"Courage is being willing to throw yourself into something without any guarantee of a successful outcome."

Ollie Ollerton is a former special forces soldier who shares his experience of its gruelling six month selection process in this episode. He massively doubted himself when he stepped off the bus on day 1 and looked around at the other guys who were also trying to make it into the army’s elite unit. But despite the doubts, Ollie was one of only a handful who eventually did make it through to the end.

When it comes to throwing yourself into something, the biggest obstacle tends to be the mind. Its primary focus is to keep us safe, and so it baulks at stepping out into the unknown. And it’s not just about heading into a precarious situation but those which on the surface may seem mundane: perhaps having a difficult conversation with your partner or at work, and acting on it even - as the mind gives you a million reasons as to why you shouldn’t.

**

A huge thanks to my sponsors, Puresport. Their range of CBD and Nootropics supplements are superb. I have many friends and family who have tried their huge range of products - and now swear by them.

CBD has been shown to have benefits for anxiety, inflammation, aches and pains - and it may even be good for long term brain and heart health. Puresport are paving the way in the natural wellness market with their unparalleled range of products.

The good news is that Life Lessons listeners can get 20% off all full prices products with code Life20 at checkout. Head to www.puresport.co to check out their fantastic extensive range and get your 20% discount.

Follow/message me:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/

Twitter https://twitter.com/simonmundie

And for the 'Mundie on Monday' newsletter - featuring three of the best Life Lessons from three years and 200 of these conversations - head to simonmundie.com (where you can also drop me an email)

Please do share this episode with anyone who may benefit, and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It makes a big difference and is hugely appreciated.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"In order to experience the mind in its kind of true essence, we need to go beyond intellectual thought to a place of non-duality. It sounds mystical - but actually it's just being aware" - Andy Puddicombe, Headspace founder

Andy Puddicombe was a Buddhist monk for a decade before setting up the most popular meditation app in the world, Headspace. He has helped popularise meditation like few before him – and for that he deserves huge credit. Andy is a lovely bloke too – his motto is "Be present, be patient, be gentle, be kind…everything else will take care of itself”

Andy and I dived into the nitty gritty of meditation, and busted some myths - for example, the idea that meditation is about clearing your mind.But also, the idea that meditation is simply a wellbeing tool. It’s about understanding the nature of mind, and our own true nature.

For example, we are not our thoughts, we are aware of our thoughts, we are not our feelings – we are aware of our feelings. So we are not our thoughts, yet that’s how so many of us relate in the world. We believe we are the story in our heads as well as the identities we have attached to through thinking. But that’s a misconception – we are the space in which the thoughts appear. So often people talk about the surface layer of meditation and neglect its real aim: recognising the truth of our experience. That’s not to say developing a meditation habit to feel better and be more focussed isn’t a noble aim – it is definitely worthwhile, but if you want to go deeper – you most certainly can. Andy's here to explain!

**

A huge thanks to my sponsors, Puresport. Their range of CBD and Nootropics supplements are superb. I have many friends and family who have tried their huge range of products - and now swear by them.

CBD has been shown to have benefits for anxiety, inflammation, aches and pains - and it may even be good for long term brain and heart health. Puresport are paving the way in the natural wellness market with their unparalleled range of products.

The good news is that Life Lessons listeners can get 20% off all full prices products with code Life20 at checkout. Head to www.puresport.co to check out their fantastic extensive range and get your 20% discount.

Follow/message me:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/

Twitter https://twitter.com/simonmundie

And for the 'Mundie on Monday' newsletter - featuring three of the best Life Lessons from three years and 200 of these conversations - head to simonmundie.com (where you can also drop me an email)

Please do share this episode with anyone who may benefit, and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It makes a big difference and is hugely appreciated.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"If you can't be your own biggest champion - why would anyone else be?"

Barry Hearn is a towering figure in the world of sport – a sports promoter par excellence. He is the founder of Matchroom sports and has been involved in loads of sports – including boxing, snooker, darts, golf, fishing, ten pin bowling, pool and table tennis. He is chairman of the Professional Darts Corporation, was chairman of Lleyton Orient until 2014… and received his OBE for services to sport in 2020. Barry is a larger than life character, a raconteur and a showman.. and he is undoubtedly his own biggest champion, which he acknowledges has played a big part in the good times he’s got to enjoy during his colourful life. In Barry’s autobiography he shares his ten commandments – his ten rules for life. We discuss them in this episode, and they include:

• It’s better to be born lucky than good looking
• Tell the truth – it’s easier than telling lies.
• The importance of 'thinking poor'
• Recognising that your life doesn’t change by sitting on the sofa
• Why Barry swears by avoiding false modesty

Barry is fantastic company, his joie de vivre is infectious – and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did

**

A huge thanks to my sponsors, Puresport. Their range of CBD and Nootropics supplements are superb. I have many friends and family who have tried their huge range of products - and now swear by them.

CBD has been shown to have benefits for anxiety, inflammation, aches and pains - and it may even be good for long term brain and heart health. Puresport are paving the way in the natural wellness market with their unparalleled range of products.

The good news is that Life Lessons listeners can get 20% off all full prices products with code Life20 at checkout. Head to www.puresport.co to check out their fantastic extensive range and get your 20% discount.

Follow/message me:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/

Twitter https://twitter.com/simonmundie

And for the 'Mundie on Monday' newsletter - featuring three of the best Life Lessons from three years and 200 of these conversations - head to simonmundie.com (where you can also drop me an email)

Please do share this episode with anyone who may benefit, and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It makes a big difference and is hugely appreciated.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does success mean to you? Is it about reaching your goals and picking up the accolades along the way - or is there more to it than that?

Lots of people considered to be successful by society's standards have found that their achievements don't guarantee satisfaction. Take Ronnie O'Sullivan - widely considered to be the greatest snooker player of all time. Even as he was compiling one of the most successful seasons in his sports history, he was struggling mentally. Ronnie is now aware that - while winning trophies is nice - there is more to a life well lived.

**

A huge thanks to my sponsors, Puresport. Their range of CBD and Nootropics supplements are superb. I have many friends and family who have tried their huge range of products - and now swear by them.

CBD has been shown to have benefits for anxiety, inflammation, aches and pains - and it may even be good for long term brain and heart health. Puresport are paving the way in the natural wellness market with their unparalleled range of products.

The good news is that Life Lessons listeners can get 20% off all full prices products with code Life20 at checkout. Head to www.puresport.co to check out their fantastic extensive range and get your 20% discount.

Follow/message me:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/

Twitter https://twitter.com/simonmundie

And for the 'Mundie on Monday' newsletter - featuring three of the best Life Lessons from three years and 200 of these conversations - head to simonmundie.com (where you can also drop me an email)

Please do share this episode with anyone who may benefit, and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It makes a big difference and is hugely appreciated.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could the keys to making every day a good day basically come down to three things: acceptance, presence and gratitude? This week's guest says so. His name is Henry Fraser, a best-selling painter, best-selling author and highly in-demand public speaker. When he was seventeen years old – Henry’s life changed in a moment when he was paralysed from the shoulders down after breaking his neck diving into the sea in Portugal. In the weeks that followed, he nearly died several times - but Henry’s hardest moment actually came a few months after his accident when he first caught sight of his reflection. He experienced a profound breakdown, swiftly followed by a breakthrough that started the process of him becoming the man he is today.

Before his accident, despite being an academy rugby player for Saracens, Henry described himself as being quite fearful and anxiety prone – a glass half empty kind of guy – but he’s definitely not any more. The lessons Henry shares about the power of acceptance, presence and gratitude are so profound and simple to understand. These are the key skills any of us can develop to live a good and happy life, whatever the circumstances we find ourselves in

Henry's art: https://henryfraserart.com/

Henry's first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Big-Things-Inspirational-Memoir/dp/140916778X

**A quick heads up - I am soon going to be having a short break from putting out full length episodes, probably after next week’s conversation

Basically I need to focus on finishing my book, so am going to be putting all my energy and focus on that for a short while. I will continue to be putting out bitseized episodes each week, and will be back soon. So – please do stay subscribed, and please do share this week’s episode!**

**

My debut book - Champion Thinking: How To Find Success Without Losing Yourself - is available to buy from January 18. Drawing on some of my favourite interviews from this podcast over the last five years, I want to challenge our ideas about 'success', and where peace, joy and fulfilment are truly to be found. Flow is a fundamental theme.

Pre-order here: https://www.simonmundie.com/book

Website: simonmundie.com

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeSimonMundie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a fact that lots of sportspeople struggle with retirement. There was a BBC survey done a few years ago that found that around 50% of athletes have mental health difficulties when they stop playing their sport. Rugby League legend Jamie Peacock had a smooth transition out of playing rugby league – which he put down to two reasons. The first is about identity, and not confusing who you are with what you do, and the second key bit is around understanding what your values are – and living in accordance with them. Focusing on these two areas enabled Jamie to avoid the difficulties that many sportspeople face when they retire, and the words of wisdom Jamie shares on these two areas are really valuable for anyone – no matter your background or occupation.

Jamie is attempting to run 104 miles – the equivalent of four marathons – on Saturday to raise money for Greenhouse Sports, the charity who use sport to help disadvantaged young people: https://www.greenhousesports.org/

**

A huge thanks to my sponsors, Puresport. Their range of CBD and Nootropics supplements have had a significant impact on how I sleep, manage stress, and focus throughout the day. I can’t recommend them enough. I have many friends and family who have tried their huge range of products - and now swear by them. In fact - two friends and colleagues recently tried Puresport out to help with sleep issues and aches and pains - and they are both evangelical about their products!

CBD has been shown to have benefits for anxiety, inflammation, aches and pains - and it may even be good for long term brain and heart health. Puresport are paving the way in the natural wellness market with their unparalleled range of products. I am currently enjoying their Destress oil, with ashwaganda and the sunshine Vitamin D - ideal for this time of year. Plus, their unwind capsules - ideal for relaxing and deep sleep, and their muscle and joint balm. Basically - I'm like a kid in a sweetshop with Puresport.

The good news is that Life Lessons listeners can get 20% off all full prices products with code Life20 at checkout. Head to www.puresport.co to check out their fantastic extensive range and get your 20% discount. You won't be disappointed - their products really have been a game-changer for so many people.

Follow/message me:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/

Twitter https://twitter.com/simonmundie

And for the 'Mundie on Monday' newsletter - featuring three of the best Life Lessons from three years and 200 of these conversations - head to simonmundie.com (where you can also drop me an email)

Please do share this episode with anyone who may benefit, and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It makes a big difference and is hugely appreciated.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"People will remember how you made them feel, not what you said."

This week's conversation is with the man who scored the most famous try in Scottish rugby history – Tony Stanger. He touched the ball down to secure Scotland the Five Nations Grand Slam in 1990 against England. Since retiring – Tony spent 7 years developing talent through the Scottish institute of sport and now runs a company coaching people in business – using many of the lessons he has learnt from his life in sport.

The theme of this conversation is about developing a growth mindset, and we talk about the power language and carefully calibrated questions, not letting what other people say and believe limit your own potential, the importance of self-regulation, how to promote the 5 key growth mindset behaviours and much more besides. Tony has studied Carol Dweck’s work on fixed and growth mindsets and written his own book factoring in many of its findings for parents specifically called Red Dot parenting.

Tony's website: https://stangerpro.com/

Red Dot parenting: https://stangerpro.com/product/red-dot-parenting/

**

A huge thanks to my sponsors, Puresport. Their range of CBD and Nootropics supplements have had a significant impact on how I sleep, manage stress, and focus throughout the day. I can’t recommend them enough. I have many friends and family who have tried their huge range of products - and now swear by them. In fact - two friends and colleagues recently tried Puresport out to help with sleep issues and aches and pains - and they are both evangelical about their products!

CBD has been shown to have benefits for anxiety, inflammation, aches and pains - and it may even be good for long term brain and heart health. Puresport are paving the way in the natural wellness market with their unparalleled range of products. I am currently enjoying their Destress oil, with ashwaganda and the sunshine Vitamin D - ideal for this time of year. Plus, their unwind capsules - ideal for relaxing and deep sleep, and their muscle and joint balm. Basically - I'm like a kid in a sweetshop with Puresport.

The good news is that Life Lessons listeners can get 20% off all full prices products with code Life20 at checkout. Head to www.puresport.co to check out their fantastic extensive range and get your 20% discount. You won't be disappointed - their products really have been a game-changer for so many people.

Follow/message me:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/

Twitter https://twitter.com/simonmundie

And for the 'Mundie on Monday' newsletter - featuring three of the best Life Lessons from three years and 200 of these conversations - head to simonmundie.com (where you can also drop me an email)

Please do share this episode with anyone who may benefit, and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It makes a big difference and is hugely appreciated.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It can be so easy to let resentments build and sweep things under the carpet, to avoid having the difficult conversation because you know it will be uncomfortable. But – sweeping issues under the carpet is not a recipe for harmony, whether in business, families, relationships of teams. Issues and feelings need to be faced and processed. Two people who are well aware of this are Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh who were part of the team that made history by becoming the first British women's side to win Olympic hockey gold at Rio 2016. A very challenging difficult conversation was fundamental for that squad to go on and make history in Brazil.

Follow/message me:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/

Twitter https://twitter.com/simonmundie

And for the 'Mundie on Monday' newsletter - featuring three of the best Life Lessons from three years and 200 of these conversations - head to simonmundie.com (where you can also drop me an email)

Please do share this episode with anyone who may benefit, and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It makes a big difference and is hugely appreciated.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Why do we always have to be better than yesterday? If it's because you feel like you're not enough as you are - let's talk about that"

Katie Warriner is a performance psychologist who has worked with a dazzling array of top sportspeople, including many of my previous guests.

From the likes of Headspace Founder Andy Puudicombe through to the legendary Olympic gold medal winning hockey team of 2016 – including Kate and Helen Richardson Walsh, Alex Danson and Danny Kerry – as well as Laurence Halstead of the True Athlete Project. All of them say that Katie is an extraordinary psychologist, and after speaking to her – it is very clear why.

The theme of this episode is about – are you coming from a place of love or fear? So, are you trying to achieve 'success' to become somebody special, in other words from a place of fear and lack, or are you doing what you are doing as an expression of love and exploration?

We also discuss how the self-improvement path is ultimately a recognition that you were fine all along. And Katie questions the whole narrative of what success is – and why achievement in and of itself isn’t impressive, it’s asking yourself – how are you going to use that to contribute to the wellbeing of others and the world.

And it won’t surprise you to hear that Katie joined forces with someone who has used his platform to do exactly that Marcus Rashford – to help write his book You are a Champion.

Katie's world-class mindset development programme is here: https://www.moonshotseries.co.uk/

Katie's clinic: https://www.theprimeclinic.co.uk/

**

A huge thanks to my sponsors, Puresport. Their range of CBD and Nootropics supplements have had a significant impact on how I sleep, manage stress, and focus throughout the day. I can’t recommend them enough. I have many friends and family who have tried their huge range of products - and now swear by them. In fact - two friends and colleagues recently tried Puresport out to help with sleep issues and aches and pains - and they are both evangelical about their products!

CBD has been shown to have benefits for anxiety, inflammation, aches and pains - and it may even be good for long term brain and heart health. Puresport are paving the way in the natural wellness market with their unparalleled range of products. I am currently enjoying their Destress oil, with ashwaganda and the sunshine Vitamin D - ideal for this time of year. Plus, their unwind capsules - ideal for relaxing and deep sleep, and their muscle and joint balm. Basically - I'm like a kid in a sweetshop with Puresport.

The good news is that Life Lessons listeners can get 20% off all full prices products with code Life20 at checkout. Head to www.puresport.co to check out their fantastic extensive range and get your 20% discount. You won't be disappointed - their products really have been a game-changer for so many people.

Follow/message me:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/

Twitter https://twitter.com/simonmundie

And for the 'Mundie on Monday' newsletter - featuring three of the best Life Lessons from three years and 200 of these conversations - head to simonmundie.com (where you can also drop me an email)

Please do share this episode with anyone who may benefit, and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It makes a big difference and is hugely appreciated.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How important is humility in creating a 'winning' culture? Here to explain is James Kerr, author of the fantastic best-selling book Legacy. It is all about the key ingredients that have gone together to create the most successful team in sporting history – the New Zealand All Blacks.

**

A huge thanks to my sponsors, Puresport. Their range of CBD and Nootropics supplements have had a significant impact on how I sleep, manage stress, and focus throughout the day. I can’t recommend them enough. I have many friends and family who have tried their huge range of products - and now swear by them. In fact - two friends and colleagues recently tried Puresport out to help with sleep issues and aches and pains - and they are both evangelical about their products!

CBD has been shown to have benefits for anxiety, inflammation, aches and pains - and it may even be good for long term brain and heart health. Puresport are paving the way in the natural wellness market with their unparalleled range of products. I am currently enjoying their Destress oil, with ashwaganda and the sunshine Vitamin D - ideal for this time of year. Plus, their unwind capsules - ideal for relaxing and deep sleep, and their muscle and joint balm. Basically - it's all fantastic.

The good news is that Life Lessons listeners can get 20% off all full prices products with code Life20 at checkout. Head to www.puresport.co to check out their fantastic extensive range and get your 20% discount. You won't be disappointed - their poducts really have been a game-changer for so many people.

Follow/message me:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/

Twitter https://twitter.com/simonmundie

And for the 'Mundie on Monday' newsletter - featuring three of the best Life Lessons from three years and 200 of these conversations - head to simonmundie.com (where you can also drop me an email)

Please do share this episode with anyone who may benefit, and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It makes a big difference and is hugely appreciated.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.