Episodes

Monday May 19, 2025
Izzy Chartier
Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
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.

Monday May 12, 2025
Kelly Hammett
Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
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.

Monday May 05, 2025
"Ace"
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
My guest today is a true Club Med veteran, having worked from 1992 to 1995. He started his adventure at Club Med St. Lucia, juggling roles as a Polyvalent Bartender, Landsports G.O., Tennis G.O., and Golf G.O.—basically, if it involved fun, he was your guy. Fun fact: we apparently met during my very first season… and yet, neither of us remembers it. So clearly, it was very memorable! He once described his most romantic moment at Club Med as a quiet evening—alone—on the beach. Yep, just him, the stars and the waves. We’ll definitely be unpacking that story and plenty more! So grab your sunblock and your sense of humor—joining us from sunny Arizona, it’s Ace! Ace’s Club Med adventure took him to incredible locations including Huatulco, Turks and Caicos, Martinique, and Cancun—and he shares some unforgettable stories from each of those seasons. Ace also catches us up on life after Club Med, giving us a glimpse into what he’s been up to since moving on. Plus, we dive into a fun round of "Rapid Fire with Ace," where he reveals the three things he misses most about his time with Club Med. Get ready to enjoy some great memories and laughs with a truly charming guest! **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.

Monday Apr 28, 2025
Howie Israeloff
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
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.

Monday Apr 21, 2025
Kathryn Cloward
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
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

Monday Apr 14, 2025
Amy Iketani
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
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

Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Black '47: The Hunger of the Dead
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
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.

Monday Apr 07, 2025
Kendra Courey Blake
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
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.

Monday Mar 31, 2025
Claude Gamache
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
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.

Monday Mar 24, 2025
Claude Gamache
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
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.