Connection Academy

On today’s episode I speak with Ian Power, who is the CEO of Spunout.ie - Ireland’s youth information website,  inclusive of a free 24/7 text service called “Text 50808”, which provides support for people going through mental health or emotional crisis - big or small. 

Ian and I had an incredibly rich conversation on the very important topic of 'Creating Space for Connection' and practical ways in which we can use emotional intelligence to foster more inclusive spaces. Specifically, we discuss the role of empathy and self-awareness and how these two emotional skills enable us to deepen the connection with ourselves and others.

This episode is part of a larger series of conversations discussion Mental health and Wellbeing. Creating space for connection is a central part of proactively managing our wellbeing, as connection is rooted in our need for love and belonging. Science has shown that connection to aids our mental health in many different ways: reducing our levels of anxiety and depression, regulating our emotions, and improving our self-esteem (to name a few).

But beyond mental health, another reason why I felt this episode was contextually relevant is because if you look at many of the global news headlines - whether that be on racial injustice, growing inequality, or grossly skewed political views, they all emphasize fragmentation and disconnection within our communities. This conversation addresses practical ways we might better come to understand one another, so that we may evolve as a human collective.

Visit our website, connectionacademy.co, where you can sign up for an upcoming Joy Management Workshop or 1:1 Life Coaching.

Follow us on Instagram to receive daily inspiration on how to live a joyful life.

Today we speak with Cassey Chambers - the operations director of Africa’s largest mental health organisation: SADAG (The South African Depression & Anxiety Group). Cassey believes that “everyone should be informed about mental health”, yet as we know - that isn’t the reality. This gap in education on mental health results in many people not feeling a sense of connection and support in their lives, and not knowing a way forward. You can think of today’s conversation as that lesson on Mental Health that many of us never had while we were in school.

Our conversation touches on points such as:

1. What is mental health?
2. What are some of the signs/symptoms of a mental health concern?
3. How can we better support one another -  what does it look like to have a conversation on mental health with someone you care for?
4. What role does stigma play in us taking action on mental health concerns?
5. Some practical tips to 'check-in' with ourselves and take care of our wellbeing

Mental Health is one of the fastest-growing global health concerns, hence this is an important conversation which we should all be having. If you feel this episode would benefit someone you know - do share a link with them.

Visit our website, connectionacademy.co, where you can sign up for an upcoming Joy Management Workshop or 1:1 Life Coaching.

Follow us on Instagram to receive daily inspiration on how to live a joyful life.

Today we speak with Dr Trudy Meehan, who has specialised in Social, Clinical and Positive Psychology. Trudy gives us a clear definition of mental health and practical tools for how we can address our own personal wellbeing.

We discussed PERMA, the "Model for Happiness & Wellbeing" as defined by positive psychology - a framework which we can all use to monitor our own wellbeing:
1. Positive Emotion
2. Engagement
3. Relationships
4. Meaning
5. Accomplishment

Trudy believes that "people want more than the absence of suffering" - sharing how we can all get to a place of positive emotion, the importance of accepting pain and suffering in our lives and the responsibility we have to identify and support each other through times of need.

Visit our website, connectionacademy.co, where you can sign up for an upcoming Joy Management Workshop or 1:1 Life Coaching.

Follow us on Instagram to receive daily inspiration on how to live a joyful life.

This podcast hosts conversations discussing what “true success” might look like in a truly connected world. Not only a ‘connected world’ in terms of digital networks, but one where we have a better understanding of ourselves, each other and the endless possibilities of life around us.

Here we a range of relevant topics inclusive of wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, coaching and personal development - topics which detail our shared responsibility towards creating a more connected future.  Conversations are tied together by educational perspectives of professionals working in the field coupled with some inspiring personal stories.

I hope to use this podcast to share the vision and passion of those invited to speak on the show. I believe these perspectives are incredibly important because only when we come to realise the many possibilities of life beyond our current personal reality can we intentionally build into a future which is capable of supporting and amplifying what it means to truly be human.

I’m personally looking forward to learning a lot from connecting with people on the show, and I welcome you to join the conversation!

Visit our website, connectionacademy.co, where you can sign up for an upcoming Joy Management Workshop or 1:1 Life Coaching.

Follow us on Instagram to receive daily inspiration on how to live a joyful life.