International speaker Amanda Gore reveals how teaching others about joy led to an unexpected discovery: she had forgotten how to live it herself. When the pandemic halted her global speaking career, she was forced to confront the disconnect between teaching joy and experiencing it. Through exploring three life-changing events, including a courageous move overseas at 68, Amanda shares how childhood fears shaped her life choices and how slowing down revealed wisdom she didn't know she needed. This powerful conversation shows us that transformation often begins not when we master our fears, but when we pause long enough to listen to them.

About Our Guest

Amanda Gore is a Hall of Fame motivational speaker who is redefining leadership, communication and wellness in the Age of Change and Uncertainty. The antidote to burnout is joy!

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e9

00:00 Amanda Gore Intro

04:30 Self-Discovery Through Crisis

09:35 Authenticity and Personal Growth

14:28 Navigating Emotions and Fear

19:44 The Power of Connection and Love

27:20 Creating Safe Spaces for Connection

28:15 Evolving Audience Feedback and Connection

29:11 Facilitating Change and Self-Discovery

31:10 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Authenticity

34:06 Growth Through Crisis and Life Events

36:33 Understanding Core Fears and Self-Love

39:50 Questioning Belief Systems and Self-Reflection

43:25 Messages to Our Younger Selves

45:04 Seeing Challenges as Opportunities

48:10 Practical Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety

51:31 It's A Wrap

In this conversation, Nick Tsakiris shares his journey of discovering a different approach to life when the pandemic disrupted his hospitality career. Already questioning the sustainability of late nights and demanding schedules, he found himself facing an unexpected opportunity to reimagine success. Through reflection, Nick reveals how shifting from asking "What do I want to be?" to "How do I want to live?" transformed his perspective on daily joy and fulfilment.

Drawing inspiration from Greek village life and even his dogs' enthusiasm for simple pleasures, Nick shares how he learned to create a life that feels like a holiday rather than waiting for retirement to truly live. His transition from hospitality to cybersecurity isn't just about career change, it's about choosing to prioritise present-moment happiness over future achievements. Nick's experience reminds us that when we dare to question how we want to live, rather than what we want to be , we open ourselves to a more authentic and joy-filled life.

About Our Guest

Nick discusses the challenge that lockdown posed whilst working in hospitality and the fear associated with a lack of direction in life. On reflection, the extreme uncertainty propelled an embrace for change and a philosophical approach to life centred around lifestyle and maximising joy.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e8

00:00 Nick Tsakiris Intro

03:23 The Struggles of Hospitality: Late Nights and Personal Sacrifice

07:31 Finding Direction: The Search for Meaning Beyond Hospitality

11:45 Existential Questions: How Do I Want to Live?

15:02 Maximizing Happiness: Living in the Moment

19:25 Reflecting on Life Choices

24:37 Redefining Success

27:45 Navigating Career Changes

31:37 Embracing Change and Happiness

36:18 It's A Wrap

In this conversation, Emma McLarty shares her personal journey through a perfect storm: when menopause, her children moving out, and supporting her aging parents all converged. Despite careful planning for this life transition, she found herself blindsided by the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that arrived unexpectedly. Through vulnerability and honesty, Emma reveals how her drive for perfectionism became unsustainable. Trying to appear "fine" only deepened her overwhelm until exhaustion forced her to drop the mask, leading to a profound revelation: letting go of perfect wasn't failure, it was the pathway forward.

Emma shares how she learned to sit with uncomfortable emotions instead of avoiding them, finding strength in reaching out to others who understood her journey. This isn't just a story about midlife and menopause. Emma's story reminds us that we have the wisdom within to navigate life's messy transitions, but we don't have to do it alone.

About Our Guest

Emma McLarty is a counsellor and women’s wellbeing practitioner who helps people navigate life’s big transitions with confidence and ease. Drawing on her own experiences and a love of meaningful conversation, she guides women toward clarity, growth, and what’s possible in their next chapter.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e7

00:00 Intro Emma McLarty

02:50 The Impact of Motherhood on Identity

04:56 Spiritual Practices and Self-Compassion

07:28 Understanding Grief and Loss

09:28 Finding Support and Mentorship

12:12 Societal Expectations and Personal Journeys

14:37 Trusting Yourself Through Change

17:15 Lessons Learned from the Journey

19:50 Embracing the Messiness of Life

23:00 The Gift of Self-Discovery

25:20 Advice for Women Facing Midlife Challenges

36:19 It's A Wrap