Forging Resilience Aaron Hill

WARNING: Listener discretion is advised. This episode discusses a suicide attempt.

Liz McConaghy was a former RAF loadmaster. Our latest episode unpacks  raw and riveting transformation from ramps of a Chinook, to a beacon of hope as a mental health advocate.

Her journey, detailed in "Chinook Crew Chick" and echoed in her keynote speeches, reveals the grueling reality of physical injuries, the specter of PTSD, and the pursuit of new purpose post-service. Liz's story isn't just about survival; it's a testimony to the power of vulnerability in overcoming life's darkest moments and finding solidarity in shared struggles.

Grief and trauma can weave complex webs in our lives, but understanding how to navigate these challenges can illuminate pathways to healing. This episode doesn't shy away from exploring the intricate dance between professional duty and personal pain that Liz experienced within the RAF's stoic culture.

Liz emphasizes that resilience is not about being unbreakable; it's about growing stronger through setbacks and discovering that our worth extends far beyond our achievements.

Her message is clear: sharing our narratives can foster profound connections and serve as a catalyst for personal and collective growth. Prepare to be moved and motivated as we explore the profound impact that openness, self-care, and teamwork can have on our mental health and overall well-being.

https://www.chinookcrewchick.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-mcconaghy-84a46822/

https://www.instagram.com/chinookcrewchick/

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Vix Anderton, a former intelligence officer turned coach, understands the feeling all too well. On our latest episode, she takes us on a personal journey, from the disciplined world of the Royal Air Force to confronting burnout head-on in the international development sector.

A discussion about the damaging effects of "pernicious not enoughness" and how Vix's military precision and her passion for community and self-knowledge became the backbone of her coaching philosophy. As we unpack the conversation with Vix, we tread the fine line between ambition and self-destruction that perfectionism often draws.

Join us for an episode that not only addresses the challenges of perfectionism and burnout but also offers a compassionate lens through which to view our collective journey towards wholeness.

And if you're looking to connect with Vix for more wisdom, her unique online presence is just a click away.

https://vixanderton.com/

https://www.instagram.com/vix_anderton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vix-anderton/

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WARNING: Listener discretion is advised.

This episode contains the harrowing details of  a traumatic grizzly bear attack and mentions a suicide attempt. 

When the wilderness speaks, Jeremy Evans listens—but nothing could have prepared him for the day nature's ferocity answered back. In a candid and gripping conversation, Jeremy, a seasoned outdoorsman turned author, recounts the visceral terror of a bear attack during a remote sheep hunting trip in Alberta's mountains.

Jeremy describes the violent clash that pitted him against a grizzly's rage. Beyond the physical ordeal, he delves into the psychological aftermath, laying bare the complexities of mental health and the arduous journey of recovery.

His story is not just a chilling survival saga—it's a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the healing power of humor, and the strength found in family bonds.

His narrative is punctuated by moments of unexpected levity, like the echo of "Baby Shark" that propelled him forward, and leads into his purpose-driven initiatives, like the Grizzly Dude Fund.

Jeremy transforms his pain into advocacy, inspiring us all to rise from adversity. His journey is not merely about enduring the wild—it's about transforming trauma into a beacon of hope for others.

https://crowdfunding.ucalgary.ca/o/university-of-calgary/i/ucrowdfund/s/grizzly-dude

https://www.instagram.com/thegrizzlydude1/

https://www.grizzlydude.ca/

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Our latest episode features Tom Foxley, an inspiring former Royal Marine who redefined himself as a coach for elite athletes and entrepreneurs. His gripping tale weaves through childhood adversities and physical challenges, emerging into a profound understanding of mental fortitude and leadership.

As Tom shares his experiences, we discover the powerful synergy between sensitivity and strength and how it shapes transformative leadership.

We venture into the world of personal development with him, dissecting the paradox of imposter syndrome and complacency.

As we close the conversation, Tom takes us into the communal and introspective journey within CrossFit and his entrepreneurial ventures. Each story is a brushstroke in the portrait of a life lived intentionally, highlighting the tools and strategies—from breathwork to the psychological understanding of our vagus nerve—that can profoundly alter our life's trajectory.

https://www.tomfoxley.me/

https://www.instagram.com/tomfoxley

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Dan Lowes, our guest who takes us from the cockpit of an RAF fighter jet to the frontlines of leadership consultancy.

From member of the elite Red Arrows, and now, a mentor guiding sports teams and leaders in the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Peer into the intricate dance of debriefing, not just routine but an art form that can mean the difference between success and failure. Daniel's vivid narratives take us through the psychological undercurrents of high-performance teams, where trust is the currency and clear communication the lifeline.

The tales of his tenure with the Red Arrows, combined with the wisdom he imparts to leaders under pressure, underscore the profound impact of leadership styles that foster growth, adaptability, and a culture where learning from errors is not feared but embraced.

As we chart the course of Daniel's storied career, we're reminded that true excellence is a pursuit rather than a destination. He shares the strategies for building cohesive relationships within a team, and the importance of humility and self-awareness in the face of ego. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-lowes-6902b41b3/




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Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and sometimes they come at you fast and hard. Just ask Josh Fletcher, as a former rugby player turned F2 and F3 motorsport strength and conditioning coach, Josh's journey is a masterclass in redefining success and finding balance amidst chaos.

Ever feel like the world's weight is squarely on your shoulders? Josh's encounter with burnout and his wake-up call on a beach in Thailand will resonate deeply as he unveils the importance of self-awareness in battling stress. His transformative journey to India and work with Olympic athletes and Special Forces speaks to the heart of what it means to support each other through life's ups and downs.

Strap in for a look at the "recognize, reset, and refocus" technique, a game-changing strategy for anyone looking to keep stress at bay, whether you're on the racetrack or juggling life's daily demands.

Josh's narrative doesn't just stop at resilience; it encompasses the holistic view of maintaining well-being, managing stress proactively, and embracing the full spectrum of our human experience.

By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with a toolbox of strategies for facing your own challenges head-on and a fresh perspective.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-fletcher-36151623/

https://www.wellnessblueprint.co.uk/

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