Theninetofivers

Fresh from the 100-episode hype who better to usher in the beginning of a new century than our esteemed guest Yoland - a fashion blogger who has been a valued supporter of the podcast from early. We explore the nuances of a childhood split between two wildly different locations and how it impacted the person she is today. Whilst she is at home on the podcast, fitting in has always been a struggle as an immigrant and a constant battle that required resilience and determination. Adults often look back at their youth reminded of simpler times and whilst for some they long for it this is not the case with everyone. Childhood like life is shaped by the people we are around and the experiences we go through. Having been exposed to fashion in school days, it was clear this was an area of interest for Yoland and set her on to the path she is on now. The path of life is not smooth however and at some point she found herself in therapy which in itself is still stigmatised as something for weak and crazy people. Luckily awareness around mental health is spreading and hopefully with time, things such as therapy will be treated with the same normality as a trip to the dentist. The quickest route to a therapist is love issues whether that be from parental love, relational love or self-love, it is tricky to navigate alone. Our idea of love is shaped by what we see, what we watch but too often it paints an idealistic picture of love that does not reflect reality. This can also extend to the things we are told as kids, parent or grandparents might unwittingly inflate egos and when it is not reflected outside of the home it can lead to a shock to the system. Find out all our thoughts on this and more in a deep and open edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

Wow we have reached 100 episodes! Well, over 100 when you include the quarantine series but it is really remarkable that we have reached such a milestone. So much has happened since we started, both with the podcast and personally and it is all documented here and shared with you guys. We appreciate each and every one of you and we know are a niche crowd but we are the greatest kept secret there is and you are part of that community. So thank you. We hope we can keep entertaining and educating as long as possible and lets see what is next in store for TheNineToFivers. Here is to the next 100!

The western world is at it again displaying their discriminatory behaviour towards Africa under the guise of protectionism and yet what they seek protection from is already among them. In fact several reports state that the new Omicron variant of Covid was in Europe before Africa. So quickly the narrative spins and so quickly has the travel apartheid been implemented but what else is new, governments act, people complain, nothing changes or does it? The government are the ultimate authority, but do they really hold the power over the people? If the people are unified for long enough surely something must be done eventually? Or is it really just dependent on how liberal a country and what consequences a people are prepared to endure? With the world rapidly changing certain industries are struggling to recruit at a fast enough rate leaving massive amounts of unfilled roles. What can a company do to entice people to apply for the job? Lower entry requirements or perhaps increase the incentives? On the flip side one manager fired 600 people at the same time which shows you people are only valued over money when they themselves are deemed valuable to a person or organisation. Value is King. Make sure to tune in for another straight-talking edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

At what point should graft and toil be rewarded? Does effort always equal success or is there more to it? On any journey it is very difficult to keep your eyes solely on your path and the world of social media has made it super difficult so much so that it can be disheartening when too much is consumed, and you are not in the right heads pace. Life is full of ups and downs; good times and bad times, likes and dislikes... well actually YouTube has gotten rid of dislikes for 'the benefit of the small creator' but who knows what the real agenda is, when money is involved organisations or even humans in general tend to show their true colours. What do we even mean by that though? Humans are capable of terrible things but if we act on those things are they a representation of our true colours? There is usually negativity associated with the phrase but with so many of us putting on our best face perhaps there should be grace provided in some situations, especially if majority of the time they are not like that. Injustices are numerous especially with the American justice system but even when systems and individuals fail there will always be good people willing to rectify wrongs of the past and social media has really helped highlighting a number of cases over the years. Find out about all of this and more in another intriguing edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

Age milestones are not to be taken lightly and 30 is one of the biggest you come across. The boys recount 2Tones party and all the efforts and considerations that come along with being a host. From the planning to the invites to the execution on the night and of course the expenses. There is a lot that goes into it and luckily it was a great evening with vibes laughter and positive energy. Some would say that is also an accurate description of a lot of UK podcasts nowadays but some have lumped black UK podcasts into the generic category of relationships and gender roles. Is this a fair assessment? People often think they are the exception to the rule until they get done the same way but is it fair to demonise bad choices? Things that seem appealing but in reality will leave you in a bad state in the long run are often hard to see for those seduced by the allure of the things they yearn for. People get comfortable with what they know and we see this even when it comes to living arrangements. Why move out of an area you have known all your life if you don't have to? Is there a problem or do you risk being close-minded and somewhat institutionalised if you do not. Find out about all these topics and more in a free spirited edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

Fresh from a live podcast experience the boys recall an entertaining night highlighting the success of the scene and the impact music in general has had on the day to day lives of everyday folk. Most are positive but you cannot ignore the negative contributions either and tragically as was seen in the astroworld, improper planning and uncontrolled energy has potential to be fatal. Who is responsible in cases like this? Should the artist have done more to consider the safety of his fans or is that outside of his job description? Whatever the case this will likely leave a stain on his career that will be difficult to disassociate from. We associate music with periods in our lifetime and that's why it is so easy for us to form favourites and attachments, but we also go to music to affirm emotions that we may be feeling or want to feel. Some say we listen to music and it influences are mood whilst it could be argued that our moods influence are music choices. It can really be like a chicken or egg situation with what comes first, the cause or the effect. Celebrities are always fascinating to the regular human, but we forget or choose to forget that they are also human and fundamentally flawed, as are most relationships. What we chose to disclose with others about our other halves is our choice but what is really helpful to share? Is there anything off limits? Not for 2tones as he recounts his trip to Dubai for his pre-birthday celebrations. Be sure to let us know what you think in a free – flowing edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

The word is going virtual! With the introduction of meta (facebooks parent company) and the new metaverse being championed by Facebook's co rounder Mark Zuckerberg, the question arises are we heading into a virtual reality sooner than we think? From NFTS to the underdog cryptos seeing a sharp upturn in value as a result of this news the boys discuss this and their views of what the future may hold. Some women find financially literate men unattractive!?

The Guest train continues and this week we have the poetry Mystro Dialectic Dee. Poetry is not generally understood by the masses but through our guest we explore the world and dissect the differences and similarities between the popular art form Rap. With artistry there is usually a certain vulnerability that is displayed over time and as people become more comfortable with expressive sides but is there any anxiety attached to it. For some it is deem as therapeutic to detail their emotions and feelings at a time and for others it is a way for their fans to relate to them. When tinkering however the pursuit of perfection can have both positive and negative effects. We often have ways of viewing people before we meet them but sometimes reality and expectation don't match. Expectations regarding routes to success don't always match reality either and people don't tend to make the sacrifices that are needed to actually achieve the success they say they want. Where does loyalty lie in the realms of success? Is loyalty conditional or does it really depend on the person and relationship? Can blind loyalty be warranted in some circumstances or is the ride or die mentality foolish? Hear our thoughts on all this and more in a artistic edition of TheNineToFivers.

We are in Black History Month in the UK and who better to have on than Nora and Ola of the TheBlackCardTalks. Is the significance of black history month felt in this country though? In the US it is a massive thing but is that more so because they hold a larger percentage of the population that their history cannot be diluted? Regard the black voice has become stronger since last years traumatic events but it doesn't stop there. The younger generation need to be shaped in a way that they improve on what has been started already and it seems to be happening already in Gen Z. Maybe we will get to a point where code switching is not even a thing but that might just be a pipe dream, time will tell. We have all had different upbringings and who we were around during schooling years play a big part in that. Some found themselves more adaptable, whilst others felt marginalized, but all journeys are unique even for those with shared heritage. The reality is that many lower classed communities are forced to move out of the areas they live in due to gentrification and now have to look to more obscure locations where the diversity is not comparable to London. This has its pros and its cons but if people knew ahead of time what would happen, perhaps their moves would have been different. If people could go back and advise their younger selves, how would they do it. Black women face an uphill struggle in all facets of life but what is more important being black or being a woman? A strange question it may be but one that creates deep discussion and intriguing perspectives, find out about all this and more in this Impactful edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

School is a major factor in any child's life and the decision to send a child to a same sex or mixed school often leads to slight differences. The opposite sex often becomes idolized and social interactions can be lacking in those that go same sex schools however the comradery between children can often not be replicated in mixed school. Something that is not taught in schools is the new term blackfishing which describes a form of cultural appropriation which deals with appearance mainly. Black people have become more vocal in recent times and it is clear there will be no tolerance for exploitation or discrimination with the majority but with humans there will always be differing opinions so it is believed that certain figures should be not be held to the fire over a concept that is not universally understood yet. What is commonly agreed however is that Tyson Fury is the best heavyweight of his era, but is it too soon to be crowning him as such or does he need to prove it against everyone else and become the undisputed champion. AJ has to put his undisputed ambitions to bed for now and focus on his rematch with Usyk but is it the right option? Should he take the opportunity to rebuild with opponents of his choosing? Maybe but there is no guarantee he will have the opportunity to compete for the belts again. The roadblocks may prove too tricky as London has been experiencing lately with insulate Britain causing havoc with their protests. Are they going about it the right way or are they just harming the innocent's way of life? Their point may be valid but ultimately micro problems matter more to individuals and that's the way it will always be. As will people taking advantage of others for their own gain despite the moral implications and as will people willing to embarrass themselves for the sake of humiliating others. When presented with good choices how do you know which one is best to do? How do you be content when you have a big decision and you don't know which way to go? How do you live with your eventual decision? Listen to our latest ep and find out!

The guest train continues and this week we are joined by XO's Childhood friend Biyi who joins the team for a discussion on the television shows that have been dominating discussion as of late. Highlife the channel 4 reality show that highlights prosperous and successful first-generation immigrants and provides a welcome variety from the stereotypical media that black people are so often portrayed in. The portrayal of morality in Squid Game however is something else and it is on route to becoming Netflix's most successful show. It is an accurate depiction of reality when people on the breadline or worse are offered life changing sums of money. Does morality exist if you remove consequences? Are we naturally corrupted by power or do things such as values, compassion and equality still linger in the human heart no matter the level of power or freedom? Schools are planning to impede on the freedom of speech with a ban on slang words. Is it a necessary evil to improve literacy or does it unfairly discriminate against those of a certain cultural standing. Many people are used to code switching especially in corporate environments but is this something that needs to be done or is it something we do to appease those we are around? Appeasing females in the decline if certain accounts are to be taken as gospel as some women now feel that they are grafting for men compared to the other way around. Is this truly the case and if so what is the problem with it? Find the solution with another engaging edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

This week the boys are joined by multi-talented Meriam who has a myriad of things she does from film directing to modelling to podcasting to name a few. In an age where everything is moving online including dating approaches, knowing how to deal with men on road is something that can be intimidating to a lot of women. Meriam has good boxing experience and highlights how important it is for girls in the modern age to know how to defend themselves if the worst were to occur. With the news of another female murder in the capital, this message seems more prominent than ever. Although not quite a murder, Anthony Joshua was dispatched in a systematic beatdown this weekend and many have been quick to write him off. Was he just a pretender, or are we not giving enough credit to the genius Usyk? Someone that opened up for AJ several years ago was Stormzy and in many way they can be compared. The token boys of their respective arenas but doubts have always remained about the thing that has made them so successful. Has Stormzy's growth been entirely organic, has been pushed ahead of other more talented people or was he just smart on his ascent with a notable network helping him along? Heritage has always had a degree of tribalism to it and when things are outside of the mental boxes people imagine, problems can arise. When someone with a lighter complexion like Meriam claims to be African, it can lead to real confusion and she had to deal with this misconception despite being from the largest country in Africa – Algeria. Are people now just in relationships for the comfortability and the sexual pleasures that come with it rather than the trying to get to the end goal of marriage? How many relationships do you have to go through until you find what you are looking for? Do failed relationships really help you in the end? Maybe we need to think about how we view the word settle. It might not be as negative as we view it, although if you settle for something and it does you dirty you will be fuming so once again a difficult balance. Tune into a fantastic edition of TheNineToFivers and find out our thoughts on what makes you rich

This week TheNineToFivers link up with comedian Kyndra host of the KyndraCrump show and find out all there is to know about comedy from a comedian's perspective. The world has entered a very politically correct era and it has not only affected day to day life but also the world of comedy which traditionally had a free pass on sensitive issues. Does the fear of being cancelled make people choose what they say more carefully, is there a responsibility as a comedian to push the boundaries as much as they can be pushed? Everybody has boundaries but some are willing to do things others would not in pursuit of fame. Where is the line drawn when negativity often attracts interest and where is the line between the jokes a comedian tells and the comedian themselves? There are several differences between America and the UK but the UK has clearly been inspired by America more than the other way around, however things are slowly changing with the explosion of the social media age, international collaborations are more frequent than ever. Find out about whether the American Dream still exists in a cultured edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

In world where individualism is often shunned TheNineToFivers welcome  Sol who is known for standing out amongst the crowd, from fashion to  lifestyle choices, this is an episode that touches all areas of life.  Travelling solo can be a daunting prospect for some but for the rare few  that do it, they often report an unmatched journey that opens their  eyes to things they never would have experienced usually. The  plant-based diet is becoming more mainstream with more and more people  ditching traditional meat-based meals. Are these for health benefits,  environmental reasons or ethical reasons? They vary person by person but  for those wanting to get involved one day, is the switch as daunting as  it seems? Is the day to day anymore inconvenient that preparing normal  food? Investing in health has been emphasised in recent years but so has  investments in general. What drives people to invest when others are  wasting money? Is the drive to have money working for you an innate  trait or does it take something to spark this passion. Perhaps it is a  combination of the two, but education is definitely key. Some youths are  investing their time wisely whilst other are investing their time and  efforts into destructive paths. Schools are looking at educating  children into the dangers of the drug trade that might even affect them,  but opinion are split as to whether this is a good idea or not. Time  will tell, but there has been no better time than now for people to  pursue their dreams. Does consistency guarantee that you will achieve  your dreams though? Find out all our thoughts on this and more in the  gem filled edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

Marriage is a major commitment and although marriage rates are decline there are a significant proportion of people that still yearn for it. Why though? Often it is just seen as the norm but do people really think about why they want to get married? Is it appropriate to your partner give a time limit for marriage talks? Not everybody will be selected for marriage but perhaps that is the way society is going. Some people have and others don't, and this imbalance naturally leads to feelings of jealousy and envy, but there is levels to this ish. Drake and Kanye have been going head to head with their albums and they both have been doing crazy numbers whilst their disses towards each other have been sly and blatant. Which album is better though? One is appealing to the same crowd as always and the other is trying something different. Is it required to change a sound that has been working for you? Many people are being forced to change location though as London house prices continue to skyrocket and owning a home in place, they grew up in feels like a myth for so many. There is better value for money in places unfamiliar, but it is important to be familiar with yourself and how you like to be loved. Every love language is important but it seem certain ones appeal to certain genders more, be sure to check out our thoughts on this and so much more in an appealing edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast,

Being a career criminal generally require smarts and creativity but why can this energy and effort not be channelled in a legal manner. Is it simply a lack of patience or exploitation of a situation? Even if you are on one path you can change to another, but can we really change ourselves? Are we who we are, or do we have a choice in the matter? We can choose many things about ourselves, but some things are harder than others. Some things we only change when a major event happens. Does maturity play a role in our attitude to change? Ronaldo has matured a lot from the player that lit up the premiership so many years ago but now he is back and adding to his legendary status. Can you take too many bites of the apple? Is the legacy secured no matter what he does or is there the risk of tarnishing his carefully constructed career? Some people are of the opinion that classics should be left alone and perhaps they feel the same about Ronaldo's return to Manchester, but it is a possibility to introduce a new generation to a much beloved player. Your much beloved podcast is back again with all these topics and more so be sure to sit back relax and enjoy the show

Common people are always interested in what the rich do and one thing that most people cannot wrap their heads around is the idea that some wealthy folk do not plan to leave their children with any of their fortune. This is mind boggling as most people build their lives to a point where their children won't have to go through the same struggles, they did but there is always the balancing act of having them appreciate the value of hard work and humility. Whilst not impossible, it is harder to instil these principles in children when everything is in excess. Parenting is always difficult; it is a very hard and never-ending job, but some argue when it comes to finances there should be a cap. When a parent chose to stop giving money to their child always varies and some will never cut off that source but are there dangers to that. Can you be entitled even with your parents? Sometimes we believe things simply because that's all we known but do we have a responsibility to question everything? IT is often easier to conform with things that are accepted by the majority but certain make us question things more than others. Confirmation bias is a dangerous field as well because it can so easily strengthen our incorrect thoughts. You're never incorrect when choosing to follow TheNineToFivers Podcast. Check us out Like, Share and Subscribe

Everybody is striving towards success and working hard towards their goals but lets be honest even in the most serious of monk modes, there comes a time when you need to release. How do you ensure your enjoyment is not jeopardising your future? Is it ok when there is no risk to yourself or do you have to be extra careful when you are in a season of building or success? It will be subjective to each person a wrong choice is never really considered a wrong choice until there are dramatically negative consequences. Sexual immorality has caused the destruction of many great men and yet the allure of women has never ceased. Some may argue it is biology but more insidiously it seems to be now wrapped in the idea of manhood. With those who have multiple conquests seemingly rated whilst those who have not shunned and made to feel lesser than. This seems to be encouraged by men consciously and women subconsciously, but a dangerous community has bred of the back of this. The numbers of incels (Involuntary celibates) are rising and there is a proportion of them that have gone on to do heinous acts, is the problem an entitled attitude and misdirected rage or does society have a responsibility to support those that feel lesser than? Nothing worth having comes easy but virtually everything is improvable. It is a message a lot of incels, heck a lot of people don't sometimes take into consideration but the discipline to execute plans of self-improvement is often where people stumble. Discipline can literally be the difference between freedom and accomplishment or a life of excuses and depression. Choose wisely and be disciplined in your listening of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

Is it a stretch to expect people to not judge you based on your appearance? Discrimination is second nature to people and even well-intentioned people can have subconscious biases that affect their behaviour. Why is it then when these behaviours are called out that people can become so defensive? Do we have a problem with accountability? Does tone matter or is any challenge deemed as an attack? It is well established that how you look influences how others look at you but what about social media followings? Does a large following automatically draw attention and respect? Are people dismissive of those who do not. Clout is the new currency and whether we like to admit it, or not certain benefits come with it however success does not look the same for everyone. Some success is undeniable like with Messi who attracts the accolades he deserves. He has been front, and centre of the sporting world having joined PSG in an unexpected move. Many questions regarding mismanagement of funds, over reliance on players and lack of foresight have been lodged against Barcelona but ultimately it has birthed a new era. Similarly, Apple is taking a revolutionary stance against child porn, but a lot of people are now concerned on how far things are going. Is resistance futile when governments and corporations move, or do we need to act to protect our freedoms and liberty? Find out our thoughts on a thought-provoking edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

What is the fascination with reality tv? From Big brother to Love island we all seem to get a kick from watching other people. Are we all just secretly nosey or does it speak to our human side with our need to understand and watch people's behaviours? Either way people draw a lot of entertainment from it and it parallels to social media where once again we watch what people do with their lives, but maybe this is just a way to stay connected because we all know how true out of sight out of mind can become. One show that blended competition and reality well was X -factor which is coming to end after 17 years. It provided scores of entertainments but ultimately ran its course. Competition brings out something primal within humans and it's something we can't help but enjoy whether that be getting involved or playing yourself. When it comes to everyday competitions however it seems the sting of losing and the unlucky probabilities discourage people from taking part. What separate those that get involved vs those that don't? Hope? Optimism? Foolishness? They say it is a fool's game to compare yourself with anyone other than yourself because you walk in different shoes and yet so many people tend to fall into this trap. Has social media done this or is this consequence of a larger societal issue that everybody subscribes to with their judgements and remarks? It can be everywhere you look, things you don't have but desire and it can be natural for feelings of discontentment creeping in. At those time points it's important to have people that can realign you and get you back on your feet. Luckily we are here to remind you how great you are, enjoy another rich edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

Mental toughness has decreased with the passing of time and this has brought many positives but also negatives too. Our parent's generation became hardened by their experiences which have aided them through life but there is now room for caring for mental health issues caused by life. Pressure is an unavoidable factor that arrives in many forms but not everybody can deal with it in the same way. Some crumble, some thrive, some go on holiday and some buy planets! When the money is limitless sometimes you can afford to spend it recklessly but when do you gain more money than sense? Is ‘buying a planet' simply a way to cause controversy and stay relevant or is it a reality we may have to consider? One reality we have been forced to live with is Covid-19 which does not seem to be going away any time soon. The jabs are being require for a lot more places and it feels like the net is closing in on those who are refusing to take it. It has had a knock-on effect for the Olympics as interest is at a all-time low. Dave fans are at an all time high after his amazing album release, will he get the accolades he deserves, only time will tell. There is a lasting impression urban culture has with society and it is being used as a marketing tool but is this to be expected when there are profits to be made. Check out all this and more in another ravishing edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

Where do superstitions come from, why do we abide by them? Is it a case of better safe than sorry? What forms what we believe? Evidence or perceived evidence can play a part with things like the law of attraction. If it works one time, you are more likely to buy into that ideology. Some things are down to belief, faith and action and other things are down to preparation, where that line blurs between the two is not exactly clear. Good outcomes achieved via dubious means is prevalent in life, whether intentional or not. Some disabled people are being made to feel even lesser than usual when they are matched next to words meant to inspire abled body people. Inspirational porn, it is something most people have never even considered but revenge porn is something a lot more people can relate to. Is it a can of worms engaging in it, or just a bit of fun? There was plenty more topics in this episode but the episode ended with a hotly debated topic regarding Churches and their Pastor's wealth, check it out whilst it's still sizzling.

TheNineToFivers are back! The boys caught the dreaded Covid. It was a testing period but thank God for health and vitality. So much has happened during the absence but the main talking point had to be Euro2020. It was an amazing tournament filled with many surprises, and many emotions, from excitement to anguish, amazement to heartbreak and it concluded in the most tragic way for English fans. A penalty shootout, the finest of margins but unfortunately it wasn't England's amazing run to the final that was the major take away from the tournament. It was the blatant racist abuse that was aimed at 3 black british players that had contributed to the team both on and off the field. It highlights how inclusivity is so often predicated on the excellence and success but when it falls short of that so quickly the tune changes. From the ashes came a massive outpouring of love that was really great to see but how things progress moving forward will be a real indication of how seriously this issue is being taken. Check out the rest of the episode for thoughts on trending topics of the last month and be sure to follow us on the socials too. TheNineToFivers are back with a bang! Thanks for the support.

This week the guys discuss the theme of life and reality hitting you fast. Is settling down and having children something the black community leave too late compared to other cultures. Have times changed where people in general are being more career driven leaving less time for starting your own family? It is often said that time is a great healer, but the question of revenge is always present. Is it ever worth it? Do we often overlook getting help and going to therapy? Often we associate therapy with victims or ex gang members but does every one in life need to attend some form of therapy to decipher who they are today forming the person they have become? Is there a stigma still attached to this in 2021 and why? The biggest thing usually attached to seeking help is embarrassment, the boys delve in deeper and ask is there a difference between privacy and secrecy? Relationships often suffer because people point to the fact they don't have enough in common but is this really the key to having a healthy and long lasting relationship? Do we need balance? How far should jobs go regarding leniency when it comes to employees being absent from work due to sickness? Are they entitled to know the ins and outs? No one likes dictator like behaviour and everybody is accountable for their own actions, this raises the question on why the president of Nigeria has decided to ban twitter because of a deleted tweet!? Is there underlying issues or is it just a temper tantrum? We live in the world where not everyone likes the same thing, but XO rightly asks why do people go out of their way to dislike things? Are they doing it to show genuine distaste or do people just like to go against the grain highlighting the element and freedom of difference? Listen to all this in depth on the latest episode of Theninetofivers out on all social and streaming platforms Like, Share & Subscribe!

Should you stay in your lane when you are good at something or is there any harm in branching out? J Cole stirred up a lot of controversy unexpectedly by joining Rwanda's basketball league. Whilst it brought a lot of eyes detractor believed the star had not earned his right to be there and was taking someone else's position. Could he have played in the team if he were just a regular person on skill alone? The verdict is not clear, but it raises an interesting discussion point. The benched player has a right to be annoyed but ultimately their performances have left them in a benchable position and as life is not fair you have to do all you can to fight against the odds. Chelsea did the unexpected and beat those very odds by winning the Champions league ahead of Man City. Life is a game of fine margins and sometimes little factors play a big role when it comes to crunch time. The more you prepare will increase your chances of victory but crucially it doesn't guarantee success as there are some things you cannot plan for. Working hard does generally reap rewards in one way or another but sometimes we can overwork in pursuit of something. Our generation is generally considered lazier but where does the balance lie? Do incentives and perks help or harm us? These things depend on the person and everyone is different but often blanket rules are given for fairness. Contracts are contracts but what happens when mental health is impacted? Is the first port of action to punish? Unfortunately, as seen with Naomi Osaka this approach was taken over her refusal to speak to the media. It has opened up discussions that will surely have long lasting effects on the sport, workplace and education. School days have been extended to help students catch up but is this simply putting a plaster over a gaping wound? It doesn't give the government the best attention, but it can be argued all attention is good attention whether negative or positive. Find out about all these topics and more in a chilled edition of TheNineToFivers Pod

Taking a trip down memory lane is always fun and clubbing and parties were always a prominent fixture. They presented a unique combination of fun and danger when at any given moment a fight could break out in the middle of the dancefloor. This was taken up a notch during university times when freedom was at its height but is there still value in taking the traditional route? Is Education still as valuable as it once was? There are certainly still benefits but perhaps time has demonstrated that real life experience or other routes are possible too. Even the darker paths have produced rewards for many, and it is not hard to see why a lot of youths take that road despite the high risks it involves. One thing success has in common is the ability to succeed regardless of the situation, whether that comes from talent or just pure hustle mentality. Should talent always be put before time in service to a company or should there be some degree of hierarchy regardless because there are other qualities that play a part when thinking about things such as promotion? These are not simple decisions, and neither is involving friends and family on a rapidly expanding successful business. Should you give a man a fish or teach him how to catch fish or maybe even a step further provide him with the river to catch the fish once he has been taught? This is a problem we all hope to have and once our guest Andz may have to think about sooner rather than later. Involved in the grillz business he walks us through his journey his hopes and aspirations and provides a ton of gems for the aspiring entrepreneur. Follow us in a dope edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

Conflict and injustice are rife in this world, but certain causes get more social attention than others, is there undue pressure to care and support about these issues, or is it warranted? When people feel connected to an issue you are far more likely to be passionate about it but is this the wrong attitude to have, should you ally yourself to all human injustice or is it simply an unrealistic expectation? What is clear is that bullying people into action might not be the best course of action, but empathy should be applied to those that do so. With an open heart and ears, perspectives and understanding can happen if a person is willing to listen. A person can take a defensive stance just as easily if they feel like they are being attacked but is that a bad thing? Defensiveness plays a part in protectionism, but it is typically associated with negativity. Can you ever defend yourself without being defensive? Where does the distinction between being defensive and explaining yourself lie? It's a balance and often what you perceive a person's intentions to be can be a major contributor in how you interact with them. J Cole has returned from his musical hiatus with a fire album and he has been embraced wholeheartedly by the scene. In an age where rappers feel the need to jump on trends, it is refreshing to see classic rap still being appreciated. When we hold artists to a higher esteem, we tend to give their projects more chances than we would usually, but this is something that has to be earned. Reminiscing is just as easy when the new stuff just doesn't hit the same as the old stuff but sometimes, we romanticise the past and are perceptions are forever warped. See all our thoughts on this and more in a engaging edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

Work is where we spend the majority of our time and most workplaces offer a wide range of social and bonding activities. It might not be a bad idea to take part in these every so often, the make up of your life and how social you are may influence how likely you are to participate but sometimes getting out of your comfort zone can produce amazing and surprising results. The workplace can be a place to climb the ranks but sometimes if the role does not pay enough whilst being mixed with too much responsibility it can sometimes take the gloss off the shiny new title. This can cause you to question if it is even worth going for the role being offered. Unwanted leadership can drive people out of a company and with a generation of job hoppers it is surprising to hear the average amount of years a person stays at a company for is 4 and a half years. Statistics say that the average person has 12 jobs in their lifetime. Why does it take so long? If you found your dream job and it was in conflict with your religion could you give it up? Especially if it is paying lucratively? Whether you are being paid handsomely or not, affordable designer is now available. Selfridges are now renting clothes and branching out into hosting wedding ceremonies. Is it a sign of the times where businesses are being forced to evolve? or is natural progression expected in any industry? People may look down on weddings of this nature but often people lack empathy for other’s situations. The difference between empathy and sympathy can sometimes be confused and you may slip into one without even realising. A situation that is hard to understand however is not having a basic level of numeracy or literacy. But for some people that is their reality, and they have somehow managed to navigate and succeed in life relying on other means. Check out our takes on all of this and more in another engaging episode of TheNineToFivers Podcast!

Back again with another episode and this week there Is an air of optimism as the UK seems to be on track to a somewhat normal society. Elections are around the corner but are people incentivised to vote for local government? Feedback could provide insight into this question as it is valuable when it is honest. In the workplace, a way to achieve this is via suggestion boxes and for the most part it is an effective way for people to get out their thoughts without fear of backlash. There are constantly new ways to innovate the working day and the effectiveness of meetings are constantly being debated. Are they a waste of time or a necessary evil or something in between? As things get back to normal and lockdown comes to an end, relationships born in lockdown will start to come under freedom pressures. Was it love or was it lockdown? Either way is too much emphasis put on love? Can you make a relationship work if it is devoid of it? Is love ultimately influenced by other factors? Can you actually learn to love someone with enough time and effort? Some would argue yes, duty of a husband and wife should trump all feelings if that decision was made. Is your spouse owed anything from you? In fact, do you owe anyone anything? There is certainly an expectation that when you go to work you will not be harassed but this story keeps popping up and up. What environments allow such heinous acts to go on for so long with so many victims? We don’t have all the answers but listen to our thoughts anyway in a confusing edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

Can successful black men have long hair and in the corporate world or is this something that is seen as untidy, unprofessional and not appropriate? Where did these norms come from and are they right? Some would argue you either fall in line or create your own system but why should this be the case? There are those that would happily speak out in such instances but others don’t want to rock the boat, is there peace of mind in holding your tongue and leaving things unsaid or is it really a situational thing? Rejection comes to us all at one point or another but do some of us handle it better than others? It may be gender related as men are typically putting themselves in more situations where rejection is possible. With technology these days all things are possible as seen with the normalization of body editing and filters when it comes to social media posts. Is it a sign of insecurities or just something we have grown accustomed to? Does it become dangerous when you tie too much of yourself to your online presence? RIP to the young king who lost his life trying to save someone else is it a testament to how he was raised by his African parents. Another African making waves is Daniel Kaluuya a member of DSS and proud owner of a Oscar, bafta and SAG. Whilst recognition is nice, do these award ceremonies judge fairly and should we be building our own? Check our thoughts on this and more in another engaging edition of TheNineToFiver Podcast.

There has been a lot of gender talks of late and the eternal debate of stereotypical roles in the house has been kicked off again by the none other than The Game. A lot of women have taken the statement that a man should pay for everything but did not embrace the traditional aspect of things from a womanly perspective and it goes to show you one of the causes of the many issues in our generation. When people take things, celebrities say and allow it to inflate their expectations, it comes with dangerous consequences and a disassociation with the reality they are surrounded by. Being head of the house is typically bestowed upon a man, but it can come with many challenges when it is placed on a child’s head in place of a father. Some sons go to extreme lengths to fix problems in the home, but in situations of poverty parents may be tempted to accept money from illicit sources even if it comes at the detriment of a child. A parent should have the long sightedness that often eludes children, but desperate times can make you do desperate things. There are times you have to accept the punches life gives you and get up tougher, but many have not been advised in this way, quick fixes are always available but often come with lifelong consequences as AR-Ab found out. Jail time is not just reserved for drug traffickers and as Dereck Chauvin guilty conviction circulated a wave of jubilation swept America and beyond. Will this set a precedent going forward or is there still more to be done before we start using words such as justice. Football became divided when the villainous big six and other big European clubs proposed to form their own justice league to ultimately maximise profits. The plans were rapidly shut down which goes to show the power of the people and how carefully people at the top have to move. Find out about all this and more in and exceptional edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

It has been another heavy week with several deaths from the Prince Phillip to the hip hop icon DMX, two influential figures who had vastly different people mourning for them. As a British person, it is right to mourn an American rapper over the most senior Prince of the country? People feel connected to people for a wild variety of reasons and the same is true with disconnect, not everybody feels the royals are relatable. Will they stand the test of time when the Queen inevitably passes on? Time will tell and as the ruler changes the country will have to adapt. Someone who has transitioned a number of times is the Rock who has surprisingly gained a wide fan base to become the president of the United States. Is this a sign of the times where anything is accessible as long as you are rich and famous enough or does this just lend credence to transferable skill of excellent individuals? A chapter of a book does not tell the full story but if that chapter is at the end, it’s importance is emphasised dramatically. It begs the question not only in literature but in life, what importance does the start, middle and end have and is it possible to have a good project/life overall if a section or two is mediocre compare to the rest? Find out our thoughts on all this and more in another engaging edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast!

Everything is increasing in price, and inflation can be attributed to it however it can get to a point where you start to question the actual value of a service and whether the price seems excessive. It is also difficult when inflation and price hikes do not match wage increases and it is at this point where more people become prudent. The reality where bad service may result in non-payment will likely increase and although some people have no problem in speaking out when unhappy there is a large percentage that will just grit their teeth and complain at home. Money matters no matter what age you are and the catch me outside star proved that by jumping on onlyfans and breaking the record for fastest to make a million. Her success does pose some troubling questions, like why exactly has she broken the record? Are there a bunch of pervy men sexualising teenagers and waiting for them to turn legal? Does legality and morality go together here or are they two separate topics? There has constantly been debates about what age someone is actually an adult vs still being a child, but it is often different when topics are personalised. Having your own children makes you see life differently and who you choose to have kids with can drastically alter the quality of your life. We have seen people go to extreme lengths to avoid the responsibility of having a child with the wrong person. Child management is a different story and often the government has a lot to say in how a child should be raised but where should the line be drawn? France has taken it to religion with the proposed banning of under 18 burkas, but most people are opposed to this ruling. Where does it stop? Where do you stop? Is doing your best a thing? Or is it a cop-out or excuse? One area where there is no excuse is catching our latest edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast, let us know what you think.

In a rapidly changing world, things are returning back to usual…or are they? PWC has announced a completely flexible schedule where you are able to start when you like and finish when you like but is it possible for a structure or business to operate efficiently in this manner? The pandemic has opened our eyes to new ways of working and something like working from home may be here to stay for the long haul. The fight against racism is another longstanding thing which continues and as the trial of George Floyd rages on the team wonder what a satisfactory conclusion would look like. The conversation it has sparked has emanated worldwide and the UK has been no exception, with its recent Royal controversy and the backlash towards the findings in the release of the Race Report there is clearly still a lot of work to be done. From real life to social media, discrimination and racism is still rampant and Thierry Henry has chosen to boycott all platforms until more work is done. A wonderful gesture that would surely be effective if backed by a lot of influential figures. How about a safe haven in social media specifically for kids? Well this is what has been proposed by Instagram and Facebook to protect children from predators, but will it actually be effective? Or is it subject to the same problems social media generates. Someone who has been criticised for the negative impact they have on children has been Lil Nas X whose Satan worshiping blasphemy video and customised trainers caused shockwaves around the world. There has been widespread condemnation but how should Christians react in such situations? Christianity is often seen as a passive religion because it is often ridiculed without punishment but ultimately a Christian should lead with love. This is even more poignant as we reflect on Easter and the ultimate act of love it symbolises but has its significance been lost? Especially as the world becomes less and less religious, does the world associate it more with Easter eggs? Find out all of our thoughts on this and more in a serious edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

The ability to read the room and act accordingly is something that not everybody is born with. It is a sign of emotional intelligence and maturity to be able to act right in differing situations. Experience play a part but often how you have been brought up is just as important. What makes some people mature and other people not? Is it a decision or just something that comes with time? A person’s circumstances can have a big impact on how someone moves and behaves but so can the content that is consumed, but do you have to be careful of who you trust on the internet. Online profiles can be created in an instant and people can be who they want to be, but should this faze you? Does the truth need to get in the way of a good story? It can be all well and good when the evidence matches up to the claims but in instances when they do not, can the message be separated from the messenger? Does one have to live by what they say? With numerous cheating scandal all seemingly highlighting men as the culprits is it just something that’s expected now? Will men cheat when given the opportunity or is just we are not hearing tales from the faithful contingent and the bad is drowning out the good? Cheating is not the only high costing topic that was discussed as the emergence of NFTs which have been bought for crazy money was also mentioned. Technology is changing but the insertion opinions is one that never does, and we see this with the u turn in people’s reaction once they found out the real truth regarding her go fund me situation. All in all, another engaging edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

A mother’s love can rarely be quantified. It is often unconditional and life long but is there any other love that can compare? Is it wrong to compare what a mother does for a child to what a partner does? Can the love even be compared or are they two different things? Mother’s day has just past in the UK and it came with a display of public affection for mums and mother like figures but should a balance be struck for the sake of those who have lost parents or even the chance to become mothers themselves? Some acts and conversation will happen regardless so maybe the problem lies with expectation. Are they good, bad or somewhere in the middle? The things we say are powerful and it can be important to talk with consideration and perspective and just as we mind what we say it can also be important to mind how we act. With the disappearance and subsequent murder of Sarah Everard there has been increase calls for increased education of the male population but it this the sole solution to the problem? Is there more to be done? If we take Master P’s advice with hard work all can be achieved. We hear how he outhustled his more talented peers to become the music mogul today in another engaging edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

The royal pot that has been bubbling for a while now and it has finally over-spilled with Meghan and Harry’s now infamous interview with Oprah. It has opened up a necessary can of worms and the world has had a hysterical reaction. It has already resulted in two high profile job losses and it threatens to remain in the public domain for the foreseeable future. What are the limits of free speech? Should we be allowed to state our opinion irrespective of the hate speech and hate crime it may inspire. Whatever the case it is clear there is a lot still to be done as casual racism has no place in the world and it starts with challenging the prejudices that lay in people’s hearts. Crime is prevelant in the world, but are there precautions we can take? With an everchanging world technology opens ways to new fraud, but should thing be put in place prior to release of the innovative ideas? Or do people just always find a way to exploit a system? Find out our opinions on all these things and more in an passionate edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast!

Months and months go by and we are now in March but the rules still stay the same. The only problem is that there seems to be one rule for the rich and famous and another rule for everybody else. How else can Prince Charles visit to his father be explained or how else can Matt Hancock’s crimes not land him in jail? The rich exploit the poor and rich countries have exploited poorer countries throughout history. Luckily there were a group of individuals who fought for their country’s liberties and succeeded and with Ghana independence now looming the question arises what does Independence Day signify to the diaspora? Is it just another day to party? To feel connected to the motherland. Or is the deep historical context understood and celebrated? Throughout time the works of entrepreneurs have been celebrated and highlighted but quite often their precious ideas have been stolen by those more powerful and richer entities. How can you stop bigger companies from ripping your idea? There are a few tips that can help but, in most cases, the bigger fish will find a way of ripping ideas. Should that stop people from trying altogether though? No! Innovation, creativity and competition drive society forward and we have seen it with the battle between the social media giants, the tech companies and the behemoth Amazon and all its various branches. Things always change and so do laws. In China a partner can now be compensated if they were the primary care giver or did all the housework. Will this be expanded in other countries soon? The UK has drawn a lot of inspiration from the US over the years but is it time to put that to bed? Is the culture strong enough to draw influence from other places and still retain identity? Find out about all this and more in an engaging edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

Ah ah ah, Jungle beats holla at em!! Bobby Shmurda is back outta jail and the love he has received has been phenomenal. Is it the integrity and loyalty he showed whilst doing his sentence or was it because his hot streak was cut short prematurely? Either way his release opens up avenues to hot new UK collaborations. Whilst the scene is currently thriving there were a group of young talented pioneers that set the foundation for what we have today. Ghetts is one of these individuals that managed to ride every era and remain afloat. He has never really had his run as the main man but his time has finally come. Ghetts for number 1 is the current agenda and his album preps the way for a summer that seems to be on again. With Boris announcing the roadmap out of lockdown, the excitement is building. Will everything go to plan though? Will vaccination passports be needed to travel? Well it wasn’t needed for the robot Perseverance who travelled intergalactically to Mars but was the trip real? Was the images real? Have we even landed on the moon? What should be believed and what should be questioned? Will we eventually figure out all of the earth’s mysteries or are some things simply not meant to be understood? The stats, figures and numbers can point us in the right direction but sometimes they do not present the whole truth. Talking of numbers, when was the last time you checked all your contacts? Are they all relevant or simply taking up space in your phone? Find out about all these topics and more in a question lead edition of TheNineToFiversPodcast.

Valentines weekend has just left us, but lingering envy remains. Has it now become a competition into who is getting the best stuff? The timeline was awash with romantic gestures and opulent gifts but what should be shared on social media and what should be kept private? Do posters invite resentment and hate, or should people just be happy for others and mind their business? Is there a difference if you are gifted something and if you work for it and get it? Trolls stay trolling regardless and online hate has once again been highlighted in recent times. What can be done to stop this, or is it something you simply have to deal with if you are a popular figure? Social media has proven to be a powerful force when it is utilised in the right way. With many household brands getting involved in the Weetabix and baked beans discussions with hilarious comments, it is an area that simply cannot be neglected in the ever-changing world of marketing and promotion. Social media also comes with it’s cons as we saw with 6ix9ine and Meek Mill confrontation. Many people had the perspective that meek mill was not real as he didn’t deal with it as a ‘gangster’ would but sometimes not being tricked out of your position is just as important if not more important. These are just some of the topics discussed today in a riveting edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

Every day there is a new scandal and something that was hot and fresh does not stay that way. In an ever-changing world there is only so long something stays relevant, but colourism is not one of those topics. It has been around for centuries but has only been getting the spotlight it deserves in the last 10 years. Is it so divisive to have black women share black women stories or is being half black enough? Where does privilege start and end with topics like this. It is a layered topic and one that can be debated for hours but what is also up for debate is the ethicality of posting scams to followers if you are an influencer. There has been a shocking lack of awareness in recent times by influencers and other public figures and it has led to an outcry for more care to be applied to items or services promoted.  How accountable can they be held though? Surely what people do with their money is their own choice…or is it? Sometime money can introduce laziness and increased wealth can diminish the desire to be resourceful. It is often an under looked prospect, where something is gained something is often lost unless there is a conscious effort to maintain and the same can be said of relationships. As Valentine’s Day approaches it is only natural the link between the genders are explored and whilst they are each equal in value, their functions are different and hence their mindsets and motivations. Find out all about these topics and more in an engaging edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

Uk music has been flourishing over the last couple of years and a name that has been sounding off for all these years has been Chip. With the release of his mixtape snake and ladders which has been widely received as a great project, is it now finally time to give the guy his flowers? Numbers, data and analytics run the world even if we don’t realise it, but companies have been capitalising for a number of years and maximising profits because of it. The tactics of big companies such as Amazon are subject to heavy investment in the R & D area and it is in this area where a competitive edge is maintained.  Jeff bezos has announced he will be stepping away from the CEO position and it begs the question of when you know if you should step away or milk a favourable situation for as long as possible. The founder of Bebo seemed to have perfected the craft by selling the company at the height of its fame for 100s of millions before buying it back for a literal million. Is that intuition something people have innately or something that can be acquired through experience? Do deterrents keep the world in balance for the majority or does the size of the deterrents play a factor? Every action has a consequence and perhaps every decision simply comes down to an assessment of risk vs reward. Let us know your thoughts as you listen to another engaging edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

The UK hit the grim toll of 100,000 Covid related deaths and living with restrictions has become the new norm. Even with the news of the vaccine the view towards it is overwhelmingly negative in ethnic minorities and uptake is expected to be low. Is this a case of warranted scepticism or is it just scaremongering and a case of dangerous misinformation? People are still flying out and the rich and famous are the often repeat offenders. Do their actions influence everyone to be less compliant with restrictions or is ultimately each individuals responsibility? Conor Mcgregor fought and lost for the third time in 4 fights and it begs the questions can you perform at the highest level when you wake up in silk sheets. Does comfort strip you of the hunger that actually got you there in the first place? It can be hard to relate to the rich and famous, because in general their wins and loss don’t dramatically affect their living situation as their pockets are lined well. But what if everyone was a millionaire would it make a difference? Or would things just slowly resort to the way they are because we live in a capitalistic society? Things cannot always be equal and difference in knowledge can play a pivotal role in this inequality. How much do you know about tax and its loopholes, it is an area we could all gain better knowledge in. Let us know what you think as you listen to a trending edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast!

There have been 3 weeks already in 2021 but the energy of 2020 still lingers. To counteract this TheNineToFivers aim to bring you entertaining and informative episodes that will boost your mood. This week joining the boys is nail connoisseur Tay – Founder of Ninc London a woman big on mindset, optimism and manifestation. Protecting energy is paramount and it is easier than it may seem on social media at least but in real life a lot of people struggle. What are the factors that effect our energy? From diet, to sleep to intangibles like, motivation and passion it is clear a variety of things contribute to this. Same way a variety of things contribute to success. Planning combined with action can lead to beautiful things if sprinkled with qualities such as determination, adaptability and discipline. Opportunity can be a big factor as well and sometimes opportunity can be me provided by those familiar with you, often however support is lacking when people are familiar with you. Is there power in remaining anonymous in business at least until traction is built? Tay shares her journey to round up the episode and gives her top tips in succeeding as a budding entrepreneur. Engage with us in an informative edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

When was the last time you said I am so bored? We are in lockdown so for some of you it might have been fairly recent but in general you find that the older you get the less you say those words. As things fill our time and we become busier the little time we do have is rarely left to boredom especially in this digital age, but do we lose something when we are not bored? Like maybe the need to be creative? The devil makes works of idle hands but seemingly he does the same with active hands if we are to judge the handling of the child hunger prevention packages. Promising one thing in public and delivering another thing in private is very easy to do and it begs the question of how many people were aware and complicit in this act. Would things have changed if it had stayed hidden? One thing that is not hidden is the governments approach to tackling obesity with two for one promotions the latest to be targeted but why isn’t more done to promote and subsidise healthier options? Ultimately when it comes down to it whilst marketing and promotions have an influence, an individual has to make their own decisions and master their own mind. There are many amazing examples of superhuman feats born from testing the limits of the mental. Unfortunately, however this can be used in a negative way also and can lead to insane levels of delusion. Trump is the only president in history to be impeached twice and all because he had convinced himself he could not have lost fairly. Sore looser and Sore winners are a part of life but they often signify something deeper within the person. When it comes to relationships there is not a lot of things deeper than financial compatibility and yet it is often an afterthought which is surprising seeing how pivotal finances tend to be when looking at failed marriages. Find out our thoughts on all of these topics and more.

It’s the first episode of the year but the it slyly still feels like 2020. Covid is still rife with no end in sight and the lockdown and tiers has got people despondent and depressed. With mental health seemingly down around the country the boys tackle health from a different angle and consider the implications of health and safety in the workplace. It is often underappreciated by employees, but employers often take it quite seriously and it had been documented to show amazing affects on both productivity and profit as well as employee satisfaction and retention. How do you breed a culture that has people competing to push each other and as a result the company higher but without any of the negatives that come from selfish and toxic desires? The balance is often hard to find, and the wrong balance does not drive the business forward in the way it is supposed to with either lacklustre productivity or employees leaving with negative feelings towards and individual or indeed the company. We often forget that some people simply do not grow up and many childish behaviours have been allowed to foster until adulthood. Perhaps that is not an entirely bad thing however with a significant amount of people feeling like their child like creativity and innovation has been suffocated and killed over the years. Is this something that happens naturally as we fall into more systems or can it be actively prevented by exercising that area like a muscle. We really are a product of our environment and children are especially impressionable but are the things they are exposed to shaping them or does every child innately have good or bad within them? Find out all this and more in an jam packed episode of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

We are one day from 2021! What a dramatic year it has been. So much has happened it is even hard to remember it all but at the same time it has zoomed by in an instant. Is there room for optimism in 2021 or in reality is it just another day. Are we just going to be plagued by the same problems of 2020? Regardless of reality, for a lot of people it signifies something of a mental reset when the 1st of January comes about each year and often, we find wonderous things can sprout from the right mindset.  An example of fascinating and innovative things that sound like they are out of the future are the companies investing in driverless cars. Would you feel safe in one? If things went wrong who would be to blame? Innovation and evolution are inevitable but how do humans decide which things they are for and which things they are against? Certain concepts and ideas come in like a wave and leave no room for decisions, certain things like bitcoin announce their arrival and firmly plant their feet regardless of the naysayers. As things move more digitally the old way of doing thing start to face competition or become redundant and with diamonds now being created out of thin air it might spell the end of diamond mining as we know it. That is mere speculation however and it is funny, but speculation, exaggeration and omission have a funny way of making their way into stories. People often take the bits they are interested in and intentionally or unintentionally manipulate the story in the way they think will grab people’s attention. Find out our thought on this on an futuristic edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast

It's Christmasssss, well almost but Covid does not want to let us live. It will be a Christmas like no other where families will be forced to celebrate apart and yet for some this is a blessing in disguise. Just because you are family doesn't mean you have to get on and Covid has inadvertently provided an excuse a lot of things that people did not want to do. Sometimes all it requires is a change of attitude to stop using excuses and just say what is on your mind, a mental spring clean of sort. Cleanliness is next to Godliness and keeping things tidy really make a difference. Charity also begins at home, but do you still give your clothes away to charities? With generosity being the in thing now, it really emphasises the season of good will. From clothes to food, donation still matter. With the emergence of several food delivery services straight out of people's homes, where is the line drawn when considering the foods preparation? Do we administer a certain level of trust to all food not prepared in our homes? Trust is not gained easily but is an element given when we share our dreams with others? Are there any benefits for sharing our dreams and visions or is moving in silence the best way forward? What about when our dreams don't materialise how we hoped. Is it important to have a backup plan? Or does plan B simply detract from plan A. Find out in a festive edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

Sometimes it takes a near death experience for hidden memories to resurface but mostly they come to us at random or after being triggered by conversation or environment. After recapping the last week, it was a recent memory that sparked infuriating tales of bad drivers and lack of regard for human safety. From young to old, from skinny to obese, drivers come in many shapes and sizes but unfortunately there is also a big variance on safety awareness, sensibility and risk perception. Can accountability in the form of financial penalties, or maybe it can never truly be policed. One area that does seem to be lacking accountability is people’s attitude towards health. Body positivity has it’s benefits but had it gotten toxic? Is body positivity now being used as a crutch for unhealthy body types? There is not one size that fits all but often the cheerleaders that champion extreme body types whether that be anorexia or obesity are very influential in keeping people in those states. Do we take our bodies for granted in general, do we just assume our hearts should keep pumping regardless of the things we do to our bodies? When was the last time you proactively looked out for your health? From sexual to physical to mental, one area often affects another whether that be negative or positive, so it is critical to make it an area of priority especially as you age. Consistency is hard when rewards are not immediate but when something become part of your values you will find a way to get it done. This might be at the expense of something you enjoy or even things that others depend on you for. Taking care of yourself is not selfish because you cannot help others effectively if you are the one in need of help so give it a think as you enjoy another thought-provoking edition of TheNineToFivers Podcast.

This week marks XO’s birthday but does the lustre of birthdays dampen as you age. Should you dub it down as you mature or is every birthday one that should be heralded and cherished. Whilst the birthdays keep coming, the topics sometimes don't but sometimes a good chat is a perfect opportunity to good chance to get to know the team. As the question rain down from music choices to introspective questions from trending topics to pertinent discussion this is an light-hearted episode that gives insight into the individuals behind the podcast. Follow us, Like, Share & Subscribe biolinky.co/theninetofivers

It has been an interesting week filled with displays of dominance in the sporting arena and astonishing tales of luck and drama TheNineToFivers detail their harrowing experiences not in day to day life but in the space after falling asleep. It was a vivid and realistic experience which is not typical as a lot of people are not able to remember or accurately communicate what transpired at the point of waking up. How do you like to communicate? Texting, phone calls, face to face, emails? There is a variety of ways to do it, but do we tend to gravitate towards one more than the others, is it purely situational or is there a distinct preference one way or another? Does being too accessible bite away at your free time? If you attempt to find out the reason behind someone’s message or call too early is that too cold or just an efficient thing to do? Something important that is not always as efficient as it should be, is the adoption service. There have been a number of cases where people have not gotten their preference due to availability or other issues and because of that you have the rare cases of transracial adoption. Is it natural for things out of the norm to garner stares or is it a bad trait that should be actively trained out of you? Sometime even if we stare we are not able to see the full picture and often our mind can jump to conclusions and form a perception that is vastly different from reality. Why do we do this? It is not exclusive to situations we look at but sometimes even how we view ourselves. Take a listen to another engaging episode of TheNineToFivers Podcast. Follow us, Like, Share & Subscribe biolinky.co/theninetofivers