Life Passion and Business

How Epiphany and Traditions lead to change.

Happy New Year! 🎉 I hope this brand-new year brings you everything your heart desires. As we kick off 2025, let’s dig into something truly special: the idea of making this year exceptional by embracing new traditions and deep insights. What if I told you that the key to a better year could come from a delicious cake? 

Ok, you are not going to have an epiphany by eating cake, but it was the cake that inspired the conversations and the intention that made the difference. 

Let me take you on a journey that starts with a French King cake I discovered years ago during my travels in France. 

La galette des Rois

It is a sweet pastry filled with almond goodness, with a hidden surprise inside—a bean or a coin. Whoever finds it gets crowned "king" of the party! This delightful custom blossomed into an annual tradition in my home, resulting in an Epiphany celebration that blends festive joy with meaningful reflections.  

This podcast episode explores how a simple king's cake has become the centerpiece of introspection and personal growth. At our Epiphany parties, we gather friends and family to reflect on crucial questions: What wisdom did you stumble upon in 2024? What inspiration fueled your journey? These gatherings are not just about celebration; they're about finding where your wisdom lies and planning your path forward.

Epiphany and Traditions

In a world where past experiences shape us, we get to decide which lessons we take with us. Reflect, write in a journal, and illuminate your path with the wisdom and inspiration of the past year. This practice is a gift to yourself, a tool for personal growth.

I’m inviting you to join me in this reflective experience. Light a candle from the central light of shared wisdom—a metaphorical gesture—and let's shine brighter together in 2025. And remember, I’m always here to hear your thoughts. Visit lifepassionandbusiness.com to explore resources or reach out to me directly. Cheers to an enlightening new year, my friend! 🌟

 

Remember if you found this shortcast helpful, please share it with a friend. 

 

 

 

---

 

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

 

---

 

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/

 

 

Resolutions, or true intentions?

It is the last Sunday of 2024, and we're nestled in the cosy time known as Betwixtmas - that calm lull between Christmas and New Year's Eve. But instead of the usual resolution-filled chatter, let's flip the script and focus on what you truly want in life.

This is the perfect time to pause and reflect on what really makes your heart sing. Gone are the days of blindly chasing goals set during a New Year's champagne toast. Instead, consider what actually brings you joy. Was it simple moments with family or perhaps triumph at work? Let's shed the facade and focus on what matters.

For 2025, it's about setting intentions, not rigid resolutions. Craft a list of what you want and why it matters to you. Use this newfound clarity to steer your year toward fulfilment and enrichment. It's about balance—balancing health, relationships, and work.

Join me in ushering a calm, inspiring new year.

 Let's support each other in this journey. If today’s conversation resonated with you, pass it on to a friend who needs to hear it, too. I wish you a healthy, wealthy, inspiring 2025!

 

Remember if you found this shortcast helpful, please share it with a friend. 

 

 

 

---

 

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

 

---

 

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/

 

 

: Gentle Marketing Revolution with Sarah Santacroce

I was listening to the Cleaning Up podcast this week, and the guest was Rory Sutherland, the Vice Chair at Ogilvy UK. I will put a link to the podcast below. The conversation was about everything I dislike about the marketing industry. It is an industry where money is more important than morals or outcomes and consequences.

It reminded me of a refreshing marketing conversation I had with Sarah Santacroce some three years back. In my opinion, all marketing must be based on integrity and the desire for what is right, not just what makes money. Sarah has been on a simular journey and devised her solution. Gentle Marketing. 

 

The Cleaning Up Podcast https://www.podbean.com/media/share/dir-vk5vy-22508372

 

---

 

If you are interested in discovering how Sarah can help you, a good place to start is with her free download of “The One Page Marketing Plan”. Click on the link below to access this along with her other links and social media connections.

 

---

 

Full Text for this post along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:

www.lifepassionandbusiness.com/sarah-santacroce-gentle-marketing-revolution

 

---

 

Life Passion & Business is dedicated to exploring what it takes to be Extraordinary, to face challenges and rejoice in the opportunities they bring, and expand our vision into new ways of thinking and living.

There is a lot to gain from listening to other people’s stories, however the real work begins by taking action in your own life.

For full details of Events, Resources and Services visit:
www.lifepassionandbusiness.com

 

---

 

Support For Podcasters:

Running a podcast is fun, but it takes time and dedication. Whenever you enjoy a podcast please share your appreciation with comments, likes, shares and reviews. It helps other listeners find good content and supports the content creators and their guests.

Another way you can support the Life Passion & Business podcast is with small donations: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

 

 

Your Credibility with Mitchell Levy.

A reprise from this time last year on the issues of credibility. It has been a funny few weeks. What with elections and media stuff? I mean funny and peculiar, not Ha Ha! It made me reflect on the issues of credibility in politics and media.  What has changed? What is the credibility formula? It had me thinking about this recording with Mitchell Levy and his research.

So let's step back and year rediscover the secrets of credibility.

Is your credibility important? You certainly need to feel you are, but more importantly, Are you Credible? Because your potential clients need to believe it first. But how do we get there? 

Our guest on the show this week is Mitchell Levy from Credibility Nation. As you will hear, we both discovered and learned much from this conversation.

Mitchell Levy has had a long and classically successful business career, from banking to internet systems. He has several publishing companies that support business leaders in writing books and has written over 60 of his own. He has spoken at TEDx events and is an executive coach at Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches—an accomplished man.

In 2019, he sought a change and followed Napoleon Hill’s steps. He set out to interview 500 executives on success and credibility. The findings from that research have changed his life.

He has discovered that how we do business has changed forever and will never go back. Credibility is key.

So join me in this conversation to explore Mittchel’s journey and discover some critical tools for your credibility. 

 

---

 

My full introduction to this recording and social links are all available at:

https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/mitchell-levy-are-you-credible/

---

 

Life Passion & Business is dedicated to exploring what it takes to be Extraordinary, to face challenges and rejoice in the opportunities they bring, and to expand our vision into new ways of thinking and living.

There is a lot to gain from listening to other people’s stories. However, the real work begins by taking action in your own life.

For full details of Events, Resources and Services, visit:
www.lifepassionandbusiness.com

 

---

 

Support For Podcasters:

Running a podcast is fun, but it takes time and dedication. Whenever you enjoy a podcast please share your appreciation with comments, likes, shares and reviews. It helps other listeners find good content and supports the content creators and their guests.

Another way you can support the Life Passion & Business podcast is with small donations: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

Reprise Leadership and sustainability with Osbert Lancaster

In a world of polarity, it is worth remembering that the best things happen when we do them together. This conversation was back in July 2023 and is about leadership and sustainability, but more than that it is about community.  So I thought to bring is back as these talks never date. 

Here is Part 2 of my conversation with Osbert Lancaster. 

He is an expert in leadership and sustainability and started in the industry even before the word sustainability appeared in the business dictionary.

In part 1, we explored his early life and his choices towards his current career.

Now it is time to explore how the world of sustainability has changed over the last 30 years, Net Zero and small business, His biggest failure and the big success.

 

Part 2 Time stamp
3:00 Not all heroes wear capes
5:00 Working together, leadership and bringing people with you.
8:00 Having difficult conversation and finding common ground.
11:00 The new podcast for sustainability
12:00 Small business and the impact of Net Zero
15:00 Sustainability Goals & Narratives
19:00 What does a good life look like, and cultural shift.
23:00 Lessons learned from failure.
28:00 Biggest success
34:00 The out come from divestment
35:00 The wrap up.


There is much to take away from this conversation; we all know what must be done. We need to get started and work together.  

Further details about this podcast, along with my Guest’s website and social links, are all available at:

https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/osbert-lancaster-leadership-for-sustainability

---

 

Life Passion & Business is dedicated to exploring what it takes to be Extraordinary, to face challenges and rejoice in the opportunities they bring, and expand our vision into new ways of thinking and living.

There is a lot to gain from listening to other people’s stories. However the real work begins by taking action in your own life.

For full details of Resources and Services visit:
www.lifepassionandbusiness.com

 

---

 

Support For Podcasters:

Running a podcast is fun, but it takes time and dedication. Whenever you enjoy a podcast please share your appreciation with comments, likes, shares and reviews. It helps other listeners find good content and supports the content creators and their guests.

Another way you can support the Life Passion & Business podcast is with small donations: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

Embrace the Change: Finding Gold on the Other Side of Fear

Now, I know change can be a bit of a tricky customer. We've all been there, resisting it, wishing things would stay the same. But let's be real—nothing ever does, right?

Join me as we explore why we often resist change and how our personal stories shape our perceptions of it. I'll share some insights and tales that might just shift your perspective. We often think of change as this big, scary monster, but what if I told you it's where the magic happens? Yes, the best parts of life often lie just on the other side of fear.

I'll talk about my own experiences with change, from my transition from marketing to coaching, to the rapid evolution of AI in content creation. It's all about embracing these shifts, even when they make us a bit uncomfortable. Plus, I’ll share some inspiring stories of people who have turned their challenges into triumphs.

 

What about you? Where are you resisting change, and what opportunities might be hiding behind that resistance? Let's dive into this journey together.

 

And hey, if you enjoy this episode, why not share it with a friend? You never know who might need a little nudge to embrace the changes in their life.

Thanks for tuning in, and remember, the adventure awaits on the other side of fear. Until next time, take care!

 

 

---

 

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

 

---

 

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/

 

 

 

 

Beyond Consumption: Embracing Nature and Community with Gavin Fernie-Jones

In this captivating episode, Paul Harvey sits down with Gavin Fernie-Jones, a man whose life journey from the urban streets of Essex to the picturesque landscapes of the French Alps is nothing short of transformative. Join us as we delve into Gavin’s story, exploring his evolution from a reluctant child in the Peak District to a passionate advocate for sustainable living and community connection.

Gavin’s early life took an unexpected turn when his family moved to an isolated outdoor activity center in the Peak District. Initially resistant, Gavin soon found himself immersed in the beauty of nature, a shift that laid the foundation for his lifelong love of the outdoors. This connection to nature was further deepened during his college years, where he pursued art, and later, through his travels and experiences in the French Alps.

Now settled in the French Alps, Gavin has spent over two decades integrating his passion for outdoor activities with a growing awareness of the environmental impact of consumerism. His journey took a pivotal turn when he launched an outdoor clothing business, revealing the staggering levels of waste in the industry. This realization sparked a personal journey, and he started a community project that emphasizes repair, reuse, and conscious consumption.

Discover how Gavin’s initiative, One Tree at a Time, has led to a community-driven revolution where 75% of outdoor clothing in his village is repaired and reused. Learn about the Reaction Collective, an international movement empowering local communities to make a difference while having fun. Gavin shares his insights on living a life in harmony with nature, free from the constraints of consumer culture and societal pressures.

Towards the end of the episode, Gavin introduces us to Citizen Friday, a campaign encouraging individuals to share, repair, and get some fresh air as an alternative to the consumer frenzy of Black Friday. Listen in to find out how you can participate in this movement and make a meaningful impact in your own life.

This episode is more than just a conversation; it's a call to action. Join Paul and Gavin as they explore the profound shifts we can make in our lives and communities by embracing simplicity, sustainability, and the true essence of being a citizen of the world.

 

 

---

 

Further details about this podcast along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:

https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/gavin-fernie-jones-nature-and-community/

 

---

 

Life Passion & Business is dedicated to exploring what it takes to be Extraordinary, to face challenges and rejoice in the opportunities they bring, and expand our vision into new ways of thinking and living.

There is a lot to gain from listening to other people’s stories, however the real work begins by taking action in your own life.

For full details of Events, Resources and Services visit:
www.lifepassionandbusiness.com

 

---

 

Support For Podcasters:

Running a podcast is fun, but it takes time and dedication. Whenever you enjoy a podcast please share your appreciation with comments, likes, shares and reviews. It helps other listeners find good content and supports the content creators and their guests.

Another way you can support the Life Passion & Business podcast is with small donations: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

 

 

Worms and Laughter with Cathy Nesbitt

The power of laughter and worms. A great conversation from 2021 with Cathy Nesbitt a vermiculture champion and laughter ambassador.  She is saving the earth with compost and saving people with laughter. 

As with all of the conversations, they never date. 
 

Today’s guest is Cathy Nesbitt who has has been a vermiculture champion for over 20 years (that’s worm composting to you and me).

Being a lady of a certain age, her working life started with a few options: Teacher, Nurse or Secretary. She chose the latter and had a 20-year career as a secretary and PA working for some prestigious companies. Whilst this work was fine, it was not her passion. The shift to something more inspiring began when she volunteered at a nursing home. She became interested in Psychology and was inspired to study, so she joined a night school class whilst continuing to work full-time at her day job.

After finishing her qualification, she sought an opportunity to use and explore her new skills and found a place to work with challenged adults.

“This is why I was put on earth to be a social worker. Until I met management, I did not expect the politics.”

Little actions can lead to big changes, and in the 1990s, most developed countries were having problems with waste. Canada was no exception. Landfills in Toronto had become full, and trash was being exported to US landfill sites. Looking to do her bit, Cathy started composting at home and encouraged others to do the same.

A work injury in 2001 led Cathy to consider new options, and she decided to start her own business. That was the start of what has now been a 20-year journey with composting and worms.

Throughout the years, Cathy has won over 20 awards for green business and community support composting. She has published over 300 articles and has been on TV and radio, both local and national.

Not one to stand still, Cathy is also a certified Laughter Yoga Leader, Teacher, and Ambassador. So, her life has a theme of worms, bean sprouts, and laughter. Her mission is to promote simple solutions for today’s challenges.

The link to focus coaching is Here 

 

---

Cathy’s website URL & Social URLs are:

http://www.cathyscomposters.com/
http://www.cathyssprouters.com/
http://www.cathysclub.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CathysCrawlyComposters
https://twitter.com/Squirm
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathynesbitt/
https://www.youtube.com/user/rhgn2112

Discovering Your Calling: Richard Blank’s Journey from Ivy League Paths to Costa Rican Call Centers

Hello, friends! 🌟

Welcome back to Life, Passion, and Business. I'm your host, Paul Harvey. Today, I have an incredible story to share with you, one that might just inspire you to rethink your path in life. Ever wondered if you’re truly following your calling? Or questioned whether you even have one? You’re not alone.

This show was last aired nearly 2 years ago, and the story is just as relevant. 

In 2022,  I was approached by Richard Blank, a fascinating individual with a story that’s anything but ordinary. Richard was set on the Ivy League path to a career in medicine or law, but he knew deep down that wasn’t his true calling. Instead, he took a bold step to major in Spanish. Fast forward to today, Richard runs a highly successful call center business in Costa Rica and couldn’t be happier with his life choices. 🌍

What makes Richard’s story so unique is that he didn’t reach out to sell anything. His only aim was to share his journey and encourage others to explore their true calling. Before we dive into our conversation, remember to check out our website at life passion and business.com. We offer focused coaching that can help you find your path in life. More on that at the end of the program!

Now, let's get to the heart of today’s episode. Richard Blank, a native of Philadelphia, grew up with a plan laid out for him. Yet, even as a young adult, he knew he needed to be inspired by his career. His journey took him to the University of Arizona, where he majored in communication and Spanish. By 21, he was studying in Madrid, embracing the Spanish language and culture.

On returning to the U.S., Richard’s bilingual skills opened doors in Spanish television and sales. But his life took a pivotal turn at 27 when he moved to Costa Rica to train employees at a call center. He fell in love with the industry, the country, and its culture. By his mid-30s, Richard started his own call center, growing it steadily to now employ over 150 people. And guess what? He also has a passion for collecting vintage pinball machines! 🎮

Our conversation isn’t about telemarketing. It’s about Richard’s life philosophy, his belief that everyone has a calling, and how he’s giving back to his adopted community. He wants you to find your calling just as he did. So, let’s dive into our chat with Richard Blank!

Richard’s story is a testament to following your passion, no matter how unconventional it might seem. He shares valuable insights on leadership, empathy, and creating a positive work environment. If you’re ever in Costa Rica, don’t forget to look him up. 🌴

Thank you for joining us on this journey. For more inspiring stories and resources, visit life passion and business.com. If this episode resonated with you, please consider giving us a five-star review and sharing it with a friend. Your support helps others find our podcast.

Until next time, keep exploring your passions and living your best life!

 

 

---

 

Further details about this podcast along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:

https://www.lifepassionandbusiness.com/richard-blank-explore-your-calling

 

---

 

Life Passion & Business is dedicated to exploring what it takes to be Extraordinary, to face challenges and rejoice in the opportunities they bring, and expand our vision into new ways of thinking and living.

There is a lot to gain from listening to other people’s stories, however, the real work begins by taking action in your own life.

For full details of Events, Resources and Services visit:
www.lifepassionandbusiness.com

 

---

 

Support For Podcasters:

Running a podcast is fun, but it takes time and dedication. Whenever you enjoy a podcast please share your appreciation with comments, likes, shares and reviews. It helps other listeners find good content and supports the content creators and their guests.

Another way you can support the Life Passion & Business podcast is with small donations: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

The Transformative Power of a Single Question: A Journey from Addiction to Purpose

Hello, this is your host Paul Harvey. Today, I want to take you back to January 2022 when I had a truly fascinating conversation with Di Manuel. Trust me, this episode is one for the books!

We dive into the depths of change, the struggle with addiction, and dealing with complicated feelings. Di was in a dark place until one powerful question from his wife changed everything:  This question was pivotal for Di, leading him on a path of self-discovery and transformation.

This episode explores the themes of fitness, family, faith, finances, and fun 

However, the journey wasn't without its pitfalls. Di became known as "Fun Guy Di," always the life of the party but dependent on alcohol and drugs to maintain his extroverted persona. The turning point came when his wife, Christy, sat him down and asked that life-altering question. From that moment, Di committed to a year without drinking, seeking support through therapy and personal development. This decision led to a complete transformation, not just in his personal life but also in his professional endeavours.

Today, Di is a TEDx speaker, an author, and the creator of Mentorship Mondays, a safe space for men to connect and support each other. His story is one of rebirth, travel, writing, and more. It's a testament to the power of change and the impact of asking the right questions.

 

 

---

 

Further details about this podcast along with Dai’s website and social links are all available at:

http://www.lifepassionandbusiness.com/dai-manuel-breaking-habits

 

---

 

Life Passion & Business is dedicated to exploring what it takes to be Extraordinary, to face challenges and rejoice in the opportunities they bring, and expand our vision into new ways of thinking and living.

There is a lot to gain from listening to other people’s stories, however the real work begins by taking action in your own life.

For full details of Events, Resources and Services visit:
www.lifepassionandbusiness.com

 

---

 

Support For Podcasters:

Running a podcast is fun, but it takes time and dedication. Whenever you enjoy a podcast please share your appreciation with comments, likes, shares and reviews. It helps other listeners find good content and supports the content creators and their guests.

Another way you can support the Life Passion & Business podcast is with small donations: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

Beyond Shame and Guilt with Lois Hollis

Following the Shortcast at the weekend, where we explored the power of Self-Talk, we touched on the issue of shame and guilt, which reminded me of my conversation with Lois Hollis, a woman in her 70s who achieved so much, yet that early trauma came back to haunt her.   

It is a story of transcending the past and moving towards the future, and well worth a review. 

This show was first aired in July 2022

Where are you in life with the big emotional bricks like shame and guilt? Do you reflect on past events or experience these feelings in current relationships? For most of us, this stuff is part of our makeup; we are unaware of it. Having listened to my guest on the show today, I became conscious of my shame and guilt for past actions and how I have used shame in my family interactions. 

My guest on the show has always been a pioneer. Lois Hollis is in her late 70s, deeply connected to God and her faith, and driven by a calling that started in childhood. Her early years were tough. With physical abuse at home, she received multiple head and neck injuries. One of these occasions led to a near-death experience where she received her calling.  At church, she was preached into guilt and shame to find her sins; the teachers at school punished her for dyslexia.

Her solace was tap dancing. She loved tap dancing, and she tells me it was tap dancing that pulled her through. It worked because she finished high school, applied to nursing school at the University of Pennsylvania, and received a scholarship.

At college, Lois earned an RN and BSN nursing degree and went on to a job at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. Her creative approach to problems was recognised, and she was invited to join a programme that went on to develop the first Kidney Hemorrhage Units in the USA in 1966.

She became a pioneer of the kidney dialysis foundation, stayed in the programme for ten years, leaving it behind to have a family, and was blessed with three daughters. 

Then life took a turn. Now in her 40s, she experienced headaches that became migraine that developed into a range of other life-threatening problems. It reached a point where she was told she would not live beyond her 50s.  

Those childhood traumas and physical abuse had a price it was discovered there were broken bones in her neck and back. Our conversation concerns physical, mental, and spiritual recovery and a wonderfully inspiring journey.

 

Today Lois Hollis works with shame and guilt as an independent study. She is bringing new knowledge of these misunderstood conditions. She is a filmmaker, author of 3 books, a speaker and a coach.

 

---

 

Further details about this podcast along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:

https://www.lifepassionandbusiness.com/lois-hollis-beyond-shame

 

---

 

Life Passion & Business is dedicated to exploring what it takes to be Extraordinary, to face challenges and rejoice in the opportunities they bring, and expand our vision into new ways of thinking and living.

There is a lot to gain from listening to other people’s stories, however the real work begins by taking action in your own life.

For full details of Events, Resources and Services visit:
www.lifepassionandbusiness.com

 

---

 

Support For Podcasters:

Running a podcast is fun, but it takes time and dedication. Whenever you enjoy a podcast please share your appreciation with comments, likes, shares and reviews. It helps other listeners find good content and supports the content creators and their guests.

Another way you can support the Life Passion & Business podcast is with small donations: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

The Author and Regenerative Farmer: Jeanne Blasberg

When I think about my guest on the show, I think of personal leadership, commitment, and making a difference. She inspires me on at least two, possibly three, counts because she is an athlete, a novelist, and a regenerative farmer. I recognise a fellow polymath.

As an only child, Jeanne Blasberg spent a lot of time alone. Her parents gave her a lot of independence, and she credits this time with igniting her love for storytelling and nurturing her creativity.

To this day, she can juggle and close up magic. 

 

Heading college, she went for the humanities, with American Studies, so you would never have guessed she would end up on Wall Street as a baby banker. That means the grunt worker for the banking industry.

It has served her well in writing, her work in nonprofits, and now, her work at the regenerative farm.

Banking in the 1980s was volatile, so it was worth taking when a job opportunity came up in the same city as her husband's career move. Sinsinattie was a bit of a jump from New York, but her timing was good, as the bank that she left was taken over and effectively closed.

The new job was a challenge, but opened opportunities.  

 

After her first child, the family moved back to Boston. The skills she gained from that job led to writing case studies for Harvard Business School. Now a full-time Mum, she competed in athletics, Worked in non-profits, and held the Chair of US Squash. Somewhere in that list, she found the time to read and explore her creativity in writing groups, and the ideas for her first novel arrived.  

That book was published in 2017 and called “Eden” and followed in 2019 by “The Nine”

This is a lovely conversation with a woman who is a polymath. She can turn her attention to anything and make it happen. She is a deep thinker and has many tools for living a good life.

We cover all of the usual questions, including why, when most people are looking to retire, she and her husband have effectively gone back to school to learn how to work the land. However, she is clearly passionate about wellness, the food system, and the healing aspect of nature because it inspires her writing. Just 18 months back, they bought a 420-acre regenerative farm in SW Wisconsin called Flynn Creek Farm.

 
In April this year, she released her third novel, DAUGHTER OF A PROMISE; she co-chairs the Boston Book Festival and serves on the Executive Committee of GrubStreet, a preeminent creative writing centre in Boston.  Of course, she is the CEO of Flynn Creek Farm.

 

 

 

 

---

 

Further details about this podcast along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:

https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/jeanne-blasberg-author-and-regenerative-farmer/

 

---

 

Life Passion & Business is dedicated to exploring what it takes to be Extraordinary, to face challenges and rejoice in the opportunities they bring, and expand our vision into new ways of thinking and living.

There is a lot to gain from listening to other people’s stories, however the real work begins by taking action in your own life.

For full details of Events, Resources and Services visit:
www.lifepassionandbusiness.com

 

---

 

Support For Podcasters:

Running a podcast is fun, but it takes time and dedication. Whenever you enjoy a podcast please share your appreciation with comments, likes, shares and reviews. It helps other listeners find good content and supports the content creators and their guests.

Another way you can support the Life Passion & Business podcast is with small donations: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

 

Celebrating the Life and Wisdom of Will Pye

Today, we have a special tribute episode dedicated to a remarkable individual, Will Pye, also known as the Gratitude Man, who left us earlier this year.

Join me as we revisit a heartfelt conversation from 2020, where Will shared his incredible journey of radical gratitude, spiritual exploration, and overcoming life's toughest challenges. From battling depression to triumphing over a brain tumour, Will's story is a testament to the power of focus, accountability, and unwavering positivity.

We'll delve into the profound synchronicities that shaped his path, his transformative experiences with various spiritual practices, and the wisdom he gained along the way. This episode is filled with humour, deep insights, and a whole lot of inspiration.

So, grab a cosy spot, maybe a cup of tea, and let's honour Will Pye's legacy together. And hey, if you find value in this podcast do share it with a friend.

Enjoy the episode and remember, gratitude can truly transform your life. 🌟

 

 

Deep Leadership with Jon Rennie

The week we step back a year and rediscover my conversation with Jon Rennie, he was a submariner on a nuclear submarine during the Cold War. 


Our podcast is about the transition between services and civic street. However, it is also about the application of a leadership style. 

Today, Jon Rennie runs a successful business that manufactures critical components for electrical utilities. He’s also a podcast host and the author of three books on leadership.

Jon was born to a family in Manchester, New Hampshire, just north of Boston. It is a blue-collar town, and people do not leave. He was born to young parents with equally young grandparents. His Grandfathers had both served in WW2 and talked fondly of military service.    

While John was born to a loving family, life was abundant, but funds were limited, and his father extolled the virtue of getting to college. That opportunity would only be possible with a scholarship.

He was fascinated by engineering and submarines and expressed the idea of becoming a serving officer.

Nobody wants to be an officer on a submarine.

The high school career person was surprised but did his research and found an opportunity. The Navy had a scholarship degree program, which led to officer training. He got accepted, did his four years of college, achieved an engineering degree, and entered the Navy as a commissioned officer.

Our conversation is a fascinating insight into the life of a nuclear submarine, but it’s more than that. It’s what John learned from his experience in the military and how we took that out into the business world.

I often hear from people who have served that transitioning between service life and Civic Street is tough. Jon struggled for seven years until he applied his navy principles to his work; the rest is history.

He led eight manufacturing businesses for three global companies for 22 years until he started his own business manufacturing company producing critical components for electrical utilities.  He has written three books on leadership and hosts the Deep Leadership podcast.

 

There are many lessons to be learned here. But the biggest challenge we discussed in detail is to start a business does not mean creating a job.

 

 

---

 

Further details about this podcast along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:

https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/jon-rennie-deep-leadership/

---

 

Life Passion & Business is dedicated to exploring what it takes to be Extraordinary, to face challenges and rejoice in the opportunities they bring, and expand our vision into new ways of thinking and living.

There is a lot to gain from listening to other people’s stories, however the real work begins by taking action in your own life.

For full details of Events, Resources and Services visit:
www.lifepassionandbusiness.com

 

---

 

Support For Podcasters:

Running a podcast is fun, but it takes time and dedication. Whenever you enjoy a podcast please share your appreciation with comments, likes, shares and reviews. It helps other listeners find good content and supports the content creators and their guests.

Another way you can support the Life Passion & Business podcast is with small donations: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

 

From Insurance to Lard Skincare: With Charles Mayfield

Hey friends! 🌟

Welcome to another exciting episode of Life, Fashion, and Business with your host, Paul Harvey. Today, we dive into the fascinating life of Charles Mayfield, a man whose journey from the insurance world to pioneering regenerative farming and unique lard-based skincare products will leave you inspired and intrigued.

Charles shares his story of growing up in East Tennessee with farming roots, his unexpected detour into insurance and finance, and how a severe sunburn led to the creation of Farrow Skincare. This is a conversation about resilience, innovation, and the power of following your passions, even when they take you down unexpected paths.

If you're curious about the principles of regenerative farming, the joys of keeping pigs, or why lard might just be the next big thing in skincare, this episode is for you. Join us as Charles discusses the challenges and triumphs of his journey, and how he's striving to leave the world a better place.

So grab your headphones, get comfy, and let's dive in! 🎧

Don't forget to check out Farrow Skincare at farrow.life and connect with Charles on LinkedIn for more insights and updates.

Enjoy the episode, and as always, thanks for tuning in! 😊

 

Links to Focus Coaching 

 

---

 

Further details about this podcast, along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:

https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/charles-mayfield-regenerative-farming-skin-care/

---

 

Life Passion & Business is dedicated to exploring what it takes to be Extraordinary, to face challenges and rejoice in the opportunities they bring, and expand our vision into new ways of thinking and living.

There is a lot to gain from listening to other people’s stories, however the real work begins by taking action in your own life.

For full details of Events, Resources and Services visit:
www.lifepassionandbusiness.com

 

---

 

Support For Podcasters:

Running a podcast is fun, but it takes time and dedication. Whenever you enjoy a podcast please share your appreciation with comments, likes, shares and reviews. It helps other listeners find good content and supports the content creators and their guests.

Another way you can support the Life Passion & Business podcast is with small donations: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion