204 Rise

Amie didn’t set out to build a gym as much as she set out to build a place where people felt seen, supported, and challenged in the right ways.In Episode 201, Amie Seier, founder of The Community Gym, walks us through the decisions that shaped her business long before the doors ever opened. Early pop-up classes and unconventional equipment choices eventually became the quieter leadership moments no one prepares you for, this conversation explores what it means to build culture with intention instead of chasing growth for growth’s sake.We talk about the mental load of leadership, the loneliness that can come with being the decision-maker, and why execution matters more than ideas once real people are counting on you. Amie opens up about fear, regret, and the internal pressure of choosing to act before certainty shows up. She also shares how hiring for balance, not duplication, helped shape a team and environment people genuinely want to be part of.#204Rise #CommunityGym #LeadershipDevelopment #EntrepreneurMindset #WinnipegBusiness #CultureBuilding #WomenInLeadership #CanadianPodcast

On episode 200 of the 204 Rise Podcast, we sit down with Michael Benarroch, President of the University of Manitoba, for a rare and candid conversation about leadership at scale. We ask the question, "what does it actually take to lead one of Canada’s largest public institutions?". Breaking down how a $1.1+ billion organization functions, how decisions are made when students, faculty, government, and the broader community are all impacted, and why rankings alone don’t define a great university. From navigating COVID, strikes, and campus safety, to fostering trust and encouraging honest feedback, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at leadership when the stakes are real and public.We also explore Michael’s personal journey, from once believing law school was his path, to discovering economics, to becoming president without ever chasing the title.#204Rise #LeadershipPodcast #UniversityLeadership #MichaelBenarroch #UniversityOfManitoba #PublicLeadership #HigherEducation #LeadershipAtScale #CanadianLeadership #WinnipegPodcast #DecisionMaking #InstitutionalLeadership #Episode200

200 episodes in and this conversation feels like a checkpoint, not a finish line.This episode is a reflection on the journey from episode one to episode 200. The evolution of the show. The moments that tested us. The ones that quietly shaped everything. From recording in small studios to centre court at Canada Life Centre, backstage at concerts, inside gyms, boardrooms, and places we were never thought we would be in, the podcast grew alongside us.We talk openly about what doesn’t make the highlight reels: burnout, self-doubt, the post-production grind, and the pressure of staying consistent when motivation dips. We reflect on lessons learned through repetition, confidence built over time, and friendships strengthened by choosing to keep going when things felt heavy.This episode is about growth in real time. About documenting the process instead of waiting for the outcome. About building better systems, better habits, and better perspective, not fewer dreams.This isn’t a victory lap.It’s a reminder of why we started and why we’re nowhere near done.#Podcast #Podcasting #PodcastLife #CreatorJourney #ContentCreators #LongFormContent #Consistency #BuildingInPublic #CreativeProcess #EntrepreneurMindset #MediaEntrepreneurs #WinnipegCreators #CanadianPodcast #204Rise

Kori Cuthbert is the founder of The Hive Climbing Gym, but the journey to opening Winnipeg’s first dedicated bouldering gym started long before the doors ever opened.In this episode of 204 Rise, Kori shares why traditional fitness often fails to keep people engaged and how climbing creates something different, community built through problem-solving, shared struggle, and trust. He talks about choosing Winnipeg as the place to build something that didn’t exist yet, walking away from the “what if” mindset, and taking on real financial risk to bring the vision to life.We get into going deep into debt, launching a physical space just as the pandemic hit, and the realities of building a business rooted in passion rather than trends. Kori also reflects on lessons from the mountains, fear management, patience, perspective, and near misses and how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership and long-term growth.🔗 Connect with 204 Rise 🔗 ‣ https://linktr.ee/204Rise📻 Listen to us on the Radio Every Tuesday! 📻 ‣ https://umfm.com/programming.📧 Any business inquires, please email... 📧 ‣ 204Rise@gmail.com#204Rise #KoriCuthbert #TheHiveClimbing #WinnipegPodcast #CommunityBuilding #Entrepreneurship #StartupStory #AlternativeFitness #FounderMindset #BuiltInWinnipeg

Tanisha Dhillon’s life didn’t follow a straight line and that’s exactly what makes her story powerful.In this episode, Tanisha opens up about betting on herself early, leaving university, and moving across the world alone to chase a dream she didn’t fully understand yet. From pageants and modeling to acting in Bollywood, launching businesses, and opening brick-and-mortar stores across Canada, she shares what it really looks like to build something from nothing.We talk about long nights before grand openings, constant problem-solving, navigating risk, family expectations, and the pressure of turning rare opportunities into real momentum. This is an honest conversation about ambition, sacrifice, and trusting yourself when there’s no clear roadmap.🔗 Connect with 204 Rise 🔗 ‣ https://linktr.ee/204Rise📻 Listen to us on the Radio Every Tuesday! 📻 ‣ https://umfm.com/programming.📧 Any business inquires, please email... 📧 ‣ 204Rise@gmail.com

Hitting one million followers sounds like the finish line, but Josh Anglo sees it very differently.In this episode of 204 Rise, Josh breaks down what actually goes into building an audience at scale and why consistency matters more than talent, luck, or perfection. Posting every single day at 5 p.m. became a non-negotiable discipline, not a strategy for virality, but a commitment to showing up even when motivation was gone.Josh opens up about dropping out of university, disappointing his parents, and making the decision to go all-in on content creation with no backup plan. He talks through his creative process under pressure, how he comes up with ideas when the tank feels empty, and why “done” will always beat perfect. We also unpack why follower count doesn’t equal influence, why he avoids the blue checkmark, and what actually builds long-term trust with an audience.The conversation goes deeper into the mental side of being a creator: burnout, obsession, sleep, validation, and learning how to stay grounded in a world that never logs off. This episode is about discipline, self-belief, and building something meaningful without letting numbers define your worth.If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing a goal that demands daily effort, this episode brings clarity to what consistency really costs and why it’s worth it.🔗 Connect with 204 Rise 🔗 ‣ https://linktr.ee/204Rise📻 Listen to us on the Radio Every Tuesday! 📻 ‣ https://umfm.com/programming.📧 Any business inquires, please email... 📧 ‣ 204Rise@gmail.com#MillionFollowers #BuildingInPublic #CreativeProcess #ShowUpEveryDay #DoneOverPerfect #DigitalCreator #SocialMediaGrowth #MindsetShift

Most people see Clairissa Cruz as the owner of four thriving Bare Body Sugaring locations and assume the journey was smooth. The reality is far different.In this honest and vulnerable conversation, Clairissa shares the full, unfiltered story behind building one of Winnipeg’s most recognizable beauty brands. She opens up about growing up in Manitoba Housing, starting her business from home with a baby by her side, and working 17–18 hour days just to survive. What followed were moments that nearly broke her including public backlash, burnout, and the darkest week of her life and the long road back to herself.We talk about how therapy, community, and her husband’s unwavering support helped her rebuild, the childhood hustles that shaped her work ethic, and the intentional choices behind creating the Bare Body Sugaring experience. At its core, this conversation is about more than business. It’s about motherhood, resilience, mental health, and building a workplace that feels safe, supportive, and human.This episode pulls back the curtain on what success really looks like, the pressure, the sacrifice, and the strength it takes to keep going when quitting feels easier. Clairissa’s story is a powerful reminder that the strongest people often carry the heaviest battles, and that meaningful businesses are built from purpose, not perfection.00:00 Intro & The Drive to Succeed02:00 Early Struggles & Motivation04:30 Building the Business: From Home to Four Locations10:30 Entrepreneurial Childhood & Grit15:00 The Grind & Balancing Family19:00 Mental Health, Setbacks & Cancel Culture25:00 Resilience, Therapy & Support Systems30:00 Intentions, Rituals & Workplace Culture35:00 Customer Experience & Genuine Connections40:00 Hiring, Training & Growing a Team45:00 Competition, Community, and Market Changes50:00 What is Sugaring & Setting High Standards54:00 Lessons in Leadership, Boundaries, and Advice01:00:00 Freedom, Giving Back & Parenting Values01:05:00 Recognition, Speaking, and Lasting Impact01:09:00 Final Reflections & Outro🔗 Connect with 204 Rise 🔗 ‣ https://linktr.ee/204Rise📻 Listen to us on the Radio Every Tuesday! 📻 ‣ https://umfm.com/programming.📧 Any business inquires, please email... 📧 ‣ 204Rise@gmail.com#204Rise #ClairissaCruz #BareBodySugaring #WinnipegBusiness #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #FounderStory #Resilience #Motherhood #MentalHealthInBusiness #CanadianEntrepreneurs

What does it really take to build one of the fastest-growing chocolate brands in North America?In this episode, we sit down with Jake Karls, co-founder and chief storyteller of Mid-Day Squares. Jake opens up about the parts of the journey most entrepreneurs never share, heartbreak that reshaped his life, failed attempts that forced him to rebuild, losing himself along the way, and eventually discovering the role he was born to play. What started as a messy path of uncertainty led him to becoming the rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, helping turn the company into a brand that has sold over $65M worth of bars.We talk about why he struggled as CMO and how owning your weaknesses can unlock your real superpower, the moment he decided to bet everything on Mid-Day Squares, and the impact therapy had on saving the partnership, the business, and his closest relationships. Jake also opens up about the pressure of being “on” all the time, the loneliness behind constant travel, and the emotional cost of building a brand in public.If you’re obsessed with entrepreneurship, storytelling, personal growth, or watching the underdog fight their way forward, this conversation will hit you deeply and stay with you long after it’s over.#204Rise #JakeKarls #MidDaySquares #Entrepreneurship #StartupStory #BrandBuilding #CMO #Storytelling #BusinessGrowth #FounderLife #CanadianEntrepreneurs #UnderdogStory #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealthInBusiness #WinnipegPodcast #Motivation #BusinessPodcast #CreatorEconomy #LeadershipJourney #SuccessMindset

We sit down with Mady Kennedy to unpack her incredible journey to becoming an Ironman. What started as a desire to push herself in new and unexpected ways quickly turned into one of the biggest challenges of her life.Mady opens up about the training, the mindset, the discipline, and the moments where quitting would’ve been the easiest option, but never the right one. Her story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you refuse to give up on yourself and commit to something that most people would never attempt.This episode is about resilience, self-belief, and proving to yourself that the impossible is actually within reach.#204Rise #MadyKennedy #IronmanTraining #IronmanJourney #MindsetMatters #NeverQuit #AthleteStory #WinnipegPodcast #EnduranceAthlete #ChasingGoals

In this episode of 204 Rise, we sit down with Dr. Norman Silver and David Berkowitz, the founders of QDoc, a healthcare startup based right here in Winnipeg that’s changing the way people access care.Built out of the need for faster, more convenient medical attention, QDoc connects patients with licensed doctors virtually, helping reduce wait times and make healthcare more accessible for everyone.Dr. Silver and David share how their unique backgrounds, one in medicine, the other in business and technology, came together to build a solution for a system that desperately needed innovation. From the first idea to real-world impact, we talk about the lives QDoc has helped, the challenges of growing in the healthcare space, and the vision they have for the future of digital medicine in Canada.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build something that actually helps people, this conversation is proof that innovation can start right here in Winnipeg.#204Rise #QDoc #HealthcareInnovation #WinnipegBusiness #TechStartup #Entrepreneurship #DigitalHealth #CanadianCreators #WinnipegPodcast #FoundersStory

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Ramos better known as "Famos", founder of Saint Barber Shop and Saintuary Coffee, to talk about what it really takes to chase your vision and build something from the ground up. From building one of Winnipeg’s most recognized barbershops to cutting hair for celebrities, Famos shares the mindset behind taking risks and betting on yourself.We touch on his journey, navigating the challenges of the barbering scene to learning the realities of entrepreneurship and leadership. We talk about the sacrifices, the lessons, and the moments that shaped his identity as both a creative and a business owner.The conversation goes beyond business, diving into what it means to represent your city, build community, and create spaces that bring people together. With Saintuary Cafe & Bar now joining the Saint brand, Famos reflects on how he’s blending creativity, culture, and connection.00:00 Life Lessons & Taking Risks03:00 No Regrets, Only Lessons04:44 Family Roots & Creativity10:10 Growing Up, Finding Barbering17:40 Early Struggles & Discoveries21:30 Moving, Networking & Social Media Growth27:00 Building a Brand & The 4AM Fade33:50 Barbershop Hustle & Reality TV41:00 Opening Saint & The Meaning of Community48:40 Starting Over: Building Sanctuary53:00 Lessons Learned & Business Advice58:00 Family Support, Identity & Impact01:05:40 Barbering, Creativity & Staying Humble01:13:00 Celebrity Clients & Building Relationships01:17:00 Closing Thoughts & Shout Outs#204Rise #ScottRamos #Famos #SaintBarberShop #SaintuaryCoffee #WinnipegBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BarberLife #CreativeEntrepreneur #CommunityBuilding #WinnipegPodcast #CanadianCreators #PurposeDrivenBusiness

Behind every great idea lies a little bit of chaos and for Jay Hall, that chaos became the foundation of something extraordinary.In this episode, we sit down with Jay to talk about his journey from music production and event planning to becoming the mastermind behind one of Manitoba’s most ambitious horror experiences, Fear Winnipeg. What started as a wild idea for a zombie chase quickly turned into a massive community event that combined creativity, chaos, and purpose.Jay’s story goes far beyond haunted attractions though. He opens up about the challenges of building something from scratch, losing everything in a devastating fire, and finding the drive to rebuild stronger than before. From working on political campaigns and writing novels to leading advocacy groups for change across Manitoba, Jay’s career has been defined by resilience, innovation, and an unstoppable passion for creating experiences that make people feel.At its core, this conversation is about fear, not just the kind you experience in the dark, but the kind that comes with risk, reinvention, and following your vision when no one else can see it yet.#JayHall #FearWinnipeg #204Rise #WinnipegPodcast #ManitobaCreatives #EntrepreneurLife #LocalStories #EventProduction #HauntedAttraction #CreativeJourney #FearlessMindset #CommunityDriven #204Culture #Resilience #Inspiration

In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Black, founder of Sheepdog Brew Co, to explore the journey of building a brand rooted in community, service, and purpose. From humble beginnings selling coffee to friends and family, Shawn shares how Sheepdog grew from a small side project into a full-scale brewing company dedicated to creating quality cold brew and meaningful connections.We start by diving into how Sheepdog is changing coffee culture and building community, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at the science and manufacturing of custom cold brew. Shawn opens up about starting Sheepdog from the ground up, the passion and sacrifices that came with entrepreneurship, and the defining moment when he decided to leave policing to pursue business full-time.The conversation unfolds into themes of balancing hustle and rest, finding personal flow, and how service remains at the heart of everything Sheepdog does. Shawn reflects on lessons from his policing career, the importance of inner drive and purpose, and the realities of failure, hiring, and building a trustworthy team.We also touch on the business side — breaking into retail, brand positioning, and how to stand out in the crowded CPG market. Shawn shares his thoughts on people, money, and respect in business, and how community, referrals, and loyalty have fueled Sheepdog’s growth.The episode closes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, reflections on giving back, and a powerful reminder that success is built through service, integrity, and staying true to what matters most.00:00 Changing Coffee & Building Community06:46 Custom Cold Brew: Science & Manufacturing13:12 Starting Sheep Dog—Grassroots Beginnings17:46 Passion, Sacrifice & Entrepreneurship23:11 Making the Leap: From Cop to Coffee32:00 Balancing Hustle and Rest—Finding Flow39:36 Service, Meaning & Community Impact43:54 Lessons from Policing & Staying Grounded50:00 Inner Drive, Validation & Purpose57:28 Failures, Hiring & Building a Team01:02:00 Breaking Into Retail & Brand Positioning01:15:00 People, Money & Respect in Business01:25:00 CPG Market: Standing Out on Shelves01:35:40 Community, Referrals & Brand Loyalty01:45:00 Advice for Entrepreneurs & Looking Forward01:53:00 Final Reflections & Giving Back🔗 Connect with 204 Rise 🔗 ‣ https://linktr.ee/204Rise📻 Listen to us on the Radio Every Tuesday! 📻 ‣ https://umfm.com/programming.📧 Any business inquires, please email... 📧 ‣ 204Rise@gmail.com

What does it take to rebuild your life after hitting rock bottom, not once, but multiple times? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jason McLean, an author, speaker, and mental health advocate who’s made it his mission to turn pain into purpose.Jason opens up about growing up in a broken home, battling mental health challenges, and facing moments where life could’ve gone either way. Through honesty and resilience, he found a second chance and chose to dedicate it to helping others find light in their darkest moments.From his bestselling books One Drop of Water and The Monarch Butterfly Effect to the work he’s doing in schools, workplaces, and communities across the country, Jason’s story is a testament to strength, healing, and the power of vulnerability.This episode is raw, emotional, and inspiring a reminder that it’s never too late to change your story.00:00 Introduction & Startling Statistics01:08 Childhood Hardships & Homelessness03:32 Advice to Younger Self & Belief04:22 Formative Childhood Memories05:54 Life Lessons from Riding a Bike06:55 When Reality Hits & Losing Innocence08:14 Imagination as a Coping Mechanism10:28 Early Struggles, Abuse, and Moving Schools13:05 Dealing with Bullying & Childhood Insecurities16:56 Imagination and Becoming the Hero19:00 Exploring the Past: Facts vs Feelings21:21 IQ Tests, School Challenges, and Coping24:30 Self-Sabotage & Cycles of Opportunity28:06 Family Dynamics and Identity Challenges33:51 Importance of Revisiting Childhood to Heal36:12 Mental Health vs Mental Fitness38:18 Action vs Awareness in Healing41:12 From Insecurity to Finding Purpose Through Writing43:51 On Vulnerability, Authentic Storytelling, and Healing47:00 Homelessness, Kindness, and Survival51:24 The Feeling of Depression: Buried in a Hole01:04:34 The Downward Spiral and Suicidal Thoughts01:10:12 Inside the Mind: The Day of the Attempt01:17:01 Miraculous Survival and Aftermath01:25:03 Rethinking Failure: Lessons and Growth01:29:02 Breaking Out of Depression & the Power of Movement01:31:57 Men’s Mental Health & Societal Pressures01:36:48 True Masculinity: Power and Peacefulness01:41:01 Holding Space for Brothers & Powerful Friendships01:44:08 Practical Advice for Helping Friends01:49:38 Father’s Passing and Its Impact01:54:04 Motorcycle Crash & Surviving Against All Odds02:01:44 Healing, PTSD & Close Calls with Death02:07:04 Current Mental Health & Daily Routines02:10:17 The First Step Out of the Hole02:12:44 Closing Thoughts & Reflections#JasonMcLean #MentalHealthAwareness #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #OvercomingAdversity #AuthorLife #InspirationDaily #HealingJourney #MindsetMatters #Resilience #TraumaHealing #WinnipegPodcast #204Rise #PurposeDriven #Motivation #Transformation

What does it take to capture the energy of a professional sports team and turn it into stories that move people? In this episode, we sit down with Foebus Dela Paz — the creative mind behind the Winnipeg Sea Bears’ most viral videos and cinematic game-day moments.Foebus shares his journey from picking up a camera for fun to becoming one of Winnipeg’s top videographers, known for his storytelling and relentless dedication to getting the perfect shot. We talk about what sparked his love for visual storytelling, the hustle of freelancing, and what it’s really like filming high-stakes, high-energy professional games.From long nights editing to finding purpose through creativity, Foebus breaks down what it means to tell stories that inspire and how passion can turn into a full-time career doing what you love.00:00 Introduction & Passion for Creativity01:05 Two Fries Podcast & Introducing Feebas03:29 Chasing Dreams: From Raptors to Seabears04:49 Finding Basketball & Early Filmmaking Roots06:31 Learning, Hustling & Building a Client Base08:33 Hoops Inspiration & Landing with the Seabears12:08 Standing Out: Storytelling vs Just Editing15:33 Being Different, Family Pressure, and Choosing Creativity18:47 Starting Out: Building a Portfolio and Getting Noticed22:22 Authenticity, Vibes, and Shooting What Feels Right25:13 Filming Clubs & Learning from Other Creators27:05 Self-Taught Journey & The Role of YouTube29:44 Grinding the Craft, Finding Consistency33:12 Going Full-Time: The Leap and Its Challenges36:33 Freelancer vs. Full-Time: Creative Freedom and Risks40:14 Launching Digital Products & Business Lessons43:32 Mini Movies, Fast Turnarounds, & Changing the Game47:13 Recognition, Inspiration, and Seabears Highlights49:54 Reflecting on Wins, Ambition & Personal Values53:19 Pursuing the NBA, Family, and Life Balance56:00 Team Media Operations: Seabears, Jets and Big Leagues01:00:00 Big Breaks: NBA Asia, New York & Career Milestones01:04:44 Handling Embarrassment, Flow States & Burnout01:10:34 Staying Grounded: Family, Money, and What Really Matters01:13:37 Releasing Merch: The Hoodie Story & Its Meaning01:14:43 Future Outlook & Advice to Younger Self01:15:47 Final Thoughts & Episode Wrap Up#WinnipegSeaBears #ContentCreator #Videography #Storytelling #Filmmaker #CreativeJourney #SeaBears #WinnipegCreatives #BehindTheLens #FreelancerLife #VisualStorytelling #PodcastInterview #204Rise

We had the privilege of sitting down with Scott Gillingham, the 44th Mayor of Winnipeg, for a powerful and inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and the future of our city.Mayor Gillingham shares how his years of service as a pastor shaped his desire to make a greater impact, ultimately leading him into politics. He talks about his vision for Winnipeg, especially the downtown core, "The heart of the city,” vital to keeping the whole community thriving.Together, we explore the incredible talent, culture, history and organizations that make Winnipeg unique, and the importance of building an environment where everyone can succeed. Mayor Gillingham also reflects on the challenges of polarization in society and why true progress depends on coming together as one community.This episode is a rare look inside the vision, values, and determination of the leader driving Winnipeg forward.00:00 Building Winnipeg's Future02:18 Sense of Community & Challenges03:49 Reflections on Leadership & Service07:08 Leadership Lessons & Collaboration12:18 Responding to Crisis and Emergencies18:27 Balancing the Role of Mayor23:11 Winnipeg at 150 & Vision for the Future27:01 Winnipeg's Strengths & Challenges31:41 Downtown Investments & City Projects36:36 Messaging, Social Media, and Community Events39:32 Handling Criticism & Staying Resilient44:33 Difficult Decisions & Long-term Thinking47:03 Technology, AI & The Evolving City49:39 Advice for Winnipeggers: Live a Life of Service#Winnipeg #MayorScottGillingham #CityOfWinnipeg #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #DowntownWinnipeg #WinnipegStrong #FutureOfWinnipeg #InspiringLeaders #204Community #BuildingTogether

In this episode, we sit down with The Degenerates to trace their journey from humble beginnings to festival stages. They open up about their earliest gigs, the nerves of their first major booking, and how they grew from playing to small crowds into commanding big festival audiences.We dive into the story of how they formed their duo, what keeps them motivated, and the importance of living in the moment while chasing a dream in the rave world. From family reactions and musical influences to the funny stories that shaped their path, The Degenerates share a raw and real look at life as DJs.They talk about set planning, connecting with audiences, and the evolution of DJ culture, all while reflecting on Winnipeg’s growing EDM scene. With insights on inspiration, risks, and advice for aspiring DJs, this conversation captures both the chaos and passion behind their music journey.00:00 Meeting & Early Days01:45 First Gigs and Early Experiences03:38 Forming a Duo & Going Pro04:44 First Major Booking and Nerves05:45 Small Crowds to Big Festivals06:53 Staying Motivated & The 'Why'07:38 Living in the Moment08:22 Family Reactions & The Rave World09:28 Musical Influences and DJ Styles10:27 Set Planning & Tomorrow’s Show10:53 Connecting With The Audience11:44 Funny Stories & Humble Beginnings12:30 How DJing Has Changed13:39 Choosing The Name 'Degenerates'14:57 Gambling Stories and Inspiration16:01 Musical Inspirations & Local Scene17:37 Winnipeg as an EDM Hub18:22 Advice for Aspiring DJs19:00 Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts🔗 Connect with 204 Rise 🔗 ‣ https://linktr.ee/204Rise 📻 Listen to us on the Radio Every Tuesday! 📻 ‣ https://umfm.com/programming. 📧 Any business inquires, please email... 📧 ‣ 204Rise@gmail.com#TheDegenerates #DJLife #FestivalLife #EDMCommunity #EDMScene #EDMFamily #RaveCulture #FestivalSeason #DJSet #EDMMusic #ProducerLife #WinnipegEvents #WinnipegNightlife #RaveFam #EDMFestival #UndergroundEDM #CanadianEDM #LocalDJs #FestivalVibes #MusicJourney

What does it take to turn your love for festivals into a movement that changes lives? In this episode, we sit down with Desa Desautels, a driving force in the EDM scene who’s redefining what it means to be part of festival culture. From her first rave experiences to stepping behind the decks as a DJ, Desa opens up about her journey of passion, community, and purpose.She shares the story of Festi Bestiez, the harm reduction initiative she founded that’s become a trusted source of safety, drug testing, and support at festivals across the scene. We get into why logistics and care matter, the impact of creating a supportive environment for festival-goers, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.Desa also reflects on the energy of performing as a DJ, the realities of life inside rave culture, and her vision for the future. This is an inspiring conversation about music, impact, and what it takes to leave a lasting mark on the community you love.00:00 Getting Involved in the Community01:10 Early Festival Experiences & Harm Reduction 02:30 Starting Out as a DJ 04:15 Discovering EDM and Festival Culture 07:00 Building Connections and Breaking In 09:00 Becoming a Go-Getter 11:00 Life as a DJ: Memorable Moments 12:00 Inside the Rave and EDM Scene 13:30 The Story Behind Festi Bestiez 15:50 Launching Harm Reduction Services 17:00 How Drug Testing Works at Festivals 19:25 Festi Bestiez' Fast Growth 20:55 Ambitions for the Future 22:00 Festival Logistics & Safety 23:10 Looking Ahead & Final Advice 🔗 Connect with 204 Rise 🔗 ‣ https://linktr.ee/204Rise 📻 Listen to us on the Radio Every Tuesday! 📻 ‣ https://umfm.com/programming. 📧 Any business inquires, please email... 📧 ‣ 204Rise@gmail.com#FestivalCulture #RaveCommunity #EDMFamily #EDMCommunity #FestivalLife #HarmReduction #FestiBestiez #RaveSafety #FestivalSeason #RaveFam #FestivalWellness #RaversOfInstagram #FestivalSupport #DJLife #WomenInEDM #FestivalStories #BehindTheDecks #EDMScene #MusicWithPurpose #RaveLife

What does it really take to turn passion into purpose? In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Lampa to unpack his journey of chasing creativity, overcoming setbacks, and building a life fueled by music and community. From his first breaks in the industry to moments of doubt and rock bottom, Andrew opens up about how he found confidence again and the lessons that shaped his path. We explore the challenges of balancing a day job with passion, the surprising overlap between DJing and professional life, and the full-circle moments that reminded him why he started. With raw honesty and inspiration, Andrew reflects on resilience, growth, and the advice he’d give his younger self proof that chasing your dream is never a wasted effort.00:00 Starting Out and First Breaks 03:03 Building Confidence and Creating Community 06:07 Overcoming Challenges and Personal Growth 12:04 Rock Bottom and Finding Purpose Again 17:28 The Musical Journey: Highs, Lows, and Lessons 22:10 The Balance of Day Job and Passion 27:29 Skill Overlap: DJing and Professional Life 31:43 Full Circle Moments and Creative Inspiration 36:10 Advice to My Younger Self and Closing Thoughts#AndrewLampa #MusicJourney #DJLife #CreativeJourney #PassionToPurpose #ChasingDreams #Resilience #OvercomingObstacles #LifeOfADJ #MusicCommunity #StayInspired #DreamChasers #PurposeDrivenLife #MusicIsLife #CreativeGrowth #ConfidenceAndCommunity #PursueYourDreams #CreativeLifestyle #DJCulture #MusicianLife 

In this episode of the 204Rise podcast we joined by Lumasi! From first tour to life on the road, Lumasi has been carving out a name as one of the most exciting voices in music today. In this episode of the 204 Rise Podcast, he opens up about chasing passion, balancing life as a full-time artist, and the raw reality of building a music career.Lumasi shares how he battles burnout, stays true to his creative process, and finds strength in community and collaboration. We get into imposter syndrome, the grind behind the scenes, and what it really takes to go all in on your dreams.Whether you’re a dreamer chasing your own path or simply curious about the realities of making music full-time, this episode is filled with inspiration, raw honesty, and advice you won’t want to miss. 00:00 Finding Passion in Music02:52 Growing Up & Early Dreams05:40 First Tour & Life on the Road08:03 The Grind & Balancing Mental Health10:45 Overcoming Burnout & Taking Care13:13 Creative Process & Musical Identity16:08 Impact, Imposter Syndrome & Inspiration18:13 Making Music Full-Time & Taking Risks20:01 The Power of Community & Collaboration21:13 Returning Home & Full Circle Moments21:51 Upcoming Projects & Exciting Future22:52 Final Advice for Dreamers & Outro#Lumasi #204RisePodcast #MusicJourney #IndependentArtist #TourLife #MusicianLife #CreativeProcess #MusicIndustry #FullTimeArtist #ImposterSyndrome #BurnoutRecovery #ArtistGrowth #PassionToCareer #LifeOnTheRoad #BehindTheMusic #UpAndComingArtist #MusicCommunity #CollaborationInMusic #ChasingDreams #MusicInspiration