When Life Gives You Lemons

‘Look at what my body can do, not how it looks’ – Grace Reid discusses her passion for empowering females in sport

Grace Reid is one of Scotland’s and Great Britain’s most decorated divers, having many World, European and Commonwealth medals to her name.  In fact she attended the Commonwealth games when she was just 14 years old.  I sat down with Grace a few weeks ago as she was preparing for her third Olympic Games in Paris. Grace shared her journey from starting diving at a young age to overcoming challenges at the Tokyo Olympics and how she re-found her love for the sport.
In this insightful conversation, Grace discusses the importance of mindset, resilience, and the balance between diving and life outside the pool. She also touches on her passion for empowering females in sports and the unique experiences of competing at an Olympic Games.
Tune in to hear Grace's inspiring story and gain valuable insights into the world of elite diving and the Paris Olympics. Don't miss out on this engaging episode filled with wisdom and motivation for high-performing individuals facing adversity.
 
This episode is sponsored by Recovery from Joint Operations.  Check out the website for more information: http://recovery.jointoperations.co.uk

Olympic Swimmer Freya Anderson - 'people still don't understand what OCD is...'

Freya Anderson is a British swimmer and Olympic medallist. Freya's journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was anything but smooth, as she faced significant challenges, including a battle with glandular fever that threatened her training and competition schedule.
As well as delving into Freya’s experiences as a swimmer at the Olympic Games, a significant part of our discussion focused on Freya's mental health journey, particularly her experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She explained the nature of OCD, how it manifests in her life, and the steps she has taken to manage it. Freya's openness about her struggles and the misconceptions surrounding OCD highlight the importance of raising awareness and understanding mental health issues.
Throughout the episode, Freya's resilience and determination shone through, as she shared how setbacks have fuelled her desire to come back stronger. She emphasised the value of support from her team and the importance of self-care and mental well-being in the high-pressure world of elite sports.
I left the episode feeling inspired by Freya's strength and commitment to her sport, and I am excited to see what the future holds for her as she prepares for the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.
You can listen to the full episode wherever you find your podcasts or watch on YouTube.   The links are in the bio above.
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This episode is sponsored by Recovery from Joint Operations. Check out the website for more information:
https://recovery.jointoperations.co.uk

Overcoming adversity, becoming a Paralympian and finding joy in the process with Zak Skinner

Zak Skinner is a a remarkable athlete who represented Team GB in the long jump and 100m at the Paralympic Games in Paris.  Zak's journey is one of resilience and determination, shaped by his experiences growing up with a genetic condition that affects his vision, placing him in the T13 classification.
In this episode, Zak shares his story, beginning with his diagnosis of ocular albinism, which left him with severely underdeveloped eyesight. Despite these challenges, he has achieved incredible success in athletics, including being a para world bronze medallist and a double European gold medallist. This chat took place in the build up to the Paralympics and Zak expressed his excitement into the approach, noting that he is now in the "business end" of his preparation, having overcome various injuries along the way.
We delve into the unique challenges Zak faces as a visually impaired athlete and how it has shaped his perspective on competition and life. Zak's ability to adapt and find ways to excel in his sport is truly inspiring.
This episode is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. Zak's journey is not just about athletic achievement; it's about overcoming adversity and finding joy in the process.. Thank you for joining us, and I hope you find inspiration in Zak's story as much as I did.
This episode is sponsored by Recovery from Joint Operations.  Check out the website for more information:
http://recovery.jointoperations.co.uk

Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix reveals how to have a true champion mindset

Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix is Britain's most successful female diver of all time recently winning a bronze Olympic medal in Paris in the 10m Synchro competition.
At just 19 years old, Andrea has already achieved remarkable success as a Commonwealth, European, world and now Olympic medallist.  I was lucky to speak to Andrea at The London Aquatic Centre as she was gearing up for her second Olympic Games in Paris.
During our conversation, Andrea shared insights into her diving journey, her struggles she has faced with body image and confidence, revealing how she has overcome these challenges through faith and self-discovery.  She emphasises the importance of fuelling her body properly and the positive impact it has had on her performance and mental well-being.
As we saw over the Olympic Games coverage, Andrea expressed gratitude for her family's unwavering support and the pivotal role they play in her success.
Throughout the episode, Andrea's resilience, faith, and dedication shone through, leaving a lasting impression of a young athlete with a champion mindset and a bright future ahead. Tune in to this episode to be inspired by Andrea's journey and her unwavering determination to succeed in the face of adversity.
 
This episode is sponsored by Recovery from Joint Operations. Check out the website for more information:
https://recovery.jointoperations.co.uk

Who am I and what have I learnt???

In the final episode of this season, I reflect on the lessons learned and insights gained over the past year since the podcast's inception. Drawing from conversations with inspiring individuals who have overcome adversity, I share some key themes such as gratitude, mindset, goal setting, and human connection.
From the importance of embracing vulnerability to the power of reframing negative experiences, I delve into the transformative journey of post-traumatic growth.  Join me as I explore the profound impact of gratitude, the significance of setting small achievable goals, and the value of human connection in fostering happiness. Discover how embracing life's challenges can lead to personal growth and empowerment, ultimately allowing individuals to thrive in the face of adversity.
If you enjoy this content, subscribe to ‘When Life Gives You Lemons’ for more empowering stories and valuable insights on navigating life's obstacles with grace and resilience. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube @LifeLemonsPodcast for updates and engaging content.

Grenfell firefighter to mental health advocate - How Ricky Nuttall found strength in his vulnerability

Ricky is a former firefighter, mental health advocate, motivational speaker and poet.  In 2017 Ricky was one of the first responders called to the fire at Grenfell Tower in London which tragically claimed the lives of 72 residents and injured many more.    Following the Grenfell tragedy and as a result of the life changing decisions that Ricky made that night, his mental health suffered - leading to PTSD and depression.  He now tells his story to give hope by demonstrating that if he could drag himself out of that darkness, others can to.
 
https://www.justrick.co.uk/

How his mental health issues lead to the inception of Heights with Dan Murray-Serter

Dan is a serial entrepreneur, co-founder of Heights, a brain-care supplements company and host of leading business podcast ‘Secret Leaders.’
In this episode Dan discusses his experience with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia, and how he found relief through alternative methods like ayahuasca and focusing on brain care supplements. He emphasised the importance of spirituality and connection in finding happiness and his story highlights the power of vulnerability, honesty and learning from failure.
In this conversation we delve into the complexities of entrepreneurship, the impact of life-changing events, and the significance of finding balance between solitude and social connection for mental well-being.
https://www.yourheights.com

Challenges of transitioning from adventurer to a mother with postnatal struggles - Catherine Capon

Catherine Capon is a British naturalist and environmentalist.  In this episode we discuss her journey through postnatal struggles and the creation of her wellness hub, Wild Up Slow Down. Catherine shares her experiences of overcoming adversity, finding balance as a mother, and redefining her identity. Join us as we delve into the importance of self-care, connecting with nature, and the power of slowing down in a fast-paced world. Tune in to gain insights on navigating the challenges of modern motherhood, finding support, and embracing a more conscious way of living. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative impact of wild adventures.

Mouth artist Henry Fraser on how to overcome significant adversity and thrive on the other side

When Henry Fraser endured a life changing spinal injury, he demonstrated immense courage and rather than give into his injuries – henry has grasped life with both hands achieving things beyond his wildest dreams.
At age 17, whilst on holiday with his friends in Portugal – Henry dived into the sea and had a disastrous accident.  In that moment his life changed forever and he became a tetraplegic – paralysed fully below his shoulders. 
Henry Fraser is now a mouth artist, motivational speaker, best-selling author and all-round inspirational guy.   On top of those accomplishments, he recently had his life story made into a west end musical ‘The Little Big Things’.

Steph Peltier - The Happiness Activator

In this episode Steph Peltier, known as The Happiness Activator shares her journey from heartbreak and depression to finding signs of happiness that changed the trajectory of her life. We discuss the definition of happiness, the importance of mindset, and practical techniques to cultivate happiness in daily life.Steph explains the concept of happiness as a mindset, influenced by how we perceive and respond to life events. She emphasises the significance of human connections, experiencing positive emotions, and practicing gratitude as essential steps to build happiness. The episode also explores the role of meditation in reshaping the brain's structure and reducing stress.Moreover, Steph touches on the subconscious mind's impact on mental health and the use of rapid transformational therapy to address deep-rooted traumas. The conversation highlights the possibility of controlling one's mindset and choosing happiness as a skill that can be cultivated and grown over time.Tune in to gain insights into reshaping your mindset, overcoming adversity, and finding happiness in the midst of life's challenges.