Ep. 11 | James Sweeney on Friendship, Finding Your Voice, and the Human Hug Named Gareth

In this episode of The Brilliant Humans Podcast, Jonathan sits down with PR and communications professional James Sweeney. A natural storyteller, community builder, and advocate for people with stutters, James brings warmth, honesty, and quiet courage to every conversation he enters.

Today, he celebrates his friend Gareth Bone - a man he describes as “the human personification of a hug.” Across five and a half years of friendship, Gareth has helped James find his voice, reminded him to be himself, and shown him what it means to show up for the highs, the lows, and the everyday in-betweens.

Together, Jonathan and James explore:

• How true relationships aren’t transactional - they’re chosen commitments
• Why being unapologetically yourself helps others do the same
• What it feels like when someone sees you, supports you, and celebrates you
• The moment Gareth helped James recognise his own worth - and the LinkedIn post that made him feel truly valued

From virtual meetups in lockdown to hiking weekends, karaoke nights, and simple messages to just check in, James paints a vivid picture of a friend whose intentional kindness and infectious energy make the world feel lighter. It’s a heartwarming celebration of the people who help us speak up, show up, and step more fully into who we are - and why those humans are worth honouring every chance we get.

The Brilliant Humans Podcast - celebrating the people who remind us what makes us human.