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
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Turning the table is a lovely expression, reversing the practice. Back in 2020, before the world shut down, I was approved by Fiona English to do a reverse podcast. That means I get to answer her questions on my podcast. How could I resist such an offer?
In this show, we explore my purpose and my connection with all that is. It is about my spirituality and my sense of meaning. listening back to it today in the edit, it affirmed to me that my path for this podcast has not changed it is about exploring the human adventure.
Fiona is a coach and business consultant with experience in global investment markets. However, She left the industry to develop a coaching business around positive psychology. It was a calling as, today, she researches, speaks and writes on the subject of Positive Psychology, the science behind what makes individuals and communities flourish.
It is her mission to expand perceptions of spirituality; she believes that we are individually empowered to understand and prioritise our spiritual well-being in life. That there is a universality to the experience of spirituality, and it remains a personal path.
With over 400 shows in our catalogue, it is good to go back from time to time. I was out and about this weekend exploring the hills and mountains of Skye with my running buddies and while out there in some of those quiet spaces, my thoughts turned to the show for this week and this conversation is perfect.
The conversation with Fiona is in two parts, this is part one where Fiona is Turning the tables on me. In Part two I and turning the table back and taking charge of the questions. If you would like to hear me explore her journey, check out the link below.
Further details about this podcast, along with my Guest’s website and social links, are all available at:
https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/fiona-english-turning-the-table/
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 May 21, 2023
Sunday May 21, 2023
The best experience is beyond the easy button. Currently away on a Scottish Island experiencing the great out doors. This short show is a reflection on the benefits of effort. it was made on the phone so forgive the hamfisted editing and audio quality.
Wednesday May 17, 2023
Wednesday May 17, 2023
Here is part 2 of my conversation with the mindful traveller Billy Lahr, in last weeks episode, we explored his journey.
On the show, we get to see how Billy is exploring his transition and what it mean to put yourself out there and ask for feedback.
Now we get to her how he is putting it all together. As I said on last week's show, there is no conclusion it is Billy’s story and the journey continues.
We will explore the mindful journey and how we can become conscious and live in each moment. The modern world does not support us at best; there is always a call on out attention and busy stuff to keep us distracted.
To recap part one of our show.
Billy Lahr is from from Minnesota he grew up on a farm with no interest in farming. At college, he followed the idea of becoming a computer programmer and, by accident, gravitated toward teaching.
He lived a normal life working in education for 21 years, he became the dean of students. If you are not aware, they are the butt of the joke in every teen movie and are universally disliked by the students.
To be fair, it is a role of service meeting the needs of the students, but when the deen gets involved, it is because there is a problem.
For a people person working in a conflict role, it was difficult. He did the job for six years before becoming disenfranchised from budding mental health concerns and lacking job satisfaction. So he made a huge decision to give it all up to travel while developing a mindfulness practice.
Billy has been hopping countries since 2021, and our conversation about that journey of self-discovery. He has travelled extensively in Asia to countries where he knows no one and does not speak the language.
There is no big finale ending to this conversation, as the question is still ongoing. There have been highs and lows, and he is still to answer the question does he continue his travels or go back to the States and return to teaching?
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 May 14, 2023
Sunday May 14, 2023
What happens when the story meets reality? Because we can believe whatever we want, but there are times when the vision and the picture do not align.
I had a very visceral example of that on Saturday.
If you have been following me for a while, you know that I have a passion for running. It gives some meaning to my life because, when I run it brings my mind and my body together in one place operating in harmony.
So I’ve been training to run my fastest ever 10K, if you saw my socials or you’re on my list, you’d have heard the story about how I have an unofficial time and what to beat it will and official time.
I did first 10K was back in 2018 at 51:55, I did and unofficial race in 2021 at 48:51 and last year I did a local race at 50:01
Now father time is working against me, I am nearly 60. But I had trained hard, and I had a story in my head where I could get a sub-47-minute time. I had a vision in my head where I could see myself achieving it.
The Story Meets Reality
The Story Meet Reality
But the reality on the day was very different, it was way hotter than I was expecting.
This podcast is my journey through that process. It’s about how we stay focused but at the same time allow for the reality of the situation and take it as information rather than failure.
Because everything we experience is new information to be taken forward for the next experience. So spoiler alert I didn’t make the time I was looking for I got 49:19.
There is a bigger concern. However, for that, you’ll need to listen to 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/
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Wednesday May 10, 2023
The mindful journey is about being conscious of how we live in each moment, and yet, most of the time, we actively seek to keep ourselves in distracted with busy stuff and routines. What if there was no routine?
My guest on the show is Billy Lahr from Minnesota, who grew up on a farm with no interest in farming. Billy did college with the idea of becoming a computer programmer and, by accident, gravitated toward teaching.
It became a career and he lived an everyday life working in education for 21 years. Taking a promotion he became the dean of students. If you are not aware, the dean is the butt of the joke in every teen movie and are universally disliked by the students.
It is a role of service meeting the needs of the students, but when the dean gets involved, it is because of a problem.
For a people person working in a conflict role, it wasn’t easy. He did the job for six years before becoming disenfranchised from budding mental health concerns and lacking job satisfaction. So he made a huge decision to give it all up to travel while developing a mindfulness practice.
The laptop lifestyle is attractive and sounds lovely until you try it… I have limited experience while on the road for a few months in the UK and running this podcast. Finding good wifi can be depressing.
Billy has been hopping countries since 2021, and our conversation about that journey of self-discovery. He has travelled extensively in Asia to countries where he knows no one and does not speak the language.
This conversation has no big finale ending, as the question is still ongoing. There have been highs and lows, and he is still to answer whether he will continue his travels or return to the States and go back to teaching.
Our conversation is long and will be in 2 parts.
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 May 07, 2023
Sunday May 07, 2023
The crowning of a king happened this weekend. Tomorrow is a public holiday for some in the UK. I am not going to get all royal on you, but occasions like these allow the opportunity to explore the deeper meaning of these events.
I will bring you back to look at your sense of meaning on this show, by looking at the crowning of a king and exploring the value of our actions. When a sense of meaning drives our path or activity, it brings a whole new sense of purpose.
We all experience life as a series of thoughts and feelings. Rarely do we explore how it sits with us or ask what it means or says about us.
I started this podcast because of my search for meaning. When it is missing, life can become hollow and a bit Meh.
Over the last 50 years, we have been set free from the age of deference, and many have left the institutions or faiths the extolled values from which to live.
That freedom is lovely, but with it comes a responsibility to live your own life.
In this show, we explore the options and how you might find more meaning in the life you choose to lead.
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 May 04, 2023
Thursday May 04, 2023
Howard Gunstock Carbon Kapture Launch
Carbon Kapture has launched. In our weekend show, I explored how we take that dream and make it a reality. It brought to mind a past guest Howard Gunstock who is doing just that.
Our show is a follow-on programme, a chance to catch up with this fantastic project.
It has been six years since Howard's life was turned upside down; you can find the story in his original podcast. The potted version was that in the space of months, all of Howard’s close relationships ended or changed, leaving him empty and believing his life had become meaningless. It was at that point that he heard Greta Thunberg speak at Davos.
It was a road to road to Damascus moment, and three years on we stand at the start of a project that can potentially change the world.
Carbon Kapture is a project that will support rural areas by providing sustainable work and growing seaweed to improve the local ecology. The seaweed, once removed, will be processed and the carbon safely sequestered.
This show explores the ups and downs of bringing something new into reality.
Check out the new project and maybe buy some rope at https://CarbonKapture.com
Further details about this podcast along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:
https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/howard-gunstock-carbon-kapture-the-launch/
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
Sunday Apr 30, 2023
Sunday Apr 30, 2023
How do we reignite our passion and kindle the fire for life and all that it offers? Last weekend I heard a poem, it was a reading at the Sunday singing circle. I knew it was something valuable to share with you, as it speaks so much to the journey that we experience.
It is called “ What to Remember When Waking”. by David Whyte. (I have copied it below.)
These words are about the transition on waking because there is a world of the dreamscape where everything is possible, and as we return each morning, there is that moment of transition when our worlds blend.
This morning I had the sense that at birth, we are filled like a cup with excitement and desire. I remember our toddler bursting out of bed to get to his toys and seize the day. There is no need for kindling. Youth has enough fire of its own, there was more on these thoughts but not for today.
In this show, we explore where desire goes.
Lets explore where desire goes and how it is possible to bring it back, to kindle the fire, that small flame of intention and see it become the dazzling blaze of our dreams.
The poem reminds us not to be small; it is one of the thousands of similar texts that remind us to be open and seek opportunity.
“What shape lies in the seed of you, to grow and spread it branches against a future sky”
I love that line, it is about dreaming into the future and seeing the impossible become possible.
Remember if you need help in finding your future sky, to kindle the fire do reach out.
The poem is below.
What to Remember When Waking by David Whyte
In that first hardly noticed moment in which you wake,
coming back to this life from the other
more secret, moveable and frighteningly honest world
where everything began,
there is a small opening into the new day
which closes the moment you begin your plans.
What you can plan is too small for you to live.
What you can live wholeheartedly will make plans enough
for the vitality hidden in your sleep.
To be human is to become visible
while carrying what is hidden as a gift to others.
To remember the other world in this world
is to live in your true inheritance.
You are not a troubled guest on this earth,
you are not an accident amidst other accidents
you were invited from another and greater night
than the one from which you have just emerged
Now, looking through the slanting light of the morning window
toward the mountain presence of everything that can be
what urgency calls you to your one love?
What shape waits in the seed of you
to grow and spread its branches
against a future sky?
Is it waiting in the fertile sea?
In the trees beyond the house?
In the life you can imagine for yourself?
In the open and lovely white page on the writing desk?
from The House of Belonging, Many Rivers Press
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/
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
Before I go, where? Trigger alert it is that word again. We are discussing the end, job done, and time to move on.
My weekend show was looking at the Eulogy exercise, because my wife is training to be a minister, and one of her assignments is to create a living funeral. So the topic was in the air. Now if we are going to consider our Eulogy, we should consider a few other aspects regarding the end of life.
There is an old saying that we cannot avoid Death and Taxes, and the sad truth is most people take more care of their taxes than they do in preparing to die. Only 45% of adults have a will. Intestacy is a messy process.
End-of-life planning can be a celebration
Today we are talking about the value of planning for the end so that you can enjoy the time you have left. And it was a wonderful opportunity to bring back a guest who was last on the show in 2018.
Jane Duncan Rodgers, is a friend and neighbour, a guest that is not only in the same time zone but lives less than a mile from my house.
She is an award-winning life and death coach who helps people prepare well for a good end of life through her books and programmes. It was the death of her husband that led her to write the book “Gifted By Grief” There was a chapter that explore a list of questions and how they prepared for his passing.
Before I Go Solutions
That simple list has grown into a book. Today Jane is the founder of Before I Go Solutions, an organisation dedicated to educating people about dying, death, and grief.
This podcast is about living life to the full, that life will end and having a plan for the end is a parting gift to your loved one.
Further details about this podcast along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:
https://www.lifepassionandbusiness.com/jane-duncan-rogers-before-I-go
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 Apr 23, 2023
Sunday Apr 23, 2023
The eulogy. It’s funny we spend a lot of time avoiding the idea that life will end. So why should you take time out to consider your eulogy when it’s not you that has to deliver it?
Because it is your legacy.
Today's podcast considers what people will say about you when you are gone. The eulogy exercise is a powerful tool that Stephen Covey created in his book The seven habits of highly effective people. It is a process that has been copied and repeated in numerous books and courses. Because it is such a fantastic tool for getting to the hub of who you are and what you want to get out of this life.
So on this show, we explore why exercise is essential, which fits in with this idea of creating and living the story. The process lets us go forward and predict what we want people to say about us.
We get to look at our current life and ask, does what I’m living now get me to that conversation about my life?
Are You On Track?
If it does not, you get the opportunity to change it, rewrite the story, and live it all to the full.
My wife precipitated this exploration as we explored what our funerals would be like. It is part of the training to be an interfaith minister, creating a living funeral.
It sounds morbid, but it is a brilliant thing to do because when you are gone, your family have a copy of your funeral created by you. They can get on with grieving and giving you a good send-off without the stress of planning for it.
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/
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
In the show at the weekend, I was looking at purpose and meaning and it go be to reflect on some of the most passionate guests. My conversation with Dmitry was memorable because of his ability to tell the story and make me feel as though I was there.
This is a rich tale of dreaming of a future and making it happen.
When I was approached by Dmitry Badiarov, musician and luthier (violin maker), I realised that my focus on people in business has almost precluded the most passionate people on the planet! This podcast is about Violins, Passion and the Legacy Dmitry wishes to pass on to other luthiers.
If I randomly asked “What are the most common passions?” music would be high on most people’s list. However, although music is all around us in the modern world, very few actually learn to play! In my parents’ generation everyone played something and making music together was part of everyday life. I know times were different before TV and the Internet, but it does seem a tragic loss for social connection.
However, Dmitry Badiarov’s life story is something else.
This conversation is full of magic and imagery.
Today we are talking about the wonder and mythology of famous instruments and of course Dmitry’s journey from violin student to master of his craft as a world renowned violin maker. Dmitry shares his passion and rediscovery of the ancient traditions and techniques of Master Makers. His legacy includes championing the return of the Violoncello da Spalla.
This is a show that was first uploaded on April 2021 as ever the story is always relevant.
Further details about this podcast, along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:
https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/dmitry-badiarov/
Sunday Apr 16, 2023
Sunday Apr 16, 2023
Finding purpose is almost a universal cry. We all want our lives to be valid, meaningful and worthwhile. But most of us want it to be revealed in a blinding light or burning bush moment. You might be one of the lucky ones, but for most of us, it will not happen like that.
In this show, we explore that path to that revelation and give you some tools to start your journey. Yes, like everything, there is no free ticket.
I was lucky this week to attend an event called Finding your purpose. Bit of a fluke; some friends were going, so we decided to tag along. It was hosted by the Findhorn Foundation and featured Robert Holden in the UK with Caroline Myss and David Spangler in the US.
Thousands of Book About Finding Purpose
They had a slightly different take on finding a purpose and have been working with it for many years. What is clear is that there are thousands of books on this subject, and that itself is a clue because finding a purpose or cause is a universal need.
One aspect they all agreed upon was that your purpose always happens whether you are conscious of it, and it is unlikely to be revealed in a blinding flash unless you are creating the light.
Another factor of finding purpose is the unbreakable link with meaning, which is about choosing something. We must decide what gives our life meaning, then find ways to express that meaning in alignment with values, and there is the purpose.
It is worth remembering that this podcast started out of my desire to find more meaning and purpose and a reason to live for the next 30 years.
On the show, I draw together my thought and experiences of my purpose and give you a few tools to move you forward on your journey to that grail.
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/
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Soul Alignment is this week’s topic of conversation with Robyn Harris. It is a story of how following a passion can sometimes take us to a place of hopelessness. However, there is a happy outcome, it just requires going a little further along the road to discover it.
When I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, Robyn’s considered reply was Doctor Doolittle. It is hardly surprising, then, that the future held a place for animals and for language interpretation. Albeit a very different type of interpretation than that of the children’s storybook character.
Our conversation takes an insightful look into the world of Sign language and touches on the qualities that the deaf community can bring to the rest of us from their unique perspective on life. It also reveals the challenges they face integrating, being understood and having their needs met in a world that is predominately not set up for them to flourish in.
This is a show that was first uploaded on June 2021 as ever the story is always relevant.
Further details about this podcast, along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:
https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/robyn-harris-soul-alignment/
Sunday Apr 09, 2023
Sunday Apr 09, 2023
On this show, we explore how success became a cult. I have been in the digital space since the beginning. There have always been gurus promising six-figure business models and setting their authority in the space with the trapping perceived wealth.
In the show, we explore how you can find and discover the true meaning of success, and it will be different for every one of us.
A story broke this week about a cult that was using coaching to entrap and convince members to pay them loads of money and leave their families. That is not coaching. It might be using tools, but it is manipulation on the deepest level.
But I can understand how it happened because it would tie into the Cult of success. Which has always been about having the toys and trapping that make us look successful
It is the glamorisation of overwork as the badge of success, the acquisition of stuff, cars, house, posh locations, the travel. While all of these things (apart from the overwork) are exciting, they are success metrics outside us. They are fun and addictive, but asking many who get there, it doesn’t feel like an achievement.
So how do we define success for ourselves?
It’s something that I have discussed on the podcast every single week when we talk to guests about their success model.
The thread that comes through from all the conversations I had over the last five years is.
When we can truly find our purpose, “The WHY” it will be the thing that we always do and are meant to be doing.
If we can express it in the world in a form that aligns with our values and the story that we believe to be true for our life.
That is the path to true success, happiness and wealth.
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/
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Communication is the theme in my conversation with Diana Silva Franco, and it is her quest to teach others how to communicate and inspire. She is a restless soul born in Venezuela during a time when it was a vibrant, energetic country. She was enticed to move to Argentina and today has landed in Spain.
From her early years, she was a natural communicator learning to speak before she was a year old. Her mother was a doctor, and her Father was a filmmaker. She grew up surrounded by media and developed a passion for writing and exploring. College led her to journalism, a path that was made for her.
One of her lecturers said she would be a cult leader, a politician or a persuasive communicator.
While at college, she discovered how easy it was to do the work when you loved it. Straight out of education, she went into a newsroom, writing and producing.
It was some of the most exciting times. Loving it more than anything, she dropped 18 days, living and sleeping at the office.
She lasted three before she burnt out at the age of 26; Journalism and news media had become an addiction for her she could never go back. The recovery is a small part of our story, and what is more important is the rebuilding that followed.
What followed an adventure into the corporate world, working with an ambassador creating events and getting mugged ten times in ten months.
Venezuela was not the vibrant and safe country she was born into.
But the universe had plans; four days into a three-month sabbatical in Argentina, An email from Disney International appeared on her phone. “ We have seen your CV; it would be good to chat.”
How to Communicate and Inspire.
Today Diana is a strategic communications entrepreneur, and through her brand “Comunicar para Inspirar” she works with foundations, educators, and NGOs. She can hear what they do and tell their story to inspire media coverage and attract funders and supporters.
The journalist is still working with the news and changing the world.
The Journey and Passion for Life
Success at 39.00 min
Contribution 44.30 min
Meaning 45.30 min
Communication to Inspire with NGOs 47 min
Further details about this podcast, along with my Guest’s website and social links are all available at:
https://www.lifepassionandbusiness.com/diana-silva-franco-communicate-and-inspire