Épisodes

  • A Quick Hello from Fede
    Apr 30 2025

    Join host Fede Vargas for a quick hello and heartfelt update as My Most Authentic Life moves forward after surpassing 100 episodes. This check-in reflects on the upcoming transition to video, lessons learned from earlier creative attempts, and the emotional center that continues to guide the podcast’s next phase.

    More than a format change, this is a moment of creative alignment—rooted in human connection, lived experience, and good stories. As this new chapter unfolds, Fede also reminds listeners that May is Mental Health Awareness Month—an ideal time to revisit the archive of courageous, healing conversations.

    What You’ll Learn:

    Why My Most Authentic Life is evolving into video

    The importance of timing and staying grounded in purpose

    How emotional storytelling drives meaningful connection

    A reminder to revisit past episodes centered on mental health

    The value of reflection and intentional change

    About the Guest:
    Fede Vargas is the founder and host of My Most Authentic Life, a podcast that explores life’s big changes and unconventional paths. With over 100 episodes, Fede has built a platform rooted in authenticity, emotional storytelling, and real human connection. As the show evolves, Fede continues to spotlight stories that inspire courage, creativity, and personal growth.

    My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

    Follow Fede Around the Web:

    • Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
    • YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
    • Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
    • LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life
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    4 min
  • Super Allies: Josh MacKinnon on Identity, Advocacy, and Building Inclusive Communities
    Apr 16 2025

    Join host Fede Vargas for an honest and powerful conversation with Josh MacKinnon, founder and CEO of Do Good, a content company dedicated to authenticity and social impact. In this episode of Super Allies, Josh reflects on growing up closeted in a small town, coming out at 19, and how his view of allyship evolved through lived experience, travel, and leadership.

    Together, they unpack the deeper layers of super allyship. Not just standing with others in big moments, but showing up consistently, especially online and in daily life. From community to career, from Toronto to Australia to Vancouver, Josh’s story is about choosing to be visible, vocal, and values-driven.

    What You’ll Learn:

    How marginalized communities can be allies to one another

    The impact of diverse environments on identity and empathy

    The shift from in-person to digital allyship, and why both matter

    What it means to lead with realism, optimism, and compassion

    Why voting is one of the most powerful acts of allyship

    Episode Highlights:
    [00:00] Welcome to Super Allies and the evolving meaning of allyship
    [02:00] Josh shares his 3 pillars of super allyship: acceptance, support, advocacy
    [06:00] Coming out at 19 and learning the value of support
    [08:00] Why marginalized groups must show up for one another
    [09:00] How Toronto reshaped Josh’s understanding of community
    [12:00] From real-world gatherings to digital support
    [15:00] Silent support vs. speaking up in online spaces
    [17:00] Collective adversity and the power of unity
    [20:00] Career growth, support networks, and allyship at work
    [22:00] Lessons from Australia, the US, and across Canada
    [24:00] Grounded optimism and leading through hard times
    [26:00] Voting as an everyday act of super allyship
    [27:00] Rapid fire: feeling valued, hard truths, and staying authentic

    About the Guest:
    Josh MacKinnon is the founder and CEO of Do Good, a content company rooted in impact, storytelling, and authenticity. With a career in marketing and communications, Josh has led teams across industries while championing values of inclusion, empathy, and advocacy. He brings a global perspective to allyship and believes in showing up through action, both in person and online.

    Connect with Josh:
    Learn more about Josh MacKinnon’s work and explore Do Good, a content company rooted in authenticity and impact:
    🔗 heyfamm.com/services/do-good-a-content-company

    My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

    Follow Fede Around the Web:

    • Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
    • YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
    • Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
    • LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life
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    29 min
  • From NFL Stardom to Startup Grit: Mark Clayton on Reinvention, Faith, and Finding Purpose Beyond the Game
    Apr 2 2025

    Join host Fede Vargas for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation with Mark Clayton, former NFL wide receiver turned entrepreneur. Mark opens up about the abrupt end to his football career, the slow and emotional process of letting go, and how faith and creativity helped him rebuild a new path. From childhood pivots to business breakthroughs, Mark’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and purpose-driven living.

    Listeners will hear Mark reflect on his early life transitions, the highs and lows of NFL fame, and the driving vision behind his creative and entrepreneurial pursuits. This episode offers raw honesty, unexpected wisdom, and a moving reminder that transformation often begins where comfort ends.

    What You’ll Learn:

    How to navigate grief and identity loss after a major life change

    Why emotional resilience is essential for long-term growth

    The realities of NFL life that fans don’t always see

    How Mark turned a personal need into a purpose-driven product

    The role of faith, community, and hope in building something new

    Episode Highlights:
    [00:00] — Fede’s reflection on transformation and letting go
    [02:00] — Mark’s injury and the moment that ended his NFL career
    [06:00] — Grieving the game and seeking stability through faith and counseling
    [07:00] — Early life pivots: from Oklahoma to Texas, and life without his father
    [10:00] — Becoming a quiet leader and teammate
    [11:00] — Choosing basketball over football, then returning to football
    [13:00] — The wake-up call that shifted Mark’s mindset
    [14:00] — The truth about life inside the NFL, beyond the spotlight
    [17:00] — Letting go of the identity tied to football
    [19:00] — The spark that led to Mark’s next chapter as a builder and creator
    [23:00] — The emotional moment that confirmed he was on the right path
    [24:00] — Building community and valuing others’ perspectives
    [26:00] — Reflections on faith, family, and staying hopeful
    [27:00] — Rapid fire: self-discovery, truth, and authenticity

    About the Guest:
    Mark Clayton is a former NFL wide receiver, drafted in the first round and known for his standout performances with the Ravens and Rams. After a career-ending injury, Mark transitioned into entrepreneurship and creative leadership, applying lessons from the field to life beyond football. His journey is fueled by faith, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of reinvention.

    Connect with Mark:
    Follow Mark on Instagram at @clayton.mc
    Explore his brand at livvaudio.com

    My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

    Follow Fede Around the Web:

    • Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
    • YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
    • Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
    • LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life
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    29 min
  • Daring to Leap: Dinah Chapman on Reinvention, Entrepreneurship, and Motherhood
    Mar 19 2025

    Join host Fede Vargas for an inspiring conversation with Dinah Chapman, a bold entrepreneur and mother who walked away from the corporate grind to build a thriving business and a life on her own terms. From selling everything to travel the world, to launching Little Trouble, Dinah shares her journey of taking big leaps, trusting her instincts, and redefining what success and balance truly mean.

    Listeners will gain insights on embracing uncertainty, building a purpose-driven brand, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship while raising a family. If you've ever felt stuck between stability and chasing your dreams, this episode will remind you that once-in-a-lifetime opportunities happen more than once—if you're willing to take the leap.

    What You’ll Learn
    • How to embrace reinvention and make bold life decisions
    • The reality of running a business remotely while raising kids
    • The emotional impact of branding and storytelling in entrepreneurship
    • How motherhood fuels creativity and leadership
    • The mindset shift required to take life-changing leaps
    Episode Highlights

    [00:00] Fede’s thoughts on redefining once-in-a-lifetime opportunities
    [01:13] Dinah’s bold move: Selling everything and traveling the world
    [03:31] How New Zealand changed her view on success
    [05:22] The work trip that made her realize everything had to change
    [07:06] What motherhood teaches about resilience and entrepreneurship
    [12:57] The inspiration behind Little Trouble and its mission
    [15:27] Running a business remotely: Challenges and advantages
    [18:28] The deeper impact of a brand: Customer stories that matter
    [21:41] Creativity vs. data: What makes a brand truly last
    [23:25] Dinah’s biggest lessons on confidence, reinvention, and trust
    [25:21] How once-in-a-lifetime moments happen more than once
    [26:30] Dinah’s definition of authenticity

    About the Guest

    Dinah Chapman is the founder of Little Trouble, a seven-figure direct-to-consumer kids clothing brand built on creativity, joy, and purpose. After experiencing corporate burnout, Dinah took a leap, traveling the world with her family and ultimately building a brand that inspires smiles. She’s passionate about entrepreneurship, motherhood, and helping others find the confidence to reinvent their paths.

    Connect with Dinah Chapman & Little Trouble

    Website: www.littletrouble.com
    Instagram: @littletrouble | @dinahm_chapman

    My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

    Follow Fede Around the Web:

    • Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
    • YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
    • Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
    • LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life
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    28 min
  • Reclaiming the Hyphen: Fernando Hurtado on Identity, Journalism, and the Power of Latino Storytelling
    Mar 5 2025

    Fede explores the meaning of living in the hyphen, the messy and expansive space between cultures, identities, and expectations, with guest Fernando Hurtado.

    Fernando is the founder of In The Hyphen, a YouTube channel dedicated to telling deeply researched, visually compelling stories about U.S. Latinos. After years as a journalist at NBC Universal covering major events like the Olympics, he took a leap into independent journalism. Through In The Hyphen, he tells stories that challenge narratives, highlight overlooked communities, and resonate with those who have felt caught between worlds.

    In This Episode, We Discuss
    • Why Fernando Hurtado left NBC to create independent journalism
    • How In The Hyphen explores the U.S. Latino experience through storytelling
    • The complexities of identity and code-switching in professional spaces
    • The shift from traditional media to digital platforms like YouTube
    • How AI and creator journalism are shaping the future of news
    Episode Highlights

    [00:00] Introduction to My Most Authentic Life and Fede’s philosophy on living in the hyphen
    [01:19] Meet Fernando Hurtado, video journalist and founder of In The Hyphen
    [02:06] Why Fernando walked away from a dream job in journalism
    [03:11] The future of journalism: AI, creator journalism, and changing media landscapes
    [05:09] Finding a niche: why the U.S. Latino experience is underrepresented
    [07:18] Identity, code-switching, and the impact of media representation
    [10:26] Fernando’s boarding school experience and its impact on belonging
    [15:47] The difference between fitting in and true belonging
    [18:54] Launching In The Hyphen: why storytelling matters
    [24:13] Key reflections and the next steps for In The Hyphen
    [26:31] Rapid fire round: Fernando on confidence, identity, and authenticity
    [27:44] Final thoughts and how to stay connected

    About the Guest

    Fernando Hurtado is a video journalist, storyteller, and the founder of In The Hyphen, a YouTube channel dedicated to telling deeply researched, visually rich stories about U.S. Latinos. With years of experience at NBC Universal covering major events like the Olympics, Fernando now focuses on independent journalism, using digital platforms to amplify voices that often go unheard. His work dives deep into themes of identity, code-switching, and media representation.

    Follow Fernando:
    🌐 Website: fernandohurtado.com
    📺 YouTube: @byfernandoh

    My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

    Follow Fede Around the Web:

    • Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
    • YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
    • Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
    • LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life
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    28 min
  • Super Allies: Chris Glover on Social Justice and Taking Action for Change
    Feb 19 2025

    Join host Fede Vargas for the launch of Super Allies, a series dedicated to changemakers who take action when it matters most. In this episode, Chris Glover, a dedicated advocate for education, housing, and community safety, shares how his journey as an educator and politician has shaped his fight for social justice. From addressing the root causes of gun violence to mobilizing communities for policy change, Chris offers insights into how we can all be part of the solution.

    Listeners will gain valuable takeaways on the power of grassroots movements, the importance of voting, and how to create real impact in their communities.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • Why poverty is directly linked to gun violence—and what we can do about it
    • The role of community organizing, activism, and public policy in social change
    • How elections and civic engagement shape housing, education, and safety
    • Steps to take today to move from awareness to real action
    • How to identify leaders who genuinely align with your values
    Episode Highlights:

    [00:00] — Introduction to Super Allies and why this series matters
    [01:19] — What it means to take real action for change
    [02:18] — Chris’s defining moment that led him to advocacy
    [03:25] — The connection between gun violence and poverty
    [07:12] — How Chris transitioned from educator to political leader
    [10:39] — Why communities need to stand together in times of crisis
    [16:49] — The impact of voting and civic engagement
    [19:00] — How to recognize candidates who genuinely fight for change
    [20:23] — Chris’s advice for young advocates: “Get involved now”
    [26:10] — The meaning of authenticity in social justice work

    About the Guest:

    Chris Glover is the MPP for Spadina–Fort York, a longtime advocate for education reform, housing rights, and public safety. A former teacher and university lecturer, Chris has dedicated his career to tackling systemic inequalities, empowering communities, and pushing for meaningful policy changes. He actively engages with the community through his official website and shares updates on his Instagram and Facebook.

    My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

    Follow Fede Around the Web:

    • Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
    • YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
    • Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
    • LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life
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    28 min
  • Reinvention & Resilience: Kerry Novick on Skating, Storytelling, and Living Fully After Life’s Challenges
    Feb 5 2025

    Join Fede Vargas for an inspiring conversation with Kerry Novick, a woman who has boldly embraced change at every stage of life. From performing as a professional skater to a career in international TV sales and now competing in adult figure skating, Kerry’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and following what makes you feel alive.

    In this episode, Kerry shares the unexpected turns in her life, how learning Japanese shaped her career, and the deep lessons she’s gained from her passions—skating, writing, painting, and more. She also opens up about discovering she carries the APOE gene linked to Alzheimer’s, how it shifted her outlook, and why she’s determined to make every moment count.

    This is a must-listen for anyone seeking motivation to reinvent themselves, pursue creativity, and make the most of life’s opportunities.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • How Kerry transitioned from a skating tour in Japan to a global career in TV
    • Why language, travel, and cultural connections shaped her path
    • The power of rediscovering old passions and embracing reinvention at any age
    • How a life-changing health revelation inspired her to live with urgency and joy
    • Mindset shifts for focusing on what truly makes you feel alive
    Episode Highlights:

    [00:02:00] — Kerry’s global TV career and love for travel
    [00:04:36] — From skating in Japan to studying the language
    [00:08:49] — Returning to figure skating and rediscovering passion
    [00:13:04] — A genetic health discovery that changed everything
    [00:15:26] — How Kerry reframed uncertainty into motivation
    [00:19:19] — Embracing reinvention as a lifelong journey
    [00:23:09] — Overcoming daily frustrations and staying focused on joy

    About the Guest:

    Kerry Novick is a former international TV executive, professional ice skater, and passionate storyteller. With a background in global media distribution, she has traveled to over 30 countries and speaks multiple languages. Today, she balances writing, painting, and competitive figure skating, proving that it’s never too late to pursue what makes you feel alive.

    My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

    Follow Fede Around the Web:

    • Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
    • YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
    • Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
    • LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life
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    26 min
  • From Survivor Champion to Underdog Advocate: Erika Casupanan on Resilience, Authenticity, and Inspiring Change
    Jan 22 2025

    What happens after you achieve your childhood dream? In this episode, host Fede Vargas welcomes Erika Casupanan, best known as the first Canadian winner of Survivor, for an open and heartfelt conversation about resilience, vulnerability, and inspiring underdogs.

    Erika shares what it was like to win one of reality TV’s most demanding competitions, the unexpected challenges of being thrust into the public eye, and how she turned adversity into a mission to empower others. Through reflections on her upbringing as a Filipino immigrant and her corporate communications career, Erika explains how she developed her storytelling skills and a strong sense of resilience.

    Listeners will hear Erika’s candid thoughts on letting go of perfectionism, embracing vulnerability as a strength, and using empathy to build connections. This episode is filled with practical advice for balancing ambition with self-care, navigating identity, and finding purpose in authentic growth.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • How Erika became Survivor’s first Canadian winner and dealt with public scrutiny.
    • The importance of resilience and vulnerability in overcoming adversity.
    • Strategies for balancing ambition, self-care, and authenticity.
    • How Erika’s immigrant upbringing shaped her perspective and values.
    • Practical advice for inspiring others and making meaningful change.

    Episode Highlights:

    [00:00] — Fede reflects on thriving in the “during” phase of life.
    [02:10] — Erika’s surreal Survivor win and the immediate challenges she faced.
    [06:30] — Growing up as a Filipino immigrant in Canada and the drive to achieve.
    [10:57] — Letting go of perfectionism and leaning into empathy and connection.
    [12:23] — Erika’s mental health journey and the transformative power of therapy.
    [19:01] — Turning challenges into a mission to inspire underdogs.
    [24:24] — Redefining success through positivity and authenticity.
    [28:44] — Erika’s advice for balancing ambition with self-compassion.

    About the Guest:

    Erika Casupanan is a communications expert, motivational speaker, and the first Canadian to win Survivor. After her decade-long corporate career in storytelling, Erika used her Survivor platform to inspire others by sharing her journey of resilience and authenticity.

    Now a media personality and host of the Happy to See Me podcast, Erika creates candid conversations that amplify overlooked voices and inspire underdogs to pursue their dreams. Her work has been featured on Entertainment Tonight Canada, The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Toronto Star, Global, and CBC. With her natural wit—honed through years of comedy training—Erika continues to connect with audiences worldwide.

    Follow Erika Casupanan:
    Website: https://www.erikacasupanan.com/
    Instagram: @erika_cas
    Twitter: @erika_cas
    Podcast: Happy to See Me

    My Most Authentic Life Distributed by: Genuina Media

    Follow Fede Around the Web:

    • Instagram: @mymostauthenticlife and @itsfedevargas
    • YouTube: My Most Authentic Life Channel
    • Website: www.mymostauthenticlife.com
    • LinkedIn: Fede Vargas and My Most Authentic Life
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    30 min