Adversity to Advantage

“What really saved my life during that time was my ability to talk” I am SUPER excited to have gotten the chance to interview the Legendary, Mental Health Power House that is Geoff McDonald! Best known as a global advocate, campaigner and consultant who is passionate about addressing the stigma of mental ill health in workplaces, and about helping organisations embed purpose as a key driver of business performance. His sense of purpose to his work was catalysed by his diagnosis in 2008 of Anxiety fuelled depression. Geoff shares his experience of mental ill health, his journey to recovery as well as what goes into a sustainable health and wellbeing initiative within the workplace. We go deep on topics such as; Diagnosis of anxiety fuelled depression Learning to talk Taking responsibility for our wellbeing Health & Wellbeing plans in the workplace The stigma & shame associated with depression Taking accountability in order to get better The blessing of love during recovery Reintegrating at work Transition from employment into purpose Tools that contribute to maintaining recovery Connect with Geoff and learn more about his work at geoffmcdonald.co.uk , linkedIn &Twitter. Hear more about our mental health work at Petra Velzeboer Ltd.

‘It’s not going back to business as normal, we’re in a very new era now and If you’re not stretching yourself to meet that you will get left behind’ Samantha Clarke is an amazing friend of mine, Happiness Consultant, TedX speaker and Author of Love it or Leave it . She advices global companies on Happiness at Work and supports people’s conscious decisions to either Love it or Leave it! She is full of innovative advice for employers and employees on finding happiness in our work as well as providing practical tips on how we can all adjust to the change born from the pandemic! We get practical on topics such as: Finding the opportunity in change and disruption Creating safe spaces for employees to be vulnerable Steps to becoming a change maker Challenging your belief system and evaluating your achievements Physical & Mental Health signs that it is time for change Widening our networks and making new contacts Balancing head and heart decisions Managing loneliness during the pandemic Championing your people to deliver their best Creating that work / life definition Preventing tech fatigue and creating wiser practices Find out more by connecting with Samantha on Linkedin and you can see her full personal story in Episode 11 titled: How Badly do you Want it . Find out more by connecting with Samantha on Linkedin and hear more about our mental health work at Petra Velzeboer Ltd. You can catch a previous interview with Samantha How Badly do you Want it Further Resources mentioned in this episode:: Micro Mentor Life Coach Directory Love it or Leave it

“When I came out…..I had completely unconditional support and love and I realised that’s sadly not the case for everyone” I feel very privileged to interview Matthew Clements. Matthew is the Senior diversity and inclusion advisor at Herbert Smith Freehills and i have had the pleasure of working with him through the partnership between Medigold and PVL where i have been supporting the Mental Health strategy and training of HSF. We discuss Mental health and his Matthew goes deep on his own experience of mental health and coming out to his family and friends. We cover other topics such as: Challenges of mental health in the workplace HSF Thrive Strategy The evolution of how businesses understand mental health Promoting an inclusive culture Mental health champions Adapting to needs during the pandemic The build up to coming out to family and friends No longer being able to hide / the loss of control The benefits of coming out Looking back on yourself with kindness The ripple effects of shared stories & experiences Creating impact through authenticity Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace The mental health silver lining in the pandemic The need for organisations to step up mental health strategy Agile & remote working Non-negotiables around self-care Connect with Matthew on Linkedin and hear more about our mental health work at Petra Velzeboer Ltd.

“You really can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to make sure you are ok first” Ranked as one of the top 10 companies to work for by The Sunday Times and recently shortlisted for the REBA wellbeing awards, Hannah Meredith leads the way on Health and Wellbeing for MVF Global We discuss the current and long-lasting impact of the pandemic on employees and their mental health and Hannah lends practical advice on how employers can implement mental health strategies. Hannah also opens up about her personal struggles with anxiety how she’s learned to manage these effectively. We cover topics such as: The impact of providing constant support on People Teams The longterm effects of covid-19 on mental health Home working and creating boundaries to thrive Company initiatives during lockdown to support mental health Understanding the needs of your workforce Cultivating an open culture The daily struggle anxiety struggle Practicing Self-awareness and coping strategies The importance of connection The Pandemic and relationships Aiming for prevention The opportunities arising from Covid Connect with Hannah on Linkedin and hear more about our mental health work at Petra Velzeboer Ltd.

‘We have to adapt with the changing times and we have to adapt to what are employees are needing’ So excited to speak with Selena Alcover who is an Employee Experience Manager at National Grid. We discuss the impact of the current pandemic on employees and Selena offers tangible advice to leaders on supporting their workforce through these challenging times as well as opening up about her own personal struggle of becoming a first time parent in the midst of a pandemic. We go deep on: Remembering to ask for advice and help Stress and new challenges caused by the pandemic Adapting to the changing needs of employees The shared experience of the pandemic Leading by example and promoting work/life balance Driving mental health conversations and championing open culture in the workplace How to support employees during maternity Managing maternity cover dynamics The benefits of remote working Self -care during the pandemic Connect with Selena on Linkedin and hear more about our mental health work at Petra Velzeboer Ltd.

‘I would say to anyone, speak and there is bravery in that even if you are vulnerable ‘ Tony Nneke is Chair of Oracle UKIE Cultural Harmony Network and passionate about Diversity and Inclusion as well as mental health. Tony talks openly about needing to take time off work due to poor mental health and how leaders helped or hindered his experience in the workplace. We go deep on: Practicing vulnerability at work The need to create supportive and safe environments in the workplace Engaging in mental health conversations in the workplace Impact of mental health on productivity Opening up to management and colleagues The feeling of shame around mental health The Power of Conversation Childhood experiences of mental health Recognising the trigger points and the ongoing journey Finding your own balance and boundaries Connect with Tony on Linkedin and hear more about our mental health work at Petra Velzeboer Ltd.

‘I think you are a better leader if you bring your whole self to work ‘ I am so excited to have been introduced to Jules Parke-Robinson - with a 20 year career in the British Military and current experience as Chair of the British Wheelchair Basketball, she has amazing insights on motivating a team, men’s mental health and adapting to change. We discuss her experiences of mental health and leadership in the workplace as well as retiring only to be thrust in a world where she didn’t feel she belonged and struggled to adapt into a new career phase. Anyone who’s a leader or has hit rock bottom will relate to this episode! We go deep on: Creating an environment where it is safe to fail How attitudes to mental health have changed over the years in the military Creating impact and supporting people The challenge of being a woman in the military Demonstrating vulnerability as a leader Listening, space, permission and freedom Creating the right environment to support individuals to practice self-care Leading by example Allowing individuals to create their own boundaries Empowering people and demonstrating trust Understanding your workforce so you can nurture them and allow them to be their best self. Practicing self-care, parenting and adapting to change. Connect with Jules on Linkedin and hear more about our mental health work at Petra Velzeboer Ltd.

‘As adults we seem to forget that we were once children ’ It was so great to speak with Sayce Holmes - Williams, CEO of Mentivity, Activist and key note speaker and a coach of young people. Sayce has a passion for raising the aspirations of young people between the ages of 8 & 25 by sharing his own personal stories and experiences of his childhood journey growing up in south east London. His organisation Mentivity is an inspirational mentoring organisation and alternative educational provision that provides aspirational support for young people, schools and parents through 1:1 mentoring and group conversation based learning. We go deep on: Tapping into your childhood experiences The importance of empathy Understanding individual journeys without judgement Current mental health needs of young people The loss of communication in today’s society Skills needed to champion mental health Sharing vulnerable experiences Breaking the stigma of Counselling Stimulating critical thinking in youth Engaging young people in the workplace Guided discovery Incorporating inclusive and supportive behaviour into recruitment Connect with Sayce on Linkedin and see more of his work at Mentivity

Super excited to have this conversation with David Allard, Part of the Petra Velzeboer team , David is now retired but has a wealth of experience as a CEO of a financial services organisation. David shares with me his approach to mental health in the workplace and how CEOs can champion the cause , leading by example, creating the correct environment and promoting the correct culture amongst their workforce. We discuss topics such as The importance of recruiting correctly Values An entitled generation? The need for patience Promoting open communication Recognising the signs as a leader Introducing fun & lightness to the workplace Developing a mental health strategy The bottom line Adapting to retirement Self-Care The future of the workplace The pressure of being positive as a leader / Choosing how to show up Connect with on Linkedin and join the conversation at Petra Velzeboer Ltd.

The most important question you can ask someone, is the simplest, it’s “How are you?” I am so excited for this new season where we focus 10 episodes on mental health at work and the people that champion this conversation with organisations. Rondette Smith is an executive director in Human Capital Management at Goldman Sachs. A member of the Diversity & inclusion team, she oversees the Black & Asian talent strategies across Europe, the Middle East & Africa. She is also part of our advisory board and works closely with the Petra Velzeboer Ltd team to help us advise companies on their mental health agenda. Rondette knows the crucial importance of mental health in the workplace and her personal story of a boyfriend being sectioned after going missing, hits to the heart of why she is passionate about this topic. We discuss topics such as: The changing narrative around mental health globally The impact of the C-19 Pandemic on Mental Health What companies can be doing to support their employees How to Lead by Example Creating effective forums where people can express themselves and learn Communicating your mental health parameters - what’s your ask? Home working & Mental Health The importance of Exercise and time out Dealing with personal trauma in the workplace Burnouts & non-negotiables Creating psychological safety with your team The detrimental effect of the lack of human contact during C-19 Long term effects of C-19 on the workplace Supporting the race conversation Connect with Rondette on Linkedin and join the conversation at Petra Velzeboer Ltd.

“I remember laying face down shirt ripped, phone gone, money gone and thinking if I lay here long enough il just die” Totally relating to Sam’s story of his descent into alcoholism and the shame associated with it, I just HAD to get Sam Church on the A2A podcast to share his journey with me. Sam is a Mental Health Advocate, Sales Professional and Co-Founder of MENtality. Having lived the majority of his life with poor mental health and still having to work on this on a daily basis Sam knows first-hand what it’s like to feel the pain of poor Mental Health. Battling addiction, not sleeping, poor nutrition and closing off from the world was a daily routine for over a decade. Essentially Sam could not see a way out and fundamentality didn’t know how. Today Sam leads a different life. Overcoming this adversity and changing his life completely Sam now wants to give others the education that he didn’t have. We go deep on topics such as: MENtality Self-isolation Fascination of alcohol from a young age The Trauma trigger Path to alcohol Masking the addiction The catalyst moment for change Genetic predispositions Growth mindset Changing the habit and replacing the urge Non- negotiables to maintain being your best self Mediation & journaling Aligning your environment Connect with Sam and learn more about MENtality Instagram , Linkedin

“When you fail, its just a moment, it’s not permanent, it doesn’t define you as a person” Gavin Johnson has always been a keen sportsman, he started as a decathlete and moved into the javelin winning various national medals. When Covid-19 hit, Gavin decided to change a few things in his life, focusing on writing, art and other business ventures with the hope of coming out of the pandemic better than he went in. He set about developing skills and began training to be a Life Coach which inspired him to write no less than 3 books! We discuss the driving force behind his achievements as well as going deep on the importance of cognitive distortions and the impact it’s having on society and people. Such a great conversation in which we touch on topics such as: Covid-19 and pivoting our intentions The path to athletic achievement Having the belief that you can achieve anything Knowing when it is time to quit or keep going Visualisation & mindset hacks Placing your energy in the right places Optimising your environment for success Breaking down goals to make them achievable The no-hope illusion Inner peace our greatest goal Racism in today’s society Connect with Gavin and learn more about his book The Little Book of Empowerment at: gavinlisene.com and on Instagram

“If I drink now, there’s no point carrying on. I’ll just go and kill myself” A passionate and avid sportsman, Enton played semi-professional football and was on track to follow his dream of playing as a career when a sliding doors moment changed everything. He fell gradually into a whirlwind life of addiction and homelessness. Enton is now twelve years sober, he is a qualified Drugs and Alcohol counsellor and has worked as a support worker for local charities. His passion is now to support people and offer them opportunity and hope through sharing his journey. Enton shares with me the experiences and influences that shaped the choices which would threaten to ruin his personal relationships and the life he once knew. An honest and open conversation about addiction, homelessness and life in recovery. We go deep on topics such as: Is addiction rooted in trauma Childhood anxiety First love break-up The appeal of alcohol Escapism through music Experimenting with cocaine Refusing to admit there is a problem Burning personal relationships Becoming homeless Lack of personal responsibility The changes since the start of recovery Rebuilding one step at a time Replacing addictions with addictions Suicide attempts Self-acceptance Connect with Enton and learn more about his book Laid Bare at: therealbarefoot.co.uk Instagram , Twitter

“A lot of people that knew me could sense that something strange was going on” I feel so privileged to speak with Wesley Alston as he opens up to me about his experience of living with Schizophrenia. Wesley is 29 years old, from Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.A. and started to experience symptoms of schizophrenia in 2011 at the age of 20. It was later that same year he was diagnosed. Through mentorship and support from a number of people including his family, psychiatrist and day program "Sanctuary House" Wesley has been able to regain stability over the last ten years. He now finds himself waking up every day feeling joyous and confident about his life. We go deep on topics such as: The effects of Covid-19 on mental health First symptoms of Schizophrenia Being hospitalised Navigating the first few years after diagnosis The struggle of finding a compatible medication The stigma of mental health and the distancing of friends Reintegration into the workplace and education after diagnosis Battling the voices within Coping mechanisms to keep the best state of mental health Feeling of purpose and looking to the future Benefits of a good support system Practicing patience The importance of talking Connect with Wesley more at: Instagram

Dr Phil Hopley helps me re-think entrepreneurship and the cult of busy! This felt like a private advice session and so timely while scaling my business during one of the most challenging times globally. As entrepreneurs we are excited about our work and presume that working flat out is the only way through! Dr Phil works with elite performers and challenges this idea explaining the 1 non-negotiable when it comes to sustaining high performance: RECOVERY! Dr Phil’s training in forensic, general and sport psychiatry combined with a career playing premiership rugby has enabled him to develop his passion for the mental health of elite performance in sport and business. We discuss: Cognitive Intervention Techniques Building competence around exposure and opportunity Modelling work Ethic Resilience and being prepared to fail Pursuing things that give you joy The resilience gene Covid-19 resilience & pressures Embedding Recovery behaviours into our lives Achieving balance Promoting the correct mental culture in the workplace Turning catastrophisation into looking for opportunity Connect with Dr Phil and learn more about his work at: cognacity.co.uk, linkedIn , Twitter and Instagram

I’m very excited about this episode from a man who has been through an enormous amount but has channelled everything into passion and progress! Matt Zinman is a personal success trainer whose varied experiences as an entrepreneur, athlete, single parent, caretaker, consultant and nonprofit founder drive him to be a difference-maker. Matt suffered from depression since his early teens. Losing his Mother to HIV contracted from tainted blood during surgery and the loss of a brother to suicide, has forced Matt to develop coping skills and resilience throughout his life. Matt now lives each day to fulfil his goal to positively impact as many people as possible. Matt opens up about his past catalyst moments and how he strengthened his mindset. We discuss: Childhood defining moments Traumatic loss of a Mother & Sibling Managing depression through self-care Staying open through grief and finding support Depression misconceptions Recognising the signs Managing grief and moving forward Law of attraction & amplifying gratitude Post trauma parenting advice Connect with Matthew and learn more about his work at: Z-isms.com , linkedIn , Twitter and Instagram Amazon author Page

“Your power your strength your confidence , comes from your physical state Finding a cure for her sick son led ex lawyer Geeta Sidhu-Robb to be a successful Health Entrepreneur. She is a health & stress specialist who provides specialist health programmes for the over 40. As well as explaining how stress impacts us, Geeta shares her inspiring story with me and details how she went from being homeless to creating her multi award winning empire. We go deep on topics such as. Habit changing over 40 Choosing to invest in ourselves Being conditioned throughout our lives Understanding Drive vs Stress Recognising Burnout Physical symptoms of stress Planning non -negotiables Meditation & Journalling Creating self-awareness Gender differences around stress Connect with Geeta and learn more about her work at: NoshDetox.com , linkedIn , Twitter and Instagram

“There’s lots of ways we can show kindness, I think that goes a long way to supporting our mental health and wellbeing during these times” Jonny Jacobs is the Financial Director of Starbucks, a Trustee for the Mental Health Foundation and an Advisory Board Member for Mental Health summit Mad World. Jonny is passionate about engaging with businesses on the topic of mental health, challenging stigma and ensuring leadership is inclusive and purposeful, creating psychological safety in times of upheaval. We discuss his childhood and how he became an advocate for Mental Health and his history raising awareness on the subject. We touch on topics such as: How mental health conversations have evolved over the years Childhood adversity and influences Building resilience and resourcefulness Businesses and mental health The need for businesses to be authentic Line Management & mental health Leading by example in companies Encouraging kindness Remote working and supporting healthy cultures Psychological safety points and the need for empathy Connect with Jonny and learn more about his work at: Mental Health Foundation , linkedIn , Twitter

“A Regret free life rather than a regretful life” Travis Bell has had a Bucket List since the age of 18, but it wasn’t until he did his first seminar that he realised that this was not something that was common practice. From this realisation the ‘Bucket List Guy’ was born. Spreading his message through keynote speaking, blogging, his podcast and a Tedx talk, Travis Bell revels in helping people to live a life of more meaning , more purpose and more fulfilment. Travis takes me through how he became known as ‘The Bucket List Guy’ and the motivation behind inspiring others to realise their potential. We discuss topics such as: The Bucket list concept Re-prioritising what matters in life Covid-19 - Moving from Confusion to Clarity Living by design instead of default Not playing small Articulating a bucket list Realising & Meeting our potential Entrepreneur DNA Self-development Changing the narrative around depression Finding purpose & meaning Connect with Travis and learn more about his work at thebucketlistguy.com , linkedIn , Instagram & Twitter

“What really saved my life during that time was my ability to talk” I am SUPER excited to have gotten the chance to interview the Legendary, Mental Health Power House that is Geoff McDonald! Best known as a global advocate, campaigner and consultant who is passionate about addressing the stigma of mental ill health in workplaces, and about helping organisations embed purpose as a key driver of business performance. His sense of purpose to his work was catalysed by his diagnosis in 2008 of Anxiety fuelled depression. Geoff shares with me his experience with mental health and his journey to recovery as well as the importance behind correct health and wellbeing initiatives within the workplace. We go deep on topics such as; Diagnosis of anxiety fuelled depression The ability to talk Taking responsibility for balance Health & Wellbeing in the workplace Coming to terms with a diagnosis The stigma and associated shame of depression Taking accountability in order to get better The blessing of love during recovery The science of Love & Gratitude Returning to work and reintegrating The importance of a support network Transition of employment into purpose Tools that contribute to maintaining recovery Connect with Geoff and learn more about his work at geoffmcdonald.co.uk , linkedIn & Twitter

Michael is an author and speaker on the topic of Aspergers and Autism. Non verbal until the age of 3 and diagnosed with high functioning autism at the age of 7, Michael has had to learn to adjust and adapt to living with Autism. He is now on a mission to change the world’s perception of autism and inspire through his talks. Michael opens up about overcoming obstacles and his experience of living with Autism. We go deep on topics such as Encouragement from supportive parents Maintaining a positive mindset The stigma surrounding Autism Adjusting and learning to live with Autism Self-development of social skills Support & Guidance needed Dating & social challenges The Media’s portrayal of Autism Routines and daily challenges Navigating relationships You can learn more about and connect with Michael at michaelbarton.org.uk , linkedIn & Twitter Check out Michael’s Books ,It's Raining Cats and Dogs and A Different Kettle of Fish

What if poor mental health was really just impacted by an imbalance in amino acids? Amidst Johnny Quinn Alston’s portfolio career and through his brother’s mental illness, as well as struggling with mood and addiction questions in his own life, he read a book called The Mood Cure that radically altered his life. Johnny shares how he educated himself and discovered the connection between his body and his mental health and the changes he put in place to switch up his physical state. We go deep on physiology and mental health, touching on topics such as: Covid-19 and adapting to the change Why Mental Health is important How investing in our inner core can keep us resilient Experimenting with amino acids to aid mental health Recognising and understanding body triggers Simplifying and cleaning up your diet Practicing self awareness Taking proactive action to switch your emotional state and enjoy life! You can get in touch with Johnny by emailing him at info@youalrightmate.org or find him at @https://youalrightmate.org or https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-quinn-alston-87345aa1/

“I remember going in to see a therapist and they said, do you think you would be happier if your mum was dead and I said yes” My good friend Danny Rahim is an Actor and Mental Health speaker. At the age of 13 Danny’s Mother suffered from mental health issues and suicide ideation as a result of a serious accident in which she lost her unborn baby. This saw Danny forced to take on the role of sole carer for his mother. What followed was years of erratic behaviour from his mother and hardship for Danny. Despite managing to carve a successful career for himself, the combination of this child hood trauma and new episodes of adversity showing up in his life resulted in Danny attempting to take his own life. During his journey of self-development , recovery & rehabilitation, Danny realised his life purpose. He now has a mission to help others recognise that there is support out there and that other options are available to them. We discuss: Childhood trauma Pressure of caring for a parent at a young age Building resilience Creating a successful career despite adversity Suicide Ideation Rehabilitation after hitting rock bottom Identifying and utilising self help tools Finding purpose and giving back Checking in with yourself as a practice Setting & holding boundaries to protect your mental health You can find out more about Danny and connect with him at LinkedIn or Speakers Collective

“By talking about him and talking about my experience, it keeps him with me” In 2018 Bev’s son Jess, took his own life. Using her creativity to process her grief, Bev created a short film called “5 days to say goodbye” which documented the last 5 days which she spent with her son. In this episode Bev opens up to me about her quest to find magic after the death of her son. A raw and honest conversation about suicide and the love, grief and promises surrounding it. We discuss: Creativity & Laughter as coping mechanisms The meaning of magic Remembering Jess Mental health & Depression Learning to accept the choice of suicide The messy middle Avoiding sitting with the grief Release through feeling Continuing to show up Building resilience You can find out more about Beverley and connect with her at www.beverleybishop.co.uk

“Unexpected things always happen” If you’re currently struggling with the collective uncertainty of our times then this episode goes deep on the things we can do to support ourselves through crisis! Minter Dial is a thought-leader, author, consultant and professional speaker. Having experienced and been witness to several terrorist attacks, Minter is no stranger to crisis. In this episode Minter lends insight into the way he has dealt with past trauma and his coping mechanisms and we discuss how we can face up to uncertainty and crisis when it shows up in our lives. We discuss: Business failures Covid-19 - a collective uncertainty Past traumas - 9/11 Reflection and self-discovery - What gives you meaning? Moving from fear into the hope and love Learning to accept and let go Perspective gained from past trauma Habits and practices to support difficult times You can find out more about Minter and connect with him at www.minterdial.com Books: www.minterdial.com/books/ The Last Ring Home: www.thelastringhome.com @mdial on Twitter Podcast: www.minterdial.com/podcast

“If we all just don’t self-deify, then this world would be a better place” Scott Shay is the co-founder of an American Bank and author of In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism, a book which explores the most common atheist critiques of the Bible and religion, incorporating Jewish, Christian, and Muslim voices. In this episode Scott shares with me his belief systems around religion and the driving force behind writing his book. We cover: Generational trauma - The son of a Holocaust survivor The resilience gene Realising your meaning in life Misconceptions of the bible Re-evaluation of religion and of atheism Cults, Idolatry and false prophets Why is it important to have a belief in god? Belief systems What can a belief in god give you Check out Scott’s book - In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism You can find out more about Scott and connect with him at Scottshay.com , Facebook

Jen Coken is an executive coach for Badass Boss Ladies, a national speaker and a best-selling author of "When I Die, Take My Panties," is an inspiring, raw, and at times, funny memoir about her mother’s battle with Ovarian Cancer. Jen opens up about coping with her mother's death, her rock-bottom moments and what it took to push on through. We discuss topics such as: Using courage built up from adversity to take chances Anger & rebellion during teenage years Learning & building resilience When I Die Take my Panties book Lessons learned from Mother’s passing Forced resignation and reaching rock bottom The grief process Continuing to show up Managing the ‘Messy Middle’ Pivoting during Covid-19 How to work through your rock bottom moments You can find out more about Jen and connect with her at www.jencoken.com , LinkedIN, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Check out Jen’s book When I Die, Take My Panties: Turning Your Darkest Moments into Your Greatest Gifts

“We can’t control what is going on out there but we can choose what we focus on” My good friend Sam Kiani is a Human potential coach , yogi, runner and long time meditator with a love for freedom. In this episode we discuss the resilience needed to deal with the current Covid-19 environment t and how there is in fact the potential for us all to actually find opportunities in what feels like such a rock bottom moment in time! Sam explains how exposure to childhood trauma brought on by leaving home at the age of 14 to escape an abusive alcoholic mother, enabled her to develop the skills needed to help with todays climate. We delve into topics such as: Who gets resilience The power we all have to choose where we put our focus Where there is great change there are great opportunities Using breathing techniques to alter our state Investing in ourselves to maximise our potential Learning to let love in Childhood trauma Focussing on the want instead of the lack of Understanding what it is to be human Learning to let go How anxiety and stress shows up in our bodies Finding opportunity in rock bottom moments Putting the brakes on and concentrating on self development Building & evolving confidence Hear more about Sam’s amazing work at Inspired World or over on Instagram and LinkedIn

“It’s not just one phase, it’s not just one stereotype. It can affect anyone” When Paul McGregor lost his father to suicide it left him with unanswered questions and he struggled to process grief in a world where silence is revered as a man’s way of coping. His father had been so perfect; he ran religiously, read self-help books, had a career and a happy family. Without knowing anything about mental health, it seemed to Paul that everything descended into chaos fast, as he visited his father in a depressing mental institution where he eventually was released, taking his life soon after. After lots of confusion, Paul took up therapy and educated himself on mental illness and how to talk so he could process the grief. Over time he’s found purpose in his pain and now delivers his message of hope as a mental Health Speaker, Advocate & Author and is driven to create change by normalising mental health conversations and breaking down the stigma that surrounds conversations about our minds and emotions. This is a hopeful conversation covering grief and life after suicide. We cover: Family Conditioning and not having language around mental health The unimaginable loss of a father through suicide The hopeless unanswered questions Masking grief How mental health hospitals need to drastically change to support recovery The grief roller coaster Finding purpose in the pain Nurturing good mental health & Wellbeing The benefits of therapy Learning to ask for help Check out the wonderful work Paul is doing at www. pmcgregor.com or Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Twitter

With swirling media attention on fear and panic, listen to this short episode to help you shift your perspective and connect into your inner wisdom. After weeks of ‘being strong’ and being there for other people, I found myself caught up in the fear narrative, reactively looking for work, thinking I’d lose everything and that everything’s gone to shit. After tears and white knuckling, a job hunt (even though I am lucky to have resources to last for some months) I decided to close my eyes and meditate. Without any specific breathing exercises or cool methods, I simply sat open-palmed putting my attention on the energy in the air and noticing the wisdom around me. Just this short time brought my cortisol down and tapped me into the wisdom that is all around us! My own inner-innate wisdom which reduced panic, recalibrated trust in the universe and allowed me to know the next right steps for me. Listen to this episode if you want to find a way to connect to your own source and understand the next right steps for you during these troubling times. Let me know your thoughts on Insta: @petra.velzeboer

“I cannot succeed at connecting and succeed at contributing if i am not taking care of thriving” Tony Loyd is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and coach. He helps purpose-driven business leaders to thrive so that they can connect and contribute at deeper levels. In 2018 Tony’s friend asked him 'How are you?’ ~ For the first time Tony chose to admit to his current state of depression. This realisation led him to many moments of despair and overwhelm, but after being introduced to Johann Hari’s - The Lost Connections , Tony realised that the hope for a better future was actually within his control, off the back of this he committed himself to living a year of personal bests. We discuss topics such as: The impact of family dynamics on later life Coping with violence in the home Resilience - Are we born with it or do we develop it? Developing a growth mindset Holding a mirror up to ourselves Admitting to depression Taking action over the cause of depression Showing up & being fully you Creating boundaries to protect our wellbeing Thrive, Connect, Contribute Practicing self reflection Remembering to focus and invest in ourselves - Thrive First! You can grab yourself a FREE copy of Tony’s Best Selling book- Crazy Good Advice by emailing Tony via his website Tonyloyd.com and mentioning ‘ADVERSITY TO ADVANTAGE’ Connect with Tony further on the following social platforms Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyLoydSocialEntrepreneur/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyloyd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyloyd/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TonyLoyd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/tonyloyd

'These are the times that we train for' If you're getting overwhelmed by all the news coming at us about how bad the world is and need a reminder of what's in your control then this episode is for you. The impact of Covid-19 mentally and emotionally is unprecedented and it's easy to get caught up in fear and worry about what will become of us all. This episode reminds us of the mindset that will get us through these times and allow us to focus on gratitude, connection and what's truly important in life! If we've been investing in ourselves over the years, training our brain in gratitude, focussing our attention on developing a growth mindset, then this time is space for that resolve to be tested. Will your rise or will you let it overwhelm you? The choice is yours. I offer advice on how to support those around you in compassion, to reach out to friendships and remind yourself of what's truly important in life. In a world of consumerism, relentless hustle and drive, there may just be a blessing to be found in slowing down and supporting each other! Remember that isolation can be just has hard for many of us as being physically ill. Try FaceTiming so that people can see you and feel closer connection rather than just texting, reaching out to the elderly in your area to see if they need support and try modelling a growth mindset to your children and disrupt the everything's-bad conversation by asking people what they're grateful for!

“I just need to save one life….if I change one man’s journey then I did my job” In 2014 Ben Akers lost his childhood best friend to suicide. Crushed by grief and shaken by the fact that no one saw the signs, Ben created a documentary about male mental health that would be shown in pubs, gyms and anywhere guys hung out in order to reach men who wouldn’t normally be part of the mental health conversation. Ben is on a mission to help men talk long before feeling hopeless and so alone that they consider taking their lives. We discuss: Male suicide Masculine conditioning - show no weakness Discovering purpose through grief The powerful impact of men being vulnerable with other men Equipping men to adequately fulfil modern roles Talk Club- keeping mentally fit Falling apart before TedX Royal Tunbridge Wells Taking care of ourselves and those around us You can find out more about Ben, watch is documentary or join a Talk Club through the links below: Wetalkclub.com www.facebook.com/STEVEDOCUMENTARY Insta: @STEVEDOCUMENTARY @Madewithltd @TalkClubUK Twitter: @SteveDoco @benakers @Madewith_ @TalkClubUK Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/…/open-up-not-man-up/id1499145604

“My mum and dad should never have been together, they shouldn’t have been a couple” Instead of fond childhood memories, Allen Johnson recalls the volatile relationship of his parents which led to his mother leaving the family home, childhood anxiety, feelings of despair and a father who abused alcohol. With no clear career or life direction, Allen turned to petty crime, avoided school and eventually was forced to move in with his grandparents. At his lowest, with no role models to help him figure a way out,  Allen thought of ending it all. Slowly Allen was exposed to new ways of thinking and investing in his personal development, giving him the courage to make the impulsive decision to start a business when he and his fiancé had a baby on the way. This episode explores how trauma can show up in our lives and what we can do to consciously make a change. We go deep on topics such as: The longterm affects of a dysfunctional childhood Living with anxiety The impact of his mother leaving Growing up with an alcoholic parent Quest for Personal development Cultivating change How trauma shows up Finding good in situations Being a healthier version of yourself - with no blueprint for health as a child Anxiety coping mechanisms Move to entrepreneurship You can connect with Allen in the following ways: Podcast - The MindShift Movement Facebook Page - AJ Fitness & Mindset Coaching Website - ajfitmindcoaching.co.uk Instagram - @ajfitmindcoaching

“If I’m able to think, i’m able to survive” I’m excited about this episode with my good friend, author, speaker and thought leader Jonathan MacDonald. We’ve spent hours talking about good ideas vs great ones, consciousness, relationships, being our best selves, vulnerability and finding meaning in the hits. I’ve been wanting Jonathan on the podcast for AGES and we’ve finally got a great conversation covering so many topics including: Our own responsibility in cycles of abuse - why we just keep going back to learn the same thing Jonathan’s love of data to track change The benefits of therapy - having a mirror held up to our insides The long term impact of early experiences including being fostered, adopted, bullying and racism Finding a strange comfort in mental abuse after physical abuse Cycles of abuse and recognising our own patterns How can we prevent repeat cycles of abuse? The benefits of practicing vulnerability Showing up, insecurities and all Despair and the choices we have in how we respond How the dark times teach us what truly matters Manifestation - how it works and how we use it This is a deep and insightful conversation that I’m thrilled to share so you can kick off your week and get real with yourself! Connect with Jonathan on Instagram at @jmacdonald YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/thejonathanmacdonald Website: jonathanmacdonald.com

I don’t have a problem with alcohol or drugs, I have a problem with me and life and alcohol and drugs are my solution to it” Tim Love is a musician who started experimenting with drugs and alcohol in his late teens. Frequent use made him feel more interesting and brave at parties and like a rock star on stage leading eventually to many rock-bottom points that would almost cost him his wife and children. An honest and open conversation about the joys and costs of addiction discussed from one addict to another. We go deep on topics such as: - The musical hustle - Are we born addicts or are we made? - Getting sober is only the first step – we then have to LIVE with all the feelings that life offers - Breakdown and recovery - The shame of being an addicted parent - The connection between trauma and addiction - How to live one day at a time - Our personal approach to self care - Nurturing a gratitude practice - Practicing honesty no matter what Connect with Tim Love on Instagram at @timloveguitar

Matt Kendall is an IEMT Trainer and Practitioner. Having studied NLP and Hypnotherapy for over 10 years, Matt has a wealth of experience dealing with clients with a range of issues including trauma and anxiety. Matt's main focus is working with clients with social anxiety and low self esteem. Using IEMT (Integral Eye Movement Therapy) he helps his clients to reduce anxiety and treat negative memories and trauma.  Matt is also the founder of the largest NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), Psychology and Hypnosis Meetup group in the World. Interesting Talks London attracts speakers to talk on therapy and self development.  An interesting conversation about alternative trauma therapy! We discuss: Hypnotherapy beginnings Mindset Vs Skillset Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) Emotion extremes and the importance of finding that ‘normal’ range Re-processing Trauma Change work Vs Care & Support Experimenting and finding what works for you. You can find out more about Matt and IEMT on his Website https://www.iemtacademy.com/ and see his work on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/iemtacademy And also connect with him on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/iemtacademy/ , Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iemtacademy/ and LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/themattkendall/

So sometimes I get overwhelmed with new information and just need to figure out stuff for myself. After an evening switching off watching a boxset cause my body was overwhelmed with work, I felt lazy and maybe even worse off than when I started! This rant is me wondering if there is another way to look at self-care and get myself feeling great again. Why is it I push myself to the absolute limit and then have nothing left in me but the CRASH button! For anyone who’s ever wondered what balance could look like for them, I go deep on: How I boost my mental state Flipping the excuses into action Recognising exhaustion and what our body needs Fight or flight mode vs peace Our inner critic telling us we’re lazy Importance of routines & habits for investing in ourselves Experimenting with Self Care & Self Compassion Practising being present Being conscious instead of numbing our feelings Putting steps in place to avoid overwhelm Entrepreneurship hustle and a way to stay sane Connect with me on Instagram @PetraVelzeboer

AAAaaahhh so today I’m introducing David Taylor, my boyfriend! We’ve been in a relationship for the past 6 months and decided, what better way to explore what a healthy relationship could be than by using our real live situation as review material! It’s a scary conversation to post because we’re not experts but we’ve both been in toxic relationships and really want to come at this one from a place of total honesty, personal responsibility and openness to the possibility of a healthy relationship no matter what is in our past. What better way to think about adversity than the adversity that shows up in relationships! It’s a place where a mirror is held up to us so closely that we can either learn at a faster rate than ever before or get triggered into a spiral of self-worth or trauma issues! We’ve been dancing between both but are talking the whole way trying to review and learn. I hope you love the show! We cover: Radical honesty What we’ve learned from past relationships Recognising our own patterns and taking responsibility Our first date! Talking about our mental health early on Nurturing a growth mindset in relationships Commitment phobias - Petra’s boomeranging behaviours Testing the boundaries of our relationship Vulnerability in saying the ‘L’ word  The hardest parts of our relationship - from each perspective Our first argument  Practicing accountability within relationships Daily reviewing for learning Facing fears and letting go within our relationship  Dealing with trauma triggered by safety Our hopes for the future Creating a collaborative environment What are your biggest relationship challenges? Can you see yourselves in our discussion? What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned within relationships? Find me on Instagram or LinkedIn and let me know your thoughts :) @PetraVelzeboer https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-velzeboer/

I wanted to take my life a few times, I crashed my car, I fainted on the tube’ Laura Hearn has spent most of her life living a parallel life. Battling with Anorexia since her teens, Laura struggled with thoughts of suicide, self- punishment and extreme loneliness brought on by her eating disorder. Her turning point came through her mother selling her house to fund an 8 month stay in the States on a recovery programme where she discovered her true meaning and purpose outside of anorexia. Laura is now in recovery and runs a global peer support community, connecting everyone affected by an eating disorder or mental health issue. Join me for this honest and open discussion with Laura on topics such as: Living a Parallel life Relapsing Characteristics of an anorexia sufferer Effects of trauma Self punishment Secrets and shame Gratitude born from Anorexia Being let down by the NHS The Loneliness of Anorexia American recovery programme Discovering meaning & purpose Nourishment for the soul and mind in order to recover Tools to maintain mental health Importance of relationships You can learn more about Laura and her amazing work by visiting jiggsyplace.com

‘Where you are is not your final station, work hard and things will change’ I learnt so much through this interview and didn’t want it to end! Dorothy Mulanda has experienced unfathomable loss in her life but has used it as her catalyst to support others in their grief recovery process. In this podcast Dorothy explains the important stages of grief and how we can best support those who are encountering it. We discuss the need to put emotion back into grief and the different ways that we can build resilience in order to cope. Asking ourselves what we can learn from grief rather than allowing it to consume us. We go deep on Compassion fatigue Practising vulnerability Learning to say no Mental health  Building resilience Unspeakable loss through death of loved ones Not being allowed to grieve Practising compassion Health and wellbeing and nurturing yourself Having a positive mindset  The need for rituals How to support those who are grieving Investing in our relationships now - how to fully live! If you’ve ever experienced loss this is the inspirational episode for you! Find out more about Dorothy’s amazing life and grief work at DorothyMulanda.com

“Eventually I flipped out so bad that I purposely drove a car off the road” Hearing voices and diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia, Don Karp endured many mental hospital stays before breaking free and carving out a life in New Mexico. In this podcast Don shares his honest experiences of mental health challenges, the stigma surrounding Paranoid Schizophrenia and shares his advice and tools for coping and living a good life. We go deep on topics such as: Leaving a legacy Childhood self-perception Navigating ‘fitting in’ Paranoia through drug use Hearing voices and understanding their purpose Admission to mental hospitals Managing a mental illness & the stigma attached Building resilience Being self-aware The need for Community support  Tools to support mental health  The negative side of the medicalised approach to mental health Please join me for this honest and exciting episode! You can connect with Don further at DonKarp.com

‘How can I become a better version of myself, for me & the people around me’ Welcome to 2020! I discuss everything goal & intention setting with Sian Winfield, a Startup Directional Coach who specialises in working with CEOs and Founders to work smart, work lean and be the very best version of themselves. This episode is filled with advice & tips for creating achievable goals to help you become the best version of you! We discuss: How to establish your own style  Setting goals that are right for you Working smarter not harder Adapting as you grow Recognising when to outsource How to effectively reflect on your year Establish where you want to be and steps to get there Celebrating the wins Mindset & how it can help us to focus Goal setting whilst in a tricky place  Practising consistency You can connect with Sian through her website www.sianwinfield.com Or over on Twitter: @sianwinfield and Instagram: @sian.winfield

’The tough stuff comes up when the good stuff is happening’ Are you excited about 2020 or absolutely dreading the work involved? Join me for my New Years rant, reviewing my own year, learning and intentions for the New Year including some existential questions that will hopefully provoke some new perspectives! I talk: Excitement for 2020 Changing my hustle tactic Signs of Burnout - when your body lets you down! How to build the skills needed for the next level What does balance mean and how can you make it work for you Create your own 2020 - there are no rules! Planning & prioritising fun over work It matters as much as you want it to - we get to create our own meaning! The ART of letting go Ask yourself the tough stuff What is your intention?  Get in touch on Insta @PetraVelzeboer Happy New Year!

Javier Gutierrez found himself incarcerated at a time in his life when he should have had everything straight. Released from prison with no plan in mind, Javier faced several employment knock backs before catching a break in the fitness industry where he soon made a name for himself. Javier now works to empower people inside and outside of the gym to adopt a healthy mind and body. His approach towards a positive mindset and lifestyle has led to invitations to speak at local charity, non-profit, and corporate events.  We discuss: How our parents sometimes know what they’re talking about! Healthy body influences a healthy mind Masculine conditioning and how to overcome it The shock of incarceration Taking self responsibility Learning from hindsight Growth Mindset Valuing time Find what works best for you Preparing for adversity and embracing it Prioritise physical and mental health Connect with Javier at javiergutierrez.net and on Instagram and Twitter @fitnesswjavier

‘My first suicide attempt was at the age of seven’ Self harming from the age of 4 and attempting suicide by the age of 7, Andrea Woodside has faced a life of relentless challenges including, child molestation, bullying, rape & suicide ideation. Refusing to let these events define her she made a conscious choice to take control of her life and erase all toxicity. Andrea now has a goal to leave the world a better place than she found it. A true story of going from adversity to advantage - we go deep on topics such as: Childhood trauma Suicide ideation Sexual molestation / bullying / rape The Resilience gene Hitting Rock bottom Realising you are not to blame Recognising the need for help Eradicating the toxicity Finding and practicing Purpose A reminder of intrinsic value The cycle of recovery Cultivating a healthy lifestyle Practicing connection Andrea runs Minding Work Ltd - a workplace wellbeing consultancy supporting employers to create and sustain healthier workplaces. You can connect with her on LinkedIn & Twitter

What could be more apt for this podcast than a guest who is the author of a book called Adversity to Advantage! Randy Ginsburg a natural born entrepreneur who has always been fascinated with creating his own opportunities. Creating a business in high school selling sneakers, he developed a love for entrepreneurship despite hiding the pain which he was being subjected to from bullies. Overcoming bullying and using it as fuel to develop himself in the world of business, Randy went on to research highly successful entrepreneurs who also suffered from bullying to see if there was a correlation. A fact filled, honest conversation about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and the tough life stuff! We go deep on: Motivation behind the book Resilience learned through adversity Bullying in childhood Hiding emotional stress - The mask of being ok! Learning to stand up and have a voice The art of public speaking - authenticity How confidence is built The blessing of being bullied The dark side of entrepreneurship Support systems for entrepreneurs Third door moments You can learn more about Randy at www.randymginsburg.com where you can also purchase his book Adversity to Advantage: How to overcome bullying & find entrepreneurial success

On November 25th I attended This Can Happen, an annual mental health conference focussing on empowering employers to create mentally healthy work environments. With loads of speakers on a variety of topics, I spent time in the breaks interviewing attendees, speakers and sponsors asking them about their personal passion connected to the topic of mental health and their suggested tools for looking after ourselves. Filled with the buzz of the event, this is an exciting episode with lots of ideas about mental health in the workplace! Featuring TLC Lions, Spill, Beyond Shame Beyond Stigma, Unmind and many more.

Welcome to episode 111 where I talk through how Giving Back supports our mental health and wellbeing. We don’t need to be ‘fixed’ in order to support someone else, what ends up happening is we get sweet relief from our own obsessive thinking while also doing good in the world. In giving back, I talk about: The benefits to our mental health Start before you’re ready Sweet relief from victim mode Connecting stories helps us realise we’re not alone Boundaries and personal balance Recognising the worth in volunteering Building Self worth through giving back Creating community in a world of isolation Incorporating giving back into day to day life Practicing Courage - getting out of our comfort zone Cultivating curiosity Skill benefits Experiment! Showing up and realising your truest potential Celebrating the wins Just start! Hope you enjoy this episode and get started volunteering and being there for others!

‘Everywhere I go I have the possibility I have saved someone’s life’ Frank King, aka The Mental Health Comedian, is a Suicide Prevention and Postvention Public Speaker and Trainer. Suffering from Chronic Suicidal Ideation caused by generational depression and suicide, Frank uses humour to turn his lifelong battle into a keynote worth spreading. A brutally honest conversation about the reality of Suicide & Depression covering topics such as: Childhood and suicide in the family Birth of a comedian Why comedy? Living with Depression Suicidal ideation Suicide or Take the risk Medication Holistic approach Turning pain into purpose Saying ‘Something’ not necessarily the ‘Right Thing’ Noticing the signs of suicide intention Mental state honesty Sharing ‘The Mess’ with somebody Find out more and connect with Frank over on his website The Mental Health Comedian and watch his TEDx Talk A Matter of Laugh or Death

My good friend Steph Bosset joins me for a live discussion on the pitfalls of modern dating, looking after our mental health and figuring out how to pick the right person in what seems like our throwaway society. After my divorce and Steph’s breakup of a long term relationship, we consider how to heal, learn from our past and create a mindset that can both protect us and leave us open and vulnerable to love. We discuss: The fallout of breakups and separationsBreak ups and seperations ning to enjoy the journey Practising openness Social media & research (stalking) :) Reevaluating the tools Commitment & honesty Emotional attachment Open relationships Learning to sit with yourself Consciously dating Connect to Steph on Twitter @39_stephs or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniebosset/