Empowered Thinking at Play!: Recent Episodes
Kym Nelson
How can we feel more empowered in our lives? Sharing their thoughts on the topic are guests who candidly self-explore and divulge what skills have been fundamental in helping them feel empowered, how they have created a stronger mindset and, their interpretation of what empowerment really is. A lively and thought-provoking podcast on lessons learnt, which includes a series called; uncensored conversations and meditation power boosts. Hosted by Kym Nelson, writer, creative meditation teacher, improviser and all-round actionist.
Deirdre Mullins is a Bafta-award-winning actress, director, and activist. She talks about her experience in acting, how her confidence has grown and, indeed, been shattered at times. Like for example, at clown school, under the formidable teaching style of French master clown and Professor of theatre Philippe Gaulier. The experience was also shared with the host of this podcast, having met at the same school.As we discuss in this podcast, his clown teaching is not for everyone. His way of insulting people and, indeed, his physical form of teaching is something many people enjoy, even calling it a badge of honour. However, others (like the podcast host and interviewee) didn't enjoy his style. Deirdre is not holding back on saying why!
She talks about facing fear (especially with a teacher like Gaulier) and having your confidence tested. Being tested is something Deirdre is a real advocate for because, she says, you're confident as a child because you haven't been tested. You haven't been told you're not good enough yet. But in life, you have to keep testing that confidence. She talks about other ways she's done that. As well as her methods for 'faking confidence' or, as she puts it 'masking her fear.'
She also talks about one of the best pieces of advice she was given: "As soon as you can afford it, get therapy." Find out why by listening to this podcast!
This is part one of a two-part podcast.
Deirdre Mullins recently starred in The Couple Next Door, She won a Scottish BAFTA in 2017 for best actress in film for The Dark Mile and is known for playing comedy series regular Naomi in Channel 4's Man Down opposite Greg Davies and Rik Mayall. Man Down was nominated for Best New Comedy Programme in the British Comedy Awards 2014. Her theatre work includes playing Rosalind in As You Like It at Shakespeare's Globe, Lika in Marina Carr's 16 Possible Glimpses at the Abbey Theatre,and Jessie Taite in Seán O'Casey's The Silver Tassie at the National Theatre.Read more about Deirdre on her Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deirdre_Mullins
Or find her on Insta:msdeirdremullins
Your host: Kym Nelson: Insta: kym_mindatplay
Also read about Kym's experience at clown school on her website: www.mindatplay.info/
Find out about her one-woman show at The Camden Fringe and Edinburgh Festival: https://linktr.ee/MindatPlay
Actor Henry Regan talks about his journey to confidence and how he is riddled with self-doubt. But he always finds ways to turn it into a positive. He believes that if you’re not scared to do something, then you’re not pushing yourself. Furthermore, he finds that it’s in those moments when you think you can’t do something that is the time to do it because there is a ‘want’ there.
However, there are things he's not confident in, like giving speeches (particularly 'best man' speeches), as he is expected to be good because he is an actor. But he's most comfortable in character, i.e. not being himself. He also talks about how his confidence changed when he lost his hair, and how he was no longer cast as the 'boy next door', which required him to shift his mindset, which (ironically) led to his becoming more confident! Lots of confidence tips are packed into this 30-minute episode.
Instagram: @henry_regan
X (formerly Twitter) @henry_regan
How on earth do you become a Dominatrix? It's not like the job is advertised in the newspaper. According to Sally Porter, "It is if you get the right newspaper!" She talks about how her confidence dipped after she became a mother and, how a change in mindset led her to increase her confidence and become a Dominatrix.
She talks about the times she had to fake it (confidence, that is!), emulating strong women like Eartha Kitt and Tina Turner, how she's never been too scared to try new things, defying anyone who says "you can't do that because your Mum now," and explaining to her son that her job is very similar to Dungeons and Dragons. Now she's a comedian and talks about how her audience often sits there with their mouth open when she tells her stories and her top tips for being confident (the Sally-way!).
Find Sally on Instagram: @the69erscomedy
Marie Nisson is a remarkable woman with a story that is nothing short of a miracle. In 2017 Marie fell 450 metres down a rocky mountain in Poland. How she survived this fall nobody knows - she says she fractured bones than she can count on both hands, dislocated a number of joints as well as suffering internal failures, several traumatic brain injuries and cerebral bleeding. She was in a coma for 5 weeks and then had to re-learn how to walk which took six months. Quite something for somebody who was previously a personal trainer.
Despite all she's been through, she feels in many ways, that this accident has empowered her because it's given her a new perspective on life. Now, she sees difficulties as opportunities for growth, no longer has fears and, seen her self-esteem increase because she no longer questions herself. She talks about how she has developed these skills and also talks about one thing she has yet to figure out...why her mobile phone survived the fall with just a small scratch!
Contact:
Kym Nelson - www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Marie Nilsson
www.ted.com/talks/marie_nilsson_falling_forward
Instagram; @marieonlifequality
We should be getting rid of our anger within 24-hours according to the Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, to avoid suffering. This conversation takes many unexpected forms as we all explore the roots of our own anger in relation to our lives, how we've felt labelled by expressing anger (being difficult, seen as hormonal!), how anger takes on many different forms and how perhaps we don't analyse our anger enough...if we did we would make better sense of it. It's a conversation that will certainly get you thinking about how you respond to anger when it turns up.
The roots of anger by Thich Nhat Hanh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_UZCuBuuoU&vl=en
Joining Kym in the discussion (recorded remotely via Zoom);
Julie Bata - American, living in Texas
Shabnam Sabzehi - Iranian living in Luxembourg
Sara Arthur - South African living in Luxembourg
Find out more:
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Following on from our Uncensored Conversation on Dealing with anger, a meditation that helps you to let go of anger and start the process of healing. This meditation was adapted from the book; 'Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames' by the Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Han.
A meditation boost by Kym Nelson www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
What is yoga nida and why is it different from meditation? This power boost takes you on a kaleidoscope of the senses - guiding you into being conscious of sensations, emotions, awareness and intellect. Going through different feelings and emotions can help you feel empowered and ready to take on anything that might disturb your peace.
A meditation boost by Kym Nelson
www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
With everyone now working in a virtual world, speaking out is becoming a little more challenging, especially, it seems, for women, with obstacles even more amplified by remote working. Not only mentally, but also obstacles in the form of manterrupting, mansplaining and hepeating - zoom meetings are starting to crystalise how much harder it is for women to be heard in group settings. So what a great topic to discuss with four dynamic women from the communication industry sharing their insight on speaking out, their tips on how to have an authentic voice, how women can empower themselves more in a working environment and...whether anyone would dare mansplain them! A positively thought-provoking conversation.
Joining writer and podcast host, Kym, on this discussion (recorded remotely via Zoom);
JoBee Project - Singer and Voice Coach, @jobeeproject
Agnieszka Lukaszczyk - Director for EU Policy at Planet, @agnieszkaspace
Elizabeth Van Den Bergh - Speaker Coach, www.speaker.coach
Kelli Nelson - Advertising Director
Find out more: Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Why do we only talk about vulnerability in a negative way? Four women join podcast host, Kym Nelson to answer questions such as; Can we turn our vulnerability into a beautiful thing rather than something we fear? Does vulnerability allow us to have more meaningful conversations? Has our vulnerability led to friendships changing? Can we be empowered by our vulnerability and, do we like vulnerability in a man? All these questions and more in a discussion which sees vulnerability being dissected, explored and redefined.
Joining Kym Nelson in this discussion (recorded remotely via Zoom);
Stacey Cohen, singer/songwriter @staceycohenmusic
Lisa Lloyd, photographer & teacher
Oddny Edwards, Icelandic foraging chef @oskuhus
Leila Williams, virtual assistant @leilatheadminwarrior
Contact; Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
We often think that vulnerability is like a gale-force wind trying to push us back but in actual fact, when you fight through it, you become much stronger. Try this meditation to explore your own vulnerability and, there's even a writing prompt at the end if you feel the desire to explore this feeling further.
Julia has, to the say the least, a very interesting combination of roles. First as an officer in charge of two centres for young offenders and secondly, as a yoga teacher. It certainly makes her someone, who by her own admission, has been forced to be empowered. She talks about how both roles complement each other, how she doesn't believe in ‘fake silence’ in yoga classes and encourages people to chat openly about themselves, the ways she's gained a new lease on life, being inspired by Willy Wonka and Dr Seuss, why you won't often see her unhappy, why Freddie Mercury is her hero and. how she would like her autobiography to be called "I don’t like talking about me."
It's our second podcast in a series of Uncensored Conversations which, brings together a panel of strong-minded women to talk about topics, that are often misinterpreted especially in relation to women, topics that may be seen as taboo but shouldn’t be and, topics which need to be discussed in order to feel more empowered. This time we talk about sensuality and answer questions such as; Why does sexuality and sensuality often get confused with each other? What does it mean to be sensual? What experiences are sensual? Are women exploring their sensuality enough? Has this pandemic had an effect on our sensuality and, does exploring our sensuality connect us better with ourselves?
Joining Kym Nelson in this discussion (recorded remotely via Zoom);
Oddny Edwards - Icelandic/English @oskuhus
Leila Williams - Scottish/Lebanese @leilatheadminwarrior
Emma Epton - English @emmaepton
Jane Kawar - Jordanian/English
Contact;
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Bronwen talks about having the weirdest CV in the world, what brought her to mental health, how she is creating space for people to have difficult conversations and how she is helping to change how we approach mental health by asking questions such as; why do we only talk about mental health when it's bad, and not when it's good? We also talked about her experience in training to be a dancer, what she has learnt about herself this year and, learning not to push which is a weird experience for her because she's been pushing for 41 years!
She also talks about her definition of what empowerment is (although declares it might change next week!), how she feels empowered, having a new lease on life after divorce and, finding out she's rather good at writing and performing poetry. She also reads one of her poems...although it's saved until right at the end of this podcast due to some rude words, which you won't want any children to hear!
Contact:
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Bronwen Wilson on Instagram @bronwenwilsonian
This meditation is about moving away from the negative thoughts that occupy our mind - the inner critic, self-limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome - and to concentrate on the positive thoughts that lift us up. Finding our happy place in among the chaos of our mind.
Find out more;
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
This is a new series of podcasts which brings together a panel of strong-minded women to talk about topics, that are often misinterpreted especially in relation to women, topics that may be seen as taboo but shouldn’t be and, topics which need to be discussed in order to feel more empowered. Yes indeed, views, ideas and opinions will not be suppressed in this series called…Uncensored Conversations.
The first topic to kick off this new series is on ‘sexuality’, which is often misunderstood, often confusing and full of judgement. The panel, which is different for every podcast, is brought together by podcast presenter Kym Nelson. On this episode, the panel answer questions such as; Why is our sexuality something to be judged? What experiences have made us feel liberated? How can we take ownership of our own sexuality? And...what do we really think of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's WAP song, which the artists say empowers women?
Joining Kym in the discussion (recorded remotely via Zoom);
JoBee Project - Polish living in Belgium @jobeeproject
Thaís Oliveira - Brazillian, living in Belgium
Julie Bata - American, living in Texas
Leila Williams - Scottish/Lebanese living in the UK @leilatheadminwarrior
Shabnam Sabzehi - Iranian living in Luxembourg
Helen Slater - Swedish/British living in the UK
Find out more:
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Bryony Duckitt is the Founder of YogaBeez Children’s Yoga School, and has been teaching children for over 20 years as well as trained over 500 yoga teachers. She facilitates training in the UK, South Africa and Finland and the list of countries continues to grow. She talks about how she's empowered herself, how in troubled times she sees herself as not falling down a hole but moving through a porthole, her top tips for self-care which includes a bath with a cup of tea, meeting inspirational teachers such as the master of mindfulness, Jon Kabat Zin and the monk Thich Nhat Hahn who taught her a mindful eating exercise she will never forget - eating with an orange, how the best grounding exercise for children (and indeed, for anyone) is using the breath, the challenges and differences of teaching to different nationalities and in other countries and, how we should always find ways to connect with our inner child to get rid of adult inhibitions. Plus, how she has become real through loss by listening to instinct and not getting lost by feelings such as grief, anger, fear and sadness, which are actually ways to find yourself in those feelings. Your REAL self.
Find out more:
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Bryony Duckitt: www.yogabeez.com
Bernard Moerman is a former professional footballer (in Belgium) who successfully transferred his skills into supporting the aspirations of professional cyclists from around the world. In particular, helping them to address their fears of failure, their setbacks, being resilient, and the feelings of loneliness away from home. Now he is a leadership mentor, helping people to realise their inner potential. Bernard talks about; having a mindset of "What can I do better? how he helps people find their power and use their power, his tips on how to be full of energy, embracing the uncomfortable zone to keep improving, not being afraid of change, how perseverance is the key to reaching the top, what he's learnt about himself this year, his favourite TED talk speakers (he watches two talks every day), the three questions he tells people to ask themselves in order to find their talent and, why cyclists drink a lot of coffee!
Find out more:
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Bernard Moerman: Linkedin: @moermanbernardchangeconsultancy
YouTube: Hero of your game at Tedx; https://youtu.be/p68eKVnu5_w
Our psychological state can be altered by changes in our breath, which is why breathing exercises are so empowering. Try this guided power boost for alternate nostril breathing - the left nostril calms and cools us, while the right nostril stimulates and energies. Found out more fascinating facts about this breathing exercise (Hilary Clinton credits it for getting her through the loss of the 2016 election. for example). Enjoy this moment of relaxation.
Find out more;
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Katie Barget is someone, by her own admission, who has lived an "exceptionally, brilliant and blessed life". She certainly has some stories to tell on how she's managed to do that, such as; meeting motivational author Louise Hay (and getting a hug!), dancing among the Spice Girls and being sung to by actor Will Smith, being captivated by photography aged 10 because of how it made her feel and, re-inventing herself during this Covid time with vibrational alchemy tools. Kate also talked about the valuable life lessons she's learnt along the way such as; challenging her self-limiting beliefs, being perfectly imperfect, learning how unimportant other people's opinions are, what has made her feel empowered (she has a list!), her affirmations (again, she has a list!) and how empowerment, is all about being the creator of your own life.
Find out more:
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Katie Barget; www.facebook.com/katiebargetphoto
"Empowerment...it’s almost like a gift we are given that has an immediate, warming and powerful effect on us – but that initial feeling doesn’t have to stay – we can’t own it. I am not sure we should even try to capture it – just let it in and feel it." This is the view of Kathy Swords, a school counsellor in Oman whose main focus is on understanding and dealing with the challenges facing expatriate children (such as loss of identity), and helping them deal with their wellbeing needs. It is a career full of challenges, but one that comes with many life lessons, insights and stories which she shares on this podcast. Kathy's career within counselling and mental health spans over 25 years, which also includes working in Greece, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In addition, she is a frequent guest speaker at numerous conferences internationally. We talked about the challenges she faces as a counsellor. But when it comes to facing any challenge, Kathy believes that it's not something to be afraid of, they are simply there to help us develop the coping skills we need in life. She certainly has some stories to tell like when a teenager asked her in assembly "I bet you meet a lot of crazy teenagers" and her response was; "I meet a lot of teenagers in a crazy time."
Find out more:
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Kathy Swords; www.theiatraining.com
Self-limiting beliefs that we are not enough keeps us small and hold us back in life. This meditation is designed to empower you into feeling that you are more than enough.
Find out more;
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
'Dare to reveal who you are,' is Lisa Lindström's motto of empowerment, who is the founder and CEO of Doberman, one of Sweden’s most innovative design agencies and best workplaces. Lisa has become known as one of Sweden’s strongest voices for the power of innovative business and leadership to impact society. She talks about how the pandemic has brought about more 'real' conversations at work, which has, in turn, led to her revealing more emotion and challenging herself to be more vulnerable. Although, she has to consider the level of vulnerability shown as a leader. Especially, between the two Doberman offices in Stockholm and New York, which carry different ideas about vulnerability. She also talks about the wellbeing approach at Doberman, which reminds employees to play, laugh, and meet people in real life. This new approach has resulted in more innovation and more creativity. Plus, Lisa's story on failure resulted in one of her biggest life lessons and has been instrumental in her role as a leader. It is a great story!
Find out more:
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Lisa Lindström; https://doberman.co
A fascinating perspective on how breathwork can help us to connect with our power and be more aligned with our head, heart and stomach.
We also talk about triggers, what they are, how we can discover what ours are and, ways to deal with them. As well as how changing the body changes the way we think, why people in business make better leaders when they focus more on their body and, why people who have suffered trauma tend to be more spiritual.
Find out more:
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Jan Mouton; www.janmouton.com
One of the questions always asked to interviewees on this podcast is; What or who are you becoming? This meditation gets you observing all the different versions of you to get you exploring that answer for yourself.
Find out more;
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Eléa Clair is a French actress, director and producer known for numerous roles on French television and films. She won 'Best Actress'for her lead role in the short film I've Had Enough!at the Changing Face International Film Festival in Australia in 2019 and has also directed several short films and, more recently, Check, Please!, a web series shot in New York. We talked about her life living between France and New York, the ways she has empowered herself and; how this year has provided one of her biggest life lessons: having no expectations.
Find out more:
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Eléa Clair; www.eleaclair.com
To be truly empowered we need to let go...so bring in all those negative thoughts and let this meditation move them on.
Find out more;
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Sean McDonald, a former pro cyclist and now founder of a yoga school, should really have his own TED Talk on taking risks or on daring to dream. He places his desire to frequently take risks on not being afraid to be vulnerable, and when it comes to failure...well, it's been his biggest opportunity for growth. He offers his tips on what to consider if you're thinking about taking a risk (or at least a big decision) and what's been key for him in staying resilient when he's failed.
Find out more:
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
Sean McDonald; www.vidaasana.com
Try this mediation power boost, a creative visualisation which explores the question; how can I feel more empowered? So relax and get in touch with your empowered self.
Find out more;
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
We kick-off this first exploration of empowered thinking with singer, songwriter, voice-coach and former contestant on The Voice, JoBee Project. She starts by telling us how amazing she feels after having a nap....actually this was the warm-up chat and ordinarily wouldn't be in the interview, but her shock at how she feels after a nap was worth keeping in! This just shows that it's the little things that can help us feel empowered. We also discuss juicy topics such as what JoBee learnt from being a contestant on The Voice, her sneaky snake breathing exercise, the benefit of surrounding yourself with people who elevate, push and kick your arse, why silence helps you become stronger, how we could benefit from seeing ourselves as a project, and why the words; try, do and can are JoBee's words of strength that she lives by. There was no toning down the vibrant personality of this dynamic woman and indeed she has some words to say to people who try to tone down her energy. We talked during her birthday week (note: there is no celebrating for one day) and hence she's giving away free voice-coaching sessions...find out how by pressing play on this podcast!
Find out more:
Kym Nelson; www.mindfulthinkingatplay.com
JoBee Project; www.youtube.com/user/JoBeeProject
www.facebook.com/JoBeeProject