Have you ever paused to think about what you truly believe in? Is it the wonders of science, the beauty of nature, or perhaps a higher power guiding you along life's path? Whatever it is, belief and faith are intricately woven into the fabric of our lives. They are the building blocks of society.

Join us on this journey as we delve deep into the realms of belief and faith, those invisible forces that shape our world and influence our actions.

In this episode, we explore how belief has been at the core of human societies for centuries, from religious convictions that move mountains to the shifting sands of political ideologies. We'll even take a playful jab at those quirky Jedi beliefs some choose to tick on census forms!

While this is a personal reflection, there is no doubt we are living at a time of cultural shifts, and faith is part of that story. We'll ponder over poignant questions like when a mere thought morphs into a belief and how faith bridges the gap between these ideas. With a sprinkle of humour and candid reflections, we'll consider our beliefs and whether they serve or hinder us in this complex, ever-evolving world.

It is time to uncover what lies at the heart of your beliefs. It’s a personal discovery, one that might just offer clarity and purpose amidst the chaos.

And hey, if our conversation resonates with you, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a friend! Let's keep the dialogue alive. Until next time, keep believing and exploring!

Habits or Ritual? Have you ever wondered how much of your life is built on habits versus rituals, or vice versa? Well, you're in the right place! In this episode, I'm diving deep into the fascinating world of rituals and habits and how they play a role in our everyday lives.

Do you remember Easter egg hunts as a kid? Even if Easter isn't your holiday, indulging in chocolate eggs is a shared ritual many of us cherish. It's these little traditions that give our lives a sprinkle of meaning. But why are rituals so crucial to us, and how can we harness their power to craft a better life?

From ancient fertility rites to modern-day birthdays and weddings, rituals have always been about connecting people and creating memorable moments. They aren't just habits we mindlessly check off our to-do lists; they're meaningful ceremonies imbued with significance and emotion.

Consider a wedding, filled with flowers, vows, and toasts or a birthday bash with cake and candles. These moments are ritualised to create depth and connection, contrasting with the simple habit of brushing your teeth or hitting snooze.

In this lively chat, we explore the power of rituals, not as random acts, but as essential tools that get us through challenging times. Whether it's athletes getting in the zone with pre-game rituals or creating peace through meditation, these moments hold incredible power.

Wondering how to embrace rituals in your life? Start by looking at your daily routines. What's a habit, and what can become a ritual with the right intention? How about adding a smile to your reflection every time you look in a mirror?

If this resonates, share it with a friend or leave us a review. Let's explore the beauty of rituals together and see how they can transform our lives.

Thanks for joining me, and until next time, take care!

This is a great topic of conversation to explore further. Some of the references I use include Michael Norton, a professor at Harvard Business School, and his book, The Ritual Effect. I have not read it, but I have watched some of his videos on YouTube and he has guested on a few podcasts. Well worth checking out. .

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/

Where does trust sit in your life? Who do you trust, friends, family or your spouse? Do you trust yourself?

Do you know that trust is the foundation of everything? It's the secret sauce to success, the kind of thing that holds your world together even when things get tough. Have you ever stopped to think about where trust sits in your life?

Remember that gutting feeling when your trust was broken, or those moments of triumph when trusting yourself led to unexpected victories? We've all been there. Personally. I remember being stung when a colleague badmouthed me behind my back. It was tough realizing that someone I called a friend was working against me. Ouch!

In today's episode, we dive deep into this invisible force that quietly shapes every relationship. Trust. It's the foundation of everything meaningful. From the early days of human history, as detailed in the book 'Sapiens' by Yuval Noah Harari, sharing stories built trust among strangers, leading to trade, alliances, and even genetic diversity. Our modern society—our cities, economies, and institutions—all rest on these principles of shared trust.

Think about it. Even if you're in a completely different field, trust is your anchor. In marketing, for example, it's all about establishing trust with prospects and customers. That old mantra, "know, like, and trust" is still crucial today. And just look at companies that lose trust—they feel it where it hurts most: the bottom line.

But trust goes beyond just economics. It’s deeply personal. It's the bedrock of our relationships and emotional well-being. When trust is broken by those closest to us, it can feel like our world is falling apart. But here's the big question: How much do you trust yourself? This is where self-trust kicks in as the cornerstone of our confidence and resilience.

I've found that journaling can uncover where I trust myself and where I don’t. It’s an eye-opener and can reveal areas of strength and those needing work. And it's wise to make little promises to yourself. Make your bed, take a walk, keep a promise, and you'll start building trust in no time. Face it, we’re living in wild times, and trusting ourselves might just be our greatest asset.

So, what small steps can you take today to nurture that self-trust? Start thinking, start doing, and maybe—just maybe—share this episode with a friend who needs it. You can always reach out if you want to dive deeper. It’s been great having you along for this journey. Thanks for tuning in; catch you next time!

Today, we're diving into something I've been observing with growing concern—what I can only describe as a compassion crisis in our world.

Have you noticed it, too? Is that increasing harshness in our media, our politics, and our everyday interactions? That subtle shift where showing toughness is valued over showing kindness? Where vulnerability is seen not as courage but as a weakness to be exploited?

Last week, we explored how negative news travels faster than positive stories, creating a distorted view of reality. But today's topic goes deeper—beyond perception to a genuine shift in how we treat one another and ourselves.

While researching this episode, I came across a fascinating historical example from ancient Rome demonstrating how radical compassion once changed the course of an entire civilisation. I'll share that story with you today, along with its powerful implications for our current moment.

But this isn't just about society at large—it's about us, about you and me. How does living in a world that increasingly devalues compassion affect how we see ourselves? How we treat ourselves?

In my coaching practice, I've witnessed the transformative power of self-compassion. I've seen how replacing that harsh inner critic with a supportive inner ally can create sustainable change that fear-based motivation never could.

Today, we'll explore why compassion—both for others and for ourselves—might be the most revolutionary act in a culture that prizes toughness above all else. We'll discuss practical ways to cultivate self-compassion and how these personal practices can ripple outward to create meaningful change.

So settle in, take a deep breath, and let's explore together how rekindling compassion might be exactly what we need in these challenging times.

Here is the historical link as mentioned

https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/daily-life-and-practice/the-antonine-plague-and-the-spread-of-christianity/

For more information, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.

Remember if you found this shortcast helpful, please share it with a friend.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/

Hey there, it's your midlife coach, Paul Harvey. In today's shortcast, we're taking a closer look at how the stories we tell ourselves shape our lives. How do you stay in touch with the world events? In these turbulent times, the news and social channels are often more doom and gloom than sunshine and rainbows. And while staying informed is crucial, drowning in negativity doesn't do us any favours. So, how do you stay resilient and reclaim your personal story in a world that seems to profit from keeping you anxious?

We're diving deep into why the modern media is more about capturing your attention than reflecting reality. It thrives on fear, outrage, and conflict, turning minor issues into headline news while world peace gets overlooked. The solution is balance; we're not saying to bury your head in the sand. Instead, let's find that sweet spot between being informed and being overwhelmed.

Humans are story machines built from what we have heard or experienced. So, that story you believe and tell yourself becomes who you are and where you're headed. A strong narrative can help you see challenges as growth opportunities and recognise that you're the protagonist of your own life, not just a spectator of global events.

But beware! When negative news overloads start infiltrating your personal story, they bring narratives of helplessness and powerlessness. We're discussing those "why bother?" thoughts that lead to inaction. So, let's chat about how to spot if these negative media narratives are seeping into your life and what to do about it.

We’ll cover practical steps to maintain a resilient personal narrative. Be intentional about your media consumption, strengthen your story, and find your community. Whether it's creating art, helping someone, or being more present, there are many ways to fuel a positive outlook.

Your story is too precious to be written by algorithms focusing on fear. So, as we wrap up, remember you have the power to craft a narrative that connects, empowers, and inspires.

Remember if you found this shortcast helpful, please share it with a friend.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/

We all have this natural curiosity to search beyond ourselves, hoping to find some secret sauce or an external solution to the things we yearn for in life. But what if I told you everything you need is already within your reach? That's what we're diving into today on this bite-sized shortcast episode of 'Life, Passion, and Business.'

A recent chat with friends about a pricey retreat sparked something big — the only thing between you and your goals is action! Implementation is often our biggest stumbling block. I get it; it’s a common struggle.

The point we can go to the retreat, the event the training but it will only be as effective as the time we put into implementing what we have discovered. With that knowledge we explore how you could skip the events and still take the course or training. The point is all of these speakers have books and online content. What if you were to create or find a golden time slot — whether it’s a daily routine or a pocket of quiet — to dive into these resources? Whether you're paging through Tony Robbins' latest or brushing up on books from your shelf.

Here's my friendly nudge for you: start with what you have. Revisit those nuggets of wisdom you've gathered, and give them life through action. And hey, if you ever need a companion on this journey, You'll find accessible coaching options designed to propel you forward, minus the hefty price tag. Yes, a shameless plug.. But your first chat is free, so you know where I am. Links below.

Remember if you found this shortcast helpful, please share it with a friend.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/

There is something that we all face at one time or another – anxiety, loss of equilibrium, how do we find the resilience to ride through life's rollercoasters? It has been a tough week. How are you holding up in these wildly unpredictable times? Well, you're not alone, and that's exactly what we’re chatting about right here.

We've been living in what's often called "unprecedented times", and it’s left many of us feeling a bit off-kilter. Whether it's global news that feels beyond our control or personal struggles closer to home, the trick is defining where our influence lies. Using Stephen Covey's principle of the "Circle of Influence and Circle of Concern", we take a closer look at focusing our energy where it counts the most.

We also touch on practical, everyday techniques to maintain your cool. It could be as simple as avoiding constant news bombardment, practising mindfulness, or grounding yourself in the present. In short, there are small, everyday actions that can make a difference.

We wrap it up by discussing the potential that change – even when unwelcome – can bring new opportunities. There's a kind of peace in realizing that we're all in this soup together, sharing the journey and perhaps nudging the world a little closer to where we’d like it to be.

Remember if you found this shortcast helpful, please share it with a friend.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/