Episodes

  • Rebel in the Writer’s Room with Joel Novoa

    Rebel in the Writer’s Room with Joel Novoa
    Mar 31 2025
    “I couldn’t afford a Plan B. It was all or nothing.” In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Venezuelan-American filmmaker Joel Novoa, a passionate storyteller whose journey winds through political unrest, deep personal reflection, and a relentless pursuit of creative expression. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Joel shares how his early life in Venezuela shaped his worldview, teaching him to move forward even when everything around him felt stuck. With both a legal background and a master’s in screenwriting, Joel brings a unique lens to storytelling, one that honours the personal as much as the political. His work in film and television, including titles like Arrow, The Long Road Home, and the indie gem Day of Reckoning, speaks to his ability to navigate big industry machines while staying connected to the heart of a story. The conversation gets real about what it means to be a “creative rebel”—especially when your identity doesn’t neatly fit into Hollywood’s boxes. Joel talks about the fear that comes with creating, the drive to prove your worth, and the decision to fully commit to storytelling as his only path forward—no backup plan, no safety net. From the emotional cost of writing from your core to navigating stereotypes in the industry, Joel’s candid honesty pulls no punches. He encourages emerging creatives to embrace the discomfort and keep pushing, because resistance, as he puts it, is a sign you’re on the right track. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling the weight of expectation, battling imposter syndrome, or trying to break through the noise while staying true to themselves. It’s not just about writing scripts—it’s about writing your own narrative. Cool Things Joel Says “Sometimes the resistance is just telling you this is the place you have to go.” — Joel Novoa “I couldn’t afford a Plan B. It was all or nothing.” — Joel Novoa “The stories I tell are the stories I’ve lived, or fought to understand.” — Joel Novoa “You can be terrified and still do the thing.” — Michael Dargie “If I don’t put my full identity on the page, who will?” — Joel Novoa Episode Highlights [2:15] Origins in Venezuela | Joel reflects on his upbringing and how political instability shaped his desire to tell meaningful stories. [5:42] From Law to Film | He talks about his academic background and how a shift to storytelling was a calling, not a decision. [10:30] No Plan B | Joel opens up about committing fully to film and screenwriting without a backup plan. [15:08] Fear as a Creative Compass | The idea that fear and resistance can point you toward the most important creative breakthroughs. [20:45] Identity and Representation | Joel discusses the complexity of Latinx identity in Hollywood and the responsibility of authentic representation. [27:12] Breaking Stereotypes | How Joel challenges expectations both in front of and behind the camera. [33:50] Writing from the Core | The emotional cost and reward of writing stories that come from lived experience. [38:17] Final Advice | Joel leaves listeners with powerful thoughts on what it means to live and create without compromise. Links from the Episode Joel Novoa’s Website (https://www.joelnovoa.com) IMDb: Joel Novoa (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4307324/) Joel on Instrgram (https://www.instagram.com/joelnovoa/) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    47 mins
  • Villains, Rogues, and Heroes of NYC

    Villains, Rogues, and Heroes of NYC
    Mar 11 2025
    “If you want to create change, do it. Don’t wait for permission.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie sits down with Rebecca Bratspies, a law professor, author, and environmental justice advocate, to explore the fascinating and often overlooked history of New York City’s place names. Her book, Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York Place Names, reveals the incredible (and sometimes shocking) stories behind the names of streets, bridges, and parks in NYC. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. From the surprising origins of the Major Deegan Expressway to the dark past of Rikers Island, Rebecca takes us on a journey through power, politics, and the shaping of a city. She uncovers stories of forgotten heroes like Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who fought for freedom on two continents, and exposes figures like Richard Riker, whose “Kidnapping Club” sent free Black New Yorkers into slavery. Beyond history, Rebecca also dives into her environmental justice work, including the Environmental Justice Chronicles, a series of graphic novels that make legal and environmental issues accessible to everyone. She shares her passion for storytelling, how she breaks out of conventional academic roles, and why “staying in your lane” is overrated. This conversation is packed with history, social justice, and inspiration—perfect for rebels looking to challenge the status quo and make a difference. Cool Things Rebecca Says “You don’t have to stay in your lane.” “The segregation we see in cities today was created intentionally. If we want to solve it, we need to understand that history.” “Major Deegan was not the war hero I expected. He was a mid-level bureaucrat!” “Rikers Island was named after a man who kidnapped Black New Yorkers into slavery. And it’s still a jail today. That history matters.” “If you want to create change, do it. Don’t wait for permission.” Episode Highlights Rebecca’s journey to writing Naming Gotham and why NYC’s street names reveal hidden stories. Major Deegan’s surprising past – Not a war hero, but a bureaucrat! The dark history of Rikers Island and its connection to slavery. Tadeusz Kosciuszko: A Revolutionary War hero and anti-slavery advocate. Robert Moses: The man who shaped NYC—but at what cost? How place names reflect power and exclusion in urban planning. Rebecca’s environmental justice work and how it intersects with her historical research. The Environmental Justice Chronicles: Using comics to make legal and environmental issues accessible. Why “staying in your lane” is a myth—and why you should follow your passions. Links from the Episode Rebecca Bratspies’ Website – https://rebeccabratspies.com Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York Place Names – https://www.amazon.com/Naming-Gotham-Villains-Rogues-Heroes-ebook/dp/B0BVBY7BV6/ The Environmental Justice Chronicles (Free Download) – https://www.rebeccabratspies.com/environmental-justice-chronicles Non-Stop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas by Rebecca Solnit & Joshua Jelly-Schapiro – https://www.amazon.com/Nonstop-Metropolis-York-City-Atlas/dp/0520285956 Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    43 mins
  • Slow Trains and Big Ideas

    Slow Trains and Big Ideas
    Mar 6 2025
    “You have to be an advocate for curiosity.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie welcomes back Lou Maxon, a creative powerhouse whose journey spans branding, architecture, and the fascinating world of trains. Lou shares insights from his recent travels to Japan, where he immersed himself in the culture, history, and craftsmanship that continues to inspire his work. From exploring Komiko Art House to visiting a hidden model railroad museum in Yokohama, his experiences reinforced the idea that the best bets in life and work are the long ones. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Lou discusses the evolution of his creative process, embracing the slow and steady approach—much like the trains that inspire him. He reflects on the importance of setting the culture of a project, allowing for creative collaboration, and navigating the inevitable conflicts that arise in storytelling and design. He also talks about learning Figma later in his career and overcoming the initial self-doubt, proving that curiosity and adaptability are key to staying ahead. The conversation is full of wisdom on storytelling, creative leadership, and the delicate balance between control and collaboration. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves great stories, Lou’s perspective will leave you feeling inspired. Cool Things People Said “The bets that have paid off the most in my career are the long bets, not the short bets.” – Lou Maxon“A place can be a character in a story just as much as a person.” – Lou Maxon“You have to be an advocate for curiosity.” – Lou Maxon“The mess is the magic.” – Michael Dargie“Life actually gets richer over time.” – Lou Maxon Episode Highlights Japan Adventures – Lou shares his experiences in Japan, including visiting the Komiko Art House and taking nostalgic “joy trains.”The Value of Slow Progress – How slowing down and embracing patience has reshaped his creative career.Storytelling in Design – Why storytelling is about more than just characters—it’s about setting, conflict, and experience.Creative Collaboration – The importance of involving clients in the process rather than treating them as outside judges.Learning Figma – Overcoming self-doubt and embracing new creative tools later in his career.Balancing Multiple Projects – How Lou diversified his work into small, medium, and large projects to keep things fresh and engaging.The Role of Conflict in Creativity – Why challenges and obstacles often lead to the most innovative solutions. Links from the Episode Lou Maxon’s Website https://loumaxon.comMaxon Railway https://maxonrailway.comMaxon House https://maxonhouse.comKomiko Art House (Kengo Kuma-designed museum Lou visited) https://www.komico.jpHara Model Railroad Museum (Japanese model train museum) https://www.hara-mrm.comFigma (The design tool Lou recently learned) https://www.figma.comOlson Kundig (The architecture firm behind Maxon House & Train Studio) https://www.olsonkundig.com Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    59 mins
  • One Golden Nugget For Creative Rebels

    One Golden Nugget For Creative Rebels
    Feb 17 2025
    “There’s never a perfect time. Just begin.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie welcomes Steven Foster, the founder of One Golden Nugget, to share his remarkable journey through entrepreneurship, personal struggle, and self-discovery. From sleeping in his office during lockdown to creating a global platform that collects and shares wisdom nuggets, Steven’s story is as inspiring as it is humbling. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Steven takes listeners back to his early days when his entrepreneurial spirit first sparked. He started by replicating cassette tapes for dance music enthusiasts in the UK, which quickly scaled into a million-dollar business. His journey then veered into the world of music promotion and large-scale dance events, before crashing into bankruptcy. From there, Steven reinvented himself as a songwriter, securing deals with Universal Music and collaborating with major artists. Yet, the rollercoaster continued—his ventures in digital marketing agencies followed a similar pattern of rapid growth and collapse. At his lowest point—broke and living in his office during the pandemic—Steven had an idea: to collect and share people’s most valuable pieces of wisdom. Thus, One Golden Nugget was born. What started as a personal project turned into a life-changing platform, transforming both Steven’s life and the lives of those who shared their insights. Throughout the conversation, Steven emphasizes the power of kindness, slowing down, and trusting the journey. He stresses the importance of niching down, taking massive action, and embracing failure as part of the entrepreneurial adventure. He shares his belief that true happiness is rooted in kindness, and that the greatest gift is simply waking up each day. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a “rebel in waiting,” Steven’s story will leave you with a renewed sense of purpose and a pocket full of golden nuggets. Cool Things Steven Says “Kindness is the route to happiness.”“Don’t boil the ocean. Find your niche and own it.” “There’s never a perfect time. Just begin.” “You have nothing to lose.”“Be the love—in everything you do.” Episode Highlights Steven’s early days: cassette tape duplication turned million-dollar business. The rise and fall of Dreamscape, his large-scale dance music events company. His time as a cleaner, learning humility after losing everything. Transition into songwriting, working with Pop Idol and X Factor contestants. The birth of One Golden Nugget during the COVID-19 lockdown. The power of kindness and faith as drivers for success. “Don’t rush; there’s no destination.” Why niching down is key to sustainable business. Bikram hot yoga as a life-changing practice. The importance of clean eating for sustained energy. The gift of simply waking up each day. Links from the Episode •One Golden Nugget: https://www.onegoldennugget.com/ Bikram Hot Yoga: https://www.bikramyoga.com/ Eddie Health & Fitness (Nutrition Advice on Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/eddie_abbew/ Kennedy Space Center (Event Mention): https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/ Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    34 mins
  • Taking The Fight Forward

    Taking The Fight Forward
    Feb 14 2025
    “At what age should I stop achieving? At what age should I stop improving?” When most people hit their 50s, they might slow down, lean into comfort, and start looking forward to retirement. Not Stuart Warren Dansby. He did the opposite—he stepped into the ring. In this powerful episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie sits down with Stuart to talk about his journey into competitive fighting later in life, a path filled with punches, humility, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Stuart shares his origin story—how a single humbling training session led him down a path of obsession with martial arts. Training alongside fighters half his age, Stuart pushed his limits physically and mentally, defying not only his age but also two severely damaged knees. His story is captured in the gripping documentary Taking the Fight, a film that chronicles his journey toward earning respect in the ring and within himself. The conversation dives deep into what it means to face your fears, push past your limits, and embrace pain as a catalyst for growth. Stuart reflects on the power of perseverance and the importance of showing up—not just for yourself, but for those around you who look to you as a source of inspiration. The bond between fighters, the thrill of testing one’s spirit, and the beauty of being fully present in the moment are all explored in this honest and inspiring episode. Whether you’re an aspiring fighter or simply seeking motivation to face your own challenges, Stuart’s story will remind you that the fight is always worth it—and it’s never too late to step into the ring. Cool Things Stuart Says “If you’re not sore and you’re not tired, then don’t call yourself a fighter—and you’ll never be a champion.”“At what age should I stop achieving? At what age should I stop improving?”“Every one of us has a fight—we all hold ourselves back. But we can all push through.”“You gotta want that. You gotta wrap your soul around it.”“Rise, grind, function, achieve—in gratitude.” Episode Highlights Stuart’s late start into martial arts and fighting in his 50s.His journey from being humbled in his first training session to competing against fighters 30 years younger.Overcoming severe knee injuries and pushing beyond physical limitations.The making of Taking the Fight documentary—a nine-year journey.The role of mentors and coaches in personal development.The mental resilience needed to endure hits in the ring—and in life.The deeper bond formed through combat and mutual respect among fighters.Stuart’s mantra: “Rise, grind, function, achieve—in gratitude.”Advice to rebels in waiting: Believe in yourself, work relentlessly, stay positive, and never stop learning. Links from the Episode Taking the Fight Documentary – Available on multiple streaming platforms (Launching Sept 1)Stuart Warren Dansby – Taking the Fight (https://takingthefight.com/)Greg Choplin – WBC Muay Thai Champion (https://www.muaythaitv.com/fighters/greg-choplin-f2941.html)Yoel Romero – Professional MMA Fighter (https://www.ufc.com/athlete/yoel-romero) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    42 mins
  • Success Rooted In Resilience

    Success Rooted In Resilience
    Jan 19 2025
    “The secret hack of life is empathy.”

    In this gripping episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, Michael Dargie sits down with Anthony McDuffie Jr., a man whose incredible life story is a testament to resilience and redemption. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles during a volatile period, Anthony experienced both the warmth of a loving family and the chaos of a troubled community. When tragedy struck, and his father passed away, Anthony’s life spiraled into rebellion, leading to a gang-affiliated crime and a 25-year prison sentence at the age of 17.

    This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

    Anthony takes us through his journey, from surviving the harrowing conditions of incarceration to discovering the transformative power of self-accountability, empathy, and creativity. He reflects on how mentorship, writing, and spirituality became his tools for rehabilitation. Today, Anthony is an author, a mental health advocate, and a passionate creative force, designing custom fashion and pursuing film projects.

    This episode is an inspiring reminder that no matter how dark life gets, it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

    Cool things Anthony says
    • “I discovered I’m more powerful positive than negative.”
    • “Redemption starts with accountability—and forgiving yourself.”
    • “Nature is my reset button.”
    • "The secret hack of life is empathy.”
    • “Go for it. Don’t second-guess your dream.”
    Episode Highlights
    • Childhood Challenges: Growing up in South Central L.A. amidst the Rodney King riots and community strife.
    • Turning Point: The loss of his father at age 8 and its profound impact on his life trajectory.
    • Life-Altering Choices: Gang involvement and the crime that led to a 25-year prison sentence.
    • Prison Redemption: How Anthony found mentors, adopted self-help practices, and embraced spirituality to transform his life.
    • Creative Outlet: Writing poetry and books while in prison, leading to his published works.
    • Life Today: Custom jacket design, authorship, and mental health advocacy.
    • Advice for Rebels: Take the leap and don’t let fear delay your dreams.
    Links from the Episode:

    GRITGRINDANDGLORY.COM
    BOOK: Grit, Grind, and Glory
    BOOK: My Life in Poetry

    Hosted by: Michael Dargie
    THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM

    Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
    "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
    Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    33 mins
  • Middle Earth, Marketing, and Kiwi Birds

    Middle Earth, Marketing, and Kiwi Birds
    Jan 16 2025
    “Your dreams matter, but it’s your actions that get you there.”

    In this inspiring episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, Michael Dargie connects with Callum Armstrong, an environmentalist and entrepreneur from New Zealand, whose work bridges the gap between conservation and business. Callum shares his journey from childhood business ventures to becoming the founder of Paste and Publish, a marketing coaching and consulting company, and Conservation Amplified, a charity aimed at raising awareness and funds for environmental protection.

    This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

    Listeners will hear about Callum’s early fascination with entrepreneurship, his innovative approach to content marketing, and his deep-seated love for the environment. He explains how his passion led to projects like reforesting native lands and creating demand for sustainable products. Callum also shares invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including how to stay focused, take actionable steps, and turn failures into lessons. His story is both a call to action and a testament to the power of combining passion with purpose.

    Cool things Callum says
    • "If you look up a mountain, it’s scary. But if you take it one step at a time, you’re at the top before you know it.”
    • “Environmental solutions are often right on our doorstep, but they lack awareness and funding.”
    • “Your dreams matter, but it’s your actions that get you there.”
    • “The people helping the environment are some of the most amazing people in the world.”
    • “Marketing for me is about creating awareness and capability for lasting change.”
    Episode Highlights
    • Callum’s childhood inspirations and early business ventures.
    • His passion for environmental conservation and how it shaped his career.
    • Founding Paste and Publish and transitioning into a marketing coach.
    • Creating Conservation Amplified to amplify environmental storytelling.
    • The incredible impact of reforestation and the Manuka plant’s role in ecosystem recovery.
    • Practical advice for rebels in waiting to take their first steps.
    • The concept of the “30, 60, 90 Day Plan” for personal and business growth.
    • Fun insights into New Zealand’s nature, food culture, and more.
    Links from the Episode:
    • Callum Armstrong Links: LinkedIn Paste and Publish
    • Conservation Amplified (https://conservationamplified.org/)
    • The Secret by Rhonda Byrne (https://www.thesecret.tv)
    • The Four-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss (https://fourhourworkweek.com)
    • Sam the Trapman by Sam Gibson (https://samthetrapman.nz/products/book)
    • Manuka Honey Benefits (https://manukahoney.com)
    Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM

    Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
    "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
    Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    37 mins
  • From Archaeology To Voiceovers

    From Archaeology To Voiceovers
    Jan 13 2025
    “You make your own luck by saying yes to opportunities.”

    Liz Drury’s journey from an academic career in archaeology to becoming a successful voiceover artist is a masterclass in embracing unexpected opportunities. During this episode, Liz shares how a passion for storytelling and a chance experience with media led her to pivot from academia into the creative world of voiceovers. Liz discusses the evolution of the industry, the challenges posed by AI, and the importance of human connection in narration.

    This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

    Her career includes working on diverse projects like museum tours, corporate videos, and even perfume commercials. Beyond her professional life, Liz is an active community member involved in local theater and music. She emphasizes the power of networking, adaptability, and pursuing what genuinely excites you. Whether you’re an aspiring creative or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

    Cool things Liz says
    • "You make your own luck by saying yes to opportunities.”
    • “There’s something uniquely human about how we tell stories that AI just can’t replicate.”
    • "Every day as a voiceover artist is different, and that’s what I love about it.”
    • “Networking can be a lifeline for small business owners and creatives alike.”
    • “Sometimes the driest projects carry the most important messages.”
    Episode Highlights
    • Liz’s unique journey from archaeology to voiceover artistry.
    • The diverse and exciting nature of voiceover work.
    • Liz’s take on the impact of AI on her industry.
    • Her favorite projects: museum tours and documentaries.
    • How networking shaped her career and her advice to rebels in waiting.
    • Liz’s extracurricular passions, including theater, brass band, and ghost walks.
    • The story of how saying “yes” to a move to the U.S. changed her life.

    Links from the Episode:

    • Liz Drury’s website: LizDrury.com
    • Social Liz: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook
    • Bill Bryson’s book: At Home: A Short History of Private Life
    • Edge Studio: Link

    Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM

    Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
    Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    31 mins
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