Before Shaun heads off to Asia, we take a moment to slow down and reflect. In this episode of The Collective, it’s just the two of us, talking about the transitions ahead, the lessons learned from the past few months, and what’s next for The Collective as we begin releasing our recorded conversations.From travel and change to rhythm and routine, this is a grounded conversation on staying intentional while life shifts around us. Sometimes, stepping away gives us the space to see the bigger picture and this episode captures that pause.📅 New Collective episodes every Friday🎙️ New Gold Mine episodes every Wednesday#TheCollective #Podcast #Mindset #Reflection #Change #Growth #Travel #VeteranVoices #IntentionalLiving #BeBetterEveryDay

Who are you when no one’s watching, and who do you become when the world’s looking back?In this episode of The Collective, We sit down to explore The Persona: the masks we wear, the authenticity we chase, and the growth that comes when we bridge the two.Matt Barnett – Founder of Bonetti Explosives in Texas, Matt blends creativity with precision as a craftsman and entrepreneur. His insights on leadership, personal responsibility, and authenticity come from years of balancing risk, craftsmanship, and self-awareness.Gordon Hurley – A Canadian Armed Forces veteran turned creative director and filmmaker, Gordon channels his experiences into design, apparel, and documentary storytelling that explore identity, service, and the pursuit of purpose.Eric Tung – A police commander and wellness advocate from Washington State, Eric leads with empathy and discipline. As the host of Blue Grit Radio and creator of Blue Grit Wellness, he focuses on leadership, mental health, and helping others align their mission with their mindset.This discussion unpacks how identity is built through challenge, reflection, and purpose. Revealing how each persona we adopt can either protect us or hold us back.#TheCollective #ThePersona #Leadership #Authenticity #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #VeteranVoices #Podcast #SelfReflection #BeBetterEveryDay

Everything great starts with a foundation. Values, lessons, and purpose forged through challenge and vision. In this episode of The Collective, Chance and Shaun sit down with US Army Major General (Ret.) John Gronski, USMC Master Sergeant (Ret.) John Dailey, and US Army Ranger SGM (Ret.) Mike Burke to explore the origins and ethos that shaped elite organizations like the US Army, The Marine Raiders and the 75th Rangers.Together, they reflect on the principles that stand the test of time, how those lessons transfer to leadership and life today, and what it truly means to build something that lasts.📘 Founding principles that forged elite unitsHow ethos shapes performance and leadershipThe balance between tradition and evolutionLessons from military origins applied to modern life#TheCollective #Leadership #MilitaryMindset #FoundingPrinciples #OriginsAndEthos #ArmyRangers #JTF2 #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #PhilosophyOfLeadership

What does it take to truly bring people together?On this episode of The Collective, we dive into the art of facilitation — guiding without dominating, bridging worlds without breaking them apart, and turning friction into growth.Joining us are Alan Shebaro, former US Army Green Beret, Martial Artist with both Judo and BJJ black belts, now retired world traveler, and Clay Surratt, former U.S. Army infantryman, social worker, now martial arts gym owner and coach. Together, we explore how to hold space for voices that clash, create connection across communities, and grow through understanding.Tune in to learn:How facilitation builds trust across diverse communitiesStrategies for guiding without controllingLessons from military, martial arts, and social work on connection and leadershipDon’t miss this conversation about connection, growth, and the power of facilitation.🎧 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode of The Collective.#TheCollective #Facilitation #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #VeteranVoices

No plan, just purpose. Chance & Shaun explore leadership, pride, and the patterns that shape us — in life, work, and the field.In this unscripted episode of The Collective, Chance and Shaun dive deep into what happens when leadership falters — and how pride, purpose, and accountability can keep us on track. From painting fences in the summer heat to handling explosives in Afghanistan, the conversation explores lessons learned through experience, mistakes, and mentorship.They discuss the danger of losing your “why,” the importance of calling out patterns before they become problems, and how true leadership exists at every level — from the field to the boardroom to the family. Featuring audience insights, laughter, and honest moments of reflection, this episode reminds us that we’re all responsible for the standards we live by.🔥 Topics Covered:The cost of poor leadershipFinding pride in the work you doThe power of patterns and accountabilityLessons from military life that apply anywhereStaying purpose-driven through adversity💡 Join the discussion. Learn, grow, and build The Collective.📩 Subscribe to The Reinforcement Loop newsletter for weekly insights 📅 Catch us live: Fridays on The Collective | Wednesdays on The Goldmine📧 Contact: buildthecollective@gmail.com👇 If this episode made you think — drop your thoughts in the comments and hit SUBSCRIBE.#TheCollective #Leadership #Accountability #PurposeDriven #VeteranPodcast

What do you do when the plan collapses? When the future looks uncertain and success has to be redefined?In this episode of The Collective, we dive into the raw reality of adaptability—what it means to thrive when everything changes.Featuring:Steve Gowin – US Army Veteran, seasoned Law Enforcement Professional, Tactical Leader, now Coach & EntrepreneurDean Stott – Former UK Special Forces Operator, World Record-Breaking Adventurer, Security ConsultantJames Geering – Former Firefighter & Host of the acclaimed Behind the Shield Podcast with over 1,000 episodes on resilience and serviceTogether, we explore:Is adaptability a skill you can train—or a mindset earned through trial and error?How do you stay grounded in your principles when everything shifts?What anchors you when the mission changes mid-stride?And what does success look like when the original plan no longer works?🔴 Join us for an unfiltered conversation on resilience, growth, and navigating the chaos of change.#TheCollective #Adaptability #Resilience #SpecialForces #FirstResponders #GrowthMindset

How do you pass on wisdom so it actually takes root? In this episode of The Collective, host Chance sits down with three men who have not only lived hard lessons but have mastered the art of communicating them so others can truly absorb their impact.Mike Burke — Former U.S. Army Ranger and seasoned entrepreneur, bringing insight from both the battlefield and the boardroom.Dave Grossman — Retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, law enforcement officer, and bestselling author of On Combat and On Killing, known worldwide for his powerful keynotes on human performance and leadership.Chris Burns — Former comic book artist turned Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and instructor, recognized on social media for his blunt, no-bones approach to sharing hard truths.In this conversation, we explore:How to transfer hard-earned lessons so they resonate with people who haven’t lived themWhat makes a message memorable—and what causes it to be forgottenTechniques for teaching, mentoring, and communicating wisdom across generationsThe responsibility of those who’ve learned through struggle to pass that wisdom onIf you’re interested in mentorship, leadership, or simply making sure the lessons you’ve fought to learn don’t fade away, this episode will show you how to make your voice last.🔔 Subscribe to The Collective for more thought-provoking conversations

Curiosity is more than a passing thought—it’s the engine of discovery and the driver of real growth.In this episode of The Collective, Shaun and Chance sit down with two guests who know how to turn questions into action:Arjun Grewal — a first-generation Canadian who forged his own path from university to deployment in Kabul, then into Canada’s Special Operations Forces (JTF2). Fluent in multiple languages, Arjun’s unique perspective carried him from Special Operations to leadership roles in technology and venture capital.Randy Turner — JTF2 veteran, former professional MMA fighter, and founder of Direct Action Combat, where he trains military, law enforcement, and civilians in full-spectrum combatives and mental resilience.Together we explore:How curiosity shapes personal and professional evolutionWhy asking better questions leads to stronger leadershipWhat it really takes to stay open to growth in high-pressure environments👉 Join the conversation and share your own thoughts in the comments.🔔 Subscribe for weekly discussions on growth, resilience, and high-performance living.#TheCollective #Curiosity #GrowthMindset #SpecialOperations #Leadership #Resilience

To Be or Not To Be: Would You Die for an Idea?What would you give everything for? A flag, a medal, a person, or a cause greater than yourself? Today on The Collective, we step into the timeless question of sacrifice and meaning: to be, or not to be.Joining us is Clay Surratt — former U.S. Army soldier, martial arts instructor, and social worker — who brings a unique perspective from both battlefield experience and his work helping others off it. Together, we explore the weight of choosing what (or who) is worth dying for, and what it really means to live with purpose.🎙️ Would you lay it all down for an idea? Or is the greater challenge to live deliberately for it every day?🔔 Subscribe & join the conversation.#TheCollectivePodcast #Sacrifice #Meaning #Veterans #Purpose #ClaySurratt #Philosophy #ToBeOrNotToBe

What does it mean to evolve as a man? In this powerful episode of The Collective, host Chance and Shaun as the sits down with Travis Denman and Chris Lee to explore how identity, purpose, and responsibility shift through life’s biggest challenges.Travis Denman is a former Green Beret now pursuing his passion for flying and becoming a pilot.Chris Lee is a former Green Beret who has transitioned into coaching, dedicated to helping others build strength, resilience, and purpose.Together, they share personal experiences of transformation, growth, and redefining what it means to be a man beyond the battlefield.In this episode, we discuss:How men can adapt when life demands more than they think they have to giveWhat it means to shed outdated versions of yourselfThe difference between theory and lived experience of growthLessons in leadership, resilience, and purpose from former Green BeretsIf you’re seeking inspiration, personal growth, or a deeper understanding of what it means to evolve as a man, this conversation is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations.

Not all heroes are remembered with medals, and not every legacy makes it into the history books. In this episode, Shaun and Chance sit down with Pat Miller, former JTF2 Operator turned film armourer and photographer, and Jason Dempsey, former RCAF pilot and founder of Blackbird Industries. Together, they explore the lives of Canada’s unsung heroes—figures like Francis Pegahmagabow, Tommy Prince, Léo Major, Mona Parsons, and Mary Greyeyes—whose bravery, resilience, and quiet acts of service left an enduring impact despite a lack of formal recognition.We dive into:The stories of Canadian soldiers, Indigenous warriors, and WWII resistance fighters whose contributions were often overlookedLessons in courage, humility, and leadership that extend beyond medals or fameHow these heroes’ legacies continue to influence service members, first responders, and everyday Canadians todayThis conversation isn’t just about history—it’s about understanding the true nature of heroism, honoring the sacrifices that went unrecognized, and reflecting on the values that these remarkable individuals leave behind.💡 Tune in to discover the power of courage, resilience, and quiet leadership, and be inspired by the unsung heroes who shaped Canada’s history.#TheCollective #UnsungHeroes #CanadianHistory #FrancisPegahmagabow #TommyPrince #LéoMajor #MonaParsons #MaryGreyeyes #MilitaryHistory #Heroism #Legacy #PatMiller #JasonDempsey #Podcast

“The hunt doesn’t start when you pull the trigger—it starts long before you ever step into the wild.”Today on The Collective, we explore hunting as more than just a skill—it’s a mindset. This conversation dives into patience, preparation, and purpose, uncovering how the lessons from the field carry over into every aspect of life.Travis Bader – Founder of Silvercore, Canada’s premier firearms training and outdoor skills company – spends his life in the outdoors, mastering everything from firearms proficiency to bushcraft and advanced tracking. His decades of hands-on experience make him a leading voice on preparation, self-reliance, and the ethics of the hunt, offering insights into how skill development in the wild shapes discipline in everyday life.Doug Patteson – Former CIA operations officer – has been hunting since childhood. He combines deep experience in the field with the acute observational and analytical skills honed in high-stakes intelligence work, lessons that resonate far beyond the wilderness.This episode is about far more than pulling a trigger—it’s about what happens before, during, and after the shot. Whether you’ve spent years in the bush or have never stepped foot off the pavement, the insights here challenge your thinking and deepen your appreciation for the pursuit.🎯 Follow The CollectiveInstagram: @the_collective_ig#TheCollectivePodcast #HuntingMindset #BigGameHunting #Bushcraft #TrackingSkills #SelfReliance #WildernessSkills #SurvivalMindset #HuntingEthics #Podcast

In this episode, Seb, Shaun and Chance flip the script and turn their attention to their podcast: The Collective.What started as a simple idea—daily conversations about being better every day—has grown into a platform for deep dialogue, honest reflection, and a space where high performers, veterans, and everyday warriors come together to share hard-earned wisdom.We dive into:Why we created The CollectiveThe guiding principles that shape each episodeHow it’s evolved through community, consistency, and curiosityWhat it’s taught us about leadership, discipline, and the power of showing upThis is a behind-the-scenes look at the mission, mindset, and mechanics of The Collective—a podcast built on purpose and anchored in growth.🔑 If you've ever wondered what drives this project—or you're looking to build something of your own—this episode is for you.

Quick wins fade, but the long game builds on itself.In a world obsessed with instant gratification, true growth comes to those who commit to showing up day after day, without shortcuts.In this episode of The Collective, Seb Lavoie, Greg Cooper, Shaun, and I explore the mindset, discipline, and purpose behind living the long game.Seb Lavoie — RCMP veteran, high-performance coach, speaker, and author, sharing lessons from decades of human performance and personal growth.Greg Cooper — Judo black belt, coach, and mental health advocate, bringing insight on discipline, balance, and the quiet strength of consistent effort.Together, we discuss:What it really means to commit to the process over the outcomeHow to resist the pull of instant gratification in a short-term worldThe cost — and the reward — of staying the course👉 Watch now, subscribe, and share your biggest takeaway in the comments.Your long game starts here.#TheCollectivePodcast #TheLongGame #MentalHealth #Discipline #VeteranVoices #PersonalGrowth #HighPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #GrowthMindset #SelfMastery

What does a perfect world look like—and who gets to decide?In this episode of The Collective, we step into a deeper conversation around utopias and dystopias—not as distant fantasies, but as reflections of what we value, fear, and strive for every day. Together with our guests, we explore how these ideas impact our lives, decisions, and the kind of world we’re each trying to build.We’re joined by - Justin Sheehan, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who served with the elite SEAL Team 6. With decades of operational experience in high-stakes environments, Justin now channels his discipline and focus into teaching firearms proficiency, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and being a father. - Yohance Boulden, a former U.S. Army intelligence specialist with a background in strategic operations and analysis. Since leaving the military, Yohance has carved a unique path as a private contractor and global adventurer—combining analytical precision with a fearless drive for experience. Do equity and unity define utopia? Or does individual freedom come first? Why do dystopias often feel more relatable than ideal societies? And if no two people share the same vision of a better world, is true harmony even possible?This episode isn’t about perfect answers. It’s about better questions—and the courage to live according to the ones that matter most.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments:What does your version of a better world look like?Would others thrive there too?🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge the status quo and inspire better living—every single day.#TheCollectivePodcast #UtopiaVsDystopia #JustinSheehan #YohanceBoulden #NavySEAL #ArmyIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #DeepConversations #Leadership #VeteranVoices #SelfMastery #BetterEveryDay

You can’t change what you don’t see — and most of us aren’t really looking.Observation isn’t passive.It’s an intentional act — one that demands presence and patience.Tip Cullen, Yohance Boulden, Shaun, and I explore the act of observing — from perception to perspective.Before we can lead, adapt, or grow… we have to truly see.But what does that really require of us?- Tip Cullen, formerly a UK Royal Marine Commando, is now a screen and stage actor trained to read between the lines of human emotion.- Yohance Boulden, formerly U.S. Army Intelligence and now a contractor and deep thinker, brings insight forged through creativity, culture, and conscious self-reflection.Both guests have learned that real observation isn’t just about what’s in front of us… but what’s underneath.Is it about staying still long enough to see?How does awareness become wisdom?And how do the most meaningful actions begin with intentional perception?We won’t just explore what we’re observing — but what we’ve failed to notice… until now.👉 Subscribe, hit the bell, and join the conversation. Let us know in the comments what you’ve learned to see differently.#TheCollectivePodcast #Observation #SituationalAwareness #VeteranVoices #HumanPerformance #SelfMastery #HighPerformanceHabits #MindsetShift #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #GrowthMindset #VeteranPodcast

"No combat-ready unit has ever passed inspection. No inspection-ready unit has ever passed combat.”What does this mean in real terms—for leaders, teams, and individuals? In this episode of The Collective, we explore the stark contrast between appearances and actual performance with three guests who’ve lived it.– Oak McCulloch, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and leadership author, shares insights from decades of building leaders in and out of uniform.– Andrew Siepka, former U.S. Coast Guard special operator and mental health advocate, discusses what it truly means to be functionally ready—physically, mentally, and emotionally.– Brian Churchill, active U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and active law enforcement officer, speaks to the gap between what looks good on paper and what works when the pressure is real.We ask:– Is perfection the enemy of performance?– Can we train for chaos—or only grow through it?– What do real leaders prioritize when the mission is on the line?This conversation is about readiness, resilience, and the hard truths most people don’t want to confront.Subscribe and join us. This one pulls no punches.#TheCollective #CombatReady #Leadership #MentalHealth #VeteranVoices #FirstResponders #PerformanceUnderPressure

What happens to our vision when we carry too much weight?In this episode of The Collective, we explore how service, trauma, and pressure affect our ability to see clearly, both in the field and within ourselves.Gordon Hurley, former Canadian Special Operator and educator, Dr. Dan Allen, former NZ Army medic, MMA fighter, and psychologist, and Jason Cheney, police veteran and night vision specialist, dive into the mental and emotional toll of sustained service and how perception changes under pressure.What clouds our perception? pain, purpose, pressure?Is it possible to see truth when we’re burdened by past trauma or expectation?Do we narrow our focus, or widen it to face what we’ve tried to ignore?And how often is what we think we see simply a projection of what we’ve endured?In a world that demands clarity, how do we train our inner vision with the same precision we train our outer tools?We won’t just ask how to carry the load, but how our perception defines the path ahead.#TheCollective #VisionUnderLoad #MentalHealth #VeteranVoices #FirstResponders #Resilience

What does masculinity mean in today’s world—and is it evolving, misunderstood, or both?In this episode of The Collective, we’re joined by Dr. Kate Pate, Alana Stott, and Pat Miller for a powerful conversation about masculinity in modern society—its roots, its pressures, and its potential.Dr. Kate Pate is a neurophysiologist and advocate for veteran wellness who brings scientific and psychological insight into how masculine identity is shaped.Alana Stott, a philanthropist, author, and global security advocate, offers a direct yet compassionate perspective on how women can challenge, support, and redefine masculinity alongside men.Pat Miller, a former Canadian Special Operator, now photographer and film armourer, brings personal experience from a life of quiet strength, discipline, and introspection.In this episode, we explore:– How masculinity is shaped by culture, biology, and experience– The line between traditional strength and emotional repression– What happens when men are denied the space to express vulnerability– And how we can move toward a healthier, more complete version of masculine identityThis isn’t about answers—it’s about better questions.Tune in and join the conversation.📌 Subscribe and follow for more grounded, thought-provoking conversations.#TheCollective #Masculinity #MentalHealth #VeteranVoices #MenAndMentalHealth #TheGoldmine

When everything else is stripped away—what do you still believe in?In one of our most powerful and introspective episodes to date, we explore faith—not as belief in something external, but as the internal force that keeps you moving forward when logic, strength, and certainty fall short.We’re joined by three men who’ve faced down chaos and come out the other side, still standing—and still believing:🎙 Sebastien Lavoie – Former RCMP ERT Team Leader & Sgt. Major, BJJ Black Belt, and Performance Coach🎙 Dr. Gino Collura – Professor of Neuroscience & Psychology, Author, and Expert in Human Behavior🎙 James Geering – Firefighter, Author, and Host of The Behind the Shield PodcastThis conversation is about the kind of faith that lives in action, in values, and in quiet perseverance. It’s about staying anchored when there’s nothing left to grip.In This Episode:✅ The unseen power that keeps people moving through adversity✅ What it means to trust in the process—even when it makes no sense✅ The role of internal belief in healing, leadership, and longevity✅ How experience, reflection, and hardship shape our sense of purpose✅ Building a foundation that can’t be shaken by circumstanceThis isn’t about dogma. It’s about identity. Integrity. And believing in something bigger—within.🔗 What’s your definition of faith? Share your thoughts in the comments.---📌 Stay Connected with The Collective🔔 Subscribe for real, unfiltered conversations every week📲 Follow us on Instagram @the_collective_ig #Faith #TheCollectivePodcast #SebLavoie #GinoCollura #JamesGeering #Resilience #Leadership #MentalToughness #BehindTheShield #GrowthMindset #PurposeDriven #Neuroscience