Your host: Mary-Jo Dionne, Podcaster/Writer/Speaker.
Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House.
What we cover: “The cave you fear to enter, is the one that holds the treasure.” —Joseph Campbell
A few years ago, Chad and I were with another couple at the Vancouver attraction called Playland. We were in our ‘20s and we thought that going on the famously rickety old roller coaster would be a good idea. And it was,… until, about 90% of the way through the ride, the engine — or whatever it is that lies at the heart of a roller coaster’s propulsion — broke down, and we were essentially stranded on the tracks. If I had to estimate today, I’m pretty sure we were only there for about 10 minutes or so. And thankfully, we were right-side up, and not suspended, head-down in some sort of horrible inversion when this happened. Nonetheless, I suffered a debilitating panic attack.
In that moment, everything for me changed. I went from being the kind of person who felt completely free to try anything and do anything, to the kind of person who first needed to consider how long I might be in an enclosed space without the ability to take my exit at a time of my own choosing. Because what happened on the roller coaster turned out not to be a one-off. Rather it would be the first in a long-line of what I can only call panic attacks, because I’ve never figured out what else to call them.
What I have endured all these years, isn’t claustrophobia, per say. If I am in a small space and know I can come and go as I please, there’s no anxiety. If I’m in the same small space and someone else is left to decide when I can leave – it’s a significantly different outcome. I have an irrational fear of being “stuck”.
Last week, when Chad and I were in Mexico, we made the decision to experience what is called a Temazcal; a beautiful and ancient spiritual ceremony conducted by a shaman in a sweat lodge type environment. A Temazcal is meant as a purification process: Purify the body, purify the mind, purify the soul. The Temazcal is essentially a cave – it’s like a circular dome – and hot volcanic rocks are placed in the centre with participants seated around the rocks. Leading up to the ceremony, in my mind, I was sort of prepared for a 90-minute sauna, perched above the ocean, on a backdrop of native Mexican drumming. When we arrived, I casually mentioned to the shaman that I certainly meant no disrespect but I might need to come and go a few times throughout the ceremony, if I were to experience any panic.
This woman, who exuded all the calm and wisdom of the ages, gently and lovingly and firmly explained to me that what we were about to experience was a very intricately designed healing ritual. It was important for me to feel and acknowledge the negative emotions, not to run from them. When I run, I give those feelings permission to return. In short, in many ways, she was inviting me to stare my panic down. I trusted her – nothing about this setting was physically unsafe. The Temazcal was expertly constructed, this wasn’t just some makeshift structure sort of thrown together at a whim – for all intents and purposes, it was a miniature church — and the heat itself would not be unbearable. The only obstacle I might face would be the darkness of my own mind.
And sure enough, there it was. As soon as the doors closed – that awful wave of dread. The thought of sitting there for 90-minutes in the pitch black, unable to leave was too much. In the quiet, before the ceremony even began, I said: “I’m so sorry, I can’t do this. I have to leave.” And while I most assuredly could have, I wasn’t being held against my will, and there were no locks on the doors, she instead invited me to stay: “Breathe through what you’re feeling. Inhale and exhale. Focus on your breath. And remember,” she said: “Fuerza! Fuerza! Fuerza!” Strength, strength, strength.
Every once in a while, the perspective shift hits when we least expect it to and when we most need it to by a trigger we just didn’t see coming. For me it was “Fuerza! Fuerza! Fuerza!” Suddenly I was in a staring contest with this monster that I had allowed to follow me for the last 18 years, and I knew I was going to win.
Strength, strength, strength…
Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out.
Joseph Campbell said: “The cave we fear to enter is the one that holds the treasure.” And here I was, not in a figurative cave, but in a literal one, experiencing a miraculous shift from the height of anxiety to the height of euphoria.
How you can learn more: haciendaencantada.com
Episode 071: Dr. Russ Kennedy — The Anxiety MD
What we cover: “In this moment, we are safe.” —Dr. Russ Kennedy
Episode 070: Stacey Shand — Ultra-distance athlete and adventurer
What we cover: “I took the road less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.” —Robert
Episode 069: Kevin Reynolds — Olympic Figure Skater
What we cover: “Take the past for what it is. And then, focus on moving forward.” —Kevin
Episode 068: Sherry Strong — Chef, Nutritionist, Food Philosopher
What we cover: “Addiction is the body’s way of telling you that you’re not listening to your soul.” —Sherry Strong
Episode 067: Mary-Jo Dionne — writer/speaker/performer/podcaster
In the interest of full disclosure, I have been ridiculously spread thin – as we all can get from time to time – and completely run down, wrapping up deadlines before I shut the office down until the new year.
Episode 066: Anna Rice — Two-time Olympic badminton player
What we cover: “The most important things I’ve learned in life, I’ve learned on the badminton court.” —Anna Rice
Episode 65: Mary-Jo Dionne — Learning to let it go
What we cover: “You have to lose sight of the shore to discover new lands.” (paraphrased) —André Gide
Episode 064: Karin Fortin Jackson — Part Two (“After”) Triathlete / Weight loss success story
What we cover: “For temporary results, commit to temporary changes. For permanent results, commit to permanent ones.” —Karin Fortin
Episode 063: Karin Fortin Jackson — Triathlete / Weight loss success story (Part One: Before)
What we cover: “For temporary results, commit to temporary changes. For permanent results, commit to permanent ones.” —Karin Fortin Jackson, 3-time Ironman finisher, who lost 120 pounds
Episode 062: Rhian Wilkinson — Three-time Olympic Soccer Player
Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. What we cover: “If you want something badly enough, you don’t make sacrifices. You make choices.” —Rhian Wilkinson […]
Episode 061: Mike Shaw — Freestyle Skier, Coach, Entrepreneur, Speaker
Tea of choice: We opted for Vega shakes instead! What we cover: “Boom! Gratitude.” —Mike Shaw This week’s Guest Titan – Mike Shaw — is […]
Episode 060: Terri Tatchell — Oscar-nominated screenwriter
What we cover: Reinvention. I have been calling myself a writer since I was 5 years old. I’ve had a fun and memorable career as […]
Episode 059: Jeff Symonds — Professional Triathlete (mini-episode)
Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. This is a mini-episode. Just a wee one. It’s sort of Part Two in my chat with the […]
Episode 058: Jeff Symonds — Professional triathlete
Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. What we cover: “A diamond is a lump of coal that did well under pressure.” —Henry Kissinger This […]
Episode 057: Teryl Rothery — Actor, Stargate SG-1, Cedar Cove, Best in Show, The Good Doctor
Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. What we cover: “A fall doesn’t have to be perceived as a fall. It can be a trip. […]
Episode 056: Mary-Jo Dionne — host, Tea with a Titan
Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. What we cover: “Where will we be 5 years from today?” Welcome to Season #2 of Tea with […]
Episode 055: Pamela Martin — Broadcasting icon and philanthropist
Guest Titan: Pamela Martin, Broadcasting icon/philanthropist. Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. What we cover: “Do not go where the path may lead. Go […]
Episode 054: Wendy Williams-Watt — Activist / Artist / Designer
Guest Titan: Wendy Williams-Watt, Activist/Artist/Designer. Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. What we cover: “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.” —Burt […]
Episode 053: Mary-Jo Dionne — host, Tea with a Titan
Guest Titan: Mary-Jo Dionne, Walking through the discomfort. Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. What we cover: “We can’t go over it, we can’t […]
Episode 52: George Shapiro — Legendary Hollywood Manager and Executive Producer of Seinfeld
We talk: Jerry Seinfeld, Andy Kaufman, Elvis Presley, and the importance of bombing on stage. (And really, in life.)
Episode 51: Ashley Wiles — Brooks Running 2016 Inspiring Coach of the Year
Guest Titan: Ashley Wiles, Brooks Inspiring Coach of the Year. Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. What we cover: “What the mind of man […]
Episode 050: Elle Wild — Award-winning novelist
Guest Titan: Elle Wild, Award-winning novelist. Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. What we cover: “Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail […]
Episode 049: Matt Hill — Run for One Planet, runner and environmentalist
Guest Titan: Matt Hill, Run for One Planet. Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. What we cover: “Just take one small step — every […]
Episode 048: Gary Robbins — Ultra-runner, The Barkley Marathons
Guest Titan: Gary Robbins, Ultra-runner: The Barkley Marathons. Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. What we cover: “You can do this. You will do […]
Episode 047: Jennifer Heil — Three-time Olympic skier
Guest Titan: Jennifer Heil, Three-time Olympic skier. Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. What we cover: “Everything is perspective.” —Jennifer Heil A few months […]
Episode 046: Mary-Jo Dionne — host, Tea with a Titan
Your host: Mary-Jo Dionne, Just say “yes!” Tea of choice: Vancouver’s Steam Tea House. What we cover: “It is not our job to ask ‘how?’ […]
Episode 045: Mary-Jo Dionne — host, Tea with a Titan
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 044: Nancy Johnston — Entrepreneur, Founder/CEO of Tengri
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 043: Melissa Haynes — Author / Adventurer
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 042: Shaun Frankson — Social Entrepreneur, Co-Founder The Plastic Bank
What we cover: To say that guest titan Shaun Frankson and his business partner David Katz are thought-leaders would likely be one of the bigger understatements of our time.
Episode 041: Jacqueline Way — Philanthropist, Founder of 365give
Guest Titan: Jacqueline Way, Philanthropist, Founder of 365give. Tea of choice: Steam Tea’s Earl Grey Lavender What we cover: “If we all create a daily […]
Episode 40: Jody Vance — TV and Radio broadcaster
Guest Titan: Jody Vance, TV and Radio Broadcaster. Tea of choice: Steam Tea’s Earl Grey Lavender What we cover: “No matter what happens, I have […]
Episode 039 Part Three: Brent Johnson — football star (and still all-round great guy)
Guest Titan: Brent Johnson, football star (and all-round great guy). Tea of choice: Steam Tea’s Steam Tea Nuts and Spice What we cover: “You cannot […]
Episode 038 Part Two: Brent Johnson — football star (and still all-round great guy) DETAILS
Guest Titan: Brent Johnson, football star (and all-round great guy). Tea of choice: Steam Tea’s Steam Tea Nuts and Spice What we cover: “You cannot […]
Episode 037 Part One: Brent Johnson — football legend (and all-round great guy)
Guest Titan: Brent Johnson, football star (and all-round great guy). Tea of choice: Steam Tea’s Steam Tea Nuts and Spice What we cover: “You cannot […]
Episode 036: Betty Jean McHugh — 89-year-old world record marathoner
Guest Titan: Betty Jean McHugh, 89-year-old world record marathon runner. Tea of choice: Steam Tea What we cover: “Don’t let age get in your way.” […]
Episode 035: Krista Guloien — Olympic rower, speaker, and author
Guest Titan: Krista Guloien, Olympic rower and author. Tea of choice: Steam Tea’s Organic Earl Grey Lavender What we cover: In the seven months that […]
Episode 034: Michelle Tremblay — black belt and empowerment advocate
Guest Titan: Michelle Tremblay, 2nd degree black belt and empowerment advocate. Tea of choice: Steam Tea’s Liquid Sunshine What we cover: “Our deepest fear is […]
Episode 033: Natasha Wodak — Olympic runner
Guest Titan: Natasha Wodak, Olympic runner. Tea of choice: Steam Tea’s Organic Earl Grey Lavender What we cover: For those of us who watched the […]
Episode 032: Roy McBeth — elite cyclist and triathlete and organ donor advocate
Guest Titan: Roy McBeth, elite cyclist and triathlete and organ donor advocate. Tea of choice: Steam Tea’s Cherry Kyoto Rose Green Tea What we cover: […]
Episode 031: Liz Rose — 2nd youngest Canadian to summit Mt Everest
Guest Titan: Liz Rose, 25-yr-old climber who summited Mount Everest. Tea of choice: Steam Tea’s Liquid sunshine What we cover: On May 23rd, 2016, Liz […]
Episode 30: Jenn Dawkins, firefighter, philanthropist, mentor, ultra-athlete, dog-mom
Guest Titan: Jenn Dawkins, firefighter, philanthropist, mentor, ultra-athlete, dog-mom. Tea of choice: Steam Tea’s Liquid sunshine What we cover: What’s it like to transform from […]
Episode 29: Chad Bentley, Ultraman World Championships finisher, founder of “Plants. Life. Sports.” coaching (Part 2)
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 28: Chad Bentley, Ultraman World Championships finisher, founder of “Plants. Life. Sports.” coaching (Part 1)
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 27: Annie Wood, actor (Good Luck Chuck, My Sister’s Keeper), writer, mindfulness enthusiast
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 26: Jillian Murray, Actor on CBS’s Code Black (and Dean Geyer of Australian Idol, Glee, and Shades of Blue)
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 25: Jen Grisanti, Story Consultant/Writing Instructor for NBC/Author/International Speaker
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 24: Autumn Reeser, Actor (The OC, Entourage, Hawaii Five-O, Sully, The Arrangement)
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 23: Peter Arpesella, Actor/Writer
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 22: Morgan Brayton, Actor/Comedian/Writer/Producer/TV Personality/Kitten Rescuer
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 21: Kathy Barnard, Melanoma Survivor and Advocate
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 020: Ray Zahab — Extreme Adventure Runner
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 019: Gina Mollicone-Long — Author / Speaker / Peak Performance Coach
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 018 Darrell Fox — Brother of Terry Fox / Cancer Crusader
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 017: Ferg Hawke — Decorated ultra-marathoner
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 016: Sister Madonna Buder — The Iron Nun
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 015: Tanner Gers — USA Paralympian/speaker/author/entrepreneur
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 014: Lex Gillette — Four-time USA Paralympian
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 013: Steve King — Legendary events announcer and ultra-athlete
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 012: Lynn Kanuka — Two-time Olympic runner
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 011: Silken Laumann — Four-time Olympic rower
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 010: Mark Hatton — Two-time Olympic luge racer
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 009: Nikola Girke — Four-time Olympian
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 008: Anthony Lemke — Actor and humanitarian
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 007: Matt Hill — Actor, speaker, runner
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 6: Susanne Biro, Leadership Coach, author, and vegan
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 5: Mercedes Nicoll, Three-time Olympic snowboarder
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 4: Ab McDonald, Original Six Hockey Legend
Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Original Six NHL Hockey legend, Ab McDonald shares insights about what separates the good from the great.
Episode 3: Danielle Krysa, The Jealous Curator
Former advertising Creative Director Danielle Krysa transformed her one-time debilitating jealousy for other artists into one of the world’s most revered art blogs, TheJealousCurator.com.
Episode 2: Amber Fares, filmmaker
Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Amber Fares, discusses her decision to depart her career in advertising and pursue unknown territory — all with a camera strapped around her neck.
Episode 1: Mary-Jo Dionne, your host
Well, it’s not so much as a discussion, really. Writer/speaker/performer and seasoned interview-buff Mary-Jo Dionne welcomes you to the launch of the new podcast Tea with a Titan.