Beyondhood

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EP#7 -  Part II:  We are back for part II of Jenny's life story!

When was the last time you said thank you that you can breathe every day?
 
imagine if you only have 25% lung capacity, what would you do? Jenny turned her disadvantage into her passion and career - started accessible adventures to provide inclusive travel for all physical abilities so that we all can have an 🌟🚀adventure. 

We are back for Jenny's ''travel' stories: how many flights can you miss in 1 trip and how many times you can see the same woman in 1 day? What is it like to talk to a 🧙 in Malawi - East Africa? 

Finally, do you think about your future and think about what you be like when you are in your elderhood? What if 🧙 & 👩‍⚕️ both say you can't make it past 35? 

🎧 to part II of EP#7!  If you miss part I, here is Jenny on the  Red Chair on the famous The Graham Norton Show.  and her article in the Irish Times. 

Support the show

Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways:  

• Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube
• Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder!
• Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month  to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. 
• Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube
• Email me at [email protected] 

Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message!

ANNOUNCEMENT!
I have been receiving many positive and heartwarming comments from you guys! Thank you! Many of you ask if we can publish more than 1 episode per month. 
🥁🥁🥁 I  will release a new episode every 2 weeks! (my goal is to do weekly eventually, but hey - one step at a time) 

Each month: 

1st episode: We will do our regular storytelling of a Beyonder. 

2nd episode: We will focus on the art of storytelling: which could be life stories from a younger generation or explore different storytelling techniques, such as what makes people drawn to particular storytelling. Beyondhood is also about using storytelling as a tool to connect different generations by remembering the art and essence of what makes us human - the ability to communicate and share stories. This will be a shorter episode - 30-45 minutes so you can easily listen to it on your commute. 

The Beyondhood podcast is about you - please share in the comments or direct message me what you would like to hear about the art of storytelling! 

EP7 -  Part I: I invited Jenny Curran - who is a master of storytelling and has so many fascinating life stories. Her podcast, The Hard Launch, is about her and her friend making you feel better about your life by sharing their funny tragic stories.

I met Jenny in 2021 during my self-exploring trip in South and East Africa.  Jenny has such a fascinating and unique path.

Although Jenny has a disability, she is determined to travel on her terms and make the most out of her life! Her body is very different from ours, in a special way,  Want to know what Jenny got with her 2nd belly buttons and how she ended up on the Red Chair on the famous The Graham Norton Show? 🎧

Support the show

Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways:  

• Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube
• Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder!
• Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month  to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. 
• Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube
• Email me at [email protected] 

Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message!

Episode 6: We have the free spirit and funny Liz Bolton. She is energetic, passionate and a firecracker! We had one of the most amazing times recording her life story at her unique and beautiful home in London. 

Liz has the most unique upbringing: She was the first British born in Al-Fashir, Sudan and spent time in the Gold Coast (Ghana) as a child. Her parents have one of the most dramatic love stories of the 1930s you will ever hear and they are the original Airbnb creator! 

We dived into her career, and she worked very hard to become top of her Public Relations profession. Have you heard of Pick of the Fringe and the first-ever Levi music sponsorship with David Bowie in the 80s? Come find out how Liz was part of the creation team. We talked deeply about the significant relationships in her life and how she reminded us that self-worth and respect are two key virtues. 

Into her elderhood, Liz is so active! Yoga, gardening, Airbnb host, who said retirement is dull? Come to find out how you can retire from your professions but never retire from life.   

Dear Liz, 

You are so funny and such a gem to record with! Thank you for being so open, honest and real in your recording. I am so grateful our paths crossed and hope your children will enjoy this life gift from you and to the next generations.  

Love, Nicole

Support the show

Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways:  

• Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube
• Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder!
• Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month  to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. 
• Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube
• Email me at [email protected] 

Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message!

Our 5th episode is a special one! This episode is a time-travelling journey, from 2018 to now, from Cantonese to English, from past to present. This time, we travelled to 2018 Hong Kong, my home town, to listen to Suen Sing, my grandpa, life story. 

Born in 1930 in Dongguan China, Suen Sing grew up in poverty and instability. Starting to work when he was 9, he knew he had to work hard and be smart to have a good life. His family's love and belief in education pushed him to leave China for Hong Kong.  His childhood was not how you and I would imagine today. You will find out how he witnessed human cannibalism and how he made himself into a respected school principal.  

We also dive deep into his business and networking philosophy. Do you believe in an afterlife? After hearing how Suen Sing became a Christian in his elderhood, you might start to wonder if is there a higher power.  

Ready to go back in time - to 1930s China? Be ready for a ride!

P.S. Mother's Day is coming up! If you want to create a special gift for your mom, your grandma, or an important woman, contact me to see how I can help you record her life story.

Dear Grandpa,
I love you and I know you are smiling from heaven without pain now. Thank you for being my most vivid storyteller. I am so grateful that Victoria recorded a part of your life story. By sharing your life story, I am passing on your legacy and wisdom to the next generation, not just to my family but to the world. 
Love, Nicole

Support the show

Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways:  

• Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube
• Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder!
• Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month  to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. 
• Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube
• Email me at [email protected] 

Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message!

Our 4th episode features Mary M. We travelled to Southern London to interview this hardworking and lovely Scottish lady. She is 87 years old and showed me what dedication means. 

We started with Mary's childhood with her favorite pony and the griddle scone recipe that her family still uses today.  Want to know what is it like to smoke a ''cinnamon stick'''?  ;) stay tuned! Being a tomboy herself and growing up with 8 male cousins, she attended a state boarding school in order to get a higher education. Despite being a tomboy, she follows her idol - her aunt - to become a nurse. 

We dive deep into her adulthood: how she devotes her life to being a nurse and her most memorable stories as a nurse. Her strong personality and dedication keep her going even being a health professional means you have to face and see and talk about death a lot of time. At the age of 26, her curiosity and love brought her to move to London with her late husband to start a new life. Want to know what it is like to party in Downing street? Mary stays close to her Scottish culture, we will find out more about Scottish Clans and Burn's night in the episode. 

Moving into her elderhood, Mary still uses her skills as a nurse to become a Samaritan and learn Ikebana (you will find out what it is!)

Need a reminder of  ''dedication'' meaning in this super fast society that praises fast results ? You will definitely remember from listening to Mary's story.

Dear Mary and Archie (Grandson of Mary):
Thank you for trusting me to become a part of your family gift and legacy. I truly feel your passion and love as a nurse and as a mom + grandma for your family. I love that this episode has revealed unheard of family stories. I hope you love this episode as much as you love Ikebana - Love, Nicole

Support the show

Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways:  

• Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube
• Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder!
• Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month  to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. 
• Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube
• Email me at [email protected] 

Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message!

Our 3rd episode features Edwina (Eddie) Brocklesby -  The oldest British woman doing the Ironman competition at age 80 who founded the charity Silverfit in her 70s. 

We listened to Eddie's influential and happy childhood stories: How her father's work had a big influence on her career and her grandma was Churchill’s cook. We talked about her passion for social work and how she started running at age 50, prompted by her late husband Phill. 

Stay tuned to find out how she started Ironman - a 2.4-mile swim in open water, followed by an agonising 112-mile bike ride, then a full marathon. Eddie has tackled six Ironmans, seven triathlons, five duathlons and seven London Marathons!

Not only did she start a new sport, but Eddie changed career in her 70s! Check out   Silverfit - a charity that aims to promote happier, healthier ageing through physical activity.  We talked about her upcoming Race Across America 2024 - the hardest supported endurance cycle race in the world.  At age 81, she will be part of a relay team cycling 3000+ miles over 9 days with three amazing women ages 76, 60 and 53. Their goal is to prove that fitness truly has no age limit

Dear Eddie,
I am grateful that our lives have crossed and thank you for showing me the power of positivity and determination: From limited physical activity to participation in marathons, Ironman and now Race across America, you truly show me that we can achieve anything when we put our mind into it and life is a blessing so we need to make the most out of it!
Love, Nicole

Below are the links that we discussed in the podcast:
1.  Film of Joan Bakewell interviewing Eddie's grandmother – Georgina Landemare's  Churchill’s cook.
2. Donate to support Eddie's 2024 Race Across America
3. Documentary film about Eddie
4. CNN article on Eddie

Support the show

Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways:  

• Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube
• Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder!
• Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month  to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. 
• Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube
• Email me at [email protected] 

Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message!

Our 2nd episode features Pat & Johnny O'Sullivan -  we travelled to Greystones, Ireland to talk to these two lovebirds of 50+ years. They are both 76 years old and they hold the best dinner party in Greystones. 

We chatted about Johnny's lifelong career in the textile industry and how he witnessed the rise and fall of textiles.  Pat shared her career pause due to the ''Marriage Ban'' in Ireland. We also got to understand what is the secret to maintaining a loving, healthy, and respectful 53+ year marriage (tips: travel with your friends is part of the recipe!)
We also dive deep into how they dealt with losing their life pension, what death means and how religion and spirituality affect their view of going to the other side!  

Ready to learn and be inspired by this fun and energetic Irish couple? 

PS: You will also find out why there was a massive delay in publishing this episode :( We are now back on our monthly track!

Dear Pat & Johnny:
I am grateful that our lives have crossed and thank you for showing me that as long as we are with the people we love, nothing else matters as much as we think.  Our conversation occurred on a very difficult day for me, and I truly believe God is sending his message to me via our conversation.  I hope you love this episode as much as you love dinner party - Love, Nicole

Support the show

Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways:  

• Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube
• Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder!
• Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month  to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. 
• Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube
• Email me at [email protected] 

Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message!

Our 1st episode features Donald Campbell - my energetic, healthy, and full-of-life Pilates classmate who is in his 90s. 

We chatted about his childhood, how he took 5 days from Canada to France and then to the UK, his adulthood, how he went from not knowing to sew to becoming a fashion designer that Princess Diana loves, his elderhood, how he is still travelling the world with his partner of 54 years.

How to keep a 54-year relationship? How to start a new skill in your 70s? Come and find out in this episode.

Dear Donald:
I am grateful that our lives have crossed and thank you for showing me the key to life is to keep it as fun as possible. Like you, I will never stop travelling. I hope you love this episode as much as you love Pilates - Love, Nicole

Support the show

Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways:  

• Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube
• Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder!
• Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month  to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. 
• Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube
• Email me at [email protected] 

Love it? Have a question or comment? Click here to send me a direct message!

Welcome to Beyondhood - where we go beyond elderhood - one chat at a time. 

In our introduction & welcome episode, we tell you why did we create the Beyondhood podcast, who is your host Nicole Suen, and why you should listen to Beyondhood.

Find out more about us on our web. Follow us on Instagram, Linkedin & Facebook

Support the show

Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways:  

• Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube
• Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder!
• Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month  to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show. 
• Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube
• Email me at [email protected]