The Fresh Minds Podcast with Anna Veale

In pursuing a purposeful and prosperous life, the key lies in understanding and harnessing your unique strengths. This exploration invites you to embark on a personal odyssey, uncovering the inherent qualities that make you exceptional. By identifying and nurturing these strengths, you can cultivate a life of meaning and fulfilment.

This journey isn't just about self-improvement; it's a celebration of your inherent capabilities, empowering you to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities with confidence. 

In this episode, I am joined by Josh Cox, a culture consultant, strength finder coach, and the managing director of Yellow Umbrella, which helps good businesses become great employers, to talk about discovering your strengths and feeding them to grow and prosper. Josh shares how he got into helping other people deepen their understanding and that of the people they lead, and how he realized he had strengths that can help him grow. He also shares ways to discover your strengths, feed your strengths, manage your strengths, and how leadership and well-being relate to your strengths.

Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics!

Timestamps

[00:28] Josh Cox’s background information

[05:01] How Josh got into helping people grow and flourish

[08:00] The misunderstanding of laziness and lack of contribution

[10:49] The time Josh realized he had strengths and that they could help him grow

[13:26] How Josh manages to help businesses get the best out of their employees in their busy schedule

[17:26] Ways to discover your strengths

[22:00] Activation, one of the best strengths

[28:37] Feeding our strengths 

[33:15] How Josh managed to bring the sense of identity and the sense of purpose back after the dark moments

[38:38] Ways to manage our strengths

[42:00] My empathetic strengths

[46:53] Things that prevent empathetic people from getting anxiety and depression

[52:16] How empathy is misunderstood in the workplace

[58:17] The truth about positivity

[01:05:00] The moments where positivity dips

[01:11:09] How leadership and well-being relate to your strengths

[01:17:59] Linking your strengths to your goals

Notable quotes

●      “Motivation is very environmental and is unique to the individual.”

●      “A different environment and a different stimulus can bring energy and contribution from people.”

●      “The interesting fact about strengths is that you can use them to deepen the connection with your partner, children, and yourself, not just the workplace.”

●      “Your purpose comes from a healthy expression of who you are because that’s where your highest contribution will be.”

●      “When there is positivity in a room, people become more fruitful.”

●      “You can link your goals to your strengths to get what you want.”

●      “We need to feed our strengths to thrive. If we don’t feed them, they are going to be anchored.

See what Josh has to offer:

Changing the Narrative Around Men’s Mental Health

TRIGGER WARNING. THIS EPISODE MENTIONS SUICIDE.

In recent times, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of addressing men's mental health. Traditionally, men have faced societal pressures to be strong and stoic, which often discourages them from expressing their emotions or seeking help when needed. However, changing the narrative around men's mental health involves breaking down these stereotypes and fostering open conversations that encourage men to talk about their feelings, seek support, and prioritise their well-being. This shift in perspective is crucial for creating a more inclusive and compassionate society where men can comfortably address their mental health concerns without fear of judgment or stigma.

In this episode, I am joined by Zane Munro, the Founder of For All The Brothers, a platform that is helping change how men approach talking about mental health, which has long been taboo, to talk about men’s mental health. Zane shares what led him to start helping men overcome their mental struggles, the experience that brought him into his lowest moment, and the first time he realized that he was struggling mentally and needed assistance. He also talks about the importance of teaching young kids that it’s okay to feel pain and how self-responsibility helps us through our mental health journey. Tune in to learn more about this and other important topics!

Timestamps

[01:00] Zane Munro’s background information

[01:46] What led Zane to help men overcome their mental struggles

[04:05] The experience that brought Zane into his lowest moment

[08:36] The first time Zane realized that he was struggling mentally and needed assistance

[18:00] The importance of teaching young kids that it’s okay to feel pain

[21:54] The external personality changes that Zane experienced when struggling with anxiety and depression

[27:44] The different types of therapy

[28::29] How Zane helps people who are busy and stressed to get out of their zone and start doing their mental work

[31:40] How self-responsibility helps us through our mental health journey

[38:27] What partners can do to help and support their men

Notable Quotes

●      “No matter how much work you have done on yourself, there is always more work to do.”

●      “You don’t know how strong you are until you prove it, and it takes going through some of the darkest moments in life to realize how strong you are.”

●      “If you start your day on your terms, it gives you a more fighting chance of dealing with things that come your way.”

●      “Life is about doing things wrong and learning how to do them right.”

●      “If you make the time for the things that matter, the things that matter begin to grow and blossom.”

Connect with us:

Zane Munro

From Silent Suffering to Thriving: Nurturing Men's Mental Well-being

In a world where the weight of expectations often bears down on men, finding the path to healing and nurturing one's mental well-being can be a journey of great significance. The key lies in recognizing that strength isn't just about physical prowess, but also the courage to confront our inner struggles. By embracing self-compassion, seeking support from loved ones, and discovering healthy outlets for emotions, men can rewrite the script of their mental health, forging a resilient and vibrant path towards a brighter tomorrow.

In this episode, I am joined by Tai Tupou, a mindset growth coach who helps and creates a safe space for men to develop and create new chapters of their lives through healing and nurturing. Tai shares his story behind helping other men overcome their mental struggles, how men’s mental health has evolved over the years and how society can help a struggling man. He also talks about how people struggling with mental health affect the people who support them and how he manages to keep himself mentally on point despite his busy schedule. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics!

Timestamps

[01:10]  Tai Tupou’s background information and his mission in life

[05:20]  How people struggling with mental health affects the people that supports them

[06:04] The mental health organization called The Last Chance Project

[07:58]  How the men’s mental health have evolved over the years

[14:11]  How Tai started to bring the behavioural changes in himself

[20:45]  How the society can help a struggling man

[25:10]  How Tai manages to keep himself mentally on point despite his busy schedule

• “The stand the you walk past is the stand that you expect.”

• “We have to remind men that it is not selfish to look after themselves.”

• “If things are not good at home, it affects everything.”

• “The number one secret to getting people to open up, is to put your shit on the table.”

• “To get a message across you need to be able to communicate it in different ways so people can understand it and receive it.”

Building a strong connection with your inner self is like a journey to discover more about who you are and grow as a person. It's like having two important guides: mindfulness, which helps you stay focused on the present without being too critical of yourself, and self-compassion, which means being kind to yourself, even with your flaws and weaknesses. These two things help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and feelings better. When you practice them together, they help you explore and accept yourself, leading to personal growth and a more authentic life.

In this episode, I am joined by Kenrick Smith, a mindset growth coach who teaches mindfulness and meditation, to talk about building a strong connection with our inner world while fostering mindfulness and self-compassion. Kenrick shares how he got into mindfulness and meditation, how mindfulness has helped him overcome his personal problems and shape the future, and the role of nature in fostering peace. He also talks about the multiple tools we can use to make ourselves better and the journey to self-awareness using the RAIN method to navigate through challenging emotions and experiences.

Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics! 

Timestamps

[03:35] Kenrick’s background information

[06:01] How Kenrick got into mindfulness and meditation

[13:28] Healing from the trauma of losing a close person

[16:30] How mindfulness has helped Kenrick overcome his personal problems and shape the future

[22:31] The role of nature in fostering peace

[24:10] The science behind mindfulness

[31:43] The multiple tools that we can use to make ourselves look better

[34:16] A journey of self-awareness using the RAIN method to navigate through challenging emotions and experiences

●      “If your life is average, you can turn it around by every day putting the positivity in.”

●      “When you learn about mindfulness, you will find a way to make your life bigger by looking at less.”

●      “We can get hooked on the good vibes, but when it comes to the negative ones, we are quick to turn off and be depressed.”

The Mind and Body Connection in Health and Wellness

The mind and body connection plays a vital role in achieving overall health and wellness. It is the intricate interplay between our thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being that shapes our holistic state of being. Understanding and harnessing this powerful relationship can lead to transformative benefits, as our mental state influences our physical health and vice versa. By recognizing the profound impact of our thoughts on our body's responses and utilizing practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and stress management, we can cultivate a harmonious mind-body connection that supports optimal well-being and promotes a balanced and fulfilling life.

In this episode, I am joined by Alex Rawiri, a world-class certified personal trainer and wellness coach, to talk about the importance of the mind and body connection in your wellness journey. Alex shares ways to use the mind and body to get better health results, how people can understand their why in their fitness journey, and the importance of good support and a positive environment in your journey. He also talks about the difference between positive self-talk and toxic positivity and the positive routines that people should get into. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics!

Timestamps

[00:53] How Alex Rawiri got into the health and wellness space

[04:14] The connection between the mind and the body

[05:18] Using the mind and body to get better health results

[06:21] Getting people to understand their why as a fitness coach

[14:02] The difference between positive self-talk and toxic positivity

[16:26] The effects of the statement, it is what it is

[18:07] The power of your past experiences

[23:01] The importance of good support and a positive environment in your wellness journey

[26:26] The positive routines that people should get into

[31:55] The state of being that comes with meditation

[33:18] Getting started in the mind and body connection 

●      “Having the discipline to flip the switch and train yourself to see the good even where there is suffering, is  powerful.”

●      “Everyone's past is their power. Utilize that in your now.”

●      “Internal work is the foundation of what should be taught in school.”

Breaking the Stigma: Empowering Men to Conquer Mental Health Challenges

In a world where the weight of societal expectations often burdens men silently, it's time to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health. No longer can we overlook the struggles that men face, as their emotions and well-being deserve validation and support. It's time to empower men to confront their mental health challenges head-on, fostering an environment where vulnerability is celebrated and resilience is cultivated. Together, we can break the chains that hinder men from seeking help, forging a path toward healing, growth, and genuine strength.

In this episode, I am joined by Kieran O'Shaughnessy, a brilliant recruiter in the engineering space who has suffered burnout and depression, to talk about men's mental health. Kieran shares how he got the mental health breakdown, the fear that kicked in after knowing that it was anxiety and depression, and how we can make changes as a community that can allow men to be more vulnerable. He also talks about the importance of the confidence piece in the mental health puzzle and the benefits of overcoming your darkest moments. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics!

Timestamps

[01:01] Kieran’s background information

[02:50] How Kieran got the mental health breakdown

[07:21] The fear that kicked in after knowing that it was anxiety and depression

[10:35] How to make the changes as a community that allows men to be more vulnerable

[16:14] The importance of creating a safe environment for men to air their struggles in the workplace

[19:19] The importance of the confidence piece in the mental health puzzle

[21:59] How Kieran now sees his darkest moments that he managed to overcome

[24:50] The benefits of overcoming your darkest moments

• “It is okay not to be okay.”

• “It takes a village to raise a child and a village to get a man back on his feet.”

• “You need to talk because if you don’t talk you will get stuck in one head and one head is the most dangerous place in the world.”

Unlocking Nature's Healing Power: Exploring the Transformative World of Naturopathy

Step into a world where ancient wisdom meets modern science, where the gentle touch of nature intertwines with the art of healing. Welcome to the captivating realm of naturopathy, where the innate power of nature's remedies unfolds. Unlocking Nature's Healing Power takes you on a journey of discovery, delving into the transformative world of naturopathy and revealing its profound potential to restore, rejuvenate, and rebalance our bodies and minds. 

In this episode, I am joined by Hayley, a naturopath with over 8 years of experience in practice whose passion is women’s and children’s health, to talk about how people can improve their health and live more joyful lives. She shares the inspiration that led her to naturopathy, how she brings the reality of life into her practice to make it less scary for people, and how hormones affect our health and well-being. Hayley also discusses the changes that people see in their lives when living more joyful lives, how she helps women in their perimenopausal age, and how men can keep themselves healthy. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics!

Timestamps

[01:10] What inspired Hayley to be a Naturopath

[04:22] How Hayley brings the reality of life into her practice to make it less scary for people

[07:07] The relationship between stress and hormonal imbalance

[08:31] How hormones affect our health and well-being

[09:46] How Hayley helps people in this busy world to find their joy

[12:29] The changes that people see in their lives when living more joyful lives

[13:52] The go-to for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that people should create time for

[18:55] Ways to address hormonal imbalance

[26:52] How Hayley helps women in their perimenopausal age

[30:50] How men can keep themselves well and healthy

[34:34] Top three tips for people feeling depleted to help them get back to equilibrium

• “The things that happen to us when we are younger can translate into what our calling is when we mature.”

• “The perception of stress that we all have is a driving factor of hormonal imbalance.”

• “Herbs are incredibly powerful and certain medications don’t mix well with herbs. So, it’s important to consult a naturopath.”

Exploring Beyond Comfort Zones to Discover Your Purpose and Passion

In a world filled with endless possibilities and untapped potential, the journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment often begins by venturing beyond the confines of our comfort zones. Expanding horizons and exploring new realms of experience not only kindle the flames of curiosity but also lead us toward the profound discovery of our purpose and passion. By embracing the unknown and challenging the familiar, we embark on a transformative quest that unravels the depths of our true selves, igniting a passion that propels us toward a life of purpose and meaning.

In this episode, I am joined by Jamie Fitzgerald, an adventure and explorer who holds the world record for rowing 5000km across the Atlantic Ocean, to talk about how getting out of your comfort zone and seeking out extreme situations builds you as a human. Jamie shares how he got into adventure, the adaptation needed in adventure, and how seeking out adversity can impact our lives as humans. He also talks about the ways to see opportunities that you can say yes to that can shape the rest of your life and how we can encourage people to get out of their comfort zones and find their purpose. Tune in to learn more about this and other fascinating topics!

Timestamps

[00:51] What drives Jamie to become an adventurer

[02:13] The adaptation of being an adventurer

[03:46] Tips to see opportunities that you can say yes to that can shape the rest of your life

[07:09] The response that Jamie got from friends after asking them about what he wants to do

[08:24] Getting the message across to the Kiwi men and teenagers who just want to talk about the regular things to start doing what they love

[13:55] The benefits of having a partner during an adventure

[18:17] How to seek out adversity and its impact on our lives as humans

[22:18] How to encourage people to get out of their comfort zones and find their purpose

[25:44] The effects of social media on people’s lives

[26:28] The meaning of the phrase, failing fast

[33:11] The line between performing well under pressure and getting burnouts

[38:08] The acronym, ERO

[39:55] Jamie’s favorite adventure

●      “When you have an opportunity, and in your gut you think it’s good and feels right with your values, just say yes.”

●      “Understanding that if you say no to something opens the door to saying yes to something else is a liberating thing, but sometimes it takes decades for us to feel okay about that.”

●      “We can’t afford to sit within our comfort zones forever because the world is getting bigger. So, if we don’t do something, we will go backward.”

●      “We need to embrace failure to get radical improvements.”

●      “Sometimes, the most rewarding things can also come from the most demanding things.”

Success is a journey filled with unpredictable twists and turns, where the tides of change can either propel you toward your goals or leave you stranded in the sea of uncertainty. In the realm of business, this journey can be even more challenging as entrepreneurs and professionals navigate the choppy waters of competition, innovation, and adaptation. However, by learning from the lessons of those who have sailed before us, we can chart a course toward success, harnessing the power of the tides to carry us toward our desired destination.

In this episode, I am joined by Elly Arias, the owner of Massage Therapy and Athlete Recovery, to talk about how we can navigate the highs and lows of opening, running, and growing a business. Elly shares the motivation behind her thriving business Powered by Prevention, the origin of her personal beliefs, and the challenges that she had to overcome as a massage therapist. She also talks about how she creates a balance between her business and personal life, the importance of consistent action in life, and the values that are needed in a business. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics!

Timestamps

[00:50] Elly Aria’s background information

[03:50] What inspired Elly to start her Powered by Prevention business

[04:41] The difference between expectation and the reality of opening a business

[06:01] The origin of Elly’s belief in herself

[07:28] The challenges that Elly overcomes as a massage therapist

[09:40] How Elly overcomes bad days and things that led her down

[11:33] Creating a balance between your business and personal life

[13:37] Setting your working hours and boundaries

[16:19] Working for purpose despite inflations going up

[20:57] The sacrifices that Elly had to make to get where she is now

[23:08] The importance of consistent action in life and business

[24:08] The values needed in a business

Notable quotes:

●      “Every mistake is an opportunity for learning if you are humble enough to take and learn from it.”

●      “Even if you don’t have confidence in yourself, pretend that you have the confidence and say yes to the opportunity. You will figure things out later.”

●      “The wrong decision is making no decision.”

Connect with us:

Having the right mindset and work ethic is essential for success in sports. While natural talent and physical abilities can be advantageous, without a strong mindset and work ethic, an athlete may not reach their full potential. Developing a winning mindset involves cultivating a positive attitude, focusing on goals, and persevering through challenges. Work ethic is also crucial, as it involves dedication, discipline, and consistently putting in the effort to improve. By developing the right mindset and work ethic, athletes can not only improve their performance on the field but also develop important life skills that can benefit them both in and outside of sports.

In this episode, I am joined by the gorgeous Niall Williams, an athlete who has recently finished her career in NZ Rugby 7s, and has recently signed for GC Titans Rugby League.  Niall shares the importance of having the right mindset and work ethic in the performance of an athlete. She shares how growing up with elder brothers shaped her rugby career, the transition of women's sports over the years, and how she managed to get fit again after giving birth. Niall also talks about the benefits of being vulnerable in sports, the importance of family in an athlete's performance, and the tips to overcome the mental disappointments of not getting something after working too hard for it.

I have always admired Niall's openness and down-to-earth nature and it was a joy to have her on the show!

Enjoy!

Timestamps

[02:32] How growing up with older brothers shaped Niall’s rugby career

[07:35] What made Niall make sports her career

[09:37] The transition of women’s sports over the years

[12:04] How Niall managed to get herself fit again after giving birth

[16:21] How Niall uses the fighting instinct to overcome some of the darker sides of being an athlete

[22:00] The benefits of being vulnerable as an athlete

[25:44] Dealing with low performance as an athlete

[32:26] The importance of family in the performance of an athlete

[36:47] Tips to move through the mental disappointment of not getting something after working too hard for it

[40:22] How Niall manages her training load every week and recover

●      “It is amazing how over the years, women's sports have risen and are matching men’s sports.”

●      “If you have a work ethic, that is when people will follow you and respect you.”

●      “When you allow yourself to step into the space of grief, be vulnerable, and feel all the feelings, you move through it quicker.”

●      “One person's opinion does not define who you are. However, for you to come back stronger, you need to ask for feedback and work on them.”

Parenthood is a unique and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming and challenging. From the moment you hold your baby for the first time, you are responsible for their well-being and development. Navigating the ups and downs of parenthood can be tricky, especially for first-time parents, but with the right tips and strategies, it can be a fulfilling journey. In this era where the internet is filled with information, it can be hard to filter through the overwhelming advice, making it hard to know which tips are worth following. 

In this episode, I am joined by Logan Donnelly, the Founder of Kiwi Dad, where he shares his experiences and provides helpful tips for new parents. Today, Logan talks about how budgeting and finances are linked to parenthood, how to deal with the pressure of being a parent for the first time and the importance of values in parenting and relationships. He also shares some tips for creating a culture that encourages communication and compassion in relationships. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics!

Timestamps

[00:42] How Logan help dads navigate parenthood

[01:28] How budgeting and finances are linked to parenthood

[02:05] The feedback that Logan got from the budgeting plan

[05:17] How it feels to take the financial transition and start budgeting

[07:03] The major pressure for dads when they become parents for the first time

[12:01] How Logan’s wife dealt with the change to becoming a parent

[15:41] Tips to deal with the pressure of being a parent for the first time

[18:30] Adapting to the growth mindset of being a parent and providing for your family

[20:36] The compromises that we should make as parents

[26:26] The importance of values in parenting and relationships

[29:43] Tips to create a culture that encourages communication and compassion  in relationships

Notable quotes:

●      “When you adapt to that growth mindset, you are taking the shape of your new life, and that's hard work.  Sometimes, we just want to sit in that victim mentality.”

●      “The value piece is huge in parenting. It shapes who you are and how you respond to things.”

●      “If you get a happy dad who is confident, that is going to be passed down into his relationship with his partner and the baby.”

Have you ever stopped to consider the incredible power of your thoughts? The way you think about yourself, your circumstances and the world around you can shape your reality in ways you never imagined possible. With the right mindset, you can revolutionize your life and achieve your wildest dreams. Whether you're looking to improve your health, build stronger relationships, or achieve greater success in your career, harnessing the power of your thoughts is the key to unlocking your full potential.

In this episode, I am joined by Nick Funnell, the owner of Custom Video Vision Boards and the founder of Nothing But Everything, which is the idea that you can use nothing but your thoughts to improve everything in your life. Today, Nick explains the voices in our heads, how we can catch the voices in our heads, the importance of understanding who you are in your development, and how we can change our states from low to high performance. He also talks about how we can catch people at the top of the cliff and prevent them from falling and how people can feel energetic despite not living the life of their dreams. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics!

Timestamps

[00:12] About Nick’s concept, ‘Nothing but Everything

[00:51] The voices in our heads

[01:36] The process of catching the voices in our heads

[04:17] Making the nutritional shift to healthy food funny

[07:36] How Nick gets around busy clients

[10:31] The importance of understanding who you are in your developments

[14:00] About Nick’s videos

[16:52] How to change our states from low to high performance

[22:57] How we can utilize our thoughts to reach our goals

[26:20] Taking life one percent at a time

[27:52] How we can catch people at the top of the cliff and prevent them from falling

[30:52] Nick’s thoughts on living purposefully and feeling energetic

[33:34] How people can feel energetic despite not living the life of their dreams

[37:19] How can we utilize our connection with other people to make our relationships more authentic?

[39:32] How Nick came to the understanding of using thoughts to improve his life

[44:14] Tips to overcome grief

●      “Nothing but Everything is the idea that you can use nothing but your thoughts to improve everything in your life.”

●      “Everything is relative to what we are used to. So, in order to feel good, you don’t have to make a huge change but be relative to what you are used to.”

●      “Sometimes, the only way to get the ball rolling is by going one per cent at a time.”

Wow this powerful conversation with Brad hit all the spots. From the vital importance of connection to loved ones to taking radical responsibility for our health in a way that will positively impact not just us, but those around us and our world. Brad is a passionate thought leader who is taking strong strides in changing the way with think about our health and how we must act together to help preserve our planet for generations to come.

His passion, insight and intelligence left a mark on me and I hope that our conversation leaves you inspired to make small changes that will create big, positive ripples to the people around you and beyond.

Brad Dixon is a holistic physiotherapist, wellness/endurance coach, and wellness content creator based at EVERFIT Physio & Coaching. His passion is helping people strive for their potential with promotion of expansive daily habits. The power for transformation is in our habits and the environment that we cultivate.

"I'm a big believer in walking my talk! I eat a predominantly whole food plant based diet, meditate, have cold showers,complete functional strength work and yoga daily, while blending my swimming, and running with my EVERFIT physiotherapy business, family life, and writing for Trail Runner magazine. I've also published a book  'Holistic Human'’ going over how to have thriving humans on a healthy planet. Having a purpose driven life, while being authentic with roles is crucial to maintaining joy."

Steve and Heidi Jennings are a husband and wife team from Jennings Holistic Health Coaching. With a holistic approach, they turn their clients health around in as little as six weeks.   Most of the time, their clients have already ventured down the path of conventional medicine with little to no satisfactory answer or results. The Jennings work to identify the root cause of symptoms, then treat them safely and naturally with a 95% success rate.   Their mission is to impact the lives of 500,000 people around the world.

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Stacey Roche is a funny, intelligent and determined woman who, at the age of 22 led the New Zealand Boccia team to the Sydney Paralympics in 2000.

Born with cerebral palsy, Stacey talks openly about her journey from childhood to becoming an athlete. We cover the hurdles disabled people face and how determination and focus leads to some extraordinary experiences.

Be warned, Stacey's language is colourful and her words are powerful. We recorded this podcast spontaneously without pre planning the questions and I purposely haven't edited this conversation, so what you get is raw, heartfelt and real. 

This show is not to be missed! 

If you want to know more about Stacey, or just want a funny, inspiring read, check out Stacey's book

'The ups and downs of a dribbly wobbly' 

Buy a signed copy by dropping Stacey a DM on Facebook @staceyroche

To find out more about Boccia visit: