ChatterBeans Podcast

I'm sitting down with leadership coach Dr Albert Viljoen, whose journey from practicing medicine in South Africa to guiding leaders in the UK is both deeply personal and powerfully reflective.

Together, we explore how AI is reshaping health, work, and identity, and why maintaining human connection is more important than ever in a digital world. Albert opens up about cultural transitions, self-acceptance as a gay man, and how body psychotherapy has helped him integrate emotional and physical awareness in his own growth - and in his coaching practice.

This thoughtful conversation touches on leadership, therapy, relationships, and the evolving dynamics of the workplace, offering insight into what it truly means to lead - and to live - with authenticity.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

02:38 - Transition from Medicine to Coaching

05:20 - The Impact of AI on Health and Work

06:19 - Cultural Reflections on South Africa

09:00 - Long-Term Goals and Ambitions

12:01 - The Human Element in Leadership

15:05 - Post-COVID Work Dynamics

18:39 - Personal Life and Interests

22:09 - Navigating Identity and Relationships

34:23 - Life Lessons and Body Psychotherapy

Link with Albert and his work at Be Fully Human

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for even more from ChatterBeans. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released!

Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week, I'm chatting with Abi Wynn-Jones, an adaptive CrossFit athlete and fierce advocate for inclusivity in sports. Abi opens up about her journey living with a connective tissue disorder, the setbacks she’s faced, and how she’s turned every challenge into strength.

From competing in adaptive CrossFit to pushing for better representation of disabled athletes, Abi’s story is one of resilience, courage, and relentless determination. She shares how COVID-19 changed her approach to fitness, the importance of finding the right coach, and why she believes sports should be accessible to everyone - no matter their ability.

Chapters

00:00 - Breaking Barriers: Abby's Journey in Adaptive Sports

11:58 - Overcoming Challenges: The Impact of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

24:03 - Finding Strength: The Shift from Thin to Strong

36:00 - Advocacy and Representation: The Future of Adaptive Sports

Connect with Abi on Instagram to follow her journey.

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ for even more from ChatterBeans. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released!

Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

I'm joined by psychotherapist, author, and broadcaster Dr Aaron Balick to explore what it means to be human in a world that never logs off.

From AI and social media to attention spans, parenting, and imposter syndrome, this episode dives into the psychology of modern life - how technology shapes our identity, our relationships, and even our mental health.

Aaron shares his journey from therapist to thought leader, his viral centipede story that started it all, and his belief that the key to surviving the digital age lies in self-acceptance, critical thinking, and embracing complexity.

A conversation about who we are, who we think we are online, and how to stay grounded in between.

Chapters

02:50 - The Impact of Social Media on Self-Identity

05:51 - Understanding Imposter Syndrome in the Digital Age

08:51 - AI's Role in Modern Psychotherapy

11:50 - Navigating Hyper-Connectivity and Attention Spans

14:49 - The Influence of ADHD and Social Media

17:56 - The Challenges of Adolescence in a Digital World

24:29 - Navigating Netflix's Adolescence in the Digital Age

30:04 - Understanding Midlife Crises in Millennials

32:34 - The Role of Technology in Mental Health

35:44 - Self-Acceptance and Personal Growth

Find out more about Dr Aaron Balick's work on his website.

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ for even more from ChatterBeans. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released!

Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠⁠.

What happens when a changemaker pushing for a better world hits burnout? In this episode, I sit down with Nora Wilhelm - a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, TEDx speaker, and systems innovator - to talk about the highs and lows of dedicating your life to change.

Nora shares how her journey started at just 15, leading her to co-found collaboratio helvetica in Switzerland and later create the well • change atelier and Parayma - projects that bring creativity, healing, and purpose into the world of social innovation.

It’s a conversation that’s both lighthearted and real - where we laugh, we get serious, and we explore how to keep going when the work of change feels overwhelming.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Nora Wilhelm's Journey

02:10 - The Challenge of Social Change and Burnout

04:14 - Early Influences and Awakening to Injustice

08:12 - First Steps Towards Activism

12:34 - Navigating Teenage Years and Finding Community

14:19 - University Experience and Disappointment

17:53 - Struggling with Balance and Overcommitment

19:55 - Recognizing the Need for Safeguards

22:16 - The Impact of Burnout and Seeking Help

26:31 - Facing Burnout: A Turning Point

30:22 - Life in the Burnout Clinic

33:31 - Preparing to Re-enter the World

35:21 - Breaking Free from Dependency

36:12 - Rediscovering Creative Passions

39:34 - The Power of Art in Change Work

41:11 - Scaling Impact through Parayma

44:17 - The Dalai Lama Fellowship Experience

51:51 - Finding Joy in Simple Moments

53:28 - Empowerment and Personal Agency

Connect with Nora on LinkedIn, Instagram or visit her website. Find out more about her work at Parayma and the well • change atelier.

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ for even more from ChatterBeans. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released!

Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.

David Spencer - known across the industry as The Media Mentor - joins me for the first episode of ChatterBeans Season 3. From a childhood obsession with radio to a career spanning journalism, teaching, and mentoring, David shares how curiosity and community shaped his path. We dive into the changing world of radio and podcasting, the emotional pull of music, and how coffee culture reflects who we are. Expect inspiring life lessons on personal growth, creativity, and the importance of giving back.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to David Spencer and His Journey

05:46 - The Evolution from Radio to Journalism

11:47 - Becoming the Media Mentor

17:52 - The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Mentoring

23:56 - Passions Beyond Media: Music and Sports

29:55 - The Impact of Music on Personal Identity

36:02 - Advice on Initiative and Passion Projects

41:54 - Reflections on Vulnerability and Personal Growth

Connect with David Spencer and his work as The Media Mentor and on Instagram

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠ for even more from ChatterBeans. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released! Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠.

Fifteen extraordinary guests. Countless unforgettable stories.

In this special trailer, host Isaac Kong offers a first sip of ChatterBeans Reserve - a season carefully brewed with remarkable conversations and the unique flavour of every personality.

Meet a brilliant psychotherapist exploring the human mind and AI, a Forbes-recognised social innovator, a record-breaking adaptive HYROX & CrossFit athlete, a quick-witted comedian and TV producer, a seasoned radio and podcast mentor, a classical musician, a podcast host and radio presenter, visionary business owners, fearless founders, and many more.

New episodes pour out every Wednesday starting 1 October 2025 on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

Grab your favourite coffee and savour the stories - this is ChatterBeans Reserve.

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ for even more from ChatterBeans. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released! Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.

Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.

Gareth Davies is the CEO of The Presenter Studio, the UK's leading presenter coaching business, offering presentation skills training and more. Gareth has spent three decades behind the scenes of some of the UK’s biggest television shows - and now, he’s on a mission to give back. As co-founder of The Presenter Studio, Gareth coaches emerging on-screen talent, blending his love of storytelling with a deep passion for creativity, learning, and personal growth.

In this episode of ChatterBeans, Gareth opens up about his journey from child actor to producer and mentor. We talk about how the TV industry has changed, what it really takes to stand out, and why rejection can sometimes be your biggest teacher.

We also dive into the realities of freelance life, the rituals that keep him grounded (including a serious love of coffee), and what he’s learned about success, authenticity, and finding joy beyond the job title.

Expect honest reflections, great advice for creatives, and a few unexpected gems — including a dream coffee date with Bette Midler.

Chapters

00:00 - The Journey of Gareth Davies in TV Production

02:53 - The Evolution of Television and New Talent

05:37 - The Presenter Studio: Nurturing New Talent

08:52 - Business Training and Presentation Skills

11:32 - From Child Actor to TV Producer

14:43 - Creative Background and Personal Growth

17:32 - Life Beyond TV: Hobbies and Interests

20:29 - Meeting New People as a Freelancer

23:26 - Future Aspirations for The Presenter Studio

26:16 - Coffee Rituals and Dream Coffee Dates

29:18 - Life Lessons and Advice from Experience

32:13 - Quick Fire Round: Insights and Fun Facts

Connect with Gareth at The Presenter Studio on Instagram, LinkedIn or visit their website.

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ for even more from ChatterBeans. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released! Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.

Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.

In this episode of ChatterBeans, Zoe Park joins me to share her deeply personal journey into motherhood, identity transformation, and finding her voice as a twin parent and content creator.

Zoe opens up about the emotional shifts that come with parenting, why building a supportive community matters, and how she's learning to trust herself again - all while navigating the chaos of daily life with twins.

From authenticity and self-worth to content creation and change, this episode is a warm reminder that it’s okay to evolve, let go of perfection, and rewrite your story on your own terms.

Whether you’re a parent, creative, or just figuring life out – Zoe’s story is full of honesty, wisdom, and heart.

Topics we chat about:

• Embracing identity shifts through motherhood
• Content creation as a path to self-expression
• Building support systems as a twin parent
• Navigating authenticity in a world of expectations
• Finding joy in everyday life
• Letting go of who you ‘should’ be to become who you are

Chapters

00:00 - The Journey of Motherhood and Identity Transformation

09:01 - Embracing Change and Reinvention

17:54 - Building Community and Supporting Twin Parents

25:52 - Navigating Life as a Content Creator

34:24 - Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

42:37 - Lessons on Authenticity and Self-Worth

Connect with Zoe and all things 'It's a Twin Thing' on Instagram

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ for even more from ChatterBeans. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released! Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.

Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.

In this episode of ChatterBeans, we sit down with designer Carolyn Chan to explore how living in Hong Kong, Japan, and Canada has influenced her creative journey. 

Carolyn shares insights on transitioning to freelancing, battling imposter syndrome, and embracing the evolving intersection of design and technology. Discover how cultural experiences can redefine personal and professional identity.

Key Topics:

• Cultural influences on creativity
• Navigating the freelance landscape
• Overcoming imposter syndrome
• The future of design and technology
• Personal growth and redefining success

Chapters

00:00 - Exploring Identity and Creativity

06:32 - The Journey to Freelancing

12:13 - Cultural Influences and Personal Identity

18:22 - The Future of Design and Technology

25:37 - Life Lessons and Personal Growth

Connect with Carolyn on Instagram and visit her website https://www.designedbycarolyn.co/

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ for even more from ChatterBeans. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released! Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.

Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.

This week on ChatterBeans, I sit down with the vibrant and totally unapologetic Talia Knoble-Gershon to talk all things neurodivergence, identity, queer joy, and social housing.

We chat about growing up with ADHD, mixing friendship groups like it’s a social experiment, dating (or not dating), and why Bridget Jones feels like a personal icon. Talia shares her passion for public service, how she brings her full self to work, and why living truthfully - chaos and all - is the only way forward.

Expect big laughs, honest reflections, and a reminder that being your authentic self is more than enough.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Talia Knoble-Gershon

02:19 - Understanding ADHD and Personal Challenges

09:05 - Living Authentically and Social Connections

13:10 - Passion for Social Housing

17:09 - Navigating University Life and Identity

22:20 - The Dating Landscape and Personal Experiences

26:54 - Creative Outlets and Future Aspirations

31:17 - Coffee Culture and Daily Routines

34:06 - Life Lessons and Unlearning

36:52 - Embracing Authenticity and Humour

38:52 - Writing as a Form of Expression

43:36 - Quick-fire round and Final Thoughts

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ for even more from ChatterBeans. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released! Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.

Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.