If Anne Can Anne Morgan

Today’s podcast episode features the indomitable Ann Carney. 
Ann was trapped in a cycle of overwork and bad health habits when at the age of forty-five, knowing she had to make changes, she decided to try to run. Like many beginners, she started too fast and would have given up if it wasn’t for a serendipitous meeting with a cousin she hadn’t seen in years. 
He guided her through a couch to 5k, and gaining confidence; she took out an advert in the local paper. She co-founded Chorlton Runners, a club which started with a couple of members and has grown to a membership of over six hundred, and the club is one of the most successful in Manchester. 
Ann knows that as well as having the courage to make the first step, novice runners also need a helping hand and a supportive structured programme to build momentum step by step. That’s why the Couch to 5K programme is still an integral part of the Chorlton Runner’s ethos and one Ann actively supports.
Having found her passion and identity, Ann could have been happy to reap the personal rewards, but she is a person who uses their grit, drive, and boundless energy to make things happen for others. 
Please listen to Ann’s inspiring story, and for anyone out there who thinks I could never do that, look for a guide because once you have someone at your side, the following steps are so much easier. 

Reference
You can find out more about Chorlton Runners here https://www.chorltonrunners.co.uk/

My guest today is Chloe Richards, a brave and strong breast cancer survivor emerging from a period of loss and change. She is refocusing her business to deliver her mission to help women succeed in the workplace.
We talk about
How women struggle to describe their value in the workforce.How it's important to take the time to reflect on your success and find the words to do this in a way that feels authentic. Creating behavioural diversity in the workplace so people can communicate in a way that resonates with them.  Celebrating differences helps people to fulfil their potential and bring value in different ways. Taking the time to step back and be clear about what you won't tolerate builds resilience.Redundancy and striking out on your own.The experience of a breast cancer diagnosis.Dealing with loss and change and strengthening of purposeBeing fearless. Being stripped back but brave enough to seek the light and move forward.Seeking help, trusting others and mentally dealing with both loss and illness. Reflecting on values and developing a mission to help women succeed so they can effect change at work, making life better for everyone. The book I gave to Chloe is 
H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald
 

Want to be a waser reather than a wisher? Listen to this episode and I promise you will get some inspiration to get up, get out and keep going!

My guest today is Steve Pullen, a judo 7th Dan and holder of the MBE for his service to blind and disabled judo. 
He is a coach and has guided judokas to the Olympics, Paralympics, World and European Championships.
Steve heads up a group of coaches whose prime objective is to increase and expand judo teaching facilities in North West England to integrate able-bodied and disabled judo.
Outside of judo, Steve was in charge of physical education at the acclaimed Chethams School of Music in Manchester.
Steve's reputation, passion and commitment are recognised throughout the world. 

We talk about


Discipline - cultivating the habit of never being late.   The importance of early role models and inspirational coachesDeveloping independence and resistance from difficult circumstances, in Steve's case having to spend several years in hospital with severe burns when he was a young child.Being tough minded, overcoming and getting there by driving yourselfBeing a waser not a wisherChanging the lives of others through coachingKnowing when to change direction and try something newAvoiding self-destruction when a life's practice comes to an endUsing your hard earned skill set to forge yourself a new identityThe power of strong relationshipsThe importance of keeping dreaming.  

Do you know what having the power of your convictions means? Not sure, then listen to today's episode
 
My guest this week is Jane Lockwood; Jane is an activist who lived in Greenham Common to protest the horror of war and nuclear weapons. She has spoken at the UN and the Royal Albert Hall. She subsequently relocated to  Australia, became a Head Teacher and led a national training programme. Jane is reigniting her passion for writing and talking and has contributed to two books on healing from childhood abuse. 

In this fascinating discussion, Jane talks about
 The Importance of Education
The drive to escape a complex background and being determined to work hard and take the opportunity to go to university. 

Becoming an Activist
The influence of her father's political stance and his support nurtured Jane's instinct to do something about bad things.

Greenham Common Experience
Jane answered the call and was deeply affected and horrified by the sight of nuclear weapons. She felt there was no other option but to become physically involved. This has led to a life-long need to take action.

Defying Expectations
Being different - Jane found her rebellious nature supported and encouraged by others. She believes fear is the driver of stopping people from doing things. By sticking with others, you gain strength. Not having family or career responsibilities at the time of Greenham made Jane's activism easier. She braved the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence or even being shot on sight. She was prepared to take the risk because other people were unable to.

Strong self-knowledge
MI is moving to a remote part of Australia.
Becoming a teacher gave Jane a ready-made family. Being in the Outback gave Jane great happiness. She was living in connection to the land and being outdoors.  An unlimited horizon and space give Jane a spiritual connection.
Ending her teaching career with the Aboriginal people was a revelation and inspiration to fight inequality and patriarchy.

Looking forward with hope
Across the world people are still struggling, and the situation for women remains complicated. National movements lead to inspiration.

Focus on the Spiritual
Jane continues the daily journey of looking at herself, taking steps to a better life, and feeling comfortable in her skin. Nature and seeking her path was more fulfilling than established religions.

References
You can find out more bout Jane  Lockwood here:

https://greenhamwomeneverywhere.co.uk/jane/
This a project to document the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp, recorded testimonies, oral and written, included from over a hundred women who were part of the camp; there is a visual and music archive and information about current and future events by the project.
 
Jane has some artwork on these sites
Contemporary Markmakers Totnes 


https://www.instagram.com › contemporarymarkmakers
and the blog https://markmakers.avenda.uk/ 
 
Etsy shop name handmaderosarybeads

The book I chose for Jane: Wild by Cheryl Strayed
       
   
 
 

 
      


 
  

My guest today is Rowena Birch, an Olympic and European judo champion. Rowena is also the current president of the British Judo Association.
Outside of judo, Rowena has coached at elite levels across many sporting disciplines and corporate leadership. She has retrained as a financial advisor and now runs her own business.
Rowena talks about how she coped with not being selected for the Barcelona Olympic games by prioritising her training and reorganising her life to maximise her focus.
Self Belief and reflective self-discovery. Being in the right place and loving the sport is vitally important, as is knowing that just because you don't get instant results doesn't mean you are doing anything wrong. 
The mindset of enjoying the journey. The danger of over-focusing on results instead of the process. Keeping going relies on finding ways to enjoy what you are doing.
After Competition. Using the skills learned from the experience of competitive sport and applying them to coaching and revelling in an environment of learning - creating and developing new skills.
Letting go of an elite sporting persona and finding a new place in the world of judo after the elite competitions. - Adjusting techniques to a new reality and accepting that your body and circumstances have changed.   
Core Identity - The importance of being part of the judo community, how the core values  of honesty, integrity, courage and respect have shaped Rowena's identity
embuing a passion for learning and self-development.
Starting new challenges   Using the tools of being an athlete to embrace new challenges and learn new skills. Breaking new tasks into logical, systematic pieces. 
 

References

You can find out about Rowena's business here: https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/partner/goldenbirchesfinancialplanning.

I chose Rowena's book: How Much is Enough: Money and the Good Life by Edward Skidelsky and Robert Skidelsky.

In this episode, I change our standard interview format and reflect upon the concept of bravery.

Not being a brave person myself, I've been inspired by the bravery of my guests, and this episode features two astonishingly courageous women.

The first is Angela Bently, a certified Wim Hof instructor who channels her passion for the cold to support people with their physical, mental and emotional health.

Angela works tirelessly to overcome her anxiety to become a beacon and guide to those who want to be brave but need a helping hand. 

Bravery can manifest itself in many ways. One of my bravest guests was the artist Kate Hughes, who talked fearlessly of her battle with the depression she suffered after she was prescribed the mini pill after the birth of her second child.
Her reflections on her debilitating depression and her incredible creative drive reveal her to be a true warrior. 

References


Reach Angela Bentley at:  https://theicewarrior.com/


Reach Kate Hughes at: https://outsidethelines.org/


Reach me at my website: https://www.ifannecan.com/