The Wholesome Homies Podcast

Pilar is a 3rd Year Brock University student, a multi-sport athlete, kickboxing coach as well as the 2018 Pan Am gold medalist in kickboxing. I had the opportunity to chat with Pilar earlier this year in the Brock Mental Health series and it was a pleasure to have her on again. This conversation felt very honest and open from the get go, delving into different realms of mental health, Pilar's kickboxing career, experiences with eating disorders along with so much more.

Have you ever had a conversation with a stranger that felt like the Universe was trying to tell you something? This happened to me a couple weeks ago, and during this episode I dive into this experience and why it was so powerful for me. Sometimes we get so caught up on the next thing we're trying to accomplish or work through that we don't get a chance to step back and allow ourselves to flow. To see the big picture, and to see how we've progressed. Sometimes it takes a stranger to see that in us and remind us. 

Mario Gibbs is a Muay Thai coach from Belleville, ON. He is a former National level powerlifter and is a passionate bread maker and photographer. It's amazing to me when I get the opportunity to talk with someone I've never talked with before, because often times those conversations are truly incredible. That's what this episode felt like with Mario because it felt like someone I had talked with daily for years and almost forgot we were recording even. This conversation was full of everything from looking back on powerlifting, spiritual aspects of Muay Thai, understanding your shadow self, and even psychedelic lessons we've learned. 

It was a true pleasure to sit down with Maddi after almost a year after her first episode on here, and I was thrilled to hear all the adventures she's been on! Whether it was traveling through BC, learning about culture on the West coat, navigating challenges in a new city, dealing with Covid, or female programming as an athlete, there was so much to share and learn in these few hours. If you get some goodies from this, get a smile on your face listening or you just enjoy the homies then please give us a rating, follow, share and all that good stuff. Really honoured to be doing this and help impact others. Happy listening y'all!

I was super excited to get one of the kindest humans I've met, Malcolm Sanderson, on the podcast. It's always great to sit down with friends that you've known for years and reflect. Being able to share these spaces and chats with people like Malcolm is something I'm so grateful for, and I had such a blast sitting down to do this! On this week's episode, Malc and I got into: • Powerlifting coaching and growth, • Communication and values in relationships, • And putting yourself in uncomfortable environments for growthI'm so excited for y'all to hear this gem with Malcolm! Happy listening y'all. 

Chats with Matt | Pt. 3

This is the final episode of our 3-part series around Athletes and Mental Health Awareness Week with Lululemon Niagara-on-the-Lake and Brock University. On this episode, I got the opportunity to talk with Meera Sayal (Brock Women's Volleyball), Paige Sharp (Brock Women's Softball), accompanied by Alex Roger (former Brock student and rowing athlete). We took a deep dive into mental health support in women's sport, learning to overcome inequality for women in sport, and becoming self aware. Please join us during this amazing series to talk more on mental health and continue to raise awareness! Much love. 

This is the second episode of our 3-part series around Athletes and Mental Health Awareness Week with Lululemon Niagara-on-the-Lake and Brock University. On this episode, I got the opportunity to talk with Johnny Schaefer (Brock Men's Hockey), Erik Wouters (Brock Men's Basketball), accompanied by Alex Roger (former Brock student and rowing athlete). We took a deep dive into masculinity versus learning to be a man, why men find it hard to express emotion, and teaching younger generations about mental health. Please join us during this amazing series to talk more on mental health and continue to raise awareness! Much love. 

This is the first of our 3-part series around Bell Let's Talk Week with Lululemon Niagara-on-the-Lake and Brock University. On this episode, I got the opportunity to talk with Mitch Wilson (Brock Men's Rugby), Pilar Dietrich (Brock Women's Fencing and Rowing), accompanied by Alex Roger (former Brock student and rowing athlete). We took a deep dive into communication, support and mental health culture around the university environment. Please join us during this amazing series to talk more on mental health and continue to raise awareness! Much love. 

I did a Q&A that no one asked for! Figured after having the Wholesome Homies Podcast running for almost a year it might as well be time for a little Q&A. I appreciate everyone who sent in questions, listens to the podcast or has just said hi. Thank you all for letting me do this fun thing. •Come and hang, listen in and enjoy yourselves. Listen to Pt. 2 now streaming on @spotifypodcasts, Apple Podcasts, and click the link in our bio for more! If y'all like this type of episode leave a comment down below, and as always, happy listening homies. 

Dima is someone unlike anyone else I've met. He's a world traveler, a high level hockey player, a chef, a passionate tech lover and a lover of people and connection. I've known Dima since working at Lululemon and being the capitative human he is, I was immediately excited to chat with him on the podcast. He has lived in multiple countries and is constantly pursuing new avenues, while bringing positivity wherever he goes. On this episode, Dima and I chatted about: • Metaverse and technological growth, • Growing up in Ukraine and traveling young, • Getting out of your comfort zone and seeing the WorldThis was such a dope episode with the one and only! Check out Episode #026 now on Spotify Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and more! Happy listening y'all, I appreciate you.

Ian is a graduate of Brock University's Kinesiology program and currently in his masters program at Guelph University. This was such a sweet episode to sit down with an old buddy and get deeper into some topics for a few hours. Watching Ian grow as a human over the last several years has been a pleasure to watch, and I was so grateful to share the space with him. During this episode, we talked about: • Life as a coach, athlete and student,• Learning from failure and taking advantage of those moments, • Social media positives and negatives, I'm so excited for y'all to hear @ian_seguin97 and I on Episode #025 now on @spotifypodcasts, Apple Podcasts and more! Happy listening y'all, I appreciate you. 

Widely known as “Big Steve”, he is a man of many skills and as he says proudly, having multiple jobs and roles to play. He is the Detective Sergeant of the Niagara Regional Police Service,  a world level powerlifter, a loving father and husband. Steve is someone who is an important part of the community here in Niagara and someone who has been a role model for countless individuals including myself. I'm so glad to have had Steve on the podcast as he opened up about a lot of important things in his life. It was a pleasure, sir. During this episode, we talked about: • Mental health amongst police officers, • Fatherhood and parenting, • Supporting the ones you love,• And proudly, the story of Mr. Glyn Moore I can't explain enough what this podcast means to me, and I'm so glad to share this with you all. Happy listening y'all, I appreciate you. 

Nick is a Remax Sales Representative operating out of Hamilton, ON. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to sit down with Nick at his home in Hamilton and chat for a few hours. I've known him for years but only now found out what makes this man such a lovely human to be around. We got to talk in depth on some great topics including: -Getting into the housing market in your mid-20's, -Dealing with anxiety and giving yourself grace for it,-And the importance of meaningful conversationsI was so grateful to sit down with Nick and I can't wait for you guys to listen it. Come join us for a few hours y'all. Happy listening, I appreciate you.

Ethan is one of the most down to earth groovy humans I've had the pleasure of having a friendship with. He is a cannabis advocate, connoisseur and expert from Collingwood, Ontario. After meeting in August of 2020, I've had the opportunity to get to know Ethan more and I'm forever grateful to finally sit down and conjour up the most positive vibrations with him. In this episode, we get into some really important topics to us like: • Moving through trauma to better yourself, • Cannabis advocacy, education and information, • Benefits of natural substances for mental healthI'm so happy to have y'all along for the ride with Ethan and I during this podcast! Listen to Episode #022 with @daigs_ on @spotifypodcasts, Apple Podcasts and more! Happy listening y'all, I appreciate you.

Marlies is a Yogi practicing all across Niagara, specializing in Reiki and holistic living. She is someone who has impacted my life in a number of ways, and I'm so grateful to be able to sit down with her for this episode. I got the chance to meet Marlies through her time at Lululemon and I'm thrilled to have her as the first guest back on the podcast! She is someone who spreads wisdom and love from being around her, and I hope y'all get the same from this episode. We chatted about a ton of things, including:• Lululemon and our experiences, • Becoming a Yogi and pushing beyond traditional bounds, • Finding comfort is starting a new chapter for yourself, And a ton more! I loved talking to this lovely soul and I hope you guys enjoy this just as much! Happy listening folks, appreciate y'all. 

Carlo is a photographer and owner of Chapter 1 Weddings. Carlo also shot for years in the sport of powerlifting at every level of competition including international events such as USAPL Collegiate Nationals and IPF Worlds.  Carlo works as an advertiser during the day as he pursues photography, along with having a background in aerospace engineering through Ryerson. We had a great conversation, going over things such as:• Lessons and memories in powerlifting, • Religion and spirituality, • Delving into creativity and other passions, And more! I had a great time getting to know Carlo and seeing how his life has brought him to where he is today. I hope y'all get something positive out of this and enjoy the episode! Happy listening homies.

Jenni Portelli is a graduate of the Medical Sciences program at Brock University and is currently a Masters student there with an interest in cardiovascular profusion. She is also an accomplished dancer, powerlifter and upcoming artist.  This was a great chat as we've been friends for years through University and they have always been a great support system of mine. During this episode, Jenni and I talked about: • Finding fun in being a beginner in sport,• LGBTQ+ community, identification and more, • Figuring out therapy and it's benefits,And a ton more! I hope y'all enjoy this as much as I did, happy listening homies. 

Caitlin is a social media manager and upcoming coach, helping people get to follow their true passions in order to live a life that fulfills them beyond the regular 9-5. Caitlin is a graduate from Brock University in Recreation Therapy and has recently put out a book titled, "Journal for Abundance + Gratitude" available now through Amazon. Through this episode, Caitlin and I went over: -Interventions and shadow work to bring out unreleased trauma, -Manifestations and the Universe, -How to delve deeper into ourselves in order to forgive and love, And a ton more. I can't begin to explain how happy I was to have Caitlin on this episode and what she talked about because I think this is extremely important. Seeing how she's built her life so far and her plans for the future gives me such excitement into how our generation is going to build their own lives to thrive. Happy listening homies!

Stef is the owner and head barber of Hourglass Barbershop in St. Catharines, ON. I had a dope time hanging with Stef to really delve into the mind behind the barbershop that has quickly taken over the city. Being able to learn about Stef, where he's come from and how he's grown himself was something that I was really grateful for and I think is relatable for many. On this episode we went over:• Growing a business at a young age, • Barbering intertwined in art culture,• Practicing a calm mindset through all facets, And a ton more! I'm super grateful for being able to have Stef on the podcast and I can't for y'all to listen to this gem. Much love homies, and Happy Tuesday!

Jordan graced the podcast for a second time in the new podcast set up. It was great to have him on again and see how much he's grown even over the last few months since his first appearance on the podcast. I'm very thankful to have had him on again. During this episode, we went into: -What factors have helped his growth along the way, -Delving more into your true passions, -Letting go of what doesn't serve you, And a ton more! I hope y'all really enjoy this episode like I did, happy listening homies! 

An extension of The Wholesome Homies Podcast that expands on topics I've been thinking about in smaller form dialogue. Covering anything and everything from mental health, substances, political views and philosophical ideologies, this gives more of a deep dive into the brain of Matt Lewis. 

Emma Lewis is a Junior Interior Designer based out of the GTA, and has multiple diploma's in both interior design and visual merchandising. Emma and I are twins and it has been an amazing journey being able to grow alongside important stages of our lives together. She has been a large inspiration and motivator of mine as she continues to progress herself in multiple endeavours. Emma is an amazing support as a sister and I couldn't have been happier sharing one of our conversations with you all. During this episode, we covered: -Emma's individual progression and how she's grown in the recent years, -Our childhood and seeing it shape us today, -Learning more about ourselves as we grow, And a ton more! Happy listening, homies. 

Ryan Dendy is a graduate of Niagara College working as an Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy assistant and Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital in Niagara, ON. Ryan is an accomplished athlete in multiple sports including competing at National level powerlifting events, and has an insane capability to take on new skills and learn from himself. Whether that be taking up new hobbies, learning about investments and stocks, or developing himself personally. This man has grown a ton during this pandemic and it's been a great experience being able to learn from him. During this episode, Ryan and I discussed: -What it's like living on your own as a young adult, -Lessons to take away from your parents, -Learning how to take chances and trying new things, And a ton more! Happy listening folks, appreciate y'all. 

Conrad Davies is a wildly impressive human who operates Breakwall Brewery out of Port Colborne, ON., is a real estate agent, former world level powerlifter, and will be competing in his first ironman competition this summer. It's been great to be in the same circles as Conrad and be able to see how he has progressed himself in all aspects over the years, and it was a true pleasure to be able to sit down with this gentle giant. We went over a ton of fun stuff, including: -the beginnings of therapy, -substances and moderation, -figuring out who the hell you are, And a ton more! I can't thank Conrad enough for sitting down for this chat. Happy listening y'all, appreciate you homies. 

Lindsay is a graduate of Brock University in Medical Science and is attending her Masters of Gerontology through Brock in fall 2021. I've known Lindsay since 2016 and have seen her grow in multiple ways as a human, and I loved having the opportunity to sit down and chat about that. We went over some great topics including: -powerlifting and grief, -personal growth through leadership roles, -elderly populations and medical euthanasia, And a ton more! Happy listening homies, thank you for listening! 

Damian is a graduate from Brock University in kinesiology, along with having multiple years of experience in sports medicine and sports performance from Brock men's varsity rugby team. He also was a member of Brock Barbell for four years and is attending school in the fall. Damian is someone I find very wise and a person I really look up to. I had a blast with this gentleman as it was the first episode one the podcast done in person and we went over a ton of great stuff, including:-learning from past experiences and developing yourself through your younger years, -conspiracy theories and "far out" thoughts, -pillars for life, And a ton more! Happy listening folks, appreciate y'all. 

Kimberly is a graphic designer and owner of BoDesignCo, based out of British Columbia, who makes customized pet portraits along with other products. She is also a big advocate on ADHD and mental health, putting out content on TikTok which impacted me during the end of last year. Kimberly helped create the podcast cover art for The Wholesome Homies and I couldn't have been happier to talk with her for these few hours. We went over things such as: -mental health and social media, -navigating life decisions from a young perspective, -fitness, diets and alternative eating habits, And a lot more! I was so grateful to be able to get to know Kimberly during this podcast and I hope you all get something great from this episode. Happy listening folks! 

Justin is the owner and creator of Willing Victim Aesthetics, a clothing company out of Newmarket, ON. His education background is in Police Foundations and Political Sciences along with a minor in English, with a wide array of interests. Justin has interests in a multitude of things including having a black belt in karate, being an anime enthusiast and a guitarist, he was really great to talk to! We went over a ton of things including: -Justin's experience in karate and the principles he takes from it, -learning how to develop yourself as a person in their mid-20's, -developing a start up from the ground level as a young individual, And a lot more! Happy listening y'all. 

Asad is the President of BUSU (Brock University Student Union), is a young entrepreneur and a business savvy individual. Asad is only 23 and I've had the opportunity to see him build himself from 2015 into someone who displays himself as his full genuine self no matter what the setting. We got to talk about some really interesting things including: -How to navigate life and learning about yourself, -Looking back on our university experiences, -AI and the possibility of it running our world, And a lot more! I hope you all have as much fun listening to this as I did recording it. Happy listening y'all. 

Having the chance to talk with Braden for these few hours gave me a lot of insight into the man he is. Braden in his own words is a coach, athlete, outdoorsman, artist, anime and fantasy fan, food and drink enthusiast, traveller and expecting parent. I'm extremely grateful for this chat because I think he helped me discover so many things about myself just from talking with him. We went over some great topics surrounding mental health including:-our own experiences with therapy and the benefits, -different forms of thinking for coping strategies and positivity, -relationships and parenthood, And a lot more! I really hope you enjoy this if you're listening and get some really good gems from what we talked about. Happy listening y'all. 

Maddi is an already very accomplished woman at such a young age. She is an accomplished Stand Up Paddleboarder (SUP) competing for Canada on the world stage, she is involved heavily with her community in Welland, Ontario, as well as being close to completing her Masters at Brock University. Maddi has amazing plans to travel across the country and pursue her sport further and to reach new communities! This was such a fan chat to have, as we discussed: -learning how to overcome past trauma and see the beautiful things from it, -the importance of being outside in nature, -the impact Maddi has had on paddleboarding and vice versa, and a lot more! I'm so excited for everyone to listen to this episode, much love everyone. 

Akil McKenzie is the CEO of media production company, Falling Motion. He runs a team of talented people that work on films, commercials, music videos, weddings, and events. They have worked with clients such as Lexus, Carlsberg, Chanel, Redbull, the Globe and Mail, and Dexta Daps to name a few. Falling Motion is currently Halton's main hub for media production and have been filming many community oriented projects throughout the pandemic. Akil is an award winning director, producer, cinematographer, editor, public speaker, and poetic artist. He does numerous lectures at secondary and post secondary institutions about film, poetry, social justice, and speech writing etiquette. As a creative, Akil is always looking for new artforms to express thought and emotion. We discussed things this episode that aren't too often talked about: -racism and social justice issues,-creativity and how it allows one to express themselves in different facets, -why talking with today's youth are so important to Akil, and much more! Happy listening, and take care of yourselves folks. Lead with love. 

Malcolm is a close friend of mine who I've known for the past few years through powerlifting and at university. He owns Guided Strength powerlifting coaching, is a fourth year kinesiology student at Brock University, and is the Vice President for Brock Barbell. But more than that, Malcolm has had multiple journal articles published, is a cyclist, and has a love for craft beer. This was a really enjoyable episode for me to record as I got to catch up with Malcolm and cover some topics we haven't talked about so far on the podcast. We went over: -learning to be okay with changing life plans,-Malcolm's experience as a touring musician,-dealing with grief and loss, and a lot more! Happy listening, grateful for everyone listening. Take care of yourselves folks! 

This episode brought a ton of positive energy and an all around great productive conversation. Aaron is an accomplished endurance athlete, powerlifting coach and mental health ambassador for awareness in all spheres. We got into the nitty gritty about his fuel behind the amazing physical feats he performs and how he trains his mind to endure these feats. During this episode, we also touch on a multitude of topics including: -elite athletes and their mindset, -using past traumas to fuel oneself to become better and pursue more, -learning from mistakes, -a willingness to be great, and a whole lot more. I'm really excited to share this episode with all of you! Take care of yourselves folks.

Jordan is one of the most interesting individuals I've been lucky enough to spend an extended amount of time with. Jordan is a graduate of the Queens University Engineering degree, an accomplished National Champion in powerlifting, but is much more than all of those things combined. He is wise beyond his years, and these conversations we have occur on a weekly basis. I thoroughly enjoyed these few hours with him as we discussed: -the source and meaning of ones own happiness, -communication and being aware, -ego, -and a ton more! I really hope you listen to this and find meaning through it all. Thank you, and be good to yourselves. 

Liam has been a close friend going on 5 years now. He is a graduate from Brock University with a double major in History and English but more so passionate about educating himself on the topics of psychology, philosophy and more. He is an avid reader and sees that route as a way to grow knowledge within others. Liam is an accomplished guitarist, playing lead for Oakrest (a local band from Newmarket, ON). This episode discusses: -Why I started this podcast?-Therapy and stigma,-The importance of being a beginner,-Monotony of greatness, and more! Take care of yourself folks.