Smash The Box

You’ve had to get up pretty early to catch Sean Hooper out. Sean is a Personal Trainer with the emphasis on the ‘personal’. Owner of Old Town Gym in Clapham, South London, Sean has created a safe and calm space in which people with anxiety, stress and other mental health challenges can train and be coached in private. Away from the noise, visibility and showiness that come with some commercial gyms, Sean’s natural skill for listening allows him to create an almost therapeutic relationship with his many clients. Mental health challenges are something that Sean witnessed first hand growing up, watching his brother struggle. “My parents were pretty much full time carers for my brother”. Sean knew that he had to become independent and be responsible for his own future. He started by working for free and created his own success. For all of his hard work and discipline (he rises at 5am and is working by 6am), Sean emphasises the importance of recovery time. Top tips galore in this most physical of episodes. "Resistance bands are really good”, he says. "Great way to improve your posture and really good for hitting every muscle in your body”. Hear Sean’s inspiring story here. Time to get up!, get out! and get going!

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 admittedly "losing the plot” , Alice Rose set out on a mission to empower and emotionally support people during one of the hardest journeys in the world - a fertility journey. Smashing stigmas and taboos all the way, Alice is the host of “The Fertility Life Raft Podcast” as well as the co-founder of catandalice.com. An active campaigner for #twnts (think what not to say), Alice is providing awareness of, and a voice to, those on this most delicate of journeys. We talk IVF, fertility, personal development, grief and life in this informative and uplifting podcast. Drawing on her own personal and painful experience, she has created a safe space for people to come, share and get the support she so craved and was sadly lacking until now. She talks about “being brave” and likens her work to "riding a wild horse”. "It’s not about getting pregnant, it’s about supporting people living their lives whilst on this (fertility) journey, she emphasizes. Events, courses and a book are all on offer. “It’s not just a female issue”, she points out. She reveals some of the raw emotions that people experience when trying to conceive and provides advice on what to say and what not to say. Alice is so enlightening. Just don’t tell her "to relax!”

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/

“We are Lifestyle Doctors. We literally re-wire people’s brains to change their relationship with food.” Meet Dr Bhavika Karsandas or “Doctor B” to her clients. Together with her doctor husband, Raj, they have created a lifestyle health program that they believe is important for the future of health. Hear how self-awareness and accountability are the first of several key steps. More than just food, it’s also about sleep (well), movement (more), digital (detox) and mindfulness (10 minutes daily). For all of Bhavika’s wonderful passion and purpose, she is a stickler for evidence and science. “Because we are doctors, everything is looked into in great detail for evidence and the science behind it. Not just fads.” She explains why her children are her biggest teachers and how running her first half-marathon triggered a complete life change. Her results are impressive. From improved relationships and 19Kg weight loss stories to pregnancies for couples who were told they would never conceive. "Not all of our clients are overweight and unwell. Some come for the mindfulness aspect,” she reveals. No fads, supplements or diet plans here. Bhavika champions the importance of going back to basics and the secret of prepping prepping prepping. Want better health? This podcast might just change your life.

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/

Has trust declined in business, social institutions and the world over the last ten years? Chris Sheppardson believes it has and he wants to do something about it. Five time author, Founder/CEO of EP and Chess Partnership, Chris and his team host no less than 70 events a year, where topics like this and others are debate and discussed in order to create meaningful positive change for business and society as a whole. Almost always over good food and drink, Chris is passionate about good conversation and is a master at bringing the right people together to create lively and constructive debates. “Sometimes a row is a good thing. I could cause a row in a monastery”, he laughs. Chris takes much inspiration from the world of sport, his other great love and helps retiring sports players with their life after sport. “I like working with sports players. Sports players give you immediate trust and it’s up to you to lose it. In business, you start without trust and have to earn it.” In this candid and revealing interview we cover leadership, social skills and the importance of having friends at work. We also manage to cover millennials, masculinity, compassion and ’the 1950’s welcome'. Some real pearls of wisdom here as Chris provides fascinating insights and suggestions as to how we can help younger generations, who he believes have better values than his own. Big questions, big topics, its’s all here!

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/

The tables were turned for my first guest, supersonic podcast king Mark McCulloch AKA Mark McC - THE Food and Drink Marketer. Mark sat on the other side of the mic for a change as we talked about his 3 great loves; Food & Drink, Marketing & Music. Mark opens up on his Glasgow roots, the current UK restaurant scene, social media, mental health, Brighton and his musical heroes. Mark’s pedigree and trajectory is impressive; from early days at lastminute.com under the tutelage and influence of Martha Lane Fox and Robert Bean, via Pret A Manager, Yo! Sushi and Barclaycard, he was always destined for big things. A wonderfully engaging speaker, conference host and interviewer in his own right, Mark knows his stuff. Always with his finger on the pulse, whether in marketing, digital/social or music, Mark has a wonderful humility about him that belies his rockstar status. Perhaps his grandfather, Hubert’s wise words offer a clue as to why: “No one’s better than you and you’re better than no one. That’s always stayed with me” . Some wonderful nuggets in here as we get a rare glimpse of the man behind the marketing. Supersonic stuff!

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/

“The Alcohol-Free Global Revolution is here” proclaims the enigmatic Amanda Thomson. Officially one of the Top 100 coolest people in food & drink, according to Business Insider, the multi-award wining Amanda is pioneering a movement to demand more transparency from the wine sector. It is a movement that is gaining her all the right kind of attention. As, CEO of Thomson & Scott, Amanda’s organic, vegan & non-alcoholic Noughty Champagnes and Skinny Prosecco’s are disrupting the drinks sector. Clients include Stella McCartney and Ellie Goulding. Unbelievably, wine remains a sector where product labelling is not legally mandatory. Fear not, Amanda is on the case. Taking inspiration from companies such as Patagonia and Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, Amanda relies on the strength and power of her authentic story “I have never spent a penny on marketing,” and is growing her brand from the inside out and sticking to her intrinsic values, which also include sustainability of all packaging. "Drink beautifully or don’t drink at all” is one of her mantras. Time to drink up this healthy, bubbly and beautiful 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/

Do you have a spider phobia? If so, listen up! Originally from California, Britain Stelly AKA Britain Kitten describes herself as a creative, alternative person with a passion for bringing humans and animals together in magical ways. Her first love is spiders, with whom she forms very close and friendly relationships. Britain is arguably the UK’s leading fixer of spider phobias. With her collection of exotic animals, including 45 tarantulas, Britain once won ‘Best In Show’ at the British Tarantula Society (yes, they have their own society!). In this fascinating podcast, Britain educates us on these massively misunderstood creatures. “I have to have creatures around me”, she laughs. Her Creature Courage Workshops and Spider Courage Experience help children & adults overcome their fears and learn to see these creatures in a totally different way. She describes collecting tarantulas as ‘quite an addictive hobby’ and explains how spiders have helped to change her life. Britain encourages us to choose fascination over fear when it comes to these furry friends. No arachnophobia here, only spider love!

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/

Welcome to the house of fun! Meet Hayley & Lozza AKA Mums With Attitude. MWA, as it’s known to their followers, has amassed a cool 13000+ such followers on Instagram in just 2 years. Their chatty, sassy, fun style videos, filmed in the car and on the go, make for an entertaining double act as they address the everyday challenges of being a Mum! From school pick-ups & rip-off perfumes to fashion tips, children’s texts, kids homework, football, singing in the car & meeting Bros! - “better than my wedding day” grins Hayley. Lozza explains their mission as quite simple: “we created MWA to remind mums to go back out there & kick some ass! It’s so easy to get laden down with kids activities & all the tasks required of being a parent! We just want to put a smile on people’s faces and show it’s ok to have a good time too!” With quips and quotes abound plus a challenge for the host (!), I guarantee this laugh out loud funny episode will breathe fresh air and smiles into your week!

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/

“Think always about the impact you have on other people”. Those were the wise words that Michael Tingsager’s entrepreneurial mother imparted to him when he was growing up in the family restaurant business in Denmark in the 80’ s and 90’s. Always a fast and keen learner, and always in hospitality, Michael’s journey brought him to London via McDonald’s. His McDonald’s years taught him a lot. “I found my heroes and they were all good with people, good listeners”. Putting people first is a belief for Michael, not just a marketing strap line. With his consultancy business and podcast, Hospitality Mavericks, Michael is looking to make a bigger impact than just profit. He encourages his clients to do the same. “There is a paradigm shift happening. It happens when people are in pain”, he reflects. Michael talks about scaling culture, the question investors should be asking and the importance of sharing employee stories as we talk people, purpose, books and ‘solving the Rubik Cube. Michael is candid about which brands are getting it right and shares some first hand examples as he emphasizes how ‘un-learning’ can be as important as learning. Time to be maverick!

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/

Yoga, cooking, photography, art, drama, play…the Ad Meliora Academy is an Online Language School with a difference. Founder, Laura Turinetto is passionate, not just about languages, but about bringing languages together with other passions; acting out the language, not just speaking it out. Creativity runs in the family; “we are crazy creatives”, she laughs. From Rome to London via Brussels, languages are in Laura’s blood (she speaks five). “You get into the heart of people, when you speak their language”, she enthuses. Together with her team of fellow therapists and coaches (Laura is a trained Life Coach), Ad Meliora, which translates as ‘onwards and upwards’ offers a tailored service which combines language learning with activities for all ages; “from 3 to 103”, says Laura. "We are open to all". A sense of fun is at the heart of it all, and much of that emanates from Laura herself. Re-connecting families and positive brain exercise are just some of the rewards to be had on these linguistic adventures. Another adventure that Laura is on is that of Alopecia, a much mis-understood auto-immune disease that she has lived with since she was a young girl. "Hair was a big thing for me and I lost all mine aged 15. That was tough.” Whilst teaching others, Laura explains how Alopecia has actually been a teacher for her as she photographs her journey with it to promote awareness and be a champion for it. Get ready to be lifted onwards and upwards in this fun-filled and multi-linguistic 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/