Highlights

1. "I remember five nights out of seven, I'd be in a bar until 3 AM, then up at 6 AM to serve breakfast to chalet guests. Looking back, I was surviving on fumes, pushing my body to extremes just to keep up with this insane lifestyle."
2. "There I was, spending a night in a Thai prison cell, surrounded by other prisoners, not knowing if I was about to be deported. My entire dream of living in Thailand was crumbling because of one stupid decision to take a shot with some yacht crew."
3. "The gym became my twisted justification. I'd push myself to exhaustion, thinking it balanced out the heavy drinking and partying. But really, I was just running myself into the ground, using exercise as an excuse to keep up the destructive behavior."

Summary

Marc takes us on a riveting journey through his wild years as an expat in the tropics, where glamorous hospitality jobs masked a lifestyle teetering on the edge. He vividly recounts nights of excess in neon-lit party towns, the adrenaline rush of managing high-end venues, and the constant balancing act between work and play.
Marc reveals how his obsession with fitness and gym culture became a dangerous coping mechanism, allowing him to maintain a facade of health while indulging in heavy drinking and partying. He shares a brush with deportation that hints at the unsustainability of his choices.
Marc reflects on the gradual awakening that led him to question his definition of freedom and success.
His story culminates in a powerful transformation, trading the allure of expat hedonism for a life of purpose, now dedicated to helping other fathers find balance and authentic well-being. This episode is a raw, honest look at the hidden dangers of a seemingly enviable lifestyle and the profound rewards of choosing a path of genuine self-discovery.

About Marc

Website - https://www.coachoverton.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coach.overton/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-overton/
Free Course - Marc has shared with us his free course for busy Dads https://coachoverton.thinkific.com/courses/finally-unlock-lasting-fat-loss-without-spending-hours-in-the-gym

Takeaways

• Life can be beautiful after overcoming challenges.
• Freedom was a core value that shaped my journey.
• The party lifestyle can lead to unhealthy choices.
• Exercise can become an addiction if not balanced.
• Awareness of one's body is crucial for health.
• Illness can serve as a wake-up call for change.
• Reinventing oneself is possible at any age.
• Self-experimentation is key to finding what works.
• It's important to enjoy life and not just survive.
• Being a role model for my children is essential.

Sound Bites

• "Life is far more beautiful on the other side."
• "I was after excitement, partying, and meeting people."
• "I got myself into some really hairy situations."

Chapters

05:08 -The Allure of Freedom and Self-Discovery

11:13 - The Party Lifestyle: Balancing Work and Play

14:13 - The Transformation: From Excess to Health

22:31 - Awakening: Realising the Need for Change

31:54 - Finding Purpose: Coaching and Helping Others

55:57 - Empowerment Through Knowledge: Coaching Philosophy

Highlight

"I had an identity imposed upon me, one which I swallowed hook, line and sinker at the time. I was taught like we all are to identify with who I am by society standards, by external validations, basically. So I studied law, I became a barrister. I worked in the criminal justice system for over two decades, got married, had two wonderful boys, became an addictions therapist in between all of that somehow."

Summary

Prem shares her journey from successful barrister to spiritual seeker and coach. She discusses her unexpected spiritual awakening in Corfu and the subsequent "thud" she experienced when that connection was lost. Prem opens up about her struggles with societal expectations and her path to authenticity. She reveals the impact of her son's mental health challenges, including addiction and suicidal ideation, which led her to temporarily return to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Throughout the conversation, Prem emphasises the importance of self-discovery, breaking free from external validations, and the ongoing nature of spiritual growth. She underscores the courage required to embrace one's true self as she builds a new future focused on helping others find their own paths to healing and connection.

About Prem
Website - https://www.21stsanctuaryretreats.co.uk
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-jouanneau-851a3540/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/21stsanctuaryretreats

Takeaways

• You are not alone in your struggles.
• Identity can be imposed by societal expectations.
• Spiritual awakening can lead to profound realisations.
• Coping mechanisms can sometimes lead to unhealthy choices.
• Letting go is essential for personal growth.
• Spirituality can provide guidance and clarity.
• The journey of self-discovery is ongoing.
• We are all connected to a greater energy.
• Life experiences shape our understanding of spirituality.
• Embracing the flow of life leads to fulfilment.

Sound Bites

• "You are not alone. You can get through this."
• "I had an identity imposed upon me."
• "I was almost floating."

Chapters

00:00 -Introduction and Background

19:01 - Navigating Societal Expectations and Finding Authenticity

22:58 - The Impact of Addiction and Mental Health on Personal Well-being

29:04 - Exploring Spirituality and Our Connection to the Universe

30:44 - Near-Death Experiences and the Veil of Forgetting

32:03 - The Importance of Self-Acceptance and Self-Love

33:27 - Introduction and Conditioning

34:05 - Being Present for Others' Journeys

34:23 - Recognising Signs and Paying Attention to Guidance

39:40 - Letting Go of Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

42:46 - Building a Spiritual Coaching App and Center

49:05 - Following the Flow and Listening to Intuition

Highlight

"Nine and a half years down the line, having sorted out many of those problems, although there is still a little bit of DIY I haven't got around to, but no one's perfect. I am so glad that I managed to get myself in a position where I could deal with those issues because I love my wife, and I love my daughter, and they wouldn't be in my life if I hadn't changed."

Summary

In this conversation, Duncan Bhaskaran Brown shares his journey from being a heavy drinker to finding sobriety and purpose in life. He discusses the role of alcohol in social settings, the challenges he faced when he stopped drinking, and the importance of connection and support in recovery. Duncan emphasises the need for education and awareness about alcohol's effects, particularly for future generations, and highlights the significance of finding one's purpose and meaning in life. He also addresses the societal implications of alcohol consumption and the importance of changing the narrative around it.

About Duncan

Website - https://www.bhaskaranbrown.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncanbhaskaranbrown/
Podcast Flat-Pack Sober - https://player.fm/series/flat-pack-sober
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@duncanbhaskaranbrown4359

Takeaways

• You are not alone in your struggles.
• Morris Dancing sparked conversations about identity.
• Alcohol can fill perceived gaps in personality.
• Recognizing the problem often comes after stopping.
• Life improves significantly after quitting alcohol.
• Facing life's challenges sober is essential.
• Purpose and meaning are crucial for recovery.
• Connection with others is vital for sobriety.
• Relapse can be redefined as a learning opportunity.
• Education about alcohol should start early.

Sound Bites

• "Life is far more beautiful on the other side."
• "I just thought, I'm going to like just say Speaker, Author, Morris Dancer."
• "Alcohol seemed to fill in the holes in my personality."

Chapters

02:33 - Alcohol and Early Experiences

04:43 - Realisation of Unhealthy Drinking

07:54 - The Impact of Family on Sobriety

10:10 - Relearning Life After Alcohol

12:17 - Facing Difficulties and Building Relationships

15:29 - The Role of Purpose in Sobriety

18:23 - Understanding Relapse and Recovery

23:51 - Tools for Resilience Against Relapse

28:15 - The Importance of Connection

32:03 - Changing the Conversation Around Alcohol

36:57 - Duncan's Writing and Advocacy

42:37 - Shame and Its Role in Alcoholism