WHOLE: The Podcast

You may have heard Abi Flynn's voice millions of times without ever knowing her name. Her unmistakable vocals have featured on huge dance records including Navos’ platinum-selling Believe Me and D.O.D’s So Much In Love, with her toplines now exceeding one billion streams worldwide. Abi is the singer and songwriter behind vocals that went on to appear on multiple platinum-selling dance records. Extraordinary enough, but those vocals were originally recorded during one of the darkest periods of her life, while she was undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

At one point, Abi says she was given just three weeks to live. She kept creating.Years later, she found herself hearing her voice on the radio while remaining uncredited and struggling to establish herself in the industry in her own right. At one stage, while raising her son as a single mother, she lost her home while another record featuring her voice went gold.Today, Abi is finally becoming known as the woman behind the voice. She is finally stepping into the spotlight in her own right, working with artists including Nathan Dawe, Joel Corry and Tinie Tempah.

In this conversation, we explore what happened next: the decision to reclaim her voice, tell her story and create opportunities for herself rather than waiting for permission.Abi and I also talk about cancer, creativity, motherhood, neurodivergence, letting go, identity, self-belief, finding the right people, and the uncomfortable reality of pursuing a life built around something that matters deeply to you.

This is a conversation about much more than surviving. It's about what happens when the thing that nearly disappeared from your life becomes the thing you finally decide to claim.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe and follow WHOLE for more conversations about what it really takes to build a life around what matters to you — the choices we make, what we sometimes have to let go of, and the courage it takes to keep moving towards a meaningful life.

#AbiFlynn #SingerSongwriter #MusicIndustry #DanceMusic #FemaleArtists #WomenInMusic #BehindTheMusic #Songwriter #MusicBusiness #PlatinumHits #CancerSurvivor #CancerStory #Resilience #CreativeLife #FindingYourVoice #SelfBelief #LettingGo #PersonalGrowth #WholePodcast #Podcast

Takeaways:

• The podcast discusses the profound journey of Abby Flynn, a singer who overcame cancer, balancing her career and motherhood while facing immense struggles in the music industry.
• Abby Flynn reflects on how her voice became globally recognized, yet she did not receive credit or compensation for many of the songs, highlighting industry exploitation.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding one's tribe, as Abby shares how community support was essential during her cancer journey and career challenges.
• Abby discusses the significance of self-belief and authenticity in pursuing one's passion, as she navigated through personal trials and professional setbacks.
• The episode addresses the emotional complexities of letting go of relationships and projects that no longer serve one's growth, a recurring theme in Abby's narrative.
• Listeners are encouraged to recognize their own strength and resilience, as Abby's story illustrates that even in the darkest times, miracles can emerge from perseverance and creativity.

Takeaways:

• Discomfort is an inevitable aspect of pursuing meaningful endeavors that align with one's values.
• Individuals often find themselves confronted with challenges that test their self-concept and self-image.
• The willingness to embrace discomfort is crucial for personal growth and achievement.
• Failure is a necessary component of success, as it enables valuable lessons to be learned.
• Understanding the distinction between harmful and growth-oriented discomfort is paramount for personal development.
• One's journey may require letting go of old identities to embrace new opportunities for growth.

What if the goal isn't to eliminate anxiety?

Clinical psychologist Dr David Juncos explains why trying to control anxiety often keeps people stuck—and why Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) takes a completely different approach.

In this episode we explore why psychological flexibility matters, how values create lasting motivation, why procrastination and perfectionism are closely linked, and how musicians, performers and anyone facing pressure can learn to perform well even when anxiety is present.

Dr David Juncos is a clinical psychologist, researcher, ACT specialist and author of ACT for Musicians. His work has helped musicians, performers and coaches around the world develop psychological flexibility and overcome performance anxiety.

In this episode

• Why reducing anxiety isn't the primary goal of ACT

• The six processes of psychological flexibility

• Why perfectionism fuels procrastination

• The difference between values, goals and duties

• How your self-story may be holding you back

• Why discomfort doesn't mean you're on the wrong path

• Practical ACT techniques you can use immediately

If you enjoy conversations about psychology, wellbeing, creativity and meaningful performance, subscribe for more interviews with leading researchers, performers and thinkers.

What does it really take to build a successful career in music?

In this episode, I sit down with Carl Loben, Editor-in-Chief of DJ Mag, music journalist, radio presenter, author and co-founder of record label, Out Yer Box.

Over more than three decades, Carl has documented the evolution of electronic music, interviewed some of the biggest names in dance music and helped shape one of the world's most influential music publications.

Together, we explore what it takes to build a meaningful and sustainable creative career. Carl shares why passion should come before money, how he created his own opportunities without formal journalism training, why portfolio careers are becoming the norm, and what the music industry can do to better support musician wellbeing.

We also discuss the changing face of dance music, AI, social media, creativity, club culture and the future of music journalism.

• How Carl became Editor-in-Chief of DJ Mag
• Building a career without formal journalism training
• Why following your passion matters more than chasing money
• The evolution of dance music and club culture
• Music journalism in the digital age
• AI and creativity
• Portfolio careers in the music industry
• Record labels and discovering new artists
• Musician wellbeing and burnout
• Why the music industry has changed so dramatically over the past 30 years
• Advice for anyone wanting a career in music

Whether you're a musician, journalist, creative professional or simply interested in building a career driven by purpose, this episode offers honest insights from someone who has spent more than 30 years at the heart of the music industry.

Takeaways:

• The foremost requisite for aspiring music journalists is an unwavering passion for music.
• Establishing a career in music requires a commitment to pursuing one's passions over monetary incentives.
• The music industry has evolved significantly, presenting new challenges for emerging journalists and artists alike.
• A portfolio career, where one engages in multiple roles, can provide both stability and fulfillment in the music industry.
• The landscape of music journalism has shifted, as digital platforms democratize the music distribution process, complicating traditional journalistic roles.
• Mental health awareness in the music industry has improved, highlighting the importance of self-care and balance amidst a demanding schedule.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• DJ Mag
• Jack Said What Records
• Melody Maker
• NME
• Beatport
• Spotify

Links referenced in this episode:

• wholeframework.com
• jacksaidwhatrecords.com
• outyourboxrecords.com

We all have a story but what if its greatest purpose isn't what it did for you, but what it could do for someone else?

In this episode, I speak with TEDx curator, speaker and coach Helen Packham about the extraordinary power of personal stories to create change. Helen believes that every one of us has a story worth sharing, and that when we share it from a place of reflection rather than reaction, it can become a gift that inspires, comforts and empowers others.

Helen opens up about losing her confidence after becoming a mother, the panic attacks that led her to leave a successful corporate career, and the courageous journey that ultimately took her to the TEDx stage. We explore identity, purpose, confidence, vulnerability and why our greatest challenges often become our greatest contribution.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why everyone has a story worth sharing

• The ripple effect your story can have on others

• The Hero's Journey and the anatomy of a powerful story

• Why confidence is never truly lost

• The difference between healing and sharing

• How courage can become a guiding value

• Turning life's challenges into something meaningful for others

Whether you're looking to find your voice, make sense of your own journey or simply understand the power of human connection, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into how our experiences can become someone else's hope.

I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Takeaways:

• Every individual possesses a narrative worth sharing, regardless of its perceived significance.
• Our personal journeys can provide inspiration and hope to others facing similar challenges.
• The act of storytelling can serve as a powerful tool for personal and communal healing.
• Sharing our experiences not only benefits ourselves but also contributes positively to the lives of others.

Links referenced in this episode:

• wholeframework.com
• ted.com
• helenpackham.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• TEDx
• TED

David Courtney, the man who discovered Leo Sayer, wrote and produced Roger Daltry's first solo album and whose back catalogue of songs has sold over 34 million copies worldwide.

In this conversation we explore the extraordinary journey behind his career. From playing London's legendary Bag O'Nails club at just sixteen, to discovering Leo Sayer, writing Roger Daltrey's breakthrough solo hits, working with David Gilmour, and witnessing the greatest era of British music from the inside.

We also discuss:

• Songwriting and musical storytelling

• The evolution of music production

• AI and the future of creativity

• Why persistence matters more than talent

• Why success was never really about money

This episode is a must for anyone who is a fan of music and the art of songwriting, but also it is for anyone who needs to find that spark of genius within them.

If you suspect that success might be about something more than money, if you feel you are missing the final insight in your journey, or if you are looking for a wise voice to give you the encouragement you need, this episode is for you.

If you enjoy conversations about music, creativity and living a meaningful life, subscribe for more interviews with the people behind some of the world's greatest music.

Guy Pratt is one of the world's most respected bass players, known for his work with Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, Madonna, Roxy Music and countless other legendary artists.

In this episode he reflects on the highs and lows of a life in music, the insecurity that never completely disappears, performing in front of 80,000 people, working with some of the biggest names in popular music, and why finding your own creative path matters more than chasing success.

We also talk about comedy, confidence, luck, family, creativity, Michael Jackson, Richard Branson, David Gilmour, and the advice Guy would give to anyone hoping to build a career in the arts.

An honest conversation about music, resilience, authenticity and what it really takes to sustain a creative life.

Key takeaways

• Why success doesn't eliminate self-doubt.
• How Guy became Pink Floyd's bassist through an unexpected opportunity.
• The importance of saying no to protect your values and relationships.
• What it's really like performing in front of 80,000 people.
• The surreal story of recording for Michael Jackson.
• Why comedy made Guy a better musician.
• How family shaped his journey into music.
• The reality behind a decades-long career in the music industry.
• Why finding your people is one of the most important steps in any creative career.
• Guy's advice for anyone pursuing a life in music or the creative arts.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Pink Floyd
• Roxy Music
• Madonna
• Michael Jackson
• Deep Purple
• Dave Gilmour
• The Smiths
• Whitesnake
• Nick Mason
• Richard Branson
• Virgin Records
• Icehouse
• Robbie Robertson
• Nile Rodgers
• Jeff Beck

In this solo episode of WHOLE: The Podcast, Christabel Heasman-Cossins explores the psychology of honesty, identity and letting go — and shares the personal story that led to the creation of the WHOLE Framework.

What happens when the life you’ve built no longer feels aligned with who you are becoming?

Through reflections on performance, exhaustion, purpose, motivation and self-identity, this episode explores the tension between external success and meaningful living, and why so many people remain stuck in lives, careers or patterns they have quietly outgrown.

Christabel discusses:

• the fear of letting go of old identities
• performative success and external validation
• meaning, purpose and intrinsic motivation
• why change can feel psychologically threatening
• the importance of honesty and self-inquiry
• how the WHOLE Framework was born

This episode is for anyone who feels stagnant, disconnected, creatively dulled or quietly aware that something in their life no longer fits.

The WHOLE Framework:

W — What

H — Honesty

O — Ownership

L — Live It

E — Evolution

Explore more:

wholeframework.com

Follow:

@christabelsvoice

What does it mean to truly express who you are?

In this conversation, I sit down with tailoring duo, Gresham and Fal Blake to explore something that, on the surface, looks like tailoring, but very quickly reveals itself to be something much deeper.

Because this isn’t just about style. What struck me in this conversation is that tailoring is not just about clothing, it’s about understanding people.

Not in an abstract or theoretical way, but in a very real, intuitive sense. It involves reading someone, getting a feel for who they are. It is about understanding how they want to move through the world, and how they want to feel when they step into a room. There is psychology embedded in the process.

We also talk about risk, instinct and the kind of self-belief it takes to build something from nothing, and the absolute authenticity that directs it. We also discuss the 'turning point'. The moment in a life when a decision is made to turn towards greatness, rather than towards what may be immeasurably easier.

There’s a moment in the conversation where Gresham describes himself as an “extremist”, someone who felt they would either succeed completely or fail completely. What’s interesting is the evolution of that mindset over time: the movement from extremes into something more nuanced. More integrated.

That, to me, is where this conversation really lives. Not just in style, but in evolution. The way we present ourselves to the world is so much part of who we are. It is no surprise that this duo present

In how we become.

• Why what you wear is not superficial—it’s an expression of identity
• The idea that tailoring is less about appearance and more about how you feel
• The parallels between tailoring and psychology: reading people, understanding values, building trust
• The role of collaboration in creative work—and in self-expression
• Risk-taking, instinct, and the reality of building something without certainty
• The tension between freedom and security in creative lives
• How identity evolves over time—and what it means to move beyond extremes
• The shifting landscape of tailoring, particularly for women, and what that reflects culturally
• Why authenticity—rather than trend—is the only sustainable foundation for style

We often think of clothing as something external. Something aesthetic. Something separate from who we are.

But what this conversation reveals is that it’s anything but.

When what you wear aligns with who you are, something shifts. There’s a sense of ease. Of confidence. Of coherence.

And when it doesn’t, we feel it.

This episode is really an exploration of that alignment—and what it takes to get there.

Takeaways:

• The act of donning a bespoke suit instills confidence, altering one's posture and demeanor.
• Tailoring transcends mere fabric manipulation; it embodies elements of psychology and self-identity.
• The bespoke tailoring process necessitates a profound understanding of the client's personality and preferences.
• In recent years, societal shifts have led to a greater acceptance of women wearing tailored suits in professional settings.
• The evolution of tailoring reflects broader fashion trends, yet authenticity remains paramount in personal expression.
• A tailored suit serves not only as clothing but as a vehicle for self-expression and personal empowerment.

Links referenced in this episode:

• greshamblake.com
• wholecoaching.co.uk

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Marks and Spencer
• Vogue
• Gresham Blake
• Indian Summer
• BBC Radio 1

In this WHOLE Unpacked episode, I explore one of the most fundamental drivers of a meaningful life: values.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about what you want, disconnected from your current path, or lacking a sense of purpose, this episode will help you understand why.

I break down:

• What values are and how they differ from goals
• How values shape behaviour and decision-making
• Why values conflict—and why that’s part of being human
• How to identify your own core values
• How meaning emerges from living in alignment with them

This episode is about clarity, direction, and building a life that actually reflects what matters to you.

Takeaways:

• Values serve as the organizing principles that guide our behavior and decision-making processes.
• Identifying and clarifying one’s values is essential for constructing a meaningful and purposeful life.
• The distinction between values and goals is crucial; values represent directions rather than fixed destinations.
• A life devoid of values risks becoming reactive, lacking direction, and driven by basic survival instincts.
• Intrinsic motivation arises from engaging in activities that align with our true values, as opposed to external pressures.
• Awareness of one’s values allows for personal growth and the pursuit of a fulfilling life aligned with what truly matters.

NB: In a section of the podcast the goal was mistakenly used in place of values. This was done in error. Any discussion of universality and benevolence is in relation to values, not goals.

Links referenced in this episode:

• wholecoaching.co.uk
• An Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values:

https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1116&context=orpc

• Self Determination Theory

https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2000_RyanDeci_SDT.pdf