The Koz Podcast

Chad is a creative/designer who manages his own business "So Indifferent". In his earlier years, he spent his time as a self-taught bassist playing in metal and hip-hop bands across the city of Toronto. He is also the author/illustrator of the children's book "The Fear Theory", which conveys powerful lessons to children about conquering their inner fears, but more specifically by emphasizing the importance of introspection/empathy, and the tools that are acquired when overcoming difficult situations in life.

Listen to us discuss how he used the creative outlet of design to overcome his personal struggles/fears from 2020 into a tool that can help teach children how to cope.

Check out his website: soindifferent.com

Anne-Marie is a lifetime learner with an ultimate passion for the sport of baseball and a specific interest in non-profit organizations. After suffering a life-altering concussion in 2014 at a softball game, she was forced to completely redefine how to navigate her life alongside post-concussive symptoms. Most recently she made the decision to pursue a certificate in career development and academic advising, in hopes of providing help to students and college/university staff.

Listen to her open up about her ongoing struggle with post-concussive symptoms and how it changed her entire life.

Farhan is a reconciliation analyst for the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), where he helps his various clients with basic accounting and other banking needs. He also pickup a gig as an appliance specialist for Home Depot (hardware store) since the beginning of the pandemic.

Listen to us discuss and rant about issues like: the pandemic, working from home, conspiracy theories, and misinformation.

Brian is a facility operator for the City of Markham, where he is responsible for safe and efficient operations of recreational facilities such as swimming pools, arenas, and ice rinks. Outside of his job, he recently rediscovered his childhood and now renewed passion for art and drawing. Although his primary focus has been dedicated to realistic wildlife art; drawing exotic animals such as elephants and big cats, he has started taking on commission work opening himself up to the challenge of drawing all different types of animals.

Listen to us discuss the rediscovery of his passion, his workflow from blank canvas to finished product, and the importance of bringing emotion to his work.

Check out his website: brianwoodhouseart.com

Natasha is the face behind the instagram page "My Anxiety Coach", where she posts educational content specific to all things mental health, including helpful tips/advice from her own personal experience dealing with day-to-day anxiety. With a Bachelor of Social Work from Ryerson University, she hopes to use her page to help empower others to share their personal experiences with anxiety, as well as help them overcome the day-to-day challenges that come with it.

Listen to us discuss mental health, self-awareness, and finding fulfillment.

Michael is a server in Toronto, who during the pandemic launched his own men’s vintage clothing company “Rausch Ltd. - Fine Vintage” where he curates thrift clothing from many different sources and showcases them in different outfits on his instagram page.

Listen to us discuss the challenges of working in the food/restaurant industry during the pandemic.

Nick is a student at the University of Windsor completing his Masters of Human Kinetics / Sport Management. He currently works in Media & Community Relations with the Windsor Spitfires, where he has spent the past two years learning social media and content development.

Listen to us discuss the challenges of having the OHL season put on hold, as well as being a student trying to secure an internship and finish his studies during the pandemic.

Tyrone is a personal trainer and entrepreneur who manages his training business “Optimize Potential Training”. As a previous athlete himself, he enjoys training athletes with an emphasis on how to generate and develop speed, but in recent years has embraced the challenge of training all adults; helping them focus on functional strength and movement for normal day-to-day physical activity.

Listen to us discuss the challenges of being a personal trainer during the pandemic; whether that be professionally with having to find new and alternative ways to train his clients, or personally with not trying to do too much in a day.

Adam is an electrician for Sydney Trains working on passenger trains in Australia; recently transitioned from working on mining equipment. In his personal time, he is an avid fan of live music and festivals, but also a massive fan of sport across the world including rugby, basketball and cricket.

Listen to us discuss his experience of the pandemic in Australia, as well as the importance of sport and other sport-related topics.

Lydia is a program readiness manager for Export Development Canada providing service and support to local businesses looking to export their products internationally. She’s also a wife, step-mom and blogger, where she shares positivity through her raw and honest personal blog “For Goodness’ Saikali”.

Listen to us discuss her story of double pregnancy and miscarriage along with working from home and parenting an adolescent teen forced to adapt to virtual learning.

Check out her blog: for-goodness-saikali.com

Marlon is a payment services officer for the Government of Canada helping seniors access their Canada pension plan (CPP) and old age security benefits. Prior to his current position, he helped create opportunities for youth to become active in sport through organizations such as the Ontario Basketball Association, Jr. NBA Youth Basketball Program and Jays Care Foundation.

Listen to our chat about his decision to change jobs during the pandemic to help prioritize the values that are most important to him and create a more positive mindset.

Matt is a youth mentor and personal development coach working with programs such as Ahead of the Games and the Pinball Clemons Foundation. He played 6 years in the CFL as a defensive back with the Hamilton Tiger Cats, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Calgary Stampeders and BC Lions.

Listen to us talk about the RedZone program; a set of group virtual mentorship sessions he helps facilitate which has helped many (including myself) spark motivation and focus during this difficult time. New sessions starting in January 2021!

Orso is an international events manager and project consultant recently working in events such as the Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia, FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, Commonwealth Games in Australia, and the African Cup of Nations in Gabon.

Listen to his experience living in the UK during the first lockdown, then moving to and experiencing further lockdowns in France.