Susan Quilliam Psychologist, coach & prolific author
🧠 Over 30 years helping individuals and couples navigate love, intimacy, and emotional connection
💌 Agony aunt for two decades, including a long-running advice column in Cosmopolitan
📚 Author of 20+ books, including How to Choose a Partner and the modernized 2008 edition of The Joy of Sex
In this episode we cover:
💑 The difference between choosing a partner and creating a partnership – why chemistry isn't enough and how the "mix" matters.
🔍 The four key signs of a healthy relationship – day-to-day connection, handling conflict, facing crises, and celebrating joy.
🧠 Why so many relationships fail—and how to avoid common emotional traps like fear, avoidance, and miscommunication.
💬 The power of curiosity and attention – how small habits like asking the right questions can transform long-term love.
☕ Dating in today’s world – what we’re getting wrong (and right) about modern love, from quick dates to emotional availability.
🎧🔥❤️🔥LISTEN HERE❤️🔥🔥🎧 https://linktr.ee/thekollectiveinstituteofideas
WANT MORE OR TO SUPPORT?👉 Become a patron and get exclusive access & behind-the-scenes perks:www.patreon.com/TheKollective828 💎
Mentions:
Cosmopolitan Magazine
Robin Dreeke is a former FBI Special Agent who led the Bureau’s Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program & is also the author of The Code Of Trust.
In this episode Robin shares the psychological tools he used to recruit spies, defuse conflict, and build trust at the highest levels.
But the most powerful insights? They’re about becoming a better parent, friend, and human.
Some areas we cover:
🧠 The psychology of trust-building — how to earn trust in any relationship
🫶 Active empathy — why understanding others means letting go of ego
📈 Life arcs — how early life experiences shape adult behavior
👀 Reading behavior without judgment — how to observe people with clarity
🧯 De-escalation — FBI tools for calming tension in real-time
🧩 Navigating difficult people — how to lead without being reactive
🕵️♂️ Spy recruitment psychology — what human vulnerability reveals
🛡️ Psychological safety — how to help people feel secure enough to connect
🧃🥤 - How an empty drinks can almost messed up a spy operation 🕵️♂️
✨ You’ll learn how to:💬 Build real trust in your conversations🧭 Spot when your ego is sabotaging empathy🔍 Predict behavior through “life arcs”🧘♂️ Create safety in relationships (and within yourself)
🎧🔥❤️🔥LISTEN HERE❤️🔥🔥🎧 Listen now —> https://linktr.ee/thekollectiveinstituteofideas
#KioiStudio #Podcast #RobinDreeke #EmotionalIntelligence #Empathy #Leadership #Storytelling #TrustBuilding
🎧 Listen, reflect, and let this episode open a new doorway for you.
🔥 Fireside chat🔥:
💫 3 things you get joy from:My kids, walking and reading
🧘 A mantra you want to embrace now would be: It's not how you feel. It's not how you make people feel about you. That's matters. It's how you make them feel about themselves.
🔮 One unusual thing that gives you pleasure:Backpacking
🎬 A favourite film / book / artist — that isn't obvious (and why):Andy Wier, The Martian
🧠 Best advice ever received:Sstart solving other people's problems and stop solving your own
🌧️ How you get over a tough meeting, moment or period of time: Realize it's not all about me
🧒 Something you wish you knew when you were younger: That if I focus more on how it's gonna be a resource for other people's challenges, priorities, and pain points in life, rather, my own life would've taken a lot easier.
❤️🔥 Loved this episode?✨ Like, Share, and Subscribe to support bold, heart-led conversations.
WANT MORE OR TO SUPPORT?👉 Become a patron and get exclusive access & behind-the-scenes perks: www.patreon.com/TheKollective828 💎
Mentions:: FBI, U.S. Marine Corps, United States Naval Academy, MI6, CIA, NATO allies, Quantico, Russian GRU, Middle Eastern governments, UK, Canada, Australia, Matthew Dunn, Robert Hanssen, Andy Weir, Ryan Holiday, Robert Greene, Noah Harari, Mel Robbins,
NEW EPISODE: 🎙️ We sit down with Saasha Celestial-One, co-founder of Olio — the app behind a 125-million-meal movement that helps people share food they won’t eat and things they don’t need.But this isn’t just a story about tech and impact — it’s a story about reinvention, values, and finding purpose late in the game.
💼 Before Olio, Saasha was deep in the corporate world — think McKinsey, Morgan Stanley, and American Express. Safe & successful. At age 39, she took a leap into the unknown, co-founding a startup with no guarantee it would work — and discovered the deep satisfaction of building something mission-led.
In this episode, we explore:🥦 Why most food waste starts at home — not in stores🍋 The emotional power of sharing, even if it’s just a lemon🌱 How to build community without chasing growth at all costs💸 What real conviction looks like when raising capital for change🌀 And why your career arc doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s
👉 This one’s for anyone craving meaning, impact — and a reminder that small acts can ripple far.
🔥❤️🔥LISTEN HERE❤️🔥🔥https://linktr.ee/thekollectiveinstituteofideas
🔥 Three things that give you joy?🃏 Playing cards, 🧘 Yoga, and 🌞 Sunshine — the perfect trio!
🧘♀️ A mantra you like to live by:“Comparison is the thief of joy.” ✨ (Truth bomb 💥)
💪 Something you wanna learn more about:Strength training! 🏋️♀️ Time to get strong and sweaty 💥
🕰️ Something you wish you knew when you were younger?That getting older is actually so much fun! 🎉👵💃
WANT MORE OR TO SUPPORT?👉 Become a patron and get exclusive access & behind-the-scenes perks:www.patreon.com/TheKollective828 💎
Andy Kalli had it all — a thriving business, a family, success. But behind the scenes, he was silently unraveling. What started as one line of cocaine turned into 24 years of addiction, crime, and heartbreak. 💥
In this gripping episode, Andy opens up about:
His rise as a successful entrepreneur 🏢
Falling into addiction and the criminal underworld 💊
The devastating loss that finally broke him 💔
And how he found true peace through service 🙏
Today, Andy runs a rehab centre, saves lives, and lives with more joy and clarity than ever before.
This episode isn’t just about addiction — it’s about anyone who’s ever felt lost, stuck, or unsure of who they are. Andy teaches us how to:
Stop running from your pain 🪞
Find purpose in helping others 🤝
And build a life rooted in contentment, not chaos 🌱
🎙️ A brutally honest, deeply human story that will stay with you long after it ends.
See where Andy works here, where he helps save lives and people overcome addiction:
LISTEN HERE
https://linktr.ee/thekollectiveinstituteofideas
❤️🔥 Loved this episode?✨ Like, Share, and Subscribe to support bold, heart-led conversations.
WANT MORE OR TO SUPPORT?👉 Become a patron and get exclusive access & behind-the-scenes perks:www.patreon.com/TheKollective828 💎
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
💡 Life Lessons from Andy Kalli's Story
🛑 You are not your past – Redemption is always possible.
🪞 Face yourself – Healing begins with honesty.
🧭 Purpose heals – Helping others gives life meaning.
🤝 Don’t isolate – Connection and community save lives.
🧘♂️ Seek contentment, not perfection – Peace comes from within.
✨ Believe in something – Faith or hope can keep you going.
❤️ Say “I love you” – Don’t wait to show people you care.
SHARE LIKE SUBSCRIBE
🎧 Listen, reflect, and let this episode open a new doorway for you.
Fireside chat🔥🔥:
3 things you get joy from:
Seeing someone when I get a text a year saying I've, I'm a year sober or clean or two years sober or clean
Seeing my little granddaughter on a Sunday morning just playing with her and spend some quality time
Seeing my Tottenham, my football team win, which is very rarely lately.
A mantra you want to embrace:
If you can't live it, you can, you can't be it. If you can live it, you can be it.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
A favourite film / book / artist - that isn't obvious
A Way of Being - Carl Rogers
1 Item on your Bucket List?
Getting my book out, my story.
Title: The Human Side of Espionage with Ex-MI6 Officer Matthew Dunn
What does it really feel like to live life in the shadows? 🌒
Ex-MI6 officer Matthew Dunn takes us inside the human side of espionage—fear, trust, identity, and courage under pressure. 🕵️♂️🔥
From protecting agents to transforming field lessons into bestselling thrillers.
Matthew Dunn is an ex-MI6 officer 🎯 who spent over five years in the British Secret Intelligence Service, operating at the highest level of international espionage 🌍🕵️♂️. After leaving MI6, he became a bestselling novelist ✍️📚, publishing 14 acclaimed spy thrillers including the Spycatcher and Ben Sign series.
We cover:
🌍🕵️♂️ The Human Journey of a Spy
⚔️😰 The Challenges of Life Undercover
🤝💡 How to Influence People Risking Their Lives
🔮🧭 The Power of the Gut in Espionage
🫀🔥 Managing Fear in High-Stakes Moments
🎨🧠 Creativity and Its Link to Intelligence Work
📚✨ Life as a Bestselling Author Beyond MI6
Takeaways include:
Agent safety > mission success. A case officer’s first duty is protecting agents—even if it means “pulling the plug” on a critical task. 🛑🧭
“Wobble moments” are normal. Fear can ambush even the bravest; the job is to tell if it’s a bad day or a breaking point—and lend your strength. 🫶⚖️
Trust beats bravado. Real reassurance comes from honesty (“my heartbeat’s up too”), not hollow hype; shared truth builds courage. 🤝💓
Read for purpose, not perfection. Officers don’t need a full “open book”—they zero in on whether someone can do an extreme, risky job. 🎯🧠
Motivation is the master key. Understanding what truly drives a person determines recruitment, resilience, and results. 🔑🔥
Ten-eye = trained gut. Rapid, near-intuitive deductions guide high-stakes calls—intuition sharpened by experience. 🧭⚡️
The bond is unique. Case officer–agent relationships can feel “closer than family,” forged in secrecy and reliance. 🫂🕯️
Identity as a tool. Running up to 14 aliases, each with deep backstories, enables agility under pressure—and reshapes how fear is processed. 🎭🧩
Solo work, constant work. MI6 officers often operate alone; there’s rarely an off-switch in the field, which shapes mental habits. 🧍♂️🌒
Spot the charming outlier. Some people (psychopathic/sociopathic traits) can seduce and mislead; watch micro-indicators and manage accordingly. 🕵️♂️🔎
Leadership starts within. MI6 looks for “generals of themselves”—calm self-command without arrogance. 🧱👑
Creativity fuels tradecraft—and writing. The same “art of the possible” that aids espionage powers Dunn’s storytelling life after MI6. ✍️🚀
-✨ Like, Share, and Subscribe to support bold, heart-led conversations.
🚀 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE: https://linktr.ee/thekollectiveinstituteofideas🚀
🔥💎 Become a patron and get exclusive accesswww.patreon.com/TheKollective828 💎🔥
🔥🔥 Fireside chat🔥🔥
Three things you get joy from
cooking hill walking.
Good conversation.
A mantra you want to embrace now would be.
Live every day as if it's your last
A favorite book, film or artist, that isn't obvious.
the God Machine Album: scenes from the second story, which is, I think a work of genius,
Something you want to learn more about.
people. A constant odyssey journey to to learn about who we are as a human race, what we're doing where we're leading, how, what is our position on this planet. We are passengers here and we won't be around forever. So it's the exploration of that. Also related as well, exploration of the brain.
How do you get over a tough meeting moment or period of time?
I'll put it in a box and move on without a care in the world.
A place you want to go to.
I was there last night, one beloved London.
🥦 What should we really be eating? In this episode, Dr. Federica Amati breaks down the science of food, fibre 🌾, alcohol 🍷, and how your daily habits shape your long-term health 🧠. Plus, a sneak peek into the game-changing new ZOE app 📲—no blood tests required!
Dr. Federica Amati 🥗 is Head Nutritionist at ZOE, Nutrition Lead at Imperial College London 🏛️, and Head of Nutrition Science at Wellfounded Health 🧬. She’s the author of Recipes for a Better Menopause 📘 and Every Body Should Know This 📚—a Sunday Times bestseller 🏆.
WHAT YOU WILL HEAR
🧠 Real Talk on Everyday Nutrition – Learn how small daily choices around food can transform your long-term health.
🌾 Fibre: The Missing Link – Why almost everyone is lacking it and how to easily get more (no powders needed).
🍷 Alcohol: What Science Really Says – The facts behind booze and your body—and why less is always more.
📲 ZOE App Insights – A look at game-changing tech that predicts how you react to food without pricking your finger.
🍽️ Simple Tips You Can Start Today – From how to build your plate to smart swaps that support gut health and energy.
🔥 Why Food > Fads – Evidence-based advice that skips the hype and gives you tools that actually work.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
🥗 Nutrition is the #1 long-term driver of health.
🌾 96% of UK adults don’t get enough fibre—load up on nuts, seeds, pulses, and whole grains.
🧪 Dr. Federica Amati’s fibre supplement (via @ZOE) is a great option.
🚫 Alcohol offers zero health benefits.
⚠️ Cutting back—even from a few bottles a week—has a non-linear, drastic impact on your liver & brain 🧠.
🔄 The body starts recovering quickly once alcohol intake is reduced.
📚 Drink? by Professor David Nutt is a must-read on the science of alcohol.
🎧 Podcast pick: This is Powerful with Paul Sculfor—real talk on addiction & recovery.
🍲 When cooking, aim for 75%+ meals from scratch using whole ingredients.
🔮 New ZOE app will offer personalized nutrition guidance—no test kits or blood needed.
📊 ZOE has powered 70+ research papers and helped hundreds of thousands already.
📸 Instant food feedback: snap a pic or scan a barcode and get a health score in 3 seconds.
🥓 Avoid processed meats and added sugars—they cause long-term harm.
☕ Coffee lovers rejoice: it’s linked to better health outcomes.
🥑 A varied diet is key—diverse foods work synergistically for your health.
💊 Creatine = GOOD NEWS
🧑🏫 It’s shocking how little nutrition & cooking education is taught worldwide.
🔥🔥Fireside chat🔥🔥
Favourite Quote: Just do it
Unusual things that give pleasure: Cold showers & being useful to people
Favourite Book: The Body Keeps a Score
Favorite Movie: Searching for Sugar Man - mentions included: Life Is Beautiful & Cinema Paradisco,
Favourite Artist: Maria Callas
Italian Expresso: Mangiamo: let’s eat
Mentions:
Franco Fubini, Notoora, Henry Dimbleby, Zoe, Imperial College, Bryan Johnson, This is Powerful with Paul Sculfor World Cancer Research, Patrick Holden, Sustainable Food Trust, Henry dimbeby, Well Founded Health
❤️🔥 Loved this episode?✨ Like, Share, and Subscribe to support bold, heart-led conversations.
https://linktr.ee/thekollectiveinstituteofideas
👉 Become a patron and get exclusive access & behind-the-scenes perks:www.patreon.com/TheKollective828 💎
🌟 Sally’s Story – Curiosity-led journey into lighting design
💡 Innovation – Pioneering smarter, smaller lighting products
🛠️ Tips – Simple ways to improve your home lighting
🏛️ Impact – How light transforms spaces and mood
🔬 Insights – Industry trends + the science behind good lighting
Sally Storey is an icon in architectural lighting design and a true pioneer in the field. She’s the Founding Director of Lighting Design International and Creative Director at John Cullen Lighting.Her book Inspired by Light: A Design Guide to Transforming the Home shares her timeless approach to lighting.Sally has lit homes across the globe — including for David Bowie — and designed standout spaces at The Berkeley, Claridge’s, Harrods, and more.
🚨LISTEN HERE🚨
https://linktr.ee/thekollectiveinstituteofideas
❤️🔥 Loved this episode?✨ Like, Share, and Subscribe to support bold, heart-led conversations.
WANT MORE OR TO SUPPORT?👉 Become a patron and get exclusive access & behind-the-scenes perks:www.patreon.com/TheKollective828 💎
Lighting is emotional — it directly affects how we feel in a space, not just how it looks.
Color temperature matters — most “warm” LEDs sold are still too cold; aim for 2200–2400K for a cozy feel.
Quality over quantity — high CRI (Color Rendering Index) lighting above 95% makes people and interiors look more alive.
Layered lighting is essential — combine different light sources (ambient, task, accent) for depth and flexibility.
You don’t need a big budget — simple changes like better bulbs, floor uplights, and removing overhead pendants can dramatically improve your space.
Lighting legend meets life’s big and little questions.
🌞 3 Things That Bring Joy→ Natural light→ Food & taste→ Texture
💭 A Mantra to Live By→ “Live for the moment.”
📚 Underrated Inspiration→ Alvar Aalto – Finnish architect who sparked her journey
🎓 Something She Wants to Learn More About→ “Everything.”
💪 How She Handles Disappointment→ “Just solve it. If no one died, it’s not the end of the world.”
🧳 Bucket List Add-On→ More holidays. Everywhere.
🧠 Advice to Her Younger Self→ “Don’t worry so much.”
🌍 One Thing She’d Change in the World→ Better communication — people need to really listen.
🎵 Iconic Moment→ David Bowie invited her to sit on his couch and review his new album after lighting his NYC apartment.
Mentions:
🔦 Useful Takeaways from the Episode
🔥 QUICK-FIRE WITH SALLY STOREY
Sally Storey, Arthur, John Cullen, David Bowie, Brian Johnson,Lighting Design International, John Cullen Lighting, RIBA, BBC, ERCO Lighting, Concord Lighting, Brigade, IKEA,The Berkeley, The Connaught , Harrods, Four Seasons George V, Hotel Hermitage, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, The Savoy, Lords Cricket Ground, Kings Road, Smith Street, ,New York City, Bristol University, London, Kazakhstan,Alvar Aalto
🔥 From stressed solicitor to sought-after Health & Nutrition Coach, Grace Williams brings real‑world grit and wisdom to reclaiming energy, balance, and confidence. This episode unpacks lessons on purpose, burnout, and the daily mindset shifts that spark transformation—plus loads of practical tools for managing stress, boosting energy, and building self-trust. Tap in if you’re ready for a reset and want grounded insights from someone who’s walked the journey—and come out the other side brighter. ✨
Grace is a Health & Nutrition Coach who helps ambitious women reconnect with ease, energy, and clarity by illuminating what’s missing across your daily life—from nutrition and routines to mindset and energy flow. Formerly a solicitor at a U.S. law firm in the City, she understands pressure firsthand and turned her own burnout, MS diagnosis, and caregiving experience into a powerful coaching approach that leads to sustainable results.
WHAT YOU WILL HEAR
🧭 Finding Purpose After BurnoutA real-life story of leaving the “perfect” career to pursue meaningful, aligned work.
💥 Navigating Grief, Stress & Major Life ShiftsInsights on caregiving, personal loss, and emotional recovery.
🧬 Tools for Daily Energy & BalancePractical strategies for managing stress, fueling your body, and regulating your nervous system.
🧠 Building Confidence & Self-WorthWhy honoring small commitments to yourself creates deep, lasting transformation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
🎯 Purpose Often Follows PainLife challenges can uncover deeper direction—don’t fear redirection.
🛠️ Resilience Is Grown Through AdversityHard seasons build strength. Struggle isn’t a setback—it’s training.
⚡ Energy Requires ClarityClear goals—big or small—fuel motivation and drive.
🔥 Chronic Stress Shrinks Your WorldA stressed mind can’t think expansively. Regulation unlocks potential.
🧠 Small Habits, Big ImpactMorning light ☀️, hydration 💧, real breaks 🧘♂️ boost energy & focus.
🔐 Self-Trust Builds ConfidenceKeeping promises to yourself strengthens self-worth.
🤝 Joy is Fuel—Not FluffTime with people who lift you up is essential, not optional.
🔍 Tune In to Your Body’s SignalsAwareness of your stress, sleep, and hunger is the first step to lasting change.
LISTEN HERE
https://linktr.ee/thekollectiveinstituteofideas
❤️🔥 Loved this episode?✨ Like, Share, and Subscribe to support bold, heart-led conversations.
🌈 Like our interview?👉 Become a patron and get exclusive access & behind-the-scenes perks:www.patreon.com/TheKollective828 💎
🔥🔥Fireside chat🔥🔥
Mantra you want to embrace: Let go
Unusual things that give pleasure: Keeping up with Kardashians
Favourite Book:Finding Your own North Star by Martha Beck
Add to Bucket List: Martha's Vineyard
Best Advice Received: God will only throw the challenges that he knows you can face
Dr. Clotaire Rapaille, a cultural anthropologist and marketing strategist, has advised global giants like Nestlé, Chrysler, Procter & Gamble, and L’Oréal. Famous for uncovering the subconscious “cultural codes” behind consumer choices, he even influenced the redesign of the Chrysler PT Cruiser. An intriguing fact: he began his career as a child psychologist studying autism before applying his insights to global marketing.
Ever wonder why you actually do what you do? 👀It’s not logic. It’s not even emotion. According to Dr. Clotaire Rapaille — global psychology & marketing expert — it’s all about your reptilian brain 🧠🐍
In this mind-shifting episode, we explore:🇫🇷 Why Americans eat “dead” cheese and the French eat it alive🐕 How a dog became his best therapist🍼 What childhood imprints secretly shape your choices🚘 Why billion-dollar brands hire him to decode your subconscious💡 Why pleasure, ritual, and instinct can matter more than data
This one will make you rethink — from how you shop to how you feel.A must-listen for creatives, leaders, marketers, and deep thinkers 🧬✨
❤️🔥 Loved this episode?✨ Like, Share, and Subscribe to support bold, heart-led conversations.🌈 Want to go deeper with us?👉 Become a patron and get exclusive access & behind-the-scenes perks:www.patreon.com/TheKollective828 💎
🔮 The Lawyer Who Reads Tarot: Suhad Yazbak on Clarity, Courage & Inner Power 💫
From practicing corporate law to becoming a sought-after tarot reader and teacher in London—Suhad Yazbak’s story is one of courage, reinvention, and deep spiritual alignment. In this episode, she shares her journey of discovering tarot, embracing her intuitive gifts, and ultimately becoming a guide for others seeking clarity and truth.
🌟 What you’ll hear in this episode:1️⃣ How Suhad went from curious tarot student to confident teacher2️⃣ The role tarot plays in self-reflection and personal power3️⃣ Why self-belief and agency are key to transforming your life4️⃣ Honest stories of healing, bravery, and embracing change
✨ Key Takeaways:💭 Fulfillment begins when you follow your inner voice—even when it scares you.🔍 Tarot isn’t fortune-telling—it’s about uncovering what’s already within.🧭 The right question can lead you to life-changing insight.🦋 You are more powerful, brave, and capable than you think.
🎧 Listen, reflect, and let this episode open a new doorway for you.
❤️🔥 Loved this episode?✨ Like, Share, and Subscribe to support bold, heart-led conversations.
🌈 Want to go deeper with us?👉 Become a patron and get exclusive access & behind-the-scenes perks:www.patreon.com/TheKollective828 💎
🔮 Ready to experience tarot yourself?Book a reading at 👉 www.kollective.community
#Kioi #SuhadYazbak #Tarot #Empowerment #Podcast #InnerJourney #Spiritual #Growth #Courage #Clarity #PatreonCommunity #thekollectiveinstituteofideas #tarotreading
***CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT THE END OF THIS PODCAST FOR A VISUAL INSIGHT INTO TAROT READING
We sit down with Backgammon legend Chris Bray for a dynamic duel that turns into a full-on tutorial. 🎓🔥 Whether you're a curious beginner or a strategy buff, this one's packed with laughs, lessons, and lightbulb moments. 💡
🧠 Learn how this ancient game of war on the board teaches us about risk, intuition, and how to lose with grace. From aggressive playstyles to counterintuitive strategies, Chris breaks down every move with wisdom and wit.
👣 Key Takeaways:
🎯 The power of aggression in Backgammon — and life.
🤯 How to spot (and avoid) common blunders.
📈 Why learning from loss might be your biggest win.
🧩 Strategy secrets only the pros know.
A rare chance to get coached by one of the best — while witnessing a match full of suspense and surprise rolls! 🎥✨
#Backgammon #ChrisBray #KioiStudio #BoardGames #Strategy #Inspiration #LearningByPlaying #PodcastClip #GameOn #LevelUp ♟️🎙️
We interviewed Chris Bray was the backgammon correspondent for The Independent for 23 years before moving to The Times in 2019, where his column helped fuel a new wave of interest in the game.
Chris has authored multiple books, including Backgammon to Win and Backgammon for Dummies, and has worked closely with developers of the top backgammon AI programs like JellyFish, Snowie, and Extreme Gammon.
In this episode, we dive into:🎲 The psychology and strategy behind backgammon — why it’s much more than just luck💡 The impact of AI and neural networks on how the game is played and taught today🔥 Wild stories from the high-stakes world of backgammon, including million-dollar games and legendary bluffs🧠 What it takes to stay calm and make the best decisions under extreme pressure (both on and off the board)⚖️ Lessons from backgammon that can be applied to business, personal growth, and life itself
Key takeaways:
Why emotional control is more important than talent alone
How pattern recognition and mental arithmetic shape expert decision-making
The critical importance of understanding risk and knowing when to push forward or hold back
Why embracing failure (and learning quickly from it) is essential to improvement — in games and in life
If you're fascinated by strategy, psychology, or stories from the hidden world of high-stakes games, this episode will inspire you and challenge how you think about skill, chance, and resilience.
🎲💥 Listen now and discover why Chris calls backgammon "the best game in the world" — and how its lessons can help you play your best game in life.
*Mentions Nack Ballard, Victor Lownes, James Goldsmith, Paul Magriel, Aryna Sabalenka, Masayuki "Mochy" Mochizuki, DeepMind, AlphaZero, Extreme Gammon, Travis Kalanick, Magnus Carlsen, Chess.com, Clive Woodward, Stan Wawrinka, Formula 1, Jimi Hendrix, Lord of the Rings, Paul David Magriel
We sit down with Javier Bernad, founder of Speak & Span and one of Europe's foremost experts in public speaking. With a career spanning over two decades, Javier has trained thousands of managers, executives, and politicians — helping them break their barriers and transform into confident, dynamic communicators.
Javier shares his journey from leading major advertising agencies to launching his own public speaking training center, and how his mission has remained clear: empowering people to shine, both on stage and in life.
We dive deep into the art and science of communication, exploring:
Why communication is the single most important skill for leaders — and how it can be the difference between inspiring a team or losing them.
The surprising ways nonverbal expression shapes how we're perceived (and why you should stop watching YouTube speeches to imitate others!).
How to turn fear into energy and confidence on stage.
Practical tips on handling difficult audiences and mastering Q&A sessions.
Why vulnerability can be powerful — and when it might backfire.
The cultural nuances of communication and how to adapt to different audiences.
Javier also opens up about his own passions beyond speaking — including scuba diving, mountain biking, and photography — revealing how these pursuits shape his approach to teaching and leadership.
Key takeaways:✅ Communication is a skill anyone can master with the right mindset and practice.✅ Knowing what makes you unique as a speaker is more powerful than trying to copy others.✅ True charisma combines passion, power, proximity, and positivity — and can be cultivated.✅ Great speakers are great listeners first.
Whether you're a manager, entrepreneur, or simply someone who wants to express yourself more confidently, this conversation is packed with insights that will inspire you to take the stage — in work and in life — with renewed courage and clarity.
Hear about Guy Kawasaki’s journey—from his time as Chief Evangelist at Apple, working closely with Steve Jobs, to his current role at as Chief Evangelist at Canva. Guy is also a bestselling author and host of the Remarkable People podcast. Our conversation is filled with insight, humility, and bold truths.
Takeaways include:
"I now think AI might be the only thing that saves us."Guy shares his surprising optimism about AI’s role in humanity’s future.
Deepak Chopra on AI stunned him — on Guy’s podcast.When Guy interviewed Deepak on Remarkable People, he expected skepticism. Instead, Deepak said: “AI might be the ultimate guru.”(Fun fact: Deepak even has his own language model — you can interact with it!)
"Scratch your interests. Collect data. Then double down."Don’t wait for a perfect passion—explore what grabs your attention and build from there.
"There’s a karmic scoreboard in the sky."Help everyone without expecting anything in return. It’ll come back around.
"You can only connect the dots looking backwards." — Steve JobsYour journey will make more sense in hindsight—trust the process.
Want to succeed? Make yourself indispensable.Show up early, stay late, do the sh*t work, and make your boss look good.
Default to yes.Saying yes and getting out there can open doors in unexpected ways.
Guy’s deck advice:10 slides, dark background, big fonts, and very few words. Let your voice tell the story.
When an interest sparks, scratch at it.Give it time and effort—if it fits, run with it.
Remarkable people all share this:A growth mindset, grit, and a desire to give back.
Master AI now.Those who embrace it will thrive. It’s as essential today as learning computers once was.
Forget work-life balance early on.
Phase 1: Underpaid & overworked
Phase 2: Overpaid & underworked
Phase 3: Time to give back
"If you want to be a writer, write. If you want to be an entrepreneur, sell something."You don’t need permission—just start.
🎧 Top Takeaways from Guy Kawasaki on Kioi StudioAnd finally... surf.It might just be your path to happiness.
In this episode, we sit down with Simon Woodroffe, the visionary founder of Yo! Sushi and YOTEL. Simon opens up about the unfiltered highs and lows of his extraordinary life—starting with dropping out of school and a stint in jail, to creating one of the most innovative restaurant brands in the UK.
Simon talks about vulnerability, grit, creativity, and the unexpected moments that shaped his path. From rock 'n' roll stage design to redefining hospitality, his story is filled with insights for anyone looking to build something meaningful. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or just seeking motivation, this episode is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.
🔑 Takeaways:
In life, you find what you’re talented at
The importance of following what you enjoy
How low self-esteem can be used to an advantage
How vital it is to get out and do things
Being busted for drugs and going to jail is not game over
Getting lost in life is normal and can be helpful
The importance of saying YES and building an interest in things
This is more than a business conversation—it's a reflection on what it means to live boldly and authentically.
🟠 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to keep the inspiration flowing.
#SimonWoodroffe #YoSushi #Entrepreneurship #KioiStudio #LifeLessons #Inspiration #StartupStories #Hospitality #Podcast
Leo Rubbra talks about his journey building YumBug, from making recipes with Prue Leith to getting 100 million impressions in the press. YumBug have had the bold ambition of taking edible insects mainstream. We dive into the highs & hurdles of Leo’s journey as an entrepreneur, the importance of people eating from sustainable sources, the nuance challenges in operating a food brand and the power of listening.
Insects produce 2,000 times less CO₂ than the equivalent 1kg of beef and require 20 times less land
Most efficient feed-to-meat ratio for any meat. 1.2 feed to 1 for insects. 10kg to 1kg for beef
In a world where social media can feel more isolating than ever, 💡 @stelioropokis, co-founder of @vibe.questions, is using AI to bring us closer together - . LINK IN BIO
In this episode, Stelio shares how growing up across cultures 🌐 and working at @Facebook & @Spotify 🎶 shaped his mission to build tech for real connection.
We discover what’s happening in the AI Social space, how the technology can be used—and is already being used—to forge real human connection. 🔗✨
We explore how AI can reveal your values, boost self-awareness, and help you feel seen. 🔍💬
🎧 Tune in now to discover how AI can help us build not just smarter apps—but stronger bonds. 🫱🏽🫲🏽
#Podcast #NewEpisode #TrendingNow #ListenNow #TechTalk #Innovation #FutureOfTech #WellnessJourney #SelfGrowth #Inspiration #ai startup #Entrepreneur #Innovation #TechTalk #SelfGrowth #Leadership #Founder #Inspiration Daily #MindsetMatters
Takeaways:
🎯 1. AI Can Deepen Human Connection💬 2. Reflection Is More Powerful When Shared🧠 3. Insights Need to Be a Two-Way Conversation🔄 4. Follow & Manage Your Energy📱 5. Social Tech Is Shifting to Intimacy🚀 6. The Future of AI Is Not Solo, But Social
AI isn't just about automation—it can support meaningful human relationships.
Stelio envisions AI not as a replacement for real connection, but as a tool to enhance it.
Vibe Social transforms self-reflection into a social experience through WhatsApp group chats.
Sharing answers to simple, daily questions creates deeper conversations and stronger bonds.
AI insights should be interactive, not prescriptive. It’s about asking: “Does this resonate?”
Stelio’s favourite mantra: : “Follow your energy, and manage your energy.”
Sustainable creativity and connection come from understanding what energizes you—and protecting that.
Social media started with broadcasting; now people crave private, intimate spaces—like group chats.
Vibe Social is tapping into that cultural shift by embedding AI in the places people already connect.
The endgame? More in-person, joyful, authentic moments—with a little AI magic in the background.
In this episode, Jillian and Michael, founders of the London Meditation Centre, share their personal journeys to meditation, its profound impacts on their lives, and the unique aspects of Vedic meditation. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding Vedic meditation, the importance of effortless practice, and how meditation can lead to a more fulfilling and less stressful life. The conversation also covers the practicalities of learning meditation and its benefits, emphasising that it is a technique designed for busy individuals. Personal anecdotes and scientific insights are shared, highlighting how meditation can enhance emotional well-being, improve decision-making, and foster better relationships.
Introducing Jillian Lavender
Co-director of London and New York Meditation Centres, a full-time Vedic Meditation teacher, and author of Do Reset: Meditate. Move beyond thinking. Find clarity and Why Meditate? Because It Works.
Jillian believes meditation has the power to transform our lives and as the world’s most active Vedic Meditation teacher she’s seen it happen. Originally from New Zealand, Jillian held senior business roles in Sydney, Paris and New York. During this demanding time she learned Vedic Meditation.
The improvements to her life were immediate — stress levels began to dissolve and fatigue quickly subsided. Inspired to share this life-changing knowledge she left her CEO role, and undertook intensive training in the US and India to become a teacher of Vedic Meditation. Alongside teaching, Jillian is an expert in Ayurveda.
Introducing Michael Miller
Co-director of London and New York Meditation Centres, a full-time Vedic Meditation teacher and podcast host:Speaking of Meditation.
Michael discovered Vedic Meditation working as an executive in the entertainment industry in LA and noticed the benefits right away: more energy, better sleep and greater clarity.Michael brings this experience to his teaching in a down-to-earth way — understanding the challenges people face in their busy lives, and how to balance this with staying well, creative and happier. He’s recognised as a leading expert in his field teaching across the globe, hosting a popular podcast, Speaking of Meditation, and leading meditation retreats in India, Europe and the States.
🎙 Interview with Founder Jamie Wace on Backing Yourself & Breaking Barriers: Dyslexia, Entrepreneurship & Self-Belief
🔹 Nobody will back you more than you back yourself. Jamie Wace, CEO of Talamo, shares how his dyslexia diagnosis changed his life—and how he’s now making special needs testing more accessible.
🔹 We discuss:
✔️ The high cost of dyslexia testing & why it needs to change
✔️ How self-belief & discipline shape success
✔️ How technology is revolutionizing special needs testing
💡 Enjoyed this episode? Follow us on Insta & share your thoughts! 🚀
Tune in to this episode of The Kollective Podcast, where we dive into the world of wine, passion, and life perspectives with Hugo Brooks, a dynamic wine podcaster and former consultant who left it all behind to follow his passion. Hugo brings a fresh perspective to wine culture sharing insights that resonate far beyond the vineyard. Discover why he believes in ditching the champagne flute, the hidden treasures of Greek wines, and the timeless wisdom in embracing hedonism with a purpose.
Not just about wine, Hugo shares stories that offer life lessons on perseverance, joy, and the art of self-awareness. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a curious listener, or someone contemplating a big life change, this episode promises inspiration and a unique outlook on life and passion.
