Brave Your Day

Hello! Charley and Colin here. It's our podcast birthday! One year ago, we launched Brave Your Day - episode 1 with musician and composer Brian McAlpine. To celebrate our anniversary, we're looking back on two previous conversations with guests Ashton Applewhite and Ross Muir, and a discussion recorded during the initial COVID-19 lockdown on stamina. We're also exploring 'mental health for all' - the theme of this year's World Mental Health Day (10th October).Online resources: https://braveyourday.com/free-bravery-resources/World Mental Health Day (10th October): https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/world-mental-health-dayAshton Applewhite: https://thischairrocks.comRoss Muir: https://rossmuirart.comREAD columns by Charley and Colin in West End Today: http://glasgowwestend.today/columnist/charley-colin-gavigan/Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this new September bonus episode, Charley and Colin open the therapy room door in an attempt to bust some of the stigma attached to coaching and counselling.Online resources: https://braveyourday.com/free-bravery-resources/READ columns by Charley and Colin in West End Today: http://glasgowwestend.today/columnist/charley-colin-gavigan/Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Charley and Colin reflect on previous Brave Your Day conversations. Guests featured: John Leland, Catherine Simpson, Kirsty Wark and Gerard Burns.READ columns by Charley and Colin in West End Today: http://glasgowwestend.today/columnist/charley-colin-gavigan/Online resources: https://braveyourday.com/free-bravery-resources/Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

"Learn to develop your inner ally, instead of your inner enemy." In the final episode of series three, Charley and Colin shine a light on self-care and what it means to different people.Online resources: https://braveyourday.com/free-bravery-resources/Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The recent summer solstice marks the half-way point through the year. This week, we're taking a break so that we can rest and enjoy the sunshine. We'll be back in your podcast feeds next week (Wednesday 1 July) for with more bravery conversations. Online resources: https://braveyourday.com/free-bravery-resources/Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A great awakening? In this week's episode, we're taking a bird's eye view at the present situation in an attempt to find new perspectives in our lives. The lockdown has provoked a degree of self-reflection in many people because we have been freed from so many distractions. Colin and Charley discuss the importance of perspective and go on to talk about breaking free from regret and moving towards a more fulfilling future.Online resources: https://braveyourday.com/free-bravery-resources/Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There's lots of change going on in the world right now. In this week's episode, Charley and Colin talk about starting a change from within. They share personal stories of change and opportunity and go on to discuss issues related to goal setting.Online resources: https://braveyourday.com/free-bravery-resources/Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Like so many other people around the world, we are shocked by the murder of George Floyd in America. This week, Charley and Colin reflect on recent events and explore issues related to personal power.Online resources: https://braveyourday.com/free-bravery-resources/Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

News stories often affect our mental health. This week, the controversy surrounding Dominic Cummings' trip to Durham has triggered a number of emotions, particularly anger. Charley and Colin discuss some of the underlying causes of anger and strategies for dealing with it.Online resource: https://braveyourday.com/free-bravery-resources/Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, we're celebrating mental health awareness and kindness towards others. Charley and Colin discuss issues related to stamina during lockdown, and the importance of exercising and building our bravery muscles on a day-to-day basis.Online resource: https://braveyourday.com/free-bravery-resources/Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Communication is complex. Mixed messaging and different expectations and interpretations have churned up all kinds of emotions. Charley and Colin explore different issues related to communication and miscommunication during lockdown.Online resource: https://braveyourday.com/free-bravery-resources/Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're heading into week seven of lockdown in the UK and, whilst we're all in the same rough sea, we're not in the same boat. In this week's episode, Charley and Colin explore different issues related to stress. Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Recent speculation about lockdown exit strategies has contributed to the atmosphere of uncertainty. Charley and Colin explore ways in which we can help ourselves feel bolder and braver in our lives, facing the unknowns with a positive attitude and mindset.Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Colin and Charley discuss different aspects of endurance as the lockdown continues across the UK. They chat about getting creative and making the most of the spare time currently available to many people.Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Colin and Charley discuss a number of fears surrounding complacency. They explore ways in which we can all monitor our attitude towards the lockdown.Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Colin and Charley discuss the different meaning and interpretations of TRUST. They explore the ways in which it was challenged by events over the weekend.Online resource: https://braveyourday.com/free-bravery-resources/Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is the first episode of a brand new series! Every week, we're going to be focussing on what bravery looks like during the COVID-19 lockdown. Colin and Charley will be talking about how they are staying mentally fit, and reacting to contributions from listeners around the world. This week, they're looking at the impact of uncertainty on emotions.'Change Curve' online resource: https://braveyourday.com/free-bravery-resources/Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this COVID-19 special, Charley and Colin are joined by Jason Leitch - National Clinical Director for the Scottish Government. Having clear, concise and reliable information can support our mental wellbeing. Jason is a calm and reassuring voice in these uncertain times.Official NHS advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/Join us on Wednesday 1st April for the first episode of series three.Join the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We are living in strange and unimaginable times. Dr. Libby McGugan worked as an NHS emergency medicine consultant for ten years. She has developed an understanding of the human experience and now researches the impact of intention on human recovery. Libby shares her response to the global pandemic, and suggests reasons to be hopeful at a time of real uncertainty.Libby's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEpEb0ztJOYJoin the Brave Your Day Bravehearts Club: www.patreon.com/braveyourdayFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Graeme Armstrong recently published his first novel 'The Young Team' - due to demand, it had to be reprinted five days after it was released. Inspired by some of his own experiences, the book is full of guts, power, humour and humanity.Graeme's book 'The Young Team': https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/graeme-armstrong/the-young-team/9781529017328Follow Graeme on Twitter: https://twitter.com/G_Armstrong21For more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gerard M Burns is one of Scotland's most respected artists, with an a-list client list in the UK, Europe and North America. In this episode, he shares his powerful life story with Charley and Colin.Gerard's website: gerardmburns.comFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jamie MacDonald is a writer, voiceover and stand-up comedian. He tours up and down the country with his solo show and he is a regular performer at the Edinburgh Fringe.Jamie's website: http://www.jamie-macdonald.co.ukFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kirsty Wark is a broadcaster, journalist and best-selling author. She is best-known for presenting BBC current affairs programme ‘Newsnight’. Kirsty is the recipient of many awards, including BAFTA Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting, Journalist of the Year and Best Television Presenter. She met up with Colin and Charley to discuss her approach to reporting on complex and emotional news stories, her decision to live in Scotland (whilst working in London), and her desire to help others find their voice. Kirsty’s website: https://www.kbjmanagement.co.uk/kirsty-warkTwitter: https://twitter.com/kirstywarkFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Catherine Simpson is an author who grew up on a Lancashire farm in 1970s. The image of life in the countryside is often painted as idyllic, peaceful and the perfect place to escape. However, the number of suicides in the UK farming community tell a very different story. Catherine joins us on the podcast to share her tragic, yet uplifting, family story.Catherine's website: https://www.catherine-simpson.co.ukFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ross Muir is a Glasgow-based artists. His unique style is a blend of old and new, introducing art classics to a brand new audience. Ross chats to Charley and Colin about his inspirations and how art helped him move away from a challenging set of circumstances and draw a new path in life.Ross's website: https://rossmuirart.comShort BBC film about Ross: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06vv9ydFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Karine Polwart is an international award-winning singer-songwriter. Previously, she worked for Glasgow Women's Aid in a pioneering role - supporting young people by helping them tell their story. In this episode, Karine shares inspiring stories from her time working in the charitable sector and now in the music industry.Karine's website: https://www.karinepolwart.comListen to Karine's music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5WS3dnCZR6MuN6m3dTMuwF?si=vaPbPfcjRO-XtZBmMIGoFAFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sarah Everett is an award-winning nurse based in Glasgow. She was the driving force behind the Men's Shed Govan - a social hub for men facing isolation and lack of purpose. Sarah established the shed, despite setbacks along the way, to create a vibrant space for conversation, company and support.Men's Sheds Association website: https://menssheds.org.ukFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week we speak to fellow podcaster Sean McDonald who pushed back against conventional attitudes towards adult life to pursue a European adventure. Without a job, the language or a support network, Sean moved from Glasgow to Barcelona for six years to create a new life for himself.Listen to Sean's podcast Blethered: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/blethered/id1449163150Keep up to date with Sean on Twitter: @seanmcdonald01For more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week we speak to author and forgiveness activist Madeline Black. She transformed her situation from being the survivor of unimaginable crimes to living a life of fulfilment, happiness and meaning. Listen to the episode to hear her remarkable story.Madeline's website: https://madeleineblack.co.ukMadeline's TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ouhY155398The Forgiveness Project: https://www.theforgivenessproject.comFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

New year, new series! This week we're joined by internationally acclaimed actor, singer and comedian Karen Dunbar. Our conversation explores some of the deeper meanings of her work and whether she believes she can truly find her authentic self.For more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

‘Tis the season to be jolly? For many people, Christmas can be fraught with a variety of stress-inducing challenges. BBC broadcaster Janice Forsyth joins us for a very special Christmas episode: a fun and frank discussion on some of the festive season’s biggest headaches, with top tips on how to survive everything from FAMILY FALLOUTS to OFFICE PARTIES, FINANCIAL STRESS, LONELINESS and more. Download the Christmas Survival Plan (worksheet): https://braveyourday.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/My-5-point-Christmas-Survival-Plan.pdfJoin us on Wednesday 8 January 2020 for the first episode of Brave Your Day series two.For more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Desi Osborne is a Glasgow-based musician and the drummer in the band 'Scheme'. Recently, he survived life-threatening health issues. His story is one of resilience and determination.SCHEME band page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/SchemeSongs/posts/?ref=page_internalFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Alexander Millar is a Scottish contemporary impressionist artist. He grew up in the small mining community of Springside with an eye for detail, fascinated by the world around him. However, as Alexander began to question his identity and purpose in life, he became lost and alone, entering into a period of darkness and isolation. In this episode, he explains how 'letting go' freed him and helped him find healing solace and fortune.Alexander's website: https://alexandermillar.comFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jacque Smith lost her daughter to suicide in 2012. She speaks to us about why she decided to help others by setting up a charity promoting acts of kindness. This is a healing story of survival, love and optimism. In her search for answers, Jacque discovered her meaning.Loveleigh Community: https://loveleigh.netFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Emily Rose Yates is an accessibility consultant, journalist and public speaker. She was the first wheelchair user to cross the Sinai Desert, and the primary accessibility consultant for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio, Brazil. We spent an afternoon with her in Glasgow, listening to her inspiring approach to new challenges and her remarkable career achievements.Emily's website: https://www.emilyroseyates.co.ukFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

New York Times journalist and author John Leland, shares some of the life-affirming stories from his book Happiness is a Choice You Make: Lessons from a Year Among the Oldest Old. He inspires us with cross-generational lessons learned through working with a particular group of participants in the course of producing material for the The New York Times.John's book (Happiness is a Choice You Make: Lessons from a Year Among the Oldest Old): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happiness-Choice-You-Make-Lessons/dp/0374168180John's articles (The New York Times): https://www.nytimes.com/by/john-lelandFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We meet Glasgow-based hairdresser and philanthropist Thomas McGovern. In 2015, after identifying a growing dependence on food banks in the local area, Thomas founded 'Hairstylists Against Hunger' to raise awareness of the issue. Thomas shares his inspiring life story and some of the people who helped to shape and influence his decision-making along the way.'Hairstylists Against Hunger': https://en-gb.facebook.com/hairstylistsagainsthunger/For more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

'Calling for a movement to end ageism.'Ashton Applewhite is an anti-ageism campaigner and author of the book 'This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism'. We caught up with her in New York to speak to her about her fight against age-related prejudice and attitudes towards growing older.'This Chair Rocks' website: https://thischairrocks.comFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, we meet Rose Reilly - the only Scottish footballer to win the World Cup, captaining Italy. We discuss her remarkable life story and how she bravely tackled challenges and obstacles to pursue her dream of becoming a professional footballer.Lynnie Carson's website ('We Have Your Back' song): https://www.lynniecarson.comScottish Women's National Team website: https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scotland/scotland-squads/swnt/For more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

‘When we laugh our world changes’ - Dr Madan Kataria, Founder of Laughter YogaOur guest for this episode is Sharon Miller, director of Joyworks - bringing organisations and individuals across the globe out of their comfort zone and into fun, laughter and wellness in a short space of time. With over thirty years of experience in education, training and the arts, Sharon is an expert on the transformative power of laughter. In this entertaining hour, she shares her inspiring life story - including her experience working with renowned yogi Madan Kataria - and helps us to understand why laughter really is the best medicine.Joyworks website: http://joyworks.co.uk/why-joyworks/Laughter Yoga (official website): https://laughteryoga.orgFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As a world class multi-instrumentalist, with over sixty-seven albums under his belt, Brian McAlpine is well-known in the Scottish music scene. From performing to composing, arranging and producing, he has worked with some of the country’s best musicians.Brian has a reputation for being a great listener and an exceptional collaborator when it comes to creating music for visuals. Combining traditional composition, soundscape, classical development and contemporary techniques, he aims to capture and demonstrate a feeling of modern Scottish culture through his music and his approach to both composition and production.In 2018, Brian wrote and produced his first solo album ‘Mutual Imagination Society, Vol. 1’ - a personal reflection of, and reaction to, some of the difficult and emotional periods in his life. In our discussion, we learn about the healing power of music and how having the bravery to bear his soul helped him find solace and, ultimately, peace.Brian's website: www.brianmcalpine.comListen to Brian's album: https://open.spotify.com/album/3oUAAiDGBRdacINFtdFyFq?si=i9cQCYWwRMOJkUk66orQDgFor more information about Brave Your Day, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hello! We are Charley and Colin Gavigan and we’ve taken a huge leap of faith by diving headfirst into the wonderful world of podcasting. In this introductory show, we tell you who we are and what Brave Your Day is all about. In a nutshell, we’re aiming to boost personal and cultural bravery by sharing the positive true stories of courageous people from communities in Scotland and across the world.Our preoccupation with fear is deep within our DNA, even rooted in our own wee nation’s long-documented struggle with confidence and identity. It may be nearly twenty-five years since Mel Gibson’s Braveheart. However, freedom from limiting cultures, behaviours and negative mindsets continues to be a daily battle for many. We can all draw great personal strength and human comfort from observing and listening to others – how they feel, experience and deal with life’s curve balls. In these increasingly uncertain times, bravery and courage are needed more than ever. We hope that you enjoy our story and the stories of all our guests. Together we can inspire each other to pursue everyday bravery.For more information about the show, please visit: www.thebiglight.com/braveyourday See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

COMING SOON: Brave Your Day, hosted by Charley and Colin Gavigan! Hit subscribe to become a member of our International Bravery Movement. Join us on World Mental Health Day (Thursday 10th October 2019) for the very first episode of the podcast.Brought to you by The Big Light. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.