http://www.marcuslopes.ca
I’m Marcus Lopés—a writer, storyteller, and creative who believes in doing the work, becoming who the journey demands, and telling the truth even when it hurts.

Here, we talk about the work (showing up when it’s hard), the becoming (finding purpose through struggle), and the truth (owning your story without apology).

You’ll find short motivational stories about resilience, self-discovery, and transformation—no fluff, hype, or clichés. Because change isn’t easy—but it’s also where freedom begins.

If you’re rebuilding, redefining yourself, or learning to trust your voice again—you’re not alone.

Subscribe to Black Sweater Talk and join a community that’s not chasing perfection, but becoming who they were meant to be. Because we’re not done yet—our greatest stories are still being written.

marcuslopes.ca]]>enSociety & CultureCopyright Marcus Lopeshttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/06bbced93cb5275b2dc91fafdd3afb93.jpghttp://www.marcuslopes.caWed, 12 Nov 2025 12:06:11 +0000Marcus LopesMarcus Lopesmarcus@marcuslopes.caBlack Sweater Talk is where real stories meet relentless growth. I’m Marcus Lopés—a writer, storyteller, and creative who believes in doing the work, becoming who the journey demands, and telling the truth even when it hurts. Here, we talk about the...
I’m Marcus Lopés—a writer, storyteller, and creative who believes in doing the work, becoming who the journey demands, and telling the truth even when it hurts.

Here, we talk about the work (showing up when it’s hard), the becoming (finding purpose through struggle), and the truth (owning your story without apology).

You’ll find short motivational stories about resilience, self-discovery, and transformation—no fluff, hype, or clichés. Because change isn’t easy—but it’s also where freedom begins.

If you’re rebuilding, redefining yourself, or learning to trust your voice again—you’re not alone.

Subscribe to Black Sweater Talk and join a community that’s not chasing perfection, but becoming who they were meant to be. Because we’re not done yet—our greatest stories are still being written.

marcuslopes.ca]]>cleanepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/2020-it-changed-everything--42264667https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42264667Wed, 02 Dec 2020 13:00:02 +0000Marcus LopesIn the final episode of Season 2, Marcus talks briefly about how COVID-19 impacted his life.215change,covid19,dontgiveup,hope,liveyourbestlife,writingclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/staying-positive-during-a-pandemic--42005811https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42005811Mon, 16 Nov 2020 20:00:04 +0000Marcus LopesCountries around the world are going, or already in, lockdowns to stop the surge in new COVID-19 cases. How do you stay positive during a pandemic? Marcus talks about what's worked for him...covi299covid19,creativity,liveyourbestlife,lockdown,ontario,pandemic,positivity,toronto,writingclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/state-of-play--41906503https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41906503Tue, 10 Nov 2020 20:30:09 +0000Marcus LopesIn a rare moment, Marcus Lopés breaks from tradition and talks about politics in the aftermath of the 2020 U.S. elections.458change,democracy,elections,hope,liveyourbestlife,makeitcount,voting,writers,writingclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/time-stealers--41733794https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41733794Mon, 02 Nov 2020 11:00:16 +0000Marcus LopesFrom social media to binge-watching our favourite streaming service, distractions steal our time. Do you know what's holding back you and your dreams? Marcus shares his biggest time stealer and how he's getting back on track.534dreams,liveyourbestlife,socialmedia,stayfocused,the1thing,writers,writinglifeclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/on-gratitude-and-friendship--41410731https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41410731Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:00:02 +0000Marcus LopesAs we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada, Marcus talks about gratitude and the blessings of friendship.595beyourself,blessings,encouragement,friends,friendship,gratitude,liveyourbestlife,writinglifeclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/if-you-could-do-it-all-over-again--41187079https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41187079Mon, 28 Sep 2020 21:00:12 +0000Marcus LopesMarcus Lopés shares what's coming next. Tune in to find out before the rest of the world.402books,dowhatyoulove,indieauthors,liveyourbestlife,writers,writinglifeclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/make-it-count--40899214https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40899214Mon, 14 Sep 2020 21:00:04 +0000Marcus LopesSometimes, the most unexpected news makes you stop and think: Are you making today count? In today's episode, Marcus talks about why it's so important to make every day count.572friendship,lifechanging,lifelessons,liveyourbestlife,socialmedia,stayfocusedclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/thank-you-gps--40474259https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40474259Mon, 24 Aug 2020 21:00:05 +0000Marcus LopesAs you pursue your creative goals, are you headed in the right direction?336artists,believeinyourself,dontgiveup,dreambig,goals,liveyourbestlife,stayfocused,writersclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/getting-older-and-wiser--40198570https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40198570Sat, 08 Aug 2020 12:00:11 +0000Marcus LopesAnother year older, another year wiser? Marcus talks about the challenges and triumphs during his forty-sixth year as he celebrates another birthday. Life is always speaking to you...534attitude,beyourself,birthdays,dontgiveup,hope,lifeisgood,liveryourbestlife,running,writingclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/failure-as-a-teacher--39966304https://api.spreaker.com/episode/39966304Fri, 24 Jul 2020 20:26:14 +0000Marcus LopesIn today's episode, I share what my first literary failure taught me.530authors,believeinyourself,creatives,dontgiveup,doubt,dreams,failure,liveyourbestlife,stayfocused,writers,writingclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/take-two--35504604https://api.spreaker.com/episode/35504604Thu, 02 Jul 2020 20:21:56 +0000Marcus LopesMarcus Lopés talks about his return to podcasting as he writes and navigates the world of self-publishing.1033covid19,dontgiveup,dowhatyoulove,liveyourbestlife,selfpub,writing,writinglifeclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-season-2-episode-1-for-a-limited-time-only--25168328https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25168328Thu, 09 Apr 2020 20:05:59 +0000Marcus LopesMarcus Lopés returns with the Season 2 premiere episode.604beyourself,covi̇d-19,dontgiveup,dowhatyoulove,focusonwhatmatters,stayfocused,staysafe,toughtimes,writers-life,writingclean2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-20-clarity-and-purpose--17827434https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17827434Fri, 03 May 2019 17:29:46 +0000Marcus LopesWhen you have clarity, you know who you are, what you want to achieve and what you must do to realize your goals. Do you have clarity in your life?779balance,changeyourlife,clarity,creativity,dowhatyoulove,focus,fulfillment,lifelessons,liveyourbestlife,priorities,purposeclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-19-clarity--17743040https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17743040Thu, 25 Apr 2019 13:13:56 +0000Marcus LopesDo you have clarity in life — of your goals, purpose, the person you want to become? Finding clarity can change your life. Marcus shares his experiences.898artists,attitude,beyourself,clarity,courage,determination,dontgiveup,doubt,liveyourbestlife,motivation,perseverance,selfhelp,success,writersclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-18-the-path--17691076https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17691076Fri, 19 Apr 2019 16:01:40 +0000Marcus LopesEach of us is on a journey, and we must – no matter the challenges – see it through. Listen to one writer’s story.774artists,believeinyourself,challenges,courage,creativity,determination,doubt,failure,lifelessons,liveyourbestlife,nevergiveup,writers,writing,writing+successclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-17-when-things-don-t-go-as-planned--17583756https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17583756Tue, 09 Apr 2019 18:36:19 +0000Marcus LopesSometimes projects take longer than expected, but we must not be discouraged. Marcus knows this all too well. Listen to his story.846artists,courage,creativity,determination,doubt,frustration,planning,productivity,stayfocused,timing,writing,writinglifeclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-16-express-your-truest-self--17499607https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17499607Mon, 01 Apr 2019 16:19:49 +0000Marcus LopesDare to dream. Dare to believe in the power of your dreams and do what is necessary to make them come true. Express your truest self!925believeinyourself,creatives,creativity,dowhatyoulove,dream,fulfillment,goal-achievement,happiness,liveyourbestlife,motivation,personaldevelopment,selfhelp,writers,writerslife,writingclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-15-how-do-we-find-balance--17329321https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17329321Fri, 15 Mar 2019 09:29:53 +0000Marcus LopesIn a world competing for our attention, how do we find balance and stay focused on what matters?885balance,blacksweatertalk,creatives,creativity,dowhatyoulove,dreams,goals,liveyourbestlife,motivation,socialmedia,stayfocusedclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-1-why-i-support-ryu-s-one-more-rep-campaign--17268286https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17268286Fri, 08 Mar 2019 22:14:50 +0000Marcus LopesIn the debut episode, Marcus Lopés talks about RYU's "One More Rep" Campaign and the importance of mental health awareness.266blacksweatertalk,community,getinvolved,mentalhealth,mentalhealthawareness,motivation,writinglifeclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-2-rise-to-the-power-of-who-you-are--17268237https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17268237Fri, 08 Mar 2019 22:04:12 +0000Marcus LopesYou have it in you to be the person you dare to be. Will you rise to the power of who you are?311beyourself,creativity,dontgiveup,doubt,dream,motivation,successclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-3-will-you-let-your-light-shine--17268173https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17268173Fri, 08 Mar 2019 21:57:34 +0000Marcus LopesLiving your best life means letting the world see who you really are. Will you let your light shine?262beyourself,changeyourlife,creatives,creativity,lifechanging,liveyourbestlife,motivation,writersclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-4-get-in-the-habit-of-doing-what-you-love--17268127https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17268127Fri, 08 Mar 2019 21:49:54 +0000Marcus LopesLiving your best life means doing what your love. Regularly. Have you taken up that challenge yet?175creativity,dowhatyoulove,dreams,goals,habit,motivation,routine,stayfocused,success,writingclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-5-looking-back-looking-ahead--17268074https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17268074Fri, 08 Mar 2019 21:38:45 +0000Marcus LopesLooking back on 2018, Marcus Lopés talks about setting up for success in the year ahead.590creativity,goals,motivation,success,writersclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-6-are-you-ready--17267994https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17267994Fri, 08 Mar 2019 21:31:01 +0000Marcus LopesAre you ready to live your best life?699ambition,courage,creativity,determination,doubt,dreams,goals,liveyourbestlife,motivation,successclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-7-stay-focused--17267925https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17267925Fri, 08 Mar 2019 21:23:57 +0000Marcus LopesLiving your best life and making your dreams come true means one thing: you have to stay focused. In this episode, Marcus Lopés talks about the challenges of staying focused on what matters most.353creativity,focus,liveyourbestlife,motivation,productivity,stayfocusedclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-8-sobriety-the-game-changer--17267887https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17267887Fri, 08 Mar 2019 21:15:11 +0000Marcus LopesWhen Marcus Lopés stopped drinking, everything came into focus. Learn how giving up alcohol changed his life.452changeyourlife,creativity,lifechanging,liveyourbestlife,motivation,sobriety,writerlife,writersclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-9-let-s-talk--17257115https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17257115Thu, 07 Mar 2019 20:57:07 +0000Marcus LopesMarcus Lopés talks candidly about his mental health challenges.598depression,liveyourbestlife,mentalhealth,mentalhealthawareness,mentalillnessclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-10-don-t-give-up--17257057https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17257057Thu, 07 Mar 2019 20:53:46 +0000Marcus LopesStay focused on your goals. Dig deep to find the courage to push on!325goals,liveyourbestlife,motivation,stayfocusedclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-11-10-minute-social-media-diet--17256899https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17256899Thu, 07 Mar 2019 20:32:21 +0000Marcus LopesSocial media is my friend and my energy. Here's how I'm managing it to increase productivity and stay focused on what matters.453focus,productivity,socialmedia,stayfocused,timemanagementclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-12-finding-your-voice--17256746https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17256746Thu, 07 Mar 2019 20:12:26 +0000Marcus LopesIn this chaotic world, it's important to find your voice. Discover how one author did just that.652creatives,creativity,dowhatyoulove,findyourvoice,liveyourbestlife,motivation,writingclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-13-gratitude--17254342https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17254342Thu, 07 Mar 2019 16:40:49 +0000Marcus LopesMarcus Lopés talks about gratitude and the role it plays in his life. What are you grateful for?392friendship,gratitude,lessonslearned,writingclean1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-sweater-talk-episode-14-momentum--17253958https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17253958Thu, 07 Mar 2019 15:58:46 +0000Marcus LopesHow do you create momentum in your life and keep it going?383habits,liveyourbestlife,liveyourdreams,momentum,writerclean1full