In this episode of 'More Than Work,' Rabiah sits down with Dave Birss, founder of the Gen AI Academy and LinkedIn Learning instructor specializing in AI and prompting. Dave shares his fascinating journey from musician and recording engineer to BBC comedy performer, then through a 20-year advertising career before becoming one of the leading voices in AI education. They discuss his unique approach to teaching AI that prioritizes human thinking over technology, the ethical concerns around AI including environmental impact and copyright issues, and his vision for the future of humanity in an AI-driven world. Dave also opens up about his philosophy of leadership, his concerns about workplace engagement, and why he believes companies need to put humans before shareholder profits.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work

00:34 Meet Dave Birss: AI Educator and Former Creative Director

00:57 Dave's Background: From Scotland to London

02:07 Edinburgh Fringe and Early Performance Days

03:19 The Unexpected Comedy Career

06:11 From Music to Advertising

10:43 Philosophy of Servant Leadership

17:24 Leaving Advertising to Start Teaching

19:41 The Power of Sharing Knowledge

25:07 Introduction to AI and ChatGPT

30:42 Creating the Most Popular AI Course on LinkedIn Learning

31:27 Founding the Gen AI Academy

34:34 Ethics of AI: Copyright, Environment, and Humanity

42:18 Energy Consumption: Putting AI in Context

45:02 The Future of Humanity and Brain Atrophy

50:00 Mind Gyms: The Next Fitness Revolution

51:41 Teaching Management Skills for the AI Age

56:10 Rethinking Capitalism and Corporate Structure

62:08 Advice and Mantra: Leave the World Better

62:48 The Fun Five Questions

70:40 How to Find Dave and Closing Thoughts

Note from Rabiah (host):

I first wrote to Dave as a fan of his LinkedIn Learning courses. I was hesitant about using AI for some of the exact reasons Dave talks about in our chat but he made me want to push myself. Plus he was very entertaining which is unusual for skills courses! He wrote back and we ended up having one of my favorite chats. I was slow to edit and publish but am excited to finally share this episode with you, the listener. Thank you for being here and giving me your time! Enjoy.

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Find Dave

Website: davebirss.com

Gen AI Academy: thegenaiacademy.com

LinkedIn Learning Courses: linkedin.com/learning/instructors/dave-birss

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode of 'More Than Work,' Rabiah sits down with Freddie Titcombe, co-founder of Evolve Journey. Freddie shares how he and his brother turned their personal journaling practice into a bestselling all-in-one journal and a thriving community focused on reflection, action, and accountability. He discusses the challenges of building discipline, the importance of balancing the four pillars of happiness, and how Evolve Journey helps people move from feeling stuck to making real progress. The conversation covers Freddie’s career journey from tech sales to care work to entrepreneurship, the power of community, and practical strategies for building better habits. Plus, Freddie shares his favorite productivity tool, the story behind his “Eat the Frog” method, and answers the Fun Five questions.

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work

00:26 Meet Freddie Titcombe & Evolve Journey

01:08 Freddie’s background and the start of Evolve Journey

03:10 Journaling, reflection, and building a business with his brother

05:07 Why blank-page journaling didn’t work—and creating a better system

08:07 Developing the all-in-one journal and its unique features

10:14 How the journal blends gratitude, habit tracking, and productivity tools

12:00 Advice for people who struggle with daily journaling

14:16 Launching the Accountability Academy and building community

17:00 Coworking, office hours, and the power of accountability

20:00 Consistency, discipline, and the value of partnership

23:00 Balancing health, wealth, relationships, and freedom—the four pillars of happiness

27:00 The “Eat the Frog” productivity method explained

29:00 Building confidence and overcoming self-doubt

32:00 Freddie’s career journey: from tech sales to care work to startups

36:00 Sam’s background and their complementary skills

39:00 The importance of service, helping others, and finding balance

43:00 Fun Five Questions

48:00 Freddie’s inspirations and how to connect with Evolve Journey

50:31 Closing thoughts and credits

Note from Host:

This episode took me way too long to get from recording day to publish day.i Ihad to deprioritize or maybe just reprioritize the podcast for a little while. The next one will be out soon too and was recorded during the same week.

I loved chatting with Freddie. We had fun and he shared a lot of wisdom along the way. Personally, I’ve started going through the journal he and his brother sell and think that journaling, in some form everyday, is the way to go. It is a form of mindfulness and can really compliment another practice. Check out Evolve Journey after you listen.

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Find Freddie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolve.journey

Website: https://www.evolvejourney.co.uk/

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode, Rabiah talks with Ravi Holy—a vicar, comedian, and leader of a therapeutic program for adult survivors of child abuse. Ravi shares his remarkable journey from punk theater and addiction to recovery, faith, and finding his calling in the Church of England. He discusses the intersection of comedy, ministry, and therapy, the challenges of serving a community, and the importance of honesty and resilience. Plus, Ravi answers the Fun Five and shares how you can connect with him.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:34 Meet Ravi Holy: Vicar, Comedian, and Program Leader

01:22 Ravi’s Background: From Cambridge to London

02:10 Punk Theater, Addiction, and Recovery

04:14 Finding Faith and the Path to Sobriety

06:04 Experiences with Religion: From Cult to Church of England

09:45 Becoming a Vicar and Discovering a Calling

13:30 The Realities and Surprises of Vicar Life

15:00 Comedy and Ministry: How Standup Informs Preaching

18:00 Getting Started in Comedy and Early Gigs

21:00 Running Heal for Life: Supporting Survivors of Child Abuse

25:00 Integrating Comedy, Ministry, and Therapy

27:00 Burnout, Resilience, and Staying Sane as a Clergy Member

29:00 Advice and Mantras: Honesty and Growth

30:00 Fun Five Questions

33:00 Where to Find Ravi and Closing Thoughts

Note from Host:

Since they are people, a lot of comics are more than just comics. With Ravi Holy, that was obvious when I met him. He was dressed in clericals. I was intrigued that a vicar was performing comedy and loved his set. Since then we have gigged together and have had the chance to chat and now I’m sharing one of those chats with you.

I know episodes have been sparse. I love sharing my conversations and will keep going until I don’t love it anymore. And I’ll try to share more regularly. Thank you for reading and thank you for listening. It is a privilege to have any ears or eyes on the podcast and I appreciate your time. If it is your first time here, check out more. There are over 100 cool people to listen to and find inspiration from!

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Find Ravi

Instagram: @revraviholy

Facebook: Ravi Holy

Learn more about Heal for Life: [Google "Heal for Life UK"]

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode of 'More Than Work,' Rabiah sits down with Has Shah, the owner of Cleaners and Coffee in London. Has shares how his background in fashion retail and passion for coffee led him to take over his father's dry cleaning business and transform it into a unique community space that offers both high-quality garment care and exceptional coffee. He discusses the influence of his upbringing, his global work experiences, and the values instilled in him by his family. They also delve into the importance of community, the meticulous work involved in dry cleaning, and his team’s dedication. Plus, Has talks about his inspirations, the challenges of running the business, and the joy he finds in engaging with his customers.

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work

00:34 Meet Has Shah: Owner of Cleaners and Coffee

01:22 The Unique Concept of Cleaners and Coffee

04:36 Has Shah's Background and Journey

06:11 Connecting with Roots and Family Legacy

09:17 Building and Growing the Business

15:58 The Coffee Passion and Business Expansion

19:41 Team Dynamics and Community Focus

22:18 Challenges and Rewards in Dry Cleaning

26:34 Fun Five Questions

30:42 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Note from Host:

I love my neighborhood in London. I walk by some shops and wave hello to people I know in them. I have my local pub. And as a coffee drinker, I have a few places, both chain and independent that I frequent. The most unique of these is Cleaners and Coffee. I asked Has to do the podcast a year or two ago but finally followed up this year and we made it happen. Grab a coffee (or tea, or neither) and enjoy this episode. I enjoyed making it!

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Find Has

Website: https://www.cleanersandcoffee.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleanersandcoffee/

Mentioned in this episode

Penelope Coffee - https://www.penelope.coffee/

Reline Uniforms - https://www.relinelondon.com/

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

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In this episode of 'More Than Work,' host Rabiah sits down with Amanda Castello, Associate Director of Employee Engagement at UCSD's Rady School of Business, Ayurvedic coach, and yoga teacher. They discuss Amanda's journey from Michigan to San Diego, her career evolution, the importance of communication skills in job seeking, and her work in career coaching. Amanda also delves into her holistic wellness practices, including Ayurveda and yoga, and how they complement her professional life. They touch on the importance of giving your time to the community and finding inspiration from your surroundings.

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work Podcast

00:34 Meet Amanda Castello: Career Coach and Yoga Teacher

02:54 Amanda's Journey to Career Coaching

04:11 Challenges and Insights in Career Coaching

06:52 The Importance of Communication Skills

13:49 Amanda's Personal Journey with Yoga and Ayurveda

21:06 Balancing Multiple Passions and Taking Breaks

22:36 Balancing Passion and Career

23:37 Artistic Expression and Personal Growth

24:56 Ayurveda and Career Integration

26:52 Athena STEM Women and Community Involvement

30:27 Women in Tech and Career Reflections

34:56 Fun Five Questions

40:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Note from Host:

I love interviewing people I haven’t met because it is an opportunity to get to know someone brand new. But it is even more exciting to get to chat with someone I do know a little better and explore subjects that we never have in real life. Amanda was one of the most supportive non-comics on the comedy scene when I was starting out in San Diego. Our paths crossed briefly before I headed to the UK but her now husband was one of my comedy buddies and she was often a face in the crowd and on the sidelines I was always happy to see. I have followed her career over time and we were finally able to connect. She is impressive, she is compassionate and she is someone I know I will keep learning from. Listen up and learn about Ayurveda, career growth and more!

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Find Amanda

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandascastello/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.ayurvedichealth

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

Sue Kurta on Cheesemaking, Changing Careers, and Embracing Life's Passions

Rabiah welcomes Sue Kurta, owner and cheesemaker at Boss Mouse Cheese, to this episode of 'More Than Work'. Sue shares her intriguing journey from working in the music industry, transitioning to a successful administrative career, and eventually finding her passion for cheesemaking. The episode delves into Sue's life on her beautiful, old farm in Kingsley, Michigan, her various pets, and her thoughts on finding joy outside of traditional career paths. Sue discusses the challenges and rewards of turning a hobby into a livelihood, shares the inspiration behind her unique business name, and expresses her admiration for historical cheesemakers. With humor and optimism, Sue offers insightful advice on following one's passions, the importance of self-awareness, and appreciating life's gifts.

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work

00:34 Meet Sue Kurta: Owner and Cheesemaker

01:10 Life on the Farm

03:51 From Music Industry to Cheesemaking

08:16 The Journey to Becoming a Full-Time Cheesemaker

11:12 The Joy and Challenges of Cheesemaking

20:15 The Story Behind Boss Mouse Cheese

24:32 Cheese Making Inspirations

24:52 Challenges in the Cheese Industry

25:27 Pursuing Cheese Education

26:02 Gender Dynamics in Cheese Making

27:15 Perseverance and Passion

28:29 The Fun of Cheese Contests

32:45 Local and Online Cheese Sales

34:54 The Fun Five Questions

42:12 Inspirations and Final Thoughts

46:08 Closing Remarks and Credits

Note from Host:

This episode is painfully overdue, by several months. I won’t get into it but there has been a lot going on. And, as I mention in the episode, sometimes we hear a message at the right time. When I resumed editing and heard Sue talk, I was eagerly listening again and absorbing again.

Two things to note:

1. At the end of 2024, Sue closed Boss Mouse Cheese but as she posts on Instagram still teaches cheesemaking classes on her farm and she can still be reached via Instagram.
2. This episode was recorded before the 2024 election and we both had hope in our voices. I know my voice has changed but I still have a little bit of hope. It is important to know when it was recorded though because, well, you’ll hear. I don’t know about Sue but my answer to who I admire would include what she said that day.

I met Sue in London and a comedy and writing event. She isn’t a comedian. She makes cheese. I’m cheesy. We got along and it was a joy to get to speak with her. Enjoy the joy and the podcast will be back with another chat soon.

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Find Sue

Website: https://bossmousecheese.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bossmousecheese/

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode of 'More Than Work', host Rabiah Coon sits down with Yesim Nicholson, an author, podcast host, and career coach. They discuss Yesim's diverse career journey, managing career changes, and the important aspects of finding fulfillment beyond job titles. The conversation also delves into Yesim's book 'Ready to Quit Your Job?' and her insights on balancing financial concerns with career satisfaction. Tune in for inspiring stories, practical advice, and a fun Q&A segment.

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work

00:34 Meet Yesim: Author, Podcast Host, and Career Coach

01:20 Navigating Career Changes and Challenges

02:33 The Journey to Becoming a Career Coach

07:37 Balancing Work and Personal Life

12:14 Writing the Book: Ready to Quit Your Job?

18:46 Finding Fulfillment in Your Career

24:39 Reflecting on Career Lessons

26:09 Identifying Positives in Your Job

27:25 Introducing the Podcast

28:51 The Concept of Toe Dippers

31:34 Encouraging Career Changes

32:45 Health and Decision Making

35:39 The Fun Five Questions

43:09 Channeling Confidence

44:31 Where to Find Yesim Nicholson

45:09 Closing Remarks

Note from Host:

Yesim and I met when I was a guest on her podcast. Either my SEO or her solid sleuthing brought us together. I’m nearly done with her book and finding it helpful as I consider what I’m doing in my life (or at least in one aspect of it). It is good to assess sometimes and see if you can align what you do with what you want. That’s really what “More Than Work” is about. We got along like old friend and Yesim is as authentic as it gets! I recommend the book, the podcast and a chat with her wholeheartedly. If you’re reading this, I’ve probably heard from her recently. Be well.

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Find Yesim

Website

Podcast

Book - Ready to Quit Your Job?

LinkedIn

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More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode of More Than Work, host Rabiah interviews M. Brady, a psychotherapist and musician, who shares his journey from being a professional tennis player to discovering his passion for psychotherapy and music. M discusses his long career in therapy, his struggle with anxiety and vulnerability, and how these experiences influenced his album. He also reflects on the impacts of early humiliations, the importance of creativity, and coping with personal losses. Throughout, M emphasizes the value of embracing vulnerability and taking risks in life.

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work Podcast

00:34 Meet M. Brady: Psychotherapist and Musician

01:29 M's Journey into Psychotherapy

02:48 The Intersection of Sports and Psychology

04:43 Overcoming Personal Challenges

08:29 Exploring the Concept of Unprocessed Losses

18:14 M's Return to Music

25:35 Discussing Musical Influences

28:17 Challenges of Performing Live

30:01 Overcoming Personal Barriers

33:15 Inspirations and Advice

35:47 Fun and Personal Questions

40:46 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Note from Rabiah (Host):

I’ve been slow to edit podcasts this year. But I still have a passion for sharing others’ stories. Thank you for sticking with me and there are over 100 episodes in the backlog so you can listen to more if you haven’t already. I’ll be setting up more interviews and getting more episodes out soon.

M. Brady is exactly who I was looking for when I started More Than Work. He has a job but he also has a passion, and he is pursuing it in his own way, in his own time. I related to this as I thought about comedy lately. M was very open about his past and what he went through to get to where he is today, the creator of an EP, in addition to being a psychotherapist. I was tempted to sneak in a little therapy when we chatted but resisted! Enjoy the listen and check out the tunes!

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Find M Brady

Website: mbradymusic.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6JpYhnIRsYXjORa8FL2uCt

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/m-brady/1724662113

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More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!