Building Community and Culture

In this episode, I speak with pro skateboarder Jessy Jean Bart “The Black Sparrow” and Chef Tony "The Wok" about passion, resilience, and community building. While Chef Tony prepared Thai bowls with his signature Dojo sauce live on set, we explore the intersection of skateboarding culture, culinary arts, brand partnerships, overcoming severe injuries, and giving back to the next generation through community initiatives.

Talking Shop With

Skateboarder with dreadlocks performing a trick on a skateboard at an outdoor skate park.
Skateboarder with dreadlocks performing a trick on a skateboard at an outdoor skate park.

Jessy Jean-Bart (aka "The Black Sparrow") is a Montreal-born pro skateboarder with international recognition from some of skating's most respected publications including Thrasher Magazine. He has worked with over ten major sponsors including Vans, Deathwish, Volcom, and Bones, representing them at events ranging from the Jackalope Festival to the Pan-American Games.

Portrait of a young man in a black t-shirt and gray cap, smiling, standing in a commercial kitchen.
Portrait of a young man in a black t-shirt and gray cap, smiling, standing in a commercial kitchen.

Chef Tony "The Wok" is a Montreal-based private chef, culinary content creator, and founder of the Thai-fusion dining concept DOJO MTL. On social media, his high-energy cooking style and massive shareable platters blend street food, athletic discipline, and local community building.

Smiling man with short brown hair wearing a checkered shirt, indoors with warm lighting.
Smiling man with short brown hair wearing a checkered shirt, indoors with warm lighting.

Richard Sejean is a marketing practitioner and faculty lecturer at Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business. Based in Montreal, he has nearly 20 years of experience at the intersection of marketing, technology and business and holds a master’s degree focused on consumer behaviour.