Building Bliss Podcast

Alex Clapp, MD of County Cost Consultants and founder of the Clarity Group, shares his journey from being a successful entrepreneur to struggling with alcoholism and finding recovery. He emphasizes the importance of men being open about their mental health and seeking help. Alex's bravery is highlighted in his decision to email all his clients and openly share his struggles with alcoholism. Laughter has played a crucial role in his recovery, and he believes in the power of having fun and enjoying life without alcohol. Alex's story is an inspiration for others to seek help and find a different way of living. He is inspired by working with charities that provide support to those affected by alcoholism and suicide. He volunteers for the National Organisation of Children of Alcoholics and partners with Ripple, a suicide prevention software. His motivation is to help others and make a positive impact. Alex emphasizes the importance of accepting oneself and finding inner peace. He believes that success is being happy, authentic, and present in life, as well as being a good role model and giving back to others. Alex reflects on his journey and the changes he has made, and he is excited about the positive changes he is making through Club Clarity.

SummaryMary Cross reflects on her experience at the Womanifest festival, discussing the themes of bravery, laughter, inspiration, spark, and success. She shares her own acts of bravery, such as participating in open water swimming and doing a fire walk. Mary emphasises the power of laughter and the importance of being silly and accessing joy. She also highlights the inspiration she gained from the festival and the success stories she witnessed. Mary concludes by discussing the concept of comfort zones and the need to respect and support each other's individual boundaries.TakeawaysWomanifest is an empowerment and wellbeing festival for women and teenage girls.Acts of bravery, such as performing stand-up comedy or participating in open water swimming, can lead to personal growth and transformation.Laughter is a powerful tool for healing and building connections.Inspiration can be found in the stories and experiences of others.Success is measured by the positive impact we have on others and the freedom to choose how we live our lives.Respecting and supporting each other's comfort zones is essential.TitlesLaughter: Healing and Connecting Through JoySpark: Igniting Confidence and TransformationChapters00:00 Introduction to Womanifest Festival05:15 The Power of Bravery14:13 Laughter: Healing and Connecting Through Joy17:16 Finding Inspiration: Stories and Wisdom That Inspire22:49 Spark: Igniting Confidence and Transformation26:42 Defining Success: Making a Positive Impact and Living Freely29:06 Respecting and Supporting Comfort Zones

Liz Folen, a positive psychologist and alcohol-free advocate, shares her journey and work in positive psychology. She discusses her experience as a teacher and how she incorporated positive psychology strategies into the classroom. Liz also talks about her decision to give up alcohol and the impact it had on her life. She emphasizes the importance of identifying and utilizing one's strengths and the power of affirmations. Liz highlights the need for authentic positivity and the dangers of toxic positivity. She also discusses the three pillars of well-being: physical health, relationships, and psychology. In this part of the conversation, She discusses the importance of laughter and inspiration in her life. She shares her love for humour and how it connects her with others. She also talks about the people who have inspired her, including her parents, her artist way tribe, and Lucy Rocker, the founder of Soberistas. Liz emphasizes the significance of social connection and the detrimental effects of loneliness. She also touches on the need to challenge the culture of busyness and prioritize well-being. In this final part of the conversation, Liz Folan discusses the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in finding happiness and success. She emphasizes the need to be honest with oneself and to strip away the things that don't add value to our lives. Liz also shares her journey to sobriety and how it has brought her a sense of alignment and authenticity. She encourages listeners to question their habits and beliefs and to take control of their own narrative. Liz's definition of success is personal alignment and authenticity, and she believes that success is measured by positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning and purpose, and accomplishment.

Kate Henderson, founder of The Tonic, discusses the benefits of CBD and the misconceptions surrounding it. She explains that CBD is not psychoactive and does not make you high, as it contains very low levels of THC. She also discusses the endocannabinoid system in our bodies and how CBD interacts with it to promote balance and regulate various systems. Kate shares her own experiences of bravery, including traveling alone in India and starting her own business. She emphasizes the importance of laughter in her life and how it helps her navigate difficult times. Kate also talks about the influence of her upbringing and the inspiration she finds in herself and the people around her. The conversation explores themes of inspiration, resilience, success, and the impact of social media. Kate discusses her internal drive to make change and the importance of self-awareness. She emphasizes the value of being independent and inspiring others through her work and ethical approach. Kate also shares her passion for creating a positive customer experience and the freedom to focus on the things that bring her joy. The conversation touches on the negative effects of social media and the need to disconnect from technology. Overall, success is defined as having the flexibility to prioritize happiness and personal fulfilment.

Alex Jenner, a mental health support worker with a degree in psychology, discusses the concept of personal growth and the freedom to change one's mind. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with people who support and encourage growth. Alex also talks about the integration of holistic therapies and science-based therapies in her podcast, highlighting the beauty of embracing different perspectives. She shares her experiences with social media and the need for authenticity and self-acceptance. Alex discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health and the importance of finding a sustainable approach that works for each individual. She also touches on her journey with body image and the importance of enjoying food and maintaining a healthy relationship with it.

In this episode, Lily discusses her passion for riding horses and singing, and how both activities contribute to her mental health. She shares her experiences competing in British Dressage and her dream of participating in the Paralympics. Lily also talks about choosing her own music for freestyle riding and writing her own songs. She opens up about the loss of her aunt and grandmother and how music has helped her through the grieving process. Lily emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting people with disabilities and mental health issues.

In this episode, the guest discusses her idea for a podcast about ADHD and anxiety in school. She shares her personal experiences with ADHD and how it affects her school life. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy for students with ADHD and anxiety. The guest also talks about her future aspirations and how animals provide comfort and support for her. Overall, the podcast aims to raise awareness and provide support for students facing similar challenges.

Alison Blackler, a mind coach and author, shares her journey of self-discovery and personal growth. She discusses the importance of understanding oneself and the challenges of being true to who you are in a society that values conformity. Alison emphasizes the need for bravery and the willingness to step outside of one's comfort zone. She also highlights the power of laughter and humor in building connections and relieving pressure. Alison encourages individuals to challenge their limiting beliefs and embrace their true selves. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of remote work and the importance of trust and connection in the workplace. It emphasizes the need for individuals to develop skills and make a commitment to personal growth. The conversation also touches on the power of inspiration and the importance of being true to oneself. Success is defined as being aligned with one's true self and making decisions that are right for oneself. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the impact of receiving compliments and the importance of recognizing and celebrating small wins.

Jodie Salt, an executive coach and founder of the Womanifest Festival, shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, discussing the importance of feminine energy, the challenges of running a festival, and the value of laughter in life. Jodie discusses her sources of inspiration, the challenges faced by teenage girls, the impact of technology and social media, and the changing definition of success. She emphasizes the importance of mental well-being and the need to avoid the 'busy' culture. Jodie reflects on her journey and offers advice to her younger self.

Caroline Gavin, a coaching-led growth consultant, shares her journey from studying languages and international business to becoming a mental fitness coach. She discusses the importance of wellbeing, the impact of travel on coaching, and the value of deep listening. The conversation delves into bravery, laughter, inspiration, and success, exploring the themes of self-awareness, toxic positivity, and the power of mindset. Caroline shares her experiences in public speaking, motivational speaking, and education. She discusses her sources of inspiration, including her family and her daughter's resilience. She emphasizes the importance of making small changes for personal growth and reflects on her definition of success. Caroline also highlights the value of finding the gift in challenging moments and shares her contact information for those interested in learning more about her work.Keywords

In this episode, Mary reflects on her journey of launching the podcast and shares her learnings and experiences. She discusses the challenges of perfectionism and the importance of taking action. She also talks about the role of collaboration and seeking help in achieving success. Mary emphasizes the pillars of bravery, laughter, inspiration, spark, and success in the podcast. She expresses gratitude for the guests' bravery in sharing their personal stories and highlights the power of laughter and inspiration in overcoming challenges. Mary concludes by stating that success is measured by the impact the podcast has on others.

Jane Horan reflects on the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned after experiencing public humiliation and online attacks. She discusses the importance of resilience and self-belief in overcoming adversity. Jane shares her journey of self-discovery and healing, including her time in Canada and her decision to pursue her passion for holistic practices. She emphasizes the significance of laughter and embracing one's inner child in finding happiness and healing. In this conversation, Jane discusses what makes her laugh, her sources of inspiration, how she got her spark back, and what success means to her. She emphasizes the importance of accepting oneself and nurturing the inner spark. Jane also talks about the power of holistic living and the role of energy work in her healing journey. She shares personal anecdotes and highlights the significance of self-love and self-care in achieving happiness and success.

Katie Eckersley, an intuitive life coach and stand-up comedian, shares her journey of bravery and laughter. She discusses how she combines practical coaching methods with the woo-woo aspects of tuning into higher self and balancing chakras. Katie emphasizes the importance of trusting our intuition and embracing both feminine and masculine energies. She also talks about her personal experiences with bravery, including getting her black belt in kickboxing and pursuing stand-up comedy. Katie highlights the power of manifestation, taking intentional action, and finding joy in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire. Katie Eckersley discusses her journey from a dark place to finding her spark and pursuing her passion for comedy. She talks about overcoming her inner critic and using humor as a tool to silence negative thoughts. Katie shares her favorite joke and the importance of simple humor. She also discusses her sources of inspiration, including Mel Robbins and Karen Brady. Katie emphasizes the importance of following your dreams and finding inner peace as a measure of success. She reflects on what her younger self would think of her now and encourages others to believe in themselves.

Sarah Fox, a former construction lawyer and professional speaker, discusses her journey in the construction industry and her passion for simplifying contracts. She shares her experience of starting her own business and embarking on a five-month sabbatical cycling trip with her husband. Sarah emphasizes the importance of laughter in her life and how she incorporates humour into her training and speaking engagements. She also talks about her close relationship with her twin sister and the joy of making each other laugh. Sarah concludes by sharing her favourite joke. Sarah Fox shares her journey of simplifying contracts and finding inspiration in everyday life. She discusses her sources of inspiration, including her family and people who do inspiring things. Sarah also talks about the moment of inspiration that led her to simplify contracts and create her company, 500 Words. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on what truly matters in contracts and not getting caught up in unnecessary complexity. Sarah shares her definition of success, which is having fun and meeting goals, and discusses the importance of finding joy in the small things in life.

Building Bliss Podcast - Ayesha Gavin

Laura Teare Jones, a hormone and mindset coach, shares her journey of living with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and how it has shaped her work in supporting women with their hormones, mindset, and businesses. She discusses the challenges of living with PMDD, the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding menstrual health and mental health, and the importance of self-compassion and self-care. Laura emphasizes the bravery of individuals living with PMDD and the need for support and understanding. She also highlights the power of laughter as an antidote to dark times and the role of humour in her coaching. Laura shares her inspiration and journey with PMDD, and how it has given her purpose. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the menstrual cycle and living life on your own terms. Laura discusses the spark that ignites passion and the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire and support you. She also talks about her networking group, Get Shit Done Club, and her program that helps entrepreneurs overcome mindset challenges and get shit done. Laura's definition of success is living a simple life with excitement and variety.

Andrea Moulding, a breast cancer survivor, shares her story and the importance of bravery, laughter, inspiration, spark, and success. She discusses her background and upbringing, including her various career changes and travels. Andrea talks about the definition of bravery and the challenges of telling her children about her cancer diagnosis. She also shares her journey of starting a podcast, Get It Off Your Chest, which uses humour to normalize the conversation around cancer. Andrea emphasizes the power of laughter and finding humour in difficult situations. She finds inspiration in history and shares stories of remarkable women. Andrea discusses her inspiration from women in history, the importance of oral history, and the impact of cancer on her life. She also talks about her desire to inspire others and her definition of success.

CONTENT WARNING: coercive control, domestic violence and narcissism.Caroline Taylor shares her story of escaping a 20 year relationship where she was subject to coercive control and domestic abuse.She then took the even braver step of pursuing it through to prosecution securing one of the few convictions there have been for this offence.Caroline speaks with such power about her experiences and somehow manages to talk calmly whilst conveying the depth of the emotions she was feeling.She discusses the complexities of coercive and controlling behaviour and the impact it had on her and her family.Caroline emphasises the importance of setting boundaries and the challenges of rebuilding after leaving a controlling relationship.She also shares her experience of documenting evidence and going through the prosecution process.The conversation concludes with Caroline addressing her ex-husband in court during the sentencing.In this conversation:Caroline shares her experience of leaving a coercive relationship and the legal process that followed. She discusses the challenges of dealing with a narcissistic partner and the importance of community support.Caroline underlines the power of laughter in healing and finding joy in life. She also highlights the inspiration she draws from her friends and daughters.Caroline hopes that sharing her story will inspire others to leave abusive relationships and find happiness and success in their lives.TakeawaysLeaving an abusive relationship takes immense bravery and often requires reaching a personal limit. Coercive and controlling behaviour can be complex and may not always be physical, but it erodes confidence and self-worth. Setting boundaries is crucial for personal growth and regaining control after leaving an abusive relationship. Documenting evidence is important for prosecuting abusers and seeking justice. Addressing the abuser in court can be a powerful moment of reclaiming power and speaking one's truth.Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Bravery: Leaving an Abusive Marriage 06:47 Bravery: Reaching the Limit 08:53 Coercive and Controlling Behavior 10:03 Setting Boundaries 13:47 Impact on Children 14:25 Prosecution Process 27:19 Court Case and Trial 30:19 Addressing the Accuser 31:37 Recognizing Narcissistic Behavior 32:22 Legal Consequences and Support 34:04 Legal Outcome and Maximum Penalty 35:07 Isolation and Lack of Support 37:01 Becoming Braver and Less Tolerant 38:23 The Power of Laughter 39:14 Finding Freedom and Irresponsibility 41:00 The Importance of Laughter 42:02 Laughter as a Coping Mechanism 43:18 Navigating Humor in Different Generations 45:11 Inspiration from Friends and Family 49:13 Finding Inspiration in Friends 52:11 Inspiration from Daughters' Resilience 53:36 Inspiring Others to Leave Abusive Relationships 59:34 Rediscovering Personal Spark and Mojo 01:03:22 Measuring Success and Happiness 01:09:22 Validation from Younger Self

Jess Bartle, a teacher and mindset coach, shares her journey of personal growth and empowerment. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on students and the importance of well-being. Jess also talks about overcoming fears and embracing bravery in various aspects of life. She shares her experience of moving into a new house and the challenges she faced. Additionally, she highlights the significance of laughter and reflects on her serious nature as a child and the academic pressure she put on herself. Jess concludes by discussing her lifelong aspiration to become a teacher. In this conversation, Jess shares her journey of self-discovery and personal growth. She discusses how she overcame shyness and pursued a career in teaching, finding inspiration from various sources along the way. Jess highlights the transformative power of manifesting and the importance of empowering students to believe in themselves. She also shares her experience of recovering from COVID-19 and finding her spark through yoga and mindfulness practices. Jess redefines success as a balance between personal and professional fulfillment, encouraging others to follow their passions. Takeaways The pandemic has had a significant impact on students' mental health, and it is crucial to prioritize their well-being.Overcoming fears and embracing bravery can lead to personal growth and empowerment. Moving into a new house can be a challenging experience, but it can also be an opportunity for personal growth and independence. Solo travel can be a transformative experience that builds confidence and self-reliance. Laughter is important for overall well-being and can bring joy and connection to our lives. Academic pressure can lead to a serious mindset, but it is important to find a balance and prioritize self-care. Early aspirations and passions can shape our career paths and bring fulfilment in life. Overcoming shyness and stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to unexpected career paths and personal growth. Finding inspiration from various sources, such as books and mentors, can be instrumental in transforming one's life. Manifesting desired realities involves setting clear visions, embracing gratitude, and turning envy into inspiration. Empowering students goes beyond academic achievements and involves instilling confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset. Recovering from setbacks, such as illness, requires self-care practices, including yoga, meditation, and gratitude. Defining success involves prioritizing well-being, maintaining a balance between personal and professional life, and pursuing what brings joy and fulfilment. Encouraging students to follow their passions and pursue non-traditional paths can lead to greater happiness and success. Reflecting on one's journey and celebrating personal growth can inspire and motivate others to embrace their own transformations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:56 Becoming a Mindset Coach 06:04 Bravery and Overcoming Fears 08:55 Moving into a New House 27:20 The Importance of Laughter 32:28 Seriousness as a Child and Academic Pressure 34:16 Early Aspirations to Become a Teacher 34:43 Discovering a Passion for Teaching 36:02 Finding Inspiration 38:58 Manifesting a Desired Reality 39:58 Empowering Students to Reach Their Potential 41:33 Recovering from COVID-19 and Finding Inner Strength 45:11 Embracing Yoga and Mindfulness Practices 50:02 Defining Success and Prioritizing Well-being 01:05:23 Encouraging Students to Follow Their Passions 01:07:14 Reflections from Younger Self

Emily Forbes, the creator of Wild Wellbeing, shares her journey of overcoming adversity and finding positivity and possibility in the face of challenges. She discusses the importance of bravery in making difficult decisions, the power of choosing wellness and happiness, and the role of laughter in coping with tough times. Emily draws inspiration from literary heroines and aims to inspire others through her own story and experiences. In this conversation, she talks her journey of moving from illness to wellness and how she found inspiration and resilience along the way. She emphasizes the importance of sharing real-life stories to help others through challenging times. She also discusses the process of finding the spark to move forward and the significance of focusing on the present moment.Emily redefines success as an internal feeling of fulfilment and highlights the power of letting go and embracing the unknown. Finally, Emily reflects on what her younger self would say to her now and expresses pride in her journey of growth and making a difference. Takeaways Sharing real-life stories can inspire and help others through challenging times. Finding the spark to move forward often involves self-reflection and focusing on the present moment.Resilience and inner strength play a crucial role in overcoming adversity. Success can be defined as an internal feeling of fulfilment and embracing the unknown. Reflecting on personal growth and embracing change can lead to a sense of pride and making a difference. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:18 Bravery and Making Difficult Decisions 09:58 Finding Hope and Choosing Wellness 13:43 The Importance of Laughter 25:51 Sources of Inspiration 29:44 Becoming an Inspiration to Others 30:06 Inspiring Others Through Real-Life Stories 36:15 Finding the Spark to Move Forward 41:00 Resilience and Inner Strength 45:37 Defining Success Internally 52:31 Living in the Present Moment 55:27 Reflections from the Younger Self