In this Season 1 finale of Tools for Tough Times, I reflect on what this first season has taught me - about resilience, connection, and what really matters.

I share where I’m at personally, how grief has shaped my direction, and why I’m no longer waiting to make the impact I came here to make. The time is now!

Season 2 will bring new voices and deep conversations - from people navigating global crises like homelessness, racism, and war, to guests whose personal journeys through music, food, and healing will be impactful, powerful and important.

This podcast is becoming a platform for social change and human stories of strength. I can't wait to share it with you.

Bye for now and see you on Season 2! Like and follow to be the first to know when it drops.

D x

Let's connect on Instagram:

@daniellecooperofficial

@toolsfortoughtimes

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In this compelling episode, we hear the extraordinary story of John McAvoy, a man who went from a life of high-stakes crime to breaking world records and becoming a professional Ironman athlete. Once one of Britain’s most wanted armed robbers, John was sentenced to life in a high-security prison. It was there, in a cell built for punishment, that he discovered purpose. After the tragic death of a close friend, John began to reassess his choices. Turning to fitness, he started training on a prison rowing machine, where he uncovered an astonishing natural ability, going on to break multiple British and world records in indoor rowing, all while still behind bars.

Since his release, John has become a leading voice in the world of endurance sport and criminal justice reform. Now a Nike-sponsored athlete and Ironman triathlete, he shares his story to inspire change and prove that transformation is always possible.

He is the founder of the Alpine Run Project, a powerful initiative that takes young people from the streets to the peaks, using mountain running to build resilience, purpose and community. John's work now spans schools, prisons and global platforms, advocating for sport as a force for personal and social change.

This was a mind-blowing and SUPER inspiring conversation. Hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording the ep!

📚 Resources:

• Redemption: From Iron Bars to Ironman – Buy the book (Available on Amazon and book stores)
• BBC Documentary – John McAvoy: The Power of Sport Watch on BBC iPlayer
• Sky Documentaries – The John McAvoy Story (available via Sky and NOW TV)

📨 Connect with John:

• Website: therealmcavoy.com
• Instagram: @jonnymac83
• Twitter/X: @johnmcavoy2
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📨 Connect with Danielle:

Instagram

@daniellecooperofficial

@toolsfortoughtimes

Email: toolsfortoughtimes888@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, I’m joined by rapper, TEDx speaker, and mental health advocate Shocka. Shocka opens up about his journey through the mental health system, including being sectioned three times, and the deep transformation that’s unfolded in his life since.

We talk about the challenges he faced while balancing a music career with his mental health struggles, including the turning point that came after a trip to Ibiza when things began to spiral. Shocka shares openly about his experiences with medication, the loss of his mum, and the central role his faith has played in his healing.

Now thriving in his music, advocacy, and life in general, Shocka is using his platform to dismantle stigma around mental health.

His book A Section of My Life and his Instagram video series A Section of Your Life are shining a light on the realities of being sectioned, while offering hope and solidarity to others walking this path.

Also….don’t miss his series “Shocka Sunday”, where he shares his journey through powerful and articulate verses with music.

This is an important listen for anyone interested in mental health, resilience, and the power of turning pain into purpose. I was deeply inspired by Shocka, and I know you will be too.

Resources & Links:

•Follow Shocka on Instagram: @shocka_artist

•Get his book A Section of My Life: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Section-My-Life-Shocka/dp/1915680085/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UITs3Nvqle3Jx08Qya_4fK3lx8UUGRLCiBdi0VTBu-s.Cki7Pn20BlNe7Cmc3RGiedf0RtWuNeMqP6SPRbSV3RU&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+section+of+my+life&qid=1746356917&sr=8-1

•Watch his TEDx Talk: https://tedxlondon.com/speaker/shocka/

Connect with Danielle:

Instagram

@daniellecooperofficial

@toolsfortoughtimes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.