Hey — have you ever wondered if it’s actually possible to do nothing anymore? Lately I’ve been thinking about how my time is filled up with constant doing, and how the second boredom appears we reach for our phones to fill it. What if there’s a different answer: simply being present, without an agenda?

I want to tell you about a time when I did nothing and it mattered. I remember being sick years ago, walking to a hillside with a pad, paints and water, and sitting there for an hour and a half just taking in the view and painting. I wasn’t thinking about anything, and for the first time in ages, I felt genuinely connected to that moment. I even framed that little piece and stuck the story on the back so my son will have it one day — little reminders like that matter.

These days the challenge is our devices. We’re so used to constant input that silence feels strange — maybe even a bit scary. But I don’t think we’re meant to be constantly engaged. There’s a gentle kind of flow where nothing is taxing: just noticing, breathing, and being with what’s around you. Cats do it naturally; we could try to relearn it.

I’m going to make space this week to unplug and find a quiet spot in nature just to be, and I’d love for you to try it too. Don’t make it complicated — sit somewhere new, or even look at something familiar with fresh eyes, take a few deep breaths, and see what comes. If you do it, tell me how it felt. I’ll report back on what I learn.

Thanks for being here with me on this little experiment in slowing down. If this resonated, give it a go — step away from the screen for a moment and notice the world. I’ll catch you next time.

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/

Hey — thanks for listening to this penultimate episode of Life, Passion, and Business. I wanted to share why I began this whole project and what kept pulling me back to the mic: a very personal nudge after my dad died in 2017, and the uneasy realisation that I could end up living a small, unexamined life like his if I didn’t do something about it.

I started this podcast because I was asking the big, messy questions: What is the meaning of life? What are you passionate about and how does that passion show up? How do we define success beyond the platitudes of business culture? What does contribution look like — the legacy we leave — and, crucially, how do we actually look after ourselves on the way?

The show grew from those questions into conversations with people from my business world and beyond. I wanted to explore how people live, what drives them, and what they’re doing it all for. Along the way I learned the importance of self-care, the messy truth behind ambition, and the ways grief can shape a life.

I’ll share what I discovered in the final episode, but for now: if any of this resonates, please go back through the catalogue — the episodes will be archived and available for as long as I keep them live. It’s been a brilliant journey making this show with you, and I’ll see you again in the final episode in a couple of weeks.

This episode is like a quiet chat over coffee about how friendships change as we get older, why we lose people along the way, and what it really takes to keep making meaningful connections. I walk through my own story: moving around, losing touch with school friends, finding a local community in Scotland, and the awkward, emotional stuff that comes with staying connected — especially when life and illnesses (like my partner’s Parkinson’s) make us smaller and more isolated.

We talk about what actually holds friendships together (hint: time together and frequency), why loneliness is becoming so common, and how being willing to put ourselves out there — to be vulnerable and take risks — is the real key. I mention Brené Brown and the idea of “feel the fear and do it anyway,” and share small, practical ways to meet people: join groups around things you love (like my running club), invite people in, say yes when you're asked to join, and accept that it takes courage.

If you’re feeling alone, this is a gentle nudge: do something you enjoy, get involved, and give friendships room to grow. I also talk about how life and work shifts have forced me to reorient my focus toward in-person coaching and how the podcast may change format soon.

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/

How do we deal with expectations?

As a coach, I see expectation play out both in my life and the lives of my clients and in truth, until we can learn to deal with our expectations, life and the universe will tend to rub them in our faces.

Of course, we are taught to plot life on a timeline — degrees, jobs, houses, relationships — and when our path doesn’t match the map, we feel behind, angry, or like we’ve failed. That feeling? Totally normal, but also changeable.

Here’s the thing: life is wildly unpredictable. Goals and timelines can help us focus, but they also create pressure and disappointment when the universe throws a curveball. The only thing you control is how you respond. You can let frustration run the show, or you can accept the reality in front of you and choose a calmer, kinder response.

Try swapping rigid goals for intentions — aim in a direction rather than locking onto a single finish line. Build resilience by practising acceptance, try journaling, and asking useful questions: What happens if I don’t hit this by that date? What’s an alternative plan? What would make this journey feel joyful again?

The truth is that nothing lasts forever — the good bits and the hard bits pass. If you want a simple exercise, journal about a time an expectation failed and how the detour shaped you. Often, those unexpected routes bring things you didn’t know you needed.

As always, be gentle with yourself. Move toward what matters, let go of the unfair comparisons, and remember: progress isn’t always a straight line. Share this with someone who needs the reminder — we’re all figuring it out together.

Check out the show. I would love your perspective on this.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/

Our show today is looking at how happiness is best shared with those who love us, and how striving for success can lead to a life alone. Catching up on LinkedIn this morning, I discovered a couple of posts that jumped out at me. One was particularly poignant; a tale of a man pouring his life into his business for over 30 years, only to find that his most cherished relationship had dissolved in the process. It's shocking how our relentless pursuit of success can blindside us, leading to an empty seat in life's treasured events.

In the entrepreneurial sphere, there is a lot of pressure to succeed, and it can become an incessant drive to create the monumental, something that might bring wealth and recognition. But at what cost? Do you see the point of chasing a six-figure dream if it means losing sight of the people who matter most? The notion of happiness being somewhere 'out there' is all too familiar. Yet, real contentment often blooms from within us, nurtured by gratitude and cherished moments with loved ones.

This week, I've taken a breather with family visiting from afar, enjoying shared memories and crafting new ones. It's a reminder that on our deathbeds, no one wishes they'd spent more time working. We need to find balance in life—a core concept in coaching. It's about making time for the meaningful connections in our lives.

The renowned Stephen Covey speaks of "sharpening the saw," a metaphor for nurturing our relationships. Just like maintaining a sharp tool, we need to put effort into our connections to ensure they flourish. So, let's make time for those who matter—family, friends, significant others—and create memories that outlast any business triumph.

If left unchecked, our work-driven habits can lead to personal and health setbacks. That's why it's crucial to address imbalances and, if needed, seek help. Whether it's through life planning or coaching, the goal is to cherish life and the people around us.

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/

Do you ever feel like there’s just too much to do and not enough time? Let's chat about the 80-20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, and how it can actually become your secret weapon in conquering life's endless to-do lists.

You may have heard about the 80-20 rule in a business setting—like how 80% of your revenue might come from 20% of your customers. However, did you know that it can also significantly impact how you manage your daily tasks? By identifying the 20% of tasks that bring you 80% of the results, you can finally take control and declutter your life.

Here’s a sad twist: while the principle itself is golden, it’s often misused. Think of the exaggerations like claiming 80% of life happens to only 20% of people! Ridiculous, right? The truth is, the rule can’t be boxed into rigid statistics, but it serves as a useful mental model for prioritizing what truly matters.

What’s important is figuring out what tasks are your mission-critical ones each day. As you pare down the non-essential, focus intensifies and progress follows. Even big names like Elon Musk swear by this approach. While it might not provide a magical one-size-fits-all solution, applying the 80-20 rule could very well be the life hack you’ve been searching for.

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/

This week was pretty special for me; I had the absolute joy and delight of attending my son's graduation ceremony. Watching him receive his BA honours in computer games development was not just a proud parent moment, but a celebration of dedication and achievement. You could feel the excitement and emotions in the air, alongside the bittersweet farewells, as all these budding talents prepare to embrace new beginnings.

This episode delves deeply into the theme of choice and how it shapes our lives at every turn. Just like my son, who's stepping into the unpredictable yet thrilling world of the games industry—where networking and perseverance are key—we all reach points where the path ahead requires us to make choices. Whether transitioning from university or facing midlife changes, the necessity of deciding our own directions becomes crucial.

I’ve been there too, shifting from marketing into something completely different during COVID, embracing new choices that align more with my passions. It got me pondering, how often do we consciously make choices about our current place in life? Are we in jobs, relationships, or routines by choice, or by lack of choosing? It's interesting because not choosing is also a choice, isn't it?

We explore this idea in today's podcast. We consider what success means and how to become intentional with our choices. Choices can be daunting, right? Even selecting from a menu at a restaurant can be a struggle, let alone making life-altering decisions! However, with a little introspection and the right tools, we can navigate more effectively and align our choices with our true desires.

Join me as we discuss making choices, big and small, and ponder where those choices might lead us. And hey, remember, the key to any great journey is movement—whether you choose to choose, or choose not to choose, the power is in your hands.

Thank you for participating in this conversation and for your ongoing support. Do share the episode if it resonates with you.

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/

Today, I want to dive into something that's been close to my heart—community and connection. We live in a time where social media connects us globally, yet many of us feel more alone than ever. I know you get what I mean. But here’s the kicker, genuine face-to-face interactions have never been more crucial, don't you agree?

Recently, I got to spend a fabulous weekend with my running club in Ballater, nestled in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. There's something magical about sharing physical activities—be it running through the royal estates or hiking up steep hills. The shared struggle, the victory over nature, the picturesque landscapes—all add up to a bonding experience that's hard to describe. It’s like, “Hey, we did that, together!” Have you ever felt that rush?

On a different note, I found myself drawn back to the Findhorn community for some soulful Tazie singing. It's a beautiful practice that brings together sacred songs from various traditions. The harmony and shared spiritual quest filled the room with warmth and acceptance. It's moments like these that remind me of what it truly means to be human. Singing in a group not only uplifts the spirit but also deepens our bond with each other.

The shared activities—be it strenuous hiking, running marathons with friends, or even singing in harmony—offer a profound sense of belonging. Dr. Lisa Miller's study even suggests that a spiritual connection, whether through organised religion or communal activities, can keep the blues at bay. And honestly, isn’t it amazing to explore stories and passions with others?

If you haven’t found your tribe yet, it's never too late. Step out, get involved, and be open to receiving and giving support. It’s incredible how much you can achieve when a supportive community surrounds you. So, let’s cherish those connections that make life so much more vibrant. Remember to treasure and nurture them. And if you found this chat relatable or know someone who might, feel free to share! Until next time, take care!

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/