3d ago
James Blonde - An Artful Life; Family, Careers, The Police, Punk Rock Philosophy
For today's episode, I am joined by my good friend James Blonde.James has a led a fascinating and full life, never backing away from challenges and taking crazy risks. Even after breaking his back, an injury that would permanently sideline most people, he persevered, overcame, and continues to push himself to stay active, creative, and making some noise. We touched on everything from his childhood in England, to coming back time and again to Canada, and eventually moving here permanently to build a new life while rebuilding his body. Family, careers, martial arts, working security on tour with The Police in the early '80s, practically inventing reality TV in the UK, his early career in fashion and photography, and how all of his challenges continue to shape and inform his journey.(01:13) Part 1Growing up in the EnglandA ballerina meets a serviceman in ParisDad becomes an artist for lifeOut-earning dad at 12 years oldTaking up martial arts, tai chi and karateLearning discipline and self-controlTraining for Olympics, 1980 boycottWorking as a bouncer at 17Became an arboristMeeting his first wifeMoved in and embraced the whole family as his ownBeing mistaken for celebs all the timeThe Ramones, The Clash, early punk rockersFirst band – WirelessGetting hired as security for The PoliceInternal battles of the bandBeing on tour with the biggest band in the worldNever smoked or did any drugsBack to Montreal with The PoliceThe Ghost in The MachineLogistics of protecting the talent on tourOctober 1987 hurricane in EnglandThe science of being an arboristGetting trapped up a tree in the stormGround beefFixing up old Land RoversLucrative license plates4x4 adventuresMother's battle with cancerOperating a ski hillSki trips around the worldBack to England to change directions...(59:47) Part 2Living in the home of King Leopold IIClimb up a hill, come down with a missionBe alone in nature, find your purposeOff-road adventure challengeHitting up sponsors, entering the business worldLearning to think bigSpeaking to OPEC, a crash courseStarting a 4x4 schoolMapping out the challenge courseInventing the 4x4 train tow systemAll-wheel-drive clubSatellite TV salesCatching a crookBack up a hill...Parapont, parasailingGetting into real police workTraining your mind to let things goMoving into Special Investigations BranchYoungest commander, perfect conviction recordUsing your brains and your brawnBreaking his back; two disks blownCan't work, chronic pain, move to Whistler(2:06:31) Part 3Setting up a photography studioBeing of service to society being in SIBPrison programs for car thievesUp a tree for a week-long stakeoutAdvanced training in SIB/SASModel agency and commercial photographyMoving into video and televisionGetting creative in marketing campaignsMoving to CanadaWorking with German national lottery$1000 cigars(2:31:57) Part 4Divorced, settling in to a new lifeDystrophy in the legs, intense painMultiple doctors, many pain medsStaying active even with painRecovery after back surgeryKeeping your head while in constant painNobody is going to do it for youGuest linkshttps://vxraw.comhttps://instagram.com/jamesblonde64Connect with Trancehttps://tranceblackman.comhttps://instagram.com/tranceblackmanhttps://instagram.com/sapientiawithtbSupporthttps://buzzsprout.com/2148798/supporthttps://buymeacoffee.com/trancehttps://paypal.me/tranceblackmanSupport the show
