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***NOTE: I’d love to be able to have more stories, experiences and journeys about bisexuality on this channel, whether that’s in-person guests like this one, or reading out someone’s story. If you feel you’d like to do either of these, do just either message me in the comments below, or email me on jpdttp@gmail.com to have a chat about it
Thanks! John-Paul***

In this episode, I welcome Tom Ward-Thomas, a writer and actor, to discuss his journey with bisexuality. We look into his personal experiences, societal perceptions, and the importance of representation in media. This episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of bisexuality, the importance of representation, and the journey of self-acceptance. Watch for hopefully an engaging conversation that highlights the richness of diverse sexual identities.

Key Topics Discussed:
- Tom shares his background and how he identifies as bisexual.
- Discussion on the journey of self-acceptance and acknowledgement of bisexuality.
- The effects of acknowledging one's sexuality on mental health.
- Tom discusses the challenges faced by bisexual individuals in navigating relationships and societal perceptions.
- Tom reflects on his dating history and the realisation of his bisexual identity.
- The impact of societal expectations and stereotypes on bisexual individuals.
- The importance of accurate representation of bisexuality in film and television.
- Tom's involvement in projects that aim to normalise bisexuality and showcase diverse narratives.
- Encouragement for those exploring their bisexual identity to seek support and be open about their experiences.
- The significance of having trusted individuals to confide in.

Tom also shares his current projects, including a short film on the festival circuit and upcoming writing projects.

Tom’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomwardthomas/

Tom’s IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4792976/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Bisexual Brunch Podcast: https://bisexualbrunch.buzzsprout.com/

Thank you for watching. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE and FOLLOW to show your support, it would be much appreciated!

My podcast with the audio of this video is at: https//www.buzzsprout.com/2067601

Website at: https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

***My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on this channel in a playlist you'll find on the channel homepage. Whether you're looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – see this free course and you'll discover it's carefully designed to help you to do this.***

'Life Unlimited' Course testimonials include:

"John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others." and

"The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend."

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Send us a text

In this episode, I welcome Dave Birchmore, a career transition expert, who shares insights on navigating career changes using his innovative model, VIA NOVA. This model, meaning "new path," is designed to help individuals successfully transition from one career to another.

Dave talks about his background in healthcare as a radiographer, his shift from a corporate role to entrepreneurship and, most recently, founding VIA NOVA to assist others in career transitions. We then talk in detail about the model itself, with me applying it to my own experience of becoming a therapist and subsequently setting up a private therapy practice. The 7 steps of the model we talk about are as follows:

1. Value: identifying transferable skills.
2. Imagine: the importance visualising future career aspirations.
3. Affordability: understanding all of the financial implications of a career change.
4. Now What: deciding whether to stay in the current role or pursue a new path.
5. Overcoming Barriers: addressing any mental, physical, and social obstacles to career change.
6. Validation: confirming decisions with support from peers and mentors.
7. Action: taking definitive steps towards the new career.

Along the way we also talk about the potential challenges in career transitions, such as the emotional and financial hurdles faced and the societal pressures associated with leaving established careers. Dave gives lots of advice for aspiring career changers, including the importance of reaching out to those who have made similar transitions and an emphasis on the value of passion and fulfilment in one's career.

Dave's website and social media links:
www.vianova.life
https://www.facebook.com/vianova
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbirchmore
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vianovalife
https://www.youtube.com/@vianovaplanning

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE it, don't forget to 'FOLLOW' to show your support, it would be much appreciated!

***My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on my YouTube channel in a playlist you'll find on the channel homepage. Whether you're looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – see this free course and you'll discover it's carefully designed to help you to do this.***

'Life Unlimited' Course testimonials include:

"John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others." and

"The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend."

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Send us a text

Breaking Free From Trauma: A Conversation with Trauma Therapist and Author Philippa Smethurst

In this episode, I welcome experienced therapist and author Philippa Smethurst to discuss the complexities of trauma, its manifestations, and ways to heal. Philippa shares insights from her recently published book, "20 Ways to Break Free From Trauma," and explores the various symptoms and responses associated with trauma.

Key Topics Discussed:

- Introduction to trauma and its significance in therapy.
- Philippa's background and her journey from Tiananmen Square into trauma specialisation.
- The definition of trauma and its broad impact on individuals.
- Different manifestations of trauma, including anger, depression, and loneliness.
- The importance of understanding trauma as a multifaceted experience.
- Insights from Philippa's book, including some of the many symptoms of trauma.
- The role of the body in processing trauma and the concept of sensory motor therapy.
- The impact of external events, such as news and global crises, on personal trauma.
- The concept of post-traumatic growth and finding purpose after trauma.
- Practical self-help strategies and exercises for trauma recovery.
- The significance of therapeutic relationships in healing trauma.

Guest Information:

- Philippa Smethurst is a trauma specialist and author of "20 Ways to Break Free From Trauma." She has over 30 years of experience in the field and is passionate about helping individuals understand and heal from their trauma.

Resources Mentioned:

- Philippa's book: "20 Ways to Break Free From Trauma": https://philippasmethurst.com/bookshop
- press release about the book: https://philippasmethurst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Press-Release-F3.pdf

Follow Philippa:

- YouTube Channel: Break Free from Trauma, https://youtube.com/@philippasmethurst
- Newsletter Sign-Up: https://philippasmethurst.com/news#contactform7
- Website: philippasmethurst.com
- Instagram: 20waystobreakfreefromtrauma/
- X: @philippatherapy
- Facebook: philippatherapy
- LinkedIn: Philippa Smethurst
- Link to Philippa being interviewed by Sir Terry Waite, former hostage and human rights advocate about trauma and the book: https://youtu.be/Er1ayJyE8Ys?si=X1wNLf09bXsDputU

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE it, don't forget to follow to show your support, it would be much appreciated!

***My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on this channel in a playlist you'll find on the channel homepage. Whether you're looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – see this free course and you'll discover it's carefully designed to help you to do this.***

'Life Unlimited' Course testimonials include:
"The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend."

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk