A Class of Their Own By cover art

A Class of Their Own

By: play for change
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  • Summary

  • Revealing the human stories behind their name. We will hear honest and intimate reflections from our guests, who despite their circumstances, shape a world that reflects their unique visions of success. Join me, Mira Magecha, to learn from these inspirational people who are generously sharing where they began. Be inspired to live your own unique life and take the first step toward making your own change.
    play for change
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Episodes
  • More Than a Rugby Player: Sam Smith’s Story of Pressure, Purpose, and Personal Transformation

    More Than a Rugby Player: Sam Smith’s Story of Pressure, Purpose, and Personal Transformation
    Jun 11 2024

    Join us for an incredibly moving episode with Sam Smith, a former professional rugby player for Harlequins and Worcester Warriors, as he shares his journey on his first podcast.


    Sam reflects on his early life in a happy, loving family home. At the age of 11, his mum became ill, and he learned to develop a sixth sense to gauge what he would find behind the door when returning from school. He was always striving to make his family happy and constantly felt like he was failing. This pattern of being a "doer" and pleasing people defined much of his life. His self-worth became deeply intertwined with his identity as a rugby player, leading to immense pressure and a need to please his coaches and parents.


    Sam candidly shares moments of disillusionment, like spending Wednesdays hungover in bed—an alarming sign for a professional athlete that shouldn't have been ignored. Due to an injury, Sam had to retire from rugby early, and he dived into entrepreneurship, turning his love of coffee into a successful business. However, did it provide Sam with what he was looking for?


    Despite knowing his parents were supportive, he struggled to find the words to ask for help. Post-rugby life brought anger and frustration. When he asked for help, he received sterile CBT sessions, leading him to believe he was the problem.


    The turning point came when he met Hugh, someone who helped make him feel normal and understand he wasn't alone.


    Now, Sam emphasises the importance of purpose—something you feel in your bones and soul. He aims to help others wake up to the stories they tell themselves, leading to life-changing realisations.


    Tune in to hear Sam’s honest reflections on life before, during, and after sports, finding true purpose, and the courage to ask for help. His story has it all: laughter, tears, resilience, self-awareness, and the magic of discovering what truly matters.


    Sam #YouAreAClassOfYourOwn


    Guest Sam Smith

    https://www.instagram.com/thisisthechangingroom

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-smith-coaching


    Listen on Apple Podcasts:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-class-of-their-own/id1732288997
    Watch on:
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast/podcasts
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Apq2pSbmvytPjABrlidpN?si=4d62eba56abb45ad
    Social media:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aclassoftheirownpodcast
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast
    Website:
    https://www.playforchange.co.uk/aclassoftheirownpodcast
    Host: Mira Magecha
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha
    https://www.instagram.com/mira_magecha
    Creative Director: Alex Payne
    https://www.instagram.com/alexjamespayne
    Editor: Josh Partridge
    https://www.instagram.com/joshfilmmaker
    Music: Jay Witsey
    https://www.instagram.com/jay.witsey

    Episode bought to you by: play for change
    https://www.playforchange.co.uk
    https://www.instagram.com/play_forchange
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/playforchangeltd
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    49 mins
  • The Power of Choice and Luck with Toni Kent

    The Power of Choice and Luck with Toni Kent
    Jun 4 2024
    In this heartfelt episode, Toni Kent shares her powerful journey from challenging beginnings to professional success, navigating family complexities and societal expectations. Toni reflects on her early life, often playing a pseudo-parenting role with her eldest brother for her four younger siblings—she was even her mum's birthing partner. Despite the struggles and losing her father at a young age, there were lots of moments of joy. A poignant memory is her mom's note that read "good riddance to bad rubbish," which meant "I need you." Toni opens up about her vulnerabilities, finding solace in great friends who made her feel safe. She helps demystify the corporate world by sharing her background and helping organisations in understanding social mobility better. She tackles societal judgments and structural inequalities, contrasting her own opportunities with those of a less privileged family member. Toni's career, spanning over 20 years, highlights her resilience and determination, she shares some research she conducted using fiscal study data. As a young adult, Toni shares that she didn't want children, influenced by her mom's struggles. She was inspired by Lisa Goodchild's episode where Lisa shares "NO" means "next opportunity," aligning with her values and experiences. Tune in to hear Toni Kent's candid reflections on life, career, and the power of choice and sibling hierarchy. Her story is a testament to resilience, self-awareness, and the relentless pursuit of growth. Toni #YouAreAClassOfYourOwn Guest Toni Kenthttps://www.tonikent.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonijkent https://www.instagram.com/toni_j_kent https://www.facebook.com/tonijkent Listen on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-class-of-their-own/id1732288997 Watch on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast/podcasts Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Apq2pSbmvytPjABrlidpN?si=4d62eba56abb45ad Social mediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aclassoftheirownpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast Website:https://www.playforchange.co.uk/aclassoftheirownpodcast Host: Mira Magechahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha https://www.instagram.com/mira_magecha Creative Director: Alex Paynehttps://www.instagram.com/alexjamespayne Editor: Josh Partridgehttps://www.instagram.com/joshfilmmaker Music: Jay Witsey https://www.instagram.com/jay.witsey Sponsor:https://adevinta.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/adevinta
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    46 mins
  • How Love Changed My Life: Jon Stanners

    How Love Changed My Life: Jon Stanners
    May 28 2024
    There may not have been a Jon without Laura. Meeting his wife, then girlfriend, was the moment that Jon reshaped his life. Jon opens up about his disruptive teenage years, admitting he wasn't always a nice person. His relationship with Laura triggered change. He knew he had to change if he wanted their relationship to go anywhere and the disruption needed to stop. In his younger years Jon and his family were homeless, and Jon shares his story of sleeping in a kitchen. He always knew he was different, constantly searching for a community where he belonged. Pretending to be middle class led to a self-destructive mentality, after meeting Laura they agreed to move and this became a symbolic move away from Southampton. Jon finds immense pleasure in helping others. He lives aspirationally, deriving happiness from others' success and contributing to it. He emphasises the importance of helping his children and others reach their potential. Laura, his anchor, helps him be more present. Parenthood doesn't come naturally to Jon, but family is his anchor. He believes life is truly about others. Continuously building self-awareness helps him find opportunities that align with himself and his true purpose. Join us as Jon shares his journey of self-discovery, the importance of family, and the fulfilment he finds in helping others succeed. It's a story of self-awareness and wanting to be better each day to be the best person and father Jon can be. Jon #YouAreAClassOfYourOwn Guest Jon Stannershttps://www.instagram.com/jon_stannershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jonstanners Listen on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-class-of-their-own/id1732288997 Watch on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast/podcasts Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Apq2pSbmvytPjABrlidpN?si=4d62eba56abb45ad Social mediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aclassoftheirownpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast Website:https://www.playforchange.co.uk/aclassoftheirownpodcast Host: Mira Magechahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha https://www.instagram.com/mira_magecha Creative Director: Alex Paynehttps://www.instagram.com/alexjamespayne Editor: Josh Partridgehttps://www.instagram.com/joshfilmmaker Music: Jay Witsey https://www.instagram.com/jay.witsey Sponsor:https://adevinta.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/adevinta
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    44 mins
Biographies & Memoirs Social Sciences
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