Chris Ayotte
The Northern Sentinels Podcast
The NSP is all about human stories that educate and inspire. More specifically, it's about the lives of those who have chosen to do something bigger than themselves and serve a cause, their community, or the country. Most of these people have dedicated their part of their lives to others is some way - serving in uniform, as a public servant, or leading in the community. These are fascinating, deeply personal stories about the unique journeys our fellow citizens have taken in their service to us. I hope you find them as wonderful as I do. granitestrategies.substack.com
Author
Chris Ayotte
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jun 3, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
A masterclass on the UN Security Council 15.05.2024 8:16
What is the value of the United Nations? What is the United Nations Security Council? On this NSP Short, give a listen to our former ambassador to the UN, Bob Fowler, providing a brilliant overview of the security council. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate N...
We bought a boat? 14.05.2024 6:53
Can you imagine spending a year on a sailboat with your three siblings and your parents? Can you imagine this scenario as non-sailors? No need to imagine. Listen to Colleen Forestier recount her experience on this NSP Short. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporat...
Escape from Iran - smugglers, guns, and freedom 13.05.2024 3:13
On this NSP Short, Farid Yaghini recounts the story of how his family came to Canada. It involves a revolution, human smugglers, and seven year old on an adventure. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSenykMusic...
Episode 21 - Arjun Grewal 08.05.2024 1:30:51
On this episode, I’m joined by Arjun Grewal. A first generation Canadian, Arj was born and raised in Toronto with an expectation he follow a certain path, but he decided to blaze his own trail. First by going to university outside of the GTA and then by joining the military. He took a break from his undergraduate studies to deploy to Kabul, Afghanistan. This was a formative experience which inspir...
What the heck is a polyglot? 06.05.2024 4:23
Image credit - PublicDomainPictures on Pixbay How many languages do you speak? Everyone has a mother tongue and maybe one more. Some people might event have three languages in their repertoire. On this NSP Short, Arjun Grewal speaks about how he ended up speaking with six languages as a JTF2 Specialist. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP P...
The Rewards of Service 04.05.2024 2:11
Are you giving back to society in some way? Do you have a desire to do something bigger than yourself? If not, listen to Arjun Grewal speak about the rewards and realities of service on this NSP Short. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Podcast Music Cre...
How to lead with humility 30.04.2024 4:22
As the saying goes, when you're in charge, take charge. But how do you do that when you lack experience? Listen to how Steve MacBeth learned to lead with humility and let experts show him the way. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Podcast Music Credit (...
Episode 20 - Stephanie Shapiro 24.04.2024 1:29:25
On this episode, I’m joined by Stephanie Shapiro. The eldest granddaughter of four holocaust survivors, Stephanie grew up in Toronto with a deep connection to her family history. After high school, she started her education to become a teacher, but eventually decided she would be more fulfilled working in Human Resources. After completing a post graduate degree, she went to work in HR for Transpor...
Surviving the Holocaust 22.04.2024 3:00
Image credit: courtesy of the Ekstein family. On this NSP Short, Stephanie Shapiro shares a family story of survival, courage, and tragedy. These stories are important not just to remind us there are people and events that should never be forgotten, but also to give us perspective about what is truly important in life. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on...
Turkey for Vegetarians 19.04.2024 6:43
Understanding your end user for any business is essential. Listen to Stephanie Shapiro talk about how the military family charity, Together We Stand, learned this lesson. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 19 - onwards): PaulYudin, Upbeat Uplifting Corporate NSP Podcast Music Credit (episodes 1 - 18): RomanSen...
Episode 19 - Sarah Goldfeder 10.04.2024 1:43:41
Photo - Sarah just after becoming a Canadian citizen. On this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Goldfeder . A dual American and Canadian citizen, Sarah was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but moved extensively during her childhood. Before she started university in Oregon, she lived in Madrid Spain, Spokane, Washington, and Anchorage Alaska. She eventually found her way to the U.S. State Department whic...
Transition to emission free vehicles 08.04.2024 4:11
Image Credit - paulbr75 on pixabay How are you going to transition from your current vehicle to something greener? Maybe you're already there or maybe you have no interest. Either way, change is tough. On this NSP Short, Sarah Goldfeder talks about patience needed for dealing with this type of change. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podca...
Your past does not define your future 05.04.2024 7:42
Image Credit - PixxlTeufel on Pixabay What are your expectations for yourself? Should you feel compelled to finish something you've started? Is it OK to change your mind? Listen to how Sarah Goldfeder answered these questions and more during the selection process for the U.S. Coast Guard. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Cred...
The power of the Peace Corps 03.04.2024 3:31
I have learned so much from my travels. Whether with my family or during my time in the Army, my exposure to the world outside Canada has made me better. In this NSP Short, Sarah Goldfeder explains the U.S. Peace Corps and the value add of this type of organization. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. Image Credit: Peace Corps. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music...
Episode 18 - Randy Turner 27.03.2024 1:19:41
On this episode, I'm joined by a man of many talents. Growing up in Nova Scotia, Randy Turner spent his time like most kids of his generation - playing sports, hanging out with friends, and trying to keep out of trouble. After high school he ended up in the Army and eventually found his way to Canada's Special Operating Forces. After successful completion of the demanding selection and training pr...
The Evolution of Thinking 25.03.2024 2:14
Most people understand that perfection is an illusion and failure is a reality. However, is this viewed the same by people at the elite level of a profession? Listen to Randy Turner's story about how his view of failure evolved during his time in an elite military unit. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit: RomanSenykMusi...
The Power of Perseverance 23.03.2024 3:27
What are your goals in life? Are you passionate about achieving them? It's unlikely everything will fall into place as you hope. On this NSP Short, Randy Turner shares the power of perseverance in his journey to be selected for Canada's Special Operating Forces. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit: RomanSenykMusic, Actio...
How the elite set goals 22.03.2024 3:09
We all want to get to our goals fast, but some times this isn't possible. There are no short cuts. These are normally for the things that matter most like relationships or health and fitness. Randy Turner explains his approach to self-improvement and reaching your goals on this NSP Short. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Cre...
A Eulogy of Brian Mulroney 18.03.2024 11:03
Last week, I had the good fortune to record a podcast with another great Canadian, Perrin Beatty. Perrin is the President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and a former federal cabinet minister for Brian Mulroney. With Mr. Mulroney’s funeral happening a few days from now, I wanted to get Perrin’s thoughts on the former Prime Minister as a eulogy for the podcast listener. Please enjoy this NSP Sh...
Episode 17 - Karen McCrimmon 13.03.2024 1:19:53
On this episode, Karen McCrimmon and I sit down in her provincial MPP office to discuss her journey of service. Karen grew up in communities across Ontario - Toronto, Timmins, and Windsor - and was active in both cadets and the Army reserves during her youth. After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Windsor, she enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces and was the first women t...
Integrity and politics - an uncommon pairing 11.03.2024 3:42
Image credit: GDJ on pixabay Is there a way to do politics better? We probably all have our own version of what right looks like for the Canadian political system. On this NSP Short, Karen McCrimmon talks about her approach to running for the leadership of the Liberal Party. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit: RomanSeny...
The Morning Routine - taking care of yourself to serve people better 09.03.2024 1:53
How do you start your day? Do you have a routine? Is coffee essential? How about some exercise? Our morning routines are as unique as we are. Karen McCrimmon explains how her morning routine helps her be at her best for the people she serves. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit: RomanSenykMusic, Action Trailer NSP Podcas...
Learning to Lead 07.03.2024 1:23
Where does someone learn to lead? What impact do your leaders have on you as a leader? Karen McCrimmon talks about her learning to lead story on this NSP Short. Thanks again for listening to the NSP. NSP on LinkedIn NSP on Facebook NSP on Instagram NSP Podcast Music Credit: RomanSenykMusic, Action Trailer NSP Podcast Logo - L. Ayotte, 2023NSP Shorts Music Credit: nomaBeats, You Are The Best! NSP...
Looking to the past to secure the future 01.03.2024 6:19
I think the vast majority of Canadians feel safe in Canada. This means defence and security of our nation, citizens, and interests is rarely discussed, even with the War in Ukraine, foreign interference, and countless other threats. How did we become so complacent? Listen to Bob Fowler's take on this issue. Episode Art Credit: guy_dugas on pixabay Thanks again for listening to the NSP.LinkedIn Pa...
Episode 16 - Calvin Chrustie 28.02.2024 1:23:31
On this episode, I'm joined by Calvin Chrustie. A proud Winnipeger, Cal grew up on the boundary between the right and the wrong side of the tracks. He learned a lot about grit and resilience from having a foot in both worlds. Fortunately, strong values and work ethic landed him on the good side of the law. Literally. After university, he joined the RCMP and spent the next 32 years working everythi...
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