Episodes

  • From Arctic Adventures to T-Rex Races: The Incredible Journey of Expedition Limitless!
    Nov 8 2024
    In this episode of the M Word podcast, host Matt Mason discusses the journey of Expedition Limitless with guests Martin Lubbers, Kim, and others involved in the initiative. They share insights on the origins of the expedition, experiences from the Arctic and Yukon trips, the emphasis on building resilience in challenging environments, and the impact of their fundraising efforts for local charities. The episode also highlights future plans for upcoming expeditions and community events, including a humorous T-Rex race that successfully raised awareness and funds.
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    51 mins
  • Pedal to Glory: Getting that Professional Cycling Contract
    Nov 4 2024
    In this episode of the podcast our guests our Dot Tilbury and Max Walker, a professional cyclist. We discuss their backgrounds in cycling, including their formative experiences and professional journeys. They delve into the evolution of competitive cycling in the Isle of Man, the development of youth sports, and the significance of mentorship in nurturing future talent. The conversation also highlights Max's recent transition to professional cycling, sharing insights on training, competition dynamics, and the community's role in supporting athletes.
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    55 mins
  • MW Life | Leading with Heart: Chris Hall on Transforming Culture, Leadership in Business & Hospice
    Oct 8 2024
    In this podcast, Chris Hall shares insights on leadership, drawing from his background in telecoms and his work with organisations like Manx Telecom and Hospice. He talks about the importance of adapting leadership styles to suit different situations, reflecting on his early career when he was given a big break leading a team at just 23. This experience taught him the value of constant learning and adjusting leadership approaches. Hall believes in empowering teams, setting clear goals, and recognising people’s efforts, which helps create a productive and positive environment. He also mentions that leadership isn’t just about managing people but inspiring them to work towards a common goal. Hall highlights the importance of culture in organisations, particularly when it comes to driving change. He shares his experience of transforming Manx Telecom from a monopoly to a competitive business, noting that culture change takes time and needs to focus on behaviours, not just results. Hall’s work with Hospice has also shaped his leadership style, where empathy, fairness, and authenticity are crucial. He emphasises celebrating successes and supporting team members, especially in challenging times, and sees resilience as a key part of both leadership and personal growth.
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    46 mins
  • MW Life | The Untold Stories of Redemption and Second Chances
    Sep 10 2024
    The podcast features a conversation with Dawid and Richard, who share their experiences and insights related to their work in prisons and efforts to rehabilitate inmates. Dawid, a British-Ghanaian entrepreneur, discusses his background, including his move from Ghana to the UK and his career transition from law and investment banking to entrepreneurship. He talks about his involvement in public speaking and his efforts to inspire positive change among inmates by sharing stories of hope and personal transformation. Richard, who has spent years working in various prison roles, speaks about his passion for supporting inmates, particularly those serving long sentences. He emphasizes the importance of providing hope and opportunities for personal development, describing initiatives such as a mediation program that helped reduce violence among inmates. The conversation delves into the challenges and complexities of the prison environment, highlighting the need for empathy, understanding, and patience when working with individuals who have often been marginalized or forgotten by society. Richard shares powerful anecdotes about the impact of mentorship and support on inmates, recounting stories of how simple acts of kindness and encouragement can lead to profound changes in behavior and outlook. Both speakers underscore the significance of storytelling and public speaking as tools for empowerment, suggesting that giving inmates the opportunity to share their narratives can foster self-reflection, accountability, and personal growth. The podcast ultimately conveys a message of resilience and the transformative power of second chances.
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    47 mins
  • MW Sport & Life | Rich Sille | Psychology Behind Winning in Sports and Business
    Aug 27 2024
    Sports psychologist Rich Sille delves into the ways psychology can optimise human performance and wellbeing, particularly in sports and business contexts. Sille defines psychology as a tool for enhancing both performance and mental health, focusing on how individuals can improve by analyzing their mental processes. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, suggesting that people should reflect on the historical, environmental, and personal influences shaping their behavior. By understanding these influences, individuals can identify areas for improvement, foster healthier relationships, and enhance their overall well-being. Sille also touches on concepts like nudge theory, which uses subtle cues to help people make better decisions, and discusses how preventative measures in mental health could significantly impact education and suicide prevention. Throughout the conversation, Sille highlights the parallels between performance in sports and business, explaining that the same psychological principles apply across various domains. Whether it's an athlete aiming for a personal best or a business leader delivering a crucial presentation, Sille stresses the role of mindset and self-talk in achieving peak performance. He encourages clients to challenge rigid beliefs that may create unnecessary pressure, replacing them with more adaptive and flexible thoughts. This approach, according to Sille, can lead to improved outcomes by reducing anxiety and fostering a healthier, more sustainable drive toward success.
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    59 mins
  • MW Sport & Life | Marie Morgan | Manx Ladies G.O.A.T
    Aug 20 2024
    We discuss Marie’s her journey from a talented cross-country runner to a top-level cyclist, beginning after a calf injury forced her to transition to cycling in her late teens. Initially, she rode just to stay fit but quickly became competitive, entering local races and improving her times. Her natural drive pushed her to succeed, and despite a major accident early in her career, she recovered and went on to achieve national and international recognition. Morgan reflects on key moments, including winning her first UK National Road Race Championship in 1990 and her experiences representing the Isle of Man and Great Britain at the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. Morgan’s career is marked by perseverance and determination in a time when athletes had fewer resources and support. She describes competing with minimal equipment compared to European teams, yet she continued to push boundaries and achieve remarkable results. Her recount of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where she led part of the race before a puncture hindered her, illustrates both the triumphs and challenges of elite competition. Ultimately, her story is one of resilience, overcoming setbacks, and reaching the highest levels of cycling through sheer determination and passion for the sport.
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    1 hr
  • MW Sport & Life | Ana Dawson & Will Enefer | Grassroots to Golf Pro Tour
    Aug 13 2024
    The podcast episode featuring Ana Dawson and Will Enefer delves into their journeys as professional golfers, highlighting their paths to success, the challenges they faced, and the different routes they took within the sport. Ana Dawson, a Manx professional golfer, discusses her early introduction to golf, which started around the age of nine. She was heavily involved in various sports before focusing on golf. Ana and her sisters found themselves deeply involved in the game, particularly enjoying the inclusivity of golf, where age and gender did not limit participation. Ana talks about the balance between receiving parental support without being pushed too hard, which allowed her to develop a genuine passion for the sport. Her journey includes playing in regional squads and eventually deciding to pursue university golf in the United States. Ana reflects on the competitiveness and high standards of college golf in America, where she had to balance academic and athletic commitments while continuously proving herself in a highly competitive environment. Will Enefer, who plays on the DP Tour, shares his somewhat different journey. Like Ana, he was introduced to golf at a young age, playing both football and golf before deciding to focus solely on golf. Will chose to forgo university, opting instead to dedicate himself fully to professional golf from the age of 18. He describes the support he received from his family, particularly from his father, who encouraged him to pursue his golfing ambitions as long as he continued to improve. Will emphasizes the importance of coaching and support systems in his development, including working with coaches from the England squads and later incorporating additional specialists as he transitioned to full-time professional golf. Throughout the podcast, both Ana and Will touch on the psychological and technical aspects of golf, discussing how mental toughness, course management, and personal motivation are crucial in their professional growth. They also talk about the impact of COVID-19 on their careers, with Ana recounting how the pandemic disrupted her college golf experience and Will reflecting on the broader challenges faced by professional golfers during that time. In summary, this episode offers an insightful look into the lives of two rising golf professionals, shedding light on the different paths one can take within the sport and the dedication required to succeed at the highest levels.
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • MW Sport & Life | Sean Askin | Journey of Judo Discipline and Respect
    Aug 6 2024
    We chat with Sean, an experienced judo practitioner, whom delves into various aspects of the sport, including its technical intricacies, the discipline required for training, and the culture of respect it fosters. Sean discusses his personal journey in judo, the differences between judo and other martial arts like jiu-jitsu, and the importance of understanding both the physical and theoretical components of the sport. He emphasizes the value of respect and discipline, which are deeply ingrained in judo's practice and philosophy. The conversation also touches on how these values extend beyond the mat, influencing personal development and daily interactions. A key takeaway from the podcast is the holistic nature of judo, which not only builds physical strength but also instills ethical principles and a strong sense of community among practitioners.
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    58 mins