To Be or Not To Be: Would You Die for an Idea?What would you give everything for? A flag, a medal, a person, or a cause greater than yourself? Today on The Collective, we step into the timeless question of sacrifice and meaning: to be, or not to be.Joining us is Clay Surratt — former U.S. Army soldier, martial arts instructor, and social worker — who brings a unique perspective from both battlefield experience and his work helping others off it. Together, we explore the weight of choosing what (or who) is worth dying for, and what it really means to live with purpose.🎙️ Would you lay it all down for an idea? Or is the greater challenge to live deliberately for it every day?🔔 Subscribe & join the conversation.#TheCollectivePodcast #Sacrifice #Meaning #Veterans #Purpose #ClaySurratt #Philosophy #ToBeOrNotToBe

What does it mean to evolve as a man? In this powerful episode of The Collective, host Chance and Shaun as the sits down with Travis Denman and Chris Lee to explore how identity, purpose, and responsibility shift through life’s biggest challenges.Travis Denman is a former Green Beret now pursuing his passion for flying and becoming a pilot.Chris Lee is a former Green Beret who has transitioned into coaching, dedicated to helping others build strength, resilience, and purpose.Together, they share personal experiences of transformation, growth, and redefining what it means to be a man beyond the battlefield.In this episode, we discuss:How men can adapt when life demands more than they think they have to giveWhat it means to shed outdated versions of yourselfThe difference between theory and lived experience of growthLessons in leadership, resilience, and purpose from former Green BeretsIf you’re seeking inspiration, personal growth, or a deeper understanding of what it means to evolve as a man, this conversation is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations.

Not all heroes are remembered with medals, and not every legacy makes it into the history books. In this episode, Shaun and Chance sit down with Pat Miller, former JTF2 Operator turned film armourer and photographer, and Jason Dempsey, former RCAF pilot and founder of Blackbird Industries. Together, they explore the lives of Canada’s unsung heroes—figures like Francis Pegahmagabow, Tommy Prince, Léo Major, Mona Parsons, and Mary Greyeyes—whose bravery, resilience, and quiet acts of service left an enduring impact despite a lack of formal recognition.We dive into:The stories of Canadian soldiers, Indigenous warriors, and WWII resistance fighters whose contributions were often overlookedLessons in courage, humility, and leadership that extend beyond medals or fameHow these heroes’ legacies continue to influence service members, first responders, and everyday Canadians todayThis conversation isn’t just about history—it’s about understanding the true nature of heroism, honoring the sacrifices that went unrecognized, and reflecting on the values that these remarkable individuals leave behind.💡 Tune in to discover the power of courage, resilience, and quiet leadership, and be inspired by the unsung heroes who shaped Canada’s history.#TheCollective #UnsungHeroes #CanadianHistory #FrancisPegahmagabow #TommyPrince #LéoMajor #MonaParsons #MaryGreyeyes #MilitaryHistory #Heroism #Legacy #PatMiller #JasonDempsey #Podcast

“The hunt doesn’t start when you pull the trigger—it starts long before you ever step into the wild.”Today on The Collective, we explore hunting as more than just a skill—it’s a mindset. This conversation dives into patience, preparation, and purpose, uncovering how the lessons from the field carry over into every aspect of life.Travis Bader – Founder of Silvercore, Canada’s premier firearms training and outdoor skills company – spends his life in the outdoors, mastering everything from firearms proficiency to bushcraft and advanced tracking. His decades of hands-on experience make him a leading voice on preparation, self-reliance, and the ethics of the hunt, offering insights into how skill development in the wild shapes discipline in everyday life.Doug Patteson – Former CIA operations officer – has been hunting since childhood. He combines deep experience in the field with the acute observational and analytical skills honed in high-stakes intelligence work, lessons that resonate far beyond the wilderness.This episode is about far more than pulling a trigger—it’s about what happens before, during, and after the shot. Whether you’ve spent years in the bush or have never stepped foot off the pavement, the insights here challenge your thinking and deepen your appreciation for the pursuit.🎯 Follow The CollectiveInstagram: @the_collective_ig#TheCollectivePodcast #HuntingMindset #BigGameHunting #Bushcraft #TrackingSkills #SelfReliance #WildernessSkills #SurvivalMindset #HuntingEthics #Podcast

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