Keywords thriving, resilience, cancer, meditation, circular economy, sustainability, community, personal growth, environmental economics, self-discovery

Show Notes:

In this episode, Helen Valentino speaks with her godson Zac Mitchell, whose remarkable journey of resilience began with a brain tumour diagnosis at age 12, followed by Hodgkin's lymphoma at 19. Zac shares how meditation, travel, and environmental economics have shaped his path, and how his passion for the circular economy and sustainable food systems fuels his vision for a better world.

This is a story of deep healing, personal growth, and what it means to thrive — not just survive — in the face of life's toughest challenges.

🔑 Takeaways:

• Diagnosed with a brain tumour at 12, then Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 19.
• Found resilience through family, education, and self-discovery.
• Travelled Southeast Asia, exploring Buddhism and meditation.
• Meditation became a key pillar of his healing process.
• Studied environmental economics, focusing on sustainability and the circular economy.
• Believes in the power of local communities and food systems to drive change.
• Emphasizes embracing change and finding hope in uncertainty.

🎧 For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

📖 Referenced reading:

Siddhartha - Hermann Hesse

The body holds the score - Bessel van der Kolk

My stroke of insight - Jill Bolte Taylor 

Dhamma.org - Goenka vipassana meditation - https://www.dhamma.org/en/index

The Dharma Brothers – Film

Cwm Connell Cottages - https://www.cwmconnell.co.uk/

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