In this episode, I am joined by Tom Oxley, a workplace mental health consultant, trainer, and support specialist whose TEDx talk on mental health has inspired over three-quarters of a million viewers. Years ago, while forging a fast-paced career in advertising, marketing, and PR, Tom hit a wall. His relentless schedule and lifestyle eventually caused a profound mental health crisis, leaving him tearful, unable to focus, and uncertain where to turn for help.

In this candid conversation, Tom opens up about the early warning signs he ignored, the manager who finally urged him to seek help, and the confusion and loneliness he felt when handed a medical note reading “stress, anxiety, depression.” He also shares how a well-intentioned workplace can still fall short if they lack the right tools, knowledge, or empathy and why one supportive boss can make all the difference.

We explore the vital role of self-care, from getting enough sleep and movement to building “opposite activities” into daily life - pursuits that have nothing to do with work and everything to do with staying grounded. Tom offers practical insights for both employees and employers: how to recognise burnout in yourself or a colleague, the legal obligations companies have around stress risk assessments, and why a culture of openness matters more than any flashy wellness initiative.

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a job that’s draining you or if you manage a team and wonder how to foster genuine mental well-being this episode is packed with down-to-earth advice, personal stories, and hope for positive change. Join us as Tom reveals how he turned a life-altering crisis into a calling, becoming a go-to voice for healthier, more compassionate workplaces everywhere.

If you want to find out more about Tom visit his website: https://bamboomentalhealth.co.uk/.

You can find Tom’s TEDx talk here: Workplace Mental Health – What you need to know (for now).

In this powerful episode, Patrick Sperry reflects on how perfectionism created an endless cycle of striving and dissatisfaction. From giving up a promising professional soccer career to chasing a dream of being a rock star in Hollywood (and a stint as David Beckham’s body double) his journey took him through heartache, creative highs, and personal reckoning. Along the way, yoga became a lifeline - initially a form of escape but ultimately a path to inner alchemy and profound self-discovery. Through the physical and spiritual practices of yoga, Patrick found new ways to engage with life, shifting from hyper-competitiveness to compassionate connection.

This episode also dives into the critical need for male role models and the importance of community as medicine. Our guest explores how modern isolation has fractured traditional spaces for emotional connection, urging men to step out of their comfort zones and into circles of vulnerability, growth, and shared purpose. Whether through yoga, meaningful conversations, or communal activities, he shares how embracing discomfort is key to integrating fragmented identities and discovering a deeper sense of belonging which he teaches today through his coaching and the Flourish Well-Being organisation.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by societal expectations, perfectionism, or a longing for something more, this episode offers a roadmap to rediscovering your authentic self. Join us for a conversation that bridges competition and compassion, ambition and acceptance, and isolation and connection - ultimately reminding us all of the transformative power of presence and community.

If you want to find out more about Patrick as a yoga, meditation and well-being coach ‘A path to a life you love’ visit https://www.patsperrylove.com/.

To find out more about Flourish Well-Being retreats and other programmes Patrick mentions then visit https://www.peaceloveflourish.com/.

Ever wondered how to stay calm and grounded while pivoting careers in the midst of chaos? Meet Adrian de Coursey, whose professional path took him from corporate strategy at Shell and Johnson & Johnson to running a small family business during the height of the global financial crisis. In this candid interview, Adrian reveals the high-stakes challenges he faced - burning the candle at both ends, juggling every aspect of the company, and grappling with the reality that his work-life boundaries had all but vanished.

Yet amid the turmoil, Adrian discovered the secret to thriving rather than just surviving: resilience. Drawing on lessons learned from sleepless nights and tough financial decisions, he breaks down the practical strategies that helped him regain control. From setting strict daily goals (his “most important tasks”), to instituting a digital sunset that protects his evening downtime, to embracing mind-clearing meditation before bed - Adrian leaves no stone unturned.

Throughout this episode, you’ll hear how he transformed adversity into growth and how he cultivated the mental fortitude essential for any entrepreneur (or mid-life career changer). Adrian also dives into the art of being “brutally objective”—knowing when to pivot, when to persist, and how to cut your losses fast. If you’re looking for an honest, inspiring conversation about managing stress, planning for big transitions, and truly knowing yourself so you can seize new opportunities, this episode is for you.

Tune in to discover:

• Why resilience is the #1 trait for navigating career pivots and entrepreneurship.
• How to compartmentalise tasks and find genuine work-life balance.
• The power of self-awareness in identifying (and leveraging) your strengths.
• Why failures and wrong turns can be priceless.
• scheduling your days, such as mediation, that can drastically reduce stress.

Join host Philip Briscoe and Adrian DeCoursey as they unpack the ups, downs, and actionable tools for building a fulfilling career on your own terms. If you’re seeking real talk on forging inner strength through life’s toughest moments, don’t miss this deep dive into resilience and reinvention.