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?’ It is our job to say ‘yes!’” —anonymous
A few years ago, a friend of mine made me a mixed CD. One of the songs was Snow Patrol’s “Just Say Yes”, and it resonated the most for me on that playlist.
“Just say yes. Just say there’s nothing holding you back.”
We are so conditioned, as planners, and as a Type A list-makers, and as do-ers with goals and full daytimers, to say “no” when something we hadn’t necessarily seen coming is presented to us. If it is going to require exertion we hadn’t planned on having to exert, or thinking we hadn’t planned on having to think, or making plans we hadn’t planned on having to plan, we say “no”. We come up with reasons why it won’t work or why we can’t.
I’m not talking about having the ability to avoid biting off more than we can chew. When you say no to things that do not serve you, when you say no to that which depletes you, that is a whole other story. That is to be commended.
I am talking about having an ear that is so finely tuned it can tell when the sound you hear is opportunity knocking, and the time to answer the knock with a “yes!” and not a “no” is now. Because sometimes that happens – sometimes something so big, so exciting, so ginormous lands in our laps, only we’re too caught up in the weeds to notice the potential for the blossoms. We say: Oh, how can I possibly squeeze that in?! How can I possibly go along with that?! How can I possibly, with all I have going on right now, make room for that?!
Our job, however, as they say, is not to ask “how?” our job is to say “yes”.
Like Snow Patrol. Just say yes, just say there’s nothing holding you back.
So, when a dear friend of mine, called me on the weekend and spontaneously let me know of an opportunity that had presented itself, my first reaction — on a visceral, gut level — was to think “no, this isn’t the right time for me.”
That opportunity? Well, due to the last minute cancelation of a fellow participant, one spot had become available for one person to join a group of approximately 20 entrepreneurs and thought leaders for a week of big thinking and unforgettable life experiences on Sir Richard Branson’s private estate, Necker Island. Did I want the spot, she asked me? If I did, she would put my name forward to the decision makers, but I needed to act fast.
When I talked about it with Chad, and we quickly identified the logistics of what we’d need to solve for me to take off to an exclusive and remote locale in the British Virgin Islands, Chad said something that changed it all for me. Knowing that I’d love to do a trip of this nature “someday”, he said: “Jo, you’re not getting any younger.”
Ugh.
Now – I know for a fact he didn’t mean it in a derogatory way. Neither of us begrudges or bemoans the aging process, it’s a privilege denied to many. But he meant it in a way to remind me that time is finite. Maria Beyon Ray says: “Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in an eternity. We have only this moment. Sparkling like a star in our hand. And melting like a snowflake.”
So, in just a few weeks, I’ll be boarding a plane to Dallas, and from there, one to San Juan, and from there one to Tortola, and from there, a small boat will zip me through the Caribbean Sea to Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island, where for one week, I will be surrounded by a group of the most formidable do’ers and dreamers: The change makers and rule breakers and forward thinkers – those people who know what the German poet Goethe said is all too true: “Anything you believe or think you can, do it. Boldness has genius, magic and power in it.”
So, this weekend, one a weekend equated with rebirth for so many, Easter Weekend, no less. I made like Snow Patrol, and I just said yes. Because there’s nothing holding me back.
How you can learn more: Just say “yes!”
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.