A selection of conversations with the guests of the podcast Interesting Lives of Ordinary People in which they tell us about the turning points in their lives that brought them to where they are today and the lessons they learnt on their way to creating a fulfilled life.

Since 1st October I have been sharing almost daily slice-of-life videos on topics relating to health, wealth and the flow of life. My aim is to have them no more than about 7 minutes long, to keep them authentic (i.e. unfiltered, unedited and unpretentious). Topics range from the silly to the sublime.

Real life stories of courage and perseverance that will inspire you to take action. This book explores the role women play in society: as mothers and carers, career women, entrepreneurs and philanthropists. Available in paperback and e-book format globally via all online booksellers.

We’re all backpackers in this journey of life, so busy getting somewhere that we don’t have the time to put the backpack down. Not even to take a look inside it to see what’s really there. No wonder we feel like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. What if there was a simple way to unburden yourself and live a full and free life?

What if you had a mirror that helped you more accurately see yourself as the world sees you? A lens that offered a glimpse into the workings and motivations of the people in your life. And a path for personal growth towards a more balanced and fulfilled life. How would it change the way you show up in your day to day life?

Money is on everyone’s mind. In today’s uncertain, inflationary world, it is an ever greater source of anxiety and frustration. How we think and feel about money is often a result of our upbringing and our early experiences. Our mindset around money determines our relationship with it in our adult lives. Before we can unpack our beliefs around money, there are a few myths I would like to debunk.

Alcoholism takes many prisoners, most of whom are not even drinking. It comes with many social taboos and deep seated shame. I am sharing my family’s story today because I believe we need to look at the topic of alcoholism with greater compassion and openness.I offer a glimpse into the internal conflict that families of alcoholics face every single day. I am hoping it will spark a conversation and invite greater compassion for alcoholics and for those who have to live with them.

I recently spent ten days at a silent meditation retreat called Vipassana. It was intense and interesting, and like nothing I have ever experienced before. Whilst it was fresh in my mind, I shared my experience in a free flowing conversation with an old friend of mine. We talked about what Vipassana is, what I observed and experienced, the key learnings and tools I took away, and how I prepared for the most intense ten days of my life.

A friend of mine who knows a thing or two about wine recently explained how the experts assess quality using the BLIC test. It comprises Balance, Length, Intensity and Complexity. What if we could apply the same test to our lives?

Are you happy? When a friend recently asked me this question, I had to consider how to respond. It’s a simple question but I have almost never been able to answer it with a clear “yes” or “no”, at least not without a preamble or explanation of some sort. What really is happiness? How does one find it, create it or hold on to it? And why as a society are we so obsessed with it?