Life’s 2nd Act: A journey into finding direction and purpose

Simon Burgess
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Life’s 2nd Act: A journey into finding direction and purpose

This podcast delves into the transformative phase later in life, exploring the challenges, new directions and uncertainties that come with it. If you’re navigating the uncertain waters of midlife, have stories to share, or insights to offer, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we’ll ride the highs and lows as we navigate the uncharted territories of this stage in life. ​ I hope by sharing stories, exploring dilemmas and seeking solutions together, the podcast will help me and others who join the journey, find that future. Find out more at www.lifes2ndact.com

  1. Susanne's journey: getting unstuck and freeing yourself from past storylines

    JAN 17

    Susanne's journey: getting unstuck and freeing yourself from past storylines

    In this episode I speak with transformative coach Susanne Kubik about her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Susanne shares her experiences of breaking free from a life of perfectionism and control.   The conversation explores themes of emotional health, the importance of acknowledging feelings, and the journey towards finding inner peace and authenticity, especially during midlife transitions.     Takeaways Feeling at peace with oneself is a profound gift. Many people live behind masks of perfection and control. Suppressing emotions can lead to feelings of numbness. Corporate environments often discourage emotional expression. Embracing change is a gradual process. Broadband Consciousness Methodology helps in self-discovery. Core desired feelings are essential for fulfilment. Breaking negative thought cycles requires practice and self-compassion. Creating space for self-reflection is crucial for personal growth.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:06 - Susanne's Journey of Self-Discovery 02:34 - The Impact of Suppressed Emotions 06:15 - Navigating Corporate Life Without Feelings 09:11 - The Slow Process of Embracing Change 11:34 - Understanding Broadband Consciousness 15:17 - Core Desired Feelings and Their Importance 16:44 - Reflecting on the Past and Future 18:39 - Breaking the Cycle of Negative Thinking 23:19 - Embracing Midlife Transitions 26:11 - Creating Space for Self-Reflection 30:25 - Listening to the Inner Whisper 34:39 - Embracing the Second Act 40:07 - Final Thoughts on Authentic Living   Learn more about Susanne: https://susannekubik.com/home   -- Follow Life's 2nd Act:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifes2ndactFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556551936745

    41 min
  2. Alan's journey: coming from 'behind the mask' of OCD and embracing his 2nd act.

    JAN 12

    Alan's journey: coming from 'behind the mask' of OCD and embracing his 2nd act.

    In this episode, I speak with Alan Sowersby, who shares his journey of battling OCD throughout his career. Alan discusses the challenges he faced while hiding behind a mask of confidence, the tipping point that led him to seek help, and how he rediscovered his passion for writing. Through poetry and self-expression, Alan learned to embrace his vulnerabilities and celebrate his neurodiversity, ultimately finding empowerment in sharing his story. Takeaways Alan battled with OCD throughout his career, impacting his personal and professional life. He felt like he was living behind a mask, projecting confidence while struggling internally. The turning point for Alan came when he realised he needed help and sought therapy. Writing became a therapeutic outlet for Alan, allowing him to express his emotions. His retirement speech marked a significant moment of vulnerability and authenticity. Alan's journey emphasises that it's never too late to rewrite your own story. He learned to embrace his neurodiversity and celebrate his unique experiences. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and can lead to empowerment. Transformation is possible at any age when one embraces authenticity.  Chapters 00:00 - The Mask of Perception 02:05 - Understanding OCD and Its Impact 11:07 - The Tipping Point: Coming Out from Behind the Mask 18:22 - Act Two: Rediscovering Passion Through Writing 30:22 - Embracing Authenticity and Vulnerability   Learn more about Alan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-sowersby-5342969/   The book 'Breaking my Silence': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breaking-My-Silence-longer-anxiety/dp/1916920764   -- Follow Life's 2nd Act:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifes2ndactFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556551936745

    37 min
  3. Dan's journey: learning that good enough... is good enough!

    12/20/2024

    Dan's journey: learning that good enough... is good enough!

    In this episode, I speak with Dan Bowsher about his personal journey through breakdown, the challenges of midlife and the creation of his podcast, ‘Good Enough Chats’. Dan shares his experiences with mental health, the importance of listening to friends, and the realisation that perfectionism can hinder personal growth. The conversation highlights the significance of open discussions about mental health, especially among men, and the journey towards finding contentment and self-acceptance. Takeaways Burnout can manifest unexpectedly and lead to profound personal change. Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to personal growth. Creating a supportive environment for mental health discussions is essential. Listening to friends can be a game changer in their mental health journey. Self-employment can bring its own set of challenges post-burnout. Finding contentment is about managing expectations and self-belief. The journey of recovery is ongoing and requires constant self-awareness. Good Enough Chats aims to de-stigmatise mental health issues for men. Sharing personal experiences can help others feel less isolated.  Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 03:08 - Navigating Midlife: Challenges and Opportunities 05:59 - Burnout: Recognising the Signs and Recovery 08:51 - The Impact of Burnout on Self-Employment 11:49 - The Role of Perfectionism in Personal Growth 15:10 - Good Enough Chats: A Platform for Honest Conversations 17:57 - Common Themes in Mental Health Conversations 20:52 - The Importance of Listening and Support 24:13 - Reflections on Personal Growth and Future Directions 27:04 - Finding Contentment: What Does Good Enough Mean? 35:47 - Conclusion and Takeaways   Learn more about Dan: https://www.settsocial.com/   Good Enough Chats: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodEnoughChatshttps://amzn.eu/d/hU2Yjkz -- Follow Life's 2nd Act:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifes2ndactFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556551936745

    37 min
  4. Shawn's Journey: 're-discovering' his passion and charting a new course!

    12/06/2024

    Shawn's Journey: 're-discovering' his passion and charting a new course!

    In this episode, I speak with Shawn Hamill, who shares his transformative journey from a successful corporate career to a life of purpose and balance.  After realising he was on a fast track to burnout, Sean reflects on his life and decides to reconnect with his dreams. He talks about the importance of finding balance among career, self and family and how he and his wife embraced a sailing adventure to rediscover their passions.  Shawn emphasises the significance of taking small steps towards change and the power of purpose in guiding one's life decisions.   Takeaways Success can lead to burnout if not balanced Reflecting on life can reveal deeper desires Reconnecting with your dreams is essential Finding balance requires attention to all life pillars Change is scary but necessary for growth Small steps can lead to significant changes Purpose can guide you towards fulfillment Embracing adventure can lead to self-discovery Listening to your inner voice is crucial Life is a series of opportunities to learn Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:36 - A Life of Success and Reflection 03:54 - The Awakening of Dreamer Sean 09:13 - Finding Balance in Life 13:36 - The Decision to Change 19:49 - Embracing the Journey 24:10 - Lessons Learned from the Adventure 30:55 - The Power of Purpose 33:31 - Encouragement for Change 38:15 - Final Thoughts  - Learn more about Shawn: https://www.shawnhamillconsulting.com/about Buy the book: ''WITHOUT A COMPASS: Charting Course for a Deeper, More Meaningful Life'' - https://amzn.eu/d/hU2Yjkz -- Follow Life's 2nd Act:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifes2ndactFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556551936745

    40 min
  5. The Midlife Mentors: maintaining your relationship amidst life's challenges

    11/22/2024

    The Midlife Mentors: maintaining your relationship amidst life's challenges

    In this episode of Life's 2nd Act, I speak with Claire and James Davis, founders of a successful luxury fitness retreat company and hosts of the Midlife Mentors podcast.  They discuss the challenges and transformations that come with midlife, including finding purpose, navigating relationships, and understanding hormonal changes. The conversation emphasises the importance of communication, self-awareness and support in maintaining healthy relationships during this transitional phase of life.   Takeaways Midlife is a time for reflection and reassessment of values. Finding purpose can be a journey that requires patience and exploration. Hormonal changes affect both men and women differently during midlife. Communication is essential for navigating relationships in midlife. Therapy can be a valuable tool for couples to strengthen their bond. Women often experience a shift in power and wisdom during menopause. Men may face challenges related to testosterone decline in midlife. Social connections are crucial for mental health and well-being in midlife. Staying curious and open to change can lead to personal growth. Midlife should be viewed as an opportunity for transformation rather than a crisis.   Chapters 00:00 - Intro 02:53 - Learning about Claire and James - the Midlife Mentors 08:23 - Finding Purpose and Passion in Midlife 14:01 - Understanding Hormonal Changes in Midlife 18:39 - The Midlife Crisis: A Gender Perspective 21:21 - Communication: The Key to Relationship Success 28:02 - Maintaining Relationships Amidst Life's Challenges 34:50 - Embracing Change: Lessons from the Journey 39:30 - Final Thoughts to Midlife Men and Midlife Women -- Learn more about Claire and James https://themidlifementors.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-midlife-mentors/id1463373998 -- Follow Life's 2nd Act: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifes2ndact Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556551936745

    43 min
  6. Dawn's journey: listening to your inner voice with work, direction & alcohol

    11/08/2024

    Dawn's journey: listening to your inner voice with work, direction & alcohol

    In this episode of Life's 2nd Act, I speak with Dawn Barnes about her career journey, the challenges of burnout, and the transformative power of intuition. Dawn shares her experiences of navigating midlife changes and the importance of listening to one's inner wisdom. The conversation delves into practical strategies for personal growth, stress management and the impact of giving up alcohol on her life. Dawn emphasises the significance of living authentically and being true to oneself as a pathway to fulfillment and happiness.   Takeaways Dawn's career in global marketing led to burnout. The birth of her children prompted a career reevaluation. Intuition played a crucial role in her transformation. Burnout can manifest in various ways, often unnoticed. Listening to intuition can guide life decisions. Mindset significantly impacts personal growth and well-being. Taking quiet time helps in tuning into intuition. Dawn helps others manage stress and find balance. Giving up alcohol was a pivotal decision for Dawn. Living authentically is essential for a fulfilling life. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:54 - Dawn's Career Journey and Transformation 05:45 - Understanding Burnout and Its Impact 09:08 - The Role of Intuition in Life Changes 14:12 - Developing Intuition for Personal Growth 16:37 - Dawn's Current Work and Helping Others 26:06 - The Decision to Give Up Alcohol 34:48 - Final Thoughts on Living Authentically   -- Learn more about Dawn and how she helps people and teams feel better so they can do their best work, at work, everyday. https://dawn-barnes.com/ Follow Life's 2nd Act:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifes2ndactFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556551936745

    37 min
  7. Stephen's journey: being there for others - from the City to the Samaritans

    10/25/2024

    Stephen's journey: being there for others - from the City to the Samaritans

    In this episode, I speak with Stephen Thariyan about his personal journey from a successful career in finance and the city to volunteering with the Samaritans.    Stephen shares his experiences in the high-pressure world of finance, the catalyst for his change and the profound impact of listening to those in crisis. He emphasises the importance of empathy, resilience and the privilege of being a supportive presence for others.    The conversation highlights the need for more volunteers at the Samaritans and encourages listeners to embrace change and seek purpose in their lives.     Takeaways Listening can be a life-saving skill Volunteering with Samaritans is a humbling experience Change can lead to personal growth and fulfilment Samaritans provide a vital service for those in distress Empathy is crucial in helping others Volunteering can help alleviate personal stress It's important to embrace change and take risks Everyone has the potential to make a difference Finding purpose can come from unexpected places Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Life's Second Act Podcast 00:56 - The Importance of Listening in Crisis 01:52 - Stephen's Journey: From the City to the Samaritans 05:12 - The High-Stakes World of Finance 09:47 - Catalyst for Change: Leaving the Corporate World 15:55 - Finding Purpose: Volunteering with Samaritans 20:11 - The Role of Samaritans: Listening Without Judgment 25:08 - Personal Growth Through Volunteering 29:57 - Encouragement for Others: Embracing Change 35:02 - Conclusion and Reflections on the Journey   - Can you be there for people who desperately need someone?https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/volunteer/    If you need someone to talk to, the Samaritans listen. Whatever you're going through, call them free any time on 116 123. They won't judge or tell you what to do. https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/   -- Follow Life's 2nd Act: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifes2ndact Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556551936745

    40 min
  8. Paul's ‘midlife crisis’ journey: finding purpose amid a crisis

    10/11/2024

    Paul's ‘midlife crisis’ journey: finding purpose amid a crisis

    In this episode of Life's 2nd Act, I speak with Paul Sutton about the challenges and reflections that come with midlife. He shares his personal journey feeling disconnected, questioning his purpose and struggling to figure out what’s missing. Paul’s story is one so many of us men can relate to.  We explore personal experiences of feeling trapped, the journey of self-discovery and the importance of seeking understanding and resources during this transitional period. The conversation delves into balancing work and passion, finding purpose in the 2nd act of life and the significance of community and conversation in navigating these changes.   Takeaways - The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and complex - Seeking resources like podcasts can aid in understanding midlife crises - Journaling helped Paul process his thoughts and feelings - Creating a daily tick list provided structure and accountability - Midlife transitions are natural and should be openly discussed - Community support is crucial during challenging times - Finding purpose beyond family is essential for personal well-being - Men's mental health issues need more societal attention   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Midlife Challenges 03:32 - Personal Reflections on Midlife Crisis 12:02 - Seeking Understanding and Resources 15:24 - The Journey of Self-Discovery 22:20 - Balancing Work and Passion 27:30 - Finding Purpose in the Second Act 31:23 - The Importance of Community and Conversation 34:27 - Journaling and ’Tick List’ Tools to Help 42:25 - Closing Thoughts   Find out more about Paul's podcast: http://www.middlemanpodcast.com/   -   Find out more about this show: www.lifes2ndact.com Find out more about Simon Burgess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifes2ndact Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556551936745 Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/lifes2ndact?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e6404aa8-44c8-4530-a097-891dbf3faeea   Life's 2nd Act is produced by www.sugarsnap.tv

    43 min
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About

This podcast delves into the transformative phase later in life, exploring the challenges, new directions and uncertainties that come with it. If you’re navigating the uncertain waters of midlife, have stories to share, or insights to offer, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we’ll ride the highs and lows as we navigate the uncharted territories of this stage in life. ​ I hope by sharing stories, exploring dilemmas and seeking solutions together, the podcast will help me and others who join the journey, find that future. Find out more at www.lifes2ndact.com

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