Breast Cancer, cancellation and the courage to keep going

Over the past few months, I’ve faced an ongoing cancellation campaign, a public takedown, and now - a breast cancer diagnosis.It’s not the ‘comeback’ I had in mind. But it’s the reality I’m living.In this episode of the Courageous podcast, I share how I found out I have breast cancer  and how I’m navigating this unexpected chapter of my life, health, and business - in real time. I cover: How I found out I had breast cancer The surreal timing (GB News one day, biopsy results the next)Why I’m choosing to stay visible during my treatment - rather than hiding away The practical steps I’ve taken to protect my income and create breathing spaceHow I’m continuing to rebuild a business - even in the middle of all thisIt’s honest, it’s raw - and if you’re rebuilding your voice, business and confidence - I hope it will resonate. Key LinksJanet Murray’s websiteJanet Murray's Substack LinkedInFacebookInstagram My 'controversial' pregnant people videoShould you post controversial content as a social media manager (the YouTube/podcast I talk about in this episode)

This is my first solo podcast episode in over a year.For a long time, I wasn’t sure I’d come back. Not because I didn’t care - or didn’t know what to say - but because I found myself on the receiving end of a series of cancellation campaigns that left me questioning everything.In this honest return, I talk about what’s happened over the past six months. And the slow crawl back trusting my own voice again.If you’ve ever felt frozen by self-doubt - even when you know what to do - this episode may resonate. What I cover in this episode: Why I stepped away from podcasting - and what’s changedWhat it feels like to second-guess your voice after cancellationThe emotional toll of creative disconnection and burnoutBuilding a business that can hold you, even when you're not okayI’ll also share why I’ve decided to share the ‘rebuild’ of my business - in real time.Key LinksJanet Murray’s websiteJanet Murray's Substack LinkedInFacebookInstagram My 'controversial' pregnant people videoShould you post controversial content as a social media manager (the YouTube/podcast I talk about in this episode)

When Kerry Jordan ended her 22 year relationship - there wasn’t just the emotional fallout to deal with. There were also practical issues - like how she could afford to live in the south of England as a self-employed photographer.She decided to move 330 miles away to Cumbria. Where she could just about afford to buy a house - as long as she was prepared to do the renovations herself. A decision that meant starting her business - and her life - from scratch in a completely new part of the country. In this episode of the Courageous podcast, Kerry shares how this drastic change of lifestyle has changed her - and her business. Including how she’s navigated the highs, lows and challenges along the way. Key Moments00:01:31 Why Kerry ended a 22-year relationship - and relocated from West Sussex to Cumbria00:05:59 Kerry’s pet photography business in the early days00:06:38 The real reason behind Kerry’s 330+ mile move00:09:09 Dealing with loneliness in rural life00:12:16 How Kerry’s business helped while going through a breakup00:17:42 Kerry on facing dark times, healing and regrets00:19:43 The challenges Kerry had while remodelling her new home on her own00:23:00 Starting a new relationship after divorce00:31:27 Fear, courage and life decisions: Kerry’s honest experience2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Kerry Jordan’s websiteKerry Jordan’s socials: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and X

Dipti Tait thought she had her dream job at the BBC, working on well-known TV shows. But when her father fell ill and passed away, her world was turned upside down.As family responsibilities grew—including becoming a mum—her career in television became harder to sustain. A move from London to the countryside brought further change, ultimately leading to the breakdown of her relationship.But from loss came transformation. Dipti discovered a new path as a psychotherapist, specializing in grief therapy.In this episode of The Courageous Podcast, she shares how personal loss led her to a career she never expected—one that now helps others navigate grief and healingKey Moments00:02:18 How her father’s diagnosis of leukemia changed Dipti’s life forever00:08:14 Pregnancy - and how it changed Dipti’s dream TV career 00:10:54 BBC journalist Jill Dando and Princess Diana: how Dipti was impacted by their deaths 00:19:19 Dipti’s move from London to the Cotswolds - and adapting to a slower pace of life 00:23:25 The moment Dipti knew her marriage was over00:30:27 How hypnotherapy transformed Dipti’s life and led to a new career as a psychotherapist 2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Dipti Tait’s websiteDipti Tait’s socials: Facebook, LinkedIn and XDipti Tait’s books: Good Grief and Planet Grief

Running your own business has many perks, but what happens when a chronic illness forces you to rethink everything?Author and speaker Stefan Thomas has ulcerative colitis—an autoimmune condition that affects the bowel, causing pain, fatigue, and frequent (often urgent) trips to the bathroom during flare-ups.In this episode, he shares how he’s adapted his business to better manage his condition—including creating online versions of his in-person offerings. Plus, how opening up about his experiences online unexpectedly turned him into a social media influencer, raising awareness of life with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.You’ll also hear about his journey from estate agent to speaker and get valuable tips on landing speaking gigs and other opportunities to help grow your business.Key Moments00:03:35 How Stefan accidentally fell into public speaking (via networking) 00:09:01 Why it’s important to market to clients who can actually afford you 00:19:20 How Stefan’s previous career as an estate agent helped him in business00:28:15 Nurturing existing business connections - and why it’s a smart marketing strategy 00:34:36 Tips for getting hired by event organisers (and what to avoid) 00:44:06 A clever marketing strategy Stefan uses to stay top of mind with clients00:46:23 How Stefan repurposes his speaking content to attract new business 00:49:19 Living and working with ulcerative colitis: the adjustments Stefan has made to manage his health whilst running a business 2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Stefan Thomas’s websiteStefan Thomas’s socials: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

When Rachel Spencer found herself struggling to breathe - as if something was crushing down on her chest - she knew something had to change.. She’d just received the news that a friend had passed away suddenly - which was devastating enough. But the news followed a serious of personal challenges, that included bereavement, ill health and the breakdown of a 10 year relationship In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, Rachel shares how she navigated this challenging period in her life. And how being brave enough to step away from everything but the necessary tasks in her business, for a time, was essential for her recovery. Key Moments00:02:39 The Bridget Jones quote that summs up what Rachel was going through00:05:40 What Rachel decided to stop doing in her business when crisis hit00:11:59 How self-care helped Rachel to push through hard times00:19:33 The need for contingency funds and other streams of income00:25:40 How to manage client communication while protecting your personal time00:35:56 Rachel’s business mistakes and what she’s learned from them2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Rachel Spencer’s websiteRachel Spencer’s socials: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

Tim Lewis had been married to his wife Rachel for just a few years when she suffered a life-changing stroke. And as her health deteriorated, Tim began to lead a double life - an IT guy in financial services by day and caring for his wife by night. When his wife sadly passed away, Tim found solace in his work at first - but soon found himself compelled to find a more fulfilling career. But it still took more than a year to find the courage to leave. In this episode of the Courageous podcast, Tim shares his experience of losing his wife, early in their marriage. And how he found the courage to find a new and more fulfilling career as an author and podcaster.Key Moments00:02:13 The moment when Tim’s life changed forever00:09:50 Grief, trauma, and their influence on men’s mental health00:20:59 Tim on his bold move to change his career path00:29:59 The book that made Tim consider a writing career00:36:30 Being cornered - and how it sharpens entreprenurial skills00:44:10 Networking advice: What Tim learnt from his experiences2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Tim Lewis’s websiteTim Lewis’s LinkedInBook Chat LiveTim Lewis’s books: Timeshock: I Want My Life BackSocial Media Networking: How to Use Social Media to Get the Job You Want, Find Love, Get Business Success and Boost Your Travel

Universities are the home of free speech, critical thinking & robust debate, right? Not for student Connie Shaw who was recently suspended from Leeds University Student Radio because of her personal views. While the reasons for her suspension have not yet been made clear, she believes it’s because of her gender critical views i.e. she believes there are two sexes - male and female - and that the notion of ‘gender identity’ does not exist. And she’s passionate about protecting women’s sex-based rights to safe spaces, fairness in sport (and all aspects of life) … along with sex-based language. While twenty-year-old Connie does not have a business (yet) she is a courageous leader. Because she’s willing to stand up for what she believes in - even if it makes her unpopular. Which means there is much to learn from this conversation - both for business and life. And here’s the thing. It shouldn’t feel courageous for me to share this conversation between two women - twenty years apart - who share a passion for protecting women’s sex-based rights - and the language used to describe them. And yet it does. And regardless of whether you agree/disagree with what you hear in this discussion - the right to freedom of expression is the most valuable thing we have. And something I believe we must protect - at all costs. Key Moments00:03:04 Why Connie was suspended from the position of daytime editor on Leeds Student Radio00:13:19 The erosion of women’s sex-based rights - and why not enough people are taking about it 00:25:44 A gender-critical stance: Connie’s unfiltered beliefs 00:34:34 Erasing ‘woman’ - the controversy around women’s sex-based language 00:41:22 Why Connie believes biological men should not compete in women’s sporting categories and awards 00:51:41 Why being called bigoted doesn’t hurt Connie 2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Connie Shaw’s podcast: The FringeConnie Shaw’s XConnie Shaw on SoundCloudConnie Shaw on Substack

We’re far more comfortable talking about mental health than we used to be - which is a good thing. But the word ‘depression’ is now often used to describe feeling sad or ‘down’ - which is not the same as clinical depression. In this interview, you’ll hear from entrepreneur Mike Morrison on how he’s built a successful business whilst managing clinical depression - including a depressive episode that lasted almost two years and left him unable to work or even get out of bed at times. We cover many topics in our discussion including how being ‘working class’ (and how it can impact your aspirations and attitudes to money), being in a job that sucks the life out of you along with relationship breakdowns (business and romantic). *** TW ***  We also, briefly, talk about suicide.  Mike is a leading authority on building, growing and scaling online membership communities. Key Moments00:10:47 Life at university - expectations vs. reality for Mike and his peers00:15:41 How a working-class upbringing shaped Mike's money habits and perception00:29:54 Dropping out of uni, first job experiences in sales and getting promoted00:38:56 Mike’s overdose at the age 15 - and the impact on his mental health 00:44:35 Why Mike thought he didn’t need therapy for depression00:48:59 How Mike manages anxiety and depression00:54:38 How gaming helped Mike emerge from a two-year depressive episode 2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Mike Morrison’s WebsiteThe Membership Growth ConferenceMembership Geeks on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

When Lizi Jackson-Barrett started a business community for Jewish business owners she found herself on the receiving end of criticism and anti-semitic abuse. In this interview, Lizi shares why she decided to start the Jewish Business Network - and how she’s stayed positive - despite the negativity she has experienced.  And what it’s like to be a British Jew in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks. Key Moments00:04:00 What it's like to be a British Jew in November 2024 00:14:24 The moment Lizi realised a Jewish business community was needed00:19:27 Upsetting messages Lizi received after she announced the Jewish Business Network 00:28:28 The Build-A-Bear Hanukkah bear- and how it led to anti-Semitic abuse 00:34:21 Authenticity in business and why it’s risky for Jews 2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Lizi Jackson-Barrett’s Website Lizi Jackson-Barrett’s LinkedInLizi Jackson-Barrett’s Facebook