Episodes

  • Nature's Blueprint for Gardens with Matthieu Mehuys

    Nature's Blueprint for Gardens with Matthieu Mehuys
    Sep 15 2025
    “Biodiversity is the key to making you a lazy gardener.”

    In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with landscape architect, permaculture expert, and entrepreneur Matthieu Mehuys. From a childhood on a Belgian farm to a home base in the Azores, Matthieu’s story is rooted in a lifelong fascination with how tiny seeds become thriving ecosystems. His journey weaves through entrepreneurial experiments with chickens and the stock market, an Amazon rainforest adventure cut short by dengue fever, and ultimately, the creation of a global business teaching people how to garden in harmony with nature .

    This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

    Matthieu shares how gardening is more than just growing food—it’s a form of sovereignty, health, and rebellion against industrialized food systems. He explains why biodiversity makes you a “lazy gardener,” how soil microbiomes mirror the human gut, and why working with nature is always more profitable than fighting against it .

    The conversation turns practical too: growing radishes and potatoes as first steps, tapping into community gardens, and even indoor tower farms. Matthieu also challenges common misconceptions around GMOs, gluten, and bread, contrasting modern food production with traditional practices that honour the balance of nature .

    Alongside gardening wisdom, Matthieu opens up about surfing, gratitude practices, and the thrill of seeing clients transform their gardens and their lives. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of pulling fresh food from their backyard—or rebelling against the system by growing a potato—this episode is a reminder that small steps can lead to profound change.

    Quotables
    • “Every small change you can make in your diet is going to have a big impact.” — Matthieu Mehuys
    • “Money is oxygen.” — Michael Dargie
    • “Biodiversity is the key to making you a lazy gardener.” — Matthieu Mehuys
    • “Growing something of your own feels like reconnecting with the universe.” — Michael Dargie
    • “The only people who have ever changed the world are entrepreneurs.” — Matthieu Mehuys
    Links From This Episode
    • Matthieu’s Garden Training: gardenofyourdreams.com
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthieumehuys/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulownia_la/
    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valley.of.eden3
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthieu.mehuys
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthieu-mehuys-64b0b5111/
    • Free Training: gardenofyourdreams.com/free-training
    • Real Estate & Landscaping Projects: paulownia-la.com
    • BrandJitsu Book by Michael Dargie: brandjitsu.com
    • The Biggest Little Farm (film): IMDb link

    Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
    "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
    Indigo | Barnes & Noble | BrandJitsu.com
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    44 mins
  • From Toxic to Transformed with Mike Radoor

    From Toxic to Transformed with Mike Radoor
    Sep 9 2025
    “Don’t come and say ‘I’m good’ if what you really mean is you’re settling” Today on the RebelRebel you get to meet Mike Radoor — an Entrepreneur and coach who shares his story about building a $400 million dollar company and losing himself to excess. But this show isn’t that. Its how Mike found purpose as a father and helping men live with discipline, honesty and self-respect. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode In this episode, Michael Dargie connects with entrepreneur and coach Mike Radoor, who has made it his mission to help men become both good at being men and good men. From Marbella, Spain, Mike opens up about his personal journey of transformation—one that began with wealth, excess, and self-destruction, and shifted dramatically the moment his daughter was born. Mike shares candidly about the lifestyle he once lived: building and selling multi-million-dollar companies, chasing validation, and indulging in the darker sides of success. But with fatherhood came a reckoning. He realized he wouldn’t want his daughter to marry a man like he was, and that stark moment of clarity forced him to change. That shift has become the foundation of his work—coaching men worldwide through masterminds, training systems, and now his forthcoming book that lays bare his mistakes and lessons learned . The conversation explores what it means to live with discipline, honour, and self-respect in today’s world. Mike explains the difference between external validation and inner growth, why physical fitness is an act of self-respect, and how resisting temptation—whether it’s food, anger, or comfort—is a cornerstone of character. He also speaks about the necessity of brutal honesty, taking accountability for past actions, and finding freedom in vulnerability. From Danish comfort food to the crab-bucket mentality of his homeland, from bucket-list travel dreams to the importance of calling people he wronged, Mike’s raw honesty sets this episode apart. He doesn’t pretend change is easy—he argues it requires pain, sacrifice, and confronting uncomfortable truths. But as he reminds listeners, that pain is the path to power. For anyone questioning their own path, or rebels in waiting ready to make a change, Mike’s advice is simple: look at who you are, decide who you want to be, and kill everything that doesn’t serve that vision Quotable Quotes “I became a father and knew instantly—I wouldn’t want my daughter to marry a man like me.” — Mike Radoor “Don’t come and say ‘I’m good’ if what you really mean is you’re settling.” — Mike Radoor “Bring it to light and kill it. That’s how you change.” — Mike Radoor “One of the things I love to ask is: when did you zig when everyone else zagged?” — Michael Dargie “I would love to be that brave. I’ve never been that brave.” — Michael Dargie Episode Highlights Mission for Men | Mike explains the difference between being good at being a man and being a good man. Fatherhood Changed Everything | Becoming a dad triggered Mike’s transformation. Rebel Roots | How low self-worth and the need for validation fuelled his rebellious drive. Qualities of a Good Man | Strength, courage, mastery, honour, respect, and fitness. Resisting Temptation | Why true strength lies in discipline. Redefining Happiness | Mike connects happiness with growth, not comfort. Self-Deception | The danger of wanting more but not acting accordingly. Danish Comfort Food | Mike describes his favourite dish, svensk pølseret. Leaving Denmark Behind | Why he no longer wants to live in his home country. Writing the Book | Exposing his darkest decade of excess and mistakes. Freedom in Vulnerability | Why telling the truth made him fearless. Advice for Rebels in Waiting | Brutal honesty is the first step toward change. Making Amends | Calling people from his past to apologize. LINKS FROM EPISODE Mike on Instagram (https://instagram.com/mikeradoor) Mike on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeradoor/) Mike on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mikeradoorprivate) Above Average Method (https://www.aboveaveragemethod.com/) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    40 mins
  • Human Potential for Everyone with Adam LaSalle

    Human Potential for Everyone with Adam LaSalle
    Aug 27 2025
    “I’m hoping to use my life as an experiment and model what it means to take a risk.”

    From high school teacher to actor, musician, and risk-taking coach, Adam LaSalle shares how courage, belief, and creativity can change your life.

    This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

    In This Episode

    In this episode, Michael talks with New York-based actor, musician, and coach Adam LaSalle about the art of taking risks, believing in yourself, and helping others find their creative spark. After a decade as a high school teacher, Adam left the classroom to pursue acting and music full time—while also building a practice that helps others make bold moves in their own lives.

    Adam shares his early love for the arts, the anxious tendencies that made risk-taking feel impossible, and the moment he realized creativity was essential to his wellbeing. From his most challenging stage role in Two Pianos, Four Hands to his pilot group program connecting “rebels in waiting,” Adam’s story is about alignment, persistence, and using personal experience as a model for others.

    The conversation wanders through New York moments, from bagels in pajamas to advice from strangers, and touches on everything from instruments as self-care tools to the song he and his fiancée sing daily to their cat, Iris. Adam’s advice to would-be rebels? Acknowledge what you feel, believe change is possible, and have the courage to try—before you think you’re ready.

    Quotable Quotes

    “I’m hoping to use my life as an experiment and model what it means to take a risk.”

    “You stop being creative when you’re an adult… that’s when I went out of alignment.”

    “People are kinder than we think they’re going to be.”

    “The process is the product.”

    “You have more access to your potential than you realize.”

    Episode Highlights

    From Teacher to Actor | Leaving the classroom to pursue music, theatre, and coaching.

    Creative Childhood | Band, drama club, and finding community in the arts.

    Out of Alignment | Losing creativity in adulthood and its impact on wellbeing.

    Two Pianos, Four Hands | Preparing for a nine-minute double concerto on stage.

    Human Conversations | Why “fine” isn’t enough when someone asks how you are.

    The Process Is the Product | Lessons from music that apply to life and growth.

    Instruments as Self-Care | Keeping guitars, piano, and bass within arm’s reach.

    Most New York Moments | From bagels in pajamas to sushi in gym shorts.

    Rebel Advice | Acknowledge, believe, and have the courage to try—before you’re ready.

    LINKS FROM EPISODE

    Adam’s Website (http://www.adamlasalle.co/coaching)

    Adam on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jennlynnmaclean/)

    Adam on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AdamLaSalleOfficial)

    Adam on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-lasalle/)

    Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
    "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
    Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    43 mins
  • The Blink Factor with Jean-Pierre Lacroix

    The Blink Factor with Jean-Pierre Lacroix
    Aug 25 2025
    “Be a sponge in life. Don’t be a rock.”

    From farm life to global brand transformation, Jean-Pierre Lacroix shares how emotional connection, travel, and persistence fuel his 35-year journey in business.

    This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

    In This Episode

    In this episode, Michael talks with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, president of one of Canada’s longest-running privately owned brand transformation agencies. From helping reinvent Dairy Queen’s image to working with global banks, Jean-Pierre has spent 35 years guiding companies through change by focusing on emotional connections over functional features.

    Raised on a farm in Chesterville, Ontario, Jean-Pierre traded strawberry fields for design school and built his first firm into the largest independent brand consultancy of its time. His journey spans opening offices in China and the Middle East, writing Think Blink: The Blink Factor Manifesto, and earning an MIT certification in AI for business during the pandemic.

    Jean-Pierre shares how travel fuels his creativity, why colour and shape matter in branding, and the need for businesses to understand the emotional needs driving customer decisions. He also opens up about painting watercolours of his travels, his favourite haunts in Toronto, and the importance of persistence for “rebels in waiting.”

    Quotable Quotes

    “We’re emotional creatures. We don’t reason, we feel.”

    “Be a sponge in life. Don’t be a rock.”

    “Persistence—the darkest hour is the hour before sunrise.”

    “If you resonate emotionally, you make it easier for people to buy from you.”

    “My biggest fear is becoming irrelevant.”

    Episode Highlights

    From Farm to Fortune 500 | How early life shaped a career in creative problem-solving.

    The Blink Factor | Why emotional connection trumps functional benefits in branding.

    Global Offices | Opening in China and Oman to follow future market growth.

    Learning Always | Earning an MIT AI certification before ChatGPT was public.

    Colour and Emotion | How hues like green, blue, and orange influence trust and aspiration.

    Travel as Inspiration | Connecting the dots between cultures, ideas, and innovation.

    Artistic Side | Painting watercolours of European holidays as a creative practice.

    Favourite Toronto Spots | Monkey Bar, Sebastien’s pastries, and the local Starbucks.

    Rebel Advice | Persistence—the toughest time is just before you succeed.

    LINKS FROM EPISODE

    Jean-Pierre on LinkedIn (http://linkedin.com/in/jeanpierrelacroix)

    Jean Pierre on Instagram (https://www.facebook.com/jeanpierre.lacroix.96)

    Website (http://www.sld.com/)

    Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
    "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
    Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • The Extraordinary Life of an Accidental Author with Jennifer MacLean

    The Extraordinary Life of an Accidental Author with Jennifer MacLean
    Aug 22 2025
    “No man can succeed on their own if they’re by themselves.”

    From accidental author to award-nominated actor, Jennifer “Panda” MacLean shares how a snarky cat, a love of theatre, and pure self-awareness shaped her creative journey.

    This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

    In This Episode

    In this episode, Michael talks with Jennifer “Panda” MacLean—healthcare worker, actor, and the accidental author of An Ode to Myself, a book of poetry “written” by her late cat, Newton. What began as a cheeky Facebook page to update friends on Newton’s life turned into a literary project filled with feline wit, existential musings, and a surprising publishing deal.

    Panda shares the full origin story, from her post-divorce life in a tiny apartment to Newton’s online rise, his unique quirks (wasabi, cumin, and lavender were among his favourites), and how a literary agent eventually brought his voice to print. Beyond the book, she talks about her love for theatre, her CAT Award nomination, and the lessons she learned growing up as a middle child with close-knit sisters.

    The conversation meanders through sushi recommendations, bucket list travel dreams, reflections on Canada’s place in the world, and the value of asking for help. Her advice for rebels in waiting? Know why you’re doing something, do it because you love it, and let go of the expectation that success is the only worthy outcome.

    Quotable Quotes

    “I am actually a published author—an accidental published author, I might add.”

    “He was something else. The hate did run deep, but he adored me.”

    “No man can succeed on their own if they’re by themselves.”

    “Sometimes it doesn’t matter what the end goal is—it’s all about the journey and the friends along the way.”

    “Just fucking do it. Going in expecting success is the wrong way to look at it.”

    Episode Highlights

    Accidental Author | How a cat’s Facebook page became a published poetry book.

    Newton the Cat | From wasabi and cumin to deep-running feline disdain.

    Stage Life | Acting in Agatha Christie’s Spider’s Web and a CAT Award nomination.

    Middle Child Superpower | Growing up with two sisters and a tight family bond.

    Moving West | From Dartmouth, Nova Scotia to Calgary, Alberta.

    Bucket List Dreams | Japan, mountain ranges, and community theatre abroad.

    Sushi Favourites | Sushi Bar Zipang in Bridgeland and Globefish in Kensington.

    Man Is Not an Island | The importance of community and asking for help.

    Rebel Advice | Be self-aware, do it because you love it, and let go of outcome pressure.

    LINKS FROM EPISODE

    Jennifer’s Book (https://jennifermaclean.ca)

    Jennifer on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jennlynnmaclean/)

    Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
    "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
    Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Jamaican Roots, Global Perspective with Carrolee Moore

    Jamaican Roots, Global Perspective with Carrolee Moore
    Aug 20 2025
    “Be sure that what you are doing is rooted in truth and rooted in you.”

    From Jamaican roots to Texas living, Carrolee Moore shares how loss, resilience, and truth fuel her mission to help overlooked voices be heard.

    This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

    In This Episode

    In this episode, Michael chats with Carrolee Moore—entrepreneur, storyteller, and fierce advocate for underrepresented voices. From her early years in Jamaica creating entire imaginary worlds in her backyard to navigating a new culture in Boston, Carrolee’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and refusing to hide.

    She shares how losing her hair unexpectedly became a catalyst for stepping into her true self, leading her to help overlooked experts find their voice and share their ideas with the world. Her upcoming podcast, The Currency of Visibility, is a love letter to her former self—a reminder that success is not about fitting in, but about being rooted in truth.

    The conversation winds through memories of Jamaican breakfasts, the cultural layers of Boston, life in Texas, and the lessons she’s learned in different “seasons” of life, including the loss of her father. Carrolee opens up about journaling as a tool for self-discovery, why empathy grows from lived experience, and her advice to rebels in waiting: make sure your goals are truly yours, not borrowed from someone else’s definition of success.

    Quotable Quotes

    “I had to become the light in order to help people come out of their own darkness.”
    “Seasons of life teach you something about yourself, the world, and your future.”
    “Be sure that what you are doing is rooted in truth and rooted in you.”
    “It’s scary to meet yourself over and over again in the middle of the mess.”
    “Suffering anywhere is not contained—it will come to your front door.”

    Episode Highlights

    From Hiding to Seen | How losing her hair became a turning point for visibility and confidence.

    Rooted in Jamaica | Childhood memories of elaborate imaginary worlds and cultural grounding.

    Currency of Visibility | Helping overlooked and underestimated experts share their voice.

    Defining Success | Why you must know if your goals are truly yours—or borrowed from others.

    Food and Culture | From pineapple curry alligator to traditional aki and saltfish breakfasts.

    Resilience in Loss | Lessons from the death of her father and other life “seasons.”

    Journaling the Journey | Capturing thoughts in writing and audio to uncover patterns and truths.

    Global Family Threads | How living in different countries shapes empathy and connection.

    Rebel Advice | Make sure what you’re doing is rooted in truth and rooted in you.

    LINKS FROM EPISODE

    Carrolee on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carroleemoore/)

    Carrolee on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/carroleemoore/)

    Carrolee Moore Website (https://www.carroleemoore.com/)

    Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
    "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
    Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • High Finance to Feature Films Jaze Bordeaux

    High Finance to Feature Films Jaze Bordeaux
    Aug 18 2025
    “Nobody ever comes from nowhere.” Award-winning director and producer Jaze Bordeaux shares his journey from finance to filmmaking, his rebel philosophy for creating outside the system, and his mission to bring big-scale sci-fi to life from Toronto. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode In this episode, Michael chats with Jaze Bordeaux—an award-winning Canadian director, producer, and storyteller whose career began far from the film set. From his early work in corporate finance to creating globally-recognized independent films, Jaze’s path has been shaped by an instinct to move against the grain and a deep belief in building his own lane. Jaze shares the inception moments that shifted his life—from walking off a high school track field to pursue the people calling the shots, to a phone call from Alberta that sparked his move into the film industry. His 2023 film EFC defied the odds, winning more than 30 international awards while being produced entirely outside the traditional Canadian funding system. Now, he’s leading a 10-year slate of six sci-fi thrillers, including Genesis—a massive, Inception- and Interstellar-scale original story he wrote about the future of thought as currency. He opens up about his collaborative directing style, his vision for Toronto’s indie film community, and why patience, momentum, and resisting comparison are essential for creative rebels. Along the way, the conversation flows from coffee culture to the Toronto food scene, from humility learned through winning and losing everything, to advice for “rebels in waiting” about staying consistent and taking the long view. Quotable Quotes “Nobody ever comes from nowhere.” “The one thing you can’t buy is momentum.” “Treat others the way you want to be treated. That’s the golden rule.” Episode Highlights From Finance to Film | Jaze’s transition from corporate finance to producing and directing. Defying the System | How EFC was made entirely outside the Canadian funding model. The Inception Moment | Why seeing Interstellar crystalized his directing path. Genesis | The upcoming sci-fi epic about thought as currency in a future AI-driven world. Collaboration Over Dictatorship | How Jaze works with actors, DPs, and crew to elevate the vision. Toronto as a Film Hub | Why the city’s growth and talent make it a global film player. Life Lessons | The track-and-field race that taught him to stop comparing himself to others. Rebel Advice | Patience, momentum, and focusing on your own path over chasing instant success. LINKS FROM EPISODE Jaze Bordeaux (http://jazebordeaux.com/) Jaze on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jazebordeaux/) Jaze on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jazebordeaux/) Threads (https://www.threads.net/@jazebordeaux) Jaze on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@jazebordeaux) X (https://x.com/jazebordeaux) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    54 mins
  • From Football to Futurism with Chris Doelle

    From Football to Futurism with Chris Doelle
    Aug 15 2025
    “Be afraid, but go anyway.” Texas polymath Chris Doelle shares how curiosity, creativity, and persistence took him from cinnamon toothpicks to podcasting’s earliest days, AI strategy, and even board games that bring legendary football teams to life. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode In this episode, Michael chats with Chris Doelle — one of the original podcasters and a serial entrepreneur whose career spans media, sports, AI consulting, and game design. Based deep in the heart of Texas, Chris has been launching projects for decades, often long before the market is ready for them. Chris recounts how he jumped into podcasting in 2004, creating multiple shows in the first week, and stuck with it for a decade before it became profitable. He shares why he believes podcasting should be the cornerstone of any content strategy and how every business — from plumbers to pro sports teams — will soon be a brand. The conversation covers his ventures into AI and automation, including agentic workflows that can accomplish in minutes what used to take weeks. Chris also tells the story of Friday Night Legends, the board game that lets fans pit real high school, college, and professional football teams from any era against each other — a project born from his deep love of sports storytelling. Michael and Chris swap stories about creativity, side hustles, and the strange perks of homemade media passes, from press box access to free food — even sneaking into the Super Bowl. Chris’s philosophy is simple: try everything, say “yes” to the interesting stuff, and don’t let fear or doubters get in the way. From Texas barbecue to breakfast taquitos made from fridge leftovers, from barefoot mornings with chickens to speaking on AI’s future, Chris proves that a curious mind and a willingness to act can build a life that’s anything but ordinary. Quotable Quotes “Find cool things you like to do, and then see if there’s a way to monetize it.” – Chris Doelle “Be afraid, but go anyway.” – Chris Doelle “My life philosophy is to do cool and weird stuff with cool and weird people.” – Michael Dargie “Don’t assume you can’t do things. The only way to fail is not to try.” – Chris Doelle “Everyone will become a brand.” – Chris Doelle Episode Highlights Podcasting Pioneer | Launching six shows in 2004, long before it was profitable. Branding for Everyone | Why every business will be a personal brand. Agentic AI | How automation can now do in minutes what used to take weeks. Friday Night Legends | Turning real football history into a playable board game. Media Pass Perks | From free food to the Super Bowl with homemade credentials. Texas BBQ Philosophy | Why Central Texas salt-and-pepper brisket reigns supreme. Daily Ritual | Barefoot mornings, chickens, and breakfast taquitos with whatever’s on hand. Rebel Advice | Be afraid, but go anyway. Don’t let other people’s voices in your head stop you. LINKS FROM EPISODE Fresh Media Works (https://www.freshmediaworks.com/) Chris on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdoelle/) Chris on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/chrisdoelle/) Chris on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/chris.doelle/) Threads (https://www.threads.net/@chrisdoelle) Chris on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisdoelle) Chris on Twitter (https://twitter.com/ChrisDoelle) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    39 mins