Self-Worth in Times of Chaos

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

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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Aug 12

    Embracing Your Own Purgatory, with Geoff Curtis

    In a very honest conversation, Geoff Curtis shares his personal journey through identity collapse, depression, and finding new purpose after leaving his corporate career. We explore the importance of vulnerability, redefining success, and the role of purpose in navigating times of chaos. Topics Identity collapse and its impactRedefining success on personal terms rather than societal expectationsThe relationship between purpose and identityStrategies for navigating career transitions and chaosUnderstanding how identity is often tied to external roles and metricsThe importance of vulnerability in leadership and personal growthUsing purpose as a guiding light during times of chaos and changeThe value of self-awareness and presence outside of professional rolesChapters 00:00 Introduction to Geoff Curtis and the Purgatory 02:57 Experiencing Depression and Identity Collapse 06:39 Finding New Purpose and Meaning 11:15 The Complexity of Identity and Purpose 16:28 Vulnerability and Its Importance in Leadership 21:41 Advice for Young Professionals Facing Uncertainty Keywords identity, purpose, vulnerability, career transition, mental health, self-discovery, leadership, resilience, non-profit, personal growth Guest Contact Details: Geoff’s book, “Embracing Your Own Purgatory” is available on Amazon. He may be contacted via geoffcurtis1@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

  7. Aug 5

    From Mother to Matriarch: Lisa McGuire on Identity Evolution

    In this episode, Lisa McGuire shares her journey through identity shifts, the importance of curiosity, and how AI is shaping the new human economy. She discusses how embracing change and authenticity can lead to a more fulfilling professional and personal life. Topics Identity evolution and shifts in today’s worldThe role of curiosity and self-awarenessImpact of AI on the human economyThe importance of authenticity and vulnerabilityStrategies for navigating chaos and changeChapters 00:00 Meet Lisa McGuire: The Strategic Identity Advisor 03:52 What's my operating system? 05:51 Identity Shifts: From Mother to Matriarch 06:46 A new landscape for business 12:32 The power of curiosity 15:46 Curiosity and Identity Evolution 16:33 What groups are reinventing identity? 19:47 The New Human Economy and Authentic Relationships Keywords identity shifts, authenticity, curiosity, new human economy, AI, personal growth, leadership, transformation Guest Contact Details: For more information about Lisa’s work, see https://lisamcguire.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. Jul 29

    Thoughtload, with Liane Davey

    In this conversation, Dr. Liane Davey discusses the concept of 'thought load' and its impact on individuals, particularly in chaotic environments. She emphasizes the distinction between cognitive load and emotional burden, highlighting the multiplicative nature of chaos in modern life. The discussion covers coping strategies for executives, the importance of discerning what really matters, and the necessity of managing energy reserves to combat overwhelm. Liane also shares personal strategies for recharging and emotional recentering amidst the chaos. Topics Thought load is the cognitive and emotional burden we carry.Chaos is multifaceted and cannot be reduced to a single source.Executives often cope by increasing their workload, which is ineffective.Effective coping involves discerning the most important tasks.Tuning out distractions is as crucial as tuning in to important signals.Emotional burdens can derail cognitive processes in the workplace.Managing energy reserves is essential for handling thought load.Personal strategies for recharging can include social interactions and creative activities.Creating time for reflection helps in processing emotions and thoughts.Finding flow in work can significantly enhance productivity and energy. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Thought Load and Chaos 02:38 Coping Mechanisms for Executives 05:55 The Importance of Focus and Discernment 08:09 Tuning In and Tuning Out 10:53 The Emotional Burden of Thought Load 14:45 Managing Energy Reserves 15:45 Personal Strategies for Recharging Keywords thought load, chaos, emotional burden, cognitive load, executive coping strategies, discernment, energy management, focus, tuning in, tuning out Guest Contact Details: For more information about Dr Liane Davey’s work and books, including the assessment she mentioned, see https://lianedavey.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
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Self-Worth in Times of Chaos
  • Show Website
    Self-Worth in Times of Chaos

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