IN-TE-GREATNESS with Jason and Jolene

I Knew A Man Who Once Said 'Death Smiles At Us. All A Man Can Do Is Smile Back'

Seven years ago Claire Conde's son Christopher died after a prolonged battle with cancer. Before he passed, mother and son formed the Forward Foundation, which ensures no young adult facing a shortened life expectancy should die without first realizing a treasured experience; one shared with those who love and support them. On this episode, Claire shares her and Christopher's journey through life and death; a journey that is at times heartbreaking, but ultimately inspiring and uplifting.
Learn more about the Forward Foundation at forwardfoundation.ca
Music by Bad Man Inc.

All Right, We Did Not Die Today. I Call That An Unqualified Win.

Rikki Barden is in his 40s, has a career in social work, a loving partner, and an eight-year-old daughter. And last year he was diagnosed with cancer. On this episode, Rikki joins Jason and Jolene to discuss how this diagnosis has impacted him, his family, and his philosophy on life. Given what he potentially has to lose, one might expect a man who is raging against this disease. Instead, Rikki's response might surprise listeners.
Music by Bad Man Inc.

Every Single Day I Wake Up and Think of A Reason Not To Do It! Every Single Day!

Inspired by YouTuber Bjorn Andreas Bull-Hansen's video Why Men Kill Themselves, Jason and Jolene dive into the male mental-health epidemic. They touch on the many contributing factors to this crisis including pornography, perceptions about toxic masculinity, a lack of purpose in life,  and social isolation. They also offer tips on how both men and women can pull themselves out of despair in order to get help and find purpose once again.
You can watch Mr. Bull-Hansen's video here: https://youtu.be/xkar98nQ7Ko?si=EKbScTxvdoqZLta0
 Check out his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen
Visit his website here: https://bull-hansen.com/
Music by Bad Man Inc.

Some People Just Need A High-Five. In The Face. With A Chair.

We've all done it, and we should hate ourselves for doing so. Passive-aggressive behavior is a serious problem that people are only now discussing openly. It's a style of communication where negative feelings are expressed indirectly, often by inaction, moodiness or sarcasm. And Jason and Jolene are tackling it head on in this week's episode.
Music by Bad Man Inc.

God's A Kid With An Ant Farm, Lady. He's Not Changing Anything

A cynical person is someone who generally distrusts the motives of others and believes that people are only motivated by selfishness. This describes Jason to a T! On this episode, Jolene attempts to unpack Jason's cynical nature after his therapist raised some concerns about a perceived increase in his anti-social behavior.
Music by Bad Man Inc.

Older the Bull, Stiffer the Horn

It's time to talk about a topic few of us like to discuss: getting old. Next to dying, it's the one thing Western society wants to ignore, and even discourage, more than anything else. On this week's episode, Jason and Jolene tackle the aging process head on in hope of not only helping listeners embrace the inevitable, but to also put the spotlight on a part of the population that's largely ignored. 
Music by Bad Man Inc.

Love Costs; It Takes Effort and Work

It's almost Valentine's Day! The last couple of years, Jason and Jolene have talked about the virtues and language of love. But this year they're doing something a little different. This isn't going to be a mushy or touchy feely Valentine's Day episode, folks. This year it's all about the things love isn't and shouldn't be. What's that sound like? Push play and find out!
Music by Bad Man Inc.

Life Is Like A Box of Chocolates. You Never Know What You're Gonna Get

It's time for part two of Jason and Jolene's conversation with celebrated author Julie McGue! Julie's new book, Twice the Family: A Celebration of Love, Love and Sisterhood, details what it was like for Julie and her twin sister to grow up as adoptees. This week the trio discuss belonging, how writing the book helped Julie heal childhood wounds, and what life has in store for her next.
You can find Julie at www.juliemcgueauthor.com
Or on Facebook @juliemcguewrites
Or on Instagram @julieryanmcgue
And on Twitter @juliemcgue
Music by Bad Man Inc.

You Had Me At Hello

Last season Jason and Jolene welcomed celebrated author Julie McGue to the podcast to discuss her adoption journey and the books she'd written about her life and experiences as a twin and adoptee. Julie has a new book out on Feb. 4 called Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Lose and Sisterhood, which chronicles her early life and the events that led her to find her birth family. She's back on the show to talk about it on this, the first episode of a two-part discussion!
You can find Julie at www.juliemcgueauthor.com
Or on Facebook @juliemcguewrites
Or on Instagram @julieryanmcgue
And on Twitter @juliemcgue
Music by Bad Man Inc.

At Some Point You've Got To Decide For Yourself Who You Gonna Be. Can't Let Nobody Make That Decision For You

What -- or who -- is your authentic self? According to some dictionary being authentic is related to or denoting an emotionally appropriate, significant, purposive, and responsible mode of human life. That's a lot of big, heady words that Jason and Jolene are going to make more accessible for you, the listener, as they attempt to define what it means to be authentic.
Music by Bad Man Inc.