When you look back on your life, what were some of the most pivotal experiences that shaped who you are today?

For me, one of those experiences was not a particular moment, but rather a community — the hardcore punk music scene of the 1990s in my hometown of London, Ontario.

While the scene was not without its problems (and not everyone had the same experience as me), I was fortunate enough to spend my teen years with a group of people of similar values.

Many of the ideas I try to practice and preach today — things like creativity, collaboration, authenticity, inclusivity, values-driven work, and more — were entrenched during that time of life.

It’s no surprise, then, that you’ll see me writing about this now and then:

In the early stages of the pandemic, I made a free digital zine with community reflections, featuring a bunch of show posters I managed to save in a binder for close to 30 years.

More recently I’ve shared writing inspiration from punk icon Henry Rollins, and taken a page out of my teenage zine-making years to discuss the value of DIY (or DIT) culture.

And now, I’ve gone one step further and done something a little out-of-the-box…

I gathered together my core group of friends from that time of life, and invited them onto my podcast for a discussion.

In this episode, we reflect on that time in our lives, what made it special, what it taught us, and most of all, what we would like to share/teach others.

I’ll be honest, I pulled this together not knowing how exactly (or IF) it would work. I was excited to reminisce with some of my friends, but I also wanted to make sure the episode would be worth listening to — including for folks who have no idea what the heck “hardcore” is in the first place.

*Image: This show poster for a local band from back then gives you an idea of the vibe. ;)*

Having now edited and re-listened to the episode, here’s what I can tell you:

If you’re feeling a bit stuck…

… or like you’ve had to put your own creative, playful leanings aside for the sake of business / responsibility / adulting and all that…

… or you’re hesitant to try new things, or engage in activities that you’re not good at or have no way of monetizing…

… or you just want to go into the new year with some inspirational, “get out there and have fun” energy…

Then you should check out this episode.

You’ll hear lots of musings and possible “life lessons” in the discussion, but most of all you’ll hear a bunch of people reflecting on how GOOD it feels to make stuff — and just how possible it really is.

We also discuss subjects like inclusivity and how to bring people into a community; the value of focusing your time and energy (and how to avoid “aimless teenager syndrome”); and why you should surround yourself with people you actually love. Plus: mixtapes!

Bottom line: If there’s something you’ve wanted to experiment with, or a creative passion that you’ve put on the shelf, or a project you’ve been waiting to get started (like writing a book) maybe it’s time to just freaking do it already.

Put your hand up. Make the thing. Get involved. Give something a try (even if it seems a little bit ridiculous.)

And if it’s something I might be able to help with, go ahead and put your name on my wait list, and we can talk!

Meanwhile, if you need some encouragement, this episode will give you exactly that. You’ll hear from me, and my pals Colleen Burgess, Megan DePutter, Paul Hammond, Lukas Neville, Matt Nish-Lapidus, and Kim Walters.

Have a listen on my website, Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, and anywhere else you listen to podcasts.

Meanwhile, wishing you a fantastic New Year.

Thanks for listening, reading, and most of all, sharing your stories with the world. Never forget how much the world needs you and your unique voice. As always, I’m right here, rooting for you.

Everything I need to know about life I learned from the 90s punk scene