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The Quiet Life

The Quiet Life

By Just Breathe

Join Michael James Wong in conversation with some inspiring people as they discuss a powerful theme each episode. From the hardest things they've had to forgive to the importance of telling the truth, or how they stay strong when it seems all hope is lost, we’ll discover what they’ve learned along the way and what they left behind to find what The Quiet Life means to them.


This is a Just Breathe ® Podcast produced by Niki Priest and Avery Bess Putterman. To find out more about Just Breathe visit justbreatheproject.com, follow along @justbreathe and download our app to explore meditation.
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The Quiet Life Episode 24: Loneliness and Connection with Lisa Daron Grossman

The Quiet LifeJul 06, 2020

00:00
59:52
Episode 52 with Rachel Hunter: Being Fully Yourself

Episode 52 with Rachel Hunter: Being Fully Yourself

This week on The Quiet Life Michael speaks with Rachel Hunter - Mother, Yoga + Meditation Teacher, Supermodel, and Author. She talks about where she came from and who she was as a young woman, the challenges she's faced throughout her life as well as the joy's, and how she found her way to where she is today through quiet practices. She shares what it was like to face judgements throughout her life in the public eye, why she loves feeling resistance within, and the moment she realized she was running from being fully herself. 


Rachel was born in New Zealand and left home at 17 to become a supermodel on the other side of the world in New York City. Her career took off, landing her with FORD Models and on the pages of Italian Vogue, Australian Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Revlon Covergirl, and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She found herself married by 21, further thrust into the public eye, and soon after her daughter and then son were born. After years on and off the road traveling, she started to ask herself existential questions - who am I? Where am I going? She left her high profile marriage and became immersed in motherhood, exploration, and work. She rode the waves of life until her mother's diagnosis and ultimate demise to cancer. In her mother's final days, Rachel asked her what she regret - her mother's reply changed everything. She said “I regret not being + doing me! Being fully who I wanted to be!”


Rachel stepped off a plane in India in 2017 to process her grief, never intending to teach. She has since spent many hours studying yoga and meditation in the foothills of the Himalayas, and has found her place as both a student and a teacher of these ancient wisdoms and philosophies. You can find out more about Rachel on her website https://www.rachelhunter.com/ where you can join  her online yoga membership, Rituals. You can also follow along with Rachel on Instagram @rachelhunterx.


For more conversations like this and to join our community visit justbreatheproject.com and follow us on instagram @justbreathe. If you haven't already downloaded our recently re-launched app, you can click here for iPhone and here for Android. As listeners of The Quiet Life, use the code thequietlife to receive a 30 day all access trial. You can enter the code here and find directions on how to use the unique code you receive to start using the app. Happy meditating!

Aug 11, 202155:14
Episode 51 with RIOPY: How Music Heals the Mind

Episode 51 with RIOPY: How Music Heals the Mind

This week Michael speaks with music artist RIOPY. RIOPY is a pianist with a passion for meditation and using binaural beats to heal the brain. In this episode he talks about his creative process for writing music, how music and meditation are more than passions - they are necessities for him and help him to feel safe, and shares his knowledge about how and why binaural beats are healing. Tune in to learn more about the power of music and how it heals the mind. 


RIOPY was born and raised in the French countryside and at an early age he began to teach himself the piano when he discovered an abandoned instrument. He didn’t have access to printed scores, so he began to compose music in his head. At 21 he moved to London and this is when his international career began. His unique, rhythmically-driven approach to performing his own compositions soon got him noticed. He has performed at the Royal Opera House, Steinway Hall as well as a unique performance from inside the clock tower in St Pancras, London. His music has been featured in film trailers for the Oscar winning The Shape of Water and The Danish Girl amongst others. His piano works have also been heard in documentaries broadcast on the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, as well as in advertising campaigns for many household companies.


RIOPY was looking for ways to support his own mental health and developed an interest in neurosciences - especially how brainwaves are believed to represent the full spectrum of human consciousness. Through this he discovered the benefits of meditation, and has been meditating twice a day ever since as it helps him to get more easily to a state of calmness and happiness. He creates binaural beats which sync the brainwave with the beats, guiding you into a state of relaxation and healing.


You can learn more about RIOPY on his website https://www.riopymusic.com/, follow him on Instagram @riopymusic and Facebook here, watch videos on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/Riopyjp, and listen to his music including his latest release Bliss on Spotify here or where ever you go for music. 


For more conversations like this and to join our community visit justbreatheproject.com and follow us on instagram @justbreathe. If you haven't already downloaded our recently re-launched app, you can click here for iPhone and here for Android. As listeners of The Quiet Life, use the code thequietlife to receive a 30 day all access trial. You can enter the code here and find directions on how to use the unique code you receive to start using the app. Happy meditating!

Aug 03, 202139:04
Episode 50 with Jason Headley: Building Joy From The Inside Out

Episode 50 with Jason Headley: Building Joy From The Inside Out

This week our guest is Jason Headley - a writer, director and teller of tales. In the episode, Jason talks about the risks he took along the way to becoming a movie writer for Pixar, and shares the initial reason he moved to San Francisco (one that had nothing to do with writing and his reasoning is brilliant). He talks about his creative process, how he was introduced to meditation, and why he created "F*ck That: An Honest Meditation." Tune in for a few laughs, and deep wisdoms. 


Jason is the co-writer of Pixar's film "Onward" which was released last year. He wrote and directed the feature film "A Bad Idea Gone Wrong" which won a Special Jury Prize at the 2017 SXSW Film Festival. His short film "F*ck That: An Honest Meditation" has been featured at Banksy's Dismaland and he’s released a book by the same title with the purpose to help you find peace with the challenges that surround you, because they are (fucking) everywhere.


You can find out more about Jason and his work here, listen to his meditation here, buy his book anywhere you buy books, watch the move Onward on Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video, and follow along with Jason on twitter @jason_headley or instagram @heyheadley. He's also turned his meditation into an app which you can download here


For more conversations like this and to join our community visit justbreatheproject.com and follow us on instagram @justbreathe. If you haven't already downloaded our recently re-launched app, you can click here for iPhone and here for Android. As listeners of The Quiet Life, use the code thequietlife to receive a 30 day all access trial. You can enter the code here and find directions on how to use the unique code you receive to start using the app. Happy meditating!

Jul 29, 202149:24
Episode 49 with Francesca Specter: How to enjoy being alone

Episode 49 with Francesca Specter: How to enjoy being alone

We've all undoubtedly spent more time with ourselves in the last 18 months then we ever have before. This week Michael speaks with Francesca Specter, the alonement specialist. She coined the term to encourage alone time to be as buzzy as self care, and asks people to consider how they dedicate their time alone - what is the experience, what is the length of time, how frequent. Have a listen to perhaps gain a new perspective on why spending time alone isn't a negative thing nor the same thing as being lonely. She shares solitude skills to support you on your journey towards alonement, as well as ideas and suggestions of where to even start, especially if you're in a relationship. 

Francesca is an author, podcaster, and journalist, and you can find out more about her here. Her first book “Alonement: How to be alone and absolutely own it” was published in March of this year, and she’s also a freelance journalist for multiple publications. She hosts Alonement, which is a podcast about the positive side of spending time alone. This word Alonement is Francesca Specter's empowering new word to express valuing your own company and dedicating quality time to yourself, whoever you are and whatever your relationship status. You can follow along with her on instagram @chezspecter and @alonementofficial.

For more conversations like this and to join our community visit justbreatheproject.com and follow us on instagram @justbreathe. If you haven't already downloaded our recently re-launched app, you can click here for iPhone and here for Android. As listeners of The Quiet Life, use the code thequietlife to receive a 30 day all access trial. You can enter the code here and find directions on how to use the unique code you receive to start using the app. Happy meditating!

Jul 20, 202148:40
Episode 48 with Dr. Robin Hart: Asking For Help

Episode 48 with Dr. Robin Hart: Asking For Help

This week on The Quiet Life Michael sits down with Dr. Robin Hart to chat about mental health. They talk about how important it is to have things that nurture us, excite us, and challenge us, as well as the uplifting impact of bringing more play into our lives. Dr. Robin shares some tools for supporting ourselves as we transition further outside the home while the pandemic shifts, and offers suggestions of when speaking with someone other than family or friends might be helpful and who else you can turn to if you choose to do so.


Dr. Robin Hart has extensive education, research and experience in cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy. He has a particular interest in working with a range of anxiety disorders and depression, family and relationship problems. He works with an integrative clinical approach, and has created Companion, an app that shares tools to support mental health for the modern worker. You can download Companion app for Android here and for Apple here, and follow along on Instagram @cbtcompanion. You can contact Dr. Robin Hart via The Basil Street Practice


For more conversations like this and to join our community visit justbreatheproject.com and follow us on instagram @justbreathe. If you haven't already downloaded our recently re-launched app, you can click here for iPhone and here for Android. As listeners of The Quiet Life, use the code thequietlife to receive a 30 day all access trial. You can enter the code here and find directions on how to use the unique code you receive to start using the app. Happy meditating!

Jul 13, 202141:48
Episode 47 with Jillian Lavender: Are you paying attention?

Episode 47 with Jillian Lavender: Are you paying attention?

This week Michael sits down with meditation teacher and author Jillian Lavender. They cover all things meditation - from where to start and how to sustain your practice. Jillian offers honest glimpses into her journey not only as a meditation teacher but also as a meditator and a mother, commenting on how the acceptance and popularity of the practice has changed since she first started and sharing her perspective of where it's headed. 


Jillian learned to meditate in 1995. She was living in Sydney, setting up a publishing company and spending her life on a plane, tired and stressed. She went to a course recommended by a friend and quickly noticed a massive impact on her stress level - she was still busy, but it was all more manageable. Five years later she quit her job, traveled, and ultimately trained to become a meditation teacher. She has been teaching Vedic Meditation since 2003, working with individuals to maximise performance and achieve success in all areas of their personal and professional life. Her students come from a range of different background and she's passionate about teaching people how meditation can fit their busy lifestyle. She is a cofounder of the London Meditation Centre as well as the New York Meditation Center with her partner Michael Miller, and they also teach worldwide.


Jillian's debut book "Why Meditate? Because it works." is in stores July 8th. You can order a copy here. The book delivers a modern, accessible and trustworthy explanation of what meditation is, and most importantly, what it will do for you. Jillian delves into why a daily meditation practice is so necessary for your busy life, and busts common myths while she explains the science and benefits of meditation in a clear and easy way. 


You can follow along with Jillian on instagram @jillianlavender and find out more on her website https://jillianlavender.com/.


For more conversations like this and to join our community visit justbreatheproject.com and follow us on instagram @justbreathe. If you haven't already downloaded our recently re-launched app, you can click here for iPhone and here for Android. As listeners of The Quiet Life, use the code thequietlife to receive a 30 day all access trial. You can enter the code here and find directions on how to use the unique code you receive to start using the app. Happy meditating!

Jul 06, 202152:18
Episode 46 with Light Watkins: Follow Your Curiosity

Episode 46 with Light Watkins: Follow Your Curiosity

On this episode Michael talk to Light Watkins, listen in as Light offers his thoughts on when to ignore advice (even if it has the best intentions) and shares the challenges and lessons he's learnt on the way to a quieter life.

Light is an author, meditation teacher, podcaster, and founder of The Shine Movement. He has been practicing meditation since 1998 and teaching meditation since 2007. He’s considered a thought leader in the wellness space and has a specific passion in showing regular people how to turn meditation from a chore to a delight. His podcast At the End of the Tunnel is all about the hope in humanity, and his latest book called Knowing Where to Look: 108 Daily Doses of Inspiration was recently released. He’s been sending out Light’s Daily Dose of Inspiration emails for over 5 years (subscribe here) and has taken his most loved Daily Doses and compiled these together for Knowing Where to Look.

For more conversations like this and to join our community visit justbreatheproject.com and follow us on instagram @justbreathe. If you haven't already downloaded our recently re-launched app, you can click here for iPhone and here for Android. As listeners of The Quiet Life, use the code thequietlife to receive a 30 day all access trial. You can enter the code here and find directions on how to use the unique code you receive to start using the app. Happy meditating!

Jun 30, 202154:45
Episode 45 with Dr. Punam Krishan: Healing is a Process

Episode 45 with Dr. Punam Krishan: Healing is a Process

This week Dr. Punam joins Michael to talk about all things healing. She believes healing is a process, and talks about it from the perspective of  a mother, a wife, a doctor, and simply a human being. She shares how one of her greatest healings in life thus far blended into the early experiences of the pandemic, the ways in which her family and even her patients support her own sense of well being, and not only what she hopes to instill in her 7 year old son (and later her almost 1 year old daughter!) but what he teaches her daily. She talks about life as a GP in the NHS, the role of lifestyle medicine in her practice, and how she creates quiet in her life despite being a busy mum and full-time doctor. 


Dr. Punam Krishan is a mum, NHS GP, writer, life coach and co-host of the Medic Mum podcast. She has a keen interest in human stories, and believes that so much can be learnt from each other and from one another’s experiences. In her own words, she understands and witnesses daily how complex healing is. You can find out more about who she is (and what she does!) on Instagram @drpunamkrishan on Twitter @DrPunamKrishan and listen to the podcast she co-hosts The Medic Mum Podcast and follow it on Instagram @themedicmumpodcast. You can also find her often on the BBC offering her knowledge and advice. 


For more conversations like this and to join our community visit justbreatheproject.com and follow us on instagram @justbreathe. You can also download our app for both iPhone and Android as a new exciting update is just around the corner!

Apr 05, 202158:08
Episode 44 with Molly J Forbes: Nurture yourself, Nurture Others
Mar 22, 202153:31
Episode 43 with Brita Fernandez Schmidt: In-powering Women

Episode 43 with Brita Fernandez Schmidt: In-powering Women

Today we celebrate International Women's Day with a guest who has made it her life's work to advocate and promote empowerment, rights and equality for women around the world. This week Brita Fernandez Schmidt sit's down with Michael to discuss why she uses the word in-powerment today instead of empowerment, the most valuable lessons she's learned, and how she shares them to help elevate others. 


Brita believes that every woman has a fierce power to fulfill her dreams. She coaches women to help them transform their lives by awakening, and acting on, the power they have within. She frequently writes and speaks publicly about the challenges women face all over the world in the context of poverty and conflict. Originally from Germany, Brita went to school in Venezuela and has throughout her career worked with women from many countries around the world. She now lives in the UK with her husband, two daughters and two dogs. Her first book, Fears to Fierce is out now!


You can learn more about Brita and the work she does on her website www.britafs.com and you can follow along with her on Instagram @britafs, on Facebook here, Twitter @BritaFS, and LinkedIn.


While she strongly believes that we are not our job titles (something you know is a pillar of ours here at Just Breathe!), we like to point you to where you can find out more about ways to connect with Brita and the work that she does. Brita currently serves as the Executive Director of Women for Women International - UK and is the Senior Vice President for Europe and External Relations globally. She co-founded Women for Women International in Germany in 2018. Brita is also the Chair of the Network Gender Action for Peace and Security and Chief Adviser to Fair Share. Previously she was the Programmes & Policy Director at Womankind Worldwide and she started her career as Policy Officer at the European Women’s Lobby.


For more conversations like this and to join our community visit justbreatheproject.com and follow us on instagram @justbreathe. You can also download our app for both iPhone and Android as a new exciting update is just around the corner!


Mar 08, 202146:55
Episode 42 with Rebecca Dennis: Finding Simplicity Through Breath
Feb 22, 202139:20
Episode 41 with Danielle Peazer: Coming Back to Gentleness

Episode 41 with Danielle Peazer: Coming Back to Gentleness

This week Michael sits down with Danielle Peazer to talk about how she's been able to stay gentle with herself despite the challenges of life. She shares candidly about who she was growing up and how that has shaped her today, as well as some of the methods she uses to cope when she has felt overwhelmed recently, and who has supported her most throughout life. 


Danielle is a professionally trained dancer and fully qualified Personal Trainer. After training at the prestigious English National Ballet School, her career took her all over the globe establishing herself as one of London’s most sought after dancers in the commercial field. In 2013 Danielle started her social media journey on several platforms for dance, fitness, fashion and beauty content. In a bid to stand out from other fitness and lifestyle bloggers, Danielle’s dance content is intrinsic to all she does. Having dance credits including Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Kylie and Robbie Williams she is more than qualified to encourage and inspire others. You can join Danielle's community on instagram @daniellepeazer, watch her videos on YouTube, and follow along on Twitter @DaniellePeazer and Facebook. You can also train like a dancer, with a dancer by checking out her Danielle Peazer Method. For everything else, head to https://daniellepeazer.com/

(18:25) How Danielle returns to gentleness

(23:10) When you feel like you can't cope - helpful tool

(32:50) How Danielle deals with people thinking they have permission to tell her what who she is

(38:45) Who are you not

For more conversations like this and to join our community visit justbreatheproject.com and follow us on instagram @justbreathe.



Feb 15, 202143:44
Episode 40 with David Hamilton: Love is the Seed

Episode 40 with David Hamilton: Love is the Seed

This week on The Quiet Life, Dr. David Hamilton shares his views on how love and empathy are the seed from which compassion grows and kindness blossoms. He speaks candidly about times he's faced challenges in his life and what helped him to stay curious, highlighting the fact that we are all human - there are moments where a simple act of kindness truly can keep us going. 


David uses science to inspire. He has a PhD in organic chemistry and spent 4 years in the pharmaceutical industry, developing drugs for cardiovascular disease and cancer. Inspired by the placebo effect, he left the industry to write books and educate people in how they can harness their mind and emotions to improve their health. As he shares in this episode, he bridges the gap between science and spirit, and has written 10 books in the hopes to guide others to find their own path the way he has found his. David is an advocate for kindness and is working passionately to help inspire a kinder more empathetic world. You can find more about his work and read his active blog at http://drdavidhamilton.com/ and follow along with him on instagram @davidrhamiltonphd on twitter @DrDRHamilton and on YouTube.


For more conversations like this and to join our community visit justbreatheproject.com and follow us on instagram @justbreathe.

Feb 08, 202143:22
Episode 39 with Rupy Aujla: Celebrating the Small Things

Episode 39 with Rupy Aujla: Celebrating the Small Things

This week Dr. Rupy Aujla shares what gratitude means to him, why he believes it's important to celebrate the small things, and how a gratitude practice can support celebration. He also talks about why service is such a vital part of both who he is and what he does.


Known as Dr. Rupy or @doctors_kitchen on instagram, Rupy is a medical doctor in General Practice as well as a firm believer in the power of food and lifestyle change as medicine. He is the founding director of Culinary Medicine, a non-profit organisation which aims to teach doctors and medical students the foundations of nutrition, as well as teaching them how to cook. He is a Sunday Times bestselling author, with three cookbooks published by Harper Collins - “The Doctor’s Kitchen”, "Eat to Beat Illness", and  recently Doctor's Kitchen 3-2-1: 3 fruit and veg, 2 servings, 1 pan. Most importantly he is a human being like you and me, and thoughtfully shares the wisdom he's learned on his way to a more quiet life. You can also find Dr. Rupy at https://thedoctorskitchen.com/ on Facebook and cook along with him on YouTube


For more conversations like this and to join our community visit justbreatheproject.com and follow us on instagram @justbreathe.

Feb 01, 202139:40
Episode 38 with Rhiannon Lambert: Feeling Safe
Jan 25, 202130:52
Episode 37 with Richie Norton: Finding Inspiration
Jan 18, 202137:51
Welcome to The Quiet Life

Welcome to The Quiet Life

Join Michael James Wong in conversation with some inspiring people weekly. They'll discuss a powerful theme each episode - from the hardest things we've had to forgive to the importance of telling the truth, or how we stay strong when it seems all hope is lost - we’ll discover what they’ve learned along the way and what they left behind to find what The Quiet Life means to them.

Jan 18, 202100:43
The Quiet Life Episode 36: We Believe in You with Justin Finlayson

The Quiet Life Episode 36: We Believe in You with Justin Finlayson

Justin Finlayson is a solution provider - his passion is to show people their potential. He is the founder of the London-based youth empowerment nonprofit United Borders which uses music as a tool for engagement to reduce violence among youth, and he believes that it is imperative to highlight young people’s voices so we know where we are as a society - their voices reflect their reality. In this episode he talks about how music impacted his life, the tragic event that led him to create United Borders, and how the work of the organisation has evolved within the neighbourhoods Justin grew up in - hint, the impact has been epic.

Working out of a converted double decker bus, United Borders is a music production studio on wheels. With youth violence and knife crime on the rise in the capital of London, Justin wanted to do more for young people within these communities trapped by youth violence. The music is simply a way to get the youth to show up - the real work is in showing them that there is another way by taking them out of their environment so that they can assess it, showing them compassion and caring, and connecting them to experiences they otherwise wouldn't have. 

You can find out more about United Borders at http://unitedborders.org and follow them on Twitter @UnitedBorders and Instagram @unitedborders.

For more conversations like this, or to join our monthly Quiet Club where we discuss important issues and ways we can support in our communities visit justbreatheproject.com or follow us on Instagram @justbreathe.

This season of the Quiet Life was made possible by our friends at T2. Receive 10% off your first order and heaps of benefits such as rewards, experiences and personalised offers when you join The Tea Society, to start brewing the benefits and redeem your offer visit T2tea.com. This weeks featured tea is Gingernut Chai, which is available to buy online now and at all T2 stores.

Guest research for this episode completed by Camilla Besley.

Nov 02, 202001:07:33
The Quiet Life Episode 35: Elevating Women with Vanessa Sanyauke

The Quiet Life Episode 35: Elevating Women with Vanessa Sanyauke

This week we talk to Vanessa Sanyauke, a global diversity and inclusion specialist and the founder of Girls Talk London. Gender and Racial inequality are still very much present in our world today, and Vanessa experiences their intersection regularly. In this episode we talk about her role as a community leader and all things gender and racial equality - where we are now, where we would like to see us moving towards in the future, and how we can all be a part of this change.

Her organisation works as a consultancy to engage millennial women, particularly women of colour with FTSE 100 businesses in technology, financial services and law. She is wrapping up the 5th year of the pan-industry technology mentorship program she set up called Step into STEM (Science, technology, Engineering and Math), funded by O2, BT, Vodafone and Ericsson. It gives female students who study STEM subjects a mentor to support their career aspirations and to address the under-representation of women working in the STEM sector. She's also preparing for the second year of black girls tech summit coming up in November which is supported by Facebook and Snapchat this year, which you can learn more about or sign up for here. To learn more visit girlstalklondon.com as well as follow them on Instagram @girlstalklondon and on twitter @GirlsTalkLondon

For more conversations like this, or to join our monthly Quiet Club where we discuss important issues and ways we can support in our communities visit justbreatheproject.com or follow us on Instagram @justbreathe.

This season of the Quiet Life was made possible by our friends at T2. Receive 10% off your first order and heaps of benefits such as rewards, experiences and personalised offers when you join The Tea Society, to start brewing the benefits and redeem your offer visit T2tea.com. This weeks featured tea is Chai, which is available to buy online now and at all T2 stores.

Guest research for this episode completed by Camilla Besley.

Oct 26, 202056:58
The Quiet Life Episode 34: The Importance of Bees with Dale Gibson

The Quiet Life Episode 34: The Importance of Bees with Dale Gibson

Michael talks to Dale Gibson, the founder of Bermondsey Street Bees - a sustainable beekeeping practice on the rooftops of London. In his own words he feels he has a duty to care for the bees, and believes their interest is of paramount concern, as the importance of bees goes far beyond the honey we enjoy. Bees form an essential part of our way of life, with 2 out of every 3 spoonfuls we eat a product of pollination. In this episode we learn about why bees continue to form such an important part of our ecosystem, and delve into the ways we can look to eat and live more mindfully.

Founded in 2007, Bermondsey Street Bees is named as such because it's all about the bees - you might see honey in the name of other beekeeping operations but for Dale and his wife Sarah, honey is not where it stops. They work tirelessly to grow gardens to feed the many beehives in the area of London. You can download Sarah's guide to planting for honeybees here. Their mission is to promote the importance of bees in the world, and how they’re essential to the world's food production. To find out more visit bermondseystreetbees.co.uk and you can follow them on Instagram @bstreetbees, and Twitter @bermondseybees. To purchase your own honey visit https://provenancehub.com/producer/bermondsey-street-bees.

For more conversations like this, or to join our monthly Quiet Club where we discuss important issues and ways we can support in our communities visit justbreatheproject.com or follow us on Instagram @justbreathe.

This season of the Quiet Life was made possible by our friends at T2. Receive 10% off your first order and heaps of benefits such as rewards, experiences and personalised offers when you join The Tea Society, to start brewing the benefits and redeem your offer visit T2tea.com. This weeks featured tea is Apple Maple Muffin, which is available to buy online now and at all T2 stores.

Guest research for this episode completed by Camilla Besley.

Oct 18, 202001:03:08
The Quiet Life Episode 33: Period Poverty and Loving Humanity with Amy Peake

The Quiet Life Episode 33: Period Poverty and Loving Humanity with Amy Peake

This week Michael talks to Amy Peake, Founder of Loving Humanity, a non-profit who provide the materials, tools, training and support to manufacture period pads and nappies in war zones, refugee camps and slums. All people who menstruate deserve safe sanitary products, and hygienic spaces in which to use them without shame or stigma, in this episode we delve into the inspiring work at Loving Humanity, as well as uncovering the power we all have to give back and play a positive role in our own communities.

Amy Peake is the founder of Loving Humanity, a non-profit organization that is working to provide reusable nappies and pads to women and mothers in war zones, refugee camps and slums. Their ethos is shaped around education, empowerment and equality, and they’re doing some great work elevating vulnerable communities. The factories are staffed by refugee or vulnerable local women who, through their work, find or rediscover their self-worth. Amy’s journey to put a stop to period poverty in third world countries has been met with obstacle after obstacle but she has persevered and has achieved a great deal since she founded the business in 2014. To donate and find out more visit
lovinghumanity.org.uk or follow on Instagram @loving_humanity

For more conversations like this, or to join our monthly Quiet Club where we discuss important issues and ways we can support in our communities visit justbreatheproject.com or follow us on Instagram @justbreathe.

This season of the Quiet Life was made possible by our friends at T2. Receive 10% off your first order and heaps of benefits such as rewards, experiences and personalised offers when you join The Tea Society, to start brewing the benefits and redeem your offer visit T2tea.com. This weeks featured tea is Blueberry Crumble available online now and at all T2 stores. 

Guest research for this episode completed by Camilla Besley.

Oct 12, 202055:37
The Quiet Life Episode 32: Stories Without Stereotypes with Tyson Joseph

The Quiet Life Episode 32: Stories Without Stereotypes with Tyson Joseph

On this episode we welcome Presenter, Writer and Director Tyson Joseph to tackle the subject of storytelling and stereotypes. Taking an important look at why stereotypes can be so damaging in society, and how the stories we share, as well as the ones we tell ourselves have the power to bring great change.

Tyson is a passionate advocate for the power of hope, and a compelling speaker on all things relating to personal transformation. His insights and ideas have been developed through a challenging childhood, and a lifetime of study in New Thought Philosophy, meditation and mindfulness. His film I Am Not Your Villain for the UK charity Changing Faces resulted in the creation of a new policy by the BFI, stating they will no longer fund films in which the villains are portrayed as having facial disfigurements. His work also includes films for Goldie Hawn for Mind Up, Ruby Wax’s Frazzled Tour, The Oxford Mindfulness Institute, the NHS, Heads Together and the government-backed Mindfulness in Schools Project. To find out more about Tyson follow him on Instagram @iamtysonjoseph and visit his website storieslikeus.com.

This season of the Quiet Life was made possible by our friends at T2. Receive 10% off your first order and heaps of benefits such as rewards, experiences and personalised offers when you join The Tea Society, to start brewing the benefits and redeem your offer visit T2tea.com. This weeks featured tea is Singapore Breakfast available online now and at all T2 stores.

Guest research for this episode completed by Camilla Besley.

Oct 04, 202050:11
The Quiet Life Episode 31: Why We Need Nature with Lucy Jones

The Quiet Life Episode 31: Why We Need Nature with Lucy Jones

On this episode Michael talks to to Lucy Jones, Author of Losing Eden, about how getting out in nature affects our mental health, and what happens when we lose our connection with the outdoors completely. This is a powerful episode reminding us why stepping away from our desks and connecting with the natural world does more than we realise, and a passionate message on how taking care of the planet we live is a priority that we simply cannot afford to ignore.

Lucy Jones is a writer and journalist based in Hampshire, England. Her writing on culture, science and nature has been published in BBC Earth, BBC Wildlife, The Sunday Times, the Guardian and the New Statesman. Her book Losing Eden, is about the relationship between the natural world and the human psyche; a wide-ranging inquiry into the mechanism by which contact with ‘nature’ is therapeutic. It has been long-listed for the Wainwright Prize and received a Society of Authors’ award. Her book is available to buy now at all good book stores, to find out more about Lucy visit lucyfjones.com or follow her on Instagram at @lucyfjones. 

This season of the Quiet Life was made possible by our friends at T2. Receive 10% off your first order and heaps of benefits such as rewards, experiences and personalised offers when you join The Tea Society, to start brewing the benefits and redeem your offer visit T2tea.com. This weeks featured tea is Melbourne Breakfast available online now and at all T2 stores.

Guest research for this episode completed by Camilla Besley.

Sep 27, 202058:52
The Quiet Life Episode 30: We're Better Together with The Happy Pear

The Quiet Life Episode 30: We're Better Together with The Happy Pear

On this episode Michael talks to Dave and Steve of The Happy Pear, about their connection as twins and how they can always rely on each other - no matter what they're going through. This episode takes a closer look at why companionship, friendship and community are so important for us as humans, and why working together can make us stronger than we know. 

Dave and Steve Flynn started plant-based brand The Happy Pear in 2004 to inspire people to live a happier, healthier life, create more togetherness, and to show delicious ways to eat more veg. The Happy Pear has grown into one of Ireland's most renowned and loved brands, and today they're renowned plant-based chefs with 4 cafes, their own product range and online courses, they are award-winning and bestselling authors, YouTube hits and regular contributors on TV. Find out more about The Happy Pear at the happy pear.ie, find them on YouTube and follow them on Instagram @thehappypear. 

This season of the Quiet Life was made possible by our friends at T2. Receive 10% off your first order and heaps of benefits such as rewards, experiences and personalised offers when you join The Tea Society, to start brewing the benefits and redeem your offer visit T2tea.com. This weeks featured tea is English Breakfast available online now and at all T2 stores.

Guest research for this episode completed by Camilla Besley.

Sep 21, 202056:37
The Quiet Life Episode 29: Awesome & Autistic with Siena Castellon

The Quiet Life Episode 29: Awesome & Autistic with Siena Castellon

This week we welcome 17 year old Siena Castellon, an autistic neurodiversity advocate and anti-bullying activist to discuss her experiences growing up,  and the negative assumptions and ideas that surround autism. A moving conversation that may challenge everything you think you know about life on the spectrum, embracing and celebrating difference, and how we can all show up as kinder, more compassionate humans in our communities.

Siena was diagnosed as autistic when she was twelve, her diagnosis came as a welcome relief after years of being rejected by her classmates for being odd, eccentric and weird and always feeling out of place, she felt she finally had an explanation. But, it was only when she started delving deeper into understanding what this really meant for her that she learned many girls continue to fly under the radar, as behaviours  can vary drastically and many textbooks only studied male behaviours. She discovered that there were very few books and resources aimed at autistic girls, and they didn’t address many of the issues she faced as a teen. So, she decided , to write her own book: The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic, which is now available at all good book stores. To find out more about Siena follow her on Instagram @qlmentoring or visit her website sienacastellon.com

This season of the Quiet Life was made possible by our friends at T2. Receive 10% off your first order and heaps of benefits such as rewards, experiences and personalised offers when you join the Tea Society, to start brewing the benefits and redeem your offer visit T2tea.com. This weeks featured tea is New York Breakfast, find out more about this tea here.

Guest research for this episode completed by Camilla Besley.

Sep 13, 202001:10:03
The Quiet Life Episode 28: Intrinsic Motivation with Sharath Jeevan

The Quiet Life Episode 28: Intrinsic Motivation with Sharath Jeevan

On this weeks episode Michael talks to Sharath Jeevan, Founder of Intrinsic labs and a leading expert in intrinsic motivation. Listen in as they chat about finding our inner drive and building a life where we can feel fulfilled without the need for external gratification, a subject many of us struggle with, whether at work or at home. A gentle conversation about finding your way in life, and remembering the importance of finding moments of joy and happiness in each day.

Sharath is one of the world’s leading experts on how to practically re-ignite the inner-drive, or intrinsic motivation in our lives. He is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Intrinsic Labs, and his work has been featured in the likes of The New York Times, The Economist, CNN, National Public Radio and The Times of India. He gained first hand experience in the field through founding STiR Education in 2012. STiR represents the world’s largest initiative to improve intrinsic motivation - in this case in education. Through partnerships with governments and leading donors, it has grown from supporting 12 schools in 2012 to over 35,000 schools today, across India, Africa and South East Asia and has helped over 200,000 teachers and 6 million children. Connect with Sharath on LinkedIn or visit intrinsic-labs.com.

This season of the Quiet Life was made possible by our friends at T2. Receive 10% off your first order and heaps of benefits such as rewards, experiences and personalised offers when you join the Tea Society, to start brewing the benefits and redeem your offer visit T2tea.com. This weeks featured tea is Just Camomile, find out more about this tea here.

Sep 07, 202001:02:15
The Quiet Life Episode 27: Why We Eat with Anthony Warner

The Quiet Life Episode 27: Why We Eat with Anthony Warner

Aug 31, 202001:01:05
The Quiet Life Episode 26: Hard Truths with Shaunagh Connaire
Aug 24, 202055:10
The Quiet Life Episode 25: Raising Kind Kids with Uju Asika
Aug 19, 202001:03:09
The Quiet Life Episode 24: Loneliness and Connection with Lisa Daron Grossman
Jul 06, 202059:52
The Quiet Life Episode 23: It's All In The Mind with Luma Eldin
Jun 28, 202051:48
The Quiet Life Episode 22: Every Action Doesn't Need a Reaction with Rebels For Peace
Jun 21, 202049:44
The Quiet Life Episode 21: Find Your Ikigai with Héctor García
May 31, 202001:12:25
The Quiet Life Episode 20: Your Voice Matters with Lynn Tabbara
May 24, 202047:56
The Quiet Life Episode 19: Perfectly Imperfect with Venetia La Manna
May 18, 202040:12
The Quiet Life Episode 18: The World of CBD with Dr. Dani Gordon

The Quiet Life Episode 18: The World of CBD with Dr. Dani Gordon

On this episode Michael talks to Dr. Dani Gordon, a double board qualified medical doctor and specialist in Integrative medicine and cannabis medicine, CBD and resilience. They discuss the world of CBD, what it is, how it works and why it's having such a phenomenal boom right now. This is an eye opening conversation for anyone who is interested in learning more about how the world of health and medicine is evolving.  

Dani now lives in London full time, her book 'The CBD Bible: Cannabis and the wellness revolution that will change your life' (released July 2020), to find out more about Dani and her book you can visit her website drdanigordon.com or follow her on Instagram @drdanigordon. This is a Just Breathe ® Podcast theme song by @ioramusic, produced by Niki Priest. To find out more about Just Breathe visit justbreatheproject.com and follow along @justbreathe

May 11, 202001:05:30
The Quiet Life Episode 17: Difficult Conversations with Will Sebastian Clempner

The Quiet Life Episode 17: Difficult Conversations with Will Sebastian Clempner

On this episode Michael talks to Will Sebastian Clempner ; Writer, Filmmaker and Host of the podcast  'Can We Just Ask' about lifestyle changes, difficult conversations and making time to do things you actually like doing. This is a joyful episode between two friends about how we are always learning.  

Will strives to use creativity and collaboration to provide a platform for people and stories who might not usually have the opportunity. He also writes a huge variety of comedy scripts, for an array of platforms - something that he develops along with his improv teammates - who perform regular shows around London. He is a member of the Hoopla narrative house team - The Descendants - as well as long-form improv team, Amorphous Horse.  If you want to find out more about Will you can find him at www.willsebastian.me, on Twitter @willclempner, or you can listen in on his podcast 'Can we Just Ask' wherever you get your podcasts. 

May 01, 202046:32
The Quiet Life Episode 16 : A Mindful Approach with Connor Swenson
Apr 22, 202001:01:19
The Quiet Life Episode 15 : Try Everything Once with Annie Clarke
Apr 20, 202051:09
The Quiet Life Episode 14 : The Kindness Method with Shahroo Izadi

The Quiet Life Episode 14 : The Kindness Method with Shahroo Izadi

On this episode of the Quiet Life Michael talks to Shahroo Izadi, Behavioural Change Specialist and author of both The Kindness Method and The Last Diet about motivation, about maintaining good habits and coping strategies during stressful times. A fascinating episode for anyone in search of some inspiration and encouragement. 

Shahroo's approach to behavioural change was initially inspired by experience she gained working in the substance misuse treatment field and her admiration for those in abstinent recovery from drug and alcohol addictions. It came to her attention there that some of the approaches proving effective in changing habits don't focus on meticulous planning (or indeed drugs), at all. Many of them are more generally concerned with increasing self-esteem, self-awareness and self-belief. Through her books, talk, workshops and sessions, Shahroo supports people to gain more insight into unwanted habits and create personalised plans of change by handing over tools that increase self-awareness, self-compassion and self-belief. You can find Shahroo on Instagram @Shahroo_Izadi and you find out more about her private sessions, workshops and talks on her website shahrooizadi.co.uk.

Apr 15, 202054:16
The Quiet Life Episode 13 : On The Run with Charlie Dark
Apr 05, 202001:02:06
The Quiet Life Episode 12 : Essential Oils with Lisa Pauley

The Quiet Life Episode 12 : Essential Oils with Lisa Pauley

On this episode of the Quiet Life Michael chats with Essential Oils Expert Lisa Pauley about what essential oils are, and how to use them to support the mind and body. As a sufferer of anxiety, panic attacks and digestive health issues at school, Lisa found herself turning to meditation at just 14, but since discovering essential oils she has found that they are a great way to support her practice and even more, her health and wellbeing. 

Lisa currently teaches Yoga, Sound Healing and Essential Oil workshops in studios in the UK and Europe, and leads a community of over 1300 Essential Oil users, through her Rise & Bloom Essential Collective community. You can find out more about Lisa @lisapauley_rise_and_bloom.

Apr 04, 202037:22
The Quiet Life Episode 11 : Mindful Drinking with Camille Vidal

The Quiet Life Episode 11 : Mindful Drinking with Camille Vidal

On this episode of the Quiet Life Michael chats with Camille Vidal, drinks expert and the Founder of La Maison Wellness about what mindfulness means in the hospitality industry, establishing a healthier relationship with alcohol and ways to stay mindful during times of stress. If you always find yourself reaching for a glass of wine, or you just want to understand more about our relationship with alcohol listen in.

Camille Vidal, the founder of the mindful drinking brand and creative consultancy La Maison Wellness, has spent her career as a consultant and global brand ambassador most notably for St-Germain and the Bacardi family of brands. She is internationally recognised as a leading voice in the drinks industry and now combines her craft and expertise into the low/no ABV category. Vidal and La Maison Wellness are now focused on their own mindful mission to guide brands and organisations to drink well and elevate wellbeing and mindfulness in hospitality and wellnessCami is a globally recognised drink expert, turned mindfulness, yoga and meditation teacher. She founded La Maison Wellness,  a multi-media platform advocating mindful drinking and inspiring a hedonistic way of life. To find out more about Camille visit lamaisonwellness.com, and follow @lamaisonwellness and @madame_cami_vidal. 

Apr 03, 202058:36
The Quiet Life Episode 10: A Quiet Practice with Adam Husler
Apr 02, 202055:42
The Quiet Life Episode 9 : The Science of Staying Well with Dr Jenna Macciochi
Apr 01, 202054:04
The Quiet Life Episode 8 : A Calmer You with Chloe Brotheridge

The Quiet Life Episode 8 : A Calmer You with Chloe Brotheridge

On this episode of the Quiet Life Michael talks to Chloe Brotheridge, hypnotherapist, anxiety expert and author of 'The Anxiety Solution' and 'Brave New Girl' about how to keep calm during the chaos, listen in as she shares practices to help you overcome and manage anxiety and worry. 

Having previously  suffered from panic attacks where she thought she was dying, and getting so nervous when meeting new people that her hands would shake, Chloe went on a mission to become a calmer, more confident person. Putting in some serious hours in therapy, reading every book, attending every workshop, training in hypnotherapy, NLP and coaching to find her path. Chloe now uses the latest scientific research and her own personal experience to create programmes that have already helped thousands of her clients overcome anxiety. Chloe also hosts her own podcast 'A Calmer You' to find out more about Chloe on her website calmer-you.com and follow her on Instagram @chloebrotheridge.  


Mar 31, 202048:06
The Quiet Life Episode 7 : Keep Moving with Shona Vertue

The Quiet Life Episode 7 : Keep Moving with Shona Vertue

On this episode of The Quiet Life Michael talks to Shona Vertue about how our relationship with exercise has become complicated, ways to stay motivated in quarantine and she shares some easy techniques to help keep the body moving at home. Our Guest on this episode is Shona Vertue, an Australian personal trainer and yoga teacher with over 400 thousand followers on Instagram and one of the most popular yoga channels in the UK on YouTube. 

Shona's method, developed during her decade of teaching, combines weighted resistance training and cardio with her life-long passions - yoga and mediation – placing just as much importance on rest and recovery as hours in the gym in the pursuit of fitness. The Vertue Method is now practised in over 60 countries around the world by thousands of people and encourages clients (who include David Beckham) and fans alike to acquire new skills whilst training; to play and have fun rather than focus on aesthetic goals and punishing routines. Follow Shona @shona_vertue or visit her website shonavertue.com

Mar 30, 202047:54
The Quiet Life Episode 6 : Take Care of Yourself with Suzy Reading

The Quiet Life Episode 6 : Take Care of Yourself with Suzy Reading

On this episode of the Quiet Life Michael talks to Suzy Reading, a Psychologist, Mother and well-being expert about the important of self-care during every stage of life. She shares her moving story of how she was forced to create a self-care toolkit during a turbulent time in her life, and takes Michael through a unique self-care technique for all ages. A powerful episode showing how being pushed to your absolute limits can help you to realise what's really important to you. 

Suzy is a mother of two, an author, Chartered Psychologist and Coach. She specialises in self-care, helping people manage their stress, emotions, and energetic bank balance.  Suzy is on the editorial board for Motherdom Magazine, the Psychology Expert for wellbeing brand Neom Organics and is a founding member of the ‘Nourish’ app. She figure-skated her way through her childhood, growing up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, and now makes her home in hills of Hertfordshire, UK. Her first book ‘The Self-Care Revolution’ published by Aster came out in 2017, 'Stand Tall Like a Mountain: Mindfulness & Self-Care for Children and Parents' and 'The Little Book of Self-Care’ are both hot off the press. You can follow her on Instagram @suzyreading and find out more about her on her website suzyreading.co.uk

Mar 29, 202049:48
The Quiet Life Episode 5 : Staying Positive with Susie Pearl

The Quiet Life Episode 5 : Staying Positive with Susie Pearl

On this episode of the Quiet Life Michael talks Susie Pearl, Coach and Author of 'Instructions for Happiness and Success', and 'The Art of Creativity'. Susie offers a really positive outlook on life, listen in as she offers ideas and insights on how to stay calm and find happiness amongst the chaos. Susie founded a leading international celebrity brand PR agency and was Managing Director of a personal enhancement training business with Paul McKenna and NLP founder, Dr Richard Bandler. She has been working for years with famous names from the world of music, TV, entertainment and business. Susie now writes and teaches around the world hosting seminars and personal training. You can find from from Susie on her website susiepearl.com, follow her on Instagram @susiepearlx, she also hosts her own podcast 'Conversations with Susie Pearl'.
This podcast was launched during the international Covid-19 pandemic, during these troubling and uncertain times we knew that it was important to find a way to offer some guidance and support in our communities. In the midst of uncertain times we invited a host of experts and inspiring voices to discuss home practices for their mind and mental health, all of which could be easily practiced at home. This is a Just Breathe ® Podcast hosted by Just Breathe Founder Michael James Wong, the music is from the incredibly talented @ioramusic and it was produced by Niki Priest. To find out more about Just Breathe visit
justbreatheproject.com and follow along @justbreathe
Mar 28, 202037:38
The Quiet Life Episode 4: Working From Home with Niraj Shah

The Quiet Life Episode 4: Working From Home with Niraj Shah

On this episode of the Quiet Life Michael talks to Niraj Shah, a tech entrepreneur and the Founder of Mind Unlocked about our relationship with technology, listen in as he shares his best practice examples, both with and without technology when working from home. A great episode for those of us who are new to working from home and finding it difficult maintain focus. Niraj is one of London's most sought after meditation guides and mental well-being speakers. Since starting Mind: Unlocked he has developed "no mumbo jumbo", evidence-based and highly practical approaches to meditation, mindfulness and digital balance, designed specifically to improve busy 21st century lives like his own. Niraj also co-leads the European development of Transformative Technology, a Silicon Valley based non-profit, the largest global community of entrepreneurs and innovators that are leveraging technology to raise mental health, emotional well-being and human thriving. Niraj has also recently completed a well-being resource guide which can be found at mindunlocked.co/covid19mentalwellbeing and you can find him on Instagram @niraj5hah.

This podcast was launched during the international Covid-19 pandemic, during these troubling and uncertain times we knew that it was important to find a way to offer some guidance and support in our communities. In the midst of uncertain times we invited a host of experts and inspiring voices to discuss home practices for their mind and mental health, all of which could be easily practiced at home. This is a Just Breathe ® Podcast hosted by Just Breathe Founder Michael James Wong, the music is from the incredibly talented @ioramusic and it was produced by Niki Priest. To find out more about Just Breathe visit justbreatheproject.com and follow along @justbreathe.
Mar 27, 202059:08