Starborn Labs

Starborn Labs

by Starborn (Javier & Ignacio)
Self-ImprovementMental Health
Season 1

Religious Trauma Made Me a Rockstar | Tim Steinruck

Tim Steinruck grew up on an 800 acre farm in northern British Columbia, in a church community of 80 people. At 13 he bought a distortion pedal and got banned from playing guitar in church. So he ran an extension cord to a steel grain silo, turned his amp up to 10, and hit one chord. He calls it the moment his purpose woke up. That chord led to a record deal with Paul Stanley of KISS, a limo in Los Angeles, and a platinum Visa. A few years later he lost all of it. He spent a summer on a beach with a van, an acoustic guitar and a few clothes. In this episode of the Starborn Podcast, host Ignacio Guerrero talks with Tim about religious trauma, growing up in fear, ego death, and how he came back to spirituality on his own terms. Tim also shares the Blissiplines, his 15 minute daily practice built on four parts: energy, breath, visualization and action. In this episode: Why "I'm not good enough" is the most common wound he sees The difference between a belief and a knowing Why you cannot truly love another person until you love yourself Integrity as the third person in every relationship Holotropic breathwork and what had to die for him to grow Why he is grateful for the struggle The episode ends with Tim playing live, on acoustic guitar, the song he wrote to his own ego. About the guest: Tim Steinruck is a Grammy voting member, an award winning songwriter and producer, and the frontman of the hard rock band The Mighty One. He is a certified Accelerated Evolution Success Coach, a breathwork facilitator, and the creator of the Blissiplines. Chapters: (0:00) Intro (1:37) Who is Tim Steinruck (3:18) The 800 acre farm and a community of 80 people (6:52) Religious trauma and a childhood in fear (8:00) Banned from church: the grain silo and the first chord (10:00) Knowing your purpose at 13 (11:14) Paul Stanley, KISS and the record deal (13:00) Los Angeles, the limo and the ego dream (14:35) Losing everything: a van, a guitar and a summer on the beach (18:24) The ego had to die (25:42) Holotropic breathwork (26:36) Always a lover, even without self love (27:57) Integrity in relationships (28:51) Grateful for the struggle (30:34) The most common wound: I'm not good enough (31:00) A spiritual being having a human experience (37:19) Beliefs vs knowing (39:40) The Blissiplines (45:24) Energy, breath, visualization, action (47:42) The one thing no one can take from you (48:53) Creating lighthouses (1:01:29) Live acoustic: the song he wrote to his ego Follow Tim on Instagram: @tim.steinruck Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sRi-JHt9OzE?si=JNeSOrQ_OvcV8K4W
S1 · E10
Oct 5, 2026
1:03:39

16 Law School Rejections to King's Counsel — Winston Sayson

16 law school rejections. One yes. That one yes built a 30-year career. Winston Sayson, KC went from immigrant teen in Surrey to one of British Columbia's most decorated Crown prosecutors — and the first Filipino-Chinese Canadian ever appointed King's Counsel. But the title is only half the story. In this episode of Starborn Labs, Winston sits down with us to talk about the part that doesn't make the résumé: imposter syndrome, the invisible weight of secondary trauma, and what three decades of prosecuting violent crime actually costs a person. He opens up about the mask of invincibility most lawyers wear, the moment it cracked, and what he found on the other side — humility, service, and a re-defined idea of success that has nothing to do with awards or status. If you're a young lawyer, a first-generation immigrant, or anyone who's been told no and is trying to figure out whether to keep going — this conversation is for you. ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introduction to Winston Sayson 01:06 — First Filipino-Chinese Queen's Counsel 01:44 — Wisdom from mistakes 02:49 — Rejected by 16 law schools 05:55 — Battling imposter syndrome 06:43 — Preparing for racism 09:16 — The cost of fitting in 10:51 — Caring beyond the law 13:37 — Beyond material wealth 14:53 — Awards have shelf value 16:25 — Pride vs. healthy ego 19:17 — Motivated by service 21:09 — Arrogance on a cruise 22:34 — The price of service 24:41 — The invincible mask cracks 26:47 — Remembering what's normal 28:43 — Work defined my world 29:52 — Retirement: a new purpose 31:01 — Joy in serving others 32:23 — Courage to share truth 33:28 — The core belief: love 35:02 — The power of humility 36:26 — Uncle's humility and impact 38:26 — Advice for young generations 41:06 — Advice for legal professionals 41:51 — Advice to younger Winston 42:53 — Host's reflection on service 🎙 ABOUT WINSTON SAYSON, KC Winston Sayson is a retired senior trial Crown Counsel with the BC Prosecution Service, where he served for over 30 years prosecuting violent and sexual crimes against children and vulnerable victims. He is the first Filipino-Chinese Canadian appointed King's Counsel in British Columbia, a 2023 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant honoree, and a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. 🎧 ABOUT STARBORN LABS Starborn Labs is a podcast about the conversations that build people — entrepreneurs, immigrants, athletes, and operators talking honestly about what success actually costs and what it actually gives back. Hosted by Ignacio Guerrero and Javier Cantillana. #WinstonSayson #KingsCounsel #ImposterSyndrome #StarbornLabs #FilipinoCanadian #CrownCounsel #ImmigrantStory #LawCareer #SecondaryTrauma #FirstGenerationImmigrant
S1 · E9
May 27, 2026
44:46

He Faced 9/11 — Then Summited Everest Twice | Manuel Pizarro

Manuel Pizarro was a law enforcement officer when 9/11 reshaped his life. Four years later, he became the first Canadian to summit Everest solo without support from Camp 6 — then did it again two years later. In this episode, Manuel opens up about what the mountain actually demands of you, surviving 12 hours near the summit when things went wrong, the emotions climbers bury on the way up, and how September 11th gave him a reason to climb in the first place. Starborn Labs Podcast #Everest #MountEverest #911 #LawEnforcement #ManuelPizarro #Survival #Mountaineering #FirstResponder
S1 · E8
May 10, 2026
1:24:25

Claudia Dagnino: The Counsellor Who Made a Paralyzed Man Walk

What happens when a patient is told by doctors they'll never walk or talk again — and then they do? In this episode, Ignacio sits down with Claudia Dagnino, a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Vancouver with over 18 years of experience and a Master's in Counselling Psychology. Claudia is the only practitioner in Canada certified in Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT), a Certified SP Hypnosis Practitioner, and a Yoga Therapist who has worked with Vancouver Coastal Health, Battered Women Support Services, and first responders across BC. She shares the story of a client doctors had written off — and how he walked and talked again. We unpack why traditional counselling often fails trauma survivors, what Rapid Resolution Therapy actually does, and why mind-body healing isn't mysticism but measurable change. In this conversation: — The case that defied medical consensus — Why most therapy is too slow to work — Rapid Resolution Therapy, explained — Trauma, PTSD, and the first-responder epidemic — How to find a real counsellor, not a credential collector Learn more about Claudia: claudiadagnino.com Follow Starborn Labs for weekly conversations with people who operate outside the default.
S1 · E7
Apr 16, 2026
41:02

Starborn Labs Ep 6: Building Community Through Real Estate & Mindset | Darcy Schlechtleitner

What does it really mean to serve your community through real estate? In this episode of Starborn Labs, we sit down with Darcy Schlechtleitner—founder and team lead of Rethink Real Estate Group at Stonehaus Realty—to explore the mindset, business philosophy, and family values behind building a real estate practice that puts people first. Darcy leads a dynamic, multilingual team fluent in nine languages, serving clients across Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and the Lower Mainland. With a reputation for investing 99% more into each listing than the average realtor, she's redefining what client service looks like in an industry full of noise. In this episode, we discuss: - Why community service is the foundation of a lasting real estate business. - The mindset shifts required to lead a high-performing team - Balancing family, business, and personal growth as an entrepreneur - How to build trust and long-term relationships with clients - Why Darcy and her team call themselves the "un-Realtor Realtors" -Whether you're in real estate, entrepreneurship, or just figuring out how to build something meaningful while staying grounded in what matters—this conversation delivers real, unfiltered insights. About Darcy Schlechtleitner: Darcy is the founder and team lead of Rethink Real Estate Group at Stonehaus Realty. She leads a multilingual team across the Lower Mainland, known for exceptional staging, marketing investment, and a client-first approach that has earned her a reputation as one of the most trusted realtors in the Greater Vancouver area. Connect with Darcy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darcy-schlechtleitner-9480b426/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@darcysdoesrealestate YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rethinkrealestategroup6342 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rethinkrealestategroup/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teamrethink/ 🎙️ Subscribe to Starborn Labs for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders building extraordinary lives. #StarbornLabs #DarcySchlechtleitner #RealEstate #RethinkRealEstate #VancouverRealEstate #BCRealEstate #CommunityFirst #Entrepreneurship #BusinessMindset #RealEstateAgent #WomenInBusiness #Leadership #FamilyAndBusiness #ClientService #Realtor #LowerMainland #NewWestminster #Coquitlam #Podcast #NewEpisode #RealEstateInvesting #MindsetMatters #ServantLeadership #BuildingCommunity #Starborn #PersonalGrowth #EntrepreneurLife #RealEstateLife #StonehausRealty #TeamRethink
S1 · E6
Apr 7, 2026
37:09

How To Take Care Of Your Body When You Work Long Hours | Carolyn Dalton

The body keeps the score of every hour you sit. In this episode of Starborn Labs, we sit down with Carolyn Dalton, Stretch Therapist, Breathwork Facilitator, and Co-Founder & CEO of The Stretch Space in Vancouver, to explore the intersection of desk work, fascia, and the nervous system. While long hours at the computer are now the norm for entrepreneurs, founders, and knowledge workers, the physical and mental toll is often ignored until injury strikes. In this episode, we discuss: - The most common physical patterns Carolyn sees in people who work long hours at the computer. - Why fascia, posture, and breath matter more than you think. - How to use short movement and breath "snacks" during the workday. - A simple daily reset routine for your spine, hips, and shoulders. - The nervous system connection — how stress and sitting compound each other. - How to notice early red flags before they become chronic injuries. Whether you're a founder, creative, developer, or professional spending most of your day at a desk, this conversation offers actionable insights on how to take care of your body without sacrificing your productivity. About Carolyn Dalton: Carolyn Dalton is a Stretch Therapist, Breathwork Facilitator, and Movement Educator, and the Co-Founder & CEO of The Stretch Space, a stretch therapy and breathwork studio and training hub based in Vancouver, Canada. She works with dancers, athletes, and the general public to improve mobility, recover from injuries, and build healthier, more embodied relationships with their bodies. https://www.thestretchspace.com/ #DeskWellness #StretchTherapy #MovementForLife #FasciaHealth #WorkFromHomeWellness #Vancouver #StarbornLabs #Wellness #Mobility #Breathwork #CarolynDalton
S1 · E5
Mar 24, 2026
47:22

From Almost Famous to Rock Bottom – Storytelling, Strategy & Film | Jasim Haider

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Starborn, I sit down with filmmaker and creative strategist Jasim Haider to talk about what happens when you get close to fame – and then watch your life spiral down. We dive into ego, identity, and the quiet crash that can come after the highs of recognition, and how Jasim rebuilt his path through film, music, and service to others. We also get into the craft side of filmmaking – from how he thinks about shot composition and documentary-style storytelling to building campaigns that actually convert for brands, artists, and political figures. With over a decade of experience shooting for clients like MTV, Microsoft, UN Women, PepsiCo, jazz clubs, and mayoral campaigns, Jasim breaks down the real process behind high-performing video: scripting, pre-production, on-set decisions, and post-production choices that make a story land. We talk about: - Touching fame and the illusion that “making it” will fix everything - Losing direction, mental health struggles, and feeling like your life is going downhill - Turning rock-bottom moments into creative fuel and new opportunities - The technical side of filmmaking: framing, pacing, scroll-stopping hooks, and editing for emotion and conversion - Lessons from building Stooners and working across brands, artists, and political campaigns If you’re a creator, founder, or filmmaker chasing both meaning and mastery, this conversation blends the inner journey with the practical tools to tell better stories on camera. https://www.linkedin.com/in/syedjasimhaider/ https://www.stooners.com/
S1 · E4
Mar 16, 2026
1:04:25

Learning Disability To Multi‑Millionaire | Sir Darren Jacklin

What does it truly take to go from homeless to millionaire? In this episode of Starborn Labs, we sit down with Sir Darren Jacklin (ROC)—a corporate trainer, investor, and global philanthropist—to explore the remarkable journey, business principles, and mindset shifts that enabled extraordinary success. Darren's path spans homelessness, personal reinvention, and building a portfolio of world-class companies, giving him a rare and grounded perspective on what it really takes to transform your life. As a NASDAQ-affiliated entrepreneur (EXPI) and sought-after speaker, he understands how to turn adversity into advantage. In this episode, we discuss: The complete journey from homelessness to millionaire status Core business principles that transformed his life and career How to overcome adversity and build unshakable personal resilience Creating multiple streams of income with intention and strategy Lessons learned and the mistakes that led to his biggest breakthroughs Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and serious business builders Whether you're in real estate, entrepreneurship, personal development, or just beginning your journey, this conversation offers actionable wisdom from someone who has truly lived it—not just studied it. About Sir Darren Jacklin: Sir Darren is a corporate trainer, global investor, and philanthropist who transformed his life from homelessness into building a portfolio of world-class companies. Recognized with the title of Knight (ROC), Darren has spoken to audiences in over 100 countries and is known for his relentless commitment to human potential, entrepreneurship, and giving back. Connect with Sir Darren: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenleejacklin/ • Website: https://www.darrenjacklin.com Subscribe to Starborn Labs for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders building extraordinary lives. HASHTAGS #StarbornLabs #DarrenJacklin #Entrepreneurship #SuccessMindset #HomelessToMillionaire #PersonalDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #Wealth #MultipleStreamsOfIncome #RealEstate #Mindset #Motivation #StartupLife #BusinessPrinciples #Leadership #Podcast #NewEpisode #InspirationalStory #WealthCreation #eXpRealty #EXPI #Investor #PublicSpeaker #Philanthropy #LifeTransformation #HustleAndGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #BuildYourEmpire #Starborn
S1 · E3
Mar 4, 2026
59:19

How to Design Memorable Customer Experiences | Tory Wiwchar

What separates exceptional customer service from the ordinary? In this episode of Starborn Labs, we sit down with Tory Wiwchar—an educator, consultant, and experience designer—to explore the art and science of creating memorable customer experiences. Tory's diverse background spans luxury hospitality, marketing management, entrepreneurship, and education, giving him unique insights into what makes experiences truly stick. As Co-Founder of Workplace Evolutions and former TED Speaker Support, he understands how to craft moments that resonate. In this episode, we discuss: The psychology behind memorable customer experiences How to design experiences that create lasting emotional connections Why experience design matters more than ever in competitive markets Practical strategies for implementing customer-centric design The role of empathy and human connection in service excellence Bridging hospitality principles with modern business needs Whether you're in hospitality, retail, SaaS, or any customer-facing industry, this conversation offers actionable insights on how to elevate your customer experience from transactional to transformational. About Tory Wiwchar: Tory is an enthusiastic educator and consultant, designing memorable experiences that encourage human flourishing. With backgrounds in international relations, luxury hospitality, marketing management, and entrepreneurship, he brings diverse perspectives to experience design. As Co-Founder of Workplace Evolutions and author of "The Audacious Ask," Tory specializes in helping organizations develop their people and create experiences that matter.
S1 · E2
Feb 3, 2026
1:04:35

Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever | Andrew Woods

As AI transforms the business landscape, one question remains: Are soft skills becoming obsolete, or more critical than ever? In this inaugural episode of Starborn Labs, we sit down with Andrew Woods to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and human connection in modern business. While AI automates tasks and processes data at unprecedented speeds, the ability to communicate, empathize, and build relationships may be the ultimate competitive advantage. In this episode, we discuss: Why soft skills are more valuable in an AI-driven world The skills AI can't replicate (and probably never will) How to develop essential human capabilities in your team Real-world examples of soft skills driving business success The future of work: humans and AI collaboration Whether you're a founder, executive, or professional navigating the AI revolution, this conversation offers actionable insights on staying irreplaceable in an automated world. About Andrew Woods: DMgt. Andrew Woods is an Assistant Professor at University Canada West, Founder of Ask Us Consulting, and author of "Soft Skills in the Age of AI." Recognized as one of Canada's leading soft skills trainers, Andrew has delivered workshops in 22 countries across four continents.
S1 · E1
Feb 3, 2026
39:32