‘Surviving and Thriving’ with Mercedes Ramirez Johnson

In this episode I speak with the host and creator of the Grind Diaries. TheGrind Diaries Podcast dives into the relentless pursuit of excellence, exploring the mindset, struggles, and victories of high performers. Through raw conversations, it uncovers the sacrifices, resilience, and grit behind success, offering insights and motivation for those pushing boundaries in business, sports, and personal growth. you can find the Grind Diaries Podcast here:https://www.grinddiaries.co.uk/ and here:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/grind-diaries/id1736072345I hope you enjoy the episode.

Welcome to this episode of Restore with Eoin Walker, where we take a moment to reflect on the experiences, challenges, and growth that come with a career in paramedicine. As paramedics, we’re privileged to care for people during some of the most vulnerable and difficult moments of their lives. This privilege carries profound meaning, but it also comes with unique emotional demands. In this conversation, we explore the essence of resilience—what it truly means, whether our current definitions serve us well, and if we’re framing it in the right way to support those on the front lines of care. We’ll also delve into the aggregation of vicarious trauma, the cumulative impact of witnessing human suffering, and how it shapes us over time. But this episode isn’t just about challenges—it’s about growth. We’ll discuss post-traumatic growth, the idea that adversity and trauma can lead to personal transformation and a renewed sense of purpose. Our guests Keir Rutherford and Lisa Burrell unpack these questions and reflect on their fundamental journeys in the profession. Whether you’re in the field, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in the emotional landscape of emergency care, this episode offers reflections, insights, and a space to explore what it truly means to be resilient in the face of adversity.

Today, we’re joined by explorer, writer, and presenter Will Millard, whose incredible adventures have taken him to some of Earth's most remote and uncharted territories. From living with Indigenous tribes in Papua New Guinea to navigating the wild rivers of West Africa, Will has always sought to push the boundaries of exploration. But behind the thrill of discovery lies a more personal story, a story of how the pressures and isolation of his extreme travels culminated in a diagnosis of PTSD. In this episode, we’ll dive into the emotional and mental toll of a life on the edge, and how Will has navigated his journey toward healing. We’ll discuss the unique challenges that come with extreme exploration, the impact it had on his mental health, and the lessons he’s learned about resilience, survival, and recovery. Check out his content here: https://www.willmillard.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Millard https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/Q24JrQYWGQTxswrrFCygBQ/will-millard Will's fantastic blogs can be found here: https://willmillardblog.wordpress.com/

In this episode we dive deep into the stories of transformation, resilience, and hope. Our guest, Nathan Hill, has walked a path few can imagine—facing expulsion from school at a young age, finding success in the music industry and working with some of the world's biggest DJ stars, to then battling addiction that nearly took his life. But Nathan's story doesn't end there. Through an unexpected spiritual awakening, he discovered a new purpose and a calling that has led him to help others in their drug addiction recovery journey. In this episode, Nathan opens up about the darkest moments of his life, the turning points that brought him back from the brink, and the faith that drives him to make a difference. Whether struggling with addiction, searching for hope, or simply looking for an inspiring story, this conversation will leave you moved and uplifted. So join us as we explore the incredible story of Nathan Hill. Links to references within the interview include: Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/newcomers/get-help-now/ Cocaine Anonymous: https://www.cocaineanonymous.org.uk/ Narcotics Anonymous: https://ukna.org/

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary and controversial case of Tom Hayes, the former trader at the heart of the Libor scandal. Libor, the London Interbank Offered Rate, significantly influences trillions of dollars in global financial products. The manipulation of this rate sent shockwaves through the industry, leading to widespread legal consequences. Tom Hayes, the first person convicted of manipulating Libor, faced a lengthy prison term. But the question remains: did justice prevail? Today, we uncover the complexities of this high-stakes saga, from the initial accusations and rigorous investigations to the legal battles and the enduring impact on Tom's life. We'll explore allegations of a miscarriage of justice and the broader implications for the financial sector and legal framework. Join us as Tom Hayes himself recounts his personal journey in the financial realm, his trial, and his ongoing quest to clear his name—an inspiring narrative of resilience in the face of adversity. See the full story here: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-fall-guy-tom-hayes-libor-and-a-miscarriage-of-justice/

In this episode, we sit down with Inge Hunter, an inspiring entrepreneur who transformed her life from homelessness at 17 to becoming a successful business owner. Inge's journey is a testament to resilience and innovation, starting with selling cocktails on the streets and evolving into founding Clue Content. We'll explore Inge's remarkable path, including her transition from mobile bars to wedding planning, her achievements in business consultancy, and her current focus on leveraging AI in marketing. The conversation will cover how she balanced entrepreneurship with motherhood and her passion for helping small businesses grow. Throughout the interview, we'll delve into pivotal moments in Inge's life, discussing the challenges she faced and the strategies she employed to overcome adversity. We'll also touch on her personal interests outside of work and how they contribute to her well-being. We highlight Inge's insights on resilience, adaptability, and personal growth, as well as practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. We conclude by exploring Inge's plans for Clue Content and her entrepreneurial ventures, offering inspiration for anyone looking to transform their circumstances and achieve success. You can find out more about Inge here: https://cluecontent.com/  

In this episode, I will be speaking with Mercedes Johnson. In 1995, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson survived a commercial airplane crash that took the lives of 160 people, including her parents. As one of only four survivors, she vowed to make her second chance at life count. In the conversation we examine the seminal moment in Mercedes's life that changed everything, the 1995 plane crash. We also examine how ownership can increase mental fortitude, the impact one person can have in the world, finding renewed passion, awareness of inner motivators and utilising these, and finally looking at life through gratitude. Mercedes is an internationally recognised speaker, her clients include some of America’s most respected organizations, such as General Electric, Verizon, PricewaterhouseCoopers, NASA, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and numerous higher education institutions and faith-based organisations. Before becoming a speaker, Mercedes spent nearly a decade in high-level sales in the pharmaceutical and medical software industries. As a record-breaking, multimillion-dollar producer, she became the youngest female and sole Latino account executive at Cerner Corporation. To see more of Mercedes work please see here: https://www.mercedesramirezjohnson.com/

In this episode, I will be speaking with Ani Naqvi. Ani is an Executive Transformation Expert and Mentor who guides leaders towards productivity, self-care, and finding purpose. Her remarkable experiences, including surviving the 2004 tsunami, have shaped her holistic approach to personal and professional growth. Ani's remarkable personal experiences of battling cancer, and surviving a tsunami, combined with her expertise in Executive Transformation, offer a unique perspective on finding purpose, cultivating resilience, and fostering positive intelligence. To find more about Ani's work, please see here: https://ultimateresultsgroup.com/

Join me in this episode where I speak with Mike Donal. We unpack his journey through growing up, dropping out of school, drug use, mental health, self-harm, suicidal attempts, steroid use, sex, and mental health section in a hospital, all before 21 years old. We also look at Mike’s journey through the gym, alcohol, relationships, tattoos, and steroids. Mike shares his 180-degree turn to cleaning everything up and influencing others for the better as well as his current revelations on health, faith, and a balanced mindset. We discuss the theme of selfishness and where that comes from, mental health issues such as addiction to pain and torment, self-harming, the gym, self-loathing and coping mechanisms, steroids, and the second-order effects of steroids. Mike also talks about his children, Amber and Ezra, and how they played a significant role in his change. Join us as we unpack Mike's story and take-home messages

In this episode, I will be speaking with Jay Baldwin. At 26 Jay had suffered bilateral leg amputations from an IED whilst serving in the British army in Afghanistan. He was medically discharged from the UK military at 28, divorced at 32 and battled and won cancer at 33. Since being medically discharged from the Army, the dad of six has learned to walk on prosthetic limbs, has retrained as a fitness instructor and has truly inspired many. He is currently the UK’s only double amputee personal trainer. To see more on Jay please see here: https://twitter.com/NoLeggedNinja1