In this heartfelt and illuminating episode, I reconnect with two of the three authors behind The Magical Journey of John and Adele — Darius and Marija, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in Cyprus. Though I haven’t yet met Mary from Ireland, her presence in this powerful trio is deeply felt in the spirit of the book and their unique collaboration. Together, they write under the collective pen name Ancius M. Murray.

The three met in Paris during their studies at the prestigious French Government School for Public Administration — Darius as a physicist, Marija as a lawyer, and Mary as a creative writer. What began as a friendship rooted in cultural exchange eventually blossomed into a beautiful creative journey — one that would take twelve years and culminate in a novel unlike any other.

The Magical Journey of John and Adele is more than just a story. It’s a gentle blend of mystery, magical realism, and self-help — a relationship toolkit disguised as fiction. In this episode, we explore:

• How the book came to life over four years of collaboration
• The inspiration behind the characters of John and Adele, a couple at a crossroads
• The fable-like structure that makes it both soothing and transformational
• How fiction can help heal relationships and encourage self-reflection
• The importance of friendship, loyalty, and second chances in love and life

This story is especially refreshing because it centers around a couple who are not in the first flush of youth, offering wisdom and tools for those navigating long-term relationships. It’s relaxing, uplifting, and carries a gentle magic that encourages us all to dare to dream again.

💫 Whether you're in a relationship or reflecting on one, this book — and this episode — offers insights for the heart and soul.

👉 Learn more about the authors and their work at: https://anciusmmurray.co.uk

The Magical Journey of John and Adele – Available now via https://anciusmmurray.co.uk

In this episode of Most Memorable Journeys, I sit down with the extraordinary Helen Argyrou, a clinical psychologist, sacred sound therapist, speaker, author, and global thought leader based in Limassol, Cyprus, whose roots trace back to Africa.

Helen brings a unique fusion of science and spirituality into everything she does, whether it’s through drumming therapy, Enneagram coaching, or her pioneering work in neuroscience-based entrainment and flow states. We dive deep into the healing power of rhythm, the neuroplastic magic of sound, and how sacred drumming can realign and reawaken the self.

• The mystical science of sacred sound therapy and its role in psychological and energetic healing
• How drumming impacts brainwave frequencies, helping to entrain the mind and nervous system
• Helen’s transformative project One HEARTBEAT Cyprus, uniting Greek and Turkish Cypriot youth through rhythm
• Her global leadership platform Women of Truth – Yinalithea, curating stages for 170+ speakers across 5 international events
• The 13-part Copper Thread series, an upcoming sound healing collaboration with world musicians
• What it means to be a neuroscience FlowMojo™ researcher and why rhythm is key to mental and emotional resilience
• Insights from her bestselling book The Biggest Lies Women Believe and the Women of Truth
• Her mission to redefine feminine leadership and elevate the "XtraVisionaries" of our time
• Helen's deep belief in heart-based thought leadership as the antidote to the challenges of modern life

From working with children through entrainment therapy to organizing global health think tanks and art festivals, Helen’s work is a symphony of compassion, creativity, and conscious impact.

🌍 About Helen Argyrou:

Helen holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and is an accredited GESY practitioner, Enneagram coach, mentor, speaker, and sound therapist. She’s also the founder of Women of Truth, an award-winning global leadership platform, and the creator of DrumInspire, a therapeutic movement that’s inspired transformation in over 13 countries.

She is an ambassador for organizations such as Female Wave of Change, G100, My Body My Body, and the Strong Institute, and she continues to pioneer integrative healing modalities in both the personal and collective spheres.

💫 Her motto: “When down becomes up, grace emerges.”

📚 Learn More & Connect:

🔗 Website: www.helenaha.com

📖 Book: The Biggest Lies Women Believe and the Women of Truth

🎶 Project: The Copper Thread – Sound activations launching May 2025

🎧 Meditation & Music: Coming soon

🎧 Tune in for a conversation that will awaken your senses, uplift your spirit, and inspire you to tap into the healing rhythm of your own heart.

In this powerful and insightful episode of Most Memorable Journeys, I sit down with Dr. Stavros Nicolaou, a pioneering leader in Africa’s pharmaceutical sector and Group Senior Executive of Strategic Trade Development at Aspen Pharmacare, one of South Africa’s most globalized companies.

Dr. Nicolaou shares the remarkable journey of his 30+ year career in the healthcare industry, from being a key player in the introduction of Africa’s first generic ARVs, a move that helped save hundreds of thousands of lives, to spearheading initiatives in vaccine manufacturing, health security, and regional development across the continent.

• The importance of local vaccine manufacturing in Africa post-COVID-19
• The critical role of regulatory reform to enable equitable access to medicines
• The challenges and opportunities of pharmaceutical innovation in emerging markets
• Why building predictable demand pipelines is vital for manufacturing resilience
• How Aspen is tackling workforce development and upskilling across Africa
• Dr. Nicolaou’s reflections on leadership, public-private partnerships, and impact-driven change
• His experience serving in numerous high-level national and international boards, including B4SA, PHARMISA, BRICS Business Council, and more

We also explore his Greek-Cypriot heritage and deep commitment to health equality and empowerment on the African continent, as well as the recognitions and honors he has received, including an honorary doctorate and the prestigious Order of the Lion of St. Mark from Patriarch Theodoros II.

Dr. Nicolaou's story is one of resilience, vision, and action. He reminds us that true health security is about more than infrastructure, it’s about people, policy, innovation, and partnerships with purpose.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Stavros Nicolaou is the Group Senior Executive at Aspen Pharmacare, responsible for Strategic Trade Development, and formerly CEO of Aspen’s Export Business. He is a globally recognized figure in public health, pharmaceutical development, and business leadership. With decades of service on national advisory boards, health taskforces, and global partnerships—including for GAVI, IFC, WHO, and B4SA—his influence spans from the lab to the boardroom to the policy arena.

🌍 Connect with Dr. Nicolaou

🔗 Aspen Pharmacare

🔗 Learn more about Africa’s vaccine efforts via IFC