What does masculinity mean in today’s world—and is it evolving, misunderstood, or both?In this episode of The Collective, we’re joined by Dr. Kate Pate, Alana Stott, and Pat Miller for a powerful conversation about masculinity in modern society—its roots, its pressures, and its potential.Dr. Kate Pate is a neurophysiologist and advocate for veteran wellness who brings scientific and psychological insight into how masculine identity is shaped.Alana Stott, a philanthropist, author, and global security advocate, offers a direct yet compassionate perspective on how women can challenge, support, and redefine masculinity alongside men.Pat Miller, a former Canadian Special Operator, now photographer and film armourer, brings personal experience from a life of quiet strength, discipline, and introspection.In this episode, we explore:– How masculinity is shaped by culture, biology, and experience– The line between traditional strength and emotional repression– What happens when men are denied the space to express vulnerability– And how we can move toward a healthier, more complete version of masculine identityThis isn’t about answers—it’s about better questions.Tune in and join the conversation.📌 Subscribe and follow for more grounded, thought-provoking conversations.#TheCollective #Masculinity #MentalHealth #VeteranVoices #MenAndMentalHealth #TheGoldmine

When everything else is stripped away—what do you still believe in?In one of our most powerful and introspective episodes to date, we explore faith—not as belief in something external, but as the internal force that keeps you moving forward when logic, strength, and certainty fall short.We’re joined by three men who’ve faced down chaos and come out the other side, still standing—and still believing:🎙 Sebastien Lavoie – Former RCMP ERT Team Leader & Sgt. Major, BJJ Black Belt, and Performance Coach🎙 Dr. Gino Collura – Professor of Neuroscience & Psychology, Author, and Expert in Human Behavior🎙 James Geering – Firefighter, Author, and Host of The Behind the Shield PodcastThis conversation is about the kind of faith that lives in action, in values, and in quiet perseverance. It’s about staying anchored when there’s nothing left to grip.In This Episode:✅ The unseen power that keeps people moving through adversity✅ What it means to trust in the process—even when it makes no sense✅ The role of internal belief in healing, leadership, and longevity✅ How experience, reflection, and hardship shape our sense of purpose✅ Building a foundation that can’t be shaken by circumstanceThis isn’t about dogma. It’s about identity. Integrity. And believing in something bigger—within.🔗 What’s your definition of faith? Share your thoughts in the comments.---📌 Stay Connected with The Collective🔔 Subscribe for real, unfiltered conversations every week📲 Follow us on Instagram @the_collective_ig #Faith #TheCollectivePodcast #SebLavoie #GinoCollura #JamesGeering #Resilience #Leadership #MentalToughness #BehindTheShield #GrowthMindset #PurposeDriven #Neuroscience

What does it mean to take responsibility, seek truth, and live with purpose?In this thought-provoking episode of The Collective, we dive deep into the philosophy, controversy, and real-world application of Dr. Jordan B. Peterson’s teachings.We’re joined by returning guests:🎙 Clay Surratt – U.S. Army Veteran, Martial Arts Instructor, and Social Worker🎙 Chad McLean – Veteran and CEO of Mental Joe ApparelTogether, we explore how Peterson’s ideas land in the lives of those who’ve faced real chaos—combat, trauma, recovery—and what it looks like to rebuild with discipline, structure, and intentionality.This isn’t a review of his books or a breakdown of his interviews—it’s a boots-on-the-ground reflection on how his principles show up (or fall short) in everyday life.In This Episode:✅ The personal relevance of “clean your room” and carrying your burden✅ How order and chaos shape our lives beyond theory✅ Responsibility and meaning—why they're hard but essential✅ The challenge of applying big ideas in broken systems✅ Honest critiques and reflections on Peterson’s messageThis is a grounded, real-world conversation—not idolizing or criticizing, but wrestling with the wisdom itself.🔗 Which of Peterson’s ideas has stuck with you the most? Join the discussion in the comments.📌 Stay Connected with The Collective🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations that challenge and inspire📲 Follow us on Instagram @the_collective_ig#JordanPeterson #TheCollectivePodcast #Responsibility #Meaning #ClaySurratt #ChadMcLean #MentalJoe #VeteranVoices #RealTalk #Resilience

What does it truly mean to be authentic and what does it cost?In this episode of The Collective, we explore the concept of authenticity with three men who have walked vastly different paths but share a common commitment to living truthfully.🎙️ Guests:– Pat Miller: Former Canadian Special Operator, now photographer and film armourer– Rudy Reyes: Recon Marine, actor, and founder of Force Blue– Greg Lapin: Former SWAT officer, BJJ black belt, and entrepreneurWe ask the hard questions:Is authenticity a fixed identity? Or an ongoing practice?Can we remain true in environments that demand conformity?What happens when the mask we wear becomes the only face we show?Join us for a conversation that goes beneath the surface, where vulnerability meets strength, and where being real might be the most radical act of all.📌 Subscribe and follow for more deep, unfiltered conversations.#TheCollective #Authenticity #VeteranVoices #LiveTrue

In this episode of The Collective, we explore toxicity—how it shows up in our lives and how to counter it with resilience, clarity, and purpose.We’re joined by two individuals who’ve faced toxic systems and internal battles head-on—rising above with strength and leadership:🎙 Sara Lee – U.S. Army Veteran, Martial Artist, Advocate, and Transformational Leader🎙 Samuel Laird – Royal Marine Commando Veteran and Mental Performance CoachTogether, we break down what the tonic looks like: the tools, disciplines, and mindsets that help us thrive in adversity, set boundaries, and become agents of positive change in the environments we occupy.Key Topics We Explore:✅ Recognizing toxicity—in others, institutions, and ourselves✅ The physical, emotional, and psychological toll of toxic cultures✅ Tools for building internal strength and emotional sovereignty✅ How martial discipline and military service shape response to adversity✅ Turning pain into purpose—leading from lived experienceThis episode isn’t just about healing—it's about reclaiming the power to change your space from the inside out.🔗 What’s been your personal “tonic” for navigating toxic environments? Drop a comment and join the conversation.📌 Stay Connected with The Collective🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations that challenge and inspire📲 Follow us on Instagram @the_collective_ig#TheTonicForToxic #TheCollectivePodcast #Resilience #ToxicEnvironments #Leadership #Boundaries #SaraLee #SamuelLaird #VeteranVoices #MentalPerformance

Feeling stuck isn’t the end, it’s a signal.In this episode of The Collective, we tackle a feeling many experience but few talk openly about: stagnation. Whether it’s in your career, relationships, mindset, or purpose, being stuck can feel suffocating. But it’s also a powerful opportunity.We’re joined by two men who’ve faced these internal battles and emerged stronger:🎙 Chris Lee – Former Green Beret, now Coach, Author, and Speaker🎙 Sean Menezes – Serving CanSofCom Officer, Photographer, Videographer, and Peer LeaderTogether, we explore what stagnation looks like from the inside, how it sneaks in, what keeps us there, and most importantly, how to move through it. This episode is packed with honest reflection, practical insight, and a challenge to take action.Key Topics We Explore:✅ Recognizing the early signs of stagnation✅ How high-performers can still hit internal plateaus✅ The role of fear, ego, and comfort in staying stuck✅ Tools and mindsets that break inertia✅ How purpose, discipline, and community create momentumIf you’re in a place where your drive has dulled or your passion feels paused, this conversation is for you.🔗 Where in your life are you feeling stagnant and what’s one step forward you can take today?📌 Stay Connected with The Collective🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations that challenge and inspire📲 Follow us on Instagram @the_collective_ig#Stagnation #TheCollectivePodcast #GrowthMindset #MentalHealth #Veterans #Performance #Discipline #ChrisLee #SeanMenezes

In a world full of noise, how many are truly walking the walk?In this episode of The Collective, Chance brings together a powerhouse panel to dive deep into the difference between talking and doing. We unpack the real meaning behind integrity, authenticity, and accountability—how they show up in our lives, how social media distorts them, and why it’s not enough to just say you support something.From military discipline to business ownership, from creative pursuit to personal growth, this conversation explores:- Why action beats talk every time- The burden of leading by example- The pressure of social media vs. real-world effort- When words do matter—and how to use them well- What it means to show up for yourself and your community- Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, artist, or just someone trying to live better—this one’s for you.Subscribe & Join the Conversation.New episodes every Friday.Panel Guests:Pat Miller – Former Special Operations, photographer & filmmakerMatt Barnett – Explosives expert & entrepreneurGordon Hurley – Former SOF, creative director & apparel designerLike. Share. Comment.We want to hear from YOU — What does “walking the walk” mean in your life?#WalkTheWalk #TheCollectivePodcast #Authenticity #VeteranVoices #DoTheWork #Leadership #Podcast #Mindset #Resilience #ActionOverWords

Human trafficking is a global crisis, so why does it remain so hidden?In this powerful episode of The Collective, we shine a light on one of the darkest and most underreported crises of our time: human trafficking. It’s more organized, more prevalent, and closer to home than many people realize.We’re joined by two guests deeply engaged in the fight against trafficking:🎙 Alana Stott – Author, Philanthropist, and Human Trafficking Advocate with 25 years of dedicated work in the field🎙 Doug Patteson – Former CIA Operations Officer and Intelligence Expert, now educator and speaker on intelligence, geopolitics, and human securityTogether, we explore the real mechanics behind human trafficking, why it continues to thrive in the shadows, and how advocacy, education, and international cooperation are essential to disrupting these criminal networks.Key Topics We Explore:✅ The systemic and global nature of human trafficking✅ The emotional and societal impact on survivors and communities✅ Why awareness alone isn’t enough—and what real action looks like✅ The role of advocacy, intelligence, and storytelling in prevention✅ What each of us can do to help dismantle this industryThis conversation is an urgent call to stay informed, remain vigilant, and use our voices to protect the vulnerable.🔗 If this episode moved you—share it. Awareness is only the first step.Blue Rose Foundation - https://bluerose.foundation/UN Course of Human Trafficking - https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/training-materials.htmlTrace Labs - https://www.tracelabs.org/📌 Stay Connected with The Collective🔔 Subscribe for meaningful, unfiltered conversations every week📲 Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/the_collective_ig#HumanTrafficking #TheCollectivePodcast #Awareness #Justice #Advocacy #AlanaStott #DougPatteson #ModernSlavery #AntiTrafficking #ProtectTheVulnerable