WHOLE: The Podcast

What happens when you stop worrying about what's normal, respectable or expected of you? David McGillivray has spent more than 60 years finding out.

This effervescent and slightly shocking episode had me laughing out loud. A wonderful conversation which had me pondering whether I have played it too safe in my life. If you are looking for permission to be your most transgressive self, this is it. Pour yourself a glass or just crack open a Christmas chocolate and settle down for the story....

Dubbed 'The Truffaut of Smut', but best known for his 42-year creative partnership with Julian Clary, David is also a journalist, playwright, screenwriter and filmmaker whose extraordinary career has taken him through the wildest corners of British entertainment.

Expelled from school at 17, he went on to write notorious 1970s sex comedies, cult horror films and outrageous comedy. Along the way, there were drugs, Soho nightlife, artistic adventures and plenty of rule-breaking.

Now nearing 80, David is still writing, creating and pursuing whatever fascinates him. He claims to have no regrets, despite admitting that some of his work was dreadful!

In this candid, funny and occasionally outrageous conversation, we explore rebellion, creativity, identity, fear and the freedom that comes from questioning convention.

David's story is an invitation to be a little less obedient, a little more curious and perhaps a little wilder.

Because stepping outside the boundaries of what's expected of us might just open up possibilities we never imagined.

WHOLE: The Podcast explores the psychology of meaning-led success through honest, revealing conversations with incredible people.

We go beyond the achievements to examine what drives people, the choices they make, the challenges they face and what they discover about themselves along the way, because success isn't just about what we achieve, but what it takes to get there and whether the journey is worth it.

Subscribe for more conversations and discover WHOLE beyond the podcast.

Instagram: @christabelsvoice

Website: www.wholeframework.com

One of the most inspiring people I have interviewed, Frank Smith started working with Eddie Hearn at 14, having relentlessly pursued him for an opportunity. By 26, he was running one of the biggest boxing promotion businesses in the world.

My burning questions were:

1. How do you become CEO of Matchroom Boxing at just 26?
2. What does it actually take to get there?
3. What drove him to succeed so young?
4. And was it all worth it?

We talk about money, ambition, the extraordinary dedication required to reach the top, and the experiences he sacrificed along the way.

Frank also speaks candidly about Conor Benn, Chris Eubank Jr, loyalty, ego, why he believes emotion can be detrimental in business, and the criticism that genuinely got under his skin.

And perhaps most interestingly, why the things he wants from life now are very different from those he wanted at 14.

An honest, funny and revealing conversation about getting to the top, staying there, and knowing what you actually want from life.

I jumped straight up after this interview and ran upstairs to my office to get on with some work! Set aside some time after listening because I am sure you will do the same!

Happy Listening!

WHOLE: The Podcast explores the psychology of meaning-led success through honest, revealing conversations with incredible people.

We go beyond the achievements to examine what drives people, the choices they make, the challenges they face and what they discover about themselves along the way, because success isn't just about what we achieve, but what it takes to get there and whether the journey is worth it.

Subscribe for more conversations and discover WHOLE beyond the podcast.

Instagram: @christabelsvoice

Website: www.wholeframework.com

What happens when you stop creating for the algorithm and start creating as yourself?

Musician and content creator Oli Howe has attracted millions of views and a huge online audience by doing almost everything creators are told not to do: three-minute videos, no conventional viral hooks, simple editing, a deadpan stare, plus music he genuinely wants to make.

His reharmonisations of well-known songs have attracted millions of views and attention from artists including Justin Timberlake, Lenny Kravitz, Chaka Khan, David Foster and TLC’s Chilli.

But behind Oli’s success is a much deeper story.

In this conversation, Oli talks openly about losing his father, the suicide of his sister, depression, PTSD and complex PTSD, severe panic attacks, physical illness and the period in which he lost his ability to perform and create and, with it, much of his sense of identity.

We talk about creativity as a way of processing emotion, why creative block doesn’t mean you’ve stopped being creative, perfectionism, knowing when your work is “good enough”, the pressure of numbers and likes, and why authenticity may be far more powerful than trying to manufacture virality.

Oli also explains the surprisingly deliberate structure behind his videos — the recurring jokes, musical payoffs and tiny familiar moments that keep millions of people watching.

A conversation about creativity, mental health, grief, resilience, perfectionism, social media — and finding your own way of doing things.

P.S. Get ready to cry!!

Find Oli on Instagram: @oli_howe_keys

WHOLE: The Podcast explores what helps us live, create and work in closer alignment with what genuinely matters to us. Head to wholeframework.com to learn how you can do the same.

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