On this episode of the Learning and Growing Podcast, we have Aiga Stuka.

I was introduced to Aiga on a cycling track in Meydan in Dubai. With a brief conversation, I could tell that she had a powerful story to share. She’s fought with cancer and beat it. She was divorced through a text message on the day before her birthday. She’s undergone multiple surgeries on her knees - regardless of being beat down to her knees, she’s always risen higher by fighting bravely through all the adversities that life throws.

Her message in this episode is powerful:
1. Do not judge others and be kind, you never know what people are going through.
2. Life will throw completely random hits at you. It’s important to go through the journey and learn to pick yourself up again.
3. Family and friends will always want what’s safe for you - but your task in life is to push the boundaries of your own strengths and find out how far you can go in life. You need to listen to the voice inside you and follow your own path - even if others don’t understand it. 
4. Sports changed her life. She runs marathons and races triathlons, she cycles, on the track, and maintains a high performance lifestyle - more than any woman I have met. And she’s aiming higher and higher every time. 
5. She’s learnt the value of having a good coach. Investing in coaching will get you results faster and saves you mistakes that could derail you and stop your progress. 
6. Most people live in a box that society built for them. The brave ones dare to challenge the norm of society and build their own life to uplift their own dreams and ambitions. 
7. Learn to understand where your fear zones are. Learn about what makes you afraid. The highest calling in life is to go towards what you fear and to overcome them through consistent action. There lies your greatest rewards and satisfactions.
8. Life will keep playing new cards that will demand that you evolve and better yourself. Don’t wait for life to hit you for you to change - be in constant motion and be ready for change.
 
Enjoy the story, I hope it inspires you to keep fighting on! 
 
#podcast #cancersurvivor

On this episode of the Learning and Growing Podcast, we have Sanjeev Krishna, a devoted practitioner of Yoga for the last 30 years. He acquired knowledge about Yoga, Ancient Healing practices, various modalities of therapy and health sciences from several renowned Yogis and Guru's from across India. 

He has been practicing and teaching Yoga at the Sanjeev Krishna Yoga centre in Jumeirah in Dubai for the last 2 decades. He has imparted knowledge about Yoga to over 14,000 students in person and online. 

I recently attended a transformative program called "Rhythm of Life," led by Guruji Sanjeev. This in-person workshop series consists of ten sessions, during which Guruji shares invaluable insights on breathing techniques, fundamental nutrition principles, and methods to release negativity stemming from past traumas. He also explores universal principles of well-being and provides practices to cultivate calmness and serenity through meditation. The experience was truly enlightening!

Enjoy this podcast, and comment down below if you have any questions.

Time stamps: 
0:00 Intro 
1:00 Roles and Responsibilities in life
3:02 Knowledge of Self 
5:19 Self Enquiry
6:30 Nature is our first teacher
8:42 Help yourself first 
11:26 Knowledge of our lungs
12:58 Sanjeev’s personal mission 
14:06 Gratitude to Guruji 
15:10 Yoga is not about exercise
16:37 Conclusion 

#yoga #podcast #breathing #meditation

Mrs Jacque Zandstra came to Kuwait along with the late Pastor Jerry Zandstra in 1985 as Christian Missionaries from California, USA. 

What started as a tiny colonial church in Kuwait with 17 groups meeting every week, has now grown exponentially to house over 80 different groups of nationalities and denominations to congregate peacefully and share their Christian faith and under the protection of the laws of Kuwait. 

In this conversation, Mrs Jacque Zandstra, or as we affectionately call her - Mum Jacque, shares her experiences and thoughts of her 35+ years in Kuwait. She shares her story of how the church has played an integral role in the growth and development of Kuwait after the Gulf War of 1991, and how it united the Christian community in Kuwait for decades. 

Mum Jacque has dedicated the majority of her life to serving the community in Kuwait, and has stood strong as a lighthouse of faith to the hundreds of thousands of people that have walked through the alley ways of the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait.

This podcast serves the purpose of capturing a memoir of her journey in Kuwait since her arrival in Kuwait along with the Late Pastor Jerry in 1985. In the conclusion of our conversation, she lovingly shares a final message of hope and encouragement to the people of Kuwait, and encourages us to continue sharing the light to those who need it in within our families, our communities and our country. 

0:00 Trailer 
4:30 Introduction
11:12 The Beginning of Christianity in Kuwait
15:03 Mum Jacques experience moving to Kuwait
18:33 How Mum Jacque decided to become a Missionary 
19:18 Pastor Jerry dedication to the mission
20:30 The Gulf War and the NECK Church 
28:20 The Lighthouse Academy
36:47 The Importance of marriage and commitment 
42:47 Mum Jacque's message 
49:04 Closing prayer

Mohan P has built a $5M business from scratch in the recruitment and staffing industry, named FWC. But what makes his story special is that only a few years before going all in on his entrepreneurial dreams, he worked with as a security guard at Jain University in Bangalore. Today, he hires most of his employees from Jain University. 

This is an incredible tale of patience, perseverance and commitment to excellence. He dropped out of school in the 9th grade because his father passed away. He had to earn more to feed himself and his mother. He worked many off jobs before choosing to pack his backs and leave his home town to start a fresh new life in Bangalore as a security guard. 

While on duty, he would see many young bright students speaking English and driving fancy cars and living a flamboyant life. Deep in his heart he had a desire for a better life. So after work he would attend computer classes to up skill himself, and continue learn and grow with every opportunity he had. 

Fast forward to 2023, his business generates millions and he employees over 50 people in his organization. He's married to his wife and has a beautiful daughter, and is currently living in Bangalore. 

Watch the full episode to learn more about Mohan's story.

0:00 Introduction
05:56 Mohan's initial days as as security guard 
17:52 What drives Mohan? 
29:36 Unconditional Love
33:47 Thank you Sinan! 
35:34 Advice for new startups
38:42 Conclusion

Reverend Donald Grant has served the CSI churches in Bangalore for over 40 years. And before starting his journey to spread the message of Love of Jesus Christ, he served as a PT Trainer and Athletic Coach across various schools in Bangalore for over 30 years. 

His principals stand rooted in integrity, humility, and upright righteousness and character. 

During this interview, he shares the story of his life as a PT Trainer and as a man who spreads the love of God. 

There are only a few gentlemen left in this world that can proudly say that "I have fought the good fight, I have served my purpose in this world with all that I have." 

Rev. Donald has played a huge role in my life and has been a close mentor and role model for me. He prays for me daily and a person I count on for fatherly advice and discipline. 

I hope this conversation enlightens you to walk the line and show love to your neighbours by fulfilling your purpose with determination.