Best Duncan Mckay Podcasts (2025)

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The Operating System of Transformation: Salim Ismail on Exponential Thinking, Leadership, and Inner Engineering 57:33

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2d ago57:33

57:33

In this episode, Salim Ismail — founding executive director of Singularity University and author of *Exponential Organizations* — maps out what it takes to adapt, lead, and build in a world defined by accelerating change.He unpacks the frameworks behind exponential growth, the future of learning, and the architecture of modern organizations. But th…

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E126 - David Beckham's little book of upset, Arena 3000 & guest George Harrison 59:49

2d ago59:49

59:49

Recovering from a bout of Slovak erasure syndrome, magazine editor Andy Lyons, writer Harry Pearson and host Daniel Gray continue with new-ish feature Backward Glance, in which a Random Issue Generator picks out an old copy of WSC magazine from the archives for them to chat about. This time, Issue 166 from December 2000 pops up to deliver news of K…

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S22,E07: 09/22/25 (Cornershop feat. Eden Gray, Tchotchke, Still Corners, Moontype, Cool Sounds, Camp Saint Helene, Open Reel Ensemble) 48:49

2d ago48:49

48:49

Season 22 Episode 7 Amsterdam via Rotterdam - Cornershop feat. Eden Gray Poor Girl - Tchotchke Playin' Dumb - Tchotchke The Dream - Still Corners Faded Love - Still Corners Let Me Cry - Moontype Four Hands ii - Moontype Just a Dream - Cool Sounds Pretty Often - Cool Sounds Anniversary - Camp Saint Helene Racing - Camp Saint Helene Quartet Studio Li…

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Dennis Xu: Designing Tools That Think Like We Do 47:01

7d ago47:01

47:01

Dennis Xu, co-founder of Mem, unpacks the future of personal knowledge and how it’s being reshaped by networked thinking, cognitive design, and human-centered AI. Drawing on his Stanford background, founder journey, and product philosophy, Dennis challenges the folder-based paradigms of information management — replacing them with malleable, graph-…

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The Science of Focus: Gloria Mark on Attention Rhythms, Flow Myths, and Digital Control 52:12

8d ago52:12

52:12

Cognitive scientist Gloria Mark explains why modern knowledge work sabotages attention — and how to fight back. Drawing from her decades of research, she breaks down internal vs. external distraction, meta-awareness, cognitive rhythms, and the misunderstood nature of flow states. This episode delivers practical insights for reclaiming agency over y…

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Sonkhe Ahrens: Building a Thinking System That Generates Insight, Not Noise 46:13

9d ago46:13

46:13

Sonkhe Ahrens shares how traditional approaches to knowledge — highlighting, tagging, collecting — fail to support actual thinking. Drawing from Niklas Luhmann’s Zettelkasten method, Ahrens explains why insight isn’t something you plan for, but something you engineer into existence by connecting information deliberately over time. The conversation …

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Bonus Episode - One Interpretative Dance at a Time 28:46

12d ago28:46

28:46

The world's two top whisky investigative journalists (cough cough) are on a press trip to the outer edges Edinburgh for the launch of One Cask at a Time, to try some old whiskies, in a proper old building. Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Whisky T-Shirt Shop⁠⁠⁠⁠ with #TumblerClub tees and ones featuring our favourite episode artwork. New whisky t-shirt designs be…

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Tacfarinas: African Rebel Against Rome | Dr Joanne Ball on Roman History & Rebellion 1:08:35

12d ago1:08:35

1:08:35

🔥 Meet Tacfarinas — the forgotten African rebel who defied Rome under Emperor Tiberius.⚔️ Archaeologist Dr Joanne Ball reveals how his guerrilla war shook the empire and rivals Arminius and Spartacus.https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordsSupport us on Patreon:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast🍺 Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading…

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Kevin Surace — Building Smarter, Leading Better, and Adapting to AI 1:10:56

22d ago1:10:56

1:10:56

Kevin Surace breaks down how AI is reshaping the future of work — not by eliminating jobs, but by replacing repetitive tasks and redefining what humans are actually needed for. He explains why productivity, not headcount, will determine company growth in a labor-constrained world. Drawing from decades of applied AI experience, Surace outlines the e…

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Simon Tolkien: Spanish Civil War Novels, Rings of Power & J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legacy 1:10:01

27d ago1:10:01

1:10:01

Author Simon Tolkien (grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien) joins the Rock, Paper, Swords! podcast to talk about his powerful historical novels, his research into the Spanish Civil War, and his work with Amazon’s Rings of Power.⁠ https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords Support us on Patreon:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast 🍺 Buy us a beer and get…

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Angus Donald talks about his novel, Templar Traitor - Mongols, falling off horses, Conan the Barbarian and more! 1:04:51

1M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Our guest today is Angus Donald, author of the Outlaw Chronicles, about a medieval gangster called Robin Hood, a 17th-century series about an unusual but rather brilliant chap called Holcroft Blood. And writing as Angus Macallan, he has also tried his hand at fantasy with the Gates of Stone. We previously had Angus on the podcast to talk about his …

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E124 - Pontus Kåmark at the science museum, the Big Sam mural and Darlington's hotel porridge 51:11

2M ago51:11

51:11

Sucking non-Conformist hard boiled sweets wi’ nowt taken out, magazine editor Andy Lyons, writer Harry Pearson and host Daniel Gray continue with new-ish feature Backward Glance, in which a Random Issue Generator picks out an old copy of WSC magazine from the archives for them to chat about. This time, Issue 125 from July 1997 pops up to deliver ti…

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Episode 96 - Due South: Featuring Richard Foster 1:10:17

2M ago1:10:17

1:10:17

Mike and Duncan chat with Richard Foster, of Exploring English Whisky, and the gentleman behind some very popular whisky festivals. We tap into Richard's extensive knowledge of whisky made in England and answers the question: Is English Whisky viable alternative to Scotch? You can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buy us a dram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ which wi…

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J. C. Duncan talks Vikings, Bladesmithing, Publishing and more! 1:12:26

2M ago1:12:26

1:12:26

Today’s guest is author, J.C. Duncan. He is the author of The Last Viking Series of novels about Harald Hardrada and the The Light of the North saga, a historical fantasy series set in a world where the Vikings clash with Christian Crusaders. As well as writing, J.C. Duncan is also a bladesmith and there can’t be much cooler than forging blades! Ju…

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E123 - The Fratton Park phantom goal, Largs' Fiorentina pennant & guest Kevin Toms 52:24

2M ago52:24

52:24

Sniffing scented satins to pass the time until the new season, magazine editor Andy Lyons, writer Harry Pearson and host Daniel Gray continue with new-ish feature Backward Glance, in which a Random Issue Generator picks out an old copy of WSC magazine from the archives for them to chat about. This time, Issue 351 from May 2016 pops up to spark disc…

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Adam Lofthouse talks all about Ancient Rome 47:18

2M ago47:18

47:18

⁠https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords⁠ Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠ Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords Adam Lofthouse is the author of action-packed historical fiction set in ancient Rome, such as The Path of Nemesis trilogy, and The Enemy of the Empire books. His…

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Episode 95 - Matt McKay - A Rare Find 1:16:10

2M ago1:16:10

1:16:10

Mike & Duncan welcome Matt Mckay, aka The Dramble back onto the pod. Now in a new role as MD and Whisky Maker for The London Distillery Company, we hear about the past, the present and the future. How does saltiness get into whisky? Did you know the difference between Renaissance and renascence? Matt 'Wordsmith' does, and we do too, now. Other Matt…

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Three Year Anniversary Episode! 43:51

3M ago43:51

43:51

Rock, Paper, Swords is three years old! In this episode, Matthew and Steven take a look back at some of the highlights of the last three years and then turn to the future with a very big announcement! Don't miss this one! Link Tree:⁠⁠ ⁠https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords⁠⁠⁠ Support us on Patreon:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠⁠⁠ B…

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Episode 94 - Mayday Mayday Summerton Whisky Festival 50:19

3M ago50:19

50:19

Mike and Duncan are joined by Dan from the Summerton Whisky Club to do a review of the Summerton Whisky Festival in St Albans. Lots of shout-outs, thank yous and reviews of what was in our glass on the day. Some stories have been censored/edited out for reputational reasons ;) Cough Cough Dun-Can't. Festival aside, we also cover off what else has b…

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Patricia Bracewell - author of the Emma of Normandy series. 44:07

3M ago44:07

44:07

Patricia Bracewell's website: https://www.patriciabracewell.com/ Link Tree:⁠ ⁠https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords⁠⁠ Support us on Patreon:⁠ ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠⁠ Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords Patricia Bracewell is the author of the Emma of Normandy trilogy, which started…

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E121 - Gilles De Bilde's Spanish villa, Panini Infantino and the Fulham C-word 42:17

3M ago42:17

42:17

Putting down their Infantino Panini swaps for a short while, magazine editor Andy Lyons, writer Harry Pearson and host Daniel Gray continue with new-ish feature Backward Glance, in which a Random Issue Generator picks out an old copy of WSC magazine from the archives for them to chat about. This time, Issue 288 from February 2011 pops up to spark d…

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Episode 93 - Dalmore Bling and Auction Sin 35:35

4M ago35:35

35:35

Mike and Duncan recant their trip to the Gherkin to sample a new bottling from The Dalmore, Luminary 3. The chaps discuss a Steve Rush Tweet tasting with Brave New Spirits and all the usual stuff including a new addition to Gareth Whisky Corner. Check out the YouTube channel on the link below for the Auction Sins section of this podcast(whilst you'…

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Ale/beer consumption throughout history! Pete Brown tells us some drinking stories! 49:15

4M ago49:15

49:15

Pete Brown's website: https://www.petebrown.net/ Link Tree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords⁠ Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠ Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to ⁠buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords Pete Brown is a British author, journalist, broadcaster and consultant specialising in food and drink…

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Bonus Episode: 50:50 with Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond Distilleries 34:28

4M ago34:28

34:28

This is a special episode! Mike and Duncan had the opportunity to an exclusive tasting session accompanied by Michael Henry, aka Michelle 'Enry, Master Blender, and Nick Bradley, Prestige Portfolio Manager, from The Loch Lomond Group. The chaps get to try some spectacular, once in a lifetime whiskies. The new Elements of Campbeltown, Release No.1 A…

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MJ Porter - Vikings, Saxons, swearing in historical fiction and much more! 52:07

4M ago52:07

52:07

M.J. Porter is an author of historical fiction and nonfiction. She has written about Anglo-Saxons and Vikings as well as three twentieth-century mysteries and Viking age/dragon themed fantasy. She is a prolific hybrid author, with independently published and traditionally published books. We met up with MJ at the HNS Conference last year for a quic…

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Listener Favorites: Paul Millerd | The Pathless vs Default Path 1:05:17

4M ago1:05:17

1:05:17

Join us for a compelling conversation with Paul Millerd, author of The Pathless Path. In this episode, Paul shares his insights on finding yourself in the wrong life and the real work of figuring out how to live. Discover his journey through experiments, travels, and lessons learned, as he pieces together a set of principles to guide him from unful…

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Episode 92 - Donny Brasico 45:41

5M ago45:41

45:41

Mike and Duncan have been imparted with the power of creating Executive Orders to correct the World... What could go wrong? The chaps discuss what's been in there glass and crack open some new bottles: Mike cracks open The Chorlton Peallach(Ledaig) 8 y/o Rioja Barrique at 58.2% Duncan cracks open the latest Summerton Whisky Club release Wolfburn Do…

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Episode 91 - Two Shows and Smashed Glass 43:39

5M ago43:39

43:39

Mike and Duncan chat about their trip to Whisky Live London, the highlights and the adventures! Mike also dives into "Welcome to Whisky" a new show from Whisky Exchange aimed at being a gentle intro to the wonderful world of whisky. Find out if there is enough going on to attract seasoned whisky nerds... The chaps cover off the usual such as what's…

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E119 - Rochdale's birthday wishes, alphabet floodlights and the Brexit keeper 38:01

5M ago38:01

38:01

Taking a break from the great coconut shy of life, magazine editor Andy Lyons, writer Harry Pearson and host Daniel Gray continue with new-ish feature Backward Glance, in which a Random Issue Generator picks out an old copy of WSC magazine from the archives for them to chat about. This time, Issue 198 from August 2003 pops up to spark discussion ab…

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Listener Favorites: Arianna Warsaw | Navigating The Dynamics of Identity Change 1:00:52

5M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Join us as we sit down with music industry insider, Arianna Warsaw-Fan Rauch. Discover her unique perspective on navigating identity change and get an insider's tour of the industry. From musician life to proper clapping etiquette, Arianna shares her knowledge and experiences. Don't miss this chance to gain a deeper understanding of the classical m…

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Listener Favorites: Manisha Thakor | Money Zen: The Secret to Finding Your Enough 58:16

5M ago58:16

58:16

In the latest episode of The Unmistakable Creative Podcast titled 'Money Zen: The Secret to Finding Your Enough', we are joined by Manisha Thakor, a seasoned financial expert and the Founder of MoneyZen LLC. With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, Manisha offers a fresh perspective on our relationship with money and success. Dra…

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RPS NEWS! Plus Dire wolves? We chat about bringing things back from earlier periods in history. What would YOU bring back? 45:07

5M ago45:07

45:07

Link Tree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords⁠ Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠ Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to ⁠buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords Buy UPRISING, this week's sponsor from Paul Bernardi! Buy link for Paul Bernardi's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F38L728Z We don’t have a guest …

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Episode 90 - Macbeth, Macallan and the G Spot 46:24

5M ago46:24

46:24

Mike and Duncan catch up over some indie Macallan's whilst discussing the Macbeth Whisky Series. A concept project based on the namesake Shakespeare play, and a combination of brilliance organised by Lexi Burgess, including: Quentin Blake, Sukhinder Singh, Oliver Chilton, and Dave Broom... quite the team up! Plus, some chat for Guinness fans, as th…

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Listener Favorites: Aaron Dignan | How to Speed up The Organizational Decision Making Process 57:11

5M ago57:11

57:11

Aaron Dignan is using software to help scale new ways of working and expedite the decision making process of organizations. Discover the possibilities for transformation in the workplace and realize how we can use software like Murmur to revolutionize our slow and outdated systems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Episode 89 - I Ain't Getting On No Plane Fool Featuring Dean Jode 1:08:49

5M ago1:08:49

1:08:49

Mike and Duncan chat to Dean Jode of ASOS, Murray McDavid and ACEO fame! We chat about Murray McDavid, ACEO Spirits, sandwiches, photography and a whole heap of other things, including Deans Pudding Island Dram selections and they find out what's been up his arrrrse. Mike and Duncan recant their recent #BlindDrams selections and talk through some a…

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Listener Favorites: Drew Plotkin | How to Use Tattoos to Rewrite Your Story and Reinvent Yourself 1:00:01

5M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Drew Plotkin, tattoo artist and filmmaker, shares his journey of self-discovery through tattoos in this episode. He recounts his adventures, from death row to Hollywood, and uses his experiences to inspire listeners with his resilience and determination to live life on his own terms. Don't miss this raw and honest account of success, failure, and f…

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Book cover design! Oliver Bennett from MORE VISUAL joins us to discuss current and future trends and the threat (or otherwise) of AI to creatives. 1:07:44

6M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords Our guest today has designed countless book covers, including all of Steven’s independently published books! Oliver Bennett is a graphic designer and co-fo…

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Listener Favorites: Gautam Mukunda | What Presidential Elections Can Teach us About Leadership 1:06:48

6M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

In this podcast episode, we sit down with Gautam Mukunda, a Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Center for Public Leadership, to discuss what we can learn about leadership from presidential elections. Drawing on insights from his book 'Picking Presidents', which examines the qualities that make for successful leaders, Mukunda provides a…

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Listener Favorites: Jeremey Utley | How Having Lots of Ideas Leads to Creative Breakthroughs 57:10

6M ago57:10

57:10

If you want to be more innovative, you need to start by changing the way you think about creativity. Good ideas aren't the result of pure wisdom, but rather the practice of innovation. Learn how to tap into surprising and valuable ideas on demand and fill the creative pipeline with breakthrough ideas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…

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Episode 88 - Ay Up Duck Feat. Max Vaughan White Peak Distillery (Wireworks) 1:16:08

6M ago1:16:08

1:16:08

MIke & Duncan host Max Vaughan, Founder of White Peak Distillery, known for Wireworks Whisky, which is located in an old factory by a river in Derbyshire, in the peak district. We try a Caduro with a higher abv than the standard release, a port cask and the lovely bourbon cask bottling, all whilst hearing about how the distillery, and the profile o…

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Listener Favorites: Russ Roberts | The Decisions that Define Us 1:02:18

6M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

We have apps telling us who we should date, what music to listen to and which route to take to work, but no algorithm or AI can tell us who we should marry, where we should live or at what age we should have children. According to economist Russ Roberts, these decisions are borne of the necessity to solve life's wild problems. They aren't decisions…

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Jason Kingsley OBE - Modern History TV & Rebellion - Judge Dredd, 2000AD, Sniper Elite & more! 1:10:46

6M ago1:10:46

1:10:46

Link Tree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords⁠ Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠ Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to ⁠buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords⁠ Our guest today is Jason Kingsley, an incredibly successful businessman and a technologist who is also obsessed with the past. He is CEO of Rebellion…

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Listener Favorites: Camille Virginia | The Power of Offline Social Connection 1:01:50

6M ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Camille Virginia presents a refreshing and influential solution to the conundrum of digital connection. That is- meeting offline and in the real world. Not only does Camille explain the power of offline connection but she also provides a handbook that will help you fast track your way to building a fulfilling and thriving connection with anyone. Ho…

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Listener Favorites: Michael Bungay Stanier | How to Unlock Your Greatness By Working on Hard Things 45:10

6M ago45:10

45:10

Welcome to an inspiring episode of Unmistakable Creative, featuring the brilliant Michael Bungay Stanier, a renowned coach and author, as we explore the path to unlocking greatness by embracing challenges. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of working on hard things and how it leads to personal and professional growth. Stanier shares…

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Listener Favorites: Madeleine Dore | Redefining What it Means to be Productive 56:38

6M ago56:38

56:38

In this episode, Madeleine Dore discusses how we can redefine productivity by embracing the messiness of life. Dore shares her insights on dismantling comparison, aspirational routines, and unrealistic expectations, encouraging listeners to find their own way to navigate the never-ending list of things to do. Tune in to discover a new perspective o…

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Listener Favorites: Tim Klein | The New Science of Navigating School, Careers and Life 1:02:34

6M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Tim Klein breaks down an evidence-based decision-making framework designed to help you make life's biggest decisions. Learn how to navigate the modern education system and ever-changing world of careers to find your purpose in life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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E118 - David Hasselhoff's kick-off, football scarves in the theatre & guest Mark Perryman 49:04

6M ago49:04

49:04

Fuelled on Manchester Tarts, magazine editor Andy Lyons, writer Harry Pearson and host Daniel Gray discuss UK Football Figures Down Under from Frank Pimblett to Charlie ‘Steptoe’ Dempsey via Peter Wilson’s ripped badge. Magazine Deputy Editor Ffion Thomas previews WSC issue 452, Record Breakers brings us a Deutsch delight and we continue our sprigh…

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Listener Favorites: Mike Liguori | How to Heal a Relationship with a Parent 56:08

6M ago56:08

56:08

We interview Mike Liguori, founder of Live Your Truth Media and author of The Road Ahead and Miles Behind. Mike shares his insights on how to heal relationships with parents, drawing on his experience reconciling with his father during a cross-country road trip. Tune in to learn more about Mike's journey and gain valuable insights on how to mend re…

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Ethan Kross | How to Deal With The Voice in Your Head 55:43

6M ago55:43

55:43

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Unmistakable Creative, where we delve into the mind's intricacies with our esteemed guest, Ethan Kross. A renowned psychologist and author, Ethan Kross, is a leading expert in controlling the inner voice that often leads us astray. In this episode, titled 'Ethan Kross | How to Deal With The Voice in Your H…

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Donovan Cook - WODEN'S SPEAR! Vikings, Norse mythology and more... 1:00:07

6M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠ You can buy us a beer and get a shoutout too, by heading to ⁠buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords Donovan Cook is the author of the Ormstunga Saga series set in the Viking world and inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology. His second series, The Charlemagne's Cross Series, is p…