Listen "#149 - Louis Labrie - Your Life Will Change Forever, The Day You Travel"
Episode Synopsis
Louis Labrie is a mechanical engineer, traveler, and fitness enthusiast. At just 25 years old, Louis has already lived a life full of movement, exploration, and personal growth. Born in the United States to French Canadian parents, he grew up on the East Coast before moving to Canada in 2009. Now based in Edmonton, he works as a design engineer specializing in valve systems while balancing a deep love for travel, fitness, and learning new skills. Having visited over 16 countries, Louis thrives on experiencing new cultures, meeting people from all walks of life, and—most importantly—trying food from anywhere and everywhere. Whether he’s hitting the gym, playing soccer, snowboarding, or golfing in the summer, Louis finds ways to keep life active, adventurous, and full of discovery.Louis’s journey into backpacking wasn’t something he had always planned—if anything, he started out feeling nervous about traveling alone. But once he experienced the kindness and warmth of people abroad, he was hooked. Backpacking has taught him the value of being open-minded, friendly, and adaptable. In his travels, he’s noticed big differences in how welcoming certain countries can be—Asia, for instance, is incredibly backpacker-friendly compared to parts of Europe. Over time, he has learned that the best travel experiences balance a loose plan with flexibility. Just like in engineering, where things don’t always go as expected, having the ability to adjust on the fly is essential.For Louis, physical activity is more than just exercise—it’s a way to stay balanced, energized, and socially connected. He’s been playing soccer for over 20 years, enjoying both the cardio benefits and the camaraderie of team sports. In the summer, he loves getting outside for golf, which not only burns calories but also offers time to relax with friends or colleagues. Gym workouts remain a cornerstone of his routine, with at least three sessions a week to maintain overall strength and health. Working at a desk all day makes it even more important to move regularly, and his commitment to staying fit has even opened professional opportunities, such as visiting remote client sites that require passing fitness tests. His advice for staying consistent—especially when traveling—is to do something active every day, keep it varied, and try new activities like rock climbing or boxing.Curiosity drives much of Louis’s life, from exploring new countries to developing new skills. He believes in asking questions, challenging stereotypes, and learning by doing. When choosing what to learn next, he focuses on what excites him most while also considering what will help him grow professionally and personally. Recently, he completed a Lean Six Sigma course focused on workplace efficiency and the 5S method—principles he’s applied both at work and at home to streamline processes and reduce clutter. For Louis, the joy of learning comes from seeing tangible improvements in his life and work, whether it’s mastering a new sport, improving his engineering skills, or picking up insights from the people he meets on his travels.Louis Labrie is a testament to how curiosity, movement, and an open mind can create a rich and balanced life. From navigating the unpredictable world of backpacking to maintaining an active fitness routine and constantly seeking new skills, he blends adventure with discipline in a way that fuels both his career and personal fulfillment. Whether he’s designing valves, exploring remote corners of the world, or savoring the next great meal, Louis approaches life with enthusiasm and adaptability—reminding us that the best journeys are those where we stay open to learning, connecting, and embracing the unexpected.KEEP IT LONG TERM!
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