My First Season

My guest today is a Criminal Justice graduate with a minor in Police Science from Ithaca College. He showcased his athleticism as a collegiate baseball player, playing centerfield, at Ithaca. His journey with Club Med began as a G.M. during the 1984 opening of Club Med Turks and Caicos, leading to his first official season as a Landsports G.O. in Club Med Cancun in 1994. He continued to share his expertise at Club Med Sonora Bay in 1999. Hailing from Long Island and now residing in New York City, please welcome, Howie Israeloff!​ In this episode, we take a trip down memory lane as Howie reflects on his first season at Club Med Cancun and Club Med Sonora Bay in 1999. He shares the story behind his nickname and clears up the legend of whether he really brought back authentic NYC bagels for his friends while he was at Sonora Bay. It's a heartfelt conversation filled with fond memories, laughter, and a glimpse into a truly special time. I hope you enjoy this episode with the ever-charming Howie! **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 earned her degree in Communications from San Diego State University and her first season was at Club Med Sandpiper in 1997 as a Reception G.O. Although her initial ambition after college was to work for Contiki, she has since become a prolific and award-winning songwriter-artist, best-selling author, producer, and publisher. Beyond her creative endeavors, she dedicated several years to raising funds for the construction of freshwater wells and schools in remote Zambian villages. Please join me in welcoming the remarkable Kathryn Cloward from San Diego! In this episode, Kathryn vividly recounts her cherished experiences at Sandpiper, sharing several special memories from her time there. We delve into Kathryn's songwriting process and explore her extensive literary work, including the "Kathryn the Grape" series and her poignant poetry collection, "The Spirit of a Bear." Join us for an engaging conversation with this truly remarkable individual! **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 link below to find Kathryn's books and music:

Kathryn Cloward | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

In October 1989, Janet Jackson's "Miss You Much" topped the charts, and the film "Look Who's Talking" was a box office hit. With a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Airline Travel, my guest aspired to become a travel agent. After receiving several rejection letters from airlines, she applied to Club Med. In 1989, she began her first season as a Traffic G.O. at Club Med Sandpiper in 1989, where she met her future husband. Following her tenure at Club Med, she moved to Japan to help run a small bed and breakfast near Mt. Fuji. She has also published six books. Please join me in welcoming Amy Iketani! In this interview, Amy shares her transformative year at Sandpiper, what it was like learning Japanese and her passion for writing. Enjoy this insightful conversation with Amy!​ **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 link below to Amy's books:

Amazon.com: Coming Home: 9798223230717: Iketani, Amy: Books

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.