About The Author & Host

Born January 6th, 1973, Olivier Levasseur lives on a small holding in the Eastern Townships of Quebec with his fiancée and children. His 12 acre property is nestled in a forested area back from the nearest road, allowing him the privacy he craves. Olivier thrives on the tranquility of nature and loves to tend his land accompanied by his "best friend" Gaia, a border collie.

For many years after returning from Tofino, British Columbia, Olivier raised animals to help feed his family, but in 2018, he launched a tree care business.That has left him with no spare time to look after livestock. Starting with very little capital and basic equipment, he has built his business into a successful enterprise to the point where he now has two employees.

When not working, Olivier enjoys hunting, sitting around a campfire and snowmobiling. His favourite music ranges from rock to country to motivational podcasts. On the rare occasion time permits, he sets off on another trip to pursue his long-time passion, namely surfing. Olivier knows the perfect wave must be out there somewhere, just waiting for him...

... One afternoon, my friends and I decided to make a small donation to one of the schools – a collection of crayons and markers which we bought in a ramshackle little shop. No sooner had we stepped into the schoolyard than we were swarmed by a crowd of ecstatic children, who yelled with excitement when they saw the gifts we had brought them. We gave them to their teacher, so he could distribute the materials as he saw fit. He thanked us by making a motion of prayer with his hands, making a slight bow as he did so. We returned the gesture. I knew I’d experienced a day that I would never forget...

... The site was steeped in history and the ambience of the past and on the afternoon before leaving, I found myself sitting beside an elderly Buddhist nun. Clad in white, she was gathering offerings for her incense sticks for those who wanted to pray. Her head was shaved. Her skin was dark and glowing. The lines on her face and her deep, expressive eyes spoke of a lifetime of conflict. I knelt in front of her, holding out three sticks. Eyes closed, I prayed for the health, strength and courage I would need to continue my journey. A feeling of peace washed over me. When I opened my eyes, I was gazing into a face that exuded wisdom and peace. She gave a faint nod and in my mind, I heard the words “We shall see.” I bowed my head in thanks and went on my way. Though we didn’t exchange a single word, her knowing smile had sent a message to a place deep in my heart...

... I became friendly with a local person who could climb coconut trees with the speed and agility of a monkey. He would bring us fresh, green coconuts because their flesh was soft and creamy. He would laugh and mimic the foreigners who ate the dark coconuts because the interior was tough and not as good to eat. He and I spent a lot of time together on the beach, sitting in the shade and doing our best to communicate with one another. I admired his simplicity. Life didn’t seem to be too complicated for him and though he was clearly poor, he was always smiling...