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 CollectiveThe guiding principles that shape each episodeHow it’s evolved through community, consistency, and curiosityWhat it’s taught us about leadership, discipline, and the power of showing upThis is a behind-the-scenes look at the mission, mindset, and mechanics of The Collective—a podcast built on purpose and anchored in growth.🔑 If you've ever wondered what drives this project—or you're looking to build something of your own—this episode is for you.

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 author, sharing lessons from decades of human performance and personal growth.Greg Cooper — Judo black belt, coach, and mental health advocate, bringing insight on discipline, balance, and the quiet strength of consistent effort.Together, we discuss:What it really means to commit to the process over the outcomeHow to resist the pull of instant gratification in a short-term worldThe cost — and the reward — of staying the course👉 Watch now, subscribe, and share your biggest takeaway in the comments.Your long game starts here.#TheCollectivePodcast #TheLongGame #MentalHealth #Discipline #VeteranVoices #PersonalGrowth #HighPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #GrowthMindset #SelfMastery

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 by - Justin Sheehan, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who served with the elite SEAL Team 6. With decades of operational experience in high-stakes environments, Justin now channels his discipline and focus into teaching firearms proficiency, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and being a father. - Yohance Boulden, a former U.S. Army intelligence specialist with a background in strategic operations and analysis. Since leaving the military, Yohance has carved a unique path as a private contractor and global adventurer—combining analytical precision with a fearless drive for experience. Do equity and unity define utopia? Or does individual freedom come first? Why do dystopias often feel more relatable than ideal societies? And if no two people share the same vision of a better world, is true harmony even possible?This episode isn’t about perfect answers. It’s about better questions—and the courage to live according to the ones that matter most.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments:What does your version of a better world look like?Would others thrive there too?🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge the status quo and inspire better living—every single day.#TheCollectivePodcast #UtopiaVsDystopia #JustinSheehan #YohanceBoulden #NavySEAL #ArmyIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #DeepConversations #Leadership #VeteranVoices #SelfMastery #BetterEveryDay

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 Royal Marine Commando, is now a screen and stage actor trained to read between the lines of human emotion.- Yohance Boulden, formerly U.S. Army Intelligence and now a contractor and deep thinker, brings insight forged through creativity, culture, and conscious self-reflection.Both guests have learned that real observation isn’t just about what’s in front of us… but what’s underneath.Is it about staying still long enough to see?How does awareness become wisdom?And how do the most meaningful actions begin with intentional perception?We won’t just explore what we’re observing — but what we’ve failed to notice… until now.👉 Subscribe, hit the bell, and join the conversation. Let us know in the comments what you’ve learned to see differently.#TheCollectivePodcast #Observation #SituationalAwareness #VeteranVoices #HumanPerformance #SelfMastery #HighPerformanceHabits #MindsetShift #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #GrowthMindset #VeteranPodcast

"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 insights from decades of building leaders in and out of uniform.– Andrew Siepka, former U.S. Coast Guard special operator and mental health advocate, discusses what it truly means to be functionally ready—physically, mentally, and emotionally.– Brian Churchill, active U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and active law enforcement officer, speaks to the gap between what looks good on paper and what works when the pressure is real.We ask:– Is perfection the enemy of performance?– Can we train for chaos—or only grow through it?– What do real leaders prioritize when the mission is on the line?This conversation is about readiness, resilience, and the hard truths most people don’t want to confront.Subscribe and join us. This one pulls no punches.#TheCollective #CombatReady #Leadership #MentalHealth #VeteranVoices #FirstResponders #PerformanceUnderPressure

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 specialist, dive into the mental and emotional toll of sustained service and how perception changes under pressure.What clouds our perception? pain, purpose, pressure?Is it possible to see truth when we’re burdened by past trauma or expectation?Do we narrow our focus, or widen it to face what we’ve tried to ignore?And how often is what we think we see simply a projection of what we’ve endured?In a world that demands clarity, how do we train our inner vision with the same precision we train our outer tools?We won’t just ask how to carry the load, but how our perception defines the path ahead.#TheCollective #VisionUnderLoad #MentalHealth #VeteranVoices #FirstResponders #Resilience

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 psychological insight into how masculine identity is shaped.Alana Stott, a philanthropist, author, and global security advocate, offers a direct yet compassionate perspective on how women can challenge, support, and redefine masculinity alongside men.Pat Miller, a former Canadian Special Operator, now photographer and film armourer, brings personal experience from a life of quiet strength, discipline, and introspection.In this episode, we explore:– How masculinity is shaped by culture, biology, and experience– The line between traditional strength and emotional repression– What happens when men are denied the space to express vulnerability– And how we can move toward a healthier, more complete version of masculine identityThis isn’t about answers—it’s about better questions.Tune in and join the conversation.📌 Subscribe and follow for more grounded, thought-provoking conversations.#TheCollective #Masculinity #MentalHealth #VeteranVoices #MenAndMentalHealth #TheGoldmine

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 believing:🎙 Sebastien Lavoie – Former RCMP ERT Team Leader & Sgt. Major, BJJ Black Belt, and Performance Coach🎙 Dr. Gino Collura – Professor of Neuroscience & Psychology, Author, and Expert in Human Behavior🎙 James Geering – Firefighter, Author, and Host of The Behind the Shield PodcastThis conversation is about the kind of faith that lives in action, in values, and in quiet perseverance. It’s about staying anchored when there’s nothing left to grip.In This Episode:✅ The unseen power that keeps people moving through adversity✅ What it means to trust in the process—even when it makes no sense✅ The role of internal belief in healing, leadership, and longevity✅ How experience, reflection, and hardship shape our sense of purpose✅ Building a foundation that can’t be shaken by circumstanceThis isn’t about dogma. It’s about identity. Integrity. And believing in something bigger—within.🔗 What’s your definition of faith? Share your thoughts in the comments.---📌 Stay Connected with The Collective🔔 Subscribe for real, unfiltered conversations every week📲 Follow us on Instagram @the_collective_ig #Faith #TheCollectivePodcast #SebLavoie #GinoCollura #JamesGeering #Resilience #Leadership #MentalToughness #BehindTheShield #GrowthMindset #PurposeDriven #Neuroscience