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