Smash The Box

A personal message from me to sign off this podcast series. In this final and 100th episode I pay tribute to all 99 of the amazing and inspiring guests that have appeared in the series, as well as those who have helped to make it happen. I also share some of my personal journey, the purpose behind starting the podcast and the reason for ending it now. I cover grief, coaching and the effect of the pandemic. As well as reflecting back, I also look forward to 2021 with optimism, excitement and patience(!) as I share my future direction and new creation; HOLISTIC ADVENTURES (holistic-adventures.com). If life is a book, then Smash The Box has been an incredible chapter. Thank you above all to YOU, the listener for taking the time out to spend with me. Whether you’ve listened to all the episodes, a small section or even just one, my hope is that the impact has been a positive one. I for one, have learnt so much from my guests. Stories make the world go round. The aim was always to share stories from all walks of life with a view to inspiring others and effecting positive change in people. To give airtime to stories that deserved it and might not otherwise have been heard. I think we achieved that. Wishing you all love and positive energy for the year ahead. Mark Pitcher shall return in 2021…with HOLISTIC ADVENTURES. Part Holistic Retreat/Part Coaching Workshop/Part Adventure Camp, Holistic Adventures is for anyone on a healing journey. Because not all healing has to take place within the confines of a white walled therapists office. For any initial enquires, contact; [email protected]. Watch this space...

Inspiration is a word that comes up a lot when speaking with Cleo McLaren. Not only is she an inspiring human being, a practising lawyer, certified coach and podcaster, but she is also role model to single Mum’s everywhere. Cleo takes her own inspiration from her mother, who raised her on her own and gave her strength. Cleo also cites her primary school teacher who gave her confidence at an early age. “She chose me to be Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz” and it started there! There is a realness to Cleo that is palpable through the way she talks and it carries over into her work; “My coaching is not just a bag load of mantras to repeat 10 times a day until you believe it, because life isn’t that simple”. She coaches from the heart and encourages clients to dig deeper. "Blips happen in life. We all experience hurt and joy. I want them to be able to bounce back, because there is always a way forward.” Her new podcast; 'Conversations With Cleo' is part-inspired by her brother whose achievements, despite an ongoing battle with cancer, have motivated Cleo to get his story out there NOW, rather than later. Cleo talks openly about her own health battles and how she has completely reframed her approach to fitness in a way that is calmer and now prioritises her own emotional well being. “My purpose is to share the love and light that I have with as many people as I can so, they may be uplifted and elevated in their lives. For more on how Cleo lives this purpose, tune into this warm, emotional and yet gritty and real episode as we cover coaching, family, the law and life/work balance.

Smash The Box is a personal development business. Everything I do is with the aim of inspiring you to find your purpose so you can make your mark on the world. One way I do this is by sharing people’s stories. Inspiring stories that the world needs to hear. Stories of breakthroughs, of adversity overcome, of achievements, successes, of setbacks and turnarounds, of realisations and lightbulb moments. This audio experience is a natural and perfect complement to the existing services of Life Coaching, Leadership Coaching, Breakthrough Workshops and Inspirational Talks - all of which forms something quite unique and special. If you are looking to find your purpose in life, in work, or both, then don’t just think outside the box. It’s time to Smash The Box!

Connect with us!

www.smashthebox.me

www.youtube.com/channel/UC7fEEvjX52qS928oyLGCtuQ

www.facebook.com/SmashTheBoxMarkPitcher/

www.instagram.com/markpitcher_smashthebox/

Carolyn Ball is in a hurry. She’s in a hurry to help save the world for her children and future generations. She is acutely aware of the seismic task ahead of her and is smart and humble enough to know that she cannot do it alone. Always passionate and talented, Carolyn finally found a creative outlet for her dream and Save The World At Lunch was born. She is the first to admit it’s a personal passion project; “I am documenting something, rather than creating business”, she says humbly. It’s a project though with which she is determined to make an impact. A mini-movie series is about to launch; one for adults called and one for children, with a first trail coming in December 2020 called ‘An (In) Edible Inheritance'. The project centres around the importance of people making food and drink choices that serve the wider world and everyone in it. One aim is simply to inspire other families to also do things differently, which otherwise might not have and to see the results of that. Small steps lead to giant leaps. Carolyn sees much of the inertia that paralyses people due to the enormity of the challenge and is attempting to present something very accessible and simple, starting with her own family, that we can all apply in our own lives. Carolyn has always loved the food and drink hospitality sector and still passionately works the day job for Restaurant Associates. She also needed a creative outlet though, to express herself through and an idea was born. Listen in to this warm and wonderful podcast and you won’t help but be infected by Carolyn’s warmth, enthusiasm and passion for her subject, as we talk sustainability, food and drink, ice baths and roller skates!

Smash The Box is a personal development business. Everything I do is with the aim of inspiring you to find your purpose so you can make your mark on the world. One way I do this is by sharing people’s stories. Inspiring stories that the world needs to hear. Stories of breakthroughs, of adversity overcome, of achievements, successes, of setbacks and turnarounds, of realisations and lightbulb moments. This audio experience is a natural and perfect complement to the existing services of Life Coaching, Leadership Coaching, Breakthrough Workshops and Inspirational Talks - all of which forms something quite unique and special. If you are looking to find your purpose in life, in work, or both, then don’t just think outside the box. It’s time to Smash The Box!

Connect with us!

www.smashthebox.me

www.youtube.com/channel/UC7fEEvjX52qS928oyLGCtuQ

www.facebook.com/SmashTheBoxMarkPitcher/

www.instagram.com/markpitcher_smashthebox/

“It’s taken me some serious ups and downs to work out what my purpose in life is; to give people the permission to live their life with real clarity of who they uniquely are”. So says, Author, Publisher, Mentor & Personal Brand Strategist, Jo Baldwin-Trott. In this inspiring and deeply reflective podcast, Jo openly shares the sadness and challenges of her personal story, and how she has come from a dark place of despair to a place of triumph and meaning in her life and work. We go deep into identity, confidence, vulnerability, equality, mental health and the difference between the sexes in how these issues are addressed, or not in some cases. Not afraid to skirt the big questions, Jo gives some great positive examples of those who are getting it right and others who are not. The world needs more honesty according to Jo and she sees many positives in a post-Covid world. “It’s very exciting time for equality. Everyone (on zoom) is the same size. It doesn’t matter how tall you or small you are, or what car you drive or how big your house is. And I love that about these times.” I only started publishing in lockdown. I’ve got a lot to say and so have many of my friends. The books I publish are for the greater good, for the social consciousness. Jo’s latest book ‘Being Fine: The Other F Word’ is out in December. It covers men’s mental health and features 15 (mostly male) contributing authors - including the host of this podcast. “So many people have asked me why are you, a woman, publishing a book with all these men in it?!” To find out Jo’s answer and a whole lot more, tune in to this enlightening podcast.

Smash The Box is a personal development business. Everything I do is with the aim of inspiring you to find your purpose so you can make your mark on the world. One way I do this is by sharing people’s stories. Inspiring stories that the world needs to hear. Stories of breakthroughs, of adversity overcome, of achievements, successes, of setbacks and turnarounds, of realisations and lightbulb moments. This audio experience is a natural and perfect complement to the existing services of Life Coaching, Leadership Coaching, Breakthrough Workshops and Inspirational Talks - all of which forms something quite unique and special. If you are looking to find your purpose in life, in work, or both, then don’t just think outside the box. It’s time to Smash The Box!

Connect with us!

www.smashthebox.me

www.youtube.com/channel/UC7fEEvjX52qS928oyLGCtuQ

www.facebook.com/SmashTheBoxMarkPitcher/

www.instagram.com/markpitcher_smashthebox/

In amongst a sea of motivational speakers and coaches, John Ball stands out. A self-proclaimed ‘Edutainer’ and Coach, John helps people to create impact and have influence, in a way that is both ethical and ecological for themselves and their audience. We discuss the positives and negative of the art of persuasion and how it can be used for both good and bad. When it comes to leadership, John is very clear that public speaking and communication skills are a pre-requisite of being a leader, and not a ’soft skill’, as they are so often deemed. “I work with a lot of people who have been in business for years but never received any formal leadership or communication skills training. They are just expected to know it.” We cover a range of topics including female empowerment, the impact of Covid 19, vulnerability, self care and John’s own podcast; Speaking Of Influence. John explains something called ’Spiral Dynamics’; “The idea is that we have to pass through different values levels as part of our personal and societal evolution. You see this being played out in global politics”. John also covers some of the basics of creating impact when presenting over zoom and other online tools, including voice tonality, where to look, and camera angles. Plenty of top tips and learnings in this topical and influential episode

Smash The Box is a personal development business. Everything I do is with the aim of inspiring you to find your purpose so you can make your mark on the world. One way I do this is by sharing people’s stories. Inspiring stories that the world needs to hear. Stories of breakthroughs, of adversity overcome, of achievements, successes, of setbacks and turnarounds, of realisations and lightbulb moments. This audio experience is a natural and perfect complement to the existing services of Life Coaching, Leadership Coaching, Breakthrough Workshops and Inspirational Talks - all of which forms something quite unique and special. If you are looking to find your purpose in life, in work, or both, then don’t just think outside the box. It’s time to Smash The Box!

Connect with us!

www.smashthebox.me

www.youtube.com/channel/UC7fEEvjX52qS928oyLGCtuQ

www.facebook.com/SmashTheBoxMarkPitcher/

www.instagram.com/markpitcher_smashthebox/

Caner Veli is an action taker. His passion and pursuit of a work that serves the greater good has served him well, as well as others. “I’ve always challenged systems and processes with ‘why’? Why things are done a certain way.” After dropping out of university, Caner’s entrepreneurial curiosity and drive for success led to him being approached by Dragon’s Den in 2016. He prepared meticulously and received one of the largest investments given by the Dragons, in this case Touker Suleyman, as well as a standing ovation. His must see episode (easily found on You Tube) involved him standing in a paddling pool of water in a suit whilst pouring red wine all over himself, to promote the eco-friendly Liquiproof - his then business. After later successfully exiting that business, and always with a passion for the environment and sustainability, Caner has since gone on to form Kind Community - a movement and service that helps brands and citizens to put sustainability at the heart of what they do in a way that is both authentic and impactful. “It’s very hard for some businesses to pivot away from their traditionally profitable and often non-eco friendly models to something new and more sustainable. We help them do this.” It’s a very accessible community that’s growing fast. Whether you’re a conscious consumer or a conscious brand; “All are welcome”, says Caner. “We are simply a community of good people doing amazing things; making the sustainable attainable. Tune in to this eco-friendly and sustainable episode for more.

Smash The Box is a personal development business. Everything I do is with the aim of inspiring you to find your purpose so you can make your mark on the world. One way I do this is by sharing people’s stories. Inspiring stories that the world needs to hear. Stories of breakthroughs, of adversity overcome, of achievements, successes, of setbacks and turnarounds, of realisations and lightbulb moments. This audio experience is a natural and perfect complement to the existing services of Life Coaching, Leadership Coaching, Breakthrough Workshops and Inspirational Talks - all of which forms something quite unique and special. If you are looking to find your purpose in life, in work, or both, then don’t just think outside the box. It’s time to Smash The Box!

Connect with us!

www.smashthebox.me

www.youtube.com/channel/UC7fEEvjX52qS928oyLGCtuQ

www.facebook.com/SmashTheBoxMarkPitcher/

www.instagram.com/markpitcher_smashthebox/

Three time author and uber-experienced HR Specialist Debra Corey is a rebel with a big heart. Recently named in the Top 100 Employee Engagement Influencers, Debra’s career spans 20+ years in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. Debra recently co-authored the Rebel Playbook For Employee Engagement with Reward Gateway CEO, Glen Elliott. “I’m in the 3rd curve of my career; my rebellious curve; my ‘pay it forward’ curve” she asserts. Debra talks about something called ‘the engagement bridge’ that leaders and managers need to cross. “Many leaders don’t understand the implications of their actions. 70-80% of managers are promoted because of their technical skills and are not prepared for management.We need to equip them, help them”. Having moved from the US to the UK - “my 2nd curve” - Debra talks about the contrasting leadership styles between the 2 countries. “It’s more in your face in the US than in the UK, although it is changing”. For those interested in leadership, management and employee engagement, this episode is a masterclass. Debra opens up her pandora’s box of wisdom and tips for aspiring leaders; “We need to talk more about ‘job design’. Many people are forced into management because it’s the only to get more money”. You are invited to join the revolution and learn Debra’s top 3 tips for leading and engaging.

Smash The Box is a personal development business. Everything I do is with the aim of inspiring you to find your purpose so you can make your mark on the world. One way I do this is by sharing people’s stories. Inspiring stories that the world needs to hear. Stories of breakthroughs, of adversity overcome, of achievements, successes, of setbacks and turnarounds, of realisations and lightbulb moments. This audio experience is a natural and perfect complement to the existing services of Life Coaching, Leadership Coaching, Breakthrough Workshops and Inspirational Talks - all of which forms something quite unique and special. If you are looking to find your purpose in life, in work, or both, then don’t just think outside the box. It’s time to Smash The Box!

Connect with us!

www.smashthebox.me

www.youtube.com/channel/UC7fEEvjX52qS928oyLGCtuQ

www.facebook.com/SmashTheBoxMarkPitcher/

www.instagram.com/markpitcher_smashthebox/

Caroline takes us on a wonderful journey in this natural health focussed episode. A homeopath, wellness coach and author of Bird Is The Word (out Spring 2021), Caroline’s love for bird watching is more than a matter of passion, it’s a matter of health. We cover the health benefits of getting out in nature and spending time watching and following these beautiful creatures. Caroline takes us via some wonderful places as she opens up on a healing journey that has led to homeopathy and natural medicine. She explains the chakras, the effects of menopause and ‘perma culture’. A 10 Day Detox six years ago was one of several pivotal moments. “I got to Day 8 and thought ’this is how we are meant to feel all of the time'”. It was another turning point. “I got into natural health through my children” she reflects, and gets emotional as she recites some of the powerful dreams she experienced whilst living in Western Australia. There are name checks for a few of those that have been a major influence on her physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Healing energy frequencies, the rhythm of the planets and essential fatty acids -it’s all here. Tune in for a spiritual and personal journey through nature and natural health that will fascinate and inspire many.

Smash The Box is a personal development business. Everything I do is with the aim of inspiring you to find your purpose so you can make your mark on the world. One way I do this is by sharing people’s stories. Inspiring stories that the world needs to hear. Stories of breakthroughs, of adversity overcome, of achievements, successes, of setbacks and turnarounds, of realisations and lightbulb moments. This audio experience is a natural and perfect complement to the existing services of Life Coaching, Leadership Coaching, Breakthrough Workshops and Inspirational Talks - all of which forms something quite unique and special. If you are looking to find your purpose in life, in work, or both, then don’t just think outside the box. It’s time to Smash The Box!

Connect with us!

www.smashthebox.me

www.youtube.com/channel/UC7fEEvjX52qS928oyLGCtuQ

www.facebook.com/SmashTheBoxMarkPitcher/

www.instagram.com/markpitcher_smashthebox/

A self-proclaimed “northern pirate”, Michelle Minnikin is a Chartered Psychologist and Co-Captain of Work Pirates. “We’re like the A-Team, but for organisations”, says Michelle. The business is every bit as cheeky and rebellious as Michelle herself and her heart is clearly in it. Pirates don’t do ‘rules’ but they do have 'a code’ and so does Work Pirates. Happiness at work, life/work balance (in that order), loving work and helping organisations to help themselves - these are some of things that Michelle and ‘her crew’ are fighting for. Pirate analogies aside, Michelle speaks with a candour and an honesty about herself that is refreshing many will resonate with. Inspired by the book; Be More Pirate by Sam Connie Allende; “I loved every word”, Michelle not only adopted its principle but tracked down the author “I dragged him up to my house in Newcastle” she smiles and received his blessing to start putting his principles into practice. Michelle has that rare and wonderful knack of being able to simplify everything into a language that all can understand. Her superpowers? “I am able to put myself in others shoes and understand what makes them tick. And “I’m not afraid to have difficult conversations”. Coaching, psychology and laughter abound as well as a quite brilliant and insightful history of pirates (did you know that pirates invented cocktails?!) in this swashbuckling episode!

Smash The Box is a personal development business. Everything I do is with the aim of inspiring you to find your purpose so you can make your mark on the world. One way I do this is by sharing people’s stories. Inspiring stories that the world needs to hear. Stories of breakthroughs, of adversity overcome, of achievements, successes, of setbacks and turnarounds, of realisations and lightbulb moments. This audio experience is a natural and perfect complement to the existing services of Life Coaching, Leadership Coaching, Breakthrough Workshops and Inspirational Talks - all of which forms something quite unique and special. If you are looking to find your purpose in life, in work, or both, then don’t just think outside the box. It’s time to Smash The Box!

Connect with us!

www.smashthebox.me

www.youtube.com/channel/UC7fEEvjX52qS928oyLGCtuQ

www.facebook.com/SmashTheBoxMarkPitcher/

www.instagram.com/markpitcher_smashthebox/

After growing up in a family of scouts, Stephen Brown has always had a passion for the outdoors. He spent his early years working as a Kayak Instructor for various adventure tour companies before taking the brave step to go out on his own. After one false start, Stephen decided to boost his confidence by attending his first fire walk; “You never forget your first fire walk experience”. So profound was the experience, Stephen then qualified as a Master Fire Walk Instructor and was soon running his own events. He created Firewalking Ireland and Firewalking International. Firewalking has taken him as far as Bali and The Sahara and launched him into the world of personal development. “I love the depth work of getting people outside their comfort zone and experiencing new things”. Stephen has a wonderful calmness and depth about him that engenders trust. It is one such quality that lends well to his co-career as a Practioner of Compassionate Enquiry. Under the expert tutelage of Gabor Mate ("In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts" & "When The Body Says No”), Stephen helps people overcome addictions and other issues resulting from a childhood trauma. Noble work from a noble human. Just like Stephen’s own purpose, this episode is enlightening, enriching, educational and helpful on every level. You are invited to put on your headphones and step across the hot coals!

Smash The Box is a personal development business. Everything I do is with the aim of inspiring you to find your purpose so you can make your mark on the world. One way I do this is by sharing people’s stories. Inspiring stories that the world needs to hear. Stories of breakthroughs, of adversity overcome, of achievements, successes, of setbacks and turnarounds, of realisations and lightbulb moments. This audio experience is a natural and perfect complement to the existing services of Life Coaching, Leadership Coaching, Breakthrough Workshops and Inspirational Talks - all of which forms something quite unique and special. If you are looking to find your purpose in life, in work, or both, then don’t just think outside the box. It’s time to Smash The Box!

Connect with us!

www.smashthebox.me

www.youtube.com/channel/UC7fEEvjX52qS928oyLGCtuQ

www.facebook.com/SmashTheBoxMarkPitcher/

www.instagram.com/markpitcher_smashthebox/