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

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. Army infantryman, social worker, now martial arts gym owner and coach. Together, we explore how to hold space for voices that clash, create connection across communities, and grow through understanding.Tune in to learn:How facilitation builds trust across diverse communitiesStrategies for guiding without controllingLessons from military, martial arts, and social work on connection and leadershipDon’t miss this conversation about connection, growth, and the power of facilitation.🎧 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode of The Collective.#TheCollective #Facilitation #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #VeteranVoices

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 conversation explores lessons learned through experience, mistakes, and mentorship.They discuss the danger of losing your “why,” the importance of calling out patterns before they become problems, and how true leadership exists at every level — from the field to the boardroom to the family. Featuring audience insights, laughter, and honest moments of reflection, this episode reminds us that we’re all responsible for the standards we live by.🔥 Topics Covered:The cost of poor leadershipFinding pride in the work you doThe power of patterns and accountabilityLessons from military life that apply anywhereStaying purpose-driven through adversity💡 Join the discussion. Learn, grow, and build The Collective.📩 Subscribe to The Reinforcement Loop newsletter for weekly insights 📅 Catch us live: Fridays on The Collective | Wednesdays on The Goldmine📧 Contact: buildthecollective@gmail.com👇 If this episode made you think — drop your thoughts in the comments and hit SUBSCRIBE.#TheCollective #Leadership #Accountability #PurposeDriven #VeteranPodcast