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Welcome to the enchanting world of 'Legacy Life Reflections' a storytelling sanctuary unlike any Podcast you've encountered before! Your Host, Motivational Comedian Chris Grimes has crafted a unique narrative journey—one that begins in your personal "Clearing," that special place where mental clutter falls away and inspiration flows freely.

The magic of this format lies in its thoughtful structure. Picture a tree appearing in your clearing—your tree—which Chris will gently shake to discover which storytelling "apples" naturally fall. Through the "5-4-3-2-1" framework, you'll explore four influences that shaped you, three sources of inspiration, two irresistible distractions (your "squirrels"), and one quirky fact nobody could possibly know until you share it. This structured yet flexible approach creates the perfect balance between guidance and discovery.

As your journey continues, you'll explore moments of personal "alchemy and gold"—times when purpose and flow aligned to create your happiest experiences. You'll receive a celebratory cake (yes, an actual cake gets sent to guests!), and place a metaphorical cherry on top through sharing inspirational quotes and advice you'd offer to your younger self. The experience culminates with reflections on legacy, borrowing from Shakespeare's wisdom that "all the world's a stage," to contemplate how you'd most like to be remembered. Before departing this storytelling landscape, you'll "pass the golden baton" to someone else whose story deserves this same thoughtful exploration.

Whether you're a potential guest or an avid listener, Legacy Life Reflections offers a refreshingly meaningful alternative to standard interview formats. Subscribe now to experience storytelling that transforms personal narratives into lasting legacies and discover what stories might fall when your own tree is shaken.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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What shapes a Global Marketing Leader's perspective? For Antonia Wade, PwC's Global Chief Marketing Officer and Marketing Week's Marketeer of the Year, Leadership Excellence stems from finding balance between professional ambition and personal fulfillment.

Sitting in her study – her physical "Clearing" amid family life with two teenagers, a husband, and a dog named Biscuit – Antonia reflects on the formative experiences that built her leadership philosophy. Her journey from Architecture student to being Global Head of Marketing at PwC wasn't straightforward, but architectural thinking gave her the perfect foundation: balancing creativity with pragmatism while solving complex problems.

The conversation explores how Antonia manages a Worldwide Team across time-zones without sacrificing her own boundaries. "If I'm emailing at the weekend, even if I don't intend for people to respond, they feel like they have to," she explains, highlighting how leadership behaviors unconsciously shape team culture. This awareness permeates her approach – protecting weekends, making time for cooking (her delightful "squirrel" distraction), and prioritizing family.

At the heart of Antonia's Leadership perspective is a powerful guiding principle: "You are where you are today because of the decisions you made 5 years ago." This insight helps her evaluate current choices with future impact in mind while giving her team a framework for intentional career development. She complements this with advice from a former mentor: focus on "the things that only you can do" rather than trying to be everything to everyone.

Beyond her professional insights, we discover Antonia's near-win in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award, her love of reading a novel weekly, and how she wrote her book "Transforming the B2B Buyer Journey" during gardening leave and airport layovers. Her parting advice embodies her leadership philosophy: "Be curious but also be bold and ambitious. You might as well push for the things you want – you certainly don't get what you want if you don't ask for it."

Antonia Wade, Global Chief Marketing Officer at PwC and Marketing Week's Marketeer of the Year, shares her leadership journey and personal philosophy for maintaining balance in a demanding global role.

• Finding your "clearing" - both physical and mental spaces for reflection and rejuvenation
• How studying architecture created a foundation for balancing creativity and pragmatism in marketing
• The importance of setting boundaries with work communications to model healthy behavior for your team
• Making decisions today with awareness of their impact on your life five years from now
• Focusing on "what only you can do" rather than trying to be everything to everyone
• Finding inspiration through global travel,

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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Ben Akers never expected to become a Mental Health advocate. But when his childhood best friend Steve died by suicide 10 ago, everything changed. Confronted with the staggering reality that suicide is the biggest killer of men, Akers channeled his grief and advertising background into creating 'Talk Club' – a revolutionary approach to men's mental fitness that's now saving lives across the UK and beyond.

At the heart of Talk Club's genius is stunning simplicity: "How are you? Out of 10?" This numerical scale gives men a framework to express their emotional state without struggling with what Akers calls "the foreign language of feelings." Where men typically respond with a reflexive "I'm fine," the number system creates an opening for honesty. "If you're a higher number and regularly a higher number," Akers explains, "you're mentally fit, you're mentally strong, and you're good for everyone around you."

From its first meeting at Bristol Beer Factory in April 2019, Talk Club has expanded to 120+ venues nationwide with over 5,000 members. The organization has formed strategic partnerships, including creating Clearhead non-alcoholic beer, allowing men to gather in comfortable spaces without alcohol's potential mental health impacts. Every aspect of Talk Club reflects Akers' design philosophy: make it accessible, remove barriers, and speak directly to men as they are.

The movement reframes mental health conversations through the lens of fitness rather than illness. Just as we congratulate someone for going to the gym, Akers wants mental health maintenance celebrated rather than questioned. He applies his personal philosophy – "Does it make you better?" – to every decision, encouraging men to evaluate relationships, work, and habits through this simple yet profound lens.

Whether you're struggling personally, concerned about someone in your life, or simply interested in supporting mental fitness, visit talkclub.org today. As Akers proves through his work, sometimes the smallest questions can save the biggest lives.

Find out more at talkclub.org or email hello@talkclub.org to get involved, donate, or start your own Talk Club.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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Donna Kunde, a true polymath and the force behind Influence Radio Network, joins us to share her incredible journey of empowering voices through podcasts, books, and TV talk shows. Discover how Donna has navigated life’s unexpected twists, from snowy adventures in Virginia to life-altering encounters that set her path ablaze with purpose. Her innovative podcasting methods, such as leveraging global networks, offer fresh insights into reaching and influencing a worldwide audience without traditional reliance on ads. This episode promises a wealth of knowledge on creating lasting legacies through storytelling.

Listeners will be captivated by Donna's reflections on pivotal life moments, including her disciplined and musical journey in the United States Army. A gifted clarinet from a mentor sparked a lifelong passion, illustrating the profound impact of small, meaningful gestures and the belief others place in our potential. As we explore these transformative experiences, Donna shares her insights into borrowed belief and how it has guided her path, inviting us to consider the moments and people who shape our own narratives.

In our conversation, Donna also dives into the timeless wisdom of historical thinkers and the refreshing perspectives of Gen Z and millennials, revealing how these insights can inspire intentional living. The episode concludes with a poetic nod to the everyday miracles that fuel creativity, from the allure of platforms like AppSumo to the historical charm of Colonial Williamsburg. Donna’s favorite Thoreau quote serves as a guiding light, reminding us to pursue our dreams with confidence. Be sure to listen in and be inspired to embrace your own hero’s journey, and don't forget to subscribe for more stories that spark change.

We explore the profound impact of storytelling on leadership and creativity with Donna Kunde, who highlights how her experiences have shaped her mission to help others amplify their voices. The episode emphasises the interconnectedness of individual narratives and their potential to inspire global change.
• Discusses the role of storytelling in creating a legacy
• Explains the vision behind the Influence Radio Network
• Highlights personal experiences that shaped Donna's journey
• Explores the significance of mentorship and influence
• Encourages embracing vulnerability to connect with listeners
• Underscores the importance of sharing personal narratives for community building
• Offers practical tips for aspiring podcasters
• Calls for individuals to take ownership of their stories

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :)

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Join me for a captivating conversation with the legendary John Altman, a true giant in the world of music. From crafting the unforgettable tunes of Monty Python to sharing stages with icons like Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley, John's career is a testament to the power of serendipity and talent. We explore his unexpected journey, filled with fascinating stories and memorable encounters, including his humorous connection with the soap opera star of the same name. Prepare to be enthralled by tales of collaborations with Fleetwood Mac, Van Morrison, and Amy Winehouse.

We even get to play out the episode with "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life!" which John arranged with Eric Idle for Monthy Python's "Life of Brian"

Our musical voyage takes a nostalgic turn as we reminisce about extraordinary moments with legends like Danny Kaye and Frank Sinatra. John's anecdotes paint a vivid picture of the boisterous nights spent with these entertainment titans, and we touch on his work with Harold Nicholas during the filming of "Funny Bones." With a nod to the improvisational spirit of jazz, we delve into John's transition from saxophonist to arranger for acts like Monty Python and Hot Chocolate, capturing the whimsical and unpredictable nature of his career.

In our reflections, we uncover John's love for sponge cake, classical Greek quotes, and his experiences conducting the Royal Philharmonic. He shares invaluable lessons about the importance of seizing opportunities and saying "yes" to life's surprises. As we discuss his legacy and the lasting impact of chance encounters, we celebrate John's ability to weave music and memories into a rich tapestry of creativity, leaving us inspired by a life dedicated to the art of sound.

John Altman shares his extraordinary journey in the music industry, reflecting on his collaborations with iconic artists, including Monty Python and Frank Sinatra. The conversation delves into his creative process, inspirations, and the importance of storytelling through music, all underscoring Altman’s legendary status as a musician and arranger.

• Insights into John Altman's musical upbringing and inspirations
• Behind-the-scenes stories of arranging Monty Python’s music
• Discussion on the spontaneity and adaptability in jazz and composition
• Personal anecdotes featuring notable figures in Altman’s career
• Reflections on legacy, collaboration, and life lessons learned
• Altman’s emphasis on creativity and its universal appeal

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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Murray Cowell, aka 'The Grizzled Veteran of the Training World!' is an extraordinarily lovely man and this is a wonderful rich episode, suffused with great storytelling, life reflection and wisdom. He is a seasoned Trainer and a very strong advocate indeed for helping fellow Trainers, Coaches & Training Consultancies to both succeed & sustain in all their endeavours, through his company Accelerando.

Murray shares his transformative journey from overcoming early setbacks to building a successful career in coaching and training. His insights into personal happiness, community engagement, and the critical importance of mental health advocacy inspire listeners to reflect on their paths to fulfilment and growth.

• Murray's early move to Somerset ignited a desire for a sense of belonging
• Emphasizes the importance of understanding different levels within organizations
• Discusses happiness as an internal journey shaped by life experiences
• Shares creativity and passion for food and music as vital elements of life
• Introduces the Client Find Club for fostering connections in the training industry
• Advocates for mental health discussions through suicide prevention efforts

What if you could break free from the feast and famine cycle of the Training industry? Join us as we sit down with Murray Cowell, a revered figure in the training world and founder of Accelerando, to uncover the secrets behind scaling and growing training businesses sustainably. With over 27 years of experience, Murray shares his journey from his formative years in Somerset, how his background shaped his unique ability to spot potential in both people and businesses, and the impactful stories that have defined his career.

Murray's passion extends beyond the boardroom, and in this episode, we explore the vibrant tapestry of his interests outside professional pursuits. From his affinity for composing music and performing at legendary venues to his love for camping and outdoor adventures, Murray’s life is a testament to the harmony between work and play. He also shares his admiration for the band Fontaines DC and recounts his connection to Somerset traditions, offering listeners a glimpse into the personal experiences that have fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence.

The conversation takes a delightful turn as we discuss the synergy found in coaching calls and the unexpected connection between spreadsheet skills and collaboration. Murray’s signature Caramel Tres Leches cake becomes an emblem of how personal passions can enrich professional endeavors. We reflect on wisdom from Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" and consider the alignment of business objectives with personal and professional growth. Whether you're a training industry veteran or just starting out, Murray's insights promise to inspi

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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Delighted to welcome Andy Coulson, former Downing Street Director of Communications and ex Editor of News of the World to "The Good Listening To Show", in an episode that is both engaging and insightful. Andy takes us from the high-pressure world of political strategy, having rubbed shoulders with political giants such as David Cameron and Barack Obama, to a more personal journey of imprisonment, resilience and redemption. We explore the lessons from his time as editor of the News of the World and his candid reflections on the legal troubles that led to his conviction and subsequent imprisonment in the era of Phone Hacking. This episode is a testament to the power of embracing one's past, finding humour in hardship, and the enduring journey of personal growth.

Listeners will be captivated by Andy's transformation, which took root during his prison experience. The stark realities of Belmarsh contrasted with the rehabilitation opportunities at Hosley Bay, where Andy found solace in literature and purpose in helping fellow inmates. His anecdotes about simple comforts and the "squirrels" of life provide a fresh perspective on channeling distractions into motivation. Andy's journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining productivity and positivity, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Finally, Andy and I dive into his podcast, "Crisis, What Crisis?" which has evolved into a platform for sharing insights and stories of resilience. We explore the inspiring quotes and wisdom he collects, offering listeners a reservoir of motivation. Whether it's navigating family life, professional obligations, or the quirks that make us unique, Andy's insights are both entertaining and thought-provoking. This episode is a vibrant exploration of authenticity, redemption, and the endless pursuit of meaning in our personal and professional lives.

Andy Coulson shares his remarkable life journey, discussing the resilience needed to navigate both the heights of political power and the lows of prison. The conversation explores themes of failure, control, and the importance of storytelling in shaping our narratives and helping others.

• The impact of high-profile career experiences
• Accepting and learning from failures
• The role of humour in resilience
• Finding clarity through control and perspective
• The significance of family and personal legacy

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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Christie Jennings and Katherine Grice, the dynamic founders of Topbird Coaching, join us for an inspiring conversation filled with insights and laughter.

From their serendipitous meeting at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School to creating a thriving Coaching business, these two powerhouse women share their journey of empowering women in leadership. Discover how their acting backgrounds bring a unique flair to their coaching, focusing on 'The 3 C's' of Clarity, Confidence, and Courage, and how they make personal and professional growth accessible and fun. Listen in for actionable insights and a peek into the lives of women who've turned passion into purpose.

We take you on a personal journey to some magical happy places, from the rugged Suffolk coast to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, revealing the significance of finding solace and inspiration in these retreats. Reflective and heartfelt, we explore how theatre training has shaped our understanding of communication and behavior, drawing connections to the influential mentors who have guided us along the way. Dive into the bohemian lifestyle of a creative upbringing and the lasting impact of artistic influences like David Bowie and Leonard Bernstein, while celebrating the joys and challenges of blending performance art with professional development.

With a promise of exciting ventures ahead, Christie and Katherine share their ambitious plans for Topbird Coaching, including interactive Zoom taster sessions and expansion into international markets. From nurturing future female leaders to introducing innovative programs like the Women at Work toolkit, they offer a vision that is both inspiring and empowering. Whether you're looking for transformative leadership insights, a touch of artistic inspiration, or simply the joy of a great story, this episode is your ticket to a world of creativity and empowerment. Don't miss out on the chance to hear from two remarkable women who are changing the face of Leadership Coaching.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :)

Thanks for listening!