WHOLE: The Podcast

Christabel Heasman-Cossins
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Performing Arts

Achievement is healthiest and most sustainable when it is aligned with meaning, authenticity, values and psychological flexibility. WHOLE: The Podcast explores the stories and psychology behind sustained meaningful achievement, and how people continue evolving despite the inevitable challenges. Hosted by Christabel Heasman-Cossins (performer, presenter, coach and researcher), WHOLE looks beyond surface-level ideas of success to examine how people build meaningful careers, navigate challenge, and continue evolving across creative, professional and athletic fields. Through conversations with individuals from the arts, sport, media and beyond - alongside reflections grounded in academic perspectives on motivation, performance and the self - WHOLE: The Podcast explores what drives people not only to begin a path, but to sustain it. This podcast grew out of the WHOLE Framework - What, Honesty, Ownership, Living It and Evolution - which recognises meaning and purpose as central components of long-term wellbeing and fulfilment. Blending lived experience with psychological insight, WHOLE offers an honest look at the human realities behind achievement, creativity and longevity. To find out more about the WHOLE Framework head to wholecoaching.co.uk Follow on Social Media: @christabelsvoice

  1. 27 Aug

    The Inspirational Story Behind a Billion Streams | Abi Flynn (singer)

    You may have heard Abi Flynn's voice millions of times without ever knowing her name. Her unmistakable vocals have featured on huge dance records including Navos’ platinum-selling Believe Me and D.O.D’s So Much In Love, with her toplines now exceeding one billion streams worldwide. Abi is the singer and songwriter behind vocals that went on to appear on multiple platinum-selling dance records. Extraordinary enough, but those vocals were originally recorded during one of the darkest periods of her life, while she was undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma. At one point, Abi says she was given just three weeks to live. She kept creating.Years later, she found herself hearing her voice on the radio while remaining uncredited and struggling to establish herself in the industry in her own right. At one stage, while raising her son as a single mother, she lost her home while another record featuring her voice went gold.Today, Abi is finally becoming known as the woman behind the voice. She is finally stepping into the spotlight in her own right, working with artists including Nathan Dawe, Joel Corry and Tinie Tempah. In this conversation, we explore what happened next: the decision to reclaim her voice, tell her story and create opportunities for herself rather than waiting for permission.Abi and I also talk about cancer, creativity, motherhood, neurodivergence, letting go, identity, self-belief, finding the right people, and the uncomfortable reality of pursuing a life built around something that matters deeply to you. This is a conversation about much more than surviving. It's about what happens when the thing that nearly disappeared from your life becomes the thing you finally decide to claim. If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe and follow WHOLE for more conversations about what it really takes to build a life around what matters to you — the choices we make, what we sometimes have to let go of, and the courage it takes to keep moving towards a meaningful life. #AbiFlynn #SingerSongwriter #MusicIndustry #DanceMusic #FemaleArtists #WomenInMusic #BehindTheMusic #Songwriter #MusicBusiness #PlatinumHits #CancerSurvivor #CancerStory #Resilience #CreativeLife #FindingYourVoice #SelfBelief #LettingGo #PersonalGrowth #WholePodcast #Podcast Takeaways: The podcast discusses the profound journey of Abby Flynn, a singer who overcame cancer, balancing her career and motherhood while facing immense struggles in the music industry.Abby Flynn reflects on how her voice became globally recognized, yet she did not receive credit or compensation for many of the songs, highlighting industry exploitation.The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding one's tribe, as Abby shares how community support was essential during her cancer journey and career challenges.Abby discusses the significance of self-belief and authenticity in pursuing one's passion, as she navigated through personal trials and professional setbacks.The episode addresses the emotional complexities of letting go of relationships and projects that no longer serve one's growth, a recurring theme in Abby's narrative.Listeners are encouraged to recognize their own strength and resilience, as Abby's story illustrates that even in the darkest times, miracles can emerge from perseverance and creativity.

    The Inspirational Story Behind a Billion Streams | Abi Flynn (singer)

  2. 20 Aug

    Are You Uncomfortable, or Just Out of Your Comfort Zone? | UNPACKED

    Takeaways: Discomfort is an inevitable aspect of pursuing meaningful endeavors that align with one's values.Individuals often find themselves confronted with challenges that test their self-concept and self-image.The willingness to embrace discomfort is crucial for personal growth and achievement.Failure is a necessary component of success, as it enables valuable lessons to be learned.Understanding the distinction between harmful and growth-oriented discomfort is paramount for personal development.One's journey may require letting go of old identities to embrace new opportunities for growth.

    Are You Uncomfortable, or Just Out of Your Comfort Zone? | UNPACKED

  3. 13 Aug

    Psychological Flexibility: How to Do What Matters Despite Anxiety | Dr David Juncos

    What if the goal isn't to eliminate anxiety? Clinical psychologist Dr David Juncos explains why trying to control anxiety often keeps people stuck—and why Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) takes a completely different approach. In this episode we explore why psychological flexibility matters, how values create lasting motivation, why procrastination and perfectionism are closely linked, and how musicians, performers and anyone facing pressure can learn to perform well even when anxiety is present. Dr David Juncos is a clinical psychologist, researcher, ACT specialist and author of ACT for Musicians. His work has helped musicians, performers and coaches around the world develop psychological flexibility and overcome performance anxiety. In this episode • Why reducing anxiety isn't the primary goal of ACT • The six processes of psychological flexibility • Why perfectionism fuels procrastination • The difference between values, goals and duties • How your self-story may be holding you back • Why discomfort doesn't mean you're on the wrong path • Practical ACT techniques you can use immediately If you enjoy conversations about psychology, wellbeing, creativity and meaningful performance, subscribe for more interviews with leading researchers, performers and thinkers.

    Psychological Flexibility: How to Do What Matters Despite Anxiety | Dr David Juncos

  4. 4 Aug

    Should You Follow Your Passion? | Carl Loben, Editor-in-Chief of DJ Mag

    What does it really take to build a successful career in music? In this episode, I sit down with Carl Loben, Editor-in-Chief of DJ Mag, music journalist, radio presenter, author and co-founder of record label, Out Yer Box. Over more than three decades, Carl has documented the evolution of electronic music, interviewed some of the biggest names in dance music and helped shape one of the world's most influential music publications. Together, we explore what it takes to build a meaningful and sustainable creative career. Carl shares why passion should come before money, how he created his own opportunities without formal journalism training, why portfolio careers are becoming the norm, and what the music industry can do to better support musician wellbeing. We also discuss the changing face of dance music, AI, social media, creativity, club culture and the future of music journalism. In this episode we discuss:How Carl became Editor-in-Chief of DJ MagBuilding a career without formal journalism trainingWhy following your passion matters more than chasing moneyThe evolution of dance music and club cultureMusic journalism in the digital ageAI and creativityPortfolio careers in the music industryRecord labels and discovering new artistsMusician wellbeing and burnoutWhy the music industry has changed so dramatically over the past 30 yearsAdvice for anyone wanting a career in music Whether you're a musician, journalist, creative professional or simply interested in building a career driven by purpose, this episode offers honest insights from someone who has spent more than 30 years at the heart of the music industry. Takeaways: The foremost requisite for aspiring music journalists is an unwavering passion for music.Establishing a career in music requires a commitment to pursuing one's passions over monetary incentives.The music industry has evolved significantly, presenting new challenges for emerging journalists and artists alike.A portfolio career, where one engages in multiple roles, can provide both stability and fulfillment in the music industry.The landscape of music journalism has shifted, as digital platforms democratize the music distribution process, complicating traditional journalistic roles.Mental health awareness in the music industry has improved, highlighting the importance of self-care and balance amidst a demanding schedule. Companies mentioned in this episode: DJ MagJack Said What RecordsMelody MakerNMEBeatportSpotify Links referenced in this episode: wholeframework.comjacksaidwhatrecords.comoutyourboxrecords.com

    Should You Follow Your Passion? | Carl Loben, Editor-in-Chief of DJ Mag

  5. 28 Jul

    Why Your Story Has the Power to Change Lives | TEDx Curator Helen Packham

    We all have a story but what if its greatest purpose isn't what it did for you, but what it could do for someone else? In this episode, I speak with TEDx curator, speaker and coach Helen Packham about the extraordinary power of personal stories to create change. Helen believes that every one of us has a story worth sharing, and that when we share it from a place of reflection rather than reaction, it can become a gift that inspires, comforts and empowers others. Helen opens up about losing her confidence after becoming a mother, the panic attacks that led her to leave a successful corporate career, and the courageous journey that ultimately took her to the TEDx stage. We explore identity, purpose, confidence, vulnerability and why our greatest challenges often become our greatest contribution. In this episode we discuss: • Why everyone has a story worth sharing • The ripple effect your story can have on others • The Hero's Journey and the anatomy of a powerful story • Why confidence is never truly lost • The difference between healing and sharing • How courage can become a guiding value • Turning life's challenges into something meaningful for others Whether you're looking to find your voice, make sense of your own journey or simply understand the power of human connection, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into how our experiences can become someone else's hope. I hope you enjoy the conversation. Takeaways: Every individual possesses a narrative worth sharing, regardless of its perceived significance.Our personal journeys can provide inspiration and hope to others facing similar challenges.The act of storytelling can serve as a powerful tool for personal and communal healing.Sharing our experiences not only benefits ourselves but also contributes positively to the lives of others. Links referenced in this episode: wholeframework.com ted.comhelenpackham.com Companies mentioned in this episode: TEDxTED

    Why Your Story Has the Power to Change Lives | TEDx Curator Helen Packham

  6. 21 Jul

    Discovering Leo Sayer, Writing Hits and Why Persistence Beats Talent | David Courtney (songwriter/producer)

    David Courtney, the man who discovered Leo Sayer, wrote and produced Roger Daltry's first solo album and whose back catalogue of songs has sold over 34 million copies worldwide. In this conversation we explore the extraordinary journey behind his career. From playing London's legendary Bag O'Nails club at just sixteen, to discovering Leo Sayer, writing Roger Daltrey's breakthrough solo hits, working with David Gilmour, and witnessing the greatest era of British music from the inside. We also discuss: • Songwriting and musical storytelling • The evolution of music production • AI and the future of creativity • Why persistence matters more than talent • Why success was never really about money This episode is a must for anyone who is a fan of music and the art of songwriting, but also it is for anyone who needs to find that spark of genius within them. If you suspect that success might be about something more than money, if you feel you are missing the final insight in your journey, or if you are looking for a wise voice to give you the encouragement you need, this episode is for you. If you enjoy conversations about music, creativity and living a meaningful life, subscribe for more interviews with the people behind some of the world's greatest music.

    Discovering Leo Sayer, Writing Hits and Why Persistence Beats Talent | David Courtney (songwriter/producer)

  7. 14 Jul

    Guy Pratt: Pink Floyd, Madonna, Michael Jackson & The Truth About a Life in Music

    Guy Pratt is one of the world's most respected bass players, known for his work with Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, Madonna, Roxy Music and countless other legendary artists. In this episode he reflects on the highs and lows of a life in music, the insecurity that never completely disappears, performing in front of 80,000 people, working with some of the biggest names in popular music, and why finding your own creative path matters more than chasing success. We also talk about comedy, confidence, luck, family, creativity, Michael Jackson, Richard Branson, David Gilmour, and the advice Guy would give to anyone hoping to build a career in the arts. An honest conversation about music, resilience, authenticity and what it really takes to sustain a creative life. Key takeaways Why success doesn't eliminate self-doubt.How Guy became Pink Floyd's bassist through an unexpected opportunity.The importance of saying no to protect your values and relationships.What it's really like performing in front of 80,000 people.The surreal story of recording for Michael Jackson.Why comedy made Guy a better musician.How family shaped his journey into music.The reality behind a decades-long career in the music industry.Why finding your people is one of the most important steps in any creative career.Guy's advice for anyone pursuing a life in music or the creative arts. Mentioned in this episode: Pink FloydRoxy MusicMadonnaMichael JacksonDeep PurpleDave GilmourThe SmithsWhitesnakeNick MasonRichard BransonVirgin RecordsIcehouseRobbie RobertsonNile RodgersJeff Beck

    Guy Pratt: Pink Floyd, Madonna, Michael Jackson & The Truth About a Life in Music

  8. 12 May

    The Art of Getting Go: How to Become the Real You

    In this solo episode of WHOLE: The Podcast, Christabel Heasman-Cossins explores the psychology of honesty, identity and letting go — and shares the personal story that led to the creation of the WHOLE Framework. What happens when the life you’ve built no longer feels aligned with who you are becoming? Through reflections on performance, exhaustion, purpose, motivation and self-identity, this episode explores the tension between external success and meaningful living, and why so many people remain stuck in lives, careers or patterns they have quietly outgrown. Christabel discusses: the fear of letting go of old identitiesperformative success and external validationmeaning, purpose and intrinsic motivationwhy change can feel psychologically threateningthe importance of honesty and self-inquiryhow the WHOLE Framework was born This episode is for anyone who feels stagnant, disconnected, creatively dulled or quietly aware that something in their life no longer fits. The WHOLE Framework: W — What H — Honesty O — Ownership L — Live It E — Evolution Explore more: wholeframework.com Follow: @christabelsvoice

    The Art of Getting Go: How to Become the Real You
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About

Achievement is healthiest and most sustainable when it is aligned with meaning, authenticity, values and psychological flexibility. WHOLE: The Podcast explores the stories and psychology behind sustained meaningful achievement, and how people continue evolving despite the inevitable challenges. Hosted by Christabel Heasman-Cossins (performer, presenter, coach and researcher), WHOLE looks beyond surface-level ideas of success to examine how people build meaningful careers, navigate challenge, and continue evolving across creative, professional and athletic fields. Through conversations with individuals from the arts, sport, media and beyond - alongside reflections grounded in academic perspectives on motivation, performance and the self - WHOLE: The Podcast explores what drives people not only to begin a path, but to sustain it. This podcast grew out of the WHOLE Framework - What, Honesty, Ownership, Living It and Evolution - which recognises meaning and purpose as central components of long-term wellbeing and fulfilment. Blending lived experience with psychological insight, WHOLE offers an honest look at the human realities behind achievement, creativity and longevity. To find out more about the WHOLE Framework head to wholecoaching.co.uk Follow on Social Media: @christabelsvoice

Information

  • Creator
    Christabel Heasman-Cossins
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Christabel Heasman-Cossins
  • Show Website
    WHOLE: The Podcast