Good Journeys with Ben Veal and Sarah Moon

What does it mean to feel human again in a world that keeps asking more and more of us?In this episode of Good Journeys, Ben Veal and Sarah Moon welcome Dr Chris Cleave, the Mew York Times bestselling author of Little Bee, published in the UK as The Other Hand, Gold, Incendiary and Everyone Brave Is Forgiven, and an existential psychotherapist whose work explores meaning, connection and the stories that shape our lives.We explore the powerful and personal journey behind his forthcoming book, Human Again: The Lost Art of Being Alive, and how his experiences as a novelist and psychologist have influenced his understanding of what we need to thrive.Alongside the extraordinary success of Little Bee, we look at his wider writing career, what topping the New York Times bestseller list meant to Chris, and explore the questions of courage, compassion and belonging that run through his work.This is a thoughtful conversation about creativity, human connection and finding hope when life feels overwhelming.📚 Discover Chris Cleave’s books: www.chriscleave.com

How can we help children to understand their emotions, manage their worries and build the coping skills that will confidently carry them into adulthood?Psychologist, mum of three and Hero Cards creator Dr Emmie Fulton joins Ben Veal and Sarah Moon on Good Journeys to explore children’s emotional wellbeing and how the thinking patterns we learn in childhood can shape our adult lives.Drawing on her experience working with adults in the NHS and her own journey as a parent, Emmie shares the purpose behind Hero Cards. Through stories, characters and practical “Superpowers”, the cards bring techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) into everyday family life.This is an honest conversation about parenting, emotional resilience and giving children a toolkit to draw on when life gets tough.

Singer-songwriter Sarah Whatmore first captured the British public’s attention in 2001 after wowing judges on the original series of Pop Idol. Although Sarah didn’t reach the live finals, the impression that she made on the show led to a record deal with RCA and worldwide management with Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment.Sarah’s debut single When I Lost You reached number six in the UK charts, followed by Automatic. Sarah later returned with the deeply personal album Time to Think, and is now beginning another chapter with reimagined music and new releases including Full Circle, Fools Gold and her latest single, HATE.Sarah Whatmore joins hosts Ben Veal & Sarah Moon to reflect back on her journey with navigating fame, being a reality TV star, experiencing the highs and lows of the music industry, and remaining committed to writing songs fuelled by her heart.

In this powerful and uplifting Good Journeys conversation, motivational speaker Marc Mero shares the remarkable journey that has taken him from professional success and personal struggle to a life that is centred around purpose and making a difference in the lives of young people.Marc Mero speaks openly about the experiences that changed his perspective on what truly matters, the role his faith has played in his life, and how some of his most difficult moments ultimately helped him to discover a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment.Through Champion of Choices, for the past twenty years Marc has dedicated his life to supporting, mentoring and inspiring young people. His talks have reached audiences around the world, encouraging students to recognise their value, make positive choices, overcome adversity and understand the impact their decisions can have on their future.In this episode of Good Journeys with Ben Veal and Sarah Moon, Marc Mero reflects on his Farewell Tour, the lessons he has learned from decades of speaking and mentoring, talks about his autobiography Badd To Good (co-written with Ben Veal) and shares the biggest message that he hopes to leave with the next generation.In this conversation, Marc Mero discusses:⭐ Finding purpose through life's biggest challenges⭐ How faith and Christianity have shaped his journey⭐ Turning personal struggles into a way of helping others⭐ The story and mission behind Champion of Choices⭐ Supporting and mentoring young people⭐ How his former life as a WWE and WCW professional wrestler helped shape him⭐ Helping young people understand their worth and potential⭐ The importance of making positive choices during difficult moments⭐ Gratitude, forgiveness and learning to value the people around us⭐ The impact of sharing his story with young people around the world⭐ Why the time is right for his Farewell Tour⭐ The legacy that Marc hopes to leave behind.This is a conversation about self-belief, purpose, resilience, redemption and how you can use your own lived experiences to positively impact someone else's life.Whether you're a parent, teacher, mentor, youth worker, person of faith or simply looking for some inspiration, Marc Mero's story is a powerful reminder that our past doesn't have to define our future, and that sometimes our greatest purpose can be found in helping others.--🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with people whose journeys are making a difference.📖 Good Journeys: 25 Inspiring Stories, 75 Lessons Learned by Ben Veal is out nowGreat British Book Shop - https://www.thegreatbritishbookshop.co.uk/products/good-journeysAmazon UK - https://amzn.eu/d/07TKlBPw📖 Buy BADD TO GOOD, the inspiring story of wrestling wildman Marc Mero with Ben Veal:Amazon UK - https://amzn.eu/d/01YvfRTrAmazon US - https://a.co/d/00vd2eMJAmazon CA - https://a.co/d/00lAAvqh

What happens when your life changes in an instant?In this episode of Good Journeys with Ben Veal and Sarah Moon, we sit down with Klaire Alexander to hear one of the most inspiring stories we've ever shared.A successful Chartered Mechanical Engineer, ultra-marathon runner and mum of four, Klaire was cycling to work in July 2023 when a devastating road traffic collision left her with a severe traumatic brain injury. She was placed into a coma at the scene and airlifted to hospital by the incredible Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance Charity.Against the odds, Klaire has rebuilt her life with remarkable resilience, honesty and humour.Today, she lives with epilepsy and the lasting effects of her injuries, has retrained in brewing, performs stand-up comedy with the mantra "If life knocks you down, stand-up!" and has raised more than £14,000 for the Air Ambulance that helped save her life.In this conversation we discuss:- Klaire's life before the accident- Surviving a traumatic brain injury- Recovery, epilepsy and learning to adapt- Becoming a stand-up comedian after tragedy- Motherhood and resilience- Raising thousands for Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance- What it really means to start overThis is a conversation about resilience, perspective, finding purpose after unimaginable hardship and discovering that laughter really can be part of healing.

Why are so many autistic children struggling in mainstream education? What needs to change in the UK's school system? And how can parents, teachers and policymakers create environments where neurodivergent children can truly thrive?In this episode of Good Journeys with Ben Veal and Sarah Moon, we're joined by autistic author, former English teacher and neurodiversity campaigner Pete Wharmby to discuss his latest book, Different Minds: How We Can Help Our Autistic School Children Thrive.Pete shares his own experiences of autism, reflects on the challenges facing SEND provision in UK schools, and explains why understanding autistic children, not trying to CHANGE them, is the key to creating a better education system.In this conversation we discuss:Autism and late diagnosisThe SEND crisis in UK educationWhy autistic children struggle in mainstream schoolsWhat teachers and parents need to knowHow education can become more inclusiveThe journey and purpose behind Pete's new book, Different MindsWhether you're a parent, teacher, school leader, policymaker or simply interested in neurodiversity, this episode offers thoughtful insights into one of the biggest challenges facing education today.Learn more about Pete Wharmby's work:https://petewharmby.com

In this inspiring episode of Good Journeys, Ben Veal and Sarah Moon sit down with Matt Tennant, founder of The Soul Compass, to explore what it truly means to live a purpose-driven, soul-led life.After experiencing anxiety, burnout and a growing sense that the life he was living no longer reflected who he really was, Matt embarked on a journey of self-discovery that transformed both his life and the lives of the people he now helps.In this conversation, Matt shares how reconnecting with your intuition, embracing your authentic self and finding your deeper purpose can lead to greater clarity, fulfilment and resilience.In this episode, we discuss:- Matt's personal journey through anxiety, burnout and transformation- How to recognise when you've become disconnected from yourself- The difference between your inner purpose and your outer purpose- Practical ways to reconnect with yourself in a busy, distracted world- Why nature plays such an important role in healing and gaining clarity- How Soul Plan Readings help people uncover their gifts, challenges and life purpose- Advice for anyone facing a major life, career or relationship crossroads- Why living a soul-led life is more accessible than many people realise.Whether you're searching for more meaning, recovering from burnout, exploring spirituality or simply wondering if there's more to life than the daily grind, this conversation offers practical wisdom and gentle encouragement to help you navigate your own journey.To book YOUR Soul Plan Reading with Matt, visit www.thesoulcompass.co.uk and use promo code GOODJOURNEYS for an exclusive discount offer.

What happens when a simple fitness group becomes one of the most powerful community movements in a city?In this episode of Good Journeys, Ben Veal and Sarah Moon sit down with Andy Tinner, the inspiring founder of BathFitFam, to explore how a grassroots fitness initiative grew into a thriving community that has positively impacted thousands of lives across Bath and beyond.Andy shares the story behind Bath Fit Fam, the deeper purpose that inspired its creation, and why connection, belonging and community matter more than ever in today's world. This conversation explores:✔️ The origins and growth of BathFitFam✔️ Why community is essential for wellbeing and mental health✔️ Creating inclusive spaces where everyone belongs✔️ The real-life influencers shaping positive change✔️ Overcoming anxiety, self-doubt and lack of confidence✔️ The impact of initiatives like Couch to Confident✔️ Leadership, responsibility and burnout behind the scenes✔️ The role of volunteers and community champions✔️ Inspiring stories of personal transformation✔️ Building healthier, happier, connected communitiesWhether you're interested in fitness, community building, personal development, mental wellbeing, leadership or simply hearing an inspiring story of positive social impact, this episode offers valuable insights and practical inspiration.

Anthony Kavanagh, known to millions of fans as teen star Kavana, was one of the defining faces of late nineties British pop. Still a teenager when he burst onto the charts with hits like I Can Make You Feel Good, he became a staple of Top of the Pops, Smash Hits magazine covers and tabloid culture at the height of the boyband era and won Smash Hits’ coveted Best Male Artist award in 1997. To the outside world, it looked like a dream life: fame, celebrity parties, chart success and adoring fans.But behind the carefully manufactured image was a young man who was struggling with loneliness, shame, identity and eventually addiction. In his deeply candid memoir Pop Scars, Anthony reflects on the psychological cost of sudden fame, the pressure of hiding his sexuality during a less accepting era, and the destructive spiral that followed after the spotlight faded. It’s an honest, darkly funny and ultimately hopeful story about survival, recovery and learning to rebuild a life after years of chaos, and it’s what we are here to talk about today: Anthony’s journey with fame, addiction and finding himself.Now, Anthony Kavanagh joins Good Journeys with Ben Veal and Sarah Moon to share his inspiring story and discuss what's next.

Rhiannon Elliott is a PR professional, nutrition adviser and passionate advocate for living well after cancer.At 33, while the world was grappling with the pandemic, Rhiannon was faced with a life-changing diagnosis of advanced cancer that required radical surgery and chemotherapy. Until then, life had been full and happy for Rhiannon, growing up in Bristol, studying in Cheltenham, building a career in London including working in publicity for Penguin Books’ children’s fiction, and eventually settling back in Bristol where she met her husband, bought their first home, and welcomed a Labrador puppy into the family.Rhiannon now describes her life in three chapters: before cancer, with cancer, and after cancer. Five years on from being cancer-free, living with no evidence of disease, her perspective and life has completely transformed for the better. She’s married, moved to the countryside in the Chew Valley, and returned to education to explore the science of nutrition and the role diet and lifestyle play in health and recovery. Today she combines her PR expertise with purpose, working with food brands focused on people and planet while studying Personalised Diet and Health.Rhiannon joins Ben Veal and Sarah Moon to talk about resilience, reinvention and redefining what “good journeys” really mean.