My First Season

This episode serves as the final project for my Winter 2025 course at the School of Irish Studies, Concordia University in Montreal. The course, IRST 398 – Irish Horror, is led Irish Studies professor and author Dr. Emer O’Toole. For this project, I’ve reimagined the narrative of the 2018 film Black '47—set during the darkest year of Ireland’s Great Famine—by introducing a chilling zombie element. In the original story, an Irish Ranger deserts the British Army and returns home, only to find his family devastated by starvation and ruthless landlords. With the addition of a supernatural twist, this adaptation explores a fresh layer of horror woven into historical tragedy. Voice talents include Kevin Callahan as the Narrator and Captain Pope, Marc Bourcier as Martin Feeney, and Greg Hannah as Inspector Hannah. **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

Today's guest had an incredible journey with Club Med from 1990 to 1995, starting as an Aerobics G.O. at Club Med Moorea before rising to Choreographer in 1993. Before Club Med, she was a cheerleader and model, and she holds a Communications degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Originally from Moraga and now calling Folsom, California, home—please join me in welcoming the amazing Kendra Courey Blake! Kendra worked with esteemed managers such as Ye, Lionello Burtet, Carlos Castro, Bernard Vigier, Lionel Benzoni, Stephan Roeina, and Yves Lebon. Her career took her to stunning destinations including Moorea, Phuket, Guadeloupe, Columbus Isle, and aboard the Club Med 1. Throughout her seasons, Kendra amassed a wealth of stories and experiences, which she graciously shares with us. To conclude the interview, Kendra reflects on the invaluable life lessons she gained during her tenure at Club Med. Enjoy this insightful conversation with Kendra! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

Salut les saisonniers! Mon invité d'aujourd'hui a travaillé comme instructeur de golf au Club Med de 1991 à 1993. J'ai eu le plaisir de travailler avec lui lors de ma première saison au Club Med Turks et Caicos - et quelle saison inoubliable! Avant de travailler au Club Med, il était un joueur de hockey junior et, depuis 31 ans, il est un professionnel de golf dévoué. Il n'y a pas beaucoup de G.O. de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue (et encore moins qui peuvent le prononcer correctement!), alors souhaitons la bienvenue à Claude Gamache! Claude va vous en mettre plein les yeux! Claude a gardé un souvenir impérissable de son séjour au Club Med, et il nous emmène dans un voyage détaillé à travers toutes ses saisons: Ixtapa, Guadeloupe, Sainte-Lucie, Turks et Caicos et Sandpiper. Il nous fait partager de nombreux souvenirs, nous donnant ainsi un aperçu de ses expériences de l'intérieur. Il nous explique également ce qu'il a fait depuis qu'il a quitté le Club Med. **Le podcast My First Season a toujours été gratuit et sans publicité et peut être téléchargé sur: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora et Listen Notes. Et si vous aimez ce que vous entendez, n'hésitez pas à laisser un commentaire sur les podcasts Apple.

My guest today worked as a Golf Instructor at Club Med from 1991 to 1993 and his first season was at Club Med Ixtapa. I had the pleasure of working with him during my first season at Club Med Turks and Caicos—and what an unforgettable season it was! Before his time at Club Med, Claude was a junior hockey player, and for the past 31 years, he has been a dedicated golf professional. There aren’t many G.O.s from Abitibi-Témiscamingue (and even fewer who can pronounce it correctly!), so let’s give a warm welcome to Claude Gamache! You're in for a treat! Claude has a vivid memory of his time at Club Med, and he takes us on a detailed journey through all of his seasons—spanning Ixtapa, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos, and Sandpiper. He shares many special memories, giving us an insider's look at his experiences. Plus, he fills us in on what he's been up to since leaving Club Med. Enjoy! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today worked for Club Med from 1987 to 1990. She began her journey as a Hostess at Club Med Cancun and went on to work in stunning locations like Moorea, Guadeloupe, Paradise Island, Sandpiper, and aboard the Club Med 1 in 1990. A graduate of San Jose State University with a degree in Marketing and Communications, Tiffani first discovered Club Med during a summer break from college. And, surprise of surprises, she is connected to the Star Trek universe and we will talk about that as well! Joining us from sunny Palm Springs, California, please give a warm welcome to Tiffani LoBue! Tiffani had an unforgettable experience at Club Med, working alongside some truly remarkable people. Among the CDVs she collaborated with were Guy Thomas, La Guitoune, Jeff Planteblat, Bernard Vigier, Jean-Luc Olivero, and Janyck Daudet. In 1989, while stationed at Club Med Guadeloupe, she was selected by the New York office to spend two months promoting the Club Med 1 to travel agents in New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Recently, Tiffani reunited with 11 fellow EXGOs for a trip back to Moorea, revisiting the island that held such cherished memories for her since 1988. In this interview, we also explore her involvement in the TV series Star Trek: Voyager. Enjoy this fascinating conversation with Tiffani! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest worked for Club Med from 1991 to 1994, beginning her journey as a Scuba and Snorkeling G.O. at Club Med Sonora Bay. Before Club Med, she worked at Atlantis Submarines in Hawaii, and fun fact—two-time Academy Award winner Olivia de Havilland was the commencement speaker at her high school! You know we’re going to ask her all about that and so much more. Joining us from California, please welcome Kris Painchaud Holden! In this interview, we dive into Kris’s incredible job in Hawaii before she joined Club Med, followed by an in-depth look at the resorts where she worked—Sonora Bay, Cancun, Martinique, and Turks and Caicos. Kris was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, and I was incredibly fortunate to work alongside her during my first season at Club Med Turks and Caicos. Join us as we take a nostalgic journey through her unforgettable experiences! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today may have only spent one season at Club Med, but what a season it was! In 2000, he kicked off his Club Med journey as a Sailing and Windsurf G.O. at Club Med Lindeman Island—right amid the Sydney Olympics. A Sydney native, he earned a degree in Environmental Science from Macquarie University and even competed in the prestigious Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in 1994. Now calling San Francisco home, please join me in welcoming Doug Walker! Doug’s adventures began long before his time at Club Med. His father built a 27-foot sloop in their backyard, then set sail with Doug and his family on a six-month voyage to Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand. At just 17, Doug took on the challenge of the 50th anniversary Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, a milestone event in competitive sailing. Doug and I have shared many great memories from Lindeman Island, so if you worked there, you won’t want to miss this episode! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today worked for Club Med from 2000 to 2002, starting her first season as a Fitness G.O. at Club Med Cancun. Before joining Club Med, she earned a degree in History from the University of Portland. After her time with Club Med, she pursued a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, Broadcasting, and Film & Television at San Francisco State University. She put her degree to great use, building an impressive career as a Segment Producer, Film Critic, and Junket Reporter at WSVN-TV in Miami. Currently, she serves as a Podcast Video Producer and Talent Booker for Front Office Sports, working on the podcast Redefined, highlighting the stories, experiences, and achievements of multi-dimensional women in sports who are redefining success in their careers, homes, and lives. Joining us from San Francisco, please welcome Whitney Kennett! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today has a fascinating journey with Club Med, where he worked from 1986 to 1990. His very first season was at Club Med Sonora Bay, where he served as a Bar G.O. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in Business Administration, Mario first discovered Club Med in a uniquely fitting way—by watching a movie called, you guessed it, Club Med! In addition to his Club Med adventures, Mario is now the creator of the YouTube channel “Hablemos de Hoteles” or "Let’s Talk Hotels", where he shares his passion for the hospitality industry. Joining us today from Toronto, though originally hailing from Guadalajara, please give a warm welcome to Mario Chavez! Mario shares highlights from each season and updates us on what he’s been up to since leaving Club Med. Enjoy this engaging episode with Mario! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts. Please check out Mario's YT channel and drop a like!: Let's Talk Hotels - YouTube

My guest today has truly lived an extraordinary life. He began his journey with Club Med in 1989, working until 1992, before taking a 22-year hiatus and returning in 2014 for another two memorable years until 2016. His first season was at Club Med Sandpiper, where he started as a Bar G.O. Over the years, he wore many hats, including Excursions, Traffic, Choreographer, and Entertainment Manager, showcasing his versatility and creativity. A standout moment in 1990 happened when he met Serge Trigano, who remarked that he was the only Panamanian G.O. he had ever met—a testament to his unique place in the Club Med family. A graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and the University of Tampa, where he earned a BS in Marketing, my guest hails from Panama but now calls Germany home. Please join me in warmly welcoming the one and only, Aldo Mata! Aldo has led an extraordinary life, and this episode highlights his unique journey to Club Med, the variety of roles he held during his time there, and his firsthand account of what it was like to be a Traffic G.O. at Club Med Paradise Island in 1992 during Hurricane Andrew—a devastating Category 5 storm. Please enjoy this episode with Aldo! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

Hello, Seasoners, and welcome to the 4th-anniversary episode of My First Season! What began as a humble podcast in a closet has grown into something I’m proud to share with you today. We have an extraordinary guest joining us today for our fourth year! My guest has two daughters, Kyla, who is currently pursuing an MBA at Pepperdine University and is engaged to be married in June of 20025. Congratulations, Kyla! Her other daughter, Carly, appeared on the podcast back in August 2022 and is the owner of the clothing brand, Brooklyn Grace. It is now my guest’s turn to share her incredible story. She worked for Club Med from 1983 to 1991, starting her journey as a Yoga and Archery G.O. at Club Med Eleuthera. Her connection to Club Med began as a college graduation gift—a trip to Club Med Playa Blanca in 1981—that would change her life. In 1984, she met her future husband at Sonora Bay, and over the years, she worked at numerous resorts around the globe. Today, she is the CEO and Executive Producer of D. Ellen Miller Productions, a company dedicated to creating TV and film content that entertains, educates, and promotes social awareness in our dynamic, multicultural world. Originally from Los Angeles and now calling Seattle home, please join me in warmly welcoming the one and only Dru Miller! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts. Please check out Dru's production company: D. Ellen Miller Productions

My guest today has an impressive background with Club Med, where he worked from 1997 to 2000. He began his journey as a Snorkeling G.O. at Club Med Eleuthera before advancing to become a scuba instructor at Club Med Columbus Isle and Turks and Caicos. A California native, he holds a degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master’s degree in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management from Eastern Kentucky University. Now calling Kentucky home, please join me in warmly welcoming Troy Binetsch! Troy dives into his journey through his seasons at Club Med, sharing what it was like to transition from a snorkeling G.O. to becoming a scuba instructor. Along the way, he recounts countless captivating stories. I hope you enjoy your time with Troy!**My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today worked for Club Med from 1985 to 1987. He began his journey as a Tennis G.O. at Club Med Sonora Bay and later spent a season as a Sailing G.O. at St. George’s Cove in Bermuda in 1986. A lifelong sailor, he honed his skills at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto and even had the chance to play tennis with Swedish champion Stefan Edberg. Joining us from Ontario, Canada, please warmly welcome David Wright! David's first season was nothing short of captivating, filled with unforgettable stories. From meeting former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau to playing tennis with the Canadian Davis Cup Team, hosting scorpion races in the G.O. rooms, and even performing as Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, his adventures are truly one-of-a-kind. In this episode, we detail all of David's seasons and catch up with him to learn about his current pursuits. Sit back and enjoy this delightful journey with David! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest’s journey with Club Med began when she was just two years old, experiencing her first stay at Club Med Sandpiper in Florida. Growing up, with her mother working as a travel agent, Michelle had the chance to visit various resorts over the years. Inspired by these experiences, she applied to Club Med at twenty-two years old. After an interview in New York City, Michelle embarked on her first season in 2009 as a Boutique G.O. at Club Med Sandpiper. Please help me welcome, from Rochester New York, Michelle Chaba! Michelle’s time at Club Med was brief but unforgettable—she spent one memorable season at Sandpiper, during one of the coldest winters in over 60 years! In this episode, we dive into her interview process, the colleagues she loved working with, the adventures of George the Peacock, and what she’s been up to lately. Sit back and enjoy this fascinating conversation with Michelle! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts Please check out Michelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getthemessageroc/#

Happy New Year Seasoners to every one of you! This is the new year's first episode, and I couldn’t be more excited about my guest today. She was one of my first interviewees, and we focused exclusively on her debut season. Now, she’s back to share more of her incredible journey with Club Med! Starting her career in 1985, she climbed the ranks from Hostess to Chief of Village, an extraordinary accomplishment in her nearly two-decade career. From California, you know her, you love her—the one and only Angie Boucher! In this episode, we’ll dive into some standout moments from Angie’s Club Med adventures. We’ll revisit her seasons in St. Lucia (1986), Martinique (1987), and Paradise Island (2003). Angie also opens up about her unique challenges as a rising Chief of Village, taking on monumental projects and overcoming significant obstacles. We’ll also discuss her inspiring contributions beyond her Club Med career, including the Forever G.O. Pour Toujours foundation she co-founded with Lisa Fong and her role on the Board of the Club Chefs de Village charitable organization. Plus, we touch on the highly anticipated 75th-anniversary celebration of Club Med, set to take place in April 2025 at Club Med Opio in France. This episode is packed with laughter, nostalgia, and insight into Angie’s remarkable story. I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed recording it!**My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts. Angie's first interview from March 2021: Angie Boucher | My First Season Forever G.O. Pour Toujours: ForeverGO.ORG | ForeverGO Club Chefs de Village: Club des Chefs de Village

My guest today worked for Club Med from 1992 to 1993, with seasons at Huatulco, Copper Mountain, and Sandpiper. His first role was as a DJ and Assistant Set Design G.O., but his talents extended far beyond Club Med. Before and after his time there, he pursued a career as a stand-up comedian, club DJ, and commercial voice actor. Originally from Boston, he now calls Orlando home. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Matthew Fearnley! In this episode, Matthew reflects on his three seasons at Club Med in the early 1990s, sharing heartfelt memories and stories about the unique spirit and camaraderie he experienced among his fellow G.O.s. Sit back and enjoy this wonderful conversation with Matthew! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today had an impressive career at Club Med, spanning from 1985 to 2000. His journey began as a 20-year-old Texas A&M university student on summer break, visiting Club Med Paradise Island as a G.M. and inspired by his uncle who worked for Club Med for seven years. His first season as a G.O. was at Club Med Paradise Island, where he specialized in Sailing and Windsurfing. Over the years, he took on roles including Chief of Sports, Public Relations, Annex Restaurant Manager, and ultimately, Chief of Village. His career led him to stunning destinations like Tahiti, Greece, Thailand, Turkey, Malaysia, and France. Who else could I be talking about?! Please help me welcome, from Texas, the one and only, Steve Riely! With someone like Steve, whose Club Med career spanned an impressive 15 years, it was impossible to cover everything—but we still managed to dive into some fascinating highlights. Steve shares unforgettable stories, including the evacuation of guests and G.O.s from Club Med Haiti to Montreal during the 1986 overthrow of the Duvalier regime, his time as Public Relations aboard the Club Med 1 in 1991, and the opening of Club Med Columbus Isle in 1992. We also touch on a mischievous golf buggy escapade in Sandpiper and Steve’s passion for everything Elvis. Prepare for an action-packed hour of incredible tales from a true master storyteller. Enjoy the episode! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts. If you'd like to check out RunSedona 2025 which we spoke about, see the link below: https://www.runsedona.com/

My guest today worked for Club Med from 1996 to 1998, beginning her journey at Club Med Sandpiper as an Aerobics and Landsports G.O. Born and raised in Texas, she’s also an Air Force brat who spent five years living in England. Growing up, she excelled as a competitive figure skater, gymnast, and springboard diver. She holds a B.A. in Kinesiology from the University of North Texas and is the founder and owner of Beach Life Fitness Boutique and Beach Mom Fitness. She’s also the co-owner of Pura Vita in California, the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant and wine bar in the United States. Please join me in welcoming Danielle Noblitt Spangler to the podcast and the My First Season family! In this episode, we dive into her seasons at Club Med Sandpiper, Martinique, and Playa Blanca. Danielle shares stories of the incredible personalities she met along the way, including how she met her future husband, Jay. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this wonderful walk down memory lane with Danielle! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts. Please check out Danielle's websites below: Pura Vita Restaurant Los Angeles & Redondo Beach Beach Life Fitness Boutique - Redondo Beach, CA

My guest today has a lifelong connection with Club Med, having visited from infancy through her teenage years, inspired by her mother, a Tennis G.O. in the 1980s. A former Division 1 Equestrian athlete at the University of Georgia, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree before joining Club Med from 2015 to 2020. Her journey began at Club Med Cancun as a Waterski G.O. She later took roles in the Kids and Teen Club, Sailing, and Circus teams. Now, she is the proud owner, performer, and instructor at The Hanger Vertical Arts, home to Virginia’s premier circus performers and instructors, offering after-school Acrobatics, Aerial Pilates, and Aerial Circus courses. She also leads Starry Eyed Entertainment, Virginia’s leading performance troupe, providing top-tier entertainment including aerialists, jugglers, stilt walkers, and fire performers. Joining us from Virginia, please give a warm welcome to Hannah Spiegler! Hannah shares vivid stories from her seasons at Club Med, reflecting on her experiences and the memorable moments along the way. Hannah discusses the two successful businesses she launched after her time at Club Med and highlights the Chief of Village who truly went above and beyond to support her. Enjoy this episode featuring the delightful and charismatic Hannah Spiegler! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts. Please check out the link below to Hannah's website: The Hanger VA Aerial & Circus Arts Tappahannock, VA

Mon invité d'aujourd'hui a travaillé pour le Club Med de 1991 à 2006. Sa première saison s'est déroulée au Club Med de Wengen en Suisse en tant que moniteur de ski. Sa mère était professeur de danse au Club Med et il a visité le Club Med pour la première fois à l'âge de dix ans, alors que sa mère enseignait au Club Med de Cadaques en Espangne. J'ai eu le plaisir de rencontrer mon invité lors de l'étape du Chef du Sport à Opio en France en février 1999, où nous étions une vingtaine sur cette scène. Installé à Anne-cy, je souhaite la bienvenue à Fred Bardot! Fred a raconté l'une des histoires les plus captivantes de sa première saison, mais je n'en révélerai pas les détails ici pour ne pas la gâcher. Il vous faudra écouter pour la découvrir par vous-même! Au fil des ans, Fred a travaillé sous la direction de chefs de village de renom, tels que Max Mailhot, Jonathan Bismuth, Arlette Gilles, Moises Aykanat, Benoit Cousin et Patrizia Moretti, pour n'en citer que quelques-uns. Dans cet épisode, il nous raconte des anecdotes inoubliables de ses nombreuses saisons et nous nous souvenons avec émotion de notre passage ensemble sur le plateau du Chef des Sports en 1999. Fred réfléchit également aux leçons inestimables qu'il a apprises au Club Med et à la manière dont il les applique dans sa carrière actuelle. Rejoignez-nous et savourez cet épisode avec Fred Bardot! **Le podcast My First Season a toujours été sans publicité et son écoute est gratuite. Il est disponible sur: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora, Podchaser et Listen Notes. Et si vous aimez ce que vous entendez, veuillez laisser un commentaire sur Apple Podcasts.

My guest today was one of my first guests and his episode aired in June of 2021, where we spoke of his first season at Club Med Turks and Caicos as a Windsurf G.O. For this episode, we spoke primarily of his eight months aboard the Club Med 1 in 1991 as Club Med 1 Polyvalent. Please help me welcome back to the podcast, Eric Eaton! For those who never got to work on that ship, Eric provides a detailed account of what life was like aboard the Club Med 1 and the Atlantic Crossing. Some highlights of our talk include Eric talking about luggage, cargo, and boat crane operations, etiquette classes, Waltz/Tango lessons, Abandon Drills, and basket-sliding on the island of Madeira. Eric also talks about the Pepsi commercial he filmed at Turks and Caicos during his first season, please enjoy!! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts. See the link below for Eric's first interview: Eric Eaton | My First Season Please see the link To Eric's videos from Club Med: Eric Eaton - YouTube

My guest today worked for Club Med from 1976 to 1978. His first season was in Club Med Martinique as a Snorkeling and Picnic G.O. and he later taught Yoga and Kung Fu. He was born in Montreal where he started acting at five years old and holds a black belt in Karate and a black sash in Kung Fu. Now living in California, please help me welcome Eric Levine! Eric has one of the funniest stories about how he first heard about Club Med, and it involves his girlfriend’s mother who might not have been all that enamored with him at the time! Eric takes us through his seasons in Martinique, Cancun, and Moorea. Some highlights from these seasons are life advice from actor Lyle Waggoner (RIP), the opening of Club Med Cancun in 1976, Eric’s explanation of the term, “Sunday Night Blues”, the principles and philosophies he learned in Club Med, and how he applied them in his many business ventures and the epiphany he had about true peace and freedom walking one night in Tahiti gazing at the stars. Please enjoy this very entertaining episode with Eric! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today is Jeff Schonhoff, who worked as a Ski Instructor for Club Med from 1996 to 1998. His first season was at Club Med Copper Mountain, where he worked under CDV Aureo Stern. Following that, he transitioned to Paradise Island as a Golf G.O. Jeff’s journey with Club Med began in 1993 when he visited Club Med Huatulco with his family. A friend later encouraged him to try out for a ski instructor role at Copper Mountain—and the rest is history! Before his Club Med adventure, Jeff earned a degree in Finance and Marketing from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Now based in Chicago, Jeff joins us to share fond memories from his Club Med days, highlighting how those experiences shaped his current career as a GNC franchise owner. He now owns three GNC stores in Aurora, Plainfield, and Naperville, and he’ll walk us through how this venture came about. If you're a 90s EXGO, you won't want to miss this episode! Jeff gives a shout-out to many familiar names from that era. Sit back, relax, and enjoy Jeff’s stories and insights! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts. To see a video on the Copper Mountain 1997-1997 Ski Team, see the link below: Club Med Copper Mountain (PART 1of 4) 96/97 Ski Team Video

My Guest today worked for Club Med from 1987 to 1992 and his first season was as a Snorkeling and Picnic G.O. in Club Med Paradise Island. He worked in Club Med resorts such as Eleuthera, Sandpiper, Turks and Caicos, and Sonora Bay. When he applied for his dream job, his application was sent back to him from Club Med with the note, “Not interested”. My guest did not take this lying down and you will hear what he did to change their mind! Even after he stopped working for Club Med, he continued to visit Club Med on vacation and has visited over 20 resorts! From beautiful California, please help me welcome, Brian Cargille! Brian attended UC Irvine, obtained a degree in Economics, earned a Master's from Indiana University, and did graduate work at Stanford in Industrial Engineering. As a late 80s G.O., Brian has a few stories, many of which come from a dream season in Turks and Caicos in 1988 with CDV, Michel Delamarre. Some notable highlights of that season are meeting Brooke Shields and her boyfriend Dean Cain, having future CDV Steve Reilly as a roommate, an innocent boat race that turned into "Thunderdome", and releasing iguanas backstage as a prank during the Paris Panache show. After Club Med, Brian worked for Hewlett-Packard for twenty-nine years and tells us how working for Club Med helped him in that job. He also explains the term, “highest self-admiration index”. Please enjoy this episode with Brian! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

I had the supreme pleasure of working with my guest today during an amazing season at Club Med Playa Blanca during the 1996/1997 winter season. His first season was at Club Med Paradise Island in 1995 as a Sailing G.O., and you could say his parents helped him get the job. In later seasons, he did Lighting and DJ and ended his career in Club Med in 1998 where it all started. In his life after Club Med, he played rugby for the Lake Brome Ducks where he was a two-time MVP. From Montreal, please help me welcome, Jeff Greene! Jeff was taught to sail with the sink-or-sail method by his father, which came in handy when his parents met the CDV at Paradise Island and helped Jeff land the job as a Sailing G.O. Jeff and I reminisce about our amazing time at Playa Blanca and all our shared memories. Jeff worked at Club Med Huatulco and a brief interim at Columbus Isle in 1996. He has stories from each of his seasons, so if you are a mid-90s G.O., you will love this episode with Jeff, please enjoy! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today worked for Club Med from 1994 to 1998. His first season was in Club Med Ixtapa as a Petit Club G.O. During his time in Club Med, he was also a Circus, Sailing, Windsurfing, Waterski, and Ski Instructor. He was a pole vaulter and nationally ranked springboard diver in high school, and he has a very famous cousin. From Fort Collins, Colorado but now living in Florida, please help me welcome, Dan Bittle! Dan graduated from Arizona State University with a BS in Exercise Science/Physical Education, and it was a postcard from Club Med sent to him by a friend that started Dan on his Club Med journey. Dan worked in the Club Med resorts of Sandpiper, Copper Mountain, Sonora Bay, Punta Cana, Eleuthera, and Cancun. Dan is a 90s G.O., so he comes with a lot of stories and I hope you are ready! Please enjoy this episode with Dan! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

Mon invitée aujourd'hui est Amandine Allain, qui a travaillé en tant qu'assistante aux ressources humaines pour le Club Med de 2022 à 2024. Sa première saison s'est déroulée au Club Med Turks and Caicos. Avant de rejoindre le Club Med, Amandine a étudié l'administration des affaires à HEC Montréal, l'une des meilleures écoles de commerce de la ville. Amandine est liée au Club Med depuis l'âge de quatre ans et parle couramment l'anglais, le français et l'espagnol. À l'origine, ses parents avaient prévu l'appeler Audrey, mais ils ont changé d'avis après sa naissance, une histoire que nous approfondirons au cours de notre conversation. Originaire de Lyon en France, le parcours d'Amandine au Club Med l'a également conduite à Charlevoix, au Québec, pour la saison 2023-2024. Elle partagera avec nous ce qu'est la transition d'un G.M. à un G.O. Au départ, Amandine aspirait à travailler dans les ressources humaines au siège de Lyon, mais on lui a conseillé d'acquérir une expérience pratique dans les villages afin de mieux comprendre la vie dans les stations. Nous parlerons de ses saisons en détail et elle nous racontera de nombreuses anecdotes sur son expérience. L'histoire d'Amandine vient boucler la boucle, et vous devrez écouter pour savoir pourquoi ! Profitez de cet épisode avec Amandine Allain! **Le podcast My First Season a toujours été sans publicité et son écoute est gratuite. Il est disponible sur: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora, Podchaser et Listen Notes. Et si vous aimez ce que vous entendez, veuillez laisser un commentaire sur Apple Podcasts. Veuillez suivre Amandine sur TikTok: Amandine Allain (@amandineallain4) | TikTok

My guest today is Amandine Allain, who worked as an Assistant HR Manager for Club Med from 2022 to 2024. Her first season was at Club Med Turks and Caicos. Before joining Club Med, Amandine studied Business Administration at HEC Montréal, one of the top universities in the city. Amandine has been connected to Club Med since she was four years old and is fluent in English, French, and Spanish. Originally, her parents planned to name her Audrey, but they changed their minds after she was born—a story we’ll delve into during our conversation. Hailing from Lyon, France, Amandine's journey with Club Med also took her to Charlevoix in Quebec for the 2023-2024 season. Amandine will share what it's like transitioning from a lifelong G.M. to a G.O. Initially aspiring to work in HR at the head office in Lyon, Amandine was advised to gain hands-on experience in the villages to understand resort life better. We'll discuss her seasons in detail, and she will share numerous stories from her experiences. Amandine's story comes full circle; you'll have to listen to find out why! Please enjoy this episode with Amandine Allain! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts. Please follow Amadine on Tiktok: Amandine Allain (@amandineallain4) | TikTok

My guest today worked for Club Med from 2016 to 2020. His first season was in Club Med Sandpiper in 2016 as Landsports Supervisor. During his tenure at Club Med, he also held Sports and Animation Manager and Assistant CDV positions. Before Club Med, he was a Division 1 Varsity Men’s Tennis team player and Team Captain at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Management and International Business, and he has almost completed his Master’s degree from Northwestern University. Please help me welcome, from Cincinnati now living in Chicago, Adam Reinhart! Adam worked in the resorts of Turks and Caicos, Punta Cana, and Marrakech and was supposed to go to the resort of Club Med Sanya in China, but he explained the somewhat complicated process to get a Chinese work visa. Adam shares with us what it was like arriving in Marrakesh in 2019 during Ramadan and discusses his six-month season there as an Entertainment Manager. Adam and I talked about whether working at Club Med helped him in his current job and if he still misses dress codes. Please enjoy this interview with a very entertaining person! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest worked for Club Med from 1989 to 1997. His first season was in Club Med Punta Cana as a Petit Club G.O. only twenty-four hours after finishing university with a degree in Hotel and Tourist Administration! He has spent time with legends like Diego Maradona and Jacques Cousteau, and he is yet another EXGO who met their future wife in Club Med, and we will talk about that as well. Please help me welcome, from the Dominican Republic, Carlos Dipres! Carlos and I talk about many things, and he happened to be at Club Med Punta Cana when that famous ship broke into two on the reef. We discussed meeting Diego Maradona in Punta Cana and Carlos visiting Jacques Cousteau at his home in Eleuthera. Carlos tells the story of how he met his wife and the proposal. We reminisce over being Picnic G.O.s in Martinique with girlfriends and talk about the Club Med reunions Carlos has been to. Please enjoy your time with Carlitos! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today worked for Club Med from 2015 until 2021. Her first season was in Club Med Sandpiper as a Mini Club G.O. Before Club Med, she attended Tulane University and graduated cum laude in Spanish Language and Literature with minors in French and Psychology. She was also a member of the Tulane Cheerleading Squad and don’t roll your eyes at me, but of course, we will talk about the movie Bring It On! After Club Med, she went to work at The Four Seasons in Tamarindo, Mexico as The Director of Leisure Activities and we will talk about that as well. Please help me welcome from Florida, Sarah Paster! Sarah worked at the Club Med resorts of Punta Cana, Albion, Cancun and Miches. She was destined for a life of teaching when she took a detour through Club Med. She was about to leave for France to teach English to French high schoolers when she decided to explore the Club Med route further. Sarah shares a rather memorable first season Memorial Day story with us and we talk about her Sports Manager stage in Opio, France, and which EXCDV mentored her during her first interim CDV. Please enjoy your time meeting Sarah, because I know I did! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today started as a G.M. in 1983. His first season was in Club Med Sandpiper in 2002 as a Reception G.O. Fun Facts: He started working at Club Med when he was 45 years old. He wrote something called, “How Club Med Saved My Life: A True Story” and we will talk about that and many other things as well. Please help me welcome, From New Jersey, Daniel Koellhoffer! Daniel worked in the Club Med resorts of Sandpiper, Turks and Caicos, and Crested Butte. He takes us from his early days as a G.M. to his rewarding career as a G.O. Many laughs were had during this interview and none more so than Daniel trying to explain to your podcast host what an "Atlantis 16:00 Tea Party" is! Daniel also shares with us his fitness journey and what led him to write his short story about how Club Med saved his life. Please take a moment to listen to Daniel’s feel-good interview, you will not regret it. Please enjoy! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today is a legend of Club Med and he worked for them from 1992 to 2006. I had the SUPREME pleasure of working with him during my first season during the summer of 1994 in Turks and Caicos (and two other villages- Columbus Isle & Cancun). He started playing hockey at 3 years old and learned to barefoot in a Speedo (a Speedo?). His first season was at the opening of Club Med Columbus Isle in 1992 as a Bar. G.O. despite never having taken a bartending course and we are going to ask him all about that and so much more. Still don’t know who I’m talking about? It is the one, the only, the man, the myth, the living legend, from Montreal, Quebec, Freddy Bermingham, AKA, "El Fuego"! Freddy’s connection to Club Med started with his cousin who was a Hostess G.O. at the opening of Club Med Cancun! Freddy worked in the Club Med resorts such as Martinique, Cancun, Playa Blanca, Phuket, Kemer, and Paradise Island, to name just a few. Freddy has so many stories that I do not want to spoil any of them by listing them here! Please enjoy this super-sized 200th episode with an enjoyable and entertaining person!! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

Mon invité d'aujourd'hui est une LÉGENDE du Club Med. Il a travaillé pour le Club Med de 1992 à 2006. J'ai eu le SUPRÊME plaisir de travailler avec lui lors de ma première saison durant l'été 1994 aux Turks et Caicos (et dans deux autres villages: Columbus Isle et Cancun). Sa première saison a eu lieu à l'ouverture du Club Med Columbus Isle en 1992 en tant que G.O. Bar. Nous allons lui poser toutes sortes de questions à ce sujet et sur bien d'autres choses encore. Vous ne savez toujours pas de qui je parle? C'est le seul, l'unique, l'homme, le mythe, la légende vivante, de Montréal, Freddy Bermingham, AKA, El Fuego! Le lien de Freddy avec le Club Med a commencé avec sa cousine qui était hôtesse G.O. lors de l'ouverture du Club Med Cancun. Freddy a travaillé dans les villages du Club Med telles que la Martinique, Cancun, Playa Blanca, Phuket, Kemer et Paradise Island, pour n'en citer que quelques-un. Il a tellement d'histoires à raconter que je ne veux pas en gâcher une seule! Appréciez cet épisode de grande envergure avec une personne très amusante et divertissante! **Le podcast My First Season a toujours été gratuit et sans publicité et peut être téléchargé sur: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora et Listen Notes. Et si vous aimez ce que vous entendez, n'hésitez pas à laisser un commentaire sur les podcasts Apple.

Today’s guest worked for Club Med from 1987 to 1991. Her first season was in Club Med Copper Mountain as a Kids Club G.O. and she became a Circus G.O. in subsequent seasons. Fun Fact: At the time in the late 80s, she was only the 4th female Circus G.O. in the history of Club Med! She met her future husband Stephan Cote, who was on this podcast, at Club Med Punta Cana in 1987, and now we will get her perspective on that meeting. She has a lot of entertaining stories, so I hope you are ready Seasoners! Please help me welcome, Lisa J Pilot Cote! Lisa worked at Copper Mountain (3X), Punta Cana, Eleuthera, St. Lucia, Playa Blanca, Huatulco, and Metaponto in Italy. Lisa shared some hilarious stories from her first season at Copper Mountain as a Kids Club G.O. at Kids World. Lisa had just graduated from college in 1986 when she booked a trip to Cancun to stay at the Hotel Flamingo. She saw quite a commotion and a party happening at the Club Med resort nearby in Cancun, and she was curious. She applied, and the rest is history. Lisa has many interesting stories from her time in Club Med that I know you will enjoy this episode! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

Mon invité d'aujourd'hui est une légende du Club Med. Il a travaillé pour le Club Med de 1992 à 2004. Sa première saison a été au Club Med Sonora Bay en 1992 en tant que G.O. de ski nautique. Il a travaillé partout dans la zone américaine et peut tout faire: de la voile, de la planche à voile et du ski nautique. De Montréal (Québec), veuillez m'aider à accueillir Claude "Pirate" Lacelle! Pirate a grandi à Pointe-Fortune au Québec et a couru avec la torche olympique pour les Jeux olympiques de Montréal de 1976 parce qu'il avait gagné un concours! Par la suite, il a suivi un cours de plongée à Montréal avec quelqu'un qui travaillait au Club Med et qui pensait que Pirate ferait l'affaire. Pirate s'est rendu à New York pour son entretien et a ensuite été envoyé à Sonora Bay pour sa première saison. Pirate a légèrement déformé la vérité quant à son niveau de ski nautique et a une histoire amusante à ce sujet, ainsi que beaucoup d'autres histoires intéressantes. Si vous voulez savoir comment Pirate a obtenu son surnom et quelles ont été ses nombreuses autres saisons, cet épisode est fait pour vous. **Le podcast My First Season a toujours été sans publicité et son écoute est gratuite. Il est disponible sur: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora, Podchaser et Listen Notes. Et si vous aimez ce que vous entendez, veuillez laisser un commentaire sur Apple Podcasts.

My Guest today is from Vancouver, Canada and her first season was in Club Med Sandpiper in 2016 as a Baby/Petit Club G.O. She also worked in Club Med Ixtapa in 2017 and met her husband during her first season. You may recall that only a few weeks ago, her husband, Dylan Kett, was on the podcast, and now we will get her version of that encounter and who fell for whom first!! Please help me give a warm welcome to Dakota Stockley-Kett! Before Club Med, Dakota studied Early Childhood Development at Capilano University. A neighbor of Dakota’s worked for Club Med in 2005 and told her about her experience. Dakota applied twice and had a Skype interview with Club Med and was then sent to Sandpiper. We talked about what it was like meeting her future husband, their wedding at Sandpiper, Hurricane Irma in August 2017, and many other things. Please enjoy this interview with Dakota! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today worked for Club Med from 1993 to 1997. His first season was in Club Med Copper Mountain as a Ski Instructor. He is yet another EXGO referred to me by recruiter extraordinaire, Shehime Arshad. Fun Fact: He attended the same university (for 1 year) that I work at, Concordia University, in 1992. During the summers at Club Med, he was also a Tennis and Golf G.O. He saw an ad for Club Med in a ski magazine and knew someone who had worked at Club Med who told him about it. Seasoners, please help me welcome, from Toronto, Ontario, Mark Kelton! Mark also worked in the Club Med resorts of Eleuthera (1995 & 1996), Paradise Island (1996/1997) and Turks and Caicos (1997). Mark goes into detail about each of his seasons and shares some very humorous stories that range from getting a jack-o’-lantern sunburn during his first beach season in Club Med, hockey tournaments with very competitive Russian NHL players, and being stunned by the shows that Mike Coltman put on in Eleuthera in 1996. Mark talks about the band that was put together during his first season called Los Mogles. Mark was asked to join the band because a G.O. was convinced that since Mark played the tuba, he could easily play the bass! Mark also shares a story about how Dan and Chantal (RIP) became ski instructors at Copper Mountain. The interview ends with Mark sharing a story about the Alpineglow Stube, a restaurant in Summit County, Colorado that sits atop Keystone’s North Peak, that a Brazilian G.M. took Mark and fourteen others to (robes and slippers?!). It’s a must-hear story at the end of a very entertaining interview. Please enjoy! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

Today's guest brings a unique international perspective to our conversation. Born in Rome and living in cities like London, Paris, New York, Milan, and Sydney, she proudly calls Brooklyn, New York her home. Her journey into the world of hospitality began remarkably early, becoming a seasoned traveler and a Club Med enthusiast from infancy. She embarked on her first adventure to Club Med Vittel at six months old and explored numerous other Club Med destinations. Her serendipitous encounter with destiny occurred during a family vacation at Club Med Turk and Caicos when CDV Mike Clarke discovered her vocal talents during a karaoke session. This chance meeting led her to join the Club Med Artists Program the following summer. In 2017, she embarked on her first season as a Mini Club G.O. at Club Med Sandpiper, where she honed her skills and embraced the vibrant atmosphere of the resort. Please help me welcome, Virginia Di Vaio! Virginia embodies a multifaceted talent, equipped with a degree in Organizational Psychology from the University of Michigan, fluency in three languages, and a background in musical performance from her high school days. Today, she graciously shares insights into her formative experiences at Sandpiper. Virginia reflects on how her tenure at Club Med laid the foundation for her subsequent corporate role at Estée Lauder. During our conversation, Virginia offers poignant reflections on her camaraderie with colleagues and the aspects of Club Med life she holds dear. Join us as we delve into Virginia's fascinating journey and discover her time's lasting impact within the dynamic world of Club Med. Welcome to the My First Season family, Virginia, and thank you for sharing your story with us! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today worked for Club Med from 2014 to 2018. His first season was in Club Med Turks & Caicos as a Lifeguard. He studied Recreation Management at Santa Fe College in Florida where he is from, and according to some G.O.s he worked with, he is considered one of the five best rappers of all time! Please help me welcome, Dylan Kett! Dylan also worked at Club Med Columbus Isle, Sandpiper, and Ixtapa in various positions as Landsports and Water Sports Supervisor. Dylan met his future wife at Sandpiper in 2016 and shares that story and many others with us. Dylan tells us who he enjoyed working with and if there is anything he misses about Club Med. And yes, we’ll find out if he is indeed one of the five best rappers in the world! Please enjoy! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

Seasoners!! I am SO excited for today’s guest!! You may not know that I have been searching in absolute vain for the name of the person who interviewed me for Club Med in Montreal decades ago! That’s right, I have been searching for the name of my guest for many years. A chance conversation with an EXGO set me on the right path. I reached out to him, we had a lovely conversation and yes, it’s him! He worked for Club Med from 1988 to 1992 and was also a recruiter for Club Med from 1994 to 2000. His first season was at Club Med Cancun in 1984 as a Bar G.O. He has one of the BEST Club Med interview stories you will ever hear. Please help me welcome from my hometown of Montreal, Jimmy Dimopoulos! Jimmy went to Club Med Cancun as a G.M. and decided he wanted to work for them right there. Sadly, his application was rejected, but did that deter Jimmy? No way! Jimmy then decided to drive from Montreal to New York, leaving at 4:00 am, to get an interview, to prove that he was G.O. material. Jimmy also has the best G.O. roommate story you will ever hear, Seasoners!! All I can say is that it involves two Kudamundis (Mexican raccoons)! Trust me, you want to hear this hilarious story! Jimmy also worked at Club Med Haiti from 1984 to 1985 with the legendary Chief of Village, Jean-Pierre Batard. He then switched services for his season at Club Med Eleuthera in 1985 with CDV Jean-Pierre Roch, and became a Waterski G.O., with Ye as his Chief of Sports. And yes, we of course talk about my interview that Jimmy conducted in Montreal! Please enjoy this special trip down memory lane with Jimmy! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today worked for Club Med from 1997 to 1998 as a G.O. Nurse. She worked in both Club Med Sandpiper (her first season) and Paradise Island. Fun Fact: She went to Club Med Playa Blanca on vacation in 1997 during the season I was there, and we are not sure if we remember each other! She is from New York but now lives in Sarasota, Florida. Please help me welcome Sheera Ashley! Before Club Med, Sheera was working full-time and attending nursing school at the University of Staten Island. After her trip to Playa Blanca, she called 1-800 Club Med and flew down to Sandpiper for her interview. We cover both Sheera’s seasons in detail, and we get a look at village life from a nurse’s perspective. Sheera shares some rather humorous nursing stories and we play the rapid-fire Club Med question game. Please enjoy this episode with a very charming (and photogenic) person!! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest worked for Club Med from 1995 to 2001 as a Sound Technician. His first season was in 1995 at Club Med Turks and Caicos. He also worked at Cancun, Cherating, Sonora Bay, St. Lucia, and Punta Cana and he was also at the opening of Club Med World in Montreal. For the last 20 years, he has been working for Cirque du Soleil for such shows as Quidam, Ovo, Corteo, KOOZA, Joyà, and Allegria, and yes, we will talk about that as well. Please help me welcome, from my hometown of Montreal, Patrick Burke! I hope you are ready for this episode Seasoners, because Patrick delivers! He has a very funny story from his first season involving Cookie, the Chief of Animation that you must hear! He also shares a hilarious story from Club Med Cancun in 2000 in which Patrick was the “Latino Expert” and was filmed teaching the Crazy Sign, Mambo No. 5 for “Drew’s Party Dance Mix”? (Who’s Drew?!). Near the end of the interview, Patrick tells us the story of how he applied to Cirque du Soleil. He applied for three years and when he decided to move on, that is when they called him and offered him the show Quidam, which was touring in Australia at the time. Patrick worked and lived in the countries of Japan, Korea, China Dubai, and Brazil while continuing to work for Cirque du Soleil as the Head of Sound. Please enjoy! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

Seasoners, I am SO excited for today’s guest!! I have been waiting so long for her to come on the show!! This is two years in the making, people! I had the pleasure of meeting my guest during her first season at Club Med Columbus Isle during the 1995/1996 Winter season, where she was a Bar G.O. She is a triathlete; she has run 2 marathons and over 100 half marathons! She is a travel and sports fanatic, Foodie, Golfer, Surfer, Skier, and Adventurer. She makes me wonder what the heck I’ve done with my life! Please help me welcome, from Chicago but now living in Miami, Our Miss Brooks, Courtney Brooks! Courtney worked in the resorts of Cancun and Eleuthera and in addition to being a Bar G.O., was also a Reception, Boutique, and Scuba Gestion G.O. Speaking about her life after Club Med, Courtney is gracious enough to ask my burning question about what makes someone run over one hundred half marathons and she explains how it all started. Courtney follows the list of “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” and has eaten at a lot of the number-one restaurants on the list and we talk about the preparation that you have to do to eat at the number-one restaurant in Copenhagen, for example. Courtney shouts out the G.O.s she enjoyed working with and the thing she misses most about working for Club Med. Please enjoy! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today worked for Club Med from 1997 to 2003. His name has come up quite a few times on this podcast, so I am very happy to sit down with him today. His first season was in Club Med Cancun as a Set Designer. He has so many fun facts about himself that I do not know where to start but they will be uncovered during this interview. He is originally from Southampton in England, grew up in Brazil, went to school in Singapore, and now calls Anaheim home. Please help me welcome, Kevin “Painter” Hill! Kevin worked at the Club Med resorts of Sonora Bay, Copper Mountain, Paradise Island, Columbus Isle, Turks and Caicos, and Paradise Island. This interview contains great stories from Kevin, so I hope you enjoy this episode. Stories such as Kevin drawing the disco mural at Sonora Bay in 1998, his “sunglasses” story from Paradise Island, and some ghost stories from that same village. Kevin is now a sketch artist for Disneyland and also taught Photoshop, 3D Graphics, Animation, and Motion graphics. Kevin drew some interesting parallels between his career in Club Med with his job working for Disney that you will want to hear! Please enjoy this interview with Kevin! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today worked for Club Med from 2003 to 2008. Her first season was in Club Med Sandpiper in 2003 as a Mini Club G.O. She also worked in the Club Med resorts of Ixtapa, Punta Cana, La Caravelle, Hammamet in Tunisia and my favorite village, Lindeman Island in Australia. In her life after Club Med, she obtained a law degree from Bond University in Queensland, Australia and she is a Diplomat with the Canadian government. She is currently accredited as the First Secretary of Canada to the Republic of Turkey. That’s right Seasoners, you heard me, she is the first Diplomat to be on My First Season! The level of sophistication on this podcast just went through the roof!! From Alberta, Canada, please help me welcome, Meagan Dalby! In this episode, we cover Meagan’s villages and her journey from law school to Diplomat. Meagan also lets us know if her employment at Club Med helped her in her current career as a Diplomat. You will not want to miss this one and please enjoy! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today worked for Club Med from 2004 to 2006 and his first season was at Club Med Crested Butte as a Ski Instructor. He is a graduate of Penn State University with majors in Management and International Business with a minor in French. While at Penn State, he was a member of the Fencing team and won two NCAA Championships with the team. He’s from Pennsylvania but has been living in my favorite country in the world, Australia, for the last seventeen years, and we’ll ask him how the heck that happened! Please help me welcome, Matt Gillig! Matt has some stories from carrying Kenny Loggin’s luggage, getting his book signed by former President Jimmy Carter, and meeting his future wife at Big White in British Columbia! Fun Fact: Matt is probably the only G.O. to have turned down a job with the U.S. Army to work at their resort in Garmisch, Germany for active-duty military service members and retirees of the Armed Services. The U.S. Army has resorts for its members? Yes, I did not know that either and Matt will explain why he chose Club Med over that. Please enjoy your time with Matt! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

My guest today worked for Club Med from 1991 to 2002 (22 seasons!) and his first season was at Club Med Copper Mountain as a Ski Instructor. He worked aboard the Club Med 1 in 1994 and Club Med resorts such as Cancun, Pontresina, Punta Cana, Roi Soleil, Sonora Bay, and Sandpiper. Fun Fact: he replaced me as Chief of Sports in 2001 in my favorite place, Lindeman Island in Australia, though we sadly did not meet. He met his future wife at Club Med Sonora Bay in 1998 and has DJ’d worldwide in countries like Spain, Mexico City, Vancouver, Miami, and Berlin, in his life after Club Med. Seasoners, please help me welcome, the one and only, Eric Turner! Buckle up Seasoners, because Eric came with stories! We detail his 1998 Sonora Bay season with Hammer, and where he met his future wife. Eric got married onstage by a G.M. during the 1998/1999 Copper Mountain season and his son was born while Eric was in Club Med Sandpiper during the 1999/2000 season. Eric takes us through the Chief of Village stage that he was part of in Club Med Vittel in 2001 and he probably has one of the best travel nightmare stories you will ever hear. Trust me, you will want to listen to this story! In his life after Club Med, Eric became a Producer, live techno performer, and self-described synth nerd and we talk a little about this. I know you will love this episode with Eric so please enjoy! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts. Please check out the link below to Eric's YouTube channel and subscribe: SURCO - YouTube

My guest today worked for Club Med from 2018 to 2022. Her first season was in Club Med Sandpiper as a Teen Club G.O. She held other positions such as Fitness, Landsports, Sailing, Circus, Events and Animation, and Sports Manager. Before Club Med, she attended the University of New Haven and earned a Sports Management and Nutrition and Dietetics degree. While at university, she was on the track and field team, competing in the Pole Vault! Fun facts: She was born in Sydney, Australia, and moved to the United States in 2001. Her name means “laughter” in Aboriginal, and she has competed in American Jiu-Jitsu and Gymnastics. Please help me welcome, the one and only, Keira Mezei! Keira’s journey to Club Med is unique. For much of her youth, Keira attended summer camp in the Poconos. She met her best friend there (who is from England) and when they both aged out of camp, they promised to meet in a different country around the world each year. Her friend came up with the idea to apply to Club Med to be able to work and travel at the same time. Keira also worked at the Club Med villages of Turks and Caicos and Sandpiper and has fond memories of her time there. Keira learned to sail in Club Med and became proficient at certain circus show acts such as Double Hammock, Lyra, Rings, and Chains. Keira is a massive bundle of energy and positivity with an infectious laugh, so I know you will enjoy this episode! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

I had the pleasure of working with my guest today in beautiful Club Med Columbus Isle in 1996. He worked for Club Med from 1990 to 2000 and his first season was at Club Med Punta Cana as a Mini Club G.O. Here is something interesting: For almost six years, he worked exclusively in Club Med Punta Cana doing various jobs such as DJ, Landsports and Sailing and we will ask him how that happened! From Santo Domingo but now living in Barrie, Ontario, that’s right we now claim him as Canadian, please help me welcome, my Chippendale brother from another mother, Rafael Baez! In addition to Punta Cana, Rafael worked in the Club Med villages of Turks and Caicos, Columbus Isle, Huatulco, and Paradise Island. He has many stories from his ten years in Club Med (including many celebrity encounters) and we shared many laughs during this interview. Rafael recounts what kind of work he was doing before Club Med and how he secured his interview with Club Med with the help of a co-worker. When the conversation switches to Columbus Isle, we share our respective stories about meeting Patrick Dupond (RIP), star dancer and former director of the Paris Opera Ballet. If you were an early 90s G.O., you will love this interview. Please enjoy this episode with Rafael! **My First Season podcast has always been ad-free and free to listen to and is available to download on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Samsung Podcasts, Podbean App, Podchaser, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora and Listen Notes. And if you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.