The Phoenix Podcast - With Zoe Thompson

1 Topic - 'Values & Purpose'

1 Guest - Amy Kingston

5 Unseen Questions

Recorded live!

My guest for this episode is Amy Kington

Amy is an altruistic business leader who has been involved in using sport for social change in Bristol since 1998. She is passionate about improving the life chances of young people and creating opportunities so that they can fulfil their potential.

Amy has completed an MBA at UWE where she sits on the advisory board for the school of business and law. Amy is also a Business Fellow at UWE and a Learning Ambassador for the City.

1 Topic - 'The Mind, Body Connection'

1 Guest - Emma Nesta

5 Unseen Questions

All live!

My guest for this episode is Emma Nesta.

Emma is a Transformational Coach who works with people to love their voices using transformational & somatic coaching, breathwork, voice & performance coaching & teaching.

ICF Accredited Coach, Voice & Performance Coach, Entertainer, Speaker.

1 Topic - Change

1 Guest - Dr Han Newman

5 Unseen Questions

All live!

Hans questions were:

How would you define successful change in the context of your work?

What are some of the most common barriers to change that you’ve seen?

What approach do you take when you encounter resistance to change in a client?

How do you approach helping someone to identify the change that they want to make?

What is your approach to working with someone who has experienced unexpected change?

My guest for this episode is Han Newman of 'Newman Sport Psychology'

Their research focuses on sport, exercise, and physical activity for marginalised populations - including, but not limited to, gender-diverse people and people with disabilities.

Projects that Han has worked on have included: promoting physical activity in Thalidomide survivors, body image in retired elite athletes, and an evaluation of Limitless - a non-gendered/all-gender inclusive strength competition.

Through Newman Sport Psychology, Han supports anyone looking to improve their mindset in relation to sport and/or physical activity. This ranges from those who would describe themselves as inactive and looking to increase their physical activity to those involved in competitive sport.

1 Topic - Beliefs - (Limiting to Liberating)

1 Guest - Emm Sharpe

5 Unseen Questions 

All live!

Emm's questions were:

1. For startups and SME’s – how do we develop and foster our own self-belief?

2. Where can this journey of our own self-belief break down and why?

3. Part of 2

4. I don’t really like the term ‘imposter syndrome’…what do you consider this term means and what      can we do day to day to change this mindset? 

5. What are your top 3 tips for a healthy and positive self-belief mindset

My guest for this episode is Emm Sharpe.  

Emm is a passionate advocate for the deaf community and has a Specialist Degree in Deaf Studies giving her an extensive understanding of the barriers deaf people face. 

She is on a mission to break down communication difficulties which exist between the deaf and hearing worlds.  

Emm offers bespoke Deaf Awareness & support training for businesses and individuals, alongside a range of expertly taught British Sign Language (BSL) accredited courses.

1 Topic - Goal Setting

1 Guest - Heidi Chapman-Mercer 

5 Unseen Questions 

All live!

My guest for this episode is Heidi Chapman-Mercer.  Heidi is an Executive Director with Ripples Wellbeing, aiding individuals and businesses to grow a healthy, safe and positive environment that allows everyone within it to succeed.  When not working, she enjoys spending time with her young family and loved ones, practising yoga and volunteering within her local rugby community.

Heidi asked the following questions:

1. How do you set goals?

2. Where do you start with setting goals?

3. Why is goal setting important?

4. What factors can aid and/or stand in the way of achieving goals?

5. What if you're a procrastinator?

You can find Heidi and Ripples Wellbeing here:

1 Topic - Reflection & Review  

1 Guest - Charlotte Phillips-Lynn

5 Unseen Questions 

All live!

My guest for this episode is Charlotte Phillips-Lynn.  Charlotte is a Senior Operations Analyst and also a D&I Partner at Seccl.

They are also a  Keynote Speaker and  Mentor and have been named in the Top100 Gamechanger & Project 1000 Role Model with LGBT Great.

Charlotte's questions were:  

1. How often do you select and review and what does that look like?

2. The 'Gibbs’ reflective cycle' is a common flow diagram of reflection, are there techniques you use?

3. Some people aren’t sure of the terminology ‘sit with it’ to reflect and review - how would you sit with it, and what advice can you give to people on how to do this?

4. Christmas/New year is stereotypically a time for reflection and review, Do you find that this is when people make big life choices to get a coach like yourself or any other reasons

5. How has your technique of review and reflection changed over time and how has that changed your thinking now in day-to-day life and for the future.

You can find Charlotte here:

1 Topic - Reflection & Review  

1 Guest - Dr. Sarah Robins-Hobden

5 Unseen Questions 

All live!

The 5 questions Sarah asked were:

1. What kind of reviews do you do, what’s their purpose? How (and why) have they evolved over time?

2. What are the differences between effective and ineffective reviews?

3. How can we help people who get stuck in the review or planning phase, and are not moving into taking action?

4. When things haven’t gone to plan, how do you measure “success” differently so that the review is still useful?

5. Some people find reflective practice difficult or uncomfortable or boring - how can we help them find a different way of doing it that works for them?

Dr Sarah Robins-Hobden is a Chartered Psychologist, ISCP Accredited Coaching Psychologist, Learning & Development Consultant.  

Sarah helps people to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Creating bespoke personal and professional development training and coaching programmes for those she works with.

You can find out more about her work here:

1 Topic - Managing Emotions 

1 Guest - Mark Terrell from The Motivated Business Club

5 Unseen Questions 

All live!

Here are the 5 Questions Mark asked

1. Emotional Intelligence - How would you define it?

2. What strategies do you recommend to best manage emotions?

3. What do you think the link is between emotions and motivation?

4. Why do you think some people are “emotional” and others not so?

5. What emotion do you find the most challenging to manage?

Mark Terrell is the founder of The Reluctant Leader Academy, Author of “Motivated” and the Motivated Business Club creator.  He has 30 years experience of running, growing and selling a successful retail business. 

1 Topic - Rest & Sleep 

2 Guests! - Zoyah and Lailah

5 Questions

My guests for this episode are Zoyah and Lailah, Bristol Young Heroes 2021.   Lailah was nominated as a Caring Hero, and Zoyah was nominated as a Learning Hero.  

The awards aim to shine a light on those who have overcome difficult circumstances, made a difference to the lives of others, or achieved something extraordinary.  The awards culminate in a special gala awards night for the young people and their family and friends to enjoy and then they are invited to join the #PositivePathways Programme.

Both are incredible young Bristolians and the first 'young people' to guest on the #Fire5atPhoenix Podcast. 

1 Topic - Physical Health 

1 Guest - Charlie Beestone from CBNutrition 

5 Unseen Questions 

All live!

Charlie's questions were:

1.  Do you think Physical Health can be a stand-alone value, or do you think it is more important to have other values and understand that being physically healthy allows you to give your best to those other values?

2.  How do you bring your values into your awareness on a daily basis to ensure that your macro actions on a day-to-day basis are aligned to things you value, such as 'physical health'.

3. It's not uncommon for our values on physical health to differ from others.  What advice would you give to someone who wants to prioritise their physical health but might not get the support they want from friends and family?

4. How do you find the balance between knowing our values and making decisions that align with them, and then on the other side, encouraging trying new things, exploration, curiosity and all the things that we know are good for us as well?

Plus - How often do you reassess and reflect on your own values?

5.  We are often held back from better physical health by our own limiting beliefs. What can we do to remove those beliefs, or learn a different way of looking at things to change our behaviours? 

Charlie Beestone is a Food Mindset Coach helping all-or-nothing dieters lose weight and build lifelong habits whilst eating the food they love 🍔

1 Topic: Relationships

1 Guest: Thola Bennie

5 Unseen Questions

Recorded Live

Tholas' questions were:

1. How would you handle the first meeting with someone who is stressed and overwhelmed with their life?

2. What tools would you use to help them decide their next steps? 

3. How do you take care of yourself without feeling guilty? What advice would you give? 

4. How do you build resilience?  How do you help a client build their resilience? 

5. Now that people are going back into to office (post-pandemic) what are your clients sharing with you, what conversations are they having? 

You can connect with Thola and Phoenix Rising Life Coaching here:

1 Topic - Communication

1 Guest - Ryan Sheppard-Hughes

5 Questions

All live!

Ryans' questions were:

1. When was the last time you didn’t communicate effectively and how would you rectify this in hindsight?

2. Do you think moments of conflict can be effectively communicated?

3. How can we effectively communicate our boundaries?

4. Do you think the generational gap applies to a theme such as communication?

5. How do we navigate running a business that needs to improve based on the needs of individual people?  When does it become about one specific individual as supposed to the wellbeing and safeguarding of the entire company?

You can connect with Ryan and Colmers HR here: 

1 Topic - Communication

1 Guest - Alex Blake 

5 Questions

All live!

My guest for this episode is Alex Blake.  Alex founded “P.M.A. Obviously!” in November 2016, after being officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder, type 1. This was the turning point in his life, and after accepting his condition, he wanted to share his experiences with others, hoping that they too could start the road to recovery. 

“If you can manage the illness and stay in control, you can start to enjoy life again, and make the most of every life experience. It all starts with a P.M.A. Obviously!”

1 Topic 'Values and Purpose'

1 Guest Sally Fox

5 Questions

All Live!

Season 1 Finale!

Sally's questions were:  

1.  You and I have both spent a lot of time both professionally and personally reflecting, identifying and understanding our values. I recently spoke to a friend with a very different lived experience who said ‘she would not have a clue where to start' – what advice would you give to someone wanting to start identifying and realising their values?    

2  In your view – what are the pros and cons of having a clear understanding of your values, purpose and goals?    

3.  As a parent – do you think that there is more emphasis on young people now to understand who they are, what they value and have intent about where they are going?    

4.  Having courage denotes that there is an absence of fear but in my experience, it’s having the courage and accepting the presence of the fear… can you share your experiences of displaying courage despite fear?    

5.  What are your top 5 tips for living a happy and healthy life which pivots on your values?

Sally Fox is a successful Senior Manager and Leader, balancing family duties alongside the commitments of challenging leadership roles.  Sally is also a mentor and a self-development trainer.  She is someone who works hard to send the elevator down so that others can rise up and succeed. 

Zoe Thompson is a lifestyle and wellbeing coach working with clients both online and in-person to help them make profound and lasting change, unlocking minds and lives so that they can create the tomorrow they want while learning to love their today. 

Move on from surviving

It is time to thrive!

1 Topic 'Values and Purpose'

1 Guest James Perryman

5 Questions

All Live!

James's questions were:

1. How do you define purpose and values?

2. When did you first truly recognise your purpose and how did that come about?

3. Can you give me an example of where you’ve really resonated with a business’ purpose but not liked their apparent values, or vice versa? – which is also me saying, which is more important – purpose or values, and why?

4. What advice would you give to people who work for an organisation that doesn’t share or provide the right environment for them to be aligned to their personal values?

5 = Fast fire round – Are you more like…

               A HOTEL or a MOTEL? Why?

               The MORNING or the EVENING? Why?

               A SHARK or a SARDINE? Why?

               A SHOE or a SOCK? Why?

               A WINDOW or a DOOR? Why?

               A TREE or a BUSH? Why?

               A MOUNTAIN or a VALLEY? Why?

               STEEL or GOLD? Why?

               A LIFT or STAIRS? Why? 

***

James Perryman is the founder of 'Momentus' -  Coaching Individuals and businesses, helping people connect better with themselves and each other.  

James specialises in human behaviour and communication styles to bring greater clarity and purpose.

1 Topic 'Values and Purpose'

1 Guest Louise McMilan

5 Questions

All Live!

Louise's questions were:

1.  We hear the phrase ‘role model’ more and more these days.  I think more so than when I was growing up.  Has there been a role model who has helped shape your values or purpose? 

2.  When it comes to values two people can share the same value, however, have different meanings for it.  Have you experience that and what was the impact.  

3.  Did you have a major life change that impacted your values and purpose?  

4.  There feels more pressure towards young adults to have life figured out sooner.  How far into your life did you acknowledge what your purpose was in life and took the steps towards it? 

5..  For anyone listening who may be experiencing some challenges with family, friends or colleagues who hold different values or dismissing their purpose in life.  What is your experience or advice to help them? 

Louise McMilan is a coach helping women to realise their dreams and to achieve happiness and ultimately enabling them to “Live life more fully”.

1 Topic 'Values and Purpose'

1 Guest  Helena Mitchell

5 Questions

All Live!

Helena's questions were:

1. What do you value most about your life, in work and outside of work and how have these changed over the years?

2. Have you found your value and purpose has changed over the years due to family, friends or colleagues influence?

3. Do you think your value and purpose in life in your eyes will truly reflect the value and purpose other people see in your life?

4. How do you think social media and the pandemic have affected our own view on things we value? And how do you think if it has it has affected altered or changed our purpose in life?

5. For someone struggling to find their own self-worth, value and purpose what advice do you have based on your experiences in life

***

Helena Mitchell is a British female voiceover artist and actor. She is also a baking mad farm girl with a talent for all things creative.

1 Topic 'The Mind, Body Connection'

1 Guest  Emma Rowett

5 Questions

All Live!

Emma's questions were:  

1. If you were deserted on an island for a week, what would be the one food you would take with you?

2. When you hear the phrase 'Mind-Body-Skin' connection what immediately comes to mind?

3. What is your opinion on the link between the food and drink we consume and mental wellbeing?

4. Do you think there is a movement towards people making the connection between food consumption and mental health, or is there a decline?

5. What would be the small change that everyone could make that would have the biggest impact on their health?

Emma Rowett is a Mgt Consultant by day. Naturopathic Nutritionist & Energy Dealer by night with a mission to change the health of this planet one person at a time.

You can find Emma here:

1 Topic 'The Mind, Body Connection'

1 Guest  Kerry Seymour

5 Questions

All Live!

Kerry's questions were:

How important do you think it is to understand the mind-body connection? And what do you think is the best way to raise awareness around this issue?

What do you do to stay aware of or be mindful of your own mind-body connection? And what benefits do you feel this brings to you personally?

What would you say is the single most effective thing you can do to look after both your physical and mental health?

Which areas of healthcare do you think are most prone to a disconnect between the mind-body connection? What changes would you like to see in the healthcare system regarding this?

Would you rather have excellent mental health and mediocre physical health or excellent physical health and mediocre mental health?

***

1 Topic 'The Mind, Body Connection' 

1 Guest  Sarah Tompsett

5 Questions

All Live!

Sarah's questions were:

1. What can we learn about the human experience from (recognising) the mind-body connection?

2. What telltale signs do you associate with someone’s mind-body being out of balance?

3. In the current climate of uncertainty, lack of connection and control over our futures, what practices have you found helpful to manage your stress levels and remain positive?

4. What examples can you share of how your thoughts and beliefs have affected your physical health and conversely, how food, exercise & sleep (the things we do to nurture our physical health) impact your mental health?

5. A good example of the mind-body connection is the quote by Gabor Mate, “If you don’t know how to say no, your body will say it through physical illness”. What is your take on this?

***

Sarah is a Natural Health Practitioner, Coach, Mentor, ex HR Professional and Mum of two.  She is passionate about supporting clients to get well naturally integrating a unique set of experiences, skills, learnings and wisdom to ensure that you receive the best possible combination of guidance and support for your own healing journey.

1 Topic 'The Mind, Body Connection'

1 Guest Paul Harris

5 Questions

All Live!

Paul's questions were:

1. What is the Mind-Body Connection?

2. For decades psychology and physiology were seen as two separate things, do you still think there is a gap in people’s understanding of how the two work together?

3. Do you think it’s possible to 'think yourself' well?

4. I’ve read a lot about the role of the gut in mental wellbeing and that it is the second brain; how important is what we eat to our mental wellbeing?

5. What do you do to get the mind and the body working in harmony?

***

Paul lives in Bedfordshire with Kim, and their Westie, Leo. A country boy at heart, so when London became too busy and claustrophobic they moved to have space and fresh air, where he could start his running journey, go for long walks and have a garden to potter in to begin his recovery from anxiety, panic and depression.

1 Topic  'Change'

1 Guest  Maria Newman

5 Questions

All Live!

Maria's questions were:

1. What do you think is the most common reason people don't want to change?

2. What advice do you give to your clients to motivate them to embrace change?

3. How can we encourage those around us to drive for change?

4. What tips do you have that will help us to see the positive things change can bring?

5. How can we become confident with change?

Maria Newman helps mums who feel like they’re watching their lives from the sidelines to fully embrace life by providing them with tools and techniques, together with tough love, to get moving in the right direction.

1 Topic 'Change'

1 Guest  Tamsin Regnes

5 Questions

All Live!

Tamsin's questions were:

1. Some people see change in a positive light, as a chance to explore or innovate, but others can be more risk-averse and see the process of change as a more negative thing. What obstacles do people have that can make change a challenge?

2. What are your thoughts about people feeling they need to change how they behave for example on social media or at work. 

3. If someone had to implement a change at work (or even at home) when they knew that not everyone would be on board immediately – what suggestions would you have for them?

4. What has been the biggest change you have made to your business in the last year?

5. If you were being sponsored to raise money for one of your chosen causes and you were going to completely change the colour of your hair (you can choose any colour you like) what colour would it be and why?

***

1 Topic  'Change'

1 Guest  Katy Osborne

5 Questions

All Live!

Katy's questions were:

• What advice would you give to someone facing change?

• What's the biggest change that you have found yourself taking and how did you keep focused on getting through it? 

• If you were faced with a big change in your life now, do you think you'd approach it any differently than you have done before?

• I think we need change in our lives to be able to grow. But why do you think we need change in our life?

• Do you think there is a particular trick to help support friends and family going through change?

***

Katy is a Knock-Out Virtual Assistant that makes up KOVA Business Support.  As a Virtual Assistant, she helps you remotely with Weddings & Events, Social Media and General Admin.

1 Topic  'Change'

1 Guest  Vicky Price

5 Questions

All Live!

Vicky's questions were:

1. A few years ago I was in an unhappy relationship, I was a stay at home mum with 4 children. I knew I had to leave but I was scared of the changes I would have to make: Leaving the relationship, being on my own, working, putting children into school, moving cities. What would you have said to me if you had known me at that time?

2. When I was younger I used to feel complacent about life, I had a home, job, a child, everything was good. And then something happens in life to change it. How do I create a secure life whilst preparing for constant change?

3. How do we bring up our children to feel safe and secure and to trust the world when we know in reality everything can change for them ie the death of a parent or grandparent, divorce, moving houses or schools, friends moving away. 

4.The world is moving at such a rapid pace, there is so much that I just do not recognize. How do we plan for our futures when we don't know what the future will look like?

5. My work is digital marketing, which is also changing all of the time. As a business owner. how do you deal with your own marketing and being seen and heard when there is so much change going on?

***

Vicky is the founder of 'CreatiV Communications' and works with business owners to help businesses needs to be seen and heard helping them to create a marketing strategy, plan and content.

1 Topic 

1 Guest

5 Questions

All Live!

Jules questions were:

1. What is meant by having a positive mindset?

2. Why is it so important to have a positive mindset?

3. What strategies or tools can we use to develop a positive mindset?

4. How can we maintain a positive mindset?

5. What do you do to remain so positive about life?

***

Jules is a wellbeing life Coach helping women to make positive long-lasting changes to their lifestyle, so they can embrace a healthier, happier life.

1 Topic 

1 Guest

5 Questions

All Live!

Jim's questions were:

1. For anyone trying to improve their mindset and wanting to develop some good habits in relation to this, have you got any simple suggestions to ease people in, maybe activities you’ve found have helped you or your clients, or inspiring books or even famous public figures that people can look into?

2. Do you have any tells or triggers that you use to catch yourself if you feel your mindset is starting to slip into a more negative space?

3. It may be assumed that a positive mindset is generally developed when someone is in a positive place, but speaking from my own experience, arguably my most positive and progressive mindsets have been shaped during the most difficult and negative times of my life. What’s your thoughts on the relationship between emotional or mental states and the mindset that one develops?

4. Do you think more needs to be done in businesses to support staff with mindset development, alongside the general job-related training and wellbeing support that they may receive?

5. For those who don’t know, which I’m sure most do, during your strength training days you were one of the UK and Europe’s strongest women, to finish, is there a positive story you can share about how your mindset made a difference on your performance, either during competition or just in training.

***

Jim works for AMH creating a workspace to enhance your business performance by supporting your organisation's culture, brand, vision and ways of working.

1 Topic 

1 Guest

5 Questions

All Live!

Tom's questions were:

1. Fixed Mindset and Growth Mindset: is it so simple that we all fall into either category?

2. How much of mindset is in our nature, and how much is nurture/environment?

3. How would someone start to build a more positive/healthy mindset?

4. What impact has 2020/Coronavirus had on people's mindset?

5. How would you describe your own mindset?

*** 

Tom is the founder of 'Mightify' specialists in career change taking people from institutionalised to inspired. 

1 Guest

1 Topic

5 Questions 

All Live!

Tashon's questions were:

1. How can family members, parents or mentors positively support young people’s self-beliefs whilst remaining realistic.

2. Have self-limiting beliefs limited you in any aspects of your life? If so how do you learn from this to stop it hindering you?

3. How do you effectively manifest your beliefs without simply having an idea and hoping it happens?

4. How do you remain strong in your self-belief if you’re surrounded by doubters or negative thinkers? 

5. Success differs for everyone but requires a similar drive & determination. Saying this, do you think it's possible to succeed without self-belief?

***

Tashon is a basketball coach as well as a teacher and mentor. Running workshops, programmes and tournaments Tashon is passionate about supporting and developing young people on and off the court. 

1 Guest

1 Topic

5 Questions 

All Live!

Kevin's questions were:

In the world of mental health training, the “frame of reference” model is a vital one to teach. It encourages people to understand that their entire portfolio of beliefs and values, when bundled together, create this “frame of reference” that we judge everyone and everything against.

1. Thinking back over your entire life, who would you say were the 3 people who had the biggest impact on your frame of reference becoming what it is?

2. Would you agree that we, as a society, don’t do enough to encourage people to understand and shape theirs, and if so, how could we change that?

3. If you could change any part of your own frame of reference, what would it be and how could you go about changing it? Or is it too late?

Unconscious bias has grabbed quite a few headlines this year, especially with the increased movement to tackle racial injustice. Unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain groups of people that we’re not necessarily aware that we have.

4. Are these biases truly unconscious, as in subconscious – or are we able to tap into them? If so, how?

5. If one of your listeners became aware of an unconscious bias that they have, what tips could you give to help them “do the right thing” despite this bias?

***

Kevin is the founder of 'Big Dog Little Dog' a small social enterprise helping organisations to improve the way that they support people suffering from poor mental health.  

1 Guest

1 Topic

5 Questions 

All Live!

Hazel's questions were:

1.  Do you believe mind over matter is possible?

2. How do you have that conversation to help make yourself believe that things are possible?

3. How do you deal with situations when your beliefs don't match with someone you have to be around, personally or professionally?

4. What beliefs would be important to help our children at this time?

5. Do you have any tips for people to reframe the negative belief of phobias?

***

Hazel is the founder of Busy Keys providing businesses with admin support and backup.

She is also a mum and a horse and pet owner.

1 Guest

1 Topic

5 Questions 

All Live

Fenella's questions were:

1. Why do humans have beliefs? 

2. If I was someone who'd never really thought about my beliefs before, where would you suggest I begin in thinking about them?

3 How would you suggest people go about changing a belief that doesn't serve them? I think I asked this as part of the conversation above!.

4. With two people who have opposing beliefs, where you're meditating, what could you do to start to bring them together.

5. What's the strongest / most important belief you hold?

6. What beliefs have you changed that have had the most effect on your life?

***

Fenella takes a whole-person approach to teaching NLP, Hypnosis and Time Line Therapy™ and is incredibly passionate about what she teaches,  paying huge attention to the quality and precision of every training. Fenella also coaches individuals too in VIP breakthrough days and solution focussed brief coaching programmes.

1 Guest (ish!) 

1 Topic - Goals 

5 Questions 

All Live!

Patch and Rich's questions were:

1.  Take yourself back to secondary school and the Careers Advisor.  What would you say to young people of that age who are not sure about what they want to do, how can they set a goal? 

2.  Is there a danger of setting yourself unachievable goals.  What would you say to someone who isn't achieving their goals?

3.  Is there such a thing as a Plan 'A' goal and Plan 'B' goal that can be worked on at the same time or should you focus on Plan 'A'

4.  How important is it to set longer-term goals, especially in times of uncertainty?

5.  Most of us know about 'SMART' goals, have you helped clients set more subjective and less measurable goals?

***

Patch and Rich aka 3 Peaps in a Podcast - three lads chatting about what they have been up to, making TV recommendations and using random questions to drive out witty banter and conversation. There are a few regular segments throughout. The “Room of Doom”, which is a play on the BBC one show Room 101, and also “Rich’s Rant”, which is a platform for Rich to get his latest bug bears off his chest.

You can find the '3 Peaps in a Podcast' on all streaming platforms. 

Zoe Thompson is a lifestyle and wellbeing coach working with clients both online and in-person to help them make profound and lasting change, unlocking minds and lives so that they can create the tomorrow they want while learning to love their today.

Move on from surviving

It is time to thrive!

1 Guest - Polly Rathbone Ward 

1 Topic - Goals 

5 Questions 

All Live! 

Polly's questions were: 

1.  Why it is important to set goals? What are the benefits?  

2.  When setting goals, how much do you reflect on the past year or do you just draw a line on the past and focus on the future 

3.  When you’re having one of those days when it’s hard to motivate yourself, how do you advise people to move out of this feeling? What tips do you have 

4.  How do you advise dealing with setting goals/adjusting goals when there are external forces outside of your control that may affect how you go about goal setting or achieving goals? 

5.  How do you know if you are focusing on the right things? You can find out more about Polly and her work here: 

***

With qualifications in HR and Employment Law, Polly has 19 years of experience working in HR in a variety of industries and a wealth of experience with all kinds of different HR situations.

1 Topic - 'Goals' 

1 Guest - Nicky Marshall 

5 Questions

All Live!

Nicky's questions were:

1. How do you see goals as different from having a vision (if at all) and do you work with one or both?

2. If you haven’t achieved a goal, how do you reframe/bounce back?

3. When did you achieve a really BIG goal? Which one sticks out for you?

4. Right now people are locked in and limited…what do you suggest around setting goals to stay motivated?

5. Once you have your goal set – where do you start?

***

Nicky is an award-winning, international speaker and best-selling author. She is also a mum, nan and wife and loves nothing more than family time.

At 40, Nicky suffered and recovered from a disabling stroke – inspiring a life’s mission to make a bigger difference.

1 Guest - Mark Sleight from HealthBuddy

1 Topic - Reflection and Review (Goals) 

5 Questions

All Live!

Mark's questions were:

1. When you assess your goals at the end of the year, do you assess the whole year or do you review all the smaller milestones/monthly goals as you go?

2. How harsh are you on yourself when you review at the end of the year if you haven't hit your targets/goals?

3. How much do you celebrate your successes?

4. How long does it take you to review your year and your goals?

5. Do you review on your own and/or do you seek advice and opinions from other people?

***

Mark is a Personal Trainer, Nutritional Advisor and Meditation Teacher, helping to change lives in Milton Keynes and Buckingham

1 Topic - Reflection and Reviewing your Goals

1 Guest - Martin Preston

5 Questions

All Live!

Martin's questions were:

1. COVID has forced many of us to reassess our goals, what impact has it had on your ambitions?

2. Life isn’t always certain, but COVID has really reinforced that change is frequent and unpredictable (VUCA). How can we review our goals when there is so much uncertainty?

3. Reflection is a common term, but I’m not sure many people realise its value and how to reflect effectively. What does it mean to you and how do you approach it? 

a. What advice can you give those who need some structure to improve their reflective practice?  

4. There are so many internal and external pressures on us. How can we make sure that our reflection and goals come from a place of authenticity?

5. We’ve talked about reviewing our goals, reflecting, being authentic and creating the conditions to be our best. What’s the one piece of advice that’s central to doing all of that successfully?

***

With 30 years of experience in coaching, managing and leading in the sports industry Mark is an expert in positive culture change and team impact by using a blend of methods. These include marginal gains, growth mindset, creativity, innovation and behaviour change.

1 Topic - Managing Your Emotions

1 Guest - Graham Southorn 

5 Questions

All Live!

Graham's questions were:

1. When I meet people to write their Wills, family circumstances can make the process very emotional. How can people make the best financial decisions when strong emotions are involved?
2. We hear a lot about emotional intelligence (EQ). What does emotional intelligence mean to you and how can we use it in practice?
3. Grief is probably the most powerful emotion. What is grief and what are the best ways of dealing with it?
4. Christmas is a time of family get-togethers. How can family relationships affect our emotions and do you have any tips for surviving a family Christmas?
5. Are there emotions or feelings that you find difficult to articulate?

***

Graham is a will writer and legacy planner based in Bristol working with Maplebrook Services. 

1 Topic - Managing Emotions

1 Guest - Amanda Gallagher from Children's Hospice Southwest 

5 Questions

All Live!

Amanda's questions were:

1 Since I started at CHSW and I’m sure other fundraisers feel like there is more I can be doing and if I just do this one application, that could make the difference and be the one that is transformational. How would you suggest finding and ensuring more balance? 

2 I feel like I have to say yes to every opportunity as everything could mean more awareness/more support for the charity, do you have any suggestions of how to overcome this? 

3 What makes you angry? 

4 Both done our fair share of networking and now virtual networking. Whether it’s online or in-person, I do find if I’ve had a bad day then I don’t feel like it but actually, it usually really helps to be around people – even if it is just on a screen. How do you stop your mood from impacting your work?

5 I used to worry about everything but the best piece of advice I ever had was about the circle of influence and circle of concern and I tell everyone about it! What would be your best piece of advice to share? 

***

Amanda Gallagher Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser with Children's Hospice South West. For more than 25 years Children's Hospice South West has been caring for children with life-threatening conditions by providing children's hospice and professional family support services. We are dedicated to making the most of short and precious lives through the provision of the best possible hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. The care offered at each of our three hospices is not just about medical and nursing support for sick children but enriching the lives of the children and their whole family.

1 Topic - Managing Your Emotions

1 Guest - Jade Lewis

5 Questions

All Live!

Jade's questions were:

1) Losing a job is a form of loss, how would you suggest someone manages that loss?

2) Self-esteem and identity are tied into who we are.  We spend so much time in work it is a big part of who we are and so to lose that is challenging. How do you stop job loss from impacting other areas of your identity and who you are?

3) I felt a lot of shame, for other people experiencing shame and struggling to ask for help, what advice would you give?

4) There are lots of stories on social media about people stepping back or taking lower-level jobs creating a lot of discussions - what are your thoughts on that? 

5) There are also lots of stories of people being taken advantage of in the job market as a result of COVID19 what are your thoughts?

6) The news is really bleak around jobs, mental health and wellbeing. The general feeling is it is not recommended to physically see a doctor what suggestions or resources would you suggest to people who are feeling low and vulnerable that is easy to access?

***

Jade is a business owner alongside her friend and partner Hassan.  Having worked together in the events industry, when covid hit, Jade was made redundant, and Hassan was concerned over whether or not the sector would recover, and they agreed that it was time for something new. 

That something new was Whip-It, mobile valeting in and around the Bristol area.

1 Guest - Stuart Middleton

1 Topic - Managing Emotions

5 Questions 

All live!

Stuart's questions were:

1.  Men can generally be quite closed off when it comes to managing their emotions. If somebody wanted to start opening up, what would you recommend to help them go about it?

2.  When you are having a hard time, one of the things you can struggle with is not wanting to burden your partner and shoulder the weight yourself. Do you have any tips to get around that?

3.  Social Media can be a minefield on managing your emotions.  Do you have any tips on how people can manage that?

4.  Negative self-talk is often a problem for people and that can drive your emotions. What is the best way to deal with that and how can you try and make a more positive internal dialogue?

5. Loneliness is a big problem. We are more connected more than ever but people feel more alone. Have you got any suggestions on how people can manage it? 

***

After losing his best friend Dan, Stuart set out on a year of challenges to test himself and to raise awareness and some money for mental health causes. It was a success and to build on it he set up a Charitable Foundation in his memory.

1 Guest - Julie Hartell

1 Topic - Managing Your Emotions 

5 Questions

All Live!

Julie's questions were:

1. Emotions and feelings are vitally important for human connection.  The lockdowns due to COVID19 is creating a myriad of emotions, what would be your top 3 pieces of advice to help people stay positive and keep emotions in check?

2. When have you felt the emotion of demotivation with your own business and how have you overcome and managed that?

3. I suffered from emotional detachment when I became a mum for the second time due to postnatal depression.  Why do you think some people choose to be unwilling to connect with others on an emotional level and what would be your advice if they are wanting to overcome this?

4. In my previous career working in the corporate world, I regularly encountered people who I felt did not manage their emotions well and came across to me as angry people. How would you advise someone who manages someone who appears angry and is not aware of the impact of their words and tone?

5. Men and women manage their emotions in different ways.  Women 'tend' to be open with their emotions and men 'tend' to keep their emotions in check or hide them. (Not 'all'). What would be your suggestion for a couple who cannot connect emotionally because they express and communicate their emotions differently and he is not showing the emotions that she wants to see?

***

Julie runs Coaching and Return-to-Work Workshops for Corporate and SME clients helping your staff to successfully and confidently return to work, be productive and stay happy.

1 Guest - Jay Unwin

1 Topic - Rest and Sleep

5 Questions 

All Live!

Jay's questions were:

1. What of the following films is better, 'The Big Sleep',  'Sleepless in Seattle' or 'Sleepy Hollow' 

2. Who were the better band 'Sleeper' or 'Sleepytime Gorilla Museum'?

3. What do you call a tired woodcutter?

4.  In 30 seconds list the top 5 benefits of getting better quantity and quality of sleep.

5. What single action do you believe has the greatest impact on sleep quality for most people? 

***

Jay is a mental and physical fitness coach, speaker and author. He works with busy executives and their organisations providing a simple, actionable fitness philosophy, which they can use to overhaul their habits and lifestyle, and level up their mental and physical fitness.

1 Guest - Aleksandra Modzelewska

1 Topic - Rest and Sleep

5 Questions 

All Live!

Alek's questions were:

1. During your training years I can imagine your training was very intense which can put stress on the body. How did you ensure you were getting enough quality rest after and in between training sessions and what impact did it have, if any, on your recovery?

2. I know that some days require more energy than others, especially when we have a long day of client sessions, presentations etc. In preparation for those days do you tweak your bedtime routine the night before to make sure you feel rested and focused the next day? What do you do?

3. Lockdown related question - do you think that lockdown which threw us to work from home, not being able to go outside as much as we used to and using our living rooms as our new place of work impacts our ability to properly rest and relax?

4. Rest for the body and rest for the mind? Is it different? If so, should they go hand in hand or can we focus on one and ignore the other?

5. What would you say we can we do more of or less of to help us sleep better at night?

***

Aleks helps you find your version of healthy.  Aleks shows people that losing weight and eating healthily need not be boring and bland. She empowers people by sharing knowledge and giving them the right tools for them to be able to make better decisions for themselves. 

1 Guest - Emma Kennedy 

1 Topic - Activity and Physical Health 

5 Questions 

All Live!

Emma's questions were:

1 Which is more important for developing and maintaining physical health; motivation or discipline? 

2. What and how can we promote and educate the next generation to the importance of physical health?

3. Is it better to do something rather than nothing or should technique and teaching/instruction be prioritised over 'having a go'?

4. Do you feel we prioritise and use physical health enough to help those with challenges/issues with their mental health?

5. If I could wave a magic wand to allow you to magically just be able to do 'one' physical thing what would you want to do any why?

..Bonus

Which event in Strongman was your favourite or greatest personal achievement and why? 

***

Emma is a Personal Trainer and Sports Massage Therapist in Gloucester. She is a huge advocate for the sport of strongman/strongwoman and has a community of people who strive to:  Always be yourself. Always strive for better. Always aim for #StrongerThanBefore