Episode 5: David Smith

As humans we are hardwired to have belief in systems. But what does it take to go against those systems when they are in the wrong?In this episode we hear the brave and enduring story of Rob Bilott, a lawyer from Ohio who spent decades in legal battles with DuPont over contaminated drinking water.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Movement is good for body, mind and soul, and through sports we can find an outlet for feelings and emotions that we find hard to tackle in other ways. In this episode we’ll be hearing the inspirational story of former NFL player Vernon Turner, who after experiencing personal tragedy, found a sense of duty and purpose through football.    CW: This episode contains descriptions of sexual violence, drug use and some mild language Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social media can help us to feel more connected, but it can sometimes have a very dark side. In this episode we’ll be hearing from Hersha Patel, who found herself on the receiving end of online abuse, global shaming and cancel culture, when her rice cooking video went viral. This episode contains some strong language Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What defines community? And what are the benefits of strong connections when we are faced with incredible challenges?   In this episode we hear from Bill Hartley, Nicki Jones, Marc Mattox and Jody Jones, who live in Paradise, California, and survived one of the town's deadliest wildfires.    This episode contains descriptions of the traumatic events faced by the community of Paradise during the wildfires  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our bodies are amazing machines that can withstand a lot. But what can the mind do to help the body when faced with extremely harsh conditions?  In this episode, we’re going to be looking at the incredible story of Brett Archibald, who managed to survive almost 29 hours in the Indian Ocean after falling overboard a surf charter boat in 2013This episode contains some mild language Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes speaking up comes at a cost. But can the negatives be outweighed when acting on behalf of the greater good?  In this episode we’re going to be hearing the story of Katharine Gun, a former linguist at GCHQ. Katharine is widely regarded as an exceptionally brave and selfless whistleblower who put her own life in jeopardy to help others.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re told it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but having to navigate the world when you don’t conform to society's expectations can be challenging. In this episode we look at the question, ‘How can we find acceptance in the face of social exclusion?' through the story of activist Harnaam Kaur.This episode contains mild language.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life is full of knocks, and when the knocks keep on coming it can be hard to keep yourself on steady ground. In this episode we look at the question, ‘How can we tolerate setbacks and continue to embrace challenge in the face of adversity?’ through the story of athlete David Smith.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When everyone around you is telling you no, often the only person you can rely on to back you is yourself. But this can be easier said than done. In this episode we look at the question, ‘How do self belief and the support of others help build resilience?' through the story of pioneering sailor Tracy Edwards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grief is something we will all experience in our lifetime. When the worst happens, it’s often the people around us who see us through difficult times. In this episode we look at the question, ‘How can belief and community come together to help us find the resilience to move forward?’ through the story of campaigners Barry and Margaret Mizen.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.