The Purpose Made Podcast Purpose Made

What inspires people to embark upon seemingly impossible challenges? How do they prepare both mentally and physically? And what are the secrets to completing 105 Ironman Triathlons in 105 days?
Welcome to this week's podcast, featuring Britain's Most Inspiring Maniac, Sean Conway!
Sean, originally from a small town in Wales and with roots in Zimbabwe, is not your average athlete. He is the living embodiment of relentless determination, fearlessness, and an indomitable spirit. An internationally acclaimed ultra-endurance athlete, author, and a renowned motivational speaker, Sean famously broke the world record by completing 105 Ironman Triathlons in 105 days, shattering perceptions and previous records alike.
Remarkably, he believes he could have extended this extraordinary feat of human endurance "indefinitely."
Yet, looking back, things could have played out very differently.
In the early 2000s, Sean was an unhappy school portrait photographer. He hated his job, and as is often the case, comfort was killing his ambition, so Sean promptly quit.
He sold his business for a pound, and at 30 years old, with no money, no spark, and no plan B, Sean embarked on a new life of adventure in its purest form.
* In 2010, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in a penguin suit.
* In 2012, he cycled 750 miles from London to the Alps.
* He swam the length of Great Britain in 135 days—the fun part being, before that, the furthest he had swum was three miles in a pool.
* He set the world record for cycling unsupported across Europe, completing the 4,000-mile route in 24 days.
* He also completed the Ultimate British Triathlon, running from John O'Groats to Land's End without any prior training.
His list of successes is lengthy, as are his setbacks (https://www.seanconway.com/).
Join us as we explore Sean’s transformation from a 30-year-old self-professed ordinary man to a 43-year-old record-breaking endurance athlete. We'll dissect his unique mindset, the resilience that fuels him, and the guiding principles that shape his life.
Today, Sean will share insights on embracing massive challenges without fear of failure, his approach to life's hurdles, and how he manages to keep pushing when the body screams stop.
We'll also dive into some of his most memorable adventures and the philosophies that drive him, and why it's important to set audacious goals.
Prepare to be inspired by a story of true grit and adventure. Whether you're an athlete, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves a good challenge, Sean's story is a testament to what we can achieve when we dare to push beyond boundaries.
After all, “Adventure isn’t all about climbing mountains or rowing oceans. Adventure, in its purest form, is simply a way of thinking!" ~ Sean Conway
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Is it ever too late to learn? What is the science behind how to change your brain? And what if the key to reshaping our brains and altering our perspectives lies within our grasp, regardless of our years?
This is the fascinating life’s work of today’s esteemed guest, Dr. Lara Boyd.
Dr. Lara Boyd, a Neuroscientist and Physical Therapist at the University of British Columbia, is an expert in mapping how our behaviours, environments, and experiences shape our brain health and learning capabilities.
During this episode, Dr. Boyd guides us through the science behind neuroplasticity, highlighting the brain's inherent ability to rewire itself and learn new skills at any age. She emphasises that everything we do and encounter is continuously shaping our brains.
Her work focuses on the impact of exercise and learning on our neurobiology, showcasing the profound effects these activities have on optimising our brain function. Dr. Boyd's research sheds light on how we can leverage our physical bodies to access and enhance different states of mind.
In a world where stress, anxiety, and burnout are prevalent, Dr. Boyd's insights offer a beacon of hope for better self-regulation and human evolution. She shows us that we have the power to shape our brains in ways that align with our desires and aspirations.
"We only have one brain. We can shape it however we choose. So go out and build the brain you want." - Dr Lara Boyd
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:50 - Background To Dr Boyd
00:01:27 - What drove Dr Boyd’s focus on Neuroplasticity & Human Physiology
00:03:53 - How do we learn?
00:05:25 - Misconceptions about Neuroplasticity?
00:07:56 - White Matter, Human Critical Physiology and Anatomy
00:13:00 - Can a Vaccine for The Epstein–Barr Virus Prevent Multiple Sclerosis?
00:14:27 - Short vs. Long Term Memory Loss & Damage
00:17:04 - Why Some People Find Learning Easier Than Others?
00:23:44 - Trauma & Priming The Brain To Drive Neuroplasticity
00:27:10 - Lessons from Post Stroke Trauma Studies, Neuroplasticity and Wider Society Learnings
00:30:33 - The Study of Biomarkers & Remarkable Results
00:35:37 - A Modern Epidemic (Stress, Anxiety, Burnout & Mental Health) & Relievers (Exercise, Cortisol, Growth Factors & The Bluezones).
00:41:41 - A Study Between Runners and Yogi’s & The Results
00:45:47 - A Study on Burnout (Teachers, the NHS and beyond).
00:48:00 - Personalised Medicine & Personalised Learning
00:49:50 - AI, Concerns & The Evolution of Healthcare
00:51:39 - The Broader Implications of Findings on Neuroplasticity in terms of Life Long Learning, Addiction & Behavioural Change?
00:55:06 - Closing Thoughts & Key Takeaways
Enjoyed the podcast?

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Are we witnessing the end of democracy? In this compelling episode of the Purpose Made Podcast, we're joined by Peter Geoghegan, an esteemed investigative journalist, author, and the mind behind groundbreaking investigations into the murky waters of political financing. Geoghegan's work has illuminated the dark corners of British politics, earning nominations for prestigious journalism awards and sparking crucial conversations about the integrity of democratic institutions.
As the former editor-in-chief at openDemocracy and a contributor to top-tier publications worldwide, Geoghegan has a knack for uncovering uncomfortable truths. From the Brexit campaign to the controversial dealings of political lobbyists, his investigations delve into how unseen money shapes public policy and opinion, often at the expense of transparency and fairness.
In today's deep-dive conversation, we explore key themes from Geoghegan's latest book, "Democracy for Sale," and discuss the broader implications of his findings on global politics and the very fabric of democracy. Join us as we navigate through a series of eye-opening topics, shedding light on the complex interplay between money, power, and governance.
During today's deep dive conversation, we discuss:

Democracy For SaleUK’s Corruption “Wake Up Call”Lobbying, Brexit & The DUPIntegrity, Professionalism & Accountability & The Origins Of The Atlantic BridgeThe Greensill ScandalLobbying & The Case Of The £118K-A-Year ‘Advisory’ GigDistraction, Disaster Capitalism & The Dead Cat StrategyThe IEA & The ‘Brexit Influencing Game’Influence, Statutory Instrument & Dark MoneyThe Elections Act & ‘Tories Target 2 Million Expats With Polling-Day Proxies’Cambridge Analytica & Digital InfluencingDwindling Attention Spans, Misinformation & Digital ManipulationThe Trump Before TrumpDestabilisation, The Russia Report & The Owen Paterson ScandalThe Nolan Principles: The Antidote To Sado-Populism?Truss, The Lettuce & Cash For AccessInfosys & VIP AccessPPE Procurement, Lost WhatsApps & The Covid InquiryGeopolitics, The Year Of The “Election Super Cycle” & Voter FatigueStrategies for Countering Right-Wing PopulismAudience Q&A - The Teesside Freeport & A Counter To PopCon - Dark Money In Plain SightKey Thoughts & Takeaways
Peter Geoghegan's insights offer a sobering look at the challenges facing modern democracies. Through meticulous investigation and a commitment to truth, Geoghegan not only exposes the mechanisms of influence and control but also sparks a conversation about the path forward.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned with the future of democracy, the impact of dark money in politics, a desire for change, and the role of journalism in safeguarding public discourse.
If today's discussion inspired you, ignited curiosity, or provoked thought, don't forget to subscribe to the Purpose Made Podcast. Share this episode with friends, family, or anyone who believes in the power of informed dialogue to shape a more transparent and equitable world.
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In this enlightening episode, the future of food, we sit down with Andrea Rasca, the visionary CEO and founder of London's pioneering sustainable community market and cultural hub, Mercato Metropolitano, and the driving force behind Movimento Metropolitano.
Andrea shares his extensive 25-year journey within the food sector, his inspirations, the hurdles he's overcome, and his mission to revolutionise our food systems for the betterment of people's health and our planet.
During this episode, we discuss:

Andrea Rasca: The Man Behind The VisionThe Seeds of Change: Andrea’s Inspirational JourneyOvercoming Obstacles & Scaling Mercato MetropolitanoStrategies for Driving Positive Change in Our Food SystemNavigating Global Challenges: Brexit, Opportunities, and the Path ForwardBeyond Short-termism: Envisioning the Future of FoodThe Power of Starting Small to Achieve Big DreamsHow Food Will Shape Our FutureFrom Blue Zones to Addressing Our Broken Food SystemEmbracing a New Paradigm for Food and CommunityThe Impact of Community Orientation and Social InitiativesIncorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance Principles for a Purpose-Driven FutureEnvisioning the Future of Mercato MetropolitanoAddressing Social Obligations and Bridging the North-South DivideKey Thoughts & Takeaways
If you’re inspired by Andrea's vision of a sustainable, healthy, and equitable food system, join the movement by visiting Mercato Metropolitano and supporting local, sustainable food initiatives in your community. Don’t forget to share this episode with friends and family to spread the message of positive change.
Loved this episode? Make sure to subscribe to our podcast and leave us a review, letting us know what you think and what you’d like to hear more about. Your support helps us bring more conversations like this to you.
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This week, we're diving into the fascinating world of gaming and social impact with Jeffrey Burrell, Head of Social Impact at Riot Games. Known for iconic titles like League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, and Valorant, to cross over sensations like Arcane which is taking  @Netflix  by storm,  @riotgames  is rewriting the narrative of gaming companies by championing impactful social causes.
During the episode we discuss:
1. The Gaming Revolution: Riot's Social Impact Journey:

Jeffrey unfolds the story of Riot Games' transformation into a socially responsible powerhouse.Discover how Riot's passion for gaming translates into meaningful experiences and social initiatives.
2. Riot's Social Impact Fund: Game-Changing Moves:

Dive deep into the workings and successes of Riot's Social Impact Fund.Highlighting groundbreaking campaigns like "Take the Drake for Water’s Sake" with AWS and the $1M Worlds Events Pass contribution to the Eden Reforestation Project.
3. UN's Sustainable Development Goals: A Playbook for Positive Change:

Explore how Riot uses the UN's Sustainable Development Goals to deliver value to players and communities.Unravel Riot's approach through their Social Impact Pillars and research findings, transforming data into real-world impacts.
4. Looking Ahead: Riot's Vision for Gaming's Future:

Jeffrey shares insights into the potential of gaming experiences in championing social and environmental issues.Together with sneak peeks into Riot Games' 2024 plans and the future of player-focused gaming.
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Thank you for watching this episode exploring gaming's impact with Riot Games' Head of Social Impact, Jeffrey Burrell. Be sure to subscribe to the Purpose Made Podcast for more inspiring conversations.
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Dubbed 'The Craziest Week in Tech', these few days have been a whirlwind. We witnessed the surprising narrative of Sam Altman, beginning with his unexpected exit from OpenAI on November 17th. Barely catching our breath, we then saw him align with Microsoft, led by Satya Nadella, on November 19th, only to make a surprising return to his CEO position at OpenAI on November 21st.
The Altman Saga is a story as bewildering as it is thrilling, and it marks a significant moment in tech.
To navigate us through this astounding series of events, we're joined by the esteemed Mr. Metaverse, Aragorn Meulendijks. Aragorn, a venerated futurist and AI keynote speaker, offers a unique lens to view these developments. His insight, a blend of historical context, behavioural science, psychology, and philosophical underpinnings, provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the rapid evolution in the tech sector. His perspective is not just informative but essential for anyone seeking to remain on the cutting edge of this ever-changing industry.
In this episode, we explore a variety of crucial topics, each shedding light on the complexities and implications of this landmark week. Join us as we unravel the layers of these events, examining their significance and what they portend for the future of tech and AI.
Time Stamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction: Setting the Stage for Tech's Most Unforgettable Week.
00:01:22 - The Altman Saga: A Timeline of Sam Altman's Journey with OpenAI, QStar, and the Generational Debate of Boomers vs. Doomers.
00:05:25 - OpenAI's Path Forward: Predictions and Perspectives.
00:07:51 - Recapping a Landmark Week in Technology.
00:08:07 - Meet Aragorn Meulendijks: An Overview of a Visionary.
00:10:55 - Analysis: Sam Altman's Odyssey with OpenAI and Microsoft.
00:18:50 - AGI Developments, Ilya Sutskever's Contributions, and Navigating a Digital Arms Race.
00:20:33 - Historical Evolution of Technology: A Deep Dive.
00:24:45 - Impact Analysis: The Fourth Turning & Moises Naim’s Three P’s.
00:25:44 - Dissecting 'Transformers' in Tech: Insights referencing Geoffrey Hinton, Lex Fridman, and Mark Zuckerberg.
00:30:57 - Technology and Human Exceptionalism: A Multifaceted Exploration.
00:34:34 - The Shift to a Tech-Led World: Implications and Strategies.
00:43:57 - Today's Paradigm Shift: Augmented Reality, Crisis Convergence, and Community Impact.
00:56:42 - Exploring Naomi Klein's Disaster Capitalism and Timothy Snyder’s Sado-Populism.
00:59:16 - The Rise of the Robots: Economic Implications and Swarm Intelligence.
01:05:47 - Thriving in the Modern Era: Defining Purpose and Values.
01:13:57 - From Moments to Movements: Predictions for the Coming Decade.
01:23:16 - Super Intelligence: Charting the Future of Evolution.
01:25:25 - The Singularity: Unpacking its Potential Impact.
01:29:08 - Key Takeaways: What We've Learned and What's Next.
If our conversation today sparked your curiosity, don't let the journey end here.
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Until our next episode. Stay curious.
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