In this episode, we talked about everything from creativity and mental health to the feeling of inner peace and joy that comes from climbing a mountain- how there are almost two versions of Scotland- the incredible highlands and grey, dark council estate vibe we both grew up around and that Graeme artfully outlines in the young team... We also talked about hope, and the impact of having someone who believes in you, even when you don't believe in yourself.  

-Such a wonderful conversation, thank you so much to Graeme for sharing his time and for reading two wonderful passages from the book- I have never attended a live book reading, however, I am so glad reading has become such a big part of my life... and I think the young team bridges that gap- it is such a great read for people who enjoy reading but also people who have not picked up a book since school...

Graeme's book- The Young Team (really amazing read- can't recommend it enough)

other great conversations with Graeme:
1. Brave Your Day- Remove Yourself / with Graeme Armstrong

2. Rebel City Podcast - Episode #70 - Graeme Armstrong

3. Drunk Therapy Episode 65 - Graeme Armstrong’s Young Team

4. Graeme Armstrong | The Young Team, Drugs & Gangs to Times Bestseller | The DW Podcast - Episode #31

Thank you again to Paul Shields- co-host of Rebel City Podcast for the amazing audio and video production. 

The selkie story; beautiful and heart-breaking. A story about power, sacrifice love, liberation and coming back to yourself- my own interpretation...

I first heard this story when I lived in Orkney, a wonderful woman shared it with me when I was at Scapa Bay, one of the most beautiful wee beaches I have ever visited. I randomly retold the story to six lovely older women I worked with at the food bank and one girl I went to uni with, no-one had heard the story before, which insipred me to do a wee podcast on it.

Story-telling, mythology, and folklore are still a big part of the Orcadian culture. Its how people connect, celebrate, and keep stories/history alive.

There are versions of the story all across the world, it is thought to have roots in Celtic mythology but who knows. The meaning of the story is left for your own interpretation.

Books mentioned: 

If Women Rose Rooted: The Power of the Celtic Woman, Sharon Blackie

Women who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype, Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Bothy Tales: Footsteps in the Scottish hills, John Burns

Podcast mentioned: 

Scots Whay Hae! Podcast episode with John Burns and Aleister Crowley

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2jvjfVcvep3nSaGtFUUmal?si=bNlS6gS6SUqGbcQlNUweUA

Music played: Stephen Wake, The Old Copperplate

Image used:The Seal Woman statue at Mikladalur's harbor, Fareo Islands

Paul co-creator of the Rebel City Podcast- we talked about all things life, growing up in Scotland, self-reflection, mental health, creativity, practice, meditation and more- such a cool conversation!

Thank you again to Paul for giving his time to this chat and for the awesome audio and video production #madskillz.

Some of my favorite Rebel City Episodes:
#43 with James Docherty on ACE’s
#40 and #65 with Darren 'Loki' McGarvey
#54 Women Against Capitalism
#60 with Sharon Webster

Rebel city podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-17FrezX4VZVoFLBrNQp1Q

Music played: Stephen Wake, The Old Copperplate

Disclaimer: the causes and impact of homelessness are multi-layered and wayyy to complex to discuss in a short podcast. The intentions of this episode are just to humanise and bring to life real stories.

I think this is my favorite podcast yet. The podcast was inspired by a homeless man a spoke to a few days ago, I quote him in the first sentence of the podcast. His story and his energy that day sparked deep sadness within me. I talk from the heart, about the homeless people I have met in my life through my work and on the street.

I share the joy that we can get when we realise we have so many more similarities with people than we do differences. But, I also share my anger and frustrations of injustice and social inequality.

I share stories about my experience working with Crisis and the incredible work the charity does across the UK- one of the highlights being the meaningful work they do around Christmas time. I talked about the connections I have made working and celebrating Christmas- a time where we can almost enter another world for a day, and just be humans connecting and enjoying being together.

I talk about the difference between the shame attached to making a decision from necessity rather than choice. Relating it to be homeless out of necessity and giving up your home as choice to downsize or travel the world or in my own experience of choosing to use an old Nokia phone now as an adult instead of the shame or embarrassment I would have felt if I had the wee Nokia out of necessity as a teenager.

I have often felt a deep connection or/and draw towards homeless people, I see myself sometimes, that somewhat romanticized idea of not fitting into the existing structures that our society presents to us. That idea that this de-attached from nature and community, world, we live in doesn't really jive with all that much- and my heart is really in the Orkney islands or in Glen Rosa.... And also that the idea that a person can never fully reach their full potential when their basics needs are not met, and how many incredible people do we lose because of their daily circumstances hold them back.

Crisis For Christmas

a wee blog post I found from the time I volunteered with Crisis:
https://dweebyrunner18.wordpress.com/2017/03/13/the-fluidity-of-life/

Bethany trust sleepout we did at the Vennie community center in Livingston.

Music played: Stephen Wake, The Old Copperplate

 

In this short episode I share a wee breathing practice inspired by my Wim Hoff journey, I first got into cold water therapy and breath work maybe around 6 years ago, after first hearing Wim on the Rich Roll podcast, I remember how strange Vilius thought I was taking cold showers and practicing loud breathing haha. I love the message wim puts out, just breathe, doesn’t need to be fancy, through the nose or through the mouth, what ever feels comfortable for you just get the air in.. Something that is accessiable to us all and that actually gives us instant physiological and psychological effects. 

I also share 10 wee habits/practices that I would choose to do in a perfect day, with all the time in the world. This was inspired by the idea that if we know more about what we love, or what we enjoy doing (finding that out by thinking/writing down what brings us most joy) we can begin to incorporate more of that in our lives. 

Also,  I just found out my wonderful, but dyslexic brain left out number 7 on the list... my number 7 would be putting on the music you love and finding a spot outside to walk and sing loudly, it always brings me so much joy (after I get over the fear) my go to's are: Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Wilson Pickett, Gerry Cinnamon.. depending on the energy my choice can change...

PS ‘Tend to the garden you can touch’ is a Buddhist proverb that really resonated with me.. I think I first heard it from a podcasts with a Duncan Trussel and Joe Rogan.. by far one of my fav guests on Rogans podcast, you can create your own meaning and take what you want from it. I guess it means to me that we need to look after/ and love our selves before we can start helping/ fully loving other people.

Although I only share a short breath practice, I want to caution this episode by saying that deep breathing can make you feel a wee bit dizzy and light headed, so maybe sit down if it’s your first time. Also, if you feel any benefits, check out all the resources surrounding Wim and other cool breathing advocates/teachers. There is wonderful podcasts and videos detailing how and why we should breathe more. 

In this episode, me and Vilius talk openly and honestly about our relationship journey over the last 6 years. We talk about what we have both learned about ourselves and each other. Our experiences and views are often different but our world view and values tend to align. 

We also shared how honest and vulnerable communication has really helped our relationship. I feel like relationships teach us so much about ourselves. My relationship with Vilius has taught me about my insecurities and my weird defensive tendencies and at the same time it has allowed me to trust, lean in, and rely on others so much more- which is for sure is still a work in progress, like our relationship...

Thank you so much again to Vilius for taking the time to do this podcast, and showing up as yourself, being honest, open and funny.

PSPS thank you for all the lovely feedback and taking the time out of your day to listen.

Music played: Stephen Wake, The Old Copperplate

Podcast mentioned: S8, Ep6 How to Fail: Glennon Doyle

Wee solo episode inspired by the idea that we are all unique and have intrinsic value, without doing anything productive or 'achieving' any goal we are enough..there is literally no other human in the world like you, that is so crazy to think about.

In this podcast, I share my own journey, I break down the ways in which I practice believing in myself and my worth (as a person who has struggled with self-doubt all my life). There is also a wee bit about being kinder to ourselves, body image and perfectionism sprinkled in, inspired by... I Weigh with Jameela Jamil and Catherine Bohart podcast..

I am still trying to get used to speaking into a mic by myself and hearing my own voice. Any feedback would be so lovely.

Music played: Stephen Wake, The Old Copperplate

Podcast: I Weigh with Jameela Jamil and Catherine Bohart
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0lOnkIdWmgqEzKpWl0W8FQ?si=GQuDAZaKTZaIYp4gl2B_Dg

This first episode is a wee introduction to why I wanted to start a podcast and why I chose the name. I asked Vilius to make up some wee questions to ask me, which he kindly did, in his own unique, funny way. I wanted to say so much more, but I think over time as the podcast develops and I become more comfortable with my own voice, I will be able to articulate my ideas and share my experiences clearer. However, it is a journey and starting is sometimes the biggest hurdle to overcome. 

Music played: Stephen Wake, The Old Copperplate 

Music Mentioned: Tracy Chapman, Talkin’ Bout a Revolution

Books/quotes mentioned: Maya Angelou: ‘I know why the caged bird sings’, there is no greater pain than a story untold’ and Letter to my daughter

‘Walk a mile in my shoes’ Empathy project: https://chrismalapitan.com/2017/11/06/a-mile-in-my-shoes-an-art-project-on-empathy/

Wee blog I wrote years ago about the power of podcasts:

https://dweebyrunner18.wordpress.com/2017/05/05/podcasts-changed-my-life/

Wooah, this was scary, and oh so cringy hearing my voice, but I think it will be helpful for anyone who wants to invest a wee bit of time in yourself, today or any day. I talk a wee bit about it in the podcast, relaxing and taking time to create space and distance from the everyday moments can be beneficial both when you are feeling happy and sad, or any emotion. We often find it hard to create time for us, especially when we are feeling down, we can forget to look after ourselves in these moments, in contrast, when life feels good, we sometimes forget to sit, reflect and feel gratitude. The uncertainty of the last few months has impacted us all in so many different ways, ways in which we might not even be aware of yet. So, I thought this might be a nice episode to start with.

Guided relaxation or Yoga Nidra is not easy, it takes time to relax, and on different days it can feel easier to let go and feel at ease. So, if at first you feel this is ‘not working’ or you don’t like it. Try and push through and see how you feel after its finished. You might still feel like wow that sucked, but at least you tried. 

Wherever you are at today, emotionally and physically, try and carve out a wee bit time for yourself, even if you don’t listen this podcast, try and give yourself some time to do something that brings you joy,  time is our most valuable asset, like money, we have time to spend, and what we spend time doing, who we listen to, what we read, can slowly become who we are- planning a wee podcast about this soon, surrounding how we can create more inspiring places for ourselves online.