Curious Chats & Kind Acts

I met Helen through People Planet and Pint, which is a monthly meeting where people get together to chat about the environment over a pint… and guess what, the pint is free!! We chat about Helen’s journey to caring for the environment and wanting to reduce her impact on it.  We discuss lots of tips about what we can all do to be kinder to our environment, from turning the heating down to buying second hand… with a few digressions about single use dog poo bags, or why nature is female! 

I have to say though, this episode has challenged me the most, its proper made me think about 2 things, firstly, we had a great laugh and joke about what I’m going to try, what choices I’m going to make like I don't want to give up chicken, or wear second hand knickers, but at what point will we not have a choice? 

And secondly, what would it take for me (who is quite aware and cares about the environment) to give up stuff I love doing - like skiing? Or driving instead of cycling when the weather is horrid. I'm not there yet, but how on earth do I get there, so anyway have a listen, it's definitely one that will get you thinking!

In this episode I talk with Jim, we discuss his health issues with dementia and heart attacks, as well as his interesting relationship history. I found this chat fascinating as we had to swap rooms half way through, when we were in the first room, we were chatting about his life growing up, his family, and he can remember so much detail, we are then interrupted by some ladies wanting coffee so we move rooms, and as we start chatting about his dementia, and his recent past, it is like he is a different person, I learnt so much from Jim about dementia though, and how it is soooo different for every person. If you do live in the Blacon area, please do go along to Jim's group ‘bouncing back’ we will add the link to socials, they really are a lovely bunch of people sharing this rather scary journey together. Enjoy!

Today we are taking a trip down memory lane with Jo.  I’ve known Jo since school, and our youth involved lots of clubbing and drinking together. But as Jo got older and I think it’s a stage most of us reach, she wanted to explore other things in life. We chat about that journey which includes reverting to being Muslim, halal dating, not eating during Ramadan and wearing a moral veil. And this is where her journey to the Islamic faith began…

Today we explore the journey of Marcos. A former athlete turned personal trainer, as he navigates cultural identity, family, and mental health during lock-down. Delve into themes of kindness, empathy, and personal growth, highlighting the power of authentic connections and acts of positivity in impacting lives. And yes, we will be putting a clip of Marcos dancing on the socials!!

Today we delve into Twiggy's volunteering with St. John Ambulance, her transition to working within the NHS, and her realisation of the intrinsic nature of kindness in her actions, whether professionally or through simple, spontaneous acts of helping others. Twiggy recounts her childhood, marred by family issues and her stepdad's alcoholism, which influenced her career choices and instilled in her a desire to make a difference. Twiggy's story is a testament to overcoming adversity through resilience, kindness, and a commitment to positively impacting the world.

I do have to say, I’ve known Twiggy a long time, and it is such a privilege and an honor to hear her story, I thought she was just a bloody brilliant hockey goalie, how wrong I was!

This episode I chat with Ruby whose extraordinary story of resilience will leave you moved and inspired. Ruby shares her personal story of sikhism,  and having to escape an oppressive upbringing, when she fell in love and then fell pregnant. She talks about dealing with various racial tensions with acceptance and grace.  We share our ‘love’ of Long Covid and how she has had to learn to accept kindness and the ability to ask for help when needed. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.

Now we have an absolutely fascinating episode for you today, and maybe the bravest person I’ve interviewed so far, so get yourselves comfortable to have a listen to Kayley. We discuss conspiracy theories, choosing naracists for boyfriends (9 of them). Her journey with spirituality, beliefs about energy and how this has helped her see the best in people, and she still does!

I hope you enjoy!

Oh and when I casually ask ‘anything else’ near the end as a bit of an afterthought… there really is something else…

This week I'm talking to Adam who is a Personal Trainer. We discuss how being a Muslim has impacted his dating life, because he has to marry a women of God.  We discuss his faith’s outlook on kindness, and how this has taught him to be a better person. And yes, Adam and I do pretend to get married in this episode…. at Mecca bingo… obviously to help our wonderful listener to get a better understanding of Nikah!

Today I talk to Teresa with all of her positive energy, about her fascinating journey of overcoming anorexia using meditation. Being a single parent of 4 young children, and her spiritual journey of connecting with her higher self, yes Teresa does a great job of explaining some pretty deep subjects. So settle in and be prepared to have your brain challenged in a very good way!

Sonia the host shares her story today.  We have had lots of feedback about people wanting to know more about her, so here she is. She chats about why she and her wife started a kindness charity, her faith, falling in love with a women, and risking her life savings on a derelict chapel she wanted to convert to a community space and cafe. Thanks to Vic at Mic Media for interviewing her and doing a great edit on what was a VERY long conversation!!