The Collective

Before Shaun heads off to Asia, we take a moment to slow down and reflect. In this episode of The Collective, it’s just the two of us, talking about the transitions ahead, the lessons learned from the past few months, and what’s next for The Collective as we begin releasing our recorded conversations. From travel and change to rhythm and routine, this is a grounded conversation on staying intentio...

Who are you when no one’s watching, and who do you become when the world’s looking back? In this episode of The Collective, We sit down to explore The Persona: the masks we wear, the authenticity we chase, and the growth that comes when we bridge the two. Matt Barnett – Founder of Bonetti Explosives in Texas, Matt blends creativity with precision as a craftsman and entrepreneur. His insights on le...

Everything great starts with a foundation. Values, lessons, and purpose forged through challenge and vision. In this episode of The Collective, Chance and Shaun sit down with US Army Major General (Ret.) John Gronski, USMC Master Sergeant (Ret.) John Dailey, and US Army Ranger SGM (Ret.) Mike Burke to explore the origins and ethos that shaped elite organizations like the US Army, The Marine Raider...

What does it take to truly bring people together? On this episode of The Collective, we dive into the art of facilitation — guiding without dominating, bridging worlds without breaking them apart, and turning friction into growth. Joining us are Alan Shebaro, former US Army Green Beret, Martial Artist with both Judo and BJJ black belts, now retired world traveler, and Clay Surratt, former U.S. Arm...

No plan, just purpose. Chance & Shaun explore leadership, pride, and the patterns that shape us — in life, work, and the field. In this unscripted episode of The Collective, Chance and Shaun dive deep into what happens when leadership falters — and how pride, purpose, and accountability can keep us on track. From painting fences in the summer heat to handling explosives in Afghanistan, the con...

What do you do when the plan collapses? When the future looks uncertain and success has to be redefined? In this episode of The Collective, we dive into the raw reality of adaptability—what it means to thrive when everything changes. Featuring:Steve Gowin – US Army Veteran, seasoned Law Enforcement Professional, Tactical Leader, now Coach & EntrepreneurDean Stott – Former UK Special Forces Ope...

How do you pass on wisdom so it actually takes root? In this episode of The Collective, host Chance sits down with three men who have not only lived hard lessons but have mastered the art of communicating them so others can truly absorb their impact. Mike Burke — Former U.S. Army Ranger and seasoned entrepreneur, bringing insight from both the battlefield and the boardroom. Dave Grossman — Retired...

Curiosity is more than a passing thought—it’s the engine of discovery and the driver of real growth. In this episode of The Collective, Shaun and Chance sit down with two guests who know how to turn questions into action:Arjun Grewal — a first-generation Canadian who forged his own path from university to deployment in Kabul, then into Canada’s Special Operations Forces (JTF2). Fluent in multiple...

To Be or Not To Be: Would You Die for an Idea? What would you give everything for? A flag, a medal, a person, or a cause greater than yourself? Today on The Collective, we step into the timeless question of sacrifice and meaning: to be, or not to be. Joining us is Clay Surratt — former U.S. Army soldier, martial arts instructor, and social worker — who brings a unique perspective from both battlef...

What does it mean to evolve as a man? In this powerful episode of The Collective, host Chance and Shaun as the sits down with Travis Denman and Chris Lee to explore how identity, purpose, and responsibility shift through life’s biggest challenges. Travis Denman is a former Green Beret now pursuing his passion for flying and becoming a pilot. Chris Lee is a former Green Beret who has transitioned i...

Not all heroes are remembered with medals, and not every legacy makes it into the history books. In this episode, Shaun and Chance sit down with Pat Miller, former JTF2 Operator turned film armourer and photographer, and Jason Dempsey, former RCAF pilot and founder of Blackbird Industries. Together, they explore the lives of Canada’s unsung heroes—figures like Francis Pegahmagabow, Tommy Prince, L...

“The hunt doesn’t start when you pull the trigger—it starts long before you ever step into the wild.”Today on The Collective, we explore hunting as more than just a skill—it’s a mindset. This conversation dives into patience, preparation, and purpose, uncovering how the lessons from the field carry over into every aspect of life. Travis Bader – Founder of Silvercore, Canada’s premier firearms trai...

In this episode, Seb, Shaun and Chance flip the script and turn their attention to their podcast: The Collective. What started as a simple idea—daily conversations about being better every day—has grown into a platform for deep dialogue, honest reflection, and a space where high performers, veterans, and everyday warriors come together to share hard-earned wisdom. We dive into:Why we created The C...

Quick wins fade, but the long game builds on itself. In a world obsessed with instant gratification, true growth comes to those who commit to showing up day after day, without shortcuts. In this episode of The Collective, Seb Lavoie, Greg Cooper, Shaun, and I explore the mindset, discipline, and purpose behind living the long game. Seb Lavoie — RCMP veteran, high-performance coach, speaker, and au...

What does a perfect world look like—and who gets to decide? In this episode of The Collective, we step into a deeper conversation around utopias and dystopias—not as distant fantasies, but as reflections of what we value, fear, and strive for every day. Together with our guests, we explore how these ideas impact our lives, decisions, and the kind of world we’re each trying to build. We’re joined b...

You can’t change what you don’t see — and most of us aren’t really looking. Observation isn’t passive. It’s an intentional act — one that demands presence and patience. Tip Cullen, Yohance Boulden, Shaun, and I explore the act of observing — from perception to perspective. Before we can lead, adapt, or grow… we have to truly see. But what does that really require of us?- Tip Cullen, formerly a UK...

"No combat-ready unit has ever passed inspection. No inspection-ready unit has ever passed combat.”What does this mean in real terms—for leaders, teams, and individuals? In this episode of The Collective, we explore the stark contrast between appearances and actual performance with three guests who’ve lived it.– Oak McCulloch, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and leadership author, shares...

What happens to our vision when we carry too much weight? In this episode of The Collective, we explore how service, trauma, and pressure affect our ability to see clearly, both in the field and within ourselves. Gordon Hurley, former Canadian Special Operator and educator, Dr. Dan Allen, former NZ Army medic, MMA fighter, and psychologist, and Jason Cheney, police veteran and night vision special...

What does masculinity mean in today’s world—and is it evolving, misunderstood, or both? In this episode of The Collective, we’re joined by Dr. Kate Pate, Alana Stott, and Pat Miller for a powerful conversation about masculinity in modern society—its roots, its pressures, and its potential. Dr. Kate Pate is a neurophysiologist and advocate for veteran wellness who brings scientific and psychologica...

When everything else is stripped away—what do you still believe in? In one of our most powerful and introspective episodes to date, we explore faith—not as belief in something external, but as the internal force that keeps you moving forward when logic, strength, and certainty fall short. We’re joined by three men who’ve faced down chaos and come out the other side, still standing—and still believ...

What does it mean to take responsibility, seek truth, and live with purpose? In this thought-provoking episode of The Collective, we dive deep into the philosophy, controversy, and real-world application of Dr. Jordan B. Peterson’s teachings. We’re joined by returning guests:🎙 Clay Surratt – U.S. Army Veteran, Martial Arts Instructor, and Social Worker🎙 Chad McLean – Veteran and CEO of Mental Joe...

What does it truly mean to be authentic and what does it cost? In this episode of The Collective, we explore the concept of authenticity with three men who have walked vastly different paths but share a common commitment to living truthfully.🎙️ Guests:– Pat Miller: Former Canadian Special Operator, now photographer and film armourer– Rudy Reyes: Recon Marine, actor, and founder of Force Blue– Greg...

In this episode of The Collective, we explore toxicity—how it shows up in our lives and how to counter it with resilience, clarity, and purpose. We’re joined by two individuals who’ve faced toxic systems and internal battles head-on—rising above with strength and leadership:🎙 Sara Lee – U.S. Army Veteran, Martial Artist, Advocate, and Transformational Leader🎙 Samuel Laird – Royal Marine Commando V...

Feeling stuck isn’t the end, it’s a signal. In this episode of The Collective, we tackle a feeling many experience but few talk openly about: stagnation. Whether it’s in your career, relationships, mindset, or purpose, being stuck can feel suffocating. But it’s also a powerful opportunity. We’re joined by two men who’ve faced these internal battles and emerged stronger:🎙 Chris Lee – Former Green B...

In a world full of noise, how many are truly walking the walk? In this episode of The Collective, Chance brings together a powerhouse panel to dive deep into the difference between talking and doing. We unpack the real meaning behind integrity, authenticity, and accountability—how they show up in our lives, how social media distorts them, and why it’s not enough to just say you support something....