My First Season

My guest today has had quite the journey, beginning with his time at Club Med from 1988 to 1991. He kicked off his first season at Club Med Playa Blanca as a Circus G.O., and after his run there, he went pro, joining the high-flying world of the Flying Farfans in Las Vegas. Fun fact: He went to high school with none other than Adam Horovitz—better known as Ad-Rock from the Beastie Boys! Originally hailing from Strong Island, later making his way to Manhattan, and now proudly calling Las Vegas home, please give a warm welcome to Louis Schneidman! In this episode, we take a deep dive into Louis’s unforgettable seasons at Playa Blanca and Sandpiper, exploring the meaningful and rewarding moments of his Club Med journey, experiences that continued to shape him long after he moved on. We begin with a look at Louis’s life before Club Med and follow his path through to where it led him afterward. Please enjoy this inspiring conversation with Louis! **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 1985 to 1986, starting his first season as a DJ at Club Med Eleuthera. He graduated with honors in Finance from Iona College, worked as a location scout on the classic film A Bronx Tale, and went on to write and direct four feature films, including the Club Med-inspired film Life’s a Beach, starring Rutger Hauer, Christopher Walken, Morgan Fairchild, and Robert Wagner. We’re going to explore all of that and so much more. Please welcome, Tony Vitale! Tony takes us on a vivid journey through all three of his seasons, including his unforgettable time in the grass-hut village of Aighion, Greece, during the summer of 1986. He shares the friendships that shaped him and the experiences that sparked the idea for his 2001 CBS sitcom he created, Some of My Best Friends. In a future episode, we’ll dive into two of the films he wrote and directed: Kiss Me Guido and Life’s a Beach. Enjoy this heartfelt trip down memory lane with Tony! **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. 

To watch Life's a Beach, written and directed by Tony, please visit the link below:

Life's a Beach | Full Comedy Movie | Christopher Walken, Darren Geare, R.J. Knoll

For more information on Tony, see the Wikipedia link provided:

Tony Vitale - Wikipedia

Dans cet épisode, je vous emmène dans un voyage approfondi à travers ma toute première saison au Club Med Turks et Caicos, où j'ai travaillé comme Gestion Scuba. Je prévois également enregistrer des épisodes sur certaines de mes autres saisons, peut-être pas toutes, mais suffisamment pour combler les lacunes entre les interviews d'invités et assurer la continuité du récit. Je souhaite approfondir tous les détails dont je me souviens de ma première saison. Aujourd'hui, je vais donc me concentrer sur la manière dont je suis arrivé là, ce que je faisais avant et comment j'ai fini par passer dix ans dans une entreprise qui a changé ma vie. Une partie de la raison pour laquelle j'enregistre cela est personnelle : c'est quelque chose que je veux laisser derrière moi, un témoignage de la façon dont tout a commencé. Je partagerai également d'autres enregistrements de mes autres saisons. Merci de m'avoir écouté, et restez à l'écoute! **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. 

In this episode, I’ll be taking you on an in-depth journey through my very first season at Club Med Turks and Caicos, where I worked as a Scuba Gestion. I also plan to record episodes about some of my other seasons—maybe not every single one—but enough to fill in the gaps between guest interviews and keep the story flowing. I’m aiming to dive deeper into the details of everything I recall from my first season, so today’s focus is just that: how I got there, what I was doing before, and how I ended up spending ten years with a company that changed everything. Part of the reason I’m recording this is personal—something to leave behind, a record of how it all began. Thanks for listening, and stay tuned! **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 began his Club Med journey in 1986 as a Circus G.O. at Club Med Eleuthera, eventually rising to the role of Chief of Circus during his remarkable run through 1993. After leaving Club Med, he continued his high-flying career with several renowned circuses, including the legendary Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. In 1997, he founded Trapeze Experience, a premier flying trapeze company offering classes, advanced coaching, equipment, and special events — and to date, he’s helped over 150,000 people take flight! Originally from New York and now calling Florida home, please welcome the one and only, Peter Gold! Peter walks us through each of his Club Med seasons, sharing fascinating stories along the way. His post-Club Med journey is nothing short of remarkable—from joining the Ringling Bros. to eventually owning his own trapeze company. If you're a fan of stories from the 1980s, this episode is not to be missed! **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. 

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. 

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

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

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

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.