The Seeking Happiness Podcast

Mark de Freitas Bio – Seeking Happiness

Welcome to "Seeking Happiness," a podcast that shines a light on wellbeing and positive change with your host, Mark de Freitas. As an accomplished Psychologist and Sports Scientist, Mark brings over 40 years of expertise in exploring the human mind. Through his successful hypnotherapy practice, he specializes in using hypnosis and self-hypnosis techniques to foster deep relaxation and profound personal transformation.

In each episode, Mark will guide you through fascinating insights into how the brain functions and how you can alter your thinking to enhance your life. This podcast is a beacon for anyone seeking answers on how to achieve a happier, more fulfilling life. It emphasizes the power of personal change and the potential within each of us to pursue a path of increased happiness and wellbeing.

Listening to "Seeking Happiness," you will gain not only knowledge but also practical tools to help kickstart or advance your journey. Mark is known for his open, honest communication, ensuring that every listener feels welcomed and supported.

Resources Provided by Mark:

In a heartening episode of our series, we sit down with James Rocks, known in the acting world as Chris Burrow, who opens up about his multifaceted journey from encountering the shadows of depression and mental health challenges to illuminating paths for others through his experiences. James is in the throes of launching an online support program aimed at aiding individuals grappling with depression and mental health issues, inspired by his own battles and triumphs over adversity.

James candidly discusses his past encounters with stressful and negative work environments, sharing insights into how these experiences, once burdensome, became pivotal in steering his life towards a more fulfilling direction. His story is not just one of overcoming, but of transformation—utilizing his personal struggles as a foundation to support and enlighten others facing similar battles.

His upcoming project, an online help program, reflects his commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those who struggle in silence. James believes in the power of change and the importance of seeking help, a message he delivers with a chirpy attitude that's nothing short of infectious. His positive outlook and vibrant spirit serve as a beacon of hope, encouraging listeners to visualize and enact the changes necessary to chase after happiness in their own lives.

Listeners will find James's approach to tackling mental health issues refreshing and relatable. Through his journey, he demonstrates that it's possible to turn life's challenges into opportunities for growth and to find happiness in the process. His interview is a compelling listen for anyone looking to make positive changes in their life or to understand the transformative power of facing one's fears with optimism and courage.

In this new episode for 2022, we have the pleasure to chat with Andrew Longfield - Radio presenter, Musician, Actor, and Motor enthusiast. Andrew formed his own company in the plumbing trade in his youth and is always looking for new opportunities, He can help people realise that the possibilities of life are endless. Enjoy

In this week's another special Christmas episode, we have the pleasure to interview Mav Akram. Here are some questions we will be asking:

· Tell us a little about your childhood and problems that you remember having to overcome. (The importance of family dynamics and how these may have  affected you in adulthood)

· You run the Women’s Boxing Club in Birmingham. Can you explain to our listeners what this role involves?

· What would you say is your experience in dealing with this area?

· Can you tell us a little about your thoughts on dealing with change and uncertainty? (perhaps elaborate on the steps/support that boxing provides to help people reinvent/discover themselves)

· Boxing training not only fights anger management, mental health, and weight issues; it can provide a new sense of well-being and happiness – Do you think this reflects your reasons to help empower women?

· Tell me about your recent work with BOA and your help with their Theatre Play.

· You won an award at The Muslim Women Awards in London; can you tell me a little more about that?

· Community Winter Camp in December – tell me a little more about that and what listeners can expect.

· Do you ever feel isolated/lonely; how do you deal with this?

· How do you think dealing with the Covid crisis affected you personally?

· Have you ever reached a point where you realized you wanted to make some lifestyle changes?  Can you elaborate upon how you went about making those changes?

· Can you reflect upon your experience of dealing with difficult situations in your life?

· What do you do to help you relax and relieve the stresses of life?

· What type of books do you read? Can you make some recommendations for our listeners?

· What are your TOP 3 TIPS to help anyone who might be feeling they need to make changes in their personal life or circumstances.

In this week's special Christmas episode we have the honor and pleasure to chat with Leanne Bayliss, mother, blogger, and author on alcohol addictions and sobering up. 

This episode is for people that think or may think their relationship with alcohol is becoming a problem with their life, and that there is light and hope for us all. 

Enjoy.

Hello there, welcome back to the podcast, this week we have a conversation about our last few episodes and take stock of the wisdom and tips shared by our lovely guests.

This week, we're thrilled to introduce Anna Urnova, a distinguished high-performance executive coach and an award-winning author, to our listeners. With over 15 years of experience, Anna has been a guiding light for business leaders worldwide, helping them navigate complex changes, enhance performance, and infuse fun into their professional lives.

In an era where mid-career stagnation is all too common, Anna brings a fresh perspective with her FREE Masterclass. She outlines five crucial steps that have empowered her clients—driven, middle-aged professionals—to move from feelings of being stuck and unfulfilled to leading impactful, happy, and purpose-driven lives. This episode offers a sneak peek into the transformative journeys of real men who, under Anna's guidance, reinvented themselves without the need to compromise on their professional standing or personal lives.

Listeners will be treated to inspiring stories of genuine transformation, illustrating how it's possible to revitalize one's career and personal satisfaction simultaneously. Anna's approach is not about drastic changes that put you at risk but about strategic, authentic shifts that align with your core values and aspirations.

For anyone feeling stagnant in their mid-career, looking to make a significant change without jeopardizing everything they've worked hard for, this episode is a beacon of hope. Anna Urnova not only shares her wisdom and strategies but also extends an invitation to her masterclass, a resource that could be the first step toward a happier, more fulfilled version of you.

This week episode we have the pleasure to have Francesca Rose who was courageous and kind enough to share her own story about eating disorders and the effects that come along with it.

Here is some question we be asking Francesca:

Tell us a little about your childhood and the problems that you had to overcome.

What are ‘eating disorders’ and how would someone know if they were experiencing this? (How would parents/family/friends recognize the signs?)

Are there obsessions/rituals that people with eating disorders experience?

Where should someone go to if they are seeking help and happiness with an eating disorder?

Can you just reflect on the Therapy that you took part in and explain to listeners what that involved.

Therapy is a recovery process that may not ‘fit’ everyone. Do you think it’s possible to recover and ‘seek happiness’ by yourself (a ‘self-help journey’ without counselling)?

Recovery must be a difficult journey; what do you think were the most difficult moments for you?

I understand that you’re an author and have written some books about your experiences and how others can benefit. Can you tell our listeners a little about the books and where they can access them?

What do you do to help you relax and relieve the stresses of your life? Are you a member of any clubs or have any hobbies which help you when seeking happiness?

What type of books do you read? Can you make some recommendations for our listeners?

What are your TOP 3 TIPS to help anyone who might be feeling they need to make changes in their personal life or circumstances.

What do you think are the biggest issues faced by any individuals who want to create a happier lifestyle for themselves and their families?

Didier and Andrew recap the past episodes. In this week's episode, we talk to reflect on the podcast seeking happiness.

In this week's episode, we talk to Andre & Dave about their joint venture in the food truck business/street food in Birmingham, UK.

We had so much fun, and you can tell we did. Happy listening.

Questions addressed this week include:

Tell us a little about your upbringing, guys, where you are from?

What advice and strategies can you share for people having problems in their life right now?

What motivate you guys?

What books you can recommend?

Top 3 Tips to help people make personal changes in their life!

In this weeks episode we talk to Mark Rainsbury; Bouncer, Businessman, Performer. and Actor.  Mark shares his story, his daily habits, tips ands tools for happiness.

Questions addressed this week include:

· Tell us a little about your childhood and about the career choices you made

· Can you give us a few details about the job that you ended up doing and the demands it made of you?

· I understand that you reached a point where you realized you wanted to make some lifestyle changes. Can you elaborate upon how you went about making those changes?

· You’re really into physical fitness – what does that bring to your life and how do you think it can help others to make positive changes on the journey to happiness.

· Tell us a little bit about the problems you faced during the Covid crisis in your workplace and how you overcame these.

· You’ve been a supporting artist recently – can you share a few details about your experiences and what that lifestyle choice has brought into your life.

· What type of books do you read? Can you make some recommendations for listeners?

· What are your TOP 3 TIPS to help anyone who might be feeling they need to make changes in their personal life or circumstances.

· What do you think are the biggest issues faced by any individuals who want to create a happier lifestyle for themselves and their families?

In this week's episode, we talk to Neil Milligan, his work at Microsoft, his idea of happiness, and his tips for a more fulfilling life.

Questions addressed this week include:

• Tell us a little about your childhood and about the career choices you made
• Can you give us a few details about the job that you are now doing and the demands it made of you – the journey to take you to the USA.
• Can you run us through the steps you had to take to become a US CitizenI understand that you reached a point where you realized you wanted to make some lifestyle changes.
• Can you elaborate upon how you went about making those changes?
• You’re really into mental fitness (Life Coaching/Analysing Business Problems and Providing Solutions) – what does that bring to your life and how do you think it can help others to make positive changes on the journey to happiness.
• Can you reflect upon your experience of ‘The Trump Administration’ Tell us a little bit about the problems you faced during the Covid crisis in the USA and how you overcame these. (Work/Family/Lifestyle Choices)
• You’ve served some hospital time in recent years and had invasive surgery more recently – can you share a few details about your experiences and how you’ve managed to find a focus to overcome these difficult times.
• What type of books do you read? Can you make some recommendations for our listeners.
• What are your TOP 3 TIPS to help anyone who might be feeling they need to make changes in their personal life or circumstances.
• What do you think are the biggest issues faced by any individuals who want to create a happier lifestyle for themselves and their families?

3,265,000 views on TedTalk “I believe we are born to win and programmed to lose” conversation with lovely and inspiring Lena Kay. Lena is a professional speaker, personal coach and woman Inspired influencer.

“Lena is very compassionate, highly spiritual and kind human being and best at her work. I will continue to work with her as I travel my entrepreneur journey. I would highly recommend her expertise to any business person…” Pranita Salunke – CEO of Vitality Health Clinic

In this week's episode, we talk to Lucia Riley; an end-of-life care nurse who has worked in the NHS for over 15 years. Lucia shares her story of joining the NHS, her daily work and experience of dealing with difficult situations.

Questions addressed this week include:

• Tell us a little about your childhood and about the career choices you made
• Can you give us a few details about the job that you are now doing and the demands it makes of you.
• How do you think dealing with ‘end of life’ patients in the NHS affects you personally?
• Have you ever reached a point where you realized you wanted to make some lifestyle changes. Can you elaborate upon how you went about making those changes?
• Can you reflect upon your experience of dealing with difficult situations in the NHS.
• Tell us a little bit about the problems you faced during the Covid crisis and how you overcame these. (Work/Family/Lifestyle Choices)
• What type of books do you read? Can you make some recommendations for our listeners?
• What are your TOP 3 TIPS to help anyone who might be feeling they need to make changes in their personal life or circumstances.
• What do you think are the biggest issues faced by any individuals who want to create a happier lifestyle for themselves and their families?

In this weeks episode we talk to Cathy Rai; a Midwife who has worked in the NHS for over 25 years. Cathy shares her story of joining the NHS in her youth and guides expectant mothers and couples through the childbirth experience. This includes her insights into pre-natal and post-natal concerns.

Couples and singles that have already experienced childbirth will also find this episode fascinating.

Questions addressed this week include:

Tell us a little about your upbringing and decision to join the nursing profession.

Tell us about Midwifery and what the job means to you.

What advice and strategies can you share for expectant mothers?

Can you run us through ‘Expectations V Realities’ of childbirth?

Can you expand on some of the problems you faced on the frontline of the NHS during the Covid Crisis and Lockdown?

What type of books do you read Cathy?

Do you think nursing has bought you a sense of happiness and purpose?

Top 3 Tips to help people make personal changes in their life!

We’re all ‘Seeking Happiness’ right?

We’re Andy Milligan & Didier Soulier and we’re on a mission to make positive life changes and on a journey to find that elusive life quality called ‘happiness’. We want you to share our journey and make your own positive life changes as we interview life coaches, public service professionals, and masters of business and industry.