Shows
The RebelRebel PodcastDesigning Life On Purpose with David Schmeikal“If pain is unavoidable, I’d rather suffer doing something I love.” Michael Dargie reconnects with creative rebel and longtime friend David Schmeikal for a raw and deeply reflective conversation about creativity, permission, and building a life that feels right—not just looks right. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. David talks about the many ways we get stuck doing things we don’t love, believing that “someday” we’ll earn the right to do what we really want. But what if that...2025-07-1431 min
The Gyst Life134 - Balancing Creative Chaos and Focused FlowIn this episode David and Maya of Bear and Unicorn Creative unpack their creative partnership and how they're transitioning from supporting other's visions to creating their own. They explore the challenges of focusing on a single creative direction; the crux of every human who has embraced their creativity. They also reveal behind the curtains the lessons they're learning from a business development perspective, the personal aspirations driving their work. The fears, triumphs and determination to shape their future as life partners and creative duo.
For more about what we're up to pick a link!
https...2024-12-1933 minThe Gyst Life133 - Embracing the Power of Being Multi-DisciplinaryWe often feel pressure to specialize, to fit into neat boxes that others can easily understand. But some of us are wired differently. We move fluidly between disciplines, evolving and expanding our skills in ways that don’t replace what came before but augment it. This piece explores the unique strength of being multi-disciplinary, the challenge of communicating that value, and the importance of creating our own paradigms, rather than squeezing into outdated ones.
Hi David here,
It's been a while since I recorded something
So here's my update!
I'll try and keep...2024-09-3009 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauMaya Corona & David Schmeikal, Captivating Couple, Creators, Coaches, and Natural ConnectorsSend us a textMaya Corona and David Schmeikal are a dynamic husband-and-wife duo, blending backgrounds in graphic design, painting, branding, and coaching to help humans create and be creative.Maya, with over two decades in graphic design, now explores the depths of her self-expression and joy through painting and creative initiatives focused on connecting communities together.David has worked as an entrepreneur and creative professional for 15 years and now guides others to unleash “who they truly are” into the world. He does this through improving the pragmatic performance side...2024-06-2244 min
The Wellness Dojo PodcastDiscovering Your Creativity with David Schmeikal | 070Welcome to The Wellness Dojo Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the world of creativity with David Schmeikal, a renowned creativity coach. Join us as we explore the depths of discovering your creativity. David shares invaluable insights on following your inner voice, creating the right structures to nurture your creativity, and how life's experiences, lessons, values, and belief systems can all contribute to unlocking your creative potential.Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or simply looking to infuse more creativity into your life, this episode is sure to inspire and enlighten you on your creative j...2024-05-0354 min
The Strong Stoic Podcast#177 - David Schmeikal: Self-Knowledge, Creativity, & GrowthDavid Schmeikal is a personal accountability coach, creative director, and technology consultant. He works with people to help them develop their branding, prioritize their work, be creative and monetize that creativity, and so on. In this episode we talk about how to navigate life by defining where and who you are, where you want to go, how to get there, and how to keep aiming North along that journey. One of the things I learned about David really fast was how deep his coaching philosophy is and I think we get pretty deep in this episode so please welcome David...2022-05-171h 02
Wealth On Main Street62. Your Guide To Self Discovery and Clarity of Direction – David SchmeikalWhy do you do what you do? What is your vision and mission? David Schmeikal is a master storyteller and brand strategist that helps businesses and entrepreneurs find their purpose, communicate their story and develop culture within their organization. Based out of Alberta, Canada, David has worked with businesses to facilitate and coach them through a journey of transformation and creating meaningful work. He is the host of The Gyst Life podcast. In today’s episode, David talks about the process that he takes his clients through in building long-term vision, creating a personal brand and, developing a high-impact or...2021-05-1135 minThe Gyst Life102-So I Married An Entrepreneur (E2)In today's episode we talk about:
Physical wellbeing
The practice of doing nothing
The process of going from good to great (and being ok with sucking during the process)
When ego shows up as you work towards your aspirational goals for the future
Doing what you love doing, and having it become a viable business
Finding your tribe
___________
Maya and David have been in business together for as long as they’ve been married. They are into their 13th year, have been through 6 iterations of their businesses to date, are proud parents of twin 9-year-olds (wh...2020-10-2738 minThe Gyst Life101 - So I Married an Entrepreneur (E1)Maya and David have been in business together for as long as they’ve been married. They are into their 13th year, have been through 6 iterations of their businesses to date, are proud parents of twin 9 year olds (which they’ve now homeschooling in our “new normal”).
They share what it’s taken to keep their relationship just as much a priority as their family and business ventures.
The strategies they’ve crafted and curated to manage the stress,the inevitable conflict, differences of opinions and facing their fears together....
Join the...2020-10-0332 minThe Gyst Life100 - Are You Ready?What a shit show. Your life as you remember it is no longer as it was. And likely never will be.
What are you doing to be ready for the next chapter of your story? How prepared are you?
What are you doing to grow and expand yourself?
How are you taking on the inner critic that is there, right on queue to tell you how much you suck, that what you’re doing won’t work, so why bother?
Who do you want to be known as and know yourself to be?
Therein lies the opportunity.
Are you ready to meet...2020-07-1845 minThe Gyst Life99 - Honor Your Higher Creative SelfOn today's episode, Alison Masniuk, a Calgary based digital content strategist and I have dig into where she's at with her career. What's working and what's not.
Your life is a game. The game is to become better than you of yesterday. In the beginning, you will not be extraordinary, and that is ok. Excellence, mastery, confidence, certainty are all by-products of playing the game The challenges you face are your biggest opportunities for growth, and doubt and uncertainty is inevitable. There is no shortcut, only focused committed attention to your craft.
2020-06-0143 minThe Gyst Life98 -The Law Of Attraction: What Does That Actually Mean?You have a choice. Every day you encounter a myriad of choices, some that you are aware of, others that you are not.
All of which take you down an inevitably predictable path. The actions you take outline the past, define your present, and determine your future. Everywhere you look you'll find exactly what you are looking for.
Read that one more time.
If you want to see the negativity and disaster in the world you can look and you WILL find it. But equally so if you want to experience a positive...2020-05-091h 12The Gyst Life97 - Overcoming Adversity: Building A Callus On LifeSometimes life gets hard. Bad things happen to good people. We all have our own version of something terrible that has happened to us or around us and whether we like it or not it shapes who we are.
Overcoming the trials and tribulations in life isn't just something that happens, it's something that we need to drive us forward and push us to greater heights. You can look at the roadblocks and speed bumps along the way as something to be a victim of OR you can choose to see them as opportunities to build a...2020-05-021h 10The Gyst Life96 - Modern Racism: The New N*****Just like everything else on this beautiful planet we call earth, Racism has undergone an evolution of sorts. There is a lot to be said about the leaps and bounds we have taken as a collective species. Most of our spiritual enlightenment has occurred in the last 100 years so we are still young in the grand scheme of things.
It's important to bear in mind the idea of encountering the world with a sense of wonder rather than coming from a place of judgment and persecution. We all just want to do the right thing in the...2020-04-2559 minThe Gyst Life95. A Higher Level Of Consciousness: Elevating Your PerspectiveHave you ever felt like you didn't see something that other people could? We know what we know, and we know what we don't know. But how do you know what you don't know? There is more to life than meets the eye and being present to it can focus your self-development.
Acknowledging that there is more out there than you can comprehend means you have a chance to learn and grow from experiences rather than sitting back judging life and making excuses for why you'll never achieve what you hope to. The gentlemen at the GYST...2020-04-1844 minThe Gyst Life94-In The Creative Industry? Stop Dressing the Pig and Start Solving Problems | Over Drinks with Erik Karj at Smash LabRunning a creative agency or studio?
You may be full of crap.
----more----
Still with me? Great! You might be ready for real change then.
Here’s the thing...
Most of us are really frightened to say when things aren’t working.
And this goes for any business owner.
As creatives, we fool ourselves into thinking we just need to do a little more and create something new. Put that fresh coat of paint on, update that website, draw attention to those awards you won…2020-03-301h 05The Gyst Life93-Live Stream E2: How are you managing your chaos?This weekends episode touches on 2 things
1. Your inaction in what you want in life
2. The chaos that is the COVID-19 and just how deeply it's impacting everyone and what the opportunity might actually be if you're open to it hearing.
2020-03-1655 minThe Gyst Life92-Live Stream E1: You're Never ReadyHow many times have you said to yourself, once I have "x" I'll be ready and you've either not done the work to get "x" or you have "x" and now your reason for not taking the action you said you wanted to take is because now you need "y"?
Ya...been there. Many times. Like us talking about live streaming for about 1 year now...
This is us taking the leap. It was a great session.
Special thank-you to:
Matt Biggar
Alison Masniuk
My beautiful wife Maya...2020-03-091h 19The Gyst Life91-Happiness in Hospitality is Not Something You Chase | Over Drinks with Jeff JamiesonHappiness is not something to chase, It just comes If you’re willing to play.
It’s a long game that requires patience and a whole lot of commitment. Nothing is certain despite our best efforts to guide and direct it and happiness and living your life your way, while available to everyone is not something we’ll all achieve because we get caught up in the story of how it was supposed to go.
Over drinks Jeff and I dig into his wandering journey inside the hospitality industry, one he’s been in since his mid 20’s...2020-03-021h 11The Gyst Life90. Personal Responsibility & Entitlement - The New Currencyen·ti·tled
“believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.”
Ever get that feeling that we should have a thing just because? Despite having done little to no work that would begin the process of having it show up? Thinking that we are, in some capacity owed that which we do not have yet? And we spend a shit ton of time wondering why.
That opens the lens inside of personal responsibility.
're·spon·si·bi·i·tee
“The state of fact of being responsible, answerable, o...2020-03-021h 04The Gyst Life89-From Corporate Tech Head To Social Philanthropist for The Greater Good | Over Drinks with Jay Baydala at Good PinWhat’s the formula for living your best life on your terms?
There’s no tried and true method.
And it’s different for everyone.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn from hearing how others are navigating that process. And that’s what this podcast series is about.
Over drinks Jay and I have a chat about his journey of human being in this world.
Shout out to The National, Village and Dandy brewery for being an indirect sponsor of the very first episode of this series.
Don’t know who...2020-02-1647 minThe Gyst Life88 - Social Programming: The Hangover of our upbringingToday we get into a topic as pervasive as the very air we breathe - social programming.
We do the best we can with the resources we have available to us. What is easy to forget is that we’re all connected. You, your kids, your parents, grandparents and great grandparents. And we’re all working through and dealing with a hangover of their upbringing. Their programming becomes our programming.
How do you break the pattern? Sadly most of us think we have even though we’re still running the same program we wanted to avoid.2020-02-0251 minThe Gyst Life87 - Be Your Own BankerWho controls the flow of money in your life?
What do you know about commercial banking vs private banking? Yes, that’s a thing.
When it comes to managing money, we are always taught to go to someone else. You want to invest, go see a stockbroker or mutual fund advisor, you need money? Go borrow from a Bank. One of my mentors, R. Nelson Nash says that if you don’t understand the problem, the solution just won’t matter. Most people, including financial advisors, do not understand the problem we’re facing today.
The...2020-01-1136 minThe Gyst Life86-A Day on Purpose E9 - Shelley Rathie and David Schmeikal - Your Words Create or Destroy WorldsAs children, the world was full of possibilities and magic. Anything was possible. We were told we were unique and special.
As we get older, the negative & pragmatic experiences or feedback of those around us accompanied by the unrealistic expectations set by society begin to chisel away at the marble, creating you in their likeness.
Your choice was removed and you didn’t even know it.
Isn't it interesting that everyone who knows us really well tend to start with you should, and lead with what they think is best? We are...2020-01-0337 minThe Gyst Life85-A Day on Purpose E9 - Laurie Mackay - Take the Meandering Path.You know you’re on your path to purpose if you’re enjoying it. If you’re not, keep opening different doors.
This path to purpose is one that Laurie has been on for a long time and when she asks herself if she’s found her purpose yet, she is reminded of the fact that for her she really enjoys taking the meandering path of getting somewhere. Whether it’s traveling or studying for her it’s been about the journey
But for some of us it’s a real challenge to work that practice into o...2020-01-0225 minThe Gyst Life84-A Day on Purpose E8 - Jenn LofgrenPerspective. What’s yours and how do you share it? Sometimes that’s all it takes for another person to see something they’ve never seen before and completely changes how we view the world and our place in it.
The funny thing about that perspective is that it was always there, the only thing that changed was your ability to see it.
Everyone has a backstory, some of us in a leadership role have lost touch with that story. Our focus is likely in the day or in the future out of the necessity of the...2019-12-3025 minThe Gyst Life84-A Day on Purpose E7 - Candy Event Consulting - Who Are You?Who are you?
Understanding who you are is not a one and done event. Who you were 5, 10 even 20 years ago is not who you will continue to be for the next 30. Human beings are always in a constant state of change and growth. How you lean in and embrace those changes makes all the difference.
As is finding the right people who are aligned with what you’re looking to achieve. So who’s around you on the journey? Who we are and who shows up around us will contribute significantly to the direction you go i...2019-12-3025 minThe Gyst Life83-A Day on Purpose E6: Evan Weselake - Be Ok With You.Be ok with you.
Some of the coolest people you’ll ever meet are figuring it out. What’s cool is that they’re all in and trying to figure it out and what you’ll realize if you don’t yet already is that discovery is really cool. Whether it’s your PhD or an extreme sport It’s not about what you’re doing but why you’re doing it. What do you LOVE about what you’re involved in? The performance is a very fleeting thing, but the experience of why you’re in it and what you’ve bee...2019-12-2828 minThe Gyst Life82-A Day on Purpose E5 - Laura Wikant - You Likely Already Know Your Purpose.Life tends to go this way…
You do one thing, it then opens the doors to something else and you either choose to pursue that or not. We pick the next “logical” thing as we move through and take advantage of the options presented to us along the way. But how often have you looked back at the choices you’ve taken, and how they were all connected? You might be surprised by what you find.
Laura Wikant shares more about her journey to discovering what was already there the whole time for her and what get...2019-12-2723 minThe Gyst Life81-A Day on Purpose E4: Teresa Valero - Change your definition of success. Be Happy.What is your definition of success? How are you setting up our next generation's definition of success?
It’s not about goals or about achieving those goals. It’s got everything to do with HOW you work on getting that future. You have the power to define success and in that, you have the power to be successful.
You’ll really enjoy listening to episode 4 of our special series on purpose and to our guest, Teresa Velero.
EVENT DETAILS:
In January the first ever “Day on Purpose Conference” will be happening...2019-12-1718 minThe Gyst Life80 - A Day on Purpose E3: Ravin Moorthy - What are we really here for?And it’s not about just pulling hydrocarbons out of the ground.
Ravin Moorthy is our third guest on the special series on purpose. Ravin, like most of us who have descended on this city at the base of the mountains in Alberta, has experienced the impact of the current state of our economy. But that was not the only thing that impacted his life and pushed him to realize that this isn’t the only thing he’s here to do. And so if that’s not the only thing, then what else is there? What are the d...2019-12-1719 minThe Gyst Life79 - A Day on Purpose E2: Crystal Phillips - Top of a different gameWhat would you do if you were the top individual in your field only to have that kicked out from under you in about 3 days?
How would you move forward? This podcast reveals a little into Crystal Phillip's story of being one of the top athletes in her game to being paralyzed only to rise to the top again but in a different way.
EVENT DETAILS *UPDATE*:
On June 20th, the first ever “Day on Purpose Conference” will be happening here in Calgary.
A Day on Purpose is bringing together a fantastic comm...2019-12-1714 minThe Gyst Life78 - A Day on Purpose E1: Holly Kelly talks about the power of the heartWe have forgotten our place. We know this, we experience this daily and It’s time to stop ignoring it. Humans are but one thread in the web of life, we didn't create the web, and we can’t control the web.
Are you listening? Like really listening? It is the difference-maker. There is a richness to the story that’s being told between the lines, through our bodies, and from the land. If we would only stop and listen.
New science is expanding our understanding of just how powerful our hearts are at transmitting waves i...2019-12-0527 minThe Gyst Life76. My Brother's CrazyWhat’s up! David here and this is episode 76! Sorry for the long delay between episodes. There’s a lot of planning going on with a bunch of new dudes joining the team. You’ll be hearing from all of them over the coming episodes.
I always enjoy a good story and when my brother’s around he’s always got a good story to tell. So we’ve got a long juicy episode that we hope will make up for our tardiness.
We talk about just how crazy the world’s become since the dawn of the int...2019-11-231h 24The Gyst Life75. BRING THEM CLOSERWe are excited to welcome Connie Jakab for episode 75, a local entrepreneur, an agent of change for a healthy culture and mental health.
Our society is sick, our young people are defining themselves by their anxieties and depressions rather than strengths and passions.
Where did this come from and what can we do to change it, as a family, as a community and as a society? You’ll find out on today’s show.
You’ll also get connected to an abundance of resources to support in creating thriving children and relationships.
Enjoy th...2019-11-0245 minThe Gyst Life74. Boil the egg. Find the DiamondDavid Andrew Weibe joins us for episode 74 of The GYST Life Podcast. We discuss the events of life that shape who we become both consciously and unconsciously.
David shares some compelling stories about his upbringing. David grew up in Japan from a young age and he is still fluent in the language. We discuss the impact of losing a parent and the interpretations that follow.
David experienced being misunderstood as he moved back to Canada and tried to acclimate himself to the culture. As a result, not uncommonly, David was bullied and made fun of.
...2019-10-2549 minThe Gyst Life73. Opportunity Meets PreparationMost of us men do not talk about our mortality. I know I sure don’t. I literally get weak in the knees when I do. It’s fucked. I understand that does not serve me and here we are.
Today’s episode we are joined by Craig Tervit an Estate Planner based here in Calgary.
Craig shares his journey of immigrating here from South Africa and the struggle and challenge of fitting in.
We explore the rich experience that is the father and son relationship, and what happens when you lose a parent...2019-09-1759 minThe Gyst Life72. The Rock in the RiverHello and welcome to episode 72 of The GYST Life podcast. We are joined by Michael Dargie, from DropBear and Panda.
tgyst.co/RiverRock
This is for you introverts for you out there as Michael shares how he found his way through discomfort to fully expressing himself in many creative ways.
We talk about the Fight for truth and the search for self-expression while navigating ‘REAL LIFE’. Michael shares how he has failed gracefully by allowing things to flow rather than fight and try to control everything.
We also bust up our stories...2019-09-0750 min
David Schmeikal: Makin' RipplesPodcast: Perfection. Life's trouble makerAnxiety, guilt, pessimism, procrastination, low self-esteem. Who of us have not just recently fought with one of these life's trouble makers? What about that over commanding insanity to get it right and perfect?
Consider this statement for a moment:
"There is no perfection. It is the world's greatest con game. It promises riches and delivers misery. The harder you strive for perfection, the worse your disappointment will become because it's only an abstraction. Perfection is a concept that does not fit reality. EVERYTHING can be improved if you look closely and critically enough. Every person, every idea, every work of...2019-08-2302 minThe Gyst Life69. YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVEToday we talk about, getting what you deserve, what you think you deserve versus what you actually deserve.
Accepting where you are, because you suck! And here’s why.
You’re not focused.
You’re not mindful of the choices you make.
You try to take on too much and your end goals are not big enough.
We dig into this on the episode.
Enjoy.
Follow The GYST on facebook http://tgyst.co/fb
Follow The Gyst on instagram http://tgyst...2019-08-0940 minThe Gyst Life68. Stand for What's RightWe all are provided opportunities to stand for what’s right in this world. Our tendency is different from everyone. You either step in, step up or step back and deep down we know when something needs to be said or done.
These opportunities are subtle and easily dismissed for many reasons. The biggest one being the potential negative situation you are put in if you do decide to stand for what’s right.
In today’s episode Vern and I talk about a situation that unfolded with me and another person at a party. There w...2019-07-2442 minThe Gyst Life67. 150 Day RoadTripHave you ever fantasized about your dream job? What if you could create the job or business of your dreams? On Episode 67 Matt and Carla share their story of how they are literally living the dream and how they created it.
Have you ever had an idea you really wanted to take action on, then came up with all the perfect reasons not to do it? Then what? You kick yourself and wish you would have done it.
Our guests share how they organically created an amazing opportunity and by virtue of continuing to move to...2019-07-1343 minThe Gyst Life66. Entrepreneurial BloodWelcome to episode 66 of The GYST Life Podcast. We’re joined by Judith Vergara, a lifestyle entrepreneur who grew up in the Philippines and now resides here in Calgary.
Today we talk about growing up with housekeepers, coming out of retirement in your mid-twenties, and humanity plus business models.
Judith shares about the pros and cons of living in the Philippines with privilege and an opportunity to take over the family business versus moving to Canada, starting from scratch and being exposed to opportunities that she had no reason to look for in the Philippines.
Now that J...2019-06-2959 minThe Gyst Life65. You Can Have it AllWelcome back to The GYST Life Podcast for episode 65. We start by discussing routine and effectiveness. David chats about structures he is practicing to ensure he is fitting in what matters most into his day.
You get to say how your time is spent and if you are not fitting in things you say are important, consider there is nothing wrong, you’re just not taking responsibility and you’re not making the thing important enough.
What becomes available when you have a routine, focus and passion? You get to have it all, not be cons...2019-06-0829 minThe Gyst Life64. Let's See WTF HappensEpisode 64 is a casual episode, a check-in, and some storytelling.
David and Vern allow the conversation to flow with a good mix of tangent, meaningful conversation and funny riffs.
One consistent delivery here at the GYST is a gritty, real and uncensored conversation about the shit we are all dealing with in life.
We share some fun stories about assessments we make out in the world. Owning 30 Lamborghinis and renting private planes.
We shift gears throughout the podcast as we talk about mental health, vulnerability, and leadership. How many of us...2019-06-0149 minThe Gyst Life63. Be Selfish. Give MoreWelcome to episode 63 of The GYST Life podcast where we are joined by Ryan Gill.
Ryan shares his deep passion for gratitude, contributing to others and the importance of selfishness.
We were floored by Ryan’s stories of grit, resourcefulness and a relentless commitment to delivering value.
What do you do when you get ‘bad news’ at the eleventh hour? Most of us would throw our hands up and say some variation for ‘why me’. On today’s episode, you will see what is possible when you stay committed to your promis...2019-05-251h 00The Gyst Life62. The Compound Effect: Building Knowledge and WealthGuest episode today with Richard Canfield out of Edmonton. Our first time doing a remote guest on the show.
We covered the gamut today. Richard shares his journey of going through the process of working harder to working smarter. Richard grew up in rural Alberta and was heir to the throne of the families portable toilet kingdom.
He shares his discoveries and learning along the way. The lessons he was taught but didn’t quite understand and the catalyst-change events (Those moments when you begin to recognize things differently) that occurred and what expanded when he...2019-05-1847 minThe Gyst Life61. The Right FitHello and welcome to episode 61 of the GYST Life Podcast. Today David and Vern, sit down and have a real conversation about what they are dealing with in life.
This episode is the embodiment for what the GYST Life is all about, greedy, real and uncensored as David shares from a disempowered state. We actually work through the disempowerment and get real with each other.
We discuss how a ‘real’ friend supports a friend in times of need. Have you ever been stopped in supporting someone because you didn’t know how to support them? What i...2019-04-2750 minThe Gyst Life60. The Ultimate Version of YouWe are excited to welcome you to episode 60 of the GYST Life podcast. We are joined by Sunjeev from ‘The Street Gentlemen’ who shares his passion for showing men how to dress, not just to impress but also to show up as the authentic version and the best version of themselves.
What are the important things in life that contribute to what really matters? What contributes to you building the ultimate version of yourself? Sunjeev shares what drives him in life and in business as we talk about family values, commitment and balance.
We talk abou...2019-04-2039 minThe Gyst Life59. Your Tomorrow Might Never ComeI get to jam on the mic solo today, well almost. Like a trooper, Aaron is there and ready. I really appreciate you man. Really. Thank-you. Last month was a crazy month, how quickly time flies. Yes, cliche. And the clocks keeps ticking doesn’t it? So what are you doing with it?
We really do believe we have more time and why not? We wake up and there’s another day, waiting for us! It’s remarkable. It happens without question.
I am searching for something right now, I won’t give it away here. I...2019-04-0642 minThe Gyst Life58. From Surface to SignificanceWelcome to Episode 58 of The GYST Life Podcast. Have you ever wondered what it means to create a life of significance?
Barry Anderson is here to share his journey and perspective on what significance really looks like. Here’s a hint. it’s about contribution and making a difference.
As you listen to Barry’s story, think of what a life of significance would look like for you and the difference that would that have on you and your communities.
Barry generously shares what growing up in Calgary looked like, how he got here a...2019-03-2442 minThe Gyst Life57. The Inner Critic & The StrongManMy name is David Schmeikal and I’m an entrepreneur. I've fallen off the wagon and It’s been 3 weeks since I’ve been around the community of people that lift and build me up.
It was really good to get back on the mic, have the banter and conversation with people I respect, love and admire and are willing to play the game together.
That is magical, there isn’t enough of that out there…
Today’s episode was a check-in. 3 weeks away from the mic for various reasons. And I shared some of the...2019-03-1652 minThe Gyst Life56. MEN! Get Uncomfortable, GET REAL!Welcome to The GYST Life Podcast for episode 56, solo hosted this week by Vern with Aaron in support.
Hosting a solo podcast was a great experience and completely out of my comfort zone. Thankfully Aaron was there to have my back.
This podcast has a bit of everything including the story of how we actually got started.
My intention was to have a real conversation with our listeners about some vulnerabilities in my life. The interesting thing is, we all have vulnerabilities even if we pretend we don’t and even when we ar...2019-03-0952 minThe Gyst Life55. FInd Your Voice, FInd Your Will to ThriveWelcome back to the GYST Life Podcast for episode 55. We are fascinated with people and their stories. Caran Magaw and her dog piper join us this week with a story about victory.
What would be available for you if you started to explore and play in life NOW before you hit the proverbial ROCK BOTTOM? What if you were just cool with what is going on right now in the moment rather than always being in control. Emotions are not absolute, they are not to be controlled, they are to be discovered, explored and experienced.
...2019-02-101h 08The Gyst Life54. What Do You Value?Vern couldn’t make our Saturday podcast and so Wakefield and I will be jamming with you this morning. Wake shares some of what he’s experiencing in his psych class he’s is taking for his RMT program. In particular an exercise he was grappling with. It was an exercise where the outcome was to narrow down the values that define you to the top 5.
This was something Wake had thought he had figured out already but quickly began to realize just how much work there was still to be done if he was willing to dig in...2019-01-2745 minThe Gyst Life53. Strip Down What's There, Reveal What MattersYAY…! David is back… Welcome to Episode 53 of The GYST Life podcast. It’s a new year, a new beginning and the perfect time to start living your best life on your terms. Our GYST Life community believes this is possible for anyone who is willing to choose it and willing to look in the dark corners of your life and deal with what isn’t working.
We are on a journey to design and create a vibrant, thriving, connected community that fuels dreams. This is a selfish interest with a covert passion to realize our mission, have you...2019-01-2445 minThe Gyst Life52. Life...it's Just a GameWhen is the last time you felt… ALIVE? Notice, your answer is likely not about an expensive gift, the end of a trip or even a big promotion.
Nah, all of those things are valuable and exciting. We say it is the experience and build up leading to the thing you think you want that made you feel alive. We play to experience the game not the result.
John Orian joins us for episode 52 with an inspiring message for humanity and particularly, The BOOMERS.
John discovered on his journey as he transitioned from re...2019-01-0744 minThe Gyst Life51. How Do You Push Yourself?Today I slapped my brother on the podcast.
It was fun, awkward and part of our journey find our greatness.
We talk about his trip overseas and the experiences he encountered that pushed him in all sorts of ways. We often don’t realize it but most of the time our default operating system is running the show. The trick is to realize that the real opportunities for growth lay beneath the surface of our tendencies and habits.
The ability to push yourself requires you to reveal what’s underneath that thing we do...2018-12-2239 minThe Gyst Life49. SURRENDERSometimes in life, things seem to be going very well. You have a good job, decent income, friends, status and your annual vacation. These important things in life form our identity, but is that who we are?
One day suddenly it’s all taken away, what are you left with. We say you are left with an opportunity to look at what is possible for your life by not being shackled to your current reality.
That is exactly what happened to today’s guests. They have a moving story that will inspire you to look at w...2018-12-0157 minThe Gyst Life48. What is Real Community?What is possible when you decide to step outside of the pack and distinguish yourself in a unique way? Well we’re not really sure, but taking that journey is part of the beauty and fun.
In this particular case, a unique approach to a LinkedIn introduction leads to Derek Manns joining us for episode 48. You’ll have to tune in for details on that.
Derek is a man on a mission and as per usual here at The GYST Life, his mission is heart-centered and about something bigger than himself.
A few...2018-11-1858 minThe Gyst Life47. How Would You Tell Your Story?Welcome to episode 47 of the GYST Life Podcast, We thought we’d formally welcome you considering we sort of skipped that part this week. We don’t want to make excuses or let ourselves off the hook but let’s just say some new laws in Canada may have played a factor, wink-wink.
This week is all about reflection, vulnerability, and gratitude. This podcast is an as lived passion project that has significantly evolved since we started. There have been many people who have contributed along the way but this week Vern was compelled to acknowledge David for hi...2018-11-1145 minThe Gyst Life46. Project Forty-FourIt was a pleasure to have Mike Stanfield the creator of the delicious Vodka line known as Summer Love on the podcast today. He is an inspiring local entrepreneur with a great story to share.
Mike highlights what becomes available in life when we live with passion. Perhaps that comes across as a bit cliche? Maybe, but the famous success stories of billionaires and big business always start with a dream and passion.
Mike is well on his way to his own passionate success story with Star Distillery.
So what are you passionate a...2018-11-0356 minThe Gyst Life45. Who Wants Your Problems?Episode 45 welcomes Wakefield Brewster back once again as he is deeply enrolled in what we are up to here at the GYST Life. We are excited to share his fascinating lyrical flow with our listeners as we create a meaningful conversation.
There is absolute magic in being able to reframe situations such that you are left with power and choice. Some people HATE traffic and can’t wait to get out of the car and some look forward to a quiet ride or a good audiobook.
We often get caught up in the ordinary daily mo...2018-10-1355 minThe Gyst Life43. What is Your Something?Ever hear something and you never really “got” what was being said until the 3rd or 4th time around? Well, this is one of those episodes. Take the coaching and listen to this a couple of times. Or fuck off. The choice is yours.
This week David and Vern invite a special guest who has a unique way of sharing his inspiring message.
We speak about living life on your own terms often here at the GYST and that is just what Wakefield has done with his life. He shares as lived, what it actually take...2018-10-021h 07The Gyst Life42. Times, They be Changin!This week David and Vern have some visitors who want to help us make a difference in the world and contribute to YOU!
We are in creation mode here at the GYST Life as we realized after starting this journey, this is more than a podcast. The GYST is a way of life nah a way of being.
We are clear, nothing happens without community. We have shared what we are up to at The GYST Life with our community and these brave souls have joined our Tribe of ripple makers..
Affer taking...2018-09-2735 minThe Gyst Life41. CONTEXT IS KING!This week we welcome a very special guest to the GYST Life Podcast.. Heather Spurrell is one of our closest friends and a member of our three person accountability group which we fondly refer to as the Unmessables.
Do you have people in your life who love you enough to call you on your shit, support you and praise you at the appropriate times? That is who Heather is for us and that is why we created the Unmessables!
We can’t believe it has taken us this long to share her...2018-09-2341 minThe Gyst Life40. One extra push up!This week David and Vern celebrate new Milestones in reaching episode 40 and our first listener email. When we first started talking about creating a podcast, I didn’t actually think we’d ever do it. And that is how anything worth doing has ever been created! It all starts with a thought!
In this episode, we talk about small wins and consistent improvements that compound. All too often we focus on total transformations that are not sustainable and we wonder why we fail.
We think about a thing we would love to do and before we e...2018-09-1531 minThe Gyst Life39. EXPLORE THE DARK CORNERS. IT'S WORTH ITSo life isn’t quite turning out the way you thought it would eh! What do you do now?
This week David and Vern welcome Nicole Hartley Bradford, who has officially joined us on this wild journey of creating the GYST Life!
Nicole is an extremely passionate person and a self-declared Village-ER, Wild-ER, and Rebel, who eloquently shares her story of how she has been able to get to know herself so intimately. What is the impact of that you say? There is a saying; “If you know what’s happening, you’ll know what to do” (s...2018-09-071h 00The Gyst Life38. ARE YOU HAVING FUN YET?On episode 38 David and Vern invite Grant Hansen as a guest. Grant shares how he has created his life as a fun project and the freedom that comes with that context for living..
We explore how life occurs when we make things significant and when we put our concerns of the moment in front of our commitment to having a life that works.
Grant shares how he has been able to create a life where he actually gets what he wants.. Guess what, so do the people in his life and everything works.. Does that...2018-09-0130 minThe Gyst Life37. OWN YOUR WEIRDNESSThis week David and Vern have a bit of fun as they record on a Friday night over a couple beers.
In typical GYST Podcast form, things get real fairly quickly. Vern shares some intimate details about his way of being this week that was driven by a personal situation. The guys authentically share some of their discoveries from the inevitable struggles that come with building a life you love..
We discuss well known names who have been able to keep it real and have made a name for themselves by being who they really...2018-09-0134 minThe Gyst Life36. FUN, LIGHT & EASY!This week David and Vern have a loose and relaxed conversation about random areas of interest and experience.
We discuss a “Hangover” feeling after a pretty stacked week. There is an interesting overarching pull to follow a structure during the podcast and we remind ourselves and the listeners that this life and podcast is a journey, not a finished product.
The GYST Life is about intentionally creating a fulfilling experience and the doesn't look a certain way. A life you love is to be created from nothing, in the present moment and authentically as lived. There...2018-08-1845 minThe Gyst Life35. Responsibility = Response | AbilityThis week David and Vern have a little fun as they share about some new audio developments with the podcast. We say ‘fun’ because we are so out of our comfort zone with audio, things that we’ve missed in our setup are beneath novice. And we are embracing the learning..
The podcast switches gears as we share some intimate stories that point to what responsibility really means and how we choose to embrace the opportunities that come with it!
Often we look at a ‘responsibility’ as a burden or a thing we have to do. It’s q...2018-08-1137 minThe Gyst Life34. There is GOLD everywhere...This week David and Vern have a conversation about what ideal we use to gauge our success. It is so easy to focus on lack or being happy one day when this or that happens. When is the last time you took time to review how far you’ve come and how much you’ve grown?
It is so easy for us to discredit the work we are putting in around creating our lives. Remember that what you view as basic tables steaks would be enough to cripple many others.
Look what you have...2018-08-0434 minThe Gyst Life33. ‘Brules’ Limit You!In this episode, David and I pull apart some of the Systems for Living that are currently not serving us (The BRULES), along with some new ones we're implementing into our lives.
What are Brules you ask? They are the BULLSHIT RULES we accept as absolute truths and what govern how we live. This is a term coined by Vishin Lakhani, founder of Mind Valley and author of the book The Code of the Extraordinary Mind.
Both David and I are thoroughly enjoying this book and highly recommend it.
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Human beings...2018-07-3049 minThe Gyst Life32. IT’S GAME ON! HOW ARE YOU LEVELING UP?We have a special guest today! Keith Williams was a critical instrument that funneled our creative process as we explored our second intro to the podcast.
Today Keith shares about his passion as an audio guy and musician and the stories he finds occupying his mind that prevent him from living out his passion as an audio engineer and producer.
We talk about the struggles that can occur when you’re learning how to deal with people. When to notice when your passion starts turning into a job and become work. And to ask yourself “Why a...2018-07-2122 minThe Gyst Life31. WHAT FUELS YOUR DREAMS AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMFY?Do you get that you can create what you want your life to look like? You might nod yes, yet there is a part of you that puts up barriers that you’re not even aware of that stops you cold in your tracks.
You’re creating something new and that’s why it feels so weird and different and why you’re not sure about it. You just need to trust the process and surrender to it. Whether you’re in business for yourself or just looking to explore what’s next in your life, know that it will...2018-07-0752 minThe Gyst Life30. YOUR LIFE DESIGN, DESIGNED BY YOUThis week we hear from Nathan, who runs a successful photography business. The interesting thing about that is, it wasn’t always that way. It took something for him to create his life the way it is now.
It all starts with getting clear about what you want life to look like and then, you have to DECIDE, “I’m going to do this”. Once you decide and commit to that new future, things around you start to respond. Your attitudes and behaviors will shift to accommodate your commitments.
Join us as our guest shares authenti...2018-06-3046 minThe Gyst Life29. Live Life with More Joy. Reconnect to your inner Rogue 5 Year Old.You have exactly what you need. Right here, right now.
Don’t believe me? Our guest Leona Devinne just might change your mind.
I met Leona at one of Maya’s Magic Watercolor Workshops and I really love it when I meet with people and an instant electric connection is formed. In fact, I am on the hunt for those every chance I can get. Needless to say Leona and I had one of those.
Leona has had 22 craniotomies in her family to date and Leona herself is managing 8 tumors literally from her head...2018-06-2349 minThe Gyst Life28. Weekend Warrior. Are you Check Out or Tapped In?This week like most weeks had a taste of momentum a pint of progress and the inevitable aftertaste of breakdowns. And then Friday rolled around and we both noticed something interesting.
The tank was getting empty, the pull to unplug begins to show up. The wanting to have a beer, do nothing and “recharge” our batteries. But does that actually recharge us?
2 worlds for the Weekend Warrior began to show up:
Do nothing, check-out and veg-out. and not experience any sort of recharge really
Or create what recharge actually looks like and do something that...2018-06-1633 minThe Gyst Life27. YOU SUCK AT LISTENING AND YOU'RE NOT STEPPING UPIf that triggered you and you think you actually are good at listening and communicating, then this podcast is definitely for you.
I share with Vern the impact of the choices I’ve made within the arena of owning who I say I am, how I listen and the commitment I have around making a difference with another human being.
This week we lost a client and as a team, we all got to look at how we showed up in that new budding relationship, what we got stuck up on, what we sai...2018-06-0946 minThe Gyst Life26. Keep it Weird but Be NimbleWe all want to be the inventor of the next great crazy idea, trend or movement, and sometimes the market tells you that they’re either not ready or not interested.
This week David and Vern have an interesting conversation with Jeff, a local entrepreneur who brings practical lessons from real life business development.
Jeff is co-owner of a few local businesses:
Vine Arts, a local boutique wine and spirits shop https://www.vinearts.ca/
Proof, a great little cocktail lounge on 4th https://www.proofyyc.com/
Donna Mac, a new restaurant that’s recent...2018-06-0349 minThe Gyst Life23. IT'S A GAME!This week David and Vern have a bit of fun with the gaming world. We manage to find some life lessons derived from gaming and inside of gaming.
We did this completely on a whim (impromptu) as we briefly discussed David’s lack of motivation around our podcast commitment this week. We share how even our passions occur as work from time to time.
We quickly switch gears realizing, this podcast is our baby and we get to create as we wish. It doesn't have to look a certain way. So this week, enjoy a fu...2018-05-0834 minThe Gyst Life21. Workin' It Out (Part 2)This week David and Vern have an important check in on our expectation of the podcast and our contributions to it. We have an authentic conversation about things we have been thinking about and dealing with, inside our commitment to this passion project.
We illustrate how conflict can be avoided and life’s inevitable breakdowns can be dealt with when you take them on and say what needs to be said.
This is a fun and refreshing taste of purity and a reminder not to take yourself too seriously as projects inevitably evolve and shift. We...2018-04-2337 minThe Gyst Life20. The New Spotlight and The End of the Era of Bullshit.Nicolas from Helcim talks with us about the journey of his personal development as a young entrepreneur developing his 11-year-old “startup”.
Nicolas is 10 weeks into putting himself out into the public space through his Vlog and was so gracious in sharing what he’s been dealing with in mental game and inner dialogue that comes up.
At a deep fundamental level, we all want to be gotten and we all ask the same questions of ourselves.
How will I know I am ready? Do I have what I need now? Should I wait? Am I d...2018-04-1546 minThe Gyst Life19. These Things, They Take TimeI am running solo today as Vern is not feeling well and fret not my man, I’ve got you covered!
My last week has been about embracing myself and the chaos that surrounds creating what I’m up to.
Reminding myself of the time it takes to create and to allow ourselves to be ok with the time it takes to create something.
The power of my mind and the thoughts I have, which leads to the outcomes I receive and my ability to harness that power and getting it to create with...2018-04-0822 minThe Gyst Life18. WHY ARE WE RECORDING A PODCAST AGAIN?A little birdy the other day inquired...
“I wonder if they actually do the things they talk about on the podcast?”
David and Vern talk about the State of the Nation of theGyst podcast and getting reconnected to why they even started it. Authentically sharing the struggles and breakdowns of producing the podcast, being responsible for the impressions it creates “out there” and the benefits its been generating in their lives.
PS: Don't forget to subscribe to our youtube channel so we can get to our 100 subs.
Verno...2018-03-1824 minThe Gyst Life17. MOMENTUM : How Committed Are You?It’s easier to create momentum in areas that we know and feel comfortable with. And, that’s not where the biggest difference will be made.
There are things we could take on that would serve us and we react with conclusions like, “I can’t do that” or “I don’t want to do that” or “I tried it, and that doesn’t work.” These tend to be areas in our life that show up as breakdowns. And here’s the kicker…
It’s still not true to say, “I can’t actually do that”. This is YOUR STORY…
2018-03-0534 minThe Gyst Life16. DISCIPLINE: From Spark Plug to Quarter MileFor me...there’s nothing like the growling sounds of a well tuned engine and the way everything vibrates around it. They make their presence known and they are not afraid to show it.
It’s power contained, ready to be channeled at a moments notice.
WE are the same! But what we often forget about is the working and planning and fuck-ups it took to get to that end result.
A bunch of parts on the table, structured properly and put in the right order will unleash a powerful productive machine that will...2018-02-2529 minThe Gyst Life14. Social Media: The Good, The Bad, The UglyDavid and Vern talk about the struggles of using social media and rising above the noise. A constant check-in is required for each of us to make sure we are adding value and not adding more noise.
Social media is social and media. But is the media overtaking the social? What can each of us do to ensure the media we are watching is serving us? Also ask yourself: Why are you being social? Are you creating deep meaningful relationships or are you keeping your distance and wondering why your life is lacking real connection, d...2018-02-1124 minThe Gyst Life13. DAD, THE SUPER HERO.
DAD, THE SUPERHERO.
Do you ever just think holy fuck I am a dad and I got these little people and I’m responsible for them and the shit I do and decisions I make will have an impact on these people? Us too. Today we talk a little bit about our experiences as Fathers and getting present to the ever-changing target that is being a man.
As fathers, Vern and I talk it out.
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PS: Don't forget to subscribe to our youtube channel so we can get to our 100 subs. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCofpv2eqqQPcd5qP62-DtyQ?view_a...2018-02-0628 minThe Gyst Life12. Order + Chaos. Get Used To It.In this episode, David and Vern discuss their challenges and successes of navigating through the natural world of order and chaos. Chaos is layered in our life + our culture and we struggle to try and make sense of it all. So what’s missing? The idea of perfection lives in all areas of our life. Yet the benchmark of perfection is inauthentic.
We dive deep and pull it apart.
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Vern McCarty (@vernon.mccarty on instagram @financialmakeoverspecialist)
David Schmeikal (@davidschmeikal)
Follow us on facebook at The Gyst!
W...2018-01-2833 minThe Gyst Life11. The Uncomfortable Waters of Discipline, Responsibility and Will PowerAsk yourself: What do I really want in life? Who do I really want to be? What would it take to create a 100% FUCK YA life? Am I on that path? These are tough questions, yes..! However, if we are not asking these questions, then likely we are not on track to living life as the best versions of ourselves.
This episode dives deep into the uncomfortable waters of discipline, responsibility and willpower. What it really takes to create transformation in one’s life. This episode is not about answers, rather it is a conversation and...2017-11-171h 06The Gyst Life10. ARE YOU LIVING A F*cK YA LIFE?Let me ask you something…would you be ok if you died today? Would you feel like you lived a life worth living? That you were fulfilled with everything you did? Are you experiencing a little discomfort when you ask yourself that question?
What if you lived your life from a new context? Where 100% Fuck Ya was the place you stood from. Where you actually stepped into being the maverick of your own life, the first one out to dance to your song?
In today’s episode Vern and I speak about...2017-10-2058 minThe Gyst Life9. How to Kill CreativityWanna kill creativity? Allow your default operating system to run the show for you. Keep creating, causing and adding all that extra meaning to everything and whatever you do, DO NOT work on the bigger picture. Do not get clear what your vision of the future is or what you have to offer and whatever you do, make sure you allow yourself to conform to your own self impressed limitations.
That woowoo shit is for suckers.
A big shout out to
Mike from Starr Distillery. We love you...2017-09-2746 minThe Gyst Life8. Your Inner Sherpa is Waiting. Slow it Down and Get ConnectedDo you know what it takes for YOU to slow it down? Are you present and listening for when it’s really needed? It’s selfless and requires you to be full of yourself. Full of love for yourself because that’s what it really takes to be able to have the conversations you need to have with your higher self, your sherpa of life.
The week was scattered, at times a feeling of just getting to the point so I could end the grind. I struggled to slow down and get present. - David
2017-09-1344 minThe Gyst Life7. The Game Just Leveled Up!Are you aware? Is it time to progress forward or are you still running the maze?
Oh and the AHA moments. Are you taking time to think about it? Is it an automatic way of being yet for you? It’s not for us yet and this episode is all about acknowledging the successes and the growth each of us experiences and what’s next.
The path is set and every day we’re noticing what it takes to continue the journey, what we’re working on as we travel and what’s sho...2017-09-0131 minThe Gyst Life6. Our Internal Saboteur vs The ObserverWhat would it be like if you actually took more time to notice and observe the situations that show up vs immediately react and “try” to do something about it.
In this episode, we talk about taking more time to sit back, get vulnerable and watch what happens. That might be the only way you’ll get yourself through to achieving deep fulfillment and purpose in your life. Just sayin'...
Mentions:
Shout out to Vic! Be sure you give a listen :)
Vern McCarty (@vernon.mccarty on instagram @financialmakeoverspecialist on faceboo...2017-08-181h 09The Gyst Life5. How Compelling is Your Future?What’s your UFC title level of Clarity? Does it pull for you? Who do you know yourself to be, bigger than who you are right now? If you don’t know, your work is to find it. It’s hard work, it requires bravery, belief in yourself and the ability to challenge the notions in your mind, set them aside and do the work needed.
The beauty is once you have it, it can’t be unlearned and it will drive you.
Mentions:
Our amazing wives for everything they do to allow us...2017-08-0941 minThe Gyst Life4. What Scares You?Notice the Conscious Mind and Get Uncomfortable
Are you present to your operating system? Like every operating system you can upgrade to improve how it works, add new functionality and delete the programs that are outdated and no longer serving you. The trick is to notice the conscious mind, what it does when you’re trying on something new and get uncomfortable.
Simple right?
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SHOW NOTES:
Dr. Joe Dispenza
Alan Watkins
Shout out to Al Degan from Capturing Legacies
Weekly every Monday. Unscripted and r...2017-07-251h 02The Gyst Life1. Working it Out (Part 1)A podcast to clear out your head and refresh
The first official podcast for the Gyst. Get introduced to Vern McCarty (The Financial MakeOver Specialist) and David Schmeikal (The Brand Alchemist @ The Rivitt Collective) as they talk about their plans for the podcast and how to leverage the channel in a way that re-energizes and clears the space for what’s next in life, creates community and drives more intention to create impact and awareness around what we’re up to and what we’re dealing in the moment.
2017-07-0447 min