MoxieCast

This is the final episode of MoxieCast! (sniff, sniff). I'm closing out this series of nourishing, soulful conversations with David Taylor-Klaus, coach and author of Mindset Mondays: 52 Ways to REWIRE Your Thinking and Transform Your Life. I have something new in the hopper! Please stay subscribed and watch this space! On today's episode, David and I talk about some really practical ways to: Shift our beliefs to fulfil our potential; approach problem solving in a juicy new way; and how we can quit being hardholics, already. Not everything has to be difficult to be worthwhile. Some of my favourite bits of the show include: Paranoia vs. Proanoia (say what?) How to shift the sucky belief that if success is easeful, the outcome can't be any good An instant 3-step process to handle a challenging situation (it works!) Grab your cuppa and join us! David is SO wise, uplifting and fun.     Links and Resources: David Taylor-Klaus Mindset Mondays by David Taylor-Klaus Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People The Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute Mandy Lehto Mandy Lehto on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Quotes by David Taylor-Klaus: “We’re sort of wired for confirmation bias. We want to be right.”  “Armour is sexy. Suiting up for battle, that feels good, it looks good.” “You change your lens, you change your experience. That’s the most powerful tool you have, is your mindset.”

Because duct tape isn't an option...I've created an episode to help you handle a challenging boss. Today's guest is Parissa Behnia, formerly a challenging boss herself, who now specialises in working with what she calls 3D leaders (difficult, dismissive and divisive). She shares three strategies for you to try next time you're about to lose your shiitake at work. Learn... Why labels and name calling can strain communication (okay, okay...begrudgingly letting go of the term 'bosshole') How empathy can be a game-changer How having a few key interventions in your back pocket can shift a tense moment Grab your cuppa and join us. Links and Resources: Parissa Behnia on LinkedIn Parissa Behnia’s Website The Asshole Survival Guide by Robert Sutton Hogan Assessments Mandy Lehto Mandy Lehto on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes Quotes by Parissa Behnia: “A 3D leader is difficult, dismissive, divisive. They are high-value, high performers, have high positions in an organization, but because of being that 3D leader, they are starting to diminish their value.” “Empathy means that we are looking to find out what is driving the behavior of these 3D leaders.” “In times of stress, the dark sides of our personalities always come out. But it’s also sometimes the dark sides that help us be super productive and get the results that we’re looking for.”

Excuses are always available. And yet there are people who just go for it in life. They have a spark about them. A knack of creating a big, juicy life, not just reacting to a never-ending to-do list. Danusia Malina-Derben, is one such woman. She's an entrepreneur, academic, and organizational behavior and development expert. Oh, and she's a mum of ten. She's also the host of the School for Mothers and School for Fathers podcasts, and the author of two forthcoming books in 2021.  I asked Danusia to share about being brave and handling her insidious inner critic. How does Danusia set and accomplish unreasonable goals? How does she live a created life on her OWN terms? Our conversation covers: Changing your inner critic's diet (SO good!) Why unreasonable goals and falling on your face is necessary Doing vs Being How do you play the cards of failure when you're on your face? The power of a bold request - you can't get what you don't ask for Grab your cuppa and join us! Links and Resources: Effective Leadership Development and Business Consulting Danusia Malina-Derben on LinkedIn School for Mothers Podcast School for Fathers Podcast David Taylor-Klaus Fear of Flying by Erica Jong Mandy Lehto Mandy Lehto on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes Quotes by Danusia Malina-Derben: “Somehow, my soul had a calling to do lots of things - and do them really well.” “I’m concerned about the bottom line, but I’m more concerned about people. People are my thing.” “Unreasonable goals drive accomplishments.”

As the world grapples with Covid-19, deep presence and the ability to create a sense of calm and groundedness feel more important than ever in leadership. I'm not just talking about VIP's in the business world. I'm talking about self-leadership too. Today's guest says a leader is someone entrusted with holding the heart of an endeavour or a family. It's someone who inspires us "to hold each other well." (I mean, how beautiful is that?) Kelly Wendorf is a coach, mother, spiritual mentor and founding partner of Equus, an 11-acre experiential learning & discovery campus in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Horses are co-facilitators in their work at the ranch, and much of Kelly's wisdom on leadership has emerged from her life-long observations of the horse herd, a 56-million-year-old system. Kelly's also the author of the forthcoming book, Flying Lead Change, published by Sounds True this autumn. In this episode, we discuss: What it means to lead from behind  Leadership the equine way - tapping into the wisdom of the horse herd Qualities to base your own leadership on What if I don't see myself as charismatic, or having any X-factor? How can I lead? How checking in with your body can change how you plan your diary (and your life) Join us (and alpha horse, Artemis). Links and Resources: Equus Flying Lead Change  Getting Ahead by Leading From Behind Mandy Lehto Mandy Lehto on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes Quotes by Kelly Wendorf: “I love to create conditions for people to have transformative experiences and change their lives.” “The qualities I trust and I look for, both in myself and in those who I trust to lead, are curiosity, vulnerability, porousness.” “These are qualities that are much more powerful because they draw people in.” “Be deeply present with what is—our feelings, who we are, our circumstances. That is a powerful spiritual practice.”

Ever run yourself ragged hosting a party, and yet DECLINED offers of help (while seething silently)? Or maybe you agreed to watch a friend's gaggle of unruly kids for the weekend (while your own bandwidth and energy were already non-existent), and yet declined her offer to reciprocate next weekend. You have a huge portal for giving, and a teeny pinhole for receiving.  Sound familiar? And if so, what the heck is going on there?  Today's guest, April Boyd, a psychotherapist, says not receiving can be a way of protecting yourself in relationships. After a traumatic event in her own life, April learned that receiving help - and even more, ASKING for it - was riddled with complexity. She says it's vulnerable to receive. Asking for help is even more of a challenge. And yet, declining it blocks connection. If you regularly utter, "No, it's fine, I've got this," this episode will help you get better at saying, "Thank you, that would be really great." We discuss: Why receiving feels risky How to determine if you want to receive help from this person How to ask for what you want (without getting all cringey and awkward) Noticing your auto-response to offers of support Self-Check: How often do YOU give when you don’t actually have the bandwidth? HINT: This matters! The role of shame in receiving Ready to receive more (and seethe less)? Join us! Links and Resources April Boyd on Instagram Mandy Lehto Mandy Lehto on Instagram   Review MoxieCast on iTunes Quotes by April Boyd: “One of the things that makes receiving so much harder than giving is it’s actually a really vulnerable place to be.” “We have this culture that really encourages us to wear that badge of honor of being so independent and not needing anyone, and being able to do it all. That’s a myth.” “How often do you say ‘yes’ when you really mean ‘no’?” “Recognize that the guilt is just often a built-in part of this process.”

Ever feel like your relationship with pleasure, sensuality and the feminine is a bit of a Rubik’s cube? For years, I heard the phrase “get out of your head and into your body,” and never really understood it. I mean, duh, where else would I be? I clearly had a lot to learn… Today’s guest is Alexis Artin, owner of a globally renowned female empowerment company who’s on a mission to help women connect with their bodies. Before you do a U-turn Gents, this episode isn’t just for women. There’s some real insight here for you too… We discuss: Feminine and Masculine Energy: What’s the difference? Why should we care? Embodying the feminine: Awareness, appreciation, and experiencing feelings/senses  Practical ways to access our feminine – and what that can mean in our lives (pure goodness) Links and Resources Alexis Artin Alexis Artin on Instagram The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine Why Gender Matters by Leonard Sax Mandy Lehto Mandy Lehto on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes Quotes by Alexis Artin: “I really wear so many hats in my life. My friends refer to me, jokingly, as the Forrest Gump of the Feminine.” “What are the three worst words that a man can hear from a woman? ‘We gotta talk.’” “It is inherently dangerous to be in a feminine body. Being in a feminine body, life is the ultimate resource and that’s what the feminine is, she’s the source of life.” “Feminine Experience of Life: When a woman is in that experience, it’s pleasureful, and that pleasure is magnetic.”

How would life change if you could shift your relationship with the negative voice in your head? Submit to it less. Lighten up a little. Do what you want anyway, even if the voice threatens you with public humiliation and epic cringey-ness. Honestly, we can be such dicks to ourselves. If you're as sick of that as I am, grab your mug of something hot and hit . Suzy Reading - author, coach, and champion of all things self-care-related - is back on the show by popular demand. Listen to our popular previous episode, "Win at self-care and willpower," HERE. Today we talk about: Worthiness - stories we tell ourselves about not being good enough Self-worth is a choice (never thought about it like that!) HALT Check-in - You need to know about this... Are you successful in spite of yourself? Permissioning ourselves to honour boundaries and feelings - it's essential Join us! Links and Resources: Suzy Reading The Little Book of Self-Care Stand Tall Like a Mountain: Mindfulness & Self-Care for Children and Parents The Self-Care Revolution Suzy Reading on Instagram  Suzy Reading on Facebook Suzy Reading on Twitter Mandy Lehto Mandy Lehto on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes Quotes by Suzy Reading: “It comes down to how we talk to ourselves, treat ourselves, view ourselves, and allow other people to treat us.” “It’s learning how to shape your inner language, as well as your actions.”  “You can’t change something until you’re aware of it.” “Our thoughts, our emotions, our sensations, our memories, all of these things are passing states.”

"Is this all there is?" Maybe you've asked yourself that question after achieving something - a promotion, a degree, a level of success - that you were convinced would fulfil you. And when you get there, it feels kinda meh, empty even. Then there's the guilt about how you're feeling, when, to the outside world, you've MADE IT, baby. It's depressing, yet alienating (I mean who'd complain at having your embarrassment of riches, hey?) So you shut up, and suck it up. That's what makes it the head screw of all head screws. Meet today's guest, Shelley Paxton, former chief marketing officer of the badass brand, Harley-Davidson. She rode choppers in some of the coolest places on the planet; had a swoon-worthy wardrobe; had people hanging on her every word. I knew her back then. She seemed like one powerful mofo, a woman with her life together. The reality? Shelley was holding on by her manicured fingernails, numbing nightly with food and a bottle of wine. She felt empty and full of self-loathing, unsure how she could go on like this. She had recurring nightmares for months. To say she was 'burnt out' was putting it mildly. “My soul was feeling neglected. It wanted to be acknowledged and loved and nurtured and fed. Instead, it was shrivelling up and dying.” In today's episode, Shelley shares how she became the Chief Soul Officer of her own life (I love that phrase!) She created the Soulbbatical, a new way of being that listened to the knowing that was trying to bubble up from within, instead of tamping it down with food and booze and pretending. Show highlights include: What is a Soulbattical? She wrote a book about it! Finding yourself doesn’t necessarily mean leaving your job Are you a Ninja of Numbing? 10 Commandments to being a Chief Soul Officer: Don’t ask for permission, give it to yourself Authenticity is truest form of rebellion Courage over comfort Impact over ego; ask for help Self-first is not selfish (self-worth trumps net worth) Release the Shackles of Should Look inward Values over validation Are you Soulccessful? Be a soul ambassador in every aspect of your life to spark a movement Grab your cuppa and join us. Your soul will thank you! Links and Resources: Soulbbatical Shelley Paxton on Instagram Shelley Paxton on Facebook Stillness Is The Key by Ryan Holiday Mandy Lehto on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes Quotes by Shelley Paxton: “Soulbbatical is about creating a life that’s more authentic, more courageous, and more on purpose.” “I’m on a mission to liberate a billion souls.” “Soulbbatical is about rebelling for who we are and what we want for our best life, for our fulfillment, for our own unique path forward.”

Today's guest craves failure (not chocolate like the rest of us). Most people will run a mile to avoid failing and looking bad, lest folks point and laugh. Not Dr. Erin Baker. She's a leadership coach with a PhD in social psychology. In her previous career, Erin held senior roles at Microsoft and Facebook (READ: lots of pressure to perform and get things right). With a big brain and a stellar career, you might find yourself thinking, "Say what?" if I told you that Erin was terrified of failing. Or rather, she used to be. Instead of living in fear, Erin geeked out on it, examined it like a scientist, and came up with some fascinating conclusions that you want to know about.  If you've got bullet-proof confidence and eat fear for breakfast (with a side of spiders), this episode is NOT for you. Have a lovely day. Bye now! But if you've ever felt like a weenie, doubted yourself, or played small because you're afraid to splat, then tune in my friend. You're in for a treat. Here's a few things we play with in this episode: When you fail, do you move on, or do you chastise yourself on replay? (Remember that time you screwed up in 1977?)  How getting clear on real vs. perceived risk can be a game-changer Dreaming big (it starts with small steps) Befriending failure? Research and data make all the difference What failure actually means, depends on you (I never thought about it like that...) Join us! There's bubbly at the end! Links and Resources: Dr. Erin Baker Dr. Erin Baker on Facebook Dr. Erin Baker on LinkedIn The Little Engine That Could Mandy Lehto on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes Quotes by Dr. Erin Baker: “I am a recovering perfectionist. I spent the first 33 years of my life just absolutely terrified of what it meant if I failed.” “These days, I actually crave failure.” “When we fail, we’ve just done some sort of action.” “Bubbles for everyone!” (very possibly the best quote ever)

I first met Harriet Minter when she was giving a talk at the Festival of Doers this summer. One of her lines stuck with me as she described her career path: "Proceed until apprehended." I knew straightaway that I wanted her on the podcast. Harriet is a woman who understands that if you want something, no one is coming to present the object (person/job/opportunity) to you on a silver platter. There's no Harry Potter wand involved, no booming Charlton Heston voice from the clouds permissioning you to go for it. You proceed until apprehended. Life lesson right there. I'm excited for you to meet Harriet, who has been a journalist for nearly fifteen years (with six of those at the Guardian). As a freelance journalist she has written for The Times, The Telegraph and The Sunday Times, as well as many leading magazines. She's the host of the award-winning Badass Women's Hour and regularly appears on the BBC and Sky News as a commentator. Oh and she's also a qualified coach and facilitator. In today's episode Harriet shares three key pieces of work wisdom that she's gleaned from extraordinary leaders, including Sheryl Sandberg and Arianna Huffington. How Sheryl Sandberg gets so much done, and how you can try this particular tip How Arianna Huffington gets people so deeply engaged, and how you can too Why you should be saying YES more of the time Grab your cuppa and join us. Your career will thank you.   Links and Resources   Harriet Minter Harriet Minter on Twitter Harriet Minter on Instagram Thrive by Arianna Huffington Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In Initiative Mama Gena Sean Stephenson  Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo Headspace Breathing Exercises Mandy Lehto on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Quotes by Harriet Minter:   “I’ll just do it. If it’s not ok, somebody will tell me.”   “If you don’t want to do something, don’t say ‘yes’ to it. Just say, ‘no’.”   “Whatever you are doing, it’s always just one moment in your life. You’ll get another one in another moment.”   “Time expands. The slower we take life, the more time we have.” 

Wolves don't go around worrying about how many wolf things they got done today. They're into being, not doing. They're not over-identified with their output. They also don't cling to old hurts forever. They remember, but they move on. For these and other reasons, wolves are brilliant teachers for humankind. And if we want to continue as a sustainable civilisation, we urgently need their help, says today's guest. Teo Alfero is an author, spiritual teacher and owner of Wolf Connection, an educational sanctuary and wilderness retreat centre in California. His fascinating new book The Wolf Connection: What Wolves Can Teach Us About Being Human is available for pre-order on Amazon. Teo never intended to be 'the wolf man.' The wolves, he says, chose him.  It started with Tala, the little wolf-dog pictured below, who opened Teo’s heart. Teo went on to rescue a pack of 16 more wolf-dogs, before making the wolf-human connection his life's purpose. Today's episode is about what we, as a civilisation, can learn from these four-legged teachers. Some show highlights include: How wolves may have helped humans to avoid extinction How we can "re-wild" ourselves (and why it matters) What it means to lead with the heart A few of Teo's "howls to action" - ways we can learn from wolves in our day-to-day lives How Beau (pictured below) let go of past trauma - and how we can too What three-legged Annie (below) can teach us about resilience Join us for this transformational, feel-good episode. I've never recorded anything like this... Links and Resources Wolf Connection Wolf Connection Youth Ambassadors - Meet the Pack Teo Alfero on Instagram Wolf Connection on Instagram Mandy Lehto on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes Quotes by Teo Alfero: “Today, the wolf is a teacher of family values, altruism, integrity, and camaraderie.” “Initially, the wolf was a teacher of survival. They taught us how to hunt...migrate...take care of our young in a more community-based environment and setting.” “The wolves have helped us evolve and survive a few times. I believe they can help us again. Right now, humanity is at a stage of confusion.” “For me, the heart is already wild.”  

Today we're talking adrenal fatigue and burnout with Susi Hately, yoga teacher, burnout expert, and registered kinesiologist. Though she's knowledgeable and friendly, she says her burnout clients don't seek her out willingly. In fact, she's often a last resort. Many of her clients are driven, successful people in their 40s and 50s who have hit the wall. They've pushed through symptoms like brain fog, non-restorative sleep, digestive issues and constant exhaustion. They've come because they've tried all the usual crutches - more caffeine, more exercise, more carbs - and nothing works. In this conversation, Susi talks to those of us high-achievers who have a tendency to deny our symptoms, or who want to get rid of them. Instead, she encourages us to listen to those symptoms. They're messengers attempting to communicate vital information. What I love about this conversation is that Susi helps us to start thinking about what would be possible for us if we worked WITH the body and listened to the messengers. What would be possible then? I love, too, that she points out that falling back into old patterns of over-doing is part of the healing (whew). Ironically, me publishing this particular episode was delayed due to me having a relapse into adrenal fatigue. Healing is a long game! I'm going to re-tune into this episode too! Some show highlights: What is burnout anyway? Is there a pattern to what kind of person gets burnout?  What are the symptoms? Listening to your body's whispers means it won't have to scream Overcoming the unhelpful mentality of no pain, no gain How to change a hard-core mindset to allow healing and change Join us! Links and Resources: Functional Synergy Susi Hately on Instagram Susi Hately on Facebook Mandy Lehto on Instagram @moxiethoughts on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Quotes by Susi Hately: “They’re utilizing their best traits in a way that’s pushing against themselves, and in a way that’s ignoring the symptoms that are actually trying to get their attention.” “It works, and it works, and it works, until it doesn’t work anymore. They might try and add in all these extra external, superficial stimulants.” “We just keep adding crutches to an already depleted system.” “When you see a glimmer, recognize that things can change.”

You lie to yourself. We all do. You do things you don't really want to do, then resent it. Agreeing to things (especially if they're far in the future), means you don't hurt someone's feelings in the moment. You get to avoid the awkward conversation where you say 'No.' Then the occasion comes and you face palm, asking yourself, 'Why did I say yes to this?' Because you lied to yourself! You avoided momentary discomfort. That's one reason your diary is over-full. But it's more than just the people pleasing. It's the speed, the hustle, the seductive lie that the faster and harder you push, the more successful you'll be. It's the lack of clarity, too, around what success even means. What can shift this is having clear criteria around what is allowed to take up your time and attention. It's striving for Effectiveness vs. Efficiency. It's putting practices into place that help you decide if something belongs in your life. Simple, but not easy... Today’s guest is Mark Silverman, author, master coach and speaker. Also, he’s the creator of the Mastering Midlife Podcast.  Some show highlights include: Why pausing and real contemplation are critical, especially in mid-life A practical question you can use next time someone asks you to do something you don't want to do Setting boundaries (and expecting consequences) Spending time getting clear on what a 10/10 looks like - and using that criteria Practices to get clear on what YOU want Join us! Links and Resources Mark Silverman Mastering Midlife Podcast Mark Silverman’s Books Gary Vaynerchuk Grant Cardone The 5 Choices: The Path to Extraordinary Productivity by Franklin Covey Julia Cameron's Morning Pages 4PC Tim Ferriss’s Books Mandy Lehto on Instagram @moxiethoughts on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Quotes: “When I talk about midlife, it’s a time when people take stock.” Mark Silverman “I believe you can achieve more and achieve more of the right things by slowing down.” - Mark Silverman “Slowing down clears the clutter, and it allows you to create traction in the things that are really, really truly important to your head, heart, and gut.” - Mandy Lehto “I’m not automatically truthful with myself. I’m a recovering people pleaser.” - Mark Silverman

In 2016, singer-songwriter Monique DeBose was diagnosed with a tumour. She did something deeply creative after that. She dialogued with it. She asked what it wanted to teach her. It replied, "You need to be expressing authentically in a way that really has you be fulfilled.” So she asked herself, “What am I really not saying in the world that I need to be saying? And what am I afraid to say, but feel the need to say?” This year, Monique released two creative projects, both edgy and highly personal. One was an award-winning play, Mulatto Math, that sold out in New York and Los Angeles. The other was her chart-topping album, The Sovereign One, which hit #2 on its iTunes debut. In today's episode, Monique and I play with the tension between expressing and playing safe. How do we allow ourselves to be visible, to be seen, when what we're saying feels vulnerable? What if it hurts, or shocks someone? What if people we care about don't like it? What if they think about us differently? How do we speak up anyway, even if we're scared of how it'll be received? Show highlights include: Hearing what’s asking to be heard, even if it won’t be appreciated (or might even cause pain) How reaching the "fuck-its" can open you If you can quit your creative project, you should do so... Practical ways to handle discomfort Using the 3 Improv Rules: Be present, listen, and “yes, and…” How to make space inside yourself to hear what’s going on You don't need to be creating a project in the world to get something out of this conversation. This is for anyone who struggles with visibility and speaking up. Want to feel braver being seen? Join us. Links and Resources Monique DeBose on Facebook Monique DeBose The Sovereign One Maya Angelou Giovanna Capozza Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Mandy Lehto on Instagram @moxiethoughts on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes Quotes by Monique DeBose: “I started having conversations with the tumor, asking it what it was here to teach me. What it shared: You need to be expressing authentically in a way that really has you be fulfilled.” “What am I really not saying in the world that I need to be saying, and what am I afraid to say, but I feel need to say?” “We like to feel comfortable as humans. That’s just a natural thing. And to really go for it...takes a huge act of courage.” “That energy of ‘you must speak your truth’ just haunted me.”

You can't achieve your way to self worth. You can't force the squinchy part of yourself into submission - the part that feels weak and less-than and shameful. You can't exercise it into oblivion, or smother it with success or any other form of doing. You can't hide it behind shiny things. Not for long, anyway. It's an inside job. Ask Hazel Gale. She's a former world-champion boxer and kick boxer who drove herself to breaking point, ignoring the physical signs that she was burning out. She numbed her fears of weakness and not-enoughness with punishing workouts. Her body had other plans, but Hazel didn't want to listen. It was a fight she couldn't win. "I had to crash," she says. "You can't wage war on yourself and emerge victorious." Burnt-out and unrecognisable to herself, Hazel met her most formidable opponent yet, her fear of weakness. Hazel shares how she let go of old coping mechanisms, and how she befriended her "Mind Monster," the part of herself that she'd thrashed against for decades. Now, as an author and cognitive hypnotherapist, she's made a movement of it - the Mind Monster movement. She shares how you can leave behind your own pre-patterned behaviours that no longer serve you. We talk about: How Hazel found "a language" in fighting that perfectly told the story she wanted to express - that she was strong and worthwhile and dominant How working more, harder and faster to be good enough worked against her How "Monsters" show up in our lives. What story does yours tell over and over? How to move from "Magical Thinking" to "Trans-Systemic Thinking" The two traits of trans-systemic thinkers Why your fatigue is a symptom of your dishonesty If you're ready to relate to yourself differently, join us. Thanks for tuning in. I'm so glad you're here.   Links and Resources   Hazel Gale’s Email Fight Book Meetthemindmasters on Instagram Hazel Gale on Instagram Fight Facebook Group Hazel Gale’s Articles on Medium Hazel Gale on Twitter Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Quotes by Hazel Gale:   “I had a sense that I deserved to win the fight.”   “All of that self-doubt and shame that had preceded this moment had been false. From that point on, my life changed.”   “Our bodies can’t speak to us in any other way than to create symptoms.”

I'm fascinated by resilience, particularly how some people demonstrate extraordinary bounce-back-ability, and humour even, when something devastating happens. Maybe it's a redundancy or a medical diagnosis. Maybe a long-term relationship breaks up. You know those people who thrive in spite of their challenging circumstances? They have every reason to become jaded and cynical. Instead they're insightful. Funny. Wise like Yoda. How do they do that? Meet today's guest, James Shone. At 39 years old, James was at the pinnacle of his career. He'd just received a prestigious Headship at a school and was about to move his wife and four children into their new home, when disaster struck. Two words changed his life forever: brain tumour. James tells his story in the episode, but I wanted to pre-share this here. Most of us don't have" enough air in our balloons," he says. So when the unexpected happens we can't spring up as easily. We have a choice in adversity, he says, (quoting Winston Churchill): Do we give up, or do we get up? What saved him, James said, was a gratitude practice, a sense of humour, and connecting deeply to his purpose. Some show highlights include: Resilience is strength and speed of response to adversity. Build resilience BEFORE you need it James's 3-Step Mantra: Look up, look forward, and look out Stay flexible - We can have quite rigid ideas about what life is "supposed to" look like Start focusing on your "I can" list, instead of fixating on what you can't do. Gratitude, lightening up and helping others... How can YOU put more air in your balloon? Please join me for this funny and uplifting conversation with James Shone... Links and Resources I Can and I Am Option B Book The 3 min video I mention with Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant Review MoxieCast on iTunes Quotes by James Shone: “It's important to that our foundations are flexible - go with the flow, or you'll be felled.” “One of the most compelling reasons to get up is others.” “Follow your dreams...have a vision for your life. Keep your eyes high and keep dreaming.”

"I'm giving up caffeine," you say, all gung-ho and fist pumps. Then 4pm strikes and you've got an axe in your head, or so it feels. You're standing at the coffee bar, eyes like spirographs, remembering your promise to give up your afternoon espresso with two sugars. "Tomorrow. I promise I'll start tomorrow..." And if it's not coffee, maybe it's starting the gym, or cutting the insidious habit of checking your phone 500 times a day. Why is it so darn hard to change a habit, even if we feel it'll serve us? Today’s guest is Dr. Heather McKee, behaviour change psychologist and habit coach. Forget willpower, she says. Skill power's where it's at. Some show highlights include: Understanding the “Why” of your aspired habit (game-changer!) How habits are formed - and why knowing this matters Identifying the cues and rewards associated with the behaviours you're trying to change Starting a "Temptation Tracker" Willpower is like the battery on your mobile phone - it wears down throughout the day. Don't rely on it! The importance of enjoyment in the habit-creation process Join us!   Links and Resources: Dr. Heather McKee Dr. Heather McKee on Facebook Dr. Heather McKee on Twitter Bite Sized Habits Podcast Simon Sinek Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Quotes by Heather McKee: “When you focus all of your attention on those outcome-based goals, you start to obsess over that number. When those goals become too difficult, you kind of veer off track.” “Intrinsically motivated goals - they’re the things that matter to you most.” “One of the things we have to think about habit change is it’s not about kind of shaming ourselves into change or using change as a punishment or trying to fix ourselves.”

You walk into a social event where you don't know anyone. Everyone's mingling - everyone but you. You're at the buffet, scoffing vol-au-vents, holding your plastic glass of pee-warm chardonnay. You glance around, wiping crumbs from your lapels. Nope. Still no one you recognise. You look at your watch, wondering how long to subject yourself to this low-grade humiliation. The temptation to pull out your phone is intense. It'd make you feel like less of a plonker. Five more minutes, you tell yourself. So you stand awkwardly next to the potted plant, reading the fire escape instructions. Dum-de-dum-de-dum. Moment by moment, you're emitting more desperate signals, and shockingly, no one swans over to engage you in conversation. You give a passer-by a watery smile, but no dice. I'm outta here, you say to yourself. I'm just not good at this socialising thing. That was as fun as a root canal. If any part of my intro rings true, today's conversation is going to be a game-changer. Karen Baker is a professional people-person, rapport-building-wizard and master conversationalist. That's my description of her. She goes, more simply, by 'Coach.' In her previous career, Karen was a successful fundraiser and a masterful connector. She was - and IS - the kind of person who strikes up conversations in supermarket queues (and at those buffets I mentioned) without coming across as cheesy, insincere or stalkerish. That, friends, is an art. I approached Karen with one question: How can we talk to absolutely anyone, anywhere? Her answer is this episode. She's going to teach us... how to find an "in" when you want to connect with someone how curiosity and paying attention are the only tools you need - look for the "foamy moustache" in the room how power can befuddle the ways in which we connect how to create a service mentality how to belong in every room you're in If you've ever wanted to feel less awkward in conversations, and be one of those smooth operators who starts conversations with ease, get your note pad and press play. We've got you covered. Join us.   Links and Resources: Karen Baker on Instagram Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Quotes by Karen Baker:   “Conversation is not about give and take. Conversation is mostly about give.” “Your ultimate goal is to have a conversation that they will never forget.”

Social media is full of memes encouraging us to "be ourselves," and to "be authentic." That could be the least helpful advice ever. How do we do that? What does it even mean? Enter Sarah McVanel, today's guest. Sarah had a wake-up call when her son had a mental health crisis and ended up on antidepressants. She left her job and simplified the family's affluent lifestyle to focus on her son's recovery. This challenge helped to crystallise Sarah's own greatness, and a new career was born... Nowadays, Sarah helps others to recognise and grow their greatness by FROGGING them. It can be hard to see our own zone of genius, or how compelling our quirks and idiosyncrasies really are (so often we try hard to hide the very things that make us groovy.) One of Sarah's method is to "Forever Recognise  Others' Greatness." You can start using FROG too. It's surprisingly uplifting.  Show highlights include: The difference between wanting and deciding How choice is an antidote to passive living Afraid to fail (or succeed)? Perfect recipes for inaction... Embracing your 'weirdness' and idiosyncrasies How recognising the greatness in others helps you see your rad-ness Join us. I felt so good after this conversation. I hope you will too.   Links and Resources Sarah McVanel Lucy Whittington Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Quotes by Sarah McVanel:   “That’s part of the hero’s journey. We can be our own hero if we choose to be.”   “Being 'boss' is really your own version of your own greatness.”   “My greatness is worth it. What I have to offer, I actually am unique and special and weird and different - and that’s a good thing.”

You know that old chestnut, "Go big or go home"? There's an implication that it looks a certain way to go BIG. It's usually shiny and far-reaching. There's loads of travel and champagne involved. Big success is seductive. So seductive, that we often we leave parts of ourselves (the creative part, for instance, or sometimes the kind part) in order to pursue it. Yet here's the bonkers thing: Do you even want that? Do you know what success means for YOU? Today's episode is about how we can stop leaving ourselves. How do we start listening to that deep inner whisper that wants to make us whole again, especially if it's whispering something that feels inconvenient? (Like 'quit your job'). Today’s guest is Kendra Cunov, founder of Fierce Grace: Practices of Embodied Wholeness for Women. Kendra studies, facilitates, and practices authentic relating, embodiment practices, and deep intimacy work.   Some highlights of our conversation include: How to get back into integrity The link between adrenal fatigue and leaving ourselves Why we don't listen to our body wisdom Practical tips on tuning into your inner knowing again The "I want" practice - how repetition 'clears out the pipes' and allows the Truth to come out A phrase that makes you available to this moment This conversation is like a deep, soft exhale. Join us.   Links and Resources   Kendra Cunov Kendra Cunov’s Fierce Grace Contact Kendra Cunov Kendra Cunov’s Blog The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Suzy Reading   Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Quotes by Kendra Cunov:   “I had a really unconventional life. One of my values is in bringing the conventional and the unconventional together.”   “Sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do...but I choose that because there’s a value that I’m honoring underneath that.”   “We use the word, ‘stress,’ as a catch-all for a lot of things.”

If you ever find yourself saying, "I'll be happy when...then fill in the blank," today's episode is for you. I'm joined today by the "Happyologist," Susanna Halonen. Have a guess at what percentage of your happiness is predicted by your circumstances. I said 50 per cent, and Susanna set me straight (tune in to find out). Some show highlights include: Thinking of happiness as a muscle How to build your resilience and intuition How Susanna knew her happiness was at stake (and couldn't go through with her wedding) Learn about the famous Finnish 'Sisu' How to give happiness-inducing hugs (there's a science to it) If you're in need of an inspiring and uplifting conversation today - and want to learn some practices for cultivating more happiness in your life - join us. You might just find the corners of your mouth lifting.   Links and Resources Susanna Halonen’s Website Happiness Is Here: A 30-Day Guide to Joy and Fulfilment by Susanna Halonen Screw Finding Your Passion by Susanna Halonen Susanna Halonen on Instagram Susanna Halonen on Twitter Susanna Halonen on Facebook Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Quotes by Susanna Halonen:   “My mission in this world is to help people to live happier and more fulfilling lives.”   “I realized that happiness is really not a destination, it’s a daily choice.”   “Our mind is a very powerful thing, and that’s why we need to kind of learn to practice focusing on the good things.”

If you've ever grappled with the angst-producing question, "Is this all there is?", today's episode is for you. We're connected 24-7, yet we crave intimacy and true connection in our bellies. Am I right? We've learned to value productivity (and accessibility) over the soul-satisfaction of doing work that makes us feel alive. If you're nodding "uh-huh," I've been there too. I feel you. The challenge of asking 'Is this all there is?' is the icky feeling of ingratitude. We have SO much - an embarrassment of riches, really. It's almost shameful to feel empty. So how can we bring more purpose and joy into our lives? Many of us want more, but we can't (or don't want to) uproot our lives, grow a beard and move to the Himalayas. If that happens to be your thing, bon voyage! Send us a postcard, superstar! If that's not your shtick, what are some other options? Enter Jeff. Jeff Harmon is founder and head coach at Brilliance Within Coaching and Consulting. He shares on how to infuse your daily life with more feel-good. We touch on: How to create space when things are moving too fast How to infuse joy into things you already do (it's not about doing more) The 7-day "listen more" challenge Using powerful questions to interrupt your patterns I characterise this episode as quick 'n' deep. Lots to chew on. Lots to try. Grab your cuppa and join us.   Links and Resources   Brilliance Within Coaching and Consulting Jeff Harmon on Linkedin How Can I Slow Down, When Things are Moving So Fast Shawn Achor The Joy Diet Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Questions to interrupt your patterns: What makes me feel alive? What's most important right now? What life-giving habit or practice can I add to my life? What's the tiniest step I could take?

Hands up if you've ever experienced a forehead-meets-keyboard moment late in the afternoon before necking back another coffee or Diet Coke? Or maybe you haven't eaten since breakfast - unless you count the biscuits in the 2pm meeting, or the breath mint you had in the taxi heading home. Living like this, it's easy to role play any (or all) of the seven dysfunctional dwarves: Cranky, Listless, Angry, Twitchy, Shaky, Sleepless and the long-named one: About-to-Effing-Lose-it. In the last episode of Moxiecast, we talked food mindset with Daniel Thomas Hind. Today we get really practical with Rhiannon Lambert, a Harley Street nutritionist specialising in weight management, eating disorders, and sport's nutrition. She's also the author of Re-Nourish: A Simple Way To Eat Well.  I've created a laser session (under 25 min) to help you get some tips that you can action right away. Food affects your mood, people! Even if your lifestyle isn't high-octane and your diet is pretty good, there's still plenty of goodies in this episode for you (like the tip about frozen raspberries - who knew?) We explore: Coffee - Is it off limits? How and when to drink it so you don't get all twitchy What to stash in your bag to stave off energy crashes What to stock in your cupboards at home What to do if there's only chocolate and croissants available, and you're hungry... Breakfasts of champions (including a surprising smoothie ingredient that's a game-changer!) How to avoid those afternoon face-plants in your keyboard You can't have life lift-off if you're not properly fuelled. Fact. Join us!   Links & Resources Rhiannon Lambert; Instagram; Twitter; Email; FacebookRe-Nourish: A Simple Way To Eat Well   Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Quotes by Rhiannon: “You can really feel incredible once you start to master how food can help you when you are that busy.” “If all you can get is a chocolate bar or croissant on the go...that is not the end of the world.” “If you drink a cup of coffee on an empty stomach, you’re then inducing more stress onto your body.”   Rhiannon Lambert is registered with the Association for Nutrition (AFN) and has a first-class Bachelor (BSc) degree in Nutrition and Health and a Master's (MSc) degree in Obesity, Risks, and Prevention. She is a Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders and Obesity. Rhiannon’s qualified approach to nutrition and total dedication to her clients' needs has allowed her to work with some of the world's most influential people.

"I know what it’s like to stand in front of a fridge and just eat and eat and eat. It's like you have no choice, you’re almost possessed.” Meet Daniel Thomas Hind, founder of EvolutionEat, a transformational lifestyle coaching company that helps overwhelmed people revolutionize their relationship with food. As a formerly fat Italian kid, Daniel's got some experience here. Food was comfort growing up. Food was love. It was also an antidote to boredom, loneliness and stress. Nowadays Daniel works with high-profile clients who have a complex relationship with food - even if they don't know it. Many of his clients are busy, high achievers, people who used to run from meeting to meeting hopped up on coffee. These are people who couldn't see a way of creating space to nourish themselves properly. They used to skip meals, too busy to eat. Then they would crash because they were running on empty, on fumes of sleep and caffeine. Where's my next espresso-hit (or family-sized chocolate bar) to get me through my next meeting? If this sounds familiar, I've brought Daniel onto the show to help. He shares insights on: How to permanently change the way you eat by understanding that you actually have a relationship with food How a growth mindset can transform how you eat Why striving for "good enough" is a game-changer Tips for the insanely busy How a morning routine and midday anchor can set you up for success Join us! Your energy levels will thank you.   Links and Resources EvolutionEat Rich Litvin   Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Quotes by Daniel: “My clients come to me just lacking a general sense of awareness, integral to their understanding all the factors that play when it comes to their diet.” “Most people have never even considered that they have a relationship with food.”

Have you ever thought about over-achieving as a form of distraction? Me either. Enter Giovanna Capozza, today's guest. Giovanna is a transformational coach, speaker and host of She Rises, a podcast which focuses on everything from business leadership to spirituality for high-achieving women. She's witty, wise and has the best eyebrows on the planet, but I digress... In today's conversation we unpack the compelling, almost impulsive need to be "nexting" - working on the next achievement, the next purchase, the next thing that will bring validation and a little hit of dopamine ("We are getting high like this," she says). Giovanna gets us thinking about how we might be numbing our uncomfortable tasks, truths or fears with haagen-dazs, Netflix and over-working. Some show highlights include: How to get clear if your overachieving is coming from an unhealthy place (and what to do if it is) Identifying your garden variety distractions. Social media? Chasing "display success"? Eating when you're not hungry? How to live more consciously when it feels easier to eat a cupcake (or 5) while binge-watching a box-set and scrolling on your phone A useful practice you can try right away... Please join us! OH! I'm trialing a new shorter show format, so episodes will run between 20-30 minutes. I'd love to hear your feedback. Enjoy the show...   Links and Resources: She Rises podcast The Greatest Showman movie This Is Us TV show Email show feedback to  hello@mandylehto.com Review MoxieCast on iTunes   Pearls of wisdom by Giovanna: “This has been a lifelong thing for me. It’s been a push/pull. It’s held me back in many ways, and it’s been the thing to propel me forward in so many ways. So, it’s been a blessing and a curse.” “I reached a point where there was nothing. There was a void. I had nothing outside of myself that I could identify with...it was so scary.” What is it that I'm trying not to feel? We need a gap between stimulus and response to make a change.

Today’s guest is Monica Day, a self-described “instigator.” The topic of discussion today is how to create more intentional eroticism in your life. We all want to be swept off our feet and experience animal passion, but we also crave safety and security. Monica is going to tell us how those two ideas aren’t at odds. We’ll also talk about how to have more and better sex as well as how to manage this if you tend to be a bit shy. You won’t want to miss today’s juicy episode! Some of the highlights of the show include: The paradox of passion: What it is and why it’s important to balance the domestic and the erotic parts of your personality. How to rekindle the spark when you’re juggling work, kids, house, and all of the other obligations that accompany adulthood. Why fairy-tale romance is damaging the way we as a society and as individuals approach sex. The importance of playfulness, curiosity and communication when it comes to building up our sexual lives. What you can do to focus more on sensuality and sensations when it comes to your sexuality and your relationship. Some of the exercises that are in Monica’s book; these can help you shift the way you think about sex and sensuality. Thoughts on overcoming shyness and awkwardness when discussing needs and wants with your partner. The silent vow that many people take that can lead to the death of desire and even of the relationship in general. Why waiting to be in the mood doesn’t work. Links and Resources: Monica Day The Sensual Life Play Wild, Stay Safe Mating in Captivity   Quotes: “Our sexual energy is dynamic; it’s not static. It’s not something that lives in the closet with your sex toys... it’s responsive to where we are in our lives.” “The industry of romance has crippled us from being able to come to sex from a primal place.” “You can have a paradigm shift with your mind, but it’s a very different thing to have a paradigm shift with your body.”

If you want to create a different outcome in your life and something is uncomfortable, how can you stay the course? It can be hard to persevere when you don’t know what will happen; it’s a disconcerting feeling and it can make you feel insecure. You can get past all of that and get past your uncertainty and discomfort! Today’s guest is Nathan Seaward, aka Nathan the Pilot. He used to fly commercial aircraft, his boyhood dream. At some point, he decided it wasn’t for him anymore. While leaving behind the career, paycheck and identity of being a pilot is what he wants to do, it has thrown him into a state of flux and uncertainty. We’re going to explore Nathan’s feelings and how you can apply the truths he’s learned to your own life. Some of the highlights of the show include: How Nathan achieved his boyhood dream of becoming a pilot and why he realized that commercial flying wasn’t, in fact, his dream. Also, Nathan talks about what he decided to do instead. How Nathan knew it was time to leave his job as a commercial pilot and what he did immediately after leaving when he went into panic mode. How it feels to be firmly in the grasp of uncertainty and how Nathan handles being uncomfortable. How Nathan opens himself to feeling negative feelings by using breathing exercises. Nathan’s advice for someone wanting to make the leap but unsure of what to do. Links and Resources NathanSeaward.com Nathan on Facecbook Nathan’s Podcast The Surrender Experiment The 4-Hour Work Week Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen James Butler episode on MoxieCast Quotes by Nathan: “Flying was my boyhood passion and something that I was doing for myself... then I started to realize, this is not my dream.” “I see so many people who are unhappy in their job but stuck in analysis paralysis. I knew I didn’t want to be there. It seemed like death to me.” “I was all-in on not working for someone anymore. I went all-in on freedom.”

Have you dealt with a difficult past? Do you struggle with forgiveness? Today’s show is all about getting past these challenges. Today’s guest is Kelly Childress. Kelly is a healthcare mediator and an ordained minister. She helps people process grief and other strong emotions as they go through challenging times. Kelly grew up with an emotionally abusive, alcoholic father and suffered the rejection of her mother when she came out as gay. The underlying theme of Kelly’s story is courage and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Kelly has a lot of insight to share, so settle back, relax, and enjoy. Here are some of the highlights of the show: What Kelly does as a healthcare mediator and as a board-certified chaplain. What Kelly has learned about what’s important in life by listening to the dying: Compassion, integrity, friends and family, and more. Why difficulties are an important part of life and how you can reframe your thinking to take get through challenging times. Thoughts on reducing stress by practicing self-care. Some details on Kelly’s difficult past and why she feels it’s important to share her struggles with others. The difficult feelings Kelly brought into adulthood due to the way she was brought up and how she got over some of those thoughts. How self-forgiveness has helped Kelly move on. How Kelly shows herself compassion. The story of Kelly’s tattoos. Kelly’s advice to people who want to live more fully with no regrets. Links and Resources: Kelly on Instagram Email Kelly Regrets of the Dying Bloom Oliver Wendell Holmes Quote The Immense Journey Die Empty Braving the Wilderness Quotes by Kelly: “I learn most when I go through difficult things.” “If there’s a grudge you’re holding or something in your heart, I find self-forgiveness to be very powerful.” “When I’m being my best self, I exercise, I eat broccoli and cauliflower, I hang out with friends, I go for walks, I listen to music that makes me happy.”

Today we are talking to James G. Butler, a man trained as a superhuman. The Canadian Government spent more than a million dollars on his training. He is an Afghanistan veteran and was an elite military diver. His career was cut short after a catastrophic lung collapse while on a dive. In our conversation, we talk about picking up the pieces and reinventing ourselves. There is no better guide for this topic than James. Some of the highlights of the show include: How James has exemplified bravery for Mandy as he set up his business and became who he is now. He is also an incredible coach. James shares what his diving experience was like. It’s not normal for a human to be in isolation 100 feet below the surface. How Afghanistan was interspersed with naps and being on edge in a reactive state. There was heat and chaos and James was tested like never before. Developing the proper narrative to remind oneself of where you are going and what you are doing. The if then plan. Overwhelm is a choice and a strategy that our mind uses to keep us safe. Having the luxury to be overwhelmed versus being overwhelmed. James shares the story of how his lung collapsed during his elite training. He ended up in the hospital with surgeries, tubes, and blood transfusions.   He was weak and frail and had a total identity crisis and wondered what he would do now. He hired coaches and trainers and regained his health back, but he would never be able to be an elite diver again. James discovered he had the ability to create an amazing mindset and got involved with deep mindset coaching. Getting to the place where everything can be taken away, yet being empowered to recreate everything. Links: Reclaiming Warrior James on Facebook James on Twitter @James_GButler The Dark Side of the Light Chasers James@ReclaimingWarrior.com If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes. Quotes by James: “I wasn’t looking for success, I was looking for an unshakeable identity that I would create.” “The only way you can be powerful is by being the most whole you.” “One of the easiest ways to power up is to go backwards and clean up all of the messes from the past.”

Are you prone to worry? Most of us are! Do you want to stop worrying? Who doesn’t? Today we’re going to be chatting with Gabrielle Treanor. She’s going to help us learn to worry less so we can thrive more. Gabrielle, a self-professed former champion worrier,  is a blogger and she conducts classes designed to help people to be happier and more fulfilled. Today we’ll learn some tips on how to use basic routines to anchor ourselves and feel better in our own lives. You will want to take some time to glean some great tips from Gabrielle on this episode. Some of the highlights of the show include: What thriving means to Gabrielle and how she defines three different levels of worrying, from healthy worry to life-altering anxiety. Gabrielle’s personal experience with going from being a person with high levels of anxiety to one who is able to handle worry in a healthy way. Some practices that can help you reduce your worry-level, as well as the importance of being willing to try different things. Thoughts about meditation and mindfulness: What it can be, what it is not, and how it can help you overcome worry. Why being grateful can help you reduce worry, as well as how you can benefit from being thankful. How gratitude can impact productivity, focus, helpfulness, and positivity. Why sleep-deprivation and poor nutrition can impact your anxiety levels. How getting into nature can help you manage your worry and feel better overall. Tips on how to live more mindfully and happily to begin with so we start naturally moving away from worry and anxiety. Gabrielle’s intentional mornings: What they can include and why the routine is important. How Gabrielle uses mantras and affirmations to help her live more consciously, as well as tips on remembering to use them. Links: Gabrielle Treanor Gabrielle on Instagram Gabrielle on Facebook Gabrielle on Twitter Headspace A Thankful Heart Before Happiness If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.   Quotes by Gabrielle: “To me, thriving means living your life as best as you can.” “A lot of the things that I find really beneficial are things that take you out of your head, because worriers spend a lot of time in their heads and they don’t notice what is going on with themselves or the rest of the world.” “Treat yourself like you would treat your best friend.”

Today we are talking to Heidi Taylor, a sales coach who is also an introvert and a storytelling wizard. She crafts her own stories so compellingly that her readers or viewers can really get her. As part of her business, she teaches others how to craft and tell their own stories. If you’re wondering how to tell your own story, you’ll want to settle down and enjoy our conversation.  Some of the highlights of the show include:  How Heidi’s appearance, specifically her hair, helps her gain confidence while expressing herself. How Heidi came to clarity about telling her own story, beginning with the loss of her income from her business during the economic crash. Heidi’s thoughts on her failures and how they have impacted not only her life, but also her storytelling. How Heidi helps others tell their stories, including resources that she uses to draw out someone’s strengths and how others perceive them. A question that you should ask some of your friendly acquaintances so you can see how others receive you. This will help you hone your story more fully. Tips on getting to the place where your story can ultimately help you meet and relate to people. Tips that are specific to entrepreneurs and solopreneurs. How Heidi mines for topics and strengths for her clients to help them create their own stories. Why you should not try to emulate the way that other people present themselves.  Links:  Heidi on Instagram Heidi’s website Strengths Finder Test How to Fascinate Spirituality for Real Life Rich Roll Podcast Rob Bell Podcast   If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.   Quotes by Heidi:   “To be able to tell your story well, you need a partner. You need someone to listen for the things you think are totally normal.”   “When we watch movies, the most compelling stories are the underdogs and the things that happen that make us wonder how the person will climb out of the hole.”   “The no-no is seeing someone else in your industry who is doing social media a certain way and trying to be them.”

Porridge with berries for breakfast. Steamed veg with brown rice for lunch. Pint of Oreo ice cream before bed, with a bag of Doritos on the side, washed down with Prosecco. We laugh. Knowing laugher, perhaps. This episode is not about eating more greens, or drinking less bubbly (at least not directly). It's about willpower and habit formation when it comes to self-care. We know, more or less, what we need to do to feel nourished and vibrant and strong. But when we get busy - and we always get busy - all those energy and humour-sustaining practices vanish faster than a pizza in front of my teenaged son. We crash, and then, little by little, rejuvenate ourselves with those very self-care practices that kept us going in the first place. Sound familiar? People who are winning at life don't roll this way. Instead, they place self-care firmly in the centre of their lives. It's non-negotiable. They make large, regular deposits into their energy bank, and by doing this, they anticipate those stressful times that throw others off course. Self-care (and minding our willpower) therefore, isn't a fluffy, indulgent thing, but a core tenet of thriving. If you're nodding, Suzy Reading is here to help. Suzy is a psychologist who specializes in well-being, stress management and self care. She’s also a writer for Psychologies magazine and the psychology expert for Neom Organics. Some show highlights: The critical difference between saying, “I can’t” and “I don’t” The Willpower Gap - knowing about this is a game-changer How to soothe your nervous system (including a tip from Homer Simpson) Building up a tool kit, including Primer Statements (WOW, just wow!) *before* the shiitake hits the fan Advice for “hard-a-holics" Please enjoy my conversation with the sunny and relatable, Suzy Reading.   Links: Suzy Reading Suzy on Instagram Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength The Upside of Your Dark Side If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to my weekly inspiration email list and leave me a review on iTunes.   Quotes:   “When you say “I can’t,” it feels foisted upon you. When you say “I don’t,” it comes from a place of active choosing.”   “When we’re in a place of energetic abundance, we interpret life differently... stress rolls off your shoulders more effectively.”   “Willpower is not a muscle that gets stronger with use. It’s a finite resource. the more you drain it, the less you have over the course of a day.”   “It’s important to acknowledge that in different moments, we need different things.”

f you’ve ever hidden in a loo cubicle at work to collect your thoughts, this episode is for YOU. Maybe you feel constantly overwhelmed and fried. No wonder. Apparently, we switch between 37 different tasks every hour. Maybe your mobile phone is the first thing you kiss in the morning. It's your companion at meals. It's even in bed with you. Being constantly accessible isn't making any of us more productive, even as technology advances. In fact, productivity trailed off six years ago, in spite of all the snazzy new gizmos and applications. If you recognise the madness of hyper-connectivity and overwhelm in your own life (but can't quit and move to a meditation retreat in Bali), don't worry, there's still hope. My guest today is Colette Heneghan. Colette was a successful account manager for a global telecoms company that helped to introduce the Blackberry - and the joys of being accessible 24-7 - to our lives way back when. She'd grab a sandwich on the hoof; or be glued to her desk till her legs felt cold and dead; or not see blue sky for days at a time. Nowadays, Colette runs Optimum Living, a wellbeing consultancy that helps companies find ways to allow their employees to thrive in the workplace. We talk about making changes that can have a real cumulative impact on your wellbeing. We cover: Some clues that you might be approaching 'the brick wall' Common traits found in high-performers' working lives 2 purchases to kick-start your wellness (one's very retro!) What an optimised morning looks like How to gain back 2 hours of your day Using "Airplane" mode as a productivity tool   Colette is a fan of micro-changes, which includes getting outside (and out of the loo cubicle) for your 5-minute breather. Sounds much better to me... Join us! Links: Rewriting the rules for the digital age - Deloitte University Press How to Be a Productivity Ninja: Worry Less, Achieve More and Love What You Do - Graham Allcott The Pomodoro Technique Headspace App The Art of Being Yourself - Caroline McHugh Eat Move Sleep: How Small Choices Lead to Big Changes - Tom Rath The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest  - Dan Buettner Colette on Twitter Colette on Instagram Colette’s website Optimum Living If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.   Quotes from Colette: "You get more done when you work less." "It's not just what you eat, it's the way you eat it." "Every good night's sleep starts the morning before."

What does it mean to be brave? Is it about having bullet-proof confidence, or smug certainty? If so, I've been doing it wrong all my life. Reflecting on the times when I've been brave, I can't recall a single episode where I've felt bullet-proof or certain. The time I moved countries to attend grad school? I was terrified. For months, I had major imposter syndrome. The time I left my marriage? (...because, to paraphrase Cheryl Strayed, I realised I didn't love him hard enough or true enough or big enough or right). Was it the brave and right thing to do? Absolutely. Was I scared and uncertain? You bet. The time I left a well-paid, but soul-destroying career to start my own business? I was totally wracked with self-doubt. And yes, it turned out to be the bravest, best career choice ever. But still, I felt more weenie than winner at the time. I've learned one thing about bravery: Being brave doesn't mean you're not terrified. It's being terrified and proceeding anyway, in spite of the fear and uncertainty. And if you splatter, it's about getting up again. Today I'm in conversation with Suzy Walker, the editor of Psychologies magazine. Suzy is also a life coach, the author of two books, Making the Big Leap and The Big Peace, and is momma to Charlie (human) and Oscar (canine). Suzy and I discuss what it means to be brave; why resilience is key (especially if you've splattered); and why you don't have to be the smartest or the most talented to be successful. Some highlights: Suzy dreamt of crashing her car - a sign that she needed to be brave and make a change Bravery vs. talent Handling your inner critic Tips on making a big leap Suzy puts her coaching hat on and answers some of your listener questions (on becoming self-employed; on struggling with self-promotion; and on busting a rut) Please enjoy my conversation with Suzy Walker.   Psychologies Magazine Making The Big Leap The Big Peace The Artist’s Way The Hero With a Thousand Faces Big Magic If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.   Quotes by Suzy: “Courage is moving forward when you’re scared to death... and knowing when not to move forward.” “By being brave, you open all of the doors.” “You’ll never be confident enough to do it. You have to do it so you’ll become confident.”

Anxiety. It's part of our daily lives. Maybe you're up at 3am, tired but wired, stressing about your to-do list. Or maybe you've spent all week worrying about your big presentation, scared of flubbing it up. Or perhaps you're micromanaging your kids' choices, big and small, lest they screw up and fail. It could even be small, seemingly innocuous stuff - swiping through Instagram and seeing all those perfect abs and refrigerator contents, stocked full of edible flowers and other exotic garnishes. It can make us feel that our own comfy tummies and drab meals are kinda dull in comparison. So what can we do? I've got Chloe Brotheridge on the show today. She's a hypnotherapist, anxiety expert, and author of The Anxiety Solution: A Quieter Mind, a Calmer You. She has featured in Glamour, Women’s Health, Huffington Post, and elsewhere. Here's a few highlights from our conversation: Why you can get used to being on “high alert” (and why it can feel hard to relax) Chloe’s own experience with anxiety Tips on handling overwhelm - and why breaks are critical How to handle the fear of failure Why your kids need to make mistakes And why you might need to 'unfollow' some accounts on social media Please enjoy my conversation with Chloe Brotheridge.   Links: Calmer You Easy Way to Change The Anxiety Solution: A Quieter Mind, a Calmer You Byron Katie Headspace App Anti-Social App Blink Loving What Is If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.   Some of my favourite quotes from the episode: “Most people get very used to being in a high-anxiety state.” “We are only able to do one thing at a time, and there’s only one thing we need to do in one moment...Focus on the task at hand.” “Our unconscious minds want to close the loops and answer questions.”

Conflict. Shuddering at the very mention of the word? You're not alone. I recently asked my Daily Moxie readers to hit reply and tell me about their current challenges. I wanted to know what they were struggling with. What would they love support on? Conflict came up time and again. That got me thinking about how I could astonish you guys with useful information. I thought, why not do some episodes with TWO coaches to support you on your dilemmas. That's how this episode was born. And I knew just the person to help. Enter Varian Brandon. For those of you who don't know Varian yet, she’s an inspirational speaker, business coach and mentor. Aside from cooking a mean mac & cheese, she's also known for her bold, big-hearted wisdom, and for saying it like it is, with grace and tact and intelligence. Today's episode is for YOU if you're wondering how to handle conflict, and a few other juicy topics including: How to manage your expectations when you're running your own business (and life intervenes) How to handle rejection How to appreciate your existing wins, instead of always next-ing How to stop getting flustered at work How to make time for important projects, like writing a book or starting business, when you work full-time Join us...   Links: Varian Brandon Varian on Facebook How to Win Friends and Influence People Developing the Leader Within You Just Listen If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes. Some gems by Varian: “You don’t know how strong a relationship is until it can survive conflict.” “Sometimes a “no” is not rejection; it’s protection.” “Understanding the “why”... can help you make changes.”

I was really hoping that there was going to be a neat, tidy system for getting more comfortable in our own skin, something Marie Kondo-ish: throw this bit out, compartmentalise that, and Ta-Da! Spoiler alert: there is no system. Ok, so I had actually figured that out on my own, but I thought wild artist, intuitive life & business coach, and magical unicorn, Allison Crow, might, just might, have a system.  It was worth a shot, right? I don't know anyone more comfortable in their own skin than Allison - except maybe my nine-year-0ld daughter, who just took a series of selfies on my iPhone, dancing on the kitchen table (that's my girl).  I asked Allison to talk about her metaphorical striptease - her journey of shedding layer after layer of perfectionitis, and being led by how she was "supposed to" look, work and live in the world. I came to our conversation with so many questions:  How did you let go of all the performing and the pretending?  How did you just surrender all the BS and be yourself?  And how do you 'do' surrendering, and letting go?  Any tips? (The achiever in me really wanted to know.  And yes, I do see the humour and irony in my line of questioning.  Bless.). This lovingly-made episode is the result of my deep curiosity and Allison's straight-talking wisdom. It is not linear and there is nothing compartmentalised about it. There is no 3-step plan. Allison talks about... How she lets go of over-identifying with achievement and shiny objects How she handles her fears that people will "un-choose" her if she is her real, wild self Her ongoing conversation with her inner whisper, and what 'surrendering' means for her Her 'to feel' list and other practices to try I am so excited to share this nourishing, soulful and VERY ADULT conversation with you.  Join us.   Links and Resources: Allison's website Rich Litvin video I mention   If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.

People pleasing: Why do we do it? How do we stop it? When we focus on pleasing others as a way of life, we can attract “takers” and have wrong motivations for our actions. People-pleasing has become somewhat of an epidemic, and its ramifications can be long-reaching. If you’ve gotten into the cycle of having bad feelings while trying to make others happy, you might be a people-pleaser, and today’s episode is a must-listen!   Today’s guest, Jason Goldberg (better known to his friends as “JG”), is a transformational speaker, coach, trainer, and the best-selling author of Prison Break: Vanquish the Victim, Own Your Obstacles, and Lead Your Life. He’s also the founder of the Not-So-Serious University. He shares his insights on people-pleasing (and what you can do about it).   Some of the topics we’ll talk about today include:   Why we should examine our motivations for wanting to please others, and how we can discern whether we actually want to bring joy to someone else, or just get others to like us or validate our opinions and “wholeness.”  Willingness vs. worthiness: Why one is self-indulgent and the other is about service to others.  How “winning by whining” and humor can both be  therapeutic and effective ways to deal with stress and boost creativity.  Why boundaries are important when it comes to people-pleasing. You can be loving and also say “no.”   What you can do if you realize that you’re in people-pleaser mode, and how to prevent getting there in the first place.  The best advice JG has ever received, a skill that he wishes he had, and what he does to snap out of it when he’s feeling irritated or annoyed.   Links and Resources:   Jason Goldberg  Prison Break  Not-So-Serious University   If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.   Quotes by Jason:   “When I people-please, the motivation is murky.”  “Creativity is greater than circumstance.”  “Brick walls are meant to keep people out. Boundaries are meant to keep people in.” 

It can be so difficult to balance achievement with self-care. When all of your focus is on your work and your goals, it’s easy to spiral into an unhealthy pattern of ignoring your own needs and denigrating yourself for needing to engage in some self-love. If you’re a chronic overachiever who feels stressed and burnt out, or if you want to prevent turning into this person, today’s show is for you! Coach, writer and well-being queen, Christine Livingston, is our guest today. We’re talking about how we can push ourselves to achieve while still operating from a place of self-love. We need to rest and have boundaries, and it’s so important to listen to that little voice telling you to engage in self-care while still getting important things done and reaching goals. Some of the topics you’ll hear about today include: How Christine has struggled with being an overachiever herself, and how she finally realized that her mindset was unhealthy and unsustainable. Tips on changing our relationships with ourselves: How to find that balance between pushing ourselves and being nice to ourselves at the same time. How to avoid the pitfall of simply not doing anything productive in the quest for self-love. Why boundaries are an integral part of creating a balance between self-love and getting stuff done. Some of the clues that can indicate that you’re “going off the path,” and tips on correcting your course. How to know the difference between your overachiever voice vs. your be-kind-to-yourself voice. Links: Passion Planner Livingston Consulting Christine on Instagram ChristineLivingston.com   If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.

Motivation: No matter what line of work you’re in, sometimes you have motivation and sometimes you just don’t. When you are feeling motivated, it’s easier to make decisions and do what needs to be done; when your mojo is running low, you can get distracted and lose your productivity.   Today’s guest is Mark McGuinness. He’s a coach, motivational expert, poet and author. He has written two books Motivation for Creative People and Resilience: Facing Down Rejection and Criticism on the Road to Success. In addition, his work has been featured in Vogue US, the Wall Street Journal and the Discovery Channel.    Today Mark talks to us about motivation and resilience. Some of the topics discussed include:   What motivation is and what it isn’t: Mark defines it as whatever gets you moving.  How to foster long-term motivation when the project or goal is not short-term.  How organization and sticking to a schedule can help keep you motivated.  How curiosity makes a big difference when it comes to motivation and follow-through.  Mark’s first thoughts on mojo, including what he does when his is flagging, what doesn’t work, who inspires him, and his mantra.  Some ways to avoid being hurt by rejection and “taking it personally.”  Actionable tips on getting and staying motivated.   Links and Resources:   Mark’s Poetry  Creative Coaching  Training for Creative Companies  Mark on Twitter  Mark on Google  Mark on Facebook  Motivation for Creative People  http://www.facebook.com/LateralAction  Resilience: Facing Down Rejection and Criticism on the Road to Success  The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg  Falling Awake, by Dave Ellis http://lateralaction.com/resilience/    If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.      

Today I’m speaking to writer, editor and content strategist Cheri Hanson, who is also the author of Create Awesome Content. She has experience with getting the monkey of negative thoughts off of her back, and is excited to share her experiences and successes with our listeners through her storytelling. Some of the topics that we’ll explore with Cheri include: The purpose of a story. What is victim mode? What is learned helplessness? What procrastination can really mean. Lower Ladder Thinking How to make new habits. High Ladder Living Links and Resources: Create Awesome Content Cheri’s Website Cheri’s Blog Cheri on Instagram Cheri on Twitter Brene Brown Steve Chandler Little Bets, by: Peter Sims Please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.    

Curiosity is the antidote to the fear that shuts us down. As adults, we might hesitate to do things that will make us look silly or that might expose a mistake, but having a strong sense of curiosity makes life more fun, helps us develop self-trust, helps us feel more alive, and allows us to proceed through life with less judgement. Developing your sense of curiosity might change your life and the way you feel about yourself. Today’s guest is curiosity-ninja John-Paul Flintoff. He is a writer, performer, coach, journalist, and author. He’s also been a window cleaner, a rat catcher, and a taxi driver, to name just a few of his recent endeavors. He’s also written several books, including How to Change the World and What If the Queen should Die? Here are some of the topics you’ll hear about on today’s episode: Why John-Paul believes he is curious and how it contributes to his bravery. How result apathy (enjoying the process rather than being focused on the outcome) allows curiosity to take hold. John-Paul’s journey into improv and how it has impacted his curiosity. Tips on how to get over your own self-judgement and ask others for help. How to overcome the tendency to judge others in our quest to become more curious. Concrete suggestions of things to try as you integrate curiosity into your daily life. Links and Resources: John-Paul’s website The School of Life John-Paul on Twitter How to Change the World What If the Queen Should Die? Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.  

Behind every physical workout is a mental workout. Are you using the 'go hard, or go home' approach? What if there was a gentler way to prime yourself for wellbeing that actually worked and felt way better? So you ate cake.  Or A cake.  Now you stare at yourself in the mirror, disgusted, and tell yourself you need to spend 3 hours on the treadmill working it off, you pig. Being mean to ourselves can be motivating, but honestly, there's got to be a better way. The mental prep we do for exercise - how we see ourselves, how we motivate ourselves, how we're in relationship with our bodies - spills over into how we show up in life.  We pound ourselves at work. Then we pound ourselves at the gym (or do the opposite, which might involve a sofa, a spoon, and a jar of Nutella). We don't listen to our bodies. Instead we often expect too much, push ourselves and then beat ourselves up for our perceived failures. If you're a self-beater-upper and you're sick of it, today's episode is for YOU. I'm in conversation with Charlene Hutsebaut, a wellness mentor, writer, speaker, and one of the Top 10 Global Finalists in the Personal Trainers to Watch 2015. We jam on: The importance of self-talk in our self-image  How Post-it notes can help (I do love a Post-it)... How to handle bad days How to go from "Problem-centric thinking" to a "Relentless solution focus" Tips for being more active during the workday The link to my favourite quick pilates workout you can do at home (the back stretch is heaven!) Join us!   Busy?  Try downloading an episode to listen on your walk or commute, or listen while you're cooking dinner.   Links and Resources: Charlene’s website Instagram Twitter Facebook Charlene’s Vimeo channel Small ball workout on Vimeo Small balls on Physical Company Small balls on Amazon Executive Toughness by Dr. Jason Selk Please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.

Welcome! The blog will return again soon, and I'll intersperse writing with MoxieCast episodes to spice things up for you. This week it's another podcast. I've been lucky to have Cheri Hanson on MoxieCast for a trilogy of deep, powerful conversations. For those of you who haven't yet heard Episode 1, Cheri is a writer, content strategist and creative dynamo. Most of all, she's a great conversationalist with a sharp mind and a gentle wit. This episode is our second jam, and we get into a squidgy, but important subject: those persistent negative thoughts that drive our behaviour, and keep our lives smaller, more confined and heavier.  Boo. Not sure what I'm talking about? Maybe your self-worth is only as good as your latest accomplishment. So if you're not achieving every moment, and didn't manage your entire phone-book-sized to-do list today, you're a loser.  That's what your inner voice says every time. Oh and rest is for wimps, because, hey, you should be achieving something!  These bad boys are persistent negative thoughts... Getting caught in the cycle of persistent negative thoughts can mean that you unconsciously curate evidence for your not-enoughness - and guess what? You'll always find some proof.  So the cycle continues. I'm about to have a vulnerability hangover.  This time, Cheri interviews me about how my persistent old stories - like I'm not good enough, and I'm only as good as my last achievement - can be transformed into new lighter practices that lead to more joy, lightness and fulfilment. We discuss how to recognise a persistent negative thought, and what to do when you're wallowing in self-pity (...because that always feels gross and goes nowhere worth going). We discuss: The purpose of a "story" (and how we spin and self-administer them) How we make our persistent thoughts stronger by feeding and paying attention to them A 2-part question that can instantly deflate a negative thought How the moving spotlight technique can forever change how you think Resources and Links: Cherihanson.com Instagram The Work, by: Byron Katie   Please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.

Do you have the inner fraud police living inside of your head? Those are the thoughts that tell you that you’re not good enough to do what you want to do. This type of thought pattern is known as “imposter syndrome.” It can be described as a negative highlight reel, where you see all of the times that you’ve made mistakes or haven’t lived up to your own expectations, and you see those negative moments as the whole truth. Today I’m speaking with Emma Stroud, who is an entrepreneur, comedian, writer, coach, mentor, improvisor and mom. She has studied and practiced improvisation for 25 years, having started off by going to clowning school. She often uses humor and storytelling to get her point across. She joins us today to talk about imposter syndrome: how to recognize it and, most importantly, how to get over it. On this episode, some of the topics you’ll hear discussed include: The physical symptoms of imposter syndrome, and how to use those clues to turn your reactionary thoughts in a different direction. How vulnerability can quiet imposter syndrome. Three questions to ask yourself to help combat feelings of inadequacy. How Emma has used comedy to tame her own imposter syndrome. Links and Resources: PitchPerfectClub.com Emma on LinkedIn Emma on Twitter Mindsight Amy Cuddy on TED Think Big Storytelling Conference If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes.  

My guest today is Cheri Hanson a writer and journalist. Our conversation helps us explore why so many of us leave our creativity or productivity on a back burner. Everyone has “music” an expression within themselves that they can hide or show to the world. This doesn't have to be a creative endeavor, it can be a work project that scares you or whatever is your passion. Today we talk about the things that hold us back in our creativity and productivity; and the tricks and resources that help us get our “music” out of ourselves. The topics and tricks we share today are below: Why the “stories” we tell ourselves are holding us back. What is Result Apathy? Why results are so important to us. What are Mental Minions? Using a post-it note prompt. The Pomodoro Technique. The importance of knowing your own work pattern. Resources and Links The Pomodoro Technique Courageous Dreaming, by: Alberto Villoldo Ph.D. D.C. Gonzalez Cherihanson.com Instagram If you have enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our weekly inspiration email list and leave us a review on iTunes