Author: pdeburger

S03 E05: Fiona Steil-Antoni on a Life in Chess

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Fiona Steil-Antoni, Women’s International Master (WIM) and popular Twitch streamer, joined me on Step Up! to talk about her brilliant career in chess. Fiona has competed for Luxembourg on the world stage since she was eleven years old, battling it out with the world’s best at many of the chess world’s most prestigious international tournaments.

We talked about her early days in Luxembourg, her first exposure to chess, and training under Czech Grandmaster Vlastimil Jansa on the national team. We also covered Fiona’s amazing individual gold medal win at the 2006 World Chess Olympiad in Turin, Italy, as well as some of her earlier experiences in competition.

We chatted about the importance of confidence while competing, and the value of being prepared physically and mentally before entering an important competition.

In 2014 Fiona transitioned in her chess career by moving from the player’s seat to covering the Reykjavik Open for tournament organizers. Since then she has broadcast from many of chess’s biggest events and built a popular Twitch channel with more than 10,000 followers.

Of course, any discussion about chess in late 2020 is incomplete without touching on the Queen’s Gambit. Paul and Fiona talked about the gorgeous cinematography, the impact of the show, and the accuracy of the chess scenes.

Fiona’s energy and enthusiasm made this a fantastic show – it was my pleasure and privilege to host her on the final episode of 2020!

Fiona Steil-Antoni – Chess Competition Highlights:

  • Winner, Women’s Luxembourg Championships (multiple titles)
  • Gold, Women’s Chess Olympiad, 2006
  • Bronze, European Small Nations Championship, 2009 (team award)
  • 2nd, WGM Tournament, Condom Chess Festival, 2008
  • 2nd, Klaskvik Open, 2010
  • 2nd, Uxbridge Autumn Women’s International, 2010
  • Winner, with Tom Weber – Blitz Pairs, Gibraltar, 2011
  • 2nd, WIM Tournament of the Mulhouse Chess Festival, 2012

Show Info and Links:

Fiona’s Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/fionchetta

Fiona’s Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/fionchetta

During the episode, Fiona mentioned the upcoming Tata Steel Chess Tournament, taking place January 15-31 in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands. For more on this tournament, visit: https://tatasteelchess.com/

Paul’s Additional Info:

Paul’s Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/Paul_de_Burger

Paul’s Professional Speaking & Corporate Training: www.pauldeburger.com

Paul de Burger – Photography: www.pauldeburgerphoto.com

Intro Music: RetroFuture Clean Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

S03 E04: Tara Weir on Solo Cycling the Globe

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It was a huge pleasure to connect with adventure cyclist Tara Weir to talk about exploring the globe on two wheels. Tara has cycled more than 37,000 kilometres in twenty different countries. She’s a solo adventurer, known for tackling challenging routes with no support cars or guides – just a bike and an unrelenting will to keep moving forward.

We talked about Tara’s roots in Toronto and her early tours through India, Nepal, and Southeast Asia. Planning, logistics, and training for long rides were discussed, as well as some of the motivating books and people who inspired Tara to explore the planet. We also touched on staying positive on long rides, and the awesome impact that the people you meet along the way can have on a traveler’s experience.

Tara recounted some of the challenges from her ride on the Wild West Route, a tour she did last year (2019) from Canmore, Alberta through Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, all the way to the Mexican border. During that ride she covered more than 4,500 kilometres and 58,000 metres of climbing – all while dodging bears and fighting huge temperature swings.

We talked about the pure wonder of exploring Mongolia and Australia, the magic of Myanmar, and her future plans to travel to other locations around the world.

Countries where Tara has ridden: China, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Mongolia, Pakistan, India, Tajikstan, Kyrgystan, Canada, the US, Chile, Argentina, Greece, and Nepal.

Show Info and Links:
Tara’s Blog: The Adventures of Margo Polo – https://followmargopolo.com/

Books Tara mentioned during the show:

Adventure Cycle-Touring Handbook – Neil & Harriet Pike

The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa – Neil Peart

Paul’s Additional Info:

Paul de Burger – Photography: www.pauldeburgerphoto.com

Paul’s Professional Speaking & Corporate Training: www.pauldeburger.com

Intro Music: RetroFuture Clean Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

S03 E03: Tetsuji Nakamura On Life and Lessons Learned in the Martial Arts

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I sat down with Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura to discuss his life studying and teaching goju ryu karate. As the World Chief Instructor for the IOGKF, Sensei Nakamura is one of the most sought-after karate instructors in the world. We talked about his beginnings in Osaka, moving to Okinawa to train with Aragaki Sensei, lessons learned from Sensei Morio Higaonna, and the keys to great sparring. We also touched on the power of positivity, the need to never give up, and his dream of one day fishing in the Amazon!

Highlights of Sensei Nakamura’s background:

  • Born in Osaka, Japan
  • Began training in judo at age 12, achieved 2nd Dan
  • Started training in goju ryu in senior high school
  • Trained with Master Shuichi Aragaki (student of Chojun Miyagi) in Okinawa
  • Two-time world champion in sparring, world champion in kata
  • Uchideshi – or Special Disciple – and head assistant instructor under Master Morio Higaonna – the founder of the IOGKF
  • Named World Chief Instructor, IOGKF, 2012
  • Currently holds 7th Dan ranking in goju ryu
  • Sensei, Shudokan Family Karate Centre, Burlington (Canada)

Show Links:
IOGKF: www.iogkf.com

Shudokan Family Karate: www.shudokankarate.ca

To learn more about Paul as a professional speaker and business consultant: http://www.pauldeburger.com

Paul de Burger – Photography: www.pauldeburgerphoto.com

Intro Music: RetroFuture Clean Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Step Up – S03 Ep02 – Aleksandra Wozniak on a Career in Professional Tennis, Peak Performance, and New Beginnings

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I connected with Canadian tennis star Aleksandra Wozniak to discuss her amazing career in the WTA. We talked about growing up in Blainville, her early days on tour, and her dreams to compete on the world’s biggest tennis stages.

We also touched on achieving peak performance, the thrill of representing Canada on the world stage, and her dream foursome on the tennis court (which she actually turned into a reality!). As Aleksandra moves from touring pro to the next stages of her career she will be starting a new tennis academy in September 2020.

Career Highlights:

  • Career high ranking of #21
  • 1 WTA title, Stanford, with wins over Serena Williams, Marion Bartoli, Sam Stosur, Franchesca Schiavone, and others
  • 11 ITF titles
  • Canadian Olympian, London, 2012
  • $2,028,797 offical prize money
  • Canadian Female Athlete of the Year, 2009
  • 40 Fed Cup wins, most of any Canadian female player

Show Links:
Aleksandra Wozniak’s Official Site (and info re: camps and her new tennis academy opening Fall 2020): www.aleksandrawozniak.net

To learn more about Paul as a professional speaker and business consultant: http://www.pauldeburger.com

Paul de Burger – Photography: www.pauldeburgerphoto.com

Intro Music: RetroFuture Clean Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

S3 E01: Angeline V. Teo on Life & Leadership in Challenging Times

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I connected with Angeline V. Teo in Singapore to talk about staying positively active and motivated during the COVID-19 pandemic; we also touched on the power of mentorship, the importance of always moving forward, and Singapore’s incredible food scene.

During challenging times it’s critical to have the right attitude and real tools to help you keep moving forward. I discussed these topics with Angeline, an amazing woman who has epitomized resilience and inspired thousands through her writing, speaking, coaching, and training.

I first met Angeline in Singapore more than fifteen years ago at the Global Summit on Professional Speaking. Since then she has brought me to Asia on a number of occasions to speak and train large multi-national corporations on behalf of her consultancy, d’Oz International. I think it’s safe to say that my obsession with the tropics and really good Asian food is entirely her fault!

Angeline is President and Chief Consultant for PEP Worldwide Asia, where she helps executives and teams from multi-national corporations to “peak their performance” through coaching and training programs. Author, world traveler, and executive coach, Angeline is always working to make a difference in the lives of others. She lives by her favourite acronym – SPAM (Staying Positively Active and Motivated)!

Show Links:
To learn more about Angeline: https://www.angelinevteo.com/
For more on PEP Worldwide Asia: https://www.pepworldwideasia.com/
To learn more about Paul:
http://www.pauldeburger.com

Intro Music: RetroFuture Clean Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

S2 E05: Fareen Samji on Smashing the Grass Ceiling

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I had a fantastic time meeting with Fareen Samji to discuss her journey to becoming a world class golfer, 5-time Canadian Long Drive champion, and entrepreneur. We discussed the power of creating connections, the trials and tribulations of life on tour, why it’s important to take risks, and we apologized (again) for the behaviour of Raptor fans! We spoke on location at Artisano’s bakery in Burlington, Ontario. Join us!

Fareen “Far” Samji is a former professional golfer, and a 5-time ILDC Canadian Women’s Long Drive Champion (2012-2016). With a personal best Long Drive of 334 yards, at 5’5” tall, she is considered small for the sport, proving that bigger isn’t always better… better is better. She has also achieved success as an entrepreneur, an internationally acclaimed athlete, and a community leader. Far is a dynamic presenter, clinic leader, and storyteller. Sitting down with her was a blast!

Show Notes / Links:
Far’s website: https://farsamji.com/
Far’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hititwithfar/

Paul’s professional speaking site: www.pauldeburger.com
Paul’s photography site: www.pauldeburgerphoto.com
Paul’s travel blog: Voyages & Vistas

Intro Music: RetroFuture Clean Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

S2 E04 : Adrian Leeds (HGTV’s House Hunters International) on Living in Paris, Creating Your Own Path, and Embracing the Now

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I sat down with Adrian Leeds in the heart of Paris to discuss life in France, her time on House Hunters International, and why you should never get your own butter in a French restaurant. We also talk about living in the moment, life’s journey, and more.

Most listeners will know Adrian from her 37 (and counting!) guest appearances on HGTV’s House Hunters International, where she guides prospective home buyers (and renters) as they find new places to live in Paris and other locations throughout France. She is a real estate consultant, entrepreneur, and living proof that if you want to make a change in your life, it can be done!

She graciously hosted us in her home in the Marais, in the heart of Paris.

Links Discussed in the Show:
Adrian’s Website: www.adrianleeds.com – this is where you can find sign-up info for her newsletters: Parler Paris Nouvellettre®, French Property Insider, and Parler Nice Nouvellettre®.

Adrian also referred to Parler Paris Après-Midi, a gathering held the first Tuesday of each month, except August. Find the details here: http://adrianleeds.com/events/apres-midi

Paul’s professional speaking site: www.pauldeburger.com
Paul’s photography site: www.pauldeburgerphoto.com
Paul’s travel blog: Voyages & Vistas

Intro Music: RetroFuture Clean Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

S2 Ep 03: Sarah Nurse on Olympic Dreams, Silver Linings, and a Life in Hockey

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Episode 3 of season 2 features Canadian Olympian Sarah Nurse. Sarah is a member of the Canadian Women’s National Hockey team, and a silver medalist from the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Paul and Sarah talk about her life in hockey, growing up in a family of athletes, and what it was like to wear the Maple Leaf for the first time. They also talk about food in the Olympic village, shootout strategy, and why people always pick the wrong house on House Hunters International.

Sarah shares that for anyone hoping to achieve Olympic success (or any success for that matter) “bet on yourself” and have confidence to know that you’re on the right path.

 
LINKS

Sarah’s social media handles: IG – nursey16 / Twitter @nursey16

Paul’s professional speaking site: www.pauldeburger.com
Paul’s photography site: www.pauldeburgerphoto.com
Paul’s travel blog: Voyages & Vistas

Intro Music: RetroFuture Clean Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

 

Step Up! S02 Ep02: Guest Camille Miller On A Life in Music, World Travel, and Stressing Out About Jack Johnson

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Episode 2 of season 2 features international recording artist Camille Miller! Camille is launching her 8th album, Fight or Flight, in November of 2016. Camille has performed for audiences all over the world and is currently based in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

season-2-1

Paul and Camille talk about her life in music, the process of recording, song writing, and why Jack Johnson stresses her out (he’s just so chill!). They recount the early days of jamming to Led Zeppelin, which countries have the best food, and how things change as you get older.

Camille performs her new song “Can’t Help” live during the show, and recounts the process of creating Fight or Flight with a Brazilian producer who challenged her to explore new possibilities with her sound and writing.

Paul and Cam also talk about things she’s learned living in Brazil, the bizarre inner monologue of performers, and trading fish for upgrades on the plane. For anyone interested in the music biz – or following your passions – this is the show for you!

 

Links Mentioned During the Show:

Buy Camille’s new album, Fight or Flight, now at CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/camillemiller13

Camille’s main site: http://www.camillemiller.com/

Paul’s photography site: www.pauldeburgerphoto.com

Paul’s professional speaking site: www.pauldeburger.com

 

S2 Ep 01: Scott Wilson (TV’s Departures / Descending) – On Travel, Taking Risks, and the Terrible Taste of Tarantulas

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Season 2 of Step Up! kicks off with special guest Scott Wilson. Scott is an adventurer, deep sea diver, guitar player, and creator of some of the most visually stunning travel and exploration documentaries on television. Paul sits down with Scott at Bell City Brewing, in Scott’s hometown of Brantford, Ontario.
Season 2 - sml

The guys talk about Scott’s interest in travel and his evolution as a documentarian, the birth of Echo Bay Media, and the launch of television’s Departures (OLN, National Geographic, CityTV, Netflix). Paul asks Scott about the stunning visuals created by Scott’s business partner (and camera wizard) Andre Dupuis, as well as the logistics of creating shows like Departures and Descending. They also talk about Scott’s plane crash in Indonesia, handling problems while on the road, the power of travel, and the terrible taste of Cambodian tarantulas. If you’re a fan of all things travel, film-making / television, or taking risks to realize your vision, this is a show not to miss!

A huge thanks to Bell City Brewing in Brantford for hosting us, and for providing us with the inspiration (a delicious black coffee IPA called Brewed Awakening) for the show!

ABOUT SCOTT WILSONSW-ANTARCTICA

Scott is a world traveller, diver, and co-founder of Echo Bay Media (with Andre Dupuis). A Gemini Award Nominee (for excellence in Canadian television), Scott has flown more than 1.1 million kilometres, visited 65 countries, and all 7 continents.

SW-THAILANDCo-founder of Echo Bay Media, and co-host of television’s Departures (three seasons), and Descending (one season), Scott has made an important contribution to the world of travel and television documentaries.
Scott is a licensed airplane pilot, motorcycle enthusiast, avid shipwreck diver, and guitar player. He lives in the Niagara Peninsula (Ontario, Canada).

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

A number of links were mentioned this week! Here they are:

Scott’s corporate / business site: www.echobaymedia.com

Outdoor Life Network (where you can watch full episodes of Descending): www.oln.ca/shows/descending/

Paul’s travel blog: www.voyagesandvistas.com

Paul’s photography site: www.pauldeburgerphoto.com

Bell City Brewing (Brantford, Ontario): bellcitybrewing.com

Twitter handles:

Scott – @scottdescending

Andre Dupuis – @_AndreDupuis

Justin Lukach – @MrJustinLukach

departures (TV show) – @_departures

Paul – @Paul_de_Burger