Welcome to the FIRST episode of Season 2 of The Pursuit of Peace with Kieran Joseph!

We’re kicking off the new season with a truly inspirational conversation between Kieran and none other than Doug Wright, a powerhouse in business, community impact, and personal resilience.

In this premiere episode:

Doug shares what peace means to him and how it's guided his remarkable journey—from humble beginnings to high honours.

As CEO of a franchised restaurant company operating 26 McDonald’s across the West Midlands, Doug began his career with McDonald’s the day before leaving school in 1981 and became a franchisee in 2002.

He opens up about overcoming adversity, including a life-changing year in hospital at age 20 that continues to shape his outlook on life and service.

Doug reflects on his passion for charity work, his time as Chairman of Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham, and his mentorship of young entrepreneurs through the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.

Hear his thoughts on leadership, legacy, and how he stays grounded despite achievements including the Fred L Turner Golden Award (2016), two Honorary Doctorates, EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2019), and an MBE awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours (2022).

Trigger Warning: This episode may touch on sensitive themes. If you’re affected, please seek support through Guardian Ballers or a mental health professional.

Learn more about Guardian Ballers, empowering young people through mental health and wellbeing: guardianballers.org

A Twentytwo Productions original podcast.

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Enquiries: thepursuitofpeace101@gmail.com

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Welcome to The Pursuit of Peace with Kieran Joseph

This is the podcast where we explore the depths of human experience, seeking insights, wisdom, and stories that illuminate the path towards peace, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

Joining Kieran in the studio is Rumbi Bvunzawabaya, a guest whose passion for justice and deep empathy reflect a life shaped by resilience and transformative experiences.

In this episode, Rumbi shares her perspective on peace, drawing from her journey of migration to the UK, her role in founding and sustaining various ventures, and her unique vantage point on migration law.

With over 20 years as a practicing solicitor, Rumbi’s career includes influential work on the Supreme Court case “MM and others,” where she challenged the Home Office in 2017. Her dedication to representing marginalised communities as the founder and CEO of Tulia, alongside her ministry and authorship, highlights her profound impact.

This episode also delves into themes of race, resilience, and the role of faith in both personal and professional spheres.

If there are themes in this episode that any listeners find triggering, please head to https://guardianballers.org/ for further advice and support.

So, sit back, relax, and join us as we embark on The Pursuit of Peace.

To keep up to date with behind-the-scenes action, head to our Socials at @thepursuitofpeace101

This podcast is brought to you by Guardian Ballers, a mental health and wellbeing service that exists to empower young people to become happy, healthy and community-transformers! To find out more about the incredible work they do and to find out how you can get involved head to https://guardianballers.org/

This podcast is a Twentytwo Productions original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Pursuit of Peace with Kieran Joseph

This is the podcast where we explore the depths of human experience, seeking insights, wisdom, and stories that illuminate the path towards peace, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

Joining Kieran in the studio is Alethea Balbuena, a guest who operates in ‘influential spaces’, who is raising the profile for ‘less familiar faces’.

Throughout the episode, we explore what peace means to Alethea as she journeys in Mental Health, Charitable and Society-Shaping Spheres.

As the Deputy CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Mind, Alethea centres her work within her Christian Faith, with a heart for equity which drives her to “Level the Playing Field”, especially in areas of Racial Identity, Gender and Poverty. As the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate for her “Contributions to Mental Health Services and Social Justice”, her insights and perspectives breath wisdom.

This episode also explores themes of representation, family dynamics and servant leadership.

If there are themes in this episode that any listeners find triggering, please head to https://guardianballers.org/ for further advice and support.

So, sit back, relax, and join us as we embark on The Pursuit of Peace.

To keep up to date with behind-the-scenes action, head to our Socials at @thepursuitofpeace101

This podcast is brought to you by Guardian Ballers, a mental health and wellbeing service that exists to empower young people to become happy, healthy and community-transformers! To find out more about the incredible work they do and to find out how you can get involved head to https://guardianballers.org/

This podcast is a Twentytwo Productions original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Pursuit of Peace with Kieran Joseph

This is the podcast where we explore the depths of human experience, seeking insights, wisdom, and stories that illuminate the path towards peace, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

Joining Kieran in the studio is podcaster, entrepreneur and mental health advocate Taylor James

Taylor James is the host of The Waffle Shop Podcast, a show centred around candid conversations about mental health, wellbeing, and personal stories. Taylor created the podcast as a way to navigate his own struggles with mental health and to provide a platform for others to share their journeys.

The podcast quickly gained popularity due to its honest and relatable content, offering listeners a blend of humour and vulnerability. Taylor has been recognised for creating a safe space for discussions on mental health, and his open, approachable style has resonated with a wide audience.

The podcast has boasted guests such as Ed Sheeran, Sean Paul and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, amongst many others. The podcast has recently had two sold-out live shows and was recognised as a finalist at The British Podcast Awards.

Throughout the episode, we explore what peace has meant to Taylor throughout his life journey: through childhood and how a traumatic event changed his life in ways he couldn't imagine

So, sit back, relax, and join us as we embark on The Pursuit of Peace.

This episode explores themes of mental health, grief, and resilience. If there are themes in this episode that any listeners find triggering, please head to https://guardianballers.org/ for further advice and support.

To keep up to date with behind-the-scenes action, head to our social channels: https://linktr.ee/thepursuitofpeace101

This podcast is brought to you by Guardian Ballers, a mental health and wellbeing service that exists to empower young people to become happy, healthy and community-transformers! To find out more about the incredible work they do and to find out how you can get involved head to https://guardianballers.org/

This podcast is a Twentytwo Productions original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Pursuit of Peace with Kieran Joseph

This is the podcast where we explore the depths of human experience, seeking insights, wisdom, and stories that illuminate the path towards peace, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

Joining Kieran in the studio is poet, rapper, father, youth voice mobiliser, and mentor, John Bernard.

Throughout the episode, we explore what peace has meant to John throughout his life journey: through childhood, navigating in foster care, overcoming juvenile criminality, and multiple successful life and creative chapters.

As a product of East African heritage, rooted in a 'story-telling’ family, John has soared to heights that have led him to write poems for Ferrari and Amazon for the F1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone; to write a spoken word for the launch of Coventry City Football Club most successful Season Ticket campaign; and crowned BBC Arts - Words First champion at the BBC 1Xtra x Apples and Snakes National Spoken Word Competition.

Although John was offered a Record deal by Sony at the age of 17, has performed with BBC Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall in Birmingham, and held post of ‘Coventry Poet Laureate’, John unpacks his heart for his own young children and the collective youth voice within Society

This episode also explores themes of navigating bereavement, expressing emotions, personal identity shaping and resilience.

If there are themes in this episode that any listeners find triggering, please head to https://guardianballers.org/ for further advice and support.

So, sit back, relax, and join us as we embark on The Pursuit of Peace.

To keep up to date with behind-the-scenes action, head to our social channels: https://linktr.ee/thepursuitofpeace101

This podcast is brought to you by Guardian Ballers, a mental health and wellbeing service that exists to empower young people to become happy, healthy and community-transformers! To find out more about the incredible work they do and to find out how you can get involved head to https://guardianballers.org/

This podcast is a Twentytwo Productions original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Pursuit of Peace with Kieran Joseph

This is the podcast where we explore the depths of human experience, seeking insights, wisdom, and stories that illuminate the path towards peace, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

Joining Kieran in the studio today is the incredible Sevian Witter, a guest with some special local and international journeys, experiences, and expressions!

Throughout the episode, we explore what peace means to Sevian as she journeys through artistic, sporting, and business spheres as an “eclectic creative.”

Sevian’s professional steps have led her to work within the Jordan Brand Collective in London, interactions with NBA Superstars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Zion Williamson, and even meeting the President of Nike at the European HQ. Off the court, Sevian is a creative that produces art and explores wellness through inquisition and fascination.

This episode also explores themes of family upbringings, dealing with conflict, and building personal boundaries and identity.

So, sit back, relax, and join us as we embark on The Pursuit of Peace.

To keep up to date with behind-the-scenes action, head to our social channels: https://linktr.ee/thepursuitofpeace101

This podcast is brought to you by Guardian Ballers, a mental health and wellbeing service that exists to empower young people to become happy, healthy and community-transformers! To find out more about the incredible work they do and to find out how you can get involved head to https://guardianballers.org/

This podcast is a Twentytwo Productions original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Pursuit of Peace with Kieran Joseph

This is the podcast where we explore the depths of human experience, seeking insights, wisdom, and stories that illuminate the path towards peace, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

Joining Kieran in the studio and kicking off the series is someone very close to him—his incredible brother, Gavin!

Throughout the episode, we explore what peace means to Gavin and how he has navigated it both personally and professionally.

Gavin is an award-winning prison officer and brother and has also been a part of Unlocked Graduates. A scheme created to help change the way we develop society’s future leaders and how we think about prisons and prisoners by focusing on rehabilitation and addressing the damage and cost of reoffending.

This episode also explores Gavin's mental health journey and offers some incredible advice to anyone who might be struggling. With that being said, there are themes in this episode that some listeners may find triggering, If you are affected by anything in this episode, please head to https://guardianballers.org/ for further advice and support.

So, sit back, relax, and join us as we embark on The Pursuit of Peace.

To keep up to date with behind-the-scenes action, head to our social channels: https://linktr.ee/thepursuitofpeace101

This podcast is brought to you by Guardian Ballers, a mental health and wellbeing service that exists to empower young people to become happy, healthy and community-transformers! To find out more about the incredible work they do and to find out how you can get involved head to https://guardianballers.org/

This podcast is a Twentytwo Productions original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Pursuit of Peace with Kieran Joseph

This is the podcast where we explore the depths of human experience, seeking insights, wisdom, and stories that illuminate the path towards peace, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

Join Kieran and a very special guest as they embark on a journey of self-discovery, conversation, and contemplation. From mindfulness practices to global issues, personal transformation to societal change, each episode explores the complexities of life and how we can all move towards a more harmonious existence.

So, sit back, relax, and join us as we embark on The Pursuit of Peace.

To keep up to date with behind the scenes action head to our Instagram - @thepursuitofpeace101

This podcast is brought to you by Guardian Ballers, a mental health and wellbeing service that exists to empower young people to become happy, healthy and community-transformers! To find out more about the incredible work they do and to find out how you can get involved head to https://guardianballers.org/

This podcast is a Twentytwo Productions original podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.