Advertise on podcast: Interesting Lives of Ordinary People

In this iLoOP podcast conversation we meet Robbie KCee. Robbie is a documentary filmmaker and the founder of FamDocs Collective, an India-based studio that creates private family documentaries, especially for families living away from parents and grandparents. In this conversation, we talk about his personal motivations for turning away from a 'safe' commercial career in advertising to pursue a fresh creative purpose that is rooted in his own family's tragic history. He speaks with passion about the joy of witnessing people blossom into the people they truly are beneath the mask of conformity and ordinariness. After 15 years in advertising, Robbie found his calling in filming ordinary families: the little things, the stories that only make sense in hindsight and the routines worth capturing while there's time. His approach, "Beautiful, Not Pretty," favours what's honest over what's polished. Find him on Instagram at: @famdocs.world Or mail him at [email protected] Website: www.famdocscollective.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@famdocscollective-com

As a teenager Partha fell from a hotel balcony. That moment of inattention could have killed him. Miraculously he survived but suffered injury to his spinal cord, and it changed the course of his life. Partha's story is one of remarkable courage, resilience and perseverance. He wears his troubles lightly, with a smile that could light up any room he was in. I have never had a guest like Partha, and I am genuinely in awe of him. His journey from being bed-ridden after his injury in his modest home in a small town in Tamil Nadu, India, to representing India in wheelchair basketball, to his current position as an academic adviser to students at the University of Alabama, is nothing short of inspiring. There are at least two jaw-dropping revelations in this conversation, the last one coming almost at the end of this episode. I urge you to watch it to the end. If you'd like to get in touch with Partha you can viahttps://www.instagram.com/vp_sarathi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/parthavenkatram/Interesting Lives of Ordinary PeopleiLoOP

Nayanika Mahtani is an award-winning author and screenwriter whose work explores identity, history and the quiet strength of human connection. Alongside the renowned Indian filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, Nayanika has co-written the screenplay of the recently released film Main Vaapas Aaunga. The film is based around the events leading up to and after the partition of India and Pakistan wrapped up in a beautiful love story that spans an entire lifetime. In this conversation we talk about Nayanika's path from being an investment banker to becoming a storyteller through books and movies. The turning points, her close relationship with her grandparents who experienced the trauma of partition but never talked about it. She speaks of the unfinished conversations that she now feels have found completion through her earlier book and now this film.With her current busy schedule writing screenplays for movies in India, Nayanika has come full circle. As a teenager she was passionate about musical drama and had joined the Theatre Action Group in the same cohort as Shah Rukh Khan. Years later she is now working behind the scenes to create stories that beloved actors like Naseeruddin Shah and others bring to life onto the big screen. Nayanika's previous works include Across the Line, a story of reconciliation after partition, children's books -The Gory Story of Genghis Khan and Ambushed, and the film Shakuntala Devi starring Vidya Balan.You can find out more about Nayanika by visiting her websitehttps://nayanikamahtani.com/

Mercedes Yearley is the Founder of Quest Soul Theatre, a UK based Community Interest Company (CIC) that is all about wellbeing through drama. The mission of her team is to deliver inclusive and accessible creative art workshops for adults with the emphasis on connection, community and fun. In this conversation Mercedes talks about the turning point of her beloved mother's illness during Covid that proved to be a catalyst for big change in hers and her sister's life. We explore the importance of art and play as a way to communicate feelings that are too big for words. We get a glimpse into what life can be like for someone with ADHD and how challenging everyday routines can be for someone whose mind craves variety and mental stimulation. It is a poignant reminder of the masks we wear to simply make it through this challenging world and how important safe spaces like those created by Quest Soul Theatre are to help us feel lighter and more connected. You can contact Mercedes via:Website: https://questsoultheatre.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/questsoultheatre?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedesyearley/

Aarti Narayan is the author of The Lives She Carried, a fictionalised account of her grandmother's life and her journey from being a fourteen year old bride to a wife and mother who fought courageously to do the right thing by her children.Aarti graduated from one of the top business schools in India nearly thirty years ago, and spent two and a half decades working for a multi-national corporate entity. A few years ago a perfect storm of events proved to be the catalyst for her to leave behind her successful corporate career, write a book that told the stories of the unsung heroines of her family, and pursue the things she loves doing that she did not previously have time for. The Lives She Carried is available on Amazon and at other online bookstores.https://amzn.eu/d/01ZTQHxSShe can be reached on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/aarti_narayan1?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

This is one of the most fascinating and other-worldly conversations I have had on this podcast. During our conversation, I discovered my galactic origins which confirmed things I already knew. I invite you to listen with curiosity and an open mind. Allow yourself to be transported to another world and a different way of being. Fulcrum DJedi describes himself as a messenger and intergalactic traveller. Through his astral travels (mostly when he is asleep) he is regularly invited to on missions with the Galactic Federation. His mission in this lifetime is to help humanity connect with their higher consciousness and choose a way of life that serves the highest good. Fulcrum is the author of Powerful Galactic Beings: A Cosmic Guidebook to our Galactic Heritage. It is available on Amazon via this link https://amzn.eu/d/0aHU9o5K Fulcrum is also a quantum energy reader, helping people identify the blocks that holding them back. He also does cosmic consultations wherein he helps individuals discover their galactic origins which can often help them make sense of why they are the way they are in this lifetime. You can find our more about Fulcrum via these following social media platforms and reach out to him if you'd like to book a consultation with him. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FulcrumDjedi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/fulcrumdjedi/

Caroline Lambert transitioned from her corporate career spanning over 25 years working with the Financial Times and Google, doing user experience research, to become an Electrologist. She tells us why she chose this path, the turning points and the motivations for this change. Becoming an electrologist required rigorous study and training, as well as financial investment into top of the range equipment and creating a new studio where she treats her clients. Her mission now is to help people feel more comfortable in their own skin so they can live life to the fullest. And as a segue from this, she shares her desire to help people die well, with greater agency and clarity. Caroline's deeply held beliefs on this topic are shaped by her own personal experiences and loss of beloved family members. We talk about the importance of a death plan, and how important it is to prepare ourselves that inevitability so we can live our lives more fully. It does not have to be a morbid or heavy thing if approached in the right way. Caroline is based in Kent, England. You can find out more about her services via her website www.electro-glow-studio.com.

In this conversation we chat to Daniella about the turning points and motivations that brought her to her current life. She has some great advice for would-be authors and authors looking to sell more books: believe in yourself, be bold and be willing to get help. If you're looking for guidance on how to use your voice to write a book, reach out to Daniella. The initial 20 min call is free of charge and it might just be the catalyst you need to turn your dream into reality. Daniella Blechner is a UK-based entrepreneur, founder of Conscious Dreams Publishing, award-winning author and Book Journey Mentor™ who is passionate about transforming diverse writers into successful published authors. Over the last nine years, she has published more than 350 authors' books and mentored over 1,000 authors and aspiring authors, aged 7 to 84, assisting them in transforming their powerful stories and messages into impactful books. Under Daniella's guidance, authors have secured placements in bookstores, achieved bestseller status, and gained international media coverage. Notably, young authors Sarah Kittoe and Tiana Akoh-Arrey have been featured on Sky TV, ITV, Channel 5, BBC, Good Morning America, Breakfast Television Canada, and The Kelly Clarkson Show. She is dedicated advocate for inclusion and representation, she founded Black Authors on the Rise, an annual event spotlighting authors of African-Caribbean heritage. Daniella is the author of nine books, and her debut book Mr Wrong (2014) became a bestseller, beating Steve Harvey’s Think Like a Man, Act Like a Lady. Her award-winning children's book, 9 Days of Piper Snow (2023), featured on BBC1’s Sunday Morning Live, has helped many children explore themes such as grief, friendship and the importance of treasured memories. Website: www.consciousdreamspublishing.com Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/consciousdreamspublishing Instagram: @consciousdreamspublishing @9daysofpipersnow Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/daniellablechner

Sarah started off her career as a chartered accountant 45 years ago, and retrained to become a financial adviser in 2006. Her mission is to help people navigate their way towards understanding and managing their money better. As a Financial Planner and Adviser she makes it possible for her clients to put their money to use in ways that aligned with their circumstances and objectives. In this conversation we explore the different aspects of personal finance and the things we can all do to create greater freedom and peace of mind. Some of the areas we talk about are less regulated than others. It is always a good idea to do your research, ask the right questions and have a conversation with a trusted professional before you take any big financial decisions. You can find out more about Sarah and what she does at https://wealthstream.uk/home

Ajith is the Founder of Fusion Kaapi where "musical ideas are brewed into soulful concoctions". His band has produced original music and tours doing live performances in different venues in India. Music has been a big part of Ajith's life since he was five years old. Singing, playing a musical instrument, learning a classical dance form and acting were all things Ajith did alongside being an excellent student. After 30 years of a stellar corporate career in finance, he is now devoting all his attention to his three passions: music, golf and biking. In this conversation we explore some of the turning points and milestones that brought him to where he is. Ajith provides interesting insights into what it takes to nurture a creative passion even when you choose the "safer" path of a corporate career that provides financial security. Ultimately, it isn't about choosing one over the other. It is about choosing one so you can do the other with greater freedom and peace of mind. We hope this conversation inspires you to live your most creative life in a way that is exactly right for you. https://www.youtube.com/@fusionkaapi https://www.instagram.com/fusionkaapi/?hl=en

In this powerful, free flowing conversation, Jamie and Fiongal shared their highs and lows, and the turning points that guided their individual psychic journeys, and together doing the "work" of connecting people with their soul's messages. This conversation was recorded a few days before Jamie and Fiongal travelled to a retreat in Gujarat. Two beautiful people who touched the lives of so many and were taken from us too soon. They were on the Air India flight 171 on 12th June which crashed within minutes of take off. They are no longer with us, but their words, their work and their wisdom will always stay with those who interacted with them.

Anja Plumb helps individuals who are going through divorce or are divorced. These people need help to manage where they are, envision where they want to be and are figure out how to get there in the most positive possible way.In this conversation Anja shares the turning point in her own life that proved a catalyst for the choices she went on to make and the career path she is currently on. She is helped by her deep Christian values and faith. Her approach mingles compassion with pragmatism. She can be reached via her website www.plumblinecoaching.co.uk

Rima Pande is the author of His Voice, a fictionalised narrative of true events around her father who suffered a stroke that took away his ability to communicate and left his paralysed from neck down. During the two years after his stroke and until his passing, he was cared for at home mainly by Rima's mother. She bore her responsibilities of being the primary caregiver with compassion and grace. But most of all, she created a space that was respectful and joyful. In this uplifting conversation, Rima talks about how her father's illness and subsequent death made her reflect on the man he was, and her relationship with him. Writing the book helped her deal with her loss and to give voice to her beloved father long after he had lost the ability to speak. This episode was recorded on 20th January 2023 but has only now been released.

Janita is an animal communicator and pet nutritionist who helps pets express what they’re really feeling and needing. Through telepathic communication, she connects with animals to understand what’s going on beneath the surface: whether it’s something physical, emotional, or just a quirky preference they’ve been trying to share. Janita also guides pet parents in feeding their animals fresh, balanced, species-appropriate meals that actually support long-term health. She uses tools like Bach flower remedies, natural healing practices, and nutrition science to help animals feel their best. Janita's work is all about creating deeper understanding with the animal, solving mysteries, and making sure your pet’s voice is truly heard. If you'd like to connect more deeply with your pet, you can contact Janita via instagram https://www.instagram.com/janitaporecha.in?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MW81M3Vrc3FqdWgyZg==

Emily is an Accredited Transformative Coach, Facilitator, and Mentor. Her work has evolved over the last 20 years working internationally with a variety of individuals, and groups and organisations in both the education and corporate sector. In this conversation Emily walks us through the major turning points in her life that helped her deal with her worst nightmare with compassion and resilience. She helps clients reduce the levels of stress and anxiety by building resilience and wellbeing. She does this via 1:1 coaching, group coaching and facilitation, and tailored retreats and away days on a 8.5 acre hassle free retreat/campsite https://oldbidlakefarm.co.uk/ You can find out more about Emily by visiting her website http://www.emilywellbeing.co.uk/ Here is the link to the blog she wrote as she dealt with one of the most difficult challenges of her life https://journeyswithgrief.blogspot.com/2021/07/we-didnt-get-memo.html You can find out about her upcoming events here https://www.emilywellbeing.co.uk/events/