Courageous

Janet Murray
  • 4.2 (5)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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This is not a cancer podcast. It’s about what happens when your voice is threatened - by illness, by public shaming, by fear - and you decide to keep speaking anyway. In 2025, I was diagnosed with breast cancer while navigating public cancellation for defending women’s sex-based rights. Now I’m documenting the rebuild: of my health, my business, and my voice - with honesty, strategy and as much courage as I can muster.

Episodes

  1. 17H AGO

    Going Viral on TikTok (Sort Of) … Then Freezing on My Podcast

    One of my TikTok videos got a lot of traction (for a brand new account anyway). It should’ve felt like momentum. Instead, I froze. And perfectionism - mixed with the emotional chaos of a cancer diagnosis - nearly stopped me from publishing this episode at all. In this honest update, I share why it's taken me so long to publish this podcast episode. Plus: What really happened when I (kind of) went viral on TikTokThe perfectionism spiral that almost derailed this podcastA personal update on my cancer treatment timeline - and the limbo it’s creatingThe emotional impact of audience support (and what £100 really meant)How I’m simplifying my offers - and why “good enough” is my new business plan (it has to be) The advice I give clients (that I’m finally taking myself) If you’re navigating public vulnerability, visibility, or just trying to keep your work moving during tough times … I hope you'll resonate. Key Links Janet Murray’s Website Janet Murray on Substack Instagram LinkedIn Facebook My ‘controversial’ pregnant people TikTok Podcast I referenced: Should You Post Controversial Content as a Social Media Manager? Buy Me a Coffee (Support the podcast)

    20 min

  2. JUL 2

    Breast Cancer, cancellation and the courage to keep going

    Over the past few months, I’ve faced an ongoing cancellation campaign, a public takedown, and now - a breast cancer diagnosis. It’s not the ‘comeback’ I had in mind. But it’s the reality I’m living. In this episode of the Courageous podcast, I share how I found out I have breast cancer  and how I’m navigating this unexpected chapter of my life, health, and business - in real time. I cover:  How I found out I had breast cancer The surreal timing (GB News one day, biopsy results the next)Why I’m choosing to stay visible during my treatment - rather than hiding away The practical steps I’ve taken to protect my income and create breathing spaceHow I’m continuing to rebuild a business - even in the middle of all this It’s honest, it’s raw - and if you’re rebuilding your voice, business and confidence - I hope it will resonate. Key Links Janet Murray’s website Janet Murray's Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram  My 'controversial' pregnant people video Should you post controversial content as a social media manager (the YouTube/podcast I talk about in this episode)

    23 min

  3. JUN 24

    I know what I need to do - I’m just afraid I can’t do it

    This is my first solo podcast episode in over a year. For a long time, I wasn’t sure I’d come back. Not because I didn’t care - or didn’t know what to say - but because I found myself on the receiving end of a series of cancellation campaigns that left me questioning everything. In this honest return, I talk about what’s happened over the past six months.  And the slow crawl back trusting my own voice again. If you’ve ever felt frozen by self-doubt - even when you know what to do - this episode may resonate.  What I cover in this episode:  Why I stepped away from podcasting - and what’s changedWhat it feels like to second-guess your voice after cancellationThe emotional toll of creative disconnection and burnoutBuilding a business that can hold you, even when you're not okay I’ll also share why I’ve decided to share the ‘rebuild’ of my business - in real time. Key Links Janet Murray’s website Janet Murray's Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram  My 'controversial' pregnant people video Should you post controversial content as a social media manager (the YouTube/podcast I talk about in this episode)

    29 min

  4. FEB 13

    Kerry Jordan: ‘There were times I didn’t want to get out of bed or speak to anyone’ Lessons from leaving a long-term relationship and starting again

    When Kerry Jordan ended her 22 year relationship - there wasn’t just the emotional fallout to deal with. There were also practical issues - like how she could afford to live in the south of England as a self-employed photographer. She decided to move 330 miles away to Cumbria. Where she could just about afford to buy a house - as long as she was prepared to do the renovations herself. A decision that meant starting her business - and her life - from scratch in a completely new part of the country.  In this episode of the Courageous podcast, Kerry shares how this drastic change of lifestyle has changed her - and her business. Including how she’s navigated the highs, lows and challenges along the way.  Key Moments 00:01:31 Why Kerry ended a 22-year relationship - and relocated from West Sussex to Cumbria 00:05:59 Kerry’s pet photography business in the early days 00:06:38 The real reason behind Kerry’s 330+ mile move 00:09:09 Dealing with loneliness in rural life 00:12:16 How Kerry’s business helped while going through a breakup 00:17:42 Kerry on facing dark times, healing and regrets 00:19:43 The challenges Kerry had while remodelling her new home on her own 00:23:00 Starting a new relationship after divorce 00:31:27 Fear, courage and life decisions: Kerry’s honest experience 2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%. Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Kerry Jordan’s website Kerry Jordan’s socials: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and X

    40 min

  5. FEB 6

    Dipti Tait: ‘I was surrounded by grief and loss’ Lessons from dealing with a grief - and discovering a new career (S1, Ep 9)

    Dipti Tait thought she had her dream job at the BBC, working on well-known TV shows. But when her father fell ill and passed away, her world was turned upside down. As family responsibilities grew—including becoming a mum—her career in television became harder to sustain. A move from London to the countryside brought further change, ultimately leading to the breakdown of her relationship. But from loss came transformation. Dipti discovered a new path as a psychotherapist, specializing in grief therapy. In this episode of The Courageous Podcast, she shares how personal loss led her to a career she never expected—one that now helps others navigate grief and healing Key Moments 00:02:18 How her father’s diagnosis of leukemia changed Dipti’s life forever 00:08:14 Pregnancy - and how it changed Dipti’s dream TV career  00:10:54 BBC journalist Jill Dando and Princess Diana: how Dipti was impacted by their deaths  00:19:19 Dipti’s move from London to the Cotswolds - and adapting to a slower pace of life  00:23:25 The moment Dipti knew her marriage was over 00:30:27 How hypnotherapy transformed Dipti’s life and led to a new career as a psychotherapist  2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%. Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Dipti Tait’s website Dipti Tait’s socials: Facebook, LinkedIn and X Dipti Tait’s books: Good Grief and Planet Grief

    58 min

  6. JAN 31

    Stefan Thomas: ‘Some days I couldn’t even leave the house’ Lessons from managing a chronic illness whilst running a business (S1, Ep 8)

    Running your own business has many perks, but what happens when a chronic illness forces you to rethink everything? Author and speaker Stefan Thomas has ulcerative colitis—an autoimmune condition that affects the bowel, causing pain, fatigue, and frequent (often urgent) trips to the bathroom during flare-ups. In this episode, he shares how he’s adapted his business to better manage his condition—including creating online versions of his in-person offerings. Plus, how opening up about his experiences online unexpectedly turned him into a social media influencer, raising awareness of life with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. You’ll also hear about his journey from estate agent to speaker and get valuable tips on landing speaking gigs and other opportunities to help grow your business. Key Moments 00:03:35 How Stefan accidentally fell into public speaking (via networking)  00:09:01 Why it’s important to market to clients who can actually afford you  00:19:20 How Stefan’s previous career as an estate agent helped him in business 00:28:15 Nurturing existing business connections - and why it’s a smart marketing strategy  00:34:36 Tips for getting hired by event organisers (and what to avoid)  00:44:06 A clever marketing strategy Stefan uses to stay top of mind with clients 00:46:23 How Stefan repurposes his speaking content to attract new business  00:49:19 Living and working with ulcerative colitis: the adjustments Stefan has made to manage his health whilst running a business 2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%. Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Stefan Thomas’s website Stefan Thomas’s socials: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

    59 min

  7. JAN 23

    Rachel Spencer: ‘I’d have gone insane if I’d kept going’ Lessons from navigating a personal crisis as a small business owner (S1, Ep 7)

    When Rachel Spencer found herself struggling to breathe - as if something was crushing down on her chest - she knew something had to change..  She’d just received the news that a friend had passed away suddenly - which was devastating enough. But the news followed a serious of personal challenges, that included bereavement, ill health and the breakdown of a 10 year relationship  In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, Rachel shares how she navigated this challenging period in her life. And how being brave enough to step away from everything but the necessary tasks in her business, for a time, was essential for her recovery.  Key Moments 00:02:39 The Bridget Jones quote that summs up what Rachel was going through 00:05:40 What Rachel decided to stop doing in her business when crisis hit 00:11:59 How self-care helped Rachel to push through hard times 00:19:33 The need for contingency funds and other streams of income 00:25:40 How to manage client communication while protecting your personal time 00:35:56 Rachel’s business mistakes and what she’s learned from them 2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%. Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Rachel Spencer’s website Rachel Spencer’s socials: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

    44 min

  8. 12/26/2024

    Tim Lewis: ‘Nobody wants to talk about death. Everybody wants a happy ending’ (S1, Ep 6) Lessons from losing a spouse and finding a new career as an author

    Tim Lewis had been married to his wife Rachel for just a few years when she suffered a life-changing stroke. And as her health deteriorated, Tim began to lead a double life - an IT guy in financial services by day and caring for his wife by night.  When his wife sadly passed away, Tim found solace in his work at first - but soon found himself compelled to find a more fulfilling career. But it still took more than a year to find the courage to leave.  In this episode of the Courageous podcast, Tim shares his experience of losing his wife, early in their marriage. And how he found the courage to find a new and more fulfilling career as an author and podcaster. Key Moments 00:02:13 The moment when Tim’s life changed forever 00:09:50 Grief, trauma, and their influence on men’s mental health 00:20:59 Tim on his bold move to change his career path 00:29:59 The book that made Tim consider a writing career 00:36:30 Being cornered - and how it sharpens entreprenurial skills 00:44:10 Networking advice: What Tim learnt from his experiences 2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%. Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Tim Lewis’s website Tim Lewis’s LinkedIn Book Chat Live Tim Lewis’s books:  Timeshock: I Want My Life Back Social Media Networking: How to Use Social Media to Get the Job You Want, Find Love, Get Business Success and Boost Your Travel

    53 min

  9. 12/20/2024

    Connie Shaw: ‘I’ve been penalised for expressing my freedom of speech’ (S1, Ep 5) Lessons from being ‘cancelled’ for holding gender critical views

    Universities are the home of free speech, critical thinking & robust debate, right?  Not for student Connie Shaw who was recently suspended from Leeds University Student Radio because of her personal views.  While the reasons for her suspension have not yet been made clear, she believes it’s because of her gender critical views i.e. she believes there are two sexes - male and female - and that the notion of ‘gender identity’ does not exist. And she’s passionate about protecting women’s sex-based rights to safe spaces, fairness in sport (and all aspects of life) … along with sex-based language.  While twenty-year-old Connie does not have a business (yet) she is a courageous leader. Because she’s willing to stand up for what she believes in - even if it makes her unpopular. Which means there is much to learn from this conversation - both for business and life.  And here’s the thing.  It shouldn’t feel courageous for me to share this conversation between two women - twenty years apart - who share a passion for protecting women’s sex-based rights - and the language used to describe them.  And yet it does.  And regardless of whether you agree/disagree with what you hear in this discussion - the right to freedom of expression is the most valuable thing we have. And something I believe we must protect - at all costs.  Key Moments 00:03:04 Why Connie was suspended from the position of daytime editor on Leeds Student Radio 00:13:19 The erosion of women’s sex-based rights - and why not enough people are taking about it  00:25:44 A gender-critical stance: Connie’s unfiltered beliefs  00:34:34 Erasing ‘woman’ - the controversy around women’s sex-based language  00:41:22 Why Connie believes biological men should not compete in women’s sporting categories and awards  00:51:41 Why being called bigoted doesn’t hurt Connie  2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%. Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Connie Shaw’s podcast: The Fringe Connie Shaw’s X Connie Shaw on SoundCloud Connie Shaw on Substack

    1h 4m

  10. 12/12/2024

    Mike Morrison: ‘I was waiting for a miracle or death’ Lessons from managing clinical depression while building a business(S1, Ep4)

    We’re far more comfortable talking about mental health than we used to be - which is a good thing. But the word ‘depression’ is now often used to describe feeling sad or ‘down’ - which is not the same as clinical depression.  In this interview, you’ll hear from entrepreneur Mike Morrison on how he’s built a successful business whilst managing clinical depression - including a depressive episode that lasted almost two years and left him unable to work or even get out of bed at times.  We cover many topics in our discussion including how being ‘working class’ (and how it can impact your aspirations and attitudes to money), being in a job that sucks the life out of you along with relationship breakdowns (business and romantic). *** TW ***  We also, briefly, talk about suicide.   Mike is a leading authority on building, growing and scaling online membership communities.  Key Moments 00:10:47 Life at university - expectations vs. reality for Mike and his peers 00:15:41 How a working-class upbringing shaped Mike's money habits and perception 00:29:54 Dropping out of uni, first job experiences in sales and getting promoted 00:38:56 Mike’s overdose at the age 15 - and the impact on his mental health  00:44:35 Why Mike thought he didn’t need therapy for depression 00:48:59 How Mike manages anxiety and depression 00:54:38 How gaming helped Mike emerge from a two-year depressive episode  2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%. Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Mike Morrison’s Website The Membership Growth Conference Membership Geeks on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

    1h 20m

  11. 12/05/2024

    Lizi Jackson-Barrett: ‘I was abused for starting a Jewish business club’ Lessons on staying strong when facing negativity and abuse (S1, Ep 3)

    When Lizi Jackson-Barrett started a business community for Jewish business owners she found herself on the receiving end of criticism and anti-semitic abuse.  In this interview, Lizi shares why she decided to start the Jewish Business Network - and how she’s stayed positive - despite the negativity she has experienced.  And what it’s like to be a British Jew in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks.  Key Moments 00:04:00 What it's like to be a British Jew in November 2024 00:14:24 The moment Lizi realised a Jewish business community was needed 00:19:27 Upsetting messages Lizi received after she announced the Jewish Business Network 00:28:28 The Build-A-Bear Hanukkah bear- and how it led to anti-Semitic abuse 00:34:21 Authenticity in business and why it’s risky for Jews 2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%. Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Lizi Jackson-Barrett’s Website  Lizi Jackson-Barrett’s LinkedIn Lizi Jackson-Barrett’s Facebook

    50 min
  • 11 Episodes

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

This is not a cancer podcast. It’s about what happens when your voice is threatened - by illness, by public shaming, by fear - and you decide to keep speaking anyway. In 2025, I was diagnosed with breast cancer while navigating public cancellation for defending women’s sex-based rights. Now I’m documenting the rebuild: of my health, my business, and my voice - with honesty, strategy and as much courage as I can muster.

Information

  • Creator
    Janet Murray
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Janet Murray
  • Show Website
    Courageous

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