What's Fear Got to Do With It | Fear, Growth & the Mind

Jo Wiese and Anne Wicking
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What's fear got to do with it podcast hosted by Jo Wiese and Anne Wicking explores how fear and challenges shape our lives. Through engaging conversations with diverse guests, we uncover how adversity drives growth and transformation.. whatsfear.substack.com

  1. From Fear to Fierce: Money, Motherhood & Massive Growth I Fear, Money & Self-Power

    FEB 24

    From Fear to Fierce: Money, Motherhood & Massive Growth I Fear, Money & Self-Power

    When Deanna Cooney's marriage ended, she walked away with $50,000 in debt, zero financial literacy, and two young children relying on her. Her nervous system in complete disarray, she spent two years terrified. Through vulnerability and honesty, Deanna shares how she learned to sit with her fear instead of avoiding it. She picked up 'The Barefoot Investor' and built practical financial skills. As her competence grew and her confidence followed, she added breathing techniques and nervous system regulation tools to feel safe. Together, these tools, along with reaching out for support, helped her rewrite inherited money stories and step into her own fierce capability and self-sovereignty. Deanna's story reminds us we have the capability within us to navigate life's messiest challenges, but we don't have to do it alone. Small, consistent steps become the pathway to lasting growth. About Our Guest Deanna Cooney helps smart, capable leaders and high performers find their voice when the pressure is on. With 30 years as a professional performer and over a decade of teaching and coaching, she understands fear from the inside out. Her body-first approach builds nervous system capacity alongside practical speaking skill – going well beyond surface-level confidence. Working across corporate, creative, and leadership environments, Deanna translates performance tools from stage and screen into real-world communication that holds up when it counts. Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s2e3 00:00 The Moment That Changed Everything 01:39 Facing Financial Illiteracy 06:08 The Fear of Loss and Judgment 10:29 Rewriting Money Stories 14:34 Finding Internal Strength 17:33 The Importance of Support 20:58 Breaking Free from the Feedback Loop 25:44 The Role of Support in Shifting Beliefs 29:11 Creating Internal Safety for Growth 33:58 Managing the Nervous System for Change 37:49 Building a Future Self through Safety 42:29 Lessons from Fear and Self-Trust 45:48 It's A Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatsfear.substack.com

    45 min
  2. My Biggest Fear, My Biggest Guilt: Placing Mum in Care I Fear, Guilt & Caregiving

    FEB 10

    My Biggest Fear, My Biggest Guilt: Placing Mum in Care I Fear, Guilt & Caregiving

    Kerry Milligan opens up about one of life's most difficult decisions: placing her aging mother Emmie in residential care. After seven and a half years of caring for her mother at home, dementia forced an impossible choice that triggered massive guilt and forced her to confront lifelong patterns of self-sacrifice. Kerry explores the tension between her rational brain, which knew care was necessary, and her emotional brain, which screamed betrayal. Through support from Violet, a carer advocacy organisation, she discovered that asking for help wasn't weakness. It was the only way to truly care for her mother without completely sacrificing herself. Along the way, Kerry shares how this experience connects to her broader journey of standing in her own power. This is a story about learning you cannot pour from an empty cup, that guilt and love can coexist, and sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit you need help. Kerry's journey offers honest wisdom for anyone navigating caregiving, family dynamics, or the weight of trying to do it all alone. About Our Guest Kerry Milligan appeared for 10 years on the award-winning TV show Gogglebox alongside her mother Emmie and daughter Isabelle. Together, the three generations wrote a bestselling memoir, "Out of the Box," exploring important issues in women's lives through three distinct generational perspectives. When Emmie was diagnosed with dementia after seven years of living with Kerry, the family navigated the difficult transition to aged care. Emmie passed away in July 2025 at age 96. Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s2e2 00:00 A Life-Changing Moment 02:49 Navigating Care Decisions 05:35 The Emotional Burden of Guilt 07:55 Finding Support and Resources 10:29 The Struggle with Guilt and Self-Advocacy 12:45 Understanding Aged Care Choices 15:14 The Journey of Letting Go 17:43 Balancing Care and Self-Care 19:53 The Long Goodbye and Grief Process 22:16 Navigating Aged Care Decisions 25:50 Life After Loss: Finding Joy and Community 27:39 Coping with Grief and Seeking Support 30:25 The Burden of Caregiving: Women's Experiences 34:01 Empowerment Through Education and Independence 37:21 Reclaiming Power and Identity 41:25 Lessons Learned: Advice for Future Generations 42:59 It's A Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatsfear.substack.com

    44 min
  3. From Grey to Grounded: My High Achieving Life with No Colour I Success, Burnout & Surrender

    JAN 27

    From Grey to Grounded: My High Achieving Life with No Colour I Success, Burnout & Surrender

    Alan Furlong shares his journey from high-achieving executive and entrepreneur to discovering authentic purpose. Throughout his successful career, including building and leading the team that scaled a business to £42 million in revenue, he admits he found himself living in shades of grey, successful on paper, but silently disconnected from what truly mattered. When burnout forced him to stop, hospitalised with what seemed like a heart attack, Alan began a journey of deep questioning and reflection. He reveals how his relentless drive for success masked deeper childhood trauma and also left him feeling hollow. Through vulnerability and courage, Alan shares how he learned to trust himself and walk away from everything. He now helps people with barriers to education and employment to build their own remarkable lives and describes his transformation simply: "Life is colourful." A story about recognising when grey is asking for your attention and discovering that letting go is the first act of courage that can transform your life. About Our Guest Alan Furlong is a successful former entrepreneur and executive who built and mentored multiple start-ups, and used his hard-won commercial expertise to help scale one business to £42 million in three years. Yet despite this extraordinary achievement, he realised he was living someone else's idea of a successful life. After stepping away from it all to wrestle with the deeper question "What is the point of me being here?" Alan now dedicates himself to teaching and helping people live more meaningful, impactful, and healthier lives. Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s2e1 00:00 Facing Life's Challenges: A Personal Journey 04:20 The Turning Point: Embracing Change and Surrender 14:09 The Messy Middle: Navigating Uncertainty and Growth 19:45 Spiritual Awakening: Trusting the Process 22:53 The Journey of Surrender and Spiritual Growth 24:28 Navigating Career Transitions and Personal Insights 27:12 Understanding Fear and Embracing Change 30:00 Finding Color in Life: From Gray to Vibrant 31:30 The Power of Physical Challenges and Self-Discovery 36:13 Lessons from Pain and Growth 38:08 Advice to My Younger Self: Faith and Courage 39:34 The Gift of Peace Through Life's Journey 40:41 Top Tips for Embracing Your Calling 42:29 It's A Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatsfear.substack.com

    43 min
  4. Fear Unfiltered: How Challenge Sparks Our Greatest Gifts I Fear, Growth & Mindset

    JAN 13

    Fear Unfiltered: How Challenge Sparks Our Greatest Gifts I Fear, Growth & Mindset

    In this special season finale episode, we pause together as co-hosts to reflect on Season 1's remarkable journey through challenge, fear, and growth. We share our personal takeaways from eleven powerful conversations, exploring how each guest's story revealed unexpected gifts within life's challenges. From creating "3am friends" to embracing vulnerability, we discuss how these conversations have changed our own lives while sharing our excitement about Season 2's inspiring stories launching January 28th, 2026. Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e12 00:00 Season One Wrap-Up and Reflections 01:33 Key Takeaways from Guests 03:46 The Importance of Vulnerability and Support 05:35 Looking Ahead to Season Two 07:37 Diversity of Stories and Guest Experiences 09:26 Listener Engagement and Feedback This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatsfear.substack.com

    12 min
  5. One Challenge, Two Generations: A Shared Purpose | Fear, Understanding & Growth

    12/30/2025

    One Challenge, Two Generations: A Shared Purpose | Fear, Understanding & Growth

    What happens when shared learning challenges become an unexpected gift? In this powerful conversation, father and daughter Michael Grinder and Krista Grinder-Dettloff reveal how their early struggles with reading sparked a transformative journey. As a teacher who had taught himself to read after high school, Michael understood his daughter's challenges uniquely. Together, they discovered that different minds process information differently. Now an internationally recognised pioneer in nonverbal communication, Michael, alongside Krista who became a reading specialist, shares insights about fear, self-acceptance, and learning differences. Their story demonstrates how embracing our unique ways of understanding the world can unlock extraordinary potential in ourselves and others. About Our Guests Michael Grinder, internationally recognised pioneer of nonverbal communication and founder of Michael Grinder and Associates, has trained thousands of executives and educators worldwide. With over 40 years of experience, he helps people assess others more accurately and connect more deeply through his expertise in translating nonverbal communication into practical leadership strategies. Krista Grinder-Dettloff, CEO of Michael Grinder and Associates, brings over 30 years of educational expertise spanning from preschool through college level as a specialist and classroom teacher. Known for her insight, warmth, and practical application, she transforms complex concepts into accessible strategies that help others discover their unique potential. Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e11 00:00 Intro Michael Grinder & Krista Grinder-Dettloff 09:04 Understanding Learning Styles and Their Impact 17:55 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence 25:56 Building Self-Love and Overcoming Fear 31:53 The Power of Poetry and Self-Reflection 34:48 Understanding Nonverbal Communication 40:22 The Role of Nonverbal Cues in Relationships 45:27 Impact of COVID-19 on Communication 47:35 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence 52:33 Lessons from Childhood and Personal Growth 01:02:17 It's A Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatsfear.substack.com

    1h 3m
  6. Fearless: Everything Turned to Gold… Until it Didn’t | Fear, Resilience & Change

    12/16/2025

    Fearless: Everything Turned to Gold… Until it Didn’t | Fear, Resilience & Change

    What happens when your world crumbles to the point where you can't afford a ham sandwich? Martin Mileham shares his compelling journey from unstoppable success to standing at an ATM with just $2.40 to his name. When the Asian currency crisis hit, Martin lost everything society told him equalled success, but in this loss, he discovered an unexpected gift. With remarkable honesty, Martin reveals how his "ham sandwich moment" became his greatest teacher, eventually leading him from Perth to Dubai, where he rose from site inspector to Vice President overseeing iconic projects like the Burj Khalifa. His story challenges our assumptions about success and security, while offering powerful insights about resilience and the courage to begin again. About Our Guest Martin Mileham has an Architecture degree and over 40 years of experience as a registered Architect.  He has worked internationally on everything from delivering enormous palm-shaped islands in the Arabian Gulf, to being responsible for the tallest building in the world, through to designing one-off street furniture.   He has been the CEO of the City of Perth, the capital of Western Australia and has lived in London, Dubai, Muscat and Melbourne.  Martin and his wife now reside back home in Perth where Martin continues to consult in construction and development. Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e10 00:00 Martin Mileham Intro 04:18 Lessons from Financial Struggles: Pride and Reality 08:28 Reassessing Values: What Truly Matters 12:41 The Journey to Dubai: Luck and Opportunity 20:53 Personal Growth: Flexibility and Life Lessons 22:15 Navigating Failure and Courage 25:34 The Liberating Experience of Disconnection 30:15 Embracing Change and the Concept of Luck 35:03 The Role of Fear in Motivation 39:44 Lessons from the Ham Sandwich Moment 43:01 It's A Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatsfear.substack.com

    42 min
  7. Unraveled: The Gift Hidden in My Greatest Challenges | Fear, Courage & Self-Discovery

    12/02/2025

    Unraveled: The Gift Hidden in My Greatest Challenges | Fear, Courage & Self-Discovery

    International speaker Amanda Gore reveals how teaching others about joy led to an unexpected discovery: she had forgotten how to live it herself. When the pandemic halted her global speaking career, she was forced to confront the disconnect between teaching joy and experiencing it. Through exploring three life-changing events, including a courageous move overseas at 68, Amanda shares how childhood fears shaped her life choices and how slowing down revealed wisdom she didn't know she needed. This powerful conversation shows us that transformation often begins not when we master our fears, but when we pause long enough to listen to them. About Our Guest Amanda Gore is a Hall of Fame motivational speaker who is redefining leadership, communication and wellness in the Age of Change and Uncertainty. The antidote to burnout is joy! Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e9 00:00 Amanda Gore Intro 04:30 Self-Discovery Through Crisis 09:35 Authenticity and Personal Growth 14:28 Navigating Emotions and Fear 19:44 The Power of Connection and Love 27:20 Creating Safe Spaces for Connection 28:15 Evolving Audience Feedback and Connection 29:11 Facilitating Change and Self-Discovery 31:10 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Authenticity 34:06 Growth Through Crisis and Life Events 36:33 Understanding Core Fears and Self-Love 39:50 Questioning Belief Systems and Self-Reflection 43:25 Messages to Our Younger Selves 45:04 Seeing Challenges as Opportunities 48:10 Practical Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety 51:31 It's A Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatsfear.substack.com

    52 min
  8. CTRL+ALT+EDIT: The Existential Reboot at 30: Fear, Change & Joy

    11/18/2025

    CTRL+ALT+EDIT: The Existential Reboot at 30: Fear, Change & Joy

    In this conversation, Nick Tsakiris shares his journey of discovering a different approach to life when the pandemic disrupted his hospitality career. Already questioning the sustainability of late nights and demanding schedules, he found himself facing an unexpected opportunity to reimagine success. Through reflection, Nick reveals how shifting from asking "What do I want to be?" to "How do I want to live?" transformed his perspective on daily joy and fulfilment. Drawing inspiration from Greek village life and even his dogs' enthusiasm for simple pleasures, Nick shares how he learned to create a life that feels like a holiday rather than waiting for retirement to truly live. His transition from hospitality to cybersecurity isn't just about career change, it's about choosing to prioritise present-moment happiness over future achievements. Nick's experience reminds us that when we dare to question how we want to live, rather than what we want to be , we open ourselves to a more authentic and joy-filled life. About Our Guest Nick discusses the challenge that lockdown posed whilst working in hospitality and the fear associated with a lack of direction in life. On reflection, the extreme uncertainty propelled an embrace for change and a philosophical approach to life centred around lifestyle and maximising joy. Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e8 00:00 Nick Tsakiris Intro 03:23 The Struggles of Hospitality: Late Nights and Personal Sacrifice 07:31 Finding Direction: The Search for Meaning Beyond Hospitality 11:45 Existential Questions: How Do I Want to Live? 15:02 Maximizing Happiness: Living in the Moment 19:25 Reflecting on Life Choices 24:37 Redefining Success 27:45 Navigating Career Changes 31:37 Embracing Change and Happiness 36:18 It's A Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatsfear.substack.com

    37 min
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What's fear got to do with it podcast hosted by Jo Wiese and Anne Wicking explores how fear and challenges shape our lives. Through engaging conversations with diverse guests, we uncover how adversity drives growth and transformation.. whatsfear.substack.com

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