Self-Worth in Times of Chaos

John Niland
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

How do people keep going in times of rupture, when life stops following the rules? Through honest, unhurried conversations with people who have faced redundancy, burnout, health challenges, loss, financial strain, career disruption, and major life transitions, the podcast explores what sustains us when confidence, success and certainty fall away. This is not about positive thinking or quick fixes. It is about the deeper fuel of self-worth — the inner source of dignity, energy, and resilience that allows people to live, work, and relate with clarity and humanity in chaotic times. Each episode invites reflection on how living from self-worth cultivates both hope and strength — the kind that endures when outcomes, roles, and approval can no longer carry us.

  1. 6h ago

    How self-perception is changing, with Dr. Samreen Ashraf

    In this episode, Dr. Samreen Ashraf, Associate Head of Bournemouth University Business School, explores the evolving landscape of identity, especially in the context of higher education and AI's impact on self-perception and social skills. We discuss how changes in academia, technology, and societal expectations are reshaping who we are and how we relate to others. Topics The impact on UK universities of a drop in student numbersThe shifting nature of academic identity and its multiple facetsThe importance of self-reflection and sitting with oneself in a digital ageThe impact of AI on patience, social skills, and mental healthGenerational differences in identity and work perceptionThe historical roots of identity studies in psychology and sociologyThe role of self-perception and verification in social anxiety and confidenceFuture challenges and opportunities for maintaining authentic self in a tech-driven worldChapters 00:00 Introduction to the challenges in higher education and personal identity 02:37 Impact on careers 03:36 How career changes influence personal identity and self-perception 07:58 Reflections on defining oneself through work and personal passions 09:54 The origins of identity research and its relevance today 12:59 Identity in a business context 15:56 Future implications of AI on mental health: losing the art of patience 17:56 Other mental health effects of AI: self-perception 19:29 The social impact of AI on younger generations and interpersonal skills 22:21 Advice for young people on balancing AI use and self-development Keywords identity, higher education, AI, social skills, self-perception, academic careers, future of work, technology impact Guest Contact Details: Dr Samreen Ashraf can be contacted by email on sashraf@bournemouth.ac.uk or via her Youtube channel: youtube.com/channel/UCC-RCJaPavcoSM0DXM5rCUw Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  2. Sep 30

    What do you value? (with Andrea Rees)

    In this conversation, Andrea Rees and John explore the nature of chaos, its role in growth and creativity, and how curiosity and values can help us navigate uncertain times. They share personal stories, insights on social practice art, and reflections on the future of society and connection. Topics The definition of chaos and its positive and negative aspectsChaos theory and its implications for changeThe role of curiosity in navigating chaosPersonal stories of resilience and valuesSocial practice art and activism as tools for social changeThe importance of stopping and observing in creative processesThe impact of organizational control on creativityThe future of society and the importance of connectionChapters 00:00 What is chaos? 03:50 Chaos as a driver of growth and change 05:38 Control versus observation in organisations 07:08 The importance of pausing and curiosity 09:01 Personal story: resilience through values 10:00 Values guiding through crisis 12:25 The role of curiosity in personal and professional life 14:22 The future of society and connection 16:50 Social practice art and activism explained 20:30 Creating common ground through art Keywords chaos, creativity, curiosity, social practice art, values, growth, uncertainty, connection, activism, future Guest Contact Details: To see some of Andrea Rees’s art and for contact details, visit https://www.andreareesart.org/ For more about the Common Ground Belgium project, see https://www.becommonground.net/ Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  3. Sep 23

    Growing up between cultures, with Aziza Tria

    Aziza Tria shares her journey through childhood chaos, growing up in Tunisia and how it shaped her later work in conscious parenting and personal development. Discover how her experiences led her to help others navigate relationship transitions and build resilience. Topics ​​Aziza's childhood chaos and adaptationThe role of unconscious survival mechanismsThe importance of self-worth and self-compassionTransitioning through identity shifts with childrenThe impact of therapy and education on personal growthConscious parenting and relationship dynamicsThe significance of patience and regulation in parentingThe butterfly effect of meaningful encountersChapters 00:00 Introducing Aziza Tria and her childhood chaos 02:57 Growing up as a girl in Tunisia 05:41 Navigating the complexity of belonging 11:15 Becoming a mother and adapting to the responsibility 13:05 Aziza's work in conscious parenting 17:24 The pathway of encounter and being able to contribute Keywords self-worth, chaos, resilience, childhood trauma, abandonment, identity, belonging, survival mode, people-pleasing, emotional regulation, conscious parenting, relationships, therapy, coaching, personal growth, family trauma, parenting Guest Contact Details: Aziza can be contacted by email on azizatria@hotmail.com  Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  4. Sep 16

    The Power of Perception, with Pratiqk Jaani

    Pratiqk Jaani shares his transformative journey through chaos, illness, and self-discovery, showing how shifting awareness and overcoming fear can lead to a life of purpose and inner peace. Topics Pratiqk's experience with tuberculosis and chaosThe moment of decision and overcoming fear of deathThe role of perception and conditioning in lifeTechniques for shifting awareness and neuroplasticityThe importance of experimentation and connecting dotsPratik's current work on self-awareness and inner peaceChapters 00:00 Introduction to Chaos and Perception 02:49 Personal Chaos: The Journey Through Illness 06:47 The Turning Point: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Freedom 12:11 Transformative Experiences: Hypnotherapy and Self-Discovery 16:31 The Essence of Self: Understanding Conditioning and Awareness 19:39 Core Strengths and Influences: The Path to Resilience 21:12 Wisdom in Chaos: Acceptance and Action Keywords self-awareness, chaos, fear, transformation, perception, neuroplasticity, hypnotherapy, inner peace, life change Guest Contact Details: Pratiqk can be contacted via his website: https://www.pratiqkjaani.com/ which also has details about his recent book. Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  5. Sep 9

    Embracing Authenticity and Openness, with Kristin Engvig

    Kristin Engvig, the founder of WIN, shares insights on navigating chaos, fostering authenticity and the future of inclusive leadership. Kristin talks about how her global movement empowers women and promotes values like openness and beauty in a rapidly changing and chaotic world. Topics Navigating chaos in a global contextHow the world has changed for women over the past 30 yearsThe larger vision of WIN, beyond conferencesThe importance of authenticity and opennessThe role of values like beauty and collaborationImpact of political and economic chaos on women’s networksFuture trends in inclusive leadershipChapters 00:00 Introduction to Kristin Engvig and WIN 01:46 Forces of chaos in the world 04:00 Impact of global chaos on women’s networks and initiatives 07:36 The larger vision: creating a world where all flourish 10:37 Beyond Fitting In: How can I bring more of me to work? 13:34 Values beyond gender: authenticity, collaboration, and integrity 15:45 Combatting the fear by being open and interconnected 19:46 Beauty as a response to ugliness in the world Keywords leadership, authenticity, gender equality, chaos management, future of work, women empowerment, values, collaboration, creativity, global movement Guest Contact Details: For details of the WIN Conferences and events see www.winconference.net Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  6. Sep 2

    Design Mavericks: Navigating Chaos with Creativity, with Marzia Arico

    Marzia Aricò shares her insights on navigating chaos through design thinking, the importance of relational meaning, and the future of organizations in the age of AI. Discover how embracing diversity, agency, and innovative structures can improve leadership and organisational resilience. Topics Design as a mindset for dealing with chaotic timesThe role of diversity and relational meaning in organizationsThe impact of AI on organizational structure and rolesBuilding agency and leadership in complex systemsDiscovering personal superpowers and diversity as strengths to create valueThe future of organizational design in a digital ageChapters 00:00 Introduction to Marzia Aricò and her work 01:44 Growing up in Sicily: Chaos as a cultural environment 02:42 From product design to organizational and leadership design 04:30 Experiences working with large organizations like JP Morgan and Adidas 06:47 Finding levers of change in organizational complexity 07:37 The importance of agency and relational meaning in chaos 10:38 Discovering personal superpowers and diversity as strengths 12:31 The impact of neurodivergence and unique traits in organizational roles 14:39 The future of organizations in the age of AI 20:45 Different organizational responses to AI adoption 23:42 Design opportunities and challenges in the AI era Keywords Design Thinking, Organizational Chaos, AI in Business, Leadership, Diversity, Agency, Future of Work Guest Contact Details: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/marziaarico Substack - https://designmavericks.substack.com/ Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  7. Aug 26

    Surviving the Drought in Journalism, with Jaimie Seaton

    In this episode, journalist Jaimie Seaton shares her experiences navigating the chaos of a drying-up journalism industry, exploring the impact of changing media landscapes, AI and reflecting on her own resilience and curiosity. Discover how she leverages persistence and curiosity to adapt and thrive beyond traditional journalism. Topics Impact of changing media landscape and subscription modelsThe pitching process and its challengesPersonal resilience and curiosity in a shifting industryNew opportunities beyond traditional journalismThe importance of persistence in getting stories outThe role of curiosity in uncovering storiesTransitioning from journalism to other content creationChapters 00:00 Introduction: The Drought of Work in Journalism 02:08 Personal Effects 06:44 The Burden of Pitching 09:35 The Need for Courage, Tenacity and Curiosity 15:06 Curiosity and Tenacity in Journalism 17:04 Exploring new avenues beyond journalism Keywords journalism, media industry, AI impact, freelancing, storytelling, persistence, curiosity, career resilience, media transition, podcasting Guest Contact Details: Jaimie can be contacted by email on jaimie@wewriteglobal.com  Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  8. Aug 19

    The Chaos of Cancer, with Amanda Mulder

    Amanda Mulder shares her deeply personal journey through cancer, medical menopause and chaos, revealing how these experiences reshaped her sense of self, resilience, and connection to nature. This conversation offers raw insights into navigating uncertainty with humor, authenticity and grounding practices. Topics Impact of cancer diagnosis on self-identityThe role of chaos: as a catalyst for self-reflection and growth.Rest and self-care are essential in healing processes.Grounding practices and nature as healing toolsBalancing hope, fear, and uncertaintyHumour and authenticity are vital for resilience.The importance of authenticity and humor during adversityChapters 00:00 The Shakeup of a Cancer Diagnosis 02:26 Impact on Sense of Self 05:36 The Need for Rest 07:14 Anchor during the crisis: My Daughter 10:37 Nature as a Source of Strength 13:19 Lessons Learned in the Midst of Chaos Keywords self-worth, chaos, cancer, menopause, resilience, grounding, nature, authenticity, mental health, personal growth Guest Contact Details: Amanda can be contacted by email on mulderamanda@gmail.com  Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

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About

How do people keep going in times of rupture, when life stops following the rules? Through honest, unhurried conversations with people who have faced redundancy, burnout, health challenges, loss, financial strain, career disruption, and major life transitions, the podcast explores what sustains us when confidence, success and certainty fall away. This is not about positive thinking or quick fixes. It is about the deeper fuel of self-worth — the inner source of dignity, energy, and resilience that allows people to live, work, and relate with clarity and humanity in chaotic times. Each episode invites reflection on how living from self-worth cultivates both hope and strength — the kind that endures when outcomes, roles, and approval can no longer carry us.

Information

  • Creator
    John Niland
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Self-Worth in Times of Chaos
  • Show Website
    Self-Worth in Times of Chaos