In this insightful episode, we’re joined by Ruth Song, a career coach and communications educator who shares her journey of self-discovery and courage beginning from a childhood of keeping her voice hidden.

Recounting her personal adversities, Ruth explains how she approached these challenges with self-compassion and resilience, reminding us that even the toughest times can be transformative. To overcome her own fears, Ruth has relied on 'exposure therapy,' a strategy that involves intentionally stepping out of her comfort zone to build confidence. Courage, she reminds us, is like a muscle that strengthens with practice and persistence.

Together we explore the significant influence that others’ opinions can have on our lives and the importance of filtering helpful advice from beliefs that limit us. Ruth emphasises the need to listen closely to our inner voice rather than allowing others to determine our life’s trajectory.

For Ruth, redefining failure has been a key part of her journey and she explains the power of choosing to "fail on your own terms." Ruth suggests setting growth metrics to track progress rather than perfection, helping to reframe disappointments as valuable parts of the learning process. Ruth also teaches us the powerful idea of tuning into your 'personal radio,' aligning with our unique voice and values rather than being distracted by external expectations.

To foster continuous growth, Ruth suggests using 'After Action Reviews' as a reflection tool; examining experiences and identifying areas for improvement, and turning every situation into a learning opportunity. She also recommends conducting small 'projects' as a way to try out new ideas, allowing for manageable risks and insights that help clarify one’s path.

We hope this inspiring and practical conversation with Ruth motivates you to redefine failure, face your fears and approach life with a renewed sense of purpose.

Guest Bio:

Ruth Song wasn't always the confident coach she is today. As a child, anxiety held her back, making speaking up a daunting challenge. But at 20, she defied expectations, not only launching her own radio show, but pioneering the English language section for a non-profit broadcaster.

This ignited a 20-year career empowering others. She's coached over 1,000 individuals to craft compelling narratives that showcase their value to potential employers, and helped students launch successful startups.

But Ruth's secret weapon isn't some magic formula. It's cultivating the "creativity muscle" through continuous learning and fearless action.

Her journey is a testament to courage. From battling childhood ovarian cancer to overcoming public speaking anxiety, she's embraced challenges and grown from them. Now, she inspires organizations like Deutsche Bank, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and the National Council of Social Services in Singapore on the power of storytelling and collaboration.

Ruth Song LinkedIn

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Intro & Outro Music:
"Deep Ambient" by Coma-Media
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In this episode, we chat with Stu Buckland about his career journey and experiences in podcast production and the broader media industry.

From his childhood days improvising songs and recording radio shows on cassette tape to navigating the challenges of working in the corporate sector, Stu offers great insight into an array of topics such as job loss, the shifting employment landscape and the importance of self-trust in navigating creative careers. We get a glimpse of his foray into acting and comedy, before learning how courage opened Stu up to new opportunities and promotions in the corporate media world.

Having been instrumental in developing and launching the first ever podcast platform at Network Ten, Stu reflects on the power and potential of podcasting in the present and future. He provides thoughtful reflection on the delicate balance between nurturing personal joy and the desire to bring joy to others. He mentions the often-overlooked business side of creativity, highlighting the necessity of coupling artistic talent with the ability to self-promote and manage the commercial aspects of one's work.

Stu also discusses his current projects; two podcasts he is currently hosting, as well as an exciting new project he is producing centered on young stroke survivors. Through these ventures, Stu continues to explore new avenues of creative expression while staying committed to personal growth and helping others through his work.

This episode is an insightful exploration on the highs and lows of a media career, offering listeners both inspiration and practical wisdom from someone who has navigated the challenges of the creative world with passion and resilience.

Guest Bio:

Stuart Buckland is a podcast producer and media manager.

Stuart worked at Network 10 for 11 years, starting in sales operations before shifting careers completely to lead Network 10’s new podcast platform “10 Speaks”. With a small team and minimal budget, Stuart and his team created a platform of more than a dozen shows, Stuart producing some podcasts himself including ’The Professor and the Hack’ with Hugh Riminton and Peter Van Onselen, ‘10 News First Person’, and ‘Where’s William Tyrrell?’ which has been 10 Speaks biggest success to date which has at this point over 6 million listens, the show regularly topping the Apple podcast charts in the ‘All Categories’ and ‘News’ sections during its run. Stuart also helped launch and supervise other successful shows including The Bachelor recap show ‘Cocktails and Roses’ with Osher Gunsberg, “Short Black with Sandra Sully” and “So, Now What?” with Waleed Aly.

In 2022 Stuart was the Director of Audio Production at audio agency Ampel and is currently freelancing as a producer and consultant as well as working on his own independent podcasts.

Stuart Buckland LinkedIn
The Angry Chimp LinkedIn
The Angry Chimp Instagram

Dad Pants Podcast
Bit Weird But Fair Enough I Guess Podcast

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Intro & Outro Music:
"Deep Ambient" by Coma-Media
Provided by www.pixabay.com

In this thought-provoking episode, we engage in fruitful conversation with media presenter and producer Jon Hoevenaars.

Not only do we explore Jon's unique career in broadcast television and podcasting but we also delve into the pivotal role his Christian faith has played in the shaping of his journey and outlook on life.

Considering the pressures of a public-facing career, Jon candidly shares personal experiences and the impacts of self-doubt, whilst highlighting how the support of colleagues, family, and friends helped him navigate the challenges, develop resilience and rebuild his confidence.

Jon’s insights on the interplay between courage and encouragement are illuminating, illustrating how the power of support can embolden us and propel us into action towards our realising our professional goals and personal ambitions.

Yet amidst discussions of the conventional notions of success and the influences of Western culture, Jon challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and embrace a values-driven approach to living. Through his introspective reflections, he invites us to contemplate the deeper meaning behind our pursuits and to chart a course towards a life of true fulfilment and purpose.

Drawing from a deep well of spiritual wisdom, Jon guides us through the transformative journey of surrendering to a force greater than oneself, urging us to consider the profound advantages of believing in an ultimate creator, the God of the Bible. Jon credits his faith for providing a strong sense of identity and self-worth, which has been instrumental in helping him overcome doubt and fear.

Throughout the episode, Jon emphasises the importance of encouragement in fostering courage. He teaches us how courage is not self-evident and requires a strong sense of identity, unwavering hope and community support to thrive. In this, along with other intriguing concepts, Jon leaves us with a wealth of insights to ponder, igniting a spark of inspiration and introspection that resonates long after our conversation ends.

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Guest Bio:

Jon Hoevenaars is a Melbourne-based sports producer-presenter, who is trying to escape the notion that his value is in what he can achieve. In his full-time role at Tennis Australia, he hosts The AO Show podcast, and produces video content for broadcast, digital and internal channels. Previously, Jon has worked as a radio sports reporter for SEN and a writer and narrator for AFL Media, after graduating from RMIT University in 2008. Since 2012, he has also served as a match day stadium announcer at the MCG, and is occasionally seen compering weddings or entertaining guests with his band, The Groovesmen. While Jon considers work a necessary and noble part of life, he is most interested in people — how they perceive themselves and others — and how words and images can be used or abused to illuminate or obfuscate truth. Jon's Christian worldview is grounded in the notion that humanity was brought into being through the intentional design of a supreme creator, whose handiwork we all see, and whose image we all bear, but whose identity we mostly ignore.

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Intro & Outro Music:
"Deep Ambient" by Coma-Media
Provided by www.pixabay.com