I was presented with a choice: absorb the data around my cancer diagnosis or choose to believe a higher power had my life covered. I chose the latter. It wasn't really an option. I don't want to move forwards with my life worrying about how long I might or might not have. My cancer doctor told me to cross my fingers, but I told him I'd definitely be praying instead.

To not be fazed about the data surrounding any challenging situation, you've got to look at something bigger. Something grander, more steadfast and powerful to hold onto.

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives.
PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

I have a new tummy. 50% of it was thrown out with the hospital waste one day last November.

I had an oesophagectomy. A surgeon removed an advanced tumour and another one reshaped my oesophagus with my stomach. I was told my relationship with food would change forever. I don't feel hunger. I was advised to eat small portions - about 6 to 8 meals per day. I'm managing something like 3 to 4. One of those is usually ice cream or a glass of wine spaced far enough away from my pain meds.

It's been the most demanding thing I've been through physically. But I'm filled with immense gratitude I could have this life saving surgery. I used to describe myself as a bit of a foodie. The ritual of it, the making of it, the socialising around it. I had food on my mind. These days, nowhere near as much. Eating is a chore. Swallowing is an obstacle still. I'm currently living on soup and soft foods.

The last supper was an all out celebration parting ways with my old tummy. I went to The French in Manchester and had their tasting menu. It was nine courses of pure edible magic. Here's the story, before and after my life changing operation.

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives.
PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

I haven't been around for a while.
I've missed you, it's been nearly a year.
I thought I'd dealt with my rock bottom and then another level came along and took me by surprise.

I stopped eating and drinking for three and a half months last year. The first few weeks of that I lived on custard creams, porridge and rice cakes. I walked into my local A&E three times before I was admitted. I was kept in only after I started vomiting water. The fear and the relief were in equal measure. I had a camera sent down my throat, into my tummy to discover what was going on. The last thing I expected - Rachael, you have oesophagus cancer.

Part of me was incredulous, part of me laughed at the absurdity of it all. What did descend onto my emotional health was an inexplicable peace. Here I tell my story around the physical challenges that come with oesophagus cancer and the huge relief of knowing that it was treatable.

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going. 

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives.
PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

The benefits I've noticed in building a more courageous lifestyle:
 
1. Courage enables both bolder actions and an ability to see things for what they really are
2. Courage breeds more courage
3. The courage in you becomes a magnet
4. You get better at identifying fear's voice
5. Your yes and no become more defined
6. Your personal confidence increases exponentially
7. You feel more certain about the life path you're on
 
Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A KICKARSE CREATIVE BUSINESS

I’m able to make this podcast because I get a small income from some kickarse affiliate products. If you use any of these products with my link I can receive a small percentage back. Which honestly, does help!

These are products that I use everyday to make Call On Courage happen. If you’re running an online business they just make your life easier.

Go to https://www.calloncourage.com/kickarse to find out more.

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP THIS PODCAST REACH MORE PEOPLE?

If you've enjoyed any of these episodes or think this conversation on courage would help a friend, I'd appreciate a review. It takes less than 30 seconds and can really boost the chances of Call On Courage being discovered by others. Thanks :)

Go to https://ratethispodcast.com/courage

Have you found yourself feeling stifled or misunderstood in conversations that used to be energising and fun?
Are you experiencing a lot of internal change and growth?
Have you done an experiment of protecting what you let in, over creating more connection?

As more of us come out of lockdown - we might begin to notice things don't flow quite the same relationally, as before. And that my friend could mean a lot of new changes are afoot.

I ask some tricky and honest questions:
Do you fear not being liked?
What's the worst that can happen in that instance?
Does the thing you're protecting outweigh the connection?
Has your own growth sparked reactions in other people?

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A KICKARSE CREATIVE BUSINESS

I’m able to make this podcast because I get a small income from some kickarse affiliate products. If you use any of these products with my link I can receive a small percentage back. Which honestly, does help!

These are products that I use everyday to make Call On Courage happen. If you’re running an online business they just make your life easier.

Go to https://www.calloncourage.com/kickarse to find out more.

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP THIS PODCAST REACH MORE PEOPLE?

If you've enjoyed any of these episodes or think this conversation on courage would help a friend, I'd appreciate a review. It takes less than 30 seconds and can really boost the chances of Call On Courage being discovered by others. Thanks :)

Go to https://ratethispodcast.com/courage

Karen has been consistent and committed to leaning into her creative practice for over 20 years. She's a gifted artist I met at uni. Karen challenged me to keep hold of your artistic vision and integrity as a priority. We started working together and opened the door up to many creative adventures: making art in a remote Buddhist temple in rural Japan, doing sleep performances in a capsule hotel in Tokyo and getting to show our work on a school bus at Kyoto MoMA.

Karen's creative courage is subtle and steady. She has expressed and drawn from research with scientists, sleep experts and academics. Producing work that is thoughtful, reflective and expressing complex ideas beautifully. She currently teaches at Glyndwr University in North Wales.

Discover Karen's work: www.karenheald.co.uk

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A KICKARSE CREATIVE BUSINESS

I’m able to make this podcast because I get a small income from some kickarse affiliate products. If you use any of these products with my link I can receive a small percentage back. Which honestly, does help!

These are products that I use everyday to make Call On Courage happen. If you’re running an online business they just make your life easier.

Go to https://www.calloncourage.com/kickarse to find out more.

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP THIS PODCAST REACH MORE PEOPLE?

If you've enjoyed any of these episodes or think this conversation on courage would help a friend, I'd appreciate a review. It takes less than 30 seconds and can really boost the chances of Call On Courage being discovered by others. Thanks :)

Go to https://ratethispodcast.com/courage

I share five books that made an impact on me and helped shaped the way I think on a range of topics:

The War of Art, Steven Pressfield
Money, Rob Moore
How to write copy that sells, Ray Edwards
13 things mentally strong people don't do, Amy Morin
Illuminated Bible, Art Journaling Edition, Dana Tanamachi

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A KICKARSE CREATIVE BUSINESS

I’m able to make this podcast because I get a small income from some kickarse affiliate products. If you use any of these products with my link I can receive a small percentage back. Which honestly, does help!

These are products that I use everyday to make Call On Courage happen. If you’re running an online business they just make your life easier.

Go to https://www.calloncourage.com/kickarse to find out more.

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP THIS PODCAST REACH MORE PEOPLE?

If you've enjoyed any of these episodes or think this conversation on courage would help a friend, I'd appreciate a review. It takes less than 30 seconds and can really boost the chances of Call On Courage being discovered by others. Thanks :)

Go to https://ratethispodcast.com/courage

Olga Thompson is better known as Big Fat Greek Mother. Her insta bio reads: Character skits, wigs and kebabs. I had the joy of finding her in lockdown - Olga's impressions, maverick characters and red lippy smile are a ray of sunshine from your phone.

My guess about Olga's courage to perform wasn't quite right. Comedy and characters have been in her imagination and come naturally since being a kid. Sometimes it takes more guts to fully be yourself. Olga opens up to me about some of the fears she's conquered, why dress up should be celebrated and cracks out a range of class accents. We chat about why it's important for women to embrace stupidity and not waiting for fear to evaporate, before getting your own type of bonkers out there.

Follow Olga here: www.instagram.com/big_fat_greekmother

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

www.calloncourage.com/podcast/big-fat-greek-mother

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A KICKARSE CREATIVE BUSINESS

I’m able to make this podcast because I get a small income from some kickarse affiliate products. If you use any of these products with my link I can receive a small percentage back. Which honestly, does help!

These are products that I use everyday to make Call On Courage happen. If you’re running an online business they just make your life easier.

Go to https://www.calloncourage.com/kickarse to find out more.

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP THIS PODCAST REACH MORE PEOPLE?

If you've enjoyed any of these episodes or think this conversation on courage would help a friend, I'd appreciate a review. It takes less than 30 seconds and can really boost the chances of Call On Courage being discovered by others. Thanks :)

Go to https://ratethispodcast.com/courage

Nicole breaks the bedroom geek image someone might have of a coder. She's passionate about software development and on an intensive bootcamp getting her coding skills honed. Nicole is early on in her career but what I loved when I discovered her - she's got a clear vision for sharing her journey in real time and being up front about the challenges of start up culture.

We talk about steps of courage that changed her path. Making the leap from psychology graduate to learning code. And once she found herself in a tech start up, deciding to move on from a hustle led work environment. Nicole is carving a clear path - she feels leadership is an exciting key in unlocking a richer range of tech ideas for the future. She's keen to see the barriers to entering tech reduce.

Follow Nicole's progress: www.instagram.com/nicole.young

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

www.calloncourage.com/podcast/nicole-young

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A KICKARSE CREATIVE BUSINESS

I’m able to make this podcast because I get a small income from some kickarse affiliate products. If you use any of these products with my link I can receive a small percentage back. Which honestly, does help!

These are products that I use everyday to make Call On Courage happen. If you’re running an online business they just make your life easier.

Go to https://www.calloncourage.com/kickarse to find out more.

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP THIS PODCAST REACH MORE PEOPLE?

If you've enjoyed any of these episodes or think this conversation on courage would help a friend, I'd appreciate a review. It takes less than 30 seconds and can really boost the chances of Call On Courage being discovered by others. Thanks :)

Go to https://ratethispodcast.com/courage

Jess grabbed my attention on Instagram when she posted about a subject I hold dear: how to be a healthy creative. Self care and creativity go hand in hand. Like many other designers building their own companies - Jess' appreciation for this came on the tough road. She shares the reality of starting again after burnout.

It wasn't easy and pretty scary taking time out to recover and figure out - what's not working for me anymore? Where are my old habits and behaviours not serving me or other people? These questions aren't easy. But what I admire about Jess, is her bravery for being prepared to go there and figure out how to move on and grow.

We talk about boundaries, creating more space in life, our ego and the power we can unlock in being present in everyday things. If you've ever been tempted to operate in over work mode - Jess will convince you otherwise.

Jess' Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessicaahorsfall/

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

www.calloncourage.com/podcast/jess-horsfall

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A KICKARSE CREATIVE BUSINESS

I’m able to make this podcast because I get a small income from some kickarse affiliate products. If you use any of these products with my link I can receive a small percentage back. Which honestly, does help!

These are products that I use everyday to make Call On Courage happen. If you’re running an online business they just make your life easier.

Go to https://www.calloncourage.com/kickarse to find out more.

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP THIS PODCAST REACH MORE PEOPLE?

If you've enjoyed any of these episodes or think this conversation on courage would help a friend, I'd appreciate a review. It takes less than 30 seconds and can really boost the chances of Call On Courage being discovered by others. Thanks :)

Go to https://ratethispodcast.com/courage