Animated Living: Recent Episodes
Ian Freestone
Your life can be 'existing' or truly 'living'. Animation Coach and Entrepreneur, Ian Freestone, interviews experts and storytellers. Content is designed to help you enter more fully into life.
Interested in having a successful online business? Or maybe you just want to live life in a healthier, happier way. Ian Freestone and business entrepreneur James Schramko from Superfast Business discuss the critical ingredients for both these things in this final episode for 2021.
From 10 years of age the "elusive night Parrot" had fired John Young's imagination. "What if.....??" And so, later in life, one of Australia's best known bushmen, set out on a quest to find a living Night Parrot and to prove its existence to others. This story is that quest.
This interview would not have been possible without the trusted friendship between John Young and President of Rotary Parkes, Robert Shore.
If you would like to support this cause then you can do so through the Rotary Club of Parkes. 100% of funds received will go to supporting the cause of conservation. Please ensure that you reference "John Young" when making your online donation.
Send donations to ‘Rotary Club of Parkes’ BSB: 802394 A/N: 1000 52981
Many thanks to John Young for sharing his story.
Producer: Ian Freestone
As we move from crisis to “learn to live with the virus” it begs the question, “how do you simply do life?” Because, like it or not, crises are a fact of life and our unique personal challenges make global issues insignificant (for us, at that time). Catherine DeVrye was twice voted Australian Keynote Speaker of the Year, has been Australian Executive Woman of the Year and is a #1 best-selling author on customer service, change, teamwork and resilience. Here she discusses with Ian Freestone how her own personal crises caused her to mine those experiences for treasures that can now be passed onto others.
Ian Sheppard is 4WD expert. Working with Great Divide Tours in Braidwood, Southern NSW, Ian trains corporate clients (emergency services, military personnel, and others), as well as the regular ‘mums and dads’ He has helped to lead ‘tag along’ 4WD expeditions right around the country and overseas. A skilled bushman with a heart for adventure, Ian’s inspiration and advice come at a perfect time for those of us preparing to jump in our cars and ‘go bush’ for our next holiday.
Change is never instant, but it is possible. The "big three" - sleep, diet and exercise, are not only integrated with each other but impact upon the whole of life. Small simple consistent steps in the right direction lead to lasting habit formation and change. Ian Freestone's 5 keys will help along the way.
“Strength”, “Resilience”, “Compassion”. These three words sum up Libby Bleakley. Libby served with the NSW Police Force for 19 years with a special focus in helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Libby then served with the Australian Federal Police in remote indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, before being deployed to work with the U.N police, firstly in Sudan and then East Timor (Timor Leste). Libby’s interview with Ian Freestone is a beautiful, honest and inspiring story of how personal and national crises can yield transformative and positive outcomes.
For nearly one hundred years the ‘Manly Daily’, a community newspaper, was delivered to peoples homes in the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Then at the height of the pandemic local news was no more, except online behind a pay wall. Local woman, and former newspaper editor, Kim Smee, had a hunch that hyperlocal, non-sensationalised news, might be of value. After a tentative and uncertain start, the ‘Manly Observer’ is now getting over half a million views a month, has tens of thousands of followers on social media and has brought the community together at an important time. Born out of personal adversity, Kim Smee’s ‘Manly Observer’ is a classic case study in bringing things to life.
When Ian Freestone “unplugged” 10 years ago he started to see and hear things that he’d never heard before. It led him down a path of discovery and reflection that changed the orientation of his whole life. ‘Wisdom from Birds’ is another step along that journey - a story for anyone who loves nature and likes the idea of discovering life lessons that are embedded in our environment.
In this WORLD FIRST [tongue firmly in cheek] Ian Freestone is zooming live in the kitchen, guided around, GoPro on head, by decluttering guru, Nici Stanford. A portion of the kitchen is decluttered during this short podcast. Nici’s process can be replicated right around your house, 20 minutes each day for a month and you will be sorted! Just remember: A decluttered life is an Animated Life!
The “Greatest Living Keyboard Player in the World Today” ??? - That’s a BIG call, but it came as no surprise to Lachy Doley fans when Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) made the claim about Lachy some years back. Lachy has collaborated with not only Glenn Hughes, but was the touring keyboard player for one of Australia’s greatest rock bands, Powderfinger. Lachy has been a staple in Jimmy Barnes’s band for many years and fronts his own band, ‘The Lachy Doley’ group, launching his latest album, ‘Studios 301 Sessions’. Ian Freestone's interview with one of Australia’s most animated personalities, covers everything from homeschooling in lockdown, to what is happening for the performer when they let rip into an electrifying solo. Enjoy the podcast! Preorder the album!!
Welcome to one of the most animated and inspiring conservationists you are ever likely to meet. Tim Faulkner is co-founder of Australian Reptile Park and General Manager of Aussie Ark. Aussie Ark rescues critically endangered species and runs a successful breeding and release program. Even kids in lockdown might enjoy this one!
This is such an important message right now - and who better to deliver it, than Australian nurse Esther Scarborough working with Hohidiai in Maluku, Indonesia. She has seen first hand the skyrocketting cases of Covid in Indonesia and the deadly impact of the Delta strain. Her message to Australians is forthright and passionate.
Soft resets can be helpful. If some aspect of life is glitching and needs a tweak, you can power down, give it a rest and power up again. A hard reset is a little more painful. You stand to lose some precious data, but the future ends up being clearer, easier to navigate, and bears long lasting fruitfulness.
Ever feel overwhelmed by all the needs and unsure how you can help at all? Perhaps you have a specific practical or emotional need and just need a simple connection with someone who is offering to help. CRISIS HEROES co-founder Mark Acheson has developed a very simple online platform that connects those in need with those willing to help in any local community. It’s Simple. And it’s Working! Listen to this great story, about how a crisis can unleash the hero in all of us, get involved if you like, and help spread this pandemic of kindness! (As featured in The Sydney Morning Herald).
Accused during lockdown hysteria of allegedly creating a ‘pop up party’ on Manly’s beachfront and fined $1000, Andrew Riis has recently had his face splashed across various media outlets. But who is Andrew Riis and why does he sit on top of his van creating bubbles and making music?? This podcast gives an inside look into one man’s quest to have joy and kindness go viral.
Dr Hugh Mackay is the author of 22 books that have been helping us understand ourselves personally and as a nation for the last 40 years. Hugh’s latest book, “The Kindness Revolution”, steps behind the world of viruses and ‘lockdowns’ to recognise the seeds of kindness that germinate in difficulties.
Its an enthralling conversation with Australia’s foremost social researcher.
Hearing Hugh Mackay’s insights on ‘the kindness revolution’ will help you to approach the weeks and months ahead in a positive frame of mind as well as equip you in your interactions with others for many years to come.
We have been told to STAY.
“Stay” safe. “Stay” indoors.
No-one much during this current crisis is showing us how to “stay” positive’.
Meanwhile, groups like Lifeline are receiving a record number of calls. This isn’t just a respiratory issue, or a vaccination issue, or an economic issue. It’s a serious mental health issue.
In this podcast Ian Freestone gives 10 simple, actionable steps that you can take towards having a positive well-being. These are steps that will be of help to anyone, whether they are in ‘lockdown” or just “down”.
Ian Freestone sits down with Chair of Hope Media and ex-NSW politician in the portfolios of education, community services and treasury, Stephen O’Doherty, to discuss everything from Sydney’s extended Covid lockdown to mindfulness. Stephen gives his thoughts on the current status of the teaching profession, the place of creativity in a sea of demands, why retirement is a misnomer for someone with passion and why belonging to community groups is essential to an animated life. It’s an engaging and informative chat that even includes an excerpt from one of Stephen’s musical compositions!
Tom Wilson has a bold mission to “enable the surf community to embrace sustainable solutions and reduce its environmental impact.” Easier said than done. The surf industry has (for decades!) grown a global business on the back of materials and products that are harmful for the environment. So Tom founded Wavechanger - a purpose-driven, not for profit movement supported by the likes of 7 time world champion, Layne Beachley. Tom’s story is one of how education and innovation can have a global impact. It is “Animation” in action - bringing change and movement to something static and stuck.
Join Ian Freestone in a cooking podcast (slightly tongue in cheek)! Up until 12 months he could count on one hand the number of meals he had made (not including snags on the barbie!). Learning to cook was long overdue and certainly, for most listeners, hardly a podcast worthy event. However, the experience represents a shift that anyone can make from “I can’t” and “I don’t”, to “I do, and I love to”
IMAGINE
… knowing what your kids care about,
… having them listen to what you care about, then
… doing something about it, together!
That’s the dream of Susy Lee.
Susy has just launched “Raising Kids Who Care”. Far from being full of platitudes and cliches, this book is jam packed full of practical ideas for 1) having great, enlightening conversations with kids AND 2) moving from caring ‘ideas’ to caring ’action’.
Susy Lee is an educator, a passionate advocate for social justice and a skilled communicator. This podcast is a must, if wanting to see a more caring world is something close to your heart.
As a young, blind, surfer, Derek Rabelo, had a "crazy" dream to surf the legendary 'Pipeline' in Hawaii. Achieving that goal thrust him onto the world stage (literally!). Since then Derek has gone on to surf feared big wave destinations such as Nazare, in Portugal. Derek will make you laugh, he will challenge and inspire you to achieve beyond what you could ever dream. Derek truly is living 'One Unstoppable Life'
Ian Freestone sits down with Andrew Ranucci (from Soul Life) and talks about his work in getting alongside pastors (in particular) to help nurture a ‘healthy soul’. Andrew’s insights don’t just work for pastors but for anyone looking to have a more fulfilling and life-giving life.
We are made to do life together. That's been challenged during a global pandemic, but the truth still stands. We've all freshly appreciated the value of community, but what simple steps can we take to invest in our relationships. In this episode, Ian Freestone, outlines some practical but often overlooked strategies for relational health.
Leonie Klaric was sent to live in an orphanage with her 3 siblings, all under 5. Her transition to doing life beyond institutionalism was challenging and so, Leonie, at 21 years of age, found direction in life by beginning her own business. Many years later, Leonie is sharing her life lessons and helping others get their finances in order so that they can enter into financial freedom and live a more animated life.
Shelley Taylor Smith is a champion - in more ways than one. A multi-world record holder, a feature in the Guinness Book of Records, and a pioneer leader for both women and swimming in world competition. During the early/mid 90s, Shelley was the most dominant sportsperson, over women and men, in open water swimming. She is a national icon; a living legend.
But adversity has always been there alongside the wins. Not just the near death experiences of marathon swimming, but childhood scoliosis, death of her father in her teens, a paralysing injury, and a state of mental and physical exhaustion that brought her to the very edge of life itself.
Shelley has faced recent hardship and, in this very special podcast episode Shelley openly discusses with Ian Freestone her battle with depression, the trauma of a family tragedy and the joy of doing life with others who have shown her what having a caring ‘team’ is all about.
Maggie Mackellar lost her husband and her mother in the space of a year. Hers is a story about grief, loss, recovery and reconnection - a full life reset. Maggie moved to her uncle’s farm with her two young children in rural NSW to recover, and began to write. Her memoir ‘When It Rains’ was hugely popular and led to a feature on Australian Story. Soon after she met a sheep farmer Jim (in an unusual way). In this very special Mothers Day themed podcast - Maggie and Ian Freestone talk about her incredible mother, and how suffering can offer up a surprising reset. We also talk about memoir writing and the value of putting pen to paper.
“Adventure” is foundational to the Animated Life, but what are the critical components of a life-giving adventure? In this podcast episode Ian Freestone discusses the four criteria needed for a successful adventure and why adventure in life is so important.
Join Ian Freestone and multi-award winning businessman, John Cunningham, as they explore how to grow a Life-Giving Business. Along the way they discuss questions such as, What the heck is happening in the property market? How do you lead a team during a time of rapid change and upheaval. How do you work remotely and build community at the same time? How do you get the “best” out of team members, rather than the “most”? What is the importance of “family” in value formation? What can a business do to become more socially responsible? How do you develop a service ethos in business? And ‘how can working in your comfort zone be a good thing?’
Business leader and mentor, Laura Kuimba, for a long time was leaving the house at 6am and getting back after 8pm. She describes her home as being a ‘bed and breakfast without the breakfast’. She decided with her husband that a ‘reset’ was required. For Laura, that began a journey of exploring her personal values and how she wanted to live in the world. The obstacles she identified and the questions she asked herself can unlock for you a fresh and more animated way of living
Visit myanimatedlife.com/resources to access the accompanying resource: “30 Key Questions for a Reset”
Siblings Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna Abdallah, 9, and their cousin Veronique Sakr, 11, were killed on February 1 last year when they were struck by an out-of-control ute driven by a drunken driver that mounted a footpath where they were walking. In this very special Easter podcast, Ian Freestone interviews the parents, Leila and Danny. It is a story that will move you and inspire you. Please share and let's spread their message of forgiveness this Easter.
In this podcast, Ian Freestone explores one of the key principles of the Animated Life - Multiplication! For him, it all started on a trip to Indonesia 20 years ago. Perhaps you've already begun the journey. Maybe its time to start.
Murray Fraser from Sprout Daily is arguably Sydney’s foremost photography blogger. Not only does he shoot incredible surfing pics from both land and sea, Murray manages to capture the essence of one community waking up each morning. He is a great case study in living the animated life. In this episode he talks with Ian Freestone about the benefits of an enforced lockdown, the philosophy of surfing, the power of positivity and gratitude, the tension of being simultaneously creative and business minded, the value of community building and more! (The video version, which includes photos, can be found at myanimatedlife.com/podcast)
In this second of a 2 part series, Exercise Scientist and Fitness Guru, Liz Dene, joins Ian Freestone on the Animated Living Podcast with 5 Actionable steps to Health and Wellness (especially for the over 55s!! - but relevant to all). Follow Liz's advice and have your own health reset in 2021.
In this first of a 2 part series, Exercise Scientist and Fitness Guru, Liz Dene, joins Ian Freestone on the Animated Living Podcast with 5 Actionable steps to Health and Wellness (especially for the over 55s!! - but relevant to all). Follow Liz's advice and have your own health reset in 2021
Ever feel like your life is out of control? How can we feel alive and stay alive on a daily basis - despite what's happening around us?” In this episode, Ian Freestone repackages an ancient practice in a modern form. Using just 6 minutes a day you can experience a personal reset by practicing R.E.S.T
Ian Freestone talks with Surfing World Champ (and 2x Masters Champion), Wayne "Rabbit" Batholomew. As a young Gold Coast "Coolie" kid, Rabbit had a dream of earning a living from surfing and becoming world champion. He was runner up to Shaun Thomson in 1977, Rabbit would achieve his dream in 1978. Featured in movies, "Free Ride" and "Bustin' Down the Door", Rabbit was at the vanguard of pioneering the development of surfing as a professional worldwide sport and the visionary for the current 'Dream Tour' - putting the best surfers in the best waves on the planet. Now in his 60s, Rabbit remains a passionate dreamer who makes things happen - someone who lives the Animated Life.
In this episode Ian Freestone interviews educator, author, Rock historian, music journalist and avid GIG-Goer, Bernie Howitt. We explore how live music contributes to an Animated Life and why Bruce Springsteen really is worth seeing 22 times
One great Way to have a daily reset is by watching the sunrise! In Episode 5 of Animated Living, Sandi Edwards from SunrisePhotos.com.au talks about how taking daily sunrise photographs for 20 years has changed her world. Her perspective will help to animate your life
77% of adults say they are NOT creative, yet self expression, play and creativity are such a big part of what it means to be human. It is when we find way to express ourselves on a regular basis that we truly come alive as human beings. Expression isn't the only thing required to feel alive of course, but its a big part.
Nici Stanford, Life Without Strings, consults as a stylist and de-clutterer. People live in beautiful homes, yet live with unpacked boxes in the lounge room. Paperwork piles up. Broken things didn’t get fixed. Loved things are not respected. Life doesn’t seem to have a great quality.
In this episode Nici and Ian explore tips to help us all live in a simpler, calmer, more organised way.
When people think of 'animation' they might think of Disney or Pixar. But what is "animation" and what does it have to do with personal transformation and life coaching. In this episode, Animation Coach Ian Freestone, gives a quick historical snapshot of the origins of "animation" and "change" and shows its application to becoming fully human.
My FIRST GUEST is James Schramko, my friend and business mentor, who is highly skilled at helping others navigating change and optimising their life. I should know - I am one who has been helped.
James has helped over 3000 business owners in developing highly profitable businesses @ www.superfastbusiness.com
He is passionate about assisting others to create a healthy lifestyle and develop meaningful relationships. You will find James’ holistic approach refreshing and absorbing. I also share my own story of entering life ‘beyond employment’.
See myanimatedlife.com for more