In Episode 19 Maria Millard, born and bred in Draycott talks about her life, which includes a very varied career, from sewing overalls to doing a milk round, selling lorry parts and then becoming a travel agent.

Maria also talks about the large variety of Volunteering she has done throughout her life, which most recently include being part of the NHS Volunteer Responders, as part of the Royal Voluntary Service helping to support the COVID-19 Vaccine rollout.

Maria also talks about her amateur dramatics and looking forward to enjoying being retired.

Conversation with Angie & Mike is a Podcast & Vlog with interesting people from all walks of life. We discuss everything and anything, usually touching on Mental Health as both Mike & Angie are Trustees of Somewhere House Somerset, a mental health counselling charity based in Somerset, England.

#mentalhealth #conversation #podcast #counselling #support #community #somersetcounty #somersetuk #lifestory #interview #guest #lifestory #volunteer #volunteering #royalvoluntaryservice #nhsvolutneerresponders #nhsvolunteer #covid19 #covid19vaccine #vaccinerollout #vaccine #nhs #steward #draycott

In Episode #13 Angie & Mike talk about Remote Working and how this effects businesses, call centres and getting cross when things don’t get resolved. How COVID has changed the business landscape and staffing.

Conversation with Angie & Mike is a Podcast & Vlog with interesting people from all walks of life. We discuss everything and anything, usually touching on Mental Health as both Mike & Angie are Trustees of Somewhere House Somerset, a mental health counselling charity based in Somerset, England.

#mentalhealth #conversation #podcast #counselling #support #community #somersetcounty #somersetuk #lifestory #interview #guest #remoteworking #loneworking #business #entrepreneur #businessowner #advice

Summary
In this conversation, Lee D shares his journey from addiction to recovery, discussing the pivotal moments that shaped his life. He reflects on his early struggles with identity and direction, the importance of support systems, and his current work in mental health. Lee emphasizes the significance of asking for help, building trust, and finding balance in life, while also addressing the ongoing challenges of anxiety and control stemming from his childhood experiences. In this conversation, Lee D discusses various themes including the struggle for control in relationships, reflections on childhood experiences, balancing work and home life, future aspirations including marriage and home ownership, health challenges, and the anxiety surrounding major life changes. The dialogue reveals insights into personal growth, resilience, and the importance of taking responsibility for one's life decisions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Early Struggles
03:07 Journey to Recovery and Current Work
05:54 Understanding Mental Health Challenges
09:07 Finding Balance in Life
11:59 The Importance of Asking for Help
15:01 Building Trust and Relationships
18:14 Reflections on Control and Anxiety
27:44 Navigating Control in Relationships
30:01 Reflections on Childhood and Responsibility
32:35 Balancing Work and Home Life
35:57 Future Aspirations and Marriage Plans
39:13 Health Challenges and Resilience
46:32 Facing Anxiety and Major Life Changes
52:09 Financial Security and Home Ownership

In this episode, Kate Ede shares her journey through life's ups and downs, reflecting on the importance of relationships and personal growth. From heartfelt wedding moments to navigating family complexities, Kate opens up about the challenges and triumphs she has faced. She discusses the impact of significant life events, the value of friendships, and the lessons learned along the way. Join us for an engaging conversation that delves into the essence of human connection and resilience.

In this conversation, Simon Brooks, CEO of Rotamec Group, shares his entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings at Cheddar Rugby Club to leading a successful engineering business. He discusses the challenges faced in the early days, the growth of Rotamec, and the importance of employee support and mental health. Simon reflects on the sacrifices made in his personal life and the complexities of managing a growing business while maintaining a work-life balance. He emphasizes the significance of understanding employee dynamics and the need for a supportive work environment. In this conversation, Simon Brooks discusses various challenges faced in managing employee performance, mental health, and workplace safety. He emphasizes the importance of regular check-ins, understanding employee capabilities, and the complexities of managing alcohol use in the workplace. The conversation also touches on accountability, risk management, and the financial challenges businesses face, particularly regarding payment delays and managing cash flow.

Summary

In this conversation, Gavin Griffiths shares his inspiring journey as a visually impaired athlete, discussing his experiences in tennis, the mental challenges of the sport, and the importance of accessibility and guide dogs in his life. He emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals, while also highlighting the joy and independence that sports can bring. Gavin's story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of personal growth despite adversity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gavin Griffiths

05:20 The Mental and Physical Challenges of Tennis

11:02 Funding and Accessibility in Sports

16:31 Life Beyond Tennis: Career and Family

22:47 The Bond Between Guide Dogs and Their Handlers

30:31 Using Technology to Combat Discrimination

37:44 Coping Mechanisms and Resources for the Blind

Takeaways

Gavin is a self-employed accessibility and audio engineer.

He plays visually impaired tennis and is part of the Great Britain Squad.

Tennis for visually impaired players has specific rules to level the playing field.

The mental aspect of tennis is as important as the physical aspect.

Gavin has played various sports, including cricket and athletics, before tennis.

He emphasizes the importance of funding and accessibility for visually impaired sports.

Gavin's guide dog plays a crucial role in his daily life and independence.

Discrimination against guide dog users is still prevalent in society.

Gavin believes in the importance of educating others about visual impairment.

He encourages others to pursue their passions despite challenges.

Keywords

visually impaired, tennis, accessibility, guide dogs, discrimination, mental health, sports, independence, personal growth, challenges

Summary

In this conversation, Mandy, an addictions worker and senior support worker, discusses her role in a treatment center for drug and alcohol addiction. She also talks about her involvement with a charity and her passion for wellbeing. Mandy shares her experience with drumming as a form of self-expression and discusses her interest in alternative therapies like Reiki. She reflects on the challenges and acceptance of her dyslexia and the importance of understanding and support from others. Mandy also highlights the need for accommodating individual needs and preferences in various settings. In this conversation, Angie discusses her learning style and acceptance of her dyslexia. She shares her experience of comparing herself to others and the importance of not falling into despair. Angie also opens up about her recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and the personal development journey she has embarked on. She emphasizes the value of education and learning from life's challenges. Angie highlights the power of kindness and connection, finding internal peace and contentment, and the joy in simple moments. She shares her goals for the future and reflects on her personal growth and achievements. Finally, Angie discusses the unexpected journey she has been on and expresses gratitude for the opportunities she has been given.

Takeaways

Addictions workers play a vital role in supporting individuals through their recovery journey, providing counseling and holistic support.
Involvement with charities and community work can enhance personal and professional growth, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
Exploring alternative therapies like drumming and Reiki can provide unique avenues for self-expression and personal growth.
Acceptance and understanding from others are crucial for individuals with dyslexia and other challenges, allowing them to embrace their uniqueness and thrive. Embrace your unique learning style and accept any challenges or limitations you may have.
Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your own progress and growth.
Recovery from addiction is a lifelong journey that requires honesty, self-awareness, and a sense of purpose.
Personal development and education can lead to powerful revelations and a deeper understanding of oneself.
Kindness, connection, and internal peace are invaluable in finding joy and contentment in life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:27 The Role of an Addictions Worker
03:21 Exploring Wellbeing and Drumming
04:45 Expressing Oneself Through Drumming
05:39 Exploring Reiki and Alternative Therapies
07:01 Creating a Safe Space for Self-Expression
08:01 Challenges and Acceptance of Dyslexia
10:37 Acceptance and Understanding from Others
13:48 Barriers to Understanding and Support
20:31 Accommodating Individual Needs
21:00 Drumming and Sensitivity to Noise
22:25 Learning Styles and Acceptance
23:55 Comparing and Despairing
24:53 Recovery from Addiction
25:50 Personal Development and Revelation
26:42 Embracing Education and Learning
27:12 Finding Education in Life's Challenges
28:06 Honesty and Self-Awareness in Recovery
28:36 Having a Purpose in Life
29:26 Giving Back to the Community
30:25 The Power of Kindness and Connection
31:23 Internal Peace and Contentment
32:21 Finding Joy in Simple Moments
33:21 Choosing Kindness and Conducting Yourself
34:44 The Shift from External to Internal
36:12 Maturity and Peace in Life
37:17 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Achievements
39:01 Goals for the Future
41:25 Unexpected Journey and Miracles
43:34 Growth in Confidence and Gratitude

In this conversation, Kimberly Brooks shares her journey of establishing Kukkina Boutique, a unique shopping experience that combines fashion with a focus on wellbeing and community. She discusses the importance of creating an inclusive environment for women of all shapes and sizes, the emotional connections formed with clients, and her passion for empowering women through fashion. Kimberly also highlights the boutique's role in supporting mental health and fostering community connections, emphasising that her business is driven by passion rather than profit. In this conversation, Kimberly shares her journey of running a boutique, emphasising the importance of personal growth, work-life balance, and the role of a supportive team. She discusses the challenges of scaling a small business while maintaining a personal connection with customers. Kimberly highlights the shift in consumer behavior towards valuing service over price and the significance of creating a unique shopping experience. She reflects on the recognition she received for her business achievements and the multifaceted responsibilities of being a business owner, including the need for forward planning and effective marketing strategies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kukina Boutique
06:13 Empowering Women Through Fashion
11:56 The Importance of Personal Style
18:05 Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing
23:49 The Future of Kukina Boutique
30:27 The Two-Way Street of Business and Personal Growth
36:07 Understanding Customer Needs and Trends
41:45 Creating a Unique Shopping Experience
48:59 The Multifaceted Role of a Business Owner
56:24 The Discipline of Social Media and Marketing


Keywords

Kukkina Boutique, women's fashion, shopping experience, body positivity, mental health, community, inclusivity, personal style, empowerment, wellbeing, business growth, work-life balance, customer service, retail experience, personal development, small business challenges, fashion industry, team management, consumer behavior, marketing strategies


Takeaways

Kukina Boutique offers a unique shopping experience that combines fashion and wellbeing.
The boutique aims to empower women of all shapes and sizes.
Kimberly emphasizes the importance of personal style and feeling good in what you wear.
The boutique fosters emotional connections with clients, turning customers into friends.
Inclusivity and diversity are central to the boutique's mission.
Kimberly's journey into fashion was inspired by her childhood experiences with clothing and accessories.
The boutique supports mental health by providing a safe space for clients to share their stories.
Community connections are vital to the success of Kukina Boutique.
Kimberly believes in giving back to the community through charity work and support initiatives.
The boutique is not just about shopping; it's about creating a memorable experience. It's surprising how much I've learned from my clients.
Having a strong team is essential for business success.
Customers want to see the owner in small businesses.
Work-life balance is crucial for personal well-being.
Scaling a business can be challenging without losing personal touch.
Understanding customer demographics is key to success.
Recognition of achievements boosts personal development.
Social media presence is important for business growth.
Planning ahead is necessary for retail success.
People buy from those they trust and connect with.