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The Couragemakers Podcast | Encouragement, Inspiration & Rebel Rousing for Mission Driven Doers, Makers & Shakers |

Couragemakers is the weekly podcast for creative and multi-passionate women. Because building the life you want and putting stuff in the world takes a boatload of courage, but you don’t have to do it alone. Couragemakers is designed to encourage and rebel-rouse mission-driven doers, makers and world-shakers to spark a movement of women who are choosing themselves. Meg chats to unconventional couragemakers all over the world who share their stories, their advice and their dreams as we have honest conversations about everyday courage, living a wholehearted life and dream chasing. We’ve figured out what we don’t want in life, now we’re figuring out what we do want. And we talk about the things that make us feel on fire as well as the monsters that hide under our beds. Couragemakers is brought to you by Meg Kissack of The Rebel Rousers. Because everything changes when you believe you matter. Let’s shake things up together. Warning: This podcast contains courage, vulnerability and a desire to leave the world a brighter place than how we found it.
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The Couragemakers Podcast | Encouragement, Inspiration & Rebel Rousing for Mission Driven Doers, Makers & Shakers |
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Now displaying: 2018
Dec 20, 2018

This episode is part two of a three-part series of wrapping up this year Couragemakers style. We started part one talking all about fear and uncertainty, and this week we’re diving into looking back on the year with self-compassion.

Show Notes

  • Couragemakers Patreon Page
  • Reflection exercise:

    Create the space and take the time to write yourself three letters:

     

    Letter 1: imagine yourself a year ago and write a letter to your present self.

    Letter 2: write a letter to your past self. 

    Letter 3: from the perspective of your future self, write a letter to the past and present you.



    About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

    I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multi-passionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

    I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

    When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord. 

 

 

Dec 10, 2018

As we wrap up the year, I thought what a better way to end the year of Couragemaker episodes than with some snappy pep talks full of wisdom and practical things you can take into the next year.

From taking action and moving forward, to self-forgiveness and self-preservation, for the next three episodes, I’m going to be sharing with you the three biggest ah-hah moments and nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned this year.

And today we’re starting with taking risks, leaving your comfort zone and the danger of standing still.

** Interested in bringing your creative dreams to life? Click here to find out more about working with me!** 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multi-passionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord. 

Nov 20, 2018

Hello Couragemakers and welcome to another episode of the Couragemakers episode!

For this week’s episode, I’m chatting with the inspiring Nomi from Piquetures. Nomi is a creative adventurer seeking to push the boundaries of the audio-visual experience! She is currently experimenting with creating videoscapes, playing tourist everywhere she goes with her camera, digitally illustrating, and producing music (her newest interest!). Growing up as an Asian American and taught to believe that there is a clear division between what is considered "science" and what can be called "arts," she graduated college with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and certified to teach high school level sciences feeling unfulfilled. After years of being torn between her multiple interests and "identities," Nomi is finally happily studying computer science at her 9-5 web developer job and reserves her evenings for her creative pursuits! 

In this week’s episode, we’re really diving into claiming our identities and who we are, the importance of scheduling time for our art and practical things you can do to preserve, sustain and maintain your creative energy.

 

We dive into struggling to come to terms with your identity as an artist, why it’s okay for things to take time and Nomi’s advice for anyone who struggles to find what makes them unique.

I absolutely love this episode. Nomi’s approach to her art is beyond refreshing and in an online world where we feel like we have to find a way to make a full time living from our art and we’re made to feel having a side hustle isn’t valid, it’s so good to have a real conversation about finding creative fulfilment in your life alongside having a 9-5, and why doing it that way can be so wonderful.

If you love talking about all things creativity and sometimes struggle to describe yourself and what you do and make time for creativity in your life, this is the perfect episode for you!

Enjoy the show!

 

About Nomi

Nomi is a creative adventurer seeking to push the boundaries of the audio-visual experience! She is currently experimenting with creating videoscapes, playing tourist everywhere she goes with her camera, digitally illustrating, and producing music (her newest interest!). Growing up as an Asian American and taught to believe that there is a clear division between what is considered "science" and what can be called "arts," she graduated college with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and certified to teach high school level sciences feeling unfulfilled. After years of being torn between her multiple interests and "identities," Nomi is finally happily studying computer science at her 9-5 web developer job and reserves her evenings for her creative pursuits! 

YouTube | Instagram |

 

Things We Talked About

  • Nomi’s journey of becoming comfortable with identifying as an artist and a scientist

  • Keeping your art living and breathing

  • Choosing not to do art as your 9-5

  • Maintaining, preserving and sustaining your time for creative work

  • Making art a priority in your life

  • Disrupting this notion that we all have to monetize our art

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multi-passionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord. 

Nov 12, 2018

This week we're diving into everything enthusiasm related! Enthusiasm is a topic very close to my heart and today's episode is a very practical one and perfect for you if you're struggling with enthusiasm!

 

Things Mentioned in Today's Show!

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multi-passionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

WHEN I'M NOT RECORDING EPISODES, WRITING BULLSHIT-FREE SUNDAY PEP TALKS TO MY WONDERFUL COURAGEMAKERS COMMUNITY OR WORKING 1:1 WITH CLIENTS, I'M USUALLY COVERED IN PAINT AND THINKING OF IMAGINATIVE WAYS OF HIDE MY WOULD-BE DOG FROM MY LANDLORD. 

Nov 5, 2018

Hello my lovely Couragemakers family and welcome to episode 105 of The Couragemakers Podcast! This week I’m chatting with Sandra Dawes and I just know you are going to LOVE how practical this episode is!

Sandra is a recovering control freak and excuse maker who works with clients struggling with similar issues. She holds an Honors BA, an MBA and a certificate in Dispute Resolution. After the passing of her father and circumstances that followed, she suffered from bouts of depression and sought the help of psychotherapists. Unwilling to seek pharmaceutical assistance to deal with her chronic unhappiness, she was lead on a journey of self-awareness and forgiveness that changed her life in deep and meaningful ways. Sandra lives in Brampton, Ontario, Canada and enjoys spending time with friends and family, her partner Satnam and her dog Lulu and reading self-help books and watching superhero movies in her spare time. Sandra is the host of the Embrace Your Destiny Podcast and she was was added to the Wall of Role Models by the Diversity Advancement Network in 2016.

In this week’s episode, Sandra shares how her experience of losing her father started a journey and how it was his biggest gift and the changes that happened which led her to doing the work that she does today.

We’re getting seriously practical and chatting about all things people-pleasing, saying no and learning to not care what other people think. We have a great conversation about well-intentioned dreamshitters and being mindful about the people you share your dreams with, the lost art of patience as well as some really actionable tips Sandra has about putting boundaries in place and learning to stop people-pleasing.

This episode is really getting behind the scenes and into the nitty gritty of HOW we can stop people pleasing, putting everyone before ourselves and choosing to live the life that only we can live. I loved how Sandra shared so much about her processes, and this episode is a great reminder that there are tangible things we can start doing today to change our lives for the better.

This episode is one huge bundle of hope and I know you’re going to love this one!

Enjoy the show!

About Sandra

Sandra Dawes is a recovering control freak and excuse maker who works with clients struggling with similar issues. She holds an Honors BA, an MBA and a certificate in Dispute Resolution. After the passing of her father and circumstances that followed, she suffered from bouts of depression and sought the help of psychotherapists. Unwilling to seek pharmaceutical assistance to deal with her chronic unhappiness, she was lead on a journey of self-awareness and forgiveness that changed her life in deep and meaningful ways. Sandra enjoys spending time with friends and family, her partner Satnam and her dog Lulu. She published her first book Embrace Your Destiny: 12 Steps to Living the Life You Deserve in 2013.  Sandra was added to the Wall of Role Models by the Diversity Advancement Network in July 2016.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 

Things We Talked About

  • How Sandra’s experience of losing her father started a journey and how it turned out to be his biggest gift

  • Being mindful of who you share your dreams with

  • How saying no as a full and complete sentence

  • Well-intentioned dreamshitters

  • Choosing not to be superwoman anymore

  • The lost art of patience

 

Resources

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life 

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multi-passionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

 

When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord. 

 

Oct 29, 2018

This week's episode is a solo special and I'm diving into the anatomy of fear, my rather bizarre fear analogy and some helpful things to help you find the courage to shine bright in the world!

 

Resources mentioned in today's episode:

 

Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert

The Doing Scary Things Podcast

Episode 8 with Anabel Roque Rodríguez

Episode 43 with Elin Lööw

 

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

 

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multi-passionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

 

WHEN I'M NOT RECORDING EPISODES, WRITING BULLSHIT-FREE SUNDAY PEP TALKS TO MY WONDERFUL COURAGEMAKERS COMMUNITY OR WORKING 1:1 WITH CLIENTS, I'M USUALLY COVERED IN PAINT AND THINKING OF IMAGINATIVE WAYS OF HIDE MY WOULD-BE DOG FROM MY LANDLORD. 

 

Oct 22, 2018

Hello my lovely Couragemakers and welcome to Episode 103 of The Couragemakers Podcast! This week I couldn’t be happier to share this WONDERFUL heartwarming episode with the inspiring Rachel Flower.

Rachel is a multi-passionate, full time lover of life, non-traditional wife, mum to two gorgeous girls, recovering former-suit-wearing lawyer, almost actress, singer, constantly curious question asker and loyal friend who lives in Yorkshire in the UK. She is a  disruptive entrepreneur, an ambassador for growth and greatness, recovering lawyer turned business coach helping women to grow and scale sustainable businesses. Rachel runs courses on  run courses on Happiness because we teach what we most need to learn and spends her time inspiring others to create lives of impact and independence.

In this week’s episode, we explore what what it means to build resilience, the lessons we learn from really hard times and the courage it takes to show up and be yourself.

We dive deep into so many aspects of Rachel’s story, from building her business, slowing down, and her and her daughter Bella’s journey of being diagnosed with leukaemia aged 2, and what Bella has taught her along the way.

We dive deep into the courage it takes to raise the next generation, the sheer pressure we put on ourselves as women and the importance of having a community and feeling heard, understood and importance.

Along the way we also talk about decluttering friendships, how we’re not a problem to be fixed, well intentioned dreamshitters and drag queens.

This episode is one hell of a ride and my cheeks were aching from smiling and laughing by the end of this episode. Rachel’s vulnerability, resilience and positivity is awe-inspiring, and I know you’ll be thinking about this episode long after you listen to it.

If you’re craving some soul food, you are in for a treat.

Enjoy the show!

About Rachel

Rachel Flower is  a multi-passionate, full time lover of life, non-traditional wife, mum to two gorgeous girls, recovering former-suit-wearing lawyer, almost actress, singer, constantly curious question asker and loyal friend who lives in Yorkshire in the UK. She is a  disruptive entrepreneur, an ambassador for growth and greatness, recovering lawyer turned business coach helping women to grow and scale sustainable businesses. Rachel runs courses on  run courses on Happiness because we teach what we most need to learn and spends her time inspiring others to create lives of impact and independence. 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 

Things We Talked About

  • the importance of community

  • how Rachel builds her own resilience 

  • the courage it takes to raise the next generation

  • the pressures we face as women

  • the importance of feel heard, feeling understood, feeling supported

 

Resources

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

 

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multi-passionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

 

When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord. 

Oct 15, 2018

Hello Couragemakers and welcome to episode 102 of The Couragemakers Podcast!

This week I’m talking to the fabulous Justine Froelker. Justine is an advocate for speaking about shame and learning to thrive when life doesn't turn out how you hoped, dreamed, or even planned that it would. Full of grit and grace, Justine uses her fiery passion, the occasional curse word, and her witty humor to share her vulnerability and truth to light up the world. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator with over 19 years of experience (based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown), speaker, and Professional Network Marketer. She is the author of her best-selling books, Ever Upward and The Mother of Second Chances and recently gave two TEDx talks. Justine currently lives in Saint Louis with her husband, Chad, and their three dogs. She enjoys her childfull life by spending time with friends and family, practicing creative self-care, laughing (many times at herself) and building butterfly gardens on her acre of land, which has made her an accidental butterfly farmer.


In this week’s episode, we dive into Justine’s story and why she believes we must stop describing our stories as hard. Justine shares her story, from spending two six months periods in a body cast, her surrogacy and infertility journey and what has led her to doing the work she does today.

We dive into why Justine loathes the phrase never give up, the importance of grace-filled permission and compassion and how Justine pours into herself.

We also chat about rumbling with shame, choosing to do the hard work and show up and stand in your own sacred truth every day and dropping the armour or perfectionism, people pleasing and care giving.

This episode is full of so many practical takeaways and I could honestly listen to this episode on repeat. I loved asking Justine what she loves about herself and what living in raw authenticity means to her and hearing how she will never apologise for her a lot ness.

If you’re struggling right now, if you struggle to prioritise yourself or you just need a new way to look at your own story, this is the perfect episode for you. Justine epitomises what it means to live unapologetically and I couldn’t be happier to be sharing her episode with you today.

Enjoy the show!

 

About Justine

Full of grit and grace, Justine Froelker uses her fiery passion, the occasional curse word, and her witty humor to share her vulnerability and truth to light up the world. Justine is an advocate for speaking about shame and learning to thrive when life doesn't turn out how you hoped, dreamed, or even planned that it would. Justine is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator with over 19 years of experience (based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown), speaker, and Professional Network Marketer. She is the author of her best-selling books, Ever Upward and The Mother of Second Chances and recently gave two TEDx talks. Justine currently lives in Saint Louis with her husband, Chad, and their three dogs. She enjoys her childfull life by spending time with friends and family, practicing creative self-care, laughing (many times at herself) and building butterfly gardens on her acre of land, which has made her an accidental butterfly farmer.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

 

Things We Talked About

 

  • Why we must stop describing our stories as hard

  • Why Justine loathes the phrase never give up

  • Justine’s big stories and what they have taught her

  • Why netflix, wine and ice cream won’t love you back

  • Grace filled permission to struggle

  • What living in raw authenticity means to Justine

  • What Justine loves about herself

 

Resources 

 

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

 

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multi-passionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

 

WHEN I'M NOT RECORDING EPISODES, WRITING BULLSHIT-FREE SUNDAY PEP TALKS TO MY WONDERFUL COURAGEMAKERS COMMUNITY OR WORKING 1:1 WITH CLIENTS, I'M USUALLY COVERED IN PAINT AND THINKING OF IMAGINATIVE WAYS OF HIDE MY WOULD-BE DOG FROM MY LANDLORD. 

Oct 9, 2018

Hello Couragemakers!

Welcome to episode 101! Today I couldn’t be happier to share with you my conversation with Lisa Pascoe. Lisa Pascoe is an inspirational Speaker, Intuitive Master NLP Practitioner, and Recovering Perfectionist who is passionate about empowering women to tap into their inner wisdom and intuition, so they can live more authentic lives. Lisa runs rewilding retreats, 1:1 coaching and soul-nourishing circles for sensitive women ready for change. She believes kindness is key and intuition and wellbeing reign supreme because we all know that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Lisa currently lives in Southsea with her partner Bekky and their wire-haired sausage dog Henry. She has a penchant for cake, oracle cards and walks in the woods.

I don’t even know where to start when it comes to sharing what we talked about during today’s episode. To say we really went there is an understatement!

Lisa shares her journey into working to create spaces for women to to drop out of their heads and get into their hearts, embracing the dark as well as the light (we also have a great conversation about the dangers of spiritual bypassing) and Lisa’s journey of living a life that feels aligned and true.

We talk about not living on autopilot, the value of having a space where you are simply listened to, the difficulties that come with being an empath, and how important seasons, cycles and sanity are for women and how we can use them to live a life that is led by our intuition. And SO much more!

If you need some fire in your feminist belly, if you’re looking for a way to tune into your intuition or you’re sick of this whole idea that there’s a  prescribed path or blueprint to how you should live your life, you are going to love this episode. This episode is a great dollop of permission to  own and change your story and to write your own chapters.

Lisa and I first connected back in 2015 when I worked on her branding, and I am so happy our paths have crossed again. Her work is currently influencing me more than I can tell you and our conversation just filled my soul. Here’s to rising as women and changing the world!

 

About Lisa

Lisa Pascoe is an inspirational Speaker, Intuitive Master NLP Practitioner, and Recovering Perfectionist who is passionate about empowering women to tap into their inner wisdom and intuition, so they can live more authentic lives. Lisa runs rewilding retreats, 1:1 coaching and soul-nourishing circles for sensitive women ready for change. She believes kindness is key and intuition and wellbeing reign supreme because we all know that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Lisa currently lives in Southsea with her partner Bekky and their wire-haired sausage dog Henry. She has a penchant for cake, oracle cards and walks in the woods. 

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Topics

  • Connecting women with nature and a space for women to drop out of their heads and get into their hearts

  • Women, money and self worth

  • The problem with spiritual bypassing

  • Giving yourself permission and validation

  • How we all have the choice to be stuck in a story or change the story

Resources

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multi-passionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

WHEN I'M NOT RECORDING EPISODES, WRITING BULLSHIT-FREE SUNDAY PEP TALKS TO MY WONDERFUL COURAGEMAKERS COMMUNITY OR WORKING 1:1 WITH CLIENTS, I'M USUALLY COVERED IN PAINT AND THINKING OF IMAGINATIVE WAYS OF HIDE MY WOULD-BE DOG FROM MY LANDLORD. 

Oct 1, 2018

This week we’re celebrating 100 episodes of Couragemakers! I’m sharing what Couragemakers means to my soul and what I’ve learned so far about courage, about women, and our stories along the way!

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life 

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum. 

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday emails to fellow couragemakers (join the party here!) or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multipassionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want

Sep 17, 2018


Hello, hello and welcome to episode 99 of The Couragemakers Podcast! 

Can you believe next week is going to be episode 100? I’m still very much working out what to do to honour the occasion!  

If you’ve got any ideas, come say hi and let me know over on Instagram I’ve just started a 100 day challenge to get over my fear of video by being on Instagram stories every day - I’m on day 6! - and I’d love to connect with you over there!
So for today’s episode, I’m chatting with Bryn Bamber. Bryn is a Burnout and Intuitive Business Coach who works with other creative introverts to help them find a career that supports them. 

Bryn came to this work after working in the non-profit world with marginalised youths and burning out herself. Now Bryn helps people find a career and a business that’s aligned with their purpose. The things that make Bryn the happiest are dancing, walking in the forest, chatting with clients, working on my memoir, relaxing with friends and listening to inspiring podcasts.

In this week’s episode, Bryn shares her journey from working in a non-profit to starting her own business. We dive into the difference between heart vs logic decisions and how truly scary and risky it can be going after what you want. 

We dive into how to find your intuition, Bryn’s great 10 year exercise to find out what your heart wants and being able to enjoy the phase you’re in.

We also have a great conversation about the unique challenges we face as multi-passionates when it comes to burnout, the magic of being a multi-passionate and how much it adds to our lives and Bryn shares her advice for multi-passionates dealing with overwhelm and burnout.

This is a perfect episode for you if you struggle with justifying heart-based decisions in a world where logic rules, if you’re a multi-passionate and you sometimes struggle to keep your own light lit, and if you’re thinking of a career change or doing something more in line with what your heart wants.

Enjoy the show and here’s to finding joy in the phase you’re in right now! 

About Bryn

Bryn Bamber is a Burnout and Intuitive Business Coach who works with other creative introverts to help them find a career that supports them. 

Bryn came to this work after working in the non-profit world with marginalised youths and burning out herself. Now Bryn helps people find a career and a business that’s aligned with their purpose. The things that make Bryn the happiest are dancing, walking in the forest, chatting with clients, working on my memoir, relaxing with friends and listening to inspiring podcasts.

Website | Instagram | Twitter  | Facebook |  Free Checklist

 

Things We Talked About 

 

  • Bryn's journey from working in a non-profit helping marginalized youths to starting her own business
  • Bryn's 10 year exercise to help you find what your heart wants
  • How risky and scary it can be to go after what your heart wants 

 

Resources Mentioned

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life 

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum. 

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday emails to fellow couragemakers (join the party here!) or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multipassionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

Sep 10, 2018

Hello Couragemakers!

Can you believe that we’re just one episode away from the 100th episode of Couragemakers?!

I’m still thinking of a way to celebrate, so if you have any ideas of what you’d love to see, please do get in touch at meg@thathummingbirdlife.com! I absolutely love hearing from Couragemaker listeners and I do reply, so I’d love to hear your thoughts!

For this week’s episode, I’m chatting with the wonderful Nadia Finer. Nadia is a powerhouse business coach, wickedly funny international speaker and author of Little Me Big Business and works to help people unleash their bigness in their business.

All of her life Nadia has had a really little voice. Over the years, Nadia has learned to embrace her little voice rather than hide behind her insecurities, by turning it into her secret weapon and building a unique personal brand around it.

Nadia lives in the UK and spends her time helping clients grow their businesses, hanging out with her fuzzy dog Bobby  and getting feisty in the boxing ring.

In this episode Nadia shares her journey, from learning at fifteen she had a really small voice and making the decision to play small, to embracing her uniqueness and playing big.

We talk all about playing bigger in your life, how keeping yourself small deprives the world of so many wonderful things and how fear is never as big as your head tries to convince you it is.

We really dive into the power of doing something different in your life and your business, how the online business world can make you feel like you should be doing what everyone else is doing (and why we think that’s wrong!) and how you can step outside of this Stepford Wives type model of running your life and business and find things that actually work for you and align with you values. 

Playing small is something we all struggle with. It can feel scary to take up space and it can feel terrifying to show up in the world as fully ourselves, but like the fantastic quote Nadia shares in this episode by Joseph Campbell, “the cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek."

Courage truly is contagious and my hope for this episode is that Nadia’s courage and her story will help you get courageous in your own life and take a tiny step towards entering your own cave you fear to enter.

Nadia is a breath of fresh air and I can’t tell you how much I loved our conversation!

I know you’re going to absolutely love this episode!

So enjoy the show.

About Nadia 

Nadia is a powerhouse business coach, wickedly funny international speaker and author of Little Me Big Business and works to help people unleash their bigness in their business. 

All of her life Nadia has had a really little voice. Over the years, Nadia has learned to embrace her little voice rather than hide behind her insecurities, by turning it into her secret weapon and building a unique personal brand around it. 

Nadia lives in the UK and spends her time helping clients grow their businesses, hanging out with her fuzzy dog Bobby  and getting feisty in the boxing ring. 

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter  | YouTube | Free Chapter

 

Things We Talked About

  • Nadia's experience of learning at fifteen she had a really small voice and making the decision to play small

  •  How keeping yourself small deprives the world of so many wonderful things and how fear is never as big as your head tries to convince you it is.

  • The power of doing something different in your life and your business, how the online business world can make you feel like you should be doing what everyone else is doing (and why we think that’s wrong!) and how you can step outside of this Stepford Wives type model of running your life and business and find things that actually work for you and align with you values.  

 

Resources Mentioned

  • Joseph Campbell quote - "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek."

 

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum. 

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday emails to fellow couragemakers (join the party here!) or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multipassionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

Sep 3, 2018

Hello Couragemakers!

It is so good to be back after a summer break! Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been having all sorts of wonderful conversations for Couragemakers and I can’t wait to share them with you!

For this week’s episode, I’m chatting to the lovely Hannah Jane Thompson. Hannah is a personalised mindfulness meditation coach for professional, ambitious women at Breathe Like A Badass. She uses 100% personalised mindfulness meditation techniques to help professional women feel calm and confident; chill out more; appreciate the moment; get a clear direction of what they want, and how to achieve it - and enjoy life too.

Hannah discovered mindfulness meditation over a decade ago, after years of struggling with anxiety, depression, lack of career direction and confidence, and even less self-compassion and she shares her story on today’s show.

Now, as a certified life coach and a meditation student at the University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre, she is a true mindfulness geek, and totally passionate about speaking openly about the reality of life as an ambitious-yet-anxious, creative and joyful entrepreneur and human. She practices daily meditation and yoga; adores sunny countries and gin; eats too much chocolate and olive oil; is slightly obsessed with Instagram and podcasts; loves the colour fuschia; gets excited around terrier dogs; and lives in southwest London with her partner Oli.

During our conversation, Hannah shares her journey from working as a trained journalist and restaurants writer to starting Breathe Like A Badass. We dive deep into the reality of what it means to build a life you love, relying on yourself for validation and the courage it takes to do things your own way.  We get really open and honest about the behind the scenes of what it takes to change career and how ultimately the only person who’s validation and permission you need to seek is your own.

We also dive deep into the world of meditation and I loved asking Hannah all of my burning questions as someone who’s new to the world of meditation.

If you’re dreaming of doing your own thing, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and intrigued about meditation and practical ways to bring it into your life, this is the perfect episode for you!

I love how open and transparent Hannah I and I loved getting to catch up with her when we both lived in London last year and I can tell you she is as wonderful in real life as she is on the show!

Enjoy the show!

About Hannah

Hannah Jane Thompson is a personalised mindfulness meditation coach for professional, ambitious women at Breathe Like A Badass. She uses 100% personalised mindfulness meditation techniques to help professional women feel calm and confident; chill out more; appreciate the moment; get a clear direction of what they want, and how to achieve it - and enjoy life too.

Hannah discovered mindfulness meditation over a decade ago, after years of struggling with anxiety, depression, lack of career direction and confidence, and even less self-compassion.

Now, as a certified life coach and a meditation student at the University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre, she is a true mindfulness geek, and totally passionate about speaking openly about the reality of life as an ambitious-yet-anxious, creative and joyful entrepreneur and human. She practices daily meditation and yoga; adores sunny countries and gin; eats too much chocolate and olive oil; is slightly obsessed with Instagram and podcasts; loves the colour fuschia; gets excited around terrier dogs; and lives in southwest London with her partner Oli.

Website | Instagram

Things We Talked About

  • Hannah's journey from working as a trained journalist and restaurants writer to starting Breathe Like a Badass

  • The myth that we’ve got everything sorted out

  • The realities of working for yourself

  • How meditation has changed Hannah's life and the practical ways we can begin meditating and fit it into our lives

Resources/Mentioned

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

Aug 7, 2018

 

Hello Couragemakers! This week I’m so excited to share with you my conversation with Tamara Burgess!

 

Tamara calls herself a bit of a "digital doer". She owns a writing and marketing business based in the UK. Tamara started freelancing a few years ago after she left her corporate career to move to Japan and start travel writing – and things have progressed from there! Tamara love having bullshit-free discussions about controversial topics with an open heart and the four things she loves the most are being outside exploring something green, listening to people, idea sharing and laughing so much that she cries.

 

And a bullshit-free discussion definitely happens during this episode! We dive into so many thing during this episode from Tamara's journey from growing up and only seeing herself as a mathematician and not creative to leaving the corporate world and moving to Japan and starting a freelance career in writing and marketing, the myth that every has it all figured out and finding time in your time to do the things that bring you joy.

 

We have a great discussion about self awareness, prejudice and judgement, attitudes to money as a creative and the problems we both share with the minimalist movement.

 

This episode is really about giving yourself permission to be yourself, embracing the things that make you you and really getting to know yourself. Tamara’s ability to tell it as it is is so refreshing and she shares so much practical wisdom from her own journey about accepting yourself where you are right now. If you’re craving a a shitload of encouragement, a good laugh and really bullshit-free conversation about the reality of creating a life you love, this episode is for you.

 

Enjoy the show Couragemakers!

 

About Tamara

Tamara calls herself a bit of a "digital doer". She owns a writing and marketing business based in the UK. Tamara started freelancing a few years ago after she left my corporate career to move to Japan and start travel writing – and things have progressed from there! Tamara love having bullshit-free discussions about controversial topics with an open heart and the four things she loves the most arebeing outside exploring something green, listening to people, idea sharing and laughing so much that she cries. 

Website | Bio | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Twitter

Things We Talked About

  • Tamara's journey from growing up and only seeing herself as a mathematician and not creative to leaving the corporate world and moving to Japan and starting a freelance career in writing and marketing

  • The myth that we’ve got everything sorted out

  • The realities of working for yourself

  • The 'scattering' of things that bring Tamara joy and how she builds them into her daily life

 
 Resources
  • The Power of Habit - Charles Duhigg
  • Les Brown quote -“The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry our their dream.”

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

 

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

 

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday emails to fellow couragemakers (join the party here!) or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multipassionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

Jul 30, 2018

 Hello Couragemakers!

This week I’m so excited to be chatting to the wonderful Gina Greenwood. This episode feels like it’s been a long time coming and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Gina is a salon owner, hairstylist, leader, mentor, and self-confessed master of badassery. She has made it her mission to change the world one head at a time.  Not only is she doing that by giving people the added confidence that comes from looking and feeling their very best but also by encouraging anyone and everyone to live an intentional life.  

In this week’s episode, we’re really diving into what it means to live an intentional life. Gina learned the power of intentional living when she was nearing her 39th birthday.  Gina’s Mother was tragically killed in an automobile accident at the young age of 39.  It was when Gina  began to near that age herself that she truly began to realise what a gift every moment of every day truly was.  She made the decision to live her life intentionally.  

During our conversation, Gina shares how her life has changed now she brings intention into her daily life, how perspective is everything and the power of her ‘fuck it’ mentality. We also chat about holding parallel truths, having a growth mindset and about the imaginary rules we create for ourselves and how we can free ourselves. Gina also shares behind the scenes of what it looks like to own a fantastic hair salon, how her approach to leadership has changed as well as the one thing every single person does without fail at the end of an appointment.

Gina’s approach to life is so refreshing I love her philosophy about perspective being everything. Her positivity is contagious and this episode is like taking a big sigh of relief. I know you’re going to love this one!


So enjoy today’s show!

 

About Gina

Gina Greenwood is a salon owner, hairstylist, leader, mentor, and master of badassery. She has made it her mission to change the world one head at a time.  Not only is she doing that by giving people the added confidence that comes from looking and feeling their very best but also by encouraging anyone and everyone to live an intentional life. 

WebsiteSalon | FacebookTwitter | Instagram | YouTube

 

Things We Talked About

  • How Gina learned the power of intentional living when she was nearing her 39th birthday
  • The importance of having a 'Fuck It' mentality
  • Parallel truths and finding positivity
  • Being intentional about who you surround yourself with and also taking responsibility

 

About Meg & The Couragemakers Podcast

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday emails to fellow couragemakers (join the party here!) or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multipassionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

 

Jul 23, 2018

Hello Couragemakers! I'm back this week with a solo show and I'm sharing the only analogy you'll ever need for the creative process! If you struggle with putting yourself out there and if you ever feel in a creative slump, this one is for you my friends.

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday emails to fellow couragemakers (join the party here!) or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multipassionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

 

--

Jun 25, 2018

Hello Couragemakers and welcome to episode 93 of The Couragemakers Podcast.

This week I’m talking with the lovely Kimberly Myhill and I can honestly say this is one of the most refreshing conversations I’ve ever had about mental health.

Kimberly Myhill is from Norwich, UK and has lived with depression for as long as she can remember and for a long time had no idea that was what was happening. Kimberly has had many ups and downs, more downs than ups over the years but now that has changed. 

Kimberly works for Equal Lives, an opportunity she believes has changed her life. She works in development, and it gives her the chance to meet so many different people and carry out projects for people who like her, who really need support living with long-term health conditions. 

Both in and out of work,  Kimberly advocates for talking about mental health as easily as talking about a headache. She believe in trusting your instincts to keep you centred and well, and that we can all support one another to reduce stigma, be open and honest and be the best version of ourselves we can be. 

During today’s episode, Kimberly shares her story, from living with depression, reaching out to get help and a very vulnerable and behind-the-scenes look at what Kimberly’s repair work and recovery journey has looked like.

We talk about how life-changing it can be to have a supportive employer, the importance of listening to your gut feeling and how Kimberly has been able to break things down and focus on her wellbeing.

We dive into how life can change when we feel able to ask for help, how to talk to people in your life about your mental health and Kimberly’s fantastic advocacy brand and the work she is doing.

As someone who has depression and anxiety, I can’t tell you how much I loved this episode and how in awe I am of Kimberly’s work and how she is able to communicate so many things I struggle to find the words for. I found our conversation incredibly healing and reassuring.

Before we get into today’s episode, I want to let you know that attempted suicide is mentioned throughout this episode, so if you feel this episode might trigger you, please look after yourself and do what’s best for you which might mean skipping this episode right now.

I started Couragemakers to have real conversations and really go behind the curtains and I couldn’t be happier to bring you this episode.

I’d love to know what you think of today’s episode.

Enjoy the show.

About Kimberly

Kimberly Myhill is from Norwich, UK and has lived with depression for as long as she can remember and for a long time had no idea that was what was happening. Kimberly has had many ups and downs, more downs than ups over the years but now that has changed. 

Kimberly works for Equal Lives, an opportunity she believes has changed her life. She works in development, and it gives her the chance to meet so many different people and carry out projects for people who like her, who really need support living with long-term health conditions. 

Both in and out of work,  Kimberly advocates for talking about mental health as easily as talking about a headache. She believe in trusting your instincts to keep you centred and well, and that we can all support one another to reduce stigma, be open and honest and be the best version of ourselves we can be. 

 Instagram |  Equal Lives

Things We Talked About 
 
  • Kimberly’s experience of living with depression since she can remember
  • How Kimberly has learned to be comfortable with how you feel about something
  • The importance of listening to your gut feeling
  • how employers can have a massive impact on how you are able to manage your mental health
  • Kimberly’s advocacy work – Hourglass Mental Health

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday emails to fellow couragemakers (join the party here!) or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multipassionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

 
 
Jun 19, 2018
Hello Couragemakers! I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this week’s episode with you! 

This week I’m talking with Nina Hart about all things creativity and I seriously could have chatted to Nina all day. Before our conversation Nina shared how finding kindred spirits is like finding a fellow lightening rod and I certainly feel like I’ve found a fellow lightening rod and I’m pretty sure you will too. 

Nina is an Asheville, NC based writer, performer, and creativity coach trained in the Kaizen-Muse method and also a certified Gateless Method writing teacher. Her first collection of surreal short fictions called “Somewhere in a Town You Never Knew Existed Somewhere” was selected as a Short Stories (Adult Fiction) category finalist in Foreword Reviews’ prestigious 2014 IndieFab Book of the Year Awards. Nina was also an original member of the experimental dance troupe Contraband, in San Francisco and, playing a purple electric bass, has recorded and performed with numerous bands. 

Nina spends her time as a right-brained, highly sensitive, creative entrepreneur. She is passionate about helping artists and writers find their voice and reclaim the hooligan kid spirit that most people have buried under an “adult” veneer. Nina considers herself to be an improvisational writer – she was a blocked writer until she rediscovered the curious part of herself who could play, experiment, and explore. Nina is the founder of a unique method of teaching writing called “Writing from the Top of your Head,” which combines group Creativity Coaching with creative writing. She offers online Writing from the Top of Your Head workshops, both live and self-study, as well intensive retreats and 1:1 coaching.  

During our conversation, we dive into Nina’s story and how she always knew she was an artist, how safety plays a huge role in creativity and the art of throwing yourself back on yourself – Nina has a wonderful definition of how this works.

We talk about real and not-shiny creativity, how vulnerability can be a strength and how life is so much richer when you say yes to your creativity. We also have a very vulnerable conversation about the loneliness that often comes with not fitting in and being an artist and how important it is that you keep going and give the world what only you have to give.

The theme of this episode is really rediscovering and reclaiming your creativity rather than finding something that wasn’t there before and my hope with this episode is that it will help you reclaim and rediscover some things that really make you feel like yourself and make you feel alive.

I found this episode seriously healing and it’s a great reminder that you’re not alone, and as creative, unconventional and multi-passionate women, we need to keep together and help keep each other’s fires lit.

​I know you’re going to absolutely love this episode, so settle in and prepare to be inspired. 
 
About Nina
 

Nina Hart is an Asheville, NC based writer, performer, and creativity coach trained in the Kaizen-Muse method. She is also a certified Gateless Method writing teacher. Her first collection of surreal short fictions called “Somewhere in a Town You Never Knew Existed Somewhere” was selected as a Short Stories (Adult Fiction) category finalist in Foreword Reviews’ prestigious 2014 IndieFab Book of the Year Awards. Nina was also an original member of the experimental dance troupe Contraband, in San Francisco and, playing a purple electric bass, has recorded and performed with numerous bands. Nina spends her time as a right-brained, highly sensitive, creative entrepreneur. She is passionate about helping artists and writers find their voice and reclaim the hooligan kid spirit that most people have buried under an “adult” veneer. Nina considers herself to be an improvisational writer – she was a blocked writer until she rediscovered the curious part of herself who could play, experiment, and explore.Nina is the founder of a unique method of teaching writing called “Writing from the Top of your Head,” which combines group Creativity Coaching with creative writing. She offers online Writing from the Top of Your Head workshops, both live and self-study, as well intensive retreats and 1:1 coaching.  To sign up for a chat, or for more information visit www.writingfromthetopofyourhead.com

Website | Facebook | Instagram |

 
Things We Talked About
 
  • How life is so much richer when you say yes to your creativity
  • How we can feel connected to our aliveness
  • Rediscovering and reclaiming your creativity rather than finding something that wasn’t there before
  • The cult of criticism and the heartbroken artist
  • The loneliness that can come with not fitting in
 
Resources Mentioned
 
 
About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

 

 

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday pep talks to fellow couragemakers (join the party here!) or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multi-passionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

 
 
Jun 12, 2018

Hello wonderful Couragemakers and welcome to episode 91 of The Couragemakers Podcast!

 

This week it’s just me and you as I have a solo mid year review special for you today.

 

So we’re halfway through 2018. I don’t know about you but it simultaneously feels like it’s flown by and like we’ve been living in 2018 for about a century. It feels like 2017 was a lifetime ago, but at the same time, I can’t believe it’s June!

For today’s episode I thought it would be a great opportunity to just stop, pause and reflect for  a minute. We’re approaching the halfway through the year mark, and I thought this would be a great opportunity to take stock, see what’s working for you, what could be improved and imagine what you would like the rest of the year to be like.

So grab a notepad and pen, get ready to get honest and compassionate with yourself and let’s reflect on the year so far and put some plans into place to make the next six months really work for you!

You can listen to today’s episode here!

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life 

 

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate. 

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and weekly pep talks to fellow couragemakers (join the party here!) or working one to one with fellow creatives and multi-passionates, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multipassionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

Jun 4, 2018

Hello Couragemakers and welcome to episode 90 of The Couragemakers Podcast! For this week’s episode, I’m talking with Lucy Brand. Lucy Brand is an Intuitive Business Coach & Speaker supporting women entrepreneurs to know they ARE enough and can fearlessly achieve their wildest dreams and desires in business and life. Lucy combines her digital marketing experience with energy work & Shamanic healing to address your inner game of mindset & energetic alignment with outta game business strategies. Lucy lives in Brighton in the UK  and is a massive Dungeons and Dragons fan, can be found attending moon circles, practising yoga with the hubby, cooking up a storm in the kitchen or visiting the sea. 

In this episode, we dive into intuition and how it has played a huge role in Lucy’s life and her business, how life becomes so much more colourful when we are ready to and are able to show up as our entire selves and the journey Lucy has been on to get to that place.


We also talk about how Lucy’s life has changed since she started asking for help, how some of the biggest lies we tell are the ones we tell ourselves and the transformative powers of forgiveness. A heads up that during this episode we talk about sexual assault, so if you feel this might trigger you, I suggest only listening up to the twenty minute mark.

During the episode, Lucy shares a story she has only shared once before and I love how she really shares the behind-the-scenes aspect of what it takes to share your story and her advice for anyone who feels compelled to share their story. I love how happen Lucy is to get open in order to help other women tell their stories and know they are not alone and they are loved.

I got so much out of this episode and I know you will too. 

Enjoy the show!

 

About Guest:

 

Lucy Brand is an Intuitive Business Coach & Speaker supporting women entrepreneurs to know they ARE enough and can fearlessly achieve their wildest dreams and desires in business and life. Lucy combines her digital marketing experience with energy work & Shamanic healing to address your inner game of mindset & energetic alignment with outta game business strategies. Lucy lives in Brighton in the UK  and is a massive Dungeons and Dragons fan, can be found attending moon circles, practising yoga with the hubby, cooking up a storm in the kitchen or visiting the sea. 

 

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

 

 

Things We Talked About:

 

Intuition and how it plays a part of Lucy’s life and business

How being your authentic self is where the magic happens

Lucy’s experience of sharing her story for the first time and her advice for sharing your story

Home of the biggest lies are the ones we tell ourselves

The importance of forgiveness and forgiving yourself for how you treat yourself

How Lucy’s life has changed since she started asking for help

 

Resources Mentioned:

 

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday emails to fellow couragemakers (join the party here!) or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multipassionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

May 29, 2018

Hello Couragemakers and welcome to another episode of The Couragemakers Podcast!

This week I have the joy of talking with Sally Pewhairangi. Sally is a New Zealand librarian who helps other librarians be the best they can be, particularly with things digital. Sally share her 20+ years library experience and wants to share what she has learned help librarians improve their digital practice through her website TheLibraryBoss.com. The Library Boss takes a holistic approach to digital literacy; something that is often overlooked by many libraries, programmes, workshops and courses. Sally loves Watching international tv series with subtitles (mostly crime) and will always choose summer over winter.

In this episode, Sally shares her journey of becoming an entrepreneurial librarian, her wonderful weekly experiments I think we could all learn a thing or two from and how enthusiasm, curiosity and strengths play a huge part of Sally’s life.

We really dive into how under-rated excitement is, the idea of being the best you already are - which I love and we also debunk a myth or two about librarianship along the way!

We also talk about risk taking and how subjective risk is, what helps Sally take action and trying things for the sake of trying new things and not worrying about failure.

If you often find yourself over-thinking, struggle to take risks or you’re a multi-passionate who wants to find new ways of doing things, this episode is for you!

I absolutely love Sally’s strengths-based approach to life, and I loved our conversation. This is the perfect episode if you’re experiencing the Self Doubt Wobbles and I know you’re going to get so much out of this episode.

So enjoy the show!

 

About Sally

Sally Pewhairangi doesnt have any magic beans or secret sauce. But she does have 20+ years library experience and wants to share what she has learned to help librarians improve their digital practice through her website TheLibraryBoss.com.

The Library Boss takes a holistic approach to digital literacy; something that is often overlooked by many libraries, programmes, workshops and courses. People get stuck on the tech skills and the shiny new things, and forget about the person who needs to learn those skills and use those shiny new things.

You might think it sounds a bit woo-woo. But Sallys not a woo-woo kind of person. Shes an optimistic, creative problem-solving kind of person who questions everything, and then gets on and does stuff to find out what works best.

Website | Twitter LinkedIn

 

Things We Talked About

  • Breaking the stereotypes of librarianship
  • Tying new things for the sake of trying things, not always worrying about failure

  • The courage it takes to do something differently and the confidence to generate new ideas

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday emails to fellow couragemakers or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multipassionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

May 21, 2018

Hello, hello Couragemakers and welcome to episode 88 of The Couragemakers Podcast!

It is so nice to be back into the rhythm of things! Since we moved I’m really starting to realise how important habits and rhythms are to me and am loving going for daily walks and have got into a really natural rhythm with writing snarky posts on Medium every day as part of Elle Luna’s 100 Day Project. I wanted to share that with you because I know sometimes we know there’s something we could add to our lives that would change our day, and I just want to say if I can do it, you can do it to! So this might be something to have a think about as you listen to this week’s episode!

For this week’s episode I’m talking to Nicole Liloia.

Nicole is a former social worker turned accidental entrepreneur. After suffering severe burnout in the non-profit world and refusing to ever return to a 9-5, she took time to travel and volunteer in South America. She started her first business in 2013 and has been helping women stop wasting time and start making more money since then. Nicole provides strategy + mentorship to women entrepreneurs who want to scale their business and income through multiple income streams. Nicole loves spending time with her nephews, Apothic wine, and never misses a Taco Tuesday. 

During our conversation, we’re diving into Nicole’s journey of leaving the world of therapy and social work and starting her own business.

We really dive how women can support fellow women to leave the comfort zone, the problems with automatic thinking and going after things when you want them, not just when you need them.

Nicole shares great tips on how to set goals, we dive into money stories and what happens when we give ourselves permission to go big.

If you struggle with setting goals, are sick of comparing yourself to others or you know it’s time to play big and get out of your comfort zone but find the idea of it terrifying, this episode is for you!

Have a wonderful day, Couragemakers, enjoy the show and remember: everything changes when you believe you matter.

 

About Nicole

Nicole Liloia provides strategy + mentorship to women entrepreneurs who want to scale their business and income through multiple income streams. After suffering severe burnout in the non-profit world and refusing to ever return to a 9-5, she took time to travel and volunteer in South America. She started her first business in 2013 and has been helping women stop wasting time and start making more money since then.

Nicole got her master’s in Social Work at Columbia University and has written for Forbes, Huffington Post, and MindBodyGreen.

She’s obsessed with entrepreneurship, women becoming wealthy, Apothic wine, and never misses a Taco Tuesday. 

 Website | Instagram | Batch Like A Boss Cheat Sheet|  Twitter  | Facebook | LinkedIn

 

What We Talked About

 

  • How Nicole went from being a former therapist and social worker to a business strategist
  • How women have it so much harder when it comes to working for ourselves

  • Allowing yourself to set goals, and how to set goals

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

 

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday emails to fellow couragemakers  or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multipassionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

 

May 14, 2018

Hello Couragemakers!

It is SO good to be back after an unplanned break! So much has changed since the last episode! I’m now living in Liverpool with Mr. Meg and we are loving building the life we want, spending more time in nature and I am obsessed with our new apartment. I also lost my wonderful Granddad who passed away at the beginning of May I’m looking forward to sharing about his life with you in future episodes - he has been a huge inspiration in my life. I’m think i’m going to start referring to him as the OM - the original multi-passionate!

So, we’re back, Monday episodes are back for good and I’m looking forward to working on some solo series and fun stuff to!

For today's episode, I’m chatting to the fantastic Heather Vickery.

In this episode we’re really diving into what it means to give yourself permission, making more time for your creativity and choosing bravely, so if you need a good dollop of courage, this one’s for you!

During our conversation Heather shares her journey of being an entrepreneur for 23 years, her drive and passion for social justice and her experience of coming out to herself, her then-spouse and her wider friends and family.

We dive into what it means to live outside your comfort zone, the difference between goals and commitments and the work Heather has done about boundaries - and why they make her so giddy!

I love the conversation we had and the work Heather does with creatives to create more time and permission for their creative work. As a self-confessed type A, I can completely relate to the struggles of resisting systems and processes but also knowing I need them in order to do my best work, and I love Heather’s work around this.

This is a fantastically practical episode and if you struggle with giving yourself permission, staying stuck in your comfort zone or know that there’s a bit change you want to make, this episode is for you.

I absolutely loved chatting with Heather and am so excited about her recently launched podcast The Brave Files! I’m looking forward to chatting with Heather again as I’m going to be a guest on The Brave Files, and I can’t wait to share another one of our conversations!

You’re going to need a notepad and pen for this one!

Enjoy the show!

About Heather

Heather Vickery is an award-winning entrepreneur, business owner, and transformational life and business coach and works with people to help build an authentic and meaningful life and design their own roadmap for balance and success.  A mother of four, Heather’s world turned upside down after a major life transformation and divorce, and suddenly, she had the freedom to be her most authentic self. She discovered that this same authenticity empowered her with the confidence she needed to repair, rebuild, and reach her life’s vision and goals. Today, Heather leverages her entrepreneurial skills and expertise to coach individuals towards greater personal and professional fulfillment.A strong believer in strengthening her community, Heather also serves as the school board president for The Children’s School and as Vice President on the Board of Directors for the About Face Theatre, Chicago’s premiere LGBTQ theatre. She is obsessed with Hamilton loves to travel.

 Website | Instagram |  Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook | Podcast

What We Talked About

  • Heather shares her journey of being an entrepreneur for 23 years, her drive and passion for social justice and her experience of coming out to herself, her then-spouse and her wider friends and family.

  • The opportunities that open when we leave our planned path

  • How planning and systems can be helpful to creatives (despite how much we resist them!) and why multi-tasking is bullshit
  • Working from pain points instead of expectations

Links/Resources

  • Heather shares her journey of being an entrepreneur for 23 years, her drive and passion for social justice and her experience of coming out to herself, her then-spouse and her wider friends and family.

  • The opportunities that open when we leave our planned path

  • How planning and systems can be helpful to creatives (despite how much we resist them!) and why multi-tasking is bullshit
  • Working from pain points instead of expectations

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday emails to fellow couragemakers or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multi-passionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

 
 
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Mar 27, 2018

Hello Couragemakers and welcome to episode 86 of The Couragemakers Podcast! A quick update before we get into today’s show, there’s going to be no Couragemakers episode next week as it’s a bank holiday here in the UK and me and Mr. Meg are moving to Liverpool! Things have been more than slightly chaotic lately and I’m looking forward to getting back to weekly episodes every Monday!

So, for today’s show, I’m chatting to Emily Ann Peterson. Emily is a is a singer-songwriter, creative consultant, and author of Bare Naked Bravery: How to Be Creatively Courageous and host of the Bare Naked Bravery Podcast. Emily writes for people who struggle to remember what hope feels like and sings to those who yearn for something secret. She speaks to those who are done being bored and crave all things beautiful, strong, sacred, and sensual. Her goal is to inspire a global resonance and magnanimous community through the marriage of art and whole-person development.

In this episode, Emily shares her story of being diagnosed with a degenerative neurological hand tremor, which forever altered her two-decade livelihood as a cellist/cello teacher. Emily shares how this shifted her identity and caused her to become really curious about what bravery is.

We dive into the difference between actively processing and wallowing, how Emily has carved what she calls her ‘buffet of self employment’ and Emily’s 12 ingredients of bravery.

We have a great conversation about the subjectivity of bravery and comparing our bravery to someone else’s bravery, the grieving process that encompasses a huge change in our identity and what has helped Emily in her journey.

This is a fantastic episode for anyone going through a period of transition, re-thinking their identity and for anyone for needs a dose of bare naked bravery. I love how Emily describes her lifestyle of bravery, and I think this episode will get you thinking about how you can start to design your own!

 

Enjoy the show!

 

About Emily:

Emily is a is a singer-songwriter, creative consultant, and author of Bare Naked Bravery: How to Be Creatively Courageous and host of the Bare Naked Bravery Podcast. Emily writes for people who struggle to remember what hope feels like and sings to those who yearn for something secret. She speaks to those who are done being bored and crave all things beautiful, strong, sacred, and sensual. Her goal is to inspire a global resonance and magnanimous community through the marriage of art and whole-person development.

 

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Podcast | Pinterest |

 

Things We Talked About:

 

  • Emily shares her story of being diagnosed with a degenerative neurological hand tremor, which forever altered her two-decade livelihood as a cellist/cello teacher.

 

  • The 12 ingredients of bravery

 

  • The difference between actively processing and wallowing

 

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday emails to fellow couragemakers (join the party here!) or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multipassionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

Mar 19, 2018

Hello Couragemakers and welcome to episode 85 of The Couragemakers Podcast.

This week I am so excited to have Anabel Roque Rodríguez back on the show!

Anabel is an independent art historian, curator, and writer based currently in Switzerland. She has curated exhibitions in Ecuador, Munich, and Switzerland and works in art education formats at Art Karlsruhe or Art Basel, as well as in the institutional museum sector. Her writing around exhibitions and musings on the art world are published nationally and internationally.

She is currently involved in a long-term project on "Art as Labour," in which she deals with the working conditions in the art world, the myth of the poor artist, success and development of the artist into a creative entrepreneur.

If not somewhere in the art world, you will find her appreciating a big cup of coffee and hiking.

Anabel appeared back on episode 8 of The Couragemakers Podcast two years ago, and since our conversation, we have become wonderful friends. Lately we’ve been talking a lot about about money as creatives, scarification and we thought it would be a great idea to record a conversation about just that!

In this episode we dive into the notion of nourishing your ambition with self care, the connotations power and money have and how we can self-sabotage as creatives and talk about the importance of becoming your own best negotiator. We dive into creative work as labour, what Anabel has learned from a year and a half of conducting success in the arts interviews with women and the importance of empathy in our creative work.

This is such a fantastic practical episode, and I love how much Anabel was willing to share her own process with us, from her practice of kindness and gentleness towards herself, the one question that has been really important to her lately and her fantastic reflection system she has built for herself.

This conversation is a fantastic reminder that we’re all a work in process and that we all get to define success for ourselves.

Anabel has evolved so much of my thinking around what it means to make a living as a creative and success as a creative and I know you’re going to get so much out of this episode!

Enjoy the show!

About Anabel

Anabel Roque Rodríguez is an independent art historian, curator, and writer based currently in Switzerland. She has curated exhibitions in Ecuador, Munich, and Switzerland and works in art education formats at Art Karlsruhe or Art Basel, as well as in the institutional museum sector. Her writing around exhibitions and musings on the art world are published nationally and internationally.

She is currently involved in a long-term project on “Art as Labour,” in which she deals with the working conditions in the art world, the myth of the poor artist, success and development of the artist into a creative entrepreneur.

If not somewhere in the art world, you will find her appreciating a big cup of coffee and hiking (Anabel hiked 2200 Km in summer 2016!)

Website | BlogSuccess In The Arts Interviews | Newsletter | Twitter|Instagram

Things We Talked About

  • Nourishing your ambition with self care,
  • The connotations power and money have and how we can self-sabotage as creatives 
  • The importance of becoming your own best negotiator.
  • Viewing creative work as labour
  • What Anabel has learned from a year and a half of conducting success in the arts interviews with women 
  • The importance of empathy in our creative work.


Resources Mentioned

 

 

About Meg & That Hummingbird Life

I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.

I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I’m not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free, very vulnerable and encouraging Sunday emails to fellow couragemakers (join the party here!) or making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life. THL is the online home for unconventional creatives and multipassionates who want to show up unapologetically and intentionally as who they are, and really own, live and share their many stories. It’s made for couragemakers who have so much great shit to give the world and want to leave their mark but have too much self doubt standing in the way!

 

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