The Bare Truth Podcast
'The Bare Truth' is a celebration of the extraordinary in day-to-day living, from the unsung hero to those on a bigger stage. Each week, Julia interviews someone from a different area of interest who is passionate about what they do, who is expressing themselves in their own unique way, and who wants to share what they do with others.
Please feel free to contact Julia with any comments about the show, or if you would like to be interviewed yourself. We also include contact details of our guests where possible - if you'd like more information, why not get in touch?
Latest Broadcast
Julia talks to Stu Prince and Mark Cage about CoastersGB, the relay around the coast of Great Britain
03 September 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 03 September 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Highly influenced by Eddie Izzard’s fantastic feat of 43 marathons in 52 days, and one man’s innate desire to “do something a bit different”, the question “would it be possible to run a relay around the Coast of Great Britain?” was posed. The departure of a baton named Barry from Blackpool Tower on the 9th May gave us part of the answer.
Find out more about the relay at www.coastersgb.co.uk
Follow Barry the Baton on Twitter
Interview with Lyz Cooper, Sound Therapist
27 August 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 27 August 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Lyz has been working in the complementary health arena since 1981 and has studied many aspects of this field. In 2004 she graduated from University with a Certificate in Education (Cert.Ed) and is now taking a Masters Degree in Education – researching the effectiveness of sound on learning ability, social skills and the immune system.
In 1995 she began researching sound therapy and developed an effective technique for improving health and well-being. Her work has produced excellent results and received very positive support from the media with features in magazines, newspapers, radio and television in the UK and overseas.
In 2000 Lyz formed the first sound therapy training establishment in the UK to offer a professional qualification in sound therapy. She is a consultant to the Institute for Complementary Medicine and a member of the British General Council of Complementary Practitioners, an organisation formed to represent the complex profession of complementary medicine through elected and appointed representatives.
Lyz gives performances and runs talks, workshops and presentations in the UK and overseas. She has also composed two CD’s – Chakra Balance and Crystal and Stone – and performs with her group, Soundscapes, in wonderful locations such as Stonehenge. In June 2006 Soundscapes released their first CD Emergence which has received excellent reviews.
Interview with Andy White, 'Doctor Pod'
23 August 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 23 August 2010. If all else fails, try here.
I met Andy at an SOS networking event and he recorded a little podcast with me! He is doctorpod – so he is the king of podcasting and he inspired me into starting to do my own!
We then met for a coffee and for a chat about fitness – as he wanted to get fit – a year later we met again in the same cafe in Brighton and Andy is now fit! The secret – he started to run and found a running buddy to encourage him. He looks great and running clearly suits him and has benefitted his life in more ways than the obvious physiological and helath benefuts. Running has helped Andy to think differently and so live with more ease – and he looks great too!
I asked him if I could record a podcast with him and so it seemed fitting that we met again in the same cafe….
Interview with Rachel Disley, Surrey Cross Country Girls Team Manager
13 August 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 13 August 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Rachel joined Haslemere Border AC in 1976, when I was 17 and she was 12 years old. 34 years later and we are lifelong friends, having shared so much in those few years together in the same Athletics Club. Rach comments in our podcast that our connection and friendship was born out of a shared dream and a recognition of this within each other. My nickname then was Star and Rach aspired to run fast like me – and, as the older and for a while faster runner, I was struck by her tenacity, determination and her amazing spirit and belief that anything was possible. With the unfolding years her spirit is undimmed, but now it is also full of the wisdom that has come through life’s challenges and having to keep going even when all seems lost. She is an inspiration and a true friend.
Interview with Darren Campbell, Olympic athlete and Youth Sports Ambassador
06 August 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 06 August 2010. If all else fails, try here.
It was Darren Campbell’s mother who first spotted his talent when she saw him run in his first school sports day – ‘she knew that day that I had talent, and so from that day on it was evident to her that I was going to be an athlete. It first clicked for me when I was twelve years old, watching the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and seeing Carl Lewis win four Olympic Gold medals.’ Young Darren started practising his autograph and telling everyone that he would be going to the Olympic Games to compete. Now, with more than 20 medals to his name, including Olympic Gold & Silver, Commonwealth Bronze and World Championship Bronze, Darren works to help people realise that motivation and inspiration can help you achieve your dreams, even when the odds are stacked against you.
Darren’s profile on the Youth Sports Trust page.
Interview with Lynne McNicoll, founder of the charity It's Good 2 Give!
30 July 2010
Lynne started fundraising in December 2005 on her 49th birthday – she wanted to find a different and more giving way to celebrate her 50th birthday. She pledged to raise £50,000 for a young persons cancer charity by her 50th birthday.
Although the first three months of fundraising were a struggle Lynne soon developed a taste for networking and event organising! By the time she had turned 50 Lynne smashed her target raising over £54000.
Since that whirlwind year Lynne has continued to fundraise. With the help of the community of the East of Scotland she has raised over £650,000 to help teenagers fight cancer. Among other things this has allowed the opening of age appropriate facilities in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children for teenagers aged 13-16.
During her first four years of fundraising Lynne met many families affected by cancer and the more she got to know them the more she realised how much cancer affected the whole family. In setting up It’s Good 2 Give! Lynne wanted to support the whole family. Called It’s Good 2 Give because for Lynne it has been! She is very keen to encourage giving – of time, ideas and skills as well as funds.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 30 July 2010. If all else fails, try here.
My marathon friend Mark introduced Lynne and I on twitter – Lynne lives in Edinburgh, and as my brother and Mark also live in Edinburgh it is lovely to be gathering a band of kindred spirits there! Lynne and I said ‘hello’ after our introduction and then Lynne said ‘what do we do now?’! ‘How about I record a podcast?’ was my response and so that is what we did! Lynne’s open heart and warmth and genuine love of the people she works with and is raising money for is inspiring. Her passion and her enthusiasm are tangible, and it is obvious why she has been able to transform that into money that is making such a huge difference to the lives of young people with cancer and their families. I am very much looking forward to meeting her on my next trip north.
Interview with Stewart Pearce, Sound Healer and Master of Voice
23 July 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 23 July 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Stewart was born in London, England and having trained as an Actor Teacher worked in Repertory Theatre. In 1980 his practice as a Voice Coach began, teaching under the auspices of Cicely Berry at the ‘Guildhall School of Music & Drama’, and in 1981 Stewart became the Head of Voice at the prestigious ‘Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art’, continuing until 1998. During this period he also worked pervasively throughout the theatre industry at the ‘Actors Centre’, and in the West End and as a coach with many major companies such as the ‘Actors Touring Company’. From 1998 Stewart become the Master of Voice at ‘Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre’ for Mark Rylance, the first Artistic Director of the newly reconstructed Theatre. Today, Stewart continues this role for the ever expanding Globe Education Department. Stewart facilitates Master Classes internationally and has taught extensively throughout the USA; for example at the ‘Stella Adler Studio’ in NYC, and regularly coaches premier theatre companies such as ‘Classic Stage Ireland’, ‘Chicago Shakespeare Theater’, the ‘Long Wharf Theater Connecticut’, Sonia Friedman Productions in the West End, and at the Royal Court.
Clients have included luminaries of the entertainment industry such as Maria Aitken, Frances Barber, Minnie Driver, Kathryn Hunter, Josie Lawrence, Vanessa Redgrave, Jonathan Cake, Simon Callow, Jack Davenport, and Mark Rylance.
www.stewartpearce.com
www.thealchemyofvoice.com
Details of Stewart’s August 2010 retreat can be found here.
I had a wonderful time interviewing Stewart – it was our second meeting and I was really looking forward to spending time with him again. After being with him the first time, I had left floating on air – in love for sure! He is all heart and so it is impossible not to fall in love with, into the safety and beauty of someone who is living the message he is teaching – speak from the heart, heal your own heart and connect to the hearts of others. Like this, together we can heal the world, interaction by interaction.
His own voice has a soothing quality to it and his mission is to help each individual find their signature note – the sound of their soul. Once again, when we parted I left floating on air, the authentic and open energy of Stewart creating an environment of safety to be all that you can be. His life’s work has been in enabling others to find their true expression and, as he says at the beginning of the interview, his whole life has been about this as first he had to find it for himself.
Interview with Steve Uzzell, Runner
16 July 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 16 July 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Steve and I are runners who have crossed paths over the years on the running road without ever having really stopped to chat and pass the time of day! He read my book a few months ago, which opened a dialogue on facebook, so it was very enjoyable to meet him face to face and find out that the phoenix has been a powerful symbol for us both throughout our lives. Listening to Steve tell his story and how he maintains the belief that when everything is lost it is still possible to rise from the ashes is an inspiring message for living – and Steve tells of how he has followed the wise words that encourage and teach that if you fall down seven times, get up eight!
Interview with Naomi Richards, The Kids Coach
09 July 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 09 July 2010. If all else fails, try here.
I met Naomi in London when I was at an SOS event. I was just about to leave and she came over and said hello to me, as we were following each other on twitter! We didn’t have a chance to chat then as I was aiming for a train, so our podcast together was our first real conversation – I enjoyed it a lot! Her enthusiasm for life – for her family, her work and her running is uplifting and inspiring, especially for anyone balancing bringing up little children with working. The value of running, the time for herself, the time to think and return refreshed and committed to all she does is a message that says a lot for committing to giving time to move the body – whether in running or any other way. She finds that the power of exercise helps the children she works with who have emotional difficulties and are learning how to release and understand their anger. It was lovely to speak with Naomi and every year she runs a marathon on her birthday in October to raise money for charity – a birthday present to herslef she says – but of course it then becomes a present to many others too!
www.thekidscoach.org.uk
Naomi on twitter.
Interview with Mark Cooper, after running his 49th out of 50 marathons - in 56 days!
02 July 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 02 July 2010. If all else fails, try here.
I met Mark in a shopping centre in Edinburgh when he was running a marathon on a treadmill, and two months later I travelled to Spain to run the 49th of 50 marathons with him, just one part of a journey which has taken him from Amsterdam to Barcelona, raising £25,000 for Headway in the process. We recorded our first podcast together in April, in the Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh – with his journey still ahead of him. This, our second podcast, was recorded in the afternoon having run together for 26 miles of his epic journey, with the 90 degree heat and spectacular scenery of sunny Spain as a backdrop to our morning together. Mark is an inspiration, in answer to my question as to what he has learnt, he replied that he has learnt that anything is possible and that it has opened him to bigger horizons, and how moved he has been by people’s generosity of spirit, that there are so many people willing to give of themselves.
Interview with 'Death Valley Jack'
25 June 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 25 June 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Death Valley Jack is a legend! He has competed in 14 races across the famous Badwater Ultramarathon – a 135 mile race that reaches temperatures of 50 degrees centigrade!
I so enjoyed my conversation with him, he is enthusiastic and positive and talks of his challenge in a way that really and truly almost had me signing up myself there and then, particularly for the hallucinations which he claims to love! Listening to his experiences and the gathering together of his support team and of the friendships and fun along the way, it is almost possible to start to forget the extreme physical challenge and how astounding it is that Jack keeps going back for more. So now I really am contemplating putting it on my ‘to do list’ – I have a few races on there! This is because of Jack’s passion and energy – he spoke of how people have described him as an inspiration – and he is, in every sense – encouraging and humble – and yet showing such fortitude and strength and the ability to keep going through adversity and keep optimistic.
See a video about Jack’s run at the Badwater Ultramarathon.
Interview with Louise Wingate-Saul, Jeweller
18 June 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 18 June 2010. If all else fails, try here.
The native American Indians see the butterfly as a symbol of joy. This year, for my birthday, my friend Angela had especially made for me a beautiful butterfly necklace. I love the necklace, it has special energy and gives me great delight to wear it. So meeting and talking with the creator of my gift was a brilliant experience. Louise took me through her creative process, and what I found fascinating was how much she finds running helps her create her beautiful jewellery. How the rhythm of the run brings up all sorts of previously unseen possibilities and how she then returns home, ready to fashion her ‘base metal’ into the gold that becomes my butterfly and her many other pieces of beautiful jewellery!
It is also inspiring hearing how she decided to create her business, how an idea can become a reality. What strikes most is her love of it, which means that her jewellery will be holding the energy of that joy! I can feel it in my butterfly for sure!
Interview with the Barefoot Doctor, Supercharged Taoist
11 June 2010
Barefoot Doctor enjoyed a mystically oriented childhood, studied Aikido, energy healing and meditation at age 11, studied yoga, Tai Chi in his late teens, the human psyche and how to approach it with RD Laing in his early 20s, shamanism living with the Native Americans for four years in New Mexico and acupuncture and Taoism in his mid- to late -twenties, returned to London in ’83, ran a busy acupuncture healing practice till 2000, while also doing experimental performance events, workshops, seminars and talks, making healing music and teaching Tai Chi and meditation. In 2000 he went full time into book-writing, media and running this site, which has been in existence since 1998 as an informal online Taoism training school and virtual clinic (through email coaching). He spends his time writing, running the site and www.superchargedtaoist.com, making music, doing workshops, seminars, talks and musical events around the world and helping people. He also runs School For Warriors an 8-week online course in the principles of personal power.His 13th book, THE MAN WHO DROVE WITH HIS EYES CLOSED – AND MY OTHER ASTONISHING TEACHERS AND GURUS is now out, published by Hay House in the UK and in the US in January 2010 also with Hay House, under the title, SUPERCHARGED TAOIST.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 11 June 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Ten years ago I established a Sunday routine of driving to the Ashdown Forest, stopping en route to buy the Sunday Observer, running with friends for three hours and then piling into Duddleswell tea rooms on the edge of the forest for breakfast and a read of the papers. Barefoot Doctor had a page at the back of the magazine, which I loved. I would discipline myself to read my way right through the magazine until I legitimally reached his words of wisdom rather than turning straight to it!
I loved what he wrote and how he wrote and I felt he was speaking directly to me. But as he says in his interview with me, he was – because he speaks to each individual. He tunes in and speaks from his heart to the hearts of all those who read his words, or listen to him speak or hear his music. He emphasises that his practice is based in love – of the Tao – and of each and every person on the planet. Throughout all his many projects the core message is the same: live fully, be here, now, be still within all the movement and connect to your heart so that you are open to move towards and follow your destiny. His life has been dedicated to communicating ancient wisdom to us in a way that is accessible, and he emphasises that to be fully integrated and happy, as well as focusing on our own path, it is of importance that we are of service to each other, every day that we are alive!
Interview with Chris McDougall, Author of Born to Run
10 June 2010
Full of incredible characters, amazing athletic achievements, cutting-edge science, and, most of all, pure inspiration, Born to Run is an epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? In search of an answer, Christopher McDougall sets off to find a tribe of the world’s greatest distance runners and learn their secrets, and in the process shows us that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 10 June 2010. If all else fails, try here.
I arrived at Profile Books, Chris’s publishing company with 40 minutes to spare, which was just perfect for my cappuccino moment and email catch up time. Being with Chris was like being with someone I hadn’t seen in a long while but we ‘just picked up where we’d left off’! At the end of our time together, when Anna -Marie his publicist had to come and fetch him away for a lunch appointment, we had to almost finish mid-sentence – ‘Clearly a conversation to be continued,’ he said, and was suggesting a race in the states called ‘fat arse…’ or something like that? That already feels like it might be drawing me to it. His eyes had lit up at the prospect of the cross country London – Brighton race!
He spoke again of how he feels that time over distance and the pressure of pushing for times might have taken the joy out of running for many – he says he is not certain, but that he notices that in Ultra racing there is a different mentality and that the runners are more connected to nature, to themselves, and so inevitably to one another and that the joy and play of ‘being like a child’ is very much there. He commented that you don’t ask a 5 year old – ’so how many miles did you run today?’ and yet they race around using their bodies all the time – free and full of joy.
Interview with Jill Purce, Pioneer of the Sound Healing movement
04 June 2010
Jill Purce pioneered the international sound healing movement through her rediscovery of ancient vocal techniques, the power of group chant, and the spiritual potential of the voice as a magical instrument for healing and meditation, and introduced Overtone Chanting and other Healing Voice Workshops into Europe, North America and Japan.
Through her workshops, Inner Sound and Voice; The Healing Voice; Re-enchanting the World; Ritual Resonance – Healing The Family; and Ritual Resonance – Healing The Ancestors she has taught internationally for thirty years, teaching diverse forms of sacred chant, and especially Mongolian overtone chanting.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 05 June 2010. If all else fails, try here.
I travelled to the Mind Body Spirit Festival and arrived as Jill was doing a stint on the main stage, which she described as a jungle! She was amazing – performing with the noise of the masses all around and not really having any way of telling if she was engaging her audience – she was of course – the power of her chanting was transformative and I was excited to be going to her workshop later in the day.
I loved the two hours that I and the group spent listening to her describe, with passion, the ability of sound to literally calm stormy seas and to change turbulent emotions and fear into calm and trust. Her mission – that we can reconnect with one another through finding our own resonance and so resonating together to heal the world – mirrored my own work of learning how we can liberate ourseves to be all that we can be. Jill maintains that we all have our own note, that if you liberate the voice you liberate the human being, and that to maintain a person in tune is to maintain them in a state of health.
I went home with her in her taxi to record this podcast and was inspired by exploring how her work has evolved over the years and that now she is working with healing the family through working ceremonially with resonant fields of the family – revealing the dynamic of their patterns to restore love and harmony. She has taken this further to combine her powerful healing family work with her cermonies for ancestral healing. It was both a privilege and a joy to spend time with Jill and to learn about work.
Interview with John Francksen, Charity Runner
28 May 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 28 May 2010. If all else fails, try here.
I travelled to Riga as Running Free’s roving reporter and met John Francksen and his wife Tracy who were there too. We had all booked to go with Malcolm from Running Crazy which always guarantees a great time away!
John, who runs for Thornbury Running Club, was completing his final marathon of nine – each begining with a letter of his name. He has raised money for charity in each one and as we chatted he also explored all the other reasons he runs and the benefits it brings him.
It felt that his running connected him up to himself and others in so many ways. He is able to clear the stress of the day, connect with his friends, be present with his family and at the same time make a difference at a global level in raising money for causes that are dear to him.
And – he is showing that games teacher from 40 years ago that ‘he can do it’ – he has ‘picked himself for games’!
Interview with Nick Miles, Health and Fitness Guru, about the Angel Ride
21 May 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 21 May 2010. If all else fails, try here.
On Saturday 29th May 2010 a unique fundraising event will take place. At precisely 0930hrs Nick and three other riders will set off from Islington Green in North London and pedal their bicycles 1100km (700 miles) to the French Alpine town of Morzine Avoriaz. They hope to achieve this arduous journey in 8 days. However! There is a slight twist to the event. They will be riding on PASHLEY GUV’NOR vintage style 3 speed path racer bicycles and will also be dressed in replica vintage cycling clothing. It will be reminicent of a scene from an old Tour De France as they travel down roads, across cobbles and over mountains made famous by the worlds toughest bicycle race.
Nick first qualified as a Fitness Professional in 2005. He has since worked in the Fitness industry in France, Portugal and the UK. He now lives in Brighton and is the founder of Urbanfit.
www.urbanfit.co.uk
www.angelride.org.uk
And to sponsor Nick and the Angel Ride, in aid of the Lavender Trust, supporting younger women with breast cancer, click here.
I was so inspired by my conversation with Nick Miles, he has a passion for adventure that comes from within, and his journey to Morzine that begins on May 29th is an adventure that is born from his heart. He spoke movingly of his reasons for the ride, of the charity he is rasing the money for, of the mountains and their power and the freedom they bring him.
Nick is an example of his teaching, so full of life and enthusisam and commitment to his own health and fitness, that it is no wonder he is so highly thought of by his clients.
His attitude is life enhancing and powerful. Just being in his company is inspirational as he gives off an aura of calm and acceptance at the same time as a strength that insired you to know that anything is possible and that life holds limitless possibility. I came away feeling that he cares deeply about humanity and about making a difference to the lives of individuals – and that life is an adventure to be fully embraced!
Interview with Emily Dubberley, Sex and relationship (and gardening!) writer
14 May 2010
Emily Dubberley is an author and journalist specialising in sex and relationships, particularly interested in the growth of the indiviudal and how it relates to nature and the garden. She founded women’s sex website Cliterati in 2001 and went on to found Scarlet magazine in September 2004, editing the first ten issues before becoming editor-at-large. She has written 21 internationally selling books since 2004.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 14 May 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Two years ago I gave a presentation at the Grand Hotel here in Eastbourne about the Imago relationship theory – connecting within relationship in a way that leads to personal growth and learning to be the best partner you could be, rather than pointing the finger at the other and desiring they change to fit your criteria! Emily attended and loved the session. I remember standing on the steps at the Grand in the break and knowing we would meet again. Shortly afterwards she got in touch to say she wanted to write an article about Imago and would I be prepared to demonstrate a session ‘in action’ by working for the afternoon with her and her partner?... this was the begining of Emily’s and my own relationship.
Emily is passionate about writing – and for many years passionate about writing about sex – this has been evolving as she evolves and now she writes more about relationship and personal growth. What has always been most evident to me about Em, is that she cares about people, she accepts people – and her driving force is wanting to make a positive difference to people’s lives.
Interview with Mike Ovens, Director of the Running Inn
07 May 2010
Mike Ovens served in the Royal Navy for 25 years where he rose through the ranks to commissioned officer. His final post was as a Fleet Controller at the Permanent Joint Headquarters, Northwood, prior to that he’d worked as senior warfare officer and was active in both the Falklands and Gulf War. As a former Royal Navy/Combined Services 800m/400m competitor he’s used his experience to coach athletes from novice to advanced levels. Mike is a Level 3 Advanced Instructor/Personal Trainer (Register of Exercise Professionals) and Running Coach. He regularly participates in middle distance and Cross Country events, and is a member of Hailsham Harriers Running Club, in East Sussex, as well as joint co-ordinator of the Running Inn Running Club in Eastbourne.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 07 May 2010. If all else fails, try here.
As I came into the last stetch of the Nice marathon last November, a familiar voice was calling from the crowd: ’1000 metres to go Julia – 2 and half laps of the track.’ As a former track athlete, no.1 in the Navy for 8 years, Mike was speaking in a language he knew I would recognise, having also begun my career as a track runner. All those reps on a track does make you think in distances as laps of the track – and the sound of the bell has a very welcome ring to it. Mike’s voice that day was the bell at the end of 26 miles, encouraging me to get that last bit out before the finishing tape – and this is the case in many people’s lives. He spends his days inspiring others to reach higher than they thought possible, helping them to stretch beyond what they previously thought they could do and in the process creating a community spirit with his individual personal training, early morning circuit sessions by the sea and the Wednesday night running group.
Interview with Julia!
30 April 2010
Due to a couple of scheduling difficulties, we haven’t got a new podcast this week – instead, we’re putting up an interview from last year, with Julia on her view of sport as a metaphor for life.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 30 April 2010. If all else fails, try here.
This week, the roles are reversed and Julia gives us a insight into the ways in which her commitment to running integrates with her ideas about life, and how anyone can apply their own metaphor to the way they want to live.
Interview with Wayne and Cavan, Directors of YourSportsFuel
23 April 2010
YourSportsFuel was set up by athletes like yourselves, who wanted to to find out about the very basics of nutrition and then what foods and supplements can help with our sporting goals. We were frustrated with the fact that all sports drinks companies just want to sell you as much energy or recovery drink as possible when they didn’t even consider or offer to advise you on your basic nutritional needs. Then trying to find this information about what to eat for energy, for recovery, to build your immune system etc etc was just not there in plain simple english. YourSportsFuel offers this information and the best sports fuels available in one place.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 23 April 2010. If all else fails, try here.
I was on the M4 driving to see my sister on a very wet Friday afternoon, my sat nav had somehow decided to start speaking to me in Finnish and so I was just about to go into a service station when the phone rang. It was Cavan, I told him all about my rainy drive and where I was going, I might even have told him about my incomprehensible sat nav! I had never spoken to Cavan in my life but he engaged with me on my Friday afternoon and we had a great chat. I also couldn’t hear him very well because of the rain, so we agreed to talk properly the following week. He had contacted me because he and his business colleague Wayne are the directors of YourSportsFuel and they sponsor Mark Cooper, who featured in the Bare Truth last week. He was suggesting I interview them as well – that we all meet in Edinburgh as they hadn’t yet met Mark.
Each time we spoke I felt that he loved what he does, is passionate about his product and most importantly cared about life and people and making a difference to the lives of the athletes that use Yoursportsfuel – also a great bloke, easy to talk to. I was really looking forward to my weekend in Edinburgh to meet Mark, Wayne and Cavan!
Having met Mark on his marathon treadmill on the Saturday afternoon, we arranged to meet in Princes Street Gardens the following morning. It was a very warm summery day. I was waiting in the agreed place when the phone rang. ‘Look over the road Julia.’ And there they were.
I had such a great morning with them – three people all engaged and passionate with what they do – inspiring to be with and I loved interviewing them. And this week ‘my sports fuel’ arrived for me to try out! It feels like I am taking a magic potion and with my new project of racing once a month around the world – as fast as I can – writing about it in Running Free magazine – I reckon magic potions are the way to go!
Interview with Mark Cooper on his plans to run 50 marathons in 56 days
16 April 2010
On May 1st 2010 Mark will begin a 1,300 mile ultra endurance run through Holland, Belgium, France and Spain. The trip will take 8 weeks to complete and will consist of roughly 50 marathons in 56 days.
Mark is aiming to raise £25,000 for Headway Group, who provide support to people who have suffered a head injury or some other form of acquired brain injury such as a stroke.
Read more about Mark’s challenge on his website.
Donate on Mark’s Justgiving page.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 16 April 2010. If all else fails, try here.
I travelled up to Edinburgh last Friday on the train. Train travel makes everything seem so close and like I could nip up to visit my brother, who lives there, almost daily instead of the months that pass between visits!
‘What would you like to do today’ my brother enquired over breakfast on Saturday morning – ‘Just chill and hang out with you really’ I said. ‘This afternoon I’m going to watch my twitter friend running a marathon on a treadmill in St. James’ shopping centre.’ My brother took this piece of info as the norm from me – he has cheered me at many different running venues and circumstances as I have raced my way through the years – and so a friend of mine taking part in a treadmill marathon run didn’t elicit too much surprise! It was just slotted in on the day’s plans between a magical trip to the Botanical Gardens in the morning and a delicious dinner in the ‘Urban Angel’ in the evening!
I found Mark easily – he was at mile 12 and seeming relaxed enough, although he claimed to be fed up of staring at a wall – this was his third treadmill marathon in 4 weeks!
Mark was engaing and lovely to interview, both on the treadmill and the next day when I found him with Cavan and Wayne, his sponsors from YourSportsFuel (podcast with them next week!), in Princes Street Gardens to conduct my first ever outdoor podcast.
Interview with Fiona Bugler, editor of Running Free magazine
09 April 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 09 April 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Fi and I started to run together on March 2nd 2009. We had both known of each other for the previous five years when she and her husband Mike Ovens came to Eastbourne and created the Running Inn – our paths crossed on the Downs and along the seafront and we met briefly at the end of the Eastbourne half one year. Then she and Mike invited me to talk at one of their running weekends and so we met for coffee in Hudson’s Wine Bar here and talked about everything – except what I was supposed to be talking about! I then recorded a podcast with them – which is the number 1 most listened to podcast on my site so far! Soon after that we arranged to run together and a dialogue that weaves itself in circles around the Downs started that looks set to run and run! A year on, Fi has a PB for half marathon and marathon and is lining up on the elite start of the London Marathon in two weeks time – a dream realised. Fiona is an inspiration, having started running from an aerobics background, ran her first half marathon in 1.57 – she returned this year to the same race – the Watford half marathon and ran 88 mins! She has also just been appointed editor of Running Free magazine. Here we talk about the last year and running for fun!
Part Two: Interview with Wenche Beard, owner of the Yoga-Life Studio
02 April 2010
Our conversation had been stopped short on the last podcast because the recorder just stopped! So this Wednesday, Wenche and I met again to continue our dialogue – that looks set to run and run. This time the machine worked perfectly – but we had limited time – having spent the first part of our hour together making coffee and chatting away almost forgetting why we had met! I eventually turned the recorder on and we continued talking about what we had been exploring anyway – intimacy, love, connection, sex – how do we connect with ourselves and so one another to the levels we all desire? How can we learn to become intimate with ourselves – with our breath and with our very being? Wenche had to then leave to collect her son, so even though there were no glitches in the recording equipment our conversation was left with a dash or a comma – to be continued for sure!
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 02 April 2010. If all else fails, try here.
See the Yoga-Life Studio website here.
Interview with Wenche Beard, owner of the Yoga-Life Studio
26 March 2010
I met Wenche when I gave a talk at her alternative networking group. The group meet once a month in her beautiful Yoga-Life Studio in the Enterprise Centre here in Eastbourne. We were doing an ice-breaking exercise at the start of the meeting and Wenche suggested we went around the group, saying something that we love about our work. When Wenche and I were facing opposite each another – and it was my turn – I said, ‘depth of connection and communication’. ‘I like that’ Wenche said, ‘yes, I relate to that’. And in that moment our dialogue began – we agreed at the end of the morning to meet to create a podcast.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 26 March 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Wenche arrived on ‘podcast day’ to find me freezing cold – a cold run on the downs returning home to no hot water and a very bracing cold shower – I also had wet hair as the hairdryer had stopped working when I was trying to turn off the smoke alarms that had gone off for no reason! We laughed about my morning and made hot steaming cups of coffee and sat chatting. She is a wonderful woman, energising and enthusiastic and open and committed to living her truth and teaching from this place. We went to record the podcast to explore this – and the machine refused to work…!
Take 2 – Wenche returned the following week and after our pre-podcast coffee we recorded 38 minutes of podcast until it stopped mid-sentence! We established a fitting end point for ‘part 1’ of the podcast – but look out for ‘part 2’ next week as this conversation looks set to run and run!
See the Yoga-Life Studio website here.
Chris Howarth talks about running across Kenya
19 March 2010
From the Hear Our Voice Kenya website:
Hello, I’m Chris. Beginning in July 2010 ‘Run Kenya’ will make history by taking on an endurance feat never before attempted – I will run 1100 miles across the entire breadth of Kenya, through 12 major towns and cities, over a period of 7 weeks. I will run approximately 30 miles every running day, through the country’s toughest conditions and diverse landscapes – from the remote mountains and altitude of the Rift Valley and Central Provinces – to the sprawling urban heart of Nairobi – and through the barren, desert roads towards Mombasa… However, this challenge is about more than just running… Hear Our Voice Kenya’ helps to rehabilitate street children by giving them the opportunity to create pieces of theatre, songs and poetry about their experiences of life on the streets.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 19 March 2010. If all else fails, try here.
When Chris called me to say he was running across Kenya and wondered if we might record a podcast about his journey, I was excited and curious to hear of his plans.
I asked him how many miles a day he would be running – ‘30’ was his reply. ‘Oh yes, that’s doable.’ ‘You’re the only person who’s responded like that,’ he laughed! But everything is ‘doable’ and Chris’s journey is about just this – that there is limitless possibility and potential in the universe and that through connecting with one another and inspiring and supporting we can all join together to create a better future for everyone.
Chris’s journey was inspired by a dialogue with Michael, a street child in Kenya. The conversation stayed with Chris and he wasn’t able to forget it – the voice of Michael hit a chord that resonated with his own soul’s calling and he had to follow! And so Chris is running across Kenya to the coast at Mombassa – he is doing it for Michael, but he is also doing it for himself and for all of us. He is showing that we must connect to what we love to do and where we want to go. To find a way, however hard the journey, we must hear our voice and the voices of others and unite in a journey of healing and opening to our fullest expression.
See the Hear Our Voice Kenya website here.
Interview with Pat Love, Author of 'Why Women Talk and Men Walk'
12 March 2010
This week, technical problems meant a new podcast was impossible! Instead, we’ve posted a fantastic interview with Dr Pat Love, author and Imago relationship therapist, which we recorded last year.
Pat Love is the author of ‘Why Women Talk and Men Walk’ and she discusses her latest book written with Steven Stosny in her interview. She has been committed to relationship education and personal development for the past 25 years and travels the world presenting speaking and working with people.
Pat’s passion and humour made it a joy to interview her. She displays a deep understanding of the dynamic between men and women, and her curiosity and keen observation of the differences between them is insightful. It inspires the desire to work towards genuine deep love through validation of the differences and compassionate understanding of the other.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 12 March 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Interview with Gina Bowman, Bach Practitioner
05 March 2010
Gina Bowman works with people to discover positive emotional and physical health – apart from being a Reiki master and practicing Indian Head massage, her particular passion has always been with flowers, particularly the Fuchsia and so it seems that it was her natural path to discover the Bach flower remedies and train to become a registered practitioner.
I met Gina at the yoga life studio here in Eastbourne as I had gone along to give a talk. I was struck by her radiance and enthusiasm for life and for exploration and growth and also for imparting her knowledge to others, this became even more evident as she shared her journey with me – as did her indomitable spirit that has kept expanding against all odds, like her beloved fuchsia flower. Gina has written about her story in her book, ‘The Flexible Fuchsia’, and from speaking with her this week, I think it will be impossible to put down!
I very much enjoyed my time with Gina, she shines like a beacon, and she is prepared to shine her light on the beautiful and the mucky – so that everything can be brought out of the shadows and so instead of destroying because it is hidden away, brought forth so that the energy becomes instead one of forgiveness, of healing of creativity and transformation.
Contact Gina on:
01323 765688
ginabowman@ukonline.co.uk
www.yoga-life.co.uk
Find more information at:
The Bach Centre
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 05 March 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Interview with Guy and Helyn, owners of Alpe d'Huez cycle chalet
26 February 2010
Guy and Helyn initially moved to France from the UK to work in the chalet business catering for skiers in the winter and mountain bikers in the summer months. That experience, coupled with their own sporting backgrounds, has given them a good appreciation and knowledge of the needs of people coming to the Alps to enjoy active holidays.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 25 February 2010. If all else fails, try here.
I met Guy and Helyn 10 years ago. They were keen sportspeople and friends of Lawrence (of the Tri Store) They kindly let a great gang of us descend on them early on London Marathon day to use their very conveniently positioned flat – on the edge of Greenwich Park – as a place to meet, eat and go to the loo before we ran to Westminster! I was struck by their generosity of spirit and willingness to help us all out, and their passion for sport and genuine interest in the sporting pursuits of others.
That they chose to take the courageous leap and set up their own cyling chalet in the French Alps seemed fitting with their passion for the outdoors and their love of cycling and their adventurous spirits.
I so enjoyed the opportunity to interview them for my podcast and I think listening it will be hard not to be tempted over – for Helyn’s cakes for sure! – and the amazing terrain and sporting opportunites, especially to cycle Alp D’huez and compare your time to Lance Armstrong.
See Guy and Helyn’s website at www.kingofthemountains.co.uk
Speaking of Lance Armstrong, I just wanted to include a quick plug for his Livestrong campaign, encouraging people to take responsibility for making their own lives better. With this attitude, the same name, sport, and the fact that both Lance and I share experiences with cancer (my mother died of cancer at 50 years old), this is a cause close to my heart! Take a look at their webpage.
Interview with Daphne DiLuce, Creator of Mind in Action workshops
19 February 2010
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 19 February 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Daphne found me on Twitter – she said I was like a feather landing on her doorstep and that she liked my energy and what I am doing with my podcasts – so she got in touch! I am glad she did, it was such fun and energising talking with Daphne. She has seen energy in and around people and the universe and understood what she sees as natural to her – ever since she was a little girl. She was able to express this through her art and design and lighting when she was younger, communicating what she saw through her work and helping others with their environments. This has developed to more formal energy work with individuals and groups and she trusts where her energy takes her and doesn’t worry about things. This was evident in dialogue with her. She says how much fun she has with all the people she works with and I had fun talking to her. We could have talked for much longer, there is so much she knows and sees and her wealth of experience and understanding and her willingness to share with others is inspiring and energising!
She is creating and hosting ‘The Ultimate Summer Seminar’ on June 26th which she talks about in the podcast – it will be an exciting and innovative day!
The colour I was most attracted to for many years was turquoise and I was told by a healer who works with people’s individual colours that it is my healing colour – that I am ‘a turquoise’ which is about clarity of communication. At the end of our podcast when Daphne and I were expressing how much we’d enjoyed our conversation, she said that I had turquoise tonsils!
Daphne’s website
Daphne on Twitter
Interview with Nicci Talbot, Sex and Relationship Writer
12 February 2010
Nicci Talbot is a freelance journalist and author of several sex & health books. She blogs about sex, relationships, parenting, health & wellbeing, and offers a personal shopping service for stylish, eco-friendly sex toys, products and sexperiences. Nicci is launching an adult dating site called Naughty Nicci.
twitter: @niccitalbot
www.naughtynicci.com
www.inrudehealth.com
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 12 February 2010. If all else fails, try here.
I so enjoyed talking with Nicci – we originally planned to do the podcast face to face, then snow appeared and diaries started to be juggled so we spoke over the phone instead. And so it came to pass that our first conversation, not having met one another, was of an intimate nature. We talked about Tantric sex – I divulged that I have ‘stacks of books on tantric sex in my bedroom’ – and yoni massage, we shared stories of massages and naked night clubs, which I haven’t been to, yet! I enjoyed hearing her experience.
She was so candid and warm and open that it was easy to talk about being a woman, the fun of it and the troubles we can encounter too in understanding our bodies, balancing our hormones, learning about our sexuality – embracing and moving through changes like the menopause, knowing that we have other women, but especially someone like Nicci, to support us through the transition.
Her latest book on The Menopause is on my ‘to buy list’ and having spoken to her I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
On Valentine’s Day her new website www.naughtynicci.com is launched! Brilliant – looking forward to seeing it!
Interview with Estelle Williams, Interfaith Minister
05 February 2010
Lucy, Estelle and Paul of Rhythm of Life are straight talking, practical open hearted ordained interfaith ministers; experienced in creating inspirational ceremonies, workshops and personal support for individuals and life navigation.
They each respect and honour all beliefs and traditions whether religious, non religious, spiritual or secular; and are open to creating both religious and non religious ceremonies.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 05 February 2010. If all else fails, try here.
I first spoke to Estelle when I was on my Four Winds shamanic course in Devon – I spoke to her in hushed tones as I was in a quiet environment and others were about – so our first conversation had a rather conspiratorial tone to it!
We made a plan to speak again – Suzy from the Starting Over Show had put us together to create an opening and closing ceremony for the shows that take place in London and Brighton in March.
Estelle, Lucy and Paul are interfaith ministers and they have a ministry called Rhythm of Life. Lucy, Estelle and I were given the task of creating the ceremony – so a few conversations and a very enjoyable ‘planning lunch’ with Estelle – that might have been mistaken for two people having a great chat and a delicious lunch – we ‘practiced’ for the ‘shows actual’ at an SOS networking evening in London.
The three of us had such fun working together. Lucy and Estelle are warm and passionate and kind and their essence communicates itself through their very presence. My podcast with Estelle was similarly fun and inspiring and it was really interesting to discover the extent of their work. Speaking with her it is so apparent that her attitude and essence is loving, accepting and all embracing of the individual and their own life journey, they hold workshops for empowerment and development, which sound wonderful powerful positive experiences and they offer one to one spiritual coaching which gives an individual the space to explore and heal and grow. My conversation also made me start getting excited about planning my next wedding! Outdoors – not had an outdoor wedding yet! As part of their work is in creating and performing ceremonies, I was taken back to thinking of my niece who attended my last wedding, when she was asked if she would like to come saying ‘Oh yes please! I haven’t experienced a Julia wedding yet’!
www.rhythm-of-life.org.uk
twitter.com/Estellewilliams
Interview with David, Woodworker
29 January 2010
I have known David since 1989. He joined ‘Springs Health Club’ – the health club that Nigel (my husband at the time) and I had created at Buxted Park Hotel. He was an active member of the gym and one of my first Utopia Running Club members. He and his wife Maureen then became my personal training clients. Maureen sadly died in 1995 and after 31 years of marriage and two children at University, David set about taking steps forward in life without Maureen by his side.
This podcast explores how David’s philosophy of life has always sustained him in times of change and uncertainty – and how now at 75 years old he has over the last few years developed a new career for himself in woodwork, making beautiful cabinets – windows and doors – he is sought after and very busy.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 29 January 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Interview with Jane Churchill, Artist and Set Designer
22 January 2010
I love Jane! She and I have been friends for about 9000 years at least now – we get a bit muddled – it’s many lifetimes anyway! I get the date wrong of when we met and I am always thinking we’ve known each other a few years longer than we actually have!
Jane is an artist – but the core of our work resonates. We both work in the realms of the labyrinth – of a journey – a maze – a path that often needs guidance and help to find your way through, but essentially it is your own journey, your own path – and so an inner experience – and the route you take is actually known only inside you. So any guidance is only to tune you in to your own authority.
This is what her art communicates. She creates worlds in which you can experience your own world. Worlds for you to explore your inner map and so learn more about yourself and go deeper into yourself to tune into your own inner compass and follow your polestar which will always lead you home.
In this podcast she talks about her most recent and current projects and inspires us to open our eyes to what we might not have yet seen.
See Jane’s writing in my monthly newsletter here.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 22 January 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Interview with Malcolm Hargraves from Running Crazy
15 January 2010
I first found Malcolm Hargraves 3 years ago when I was getting fit to run the London Marathon – I had booked to go on one of his Running Crazy tours, but got injured just before the event and so decided not to travel out. I found Malcolm inspiring and kind and friendly and I felt that he really cared about my injured state and genuinely wished me well. I invited him to my book launch a year later – the injury time had created space for me to finish my book! – and so resolved to join him on a Running Crazy trip in the future.
It was the challenge to get faster again over 10k as a 50 year old that motivated me – cracking the 40 minute barrier before 2009 was out. I searched the web and found Running Crazy’s Barcelona 10k.
He and Phil, one of his helpers, greeted me at the airport, a brilliant welcome – ‘You’re here to crack 40 minutes’ were almost Malcolm’s first words to me. I found myself backpedalling and then stopped myself! ‘Yes – that’s what I’m hoping for…’
Malcolm was standing with just over a kilometre to go in the race -‘You’ve got it Julia – make it hurt now’ – I crossed the line with the clock recording 39.52 – satisfied and elated, I felt an unmistakable pull, as the course of my running dreams shifted, to take a slightly different direction. I realised how much I still want to see how fast I can run but with an approach that keeps me in the step and transcends the pressure and anxiety I felt as a younger runner.
Running with spirit and getting out of the way of myself, is another way to describe it!
Being with Malcolm, Kipper and Phil, his RC team, was like being with a family that really care about you – not to mention the other 50 runners, also there to race round the streets of Barcelona.
A magical experience – I recommend Running Crazy for a totally wonderful running and holiday experience.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 15 January 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Interview with Nalagy, Author of Men Love Women... Women Love Themselves!
07 January 2010
Nalagy and I connected through Twitter. We discovered that our work has a synergy and I suggested we did a podcast together. He was up for it and so we agreed a time and date and we were all set – except that I couldn’t get through! I tried and tried, did a test call with skype – and also called Dave my friend in the States to see if skype was okay – in the end I decided that it was Nalagy’s end that wasn’t working – it never occurred to me to check the number! I was certain I had copied it down carefully! I tend to forget that I am words and numbers back to front on many occasions, because when you see something you think you’ve seen it! Which is interesting, considering the content of Nalagy’s and my podcast when we did get to speak.
It was so interesting talking with Nalagy, his wonderful spirit of possibility and of the experience and expression of real love comes through with every word he speaks – he challenges of what we ‘see’ as the norm or even as it should be. He is a trailblazer for relationship in its truest sense – as a place where through intimacy we can come to recognize our complete self and our true nature. He explores relationship as a place to challenge old outdated beliefs and through real love of self and the other to open to the possibility of authentic relating free from the stories and scripts and patterns that hold so many in their grip without ever questioning what might be. Nalagy asks these questions. It was very inspiring to talk with him and as you will gather we could have carried on…
Nalagy on Twitter
The Pluto-Nalagy show on Blogtalk Radio
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 08 January 2010. If all else fails, try here.
Interview with Dave Hemming, Downhill Mountain Bike Champion
28 December 2009
I met Dave 6 years ago – he was a bike rep at the time and had been visiting Lawrence and Simon in the Tri Store – they were all going for a ‘working supper’ in Maxim’s restaurant here in Eastbourne and as I was living with Simon and Lawrence at the time – so an honoury Tri store member – I was invited along. Within about 3 mins, Dave had pronounced me ‘mad’!
However he still chose to come and ask me for some guidance for his intrepid journey into an ironman triathlon with 4 months to prepare!
He had been the British downhill mountain bike champion and 2nd in the world championships in the 90s – a professional cyclist for 10 years at that time – so even though he had lost fitness when I met him, he did have a big background to draw on.
Dave and I became friends and so it was with sadness at saying goodbye to a friend, but happiness too, that he had set off on a new adventure in the States. His podcast tells his story now…
Dave was in the middle of a forest on Skype, so apologies that sound quality is not as clear as usual.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 28 December 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Interview with Veronica Houghton, Finance Director and Shamanic Practitioner
18 December 2009
Veronica’s backdrop is her work as a Finance Director – so she’s quite down to earth about the value that coaching can bring. She coaches business executives as well as working with individuals and couples in a Life Coaching capacity.
She did a year long course in systemic NLP with the Beleaf institute, and is a member of the Academy of Executive coaches where she trained and of the British Association of Vedic Astrologers. Her original training in counselling was with Berkshire Youth and Community service.
Veronica is also currently studying to become a full shamanic practitioner with the Four Winds Society.
Contact Veronica by email at time2012@live.co.uk or by phone on 01628 620711.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 18 December 2009. If all else fails, try here.
I drove to Dorset in the middle of November to take a Master Class from the Four Winds Shamanic Healing School – the class I was taking was called ‘Walking with Protection’ – it had originally been called the Sorcery Class – but no one had attended! The name change had shifted the attendence figures and so now here I was with 85 others.
Even with a name change, the essence of the work was to look at where sorcery happens, the mechanisms of sorcery, and to take a look at internal and external sorcery. The definition of sorcery is the abuse of power – even if it is with the best intention! Because everyone taking the class works in the lives of others it is a vital class as there is a knife edge between sorcery and service. It is about owning our influence and power, and understanding that the only difference bewteen sorcery and service is intention.
So the emphasis of the week we all spent together was to get in touch with and reclaim our shadow, to be certain that we become completely conscious of our power and influence in the world – with those we work with and what is going on for us.
The biggest ‘protection’ – or safety – from the effect of external or internal sorcery, or from misusing our own power, is to be fully conscious, a clear reflection – and to achieve that it is a daily practice of accessing what is within, so that whatver we do is clear.
‘If you bring forth what is within you, what is within you will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what is within you will destroy you’ Freud (I think! – or was it Jung?!?).
So – this was the backdrop to meeting Veronica. I had arrived, found where I was staying – in the old stable block – and made my way to registration and then to the lunch queue. It was all taking place in a very beautiful old building deep in the countryside. It was in the lunch queue that I met Veronica – the queue was long and slow, so we sat down on a big wooden seat and started to talk. She had just finished anotehr class, had had a day to recover, and was back again for more.
We chatted over lunch and then chose to sit next to each other in the front row of the class – cross-legged on cushions. As the week unfolded Veronica, Julian and I worked together, laughed together and I asked Veronica lots of details that were unfamiliar for me as she had completed a few other classes before this and so was well versed in shamanic practice.
As you will hear from her podcast, a passion for patterns inspires Veronica’s work, helping people to see these patterns and work with them and make new ones – to do different things, to heal and dream the future they desire into being, which is at the essence of Alberto Villaldo’s work, the creator of the Four Winds classes.
Interview with Robin Houghton, Online Marketer
11 December 2009
With a marketing career spanning over 20 years, Robin Houghton has a solid background in brand management, strategic planning & execution and business-to-consumer marketing. She was Nike’s first UK Women’s Marketing Manager and went on to hold management roles in communications, product development and international marketing based in the UK, Germany and the US.
An internet ‘early adopter’, Robin created her first website in 1997, and has worked agency-side in online marketing since 1999. Working now almost exclusively with SME clients, she has a keen understanding and experience of the marketing challenges they face.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 11 December 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Robin emailed and volunteered herself as a podcastee – she wrote of how she was working for Nike and Adidas in the 80s and early 90s at the time I was still running internationally, so she thought we might have a lot in common and maybe have crossed paths with some of the same people. I collected her from the station and we started talking straight away – after an hour and a half with a lot of laughter and finding many connections and yes, people we both did know in the 80s, we suddenly realised that our Friday evening was turning into a ‘girl’s night’, but over a cup of herbal tea and she hadn’t told her husband where she was, just that she was going to ‘see some woman’!
And so we turned on the recorder and made our podcast – it was great fun and more so for the energy and fun that had already built up bewteen us. I enjoyed my time with Robin so much – her energy enriched my Friday evening and I can see why she had such an impact on changes within Nike and Adidas and why she attracts clients to her online marketing company, Eggbox Marketing.
Interview with Julian Ronnie, Music Composer
04 December 2009
Julian Ronnie has composed music for numerous stage, television and film productions, Recent television credits include the BAFTA award winning series Skins, Vice, Peak Practice, Everyman, House Doctor, Celebrities Under Pressure, The Secrets of Magic, Cavegirl, Inside Sport, The Pride of Britain Awards and the new Channel 5 News Theme, as well as literally hundreds of commercials for everything from Famous Grouse to British Airways. A new musical version of Peter Pan is currently showing at The Curve Theatre in Leicester.
Find out more details about Julian’s version of Peter Pan here.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 04 December 2009. If all else fails, try here.
I had travelled to Dorset to take part in the Four Winds shamanic healing training – ‘Walking with Protection’. On the first afternoon, I went into the theatre where 85 of us were gathering together for the week. I heard someone say that their name was Julian – and so I went over to him and introduced myself simply because my name is his in female form! We discovered that we were both taking our first class and had chosen a master class which was apparently quite an unusual place to start! It was like making friends on the first day of school, I had previously met Veronica just as I arrived and we had chatted over lunch – so Julian, Veronica and I ended up spending the week sitting side by side in the front row – cross-legged on the floor – as well as embracing the spirit of the teaching and the work we were doing. We had a lot of fun too.
On the first evening, as we were ‘new’, Julian and I were barred from an exercise, so we went and had a coffee and chatted and I discovered that he was a composer and lyricist and that his new musical was just about to open in Leicester – a podcast opportunity seemed too good to miss! So on our evening off on the Wednesday – the usual pattern of our day was that it started at 7.30am and finsihed at 10.00pm! – he and I and Veronica found a quiet(ish) corner to record his fascinating story – and as you will hear in the interview I am now going to see the show next Wednesday evening – report to follow of my experience!
Interview with Brigitte Sumner, Coaching Entrepreneur
27 November 2009
Brigitte is a coaching entrepreneur. She appear in media in the US, Europe and the Far East and is a published author and key note speaker.
She coaches companies as well as individuals, across many diverse disciplines from insurance to government, in a wide spectrum of subjects from business success to internal communication, from financial self-sufficiency to happy relationships.
Brigitte herself has spent decades fine tuning the tools she now offers to other entrepreneurs. This ensures high performance in the other areas of life that are vital for business owners.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 27 November 2009. If all else fails, try here.
I first met Brigitte on a bike, as I mention at the start of our podcast. This was 5 or 6 years ago – our paths crossed briefly. Brigitte was at the time involved in training for triathlon as a route to connecting with her physical process – she no longer partakes in triathlon although she still loves to swim, but that chance meeting on a bike connected us and we have followed one another’s journey’s with interest, both of us dedicated to empowering and developing others.
The reason for the connection on the bike was that it was a windy day here in Eastbourne. I prefer running to cycling, but I had hurt my ankle and running hurt but cycling didn’t – so for a while I cycled and swam instead of running.
The wind was strong and a gust caught my bike and seemed to whip it from under me. I didn’t like the feeling and stopped – a feeling of panic racing through me. I wanted to stop my ride there and then!
Brigitte saw that I was in distress and stopped beside me and gently coached me back onto the bike.
We didn’t meet again until this morning when we recorded our podcast, but I had been touched by her spirit and always remembered her kindness and gentle way she encouraged me to overcome my fear…
Interview with Karl Greenwood, Stunt Rider and Hypnotherapist
20 November 2009
I had looked on Karl’s website before I met him and seen amazing pictures of him and his wife doing amazing feats and tricks on horseback – and half off horse back! Beautiful photographs of re-enacting pageants, battles and jousting.
I was intrigued to meet him and find out about his lifestyle. He has an open friendly face. He lives outdoors and this is reflected in a healthy glow to his skin and a feeling of expansion and freedom that seems to come with being outside whatever the weather.
His sport has lead him into hypnotherapy as he found fear coming up when he had an accident or found he was blocked in an area he wanted to progress. He was motivated to unravel his own blocks and so taught himself through reading and practicing techniques on himself and then giving others the benefits of his learning.
The steps to formal training and now making a profession out of being a hypnotherapist seem clear ones that were always there on his path ahead of him, but he has taken these steps and listened to his own inner compass ‘Hypnotherapy was given to me’, he comments.
It made me reflect that all we need to it look ahead at where we want to go and let it come to us, invite it in and open to its arrival with a warm and enthusiastic greeting…
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 20 November 2009. If all else fails, try here.
www.stampedestuntcompany.co.uk
www.skincareessentials.co.uk
Andrew Nicholson and Diane MacDowall on Holistic Personal Development
13 November 2009
Andrew and Diane were wonderful to talk to. They live and breathe and walk their talk for sure. The core of their work is about authentic transformation – holistic personal development. The core of their work springs from ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’.
They were very inspiring to talk with especially as I had had to overcome my fear of all things technical to improve my recording equipment to ensure we had great sound quality for our interview.
Fear holds us back and Di spoke about all the fears she has overcome to be teaching as she is now and embodiment of her work. And Andy she said – decided to ‘not do fear’ and so he was free.
We are all energy and so we can create our reality through shifting our energy, and Andy and Di’s work moves from freeing yourself from fear to seeing how you can shape your destiny and create a reality you truly desire.
And through these stages your relationship with yourself deepens and expands allowing you to be open to authentic intimate relationship, which they also teach. Their own relationship mirrors their work and their meeting one another and subsequent move to live and work together was a love story that was picked up national papers and magazines! Di tells us about it during the interview.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 13 November 2009. If all else fails, try here.
www.executive-relationship-coaching.co.uk
Interview with Stuart Mills, Ultrarunner
06 November 2009
Stuart is an Ultrarunner and a Principal Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at the Chelsea School, University of Brighton. He came 22nd in the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc race 2009 in a time of 26 and a half hours, and has just won the Beachy Head Marathon for the 6th time. In this interview, he tells us about his experiences during the Mont Blanc ultra race, as well as stories from his sporting journey prior to ultrarunning – including being knocked off his bike by a drunk driver during the New Zealand Ironman Triathlon.
In March 2008 I received an e mail from my friend Rob – this is what it said: ‘Stuart has entered the inaugural London to Brighton cross country race – Jim and me have entered – what about you?’ I entered the race straight away!
This was when I first really started to get to know Stuart – before that I knew him as a colleague of Jim and Rob’s at Brighton University – and that he regularly won the Beachy Head marathon.
That summer we did some running together – Rob, Jim, Stu and I. I recognized in Stuart some of my own questing spirit– the desire to challenge himself, and set very high standards, a passion for endurance sport. A desire to dig deep to see what he can find within himself physically, and an awareness of the psychological preparation necessary to get the best out of himself – as well as loving being part of the elements and nature alongside it.
He won the London to Brighton race – by miles! He then went on the run some more Ultra, accruing enough points to enter the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc, which he talks about on our podcast.
I was so inspired interviewing Stu! I now have the UTMB on my own list of Ultras I want to run!
Read more about Stuart’s Mont Blanc experience on the Chelsea School website
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 06 November 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Interview with Caroline Haynes, Massage Therapist
30 October 2009
Caroline is a massage therapist, working at the Natural Fitness Centre in Eastbourne.
I met Caro in 1996 – she was introduced to me by my neighbour, and at the time she was exploring whether to spend more time at home with her three young boys and leave her part time job.
Fourteen years on and she has transformed her life on every level. Her boys are grown up, and she ran her own publishing company for a while until finding her true calling of massage.
I very much enjoyed being with Caro, listening to her speak about the her blossoming gift that appears to be leading her, which first called to her when she and her baby sat by the fire alone together; just being together and enjoying the sensation of loving touch and its healing power.
Opened in 2001 the Natural Fitness Centre promotes a natural approach to fitness and well-being. In our unique setting over looking the beach on Eastbourne’s beautiful seafront, our friendly, knowledgeable staff guide you through the extensive time table and treatment list to ensure you find exactly what you are looking for to enhance your health and improve your fitness levels. Let us help you take control of your fitness and well-being, whatever your age.
www.naturalfitnesscentre.co.uk
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 30 October 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Interview with Simon Broad, Wine Merchant
23 October 2009
Simon is a partner in tengreenbottles, an independent wine retailer, and is also my business manager. Although we are in contact a lot, we tend to talk about what needs doing and about my business and we also share a love of literature and philosophy – so we often talk for ages about ideas and concepts and do the business bit swiftly at the end.
But we don’t talk about wine! So interviewing Simon was amazing – hearing about his passionate and sensuous experience of drinking wine and recognizing how his love of wine is so profound and a part of him. As he described his experience of enjoying a good wine, I felt languid and relaxed, the way he described it made it seem very important that we slow down and savour all our experiences and especially notice what we are putting in our bodies and the effect it is having on them.
I also wonder if I am missing out, as when I was young I had a few bad experiences ‘on wine’ and have never really ‘taken it back up’! Perhaps now is the time!
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 23 October 2009. If all else fails, try here.
tengreenbottles specialises in finding little-known Italian wine of great quality, flair and regional expression. All of our producers are hand-picked by us, and combine the best that tradition and terroir has to offer with the flair that modern wine-making techniques can bring.
Interview with Luke Carter, Sports Physiotherapist
16 October 2009
Luke is a Physiotherapist at Sportswise, the Sussex Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine. I have been seeing Luke regularly for a number of years, and he has had a big role to play in my current running success. In this podcast, Luke gives us the answers to questions such as ‘What does a physiotherapist do?’, ‘How can I look after my body?’, and ‘How can I avoid injury in sport?’
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 16 October 2009. If all else fails, try here.
I see Luke every Monday morning. I turn up in his treatment room and more often than not have to don an old pair of rugby shorts, having forgotten to bring my own!
We chat as I undress for the treatment and then Luke checks out my back alignment as I tell him all the bits that are battered and bruised from a race the day before – or a week of high mileage.
Essentially, I stay in good shape and I think the regular treatments help with that, but as Luke says in his podcast, it seems that most important is our habitual posture in our daily life. How we go from sit to stand, how we sit at our desks, how conscious and in our bodies we really and truly are!
I found it fascinating talking to Luke about what he does and his motivation for it, especially as I benefit from his expertise on a regular basis.
It also came across that we have to help ourselves. He can support and aid the healing and maintenance process but looking after our bodies is our responsibility!
Luke graduated from the University of Brighton with an honours degree in Physiotherapy in 1997. Luke worked in the NHS for 8 years, and during this time helped run back pain clinics, sports injury and A+E clinics and worked closely with orthopaedic surgeons to optimise patients rehabilitation. He now works solely at Sportswise and has a keen interest in sports medicine, intramuscular stimulation ( acupuncture) spinal problems and lower limb biomechanics.
Interview with Elizabeth Bice, Opera Singer and Singing Teacher
09 October 2009
An advocator of Natural Health practices, Elizabetta has always equivocated the discipline of opera singing with that of the top athletes who take part in the Olympic Games. For all of us, though, the very act of singing brings energy and vibrant health into our lives as a natural “by product” we are all born with. “Just look at the Children!”, she says, “they feel the gift of life, they jump, and sing for joy – until the world tells them it is ‘inappropriate.’”
Ms. Bice has developed a program for enthusiastic amateur singers and those who wish to improve their own sound and vitality by cultivating the “Life Energy” that singing can bring.
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 09 October 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Interview with Mike Hare, The Incredible Shrinking Man!
06 October 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 06 October 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Mike Hare is the author of ‘From Sofa to Start Line’, his personal memoir of the four years of his life from age 50 to 54. This ‘eventful’ period saw Mike transform himself from a 28 stone ‘couch potato’ into a 13 stone ‘Marathon Runner’ and concludes with the Athens Classic Marathon. Mike achieved this transformation WITHOUT Gastric Bands or surgical intervention, and WITHOUT the use of ‘designer diets’.
Interview with Paul Eccles, Runner, Gilbert and Sullivan actor, and Accountant!
02 October 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 02 October 2009. If all else fails, try here.
This week I interview Paul Eccles on his busy and eclectic life as a club runner, actor with the Eastbourne Gilbert and Sullivan Society, and accountant.
The Eastbourne Gilbert and Sullivan Society website can be found here.
Interview with Dr Nick Webborn, Sports and Exercise Doctor
25 September 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 25 September 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Nick is currently Medical Director of The Sussex Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine at The University of Brighton and a Research Fellow of the Chelsea School, University of Brighton and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary, University of London. He was previously Medical Advisor to the National Sports Medicine Institute.
He has worked with elite Olympic and Paralympic sportsmen but also with professional tennis and football. His clinical interests include lower limb pain in runners, Achilles and patellar tendinopathy, shoulder injuries in racquet sports and injuries to the ankle and knee.
Interview with Todd Leckie, International Triathlete
18 September 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 18 September 2009. If all else fails, try here.
International Triathlete Todd Leckie talks to Julia about his sport, success, training, and the challenges of balancing a sporting life with a social life.
Interview with Nicky Thomas, Photographer
11 September 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 11 September 2009. If all else fails, try here.
NX Photo is a modern photography company based in the Eastbourne area of East Sussex and covering the whole of the UK.
We listen to our customers needs to deliver service and portfolios that exceed expectations.
We offer event photography, portraits and we love a good wedding! We also enjoy commercial work from corporate brochures to lifestyle photography from media agencies.
Interview with Paul Hide, Hypnotherapist
04 September 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 04 September 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Hypnotherapy can change your life for the better in many different ways, freeing you from unwanted habits, fears and stresses and helping you to achieve your goals.
I am a professionally qualified clinical hypnotherapist. I trained at the London College of Clinical Hypnosis and have been practicing for over twelve years. As a member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis I adhere to their code of ethics.
In addition to using hypnotherapy I use pro-active counselling, re-framing, cognitive behavioural and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) techniques to solve many problems. These combine and work together to achieve your goals in the fastest, most effective manner.
www.hypnotherapyeastsussex.co.uk
www.awaythroughcfs.co.uk
Interview with Mark Freeth on his freestyle yoga technique
28 August 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 28 August 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Dynamic, challenging, vinyasa-orientated and still with a nod towards ashtanga, Mark’s own take on yoga, The Freestyle Yoga Project, is geared towards encouraging teachers and students to think for themselves and investigate what’s going on over the side of their particular yogic box. No one style of yoga holds all the answers and so can be potentially limiting.
Interview with Richard Bellars, Transformational Leadership Coach
21 August 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 21 August 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Richard is a Transformational Leadership Coach, facilitator and speaker specialising in developing leaders and high achievers with a focus on empowering individuals for their greatest impact and influence:
• authentic leadership
• individual excellence
• awareness & trust
• communication & collaboration
• diversity & inclusion
• personal responsibility
Monique Duchene from TSC Esthetique, Skin experts
14 August 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 14 August 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Monique is a medical aesthetics practitioner at TSC Esthetique.
Monique qualified as a nurse in 1976 and had a varied career in the NHS and Private Hospitals until 1997. She has many years experience working with Cosmetic Surgeons and Dermatologists and is passionate about skin and offers a free, informal chat about skin problems and the ageing face.
Combining modern technology and natural treatments, TSC Esthetique is a home based skin clinic specialising in the treatment of all manner of skin problems including acne, scarring, sun damage and wrinkles.
Martin Bulger talks about getting ready for his 150th marathon
07 August 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 07 August 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Martin Bulger is a runner and an author. Julia discusses his passion for running, the creation of his book, and the preparation for his 150th marathon.
See Martin’s book on amazon here.
Interview with Jacky Chapman from Brightest Blessings
24 July 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 24 July 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Brightest Blessings, which is a Pagan greeting, began its life in July 2006 in sunny Eastbourne.
Jacky Chapman has been actively involved with things spiritual for almost thirty years. For most of this time she worked in the field of Law but broke away from the national grid system and qualified as a Reflexologist at 40 and then became a Reiki Master and practitioner of Su Jok. She sees herself as a Spiritualist with Wiccan rising. She felt she was driven to open the shop in Eastbourne and it has become a centre of information and support for many people.
Hannah Ahmed tells us about overcoming anorexia
17 July 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 17 July 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Hannah talks about her struggle with an eating disorder and the associated self hatred, and shares her personal journey – one which brought her to a better place, one where she is living with ease and self acceptance and enjoying a life, where she now feels able to express more joyfully her creativity and feels able to engage in authentic relationship with herself and others.
For more information on eating disorders, please see the b-eat website.
Interview with Katherine Richards from Incolour interior design
10 July 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 10 July 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Incolour creates interiors for living in, not just looking at.
For us, the concept of a room that impresses through the pages of a glossy design brochure but fails to bring warmth and peace as a place to live in, is an opportunity wasted. A well designed interior space, whether living room, bedroom, playroom, whatever, should bring joy to whoever is in it, and be a place people want to go.
Interior design isn’t just about how a room looks, it’s about how it feels. At its most effective, interior design can make a room as utilitarian as a laundry feel like a great place to be – the key is to understand the purpose of a room and to create the conditions that best support that purpose, whether that be relaxing, playing, working or thinking.
And the tools we play with to create such spaces are colour, shape, light and texture…
Suzy Miller with a Starting Over Show update
03 July 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 03 July 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Suzy Miller returns to give us an update on the success of the Starting Over Show, and what’s next for the show…
The Starting Over Show (now a registered UK Trademark) is the first UK event to help people bounce back from relationship break ups and life crises. On the day, we created a safe haven in which you can take professional advice to build the confidence and skills you need to go it alone.
Interview with Louise Camby on transferable skills
26 June 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 26 June 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Louise Camby is a film producer, voiceover artist, public relations expert and event organiser, amongst other things!
She speaks to Julia speaks about developing her career by fully understanding the crossover skills her various roles have given her, and about the idea of work/life balance making way for a total lifestyle where you are fully present at every moment.
Interview with Chris Balaam on Body Stress Release
19 June 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 19 June 2009. If all else fails, try here.
BODY STRESS RELEASE is a non-therapeutic complementary health profession. It is concerned with assisting the body to release stored tension, thereby allowing it to maximise its in-built ability to maintain and heal itself. This technique has been developed and practised in South Africa since 1981
Stress becomes locked into physical structures when the body fails to adapt to an overload of stress. This may result in pain, stiffness, numbness and postural distortions. In addition the body’s capacity to co-ordinate its functions is undermined.
Body Stress Release is a gentle procedure in which where areas of body stress are located, using the body as a biofeedback mechanism. The practitioner assists the body to release the tension by applying light but definite pressure to the sites of body stress.
Interview with Lucy-Ann Prideaux, from Simply Nutrition
12 June 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 12 June 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Simply Nutrition is a Nutrition Consultancy owned and run by Registered Nutritionist Lucy-Ann Prideaux MSc BSc RNutr.
Simply Nutrition aims to make sense of healthy food, and find ways to incorporate good nutrition easily and effectively into everyone’s everyday life. When we understand food and all its amazing functions; how it affects the way we look, move and feel, it becomes easy to say yes to healthy food.
Interview with Kelly Stevens, Managing Director of The Women's Business Clubs
05 June 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 05 June 2009. If all else fails, try here.
At the Womens Business Clubs we offer a range of services to help women in business.
Our focus is entirely on supporting our members and working proactively to make connections, find business referrals and opportunities, and to seek out opportunities for members to promote themselves and their services.
www.thewomensbusinessclubs.com
Interview with Kathy Gore, Hospice charity chairman
28 May 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
The Friends of East Sussex Hospices is a registered charity run by volunteers. The charity raises funds in numerous ways for the hospices serving the people of East Sussex. FoESH additionally promotes awareness of the valuable services provided by these hospices.
Interview with Michelle Jones, Reflexologist
22 May 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
I specialise in performing reflexology and massage therapy, and will help you lose your stress and get you back in to life again.
I am one of West Kent’s most prominent reflexologists. Qualified with the British School of Yoga (Diploma with distinction) and the Carlton Institute of Beauty Therapy (Diploma with distinction), I am renowned for delivering high quality, bespoke therapeutic services.
I am a Member of the Vocational Training Charitable Trust, a Member of the British School of Yoga, a Friend Member of the Association of Reflexology (AOR), a member of the West Kent Reflexologists and have been Accredited by the Wellbeing Network. I am also fully insured with The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology Ltd.
Interview with Kate Arnold, Nutritionist
15 May 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Kate is a specialist in relieving IBS, and in offering advice and testing to help with Weight Loss, Heart Health and general food and diet issues. Her mission is to help clients see through marketing hype and confusing packaging and help them understand what is good to eat.
Kate is dedicated to getting to the root of a health problem and works to raise awareness of the relevance of nutrition for good health and wellbeing. She works closely with her clients, identifying their needs and helping them make practical lifestyle and diet changes for 100% health.
Interview with Christopher Rhys Howarth, Hear Our Voice Kenya
08 May 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Developed and supported by Action for Children in Conflict, ‘Hear Our Voice’ is a unique and innovative playwriting and performing arts project that focuses directly on the lives and experiences of street children and young female victims of abuse in Thika, Kenya.
Through UK playwright Christopher Rhys Howarth working with these children and young women to develop a collection of plays and monologues to be performed and published, the meaning of ‘Hear Our Voice’ will be realised – a unique opportunity for the real voices and stories of street children and female victims to reach out to, and be heard by, other young people and the wider community.
Interview with Amy Law-Smith, Shiatsu Practitioner
01 May 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Amy Law Smith is committed to personal growth and healing, in shiatsu she has found a hands on healing practice that she feels is the work she was born to do – and that she was been lead to train as a therapist of this ancient Japanese art. In this interview she tells us her experiences of working with energy and of discovering the magic of Shiatsu.
David McCready, Author of The Great Simulator
24 April 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
The Great Simulator by David McCready is designed to help you experience a spiritual awakening that connects you to your own inner wisdom. This book draws upon insights that have been known and taught for thousands of years. The key development is that a wide diversity of spiritual teachings and psychic guidance have now been condensed and simplified into a uniquely easy to comprehend publication.
Spiritual development is a process of healing your consciousness from the scars of untruths that normally accumulate over a lifetime. By personally discovering the extraordinary perfection of the universe you are experiencing you will achieve a new energetic alignment. Unifying your spiritual awareness with practical everyday challenges is a transformational evolution which will revolutionise your life. Readers have consistently reported that this makes the simple act of “living” turn into an amazing series of daily adventures.
You will find that reading this unique book will cause you to channel your own personal revelations. Try this for yourself and be amazed.
Take a look a The Great Simulator website, and download a free chapter.
Interview with Fiona Monson, Insolvency Practitioner
17 April 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Armida Business Recovery is here to provide assistance to any business owner or individual facing financial difficulties. We have the skills to focus upon the key issues of financial problems, helping us to provide you or your business with considered and constructive advice.
As Insolvency Practitioners, our key objective in any assignment is to identify a rescue and rehabilitation solution. If this is not possible, we can help closing down a business in a sympathetic and efficient way.
By reading this you may have taken the first step towards personal or business recovery so why not contact us on 01825 765077 or email info@abr-llp.co.uk and let us help you to take the next step?
Interview with Helen Carter, Cyclist and Coach
10 April 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
A British Association of Sport and Exercise Science Accredited physiologist, Helen has presented her work to audiences across the world. She has published over 30 papers in the scientific literature and currently reviews of 7 international science journals.
Helen has vast experience in providing sport science support to endurance athletes, and has worked with cyclists, rowers, runners and triathletes during her career. She has also used her sport science expertise to become a much respected cycling coach. Recently, Helen has also completed training in Personal Performance coaching, illustrating how her coaching philosophy is on working with the individual as a human, and not just the athlete.
Perhaps Helen’s biggest asset is her own competitive experience. Since starting her cycling career in 2002, she has amassed two 4th places in the National time trial championships, four 4th places in the National series, and gained 6 National team titles (with the Science in Sport team). Helen therefore understands the lifestyle of an athlete, the pressures to perform and the commitment it takes to succeed. The blend of science with practical experience makes her contribution to this service unique.
Interview with Rob Harley, Sports Physiologist
03 April 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Rob is a principal lecturer in sport and exercise science at the University of Brighton. His belief is that we learn best through example and so he practices living a lifestyle that reflects what he teaches.
He recently competed in the inaugural London to Brighton X country ultra race, finishing in 7th place, and speaks here about balancing a life of family and work commitments, with training consistently and still enjoying an active social life!
See’s Rob’s articles for Julia’s monthly newsletter
Interview with Vena Ramphal, Passion Coach
27 March 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Vena is a passion coach specializing in divorce and relationship completion.
Using facilitative coaching combined with techniques to harness the power of personal energy, she enables clients to connect with their true passion to create powerful and purposeful futures.
Vena’s work draws on the classical Indian energy traditions: yoga, ayurveda and tantra; unlocking the body’s inherent power to clarify and pull our inner intentions into physical form. Her approach makes these techniques directly relevant to a Western, twenty-first century lifestyle.
Vena brings warmth, clarity, a sense of play and a deep belief that life should be delicious.
Interview with Brindel Thomson, Healer
20 March 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Brindel has had a career in health and fitness spanning 15 years, and he specialises in healing in the etheric field. His philosophy is that the body holds all the wisdom, and that self awareness begins with becoming conscious at the physical level. His work accesses his clients own healing and balancing abilities and leads them to a place where they are able to understand how to work to their own optimum place of health, vitality and wellbeing.
Contact Brindel on 07834 187400
Interview with Mike and Fiona from The Running Inn, Eastbourne
13 March 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Mike and Fiona had a dream of creating a Running Centre by the sea. They talked together about their vision and the goals they had for bringing fitness and health through running to as many people as they could. They saw in their minds eye a centre with light airy rooms – by the sea – beautiful countryside to run in. they scoured the South Coast and Eastbourne had all they wanted and needed – and Eastbouren certainly needed and wanted them!
Their commitment and passion is communicated through their personal training, the groups they motivate and work with and the courses they run from their guest House.
They are an example of all they teach – fit and healthy and enthusiastic. We teach best by example and just being with Mike and Fiona is enough to start a process in motion and a belief that you can achieve all you hope for! They live what they teach for sure.
See Mike and Fiona’s website here.
Interview with Harville Hendrix, Creator of Imago Relationship Therapy
06 March 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file – look for 6th March 09
Harville Hendrix is a Clinical Pastoral Counselor who is known internationally for his work with couples. He and his wife Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D. created Imago Relationship Therapy together, and developed the concept of “conscious partnership”. Their partnership and collaboration has resulted in nine books on intimate relationships and parenting.
The Imago relationship theory is based on intentional dialogue, and in my interview with Harville he describes this process and how he came to discover its effectiveness. He also shares his own relationship journey towards connection with his wife and co-creator Helen.
Interview with Darcie Carrington, Skincare Expert
27 February 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Darcie is committed to helping others shine with health from the inside out, and her commitment to skincare very definitely goes far deeper than the skin. It seems her work is based in working towards releasing the true energy and expression of the soul. In her interview she explains how vital her own soul growth is to the process of being a therapist to others. She talks about the work you love to do being the work the universe wants you to do, and how tuning into that energy creates an entirely different experience of living and working and being on this planet.
Interview with Mike Cavalli, Creator of Vitalis News
20 February 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Mike’s vision is generated from within – his desire to make a difference from a genuine place of caring for others comes across within every word he utters during our interview. His passion and commitment to communicating ways that people can help themselves heal is evident. He demonstrates an inner confidence that his dream will manifest as long as he follows his instincts and trusts the process and the universe. It was an inspiration listening to his vision and to the work he has put in with no need at all for personal gain.
Interview with Jane Churchill, Artist
13 February 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Jane’s art reflects her visionary view of the world, into other worlds, beyond what we see, but deep into the core of our most creative energy, reflecting the highest expression possible.
Interview with Jim Wallis, Sports Psychologist
06 February 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Jim Wallis is a Sports Psychologist currently researching for his PhD, exploring whether you can create stress to train the brain by creating learned neural pathways for managing stress in the future. He is a sportsman himself, his first sports being cricket and football. He turned to distance running and having achieved his goal of sub 3 hours for a marathon he now trains for Ultra races – distances over the marathon.
I run with Jim, so we spend many hours in dialogue as we run for miles over the downs, but interviewing him formally opened up all sorts of questions for me which inspired me to want to explore this area further.
Interview with Anthony Stewart, Gambling Addict
30 January 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Anthony Stewart is a former amateur golfer with a handicap of 2. Recently he has been developing his own business interests equity trading on the London Stock exchange. He has been a gambler from the age of eight.
Interviewing Anthony was a fascinating insight into the world and life of a gambler, especially as he does not want to give it up and is seeking a way to practice it without being self-destructive.
Interview with Wendy Richards, Artist
26 January 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Wendy Richards is an artist and the mother of four children, Ellie 13, Josie 11, Antonia 9 and Alfie 6. She left her art as she was bringing them up, but in the last two years she has resumed her practice with huge enjoyment and has recently sold many pieces.
I have been friends with Wendy for 46 years and remember her wonderful art at school. To see her return to her artistic creativity really has been a joy to behold. To have the opportunity, through interviewing her, to really listen to her experience of her art as her soul expression and the process that occurs for her was a vivid and exciting experience.
Contact Wendy at wendy@theyurt.plus.com
Interview with Christine Fieldhouse, Author of ‘Why Do Monsters Come Out at Night?’
10 January 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Christine Fieldhouse is the author of ‘Why Do Monsters Come Out at Night?’, and a freelance journalist who writes news, health and wellbeing, beauty and travel features for a range of publications. She is a regular contributor to national newspapers and magazines. She lives in North Yorkshire with her husband Ian and their son Jack.
I really enjoyed interviewing Christine, she was open and honest about her own process and the steps she has taken to move on from the trauma of a terrifying childhood to build a safe and happy family life of her own and for her child. What also came through was her compassion for her father and the fact that the anger towards him has gone – and her desire to live life to the full and make the most of every single day.
Interview with Mark Freeth, from the Freestyle Yoga Project
08 January 2009
Click here to find the podcast on iTunes, or here for the mp3 file
Mark Freeth is a dynamic vinyasa yoga teacher. In a climate where more and more people are investigating the ‘alternative’ and the ‘complimentary’, and where the health of the body, as well as that of the spirit and mind, is once again high on the list of a larger number of people’s priorities, ashtanga vinyasa addresses it all. Not only is it a complete and far-reaching discipline in it’s own right, it is the perfect complement to any other form of exercise, sport or practice.
I have had the privilege of being a student of Mark’s. Interviewing him was an extension of his communication, his enormous commitment and infectious enthusiasm. Mark has a passion for practising yoga himself and for teaching others so that they can enjoy the benefits this practice brings on so many levels.
www.vinyasa.co.uk
Interview with Suzy Miller, Producer of the Starting Over Show
01 January 2009
Click here to find this podcast on iTunes, or here for the feed – look for 01 Jan 2009. If all else fails, try here.
Suzy Miller is the producer of the Starting over Show – the first UK event to help people bounce back from relationship breakups and life crises, and find professional advice to build the confidence and skills they need to go it alone.
Suzy’s desire to make a difference and to help other people to feel better about themselves whilst at the same time learning to take responsibility for themselves made for a great interview. The essential message that came through was that to have a good relationship with others it is important to learn how to have the best relationship with yourself possible. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the project are an inspiration. Hope you enjoy the interview.
Related Articles:
Julia’s diary page entry on her experience exhibiting at the 2008 Starting Over Show
Julia’s ‘personal story’ at the SOS Village site
Would you like to be interviewed?
Would you like to be interviewed by me, about any subject or any aspect of your life? Is there something you want people to know about: maybe your work, your hobby, an event, work you are doing, a charity, your art, your writing, your music, your business, your politics, your spiritual beliefs – anything at all? What motivates and excites you, what you’d like to achieve, what you have achieved and how – anything that you would like to say, then I would like to listen to you and so would the people who are subscribing and tuning in every week!
‘The Bare Truth’ offers a chance to speak and be heard and to make a difference in the process of the dialogue as it unfolds! If this is something you would like to do, then please get in touch and we can schedule an interview!
Archive
2010
September
Julia talks to Stu Prince and Mark Cage about CoastersGB, the relay around the coast of Great BritainAugust
Interview with Lyz Cooper, Sound TherapistInterview with Andy White, 'Doctor Pod'
Interview with Rachel Disley, Surrey Cross Country Girls Team Manager
Interview with Darren Campbell, Olympic athlete and Youth Sports Ambassador
July
Interview with Lynne McNicoll, founder of the charity It's Good 2 Give!Interview with Stewart Pearce, Sound Healer and Master of Voice
Interview with Steve Uzzell, Runner
Interview with Naomi Richards, The Kids Coach
Interview with Mark Cooper, after running his 49th out of 50 marathons - in 56 days!
June
Interview with 'Death Valley Jack'Interview with Louise Wingate-Saul, Jeweller
Interview with the Barefoot Doctor, Supercharged Taoist
Interview with Chris McDougall, Author of Born to Run
Interview with Jill Purce, Pioneer of the Sound Healing movement
May
Interview with John Francksen, Charity RunnerInterview with Nick Miles, Health and Fitness Guru, about the Angel Ride
Interview with Emily Dubberley, Sex and relationship (and gardening!) writer
Interview with Mike Ovens, Director of the Running Inn
April
Interview with Julia!Interview with Wayne and Cavan, Directors of YourSportsFuel
Interview with Mark Cooper on his plans to run 50 marathons in 56 days
Interview with Fiona Bugler, editor of Running Free magazine
Part Two: Interview with Wenche Beard, owner of the Yoga-Life Studio
March
Interview with Wenche Beard, owner of the Yoga-Life StudioChris Howarth talks about running across Kenya
Interview with Pat Love, Author of 'Why Women Talk and Men Walk'
Interview with Gina Bowman, Bach Practitioner
February
Interview with Guy and Helyn, owners of Alpe d'Huez cycle chaletInterview with Daphne DiLuce, Creator of Mind in Action workshops
Interview with Nicci Talbot, Sex and Relationship Writer
Interview with Estelle Williams, Interfaith Minister
January
Interview with David, WoodworkerInterview with Jane Churchill, Artist and Set Designer
Interview with Malcolm Hargraves from Running Crazy
Interview with Nalagy, Author of Men Love Women... Women Love Themselves!
2009
December
Interview with Dave Hemming, Downhill Mountain Bike ChampionInterview with Veronica Houghton, Finance Director and Shamanic Practitioner
Interview with Robin Houghton, Online Marketer
Interview with Julian Ronnie, Music Composer
November
Interview with Brigitte Sumner, Coaching EntrepreneurInterview with Karl Greenwood, Stunt Rider and Hypnotherapist
Andrew Nicholson and Diane MacDowall on Holistic Personal Development
Interview with Stuart Mills, Ultrarunner
October
Interview with Caroline Haynes, Massage TherapistInterview with Simon Broad, Wine Merchant
Interview with Luke Carter, Sports Physiotherapist
Interview with Elizabeth Bice, Opera Singer and Singing Teacher
Interview with Mike Hare, The Incredible Shrinking Man!
Interview with Paul Eccles, Runner, Gilbert and Sullivan actor, and Accountant!
September
Interview with Dr Nick Webborn, Sports and Exercise DoctorInterview with Todd Leckie, International Triathlete
Interview with Nicky Thomas, Photographer
Interview with Paul Hide, Hypnotherapist
August
Interview with Mark Freeth on his freestyle yoga techniqueInterview with Richard Bellars, Transformational Leadership Coach
Monique Duchene from TSC Esthetique, Skin experts
Martin Bulger talks about getting ready for his 150th marathon
July
Interview with Jacky Chapman from Brightest BlessingsHannah Ahmed tells us about overcoming anorexia
Interview with Katherine Richards from Incolour interior design
Suzy Miller with a Starting Over Show update
June
Interview with Louise Camby on transferable skillsInterview with Chris Balaam on Body Stress Release
Interview with Lucy-Ann Prideaux, from Simply Nutrition
Interview with Kelly Stevens, Managing Director of The Women's Business Clubs
May
Interview with Kathy Gore, Hospice charity chairmanInterview with Michelle Jones, Reflexologist
Interview with Kate Arnold, Nutritionist
Interview with Christopher Rhys Howarth, Hear Our Voice Kenya
Interview with Amy Law-Smith, Shiatsu Practitioner
April
David McCready, Author of The Great SimulatorInterview with Fiona Monson, Insolvency Practitioner
Interview with Helen Carter, Cyclist and Coach
Interview with Rob Harley, Sports Physiologist
March
Interview with Vena Ramphal, Passion CoachInterview with Brindel Thomson, Healer
Interview with Mike and Fiona from The Running Inn, Eastbourne
Interview with Harville Hendrix, Creator of Imago Relationship Therapy
February
Interview with Darcie Carrington, Skincare ExpertInterview with Mike Cavalli, Creator of Vitalis News
Interview with Jane Churchill, Artist
Interview with Jim Wallis, Sports Psychologist
January
Interview with Anthony Stewart, Gambling AddictInterview with Wendy Richards, Artist
Interview with Christine Fieldhouse, Author of ‘Why Do Monsters Come Out at Night?’
Interview with Mark Freeth, from the Freestyle Yoga Project
Interview with Suzy Miller, Producer of the Starting Over Show