Exploring the creativity of the human spirit with just five simple questions. Those questions give us a window to explore the journey and life story of people that look like they have it sorted.
Episodes
Friday Jan 06, 2023
Friday Jan 06, 2023
In this part of the show, we continue on the theme of business, looking at social media, authenticity and leadership.
In part 1, Russell Dalgleish was saying how life changed for him when he became authentic in his presentation. That theme was picked up by our next speaker Lisa Barry.
I met Lisa early in 2020, and she had this wonderful plan mapped out for her family and her business. But of course, that was a rather special year, and it didn’t happen. Lisa is an experienced copywriter, She teaches business owners how to create content and be visible on social media. It is about courage and authenticity.
When it comes to authenticity, no one can be more authentic than our next guest, Dr Arthie Moore. She lives in South Africa and is changing the lives of women in that area of diversity. We explore the impact that covid had on leadership and some of the changes that happened in South Africa because of it. It is about leadership and its impact.
Both of these amazing women give their take on 2023.
Further details about this podcast along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:
https://www.lifepassionandbusiness.com/The-5th-Birthday
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
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Yes, it is our Birthday, this podcast is 5 years old this week and today is part on of our birthday celebrations.
Today we cover how the show started, and a little bit of what I have discovered. We have a brief chat with Russel Dalglish from the Scottish Business network about personal branding and being Authentic.
I try to have a short conversation with the vintage, I mean legendary Geoff Birch about customer service and lost parcels.
Both of our guests give us some quick thoughts on the year ahead.
Plus we remember those that have passed in the 5 years since I started because some of our guests have died. That is the journey, it does come to an end.
Further details about this podcast along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:
https://www.lifepassionandbusiness.com/
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
Sunday Jan 01, 2023
Sunday Jan 01, 2023
Opportunities for rituals and wonder, part of the food and joy of a good life, plus the new year is a good time for reflection. However, the show is not about goals… Although we will talk about intentions. we explore the use of divination cards and the rediscovery of wonder
Do you have a new year ritual outside of the party and celebrations?
My family has a ritual where we select an Angel card and a Rune for the year.
The Angel cards we use originated from the game of transformation that started in the Findhorn foundation. These cards have one word, normally an action.
Last year my word was Tenderness. This year it is “Play.”
These words are a source of conversation and a reference point for how I will live the year.
The conversation was triggered by the discovery of the podcast cast by Mark Watts featuring the work of his father, Alan.
Alan Watts was a Radioman who spoke about Philosophy and Theology with a lovely voice and lots of wisdom. The show I heard was an early live recording talking about the importance of surprise and wonder.
So getting the Angel card “Play” really speaks to me and is so valuable when considering the journey that we are about to embark on the podcast.
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/
Sunday Dec 18, 2022
Sunday Dec 18, 2022
More gain without pain. Is it possible to move forward without trauma? It is a question I am still exploring and something I will be taking up in the new year in the new format podcast.
We have been travelling this weekend, so not been here to make a show. I do not stack content up to date; all of my Sunday shows are made on the day, so they are about my current thinking. However, this weekend has been a little special. It was my wife’s 60th birthday, and we brought our son home for Christmas, so there was lots of time on the road and celebration.
With all that in mind, I decided a reupload was both forgivable and relevant.
The show you are about to hear was first released in July this year and is about pain and gain.
Much is said about the need to work hard, push and grind to get what you want; on some level, there is a need to get uncomfortable.
In this show, I was exploring that idea and the question is still open, I would love to hear your thoughts on More Gain without pain.
I will be back on Wednesday with details of a birthday party and how this show is unfolding in 2023.
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/
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
Are you beyond presents yet? We are in the Christmas run down, and it is all about the rush to find presents and get everything ready for the special day. Christmas is many things, with children in the house it is very special.
With the children, grown Xmas has a different feeling; how do we connect with something more than food drink and gifts?
On this show, we explore how a gratitude exercise made for an amazing Christmas., it was amazing we did not want to stop. And how you can take the process and explore it with your family.
I mention a gratitude podcast on the show, and there are few on the subject. I like “triple the joy” as it it demonstrates the power of the gratitude process
you can find it here
Further details about this podcast
https://www.lifepassionandbusiness.com/beyond-presents
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
Monday Dec 12, 2022
Monday Dec 12, 2022
The course of life does not always run true, and stuff happens, but very often, it is for the better. It might not seem so at the time, but given the options, it could always be worse.
In today’s shortcast, I want to tell you why getting stuck with a broken-down car had a huge upside.
Friday evening, I nipped out for some quick shopping at a local supermarket, and while I would normally cycle, it looked icy, so I decided to drive.
I cleared the ice for the windscreen and set off to hear a loud crack. I thought it was ice or something; I stopped to check that nothing was jammed under the wheels. It all looked good, so I set off for the store.
On my return, just as I turned into my road, there was a loud crunch, the engine roared, and the car stopped; it was going nowhere.
I got out to see the issues to discover that my passenger wheel was at 90 degrees to the car body. Stuff Happens.
What do you do when you are stuck in the middle of the road, close to zero temperatures, with an immovable car? I did consider lots of ideas and discussed them with my new farmer friend, who stopped to help.
I started calling my breakdown recovery service, and they took 20 minutes to answer. When they finally picked up, we were told it would be 4 hours before any help would be available.
Thankfully that was not how it turned out.
You will have to check out the show to discover what happened. However, you might be wondering how a breakdown like this could have an upside.
It was more about what could have happened than what did. Had that nut sheared while I was on a motorway, which I will be in a few days, the outcome would have been far more serious or possibly even fatal.
Everything about my Friday happened in the best way that it could.
There is a Sufi saying it is not good, it is not bad, it just is..
Back on Wednesday.
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/
Thursday Dec 08, 2022
Thursday Dec 08, 2022
What is a polymath?
Some people have never heard of the word polymath, and they need to. Many of the world’s most famous scientists and thinkers were polymaths. People who had a wide range of interests and who could turn their hand to most things and explore it all. Think of Leonardo Da Vinci and many of the great thinkers who have changed our world.
The derogatory name for a polymath is the jack of all trades and the master of none.
That was a label I carried for years, sort of given to me by my mother and hinted at by a few people over the years. That is the point have the ability to do many things, and it is time to celebrate my diversity.
Our show today has no guest; it is about my polymathery and how the podcast is changing so that I can explore my passions and interest.
Check out the show as we explore where we are going next.
It is all very exciting.
As I said on the show if you have thoughts, about or direction, a favourite show or you are a polymath. Please get in touch.
Further details about this podcast
https://www.lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-polymath-and-celebration
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
Sunday Dec 04, 2022
Sunday Dec 04, 2022
Is there somewhere in life that needs moving on?
There are times when we need to change but moving on is hard. It is so easy to get stuck in a pattern or a routine, and sometimes, it’s important to make the break and move on.
In the past, I have stayed in jobs for too long, and of course, there is relationships but that is a bigger elephant than I want to eat today.
My big move on is the podcast.
On the 3rd of Jan, 2023, this podcast will be 5 years old, and it’s time to change.
The show began in 2018, and you can read the full story of how and why on the about page, but the short version is I was unhappy and started this show to look for answers to that question. How do I live a good life?
I discovered that we all have a story to tell and a journey to experience one that runs from the cradle to the grave. We will have the opportunity to be the hero of our journey; being that hero does not necessarily mean carrying the sword.
It has been a commitment to deliver new shows every week for five years, which was a lot of great conversations.
To celebrate the birthday, there will be a party on the 4th of January 2023 not fully sure what that will look like yet, but it will involve past guests to see where their journey has taken them.
Moving On, and you can help.
The show will change in 2023, and that’s where you might be able to help. Going forward, it will become seasonal in nature, where we will pick a topic and bring on guests to share their expertise.
Here is where you might help.
What is your biggest question about this life journey, is there an area or topic you want to hear discussed?
If you have a question, find me on social or drop a message here.
The other exciting development is the launch of a YouTube version of this show so lots to come in the new year.
As for your moving on, it is always down to making a choice and taking that one step. My one step was to stop booking interviews.
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/
Monday Nov 28, 2022
Monday Nov 28, 2022
On the show we are exploring the process of being the observer, and why it is a useful technique for self-discovery and resilience. There are a couple of techniques that I use to connect with the observer. But why is it useful?
Observation, we watch people go by, and we watch for traffic when crossing the road, but what about watching our thoughts?
One of the challenges of being human is that we stick to what we know, what we want or what we have experienced. It is hard to let go of ideas both past and present and see the hear and now. But when we let go of the pictures, we create space for something new.
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/
It is our ego that demands that we hold the picture or stick to what we know. So how do we let go when it is our desire to hold on?
One answer is to practice being the observer of our thoughts. It is the foundation of mindfulness practice and one of the tools explored in the Book “ The Power of Letting Go”
See my podcast from Wednesday with John Purkiss.
How to be the Observer
The best place to develop the observer is in mediation, but there are other options. I found running was the best place for me. It’s rhythm and movement, but for me, the location is also important.
What I noticed from being the Observer both in my running and using it during a repetitive task is that when I get to that place my mind is pretty silent I don’t have the chatter the judgements and things have dropped, it is incredibly peaceful.
The point is developing a practice of mind observation provides a tool that can be used in a stressful situation where it can bring clarity and open the door to fresh thinking.
Monday Nov 14, 2022
Monday Nov 14, 2022
I want to talk to you today about the powerful or powerless. Where do you sit on that line do you feel you have the capacity to control and direct your life or do you feel your life is controlled and directed?
In truth, both are illusions but for the sake of our sanity, it is best to think we have some measure of control.
In this show, I am talking about Agency which is the ability to take action in the face of opposition. It’s funny because I only discovered the word “ Agency” very recently. Over the last few weeks, I have been reading a lot about the dynamics of change at the societal level.
I’ve only ever considered that word as it’s used for a noun as in an agency that provides people or a government agency that coordinates and organises something. I’ve probably heard the word before and never really connected its meaning with empowerment.
With all that is happening in the world, it is easy to buckle under the impact of it all.
Now many will brush it off with I have not got time to worry about that stuff.
What they are really saying is, “I am not ready to let it in so I best ignore it.”
If you are curious there is a simple exercise that will help you find how powerful or powerless you are and give you a score and there are some thoughts on what stops us from owning our power.
When we feel that we own our power and have some direction over our life that is when life feels like it is working.
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/
Sunday Nov 06, 2022
Sunday Nov 06, 2022
Are you living beyond? Last week I spoke about how I was limiting myself by dithering over the race this weekend.
I have had a few more thoughts and want to talk to you about living beyond. Because this aspect of limits is a far broader conversation
Limits are everywhere, from society, employers, family and culture. And, of course, reality will give us a quick reminder of our limits far quicker than we can do it for ourselves.
So I encourage you to constantly push the boundaries rather than practice limitations; when we push, it is empowering.
It is about awareness. I know that my life gets smaller when I think smaller and bigger when I think bigger. When we can think outside of physical or mental limits, it is our thinking that moves forward.
With that awareness, we can change how we move forward and start living beyond
Living beyond our limits
In this show, we look at how breathing into a limit makes it a reality and how we might look beyond it and find the resources needed to get through it.
Last week before entering the race, my dithering was that I did not want to prove I am getting older. It was my breathing into being 59 and staring at 60. I left an open question on the podcast: Can I run 10K in under 48 minutes?
Spoiler no, I did not. However, I am ok with that.
In this show, I demonstrate how I used a process to make it possible for me to get through my limiting thoughts around this 10k race. The plan worked, well, sort of. I did not make the 48 minutes. But my race time today was 50 minutes and 1 second. Gutting not to get under 50 minutes.
As I said I am happy with that and it has given me a target to explore in 2023.
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/
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Who sets your limits? I was reminded this weekend that I have been setting limits for myself and there really is no need when reality will do that for without my help.
As you know running is a big part of my life and I recently completed a marathon in Inverness not quite in the time that I wanted but very close.
That was nearly a month back and next weekend the running club is organising a 10k and I have been in several minds if I should enter. In truth, I have nothing to lose, outside of a previous personal best that I recorded at this time last year.
So what am I afraid of? My limits, I have trained very differently this year it has all been about endurance. A 10k is all about speed and don’t know what that means for me.
But Saturday was a training session and I was getting some good lap times. So who says I cannot run this race at speed?
That is the point I was limiting myself. What is amazing is that I spoke on this point of limits almost a year ago. So rather than remake the show, I thought to reprise it for you.
As for my 10k the question is can I run faster than 48 minutes, I will let you next week.
In meantime check out the show and consider where you are putting limits on your life.
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/
Sunday Oct 23, 2022
Sunday Oct 23, 2022
When did you last experience enchantment or wonder?
In this reflection, we explore how we lose the capacity to be enchanted as we age and how the modern world is designed to dampen our capacity for wonder.
We are born with the capacity to be amazed and inspired by our surroundings as we grow up we see less of the world and spend more time inside and separate from nature. We had less opportunity to see the wonder of the world. But now become inspired but the world that is created for us.
When everything is available nothing is precious.
Back in time music was a source of wonder, pre 1900 entertainment was the music hall the theatre and concerts. Hearing live music was normal, hearing amazing music was truly memorable.
In the modern world, much of our ability to be amazed is lost as we age. I know I compare a lot of my experience with my father’s. I guess because I had so many conversations with him only now am I beginning to understand.
Over the last few years of his life, he had no interest in modern film and life lost colour as he retreated into watching old TV programmes on repeat.
So what happened, where does our capacity for wonder go?
I suspect it started with photography, recorded music, radio, H
high fidelity sound, TV and finally unlimited everything.
How do we re-discover enchantment or wonder,
it starts with looking and seeing. Join me on the quick exploration of what we gain from being in awe.
As I write this after recording the show I can see that the subject is big enough to encompass a book on the subject.
Now there is a thought for the future.
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/
Sunday Oct 16, 2022
Sunday Oct 16, 2022
In this we shortcast, I am considering time and how we use it. Plus what that tells us about our values and what is important to us? It is an opportunity to explore your time.
Time is a big deal in the business world. Every so often, a post will come up on social media where someone will point out we all have the same 24 hours every day. And that we can all be the next Richard Branson.
While this is sort of true it is not helpful. Yes, we all have the same amount of time but we all have different values and reasons for how we use that time.
All time is relative to our experience. We have all been in a long boring meeting which seems like it will never end. On the reverse, we have all experienced time passing super quick, while in a flow state or that short holiday that passed in a flash.
Of course, we all think we are invincible. It is common to take each day for granted and as time passes is a fact of life. We are all on the journey until the end.
It is funny this conversation on today’s show was precipitated by a chance meeting with a friend I had not seen in many years. Two midlifers sharing notes on their life journey and the passage of time.
We had both come to the same conclusion It is how you explore your time that is a key factor in how you experience and enjoy life.
In the show, we introduce the idea of the time diary or plan and what it can tell you about your goal and desires.
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/
Sunday Oct 09, 2022
Sunday Oct 09, 2022
Intentions Goals & Plans, last Sunday I completed a goal, I can call myself a Marathon runner.
For me, it was the day I would join a very small club. It used to be that only 1% of humanity would run a marathon, it is possible nearer 2% these days. But still, a very small slice of humanity run that distance. It was an intention that I had set for this year it is done.
I often say I don’t do goals but set intentions and I realise that is not strictly true, it is a trick that I use on myself to get me moving in direction of travel. Because sometimes goals just feel too big.
In this show, we look at my journey and how we can draw from the process
Completing the race was the goal it was more the celebration of 18 weeks of training. During that time I have run 610km, I have got my heart rate down and achieved a level of fitness like never before.
The race was the culmination of a journey in running that started 7 years ago when I first went back to the gym.
A marathon is more than just a run its 26.2 miles, it is a journey of daily running and learning how the body works under extreme conditions. It is as much about nutrition and mindset as it is about running.
Goals & Plans
My marathon went to plan for the first 17 miles up until the big hill, I was ready for it but what I was not expecting was what happened on the other side.
Pain and raw emotion.
Despite the pain and waves of emotion, I committed to run the last 1k and made it over the line in 4.35 to be greeted by friends and family. It was so good to get it done.
If there was one success factor that made all the difference, it was that I had a tried and tested plan and I followed it every day for 18 weeks.
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 interested 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/