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 innovation begin?Across two hours of deep conversation, the crew dives into:🔹 Why imitation is the starting point for every skill, craft, or idea🔹 How institutions often kill curiosity — and what it takes to think differently🔹 The tension between creativity, dogma, money, and meaning🔹 Innovation as both a personal journey and a collective responsibility🔹 The courage to be “quirky,” to experiment, and to put novel ideas into the world🔹 How tools like AI and accessible tech democratize invention🔹 What it really means to build something new in a world of copies and recreations🔹 The importance of curiosity, problem-solving, and surrounding yourself with thinkersFrom blacksmiths to 3D printers, from dogma to deep introspection, from personal growth to societal change — this episode is packed with novel wisdom created in real time.If this sparks a thought, drop it in the comments.Like. Subscribe. Share.And stay connected through The Reinforcement Loop, our weekly newsletter.Be better. Think deeper. Innovate boldly.

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 goes far beyond “having buddies.”We dig into:The difference between proximity friendships and chosen friendshipsWhy trust is built in small, consistent repsEmotional bandwidth — and why we’re selective about who gets accessHow vulnerability affects connection (and why it’s not the same as oversharing)Male friendship patterns: loyalty, silence, and the pressure to “be fine”Attachment styles, safety, and the hidden rules we bring into relationshipsWhy intimacy isn’t exclusively romantic — it’s humanSeb and Rob share candid stories from policing, team environments, and personal life, revealing how friendship anchors identity, provides accountability, and shapes our emotional landscape.If you’ve ever struggled to connect, outgrown old friendships, or wondered why some relationships feel effortless while others drain you — this episode offers the clarity, honesty, and depth you’ve been looking for.Welcome to The Collective — where conversations build better humans.#TheCollective #Friendship #SebLavoie #RobFarrer #RCMP #Brotherhood #Connection #Mindset #EmotionalIntelligence #MenTalking

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 true skill: coordination, sequencing, timing, and the ability to simplify complexity through deliberate practice. From martial arts to leadership to everyday learning, Seb unpacks how skill is built, why beginners struggle, and what separates performers from masters.We dig into:-Why elite performers look relaxed even under pressure-The hidden layers of coordination behind “simple” movements-How slowing down reveals what’s really happening in technique-Why ego is the enemy of mastery-The difference between competence and understanding-What makes teaching harder than doing-How to build skill through calibration, principles, and repsThis episode is about growth, learning, and the mindset required to pursue mastery, one rep, one adjustment, one sequence at a time.#TheCollective #SkillParadox #Mastery #JiuJitsu #Performance #TrainingMindset #Coaching #GrowthMindset

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 it takes to stay grounded in a world that’s always online.Guests:🔹 Mark Ormrod – Former Royal Marine Commando, Invictus Games multi-gold medalist, and motivational speaker dedicated to redefining resilience and purpose.🔹 Josh Tyler – Professional fighter, coach, and founder of Savage Gentlemen, blending martial discipline, mindful masculinity, and emotional awareness to guide others toward self-mastery.🔹 Andrea Ross – Actor, stunt performer, and movement coach whose work explores creativity, embodiment, and authentic self-expression through physical performance.The conversation explores embodiment, balance, and the timeless wisdom that lives in motion — reminding us that while the digital world connects us, the physical one keeps us real.📅 New Collective episodes every Friday🎙️ New Gold Mine episodes every Wednesday#TheCollective #PhysicalWisdom #MindBodyConnection #Leadership #Discipline #Philosophy #Resilience #Authenticity #Podcast #BeBetterEveryDay

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 modern division, the discussion examines what makes a good Canadian and how our national identity is shifting in a world driven by comfort, technology, and constant noise. Through real stories, reflection, and perspective, this conversation asks us to consider: Are we living up to the ideals we say we stand for?📅 New Collective episodes every Friday🎙️ New Gold Mine episodes every Wednesday#TheCollective #Canadiana #Canada #Identity #Accountability #VeteranVoices #Leadership #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #Podcast #BeBetterEveryDay

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 intentional while life shifts around us. Sometimes, stepping away gives us the space to see the bigger picture and this episode captures that pause.📅 New Collective episodes every Friday🎙️ New Gold Mine episodes every Wednesday#TheCollective #Podcast #Mindset #Reflection #Change #Growth #Travel #VeteranVoices #IntentionalLiving #BeBetterEveryDay

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 leadership, personal responsibility, and authenticity come from years of balancing risk, craftsmanship, and self-awareness.Gordon Hurley – A Canadian Armed Forces veteran turned creative director and filmmaker, Gordon channels his experiences into design, apparel, and documentary storytelling that explore identity, service, and the pursuit of purpose.Eric Tung – A police commander and wellness advocate from Washington State, Eric leads with empathy and discipline. As the host of Blue Grit Radio and creator of Blue Grit Wellness, he focuses on leadership, mental health, and helping others align their mission with their mindset.This discussion unpacks how identity is built through challenge, reflection, and purpose. Revealing how each persona we adopt can either protect us or hold us back.#TheCollective #ThePersona #Leadership #Authenticity #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #VeteranVoices #Podcast #SelfReflection #BeBetterEveryDay

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 Raiders and the 75th Rangers.Together, they reflect on the principles that stand the test of time, how those lessons transfer to leadership and life today, and what it truly means to build something that lasts.📘 Founding principles that forged elite unitsHow ethos shapes performance and leadershipThe balance between tradition and evolutionLessons from military origins applied to modern life#TheCollective #Leadership #MilitaryMindset #FoundingPrinciples #OriginsAndEthos #ArmyRangers #JTF2 #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #PhilosophyOfLeadership