I'm Glad You Exist

On today's episode of IGYE I'm joined by Brett Ralph.

Brett is someone I met through the Falmouth and Penryn Boxing Club when I was at University. When he was 19 he was involved in a catastrophic motorbike accident which left him with injuries so severe doctors considered amputating his legs.

To say Brett has come a long way since his accident would be an almost insultingly modest take. Not only did he defy medical professionals by standing unassisted; something that wasn't even considered a possibility early on his recovery. But he went far beyond that and ended up competing in and winning championship boxing matches.

Brett's story of recovery is a fascinating insight into one individual's mindset and a 'never say die' mentality that helped and hindered him in equal measure.

Follow Brett on IG @bre_double__t for more about his journey in fitness and recovery.

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You can follow me on instagram - @johnliot

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Music by 'Sizzlebird' 

Album: Horizons

Bandcamp - https://sizzlebird1.bandcamp.com/album/horizons  

On today's episode we're connecting a cold wintery night in Jersey with a 'might as well be summer' afternoon in Florida, with today's guest, Jason Strout.

Jason is a master of his craft and his craft happens to be hurting someone with your hands, elbows, knees and feet. He used to be a professional fighter and then transitioned into coaching other fighters. Since 2003 he's been building up his brand as one of the most sought after talents in combat sports and has lent his abilities to multiple world champions across different disclipines.

In our chat he talks about the transition he recently underwent from New York to Florida, his time living in Thailand, his decision to step away from competition and ultimately what makes him have such a passion for teaching and mentoring in such a cruel and unforgiving sport.

You can follow Jason and his fighters on IG @coachstrout. 

He also has a fantastic YouTube channel where he posts old school boxing matches, which you can find by searching 'Coach Strout's classic fights'.

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You can follow me on instagram - @johnliot

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Music by 'Sizzlebird' 

Album: Horizons

Bandcamp - https://sizzlebird1.bandcamp.com/album/horizons  

Welcome back to IGYE, on today's episode I'm joined by me ol' mate, Scott Garfitt.

Scott is an exceptionally talented photographer working in London. He's often found at film premiers or specialist events, capturing beautiful behind-the-scenes images or crisp and clean headshots on the red carpet.

Scott's always been dedicated to his craft, but recently he received a positive diagnosis for OCD. This revelation put a lot of his previous life experiences into context and has helped inform how best to approach his future.

In this chat we talk about what OCD means to Scott and how he balances it with a lifestyle that, if anything, stands to exacerbate his symptoms.

You can find out more about OCD by visiting the NHS website or speaking to your GP about an assessment.

You can follow Scott on instagram - @scottgarfitt and check out his website, www.ScottGarfitt.co.uk

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You can follow me on instagram - @johnliot

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Music by 'Sizzlebird' 

Album: Horizons

Bandcamp - https://sizzlebird1.bandcamp.com/album/horizons  

On today's episode of IGYE, I'm joined by clinical psychologist, Dr Terry Boucher.

We discuss, specifically, exposure therapy, and more broadly, therapy, phobia, trauma and community's role in recovery.

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You can find out more about Terry via his website: https://www.vivamuspsychs.com/the-team
and about the Jersey Tea Company @ https://thejerseyteacompany.com/

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You can follow me on instagram - @johnliot

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Music by 'Sizzlebird' 

Album: Horizons

Bandcamp - https://sizzlebird1.bandcamp.com/album/horizons  

On today's episode of IGYE I'm joined by one of my favourite photographers, Rich Hardcastle.

Portrait photographer to the stars, Rich Hardcastle is one of the most prominent figures in the UK comedian and actor scene. His prolific career has taken him all over the world and boasts a portfolio of extraordinary names; or, as Rich himself describes them, 'people with interesting jobs'.

Find out more about Rich and check out his incredible work on instagram @richhphoto

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You can follow me on instagram - @johnliot

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Music by 'Sizzlebird' 

Album: Horizons

Bandcamp - https://sizzlebird1.bandcamp.com/album/horizons  

Welcome back to I'm Glad You Exist.

Today I'm joined in studio by a good friend and former front man of the band, Flashmob, Harry Sutton.

Harry's story might not seem that different from yours or mine, and in that relevancy is the poignancy worth sharing.

In this discussion we go into topics around male mental health, body image confidence and ego.

Big thanks to Harry for opening up about some of his personal struggles, his candour is needed for other men to see that not only is it ok to speak up about these less spoken about aspects, but that it feels good on the other side of making yourself vulnerable.

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You can follow Harry's fitness journey and his typical goings on instagram @struttonspursuitoffitness

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You can follow me on instagram - @johnliot

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Music by 'Sizzlebird' 

Album: Horizons

Bandcamp - https://sizzlebird1.bandcamp.com/album/horizons  

On today's episode I'm joined via Zoom by American novelist and Buddhist, David Guy.

David and I connected back in 2019 when I found an article he wrote for the online publication, Tricycle. This article, originally uploaded back in 1994, was an exploration of whether the works of Alan Watts, British philosopher and key figure in bringing Eastern religions to a Western awareness during the 1950's, still held up, especially if one were to consider the criticisms levied against Watts.

For years, since my own discovery of the late philosopher, I was very hesitant to search anything that might muddy the near perfect perception I held of Watts. When I eventually allowed myself to accept that Watts might not be all wisdom and Zen, it was David's article I found. Amongst other things his writing led me to accept that no, Watts was not perfect, even in regards to his religious commitments, but that the messages he espoused and the stories he shared still held tremendous value.

I spoke to David via email and eventually it led us to this conversation. An insight into the life and importance of Alan Watts, how it related to David's own discovery of Buddhism and how Watts' legacy has changed from being an incredibly accessible teacher of Eastern philosophy, to 'that guy with the amazing voice who speaks over chillstep youtube videos'.

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You can follow David's work and writings at www.DavidGuy.org, which holds a link to his book store.

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You can follow me on instagram - @johnliot

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Music by 'Sizzlebird' 

Album: Horizons

Bandcamp - https://sizzlebird1.bandcamp.com/album/horizons  

On today's episode I'm joined in studio by world-renowned martial artist, Braulio Estima.

Braulio is a 5-stripe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and is known throughout the BJJ world as one of the best to have ever competed, but also, one of the best coaches to ever step on the mats.

He teaches seminars all over the world, as well as training within his adopted hometown of Birmingham. He finds himself often in Jersey and I nabbed him for a chat inbetween training sessions during his last visit to the island.

This chat frames his understanding of teaching around his personal and athletic development within professional martial arts. This is a conversation for people curious in the idea of working with people struggling with motivation, how to persevere, why goal setting is important but crucially why the journey is more important than the destination.

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Braulio's IG - https://www.instagram.com/braulioestima
Braulio's home gym - https://www.gbbirmingham.com/
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Jersey - https://graciebarraci.com/

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You can follow me on instagram - @johnliot

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Music by 'Sizzlebird' 

Album: Horizons

Bandcamp - https://sizzlebird1.bandcamp.com/album/horizons  

I'M GLAD YOU EXIST IS BACK!!

A short hiatus, some general life admin accounted for and a brand new episode with a shiny new guest for you lovely listeners. 

On today's episode I'm joined by UK-based Singer/Songwriter, Etaoin to chat about her gorgeous EP, 'Bedroom Wall's. 

We talk about her burgeoning career in music, the life experiences that have influenced her songwriting and specifically her lyrics, and just have a good ol' chat about so much stuff.

DEFINITELY check out Bedroom Walls and make sure you follow Etaoin to hear EP number 2 when it comes out later this year!

Etaoin's Socials:
www.instagram.com/etaoinnn/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5V9BcFYORnSqjFtBgrpx01?si=_IA8DVidQ5CExQE4ALtE8g&dl_branch=1

https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/etaoin/312719842

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bedroom-Walls-Etaoin/dp/B093BN2RRM
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You can follow me on instagram @johnliot

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Music by 'Sizzlebird' 

Album: Horizons

Bandcamp - https://sizzlebird1.bandcamp.com/album/horizons

On today's episode I'm joined by 'clinal companion animal behaviourist', Rosie Barclay.

Rosie has been working with animals the majority of her life, but has been entranced by them for essentially the totality of it. She pushes for the narrative on non-forceful or abusive techniques for helping train and understand animals, and is currently available via vet referral in the Channel Islands.

You can find out more about Rosie at her website, www.petproblems.com

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You can follow me on instagram @johnliot

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Music by 'Sizzlebird' 

Album: Horizons

Bandcamp - https://sizzlebird1.bandcamp.com/album/horizons