A Gentle Life
44 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago -I've often pondered how it might be possible to live life at a gentler pace, to take time to watch the world around us, and to make the headspace to be more creative. In this series of the podcast I explore what I've discovered about living at a gentler pace, how it can mean doing more of the things that are truly important to us, and how great it is for our wellbeing. I hope you will join me as I ponder these themes out loud.
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Episodes
Work as the expression of your gifts and talents
December 03, 2020 11:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBIn this episode I discuss the theme of Work, and how we can embrace a less conventional approach so that we share our gifts and talents with the world. I talk about the evolution of my working life and the role of Essence and the Hero's Journey.
Talking about the impact of input on creativity
November 30, 2020 19:32 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBIntroducing Series 3, 12 episodes with me talking about what it means to live at a gentler pace. I’ve defined, what I’m calling 12 pillars, and the first pillar is Input. I explore how prioritising our inputs can positively impact our creativity.
Nick Shelton - The Connected Introvert
November 23, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 61.7 MBNick Shelton, known as the connected introvert, is the author of An Introvert's Guide to World Domination. It's the story of how Nick, a dyed in the wool introvert, learned to harness his unique personal style and make it work for him. I was 47 when I truly understood what it meant to be an introvert and I could have done with this book earlier in my life. I loved this conversation and the journey Nick has taken to create his own network and do some extraordinary things. Our conversation ...
Alison Blackler - Transformational Mind Coach
November 16, 2020 11:00 - 54 minutes - 50.5 MBAlison Blackler is a Transformational Mind Coach. The author of A Path Travelled, published earlier this year, Alison took the plunge 10 years ago to leave her role at the NHS and set up in business on her own. We talk about the early days of self-employment, the transition from working full time, and what Alison learned along the way about growing a business. Alison also shares the process of writing her first book, on and off, over 8 years. We discuss the purpose of challenges in our...
Melo Calarco - High Performance Coach
November 09, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBMy conversation with Melo Calarco starts with a solo mountain bike ride around the world and ends in Rwanda with silverback gorillas. Melo shares how he met his wife on the back of an orange truck during his travels. Melo is a High Performance Coach who advocates meditation and mindfulness. We discussed what he learned on his journey, cycling and trekking, and how he combines the best of both East and West traditions in his teaching. Melo talks about his eBook, Mindfulness Put Simply, and ...
Harry Uddoh - Relationship Coach
November 02, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 67.9 MBHarry Uddoh is a Relationship and Dating Coach whose own life experience was the catalyst for pursuing the path he follows now. We talk about his early life in Nigeria, the impact on him of the dynamics of his parents' marriage, and how this led him to become curious about relationships, and tune in to other people. A relationship breakup when Harry was in his early twenties became a pivotal moment in his own transformation and personal development. Harry also shares the trauma of sexual a...
Dieter Randolph - Author and Speaker
October 26, 2020 11:00 - 55 minutes - 51.7 MBDieter Randolph is a writer, coach, teacher, podcaster and also a third generation minister. For a while he walked away from his ministry to sell cars and work in IT. In this episode, Dieter and I talk about travelling the journey of life, what defines us and, of course, we mention the hero's journey! We discuss what happened when Dieter found the pastoral following him in his secular jobs, and how he realised what was calling to him. I really enjoyed this conversation because we explore...
Sam Dossa - Emotional Intelligence Coach
October 19, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 69.9 MBSam Dossa is a Coach who specialises in working with individuals and leaders to help them develop their Emotional Intelligence. Starting out as a Coach in the Youth Sector, Sam branched out into business transformation. In today's episode, Sam talks about his move to the UK from Pakistan, the process of adjustment, as well as the impact of language issues on his self-confidence. Sam shares his approach to mindfulness and how important it is for us to connect to ourselves. Right at the v...
Brenden Kumarasamy - Speaking Coach
October 12, 2020 09:00 - 46 minutes - 43.1 MBBrenden Kumarasamy is a coach and the founder of MasterTalk, a YouTube channel to help others master the art of public speaking. We chat about how to present effectively, the importance of building a foundation first, making your story relatable, and creating repeatable presentations. Brenden also shares his thoughts on a topic close to his heart, the water crisis, and his focus on helping solve this through his association with charity: water. As well as covering that perennial challenge...
Nir Bashan - Creativity Expert
October 05, 2020 08:16 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBNir Bashan is a world-renowned creativity expert. He has taught thousands of leaders and individuals around the globe how to harness the power of creativity to improve profitability, increase sales, improve customer service and ultimately create more meaning in their work. Nir has spent the last two decades working on a formula to codify creativity which is contained in his recent book The Creator Mindset. In this episode, we talk about Nir's book, the evolution from the industrial econom...
Scott Aaron - Human Connection Expert
September 27, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBMy guest on the podcast this week is Scott Aaron. This was a hugely inspirational conversation and, for me, like being at a masterclass. Scott has had an interesting life with a 23 year background in health and wellness, personal training and personal coaching. For anyone wanting to build their business on LinkedIn, Scott offers online consulting and coaching for entrepreneurs. In this episode, he shares some pointers on how to grow your LinkedIn profile. Scott had to overcome challenges a...
Maxwell Ivey - the Blind Blogger
September 21, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 65.4 MBBorn into a family of carnival owners in Texas, USA, Maxwell Ivey lost his sight at the age of 12. He worked in the family business with his brothers until their father succumbed to lung cancer. Faced with his own mortality, Max then made some life-altering changes. He underwent gastric surgery and lost over 250 pounds. He started his own business, buying and selling amusement rides, and learned how to blog using software for the visually impaired. Overcoming many obstacles, Max made a name ...
Wendi Freeman - Virtual Event Strategist
September 13, 2020 10:00 - 57 minutes - 53.1 MBWendi Freeman is a Virtual Event Strategist who decided to set up her own business following her divorce. She had her own 'what's missing' moment and began working with a mindset coach as part of her investment in her self-development. Founder and CEO of Be Bright Events, Wendi, like many business owners this year has had to evolve rapidly, diversifying into the virtual event sector. We talk about how Wendi has extended her philosophy of creating connections during in person events to ach...
Michelle Myrick - Artist, Author, Coach
September 06, 2020 17:14 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBMichelle Myrick is an Artist, Author, Coach and Singer Songwriter with an incredible story to tell. She has experienced many pivotal moments in her life including many losses. At the age of 43 she asked herself, 'is this it?', which was to be the trigger to explore her own third act and to make it count. Born and raised at Cape Pine Lighthouse in Newfoundland, Canada and currently living in Norway, Michelle works with others to tap into their own creativity and understand how powerful we a...
Welcome to Series 2
September 06, 2020 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.14 MBWelcome to the second series of Follow Your Bliss. Every Monday for the next 12 weeks I'll be sharing a new episode featuring guests talking about their journeys through life, the pivotal moments that have been catalysts for change, and how these have led, in many cases, to a change of direction or finding their sense of purpose. I hope you'll find inspiration in these conversations to follow your own bliss and curiosity.
Mark Matousek - Author and Memoirist
June 22, 2020 10:00 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MBMark Matousek is an award winning and bestselling author, teacher and speaker whose work focuses on transformative writing and self-enquiry. In this episode, we talk about Mark's own pivotal moments navigating change; his writing collaboration with Ram Dass and his book about Mother Meera. Mark shares his writing routine and his current project, a book about Ralph Waldo Emerson. We discuss essence and how our greatest catalysts for change can come from our losses. You can find Mark online...
Jane Dyer - Vocational Rehabilitation Coach
June 15, 2020 10:00 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MBJane Dyer works with business owners and individuals helping them bridge the gap between health and work. In this episode, we talk about how Jane views her lifelong disability and her can do attitude that inspires others to face their own health challenges; how she has grown her business and the importance of having a team around you; the legacy she would like to leave; and her travels with her lorry driver partner. You can find Jane online here: Website: https://tudorroseservices.co.uk/ ...
Teresa Renton, Writer
May 04, 2020 13:59 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MBTeresa Renton writes for women who are seeking a more intentional, self-fulfilling, and creative lifestyle. In this episode, we talk about how Teresa came to search for her authentic self and do the things that light her up; her passion for writing and stories; the catalyst for embracing her truth; what she has learned along the way; what she values; and her quest to share her findings with other women and to spread the message that it's never too later. You can find Teresa online here: ...
Chris Fisher, Woodturner
April 26, 2020 22:00 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBChris Fisher is the UK’s only completely blind professional woodturner, and the first blind turner to be accepted on to the Register of Professional Turners. He is also my husband. In this episode, we talk about why Chris doesn't want his eyesight back, dealing with failure, finding purpose and inspiring others, using technology as a blind man, the good and bad of sight loss; Bamber, Chris' Guide Dog, and why being blind is who Chris was meant to be. You can find Chris online here: Websit...
Nicky Pattinson, Speaker
April 19, 2020 22:00 - 1 hour - 61.7 MBNicky Pattinson is a huge inspiration to me. A straight talker, Nicky is a maverick who shares the story of how she navigated decimation and came out the other side, and who now elevates individuals and businesses so that they reconnect to their genius. In this episode, we talk about what drives Nicky, how we are all someone and how to embrace who we truly are, and why the pivotal moments in our lives teach us what we're good at. We discuss Nicky's need for validation and its roots in her ...
Alex Cuncev, Storyteller
April 14, 2020 13:43 - 54 minutes - 50.8 MBAlexandra Cuncev is a storyteller telling inspiring life stories to showcase beautiful and little known projects in the charitable world. In this episode, we talk about Planet Project, a multimedia project celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day. Alex is inviting people around the world to take part on 22nd April 2020 by joining hands, virtually, around the world with their creativity. We discuss storytelling and narrative, why stories are so important for us to find meaning...
Karen Staniland-Platt, Photographer
April 06, 2020 11:09 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBKaren Staniland-Platt is a photographer who is passionate about inspiring women and girls to do what they love and to be seen. In this episode, we talk about Karen's career evolution and her desire to find her own creative outlet; how she found this in photography; the importance for Karen of visibility and being seen, especially for women; the evolution of finding purpose and the lessons learned from growing a business. Damian Lewis even gets a mention! You can find Karen online here: We...
Erin Werley, Author
March 30, 2020 11:56 - 56 minutes - 52.2 MBErin Werley is the author of One Truth, One Law: I AM, I Create. In this episode, we talk about how Erin began to hear and talk to her inner voice, which she calls the wise voice of the Universe; the challenges of following your purpose, and how our individual blueprints unfold. We chat about Erin's current book, One Truth, One Law: I AM, I Create, and her forthcoming book, due out in May. Although this episode was recorded several weeks ago, the themes we cover are very relevant. We spoke ...
Karen Andrews, Bullet Journaler and Creative
March 23, 2020 10:47 - 59 minutes - 55.4 MBKaren Andrews is a former HR Manager who left her dayjob to become her own boss, and who now creates and sells typographic prints and shares her love of bullet journaling. In this episode, we talk about Karen's transition to working for herself, seeking a more creative and fulfilling outlet and discovering bullet journaling. We chat about finding the clues in what we loved as children and how Karen designed her life around doing the things she enjoys, Karen's podcast 'Being Heard' and the i...
Katy Carlisle, Squarespace Queen
March 16, 2020 10:07 - 43 minutes - 40.7 MBKaty Carlisle is a Squarespace Expert and Trainer who set up as a freelance under the umbrella of The Wheel Exists in 2013, so that she could be her own boss. In this episode, we talk about how Katy's business name came about and how she fell into web design, becoming a Squarespace expert; the evolution of The Wheel Exists and how working with a coach helped Katy identify what she wanted to do; fitting work around life in a non-lifestyle business way; and the impact surfing has on Katy's w...
Katherine May, Author
March 08, 2020 23:00 - 46 minutes - 43.1 MBKatherine May is an author whose most recent book, Wintering, a memoir, is the story of Katherine's year long journey through her own personal Winter. A sea swimmer, Katherine loves cold water, long walks and sea views, and lives in Whitstable with her husband and son, and dog, Fraggle. In this episode, we talk about engaging with the seasons and the increasing importance of the impact on us of the natural world; the joys of swimming and being in the water for its own sake; how walking can ...
Katya Willems, Instagram Trainer
March 01, 2020 23:00 - 59 minutes - 55 MBKatya Willems is an Instagram Trainer who left her job at BBC 5 Live after a 10 year career there. While at the BBC, Katya ran social media workshops for journalists, which was to be the catalyst for her to set out to discover her 'thing'. In this episode, we talk about the milestones that triggered some of the changes including turning 40 and wanting to be creative; how long it takes to get started in business and the challenges along the way; taking a year off but building a foundation fo...
My new job title
January 16, 2020 16:00 - 10 minutes - 9.58 MBToday I talk about: my three values and how they underline everything I do.
A jigsaw without a picture
January 14, 2020 15:37 - 9 minutes - 8.47 MBToday I talk about: this morning's walk along the canal. Living my dream. How you can move forward even if you don't know where you're heading.
A year of magic
January 13, 2020 12:32 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBToday I talk about: my plans for 2020 and planning. Why I’m recording a podcast for the first time in a while. My hopes and dreams for this year.
The Essence Map
December 12, 2019 05:00 - 52 minutes - 97.2 MBThis video is part of a free resource called the Essence Map. Please see my website for more information: https://seedtosource.co.uk/repository/ ~~~ We start with an interview with my husband, Chris Fisher RPT, also known as the Blind Woodturner. Chris lost his sight 11 years ago, becoming completely blind in a period of four weeks. He has travelled through all of the milestones of the Essence Map and we talk about what it really felt like and how his life was transformed by the who...
Message from a robin
October 22, 2019 12:27 - 10 minutes - 9.34 MBToday I talk about: my love of our hawthorn trees. Reworking the stumperies. A visit from the local robin. Our plans to move house. The Writers' Retreat at the weekend. A short story and some work on my website.
Change is coming
October 15, 2019 18:00 - 10 minutes - 9.64 MBToday I talk about: our weekend travels to Nuneaton. A beautiful new and bespoke fountain pen. A visit to Derbyshire and changes. Talking to Nik Davis about clarity.
The lone wolf syndrome
October 09, 2019 16:00 - 10 minutes - 9.45 MBToday I talk about: wanting to be inspired. A new website I found recently by Nik Davis. Which led me to James Victore. And his book, Feck Perfuction. Sally Hogshead and How to Fascinate.
Who am I?
October 08, 2019 16:00 - 10 minutes - 9.28 MBToday I talk about: who I am. The theme of essence that runs through my website/blog. Being an INFP. Entering a new creative phase. Writing and photography. My husband, Chris Fisher, aka the Blind Woodturner.
Talking a lot about planning
October 07, 2019 16:00 - 9 minutes - 9.13 MBToday I talk about: planning the Kanban way. Catching up with editing our other podcast, At Home with the Fishers. Reaching 100 subscribers! Being a control freak and getting a handle on all my planning.
Mad as a hatter
October 06, 2019 16:00 - 10 minutes - 9.31 MBToday I talk about: seeing Fisherman's Friends at the Bridgewater Hall. Bamber going on patrol with the security team. The origins of mad hatter and walking in the footsteps of some of my ancestors.
The best latte ever
October 05, 2019 16:00 - 9 minutes - 9.09 MBToday I talk about: house hunting in Derbyshire. A great latte at Tagg Lane Dairy (and wonderful cake too). Spotting Chester from Four Weddings and a Funeral talking about Morning Pages on his Instagram. Having a listener!
On location and special guest
October 04, 2019 17:00 - 10 minutes - 9.26 MBWe’re on location in Staffordshire. Today I talk about: woodturning demonstrations. How the Blind Woodturner uses tech for the blind. My latest blog post. The Post It/Trello integration.
Making a plan and checking it twice
October 03, 2019 10:59 - 9 minutes - 8.64 MBToday I talk about: planning, inspired by Helen Redfern's latest video. Where I might be able to sell my photographs. My to do list for today on Post-It notes. Editing a blog post featuring Michael Buble. The podcast is now live on Spotify! Interesting engagement on Instastories. P.S. I meant iOS 13.1.1 NOT 3.1.1!!
The first frosty morning
October 02, 2019 16:00 - 9 minutes - 9.19 MBToday I talk about: the first frost this morning and going from Indian Summer (apart from the rain!) to full on Autumn. Watching geese fly over in V formation. Taking photographs in the garden as a future reminder. Matthew returning from his Summer in Hong Kong to make videos for Chris' YouTube channel. (Today they made a film about concentration fatigue!). Making Chris' new website live and sending out a newsletter. Watching the last season of The Big Bang Theory.
This Is Me
October 01, 2019 10:00 - 9 minutes - 9.14 MBThe first podcast! Today I talk about: planning the last quarter of 2019, and the decade! Josephine Brooks and the 12 week plan. Selling my photographs.My Instagram accounts - seedtosource and pinkmacro. The video of This Is Me. Ben Thompson, the guy in the purple sweat top.
Seed to Source - the Prequel Episode
September 30, 2019 06:00 - 7 minutes - 7.27 MBThe prequel to my new podcast, Seed to Source, talking about my journey to find a simplified way of life, my creative projects, and my life as the wife of a blind woodturner. The daily 10 minute podcast starts tomorrow, 1st October 2019.
Follow Your Bliss - the Prequel Episode
September 30, 2019 06:00 - 7 minutes - 7.27 MBThe prequel to my new podcast, Follow Your Bliss, talking about my journey to find a simplified way of life, my creative projects, and my life as the wife of a blind woodturner.