The Martin Hyu Experience

My guest today is Dom Cooks (Dominic Lamirande) — a Montreal-based private chef, cookbook author, and food content creator who won his episode on the Netflix show Cook at All Costs in 2022 and has since built a community of over 100,000 followers around his fresh, Mediterranean-inspired home cooking.Dom's path is anything but traditional. He studied marketing at UQAM, spent seven years in e-commerce and digital marketing — including five at DAVIDsTEA — and only went full-time into food after losing his consulting job, right as his Netflix episode aired in 2022. What followed was a media run, a cookbook deal, a private chef gig, and a rapidly growing brand built on consistency, sharp instincts, and a marketing brain that knows how to turn content into a real business.In this episode, we break down Dom's journey from food blogger posting photos nobody saw to landing a Netflix show and a book deal. We talk about recipe development, the real workload behind content creation, how his marketing background shapes everything he does, monetizing a personal brand through brand deals, and what Montreal's food scene — and Quebec's language debate — means for creators trying to grow.In this episode, we discuss:- How Dom went from cooking for himself in a Montreal apartment to winning a Netflix cooking competition in 2022- The 7-year marketing career at DAVIDsTEA and in consulting that built the foundation for everything he does now- Why losing his job was the turning point that pushed Dom Cooks from side project to full-time brand- His four pillars for recipe development: simple, tasty, nutritious, and fresh- The reality of being a private chef for two years — meal planning, grocery runs, and cooking the same hits on repeat- Why flat leaf parsley and lemon are the most underrated ingredients in his kitchen- Going from 13,000 to 23,000 followers overnight- How he structures shoot days, editing, and content calendars- The biggest mistake food creators make when trying to monetize — and how brand deals actually work- Why Substack became his secret weapon for community building before anyone in Quebec was using it- His dream restaurant concept: a daytime café with aperitivo vibes next door to an Erewhon-style specialty grocery- The language debate in Quebec — and why being bilingual is an asset, not a betrayal- His go-to Montreal spots: Monarque, Pasta Pooks, Rôtisserie La Lune, Mon Lapin, Kif Kif, Fleurs & Cadeaux, and Olimpico- And much more.Follow Dom Cooks here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/domcooksSubstack: https://domcooks.substack.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@domcooksWebsite: https://domcooks.comAbout Martin Hyu:Martin Hyu is an entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Mars Media, a marketing agency specializing in hospitality and helping clients grow through creative strategy, storytelling, and digital communication.He is also the host of The Martin Hyu Experience, a podcast available in both video and audio formats. The show explores topics such as entrepreneurship, creativity, and the evolving intersection between art, culture, and technology.Episodes drop weekly and feature guests from all walks of life — from local legends to global thinkers.Follow Martin online here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinhyu Facebook: http://facebook.com/themartinhyu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@martinhyu Snapchat: http://snapchat.com/add/themartinhyu Website: http://marsmtl.com Twitter: https://x.com/martinhyu Podcast: https://www.martinhyu.comThank you for listening to this episode! I hope you keep up with the weekly content posted on this channel. Subscribe and share your learnings with those who need to hear them.

Thank you for listening to this episode! I hope you keep up with the weekly content posted on this channel. Subscribe and share your learnings with those who need to hear them.My guest today is Pat Boogie — a Montreal DJ and selector who has been a leading figure in the city's nightlife scene for over twenty years. Known for his genre-fluid style that blends deep house, Afro, techno, hip-hop, and everything in between, Pat has rocked stages at Piknic Électronik, Igloofest, Stereo, and has shared the decks with heavyweights like Dennis Ferrer, The Martinez Brothers, Black Coffee, Kerri Chandler, and Roger Sanchez.Pat's journey is rooted in pure love for music. From being the kid who always controlled the aux — long before there was an aux — to becoming one of the most in-demand selectors in the city, his path has been shaped by instinct, record digging, and an unshakable commitment to feeling every track he plays. He doesn't use Rekordbox, doesn't prepare his sets, and doesn't rely on sync — he trusts his ears, reads the room, and lets the magic happen in real time.In this episode, we go deep into Pat's origin story, the craft behind what makes a great DJ, and what it really means to create a vibe. We talk about the business side of DJing that nobody sees, the lost art of discovering music without algorithms, the tension between AI and human creativity, and why authenticity is the only thing that keeps you relevant after two decades.In this episode, we discuss:- How Pat knew he was a DJ before he ever touched a turntable — and the basketball tournament that became his first gig- Why he never prepares a set and how not knowing what he'll play next is where the magic lives- The difference between playing for a brand like Four Seasons versus reading a nightclub floor in real time- What the "playlist generation" changed about DJing and how he adapts without losing his identity- Growing up with his father's hi-fi listening room and how sound quality shaped his ear forever- Why being a great DJ today means being your own promoter, marketer, and connector of people- His take on AI in music — why data can't replicate the soul of a live moment on the dancefloor- Why he refuses to use a laptop when he plays and what that says about artistry versus convenience- His "Boogie Ideas" project — upcoming original productions and remixes reimagined through his sound- The producers who shaped his sonic palette: Quincy Jones, Teddy Riley, J Dilla, Q-Tip, Louie Vega, and more- Why Stereo Montreal is the best venue he's ever played — no hesitation- And much more.Follow Pat Boogie here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patboogie514SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/djpatboogieAbout Martin Hyu: Martin Hyu is an entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Mars Media, a marketing agency specializing in hospitality and helping clients grow through creative strategy, storytelling, and digital communication.He is also the host of The Martin Hyu Experience, a podcast available in both video and audio formats. The show explores topics such as entrepreneurship, creativity, and the evolving intersection between art, culture, and technology.Episodes drop weekly and feature guests from all walks of life — from local legends to global thinkers.Follow Martin online here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinhyu Facebook: http://facebook.com/themartinhyu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@martinhyu Snapchat: http://snapchat.com/add/themartinhyu Website: http://marsmtl.com Twitter: https://x.com/martinhyu Podcast: https://www.martinhyu.com

Thank you for listening to this episode! I hope you keep up with the weekly content posted on this channel. Subscribe and share your learnings with those who need to hear them.My guest today is Richard Bernardin — an award-winning fashion and portrait photographer whose work has graced the pages of Elle Canada, Elle Québec, Dress to Kill, and countless international campaigns. Known for his cinematic lighting and timeless aesthetic, Richard has spent the past decades capturing culture through the lens of identity, emotion, and human connection.Richard’s journey blends raw artistic instinct with refined creative discipline. His photographs are more than visuals — they’re studies of presence, power, and the stories people tell without words.In this episode, we dig into how Richard thinks, sees, and creates — the mindset behind his images and the discipline behind his craft. We talk about vision, confidence, vulnerability, and the balance between artistic freedom and commercial demand, and how he continues to evolve without losing the core of his voice.⸻In this episode, we discuss:- The first moment Richard felt like an artist, not just someone holding a camera- What he used to chase in his work — and why he no longer cares about it- Whether his images reveal more about his subjects… or about himself- What camera he started with, his current go-to gear and why it feels right in his hands- Staying rooted creatively while photography shifts from film to digital to AI- What people misunderstand about confidence in front of a camera- The tension between commercial work and pure artistic expression- Who he would photograph from any era — alive or gone- And much more.⸻Follow Richard Bernardin here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardbernardin / https://www.instagram.com/richardbernardinfineartRLVNT Journal: https://www.instagram.com/rlvntjournalWebsite: https://www.richardbernardin.com⸻About Martin Hyu: Martin Hyu is an entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Mars Media, a marketing agency specializing in hospitality and helping clients grow through creative strategy, storytelling, and digital communication.He is also the host of The Martin Hyu Experience, a podcast available in both video and audio formats. The show explores topics such as entrepreneurship, creativity, and the evolving intersection between art, culture, and technology.Episodes drop weekly and feature guests from all walks of life — from local legends to global thinkers.⸻Follow Martin online here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinhyu Facebook: http://facebook.com/themartinhyu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@martinhyu Snapchat: http://snapchat.com/add/themartinhyu Website: http://marsmtl.com Twitter: https://x.com/martinhyu Podcast: https://www.martinhyu.com

Thank you for listening to this episode! I hope you keep up with the weekly content posted on this channel. Subscribe and share your learnings with those who need to hear them.My guest today is Tricia Helfer — actress, model, and producer best known for her iconic roles in Battlestar Galactica, Lucifer, and a string of powerful roles across shows like Suits and Van Helsing.Born and raised on a farm in Alberta, Tricia’s journey has taken her from small-town roots to the biggest runways in the world, and eventually to some of Hollywood’s most recognizable screens. Her story isn’t just about career success — it’s about evolution, self-awareness, and the art of staying grounded in an industry built on performance.In this episode, we get into her creative process, how she prepares for emotionally demanding roles, and what balance looks like after decades in the spotlight. Tricia opens up about the lessons she’s learned from reinvention, setting boundaries, and building a more intentional life outside the camera.⸻In this episode, we discuss:- Growing up on a farm in Alberta and how those early experiences shaped her work ethic and perspective- Transitioning from modeling to acting and what she learned from both industries- Her process on set — how she prepares, connects, and decompresses after intense roles- The importance of creative resets and protecting her energy- Navigating identity, balance, and boundaries in the entertainment world- What she’s currently working on and how she continues to evolve as an artist and person- Voice acting for generational games such as StarCraft and Mass EffectAnd much more⸻Follow Tricia Helfer here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtriciahelfer/IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1065454Primitive War: https://www.instagram.com/primitivewarmovieofficialHello Beautiful: https://www.instagram.com/hellobeautifulmovieX: https://twitter.com/trutriciahelfer⸻Martin Hyu is an entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Mars Media, a marketing agency specializing in hospitality and helping clients achieve their business goals and grow.He is also the host of The Martin Hyu Experience, a podcast available in both video and audio formats. The show explores topics such as entrepreneurship, creativity, and digital communication in today’s landscape.Episodes drop weekly and feature guests from all walks of life — from local legends to global thinkers.⸻Follow Martin online here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinhyu Facebook: http://facebook.com/themartinhyu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@martinhyu Snapchat: http://snapchat.com/add/themartinhyu Website: http://marsmtl.com X: https://x.com/martinhyu Podcast: https://www.martinhyu.com

Thank you for listening to this episode! I hope you keep up with the weekly content posted on this channel. Subscribe and share your learnings with those who need to hear them.My guest today is George Dawson – founder of Male Movement, The Warriors Movement, and Heart Runs Deep. Through these platforms, George has built spaces for men to explore vulnerability, emotional depth, healing, and connection.From organizing transformative men’s circles to leading community ice dips, George’s work is rooted in personal experience, deep self-inquiry, and a mission to create safe spaces where men can reconnect with themselves and each other.In this episode, we dive into George’s origin story, what led him to create Male Movement, and the lessons he’s learned about identity, resilience, and purpose. We explore the myths surrounding masculinity, the importance of community and emotional work, and how practices like cold therapy and ritual can create powerful transformation.⸻In this episode, we discuss: • George’s journey and the defining moments that shaped who he is today • Why he started Male Movement and the change he hopes to create • How his definition of strength has evolved in the past five years • Creating safe spaces for men to be seen without judgment • His relationship with spirituality and the practices that keep him grounded • The doubts and challenges of doing purpose-driven work that’s not always mainstream • What’s next for him as he continues to grow his platforms and community • And much more.⸻Follow George Dawson:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glazemtlMale Movement: https://www.malemovement.caThe Warriors Movement: https://www.instagram.com/thewarriorsmvmtHeart Runs Deep: https://www.instagram.com/heartrunsdeep⸻Martin Hyu is an entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Mars Media, a marketing agency specializing in hospitality and helping clients achieve their business goals and grow.He is also the host of The Martin Hyu Experience, a podcast available in both video and audio formats. The show explores topics such as entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal growth in today’s world.Episodes drop weekly and feature guests from all walks of life — from local legends to global thinkers.⸻Follow Martin online here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinhyuFacebook: http://facebook.com/themartinhyuTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@martinhyuSnapchat: http://snapchat.com/add/themartinhyuWebsite: http://marsmtl.comX: https://x.com/martinhyuPodcast: https://www.martinhyu.com

Thank you for listening to this episode! I hope you keep up with the weekly content posted on this channel. Subscribe and share your learnings with those who need to hear them.My guest today is Mat Sénéchal, known by his artist name Noche.Mat is a Montreal-based musician, songwriter, and producer who’s spent years shaping some of the biggest sounds to come out of Canada. As the bassist, musical director, and co-writer for Charlotte Cardin, he’s been instrumental in building records that have reached platinum sales, won Juno Awards, and toured the world.Now, Mat is stepping into his own spotlight as Noche. From dropping remixes that’ve blown up on TikTok and Instagram to releasing original tracks that showcase a whole different side of his artistry, Mat is in the middle of a creative evolution.In this episode, we get into what it’s been like to transition from collaborator to solo artist, the lessons he’s carried over from years the industry, and how he’s finding his true voice through both experimentation and discipline.In this episode, we discuss:- How he first fell in love with music and why the bass became his gateway instrument- What it was like helping shape Charlotte Cardin’s sound as her musical director and co-writer- Stories from life on tour: the highs, the chaos, and the moments that stick with him- The raw process of stepping into the spotlight as Noche and crafting a sound that’s entirely his own- How he’s leveraging TikTok, Instagram, and the remix ecosystem to build a personal brand that’s blowing up- Digging into his sampling workflow on YouTube and the creative extensions he can’t live withoutAnd much more.Follow Noche here :Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nochebynocheTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nochebynoche?_t=ZM-8xpn9oIEkga&_r=1Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/noche/1693589090Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/nochebynocheSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nochebynocheDiscord: https://tr.ee/8ke2ZEJQ-pYouTube: https://youtube.com/@nochebynoche?si=PW5UUKGeba5-aHQqYouTube sampling extention he uses: https://github.com/jrucho/YTbeatmakercuesMartin Hyu is an entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Mars Media, a marketing agency specializing in hospitality and helping clients achieve their business goals and grow.He is also the host of The Martin Hyu Experience, a podcast available in both video and audio formats. The show explores topics such as entrepreneurship, creativity, and digital communication in today’s landscape.Episodes drop weekly and feature guests from all walks of life — from local legends to global thinkers.Follow Martin online here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinhyuFacebook: http://facebook.com/themartinhyuTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@martinhyuSnapchat: http://snapchat.com/add/themartinhyuWebsite: http://marsmtl.comTwitter: https://x.com/martinhyuPodcast: https://www.martinhyu.com

Thank you for listening to this episode! I hope you keep up with the weekly content posted on this channel. Subscribe and share your learnings with those who need to hear them.My guest today is Daniel Dereser, CEO and President of Boiron Canada, the Canadian division of the globally recognized homeopathic medicine company. With nearly a decade at the helm, Daniel has played a pivotal role in modernizing and pushing the brand forward while staying rooted in Boiron’s nearly 100-year legacy.Known for its products like Oscillococcinum and Arnicare, Boiron has become a staple in natural healthcare conversations across Canada. But behind the name is a team navigating the complex intersections of science, wellness, regulation, and public perception in today’s fast-changing health landscape.In this episode, Daniel opens up about his journey, his leadership philosophy, the challenges and opportunities in the natural health industry, and how the narrative around homeopathy is shifting around the world. From legacy and innovation to public trust and global impact, this one offers a deep dive into what it means to run a purpose-driven healthcare brand today.In this episode, we discuss:-Daniel’s journey into healthcare leadership and his path to Boiron-His mindset towards fear and how he overcome challenges-How his parents shaped the person that he is today- The evolution of homeopathy and public perception in the world- How diversity is a plus in the workforce- His hiring process and practices to build a strong team- The importance of tolerance in a society that too often dividedAnd much more.Follow Daniel here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danieldereser/Follow Boiron Canada:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boironcanadaWebsite: https://www.boiron.caMartin Hyu is an entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Mars Media, a marketing agency specializing in hospitality and helping clients achieve their business goals and grow.He is also the host of The Martin Hyu Experience, a podcast available in both video and audio formats. The show explores topics such as entrepreneurship, digital communication, and marketing in today’s landscape.We bring interviews with guests from different industries to share valuable insights and experiences.Follow Martin online here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinhyuFacebook: http://facebook.com/themartinhyuTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@martinhyuSnapchat: http://snapchat.com/add/themartinhyuWebsite: http://marsmtl.comX: https://x.com/martinhyuPodcast: https://www.martinhyu.com

Thank you for listening to this episode! I hope you keep up with the weekly content posted on this channel. Subscribe and share your learnings with those who need to hear them.My guest today is MICK — DJ, brand consultant, entrepreneur, and cultural force based in New York City. From collaborating with artists like J. Cole, Busta Rhymes, and Adele to dropping legendary mixtapes like Dillagence and the Summertime series with DJ Jazzy Jeff, MICK has been shaping the sound of hip-hop and global culture for over two decades.But beyond the turntables, MICK has carved a unique lane as a creative strategist, working with brands like HBO, Vevo, and Nike, while also giving back through mentorship and co-authoring a children’s book (D is for DJ). His journey from Cleveland to Brooklyn—and everywhere in between—is one of reinvention, hustle, and knowing when to pivot.In this episode, we discuss:- MICK’s come-up in the NYC mixtape scene- Collaborating with legends like Jazzy Jeff- His favorite cities to play in- Rituals, non-negotiables, or routines that help him stay locked in and leveled- How he uses AI to enhance his craft- Growing up in an analog world until the age of 18- Being a father and writing D is for DJ to pass on the culture- His favorite rappers…and so much moreFollow MICK:Website: https://www.mick.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mick/X: https://x.com/iammickTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mickbatyskeGet the Book:https://wearelittlegiants.com/products/d-is-for-dj-board-bookMartin Hyu is an entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Mars Media, a marketing agency specializing in hospitality and helping clients achieve their business goals and grow. He is also the host of The Martin Hyu Experience, a podcast available in both video and audio formats. The show explores topics such as entrepreneurship, digital communication, and marketing in today’s landscape. We bring interviews with guests from different industries to share valuable insights and experiences.Follow Martin online here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinhyuFacebook: http://facebook.com/themartinhyuTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@martinhyuSnapchat: http://snapchat.com/add/themartinhyuWebsite: http://marsmtl.comX: https://x.com/martinhyuPodcast: https://www.martinhyu.com

Thank you for listening to this episode! I hope you keep up with the weekly content posted on this channel. Subscribe and share your learnings with those who need to hear them.My guests today are Sophie Poirier and Nick Bodoin.
Sophie is an art advisor at Galerie Cosner, located in Montreal’s Ritz-Carlton, where she works closely with private collectors, institutions, and emerging artists to help navigate the evolving world of contemporary art. She also assists galleries in the sale, evaluation and recording of paintings. Nick is a Montreal-based visual artist whose work is quickly gaining notoriety in the city’s creative scene, blending modern technique with deep introspective themes.Together, they recently co-founded Foire Parallèle—a new platform and independent art fair designed to offer an alternative, more intimate space to discover and connect with local artists. With curated selections that blend emerging and established talent, Foire Parallèle is reshaping how contemporary art is presented, consumed, and experienced in Montreal. At a time where the art world is quickly evolving with technology, AI, and shifting cultural values, this conversation explores how both artists and advisors are adapting, building, and finding their voice in a new creative economy.In this episode, we dive into:The story behind Foire Parallèle and its vision for independent art fairsThe evolving roles of artists and advisors in the modern art worldMarketing strategies for building visibility and value as a creative professionalHow technology and AI are transforming artistic creationThe tension between commercial success and creative integrityWhat it really means to connect with art—and the people behind itFollow Sophie Poirier: https://www.instagram.com/so.prr/Follow Nick Bodoin: https://www.instagram.com/nickbodoinFollow Foire Parallèle: https://www.instagram.com/parallele.contemporary/Martin Hyu is an entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Mars Media, a marketing agency specializing in hospitality and helping clients achieve their business goals and grow.He is also the host of The Martin Hyu Experience, a podcast available in both video and audio formats. The show explores topics such as entrepreneurship, digital communication, and marketing in today’s landscape.We bring interviews with guests from different industries to share valuable insights and experiences.Follow Martin online here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinhyu
Facebook: http://facebook.com/themartinhyuSnapchat: http://snapchat.com/add/themartinhyuWebsite: http://marsmtl.comX: https://x.com/martinhyuPodcast: https://www.martinhyu.com

My guest today is Nick Erimos. Nick is part of the family behind PA Supermarché, one of Montreal’s most iconic grocery chains. Known for their unbeatable prices, curated selection, and deep connection to local communities, PA has become a staple in the city’s food landscape for decades.Nick currently serves as Director of Strategy & Innovation, leading the charge on how the brand evolves in an ever-changing retail environment. From navigating supply chain challenges to exploring new store formats and tech integration, Nick is at the forefront of transforming how Montreal shops for food—while staying true to the values that built the business from day one.With roots going back to 1982, PA is a family-run institution that’s managed to stay relevant in a market dominated by big-box chains and online disruption.Throughout our conversation, Nick opens up about growing up in the business, the future of grocery retail in Canada, and what it means to run a purpose-driven company.In this episode, we discuss:* The origin story of PA Supermarché and Nick’s journey in the family business* How PA stays competitive in a saturated grocery market* The impact of rising tariffs and global supply issues on local grocery stores* Balancing tradition and innovation in a family-run operation* The role of culture, community, and customer trust in long-term success* Where grocery retail is headed and how PA is preparing for what’s nextFollow PA Supermarché here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supermarchepaMartin Hyu is an entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Mars Media, a marketing agency specializing in hospitality and helping clients achieve their business goals and grow.He is also the host of The Martin Hyu Experience, a podcast available in both video and audio formats. The show explores topics such as entrepreneurship, digital communication, and marketing in today’s landscape.Episodes drop weekly and feature guests from all walks of life — from local legends to global thinkers.Follow Martin online here:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/martinhyu
Facebook: https://facebook.com/themartinhyu
Snapchat: https://snapchat.com/add/themartinhyu
Website: http://marsmtl.com
Twitter: https://x.com/martinhyu
Podcast: https://www.martinhyu.com