Being Human Hidden Depths

Collaboration Global.

Gill Tiney of Collaboration Global in conversation with guests who share their wisdom accumulated from the experiences of their lives. They are simply Human Beings with Hidden Depths - just like you! Music by One Man 6 Strings production.

  1. 5 MAR

    Ayo Deforge : Healing Childhood Grief on Loss, Resilience & Supporting Grieving Children

    In this powerful episode of the Collaboration Global Podcast, host Gill Tiney sits down with author and advocate Ayo Deforge to explore the lasting impact of childhood grief and the importance of emotional support for children experiencing loss. Ayo shares her deeply personal story of losing her mother to cancer at just 13 years old and how that experience shaped her journey into storytelling, poetry, and advocacy for grief support in education. The conversation highlights how children often process loss internally and why supportive environments, open dialogue, and compassionate listening can make a meaningful difference. Together, Gill Tiney and Ayo Deforge discuss how simple acts of kindness, empathy, and ongoing connection can help individuals navigate grief at any age. They also explore the role schools can play in supporting children through grief counselling, emotional expression, and safe spaces for conversation. Ayo also reflects on her personal journey through infertility, pregnancy loss, and the unexpected birth of her child, sharing how resilience, faith, and community support shaped her path forward. This conversation offers valuable insight for parents, educators, leaders, and anyone interested in supporting children and families through grief and life’s most difficult transitions. 🎯 In this episode, we discuss: If conversations like this resonate with you, there is a space where these reflections continue. You’re welcome to join the guest meetings at Collaboration Global. For 90 minutes, people from different paths come together simply to connect, collaborate, and grow — sharing ideas, perspectives, and possibilities in a way that goes deeper than traditional networking. There are thoughtful conversations. Stories from people building meaningful work. And a room where people genuinely listen.                          LINK  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/collaboration-global-guest-session-online-tickets-192260726007 The emotional impact of childhood grief and lossWhy empathy and presence matter when supporting grieving individualsThe importance of grief education and counselling in schoolsHow storytelling, journaling, and creative expression support healingAya Deforge’s personal journey through infertility, loss, and unexpected hopeWays communities can support children experiencing grief

    51 min
  2. 23 FEB

    How Childhood Experiences Shape Mental Health | Tana Macpherson-Smith

    What if the way we speak to children today shapes their mental health for life? In this powerful and deeply human episode of Being Human: Hidden Depths, host Gill Tiney, Founder of Collaboration Global, is joined by educator, author, and mental health advocate Tana Macpherson-Smith for an unforgettable conversation about childhood experiences, emotional wellbeing, and healing. Tana shares the story behind her book There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder, a moving metaphor for the subconscious “inner voice” that forms in childhood and silently influences our beliefs, behaviours, confidence, and mental health well into adulthood. Together, Gill and Tana explore: How early childhood experiences shape lifelong mental healthThe hidden impact of everyday words, comparisons, and “small” momentsWhy prevention, not crisis management, is the future of mental healthTrauma, invisibility, resilience, and emotional survivalThe role of parents, teachers, and society in raising emotionally healthy childrenPractical ways to quiet the inner critic and build self-compassionWhy mental health education must start before birthTana also shares her own extraordinary journey—from teacher and housemistress to a life-changing mental health breakdown—and how that experience reshaped her mission to transform how we understand emotional development, trauma, and healing. This episode is essential listening for: ✔ Parents and caregivers ✔ Teachers and educators ✔ Mental health professionals ✔ Leaders and coaches ✔ Anyone exploring healing, self-awareness, and emotional growth

    53 min
  3. 29 JAN

    Michelle Bauge: on Self-Worth, Children’s Emotional Health & Purpose-Driven Publishing

    What if self-love wasn’t something we had to earn, but something we were born with? In this heartfelt conversation, Michelle Baer, author of Heart Full of Love and Heart Full of Empathy, joins Gill Tiney to explore children’s emotional wellbeing, intrinsic self-worth, empathy, and the power of purpose-driven storytelling. Michelle shares how observing her granddaughter sparked a realization: children are born whole, loving, and confident, until societal labels and external validation begin to erode that truth.  The episode dives into why nurturing self-love and empathy early in life is essential, especially in a world shaped by comparison, pressure, and digital influence. Michelle explains how her books gently address complex topics such as mental health, parental imprisonment, physical differences, and non-traditional identities, without shame, judgment, or fear, creating safe emotional spaces for both children and parents. Beyond the message, Michelle opens up about the realities of publishing a book, from the cathartic act of writing to the practical challenges of editing, illustrating, self-publishing, and marketing. She highlights the importance of collaboration, community support, and asking for help when bringing creative ideas into the world. Together, Gill and Michelle reflect on why these books resonate just as deeply with adults as they do with children, the role schools and educators play in emotional development, and why helping young people pursue what lights them up, sports, arts, or creative passions, builds confidence, belonging, and resilience. This episode is a reminder that love and empathy are not soft skills, they are life skills.

    43 min
  4. 27 JAN

    David Abel on Purpose-Driven Work, Community & Human Connection : Authenticity, ADHD & Inner Genius

    What happens when you stop masking who you are, and start building a life and business that feels alive? In this deeply human conversation, David Abel, founder of The Digital Lightbulb, joins Jill Tiney to explore authenticity, undiagnosed ADHD, inner genius, and the power of community over transactional success. David shares how years of masking his true self led to exhaustion, and how embracing authenticity unlocked creativity, connection, and purpose-driven work. Together, they discuss why most people have a “blind spot” to their own genius, the importance of external feedback, and how meaningful relationships help us recognize strengths we often overlook. Gill expands on the ethos behind Collaboration Global, a community built on mutual support, human connection, and contribution rather than status or networking optics. The episode also dives into parenting in a digital world, screen addiction, intergenerational wisdom, and the importance of open dialogue within families. From simple rituals that encourage emotional expression to redefining success beyond money, this conversation challenges listeners to rethink growth, fulfillment, and what truly matters. David reflects on his career journey, from chasing wealth and boardroom success to prioritizing purpose, fatherhood, learning, and impact. He shares his guiding philosophy of “learn, change, grow” and why helping others, building community, and creating purpose-led initiatives leads to a richer, more meaningful life, especially in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven world.

    1h 2m
  5. 9 JAN

    Nicholas Adkins - the Pink Socks Movement, Fear, and Choosing Love

    In this inspiring conversation, Gill Tiney and Nicholas Adkins, founder of the Pink Socks Movement, explore the transformative power of authentic human connection in a digitally connected yet emotionally disconnected world. They unpack the difference between connectivity and true connection, reminding us that genuine relationships are built through presence, openness, and self-expression, not algorithms or screens. From everyday moments on trains and in grocery stores to global movements rooted in kindness, this episode invites listeners to reconnect with what it means to be human. Nicholas shares the origin story of the Pink Socks Movement, a simple act of gifting pink socks that sparked over 300,000 meaningful connections worldwide. Each pair serves as a reminder to see the good in others, spark conversations, and lead with love. Gill and Nicholas also dive into how fear, social conditioning, and polarization limit our ability to connect, and how choosing love, curiosity, and diversity can radically expand our world. The conversation also introduces Nicholas’s book, “The Pink Socks,” a heartfelt collection of real stories designed to be gifted and shared, with all proceeds supporting the Pink Socks Life nonprofit.  🎧 In this episode, you’ll discover: Why authentic self-expression creates deeper human connectionThe difference between digital connectivity and emotional connectionHow fear blocks relationships and how to move through it with loveThe philosophy and global impact of the Pink Socks MovementWhy engaging with people different from you enriches life and leadershipIf you’re interested in human connection, kindness, leadership, emotional intelligence, personal growth, or social impact, this episode will leave you inspired to look up, smile, and connect, one small moment at a time.

    56 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Gill Tiney of Collaboration Global in conversation with guests who share their wisdom accumulated from the experiences of their lives. They are simply Human Beings with Hidden Depths - just like you! Music by One Man 6 Strings production.