Inspireland

Haemin Sunim is a Zen Meditation Teacher & International Bestselling Author from South Korea. His teachings on mindfulness, emotional well being, and finding joy and balance in the midst of a busy modern life has touched millions of people across the world. His books have sold over six million copies - and have been translated into more than thirty eight languages. In South Korea his book became the best selling book of the decade. And today Rory talks to him about how we can all bring aspects of Buddhism into our lives today, the importance of finding balance in our lives - and how to answer that vital question of ‘Who am I’?

Miriam Moriarty Owens was born in Ireland in the 1950s and sentenced as a baby to an industrial school. For the next 14 years she was abused physically and mentally by nuns. The effects of the horrendous abuse stayed with Miriam for the rest of her life. In 1999 the Irish state apologised for the atrocities but in 2025 Miriam and three others went on hunger strike outside Government buildings on behalf of around 4000 remaining survivors for what they were promised in 1999, but had not yet received. Miriam's fight has led to another State apology on 25th Feb 26. This is a true story of survival, hope, healing and justice.

Cheslie Kryst was an Emmy-nominated correspondent, Miss USA 2019, an attorney and a racial inequality activist. To many she 'had it all'. But behind the smile, Cheslie was battling a mental illness. She began writing her memoir, but she didn't finish it. She died by suicide in 2022 at just 30-years-old. Her last wish was that her mum, April Simpkins, complete her book. The first half of 'By The Time You Read This' is written by Cheslie. The second half is written by April. In this intimate conversation April shares her story of grief and how she's still learning to navigate life without her daughter.#griefUK: Contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 (free from any phone)USA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Steven Petrow is an award-winning journalist and author who has written for the Washington Post, New York Times and USA Today.  His book, The Joy You Make, shows readers how to find, and cultivate joy. He shares the most difficult period in his life when, in just a matter of months, both of his parents died, his marriage broke up and his sister was diagnosed with cancer. He transformed from a 'joy sceptic' to finding it even in challenging times and now he shares his lessons with you.

Charlotte Osho is the author of her first autobiography, The Jagged Path. The inspiring book tells the story of Charlotte's journey from an idyllic life in rural 1940’s Nigeria, through the heartbreak of losing her parents, tumultuous years with uncaring guardians, an abusive marriage which ended in betrayal, to finally finding hope and happiness. I had the honour of visiting Charlotte at her home in London to hold this very special conversation. We talked about many of her life experiences and her coping mechanisms through all of it, her self-reslience and the value she holds of peace and hope. Ms Osho is one of life's great teachers and I hope you learn as much as I did from our time together.

Alisa Divine is the CEO of a publishing company, the author of award-winning and best-selling books, a wife and a mum. She's also an advocate for survivors of domestic abuse after having her own experience in an abusive relationship with her ex-husband and father to her children. In this intimate conversation Alisa bravely shares her story of that time, a story that she is now owning and writing the ending the way she wants to. This is a powerful conversation for women to hold onto hope for the possibilities of life beyond abuse. 

Deesha Dyer served as White House Social Secretary for President Obama and Michelle Obama during their administration, all the while dealing with and hiding her imposter syndrome. In this astonishingly honest interview Deesha opens up about doubting her skills, achievements, successes and self-worth whilst working in the highest office in the land. A remarkably revealing insight into how someone on the front row of some of the most defining moments in political history felt on the inside and how she has since learned the tools to manage it and even sometimes use it to her advantage. This episode is brought you by MindJournal - the world's number one best selling journal for men. MindJournal is on a mission to help more men discover the power of keeping a journal. Through their science-based journaling system and their critically acclaimed weekly newsletter, Mindful Monday, they provide thousands of men with the tools, techniques and motivation to live happier, healthier lives. From Rory "MindJournal has really helped me to get my thoughts out of my head and onto paper. It has really helped me to achieve daily, weekly and monthly goals making me feel less stressed and more productive. It's really helped me and I hope it helps you too" Everyone has a story to tell but what can we learn from other people’s stories to enrich our own lives? Former BBC newsreader Rory Smith set up his podcast to delve into the minds of the world's most extraordinary people, seeking life lessons and wisdom that could change your life and to amplify the voices of those fighting for meaningful causes and injustices. On Spotify, Apple & Youtube

Asma Khan is the founder of one of the most popular restaurants in London, she features on a hit Netflix show and she's been named on TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the world. In this intimate conversation Asma shares her greatest lessons in finding your purpose, the meaning of success and how to define your legacy. Asma is passionate about fighting injustices across the world and shares with you how you can also join that fight today. This episode is brought you by MindJournal - the world's number one best selling journal for men. MindJournal is on a mission to help more men discover the power of keeping a journal. Through their science-based journaling system and their critically acclaimed weekly newsletter, Mindful Monday, they provide thousands of men with the tools, techniques and motivation to live happier, healthier lives. From Rory "MindJournal has really helped me to get my thoughts out of my head and onto paper. It has really helped me to achieve daily, weekly and monthly goals making me feel less stressed and more productive. It's really helped me and I hope it helps you too" Everyone has a story to tell but what can we learn from other people’s stories to enrich our own lives? Former BBC newsreader Rory Smith set up his podcast to delve into the minds of the world's most extraordinary people, seeking life lessons and wisdom that could change your life and to amplify the voices of those fighting for meaningful causes and injustices. On Spotify, Apple & Youtube

How would you parent a struggling child? That's the question Kristina Kuzmič didn't even have time to ask herself when her teenage son Luca was facing mental health challenges. Now, with reflection and hindsight Kristina looks back at what Luca actually needed from his mum at the time, not what she thought he needed. Kristina has put those lessons, her wisdom and her story in a new book 'I Can Fix This and Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child' to help others learn from her experience. If you know someone, even if they're not your child, with mental health challenges, then this conversation may help you to understand a little bit more of what they might need from you. This episode is brought you by MindJournal - the world's number one best selling journal for men. MindJournal is on a mission to help more men discover the power of keeping a journal. Through their science-based journaling system and their critically acclaimed weekly newsletter, Mindful Monday, they provide thousands of men with the tools, techniques and motivation to live happier, healthier lives. From Rory "MindJournal has really helped me to get my thoughts out of my head and onto paper. It has really helped me to achieve daily, weekly and monthly goals making me feel less stressed and more productive. It's really helped me and I hope it helps you too" Everyone has a story to tell but what can we learn from other people’s stories to enrich our own lives? Former BBC newsreader Rory Smith set up his podcast to delve into the minds of the world's most extraordinary people, seeking life lessons and wisdom that could change your life and to amplify the voices of those fighting for meaningful causes and injustices. On Spotify, Apple & Youtube

Adam Lind lives full time on a 59ft Narrowboat with his wife and dog and shares fascinating insights into the daily highs and lows of life onboard to his 700k+ online followers. After experiencing tragedy and grief Adam is now a huge advocate for male mental health and believes that being vulnerable and sharing how we feel can allow others to know that they can do the same. He shares with Rory the daily habits, life lessons and wisdom he's learnt to truly live life on his terms. This episode is brought you by MindJournal - the world's number one best selling journal for men. MindJournal is on a mission to help more men discover the power of keeping a journal. Through their science-based journaling system and their critically acclaimed weekly newsletter, Mindful Monday, they provide thousands of men with the tools, techniques and motivation to live happier, healthier lives. From Rory "MindJournal has really helped me to get my thoughts out of my head and onto paper. It has really helped me to achieve daily, weekly and monthly goals making me feel less stressed and more productive. It's really helped me and I hope it helps you too" Everyone has a story to tell but what can we learn from other people’s stories to enrich our own lives? Former BBC newsreader Rory Smith has lived with mental health issues for most of his life so he knows what adversity feels like. He set up his podcast to delve into the minds of the world's most extraordinary people, seeking life lessons and wisdom that could change your life and to amplify the voices of those fighting for meaningful causes and injustices. On Spotify, Apple & Youtube