Join us for a powerful and inspiring conversation with Marc Micu, a dynamic multi-instrumentalist, composer, bandleader, and educator based in Victoria, BC. In this deeply personal episode, Marc opens up about his journey from the Philippines to Canada, sharing the cultural transitions, early encounters with music, and how embracing his true self led to his greatest creative breakthroughs.

Marc also shares insights from his work with groups like Brigit O’Regan, the Naden Band, and his own bands, Marc Micu & Friends and Kasperl Quintet, and treats us to two incredible live performances—including a moving tribute to Filipino hero Lapu-Lapu.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of identity, artistry, and what it really means to be human in a world shaped by expectations. Whether you're a musician, educator, or creative spirit, Marc’s story will move you.

Timestamps:
0:36 – Introducing Marc Micu
2:36 – Moving to Canada
5:25 – Seeing my first white guy
6:25 – The stench of Manila
7:43 – Dance is so important in the Philippines
9:43 – Getting away from the colonial mindset
10:53 – All ears music making
13:00 – Mechanical vs. feel-based
13:50 – Rote by note
14:40 – It just sounds good
15:58 – Trust yourself
18:32 – They don't teach you how to be human
20:30 – Less and less people are being genuine
21:10 – To be flawed is to be human
22:08 – Be yourself and love yourself
24:10 – Inner child
26:35 – Experiential play
29:15 – My job as an educator is to find that light
29:55 – We're gonna be shaped by AI, not by humans
31:50 – Live music is special
32:45 – Marc plays a song
35:30 – It's hard for me to be happy
36:28 – We're never good enough
37:05 – Imperfection is what makes humans perfect
38:05 – I never post anything imperfect
40:00 – Mental strain to be perfect
42:40 – You want to be liked by everybody
43:50 – Mexican gold coins
44:40 – Sounding like a boomer
45:20 – I'm having a live therapy session
46:02 – Being true to myself
47:38 – His success came when he was just himself
49:09 – The formula is simple
52:12 – Call me kuya not Tito
52:40 – Lapu Lapu tragedy
59:08 – Marc plays a tribute for Lapu Lapu
1:04:30 – Marc's upcoming shows
1:06:00 – Thanks Marc for being on the show!

Listen now and get inspired by Marc’s honesty, artistry, and unwavering belief in the power of music and self-expression.

In this episode, we sit down with TK the Artist—a Nigerian-born singer, songwriter, and drummer now living in Canada—to talk about everything from growing up in Nigeria to finding peace in a new country and creating music that comes from a place of truth.

TK opens up about his artistic journey, the struggle to stay authentic in a world full of pretense, and how he blends his African roots with the Western world to create a sound that’s all his own. We also dive into deeper topics like the effect of AI on music, the importance of building community, and why modern music sometimes feels like “a bunch of objective lies instead of subjective truths.”

Plus, TK treats us to a live performance of his original track “All Night.”

Timestamps:
00:43 – Getting to know TK
01:56 – Moving to Canada
03:41 – Growing up in Nigeria
06:56 – The importance of authenticity
10:50 – Gratitude and contentment
12:04 – Melding two worlds
13:03 – Finding peace in Canada
14:06 – Creating a happy vibe
15:44 – The impact of AI on music and humanity
18:00 – Support real content and artists
20:20 – TK's music-making process
22:33 – Truth in music
25:41 – The artist’s lifestyle
29:14 – Avoiding burnout and injuries (Messi & Ronaldo style)
33:10 – The silent toll of isolation
34:40 – On being an introvert
35:36 – Building community through connection
36:50 – COVID’s impact on society
38:38 – Live performance: “All Night”
42:20 – Why we need to get out more
43:36 – TK’s upcoming shows
46:46 – Support TK & local live music
47:33 – Final thoughts

🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and rediscover the power of real music from a real artist.

Jason Becker, a former professional hockey player from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, joins us to share his incredible journey through the game. From competing in the WHL and playing nine years of pro hockey, to now leading the next generation as the Manager of Hockey Operations and Head Coach of the U15 Prep team at Pacific Coast Hockey Academy in Langford, BC—Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table.

In this episode, we talk about student-athlete life, playing overseas, coaching philosophies, and the deeper life lessons that hockey teaches—like resilience, adversity, and the value of hard work. If you’re a young athlete, a parent, or a coach, this one’s packed with real talk and motivation.

Timestamps:

00:53 – Welcome Jason Becker
02:00 – Junior hockey
03:20 – Being a student athlete
04:43 – Playing professional hockey in Europe
06:02 – University experience
08:15 – Realistic hockey expectations
09:20 – Exceptional status
10:03 – Jarome Iginla’s work ethic
10:33 – What separates good from great
11:09 – Winning through team depth
11:25 – Coaches' key messages to young athletes
12:28 – Why it might be better not to get drafted to the WHL
15:06 – COVID’s impact on kids’ mental health
16:15 – Dealing with adversity
16:45 – “FIO” – Figure It Out
17:34 – Kinesthetic learning
18:50 – Sandlot-style play for kids
21:00 – What your kids learned in the car
23:10 – Greatest rewards as a coach
26:10 – Hard work, resiliency, and dedication
27:53 – Social media and instant gratification
29:38 – Feedback and modern communication
32:45 – Instilling resilience and work ethic
36:39 – Messages to today’s youth
38:15 – Trust the process
39:35 – Never give up
43:58 – Nothing comes easy, everything is earned
45:02 – Control what you can control
45:46 – Thank you, Jason!

📧 Contact Jason: jbecker@pcha.ca
🌐 Learn more: pcha.ca

In this episode of How To Be a Dude in the 21st Century, host Alex Cordero sits down with Maki Riddington to talk about his journey from being bullied in his teens to becoming a personal trainer and gym owner. Maki shares how fitness became his outlet, the values that guide his work, and how building community in the gym can empower lives. Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about strength, resilience, and self-empowerment.