Life Stories, Life Lessons (2024)

09/11/2021

https://lifestorieslifelessons.buzzsprout.com/

It’s so good to be back podcasting again and to bring you another awesome life story! This time, friend of the pod, Grace Marshall, returns to chat about her book, Struggle, and how we can all grow and learn through the small and big struggles we all go through every day 💪

As a productivity ninja (Google it, it’s an actual thing!), Grace has a really unique take on struggle and it’s a conversation that feels more topical now than ever. In fact one of the things Grace really doesn’t want a return of, is our reluctance to openly about struggle; she’s a huge advocate of vulnerability – sharing her own stories (good and bad) of how the struggles Grace has had to overcome have shaped her as a person 🙇‍♂️

We also delve into:
👉overcoming perfectionism
👉the freedom of letting go
👉imposter syndrome
👉how fear often holds us back
👉…and how curiosity and going through struggle is actually a perfect antidote

Grace’s enthusiasm is infectious and she has such a positive spin on all things struggle, so I think you’re going to really love this conversation. Thank you Grace! 😁

Please also check out her awesome book ‘Struggle’ – just search Grace Marshall Struggle 📖

01/08/2021

🎉It's a name changer!🎉 But not a game changer - because I'll still be bringing you the same awesome stories from inspirational people across the globe 🌍

I've changed the podcast name from 'Connections Untold' to 'Life Stories, Life Lessons' to better reflect the pod's content. All the previous episodes are still live and kicking, so feel free to check them out 👇

https://lifestorieslifelessons.buzzsprout.com

New episode coming later this month 😃

05/07/2021

We've reached episode 30 of the Connections Untold podcast! 🔥🔥🔥

https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/8808758-30-sarah-sylvester-breakdown-to-breakthrough

I chat with Sarah Sylvester, an author and community charity worker. Sarah used to work in the automotive industry; and as a result of being in a male-dominated and alpha environment, she played the part of the angry, formidable business leader - the one that people are scared of ⚡

Sarah knew her reputation and loved the armour this created for her, because it kept people at arm’s length. If people were scared of her, it meant she didn’t have to open up 🙅‍♀️

But inside Sarah was in a lot of pain. She used a back-breaking work ethic, as well as a gruelling exercise regime, to not only distract, but also punish herself. Working at this lightning speed gradually took its toll over the years, until one morning, she had a very public breakdown, to the point where she didn’t want to live anymore 💔

This life-changing event marked the start of a gradual recovery for Sarah, and through many ups and downs, has led her to write a book and start a completely new career. In doing so, she’s found fulfilment and the joy in living again 🙏

I loved having this raw and honest conversation with Sarah and listening to her wisdom and experience in looking after our mental health - hers is a story we can all learn from. A massive thank you to Sarah for her bravery and vulnerability 🙌

14/06/2021

It’s been a while, but super excited that episode 29 of the Connections Untold podcast is now live 🔥🔥🔥

https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/8690295-29-dan-regalado-staying-connected-to-your-roots

I speak with Dan Regalado, who grew up in a small rural town around 500kms from Manilla, Philippines. Both of his parents were government workers, also owning rice fields as a secondary income and to help their local community 🇵🇭

After attending university in Manilla, Dan fulfilled a lifelong dream to move to the US. Arriving with his wife, a new-born and six bags of luggage, Dan had to work hard to get to where he is today as an accomplished company vice president, managing global teams and huge budgets 🇺🇸

We chat about Dan’s journey and touch on how he manages work/life balance through Ironman challenges, as well as why kindness, compassion and diversity should always have a space at work 🌈

Dan also places a strong emphasis on staying connected to his roots – never forgetting the small town he grew up in and some of the hardships he faced along the way 🙌

Thanks for sharing your journey Dan!

24/04/2021

Episode 28 of the Connections Untold podcast is now live 🔥🔥🔥

http://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

I chat with Tinu Alikor, who is one of 13 children who’s dad was a prince of Lagos in Nigeria, making her a princess. Born with scoliosis, Tinu moved permanently to UK for treatment and ended up growing up in London. From the age of 3-4, Tinu didn’t have any contact with her dad, and despite trying to reach out, never received a reply 🇳🇬

When she was 16, Tinu won a BBC competition which saw her fly back to Lagos with a BBC crew, to talk with her dad about his absence. We talk about the feelings of disappointment and rejection which plagued her earlier in life and after that incident, as well as how she’s found the strength to forgive and move on 💪

This is a conversation not just about forgiveness, but about self-belief and self-conviction, it’s about understanding that all of us, regardless of where we come from or the issues we’ve had to overcome, have the right to feel accepted and loved, and to live a life defined by our own rules and not by our pasts 🙌

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Tinu – you’re amazing! Go and read Tinu’s blog, it’s raw, honest and awesome: https://tinualikor.com/blog/freedom/ 😁

28/03/2021

Episode 27 of the Connections Untold podcast is now available wherever you listen to podcasts 🔥🔥🔥

https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

Nearly a year to the day after his first appearance, I welcome Conor Stone back to the show. The first chat we had was mainly focused on mental health resilience, which is why it was great to have a more personal discussion this time round about Conor’s journey with depression and anxiety, and the incredible work he now does to help others 🙌

For Conor things really came to the forefront after getting a sports-injury. This led him down a path of therapy, mindfulness and meditation, and when he found himself in a better place, he started to share his experiences…and the rest is history! 😁

This is a conversation about having the bravery to face our demons and shining a light on past trauma in whatever guise that may be, being honest with ourselves, following our curiosity and really showing up every day to make those small incremental changes which help us grow and learn💪

Thank you for sharing your story Connor!

14/03/2021

Episode 26 of the Connections Untold podcast is now available wherever you listen to your podcasts 🎧

https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

I chat with fellow podcaster, Theshira Pather, host of the Legendary Africa podcast 🇿🇦

Theshira originally set up the show with her sister, Rashalia, but in 2020, Rashalia unfortunately took her own life after battling depression and mental health problems. Originally, Theshira cancelled the show, but through much resolve and to honour her sister’s memory, she made the brave decision to start it again and also use it as a platform to share her sister’s story 🙌

This is a conversation about connection, acceptance and bravery. I have so much respect for Theshira in continuing their podcast, it’s an incredible way of honouring Rashalia’s memory and really is testament to her inner strength 💪

Thank you so much for telling yours and Rashalia’s story, Thershira, it’s an honour to be sharing it ❤

28/02/2021

Episode 25 of the Connections Untold podcast is now available wherever you listen to your podcasts 🎧

https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

In 2018, as he attempted to board a flight, entrepreneur and author, Marek Zmyslowski, was detained by customs agents, later finding out that his business partner had bribed local police to get him placed on Interpol's Most Wanted List 💻

We chat about Marek’s story and how he eventually overcame corruption to get himself removed from the list and the many ups and downs in-between 🙌

This is a conversation about standing up for what we believe in, realising and holding onto our personal values, being comfortable taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones, and also not being afraid to challenge the status quo and live a life that we want to lead – not a life that others expect us to lead 💪

A big thank you to Marek for sharing his story with us and being so open in the interview! 😁

17/02/2021

Episode 24 of the podcast is now live 🔥🔥🔥

https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/
I chat with the amazing Maxi Leigh, founder of an incredible charity called Support for Survivors (S4S), which focuses on supporting survivors of child abuse – a cause very close to my heart
Maxi had a really difficult upbringing; suffering from abuse for many years. We talk about how this resulted in a drug and alcohol dependency from her mid-teens onwards and also how this impacted on her mental health throughout adult life. Her recovery started when she opened-up to other survivors; finally gaining clarity that she wasn’t alone and that others had been through similar trauma 💪
After many years of recovery, and though her own experiences, Maxi set up S4S eight years ago. It’s a charity which many survivors now depend on nationally in the UK and has resulted in a range of awards and accolades not just for the charity, but for Maxi personally as well 🙌
This is a conversation about resilience, the power of community, finding your voice – and ultimately not letting the pain of our pasts control and define our future 🌈
A massive thank you to Maxi for sharing her story – I feel really privileged to be sharing it with you all 😊

31/01/2021

Episode 23 of the podcast is here 🔥🔥🔥

https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

I chat with Robert Cleave about his epic round-the-world 18,000-mile cycle ride he did at the age of 63, raising over £27k for charity in the process 🚴‍♂️

There were several set-backs along the way, including the death of his parents, a complete hip replacement, as well as a cycling accident. But through sheer determination and patience of achieving his dream, Robert completed his ride over 18-months 💪

We talk about the fine balance of overcoming his fears and taking measured risks, as well as how the trip has impacted him personally and given him a new perspective on life and all of the things he took for granted 🤔

His story shows that we all have the capacity to change, grow and learn, regardless of where we are in our lives. A huge thanks to Robert for sharing his story with us, his incredible fundraising efforts and for bringing inspiration to the world 🌍

17/01/2021

Episode 22 of the podcast is now available 🔥🔥🔥

https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

I chat with Rochelle Gilburn, a Sheffield-based entrepreneur and property investment business owner. Rochelle’s husband unfortunately passed away suddenly just over two years ago and we talk about how this has impacted her life and the amazing journey she’s been on and things she’s achieved since 🙌

We also chat about Rochelle’s upbringing and how this has spurred her into creating an ethical property investment business where she connects investors with people who are at risk of losing everything to ensure that both sides get the fairest deal possible 🤝

This is a conversation about resilience, dealing with bereavement in a way that works for you, taking risks and getting out of your comfort zone, connecting to a higher purpose (which in Rochelle’s case is fitness and martial arts) and also realising that we create our own opportunities - and that often the main thing standing in our way is our own fear 🏅

Bereavement is obviously a really sensitive topic – and I can’t thank Rochelle enough for sharing her journey with us and for the work she does to inspire other people to achieve their goals, regardless of what these are or where we’ve come from 🌈

06/01/2021

Didn’t do your homework because you felt stressed out by current events? You need a De- tension. Join me on the evening of the 21st January for an hour of relaxation as I guide you through how I used to relax in my secondary school detentions. Well be scribbling, writing, doodling and flowing creatively to help us with to mentally download the crammed-full inboxes of our minds.

Click on the link below to find out more and acquire tickets.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/word-guerrillas-de-tension-tickets-135407797367?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch&utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-source=cp&utm-term=destsearch

05/01/2021

Happy New Year everyone 😊
Series three of the podcast is here! This season is definitely the most ambitious yet, with 10 guests across the globe sharing a variety of life experiences and stories. This is also the first series where I’m interviewing complete strangers and not haggling with friends and family to get involved 🤣😱
We kick things off with the incredibly talented Jordan T. Swift, a Kentucky based poet and author, who shares the journey he’s gone on in publishing his first book of poetry, One Original Thought is Worth 100 Quotes 📖
You’ll hear of how his life as a writer hasn’t really turned out the way he planned it to, but he’s followed his curiosity and gone with his gut feeling as well as his strengths. For Jordan, poetry has always been a way for him to express himself and I love the term he uses when he says that it’s been a ‘therapy of the mind’ and helped him make sense of an often crazy world 🌍
It’s a really open and honest conversation about being true to ourselves, showing up, being brave and committing to our dreams. Themes that, at least I know I always think about this time of year 🤔
Big thanks to Jordan for his time and sharing his story with us 🙌🙌🙌

23/12/2020

So so over the 🌜about this. What an awesome early Christmas present! 🎅

Thanks everyone, always grateful for every single episode download 🙏

29/09/2020

The special year anniversary/end of season 2 edition of the podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts! 🎧

http://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/
To mark the occasion, I’m taking the hot seat in this episode and being interviewed by the amazing Sarah Hancock about what my first year podcasting has been like, as well as how my life has changed since releasing episode 0 and opening up about my difficult upbringing 💪
Over the last year I’ve been fortunate enough to speak with some truly incredible people, whose stories and inner strength has really inspired me to be the best person I can be. I really hope you’ve got something out of these conversations too 😄
I’ve already got some awesome guests lined-up for season 3, which will start a little later in the year. In the meantime, there are 19 other episodes for you to catch up on! I guarantee that you’ll take something positive away from each one 🙌
Big thanks for listening – I have all the gratitude ❤

26/09/2020

It's the first year anniversary of the podcast this week! It's been such an incredible experience and I've been fortunate to chat with some truly inspirational people who's stories and wisdom have all stayed with me. Big thanks to all the people I've collaborated with and all the followers, subscribers and listeners - you're all awesome and can't wait to see what happens with the podcast over the next year! 😄

Special first year anniversary/end of season 2 episode coming next week! Keep those 👀 peeled!

02/09/2020

It's coming up to the year anniversary of the podcast - eeek! 😱
It's been an awesome rollercoaster journey, starting off by opening up about my former child-abuse which has genuinely changed my life in ways that I never thought it could (and hopefully helping other people along the way too), through to starting public speaking events and also sharing the stories of over 30 inspirational people from around the world 🌍
To mark the occasion I'm recording a special-edition episode where I take the hot seat and will be featured as a guest on my own show! As part of this, I'd love to take any questions you may have for me and I'll answer them in the episode 🤗
If you have any questions for the episode, feel free to DM or post a message below and I'll answer them in the episode 👍

24/08/2020

Had an awesome time being a guest on The Feel Good Blueprint! It was defo weird being on the other side of the mic - but Simon Maher was a very good host and we ended up having a great chat about how the last year podcasting has been for me and also how life has changed since releasing episode zero (nearly a year ago - eeek!) 🙂

Episode available in the link below👇👇👇

https://linktr.ee/thefeelgoodblueprint

22/08/2020

Episode 19 of the podcast is now available wherever you listen to podcasts or click on the link below

http://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

I caught up with Denver-based poet, educator and all-round creative powerhouse for this episode and what an awesome conversation it was! 😊

We touched on all things creativity, not allowing ourselves to be held back by fear, getting out of our comfort zones and why community and connection is more important now than ever 🙌

But we also went deep on what it means to be truly happy and live a life defined by your own rules and not the rules of others – something that Rachel has had to learn through experience and trial-and-error 💪

A big, big thanks to Rachel for her time and sharing her story with us 🙏

10/08/2020

Absolutely love this quote from my most recent episode with Luke Wigman 🙌
Back in 2011, whilst on a routine foot patrol in Afghanistan, Luke stepped on an IED bomb, which led to his eventual medical discharge from the RAF 👨🏼‍✈️
Despite his incredibly hard journey, Luke gradually got himself back on his feet again and now, nearly 10 years on, he's a world-class endurance athlete 🏃🏼‍♂️

It’s a truly inspirational story that you’ll not want to miss! Available wherever you listen to your podcasts or click on the link below 👇

http://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

04/08/2020

Episode 18 of the podcast is now available wherever you listen to your podcasts:

http://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

Luke Wigman has an incredible story to tell. Back in 2011 whilst on a routine foot patrol in Afghanistan, he stepped on an IED bomb, which led to the eventual medical discharge from his distinguished career as an RAF Regiment Gunner.

Nearly 10 years on, Luke is now a world-class endurance athlete – taking part in global events, such as the Invictus Games and the World Marathon Challenge (7 marathons, 7 continents, 7 days!), all for incredible causes to help other veterans, as he was once helped 🏃🏼‍♂️

Have a listen if you want to find out about resilience, making the most of what life has to offer us, asking for (and accepting) help when we need it, getting out of our comfort zones and not being afraid to fail 🙏

A big thanks to Luke for sharing his story with us and for the incredible work he does to support others! 😊

14/07/2020

The life of an amateur podcaster, eh?! 🐈
Luckily Roxy did quieten down once I'd fed her so I got to hear the rest of Luke Wigman's incredible story - and soon you'll be able to as well! 🙌
Keep those 👀 peeled for more info

01/07/2020

Episode 17 of the podcast is now available wherever you listen to your podcasts 😀

http://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

I chat with the awesome Lex Morningstar, who set up her YouTube channel many years ago about her struggles as an and adapting to adult life. We speak about how it has helped both her and the community she has built over years 🙌

Lex uses her channel to help people feel validated and heard, and the discussion touches on Lex’s own struggles with mental health, her ADHD diagnosis and post-partum depression. It’s this type of openness which progress the, slowly moving, tide around not being afraid to ask for help when we need it. As Lex mentions, it’s often when we face our fears and demons, do we truly figure out who we are, what we stand for and become ever more comfortable in our own skin as a result 👍

A big thanks to Lex for her openness and bravery, and for the amazing work she does on her channel – go check it out if you have an interest in any of the above (just search ‘Lex Morningstar’ on YouTube and you’ll find her!)

28/06/2020

Episode 17 of the podcast is loooooong overdue, but the good news is that it’s coming to you next week! 🙌

I chat with Lex Morningstar about why she set up her YouTube channel, and how this has helped both her and the community she has built over years. Tonnes of really meaningful and profound stuff in here, especially if you’re an , like me! ❤️

Keep those 👀 peeled for more info…

31/05/2020

The lockdown stories part 2 and 3 now available wherever you listen to your podcasts 🔥🔥🔥

http://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

Over the last couple of months I've spoken with people all over the world about how they've found lockdown. It's been amazing connecting with strangers and friends alike, showcasing the strength of the human spirit 🙌🌍

The format takes a totally different approach to anything I’ve done before, merging 14 global stories into two 30-minute episodes…I hope you enjoy! And obvs if you do, please like/share and leave a review 😁

A big thanks to the following people for taking part in this project – it was awesome to have you on the show:

Ale, Ana, Diana, Olav, Paul, Louise, Toby, Caroline Mbala Erick Adrian Official Ferg, Liz Cass Michael, Sarah Hancock and Simon

22/05/2020

Part 1 of the lockdown stories is now live wherever you listen to your podcasts! 🙌

http://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

Over the last couple of months I've spoken with people all over the world about how they've found lockdown. It's been awesome connecting with strangers and friends alike, showcasing the strength of the human spirit and I'm super-excited to start sharing their stories with you! 🌍

First up is the positive free-spirit that is Alessandra Giuliani, based in Italy 🇮🇹

It was actually a really funny conversation, filled with lots of personal anecdotes about Ale's observations and experiences in lockdown. That's not to say we we don't touch on the gravity of how badly Italy has been affected by coronavirus, or the things Ale has discovered and will change about herself as a result. Grazie mille, Ale! 🤗

08/05/2020

The Connections Untold podcast is now streaming in 22 countries! 🎉🙌

To celebrate, here is a video of me attempting to say thank you in the languages of the places the podcast is streaming...see if you can spot yours (DISCLAIMER: you probably won't because I'm terrible at languages and my pronunciation is all wrong, but the sentiment is there, right?!)🤗

A big THANK YOU to: UK, USA, Spain, Turkey, South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, Australia, Netherlands, China, Canada, Mexico, Norway, Romania, India, France, Japan, Costa Rica, Philippines, Switzerland and Germany🌍

06/05/2020

Episode 13 of the podcast now live wherever you listen to your podcasts 🔥🔥🔥

http://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

I chat with digital designer and photographer, Gemma Wilks of Photography by Gem, about how she’s staying positive and keeping creative during lockdown 💪

Gemma has a really optimistic outlook on life and it’s great seeing the world from her eyes; in that there is opportunity everywhere, you just have to reach out and grab it and use your creativity to get there 🤗

You’ll notice how Gemma has, and continues, to follow her curiosity and interests – giving things a try and letting herself be taken in a direction which feels natural to her – which I think is a great way to live 🙋‍♂️

There’s tonnes of great advice in this episode – especially if you’re juggling work and home life, if you've recently been made redundant or if you’re looking for ways to fill your time at home 🏡

Also – make sure you give Gemma a shout if you need any photography, branding and/or web support. Having relied her in the past, I can 100% recommend her to anyone 🙌

Big thanks for sharing your story with us, Gem!

23/04/2020

Episode 12 of the Connections Untold podcast is now available wherever you listen to your podcasts: bit.ly/connectionsuntold!

“Perfectionism is a striving for what we can't have, can't be and can't do. It always has us beating ourselves up and focusing on the things we're not doing, rather than the things we are doing”.

Award-winning author and qualified coach, Grace Marshall, shares her knowledge with us about all things productivity (especially whilst working from home), and the many things in-between 😁

Now here’s the thing about Grace.

If you’re expecting to be lectured and guilt-tripped about how you need to be more productive, or if you’re expecting someone who never admits their faults or wrongs, then I’m afraid that you’re going to be disappointed. In her own words, Grace is: “naturally disorganised, with intermittent lapses into hopelessness and brilliance” 🙋‍♀️

I took great comfort in Grace’s words and her experience, and I think you will to – especially if you’re a parent or are struggling with work/life balance right now.

It’s an open and honest discussion about being as productive and creative as we can be in these current circumstances – without putting ourselves under too much pressure and beating ourselves up 👍

Hope you enjoy!

12/04/2020

Hey folks, another Skype selfie for you from the podcast! This time with the awesome Grace Marshall who is a bona fide expert at all things productivity ↗️💯

In a nutshell, we chat about how to stay productive whilst at home - in your personal and work life, plus some great ways to combat work-life blur, which many of us are victim to right now (myself included 🙋‍♂️)

It's an awesome epiosde that you'll love if you want to make the most of your time and 🤞I'll be publishing next week (if I can be productive enough 😂)...

Keep those 👀 peeled!

09/04/2020

Hey everyone, hope your week is going well so far!

Have a scroll through some tips from my conversation with the very wise Conor Stone from A Mental Health Journey.com In this most recent episode of the podcast, you'll find some very accessible and useful info to keep your mental health in-check during this strange time 😁

Stay safe and happy 🙌

02/04/2020

Episode 11 of the podcast is now live 🔥🔥🔥

http://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/

I wasn’t due to start season 2 until a bit later in the year, but given this strange situation we’re all in at the moment, I’m going to try and bring you some content you may find useful if you’re working from home or self-isolating 🤔

First up is Conor Stone of A Mental Health Journey.com who talks about how we can look after our mental health whilst spending prolonged periods of time at home. This is a topic I know many of us will appreciate at the moment, myself included! 🙋‍♂️

We discuss some really useful tips and even go into a couple of very accessible and adaptable mindfulness and meditation exercises which can easily be used, regardless of your commitments in the day 🧘‍♂️

We’ll hear from Conor again later in the year, but in the meantime, a big thanks to him for sharing his wisdom with us 👏

26/03/2020

I always try and have my podcast conversations face-to-face, but given these strange times we find ourselves in at the moment, Skype is definitely my friend!🎙

I wasn’t due to start the next series of the podcast for a couple of months, but I’ve changed that appraoch and going to try and bring you some helpful content for people who are self-isolating/working from home at the moment and hopefully introduce a few stories from different people as well 😁

The first of these conversations this eve was with the awesome Conor Stone of A Mental Health Journey.com We ran through some mental health survival tips when spending prolonged time at home and even did a couple of really accessible mindfulness/meditation exercises that you can incorporate into your day. I felt so relaxed after doing them and it really helped me switch off from work, something that I’m finding extra hard at the moment! 🧘‍♂️

Will try and get as quick a turnaround on this as I can, so keep your eyes peeled for more info 👀

24/03/2020

Working from home or self isolating at the moment?

I had a bit of a random idea in creating an offshoot series for the podcast - short, 5-10 minute conversations with people working from home or self-isolating.

If you're anything like me and pretty much every other person I've spoken with working from home or self isolating at the moment, then connection and feeling part of a community is more important now than ever.

My podcast is all about connection, so I'd love to speak to anyone, whether I know you or don't know you, and have a 10 minute Skype chat about how you're finding working from home/self isolating, any tips you have in remaining sane and perhaps funny or hopeful stories/scenarios you've come across.

I have no idea if it'll work, but that's part of the fun of it!

If you're interested in being part of this project, send me a direct message 😊