My First Season

Hey Seasoners, welcome back to another episode of the travel and tourism podcast, My First Season. Today’s guest worked for Club Med as a Meetings & Events Manager in 2022 and 2023. Her first season was in Club Med Turks and Caicos and even though she is from Mexico, she only found out about Club Med when she went to France to obtain her MA in French as a foreign language from Université de Nice-Sophia-Antipolis! She also worked at Club Med Charlevoix and Cancun and is here to share her story with us! Please help me welcome, Lili Alferez! Before Lili started working for Club Med, she spent one day as a G.M. in Club Med Chamonix, while she was working in France. It wasn’t until Lili was working in excursions in Cancun, for another company, that she knew she wanted to be a G.O. We cover Lili’s time in the villages she worked at in great detail, especially the village of Charlevoix in Quebec. I have never worked there or visited that resort, so I had many questions about it, and Lili was kind enough to answer my many questions. Lili also shares two stories about special G.M.s that she met while in Club Med. We cover who she liked working with and the things she misses about working at Club Med. Please 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. 

I had the pleasure of working with my guest today during the winter season in 1996 at Club Med Columbus Isle. His first season was at Club Med St. Lucia in 1991 where he held several positions such as Mini Club/Kids Club/Landsports & Snorkeling. He then went to Club Med Huatulco as Resp. Snorkeling in 1992 and then took a break to go back to school to earn his degree in Psychology at Chapman University in Orange, California. As a gift to himself for finishing his degree, he went back to Club Med in 1995 at Club Med Turks and Caicos and then left Club Med in 1996. Please help me welcome, from California, Peter Algazi! Peter flew to New York from California for his interview and was the only one to get hired that day from the group interviews. Peter was holding out for a Landsports contract but after eleven months of waiting, decided to take a Mini Club contract when offered. Peter arrived at Club Med St. Lucia on his sister’s birthday, October 19, 1991. That St. Lucia team of October 1991 had quite the talent as it had FIVE future CDVs on it: LouLou, Sofia Anҫã, Gino Andretta, Philippe Fournier, and Ryan Leach. We cover all of Peter’s seasons in detail and you have to hear his “bank deposit” story from Columbus Isle! He also was in a movie called “Bachelor Trip” with my idol, actor Rutger Hauer, and we are going to talk about how the heck that happened. If you are an early 90s G.O., you will love this episode. Please 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 only worked one season in Club Med, but it was quite a memorable one. She was working as a Budweiser girl at a golf tournament in Vancouver when a Club Med recruiter approached her and said that she would be a good fit for Club Med. Her first and only season was in Club Med Paradise Island in 2001 as a Bar G.O. with Kevin Batt as the Chief of Village. When 9/11 happened, American Airlines paid for the flights for 500 police officers and 500 firefighters for a week’s vacation at Club Med Paradise Island when my guest was working there. From Vancouver Island but living in Las Vegas for the last twelve years, please help me welcome, Michelle Gervais! Michelle worked ten months in the Bahamas with G.O.s like Gecko, Paula Fishman, Joker, and “Pizza Russ” and has the stories to prove it! Michelle takes us back to that fateful day she was recruited to her first week at Paradise Island and has a great “NSYNC” story that sadly, I had to edit most of! Michelle lets us know who she enjoyed working with, the things she misses the most about Club Med, and why they called her the “Blender Queen”. Michelle even found time to film a Molson Export beer commercial with a few other G.O.s at Paradise Island. We also talked about the “Dos Hombres” Bar Boss competition she entered last year. Please 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. 

Today’s esteemed guest has a rich history with Club Med, having been part of the organization from 1993 to 1996. His journey unfolded across various Club Med resorts such as Sandpiper, Eleuthera, Paradise Island, Columbus Isle, and Sonora Bay. Commencing his Club Med adventure as a Boutique G.O. in 1993 at Club Med Sandpiper, we eventually crossed paths at the EXGO Reunion 3 in Club Med Cancun in 2010. Inspired by a co-worker who worked for Club Med in the 70s, he embarked on this unique career path. Originally hailing from Michigan and presently calling Palm Springs home, let’s extend a warm welcome to the delightful Chris Dingman! For early 90s G.O.s, this episode promises a nostalgic journey as Chris shares captivating stories and a treasure trove of memories from that era. Without giving too much away, our conversation touches on a myriad of intriguing topics: Madonna, Dream Sheet, Mike Coltman Dress Codes, Atlantis in Playa Blanca, Corky’s rendition of Crazy by Patsy Cline, visits to the Dentist in San Carlos, the Haunted Village, Olivia, Sober Week/Poached Pears, and much more. Prepare for a laughter-filled exploration of the past as Chris reminisces about the good old days, dropping names and anecdotes that will surely resonate with those who lived through that era. We even attempt to unravel the mystery of why we don’t recall meeting during Chris’s two-week stint at Columbus Isle in 1996! As Chris ascended to the role of Chief of Boutique, he provided unique insights into the behind-the-scenes workings, offering a glimpse into the meticulous training required to run the Club Med boutique as a small business. To all early 90s G.O.s, rejoice, for Chris is here to guide us down memory lane. Join us for an enjoyable time with Chris as we relive the charm and camaraderie of the Club Med days! **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 two seasons in Club Med in the late 90s with Kevin Batt as her Chief of Village. Her first season was in Club Med Turks & Caicos in 1997 as a Hostess and then she worked in Club Med Cancun during the 1997/1998 season as Public Relations. Her roommate went to Club Med Playa Blanca on vacation and suggested she try it. She did and went to Turks & Caicos as a G.M. in November of 1996. She has a BA in English and Journalism from Montclair State University, she did ballroom dancing for five years and she is the lead singer of “Rock Head” a New Jersey-based 4-piece bar cover band that covers music from Rock, Disco, the 80s, 90’s, Pop, and Metal. Please help me welcome to My First Season, Christy Nilsen! Christy’s story is unique in that she was not accepted the first time she applied to Club Med. Undeterred, she made a PowerPoint presentation, and along with some pictures, wrote a poem as to why Club Med should hire her and sent it to Kevin Batt. Kevin then called Christy and offered her a contract on the spot. Later in the season, Kevin asked Christy for her help in making a G.O. Handbook for new and current G.O.s. She then went with Kevin to Club Med Cancun and arrived on Halloween, October 31, 1997! We cover both her seasons in detail, delve into what it’s like to be a lead singer in two different rock bands and Christy explains the term “Club Med New Jersey”! Please enjoy this interview with Christy! **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 the links below to both of Christy's bands:

Mid-Life Crisis:

Facebook

Rock Head:

Facebook

My guest today worked for Club Med from 2013 to 2019 and her first season was in Club Med Sandpiper as a Mini Club G.O. She later became a Costume Designer and worked in Turks and Caicos and Punta Cana. Before Club Med, she studied Art Education at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee where she is from. She was also an extra in various music videos filmed in Nashville and of course, I have to know what that was like! After Club Med, she backpacked through Europe and became a Field Recruiter for Club Med. Please help me welcome Lindsey Hamilton! Lindsey’s first season in 2013 at Sandpiper coincided with a Nike rental village, a Junior Tennis Player tournament, a “fake” G.O. wedding, a Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraiser, and a Rick Springfield rental village! Lindsey also might be only one of a few G.O.s to turn down the opportunity to work in Asia after their first season. Lindsey’s stories range from appearing as an extra in the 2010 movie Country Strong, starring Gwyneth Paltrow to having an incident with six suitcases at Customs at Club Med Turks and Caicos in 2018 and so many more! Lindsey talks about her great friend Chelsea Gibbons, the people she liked working with, and what she misses most about working at Club Med. And a special thanks to Lindsey who, unbeknownst to me, was promoting my podcast to other EXGOs. So, thanks to her and anyone else I do not know of, who is doing the same thing! **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 two seasons in Club Med and his first season was in Club Med Sandpiper in 1993 as a Bar. G.O. Before Club Med, he attended Emory University in Atlanta and has a degree in International Relations and Affairs with a minor in Spanish. He drove from Atlanta to Miami for his interview and was the only one wearing a suit, but he still got the job though! And how about this? This phrase has never been uttered in over 3 years of MFS: After Club Med, he moved to Asia and “taught Spanish to Japanese Salsa dancers”. Hooboy, there has got to be a story there somewhere! From Boston, now living in Key Biscayne, Florida, give it up for Joshua Bernstein! Joshua also worked at Club Med Playa Blanca during the 1994/1995 season with Kenton Smith as Chef de Village. We go through both Joshua’s seasons in Club Med in detail as well as the people he liked working with and we get into that Japanese-salsa-dancer story as well! Joshua also talks about the season he spent with yoga guru Jack England in Club Med Sandpiper and we trade Uncle Larry stories from Club Med Playa Blanca as well! Please 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 CM from 1996 to 2008. His first season was in Club Med Copper Mountain with Aureo Stern as a Ski/Snowboard instructor. He was also a Waterski G.O., Ski School Director, and a fellow Chief of Sports. He is from Sydney, Australia, but has been living in my neck of the woods in Chambly, Quebec, for the last 15 years (we will get into how and why he is living here, not to worry!) Fun Fact: He played rugby for the Montreal Irish Rugby Football Club in 2008 with my brother-in-law! What a small world! Please help me welcome, Shannon Brown! Shannon was taking his Level 3 ski instructor exam in Telluride, Colorado when one of his classmates, Angry Sean, told Shannon that he used to work for Club Med, and that sounded good to Shannon! He had his interview in Sydney and was sent to the North American Zone for his very first season. Shannon worked in Club Med Copper Mountain (5x), Crested Butte (4x), Sahoro (4x), Cancun (2x), Sandpiper, and Kani. Shannon met his future wife in Club Med Cancun in 2002 during a Hi-Pot/Key G.O. stage and he explains how he has liked living in Quebec for the last fifteen years. He shares a surfing tale from his season in Club Med Kani in 2007 and lets us know what he misses about Club Med. Please 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. 

Greetings Seasoners, today marks a truly extraordinary occasion—it's the Third Anniversary of My First Season! Yes, that very podcast I started in a closet and continue to record within that very same closet, has now reached the grand age of three! Can you believe it?! A sincere thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. For such a momentous episode, I knew we needed a special guest. Our paths last crossed a year ago when his episode graced the airwaves in February 2023. With an impressive resume featuring 39 seasons in Club Med villages and 15 years in the Miami CM office, he now holds the esteemed position of Senior Director at UDT (University des Talents), translating to Talent Development, in the Club Med Miami office. Please help me welcome back to My First Season, the remarkable, the legendary, the Ironman, the always-positive, Chris Keeley, AKA, Hammer! He's back as promised, and together we dive into his first season as Chef de Village (CDV) at Club Med Sonora Bay in 1998. Our conversation delves into the multifaceted role of a CDV, exploring the essential qualities required and the positive impact one must strive for when interacting with others. Additionally, we unravel the intricate CDV selection process, reflect on the CDV stage that Hammer experienced, and uncover the unique request he made to HR concerning the G.O.s he desired on his team during his inaugural season as a CDV. In a groundbreaking moment for My First Season, we are thrilled to announce a special guest from that very 1998 Sonora Bay season, none other than Boone, joining Hammer in our conversation! Stay tuned for an enlightening discussion and a celebration of three remarkable years of My First Season! **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 hear Hammer's first interview from February 2023, please click on the link below:

Chris “Hammer” Keeley | My First Season

My guest today worked for Club Med from 2010 to 2017 and her first season was in Club Med Sandpiper as a Dance Captain/Choreographer. Before Club Med, she attended the University of Akron and studied Dance and Communication. Fun Fact: She also worked at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel, famously seen in the excellent movie Pretty Woman. Aside from Sandpiper, she worked in the Club Med villages of Turks & Caicos, Bali, Yabuli and she was at the opening of Club Med Dong’ao in China, where she met her future husband! Her parents knew former Chief of Village, Gregg Snyder, and that is how she found out about Club Med. Please help me welcome, from Strong Island, New York, Kara Giacalone James! Kara’s Club Med journey began in Club Med Sandpiper in 2010 and ended in that same resort in 2017. Kara shares some of her many stories with us, starting as a choreographer to later pulling double duty as both a choreographer and Entertainment Manager in Yabuli and Dong’ao. Kara shares some of the cross-cultural adjustments she had to make while in China and recounts the story of meeting and falling in love with her husband, who was the Chief of Sports, in Dong’ao. Between contracts, Kara backpacked for eight months in Asia, Europe, the UK, and the United States. After her time in Club Med, Kara went on an eight-month road trip in a Subaru through the States, Mexico, and Canada. While in Club Med, she got certified in scuba and learned how to do the Spanish Web and Lyra. Despite Kara choosing 1984’s Footloose over my beloved Center Stage as the better dance movie (smiley face emoji), Kara was extremely entertaining and knows how to tell a story! Come with us on Kara’s amazing journey and career in Club Med and discover the things she misses the most about Club Med and if she’d do it all over. Please 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. 

Please click on the link below to see a video of the shows that Kara worked on:

KARA GIACALONE | EVENT SHOW PRODUCER REEL | BEHIND THE SCENES (youtube.com)