My First Season

Kris Painchaud Holden

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. 

Doug Walker

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. 

Whitney Kennett

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. 

Mario Chavez

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

 

 

 

 

Aldo Mata

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. 

Dru Miller

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

 

 

 

Troy Binetsch

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. 

David Wright

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. 

Michelle Chaba

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/#

 

 

 

Angie Boucher

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