Pondering on the passage of time with guitar by Dave Deighton.

Most of us know how hard it can be to find words to say when someone we know is going through a really difficult time. Here, Alan Pike shares a glimpse into the support he provides to people affected by life changing trauma. He explains what it feels like to turn up and knock on someone’s door, not knowing what you’re going to find on the other side. He shares his own very personal story of loss. And there are nuggets of wisdom for us all from his years 14 years of working for CCP. I’d like to thank Alan and CCP who have supported Missing People for many years, helping us to develop our counselling services for families missing a loved one.

This interview originates from Gearoid Farrelly:

https://itunes.apple.com/ie/podcast/fascinated/id800584884?mt=2

https://www.headstuff.org/fascinated/

Jo Youle has lived two lifetimes. In the 90s she was part of the band Scarlet who had a massive hit with the song “Independent Love Song”. Her life was writing and recording music and a whirlwind of promotion, photoshoots and the terrifying prospect of playing live to huge audiences.

Alongside her music career Jo also worked as a volunteer at the Samaritans. Scarlet’s pop stardom ended, after their ill-fated second album. Jo continued volunteering at the Samaritans and then went on to become a director of Helplines at Missing People; a UK charity which is a lifeline when someone disappears. In 2012 she became the organisation’s Chief Executive.

As well as having a very unusual career path, chatting with Jo was fascinating because of her passion and commitment to her work.

Sam Robins has over 20 years working in the heart of police investigations, as an Analyst and Intelligence Manager for the police. A dark, complex role from initial investigations, right through to court hearings. Sam has handled some of the most sensitive intel – information from human sources. You get that wrong and a life could be in danger.

Her career to date has involved working on some of the most horrific crimes of recent years - from the murder of schoolgirl Milly Dowler, to the fatal shootings of the Al Hilli's in the French Alps.

Here, Sam tells us about the heart of her mysterious work, the impact on her and how she's coped. This interview doesn't make for easy listening, but Sam's drive to seek justice for the victims and her upbeat character shines through the dark subject matter. And, ultimately, Sam sees good everywhere. Now that's a message worth hearing

Dame Ellen MacArthur – a highly focused, intrepid, formidable, humble all-round achiever. Ellen sailed to the ‘bottom of the earth and back again’ solo, breaking the world record. She set up the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust in 2003 to build children’s confidence through sailing.

She went on to found the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in 2010 to fundamentally change the world’s economy to protect our finite resources. Listen and be bowled over with this. Full of nuggets about resilience, leadership and innovation.

Liam Walker - an inspired guy who completes crazy challenge events, is a top barrister, dad, husband and supporter of Help Refugees through fundraising and action - he opened up his own home too.

Listen and be moved. It will energise your belief that you can achieve things you didn't think you could.