Talking About Talking

Timber Cleghorn is a survivalist, humanitarian, and creative force who spent 83 days alone north of the Arctic Circle as a finalist on Alone Season 11. Known for blending primal skill with artistic expression, Timber brought a unique creative lens to one of television’s toughest survival challenges. In this episode, we dive into Timber’s behind-the-scenes experience on Alone—from filming impromptu music videos in the snow to the mental battle of keeping his spirit alive when food was scarce and isolation set in. He opens up about his drive to “feed his spirit” through art, the tension between constant work and conserving energy, and the mindset that kept him pushing forward when many would have stopped. We explore the hybrid nature of Timber’s survival style—part primal hunter, part modern storyteller—and how creativity became as essential to him as shelter and fire. This conversation offers a rare look at the mental resilience, self-awareness, and ingenuity it takes to endure months of extreme solitude. Learn more at: https://www.timbercleghorn.com/

Dr. Kelly Starrett is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, movement expert, and bestselling author dedicated to helping people unlock better health and performance through movement. He is the co-author of the New York Times bestsellers Becoming a Supple Leopard, Ready to Run, and Built to Move, as well as the Wall Street Journal bestseller Deskbound. As the co-founder and Chief Health Officer of TheReadyState.com and co-founder of San Francisco CrossFit—the 21st-ever CrossFit affiliate—Kelly has worked with elite athletes and coaches across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and U.S. Olympic teams. He also consults with military special forces, first responders, and corporations seeking to improve employee health and well-being. Kelly's work isn’t just for high performers; his methods empower everyone—from kids to desk-bound professionals—to move better, reduce pain, and build durable bodies for life. Alongside Juliet, he coaches The Starrett System, helping members develop pain-free, high-performing bodies through science-backed training that fits into real life.

Chris Kulbaba is an AI adaptation expert with a diverse background in teaching, program development, and worker advocacy. In this episode, we explore his insights on the transformative power of artificial intelligence in business, education, and beyond. Chris discusses how AI is reshaping industries, from revolutionizing pathology and medical research to enhancing accessibility for neurodivergent individuals. He emphasizes the importance of understanding AI as a tool that augments human capabilities rather than replacing them. We also dive into the ethical considerations of AI implementation, the challenges of keeping up with rapid technological advancements, and how individuals and organizations can adapt to remain competitive in the evolving landscape. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the real-world applications of AI and how it’s shaping the future of work, learning, and innovation.

Anthony Ceccacci is a dedicated councilor on the Chatham-Kent Municipal Council, executive director at a senior living facility, and an active member of multiple community committees. In this episode, we delve into his passion for advocating on behalf of the middle class and the underserved, exploring the challenges of maintaining equitable services in a geographically diverse community. Anthony opens up about his mission to navigate politics while staying focused on people-centered solutions, from addressing homelessness to managing municipal budgets. He discusses the delicate balance of allocating resources to rural and urban areas, the importance of preserving community infrastructure, and the complexities of governance in a region with blended communities. We also explore his initiatives in environmental sustainability, including securing funding for reforestation and wetlands projects, and his thoughts on the evolving communication challenges in local governance post-pandemic. Anthony’s insights highlight the importance of staying connected to the community while managing the pressures of public office. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in local governance, community advocacy, and the human stories behind public service.

Jolyn Showalter is the creator and co-host of The Connectors podcast and a former project management professional with over two decades of experience at Canada Life. In this episode, we explore her transformative journey from a stable corporate career to pursuing her passions through podcasting and personal ventures. Jolyn shares profound insights on recognizing misalignment in one’s career and the courage it takes to embrace change. We delve into the challenges of corporate environments, discussing the impact of leadership dynamics, workplace culture, and personal growth. Jolyn also opens up about her recent ADHD diagnosis, how it has shaped her self-awareness, and the strategies she employs to channel her energy and focus effectively. This conversation is an honest reflection on the intersection of career, identity, and fulfillment, offering practical advice for listeners contemplating their own transitions or seeking alignment in their professional lives. You can learn more about Jolyn and her work here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-connectors-podcast/id1680006796 https://open.spotify.com/show/5SrGihOlhUbSS5v7vrfHhV https://www.theconnectorpodcast.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolynshowalter/

David Logan is a seasoned video game composer with an impressive portfolio that includes iconic titles like Pac-Man World 2, Twisted Metal 4, X-Men Mutant Academy, and many more. In this episode, we dive deep into David's journey through the video game industry, his love for teaching, and the powerful lessons he's learned about creativity and perseverance. David shares his experiences working with major studios like Disney, Marvel, and Ubisoft, reflecting on the ever-changing landscape of game music composition. We explore his thoughts on mentorship and how his passion for teaching helped shape the careers of young audio designers. David also opens up about the critical balance between work and personal well-being, touching on his own struggles with burnout and self-care. In addition to his work in the gaming industry, David talks about his most recent career milestone—conducting a live orchestra for a video game soundtrack, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry and the role of luck, hard work, and relationships in finding success. The conversation wraps up with insights on the importance of community, pursuing passions outside of work, and how staying connected with creativity can provide healing and growth. Find out more about David and his projects at: Orb Soundwerx. Follow him on social media: X: @orbsoundwerx Instagram: @orbsoundwerx Facebook: Orb Soundwerx YouTube: @Orb_Soundwerx

Lynne Corvaglia is a social entrepreneur, co-founder of wearsos (wearsos.co), and a travel specialist for Discover Corps. In this episode, we dive into her journey from a childhood filled with creative visions, including early dreams of owning a VW bus and writing a book, to her impactful work in sustainable fashion and global travel. Lynne shares the story of how her experiences traveling from a young age shaped her desire to see the world and the challenges that come with pursuing a more responsible fashion industry. She reflects on how a pivotal trip to India exposed her to the harsh realities of fast fashion, leading her to co-found wearsos, a company focused on making upcycled bags from airplane seats. We also explore Lynne's thoughts on international development, the importance of slow, sustainable travel, and the inspiring social movements that fuel her hope for a more equitable world. Join us for a conversation about purpose-driven entrepreneurship, ethical fashion, and the transformative power of seeing the world through different lenses. Find out more about Lynne and wearsos at wearsos.co.

David Huffman is a retired firefighter, paramedic, photographer, and musician. In this episode, we explore his unique journey through a 28-year career in firefighting and emergency services, his passion for photography, and the importance of physical and mental well-being. David shares his experiences from his time in the emergency services, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of working in such high-pressure environments. We delve into his thoughts on teamwork, the camaraderie among colleagues, and how maintaining physical fitness is crucial for those in emergency services. David also opens up about the mental health struggles faced by both emergency workers and the public they serve, especially with the rise in mental health crises and drug use in recent years. We also explore how David found a creative outlet in photography, which became an important tool for relieving stress after retiring from a demanding career. He discusses his passion for capturing nature and wildlife and the transformative effect this hobby has had on his post-retirement life. The conversation wraps up with practical insights into the importance of having hobbies, staying active, and pursuing personal growth, whether you’re navigating the challenges of a high-stress career or adjusting to life after retirement. Find out more about David and his photography at: www.davidhuffman.myportfolio.com

Quinten Sheriff is a business consultant specializing in adult education and co-host of The Connectors podcast (https://www.thedesigncoop.ca/). In this episode we delve deep into the meaning of connection, discussing how empathy plays a crucial role in building authentic relationships and the distinction between surface-level interactions and deeper, emotional connections. Quinten shares insights from his experience as a teacher and consultant, exploring how transparency, vulnerability, and trust are key to forming meaningful connections, especially in today's social media-driven world. The conversation also touches on the power of the inner voice and how our internal dialogue—shaped by cultural and societal influences—impacts how we perceive ourselves and others. Trevor and Quinten reflect on personal growth, responsibility for our thoughts and actions, and the challenges of navigating modern work environments, ending with practical advice on fostering better connections both in personal and professional life You can find out more about Quinten here: https://linktr.ee/quinten.sheriff

Dave Epp is the Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent Leamington. He was first elected in 2019 and then reelected in 2021. He is a third-generation Leamington farmer with a Bachelor of Theology, whose family farm grows processing vegetables and cash crops, and describes himself as a common-sense conservative. Since becoming a Member of Parliament, Dave has served as Deputy Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food as well as a member of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. Currently, he sits on the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.

Dawn Nelson is a 36-time published author, a screenplay writer, and was recently a contestant in Netflix's hit TV series, Outlast. We discuss her feral childhood, a few cougar encounters, a new perspective on Outlast, and potentially game-changing behavior from the production crew. If you're a fan of Outlast or even just the outdoors, you should check this out!

Paul is an avid bow hunter, and aspiring educator, and was a contestant on Netflix's hit television series, Outlast. You will hear Paul's unique perspective as well as a bunch of extra behind-the-scenes information about the show that we didn't get to hear from Javier. You can check out more from Paul on his Instagram @preecepj and his YouTube @paulpreece. 

Todd is a former NHL player. Over the course of his lengthy NHL career, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Phoenix Coyotes, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Nashville Predators. We talk about his experience as an NHL player, transitioning to life without the NHL, and communication with young hockey players.

Javier is an adventure cyclist who was recently a contestant on Netflix's hit TV series Outlast. In this episode, you get a TON of behind-the-scenes information on the show. We also talk about some unbelievable life experiences that Javier has had including eating road kill, staying in empty houses, and traveling from Canada to the bottom of South America for only $15000.  You can find him on Instagram @hungryguyonabicycle and "Hungryguyonabicycle" on YouTube. 

Scott Wilson worked for the OPP for 33 years. He now teaches at St. Clair College for the Justice Program. He also teaches First Aid and occasionally still helps with training for the OPP. Scott and I talk about talking, as per usual, as well as communication as a police officer, some of his experiences while policing, and a little about the law and how it works.

Derek is 28 and he has spent the last 3 winters in Jordan, Iraq, and Greece in refugee camps. He teaches refugees how to grow their own food. He has embarked on this endeavor on his own dime and with seemingly little direction other than his own ambition to do good. He tells of a terrifying experience in Europe, helps paint a picture of what is really going on in refugee camps, and he gave me a wonderful new appreciation for my country. You don't want to miss this one!

Gigi has been farming since he was 12 years old and taught Organic Farming at a University and a Technical College in the province of Quebec for 15 years. We talk about his experiences and history of farming as well as his primary project with over 1200 farmers integrated into a community around Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick. You can find his (French) Wiki here: https://wikimaraicher.ca/wiki/Wiki_mara%C3%AEcher

Kate Cormack is formally trained as a Registered Nurse, she worked as an Investment Advisor for 10 years and managed a branch for 3 of those years, she has a Master's degree in Psychology and ran her own practice in Psychotherapy for 10 years. In this episode, we talk about potential catastrophes, cryptocurrency, and ADHD. We eventually have a bit of a debate about conflict and misunderstanding.

Robert is an Agile Coach for one of the top financial institutions in the world where he helps teams find better ways of working and helps developers improve their technical craft. He has been a CTO, a CEO, and a faculty head and loves coding. Rob and I talk about taking ownership, video games vs social media, and the modern "job", and we of course get into the thought frameworks. Near the end, Rob provided an incredibly valuable addition to the frameworks combining two of them in a way I never thought about.

Simon Schulz has a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and is a Lawyer working in Germany. We have a brief discussion about German culture and then get into the thought frameworks. In hindsight, I made a few errors in this episode. I explained the "Personality Venn Diagram" in a way that made it sound like the primary purpose of that framework is to help understand how people's minds change. But that framework is meant to have a visual representation of personalities. It can be used to understand how people get along or not at the first meeting and how people change over time when spending time together. I'm not sure why I communicated it that way, but here we are. The "Egg Game" is the framework for understanding how minds change, not the "Personality Venn Diagram". I also tried to just squeeze in the "Egg Game" at the end when I knew our time was limited. It was a ridiculous thing to attempt because that particular thought framework is difficult to conceptualize and covers a heavy topic. Mistakes were made, I have learned, and I will do better moving forwards! I hope you still enjoy the episode!

Yao Zhang has a Master's Degree in Neuropathophysiology, Bachelor's Degree in Biopharmaceutics, and a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience. We discuss paradigm shifts and then get into the thought frameworks. I loved our conversation about Tao's jacket in particular. I found his perspectives and insights on the relationship with the self were particularly valuable. Listen in to find something valuable for yourself!

Beth Kinchlea was the Manager of Training and Development at the London (ON) Public Library for 20 years and worked there for 45 years in total. We discuss homeschooling, and then we delve into the thought frameworks. I loved Beth's insights on these and she helped me build better perspectives on how to use these moving forward. In particular, I appreciate her advice on intention and communicating intention.

Wes Thompson ran one of the leading Agricultural businesses in Chatham-Kent for 20 years (Thompson's Ltd.). He is on the Board of Directors for the United Way Chatham-Kent. We discuss unique collections, inheriting a business, navigating relationships, and more.

Gina Cook has been a member of Toast Masters for 31 years. She was once on their International Board of Directors. She worked for the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) for 15 years and managed their IT department for 6 years and worked in IT her whole life. She also has another interesting title under her belt. In this episode, Gina shares wonderful perspectives and insights on a wide range of topics. We discuss improving your speech, navigating relationships, valuing others, bartering, and more!