54 episodes

A podcast about engaging with creative spirit, deep sensitivity, and playfulness to make space for peace, meaning, and human connection in a world that struggles to slow down.

The Gentle Rebel Podcast Andy Mort

    • Education
    • 4.8 • 17 Ratings

A podcast about engaging with creative spirit, deep sensitivity, and playfulness to make space for peace, meaning, and human connection in a world that struggles to slow down.

    52 | Are You Suffering From Boreout?

    52 | Are You Suffering From Boreout?

    Adam Grant explores how our practice can lead to boreout in Hidden Potential. In this episode of The Gentle Rebel Podcast, I dive into this idea and reflect on the role of playfulness in maintaining our motivation with the things that matter most.







    We consider the distinctions between burnout and boreout and delve into the contrast between obsession and passion. I ask how the demands and pace of hustle culture might lead to chronic boredom. We look at why we need not stress about discovering our purpose and passion despite the societal messages we are bombarded with.









    "It is neither work nor play, purpose nor purposelessness that satisfies us. It is the dance between."

    - Bernard de Koven















    Boreout is the emotional deadening you feel when you’re under-stimulated to the point of disconnection. But it might also occur when we are chronically overstimulated and unable to pause between life's ceaseless bombardment of noise.







    Practice and Boreout







    Boreout is a phenomenon that often arises when we lose our sense of purposeful connection and intrinsic joy with the task at hand. When it comes to practice, it can turn into an obsessive slog rather than a meaningful journey towards progress and growth.







    Deliberate play isn't about avoiding work. It's about shifting our mentality and seeing how potential can be reached sustainably by finding ways to playfully engage in practice, learning, and growth.







    "You're not supposed to enjoy it; it's piano practice!"







    We fall into a trap with certain endeavours. We believe that practice ought to feel like a slog. This leads us to stories of forbidden fun. Some things are meant to feel like punishment.







    However, Adam Grant refers to a study conducted on renowned concert pianists, which revealed most of them practised the piano for just an hour a day during their early years, and they weren't raised by controlling and dominating drill sergeants. Their passion ignited, and their parents and teachers gave them the conditions to maintain their motivation and enthusiasm.







    They practised, not because they had to, but because they were interested. They enjoyed working with teachers to explore the craft more; excited, engaged and wanted to learn, improve, and practice.







    When we treat it as something we've just got to repeat and repeat, practice can lead to boreout. It can also extinguish passion and cause us to resent things that used to be exciting and joyful.







    In the episode, I also explore:









    * Harmonious passion vs obsessive passion and which is more useful







    * How my drum teachers used deliberate play to keep me on track with my exams







    * Why a lack of creative coaching led me to quit a football team







    * Similarities between burnout and boreout







    * How it can be more relaxing to create than to do nothing







    * Why overstimulation can leave us bored and disconnected







    * The way algorithms overstimulate our senses with sameness - and how variety and difference are sources of energy and inspiration







    * Collective boreout through cultural drift







    * How uncertainty gives rise to creativity, passion, and play (and the danger of trying to avoid it)







    * And more...









    Over to You







    So, what resonated for you in this episode? Leave a comment below or get in touch via social media ...

    • 38 min
    51 | Humour, Anxiety, and The Inner Critic (with Rox Alexandru and Neil Hughes)

    51 | Humour, Anxiety, and The Inner Critic (with Rox Alexandru and Neil Hughes)

    Humour is a VERY important sense. Without it, we risk taking ourselves so seriously that we lose all perspective. Our sense of humour is a core part of gentleness (firm back, soft front) because it allows us to move through the world with greater flexibility and openness.







    We all have this sense! But it takes practice to remain humourously sensitised to the world around, within, and between us.















    In this episode of The Gentle Rebel Podcast, I share a Haven Courtyard conversation I had towards the end of 2023 with Roxana Alexandru and Neil Hughes. We explored how we might use humour to befriend anxiety and the inner critic in helpful and healthy ways.







    Rox helps people figure out ways to play with and change their relationship with debilitating social anxiety. She shares her experiments through Instagram and TikTok.







    Neil wrote the book Walking on Custard & the Meaning of Life: A Guide for Anxious Humans. It contains an inspiring ongoing meta dialogue with his inner critic throughout.







    Check out Neil’s website and watch his TEDx Talk (A new plan for anxious feelings: escape the custard!)







    I love how both Rox and Neil relate to the voice of their inner critics, which is why I thought it would be fun to have them both on the same call…and I was right; it was!







    In our conversation, they explained why they felt drawn to use humour to engage with their inner critic and what they've learned.







    We Discuss Humour, Anxiety, Inner Critics, and...









    * How can we work on our relationship with the inner critic in light-hearted ways?







    * When is it better to be amused than anxious?







    * Experimental ideas to take control over the process so that the fear doesn't gain power over you.







    * How Neil's goal was to reach a point where he no longer needed to think/talk about anxiety. We explore how engaging with inner work as a temporary process (perhaps even obsession) can lead you to a light on the other side.







    * The link between custard and anxiety and how seeing it through this metaphor can help identify and reach more solid and desirable ground.







    * Situations and environments where social anxiety increases (and how to prepare/recover to avoid feedback loops)







    * The simple power of being interested (rather than worrying about being interesting)







    * The derailing fear of being misunderstood.







    * Why we can never be prepared enough for every potential eventuality and how Neil engages with that truth in creatively humorous ways







    * How scripting can help give a set of mental tools to draw on and use during times when we most need it







    * Creating deliberate awkward moments helps the brain lean into discomfort on our terms.







    * Why are our post-situational inner narratives often worse than the situations themselves - and how do we choose more favourable (and evidenced) narratives to believe?







    * The sound of our inner critic (is it a voice? A narrative? Or a flavour?)







    * How to relate to impostor feelings (or impostor syndrome) in a helpful and humourous way







    * The stories we tell ourselves about appearances and how judgements by those around us about...

    • 1 hr 8 min
    50 | Is Life Coaching Really Just a Scam? (with Megan Malone)

    50 | Is Life Coaching Really Just a Scam? (with Megan Malone)

    Life coaching can be shrouded in confusion.







    In this episode of The Gentle Rebel Podcast, I chat with Megan Malone, delving into the joys and challenges of coaching. Together, we dissect why some view it sceptically and explore avenues for life coaches to reverse the negative trends and misconceptions.







    Megan is an International Coach Federation (ICF) certified coach and has a Master's in Organisational Development. She sheds clear light on the nature of coaching and what to expect from working with a professionally accredited life coach.







    The Perception of Life Coaching







    Coaching is plagued by numerous misconceptions, fuelling doubts and suspicions regarding its validity. Particularly in the wake of controversial instances like Escaping Twin Flames, The Dream (Season Three), and The Conspirituality Podcast (186: Coaches Coaching Coaches), where self-proclaimed coaches have been exposed for questionable and, at times, harmful practices.







    It's imperative to address these misconceptions because each of us should be in a position to make informed assessments about what we're being sold in the name of coaching. For this we must foster greater awareness and comprehension of ethical practices.















    Navigating the life coaching industry can be confusing, primarily due to its lack of regulation. Anyone can call themselves a coach without adhering to any particular standards. This ambiguity has sparked discussions calling for industry regulation to delineate more precise professional and ethical practices.







    Nevertheless, organisations like the ICF provide clear guidance to affiliated practitioners. They mandate adherence to specific standards, ethics, and competencies. But for it to be truly effective, this type of voluntary self-regulation also requires a public awareness and understanding of what coaching is (and isn't).







    It is crucial to recognise how coaching differs from other helping interventions and understand its uniquely valuable purpose.







    The Difference Between Coaching, Therapy, Mentoring, and Consulting







    Coaching







    Coaching is a pathway to attaining a specific outcome or desired future state. A coach acts as a partner, guiding clients to make decisions for themselves and designing an intentional course for personal or professional growth.







    Therapy







    Therapy and counselling focus on aiding clients in mental health recovery, processing past trauma, and healing emotional distress. They explore and address past pain that is hindering present and future well-being.







    Mentoring







    Mentoring is guidance, teaching, and advice from someone more experienced in a particular field or role. Having traversed a similar path, a mentor imparts wisdom and support, focusing on skill and knowledge acquisition.







    Consulting







    Consulting addresses specific problems, challenges, or goals. A consultant will often observe and analyse a situation so they can offer expert suggestions, recommendations, and strategies for a person or organisation to implement.







    Why is Life Coaching Unregulated?

    • 1 hr 6 min
    49 | Reflections From a Decade in Music City (with Aaron Espe)

    49 | Reflections From a Decade in Music City (with Aaron Espe)

    After experiencing challenges with panic attacks, Aaron Espe figured out how to build a career that works for him. Aaron is currently a full-time songwriter based in Nashville Tennessee.







    In this episode of The Gentle Rebel Podcast, I chat with Aaron about songwriting, creativity, and adapting to creative adversity.







    I first heard his music in 2012 when I was presenting the music podcast, Lost on Radio. Aaron was our artist of the week with his track, Hanging By a Thread. I felt an instant connection to his sound and have been keeping a close ear on his work ever since.







    His book, On Songwriting: Practical Tips and Insights from a Decade in Music City will be an important part of my reference library from now on. It's a fantastic guide for anyone creating things to help rekindle focus, clarity, and a sense of possibility.









    https://youtu.be/bUoUh5MIPNw









    In our conversation, Aaron Espe and I discuss:









    * The importance of being adaptable and flexible in a creative career (and being unable to co-write songs led Aaron to write a book)







    * What inspired him to carve his own path rather than taking the conventional songwriting routes he was "supposed" to follow







    * The GPS Method and The Painting Method for writing songs (and which we naturally gravitate to)







    * Where inspiration comes from and processes for writing when it's not there







    * The power of co-writing as a way to grow your skills and network







    * And much more...

    • 1 hr 8 min
    48 | Red Flags to Look Out For If You’re Thinking of Working With a Coach

    48 | Red Flags to Look Out For If You’re Thinking of Working With a Coach

    We're at the start of a new year. A time when many are thinking about projects, habits, and changes they want to focus on next.







    Whenever we seek advice on making a change, we're never far from a coach willing to help. But coaching has become a confusing and mysterious mixed bag. So I thought it might help to share some potential red flags to look out for if you're considering it this year.















    Growing Awareness of Bad Coaching Practices







    Have you noticed that everyone seems to be a "life coach" these days?







    Investigative documentaries, articles, and podcasts have started highlighting certain bad practices to look out for in the industry.







    Conspirituality released an episode examining emotional exploitation and parallels with multilevel marketing schemes of certain programs that train coaches to become coaches who coach coaches to be coaches. Season 3 of The Dream dives into similar topics in more depth. Online streaming platforms have an ever-growing library of shows exposing abuses in the name of coaching, such as "Escaping Twin Flames".







    The Closest Thing To Regulation in The Coaching Industry







    While still not perfect, reputable coaching bodies take great care to develop standards and core competencies that keep coaches and coachees as safe as possible amid the lack of official regulation. For coaches and coach training programs that are accountable to and assessed by associations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF), there is a level of professionalism and knowledge demanded of those who pursue accredited certifications.







    There are well-defined, concrete explanations about what you can expect from working with a coach. While every coach has a different personal and professional approach, and will develop the most effective ways of working with particular people, the basic scaffold of coaching is necessarily solid.







    But loose definitions and ambiguous understandings of coaching can confuse those exploring the field as a means of support. This can lead to misconceptions and a lack of awareness about what to look for and avoid when searching for a coach.







    What IS Coaching?







    Building on the ICF's definition, coaching is a thoughtful and creative partnership between coach and coachee that inspires them to explore the possibilities. It helps unlock sources of imagination and resourcefulness to overcome external challenges and inner obstacles to desired outcomes. It is focused on creating a practical pathway for a future-oriented objective.







    Coaching is not about fixing, advising, or training. Coaching is a specialist skill in and of itself. It's not about telling someone what to do or imparting knowledge. It's built on structured conversations that require trust and collaboration to serve an intentionally articulated purpose.







    The documentaries and exposés often highlight practices that insidiously and explicitly contradict these core coaching principles.







    Red Flags to Look Out For When Choosing a Coach







    If you're looking to make a change in your life and could use professional support to help you find focus, motivation, and the right path forward, working with a trained coach is a great option. However,

    • 39 min
    47 | High Sensitivity is Not a Superpower

    47 | High Sensitivity is Not a Superpower

    I’ve always felt uneasy about the use of "superpower" to describe high sensitivity.







    In this episode of The Gentle Rebel Podcast, Scott Barry Kaufman and I talk about recent research indicating a shift in cultural frames around sensory processing sensitivity and potential issues with portraying high sensitivity as a superpower.















    Sensitivity is a "Beautiful and Complex Trait"







    Rather than being a “superpower”, Scott points out, sensory processing sensitivity is a beautiful and complex trait underpinning the survival strategy for 20%-30% of humans and has been found in over 100 species so far.







    There have been some interesting (and challenging) studies in the past couple of years looking at portrayals of sensitivity in Western culture. Last year, Scott wrote an article for Psychology Today responding to a study examining links between high sensitivity and vulnerable narcissism.







    Signalling Sensitivity







    He wrote another piece highlighting research into how some people misappropriate the trait of high sensitivity to seek certain benefits. This research found "zero correlation between sensory processing sensitivity and signalling high sensitivity." In other words, between those with the trait and those who make unreasonable demands using the trait as an excuse.







    This research found "zero correlation between sensory processing sensitivity and signalling high sensitivity." In other words, between those with the trait and those who make demands using the trait as an excuse. For example...









    * Asking for privileges because of sensitivity







    * Receiving special treatment because of sensitivity







    * Requesting help because of sensitivity







    * Avoiding penalties because of sensitivity







    * Blaming mistakes on sensitivity







    * Telling people how hard life is because of sensitivity









    Most of the highly sensitive people I've talked to about this list recoil in discomfort at the idea of using their sensitive trait in this way. Especially if it involves making a fuss, receiving special treatment, or requiring others to go above and beyond just for us.







    The Potential of Sensitivity







    Scott writes, "A beautiful and complex trait has become co-opted by some people as a victim-signalling strategy-- "a public and intentional expression of one's disadvantages, suffering, oppression, or personal limitations." Indeed, recent research suggests that victim signalling is becoming increasingly prevalent in our society and can be viewed as an expression of a "culture of victimhood" in which claiming to be a victim isn't in the service of receiving help and assistance for a genuine disadvantage but instead becomes something actually desirable and fashionable in itself."







    I believe highly sensitive people have a powerful role to play in the collective potential of humanity. When combined with genuine empathy and compassion, sensitivity senses what needs to be sensed. It feels deeply for the whole and seeks ways to connect rather than drive apart.







    About Scott Barry Kaufman

    • 42 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
17 Ratings

17 Ratings

CelesteialW ,

Thoughtful and Refreshing

Yay! I’m glad Andy is sharing this with the world! I love his British accent and more importantly his thoughtful insights. I Love how he often mixes in songs to his episodes.
I often pair listening to his podcast with a quiet evening of creating and I feel accompanied in my journey. Deep appreciative of Andy’s voice in my life.

canadian scrabble girl ,

No fluff

A no fluff, honest, gentle podcast. It addressed a hard, heart issue that I as a highly sensitive introvert feel. Thank you Andy. I found you on Spotify but came onto Apple to subscribe and rate. Looking forward to learning more from you.

Ed AB Canada ,

An Sticky Issue

I have gone through many health issues since 2003 that the treatments have caused conflict with different family issues. However my mom and dad stood behind me 100%, even through some treatments l had were experimental. My most controversial issue was with my moms illnesses and what types of treatments. My oldest sister wanted my mom to go through another treatment for her Parkinson’s disease and cancer while my younger sister our dad and myself decided against this since l knew she didn’t want to suffer anymore. Even through my mom died in December 2012 it still is a sticky issue today and causes frustration for my dad and myself. I know my mom would have loved to find this issue put behind us.

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