The RebelRebel Podcast

Michael Dean Dargie
  • 5.0 (16)
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The RebelRebel Podcast is a regular dive into the hearts and minds of creative rebels and entrepreneurs who are making the world a better and more interesting place—it's a love letter to everyone who thinks audaciously and acts courageously in service to their passion and purpose—ikigai. 2023 CANADIAN PODCAST AWARDS NOMINATION Outstanding Business Series 2021 CANADIAN PODCAST AWARDS NOMINATION Outstanding Business Series 2020 CANADIAN PODCAST AWARDS NOMINATION Outstanding Business Series 2019 CANADIAN PODCAST AWARDS NOMINATIONS Best Host | Outstanding Business Podcast | Outstanding Title Theme | Outstanding Original Music Hosted by Michael Dean Dargie | MichaelDargie.com Produced by Make More Creative | MakeMoreCreative.com

  1. Mr. Incredible's Business Case for Boldness with Robert Schmidt

    13H AGO

    Mr. Incredible's Business Case for Boldness with Robert Schmidt

    "Awesome hides on the other side of fear." In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with Robert Schmidt—brand strategist, educator, and senior skydiving instructor based in Calgary, Alberta. Robert runs a national brand strategy firm called Box, where he helps organizations figure out who they are, what they stand for, and how to connect with the people that matter most. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Robert's superpower? Helping brands be something for someone—not everything to everyone. He shares the importance of finding your unique point of view, creating internal alignment, and building brand from the inside out. With clients across Canada and team members as far away as Beirut, Robert's work is as global as it is grounded. They talk about how COVID reshaped his business, why teaching adult learners lights him up, and how skydiving became both a metaphor and a mindset. With over 1,000 jumps under his belt—including future plans to jump over the pyramids of Giza—Robert explains why fear is often the final gate before true awesomeness. They also cover his upcoming book about why brand deserves a permanent seat in the boardroom, and the 700% ROI some of his clients have seen from brand investments. His advice to rebels in waiting? Be awesome. Make the choice, take the leap, and be something for someone—not everything to everyone. Quoteable Quotes "Awesome hides on the other side of fear."  "Be something for someone, not everything to everyone." "You can't climb a mountain all at once. But you can take the next step." "Your brand should have a seat at the boardroom table." "If you're not choosing awesome, what are you choosing?" Episode Highlights What He Actually Does | Brand strategy, storytelling, and adult education Remote Before It Was Cool | Selling the office and going national Skydiving Instructor | 1,000+ jumps and a love of wingsuits Future Plans | Jumping over the pyramids of Giza from a C-130 Teaching Style | Creating "aha" moments for grown-ups From Science to Strategy | His path from microbiology to marketing The Book | Arguing for brand at the boardroom table People First | Why human connection matters more than ever The Restaurant Test | Ask them what they would eat Hot Enough to Break Your Nose | A taco story for the ages Advice to Rebels | Choose awesome. Be real. Take the leap. Links From Episode We Are Box Website (https://wearerebox.com)  Robert on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandingstrategist/) Robert on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/robert.schmidt.7374) About the Host of The RebelRebel Learn more about Michael Dargie, his book on branding, and cool tools he built at https://MichaelDargie.com

    34 min
  2. The Biker's Voice Goes Global with India Hayes

    1D AGO

    The Biker's Voice Goes Global with India Hayes

    In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with India Hayes, founder of Bikers Hangout—a grassroots global movement for motorcycle riders. Broadcasting from Warrington, England, India shares how her idea to connect riders around the world began in a hospital while recovering from pneumonia. Frustrated by the lack of an international biker network, she started a Facebook group. That seed grew into Bikers Hangout, a multimedia platform complete with its own radio station, live shows, club directory, and growing global partnerships. India opens up about riding through personal health struggles, including kidney failure and spinal issues, and how building Bikers Hangout gave her focus and something to live for. From her first illegally rebuilt TS125 to launching shows across the UK, US, and beyond, India's journey is powered by persistence and love for the biking community. She also talks about the importance of giving back, connecting small service businesses to riders, and using the platform to support organizations like Blood Bikes. With plans to tour more, build out the global club directory, and collaborate with TV hosts and major cargo networks, India shows what's possible when you follow your calling—even if the road is bumpy. Her advice to rebels in waiting? Be patient, be relentless, and get out into the world. "You have one life, and that life is soon gone. So just do it. Give it 100%." Quoteable Quotes "You have one life, and that life is soon gone. So just do it. Give it 100%." "There wasn't a global bikers platform—so I built one." "It's quite an emotional connection you have with a motorcycle… you are at one." "Sometimes you've got to stop and show them how it's done." "Every day is a new day. I've got stuff to do." Episode Highlights The First Ride | Rebuilding a bike from boxes at 13 From Facebook to Global | How Bikers Hangout was born in a hospital bed Radio for Riders | Starting a biker-run global radio station Riding Through It | How India built a business while battling chronic illness Going Worldwide | 200+ clubs in the directory (and growing) Community, Not Commerce | Why they never charge the clubs The Real Ones | Featuring underground mechanics and unlisted legends Building for Others | Helping Blood Bikes generate income through partnerships The Long Game | Plans for tours, collaborations, and more shows Advice to Rebels | Patience, persistence, and putting in the work Links From Episode Bikers Hangout Website (https://www.bikershangout.co.uk/) India on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/india-hayes-703ba01a/) India on Threads (https://www.threads.com/@bikershangout2019?xmt=AQF0TSiYBpXGOo9tddkzVQkU5unVaotSI1bI3Q4RCUpr-50) India on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@indiahayes666) --------- About the Host of The RebelRebel Learn more about Michael Dargie, his book on branding, and cool tools he built at https://MichaelDargie.com

    34 min
  3. From Academia to Identity with David Mendes

    FEB 10

    From Academia to Identity with David Mendes

    "Sometimes just doing more is not the solution." In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with David Mendes, a bilingual podcaster, medical writer, and creator of Papa PhD. Originally from Portugal, raised in Belgium, and now based in Montreal, David shares his journey through academia, translation, and eventually podcasting as a form of rebellion and reinvention. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. After completing his PhD in biology, David faced the all-too-familiar crossroads many graduate students encounter: a lack of academic jobs, identity loss, and the anxiety of "what now?" Instead of pushing harder on a path that didn't feel right, he started talking to other postgrads—scientists, entrepreneurs, creatives—about what came after their degrees. Those conversations became Papa PhD, a podcast now more than 300 episodes strong. David opens up about the evolution of the show, from a passion project to a growing community of global listeners navigating career uncertainty. He shares how podcasting transformed his sense of self, taught him how to connect, and gave him the confidence to speak onstage. Along the way, they talk about creative rituals, the magic of sci-fi and philosophy, Portuguese comfort food, Japanese art, and the importance of laughing with other humans. David's insights on imposter syndrome, over-pedalling, and finding your own flavour of success are deeply honest and profoundly useful. His advice to rebels in waiting: don't compare, don't wait until you're "ready"—just get in the game. The world needs your version of the thing. Quoteable Quotes "Sometimes just doing more is not the solution." — David Mendes "You're depriving the world of your flavour of the thing." — David Mendes "It's the unknown that brings up imposter feelings." — David Mendes "The world needs more Rebecca, Rebecca." — Michael Dargie "Sometimes you've got to stop pedalling and look around." — David Mendes Episode Highlights Academic Reboot | Why David created Papa PhD for grad students From Language to Life Science | Medical writing and translation work Permission to Pivot | Letting go of the professor path Podcast Confidence | How speaking into a mic changed everything Science Meets Art | Supporting a PhD student's neuron-inspired paintings VIP Guest List | Who David dreams of getting on the podcast Slow Down | The over-pedalling analogy that explains burnout Food of Home | Portuguese codfish and egg tarts Cultural Curiosity | Why Japan and Bhutan top his travel list Advice to Rebels | Don't compare—do your version of the thing Imposter Syndrome | Talk to it, but don't let it drive Links From Episode Papa PhD Website (https://papaphd.com/) David on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmendesdasilva/) David on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PapaPhD) David on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/papaphdpodcast/) Threads (https://www.threads.com/@papaphdpodcast) X (https://x.com/PapaPhDPodcast) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

    42 min
  4. Prompt Like a Pro with Tris Hussey

    FEB 10

    Prompt Like a Pro with Tris Hussey

    "Curiosity is what keeps me moving forward." What happens when a former scientist becomes Canada's first pro blogger, publishes four books, and now builds custom AI marketing tools for fun? In this episode, I talk with Tris Hussey about curiosity, content, and building a life around technology that empowers people. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with Tris Hussey, a lifelong technologist, educator, author, and self-described curiosity-driven geek. Based in Chilliwack, BC, Tris has worn many hats: paleontology-obsessed kid, research scientist, blogger, podcaster, marketing strategist, university instructor, and now an AI-enabled marketer. Tris shares how his career evolved from studying fossilized pollen and running labs at Duke University, to becoming Canada's first professional blogger in 2003. He eventually authored four books—including WordPress Absolute Beginner's Guide—and made it his mission to democratize technology for everyone. He opens up about the joy of teaching, writing overly long prompts, and helping small businesses understand and use AI without fear. He calls it "vibe coding"—rapid prototyping powered by curiosity. Tris doesn't just talk tech; he lives it. From building tools with his 10-year-old daughter to analyzing podcast data with custom Python scripts, he's all in. The conversation moves from page builders and WordPress bloat to LEGO, Solitaire, and building a substack called "Generally AI." Through it all, Tris keeps coming back to one idea: learning is the most important skill we've got—and it's never too late to start. His advice for rebels in waiting? Stay curious. Stay learning. And if you don't know how to do something, just ask one question at a time. Quoteable Quotes "Everyone should be able to use technology. It shouldn't be hard." — Tris Hussey "If you want better prompts, have the AI write your prompt for you." — Tris Hussey "Just learn more." — Tris Hussey "Just fine doesn't have to be less than." — Michael Dargie "Curiosity is what keeps me moving forward." — Tris Hussey Episode Highlights Corn vs Tabor | Chilliwack pride and Bookman trivia Canada's First Blogger | From science to blogging in 2003 Pollen and Oil | His academic roots in palynology Lab Coats & Fume Hoods | Why he left research for tech Blogging for Business | Before content marketing was a thing Teaching Tech | Making tools accessible to everyone The Worst Book | Foursquare in 10 Minutes—glad it was paid up front Best Work | Democratizing WordPress for beginners AI Marketing | Solving brand and content problems with AI Vibe Coding | Building tools with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini Prompt Structure | RACE and Casino models for better AI output Learning by Challenge | Why problem-solving is his teaching method Solitaire & ADHD | How it helps him focus during calls LEGO & Cooking | What fills Tris's creative tank Teaching AI to Kids | Helping families learn AI the right way Advice to Rebels | Stay curious, ask questions, and just keep learning Links From Episode Tris Hussey Website (https://www.trishussey.com/) Tris on Facebook (https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishussey/) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

    34 min
  5. Neurodivergent by Design with Rebecca Prejean

    FEB 10

    Neurodivergent by Design with Rebecca Prejean

    In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with Rebecca Prejean, an artist, instructional designer, and fierce advocate for neurodivergent people in corporate learning. Based just outside Austin, Texas, Rebecca brings her lived experience as a mother of an autistic child into her work—designing training that's inclusive, accessible, and actually usable by everyone, especially folks with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. She shares the deeply personal story of her son's diagnosis, how doctors told her he would never walk or talk, and how that experience shaped everything that came after. From early struggles to find support and community, to recognizing the same barriers in adult workplaces, Rebecca's path became clear: build better systems that work for more people. They talk about art, chameleons, wild turkeys, cassette tapes, music as a sanctuary, and even egg carving (yes, really). Rebecca reveals her love of coloured pencils, her shifting subject matter—from jungle cats to intimate insects—and how those themes reflect her mission to uplift the unseen. The conversation gets into deep truths about dehumanization, systemic failure, and how families often carry the burden alone. Through it all, Rebecca is real, grounded, and wise beyond the algorithm. Her message to rebels in waiting: "The rebellion is never about you. You're doing it so that others can get the things they need." Her podcast The Quirk Factory is on its way—because the world needs more spaces where quirks don't just belong, they thrive. Quoteable Quotes "The rebellion is never about you." — Rebecca Prejean "We're all people first." — Rebecca Prejean "Even if I don't agree with someone, I should still see them as human." — Rebecca Prejean "The world needs more Rebecca, Rebecca." — Michael Dargie "Egg carving is a thing. And there's a whole expo." — Rebecca Prejean Episode Highlights People First | Designing corporate training for neurodivergent minds Parenting Changed Everything | From diagnosis to advocacy Built Different | Saying what she thought—even as a kid Art as Outlet | How pencils became her safe space From Surgeon to Storyteller | Why that career pivot happened Chameleons & Small Creatures | Drawing the intimate, overlooked animals Authenticity & Protection | Telling her family's story, with care Egg Carving | Yes. Emu eggs. With a Dremel. Musical Escapes | Cassette tapes, clarinet solos, and orchestral joy Travel as a Teacher | Why global perspective matters Launching a Podcast | The Quirk Factory is coming soon Advice to Rebels | It's not about you—it's about the people who need you Links From Episode Rebecca Prejean on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbprejean/) Website (https://www.ebgc.net/)

    31 min
  6. Life Lessons from the Arctic with Heather Thorkelson

    JAN 7

    Life Lessons from the Arctic with Heather Thorkelson

    "You don't need to know how—just know that it lights you up." What happens when a creative rebel says yes to a fluke invite to Antarctica? In this episode, I talk with Heather Thorkelson about wild pivots, polar travel, and building a business with impact. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In this episode, Michael Dargie speaks with Heather Thorkelson—entrepreneur, polar expedition guide, and founder of PolarTracks Expeditions. From growing up as a third-culture kid to building a pair of polar travel businesses, Heather's story is a blend of adventure, business smarts, and deeply human moments. Heather shares how a chance Facebook connection from a trip years earlier led to her first job in Antarctica—kicking off a career she never imagined. Today, she runs PolarTracks Expeditions, a boutique travel agency for Arctic and Antarctic cruises, and Minimal Impact Cruises, which is launching a cutting-edge, wind- and solar-powered expedition ship called the Captain Arctic. She talks about the magic of cold-water diving, the thrill of standing among 100,000 penguins, and the humbling vastness of the polar regions. Heather opens up about her unusual path, how growing up in a pilot's family shaped her curiosity, and the moment she received a mysterious "download" at the Penguin Post Office that told her she'd be back. The conversation covers everything from Swedish food and volcano hikes to near-death skydives and jellyfish orbs. At its heart, Heather's story is about saying yes, pivoting often, and trusting that the universe knows what it's doing—even when you don't. Her advice to rebels in waiting? If it lights you up, say yes. Don't cling to things that no longer serve you. Pivot often, stay curious, and go touch some damn grass. Quoteable Quotes "Nobody ever died from pivoting." — Heather Thorkelson "Kindness is everything. Not nice—kind." — Heather Thorkelson "Plot twist. Thanks, universe." — Michael Dargie "You don't need to know how—just know that it lights you up." — Heather Thorkelson "Touch grass. It's medicine." — Heather Thorkelson Episode Highlights The Arctic Life | Living near Gothenburg and chasing concerts in Copenhagen PolarTracks Expeditions | Building a polar travel company from scratch Captain Arctic | A silent, solar- and wind-powered ship for Arctic cruises Penguin Post Office | A download from the universe Saying Yes | Why her career was a total fluke Growing Up Abroad | Costa Rica, Japan, South Africa, and more Cow Sharks & Kelp Forests | Cold water scuba and surprise jellyfish Creative Curiosity | Pancakes, storytelling, and forest walks Rebel Advice | Pivot often, don't cling to what doesn't work What the World Should Know | Be kind and go outside Links From Episode Website (http://www.minimalimpactcruises.com/) Heather on Facebook (https://www.instagram.com/polartracksexpeditions/) Heather on Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/minimalimpactcruises/) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

    38 min
  7. Keep the Cocktail, Fix The Brand With Shawn Soole

    JAN 5

    Keep the Cocktail, Fix The Brand With Shawn Soole

    "I help people stop working in their business and start working on their business." In this episode, Michael Dargie chats with hospitality veteran and industry provocateur Shawn Soole. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Shawn has seen—and done—it all. From washing dishes at 13 in Australia to building bar programs, authoring books, consulting internationally, and running a podcast, his journey is nothing short of relentless. And that's exactly how he likes it. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Their conversation runs fast and loose through the evolution of the hospitality industry, the challenge of keeping pace with rapid change, and the mental health cost of working in an often-glamourised but demanding business. Shawn shares how he helps entrepreneurs stop "running around like a chicken with their head cut off," and shift toward building processes and systems that actually serve their vision. He also opens up about getting sober, the identity crisis that followed, and how he's reshaped his life and business in the years since. His no-BS honesty about addiction in the service industry, burnout, and boundaries hits home. At the same time, his passion for teaching, mentoring, and helping others build sustainable businesses is clear. Shawn also reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic forced a hard reset across the industry and why that presented a necessary opportunity for reevaluation. His work with Soole Hospitality Concepts and the Post Shift podcast continues to challenge the status quo while giving business owners tools they can actually use. For anyone working in—or orbiting around—the hospitality world, this episode is a refreshing gut check. PULL QUOTES "We've been glamorizing a toxic industry for a long time." —Shawn Soole "Success doesn't mean burnout." —Michael Dargie "I hit that point where I said, if I'm going to get out of this industry, it's going to be on my own terms." —Shawn Soole "I help people stop working in their business and start working on their business." —Shawn Soole EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [00:01,000] Origin Story | Shawn's start in hospitality at 13 [00:04,000] Soole Hospitality Concepts | Why and how he started his consultancy [00:09,000] Pandemic Reset | How COVID-19 shifted the industry and mindsets [00:12,000] Sobriety and Identity | Navigating a major lifestyle change [00:18,000] The Systems Fix | Helping owners escape chaos with structure [00:25,000] Mental Health in Hospitality | Burnout, addiction, and making it sustainable [00:30,000] Post Shift Podcast | Teaching the next generation of hospitality pros [00:36,000] Legacy Projects | What's next for Shawn LINKS FROM EPISODE Soole Hospitality Concepts (https://www.soolehospitality.com) Post Shift Podcast (https://www.postshiftpodcast.com/) Great Northern Cocktails (book) (https://www.amazon.ca/Great-Northern-Cocktails-Shawn-Soole/dp/1907434534/) BC Spirits (https://www.bcspirits.com/) BrandJitsu Book by Michael Dargie(https://brandjitsu.com) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

    35 min
  8. Life as an Independent Vet with Dr. Beth

    12/24/2025

    Life as an Independent Vet with Dr. Beth

    "Create the things you wish existed." What happens when a little girl obsessed with animals grows up, faces down fear, and builds a vet clinic on a dream? In this episode, Beth Barrett shares her story of grit, independence, and what it really means to live in alignment with your values. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with veterinarian and entrepreneur Beth Barrett about her decades-long career, her passion for animals, and the power of doing hard things. From her clinic just outside Calgary, Alberta, Beth shares what it took to build her dream practice—complete with an indoor dog arena, a fancy chicken coop, and the best damn surgery suite this side of anywhere. Beth knew she wanted to be a vet since she was a kid, and she never looked back. But the path wasn't without its setbacks. After a serious horseback riding accident, she had to decide whether to quit or face her fears. She chose to ride again. That decision changed her. She and Michael talk about everything from the corporatization of veterinary care, to why tired dogs are good dogs, to Stoic philosophy and dried mango. Beth opens up about the joys of riding, training, and how teaching dogs stretches their bodies and their minds. Her message to rebels in waiting: do hard things. That's where the growth is. Quotable Quotes "Create the things you wish existed." "A tired dog is a good dog." "The growth I've experienced in life has come at those hard spots." "Doing hard things will make you extraordinary." "You don't get stronger when things are cushy." Episode Highlights Becoming a Vet | From childhood dream to lifelong career. The Power of Vision | Turning a horse farm into a full-service clinic. Private vs. Corporate | Why independence matters in vet med. Doing Hard Things | How fear almost kept her out of the saddle. Training for Health | Dog yoga, strength, and stretching. Riding for Joy | The magic of working equitation. Dog Park & Arena | Why tired dogs are good dogs. Fill Your Bucket | What Beth does to recharge. Favourite Place | Cycling and hiking in the Tonto Preserve. Favourite Season | Autumn, and what it teaches us. Rebel Advice | Do the hard thing. Links From Episode Barrett Veterinary Practice Website (http://barrettvet.ca) Dr. Beth on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/barrettveterinarypractice/) Dr. Beth on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/barrettveterinarypractice) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

    38 min
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5
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About

The RebelRebel Podcast is a regular dive into the hearts and minds of creative rebels and entrepreneurs who are making the world a better and more interesting place—it's a love letter to everyone who thinks audaciously and acts courageously in service to their passion and purpose—ikigai. 2023 CANADIAN PODCAST AWARDS NOMINATION Outstanding Business Series 2021 CANADIAN PODCAST AWARDS NOMINATION Outstanding Business Series 2020 CANADIAN PODCAST AWARDS NOMINATION Outstanding Business Series 2019 CANADIAN PODCAST AWARDS NOMINATIONS Best Host | Outstanding Business Podcast | Outstanding Title Theme | Outstanding Original Music Hosted by Michael Dean Dargie | MichaelDargie.com Produced by Make More Creative | MakeMoreCreative.com

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Dean Dargie
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    225
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved, MD and A Inc. 'Make More Creative'
  • Show Website
    The RebelRebel Podcast