The Inspired Thoughts Podcast

Life is full of ups and downs, and  for many can become unbearable, even to the point that they believe their life is over - this is a normal feeling to have. 

Joseph Cumberbatch, felt exactly like this when he suffered a devastating injury that stopped him from being able to play football or sport at a high standard. It was this injury that left him feeling depressed and that he no longer knew what he had to give to the world, he had lost his purpose in life which had a catastrophic impact on his mental health.

Joseph would often find himself putting on an act and keeping up appearances to make sure no one knew what he was going through, which only made his health worse. 

However, it was through this chaotic period in his life that he found his new calling, cooking, it was this hobby that would ignite a new passion in Joseph's life that would lead to him feeling better mentally. He went on to become a winner of Channel 4 and Netflix's 'Crazy Delicious' and is a full time teacher where he hopes to inspire young people to fulfill their potential. 

The saying goes 'life is what you make of it' for actor Thaer Al-Shayei he intends to make sure that he makes the most of his career and lifestyle by pursuing a passion and desire that he has burning inside him since he was a child, acting.

Thaer was born in Iraq, a country that is steapped in history but in recent times has experienced traumatic and difficult periods that includes a war which the country is still recovering from.  It's a moment from Iraq's ISIS occupied years that led to Thaer landing a leading role in a first of its kind Arabic Hollywood movie, Mosul, that has been backed by film industry giants Russo Brothers and Netflix.  Giving the actor an opportunity to represent his fellow countryman on a world stage.

The rising star moved to Wales with his family when he we still a kid, where he spent his childhood in Cardiff. Thaer, continues to give back to his community by being an ambassador for a local charity that aims to support the youth of his city. 

If there's one piece of advice that you can take from this episode, it's that if you believe in yourself, dedicate your time and never give it, then the world really is your oyster. You can achieve anything!

Getting a pet is one of the most exciting moments of anybody's life and that was the exact same feeling for Dianna but little did she know that her kitten Ghost would change her life and outlook on animal rights dramatically.

Dianna bought Ghost just after she fell ill with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), this little bundle of joy brightened up her world but shortly after taking Ghost to the vets to get her vaccinations, Dianna was given devastating news that her precious pet would not have long to live because of a heart condition.

Ghost was sold to Dianna with the breeder already knowing that the kittens he had been selling were not healthy, duping innocent buyers for their money and not caring about the animals welfare. 

To ensure that others don't have to endure the heartache that Dianna has had to caused by Ghost's sudden death, she is campaigning to make sure that all breeders and sellers have to abide by a law that states that animals must be vaccinated and checked by a vet before they’re sold.

Listen to Dianna's emotional and courageous story and help Ghost's legacy live on through Ghost's Law to make sure other animals across the UK don't have the same fate that she did.

To sign Dianna's petition, click: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/561785

Life is rarely as black and white or simple as it's portrayed to be. For one community, who are labelled transgender, this is as far from simple as it could be because for trans people their lives are not as easy as they wished it could be.  

On their journey to truly becoming the person they were meant to be, they first have to accept that they are not comfortable identifying as the gender that they were assigned at birth. Normally meaning that they will go years battling a mental struggle questioning who they really are and where they really fit in with society.

Many trans people feel forced to have to hide their real feelings about what they are going through but in today's world trans people of all ages are finally starting to express their true selfs and they are not being forced into hiding anymore!

This is Kayden's story.

Former model, Emily Nardini, experienced physical and mental abuse first-hand in a past relationship that left her having to rebuild her life. 

However, her saving grace was finding her passion for photography that has given her a new lease of life, which has inspired Emily to  dedicate her ambitions to empowering women through her photography.

After managing to finally break free, she is now  thriving in this creative industry and is being recognised for her talent behind the camera and how she portrays females in such a positive way!

The photographer has a growing reputation and has had her photos of women published in FHM Netherlands as well as being recognised by Sixty6 Magazine and brands such as Kappa and Fila.

She has worked with and learned from top photographers around the world, including Gavin Glave and Kareem Black.

Her photos are also being used in an online blog called Ultravenus Magazine, a feminist-themed publication which communicates with females through their art forms.

If you're listening to this episode, it means you have survived one of the most difficult and gruelling years know to civilisation. We are living during a moment in history that the world has been succumbed to because of Covid 19. 

But we don't have to let this stop us from making this year one to remember, this episode could be exactly what you need to hear. 

This year has been a 'complete write off' for most, impacting individuals and families since the introduction of Covid-19. 

I have seen just how difficult this year has been for many across Swindon and statistics are showing that more than ever many families are going to struggle financially this year for Christmas. 

But why not end this year on a positive with a gesture that brings the community together and relieves a lot of stress for people?

I  have been brainstorming as to what I can do to help those in this situation and have been inspired to help the cause in my own way with a Christmas Appeal for children and teenagers across the town. I want to provide them with a gift this Christmas but also to take some of the pressure off families. 

If you would like to support this fantastic cause and donate, please message me to find out how you can do this. 

Having children and making a family for most is one of the expectations  you always think that you will complete when you are ready to commit to it. But for Jade this is what she craves most in the world, but at this moment in time she doesn't know if this will ever become a reality - Jade works on the Maternity ward at the hospital helping women on a daily basis bring new life into the world but her own body is struggling to do this.

Since being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Jade has had to endure a struggle both mentally and physically, which started from the age of 8. 

The sudden death of her brother last year resulted in Jade saying enough is enough and that she had to do something that will have a positive impact on people, so she set up a support group page on social media where she tries to turn negatives into positives. 

Kerry always dreamed of playing football professionally since she was five years old, but she quickly realised that she would have to battle against sexism and being told that 'girls can't play football' to achieve this. She has faced unimaginable situations on the pitch from having a male intentionally break her nose to being degraded as a football player by being patronised about being a female playing the sport. 

But this didn't discourage Kerry from pursuing her dreams and now she is dedicating her life to helping kids of both sexes improve within the sport, whilst raising awareness about sexism to these young footballers along the way. Kerry is one of a small percentage of female coaches in Great Britain who holds a Uefa B coaching license and she currently coaches over 300 kids and teenagers a month through her own academy!

Alice's story emphasises that you should always follow your dreams no matter what the challenges are! It's this motto that has landed her work on some of Britain's much loved television such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Doctors and the Doctor Who Christmas Day special. Alices talents go further than just acting as she is a brilliant musician that has toured with other famous artists including Boy George.

Alice has followed her motto once again and has released her own album following Covid-19. Listen to the full episode to find out how Alice has got to where she is today...