got on the call and it was clear that this might be a bit spotty – it happens! Yet we dove right in and she explained why popping into a handstand on the beach was a great opening. Hello? Jennifer? Are you there? Hello? Ah. The fates decided we wouldn't get beyond those first few minutes, but thankfully we were able to reconnect. And here we are. Join us! From connecting the sacred to the theatre, from being in your body and the will ...
Sep 29, 2022•59 min•Season 3Ep. 132
In this reissue of the November 2020 episode, Gary Stokes spoke about being a photojournalist, dive instructor, and champion conservationist. Often commissioned to underwater photojournalism and videos, Gary eventually realized he simply had to get involved. This commitment eventually had him join Sea Shepherd on various expeditions as their team photographer, and then as the leader for Asia. He eventually launched Oceans Asia, a conservation group that is data-driven to make a real impact where...
Sep 22, 2022•57 min•Season 3Ep. 130
Living legend. Personal hero. Conservation champion. This is Paul Watson. This is a reissue of our episode, first released in December 2020. We met for an inspiring conversation around his work in marine conservation, how Sea Shepherd came to be, how the organization has grown into a thriving worldwide network, and more. Unfortunately, due to what seems to be bad-faith influences in some Sea Shepherd areas, Paul has been shown the door from the group he helped found. Not all offices have lost th...
Sep 15, 2022•41 min•Season 3Ep. 130
Months ago, I was introduced to Mercedes R Lackey. We exchanged a little, but something didn't feel right. I stressed that Shooting it RAW was about uplifting and inspiring others. I didn't get the feeling that Mercedes would be a good fit. There was this dark cloud over our exchange. She admitted that she was dealing with the sudden and painful loss of her companion, Ikaika. Well, I said, this obviously this isn't the right time to meet. You need to mourn and grieve. But the podcast door is alw...
Sep 08, 2022•59 min•Season 3Ep. 129
Author Jane Baird Warren and I exchanged and she sent over the four photos. I don't look at the files until I speak to my guest, so each time I click to view, there's the wildcard or jeopardy of what will it be. I love that in the audio, you can sometimes hear the neurons short-circuiting and fuses blowing. The first photo Jane sent through made my head explode. For the next hour, I got to meet one of the coolest, most alive and fun people I never knew existed. And she's a fellow Canadian to boo...
Sep 01, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 128
I usually record an episode one-to-one, just my guest and me. Yet this time I was introduced to co-authors who collaborate to develop and publish technology-thrillers across a series and more. What a fantastic opportunity! Rox and Charles called in from Dallas, Texas, and shared their process and how they came to the genre of technology thrillers. Not sci-fi, but where the mechanism for conflict and tension emerges from the threats we face from tech. I had no idea... Until we spoke and they took...
Aug 25, 2022•51 min•Season 3Ep. 127
Overlooking Vancouver are a set of mountains, the most recognized and hiked being Grouse. For many, the easy access offers an excellent hike that goes up-up-up. Maybe 45 to 75 minutes, depending. If you're like me who hiked Hong Kong, it's as if Lantau Peak were right by Shek O. Just sayin'. Taking a sweaty rest, overlooking the city and water, a fellow hiker asked if she could have a chair. Mr. Friendly says of course, and then a breezy conversation. Enter, Monika Diane. Within just 5 minutes, ...
Aug 18, 2022•57 min•Season 3Ep. 126
For this week's episode, I was reminded of Rachel P Smith and her great energy, creative spirit, and generosity. Be inspired. Enjoy! ++++ A fascinating thing is happening with the podcast guests. At first, the contacts are direct or indirect, and over time the links to people outside my circle seem to reveal themselves. For example, all of a sudden I became aware of Rachel Smith, her artistic work and the Hong Kong Stories podcast. We have both called Hong Kong home after growing up Canadian. Li...
Aug 11, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 125
This is a reissue of the episode I recorded with my good friend, Scott Duncan. It was first launched on 1 April 2020. Episode 6 of the podcast! Our history goes back to 1994 – when Scott, Vince, Victoria, Justin and I formed and performed in the spoken-word quintet, Fluffy Pagan Echoes. So many years later, Scott recounts where his life has taken him. Trained in film and a working art director, Scott shares how he pushes the limits of his camera gear and his aesthetic. It's all about the mood – ...
Aug 03, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 124
In episode 118 with Julie Gianelloni Connor, she mentioned going into publishing with a great, quirky, and unique voice. Carrie Carter. As I do, we set up the call and I didn't quite put two and two together, only to discover a fun, amazing, and inspiring guest! Carrie and I spoke about her passion for making live music, the ongoing power of dioramas and the Godzilla series, and her soon-to-be-released book, "Whiskers Abroad" (link below). Listen in. Have fun! Just do it... Life's too short! * T...
Jul 28, 2022•54 min•Season 3Ep. 123
What is it to live, experience, grow, and be driven to keep serving others? In the case of Doug Lawrence, this is a path he has followed across years of police work and now as a coach and mentor. We got on a call and he guided me through his growth as a mentor and the value this work has for all kinds of people. From helping students to aspiring women leaders, from police officers to all kinds of service leaders, join us and learn more about what it means to mentor someone towards greater excell...
Jul 18, 2022•56 min•Season 3Ep. 122
