Resilience Unravelled

This episode of Resilience Unravelled discusses “waiting well,” drawn from long UK healthcare waits and delays in the judicial system, and argues that in a culture of speed, waiting feels like a rude interruption but is inevitable. Waiting well is framed as an intentional mindset—responding to uncertainty with resilience, self-kindness, curiosity, hope, and purpose—rather than passively complaining or catastrophising. Examples include using healthcare waits to seek reputable information, practice mindfulness, and build support, and using career or milestone delays to hone skills and set smaller goals. Not waiting well can increase stress and helplessness, lead to rash decisions, erode trust in institutions, and waste opportunities for growth. Factors that worsen waiting include cultural productivity pressure, uncertainty, poor communication, perfectionism, and digital-age expectations. Strategies include reframing, mindfulness, micro-goals, supportive communities, limiting rumination, meaningful distraction, self-advocacy, and focusing on controllables.00:00 Why Waiting Matters01:33 What It Means to Wait Well03:21 The Costs of Waiting Badly05:22 Why Waiting Feels Hard Today09:05 Practical Strategies to Cope12:47 Advocate and Take Agency14:45 Make Waiting Part of Life15:08 Final TakeawaysYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

In this Resilience Unraveled episode, Dr Russell Thackeray interviews San Diego-based IT and AI services entrepreneur Ephraim Ebstein, who shares his background growing up in California with frequent trips to Germany and an early interest in entrepreneurship. They discuss why California produces many startups despite high taxes and regulation, and how networks of smaller businesses create opportunity. Ebstein argues AI is transformative but overhyped, noting an MIT-cited finding that over 95% of AI implementations delivered no ROI and that AI-generated code can increase error rates and hurt long-term scalability, leading some companies to rehire engineers. They cover AI’s tendency to degrade when trained on AI outputs, copyright and likeness risks, the need for balanced regulation, and concerns that AI and social media reduce deep reading and critical thinking. Epstein advises personal accountability, skill-building, and considering blue-collar trades and entrepreneurship as resilient paths.00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:14 Old World Office Tour01:40 Backstory and Roots02:44 Why California Breeds Startups06:19 AI Hype vs Reality09:25 Jobs Skills and Inequality12:26 AI Slop and Copyright Fights15:51 Regulation Ethics and Deepfakes18:38 Brains Social Media and Thinking20:42 Work Builds Resilience23:07 Adapting Careers in the AI Era24:43 Blue Collar Paths and Entrepreneurship27:11 Risk Failure and Resilient Mindset28:06 Where to Find Ephraim Ebstein28:44 Closing ThanksYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

In a solo episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr Russell Thackeray reflects on whether UK democracy is resilient amid events in America and stresses that democratic resilience means absorbing shocks, adapting, upholding rule of law, and maintaining trust. They outline UK strengths: deep-rooted institutions, rule of law, civil society, a relatively free press (including BBC impartiality rules), civic participation, and the Supreme Court’s 2019 ruling against Boris Johnson’s prorogation as evidence of checks on executive power. Key vulnerabilities include Brexit-driven hyperpolarisation, online misinformation, outdated electoral laws, an unwritten constitution reliant on norms, centralisation of executive power, economic stagnation and regional inequality, voter ID concerns, loose campaign finance, data vulnerability, and collapsing public trust after scandals. They argue renewal requires modernising Parliament and legal frameworks, cross-party reform, civic education, and courageous leadership to rebuild trust and accountability.00:00 Intro and Context00:25 Is UK Democracy Resilient01:41 Defining Democratic Resilience02:13 Institutional Strengths04:10 Polarisation After Brexit05:05 Misinformation and Digital Threats06:08 Unwritten Constitution Exposed06:40 Executive Power Creep07:26 Inequality And Alienation08:23 Electoral Integrity Risks09:16 Reform Needs Political Will10:22 Trust and Scandals and the myth of Populism11:35 Modernise And Renew Democracy12:51 Solutions from Leadership to Education14:14 Final Call To ActionYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

In this Resilience Unravelled episode, Dr Russell Thackeray meets Jerzy Gregorek, born in Poland, recounts becoming a firefighter at 19, studying fire protection engineering, and joining Solidarity during the 1981 crackdown, including a crushed 10-day strike and three years underground after the murder of a priest he knew. After warnings he could be captured, he left Poland in 1985 and later moved to the U.S., where he was rejected by the fire department as “overeducated.”Turning to weightlifting and early personal training in gyms, he built a successful coaching career focused on customised, measurable progression in flexibility, strength, posture, and bodyweight. He describes developing the “Happy Body Program” over 10 years as “athletic lifestyle medicine,” emphasising numbers, micro-progression, and long-term goals to combat aging, improve health, and avoid entertainment-only exercise.00:00 Meet Jerzy Gregoreck00:27 Firefighter Roots in Poland01:12 Solidarity Strike and Crackdown02:50 Losing Everything Finding Love05:57 Alcoholism to Empathy07:25 New Life in America09:25 Personal Training Breakthrough12:40 Engineering a Training Method14:56 Making Progress Fun18:52 Coaching Culture and Mentors21:08 Happy Body Lifestyle Medicine24:36 Aging Proof Strength Stories28:59 Big Goals and Resilience29:40 Where to Learn More30:12 ClosingYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

Will Steel joins Resilience Unravelled and shares a business lesson from investing £50,000 in a shirt venture that failed after the designer overcharged and manipulated import paperwork, which Steele links to Keith Cunningham’s idea that leadership failures stem from lack of courage.He introduces himself as a coach for business owners and entrepreneurs, helping them grow while reducing time spent working in the business, after a 27-year background leading transformational programs and a prior career as an Air Force and airline pilot.Steele distinguishes his ontological coaching from curriculum-based mentoring, illustrating with a client avoiding a pay conversation with his brother/employee. He discusses limiting beliefs and confirmation bias, gives a personal spelling example, and explains writing his book, Free To Lead, to support leadership programs in the Middle East—especially for women—framing leadership as speaking up in the moment. He notes the book’s availability via Amazon and his website.00:00 Intros00:26 Shirt Business Betrayal00:59 Courage and Leadership Lesson02:32 Working With Creative Egos03:50 Meet Will Steele04:44 From Pilot to Transformation Work05:38 Pandemic Pivot to Coaching06:56 What Real Coaching Is08:00 Brother Employee Breakthrough09:53 Limiting Beliefs and Bias11:33 Spelling Story Mindset Shift13:06 Why He Wrote Free to Lead16:34 Leadership for Everyone18:24 Where to Get the Book19:33 Closing ThanksYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

In this Resilience Unravelled episode, Alexis Sikorsky, a Swiss entrepreneur based in London, recounts building an internet café/ISP in Senegal, fleeing the country with only a suitcase, then returning to Geneva to grow a banking software and internet development business to about $10–11M revenue before the 2008 financial crisis cut 75% of revenue in a day. After years of survival, he rebuilt to breakeven and sold to private equity on an 11x EBITDA deal with 85% cash and 15% earnout, emphasising that PE deals involve uneven information and founders should do diligence on acquirers by speaking to prior CEOs. He discusses why most people shouldn’t be entrepreneurs, differentiates “having a job” from owning a company, advises seeking free mentors who’ve done what you’re doing, warns about conflicts with PE-paid advisors and small-company investment banks, explains when to avoid investment unless necessary, and describes his book Cashing Out and his initiative Night Scale to help firms stuck at $5–50M revenue using mission-based, part-time C-level expertise.00:00 Welcome 00:43 From Geneva to Dakkar02:03 Building and Losing It All03:20 Private Equity Exit Playbook06:24 Chairman Life and Retirement09:23 Who Should Be Entrepreneur11:57 Mentors and Real Advice16:14 Due Diligence on Buyers21:30 Investment vs Exit Decisions24:00 Why I Wrote Cashing Out26:05 Night Scale and Growth Plateaus27:49 Social Media Reality Check28:47 Final Thoughts and GoodbyeYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

On the podcast Resilience Unravelled, Russell speaks with Susan Inouye in Los Angeles about resilience themes in homes, products, and organisational culture, including companies that post values but don’t live them. They discuss generational differences at work, with Susan describing shifts from command-and-control leadership toward belonging, meaning, and authenticity, and noting that millennials are now a large portion of the workforce. Susan also shares that millennials are complaining about Gen Z, arguing it’s often about age and development, and references brain development and the influence of how generations were raised. She emphasises that leadership change requires embodied practices, not just advice, explaining that transformation happens through the body and somatic intelligence, with HeartMath Institute research as an example. Susan tells a client story about an event-production leader whose gift for planning became controlling behaviour; using the Sawubona (“I see you”) gift-centered approach, rituals for letting go, and trapeze lessons, the client replaced fear with freedom and became more trusting at work. Susan’s book, "Leadership’s Perfect Storm: What Millennials Are Teaching Us About Possibility, Passion, and Purpose," is aimed at leaders, includes stories and a coach’s corner with practices, is used in over 30 countries, is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and donates all proceeds to the nonprofit Youth Mentoring Connection. She notes Sawubona Leadership originated in South Central Los Angeles through Tony LeRae’s mentoring work.00:00 Welcome 01:05 Resilience, building standards & planned obsolescence03:00 Corporate values vs reality: authenticity and truth-telling at work04:47 Millennials & Gen Z reshape leadership expectations06:28 Are generational stereotypes real? Command-and-control vs belonging10:24 Brain science, upbringing & why each new cohort gets judged15:40 From advice to embodiment: practices, somatics & emotional intelligence19:17 Client story: planning as a gift—and learning to let go (trapeze breakthrough)25:49 The book: Leadership’s Perfect Storm—who it’s for & what’s inside27:21 Where to buy + proceeds to youth mentoring; Sawubona ‘I see you’ origins28:34 Wrap-upYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

In this Resilience Unravelled episode, host Russell interviews Brad Ley in Texas about oxygen and exercise with oxygen therapy (EWOT). Ley explains he turned to oxygen therapy about a decade ago after chronic illness and autoimmune conditions, including psoriasis and autoimmune arthritis, when standard drugs carried serious risks and he developed melanoma. He contrasts EWOT with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, noting hard-shell hyperbaric treatments were recommended to him but were too expensive and time-consuming. Ley describes “inflammaging,” where inflamed blood vessels and swollen capillaries restrict oxygen delivery, pushing cells into anaerobic respiration, lowering energy production and increasing inflammation; he says delivering a high dose of oxygen during exercise can reduce inflammation and help reestablish blood flow in capillaries. He addresses concerns about oxygen and oxidative stress, stating oxygen is also important for detoxification and that research does not show increased oxidative stress from EWOT. Ley outlines the origins of EWOT research from Manfred von Ardenne and explains how oxygen therapy relates to inflammation and hypoxia, comparing it to hydrogen-based approaches. He discusses founding 1000 Roads after building his own system as an engineer and then producing units for patients, with a focus on affordable at-home use and a protocol of about 15 minutes of cardio with a mask, three to five times per week. Ley shares a customer anecdote about osteoarthritis improvement and notes response times vary. The conversation also covers red light therapy, which he says targets mitochondria to increase oxygen demand and pairs with EWOT by boosting oxygen supply then uptake, with claimed benefits including healing, cognitive function, reduced inflammation, skin and collagen support, and recovery. Ley notes the company ships from the US and internationally, with tariffs varying by country, and directs listeners to 1000roads.com and the 1000 Roads HQ YouTube channel for weekly videos on EWOT and red light therapy.00:00 Welcome & meet Brad Ley (Texas)01:04 Why more oxygen can reduce inflammation: ‘inflammaging’, capillaries & hypoxia02:42 Is oxygen ‘rusting’ us? Oxidative stress vs detox benefits03:51 Brad’s autoimmune journey & why he needed a third option05:01 Hyperbaric oxygen vs exercise-with-oxygen: cost, time, practicality06:32 The origins of EWOT: von Ardenne’s research & Brad builds his own device08:32 Oxygen vs hydrogen therapy: how both target inflammation10:01 Oxygen is ‘multimodal’: energy, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer & detox11:28 At-home EWOT systems: 15 minutes, 3–5x/week, accessible pricing13:11 Can it help osteoarthritis? Early user results & what to expect14:17 Red light therapy explained — mitochondria, oxygen demand & synergy with EWOT17:18 Shipping worldwide, 1000 Roads links & final wrap-upYou can contact us at [email protected]

In this episode of Resilience Unraveled, host Dr Russell Thackeray interviews Chris Burres, a scientist and entrepreneur, about his unexpected journey into the longevity space. Chris shares his extensive background in working with a unique molecule, ESS 60, which has shown remarkable potential in extending lifespan and improving health. He explains the science behind this molecule, its origins, and how it might contribute to reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Chris also touches on the skepticism surrounding the supplement industry, the rigorous research backing his products, and his transition from a carbon nano material scientist to a health supplement advocate. The discussion further covers the potential applications of ESS 60 in cosmetics and other health products, as well as Chris's commitment to continued research and ethical business practices. The episode wraps up with information on how listeners can learn more about the product, access discounts, and support a charitable cause through the purchase of Chris's book, "Live Longer and Better."Just to be clear - we do not endorse the views contained in this podcast from the guest - nor have any claims been checked or verified.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:41 Chris Burres' Background and Longevity Journey01:55 Defining Longevity and Its Importance04:39 The Molecule: Basics and Breakthroughs11:19 From Lab to Supplement: The Journey19:24 Health Benefits and Research Insights25:48 Product Offerings and Final ThoughtsYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

In this episode of Resilience Unraveled, Dr Russell Thackeray welcomes Kate McAfoose from Chang Robotics. Kate shares her journey from civil engineering in upstate New York to her current role at Chang Robotics in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.She delves into her early career in project management and her transition into the field of automation and robotics.The discussion highlights the challenges and resilience needed in male-dominated sectors, as well as the importance of mentorship for women in STEM.Kate elaborates on how Chang Robotics is revolutionising healthcare with autonomous robots designed to assist nurses by performing nonclinical tasks, ultimately reducing their workload and improving efficiency.The conversation also touches on the development, cybersecurity, implementation, and industry-wide potential of robotic systems.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:38 Kate's Background and Career Journey02:16 Challenges in Male-Dominated Fields03:23 Women in STEM and Mentorship05:34 Introduction to Robotics06:39 Robotic Applications in Healthcare10:09 Development and Implementation of Robotics12:30 Cybersecurity in Robotics14:11 Leadership and Robotics17:18 Future of Robotics and ConclusionYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

In this episode of Resilience Unraveled, Russell interviews Renee Zukin, an author and former educator, about her background, her focus on empowering entrepreneurial women, and the benefits of writing and journaling. Renee discusses her new book, 'Every Day I'm Brave,' which explores the relationship with fear and provides tools for personal growth, including journaling prompts. The episode also covers societal shifts in anxiety, the importance of self-compassion, and the potential advantages of writing as a method of facing and understanding one's own fears.00:00 Introduction 00:45 Guest Background and Career Journey02:03 The Power of Writing and Journaling10:14 Overcoming Fear and Anxiety13:44 About the Book: Every Day I'm Brave23:00 Conclusion and FarewellYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, host Russell Thackeray welcomes guest Patrick Engasser, who shares his journey of overcoming blindness since birth to succeed in sales and motivational speaking. Patrick discusses his move from Buffalo, New York to Destin, Florida, and the attractions of the warmer climate and beach lifestyle. Despite his initial desire to work in sports radio, he pivoted to a successful career in sales and later coaching. Patrick emphasises the importance of resilience, relationship-building, and empathy in both personal and professional spheres. He also touches on the advancements in assistive technology for the blind and highlights the benefits of facing and learning from rejection. Patrick's book, 'If I Can Do It, You Can Do It,' aims to inspire others to overcome their own challenges and succeed.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:37 Patrick's Background and Career Journey03:22 Living Without Sight08:39 The Importance of Sales Skills11:40 Building Relationships in Business22:25 Patrick's Book and Motivational Message25:55 Conclusion and Contact InformationYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

This was one of our favourite podcast recordings from the last few months!In this episode of Resilience Unravelled,' host Russell Thackeray interviews Chris Endersby, a versatile professional with a diverse career journey spanning local government, the private sector, and entrepreneurship. Chris shares his unconventional career path, the lessons learned from his early days in child protection social work, and his experience in local government policy roles. He discusses his transition into the private sector, his eventual establishment of his own business, and the importance of authenticity, persona management, and resilience in both personal and professional contexts. The conversation delves into the significance of values in business, the challenges of maintaining boundaries, and the role of playful creativity in fostering innovation and brand identity. Chris emphasises the importance of building relationships and staying true to one's values while adapting to different environments. A must-listen for anyone interested in personal development, business strategy, and the intersection of creativity and psychology.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:30 Chris Endersby's Career Journey02:32 Challenges in Child Protection04:01 Maintaining Boundaries and Sanity06:56 Persona Management and Authenticity10:05 Values in Business and Personal Life14:30 Scaling and Maintaining Culture in Organisations21:01 Honesty and Integrity in Business22:46 Defining Values and Purpose in Business23:43 The Importance of Mission and Vision24:19 Challenges of Goal Setting and Mental Wellbeing25:07 Purpose and Commitment in Different Sectors26:14 Career Choices and Commonalities28:06 Building Relationships in Business29:46 Learning from Failure and Resilience33:26 The Role of Relationships in Decision Making36:24 Branding and Marketing Strategies39:49 Targeting the Right Audience42:01 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

In this episode of Resilience Unraveled, Dr Russell Thackeray discusses eye health with Dr. Pam Theriot. Dr. Theriot shares her expertise on dry eyes, the impact of increased screen time, and effective remedies. She explains the different types of tears, their roles, and how blinking rates are significantly affected by digital devices. Practical solutions such as eyelid cleansers, Omega-3 fatty acids, and proper screen setup are discussed. Dr. Theriot also highlights her book, 'Alleviate Dry Eye,' providing listeners with a comprehensive guide to managing dry eye symptoms. The episode concludes with Dr. Theriot offering a special downloadable resource for listeners on her website.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:04 Understanding Dry Eye Disease03:37 Impact of Screen Time on Eye Health07:21 Daily Eye Care Routine10:37 Diet and Environmental Factors13:32 Pam Theriot's Book and Resources19:03 Conclusion and Special OfferYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

In this episode of Resilience Unraveled, Russell welcomes Daniel Lachman to discuss the pressing issue of intellectual property rights for artists. Lachman, who previously ran a successful clothing company, pivoted to founding 'Justice for Artists' after dealing with extensive counterfeiting of his own designs. He explains the intricacies of copyright law in the US, how his organization helps artists protect their work, and the substantial financial impact counterfeiters can have. Through legal means, including freezing accounts and filing lawsuits, 'Justice for Artists' aims to educate creators on how to safeguard their intellectual property and pursue justice against counterfeiters. Lackman also addresses common misconceptions about the service and emphasizes the importance of resilience in the creative marketplace.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:56 Daniel's Journey: From Clothing Company to Justice for Artists02:25 Understanding Intellectual Property and Copyright04:59 Challenges and Solutions in Counterfeiting10:31 Legal Actions and Profit Margins13:52 Connecting with Justice for Artists18:23 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsYou can contact us at [email protected] can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition