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  • The Power of Story Structure with Deborah Ager

    The Power of Story Structure with Deborah Ager
    2025/06/06
    “That thing you feel awkward about? It might be your superpower.”

    In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with author, editor, and writing mentor Deborah Ager, founder of Radiant Media Labs. Based in Maryland, Deborah helps business leaders, professionals, and creatives translate their decades of knowledge into books that clarify, inspire, and connect.

    This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

    Deborah shares how her work evolved from marketing consultant to book coach—and how a single ghostwriting project opened a door she didn’t expect. Now, she guides clients through a process she calls “Clarify, Storify, Amplify,” giving them the structure and strategy they need to write books that build brands, careers, and legacy.

    She opens up about how poetry, language precision, and her own creative practice inform her work—and how joy, not perfectionism, is the secret ingredient to finishing. Whether you’re stuck at page one or polishing your manuscript, this episode is full of practical wisdom, thoughtful metaphors, and writer-to-writer solidarity.

    Quotable quotes

    “Editing is revision—but it’s also revisioning.”

    “That thing you feel awkward about? It might be your superpower.”

    “Just creating can feel very good—even if no one ever sees it.”

    “Words have nuance. Choosing the right ones can change everything.”

    “Discernment will help you move forward faster.”

    Episode highlights

    From Marketing to Memoirs | How Radiant Media Labs got its start

    Ghostwriting to Book Coaching | The power of clarifying other people’s ideas

    Editing as Joyful Revisioning | How to make peace with the hard parts

    Mindset Matters | Why joy and process go hand in hand

    Not Everyone Will Like It | And that’s okay

    Knowing Your Reader | Why audience clarity changes everything

    The Poetry Edge | Precision of language as a business advantage

    Clarify, Storify, Amplify | Deborah’s signature 3-part writing framework

    A Perfect Deborah Day | Creativity, conversation, and long walks

    What Deborah Reads | Essays, hybrid memoirs, and story-rich nonfiction

    Guilty Pleasures | Gardening, lake walks, and sharing food with wildlife

    Creating for Joy | Letting go of judgment and loving the process

    Rebels in Waiting | Discernment is the rebel’s best friend

    Black-Eyed Peas & Greens | Deborah’s go-to comfort food

    Dreambook Launcher | A free tool to help you start your book

    Links from the episode

    Radiant Media Labs Website (https://radiantmedialabs.com)

    Deborah Ager on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahager)

    BrandJitsu Book (https://brandjitsu.com)

    Hosted by: Michael Dargie
    THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM

    Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
    "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
    Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    33 分
  • Art, ADHD, and Undead IP with Ben Walker-Storey

    Art, ADHD, and Undead IP with Ben Walker-Storey
    2025/06/04
    “That thing that made you weird? It’s your superpower now.” In this episode, Michael Dargie chats with illustrator, animator, and all-around macabre misfit Ben Walker-Storey. From his spooky spot in Grass Valley, California—known for gold rushes and now monster sketches—Ben opens up about his life as a creator navigating ADHD, artistic reinvention, and DIY horror storytelling. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Ben is the creative force behind Cheap Chills Fan Club, an online brand that’s part creepy, part kitsch, and fully him. He draws, designs, animates, curates, and riffs on everything from vintage goths to B-movie monsters, often through alter ego “Roman Candelabra”—a persona born out of pandemic-era content making and camera anxiety. Together, they explore Ben’s childhood obsession with He-Man and horror flicks, the joyful weirdness of mid-century design, and how his awkward 14-year-old self inspired his favourite character, Grigor. From live-streamed sketch sessions to animated shorts and a newly rebooted podcast, Ben’s doing it all on his own freaky, funny terms. Whether it’s making weird T-shirts, studying bad transfers of Day of the Triffids, or drawing 80s goths from yearbook photos, Ben is a creative rebel worth watching (and listening to). You’ll laugh, you’ll nod, you’ll probably want to draw something after. Quotable quotes “The world doesn’t care about you—and that’s a good thing.” “I can’t do things another way. I literally can’t.” “Roman Candelabra just popped into my head. It was perfect.” “Grigor is me at my most awkward—he’s my most honest character.” “That thing that made you weird? It’s your superpower now.” Episode highlights Gold Country Life | Ben lives where the gold rush began—jeans might be the new treasure What’s Ben Up To? | Goths, monsters, T-shirts, and animated dreams Clip Studio Love | Why Ben left Procreate for a better creative workflow ADHD & Art | Why rebellion and creative obsession go hand-in-hand He-Man Changed Everything | Where Ben’s character obsession began Enter Grigor | The awkward devil-boy mascot of Ben’s empire Under the Skin | The horror movie that broke Ben (in a good way) Seagull Baby | Imagining how parenthood affects horror response What the World Should Know | No one’s watching you—do your weird thing Advice for Rebels | Patience, authenticity, and leaning into the awkward Roman Candelabra | The goth alter ego that gave Ben creative freedom Where to Find Ben | Cheap Chills Fan Club, Instagram, YouTube, and more Links from the episode Ben Walker-Storey on Instagram (https://instagram.com/cheapchillsfanclub) Cheap Chills Fanclub Website (https://cheapchillsfanclub.com) Cheap Chills Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/cheap-chills-on-art-and-monsters/id1322125727) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    44 分
  • Tech, Tactics, and Takeovers with Claire Milligan

    Tech, Tactics, and Takeovers with Claire Milligan
    2025/06/02
    “Don’t stop being that person who steps off the ledge.” In this episode, Michael Dargie connects with Claire Milligan, founder of Aimably, whose career has evolved from a designer obsessed with user experience to an entrepreneur helping businesses navigate private equity transformations—without losing their soul (or their engineers). This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Claire shares her journey from building products inside a small startup to leading business lines within private equity–owned companies. When rising AWS cloud costs became immovable obstacles, Claire and her colleague Mark founded Aimably to solve one very expensive problem: making cloud hosting costs understandable—and manageable. She breaks down how cost and engineering decisions in tech are often misaligned, how the traditional gross margin model fails modern SaaS, and why firing developers to improve numbers is not the solution. There’s also time for farting Santas, sourdough alternatives, and Claire’s favourite ski patrol memories in Lake Tahoe. This conversation dives deep into systems thinking, entrepreneurial grit, and why people—and their quirky personalities—are what drive the best businesses forward. It’s candid, funny, and packed with aha moments about building better companies and better lives. Quotable quotes “We do margins wrong in software.” —Claire Milligan “People are just the beginning and the end of the conversation.” —Claire Milligan “Don’t stop being that person who steps off the ledge.” —Claire Milligan “We get stuck in decisions that have cascading consequences.” —Claire Milligan “You had me at farting Santa.” —Michael Dargie Episode highlights Aimably’s Mission | Helping businesses navigate private equity with cloud cost clarity Cloud Reality Check | Why AWS bills forced Claire into entrepreneurship From Logo Design to UX | Claire’s design roots lead her into tech Obsessed with Cars | User experience goes beyond screens Grandpa’s Farting Santa | Corporate leadership meets absurd desk décor Needlepoint Sass | Claire’s unexpected creative outlet Software ≠ Car Manufacturing | Why tech doesn’t track costs like physical goods Redefining Margins | Putting engineering up top changes the math Broccoli, Reimagined | Life (and vegetables) after the 80s On Chairlifts and Wisdom | Claire’s ski patrol reflections Baking Through Burnout | Croissants, millionaires shortbread, and pandemic therapy Leisure Isn’t Just for the Rich | Why Great British Bake Off matters Around the World in Two Weeks | A father-daughter adventure Rebel Advice | When you step off the ledge, stay authentic Links from episode Aimably Website (https://www.aimably.com) Claire Milligan on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairemilligan) BrandJitsu Book (https://brandjitsu.com) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    43 分
  • Life After the Great Resignation with Laura Darrell

    Life After the Great Resignation with Laura Darrell
    2025/05/30
    “Leadership is my jam.” In this episode, Michael Dargie connects with leadership coach, author, and former VP of Boston Pizza, Laura Darrell. From her new home in Mexico City, Laura shares the story of how she and her husband upended their successful corporate careers in Canada, packed up their lives—and their pets—and moved south to rediscover joy, purpose, and a better way of living. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. What began as a break from the grind turned into a lifestyle. Along the way, Laura wrote a book titled The Great Resignation: How a Culture of Coaching and Appreciation Can Help You Win the War for Talent. Originally self-published, it caught the attention of Morgan James Publishing in New York and is now set for official release across North America. Laura dives into her views on leadership, the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic on work culture, and the values that guided her and her husband’s radical life shift. She offers insight into how Mexico has transformed their lives—from affordable, high-quality healthcare and vibrant community life to language immersion and daily trips to the tianguis (local market). She’s not just adapting—she’s thriving, and she’s bringing a fresh, human-centred approach to leadership into the spotlight. Whether you’re stuck in a career that doesn’t align with your values or just fantasizing about a slower, richer life, Laura’s story is a testament to the power of saying yes to what truly matters. Quotable Quotes “You just have to believe it’s possible.” – Laura Darrell “Leadership is my jam.” – Laura Darrell “The job of the leader is to bring people together.” – Laura Darrell “You never know until you put it out there.” – Michael Dargie “We all went through this bizarro time… did that really happen?” – Laura Darrell Episode highlights Leaving Corporate Life | Laura and her husband retire early and move to Mexico City Book Deal Surprise | Self-published book gets picked up by a New York publisher COVID Reflection | Rediscovering each other and rethinking priorities during lockdown The Big Move | Selling everything, flying to Mexico with pets and suitcases Publisher Says “As Is” | Laura’s book required almost no edits Living Like Locals | Immersing in Mexican culture and working toward citizenship Learning Spanish | Committing daily to language learning Tianguis Life | Buying fresh produce in street markets every week Healthcare Wins | Private healthcare with door-to-door service for under $2,000/year Medical Miracles | Laura’s mom gets an accurate diagnosis in under 5 hours for $800 Culture Shock | “People are friends here”—on community, connection, and joy Eastern Europe Vibes | Laura shares her family roots and love for Eastern Europe Leadership Advice | Get clear on your values to lead with integrity Rebels in Waiting | Shift your mindset—don’t let the old tapes stop you Links from episode The Great Resignation on Amazon (https://www.amazon.ca/Great-Resignation-Coaching-Appreciative-Leadership/dp/1636983618) Laura's Website (https://lauradarrellleadership.com) Laura on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauradarrellleadership?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    42 分
  • Entrepreneurial Grit and Grace with special guests Tomer and Anastasia Arwas

    Entrepreneurial Grit and Grace with special guests Tomer and Anastasia Arwas
    2025/05/20
    “When you lose everything, you realise what you actually need to live a good life.” In this episode, Michael Dargie welcomes husband and wife duo Tomer and Anastasia, Ukrainian immigrants who rebuilt their lives and careers from scratch after arriving in Canada. As war displaced their lives, their response was bold: uproot, relocate, and start anew in a country where they knew no one. The conversation follows their incredible journey from fleeing conflict to becoming proud business owners in Calgary, Alberta. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Tomer, a former industrial designer and seasoned entrepreneur, shares his struggles adjusting to a new economic and cultural landscape. He unpacks the grit it takes to pivot from success in one country to taking odd jobs in another, all while learning the language and regaining his confidence. Anastasia opens up about the personal toll of war, the strength required to adapt, and how she eventually found her voice through photography and design. Together, they launched Honest Agency—a branding and design firm dedicated to authentic storytelling and helping other businesses stand out. Their journey isn’t just about survival. It’s about choosing to thrive. From community support to inner resilience, this conversation is a lesson in what it means to live courageously and authentically. Their story is one of hope, not in spite of adversity, but because of how they chose to meet it. Quotable quotes “We had to start from zero. No money, no clients, no English. Just our skills and each other.” —Tomer “When you lose everything, you realise what you actually need to live a good life.” —Anastasia “Calgary embraced us before we even knew how to ask for help.” —Tomer “Being a creative is not a job—it’s how we survive.” —Michael Dargie Episode highlights [00:03,000] The Beginning | Tomer and Anastasia introduce themselves and their journey from Ukraine to Canada.[00:08,500] Conflict and Decision | The couple shares what it was like living through the early days of the war.[00:15,300] Starting Over | Tomer talks about taking on any job he could find to get by.[00:21,100] Learning English | They explain their challenges in adapting to a new language and culture.[00:29,000] Finding Community | A breakthrough moment as they are embraced by local Calgary networks.[00:35,400] Honest Agency | The founding of their new design business in Canada.[00:43,000] Life Philosophy | Anastasia reflects on how war changed their values and goals.[00:51,200] Design Ethos | Tomer explains their approach to branding: “authenticity first.”[00:58,500] Advice for Creatives | The couple offers heartfelt advice to anyone starting from scratch.[01:05,000] Looking Forward | They share their dreams for the future in their new home. Links from the episode Generation Nomads IG (https://www.instagram.com/generationnomads/)Generation Nomads LI (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomerarwas/)Generation Nomads (https://generationnomads.com)Ukraine Crisis Relief (https://www.redcross.ca)Calgary Immigrant Services (https://www.cisoc.net) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    47 分
  • Rebel in the Writer’s Room with Joel Novoa

    Rebel in the Writer’s Room with Joel Novoa
    2025/03/31
    “I couldn’t afford a Plan B. It was all or nothing.” In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Venezuelan-American filmmaker Joel Novoa, a passionate storyteller whose journey winds through political unrest, deep personal reflection, and a relentless pursuit of creative expression. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Joel shares how his early life in Venezuela shaped his worldview, teaching him to move forward even when everything around him felt stuck. With both a legal background and a master’s in screenwriting, Joel brings a unique lens to storytelling, one that honours the personal as much as the political. His work in film and television, including titles like Arrow, The Long Road Home, and the indie gem Day of Reckoning, speaks to his ability to navigate big industry machines while staying connected to the heart of a story. The conversation gets real about what it means to be a “creative rebel”—especially when your identity doesn’t neatly fit into Hollywood’s boxes. Joel talks about the fear that comes with creating, the drive to prove your worth, and the decision to fully commit to storytelling as his only path forward—no backup plan, no safety net. From the emotional cost of writing from your core to navigating stereotypes in the industry, Joel’s candid honesty pulls no punches. He encourages emerging creatives to embrace the discomfort and keep pushing, because resistance, as he puts it, is a sign you’re on the right track. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling the weight of expectation, battling imposter syndrome, or trying to break through the noise while staying true to themselves. It’s not just about writing scripts—it’s about writing your own narrative. Cool Things Joel Says “Sometimes the resistance is just telling you this is the place you have to go.” — Joel Novoa “I couldn’t afford a Plan B. It was all or nothing.” — Joel Novoa “The stories I tell are the stories I’ve lived, or fought to understand.” — Joel Novoa “You can be terrified and still do the thing.” — Michael Dargie “If I don’t put my full identity on the page, who will?” — Joel Novoa Episode Highlights [2:15] Origins in Venezuela | Joel reflects on his upbringing and how political instability shaped his desire to tell meaningful stories. [5:42] From Law to Film | He talks about his academic background and how a shift to storytelling was a calling, not a decision. [10:30] No Plan B | Joel opens up about committing fully to film and screenwriting without a backup plan. [15:08] Fear as a Creative Compass | The idea that fear and resistance can point you toward the most important creative breakthroughs. [20:45] Identity and Representation | Joel discusses the complexity of Latinx identity in Hollywood and the responsibility of authentic representation. [27:12] Breaking Stereotypes | How Joel challenges expectations both in front of and behind the camera. [33:50] Writing from the Core | The emotional cost and reward of writing stories that come from lived experience. [38:17] Final Advice | Joel leaves listeners with powerful thoughts on what it means to live and create without compromise. Links from the Episode Joel Novoa’s Website (https://www.joelnovoa.com) IMDb: Joel Novoa (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4307324/) Joel on Instrgram (https://www.instagram.com/joelnovoa/) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    47 分
  • Villains, Rogues, and Heroes of NYC

    Villains, Rogues, and Heroes of NYC
    2025/03/11
    “If you want to create change, do it. Don’t wait for permission.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie sits down with Rebecca Bratspies, a law professor, author, and environmental justice advocate, to explore the fascinating and often overlooked history of New York City’s place names. Her book, Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York Place Names, reveals the incredible (and sometimes shocking) stories behind the names of streets, bridges, and parks in NYC. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. From the surprising origins of the Major Deegan Expressway to the dark past of Rikers Island, Rebecca takes us on a journey through power, politics, and the shaping of a city. She uncovers stories of forgotten heroes like Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who fought for freedom on two continents, and exposes figures like Richard Riker, whose “Kidnapping Club” sent free Black New Yorkers into slavery. Beyond history, Rebecca also dives into her environmental justice work, including the Environmental Justice Chronicles, a series of graphic novels that make legal and environmental issues accessible to everyone. She shares her passion for storytelling, how she breaks out of conventional academic roles, and why “staying in your lane” is overrated. This conversation is packed with history, social justice, and inspiration—perfect for rebels looking to challenge the status quo and make a difference. Cool Things Rebecca Says “You don’t have to stay in your lane.” “The segregation we see in cities today was created intentionally. If we want to solve it, we need to understand that history.” “Major Deegan was not the war hero I expected. He was a mid-level bureaucrat!” “Rikers Island was named after a man who kidnapped Black New Yorkers into slavery. And it’s still a jail today. That history matters.” “If you want to create change, do it. Don’t wait for permission.” Episode Highlights Rebecca’s journey to writing Naming Gotham and why NYC’s street names reveal hidden stories. Major Deegan’s surprising past – Not a war hero, but a bureaucrat! The dark history of Rikers Island and its connection to slavery. Tadeusz Kosciuszko: A Revolutionary War hero and anti-slavery advocate. Robert Moses: The man who shaped NYC—but at what cost? How place names reflect power and exclusion in urban planning. Rebecca’s environmental justice work and how it intersects with her historical research. The Environmental Justice Chronicles: Using comics to make legal and environmental issues accessible. Why “staying in your lane” is a myth—and why you should follow your passions. Links from the Episode Rebecca Bratspies’ Website – https://rebeccabratspies.com Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York Place Names – https://www.amazon.com/Naming-Gotham-Villains-Rogues-Heroes-ebook/dp/B0BVBY7BV6/ The Environmental Justice Chronicles (Free Download) – https://www.rebeccabratspies.com/environmental-justice-chronicles Non-Stop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas by Rebecca Solnit & Joshua Jelly-Schapiro – https://www.amazon.com/Nonstop-Metropolis-York-City-Atlas/dp/0520285956 Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    43 分
  • Slow Trains and Big Ideas

    Slow Trains and Big Ideas
    2025/03/06
    “You have to be an advocate for curiosity.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie welcomes back Lou Maxon, a creative powerhouse whose journey spans branding, architecture, and the fascinating world of trains. Lou shares insights from his recent travels to Japan, where he immersed himself in the culture, history, and craftsmanship that continues to inspire his work. From exploring Komiko Art House to visiting a hidden model railroad museum in Yokohama, his experiences reinforced the idea that the best bets in life and work are the long ones. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Lou discusses the evolution of his creative process, embracing the slow and steady approach—much like the trains that inspire him. He reflects on the importance of setting the culture of a project, allowing for creative collaboration, and navigating the inevitable conflicts that arise in storytelling and design. He also talks about learning Figma later in his career and overcoming the initial self-doubt, proving that curiosity and adaptability are key to staying ahead. The conversation is full of wisdom on storytelling, creative leadership, and the delicate balance between control and collaboration. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves great stories, Lou’s perspective will leave you feeling inspired. Cool Things People Said “The bets that have paid off the most in my career are the long bets, not the short bets.” – Lou Maxon“A place can be a character in a story just as much as a person.” – Lou Maxon“You have to be an advocate for curiosity.” – Lou Maxon“The mess is the magic.” – Michael Dargie“Life actually gets richer over time.” – Lou Maxon Episode Highlights Japan Adventures – Lou shares his experiences in Japan, including visiting the Komiko Art House and taking nostalgic “joy trains.”The Value of Slow Progress – How slowing down and embracing patience has reshaped his creative career.Storytelling in Design – Why storytelling is about more than just characters—it’s about setting, conflict, and experience.Creative Collaboration – The importance of involving clients in the process rather than treating them as outside judges.Learning Figma – Overcoming self-doubt and embracing new creative tools later in his career.Balancing Multiple Projects – How Lou diversified his work into small, medium, and large projects to keep things fresh and engaging.The Role of Conflict in Creativity – Why challenges and obstacles often lead to the most innovative solutions. Links from the Episode Lou Maxon’s Website https://loumaxon.comMaxon Railway https://maxonrailway.comMaxon House https://maxonhouse.comKomiko Art House (Kengo Kuma-designed museum Lou visited) https://www.komico.jpHara Model Railroad Museum (Japanese model train museum) https://www.hara-mrm.comFigma (The design tool Lou recently learned) https://www.figma.comOlson Kundig (The architecture firm behind Maxon House & Train Studio) https://www.olsonkundig.com Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    59 分