The Modern Journey

Hamza Idris
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The Modern Journey is a platform for honest conversations on the human experience. Hosted by Hamza Idris, the podcast explores growth, identity, healing, relationships, purpose, and modern life, with faith woven in when it’s real. These are the quiet conversations with loud impact. New episodes every other Monday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4d ago

    MENTAL ADVANTAGE with Dr Matt Slavin

    What if the thing that helped you succeed is not the thing that can sustain you? In Episode 5 of Season 2, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr Matt Slavin for a deep and practical conversation about mental health, high performance, burnout, change, rest, self-awareness and what it really takes to build a life that is sustainable. Matt returns to The Modern Journey after moving his family from London to New Zealand, and we talk about what that move has taught him about pace, patience, family, health and learning to live with more intention. We also unpack the shift from “The Burnout Psychologist” to Mental Advantage, and why real transformation is not just about tips, hacks or performance content. It is about understanding yourself, building actual skills, and learning how to change patterns that may have once protected you but no longer serve you. Matt opens up about why flexibility is a sign of strength, why change often feels worse before it feels better, why rest can feel unsafe for high performers, and why insight alone does not create lasting change. This episode is for anyone carrying a lot, trying to grow, trying to change, or learning that success without sustainability eventually becomes expensive. Please note: this conversation is for reflection and education, not a substitute for therapy or professional mental health support. If you are struggling, please speak to a qualified professional or someone you trust. Follow Dr Matt Slavin: Website: www.drmattslavin.com Newsletter: www.drmattslavin.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmattslavin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmattslavin/ Follow The Modern Journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernjourneyhq TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernjourneyhq Newsletter: https://modernjourneyhq.com Hamza Idris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamzaidris Chapters: 00:00 Preview 00:38 Welcome back Dr Matt Slavin 00:58 Moving to New Zealand 03:18 Building a sustainable life 05:39 Why balance comes in seasons 07:19 Flexibility as strength 07:52 From burnout to Mental Advantage 10:04 What Mental Advantage means 11:19 Why performance advice is not enough 13:57 Psychology and high performance 15:54 Old survival techniques 18:28 When success strategies stop sustaining you 20:20 Why change feels uncomfortable 22:47 Rewiring the brain through repetition 24:43 Change inside organisations 27:09 Why rest can feel unsafe 28:22 Noticing old thoughts and patterns 32:39 Why progress is not linear 34:20 Why we need mirrors and support 35:30 Why change feels worse before better 39:48 Fear, excitement and the stories we tell 42:39 Processing after the fact 44:40 What to do if you cannot journal 47:08 Insight is not the same as change 49:29 Insight, behaviour and reflection 50:32 What psychological strength looks like 52:39 Where to start if you are carrying a lot 54:16 Permission to stop and pause 55:09 What life is asking of Matt now 57:38 Choosing family, health and what matters 59:08 Matt’s final encouragement 01:01:41 Final thoughts If this conversation resonates with you, follow The Modern Journey and share the episode with someone who needs to hear it. #TheModernJourney #MentalHealth #Burnout #PersonalGrowth #PsychologicalStrength Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 2m

  2. Jun 22

    CREATE ANYWAY with Marvellous Michael Anson

    What does it take to keep creating before the rewards show up? In Episode 4 of Season 2, I sit down with Marvellous Michael Anson, solutions architect, filmmaker and author of Firstborn of the Sun, for a conversation about storytelling, discipline, Yoruba mythology, creative identity, publishing, imposter syndrome and what it really takes to build a sustainable creative life. We talk about writing across deadlines, balancing a full time career with creativity, why stories need to be lived as much as written, and the journey from self publishing to landing a fantasy trilogy with Penguin Michael Joseph. Marve also opens up about the cultural foundation behind Firstborn of the Sun, the importance of Yoruba oral storytelling, writing for Yoruba readers first, her relationship with her grandmother, the pressure of book two, and why rest matters when you are building something meaningful. This episode is for anyone trying to create anyway, even when life is busy, the industry is hard, the doubts are loud, and the work still needs to be done. Follow Marvellous Michael Anson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justmarvewrites TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justmarvewrites Website: https://www.justmarve.org/home Preorder Marve’s new book, The Heir of the Shadow: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/462761/heir-of-the-shadow-by-anson-marvellous-michael Follow The Modern Journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernjourneyhq TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernjourneyhq Newsletter: https://modernjourneyhq.com Hamza Idris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamzaidris Chapters: 00:00 Preview 00:46 Welcome to Marvellous Michael Anson 03:13 Watching TV as a filmmaker 06:03 Congratulations on submitting book two 07:28 Little Marv and the beginning of storytelling 10:30 What kept her faithful to writing 12:45 Wearing many hats 13:05 What balance looks like in real life 16:49 Why life outside writing matters 20:18 From self publishing to Penguin Michael Joseph 21:38 Learning to negotiate creative decisions 24:31 When she felt like an author 26:38 Choosing business school over film school 31:13 What aspiring authors misunderstand 35:57 Discipline behind the writing life 37:37 Firstborn of the Sun 38:44 Yoruba mythology and world building 40:20 Oral storytelling and cultural memory 43:25 Writing for Yoruba readers first 46:19 Reverence, imagination and creative freedom 49:03 When characters surprise you 52:45 Her grandmother’s influence 57:30 What to expect from book two 59:20 The Heir of the Shadow 01:01:45 What makes a story unmistakably Marv’s 01:02:36 Imposter syndrome and the final chapter 01:04:04 Researching fight scenes 01:07:15 What she will protect as a writer 01:08:53 Diversity in publishing 01:11:36 What this season requires from her 01:13:27 Final thoughts If this conversation resonates with you, follow The Modern Journey and share the episode with someone who needs to hear it. #TheModernJourney #Writing #Creativity #YorubaMythology #FirstbornOfTheSun Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 14m

  3. Jun 8

    HARD MODE DAD with Ollie Harris

    Content warning: this conversation includes discussion of childhood trauma, abuse within the home, alcoholism, drug addiction, family breakdown, homelessness and the emotional weight of parenting through difficult circumstances. Please listen with care and feel free to pause, skip ahead or stop listening if you need to. If this conversation brings anything up for you, or if you are worried about someone you know, support is available. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency services. Support resources: Samaritans: 116 123 NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 Talk to Frank: https://www.talktofrank.com Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk In Episode 3 of Season 2, I sit down with Ollie Harris for one of the most honest and vulnerable conversations we have had on The Modern Journey. This episode is about fatherhood, childhood trauma, becoming a single dad, growing up around abuse, learning boundaries, raising a child with autism, and trying to break cycles instead of repeating them. Ollie opens up about becoming a father during Covid, the emotional weight of being separated from his son straight after birth, being forced to take on adult responsibilities too young, and how fatherhood changed the way he sees himself as a man. We also talk about his son Oscar, autism, labels, emotional capacity, saying no, protecting peace, and what it means to grow through failure. This episode is for anyone who has had to grow up too quickly, anyone trying to break cycles, and anyone learning that being present is not always easy, but it matters. Follow Ollie Harris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-m-harris-6a0b37134 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olliej21 Follow The Modern Journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernjourneyhq TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernjourneyhq Newsletter: https://modernjourneyhq.com Hamza Idris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamzaidris Chapters: 00:00 Content warning 00:35 Preview 01:26 Welcome to Ollie Harris 03:42 What season of life is Ollie in? 11:57 When fatherhood became real 12:19 Becoming a dad during Covid 18:09 How fatherhood changed him as a man 18:51 Boundaries and learning to say no 20:40 Emotional capacity and protecting peace 24:21 Being a single dad 24:49 Growing up around abuse, alcohol and drugs 26:46 Being relied on too young 27:34 Peace and guilt after detaching from family 30:46 Choosing himself and his son 33:49 Finding out who his father was 37:32 Being told the truth through a DNA test 41:52 Protecting himself through distance 43:43 How childhood shaped his fatherhood 44:57 Not becoming what hurt you 46:48 Understanding pain without excusing harm 51:43 Why he apologises so much 55:20 Raising a child with autism 58:03 Hearing his son speak for the first time 01:02:44 Asking himself who he really is 01:05:00 Labels, ADHD and seeing children differently 01:08:28 The beauty of an organic personality 01:14:56 Advice for parents navigating autism 01:17:04 Finding community and trusting the process 01:22:37 What this season requires from him 01:23:15 Growth disguised as failure 01:26:17 Final thoughts If this conversation resonates with you, follow The Modern Journey and share the episode with someone who needs to hear it. #TheModernJourney #Fatherhood #TraumaHealing #AutismAwareness #BreakingCycles Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 27m

  4. May 25

    NO BACKUP PLAN with Patricia Olufemi

    Success can look like having many gifts, many titles and many open doors. But what does it look like when God asks you to move before you fully understand the plan? In Episode 2 of Season 2, I sit down with Patricia Olufemi, also known as NC, for a deeply honest conversation about faith, creativity, obedience, grief, community and what it means to live as a multi-hyphenated child of God. We talk about music, voice acting, working in tech, moving seasons, starting small, losing her mum, building community, and learning how to keep trusting God when life does not unfold the way you prayed it would. Patricia opens up about: • Moving from Ireland to the UK in obedience • Building a creative life without losing herself • Starting voice acting under a duvet and in an IKEA cupboard • Why creatives need to understand the business side • The cost of being multi-hyphenated • Grieving her mum while still carrying responsibility • The power of community, church and honest prayer • Why this season requires prophetic precision This episode is for anyone who feels called to more than one thing, anyone navigating grief, and anyone trying to trust God in a season they did not plan. Follow Patricia Olufemi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciaolufemi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncgrey TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ncgrey Website: https://stan.store/vocalgoldmine Follow The Modern Journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernjourneyhq TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernjourneyhq Newsletter & Updates: https://modernjourneyhq.com Follow Hamza Idris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamzaidris Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:43 Welcome to Patricia Olufemi 01:21 Coming back from America and the meaning of home 02:04 Building community as adults 03:08 Being a multi-hyphenated child of God 04:33 Moving with God in different seasons 06:02 Mourning the life you thought you would have 06:48 Leaving Google and moving in obedience 09:06 The cost of doing many things well 10:31 What could life look like with fewer talents? 12:16 The personal sacrifices behind creativity 14:43 How music first began 16:05 Discovering voice acting during lockdown 18:36 Opening your mind to how God can use your gift 19:23 When one door closes, look around 20:20 Unlearning the need to control the plan 22:17 Starting small in voice acting 23:13 Recording under a duvet 25:04 Voice acting with a stutter 26:25 Resourcefulness and humble beginnings 27:48 Charging less to learn and build experience 30:01 What voice acting gave her that music could not 30:54 Why music can be heartbreaking 32:43 The financial cost of making music 34:38 Being a multi-hyphenated woman 36:50 Staying grounded when life pulls you in many directions 37:32 Losing her mum and moving through grief 38:04 How grief reshaped her understanding of community 40:59 You cannot build community only when you need it 42:10 Learning she cannot do everything alone 44:21 Being honest about grief instead of burying it 47:09 Processing loss as a Christian 48:27 Why stepping away from God was not an option 49:26 What God actually promised 50:51 Holding grief and hope together 55:20 Grieving while still carrying responsibility 56:12 Why workplace grief policies need to change 59:24 Protecting herself in this next chapter 01:01:48 What this season of her journey requires 01:02:01 Prophetic precision If this conversation resonates with you, follow The Modern Journey and share the episode with someone who needs to hear it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 4m

  5. May 11

    BUILDING AN EMPIRE with Andrew Hulbert

    Success looks incredible from the outside. But what does it actually cost? In this episode, entrepreneur, investor and former Pareto FM founder Andrew Hulbert opens up about the reality of entrepreneurship, leadership, burnout, business growth and balancing success with family life. We talk about building a £50M business, the pressure of ambition, reconnecting with relationships after years of hustle, and what happens when the thing you spent years chasing finally arrives. This is one of the most honest conversations I’ve had on The Modern Journey. Andrew opens up about: • Sacrificing time with family while building his company   • Reconnecting with friendships after years of hustle   • Why being present matters more than status   • Leadership, vulnerability and building high performing teams   • Fatherhood, success and raising grounded children   • The future of Facilities Management and modern leadership   • Why volunteering and relationships matter more than networking tactics   This episode is for anyone chasing something big while trying not to lose themselves in the process. ⸻ Follow Andrew Hulbert: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhulbert Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_andrewhulbert TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hulbertandrew Tomorrow Meets Today: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tomorrow-meets-today/ Follow The Modern Journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernjourneyhq TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernjourneyhq Newsletter & Updates: https://modernjourneyhq.com Follow Hamza Idris on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hamzaidris ⸻ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro   01:09 Buying a nature reserve for his children   05:02 Building a £50M business   06:03 Why success stopped mattering   09:35 The season of life Andrew is in now   12:09 Learning to be present again   14:34 What ambition gave him   17:34 What ambition took away   20:34 The real cost of success   23:33 Rebuilding friendships after business success   27:36 Why men need to talk more   28:22 When a business becomes bigger than you   30:24 Did he actually enjoy the lifestyle?   33:18 Fatherhood and raising grounded children   40:27 The danger of instant gratification   41:44 What people misunderstand about leadership   47:20 Why volunteering changed his career   52:34 What Facilities Management actually is   54:40 The future of the FM industry   59:54 Why young people should consider FM   01:02:17 Building teams with 100% retention   01:08:23 Why diversity in leadership matters   01:12:35 Succession planning and leadership ego   01:17:19 Advice for ambitious young people   01:23:50 What this season of life requires from him   01:24:48 Final reflections   Let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments. If this conversation resonates with you, follow The Modern Journey and share the episode with someone who needs to hear it. #TheModernJourney #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Fatherhood #Success Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 27m

  6. Apr 27

    You Do Not Have to Feel Ready to Begin | Monday Diary 004

    You do not always get to feel ready before it is time to begin. In this Monday Diary, Hamza reflects on what it means to move while still feeling pressure, nerves, and uncertainty. With the live event this week, the podcast launch next week, and a recent career transition of his own, he explores the truth that readiness is often a moving target. This episode is about courage, perfectionism, overthinking, and learning to move before you feel fully impressive. Weekly question: What are you delaying because you think you need to feel more ready first? For deeper reflections and behind the scenes updates, sign up at modernjourneyhq.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    6 min

  7. Apr 20

    I Wanted Love So Badly I Stopped Discerning Properly | Monday Diary 003

    This week, Hamza reflects on a hard truth he had to learn about himself: sometimes the desire for love, closeness, and connection can make discernment blurry. Not just in romance, but in friendship, community, and life, emotional hunger can make almost anything that looks like comfort feel convincing. In this Monday Diary, he explores what it means to give people access before trust has been built, how survival mode can distort your choices, and why healthy love changes your definition of connection. Weekly question: Where in your life have you been giving access before trust has actually been built? For deeper reflections and behind the scenes updates, sign up at modernjourneyhq.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    6 min

  8. Apr 13

    Starting Over Taught Me This | Monday Diary 002

    Starting over reveals more than it changes. It shows you who you are when the familiar disappears. In this Monday Diary, I reflect on moving from Nigeria to the UK at 17 and what that transition taught me about identity, courage, community, coping, and growth. What looked like independence on the outside was, in many ways, survival in real time. A new country. A new system. A new rhythm. And in the middle of it, lessons I did not fully understand until much later. In this episode, I share five honest things starting over taught me about myself: • I’m more adaptable than I thought • Community is not a luxury, it’s a need • Capability is not enough without wisdom • I was braver than I gave myself credit for • If I don’t choose healthy ways to cope, I will drift toward whatever is available This is a personal reflection on what change exposes, what survival can hide, and why telling yourself the truth matters when life shifts. Weekly question: What has starting over taught you about yourself? For deeper reflection and behind the scenes updates, sign up to the newsletter at modernjourneyhq.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min
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About

The Modern Journey is a platform for honest conversations on the human experience. Hosted by Hamza Idris, the podcast explores growth, identity, healing, relationships, purpose, and modern life, with faith woven in when it’s real. These are the quiet conversations with loud impact. New episodes every other Monday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Hamza Idris
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Modern Journey. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Modern Journey