Access to Inspiration

Sue Stockdale
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

Access to Inspiration is an award-winning podcast ranked among the top 10% of podcasts globally, featuring conversations with explorers, entrepreneurs, business leaders and changemakers from around the world. Hosted by executive coach, author and polar explorer Sue Stockdale, the podcast explores leadership, resilience, personal growth, innovation, exploration and the mindset required to navigate uncertainty.  With guests from more than 30 countries, each episode uncovers the stories behind remarkable achievements, revealing the lessons learned through challenge, adversity and discovery. Topics span leadership, business, adventure, sustainability, creativity, social impact and human potential. Listeners gain practical insights, fresh perspectives and actionable ideas to help them build confidence, embrace change and step beyond their comfort zones. Whether you are a leader, entrepreneur, professional, explorer or lifelong learner, Access to Inspiration offers thought-provoking conversations designed to inspire personal and professional growth. Learn more at Access to Inspiration Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

  1. 6d ago

    157. Hilde Fålun Strøm and others: The Call of the Arctic

    (00:00:00) 157. Hilde Fålun Strøm and others: The Call of the Arctic (00:01:26) Life in Polar Night (00:02:40) 19 months at Bamsebu (00:05:58) Tourism and Conservation Role (00:09:24) Avalanche Turning Point (00:09:56) Rapid Warming in Svalbard (00:12:04) Tourism Growth and Regulations (00:13:33) Polar Bears and Sea Ice (00:16:17) First-Time Arctic Impressions (00:18:21) Seeing Climate Change Up Close (00:19:48) Extreme Medicine Meets Climate (00:21:58) Is the Arctic Dying (00:26:01) Hilde's Message and Farewell Sue Stockdale speaks with Arctic expedition leader Hilde Fålun Strøm, who has spent more than three decades living in Svalbard, one of the fastest-changing places on Earth. Hilde shares how witnessing environmental change firsthand has shaped her perspective, why direct experience matters, and what she has learned from introducing thousands of visitors to the Arctic. The episode also features reflections from Professor Mark Hannaford, Malou Platou Johansen, and Sian Shields, who were participants in the 2026 Arctic Call expedition and conference in Svalbard. Their  encounters with glaciers, wildlife and the realities of Arctic change challenged their assumptions and prompted new ways of thinking about communication and action.   Connect with Hilde Fålun Strøm, Professor Mark Hannaford, Malou Platou Johansen, Sian Shields, and find out more about The Arctic Call.  In this episode, you'll discover: What draws people to the Arctic and why experiencing it firsthand can change their perspectiveHow the Arctic's changing environment is influencing the way people think about the futureThe importance of bringing together different perspectives, from local knowledge to scientific researchHow meaningful conversations can inspire people to take a greater interest in the Arctic and its future Key Quotes "It's the fastest warming place on Earth. Svalbard is the epicenter of climate change"."Visiting the polar regions does something to people".  "Are we witnessing the death of the Arctic?"" It's not like what's happening here stays in the Arctic. It has an impact to the rest of the world". Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

    157. Hilde Fålun Strøm and others: The Call of the Arctic

  2. Oct 14

    156. Kristy Halvorsen: Trusting the Unknown - Living Life Without a Map

    (00:00:00) 156. Kristy Halvorsen: Trusting the Unknown - Living Life Without a Map (00:02:29) Coddiwomple Explained (00:03:51) Reinvention Through Openness (00:05:16) A Day of Unplanned Magic (00:09:45) What Freedom Really Is (00:11:47) Staying Safe Off Grid (00:14:12) From Loneliness to Connection (00:17:20) Home as a State of Mind (00:19:51) Letting Go of Labels (00:21:28) Favourite Places on the Road (00:24:23) Journaling and Making It Work (00:26:29) Skills from a Past Life (00:29:50) One Step Into the Unknown What happens when you walk away from a successful career, sell almost everything you own, and choose to live without knowing what comes next? Host Sue Stockdale speaks with author, mentor and full-time traveller Kristy Halvorsen, whose life took a dramatic turn when she left behind a successful career as a firefighter to live on the road in an Airstream trailer. Nearly a decade later, Kristy continues to embrace what she calls a "coddiwomple" life — travelling purposefully towards unknown destinations and remaining open to whatever unfolds. In this thought-provoking conversation, Kristy shares how following what she describes as the "tickles of her soul" led her to a deeper understanding of freedom, identity, belonging and human connection. She reflects on overcoming loneliness, learning to trust uncertainty, and discovering that home is not a place but a state of mind. Along the way, she reveals how the lessons she learned as an engineer and firefighter continue to help her navigate life off-grid and embrace the unexpected.This conversation explores courage, reinvention, freedom, self-discovery and what becomes possible when we stop trying to control every step of the journey. You will learn: Why Kristy left a secure career to live and travel full-time in an AirstreamWhat the word coddiwomple means and how it became her philosophy for lifeWhy reinvention is often the result of experience rather than intentionHow embracing uncertainty can create unexpected opportunities and connectionsWhat she learned about loneliness, solitude and belonging during nearly a decade on the roadWhy freedom is more about mindset than circumstancesHow engineering and firefighting shaped her resilience and resourcefulnessWhat it means to trust the "tickles of your soul" when facing an important decisionWhy home can be a feeling rather than a physical placeKey Quote "The tickles of our soul are the ultimate guidance. Just take the one step and trust the unknown." About Kristy Halvorsen Kristy Halvorsen is an author, coach, former firefighter and full-time traveller who has spent nearly ten years living off-grid and exploring North America from her Airstream trailer. After leaving behind a conventional career and lifestyle, she embraced a life of uncertainty, adventure and personal discovery. Her book, Perfect Unfolding, chronicles one remarkable year of her journey and explores themes of freedom, connection, trust and transformation. Through her writing Kristy encourages others to listen to their inner guidance and embrace the possibilities that emerge when they step into the unknown. Connect with Kristy Halvorsen via her website: Perfect Unfolding and on Instagram Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

    156. Kristy Halvorsen: Trusting the Unknown - Living Life Without a Map

  3. Oct 7

    155.Mario Haberfeld: Conservation, Courage and the Jaguar Rivers Initiative

    (00:00:00) 155.Mario Haberfeld: Conservation, Courage and the Jaguar Rivers Initiative (00:01:19) Africa Trip Inspiration (00:02:38) Racing to Conservation (00:05:17) Starting in Pantanal (00:07:13) Habituating Jaguars (00:09:08) Oncafari Expands Mission (00:13:28) Biggest Challenges Fires (00:16:21) Funding and Community Wins (00:20:09) Lessons from Motorsport (00:24:16) Advice for Changemakers (00:26:45) Jaguar Rivers Initiative (00:30:23) Most Memorable Jaguar Moment What happens when a former Formula One and IndyCar driver decides his next challenge is saving one of the world's most iconic big cats? Host Sue Stockdale speaks with Brazilian conservationist and former racing driver Mario Haberfeld, founder of Onçafari, one of South America's leading wildlife conservation organisations.  Mario shares how a childhood journey to Africa sparked a lifelong fascination with wildlife, a passion that remained alive throughout a successful motorsport career. After retiring from racing, Mario embarked on a two-year global journey to understand conservation efforts around the world. What emerged was an ambitious vision which has evolved since 2011- to create a sustainable future for jaguars in Brazil through ecotourism, scientific research, habitat protection and community engagement. Mario explains how Onçafari pioneered the habituation of wild jaguars, transforming wildlife tourism in Brazil's Pantanal region while creating economic opportunities for local communities. He also discusses the growing threat of climate-driven wildfires, the importance of long-term thinking, and the ambitious Jaguar Rivers Initiative, a multinational effort to connect wildlife corridors across Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia.  This conversation explores leadership, perseverance, teamwork and the power of following a passion. You will learn:  How a childhood trip to Africa inspired Mario's conservation journeyWhy he transitioned from professional motorsport to wildlife protectionThe pioneering work Onçafari has done to habituate jaguars safelyHow ecotourism can support both conservation and local communitiesWhy climate change and wildfires are now among the greatest threats to biodiversityWhat motorsport taught Mario about leadership, teamwork and resilienceThe vision behind the Jaguar Rivers Initiative and its international impactAdvice for anyone wanting to create meaningful change in the world Key Quote "If your passion is big enough to accept the challenges, then everything is achievable."  About Mario Haberfeld Mario Haberfeld is a former Formula One test driver and IndyCar racer who founded Onçafari, a pioneering Brazilian conservation organisation dedicated to protecting jaguars. Since its launch, Onçafari has expanded from a single project in the Pantanal to a multi-biome conservation initiative combining wildlife research, rewilding, education, community development and habitat protection. Mario is also a driving force behind the international Jaguar Rivers Initiative, which seeks to connect critical wildlife corridors across South America.  Connect with Onçafari via website  and Instagram  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

    155.Mario Haberfeld: Conservation, Courage and the Jaguar Rivers Initiative

  4. Sep 30

    154.Margaret Heffernan: Why Great Leadership Needs Friction, Doubt and Better Questions

    (00:00:00) 154.Margaret Heffernan: Why Great Leadership Needs Friction, Doubt and Better Questions (00:01:02) Why Leaders Love Failures (00:04:04) Inspiration needs Friction (00:09:08) From Inspiration to Next Steps (00:12:46) Time and Cooling Off (00:15:18) Efficiency Myth and Multitasking (00:19:28) Isolation from the Coalface (00:21:25) Trust Makes Leaders (00:25:08) Inspiration Fuels Creativity (00:29:28) Questions over Answers (00:31:00) Running Towards Uncertainty (00:33:33) Personal Practices and Listening What if the very thing most leaders try to avoid, friction, is exactly what organisations need most?   Sue Stockdale talks to entrepreneur, leadership thinker and bestselling author Margaret Heffernan who challenges some of the most common assumptions about leadership, innovation and inspiration. Drawing on decades of experience leading organisations and researching business success and failure, Margaret argues that progress rarely comes from certainty, speed or having all the answers. Instead, she makes the case for doubt, dissent, curiosity and collective intelligence.  Sue and Margaret explore why leaders are often more interested in learning from failure than success, how organisations become trapped by an obsession with efficiency, and why inspiration alone is never enough to create meaningful change. They discuss the importance of slowing down, asking better questions, listening deeply, and creating environments where people feel safe to challenge ideas. Margaret also shares practical insights from her own creative process, revealing how she develops ideas, writes books, and navigates uncertainty without rushing to easy answers.   You will learn: Why mistakes are often a leader's greatest source of learningThe difference between inspiration and implementationHow friction, challenge and doubt improve decision-makingWhy leaders should ask better questions instead of providing answersThe dangers of prioritising efficiency over creativityHow collective intelligence outperforms individual brillianceThe importance of embracing uncertainty rather than avoiding itPractical ways leaders can build more creative and resilient organisationsKey Quote "The job of a leader is to create the conditions in which great people can do the best work of their lives."  About Margaret Heffernan Margaret Heffernan is an entrepreneur, CEO, keynote speaker and bestselling author whose books include Willful Blindness, Uncharted and Embracing Uncertainty. Her work explores leadership, innovation, organisational culture and the challenges of navigating an increasingly complex world. Connect with Margaret Heffernan via website and LinkedIn Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

    154.Margaret Heffernan: Why Great Leadership Needs Friction, Doubt and Better Questions

  5. Sep 22

    153.David Brabham: Life at 200mph - What it takes to win in endurance racing

    (00:00:00) 153.David Brabham: Life at 200mph - What it takes to win in endurance racing (00:02:47) Farm Life and Go Karting (00:05:00) Motivation and Parental Support (00:07:37) What Le Mans Means (00:10:39) Focus at 200mph (00:12:46) Stints, Sleep and Preparation (00:16:59) Fitness, Heat and Mindfulness (00:19:55) Team culture and leadership (00:24:17) Resetting after setbacks (00:29:01) Mentoring and Feedback (00:31:05) Le Mans Journey Lesson What does it take to perform at your best when the stakes are high, the pressure never stops, and one small mistake can end months or years of preparation? Sue Stockdale speaks with Le Mans winner David Brabham, whose career spans more than three decades at the highest levels of motorsport, including Formula One, Le Mans, and endurance racing. The youngest son of three-time Formula One World Champion Sir Jack Brabham, David's path into racing was far from inevitable. In fact, he didn't discover the sport until he was 17 years old. Drawing on his experiences of competing at the sharpest edge of human and machine performance, David shares what racing has taught him about focus, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and making good decisions under pressure. From driving at more than 200 mph through the night at Le Mans to building high-performing teams in business, he reveals the mindset that helped him achieve one of motorsport's greatest prizes. The conversation explores the importance of preparation, managing energy, creating the right team culture, and understanding that success is rarely about individual talent alone. David also reflects on why winning the Le Mans 24 Hours ultimately taught him that the journey matters far more than the trophy itself. You will learn:  What it takes to stay focused during a 24-hour endurance raceThe mental techniques used to maintain concentration under extreme pressureWhy sleep, fitness, nutrition, and mindset all contribute to peak performanceHow creating the right team environment leads to better decisions and resultsWhy mistakes and setbacks often contain the greatest opportunities for growthKey Quote "It wasn't about the trophy. It was about the journey. The people you met, the people you worked with, the people who inspired you. That's what made standing on that podium meaningful."  Find out more about David Brabham on his website or Instagram  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

    153.David Brabham: Life at 200mph - What it takes to win in endurance racing

  6. Sep 16

    152. Krzysztof Karolczak: AI and the Future of Work

    What if AI could free us from the reactive work that consumes most of our day and create more space for creativity, purpose, and human connection? Sue Stockdale speaks with entrepreneur and AI innovator Krzysztof Karolczak, who has spent more than two decades building companies. After taking a sabbatical to focus on family, Krzysztof returned to work determined not to fall back into the 80-hour work weeks that had previously defined his entrepreneurial life.Instead, he began experimenting with AI as a "delegation layer", creating systems that handle much of the reactive work that traditionally occupies leaders' time. The result has transformed how he works, allowing him to focus on creativity, strategic thinking, and what he believes are the uniquely human contributions that technology cannot replace.   The conversation explores his vision for the future of work, offering an alternative perspective on how AI might help people become more fully alive rather than simply more efficient. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Krzysztof no longer sees himself as a "builder" but as a "multiplier"How AI can act as a delegation layer for repetitive and reactive workWhy he believes businesses need a purpose beyond profitThe concept of moving from reactive behaviour to creative actionHow future organisations may resemble living systems rather than traditional hierarchiesWhy curiosity and agency could become the defining skills of the next generationThe importance of inspiration, trust, and deep conversation in an AI-powered worldWhat Krzysztof means by pursuing "aliveness"How a singing AI hackathon generated both innovation and human connectionWhy the "architecture of attention" may become a critical leadership challengeKey Quote "We are all holders of unique wisdom because each of us has a unique set of experiences and unexpressed ideas. We learn about ourselves through the relationships we have in life." About Krzysztof Karolczak Krzysztof Karolczak is an entrepreneur, technologist, and founder who has been building businesses since the age of sixteen. With more than two decades of experience creating and scaling companies, he is now focused on helping founders and organisations harness artificial intelligence to create more human-centred ways of working.  Today he works across multiple ventures, exploring how AI can support leaders, unlock human potential, and enable organisations to evolve into more adaptive, purpose-driven systems. His work centres on the future of work, organisational design, agency, creativity, and what he calls the pursuit of "aliveness" in both business and life. Connect with Krzysztof https://startcreating.ai/  and on Linkedin  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra  This episode includes AI-generated content.

    152. Krzysztof Karolczak: AI and the Future of Work

  7. Sep 9

    151. Mike Foreman: From Navy Pilot to NASA Astronaut

    (00:00:00) 151. Mike Foreman: From Navy Pilot to NASA Astronaut (00:00:12) Meet Mike Foreman (00:02:53) Navy Pilot to NASA (00:03:38) Three Applications Later (00:06:35) Life in NASA (00:08:25) How Astronauts Train (00:10:46) First Spacewalk Nerves (00:11:32) Earth View Effect (00:12:22) Spacesuit Fit Scare (00:15:52) Spacewalk Work and Fatigue (00:18:03) Returning to Gravity (00:21:13) Life After Space (00:22:06) Fame and Being Ordinary (00:23:49) How Many Astronauts (00:24:55) Mars and Artemis Future (00:26:44) Why Explore Mars (00:29:57) Closing Stories and Goodbye What does it take to leave Earth behind and step into space? Sue Stockdale speaks with former NASA astronaut Mike Foreman, whose remarkable career took him from flying helicopters in the U.S. Navy to completing two Space Shuttle missions and multiple spacewalks aboard the International Space Station. Mike shares the persistence required to become an astronaut after eight applications to NASA, the realities of astronaut training, and the physical and mental demands of working in space. He reflects on his first spacewalk, the awe-inspiring view of Earth from orbit, and the challenges of returning to gravity after living beyond our planet. The conversation also explores the future of human space exploration, including the Artemis programme and the possibility of missions to Mars, as well as Mike's thoughts on why exploration continues to matter. In this episode: Mike's journey from Navy pilot to NASA astronautThe astronaut selection process and lessons in persistenceTraining for life and work in spaceThe experience of conducting spacewalksViewing Earth from orbitLife after NASAThe future of lunar and Mars explorationWhether you're fascinated by space, leadership, resilience, or human potential, Mike's story offers a compelling insight into what can be achieved through determination, curiosity and a willingness to venture into the unknown. About Mike Foreman Mike Foreman is a former NASA astronaut, retired U.S. Navy Captain, and aerospace engineer whose career has taken him from the cockpit of military aircraft and into space. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Naval Postgraduate School, and U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, he accumulated more than 7,500 flight hours across over 50 different aircraft types. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1998, Mike spent more than 637 hours in space during two Space Shuttle missions, STS-123 and STS-129. He completed five spacewalks, totalling over 32 hours, helping to construct and maintain the International Space Station. Today, he shares lessons from his extraordinary experiences as a speaker and serves as the Mayor of Friendswood, Texas. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra  This episode includes AI-generated content.

    151. Mike Foreman: From Navy Pilot to NASA Astronaut

  8. 06/11/2025 ·  Bonus

    Celebrating 150 Episodes: Reflections and Insights from Access to Inspiration

    In this special bonus episode, Pierre Heistein, who was guest in episode 91 takes the host's chair alongside co-founders Sue Stockdale and Clive Steeper. They celebrate reaching 150 episodes by reflecting on the conversations with guests, lessons learned, and the common threads that bind these stories together. Pierre delves into the origins of the podcast, what does it mean to be inspirational,  and how the show has impacted Sue and Clive and their listeners.  Together they discuss how the podcast has influenced their perspectives about life and work, and how they look to the future for taking the next steps of development. Key Reflections "The most inspirational people often have an overriding purpose – something greater than themselves that motivates them to act."“Inspiration is about more than success or achievement. It's about attitude – a willingness to explore, to take risks, and to stay curious.”“Many of our guests had to embrace uncertainty or ambiguity at some point in their journey."“Being an inspiration to others was often something guests had not considered about themselves.”“The podcast is designed to challenge assumptions – by hearing from people outside your own world, you begin to understand different ways of thinking.”“What guests often valued most about the interview was the opportunity to reflect on their life and what shaped them.”“Each episode is a window into someone’s world, and those windows have revealed the many forms that inspiration can take.”“These conversations continue to affirm one thing – that every person has a story worth hearing.” Time Stamps 01:26 Origins of the Podcast 03:41 Defining inspiration 06:06 Personal reflections on inspiration 12:36 The role of curiosity and vulnerability 23:31 Unexpectedly inspiring guests 27:17 The journey of resilience and tenacity 29:45 The power of ordinary acts 32:21 Impactful stories from the podcast 36:17 The Atuel river journey 42:14 Reflections on longevity and success 47:54 The future of the podcast  Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

    Celebrating 150 Episodes: Reflections and Insights from Access to Inspiration
See All (181)

Trailers

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Access to Inspiration is an award-winning podcast ranked among the top 10% of podcasts globally, featuring conversations with explorers, entrepreneurs, business leaders and changemakers from around the world. Hosted by executive coach, author and polar explorer Sue Stockdale, the podcast explores leadership, resilience, personal growth, innovation, exploration and the mindset required to navigate uncertainty.  With guests from more than 30 countries, each episode uncovers the stories behind remarkable achievements, revealing the lessons learned through challenge, adversity and discovery. Topics span leadership, business, adventure, sustainability, creativity, social impact and human potential. Listeners gain practical insights, fresh perspectives and actionable ideas to help them build confidence, embrace change and step beyond their comfort zones. Whether you are a leader, entrepreneur, professional, explorer or lifelong learner, Access to Inspiration offers thought-provoking conversations designed to inspire personal and professional growth. Learn more at Access to Inspiration Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Sue Stockdale
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    181
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Access to Inspiration
  • Show Website
    Access to Inspiration

You Might Also Like