The Excitable Soul

In this episode of the Excitable Soul Podcast, I spoke with the extraordinary Dave Linton, an innovator, social entrepreneur, and the founder and managing director of the award-winning company, Madlug. From humble beginnings as a youth worker, Dave has grown into a passionate advocate for social enterprises. This conversation unravels Dave's personal journey, shaped by profound early life experiences and a mission to infuse dignity and purpose into the lives of vulnerable children. Discover how a simple black bin bag sparked a movement of love and value through Madlug, and learn about Dave's inspiring vision to make a lasting impact by connecting socially conscious communities. If you are seeking a jolt of inspiration and purpose, this episode promises a heartfelt exploration of resilience, significance, and the endless pursuit of meaningful change. Join us as we uncover the powerful story of Dave Linton and his unwavering determination to make a difference in the world.

Welcome to another episode of the Excitable Soul Podcast! I'm your host, James Glover, and today we have a special guest, my younger sister, Rebecca Irving, returning for our first-ever kitchen table conversation. In this episode, we delve deep into how well-being intersects with purpose, especially as many of us kick off the new year with goals and resolutions. Rebecca and I reflect on the personal challenges and tensions that arise in our quest to balance physical, emotional, and mental health, all while trying to stay true to our sense of purpose. Expect honest, raw moments as we discuss everything from our positive childhood influences to the struggles of maintaining consistency in our well-being routines. Whether you're trying to get back on the wagon or seeking ways to redefine success in your personal journey, you'll find plenty of relatable insights and practical advice. So grab a seat at our virtual kitchen table and join us for an open and heartfelt discussion. Don't forget to check out the blog on our website for more insights on the why of well-being.

Let's dive in!

In this episode of The Excitable Soul Podcast, I am delighted to be in conversation with Sarah Gillard, the visionary CEO of Blueprint for Better Business.

Sarah shares her extraordinary journey from being a philosophy, politics, and economics graduate uncertain about her future, to becoming a passionate advocate for purposeful business.

With over 25 years of leadership experience in major UK retail companies like the John Lewis Partnership, Sarah delves into how her mission evolved from a quest for personal meaning to a broader ambition of transforming the role of business in society.

Expect deep insights into the balancing act between logic and love in the corporate world, reflections on workplace culture, and compelling thoughts on how businesses can and should drive positive societal impact.

Tune in to explore Sarah's remarkable story of personal and professional evolution, and what it means for the future of purpose-driven leadership.

Today, I sat down with renowned performance psychologist Katie Mobed, who brings over 20 years of experience working with Olympic athletes, international teams, and corporate leaders. Together, we unpack a wealth of topics, from fearing our potential, to finding balance between purpose and life's small joys—like fairy lights.

Katie shares her journey from a childhood in gymnastics marked by both joy and painful challenges, to becoming an influential voice in sports psychology, advocating for a holistic approach to performance and well-being. We discuss the importance of understanding our true desires and contributions, interweaving personal narratives and professional insights to inspire you on your own path.

The conversation also touches on Katie's reflections on her impact in male-dominated coaching environments, the nuances of balancing purpose with pleasure, and the importance of creating space for meaningful engagement and playful joy. Through humour, heartfelt stories, and profound insights, we highlight how purpose can be a powerful anchor in our lives, offering peace and fulfillment.

Join us as we explore the connections between neuroscience, mindfulness, and the human experience, all while remembering the impact of a valued colleague and the legacy we each leave behind. Tune in for a journey into the heart of what makes life meaningful on The Excitable Soul Podcast.

Welcome to The Excitable Soul Podcast!

In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Arabella Ashfield, an executive coach and founder of Ascending Motherhood.

Arabella joins us to share her journey of embracing openness, honesty, and humour—especially through the challenging yet rewarding experience of parenting.

We'll dive into Arabella's unique philosophy on life, explore the humour in the everyday chaos of raising children, and discuss her transition from a high-achieving career in elite sports to a purpose-driven path of supporting mothers through significant life transitions.

Along the way, you'll hear anecdotes that highlight her insightful approach to personal growth and fulfilment, as well as her thoughts on the intersection of ambition and emotional well-being.

Join us as we uncover how Arabella has navigated her career and motherhood with a blend of curiosity, compassion, and resilience, and how she continues to pioneer ways for others to find deeper meaning and connection in their lives.

Whether you're a parent, a professional, or someone searching for your purpose, this conversation is sure to offer inspiration and practical wisdom.

In today's episode, I sit down with Francis Briers, a seasoned expert in leadership development and organisational change, to unravel the complexities of understanding purpose in both personal and professional realms.

Through reflections, sharing our human experiences, and the wisdom we have learnt along the way, we dive into how maintaining a sense of purpose can guide us through life's challenges.

Together we explore the delicate balance between internal conviction and external influence, shedding light on the pitfalls of seeking external validation and the essence of finding intrinsic meaning.

Francis shares poignant insights from his journey, ranging from the profound impact of poetry to the harsh realities of "purpose washing" in corporate environments. We tackle the paradoxes of rationality versus spirituality, individual purpose versus communal care, and the need for sanctuary amidst striving.

Join us as we uncover how genuine connections and meaningful contributions shape our understanding of purpose and help us to navigate life's numerous contradictions.

Welcome to another episode of The Excitable Soul Podcast! Today we have an extraordinary guest: Lawrence Harris. Lawrence, also known by his adventurous alter ego "Hoopla," has led a fascinating life marked by both daring expeditions and profound personal growth.

In this episode, Lawrence shares his purpose journey from his early struggles with education, and the pivotal moments that took him from feeling like a failure, to discovering his passion for outdoor education. We explore how his father's encouragement led him to build practical skills and qualifications which helped him rebuild his confidence.

As we journey through Lawrence's transition from the wild adventures of "Hoopla" to entrepreneurship and responsibility, you'll hear about his struggles with conventional sales jobs, the unwavering support of his family, and his eventual success in founding WRS International.

Lawrence reflects on finding purpose, the value of taking risks, and the importance of balancing his adventurous spirit with family responsibilities.

Get ready to be inspired by a narrative that underscores the continuous quest for purpose and personal growth.

Stay tuned—this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Today on The Excitable Soul Podcast, we have a very special guest joining us—Anna Lelia Sandoghdar. Anna is an insightful organizational psychologist whose ideas and research could very well spark some profound reflections in each of you. She has a fascinating journey that has taken her from a solitary move to a UK boarding school at the age of 16 to her recent completion of a PhD at King's College London, focusing on the very essence of purpose and meaning in the workplace. What makes her story even more compelling are the poignant influences of her parents, both brilliant PhDs themselves, who instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a pursuit of knowledge over material gain. Anna shares her insights into systemic ways psychologists can make a wider impact, beyond traditional one-on-one therapy. Her story is a beautiful blend of personal growth, scientific inquiry, and heartfelt dedication to making the world a better place through thoughtful, meaningful work. So, sit back, get comfortable, and prepare for an enriching conversation that might just shift the way you think about your work, your aspirations, and your sense of self-worth.

Let's get started!

Welcome to The Excitable Soul Podcast, where we dive deep into the journey of finding purpose and meaning in our lives through compelling real-life stories. In today's episode, we're joined by former professional rugby player David Jackson, affectionately known as Jacko, who experienced a significant turning point in his life due to a career-ending brain injury in 2013.

Together, we explore the challenges of balancing everyday responsibilities with the quest for a fulfilling life. We dive into the power of historical perspective, and the meaningful connections between past experiences and present purpose.

David shares his profound insights on dealing with mortality, overcoming identity crises, and the importance of self-reflection.

We'll also delve into David's current work and philosophy, balancing his professional life with an overarching life purpose, and his unique approach to performance enhancement through breathing techniques.

Tune in as we uncover the wisdom that emerges from life's unexpected turns and the importance of staying open to new revelations.

Whether you're navigating a life transition, seeking personal growth, or simply curious about the deeper questions of existence, this episode is sure to offer valuable insights and inspiration. So, sit back, relax, and join us on this introspective and thought-provoking journey on The Excitable Soul Podcast.

Today on The Excitable Soul podcast we have a very special guest, Bex Galligan. As a best-selling author, career strategist, and head of people experience at Wagamama, Bex brings a wealth of knowledge and a truly unique perspective to our conversation.

In this episode, Bex delves into how she merges her analytical and creative sides, emphasising the importance of maintaining balance and being open to feedback and challenges. We explore her journey of overcoming stress and anxiety due to bullying, discovering her strengths, and unlocking new levels of confidence.

Bex also opens up about her views on remote and hybrid working, the importance of social interaction, and the complexities of technology in today's workplace. She reflects on her experience with dyslexia, the significant impact of her past challenges, and how she's learned to find gratitude even in the face of adversity, including a recent stroke.

Together, we discuss the value of intuition over academic validation, the role of personal values in finding meaningful work, and the importance of effort and discipline in personal development. Bex's mission to transition from corporate life to making well-being at work a priority speaks volumes of her commitment to creating positive change.

Join us for a heartfelt, motivational, and thought-provoking conversation as we explore Bex Galligan's incredible journey, her dedication to helping others, and her unwavering hope and optimism.