The Crucible:Conversations for the Curious

Highlight"Your path to healing might start with a concerned friend, then maybe a doctor or a family member - each one gently suggesting something isn't right. It could be a coworker, a friend, or even a stranger at a bar. But it's that eleventh person - saying exactly what the other ten said before - 'I think you need help.' And suddenly, the penny drops. It's never about what they say - it's about being ready to hear it. Those first ten people? They planted the seeds that finally bloomed when that eleventh person appears. That's when the real journey begins."SummaryEver wondered why traditional counselling often misses the point? Nick Shepley knows this firsthand. From his first drink at 14 through fifteen years of searching for answers, his story illuminates a silent struggle.This conversation removes the clinical facade of addiction and explores what lies beneath our coping mechanisms. Nick reveals why our adaptations made sense and how this understanding transforms recovery. His journey from survival to awakening shows what becomes possible when shame is replaced with genuine understanding.Through honesty and experience, Nick highlights that true healing occurs when someone finally hears us. This isn't just another recovery tale—it's a powerful insight into how understanding can lead to freedom.About NickYou can find Nick here - Website - https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/nick-shepley-cardiff-wls/1361336Twitter - https://x.com/NickShepleyFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/nick.shepley.31keywords#addiction #recovery, #mentalhealth # counselling #self-worth #copingstrategies #alcohol #drugsTakeawaysAddiction often stems from childhood experiences and societal pressures.Finding a sense of belonging and acceptance is crucial for recovery.Support groups and community play a vital role in overcoming addiction.The journey to recovery is often non-linear and requires patience.Empathy and understanding can help individuals confront their issues.Change is possible when individuals recognise their problems.Therapy should feel collaborative and supportive, not confrontational.It's essential to see the person behind the addiction, not just the behaviour.Sound Bites"When I work with people, I always ask the question, what makes sense about this situation?""Recovery isn't about finding the right person. It's about being ready to hear the message.""Nobody graduates from childhood into adulthood with all the love their parents could give for them.""Sometimes you need ten people to plant the seeds before the eleventh can help them seek help and dare to change.""For some people, it's a horror story. For everybody else, there is something, some kind of minor crisis.""Part of the journey through life is taking that responsibility to address that lack and fill the hole myself.""If you break down the walls between addiction and other mental health phenomena, this story kind of makes sense.""The mind will try to solve the problem of trying to make things bearable."Chapters00:00 - The Journey Begins: Nick's Story of Addiction05:17 - Understanding the Coping Mechanism: Why We Turn to Substances09:59 - The Impact of Childhood on Adult Behavior14:35 - The Nature of Addiction: A Search for Comfort19:20 - Breaking the Cycle: Helping Those Who Are Stuck23:59 - The Role of Hope and Belief in Recovery30:46 - Beliefs and Conversations32:36 - The Role of the Therapist34:56 - Understanding Addiction as a Character38:04 - The Journey of Accountability39:57 - Consequences of Addiction42:14 - Family Dynamics and Addiction44:47 - Personal Journey to Recovery51:57 - The Power of Community and Support55:30 - The Gift of Giving

Highlight"For me it was that it was small simple steps but taken consistently had massive changes. Like my life is unrecognisable now compared to how it used to be... if I can do that, anybody can do that. It's not difficult. It's very simple, it's just it's the consistency mostly that's sometimes challenging because we have to go against how we think."SummaryRobyn shares her transformative journey from chronic illness to vibrant well-being in this enlightening conversation. Through her raw and honest account of battling ME and ongoing health challenges, she reveals how shifting from traditional medical approaches to self-empowerment became the catalyst for profound healing. Drawing on wisdom from Dr. Bruce Lipton and Dr. Gabor Maté, Robyn explores how our body's chemistry responds to perception and beliefs, showing how trauma and disconnection impact our physical reality. She demonstrates how small, consistent changes led to a remarkable transformation through her personal evolution. Robyn's powerful insights illuminate the journey from resistance to acceptance, offering fresh perspectives on reconnecting with our body's natural intelligence. The conversation weaves together cutting-edge science and practical wisdom, revealing how shifting our relationship with our body can unlock extraordinary healing potential and lasting well-being.About RobynWebsite - https://www.equenergy.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/w-i-l-d-wellbeing/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/robyn.harris.7165Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/w.i.l.d.wellbeing/Robyn has written a book, you can find out more about it here - https://www.equenergy.com/bookupdates/ TakeawaysI felt stuck and at odds with my body.What I was looking for was something that would help me feel empowered.Pain is information; it’s important to listen to it.Sometimes the 'help' we're offered actually feels disempoweringSmall, consistent steps can lead to massive changes.We are conditioned to focus on the head brain, neglecting the heart and gut.The gut produces most of our serotonin, impacting our mood.Shame is feeling bad about who we are, not what we've done.We are all made from stardust, designed to shine.Life is a dance; embrace the plot twists.Sound Bites"I felt [my body] it was letting me down.""I was disconnected from my sense of self.""Reaching out and asking for help is challenging."Chapters02:59 - The Physical and Emotional Discomfort of Disconnect06:23 - Seeking Help and Exploring Alternative Approaches09:18 - Tools for Navigating Life's Challenges11:43 - Listening to the Body and Developing Self-Awareness16:33 - Creating Safety and Authenticity for Reconnection22:50 - Breaking the Cycle and Rewriting Habits25:41 - Introduction and Personal Experiences26:42 - Strategies for Self-Awareness and Empowerment29:52 -Trusting Your Intuition and Following the Body's Guidance31:06 - Releasing Shame and Embracing Imperfection34:20 - W·I·L·D® Wellbeing: Navigating Life with Curiosity and Joy39:39 - Simple Tips for Reconnecting with the Body50:21 - Where to Find More Information

Highlight"I was endlessly thinking about my life problems from morning to night. And I just lost control of my thoughts. The only thing that really helped me a little bit was you could smoke a cigarette. That would stop them for a bit, but then I started chain-smoking. And then that just made me more anxious, right? And so then I started drinking because I drink every day then. I have to drink."SummaryIn this episode, Bryan takes us on an extraordinary journey from the brink of despair to a life reimagined through creativity and technology. A self-described "Gen X techno nerd," Bryan candidly shares his battle with pharmaceutical addiction,  PTSD, and the crushing weight of intrusive thoughts. He reveals how he leveraged his computer science background to "reprogramme" his identity, treating life as a code to be rewritten. Bryan's story unfolds as a testament to the healing power of creative pursuits, from developing music recognition software to embracing the flow state of creative coding. He explores the intersection of technology and art as a means of personal transformation, discussing how he now uses these tools to teach and inspire others. Bryan's narrative is peppered with profound insights on radical acceptance, the malleability of personal identity, and the courage required to step into discomfort for growth. His journey from seeking oblivion to finding purpose through digital artistry and music offers a unique perspective on recovery, resilience, and the endless possibilities of human reinvention.About BryanWebsite - https://bryanduggan.org/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/skooter500/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/skooter500/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@skooter500TakeawaysBryan's journey began with music and technology.Transformation is possible through creativity and technology.Reprogramming your mindset can change your life.Facing challenges head-on is essential for growth.Mental health struggles can lead to profound insights.Radical acceptance is a powerful tool for healingSubstances can both help and hinder personal growth.Identity can be fluid and redefined at any moment.Humor and lightness can aid in overcoming difficulties.Community and support are vital in the healing process.Physical health is crucial for mental well-being.Language shapes our identity and reality.Society's relationship with alcohol needs to be questioned.Psychedelics can offer therapeutic benefits and elevate consciousness.Sound Bites"I can just go to reprogram it, you know?""I just wake up every day and reprogram myself."Chapters03:32 - The Fusion of Music and Technology06:18 - Creative Coding and Personal Growth09:31 - Overcoming Adversity and Mental Health Struggles12:27 - Navigating Life's Challenges During Lockdown15:29 - The Descent into Addiction18:18 - Finding Hope in Darkness21:35 - The Road to Recovery and Self-Discovery24:18 - Radical Acceptance and Personal Transformation27:20 - Reinventing Identity and Embracing Change30:31 - The Role of Physical Health in Mental Wellbeing33:23 - The Power of Language and Self-Identity36:13 - Exploring the Impact of Alcohol and Substance Use38:50 - Psychedelics and Alternative Healing41:46 - The Importance of Community and Support44:43 - The Future of Sobriety and Personal Growth47:33 - Conclusion and Brian's Superpower

Highlights"I remember five nights out of seven, I'd be in a bar until 3 AM, then up at 6 AM to serve breakfast to chalet guests. Looking back, I was surviving on fumes, pushing my body to extremes just to keep up with this insane lifestyle.""There I was, spending a night in a Thai prison cell, surrounded by other prisoners, not knowing if I was about to be deported. My entire dream of living in Thailand was crumbling because of one stupid decision to take a shot with some yacht crew.""The gym became my twisted justification. I'd push myself to exhaustion, thinking it balanced out the heavy drinking and partying. But really, I was just running myself into the ground, using exercise as an excuse to keep up the destructive behavior."SummaryMarc takes us on a riveting journey through his wild years as an expat in the tropics, where glamorous hospitality jobs masked a lifestyle teetering on the edge. He vividly recounts nights of excess in neon-lit party towns, the adrenaline rush of managing high-end venues, and the constant balancing act between work and play. Marc reveals how his obsession with fitness and gym culture became a dangerous coping mechanism, allowing him to maintain a facade of health while indulging in heavy drinking and partying. He shares a brush with deportation that hints at the unsustainability of his choices. Marc reflects on the gradual awakening that led him to question his definition of freedom and success. His story culminates in a powerful transformation, trading the allure of expat hedonism for a life of purpose, now dedicated to helping other fathers find balance and authentic well-being. This episode is a raw, honest look at the hidden dangers of a seemingly enviable lifestyle and the profound rewards of choosing a path of genuine self-discovery.About MarcWebsite - https://www.coachoverton.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/coach.overton/Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-overton/ Free Course - Marc has shared with us his free course for busy Dads https://coachoverton.thinkific.com/courses/finally-unlock-lasting-fat-loss-without-spending-hours-in-the-gymTakeawaysLife can be beautiful after overcoming challenges.Freedom was a core value that shaped my journey.The party lifestyle can lead to unhealthy choices.Exercise can become an addiction if not balanced.Awareness of one's body is crucial for health.Illness can serve as a wake-up call for change.Reinventing oneself is possible at any age.Self-experimentation is key to finding what works.It's important to enjoy life and not just survive.Being a role model for my children is essential.Sound Bites"Life is far more beautiful on the other side.""I was after excitement, partying, and meeting people.""I got myself into some really hairy situations."Chapters05:08 -The Allure of Freedom and Self-Discovery11:13 - The Party Lifestyle: Balancing Work and Play14:13 - The Transformation: From Excess to Health22:31 - Awakening: Realising the Need for Change31:54 - Finding Purpose: Coaching and Helping Others55:57 - Empowerment Through Knowledge: Coaching Philosophy

Highlight"I had an identity imposed upon me, one which I swallowed hook, line and sinker at the time. I was taught like we all are to identify with who I am by society standards, by external validations, basically. So I studied law, I became a barrister. I worked in the criminal justice system for over two decades, got married, had two wonderful boys, became an addictions therapist in between all of that somehow."SummaryPrem shares her journey from successful barrister to spiritual seeker and coach. She discusses her unexpected spiritual awakening in Corfu and the subsequent "thud" she experienced when that connection was lost. Prem opens up about her struggles with societal expectations and her path to authenticity. She reveals the impact of her son's mental health challenges, including addiction and suicidal ideation, which led her to temporarily return to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Throughout the conversation, Prem emphasises the importance of self-discovery, breaking free from external validations, and the ongoing nature of spiritual growth. She underscores the courage required to embrace one's true self as she builds a new future focused on helping others find their own paths to healing and connection.About PremWebsite - https://www.21stsanctuaryretreats.co.ukLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-jouanneau-851a3540/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/21stsanctuaryretreatsTakeawaysYou are not alone in your struggles.Identity can be imposed by societal expectations.Spiritual awakening can lead to profound realisations.Coping mechanisms can sometimes lead to unhealthy choices.Letting go is essential for personal growth.Spirituality can provide guidance and clarity.The journey of self-discovery is ongoing.We are all connected to a greater energy.Life experiences shape our understanding of spirituality.Embracing the flow of life leads to fulfilment.Sound Bites"You are not alone. You can get through this.""I had an identity imposed upon me.""I was almost floating."Chapters00:00 -Introduction and Background19:01 - Navigating Societal Expectations and Finding Authenticity22:58 - The Impact of Addiction and Mental Health on Personal Well-being29:04 - Exploring Spirituality and Our Connection to the Universe30:44 - Near-Death Experiences and the Veil of Forgetting32:03 - The Importance of Self-Acceptance and Self-Love33:27 - Introduction and Conditioning34:05 - Being Present for Others' Journeys34:23 - Recognising Signs and Paying Attention to Guidance39:40 - Letting Go of Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms42:46 - Building a Spiritual Coaching App and Center49:05 - Following the Flow and Listening to Intuition

Highlight"Nine and a half years down the line, having sorted out many of those problems, although there is still a little bit of DIY I haven't got around to, but no one's perfect. I am so glad that I managed to get myself in a position where I could deal with those issues because I love my wife, and I love my daughter, and they wouldn't be in my life if I hadn't changed."SummaryIn this conversation, Duncan Bhaskaran Brown shares his journey from being a heavy drinker to finding sobriety and purpose in life. He discusses the role of alcohol in social settings, the challenges he faced when he stopped drinking, and the importance of connection and support in recovery. Duncan emphasises the need for education and awareness about alcohol's effects, particularly for future generations, and highlights the significance of finding one's purpose and meaning in life. He also addresses the societal implications of alcohol consumption and the importance of changing the narrative around it.About DuncanWebsite - https://www.bhaskaranbrown.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncanbhaskaranbrown/ Podcast Flat-Pack Sober - https://player.fm/series/flat-pack-soberYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@duncanbhaskaranbrown4359 TakeawaysYou are not alone in your struggles.Morris Dancing sparked conversations about identity.Alcohol can fill perceived gaps in personality.Recognizing the problem often comes after stopping.Life improves significantly after quitting alcohol.Facing life's challenges sober is essential.Purpose and meaning are crucial for recovery.Connection with others is vital for sobriety.Relapse can be redefined as a learning opportunity.Education about alcohol should start early.Sound Bites"Life is far more beautiful on the other side.""I just thought, I'm going to like just say Speaker, Author, Morris Dancer.""Alcohol seemed to fill in the holes in my personality."Chapters02:33 - Alcohol and Early Experiences04:43 - Realisation of Unhealthy Drinking07:54 - The Impact of Family on Sobriety10:10 - Relearning Life After Alcohol12:17 - Facing Difficulties and Building Relationships15:29 - The Role of Purpose in Sobriety18:23 - Understanding Relapse and Recovery23:51 - Tools for Resilience Against Relapse28:15 - The Importance of Connection32:03 - Changing the Conversation Around Alcohol36:57 - Duncan's Writing and Advocacy42:37 - Shame and Its Role in Alcoholism

Highlight"Shame and guilt were huge for me. It was like shame is such an inward emotion. Like it's not projected out to other people, it's hidden, and it's more casting in on yourself. And that's what it feels like. And you know when you're shameful when you start hiding your drinking."SummaryIn this conversation, Ned Miro, the Drinkless Coach, shares his transformative journey from a life of alcohol dependency to becoming a coach who helps others navigate their relationship with drinking. He discusses the emotional triggers behind drinking, the importance of accountability, and how shame and guilt play significant roles in addiction. He discusses how his drinking intensified after the divorce, affecting his relationships, especially with his children.He reveals the turning point that led to his decision to quit drinking, emphasising the importance of accountability and community support in recovery. Ned reflects on his transformation and how finding purpose became crucial to his healing.Ned emphasises the power of vulnerability and connection in overcoming challenges and finding purpose beyond alcohol. He also highlights the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, and living authentically.About NedDrinkless Revolution Hub - https://www.facebook.com/groups/379786247706334Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ned.miroTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nedmiroYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@nedmiro397TakeawaysNed's journey began at 19 with an interest in the mind.Drinking was a coping mechanism for emotional struggles.COVID intensified his drinking and led to a turning point.Accountability was crucial in his decision to quit drinking.Shame and guilt are common emotions among drinkers.Transforming shame into empowerment is key to recovery.Finding purpose helps in overcoming addiction.Self-awareness and emotional intelligence are vital.Ned emphasises the importance of community support.Sound Bites"I just started looking inside, man.""I just went in, got coached, got accountability.""I started believing in myself because I started believing in other people."Chapters00:17 - The Drinkless Coach07:37 - Giving up on Myself10:32 - Why I was drinking16:33 - Shame and Guilt28:13 - Leaving the Alcohol Behind37:46 - Redefining your Identity41:27 - Challenge your Beliefs45:43 - The Power of Values and Purpose51:55 - About Ned

Highlight"I was the golden boy, you know? Perfect life, perfect job, perfect wife. Then the divorce hit, and suddenly, I didn't know who I was anymore. Everything I'd built my identity on just crumbled. That's when I started down the rabbit hole of partying and drugs. I thought I was living the life, but I was losing myself. It's crazy how fast it all fell apart."SummaryIn this powerful conversation, Dan Hungerford unveils his extraordinary journey from success to addiction and ultimately to redemption. Dan describes his upbringing in a family where perfection was expected and failure was never acknowledged, creating immense pressure that would later contribute to his struggles.He shares the pain of divorce and descent into addiction, from his first drink at a bar to the point where substance abuse became his new identity and coping mechanism."Dan shares harrowing experiences of near-death incidents during his addiction, emphasising how these close calls, while terrifying, weren't enough to break the cycle until his imprisonment. The turning point came with a prison sentence in 2016, where seeing the pain in his young son's eyes sparked a profound change. Dan reflects on his time in prison as a period of deep introspection and healing. Now six years sober, he dedicates his life to mentoring youth and supporting addiction recovery. Through motivational speaking and tailored programs, Dan transforms his past struggles into valuable lessons, helping young people navigate life's challenges and find their path to success.About DanLinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-hungerford-65737013bTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@dantheleadershipmanFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/coach.dan.hungerford Website - https://danhungerford.com/ TakeawaysDan's early life was marked by high expectations and perfectionism.The pressure to succeed can lead to identity crises.Addiction often stems from a desire to escape pain and shame.Prison became a turning point for Dan, leading to self-reflection.Empathy and resilience are crucial in overcoming adversity.Helping others is a key part of Dan's recovery journey.Encouragement can change lives, especially for youth.It's important to find purpose and significance in life.Mistakes are part of life; learning from them is essential.Dan's story illustrates that change is possible at any age.Sound Bites"You deserve another chance.""It's never too late to change.""Success leaves clues."Chapters03:16 - The Pressure to be Perfect and Successful06:41 - The Crack in the Armor: Divorce and Identity Crisis10:57 - The Downward Spiral: Addiction and Consequences14:48 - Prison: A Turning Point and Reflection19:03 - Rebuilding a Life: Personal Growth and Forgiveness23:31 - Teaching Leadership: Empowering Youth to Make a Difference30:45 - Sobriety and Gratitude: A New Lease on Life34:10 - Overcoming Addiction and Rebuilding38:49 - Finding Purpose and Significance42:09 - Learning from Mistakes and Embracing Resilience51:40 - The Importance of Second Chances01:02:43 - Empowering Youth and Making a Difference

Highlight"And a month and a half after we got married, I lost my job. So here she's thinking that she married a guy who is this wonderful guy who has his shit together, has held a job for 24 years, making good money to find out he's been sneaking cocaine behind her back the whole three years that they were dating. That was even a blow for her."SummaryAl Richards shares his personal journey of overcoming addiction and transforming his life. He discusses how he started using drugs as a way to escape the stress of work and how it eventually took a toll on his relationships and well-being. After losing his job and hitting rock bottom, Al turned to spirituality and self-reflection to find a new path. He focused on personal growth, accountability, and building trust with others. Al emphasises the importance of staying humble and surrounding oneself with positive influences on the journey to recovery. In this conversation, Al Richards and Hamish discuss the importance of family, the power of emotions, and the journey of recovery. Al shares his experience as a grandfather and how being present for his grandchildren's activities brings him joy. He emphasises the need to allow ourselves to feel and process our emotions and the importance of taking accountability for our actions. Al also talks about his podcast, AR: The Other Side of Addiction, which aims to educate and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. His superpower, gained from turning his life around, is empathy.About AlResilience Collective - https://www.abc4.com/gtu/al-richards-starts-addiction-resilience-collective-for-those-struggling/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/al.richards.921/Other Side of Addiction  FB Page - https://www.facebook.com/mralrichardsPodcast, AR: The Other Side of Addiction - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheOtherSideofAddictionTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@alrichards780 TakeawaysAddiction can lead to a loss of self and a disconnection from what truly matters in life.Recovery requires self-reflection, accountability, and a commitment to personal growth.Surrounding oneself with positive influences and building trust with others is crucial for long-term recovery.Staying humble and open to learning from others is essential on the journey to transformation. Being present for family activities brings joy and creates lasting memories.Allowing ourselves to feel and process our emotions is essential for personal growth.Taking accountability for our actions leads to personal freedom and positive change.Empathy is a superpower that allows us to understand and connect with others.TitlesFrom Addiction to Transformation: Al Richards' JourneyThe Power of Self-Reflection and Personal Growth in Recovery Taking Accountability for Personal GrowthThe Power of Allowing and Processing EmotionsSound Bites"Life takes the turn because, and I believe you and I spoke about it before when we spoke that as I was coming out of stepping out of my cesspool, my wife started falling into hers.""Everything disappeared. You're no longer worried about work. That feeling, I mean, it is very powerful. Drugs, alcohol, anything is very powerful to just numb things down.""Those who have stepped forward and have battled through their battles of addiction, we are now here to walk amongst the others to lend our hand.""If I was still snorting cocaine and drinking every weekend, I'd be missing all this""Sit in it. Figure out what the lesson is behind it. Learn from it. Then move forward.""Our happiness comes from us, from within. No one else can make us happy."Chapters07:53 - Losing a Job and Hitting Rock Bottom16:26 - Transformation and Self-Reflection19:19 - The Negative Effects of Addiction27:23 - Rebuilding and Moving Forward31:22 - Staying Humble and Supporting Others33:20 - Embracing Emotions36:13 - The Power of Empathy

Highlight "We are stalwart characters, we keep on going on and we think that we are superhuman. And then I finally got the phone call to say that I wasn't successful in my interview and I was put at risk for redundancy... And that was when mentally and physically I ultimately shut down. And yeah, went on my own healing journey, so to speak, from that point. Because yeah, not an ideal time because of COVID, so I wasn't able to speak to a therapist, or wasn't able to see a therapist, as say, so I had to find my own way."SummaryKeely shares her transformative journey from a successful corporate executive to experiencing burnout and ultimately finding her passion. She shares her struggles with anxiety, the importance of self-care, and the lessons learned from her experiences. Keely talks about her self-discovery process during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding clarity through nature, yoga, and meditation. She explores the valuable insights gained about work-life balance, the pitfalls of overachieving, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. She reveals how she leveraged her corporate burnout experience to fuel personal growth, transitioning into consultancy work and ultimately discovering her passion for coaching. We discuss the impact of personal loss, the challenges of people-pleasing, and the need for emotional intelligence in both personal and professional settings. The conversation emphasises the importance of setting boundaries, being present, and living a fulfilling life.ABOUT KEELYKeely on social media Linktree - Website/Social MediaFree Invite to Keelys Personal Boundaries Quiz: Personal Boundaries QuizKeelys Book: From Burnout to Bliss: The Ultimate 90 Day Guide to Emotional and Mental Abundance - https://amzn.eu/d/godHAWV TakeawaysKeely experienced a significant burnout after years of corporate success.Self-care is essential for mental and physical health.People-pleasing can lead to toxic patterns in personal and professional life.Setting personal boundaries is crucial for well-being.Emotional intelligence should be taught in schools.COVID-19 has shifted workforce dynamics and increased entrepreneurship.Finding passion in coaching can lead to personal fulfillment.Awareness of one's behavior is key to personal growth.It's important to enjoy the present moment.Helping others requires authenticity and self-awareness.Sound Bites"You can't keep everybody else happy.""You need to take care of yourself.""You can't drink from an empty cup."Chapters01:05 - Toxic Work Environment and Anxiety Attack03:24 - Transition to Consultancy and Brexit Specialist08:44 - Realisation and Healing15:54 - Starting a Coaching and Training Business21:11 - Discovering Passion for Helping Others26:32 - Finding Purpose and Joy in Coaching32:04 - Slowing Down and Enjoying Life34:31 - Setting Personal Boundaries and Overcoming People-Pleasing40:48 - Understanding the Unhealthy Aspects of Codependency47:34 - Practicing Self-Care, Self-Awareness, and Self-Compassion49:01 - Teaching Emotional Freedom Technique and Proper Breathing in Schools53:07 - Promoting Healthy Conflict Management and Learning to Say No