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Meeting Kate for the first time online, I planned to do a quick bit of prep ahead of our podcast recording - going through the practicals and reassuring her I wasn't a weirdo. That might have undone itself. When I asked Kate what she wanted to chat about - she described something that seriously resonated. As I did some low level weeping (not again Rach) through our first video call, she calmly expressed how the understanding of seasons - and their distinct functions - gives us the grace and freedom to be creative and work in tune with ourselves. Mainstream business culture doesn't really hold space for that concept. Kate takes the time to explain how each season of nature, when applied to our work and creative patterns - sets us up for a much healthier, rounded life. And enables us to counter burn out and productivity busy-ness. Kate has also applied this thinking to navigating menopause. Second Spring published by HarperCollins is out now. instagram.com/kate_codrington Keep being courageous, Rachael x WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST? I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it. I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride. Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop. BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going. I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind. Go to: calloncourage.substack.com Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives. PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

Nicola is one of my go to friends to chat through big ideas together. We met on Twitter some years ago and still need to meet up IRL. Nicola is a designer and educator at a Scottish art school. In this conversation we have a go at unpeeling a vast topic - what will education look like for Gen Alpha? Nicola's own teaching practice has been shaped by growth mindset thinkers like Matthew Syed, author of Rebel Ideas and Black Box Thinking. Nicola was a helpful voice and kind friend who in part, reshaped my own thoughts on failure and moving onwards when career dreams get dashed. She takes an intentional stance on asking students to share their work failures - as well as telling her own. Discover more of Nicola's research on these topics here: hatched.substack.com Keep being courageous, Rachael x WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST? I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it. I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride. Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop. BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going. I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind. Go to: calloncourage.substack.com Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives. PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

This isn't the story of a 20 year old's side hustle. It's not a content machine that cranks out tik toks for fast track fame. It's kinda the opposite of that. It's done with consideration, on plenty of sleep and after time with friends. Diego decided to start a blog a few months back about men's mental health. It's thoughtful, honest, well crafted writing. Diego tackles the obvious subjects that come up for men and their emotional wellbeing. He also deals with some of the stuff that guys prefer to brush away too. I'm delighted we got to chat. I found him to be bright, brave and thought provoking. Read Diego's writing on Conciencia Keep being courageous, Rachael x WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST? I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it. I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride. Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop. BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going. I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind. Go to: calloncourage.substack.com Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives. PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

This woman's job title makes me very happy. I managed to find this fascinating coach, Lauren who works as The Courage Coach. From executives, to entrepreneurs to recording artists, Lauren coaches and mentors individuals to master their mindsets, overcome their fears and live their lives courageously. Lauren is a switched on, vocal, courage raiser. Exactly the kind of person you want in your corner when you're ready to stop playing small and do "the thing" you've been dreaming about. It was obvious we'd click. We're both building businesses that have courage at the core. Actually that's pretty much the name of Lauren's company. Discover more of Lauren's work at Courage Core Keep being courageous, Rachael x WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST? I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it. I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride. Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop. BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going. I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind. Go to: calloncourage.substack.com Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives. PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

I can't wait to introduce you to this force of nature: Chimdi Ihezie. I found Chimdi on YouTube sharing how she'd quit her job and was building her life at the time in LA. I had an instant click with her content: fun, high energy and honest. She's like a powerhouse friend you want to get to know better in your video recommendations. Chimdi's content covers a rich range of subjects: quitting weed; eye surgery; shaving her head; creative collaborations and her spiritual journey. In terms of creative bravery, Chimdi is out there posting without a large time delay. As she travels, lands a brand opportunity or does some uncomfortable growth, she's not far off from processing it, then hitting the publish button. When I asked her about why take creative risks, Chimdi came back with: "Fundamentally every person knows they are powerful and can do whatever they want." If you've been going back and forth on whether you want to make content or not - I'd recommend you listen to Chimdi's story. You'll feel inspired and hear an honest take on the ups and downs of building a creative life whilst people are watching. Discover Chimdi's YouTube Keep being courageous, Rachael x WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST? I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it. I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride. Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop. BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going. I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind. Go to: calloncourage.substack.com Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives. PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

Okay, I'm quietly smug here, this is Emily's first podcast interview - I've a feeling she might be doing a few in the near future. I first discovered Emily's work at my hairdressers in Manchester: Taylor Swift painted on the glass in all her glory. It grabbed my attention right-away and off I googled Lobster House Studios. Emily's story is all about leaning into your creative dreams. She had worked in schools for most of her 20s and then the pandemic hit. With a lot of time on her hands, what once was a hobby and favour for friends, ended up becoming her main job: a window artist. At the same time Emily's husband decided to crowd fund and successfully raise the cash for making maverick card games. A surprising result of lockdown that neither of them could have predicted. Emily shares with me the very cool, unexpected story of what happens when you trade your comfort for a box of Posca pens and character portraits on glass. View Emily's work in all it's glory Keep being courageous, Rachael x WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST? I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it. I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride. Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop. BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going. I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind. Go to: calloncourage.substack.com Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives. PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

Micah makes art and designs large scale visuals, that are a kind but firm two finger salute to what we usually see in advertising. He has shown his work alongside Turner prize winner Douglas Gordan and global street artist JR at Wembley. His work life has been full of incremental, consistent courage. Micah's not been swayed by being a big name on social media or running after an agency design career. He's consistently made work in the opposite direction of what most ads rely on: the need for something to increase my intrinsic value. Micah quotes, "Ads are like friends with ulterior motives." His work celebrates people and he writes pithy one liners that cut through consumerism: Power in unity Hope is a catalyst Wisdom is divine look both ways Put down your phone and talk to me He had a dream, imagining every billboard showing a picture just of the sky. He did get commissioned to do one of those. Micah also founded Add-Art: ad spaces he curates showing artists' and designers' work instead of selling stuff. That's just some highlights of a really interesting and varied 20 year career. See more of his work at: micahpurnell.com Keep being courageous, Rachael x WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST? I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it. I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride. Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop. BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going. I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind. Go to: calloncourage.substack.com Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives. PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

Victoria is putting herself out there in a way she would never have chosen or planned for. She's debunking the knotty string of health and challenges that come with surgical menopause. I knew nothing about this topic before finding the madcap, honest and funny world of Victoria's on Instagram. She goes under the name of Ginge Unhinged. Self deprecating and playful on the surface, Victoria deals with the harder realities of hitting menopause in her 30s and the mental health unravelling tied to that. Victoria knew there was a gap within her age group talking and making content in the way she needed. Ginge Unhinged is a story of day by day bravery and how your creative commitment can play a vital part in your mental health recovery. I am full of admiration for this woman. Victoria is a natural, honest communicator and is working on her menopause book, due to come out later this year. Go give her a follow: Ginge Unhinged Keep being courageous, Rachael x WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST? I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it. I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride. Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop. BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going. I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind. Go to: calloncourage.substack.com Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives. PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

Truth bombs I chose live by... 1. I am not a victim 2. I'm seen, heard and loved by a powerful Papa God 3. Every chapter of my life has power and meaning. Even the awful parts. 4. My life carries a message that impacts others 5. I reap what I sow… compounding of everyday decisions 6. I hold space between my hard work and for Papa God to move Keep being courageous, Rachael x WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST? I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it. I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride. Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop. BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going. I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind. Go to: calloncourage.substack.com Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives. PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

Cancer healed me of a broken heart. I never expected to type out these words about something so extreme. But I needed an extreme jolt of something to break me out of my heartache. I've talked about the symptoms of burnout. But at the centre of it all was a big sense of loss and sadness. And the absolute head f*ckery of part creating something your friends end up meeting the loves of their lives on. While I'm left wondering if my future love is even in the UK. Saying it's a lot to process is somewhat of an understatement. Being told I had an aggressive cancer and that a tumour had been growing inside of me for many months was the extreme wake up call that I needed. It doesn't really make sense. I'm aware of that. But listen to this episode as I unpack some of the thought processes and emotional journey of working through oesophagus cancer towards remission. Keep being courageous, Rachael x WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST? I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it. I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride. Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop. BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going. I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind. Go to: calloncourage.substack.com Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives. PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

I was presented with a choice: absorb the data around my cancer diagnosis or choose to believe a higher power had my life covered. I chose the latter. It wasn't really an option. I don't want to move forwards with my life worrying about how long I might or might not have. My cancer doctor told me to cross my fingers, but I told him I'd definitely be praying instead. To not be fazed about the data surrounding any challenging situation, you've got to look at something bigger. Something grander, more steadfast and powerful to hold onto. Keep being courageous, Rachael x WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST? I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it. I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride. Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop. BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going. I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind. Go to: calloncourage.substack.com Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives. PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

I have a new tummy. 50% of it was thrown out with the hospital waste one day last November. I had an oesophagectomy. A surgeon removed an advanced tumour and another one reshaped my oesophagus with my stomach. I was told my relationship with food would change forever. I don't feel hunger. I was advised to eat small portions - about 6 to 8 meals per day. I'm managing something like 3 to 4. One of those is usually ice cream or a glass of wine spaced far enough away from my pain meds. It's been the most demanding thing I've been through physically. But I'm filled with immense gratitude I could have this life saving surgery. I used to describe myself as a bit of a foodie. The ritual of it, the making of it, the socialising around it. I had food on my mind. These days, nowhere near as much. Eating is a chore. Swallowing is an obstacle still. I'm currently living on soup and soft foods. The last supper was an all out celebration parting ways with my old tummy. I went to The French in Manchester and had their tasting menu. It was nine courses of pure edible magic. Here's the story, before and after my life changing operation. Keep being courageous, Rachael x WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST? I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it. I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride. Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop. BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going. I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind. Go to: calloncourage.substack.com Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives. PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.