Self-Worth in Times of Chaos

John Niland
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Weekly

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. 2d ago

    Living with Alzheimer's, with Patrice van de Walle

    In this episode, Patrice van de Walle shares his personal journey with an Alzheimer's diagnosis, exploring how it has reshaped his identity, daily routines, and creative pursuits. His insights offer a profound look at living with a degenerative disease and the importance of self-awareness and finding a “happy place”. Topics Personal experience with Alzheimer's diagnosisImpact of Alzheimer's on identity and daily lifeHow everyone looks at your differentlyStrategies for maintaining mental health and creativityThe role of self-talk and awareness in copingFuture outlook and ongoing creative pursuitsChapters 00:00 Introduction to Patrice's Experience of Alzheimer's 02:03 The Diagnosis: How It Came About 06:03 Self-Perception and Identity Changes 11:00 The Twilight Zone of Alzheimer's 14:06 Self-Talk and Being Mindful 18:34 Writing as a Happy Place 21:41 Looking at the Future Keywords Alzheimer's, self-awareness, creativity, mental health, aging, personal journey, diagnosis, mental health awareness, coping strategies, mental resilience Guest Contact Details: Patrice can be reached by email on patricevdw@yahoo.com.  When his book is available, a link will be added here.  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. Oct 28

    The blue sky between the clouds, with David Klaasen

    In this episode, David Klaasen shares his journey through chaos, including redundancy, career shifts, economic downturns and the impact of AI. He reflects on how meditation, strong relationships and adaptability have helped him navigate uncertainty; coupled with an inherited sense of hope and optimism. Topics The impact of career redundancy and economic recession on personal resilienceThe role of meditation, especially vipassana, in managing chaos and thoughtsDeveloping discernment to spot when AI-generated stuff is off (or scams)How strong relationships and vulnerability provide stability during upheavalThe influence of AI on work and how to leverage it ethically and effectivelyAdapting business models in response to external shocks like Brexit and the pandemicThe importance of valuesImplementation of AI and automation in future work environmentsChapters 00:00 Lessons learned from the chaos of redundancy 03:06 Impact of Brexit on his business and personal growth 06:05 Personal evolution and the role of meditation 11:32 The importance of discernment in the age of AI 12:57 Aligning with values in a noisy world 15:29 Building AI tools for clients and future opportunities 18:30 Sources of stability: relationships, community, and values 22:08 Hope, optimism, and the blue sky between the clouds Keywords chaos, resilience, meditation, AI, adaptability, mental health, career change, economic crisis, personal growth Guest Contact Details: For more about David and his work, see https://talent4performance.co.uk/ 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. Oct 21

    Following the tickles of the soul, with Kristy Halvorsen

    In this episode, Kristy Halvorsen shares her journey from a firefighter to a nomadic life, exploring how embracing chaos, curiosity and courage can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling existence. Discover insights on living with uncertainty, following your soul, and transforming chaos into opportunity. Topics Kristy’s transition from firefighting to nomadic livingThe role of chaos in personal growthHow curiosity and courage help navigate uncertaintyLiving in the present and following the 'tickles of the soul'The importance of acceptance and allowing in chaosOvercoming loneliness through connection with lifeThe mental shift from fighting chaos to embracing itPlanning aligned with the soul's ticklesThe evolution of life perspective from chaos to peaceChapters 00:00 Introduction to Kristy Halvorsen’s Nomadic Journey 03:58 Understanding Chaos: Fighting vs. Acceptance 06:20 Following the 'Tickles of the Soul' 09:23 The Role of Curiosity and Courage 12:52 Approaching the Future with Curiosity 16:55 Being Open 19:23 Getting Past Loneliness Keywords chaos, curiosity, courage, nomadic life, personal growth, living intentionally, mental resilience, self-discovery, mindfulness, life transformation Guest Contact Details: For more about the book “Perfect Unfolding” as well as her coaching / mentoring services, see her website: https://kristyhalvorsen.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. Oct 14

    Lessons from Storms, with Rob Carroll

    In this conversation, Rob Carroll shares how two major storms in his life taught him vital lessons about trust, service and authenticity. He discusses how chaos can serve as a platform for growth and greater purpose, especially in times of personal and professional upheaval. Topics The role of chaos and tragedy as platforms for growthRob Carroll's personal story of Hurricane Isabel and family challengesThe importance of trust, character, and competency in leadershipLessons on authenticity and integrity in a digital ageThe three Ps: Pain, Platform, and Purpose in personal developmentAuthenticity and integrity are crucial in building trust, especially in the age of artificial identity.Chaos often reveals what truly matters and can redirect us toward greater purpose.Chapters 00:00 Rob's life before the storm: success and stability 04:24 The impact of Hurricane Isabel and the physical destruction 07:49 Family challenges: son's struggles and racial tensions 10:14 Internal storms and awakening to service 14:14 Lessons learned: chaos as a platform for service 17:16 Applying lessons to AI and identity in today’s world Keywords trust, chaos, service, authenticity, personal growth, storms, tragedy, purpose, leadership, resilience Guest Contact Details: For more about Rob Carroll’s services, see https://meridian-transformation-coaching.ueniweb.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. Oct 7

    How self-perception is changing, with Dr. Samreen Ashraf

    In this episode, Dr. Samreen Ashraf, Associate Head of Bournemouth University Business School, explores the evolving landscape of identity, especially in the context of higher education and AI's impact on self-perception and social skills. We discuss how changes in academia, technology, and societal expectations are reshaping who we are and how we relate to others. Topics The impact on UK universities of a drop in student numbersThe shifting nature of academic identity and its multiple facetsThe importance of self-reflection and sitting with oneself in a digital ageThe impact of AI on patience, social skills, and mental healthGenerational differences in identity and work perceptionThe historical roots of identity studies in psychology and sociologyThe role of self-perception and verification in social anxiety and confidenceFuture challenges and opportunities for maintaining authentic self in a tech-driven worldChapters 00:00 Introduction to the challenges in higher education and personal identity 02:37 Impact on careers 03:36 How career changes influence personal identity and self-perception 07:58 Reflections on defining oneself through work and personal passions 09:54 The origins of identity research and its relevance today 12:59 Identity in a business context 15:56 Future implications of AI on mental health: losing the art of patience 17:56 Other mental health effects of AI: self-perception 19:29 The social impact of AI on younger generations and interpersonal skills 22:21 Advice for young people on balancing AI use and self-development Keywords identity, higher education, AI, social skills, self-perception, academic careers, future of work, technology impact Guest Contact Details: Dr Samreen Ashraf can be contacted by email on sashraf@bournemouth.ac.uk or via her Youtube channel: youtube.com/channel/UCC-RCJaPavcoSM0DXM5rCUw 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. Sep 30

    What do you value? (with Andrea Rees)

    In this conversation, Andrea Rees and John explore the nature of chaos, its role in growth and creativity, and how curiosity and values can help us navigate uncertain times. They share personal stories, insights on social practice art, and reflections on the future of society and connection. Topics The definition of chaos and its positive and negative aspectsChaos theory and its implications for changeThe role of curiosity in navigating chaosPersonal stories of resilience and valuesSocial practice art and activism as tools for social changeThe importance of stopping and observing in creative processesThe impact of organizational control on creativityThe future of society and the importance of connectionChapters 00:00 What is chaos? 03:50 Chaos as a driver of growth and change 05:38 Control versus observation in organisations 07:08 The importance of pausing and curiosity 09:01 Personal story: resilience through values 10:00 Values guiding through crisis 12:25 The role of curiosity in personal and professional life 14:22 The future of society and connection 16:50 Social practice art and activism explained 20:30 Creating common ground through art Keywords chaos, creativity, curiosity, social practice art, values, growth, uncertainty, connection, activism, future Guest Contact Details: To see some of Andrea Rees’s art and for contact details, visit https://www.andreareesart.org/ For more about the Common Ground Belgium project, see https://www.becommonground.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

  7. Sep 23

    Growing up between cultures, with Aziza Tria

    Aziza Tria shares her journey through childhood chaos, growing up in Tunisia and how it shaped her later work in conscious parenting and personal development. Discover how her experiences led her to help others navigate relationship transitions and build resilience. Topics ​​Aziza's childhood chaos and adaptationThe role of unconscious survival mechanismsThe importance of self-worth and self-compassionTransitioning through identity shifts with childrenThe impact of therapy and education on personal growthConscious parenting and relationship dynamicsThe significance of patience and regulation in parentingThe butterfly effect of meaningful encountersChapters 00:00 Introducing Aziza Tria and her childhood chaos 02:57 Growing up as a girl in Tunisia 05:41 Navigating the complexity of belonging 11:15 Becoming a mother and adapting to the responsibility 13:05 Aziza's work in conscious parenting 17:24 The pathway of encounter and being able to contribute Keywords self-worth, chaos, resilience, childhood trauma, abandonment, identity, belonging, survival mode, people-pleasing, emotional regulation, conscious parenting, relationships, therapy, coaching, personal growth, family trauma, parenting Guest Contact Details: Aziza can be contacted by email on azizatria@hotmail.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. Sep 16

    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

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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
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Self-Worth in Times of Chaos
  • Show Website
    Self-Worth in Times of Chaos