My First Season

Leo Caron

I’m thrilled to introduce a true Club Med veteran who brought energy and versatility to resorts from 1988 to 1992, then made a return in 2012. Kicking off his journey as a DJ and Waterski G.O. at Club Med Cancun, he later mastered a range of roles like Sound Engineer, Annex Restaurant Manager, Chief of Animation, Animator, and Public Relations guru. Hailing from Cornwall, Ontario, please join me in giving a warm welcome to the one and only Leo Caron! Leo is a gifted storyteller with a vivid memory, and he takes us on a colorful journey through his many seasons at Club Med. With humor and warmth, he recalls what it was like to return after a twenty-year absence, and the memories flood back. From laugh-out-loud moments during his time at the resort to a hilarious story about his departure, Leo shares it all with charm and detail. Sit back and enjoy the ride — this is Club Med through Leo’s eyes! **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. 

Alain Cyr

Mon invité aujourd'hui est une véritable légende du Club Med. Il a travaillé pour l'entreprise de 1985 à 1990. Il a commencé son parcours au Club Med Punta Cana en tant que – croyez-le ou non – responsable du Mini Club, avant de passer au Cirque et de finir par devenir responsable du Cirque. Depuis 36 ans, il est un visage familier de la télévision en tant qu'animateur et produit actuellement trois émissions différentes. Sa voix a également résonné sur la scène internationale, puisqu'il a été l’announcer officiel en francais aux Jeux olympiques de Vancouver en 2010 et de Sotchi en 2014. Au cours des seize dernières années, il a également contribué à former la prochaine génération de G.O. en tant que recruteur sur le terrain pour le Club Med. Et comme si ca ne suffisait pas, son fils perpétue aujourd'hui l'héritage en tant que chef de l'animation au Club Med Charlevoix. Je vous invite à accueillir avec moi, M. Alain Cyr! Dans cet épisode, nous nous plongeons dans chacune des saisons d'Alain au Club Med, en explorant les moments forts, les défis et les moments inoubliables. Nous découvrons également sa carrière impressionnante à la télévision et dans le domaine du sport après son passage dans l'entreprise. Alain revient sur les trois choses qui lui manquent le plus dans son ancien rôle et partage une histoire forte, qui boucle la boucle, impliquant son fils et un moment significatif sur le trapèze. C'est un épisode à ne pas manquer! **Le podcast My First Season a toujours été sans publicité et gratuit à écouter. Il est disponible en téléchargement 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 Apple Podcasts. 

Veuillez consulter les liens ci-dessous pour voir les émissions de voyage d'Alain:

Épisode #7 Club Med Québec Charlevoix, Le Massif - Destination Ski

Épisode # 8 Club Med Val Thorens - Destination Ski

Épisode #4 La Martinique - Jeter l'ancre En voyage

 

 

Alain Cyr

My guest today is a true Club Med legend, having worked with the company from 1985 to 1990. He began his journey at Club Med Punta Cana as—believe it or not—the Chief of Mini Club, before transitioning into Circus and eventually rising to become the Chief of Circus. For the past 36 years, he’s been a familiar face on television as a host and now produces three different shows currently airing. His voice has echoed on the world stage too, serving as the French PA announcer at both the 2010 Vancouver and 2014 Sochi Olympic Games. For the past sixteen years, he’s also helped shape the next generation of G.O.s as a Club Med field recruiter. And as if that weren’t enough, his son is now carrying on the legacy as Chief of Animation at Club Med Charlevoix. Please join me in welcoming the dynamic and multi-talented Mr. Alain Cyr! In this episode, we delve into each of Alain’s seasons with Club Med, examining the highlights, challenges, and unforgettable moments. We also get an inside look at his impressive television and sports announcing career following his time with the company. Alain reflects on the three things he misses most about his former role and shares a powerful, full-circle story involving his son and a meaningful moment on the trapeze. This is an episode you won’t want to miss! **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 see the links below to see Alain's travel shows:

Épisode #7 Club Med Québec Charlevoix, Le Massif - Destination Ski

Épisode # 8 Club Med Val Thorens - Destination Ski

Épisode #4 La Martinique - Jeter l'ancre En voyage

 

Stuart Emery

My guest today spent over a decade with Club Med, working from 1985 to 1996. He began his journey in Turks and Caicos as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager and quickly rose through the ranks to become Food and Beverage Manager. His career took him around the globe, with assignments in Brazil, Switzerland, Mexico, Haiti, and even aboard the Club Med 2 cruise ship. Originally from Bangor, Maine, and now calling California home, please join me in welcoming the seasoned world traveler and hospitality expert, Stuart Emery! Stuart takes us through the trials and triumphs of his very first season at Club Med, including the unique reason that inspired him to apply. After his time in the villages, Stuart spent five years as a Club Med recruiter—and he shares a memorable story from that chapter, too. We also catch up on what Stuart’s been up to lately and reflect on the things he misses most about his former role. Enjoy this delightful conversation with Stuart! **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're in the Los Angeles area and looking for a caterer, be sure to check out the link below:

Home - Chef Dora Presents

 

 

Tony Love

My guest today had an incredible run with Club Med, working on and off from 1982 to 2009. He kicked off his first season as a Bar G.O. at Club Med Paradise Island—and beyond bartending, he also lent his talents to waterskiing, circus, and picnics. I had the pleasure of meeting him during my very first season, and he’s here today to clear up a funny bit of confusion I had about him back then! A Florida State University alum with a business background, he even had the chance to hang out with David Lee Roth back in the day. Please welcome the one and only, Tony Love! Tony shares how he first discovered Club Med through a model friend who regularly did photo shoots at the resorts—and from there, takes us on a journey through his many unforgettable seasons. Tony recounts what it was like rubbing elbows with David Lee Roth of Van Halen at Club Med Paradise Island in 1982, as well as the fierce Olympic Day rivalries with a future Chief of Village at St. Lucia in 1992. Tony also reveals the origin story of the iconic “Super G.O.” t-shirt that he created and talks about the unofficial "Youth Hostel" he ran out of his place in Miami, offering a crash pad for any G.O. passing through town. Tony is a master storyteller, so you're in for a real treat. Enjoy the ride! **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. 

David Sparkes

My guest today hails from Newfoundland and began his journey studying Physical Education and playing basketball at Memorial University. He kicked off his Club Med career in 1998 as a Sailing G.O. in Eleuthera but soon found his calling under the big top with the Circus team. He continued with Club Med until 2000, finishing his final season at Playa Blanca. After his time with Club Med, he transitioned into television, co-hosting the popular home improvement show Colour Confidential, and contributing to hit series like Colin and Justin’s Home Heist and The Unsellables. Please join me in welcoming the multitalented David Sparkes! In this episode, we explore all of David’s adventures through the seasons, including his fascinating transition from sailing to the circus. He shares the story behind his move from Club Med to television, where he began hosting and working on home renovation shows. Whether you're a fan of Club Med nostalgia or addicted to home improvement TV, this episode has something for you! **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. 

Antonella Morra

Today’s guest worked just one season as a Bar G.O. at Club Med St. Lucia in 1991. What’s truly extraordinary is her journey afterward. Among all the guests on this podcast, she’s the only one I know who became a medical doctor after Club Med. Remarkably, she credits her Club Med experience as a pivotal influence on her path to medicine. Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, please join me in welcoming the inspiring Dr. Antonella Morra! In this captivating episode, we explore Antonella's unforgettable first season at Club Med, tracing her journey from a chance encounter that led to applying to medical school at the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) on the island of Montserrat. We follow her path through a 3-year residency in Baltimore and her remarkable 25-year career practicing pediatric medicine. This is an episode Seasoners won’t want to miss! **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. 

 

Izzy Chartier

My guest today has a fascinating Club Med journey that spans decades. She first joined the company in 1992 as a Costume Designer and worked until 1994. Then, twenty-three years later, she returned to Club Med—this time as an Excursions G.O. at Columbus Isle in 2017. Her very first season was at Club Med St. Lucia, where she had the unforgettable experience of dressing none other than Queen’s legendary guitarist, Sir Brian May—for the G.M. show—without even realizing who he was at the time! She studied set design, costume design, and lighting in college, and it was a simple newspaper ad with a 1-800 number that set her on this incredible path. Hailing from Joliette, Quebec, please give a warm welcome to Izzy Chartier! In this episode, we dive into all the details of Izzy’s Club Med journey—from her memorable seasons and brushes with celebrities to what it was like transitioning from Animation to Excursions after a twenty-three-year break. Izzy also shares the things she misses most about her time with Club Med. All this and more is waiting for you—just hit play! Sit back, relax, and enjoy this wonderful trip down memory lane with Izzy! **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. 

 

Izzy Chartier

Mon invitée d'aujourd'hui a un parcours fascinant au Club Med, qui s'étend sur plusieurs décennies. Elle a rejoint l'entreprise en 1992 en tant que costumière et y a travaillé jusqu'en 1994. Vingt-trois ans plus tard, elle est revenue au Club Med, cette fois en tant que responsable des excursions à Columbus Isle en 2017. Sa toute première saison s'est déroulée au Club Med de Sainte-Lucie, où elle a vécu l'expérience inoubliable d'habiller nul autre que le légendaire guitariste de Queen, Sir Brian May, pour le spectacle G.M., sans même savoir qui il était à l'époque ! Elle a étudié la scénographie, la conception de costumes et l'éclairage au Collège Lionel-Groulx, et c'est une simple annonce dans un journal avec un numéro 1-800 qui l'a mise sur cette voie incroyable. Originaire de Joliette, au Québec, nous vous invitons à accueillir chaleureusement Izzy Chartier! Dans cet épisode, nous nous plongeons dans tous les détails du parcours d'Izzy au Club Med - de ses saisons mémorables à ses rencontres avec des célébrités, en passant par la transition de l'animation aux excursions après une pause de vingt-trois ans. Elle nous fait également part de ce qui lui manque le plus au Club Med. Tout cela et bien d'autres choses encore vous attendent - il vous suffit d'appuyer sur le bouton « play »! Installez-vous confortablement, détendez-vous et profitez de ce merveilleux voyage dans le passé avec Izzy! **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. 

 

Kelly Hammett

My guest today began her Club Med journey as a Reception G.O. and later served as Chief of Horseback. Her first season was at Club Med Sandpiper in 1997. Originally from Walnut Creek, California, she grew up near an equestrian center, which sparked her passion for horses. She went on to play polo at UC Santa Barbara while studying Communications and also showcased her vocal talents by singing in the All-State Honor Choir. Her path to Club Med was first set in motion during a family vacation to Club Med Playa Blanca when she was a teenager. Now living in Florida, please join me in welcoming the talented and dynamic Kelly Hammett! We kick off the interview by exploring Kelly’s fascinating life before Club Med, then dive deep into the stories and experiences from her two unforgettable seasons. Kelly shares heartfelt memories of the friendships she built, the moments she cherishes most, and the aspects of Club Med she still misses today. As a teenager visiting Club Med Playa Blanca, Kelly dreamed of becoming Chief of Horseback there—and in 1997, she made that dream a reality. Please enjoy this fun and inspiring conversation with the always entertaining Kelly Hammett! . **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.