The Solo Coach Podcast

This week I'll be sharing with you my 5 key questions for making 2026 your best year yet. We'll be travelling through time, back to the beginning of 2025 and forward to the end of 2026. Using visualisation, future pacing and deep questions, I'll walk you through 3 coaching exercises designed to prompt insight and reflection, and create enormous clarity for your future.

Join me, David Garwood, your host for another instalment of The Solo Coach Podcast, complete with a new theme for 2026. See you soon!

Find out more: https://www.thesolocoach.co.uk/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesolocoach

Connect via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidthesolocoach/

Recorded LIVE at Leeds City Toastmasters in November 2025, this episode covers my three key takeaways from my first year of podcasting.

In this episode I share:

• Why starting before you are ready matters more than you might believe
• The surprising power of inviting someone to be a guest
• How stepping outside your comfort zone creates a ripple effect that reaches far beyond you

If you have an idea you have been sitting on or a change you have been thinking about, I hope this conversation gives you the encouragement to take that first small step. Sometimes leaping before you feel prepared becomes the best decision you ever make. #thesolocoachpodcast #juststarting #personaldevelopment

Today, I sit down with one of the most influential people in my life, my mum, Lyn Cobley.

We explore where her love of personal development began, the lessons we’ve shared over the years, and what it was really like for her when I went solo travelling around the world.

From learning to let go and finding courage in the unknown, to the power of encouragement and belief, this is a heartfelt conversation about family, growth and resilience.

Lyn also opens up about her incredible health journey this year, going from “100 miles an hour to full stop” and the mindset that has helped her face it all with strength, positivity, and grace.

This episode is about perspective, love, and the ripple effect of seeking discomfort. It’s a reminder that when we follow our path, those who love us often grow alongside us.

Thank you for listening, please leave a comment, and rate the show if you enjoyed this episode!

In this solo episode, I’m sharing the philosophy that’s been guiding me through one of the most challenging and transformative seasons of my life - what I call the “Whatever It Takes” mentality.

After a period of creative burnout and reflection, I’ve stepped back, taken stock, and learned that persistence doesn’t always mean pushing harder - sometimes, it means radically resting, changing course, or simply staying true to yourself.

We’ll explore:

• How nature can teach us to shed what’s no longer serving us

• Why trying something else isn’t failure - it’s evolution

• What we can learn from the greats about persistence and resilience

• How rest can be the most powerful form of progress

• Why staying true to yourself is the ultimate act of courage

Let me know what you think to this episode! And find out more @thesolocoach and https://thesolocoach.co.uk

In this episode, I’m joined by Pippa Haywood, aka The Magic Coach. Pippa shares her journey from a childhood steeped in alternative spirituality, through a 20 year career in social care, to qualifying as a spiritual and manifestation coach who helps people awaken the magic that already exists within you!

We explore:

• How the right question asked at the right time transformed Pippa's life
• How integrating hidden parts of yourself can be life-changing
• Why energy matters just as much as strategy in your life and business
• The difference between real human connection vs AI-driven coaching
• The risk of being sceptical about the things we don't fully understand

It’s a refreshingly unconventional conversation about identity, authenticity, and creating the life you truly want.

If you're interested in coaching, spirituality and energetic healing, I'd highly recommend tuning in! And if not, I'd recommend a listen even more, to find out what you're missing 😉

Contact Pippa: https://themagiccoach.co.uk/

Contact David: https://www.thesolocoach.co.uk/

Thanks for your listen, let me know what you think to the episode! I'm all ears...

This week I’m putting my money where my mouth is — and offering you a backstage pass to a real coaching session.

What you’ll hear is not a performance, not entertainment, and not scripted.

It’s a genuine coaching conversation between myself (David Garwood, The Solo Coach) and my client, Angela Christine Cooper.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Will my coach just tell me what to do?
• How is coaching different from counselling or mentoring?
• What actually makes coaching so valuable?

…then this episode may just give you the answers.

Tune in, sit back and experience how clarity emerges, priorities shift, and transformation begins inside a safe, supportive conversation.

Thanks for listening — and if you’d like to find out more, visit ⁠https://www.thesolocoach.co.uk/⁠

Persistence doesn’t always come naturally - in fact, I’ll admit, giving up has often felt easier to me. But some of the most meaningful moments in my life and business have come from choosing to keep going, even when it was uncomfortable, messy, or far from perfect.

In this episode, I share my own journey with persistence: from working on cars that felt beyond repair, to launching The Solo Coach Podcast, to stepping onto the stage at Toastmasters for the first time.

Along the way, I talk about:

• Why persistence is like a muscle you can train
• The small, incremental “marginal gains” that compound over time (shout-out to Dave Brailsford)
• My public speaking journey and what it’s teaching me about personal growth
• Five powerful questions to ask yourself when you’re on the verge of giving up

Whether you’re feeling stuck, tired, or ready to throw in the towel, this episode will remind you that the rewards of persistence often outweigh the pain of the present moment and that sometimes, all you need is a pause, a perspective shift, or the right support.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, comments and feedback. Feel free to reach out to me [email protected] or @thesolocoach - Thanks for your listen!

This week I’m joined by the fabulous Alexandra Thornton – High Performance Leadership Expert, Head of Human Alchemy, and author of Intuitive Thinking: 7 Steps to Transform Your Life Forever.

In our energising conversation, Alex shares her journey from archaeologist to leadership coach, and how her fascination with people and behaviour shaped her career. Together, we explore:

• What outstanding leadership looks like today – and how it can be developed at every level.
• How intuition can be harnessed as a powerful tool for decision-making and growth.
• The role of travel and solo experiences in building self-awareness and resilience.
• The opportunities and challenges AI presents for today’s leaders and organisations.
• Why speaking up, being authentic, and finding “your people” matters more than ever.

This episode left me with hairs standing on the back of my neck – and I think you’ll feel the same. Alex’s energy, passion and wisdom shine through in every moment. Settle in and enjoy this one – it’s a corker.

Connect with Alex - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-thornton-ha/

Connect with David - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwgarwood/

Email Alex - [email protected]

Email David - [email protected]

This week I’m pulling back the curtain on my first 15 months as The Solo Coach.

It’s been a journey of high highs, low lows, and plenty of messy middle ground. In this episode, I share the confessions and celebrations of a newly qualified coach building his solo venture — warts and all.

We’ll explore:

• Why your identity shapes your results (and what to do about it)
• The financial watchouts I wish I’d spotted earlier
• Why “burning the boats” might not be the bold move it seems
• How incredible it feels when you sign the client
• And much more…

If you’re thinking of starting your own business — or are already deep in the adventure — I hope my lessons, mistakes, and small wins spark some reflection of your own. Here’s to your journey, your growth, and your success.

Thank you, as always, for listening and for being part of The Solo Coach community!

Contact me and find out more at ⁠https://www.thesolocoach.co.uk/ ⁠

In this episode, I sit down with Emily Airey, who made the bold leap from senior project manager to self-employed Virtual Assistant earlier this year. Her journey is inspiring for anyone who feels unfulfilled in their career or knows something’s missing.

We explore:

• What led Emily to make this change
• The challenges and lessons along the way
• How coaching helped her find clarity and courage
• The real value a Virtual Assistant brings to business owners
• Emily’s take on AI and the future of her industry

It’s a conversation full of honesty, encouragement, and practical insight for solopreneurs at any stage.

Get in touch with Emily: ⁠https://www.pink-spaghetti.co.uk/contact-us/virtual-assistant-leeds/⁠

Connect with David: ⁠https://www.thesolocoach.co.uk/contact⁠