The Collective

What if the story you tell yourself about being “broken” is the safest way to stay exactly where you are? In this live episode of The Collective, we’re unpacking safe narratives — the comfortable stories we use to avoid accountability, justify stagnation, and stay loyal to an identity that no longer serves us. From “I’m too messed up from service” to “I’ll start tomorrow,” we’re calling out how th...

You objectify people every day. So do we. Tall. Short. Strong. Fragile. Well-dressed. Exhausted. Confident. Dangerous. In less than a second, your brain can turn a stranger into an object. That doesn’t make you cruel—it makes you human. The real question is whether we stay there. On this episode of The Collective, we’re joined by Chris Lee, former Green Beret turned coach, and John Vargas, firefig...

Wearables are tracking more than ever—heart rate, sleep, stress, recovery—but what do all those numbers actually mean for how you live, train, and make decisions? In this episode of The Collective, Shaun and Chance sit down with experts in biometric technology to unpack how data from your body can become real-world wisdom.​Our guests:Latha Nachiyamai – Program Manager, Biosensor Platform Technolog...

The Collective is back. In this episode, Shaun and Chance sit down after the break to talk about what they’ve been doing off‑camera, what’s changing in 2026, and where the podcast and channel are headed next.​We dig into:How the time off shifted our own priorities and habits. The vision for The Collective: deeper conversations, sharper storytelling, and more practical takeaways.​Most importantly,...

In this episode of The Collective, Chance and Shaun turn real-life experience into practical lessons on fatherhood, responsibility, and intentional living. This conversation overlays lived experience—from parenting and leadership to navigating complex environments—to extract action-oriented insights you can apply immediately. Rather than theory or performance talk, this episode focuses on awarenes...

Why do we sabotage the things we say we want? Why do we shrink ourselves, hesitate, or pull back right when progress is within reach? In this episode of The Collective, Chance and Shaun sit down with Alana Stott — author, advocate, and speaker — to unpack the mechanics of self-sabotage: where it comes from, why it continues, and how we break the cycle. Together we explore:• Childhood patterns and...

Imitation to Innovation — A Conversation with Isaac Miller & Pat Miller | The CollectiveIn this episode of The Collective, Chance and Shaun sit down with returning guest Isaac Miller (Marine Corps veteran, tech founder) and Pat Miller (Canadian SOF veteran, armourer, and photographer) to explore one of the most fundamental forces behind human progress:Where does imitation end… and true innovat...

What does real friendship look like — especially for men who’ve spent their lives in service, leadership, and high-stress environments? In this episode of The Collective, Chance and Shaun sit down with Seb Lavoie and Rob Farrer, two long-serving RCMP members, to explore the deeper layers of friendship: how it forms, how it changes, and why it matters more than most of us admit. This conversation g...

Why do the most skilled people make the hardest things look effortless? In this episode of The Collective, Chance and Shaun sit down with Seb Lavoie, retired RCMP ERT Sgt. Major, jiu-jitsu black belt, performance coach, and long-time student of skill acquisition, to break down The Skill Paradox: the strange reality that mastery hides the work it requires. Together we explore the mechanics behind t...

In a time when everything can be learned or simulated online, the body remains the ultimate teacher. In this episode of The Collective, Chance and Shaun sit down with Mark Ormrod, Josh Tyler, and Andrea Ross to explore Physical Wisdom in a Digital Age — the intersection of movement, mindset, and meaning. Together, they discuss the lessons we only learn through action, pain, and presence — and what...

What does it mean to represent Canada? In this episode of The Collective, Chance and Shaun sit down with Zak, founder of The Canadian Podcast and founder of Mentell.ca and Seb Lavoie, former RCMP ERT and performance coach, to explore Canadiana: The identity, pride, and responsibility that come with being part of this country. From quiet professionalism and humility to accountability, service, and...

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...