The #BlueEyedDevil Podcast

What happens when a Jewish philosopher and scholar sits down with a defrocked priest to dialogue trauma, theology, memory, dignity, and the possibility of truth after collapse?In this powerful episode of The Blue Eyed Devil Podcast, Tatiana Zdyb interviews David Ian Giffen about his book, Redemptive Trauma, in a conversation that is as intellectually rigorous as it is deeply human. Together, they move beyond slogans, easy redemption narratives, and shallow public discourse to face the harder questions: What does it mean to suffer without losing your humanity? What is dignity when institutions fail? What remains of faith, truth, and the self when a life has been broken open?This is not a soft promotional interview. It is a serious theological, philosophical, and moral exchange. Dr. Zdyb brings intellectual depth, precision, and honesty to a conversation exploring the core themes of Redemptive Trauma — human dignity, suffering, memory, survival, faith, betrayal, and the struggle to remain fully human in the aftermath of devastation.At its heart, this episode is about more than a single book. It is about whether wounds can be spoken truthfully without being romanticized, whether dignity can survive degradation, and whether serious conversation still has the power to call something living out of what the world assumed was dead.For listeners who care about theology, philosophy, moral seriousness, trauma, justice, and the deeper conditions of human freedom, this is a conversation worth sitting with.This is a conversation for those who still believe truth matters, dignity is worth defending, and human beings are more than the worst thing that happened to them.Watch the premiere on Saturday, March 28 at 6:00 PM on YouTube, and listen on Spotify and other podcast platforms through Authentic Ginger Media.

We’re live from Toronto Podcasts near Cherry Beach for a special Blue-Eyed Devil episode featuring my biggest guest yet: my son, Rory Ian Giffen (12 this week). Rory and I get into the real conversation people keep having about him: being “too young” for a podcast, facing critics, and why Raising Dad has grown into something neither of us expected. From there, we talk discipline and identity—football training at Ferris 360, what it means to be “hurt vs. injured,” what “Be Humble” actually looks like, and why Scottish history (and pride) matters to him. We also get into the hard topic: how to think about speech, satire, and boundaries—without losing your humanity. If you’re a parent, a coach, a young person building something online, or someone who’s still figuring out who they are—this one’s for you. The Blue-Eyed Devil Podcast: Spotify / Apple / YouTube #BlueEyedDevilPodcast #RaisingDad #TorontoPodcasts #FatherSon #YouthVoice #FootballTraining #ScottishHeritage #BeHumble #Identity #Podcast

Every now and then, it’s worth turning the tables. In this episode, the founder and CEO of Toronto Podcasts, Gram Castle, flips the script and sits me down—beyond the Blue-Eyed Devil persona. No performance. No mask. Just real talk about the stuff that matters. We go deep into what faith looks like when it’s been tested, stretched, and broken open. We talk about fatherhood—not the Instagram version, but the raw, everyday grind of showing up for your kid when you’re not sure how to show up for yourself. And we get into what it takes to get up off the mat after life has thrown haymakers you didn’t see coming. This isn’t about branding. It’s not about building an image. It’s about peeling back the layers, telling the truth, and letting people hear the flip side of the Blue-Eyed Devil. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve been knocked down more times than you can count or wondered where to find your footing when everything feels shaky—this conversation is for you.

A Duke graduate and an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, New York University, and Notre Dame, Dr. Tegan Mosugu brings serious intellectual range to this conversation. A global health practitioner, social impact professional, and media voice, he is not simply building a brand — he is building a body of work rooted in scholarship, strategy, and real-world change. Public bios describe him as a “pracademic,” someone working at the intersection of academic research and practical social impact, with expertise spanning global public health, organizational behavior, management, and public policy. This is not just an interview. It is a sharp, searching conversation about identity, resilience, self-definition, and the refusal to disappear. David and Tegan get into the rise of Black gingers, reclaiming space, global citizenry, self-love, and what it means to live publicly without shrinking for anyone. The episode also reaches into Tegan’s media world, including stories connected to his talk-show work and broader presence in public conversation. Public materials for The Tegan Show frame his platform around interviews, social impact, and global perspective. Tegan’s story carries real weight. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Duke at 19, later studied at Penn and NYU, and went on to complete advanced degrees in public and international affairs and health sciences. His public profiles also note work across global health, behavioral change, and social impact initiatives, giving this conversation both intellectual depth and lived credibility. Tune in, share it, and tag someone who needs to hear a conversation about presence, power, and refusing erasure. Tegan does not merely inspire; he challenges people to think more honestly about who they are, how they move through the world, and what it means to take up space without apology.

In this episode of The #BlueEyedDevil Podcast, David sits down with Gino Gaudio of IC Savings for a thoughtful conversation about community banking, financial empowerment, and the value of relationships in finance.As a member-owned financial co-operative, IC Savings has built its reputation on more than products and transactions. This conversation explores what it means to serve people well, support local business, invest in neighbourhoods, and help families build a stronger financial future with trust at the centre.From personal banking to broader community impact, Gino shares insight into what makes IC Savings distinct in Toronto’s financial landscape and why local, relationship-driven institutions still matter. This is a conversation about trust, service, financial well-being, and the kind of leadership that strengthens communities over time.Find your local branch here: https://www.icsavings.ca/find-a-branch <figure class=" sqs-block-image-figure intrinsic " > <a class=" sqs-block-image-link " href="https://www.icsavings.ca/find-a-branch" target="_blank" >

Margot Wilkins is a true badass. As a relentless frontline health care worker, she’s in the trenches every day, championing the most vulnerable and tackling society’s toughest challenges. From homelessness and mental health care to justice reform, Margot’s work is nothing short of heroic, driven by an unwavering commitment to real, lasting change. On the #BlueEyedDevil Podcast, Margot brought her no-nonsense attitude and fiery passion to the table. We delved into everything from reported corruption in the Toronto police force to the moral clarity needed to separate “sheep from goats” in holding systems accountable. She called out abuses of privilege and the weaponization of police to silence and oppress—and I didn’t hold back either. Margot is the real deal. She doesn’t just talk about justice and equity—she fights for it every single day. A true warrior for those who need it most, she’s a force of nature and a beacon of hope. If you’re ready for inspiration, hard truths, and a call to action, Margot Wilkins is who you need to hear. Tune in, buckle up, and prepare to be blown away.

Mike Don’t doesn’t just DJ. He commands a room. Spinning at Kissa Toronto on Friday and Saturday nights and at the legendary Bar Poet on Mondays, he brings the kind of instinct, edge, and musical intelligence that can shift the entire atmosphere of a space. Hip-hop, R&amp;B, dance, open format — whatever lane he moves through, the point is the same: read the room, control the energy, and never let the night go flat.In this episode, David sits down with Mike Don’t for a conversation about music, nightlife, taste, discipline, and the art of knowing what people need before they know it themselves. They get into Toronto after dark, the psychology of a great set, the difference between noise and presence, and why some people can play songs while others can move a culture.And yes — they talk about LeBron too.This is a conversation about vibe, but not in the shallow sense. It’s about confidence, curation, rhythm, influence, and the unteachable gift of being able to hold a room without begging for its attention. https://mikedont.com/

Kathleen Wynne, Ontario’s 25th Premier and the province’s first woman premier, joins David for a searching conversation on empathy, leadership, and public life. Drawing on years of service at the highest level of government, Wynne reflects on what it means to lead in a polarized age, why empathy is not weakness but discipline, and how public leadership demands both courage and the willingness to hear lives unlike your own. She speaks from experience shaped by governing Ontario from 2013 to 2018 and by a political career that has continued to carry influence long after leaving office. In this episode, David and Wynne explore the intersection of empathy and authority: how leaders make hard decisions without losing their humanity, why inclusive leadership matters, and what public service can teach us about dignity, listening, and responsibility. This is not a superficial political chat, but a thoughtful exchange about character, perspective, and the moral demands of leadership in a fractured time. Her public record and official biographies consistently position her as a leader associated with inclusion, education, and social policy, making her a fitting guest for a conversation centered on empathetic insight.

Exploring the Power of Community: A Conversation with NVISION's CEO on Investing in People and Stories.Meet George Arabian, the visionary CEO of NVISION, a trailblazing digital marketing agency. With decades of transformative expertise, George has been reshaping the digital landscape for businesses of all sizes and industries.As an esteemed member of the Forbes Agency Council, George brings unparalleled insights and innovation to the table, guiding his team to craft imaginative and results-driven web and digital marketing strategies.From his humble beginnings crafting websites in the 90s to leading NVISION to acclaimed success, George's passion for technology and creativity shines through every project. His dedication has earned him recognition, including being honored as one of the top entrepreneurs under 40 by The Markham Board of Trade in 2014.Leading a talented team of designers and developers, George ensures that NVISION delivers top-notch service and exceeds client expectations with each project launch. His relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to innovation make him a driving force in the digital marketing realm.Check out George Arabian and NVISION on their journey to redefine digital marketing and elevate businesses to new heights. Don't miss out on the opportunity to collaborate with a true visionary in the field.George Arabian | LinkedInAward-Winning Digital Marketing Agency Toronto, Markham &amp; GTA | NVISION

Catch the next episode of the #BlueEyedDevil Podcast on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and 403LC.com. My client Fred K. Wong and his company ShippingHub are ready to break through the Tipping Point when it comes to the food costs of rural and remote First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario. A forty percent reduction sounds too good to be true... but it’s both too good and true.

Originally recorded in March 2021.

Originally recorded in May 2021.

Originally Recorded in February 2021

Originally recorded in March 2021

Originally recorded in March 2021

Recorded in April 2021

Recorded in February 2021