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 Bacharach & Hal David
About three weeks ago, my four-year-old, JouJou had her first ballet recital with North Vancouver’s stellar organization Pink Petal Ballet, designed less to teach young girls the perfect arabesque, and more to teach young girls concepts like self-love and kindness. The recital concluded with 300 young girls on stage singing in questionable harmony the classic lyrical genius of Burt Bacharach: “What the world needs now, is love sweet love,… it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.”
However, thanks to artistic visionaries and thought leaders like Wendy Williams-Watt who sees opportunity for beauty and self-expression all around her, the quantity of love shown and received and felt is growing exponentially around the world. Love for oneself, love for community, love for country, love for the planet. In fact, her most talked about project to date Big Love Ball now has a home on every continent globally. If you’re not familiar with Big Love Ball, it is the incarnation of the glue that holds societies, countries, and families together – the most powerful single-word in any language, love – written in simple type across the width of a ginormous 5-foot in diameter to be exact, inflatable ball. It’s been called inflatable sculpture; an enormous beach ball that says the one thing we most want to say and hear and feel. Love.
Wendy Williams-Watt is a neat person, and the reason this conversation is so important is two-fold. One, we talk about love. Why we’re so afraid to show it. What it feels like when we’re missing it. What it feels like when we’re in it. But, we also talk about what it means to not just have ideas – which, when you’re as creative a person as Wendy is, is kind of like breathing – but actually doing something about them. I say it all the time: “The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers, but most of all, the world needs dreamers who do.” Wendy is a dreamer who does, and this episode is an invitation to you too, to be a dreamer who does. Small admin note: I typically credit that quote as having come from Eleanor Roosevelt, but alas, I went to verify it the other day and I learned it was Sarah Ban Breathnach, writer of Simple Abundance.
For years, Wendy was respected in the city of Vancouver for her role concepting and operating the go-to lifestyle destination shop called Liberty – it was a place to go and just lose yourself in the awe of the finely curated pieces. The energy in that space for me, nearly 20 years ago, as a junior copywriter just starting out and living across the street from it, was the feeling of “one day…” It was like walking into a dream. When Wendy transitioned from being the décor expert, the entrepreneur with the thriving enterprise, she experienced an epiphany one day when the battery of her mouse died and she saw the words: “connection lost” across her screen. Her daughter had just moved out, a relationship had come to an end, and Wendy realized she had too much stuff and not enough love and people. She let herself walk through the pain and the loneliness and when she came out on the other side, a whole new articulation of love waited for her on the other side. If you have not seen Big Love Ball, and Wendy’s other love-enhancing, love-expressing projects like Pink Ring and Writing on Ribs, please – no, really, please – check out MJDionne.com and check out the podcaster tab. You need to see this work.
I hate to say it, but I’m going to anyway. There is perhaps an underlying feeling that to talk about love is a “female” thing to do. That it’s somehow not cool for guys to engage in dialogue this potentially vulnerable in nature. Which is why, I invite you all to tune in – love is as universal as it gets. And this is a talk for us all. In this time of a particular president talking about walls, and travel bans, and pulling out of the Paris Climate Change Agreement, and we have fear in London in light of last week’s London Bridge attack, and in Manchester after the Ariana Grande concert terror attack, what the world needs now, is love sweet love. Wendy talks about what it was like touring the Fire Halls around ground zero on the anniversary of 9/11 last year, and the reaction of these big, burly men – as soon as they saw Big Love Ball, it became an invitation to talk and connect and share. When they brought Big Love Ball to ground zero and invited people to pen a loving note on the ball itself, Wendy describes this feeling of eutopia – love doesn’t see religion, gender, nationality.
She was back in New York this week, with her latest project, Big Love Button as seen on Good Morning America – congrats to you on that, sister.
How you can learn more: wendywilliamswatt.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.