My Movember 2024 campaign has reached its conclusion. Thanks to everyone's generosity we have raised $13,901 from 220 donors (at the time of this posting - it's still not too late!

Always nice to run into a fellow Mo Bro!

You Grow Julien!

12. What does your ideal Movember support team look like? Friends with mustaches, mascots, or maybe even pets?

Actually, my ideal Movember support team is what I already have: my family, my friends, and the folks that support me every year without fail. It heartens me to know that people actually expect my campaign and wholeheartedly support it. My family gets into the spirit and are very encouraging, and my friends always support my milestones with generous donations and pep talks.

13. What's the biggest challenge you've faced while growing a Movember moustache?

The biggest challenge is self doubt. We are facing a challenging economy - especially since COVID - and it's not fair to expect folks to constantly hand out donations as there are many worthy causes. I believe in the cause, though, and I do feel that this is a solid way to help steer society in a better direction.

14. Why do you think men's mental health discussions are crucial?

I think these discussions are crucial because of the nature of society's evolution. There has certainly been a lot of negativity in the way things used to be - equity is so important, and the best way to address this challenge is to go to the source. While modern gents are certainly not necessarily responsible for things being what they are (at least not all modern gents), the best way forward is to all pitch in and help society evolve to fuel the greater good. It's not easy, given how "being emotional" and "sensitive" are still looked down upon as "bad" traits for a man to have (seriously, just take a look around and you'll find that oppression still exists) - I mentioned before that it makes it challenging for men to get help (or know what the correct path might be). That's why initiatives like Movember are so important - they foster a safe and inclusive environment, which really makes us all stronger in the long run.

The first question was posed by ChatGPT, the second by Gemini, the third by Meta AI.

Had a great party for Movember last night with a group of awesome folks.

Fun was had, prizes were won, and we raised $67 for Movember - it's not much, but every but counts!

10. How has participating in Movember changed your perspective on men's health?

Honestly, I'm not sure if it has changed it that much in terms of men's health. I'm a fairly empathic person, and I have always been in touch with my feelings. I don't have a problem expressing my love for my friends and I can even care about strangers. What surprises me is more about how others view it. I see a disturbing number of people move about their lives while actively ignoring many of the warning signs around them. It breaks my heart.

11. How has your partner/family/friends reacted to your Movember moustache?

My partner is amazing. She has always thrown herself behind the cause and comes up with some very interesting ideas. The kids also really enjoy getting into the moustache spirit. Our eldest and I have always done a "serious photo", and when I met Tracey and the kids, they joined us. This year's Movember's End family photo is going to be a lot of fun.

When I started doing the AI-based questions, I did so in order not to disturb anyone. However, if you do feel a query coming on, send it to me in a private message and I'll add it to the queue!

Both questions posed by Gemini.

It has been a busy couple of days so I haven't had a chance to answer any AI-posed questions, so here are a few...

6. What fictional character’s mustache would you like to have for a day?

Yosemite Sam's, of course. How can one not want to have that stache for a day?

7. What’s your go-to mustache grooming tip that no one knows about?

I use one of the Movember moustache combs as well as a beard lotion. It's important to align and moisturize the stache if you want it to behave. Otherwise it itches like hell.

8. What’s the funniest thing you've heard or been told about your Movember mustache (or lack thereof)?

A number of years ago, I grew a moustache in honour of the late Jack Layton, then leader of the NDP. I was pretty chuffed about it until someone told me that I looked like one of those dads in Bollywood films. I mean, I'll dance and sing I suppose, but it wasn't the look I was going for.

9. If you could pick any fictional character to support your Movember campaign, who would it be?

Tony Stark, probably. I mean, he has cool facial hair and would probably donate a fair chunk of change.

(The first two questions were from Copilot. The third and fourth were from ChatGPT.

5. How do you stay motivated during the challenge?

I referenced this in my "about" section - but I have a surprising number of friends that are touched by prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health challenges. When I first started, one of my friends was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Practically every other year after that, either someone that I knew - or someone connected to a friend or coworker - had been diagnosed with cancer or a mental health issue.

During the pandemic, I had four people confide in me about considering suicide - and two of them were men.

These issues really hit close to home - and looking at my kids and their friends just reinforces the fact that it's important to help remove the stigmas (read: get rid of the "machismo") in order for men to come forward to find solutions.

This is what keeps me motivated and why I can be such a pain in the ass during November of every year. :)

Today's question was posed by Meta AI.

4. What’s one tip you'd give someone new to Movember who’s nervous about growing a mustache?

Growing the mustache is a daunting task - especially if you stick to the rules (which state that you have to start clean shaven). The tip I would give is to be patient and understanding.

The first few days of Movember are very awkward as you grow out the stache. To me, this is symbolic - it speaks to the unseen barriers that face men who need to talk about health concerns. Going through a little mild discomfort (of looking goofy) is nothing compared to what many men go through in order to seek help for health issues (of all kinds).

Be proud of whatever you grow - you're helping spread the message that it's okay to talk to someone about what ails you!

Today's question came from ChatGPT.

Day 13. Coming along nicely - both Stache-wise and Fund-wise. Thanks to everyone who has donated so far - it's very much appreciated!

Today's AI-inspired Q&A will be posted later today!

#Movember #MovemberCanada

3. If your mustache could talk, what would be its first words?

"Why must you erase me from existence at the end of Movember? WHYYY?!?!?!?"

Truth be told, I actually hate growing it. I prefer to be clean-shaven, or at the very least, I don't mind growing a full beard it in the summer when I go camping (whatever a week's worth of hair is, anyway). I'm lucky that it grows in evenly (length, not colour) and with all of the swimming and sunshine, it's pretty soft.

Despite my feelings of hatred towards growing the moustache, I think it's important to set that aside for the greater good.

Sorry, my friend. At the beginning of December you will be gone once more.

Today's question was posed by Copilot.

Day 8. Taking shape...

2. What's the strangest thing you've learned about men's health while participating in Movember?

The strangest thing I have learned is how many men take their own lives. Sixty men die by suicide (globally) every hour. I was absolutely shocked when I learned this figure. This is why I incorporated the Move element into my Movember campaign. A minimum of 1 km for every man that dies.

Today's question was posed by Gemini.

I thought it would be interesting to explore answers to questions that people have been asking me over the years (and perhaps questions that folks are too shy to ask). So I have turned to AI to help me with this (since I don't want to bother anyone because I know we're all busy).

So as we move through Movember, I will have various AI chatbots ask me questions that I will do my best to answer, so without further ado...

1. What inspired you to join Movember, and how has it changed over the years for you?

I heard about this initiative 16 years ago - and I thought it was an interesting concept. I did a little digging and found the Movember foundation to be excellent at running a tight ship - so it was comfortable to get behind them. Most importantly, I had friends at the time who were going through a prostate cancer diagnosis - so that inspired me to help raise money and awareness. Over the years Movember has changed, growing to encompass a number of different health issues that concern men - making Movember something of a quest that I gave myself to help out as much as I can.

I am fully aware of the negativity that men have brought to the world - something that makes it even more important to help those that are good and decent people that might need help.

(Today's question asked by ChatGPT)

It is day 1! This morning, at 12:05, I was clean shaven and ready to start another campaign. I'll write a bit more about this later today - but if you would be so kind as to donate that would be excellent!

And that's a wrap! Thank you everyone - your support and generosity are amazing and inspiring!

Day 30: The final day! Huge thanks to everyone that supported me throughout this journey. I feel like we have done some awesome work here!

Day 29: The penultimate day! I'm very stoked about how this month will finish! Doing our family portrait this evening (that's the plan, anyway).

Day 28: Two days to go! Looking forward to doing our Movember FamJam photo tomorrow!

Day 27: Just a few days left. There are always hints delivered by the universe about how important this work is on a more regular basis than you think. Thanks so much for your continued support!