WHOLE: The Podcast

Christabel Heasman-Cossins
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Performing Arts

Achievement is healthiest and most sustainable when it is aligned with meaning, authenticity, values and psychological flexibility. WHOLE: The Podcast explores the stories and psychology behind sustained meaningful achievement, and how people continue evolving despite the inevitable challenges. Hosted by Christabel Heasman-Cossins (performer, presenter, coach and researcher), WHOLE looks beyond surface-level ideas of success to examine how people build meaningful careers, navigate challenge, and continue evolving across creative, professional and athletic fields. Through conversations with individuals from the arts, sport, media and beyond - alongside reflections grounded in academic perspectives on motivation, performance and the self - WHOLE: The Podcast explores what drives people not only to begin a path, but to sustain it. This podcast grew out of the WHOLE Framework - What, Honesty, Ownership, Living It and Evolution - which recognises meaning and purpose as central components of long-term wellbeing and fulfilment. Blending lived experience with psychological insight, WHOLE offers an honest look at the human realities behind achievement, creativity and longevity. To find out more about the WHOLE Framework head to wholecoaching.co.uk Follow on Social Media: @christabelsvoice

  1. 2d ago

    David Courtney: Discovering Leo Sayer, Writing Hits and Why Persistence Beats Talent

    David Courtney, the man who discovered Leo Sayer, wrote and produced Roger Daltry's first solo album and whose back catalogue of songs has sold over 34 million copies worldwide. In this conversation we explore the extraordinary journey behind his career. From playing London's legendary Bag O'Nails club at just sixteen, to discovering Leo Sayer, writing Roger Daltrey's breakthrough solo hits, working with David Gilmour, and witnessing the greatest era of British music from the inside. We also discuss: • Songwriting and musical storytelling • The evolution of music production • AI and the future of creativity • Why persistence matters more than talent • Why success was never really about money This episode is a must for anyone who is a fan of music and the art of songwriting, but also it is for anyone who needs to find that spark of genius within them. If you suspect that success might be about something more than money, if you feel you are missing the final insight in your journey, or if you are looking for a wise voice to give you the encouragement you need, this episode is for you. If you enjoy conversations about music, creativity and living a meaningful life, subscribe for more interviews with the people behind some of the world's greatest music.

    David Courtney: Discovering Leo Sayer, Writing Hits and Why Persistence Beats Talent

  2. Jul 14

    Guy Pratt: Pink Floyd, Madonna, Michael Jackson & The Truth About a Life in Music

    Guy Pratt is one of the world's most respected bass players, known for his work with Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, Madonna, Roxy Music and countless other legendary artists. In this episode he reflects on the highs and lows of a life in music, the insecurity that never completely disappears, performing in front of 80,000 people, working with some of the biggest names in popular music, and why finding your own creative path matters more than chasing success. We also talk about comedy, confidence, luck, family, creativity, Michael Jackson, Richard Branson, David Gilmour, and the advice Guy would give to anyone hoping to build a career in the arts. An honest conversation about music, resilience, authenticity and what it really takes to sustain a creative life. Key takeaways Why success doesn't eliminate self-doubt.How Guy became Pink Floyd's bassist through an unexpected opportunity.The importance of saying no to protect your values and relationships.What it's really like performing in front of 80,000 people.The surreal story of recording for Michael Jackson.Why comedy made Guy a better musician.How family shaped his journey into music.The reality behind a decades-long career in the music industry.Why finding your people is one of the most important steps in any creative career.Guy's advice for anyone pursuing a life in music or the creative arts. Mentioned in this episode: Pink FloydRoxy MusicMadonnaMichael JacksonDeep PurpleDave GilmourThe SmithsWhitesnakeNick MasonRichard BransonVirgin RecordsIcehouseRobbie RobertsonNile RodgersJeff Beck

    Guy Pratt: Pink Floyd, Madonna, Michael Jackson & The Truth About a Life in Music

  3. May 12

    The Art of Getting Go: How to Become the Real You

    In this solo episode of WHOLE: The Podcast, Christabel Heasman-Cossins explores the psychology of honesty, identity and letting go — and shares the personal story that led to the creation of the WHOLE Framework. What happens when the life you’ve built no longer feels aligned with who you are becoming? Through reflections on performance, exhaustion, purpose, motivation and self-identity, this episode explores the tension between external success and meaningful living, and why so many people remain stuck in lives, careers or patterns they have quietly outgrown. Christabel discusses: the fear of letting go of old identitiesperformative success and external validationmeaning, purpose and intrinsic motivationwhy change can feel psychologically threateningthe importance of honesty and self-inquiryhow the WHOLE Framework was born This episode is for anyone who feels stagnant, disconnected, creatively dulled or quietly aware that something in their life no longer fits. The WHOLE Framework: W — What H — Honesty O — Ownership L — Live It E — Evolution Explore more: wholeframework.com Follow: @christabelsvoice

    The Art of Getting Go: How to Become the Real You

  4. May 5

    The Psychology of Style: Identity, Confidence and Tailoring | Gresham Blake

    What does it mean to truly express who you are? In this conversation, I sit down with tailoring duo, Gresham and Fal Blake to explore something that, on the surface, looks like tailoring, but very quickly reveals itself to be something much deeper. Because this isn’t just about style. What struck me in this conversation is that tailoring is not just about clothing, it’s about understanding people. Not in an abstract or theoretical way, but in a very real, intuitive sense. It involves reading someone, getting a feel for who they are. It is about understanding how they want to move through the world, and how they want to feel when they step into a room. There is psychology embedded in the process. We also talk about risk, instinct and the kind of self-belief it takes to build something from nothing, and the absolute authenticity that directs it. We also discuss the 'turning point'. The moment in a life when a decision is made to turn towards greatness, rather than towards what may be immeasurably easier. There’s a moment in the conversation where Gresham describes himself as an “extremist”, someone who felt they would either succeed completely or fail completely. What’s interesting is the evolution of that mindset over time: the movement from extremes into something more nuanced. More integrated. That, to me, is where this conversation really lives. Not just in style, but in evolution. The way we present ourselves to the world is so much part of who we are. It is no surprise that this duo present In how we become. What We ExploreWhy what you wear is not superficial—it’s an expression of identityThe idea that tailoring is less about appearance and more about how you feelThe parallels between tailoring and psychology: reading people, understanding values, building trustThe role of collaboration in creative work—and in self-expressionRisk-taking, instinct, and the reality of building something without certaintyThe tension between freedom and security in creative livesHow identity evolves over time—and what it means to move beyond extremesThe shifting landscape of tailoring, particularly for women, and what that reflects culturallyWhy authenticity—rather than trend—is the only sustainable foundation for style We often think of clothing as something external. Something aesthetic. Something separate from who we are. But what this conversation reveals is that it’s anything but. When what you wear aligns with who you are, something shifts. There’s a sense of ease. Of confidence. Of coherence. And when it doesn’t, we feel it. This episode is really an exploration of that alignment—and what it takes to get there. Takeaways: The act of donning a bespoke suit instills confidence, altering one's posture and demeanor.Tailoring transcends mere fabric manipulation; it embodies elements of psychology and self-identity.The bespoke tailoring process necessitates a profound understanding of the client's personality and preferences.In recent years, societal shifts have led to a greater acceptance of women wearing tailored suits in professional settings.The evolution of tailoring reflects broader fashion trends, yet authenticity remains paramount in personal expression.A tailored suit serves not only as clothing but as a vehicle for self-expression and personal empowerment. Links referenced in this episode: greshamblake.comwholecoaching.co.uk Companies mentioned in this episode: Marks and SpencerVogueGresham BlakeIndian SummerBBC Radio 1

    The Psychology of Style: Identity, Confidence and Tailoring | Gresham Blake

  5. Apr 28

    The Importance of Values in Purpose, Meaning and Direction | WHOLE: Unpacked

    In this WHOLE Unpacked episode, I explore one of the most fundamental drivers of a meaningful life: values. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what you want, disconnected from your current path, or lacking a sense of purpose, this episode will help you understand why. I break down: What values are and how they differ from goalsHow values shape behaviour and decision-makingWhy values conflict—and why that’s part of being humanHow to identify your own core valuesHow meaning emerges from living in alignment with them This episode is about clarity, direction, and building a life that actually reflects what matters to you. Takeaways: Values serve as the organizing principles that guide our behavior and decision-making processes.Identifying and clarifying one’s values is essential for constructing a meaningful and purposeful life.The distinction between values and goals is crucial; values represent directions rather than fixed destinations.A life devoid of values risks becoming reactive, lacking direction, and driven by basic survival instincts.Intrinsic motivation arises from engaging in activities that align with our true values, as opposed to external pressures.Awareness of one’s values allows for personal growth and the pursuit of a fulfilling life aligned with what truly matters. NB: In a section of the podcast the goal was mistakenly used in place of values. This was done in error. Any discussion of universality and benevolence is in relation to values, not goals. Links referenced in this episode: wholecoaching.co.ukAn Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values: https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1116&context=orpc Self Determination Theory https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2000_RyanDeci_SDT.pdf

    The Importance of Values in Purpose, Meaning and Direction | WHOLE: Unpacked

  6. Apr 21

    The Lie That You’re “Too Old” to Start Again | WHOLE: Unpacked

    We’re often told, directly or indirectly, that there’s a point in life where it becomes “too late” to start again. In this episode, I explore where that belief comes from, how it shapes the way we see ourselves, and why it doesn’t actually hold up. From real-life examples to psychological ideas like self-stories and identity, I look at how this narrative forms—and why everyday life continually contradicts it. Because the evidence is all around us: people begin again, change direction, and pursue meaningful paths at every stage of life. The question isn’t whether it’s too late. It’s whether you’ve been led to believe that it is. personal growthcareer changemidlife changestarting overself developmentmindsetageismidentitymotivationlife purposepsychological growthreinventionmeaning and purposechange your lifeself belief Takeaways: The pervasive belief that individuals become irrelevant at a certain age is fundamentally flawed.There are numerous examples of individuals who successfully embarked on new careers later in life.The midlife phase often presents an ideal opportunity for personal and professional reinvention.Motivation can wane during challenging times, but establishing a conducive environment can help sustain focus.Self-stories formed in youth can limit perceptions of potential, yet they can be reexamined and transformed.Understanding one’s core values is essential in guiding life changes and new endeavors. Companies mentioned in this episode: WholeWhole coaching.co.ukLila Ann GrayTina TechnoticTina woods

    The Lie That You’re “Too Old” to Start Again | WHOLE: Unpacked

  7. Apr 14

    Raving at 60 — and Rethinking Midlife: Tina Woods (aka Tina Technotic)

    Takeaways: The importance of human connection in modern life has diminished due to technology, necessitating a return to community engagement.Longevity is not only a biological concern but is also deeply intertwined with meaning and purpose in life.Music and dance serve as primal forms of human expression that foster connection and well-being across all ages.Engaging in activities that bring joy and foster relationships is crucial for mental and physical health as one ages. Links referenced in this episode: whole coaching.co.uk Companies mentioned in this episode: Collider HealthLongevity RaveWhole CoachingNikeHuman Exposome ProjectHuman Genome ProjectTeam GB

    Raving at 60 — and Rethinking Midlife: Tina Woods (aka Tina Technotic)

  8. Apr 7

    Sally Gunnell OBE: Pressure, Purpose and Life After Gold

    In this episode of WHOLE: The Podcast, Christabel is joined by Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell for a powerful conversation on performance, identity, and what it truly means to live with purpose. Sally shares what it takes to compete at the highest level, reflecting on pressure, mindset, injury, and the psychological demands of elite sport. But beyond the medals, this episode explores something deeper: what happens when a defining chapter ends, and how you rebuild a sense of meaning, direction, and self. Together, they explore the role of mental strength, visualisation, and discipline, as well as the transition from peak performance into a new phase of life. Sally also speaks candidly about women’s health, confidence, and her work empowering others through her platform Life’s Hurdles. This is a conversation about more than achievement. It’s about purpose, evolution, and learning how to keep moving forward, aligned with what matters, long after the external markers of success have passed. Takeaways: The internal voice of self-doubt can hinder our ability to pursue our goals effectively, highlighting the importance of mental resilience.Sally Gunnell emphasizes the necessity of self-kindness, advocating for individuals to appreciate their worth and capabilities.The transition from an athletic career to post-sport life requires significant adjustment and the establishment of new goals for personal fulfillment.The significance of visualization and mental preparation in achieving peak performance is paramount, particularly in high-pressure situations.Engaging in strength training is essential for maintaining physical health and mobility as one ages, especially for women.Building a supportive community can greatly enhance one's journey toward health and well-being, fostering accountability and shared experiences. Companies mentioned in this episode: Sally GunnellWholeLife's HurdlesBBCKeely HodgkinsonJason GardnerDale GarlandSteve Greer

    Sally Gunnell OBE: Pressure, Purpose and Life After Gold
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About

Achievement is healthiest and most sustainable when it is aligned with meaning, authenticity, values and psychological flexibility. WHOLE: The Podcast explores the stories and psychology behind sustained meaningful achievement, and how people continue evolving despite the inevitable challenges. Hosted by Christabel Heasman-Cossins (performer, presenter, coach and researcher), WHOLE looks beyond surface-level ideas of success to examine how people build meaningful careers, navigate challenge, and continue evolving across creative, professional and athletic fields. Through conversations with individuals from the arts, sport, media and beyond - alongside reflections grounded in academic perspectives on motivation, performance and the self - WHOLE: The Podcast explores what drives people not only to begin a path, but to sustain it. This podcast grew out of the WHOLE Framework - What, Honesty, Ownership, Living It and Evolution - which recognises meaning and purpose as central components of long-term wellbeing and fulfilment. Blending lived experience with psychological insight, WHOLE offers an honest look at the human realities behind achievement, creativity and longevity. To find out more about the WHOLE Framework head to wholecoaching.co.uk Follow on Social Media: @christabelsvoice

Information

  • Creator
    Christabel Heasman-Cossins
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Christabel Heasman-Cossins
  • Show Website
    WHOLE: The Podcast

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