Awaken The Awesome

© John Remus III (www.johnremus.com) - All Rights Reserved You have time for what you make time for in this world. Life happens but at the end of the day, whether it's the job, the gym , that book you've been meaning to finish, or somebody you haven't gotten in touch with for a while...you eventually have to admit that it'll never happen unless you make it happen. It's nice to catch up and if the next conversation has revealed anything, it's that my friend and mentor, Minneapolis-based, caffeine-fueled, 20+ yr photography veteran and all-around awesome personality David Esquire , of Esquire Photography ,  certainly had a lot to catch up on. Maybe it had to do with the fact that we hadn't had recorded an episode together in over 3-count'em- YEARS!  ...maybe. It certainly was a fun time to reconnect with an old friend and fellow creative as we touched on so much from photography, to personal struggles, to looking towards the New Year to ...

© Claude Bélanger (www.claude-belanger.com) - All Rights Reserved I've always been big on the importance of physical activity. In a not too distant future, I'll be hitting 40 and if there's anything these two minions that bear my name have convinced me of, it's the fact that your body and its overall maintenance are and should remain a constant priority. Funny thing about fitness that I've learned throughout the years - it's personal. There is no ONE formula and what works for you is not always the best option for someone else. Goals, schedule, personal commitment, medical history, immediate environment, social conditioning...take your pick - factors are a dime a dozen. Everyone has their own journey. Any my next guest is an honest testament to that simple fact. Bodybuilder, trainer, entrepreneur and all around awesome individual, Lemar Martin always stood out as a man of great character and a kind heart from the first time I met him back in a past life...

This one hits in some pretty uncomfortable places. It's been a long time coming since I said I'd do some sort of mental health/stress-anxiety-depression type of episode but I was never too sure how to frame it or how to get myself out of the bashfulness of sharing my personal struggle. Admission of full honesty right now as I don't really know how to preface this one other than to warn you that a few curse words have made their way into it. Aside from that, I found it truly mattered to keep the conversation going in regards to pulling as much of the veil off the often-overlooked emotional and psychological struggles that we go through on a regular basis, especially men. A rather choppy and chaotic reflection on myself but a satisfied look on my face as it reminds me that, even though I still have work to do, I'm doing a lot better than I used to. And that's Awesome. You can download the MP3 for this episode by right-clicking here and choosing...

A surprising and heartwarming story of how colleagues ... are not JUST colleagues. Sometimes, in the midst of the daily grind, we tend to take for granted the singular value of working alongside a really great and group of people. While the job might seem overwhelming at times, having the privilege top be surrounded by individuals whose presence helps you plow through is a terrific feeling.  You can download the MP3 for this episode by right-clicking here and choosing "Save As" Stay up to date - Subscribe to the podcast ( RSS ) ( iTunes ) ( Google Play ) and get the latest episodes as soon they're published.  Remember to leave a comment and let us know how we're doing. Either on the blog of via email : awakentheawesome [at] gmail [dot] com #StayAwesome

It's a wild ride and a treat and to make these episodes and create this podcast. It is. Bar none. I'm having fun. I'm proud of the work that's come out so far. Making mistakes, taking notes, trying new things, forging on as I - pardon the cliché - keep trying to "Do better. Everyday." ...but this is another level of Awesome right here. Had to check...double-check...and check some more...but it's true : this podcast is officially available on the iTunes and Google Play platforms (as well as many of the other fine repositories, apps where you happen to get your podcast fix.) 12 episodes down so far, and I'm so very humble and thankful to all - family, friends, esteemed guests, supporters, listeners - for the feedback, encouragement, critique and involvement.  Every listen, every download, every click - it MATTERS so much. I'm humbled. So, this is just another awesome step in a great adventure. Hope you...

In an active effort to pay attention and remain cautious of my workaholic tendencies, trying to take on as many projects as my mind  can wrangle, I've become increasingly curious about the concept of Mindfulness. More specifically through the practice of meditation and Yoga. It gets thrown around a lot and there more than a few resources to go around in regards to demystifying the whole thing and getting one's feet wet. I, however, never mind keeing things close to the chest, or in this case, in the family. Jessica Cantave has been an avid practitioner of Yoga for many years now and her dedication has yet to slow down. She was definitely a worthy source of both valuable and legitimate experience that I was more than happy to tap into with my always naive and curious self. An honest and heartfelt exchange, with a surprising exercise in Stillness directed at yours truly, Jessica's insight and enlightened being made this a conversation to remember. You c...

Another piece of nostalgia where humility and gratitude are the ever present gifts of wisdom and resilience. Let's just say that this recording made laugh, cringe, smirk and thank the Heavens - have a listen, I think you'll agree. You can download the MP3 for this episode by  right-clicking here  and choosing "Save As" Stay up to date - Subscribe to the podcast ( RSS ) and get the latest episodes as soon they're published. Remember to leave a comment and let us know how we're doing. Either on the blog of via email : awakentheawesome [at] gmail [dot] com #StayAwesome

Ho Boy! We picked a doozie this time. Ethics in Photojournalism...Sounds simple enough, doesn't it? Where does one you start? From the moral standards to be upheld by publications, to the expectation of Truth, to the every increasing pressure to make your photos stand out while adhering to more rigorous standards... We dive in and we dive deep. As always, on this "Roundtable" Photo Friday episode, I am joined 2 of my 3 trusted advisors and fellow enthusiasts, namely Vivardy Boursiquot and Dimitri Rousseau (* Koralie Woodward could not join us this time around) as we attempt to throw our humble yet enthusiastic hats into the ring and try our luck at taming this impressive beast of a subject in our own curious way. You can connect with Dimitri via his Instagram . You can connect with Vivardy via his website or Instagram as well. You can download the MP3 for this episode by right-clicking here and choosing "Save As" **Some resources and sho...

  A quick solo rapid-fire episode. Just reflecting on how little acts of kindness should not be an effort. You can download the MP3 for this episode by right-clicking here and choosing "Save As" Stay up to date - Subscribe to the podcast ( RSS ) and get the latest episodes as soon they're published. Remember to leave a comment and let us know how we're doing. Either on the blog of via email : awakentheawesome [at] gmail [dot] com #StayAwesome

Curve-ball...Setback...Call it what you want - I'm well aware that this thing called Life is riddled with events that fall under the umbrella 'unpredictable'. However, when you come across an unforeseen circumstance that throws you for a loop you didn't see coming, let's agree there a very few reasons to sugarcoat it : it just sucks. On this very candid and no less personal episode, I welcome back the charming and undaunted Stephanie Delpe (IG: @justme_smd ) who, in her own words, fought against the natural instinct to shutdown and close off, and instead, show a tremendous example of vulnerability and transparency. We touch on the wisdom brought on by perspective, the importance of humility, reflect on our personal choices...and a heck of a lot more. Here's to new new chapters, and looking ahead, heads high. You can connect with Stephanie via her blog or show some love and follow her on Instagram and/or Facebook You can download the MP3 for ...

A little trip down nostalgia road and a short rapid-fire version of the story of a very impactful day in me & my siblings' young lives that still resonates with me to this day, both as a parent and as a person. You can download the MP3 for this episode by  right-clicking here  and choosing "Save As" Stay up to date - Subscribe to the podcast and get the latest episodes as soon they're published. ( RSS ) ( Apple Podcasts ) ( Google Podcasts )  ( Spotify )   ( T uneIn )   ( Stitcher ) If you just happen to find some kind of personal truth in this little trip, feel free to share. Would love to hear from you : awakentheawesome [at] gmail [dot] com Remember to leave a comment and let us know how we're doing. #StayAwesome

Don't you just love it when a good wholesome, unplanned, unrehearsed, unscripted, unfiltered and honest conversation just flows smoothly and takes on a life of its own? I do. Hadn't done a Photography-centered recording in a while so it was really nice of my friend and creative compadre, Vivardy Boursiquot, to stop by and chime on a couple of items that we just threw out onto the proverbial whiteboard and just ran with. What transpired was a truly fun and engaging exchange of ideas and perspectives which are always a blast if you ask me. From the subject of ethics in photography, to an open overview of Vivardy's new website, to the relevance on online critiques...we pretty much let loose on this one - and it's a gem of a good one. You can connect with Vivardy via his website for business and related inquiries. You can also follow his Social Media updates via Instagram and/or Facebook. You can download the MP3 for this episode by  right-clicking he...

© Donell Woodson (http://www.dwoodsonphotography.com) - All Rights Reserved When you have the opportunity to connect with a kindred spirit, you do not brush it off. I believe that not every person we meet along our ongoing path of Awesomeness is meant to stay there. But there is certainly a great deal of worthy and enriching connections and friendships to be made and embraced along the way.  [*Note - I'll definitely do an episode on the topic of toxic relationships as it's certainly something I want to touch on] On this episode of the Awaken The Awesome podcast , I welcome Stephanie Delpe , New York-born Fashion & Lifestyle blogger, and a woman of many of many singular accomplishments, who got on my radar recently following a recent post that really got me thinking.  See, as much as we talk about 'equality' and not dismissing the many victories that have happened over the course of our history as human beings, I do believe there are some things that M...

This one was a long time coming. You try to align the planets and the respective agendas and, with patience and commitment, come out the other end with a really fun conversation that basically took on a life of its own. My thanks to the one they call Stéphane Bazin for his time and insight throughout this wonderful exchange. Photographer , podcaster , entrepreneur, teacher... you can keep in touch with Stéphane's many ventures via the following links... Twitter : ( 1 ) ( 2 ) / Instagram : ( 1 ) ( 2 ) / Facebook : ( 1 ) ( 2 ) I do hope you enjoy this conversation as we've enjoyed bringing it to you. You can download the MP3 for this episode by  right-clicking here  and choosing "Save As" Stay up to date - Subscribe to the podcast and get the latest episodes as soon they're published. ( RSS ) ( Apple Podcasts ) ( Google Podcasts )  ( Spotify )   ( T uneIn )   ( Stitcher ) Remember to leave a comment and let u...

File this under the "random" file but that's usually how these little reflections of mine happen. I was watching this short documentary on the pervasiveness of apps (read: mobile applications) in our daily lives and, even though the report was a tad bit dated, it still caught my attention as I had to compare how things had not only worsened but also the incredibly short time in which this shift had happened. But I digress - put aside the report, one app caught my eye, as it was brought up as an umpteenth example of how we use apps for pretty much anything and how the coin phrase "there's an app for that" rang ever so true. The app was "Note To God" and it'ls official description is available as follows: " Note to God allows the user to enter a personal note to God. The app is non-denominational and is meant to allow anyone with any belief to communicate with his or her own higher power. In many religions, the act of writing ...