Life Passion And Business

Are you using your energy wisely?  In this episode, we're reflecting on the impact of current events, like the recent American presidential election, and how they resonate beyond borders. It's fascinating how these events stir up a whirlwind of speculation, but let's face it, most of us don't have the power to influence the decisions made in the White House. So, why do we pour our energy into these topics? Let's chat about that! Drawing inspiration from Stephen Covey's "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," we delve into the concept of the circle of influence versus the circle of concern. Discover how focusing on what you can control can expand your influence and lead to meaningful change. Whether through local activism or gathering like-minded individuals to advocate for a cause, there are ways to make a real impact. We'll share a personal story about a community coming together to improve their neighbourhood's traffic situation—proof that collective action can lead to positive outcomes. If you're pa

Today, we're diving into a rerun from 2023 with the incredible Steve Gamlin. Steve's story is one of transformation, self-discovery, and a whole lot of laughs. Imagine having a successful 10-year radio career, only to find yourself struggling with self-image and confidence. That's where Steve found himself, and oh boy, did he turn things around! Steve reinvented his life by managing his mindset, crafting his journey, and optimizing his daily routines to build the life he truly wanted. He's an amazing storyteller, and his journey is nothing short of inspiring. But before we dive into Steve's world, this is just a quick reminder to check out the awesome resources at Life Passion and Business. We've got over 500 interviews, short casts, and focus coaching to help you find your path. Now, back to Steve. Growing up in the Northwest US with a beautiful childhood, Steve dreamed of being a radio DJ, a comedian, and a teacher. He hit the radio waves but found it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Despite achieving hi

Today, we will explore the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our lives. Over the years, I've had the privilege of chatting with hundreds of amazing people, and one thing stands out: our stories are everything. They’re the essence of what we feel and do, so let's explore what makes a life truly fulfilling. The Question: Are you the hero in your own story? While the hero's journey is a powerful narrative, not everyone wants to follow that path. And that's okay! Join me as we unravel the secrets to living a vibrant life, exploring the ups and downs, and finding what truly makes us tick. It's not always about being the Jedi Knight saving the universe; sometimes, it’s about discovering what truly brings us joy and fulfilment. We'll chat about the magic of routines, how they can be the backbone of our daily lives, and why they might be the key to unlocking happiness. Whether it's through helping others, embracing change, or finding those little moments of pride and gratitude, there’s a journey for everyo

Today we're diving into something we all need a little more of in our lives—authentic pride. You know, that warm feeling when you achieve something meaningful, not just for the accolades, but for the personal satisfaction it brings. It's all about exploring what makes us tick and feel alive! In this episode, I reflect on a recent experience marshalling at a local 10k race. Watching those runners push through their challenges, whether sprinting to the finish or walking with determination, got me thinking about why we put ourselves out there. What magic ingredient makes us feel good about ourselves, even when things get tough? It's that sense of pride—feeling proud of our efforts and achievements, big or small. I've been reading a fascinating book by Dr. Jessica Tracy called "Pride: The Secrets of Success." It's an eye-opener on the different types of pride and how authentic pride can propel us to be our best selves. The book shares stories like that of Dean Karnazes, who rediscovered his passion for running at

In a world of polarity, it is worth remembering that the best things happen when we do them together. This conversation was back in July 2023 and is about leadership and sustainability, but more than that it is about community.  So I thought to bring is back as these talks never date.  Here is Part 2 of my conversation with Osbert Lancaster.  He is an expert in leadership and sustainability and started in the industry even before the word sustainability appeared in the business dictionary. In part 1, we explored his early life and his choices towards his current career. Now it is time to explore how the world of sustainability has changed over the last 30 years, Net Zero and small business, His biggest failure and the big success.   Part 2 Time stamp 3:00 Not all heroes wear capes 5:00 Working together, leadership and bringing people with you. 8:00 Having difficult conversation and finding common ground. 11:00 The new podcast for sustainability 12:00 Small business and the impact of Net Zero 15:00 Susta

This show explores a thought-provoking topic: "If not now, then when?" We all ponder this question at different points in our lives. We have dreams and ideas that seem exciting and fulfilling, but for some reason, they always seem just out of reach. Have you ever found yourself waiting for the perfect moment to start something new? Maybe you're in a situation where things aren't quite right, hoping for a sign to make a change. Well, what if I told you that sometimes the sign doesn't come, and you are the one who decides when the time is right? In this episode, we're exploring how to recognize when to take action and make those dreams a reality. Whether it's a big adventure or a small goal like getting fit, it's all about setting an agenda and planning to achieve it. We'll also discuss the importance of writing down your goals—because, let's face it, if it's just in your head, it tends to stay there. I'll share some personal insights and stories, including my own journey with fitness and how I plan to tackle m

Today, we're diving into the fascinating life of Henry Woodman, a successful entrepreneur from South Florida. Henry's journey is one of twists and turns, starting with a youthful adventure in the jungles of Honduras and ending with a thriving career in the travel industry and beyond. He comes to the podcast to share his experience and a passion project: publishing a manuscript written by his father. As a young man, Henry was encouraged by his mother to get involved. He was on the swimming team, rode horses, played tennis, and spoke several languages. It was her aim to turn him into a well-rounded adult. Well, that worked out well.  At 16, his father invited him, his brother, and three friends on an expedition to find a lost city in Honduras. It is a wonderful story, and for these lads, it was definitely character-building... the experience sparked Henry's passion for film and television, eventually leading him to a successful career in producing travel films and game shows. Join us as Henry shares his incr

Now, I know change can be a bit of a tricky customer. We've all been there, resisting it, wishing things would stay the same. But let's be real—nothing ever does, right? Join me as we explore why we often resist change and how our personal stories shape our perceptions of it. I'll share some insights and tales that might just shift your perspective. We often think of change as this big, scary monster, but what if I told you it's where the magic happens? Yes, the best parts of life often lie just on the other side of fear. I'll talk about my own experiences with change, from my transition from marketing to coaching, to the rapid evolution of AI in content creation. It's all about embracing these shifts, even when they make us a bit uncomfortable. Plus, I’ll share some inspiring stories of people who have turned their challenges into triumphs.   What about you? Where are you resisting change, and what opportunities might be hiding behind that resistance? Let's dive into this journey together.   And hey, if you

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In this captivating episode, Paul Harvey sits down with Gavin Fernie-Jones, a man whose life journey from the urban streets of Essex to the picturesque landscapes of the French Alps is nothing short of transformative. Join us as we delve into Gavin’s story, exploring his evolution from a reluctant child in the Peak District to a passionate advocate for sustainable living and community connection. Gavin’s early life took an unexpected turn when his family moved to an isolated outdoor activity center in the Peak District. Initially resistant, Gavin soon found himself immersed in the beauty of nature, a shift that laid the foundation for his lifelong love of the outdoors. This connection to nature was further deepened during his college years, where he pursued art, and later, through his travels and experiences in the French Alps. Now settled in the French Alps, Gavin has spent over two decades integrating his passion for outdoor activities with a growing awareness of the environmental impact of consumerism. His

In this bite-sized episode, I'm diving into the world of sentiment and baggage. You know, all those things we collect over the years that start to weigh us down. Trust me, I get it – my wardrobe's got clothes I haven't worn in ages, and my garage? Let's not even go there! This conversation is all about understanding why we hold onto stuff and, more importantly, how to let it go. It's not just about clearing physical space; it's about freeing up energy and creating room for new possibilities. Remember that Marie Kondo's question, "Does it bring me joy?" It's time to really think about that. I've been helping a friend downsize recently, and wow, the things we accumulate over decades! It's been a real eye-opener, and it's made me reflect on my own habits. So, I'm sharing some tips and tricks on how to tackle your own clutter, one step at a time. Whether it's your wardrobe or that drawer full of who-knows-what, there's a sense of freedom in letting go. And hey, it's not just about the physical stuff. Next week, w

The power of laughter and worms. A great conversation from 2021 with Cathy Nesbitt a vermiculture champion and laughter ambassador.  She is saving the earth with compost and saving people with laughter.  As with all of the conversations, they never date.    Today’s guest is Cathy Nesbitt who has has been a vermiculture champion for over 20 years (that’s worm composting to you and me). Being a lady of a certain age, her working life started with a few options: Teacher, Nurse or Secretary. She chose the latter and had a 20-year career as a secretary and PA working for some prestigious companies. Whilst this work was fine, it was not her passion. The shift to something more inspiring began when she volunteered at a nursing home. She became interested in Psychology and was inspired to study, so she joined a night school class whilst continuing to work full-time at her day job. After finishing her qualification, she sought an opportunity to use and explore her new skills and found a place to work with challenged

 Have you ever wondered if you're looking in the right place? This episode is all about change—about shifting your perspective and focus. As we transition from summer to autumn, I've noticed the temperature in my house dropping. At 18 degrees, it feels chilly now, but in the winter, 18 degrees feels just fine. It's all about what we're used to, right? This shift in focus is something I see often in coaching conversations. People frequently think they want something, but it's not what they actually need. Take money, for example. Sometimes, I look at my bank balance and feel secure, and other times, the same number makes me feel uneasy. It's all about perspective and how we view our resources. One of my clients recently sought support from a friend for a particular problem. It became clear that the friend couldn't provide the needed support, but within an hour, the client had a new idea that could solve the problem. By looking in a different place, they found a new opportunity and took action. It was a fantasti

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For the Sunday reflection, a question was asked of me this morning.   Are you focusing on the light or the dark? It's a good one, right? What do you notice first in the world around you? The bad bits or the good bits? Our world is complex, full of conflict, but also overflowing with beauty and wonder. The magic lies in where we choose to place our attention. When we focus on appreciating the good, we feel better about ourselves and the world we live in. And when we feel good, we can do good, be good, and change the not-so-good around us. This episode is about mastering our thoughts instead of being slaves to them. Yes, we can see the negativity and the ugliness, but we can also open our eyes and hearts to the beauty. It's not just about seeing; it's about being and doing. When we act from a place of generosity and openness, we feel good about ourselves and positively impact the world around us. Finding joy in everything we do, even in mundane tasks like cleaning a toilet, can bring satisfaction. Knowing tha

Hello, this is your host Paul Harvey. Today, I want to take you back to January 2022 when I had a truly fascinating conversation with Di Manuel. Trust me, this episode is one for the books! We dive into the depths of change, the struggle with addiction, and dealing with complicated feelings. Di was in a dark place until one powerful question from his wife changed everything:  This question was pivotal for Di, leading him on a path of self-discovery and transformation. This episode explores the themes of fitness, family, faith, finances, and fun  However, the journey wasn't without its pitfalls. Di became known as "Fun Guy Di," always the life of the party but dependent on alcohol and drugs to maintain his extroverted persona. The turning point came when his wife, Christy, sat him down and asked that life-altering question. From that moment, Di committed to a year without drinking, seeking support through therapy and personal development. This decision led to a complete transformation, not just in his personal

What do you do with a missed goal?  Today’s reflection is all about dealing with the moment you realize you might not hit that goal you’ve been aiming for. It’s a tough pill to swallow, right? Whether it’s disappointment, shame, or just plain frustration, we all have ways of coping. Let me share a personal story. I had big plans to run a marathon this October. I've been training hard, but it’s been a year full of little setbacks, especially with my left knee. Despite my efforts, my long runs have been leaving me completely wiped out. The harsh reality hit me – running 42.8k might be a stretch too far for my current condition. So, I had to make a tough decision. I won’t be running the marathon as planned. Instead, I’m looking at other races on the same day, something more manageable for my body right now. It’s disappointing, especially since I’ve told everyone about my marathon plans. But I’m trying to see it as taking the adult path – recognizing the reality of the situation and adjusting accordingly. You see

Following the Shortcast at the weekend, where we explored the power of Self-Talk, we touched on the issue of shame and guilt, which reminded me of my conversation with Lois Hollis, a woman in her 70s who achieved so much, yet that early trauma came back to haunt her.    It is a story of transcending the past and moving towards the future, and well worth a review.  This show was first aired in July 2022 Where are you in life with the big emotional bricks like shame and guilt? Do you reflect on past events or experience these feelings in current relationships? For most of us, this stuff is part of our makeup; we are unaware of it. Having listened to my guest on the show today, I became conscious of my shame and guilt for past actions and how I have used shame in my family interactions.  My guest on the show has always been a pioneer. Lois Hollis is in her late 70s, deeply connected to God and her faith, and driven by a calling that started in childhood. Her early years were tough. With physical abuse at ho

Harnessing your self-talk. Have you ever thought about that little voice in your head? You know, the one that pops up most randomly, whether you’re doing something you maybe shouldn’t be or just indulging yourself. Well, guess what? We all have it, and it’s more influential than you might think! In this bite-sized episode, I’m diving into the world of our inner voices. Inspired by the work of Ethan Cross, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, we’ll explore how this internal chatter shapes our lives. From reminding us to pick up milk at the store to holding us back with guilt and shame, our inner voice can be both a friend and a foe. I’ll share some personal stories, like how my father’s inner voice replayed old regrets, and offer insights into how you can transform this voice into a positive force. We’ll discuss practical tools from Ethan’s book "Chatter" and techniques like distancing yourself from negative thoughts and using self-talk to boost your confidence. Join me on this reflective jour

Hey there! Welcome to another life, passion, and business shortcast with me, Paul Harvey, your friendly midlife coach. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of chatting with hundreds of folks, and one thing has become crystal clear: our stories shape our lives. Everything we do, feel, or experience is based on the narratives we create. Today, we’re reflecting on mindfulness. Have you noticed how it’s everywhere these days? But what does it actually mean, and is there any real value to it? Mindfulness has seeped into my life over the past five or six years, and I find it incredibly valuable. It’s often linked with Buddhism, emphasizing awareness and being present. However, I recently listened to a podcast called "People I Mostly Admire" with Steve Levitt, where he spoke with Ellen Langer, a Harvard professor known as the mother of mindfulness. She’s been working on this for about 40 years! Ellen’s take on mindfulness is fascinating. Unlike the meditative practices from Buddhist traditions, her version is abou