The Next Chapter

Luke

The Next Chapter is a podcast about new beginnings, reinvention, and the power of taking ownership over your life. Hosted by Luke Jones—coach, podcast host, and lifelong student of self-development—each episode dives deep into honest stories of transformation, resilience, and practical strategies for building a life you don’t need to escape from. Along the way, we explore the role of manifestation and the magic that happens when you start following your goosebumps—those moments of excitement, intuition, and inspiration that point you toward your next chapter. You’ll hear from everyday people, experts, and inspiring guests who’ve overcome adversity, embraced change, and found the courage to start again—whether it’s breaking free from old patterns, finding purpose, or navigating life’s toughest moments. With a mix of real talk, mindset tools, and actionable tips, The Next Chapter is here to help you create momentum, trust your own journey, and write a new story—one you’re proud to live.

  1. Episode 18: From Martial Arts to Mindset Coaching: Confidence, Vulnerability & Self-Respect | Mitch Simpson

    HACE 4 H

    Episode 18: From Martial Arts to Mindset Coaching: Confidence, Vulnerability & Self-Respect | Mitch Simpson

    What does it actually take to rebuild confidence as a man in your 40s, 50s, or beyond—especially when you’ve hit a low point, lost your spark, or feel like you’re just 'getting through' life? In this educational interview, I’m joined by Mitch Simpson—martial arts instructor turned mindset coach—who shares how discipline, self-love, and vulnerability can become the foundation for real personal transformation. We talk about men’s mental health, why ego keeps so many blokes stuck, and how small steps done consistently create big change over time. Mitch also shares practical tools you can use immediately: self-talk and affirmations, breathing and meditation, gratitude, writing for self-reflection, and why getting outdoors can reset your head when life feels heavy. If you’ve been telling yourself 'it’s too late' or 'this is just who I am now,' this episode will challenge that story. Chapters 02:03 Mitch's Personal Journey and Background 03:31 Experiences at Boarding School and Cultural Exposure 04:54 Helping Men Over 40 Rebuild Confidence 05:27 Breaking Ego and Embracing Vulnerability 06:20 Martial Arts as a Life Skill and Discipline Tool 07:44 Martial Arts Styles and Teaching Philosophy 09:34 The Role of Communication and Writing in Growth 10:07 Benefits of Boxing and Martial Arts for Discipline 13:11 Self-Defense and Life Skills in Martial Arts 14:49 Progression and Intensity in Martial Arts Training 15:18 Transition to NLP and Coaching 16:17 The Impact of Personal Transformation Stories 17:41 Teaching Men and Women Differently in Martial Arts 18:37 Respect and Learning from Women in Coaching 19:52 Inspiring Stories of Overcoming Rock Bottom 21:16 Continuing Personal Development and Education 22:35 Dealing with Heartbreak and Low Points 25:41 The Power of Kindness and Support from Others 27:55 The Role of Psychotherapy in Healing 29:42 15 Years of Personal Growth and Reflection 30:10 Daily Affirmations and Self-Confidence Building 31:12 Helping Men Over 50 Rebuild Self-Image 33:01 Structured Learning and Step-by-Step Progression 34:33 Common Patterns in Men's Mental Health 37:39 Encouraging Vulnerability and Openness 39:57 The Role of Nature and Outdoors in Well-Being 43:35 Practicing Gratitude and Self-Love 44:16 Mindset Exercises for Feeling Lost 45:34 Breathing and Meditation for Calmness 47:18 The Power of Self-Talk and Affirmations 50:23 Daily Rituals for Confidence and Self-Love 51:13 The Biggest Lies Men Tell Themselves 52:44 Overcoming Negative Self-Talk 54:12 Following Intuition and Gut Feelings 55:28 Memorable Experiences with Michael Jackson 58:00 Meeting Michael Jackson and His Kindness 01:00:31 The Split Persona of Michael Jackson 01:01:22 What a Confident Man Looks Like in His 50s 01:02:00 Self-Love and Confidence Reflected in the Mirror 01:03:45 The Power of Small Steps and Consistency 01:04:33 The Importance of Writing and Self-Reflection 01:05:03 The Role of Self-Love in Personal Growth 01:07:35 Walking to Work with a Positive Mindset 01:08:02 The Value of Communication and Community 01:08:50 The Danger of Isolation and Negative Self- If you got value from this episode, don’t just sit on it—take action.  Like, subscribe, and follow the show—it makes a massive difference and helps us reach more people who need to hear these stories.  Share this with a mate who needs the truth, leave a review, and remember: change doesn’t happen by accident.  It happens when you get honest, do the work, and show up for yourself and your family. Stay real, stay relentless, and keep building your legacy—one choice at a time. For more hard-hitting stories and practical tools, follow, subscribe, and join the conversation. Let’s be real: your next chapter starts now...

    1 h 6 min
  2. Episode 17: Unlock Your Highest Potential | Rachel Murrey on Intuition, Manifestation & Breaking Societal Conditioning

    26 ABR

    Episode 17: Unlock Your Highest Potential | Rachel Murrey on Intuition, Manifestation & Breaking Societal Conditioning

    In this episode of The Next Chapter, Luke Jones sits down with Rachel Murrey for a powerful conversation about what happens when you stop living by the rules you inherited… and start living by what actually feels true. Rachel shares her journey from corporate life to spiritual awakening, and we get into the real stuff: societal conditioning, people-pleasing, fear, imposter syndrome, and the quiet inner knowing that tells you you’re meant for more. We also explore how tools like astrology and birth charts can support self-discovery, why manifestation isn’t about forcing outcomes, and how surrender + alignment can change everything. If you’ve been feeling stuck, misaligned, or like you’re living someone else’s life — this one will hit home. Key topics we cover: Societal conditioning and how it shapes your choicesThe awakening process and personal transformationTrusting intuition, signs, and synchronicitiesManifestation, surrender, and living in alignmentOvercoming fear, imposter syndrome, and limiting beliefsWhy community matters when you’re changing your lifePractical steps to unlearn old patterns and choose authenticityChapters  00:00 Introduction to Rachel's Journey 01:39 Awakening and Transformation 04:55 Societal Conditioning and Its Impact 07:23 The Outdated School System 09:32 Challenging Societal Norms 10:33 The Process of Unlearning 13:36 Overcoming Fear and People-Pleasing 16:32 The Lies We Tell Ourselves 18:13 The Importance of Intuition 20:09 Manifestation and Alignment 29:31 Navigating Fear and Excitement 33:04 Understanding Astrology and Its Impact 37:34 Unlocking Higher Potential 40:33 Overcoming Common Blocks to Growth 43:41 The Role of Courage in Transformation 48:14 The Importance of Supportive Relationships 52:42 Recognising Signs of Job Misalignment 01:00:20 Resources for Personal Growth 01:02:28 Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery Connect with Rachel below... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmurrey/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rachelmurrey If you got value from this episode, don’t just sit on it—take action.  Like, subscribe, and follow the show—it makes a massive difference and helps us reach more people who need to hear these stories.  Share this with a mate who needs the truth, leave a review, and remember: change doesn’t happen by accident.  It happens when you get honest, do the work, and show up for yourself and your family. Stay real, stay relentless, and keep building your legacy—one choice at a time. For more hard-hitting stories and practical tools, follow, subscribe, and join the conversation. Let’s be real: your next chapter starts now...

    1 h 6 min
  3. Episode 16: From Tractor Driver to Trauma-Informed Coach: Emma Walsh on Healing, Safety & Self-Belief

    19 ABR

    Episode 16: From Tractor Driver to Trauma-Informed Coach: Emma Walsh on Healing, Safety & Self-Belief

    In this episode of The Next Chapter, I’m joined by Emma Walsh — a trauma-informed coach and entrepreneur — for a proper deep conversation about burnout, nervous system safety, and what trauma can quietly do to your confidence, relationships, and business decisions. Emma breaks down the trauma spectrum (it’s not always the 'big obvious stuff'), why trauma is stored emotion in the body, and how your nervous system is literally trying to keep you safe — even when it’s sabotaging your growth. We talk about emotional regulation, healing childhood and generational patterns, and why authenticity + self-belief aren’t fluffy ideas… they’re the foundation of sustainable success. If you’ve been pushing, grinding, people-pleasing, or feeling like you’re constantly 'on edge' in business (or life), this one will land. We cover: Trauma as a spectrum — and how it impacts businessWhy safety and regulation come before growthHealing childhood trauma + breaking generational cyclesSelf-belief, authenticity, and trusting yourself in businessPivoting when success doesn’t feel fulfilling anymoreChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Emma Walsh and Her Mission 02:16 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact 13:11 Identifying the Struggles of Women Entrepreneurs 18:25 The Importance of Enjoying the Journey 24:13 Reconnecting with Your Inner Child 25:29 Investments and Lessons Learned 29:14 From Tractor Driver to Coach 35:37 The Importance of Safety in Relationships 41:43 Understanding Gender Differences in Emotional Expression 47:35 The Power of Communication in Relationships 51:26 Gratitude and Self-Awareness 56:52 The Possibility of Change and Growth 01:01:49 Navigating Entrepreneurship: When to Pivot 01:11:46 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 01:15:14 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Opportunities Connect with Emma below... Emma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_j_walsh/Emma on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emma_j_walsh If you got value from this episode, don’t just sit on it—take action.  Like, subscribe, and follow the show—it makes a massive difference and helps us reach more people who need to hear these stories.  Share this with a mate who needs the truth, leave a review, and remember: change doesn’t happen by accident.  It happens when you get honest, do the work, and show up for yourself and your family. Stay real, stay relentless, and keep building your legacy—one choice at a time. For more hard-hitting stories and practical tools, follow, subscribe, and join the conversation. Let’s be real: your next chapter starts now...

    1 h 15 min
  4. Episode 15 : Embracing Sobriety & Identity: Eamon Kearney's 'Long Way Home'.

    12 ABR

    Episode 15 : Embracing Sobriety & Identity: Eamon Kearney's 'Long Way Home'.

    What happens when you realise alcohol has become your “home”… and you decide to burn that version of home to the ground? In this episode of The Next Chapter, I’m joined by Eamon Kearney —Irish immigrant living in Massachusetts, father, sober runner, and author of the upcoming memoir 'The Long Way Home.' We get into the real stuff: adoption, early trauma, Irish drinking culture, and how learned behaviour can quietly wire addiction into your identity. Eamon shares the moment he hit a low point, what finally made him choose sobriety, and why running became the anchor that helped him rebuild discipline, clarity, and self-respect. We also talk about redefining what 'home' actually means when you’re sober—and how fatherhood can become the reason you break the cycle for good. If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, struggling with identity, or trying to become the dad your kids deserve—this one will hit. Chapters... 00:00 Intro – Eamon’s Kearney story in a sentence 01:12 Who is Eamon ? (father, sober runner, immigrant, author) 03:05 Adoption, early trauma, and the search for belonging 06:10 Growing up around alcohol: “learned behaviour” and Irish culture 09:25 When drinking becomes identity (and why it’s so hard to quit) 12:40 The turning point: hitting a new low 15:30 Choosing sobriety in 2022 – what changed? 18:10 Running as an anchor: discipline, routine, mental clarity 22:05 The mind in recovery: self-reflection and healing 25:30 Fatherhood after sobriety: showing up and breaking the cycle 29:10 Redefining “home” — from a place to a feeling 33:20 Building a life that supports sobriety (people, environment, habits) 37:05 Eamon’s memoir “The Long Way Home” — what it’s really about 40:10 Practical takeaways for anyone trying to quit drinking 43:00 Final words + where to find Eamon Find Eamon on TikTok below... https://www.tiktok.com/@irish_sober_strider If you got value from this episode, don’t just sit on it—take action.  Like, subscribe, and follow the show—it makes a massive difference and helps us reach more people who need to hear these stories.  Share this with a mate who needs the truth, leave a review, and remember: change doesn’t happen by accident.  It happens when you get honest, do the work, and show up for yourself and your family. Stay real, stay relentless, and keep building your legacy—one choice at a time. For more hard-hitting stories and practical tools, follow, subscribe, and join the conversation. Let’s be real: your next chapter starts now...

    1 h 10 min
  5. Episode 14: Small Wins, Big Change: The Psychology of Consistency with Alex Watts...

    5 ABR

    Episode 14: Small Wins, Big Change: The Psychology of Consistency with Alex Watts...

    In this episode of The Next Chapter, Luke Jones sits down with mindset + fitness coach Alex Watts to unpack the psychology behind consistency — and why so many busy people fall into the start/stop cycle. Alex Watts is a mindset and fitness coach who helps full-time professionals get back in shape without forcing extreme routines. After struggling with inconsistency himself, he developed the No-Force Method, a simple approach to fat loss that fits around real life and makes consistency feel natural. You’ll learn how to make fitness feel natural (not forced), using identity shift, small wins, and a “bare minimum” approach for the weeks when life is stressful and your motivation is on the floor. What we cover The psychology behind exercise, consistency, and work ethicWhy exercise is one of the best tools for mental healthThe most common mental barriers (and the lies we tell ourselves)Breaking all-or-nothing thinkingThe Identity Shift: becoming the type of person who trainsThe Small Wins Strategy: building momentum without burnoutThe Bare Minimum Protocol: staying on track when life gets busyAccountability + boundaries to protect your fitness time Chapters... 00:00 Introduction to Mindset and Fitness Coaching  06:04 Overcoming Adversity: The Journey to Coaching  10:33 The Psychology of Exercise and Consistency  14:38 The Mental Battle: Why We Avoid Exercise  18:29 Common Lies We Tell Ourselves  22:00 The Importance of Mindset in Fitness  26:43 The Journey: Small Steps to Big Changes  27:09 The Rocket Launch: Building Momentum in Fitness  28:12 Breaking the All-or-Nothing Mindset  31:12 The No Force Method: Making Fitness Natural  34:33 Self-Awareness and Time Management for Fitness  36:43 Reconnecting with Identity and Setting Boundaries  39:46 Confidence Killers: Identity and Self-Worth  41:32 Building Self-Respect Through Small Actions  43:07 Warning Signs of Falling Off the Wagon  44:57 The Importance of Accountability  47:15 Consistency: A Skill to Build  48:35 You’re Closer Than You Think: Overcoming Mental Barriers  51:15 Advice to My Younger Self: Embracing Change Naturally  52:14 Future Aspirations: Growing and Helping Others Catch up with Alex... Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/alexjwatts_/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@AlexWattsCoachingResources Eat That Frog (book):  https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Frog-Get-Things-Done/dp/1626569770  If you got value from this episode, don’t just sit on it—take action.  Like, subscribe, and follow the show—it makes a massive difference and helps us reach more people who need to hear these stories.  Share this with a mate who needs the truth, leave a review, and remember: change doesn’t happen by accident.  It happens when you get honest, do the work, and show up for yourself and your family. Stay real, stay relentless, and keep building your legacy—one choice at a time. For more hard-hitting stories and practical tools, follow, subscribe, and join the conversation. Let’s be real: your next chapter starts now...

    51 min
  6. Episode 13: No Safe Level: Jimmy Thistle on Alcohol, Binge Drinking & Living Sober...

    29 MAR

    Episode 13: No Safe Level: Jimmy Thistle on Alcohol, Binge Drinking & Living Sober...

    In this episode of The Next Chapter, I’m joined by Jimmy Thistle — sober advocate and over five years alcohol-free — to rip into the myths we’ve all been fed about alcohol, recovery, and what a “normal” drinking life is supposed to look like. Jimmy is the voice behind @recovery_jimmy and host of After Hours with Jimmy Thistle, creating a space rooted in honesty, recovery, and real conversation. He shares his journey with openness, offering insight, support, and connection to others walking a similar path. As a peer mentor and someone training to become a sober coach, Jimmy brings lived experience and purpose to everything he does—whether it’s through his content or late-night podcast conversations that dive into the realities of addiction, growth, and staying on track. We talk about why the idea of safe drinking is dodgy at best, how binge drinking can quietly do real damage, and the brutal self-deception that keeps people stuck in the loop of “I’m not that bad.” Jimmy shares his journey from addiction to recovery, the identity shift that comes with quitting, and how to build a support tribe that actually keeps you moving forward. If you’re sober curious, trying to cut down, or you know deep down alcohol’s got more control than you’d like to admit—this one’s for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jimmy Thistle and his mission 01:21 The dangers of alcohol and sobriety awareness 04:20 Myths about recovery and socialising 09:13 Understanding binge drinking and its effects 11:09 Recognising alcohol problems and self-deception 17:41 Jimmy’s journey: from addiction to recovery 30:04 The vicious cycle of addiction 33:31 Facing withdrawal and identity crisis 37:37 Finding comfort in solitude 41:10 The influence of society and media 45:54 Navigating triggers in recovery 51:42 The role of support groups 55:40 Spreading awareness and changing perspectives 01:00:18 Maintaining a positive mindset 01:04:53 Recognising early signs of alcohol dependency 01:07:10 Pride in sobriety and family 01:09:55 The dark side of alcohol 01:11:57 Finding your support tribe 01:21:02 Recommended resources for sobriety 01:22:40 Future aspirations and projects  Connect with Jimmy at the links below... After Hours Podcast with Jimmy Thistle : https://afterhours.buzzsprout.com/Social links: Instagram: @recovery_jimmyTikTok: @recovery.jimmy If you got value from this episode, don’t just sit on it—take action.  Like, subscribe, and follow the show—it makes a massive difference and helps us reach more people who need to hear these stories.  Share this with a mate who needs the truth, leave a review, and remember: change doesn’t happen by accident.  It happens when you get honest, do the work, and show up for yourself and your family. Stay real, stay relentless, and keep building your legacy—one choice at a time. For more hard-hitting stories and practical tools, follow, subscribe, and join the conversation. Let’s be real: your next chapter starts now...

    1 h 27 min
  7. Episode 12: Cold Water, Running & Sobriety: Will Edwards on Resilience as a Dad of Two

    22 MAR

    Episode 12: Cold Water, Running & Sobriety: Will Edwards on Resilience as a Dad of Two

    Will Edwards is a dad of two, an NHS cardiac rehab exercise specialist, and four years sober. In this episode, we go deep on the “grey area” drinking trap (when it’s not a rock bottom… but it’s still costing you), and the moment Will caught himself thinking 'I need a beer'—and realised where that road can lead. We also unpack how running became far more than fitness for Will (a mental sanctuary and a third place), why cold water therapy isn’t just a social media challenge (it’s nervous system training), and how discipline is built through small, repeatable commitments—not motivation. If you’re a dad who’s tired of feeling foggy, reactive, and stuck in the same loop every week… this one will land. What we cover... The shift from wanting a drink to needing it—and why that mattersHow Will built consistency with running (even when he hated it)Cold water therapy: breath control, presence, and stress reductionBalancing self-care with family life (without the guilt)Sleep hygiene, nutrition, and why “scrolling at night” is stealing your morningsHandling social pressure and saying, simply: 'I don’t drink.'Chapters... 00:00 Intro 02:49 Childhood, bullying & resilience 05:45 Working in NHS cardiac rehab 08:53 The moment sobriety clicked 11:46 Running as therapy 24:04 Cold water therapy routine 50:05 Balancing dad life + training 01:05:52 Sleep hygiene 01:09:01 Tough sobriety situations 01:24:30 Advice to younger self 01:30:14 What’s next for Will Connect with Will on Instagram - chilly.will.e.runs If you got value from this episode, don’t just sit on it—take action.  Like, subscribe, and follow the show—it makes a massive difference and helps us reach more people who need to hear these stories.  Share this with a mate who needs the truth, leave a review, and remember: change doesn’t happen by accident.  It happens when you get honest, do the work, and show up for yourself and your family. Stay real, stay relentless, and keep building your legacy—one choice at a time. For more hard-hitting stories and practical tools, follow, subscribe, and join the conversation. Let’s be real: your next chapter starts now...

    1 h 28 min
  8. Episode 11: The Middle Lane: Moderation, Alcohol & Sustainable Performance with Stephen Radnedge

    15 MAR

    Episode 11: The Middle Lane: Moderation, Alcohol & Sustainable Performance with Stephen Radnedge

    Stephen Radnedge is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) in a GP practice with over 20 years’ experience in healthcare. He works autonomously assessing patients, diagnosing conditions, and prescribing treatment, and he’s also an endurance athlete training for long-distance events. Steve is passionate about sustainable performance, resilience, and a moderation-first approach to health—especially the role recovery, routine, and alcohol reduction can play in long-term wellbeing. In this episode of The Next Chapter, Luke sits down with Stephen Radnedge to talk about what it really takes to balance a demanding healthcare career with endurance training—without burning out. Steve shares his journey from nursing and ward management into advanced clinical practice, the mindset shifts required when you step into a new environment, and why adaptability is a non-negotiable skill in both work and life. They also get into the practical side of performance: building a routine that fits real life, staying flexible when work pressures hit, prioritising recovery, and taking a “middle lane” approach to alcohol—focusing on moderation and long-term sustainability rather than extremes. If you’re trying to level up your health while juggling responsibilities, this conversation will give you both perspective and tools you can actually use. Chapters 00:00 Intro: Stephen Radnedge (ACP + endurance athlete) 00:49 From nurse to Advanced Clinical Practitioner: 20-year journey 01:54 Bristol to Glastonbury: change, routine, and work-life balance 03:18 What an ACP does (and how it compares to a GP) 03:55 Heart health fundamentals: reducing risk the simple way 05:05 Moderation & “middle lane” drinking: cutting down realistically 11:02 Career shift: secondary care to primary care learning curve 11:32 Snowboarding vs endurance: risk, resilience, and staying smart 18:41 Training mindset: time commitment, discomfort, and partner support 23:35 Alcohol, blood pressure & cholesterol—plain English breakdown 32:02 Cutting back benefits: sleep, HRV, recovery, performance 42:06 Steve’s next chapter: 50/60-mile ultras + finishing his MSc If you got value from this episode, don’t just sit on it—take action.  Like, subscribe, and follow the show—it makes a massive difference and helps us reach more people who need to hear these stories.  Share this with a mate who needs the truth, leave a review, and remember: change doesn’t happen by accident.  It happens when you get honest, do the work, and show up for yourself and your family. Stay real, stay relentless, and keep building your legacy—one choice at a time. For more hard-hitting stories and practical tools, follow, subscribe, and join the conversation. Let’s be real: your next chapter starts now...

    48 min

Acerca de

The Next Chapter is a podcast about new beginnings, reinvention, and the power of taking ownership over your life. Hosted by Luke Jones—coach, podcast host, and lifelong student of self-development—each episode dives deep into honest stories of transformation, resilience, and practical strategies for building a life you don’t need to escape from. Along the way, we explore the role of manifestation and the magic that happens when you start following your goosebumps—those moments of excitement, intuition, and inspiration that point you toward your next chapter. You’ll hear from everyday people, experts, and inspiring guests who’ve overcome adversity, embraced change, and found the courage to start again—whether it’s breaking free from old patterns, finding purpose, or navigating life’s toughest moments. With a mix of real talk, mindset tools, and actionable tips, The Next Chapter is here to help you create momentum, trust your own journey, and write a new story—one you’re proud to live.