Simon Cockram Presents

#72 Astrology Is Not What You Think – A Deep Dive with Israel Ajose

In this captivating episode, we're joined by Israel Ajose - a London-based professional astrologer, tarot reader, and numerologist with over 22 years of experience. A proud Yoruba man with roots in Nigeria and a past life as a professional boxer, Israel brings a unique, grounded, and powerful presence to the world of astrology. We dive deep into the essence of astrology - what it really is, how it works, and why it's often misunderstood by modern science. Israel unpacks the mysteries of birth charts, zodiac signs, and celestial energy, explaining how time, nature, and the seasons influence our lives in ways both practical and spiritual. From exploring our soul's purpose and hidden shadow selves to understanding how intuition, shame, and ego shape our identities, this conversation is rich with wisdom. Israel also discusses astrology's power to guide us through personal growth, relationships, and even suffering - revealing how the stars can serve as a map back to who we truly are. If you've ever felt curious about astrology or wanted to understand yourself more deeply, this episode will light something up inside you.
 
Hit play and unlock the cosmic conversation that just might change your life.
 
0:00:00 – Welcome to the Stars
0:01:20 – Astrology Unveiled 0:06:55 –
The Clash: Astrology vs Science
0:10:10 – Decoding the Birth Chart
0:15:40 – Energy, Time & Nature's Rhythm
0:22:30 – The Power of Morning Births
0:26:00 – Zodiac Signs & Celestial Maps
0:32:00 – Seasons of the Soul
0:35:15 – Science Meets Spirit
0:41:00 – Astrology in Everyday Life
0:47:20 – Fate vs Free Will
0:51:40 – Aligning with Your Soul
0:56:00 – The Psychology of the Stars
1:02:10 – Pain with Purpose
1:10:30 – Understanding the Shadow
1:17:45 – Healing Through the Shadow
1:22:50 – Shame, Ego & the Hidden Self
1:30:00 – Identity and the Masks We Wear
1:37:30 – Growth Through Shedding
1:42:15 – The Cost of Ignoring Intuition
1:49:10 – Forecasting Life with Astrology
1:53:00 – Your Personal Reading Guide
1:56:00 – Rethinking Education & Purpose
2:00:00 – Becoming Who You Truly Are
 
#AstrologyExplained #SpiritualAwakening #BirthChartWisdom #SoulPurpose #IsraelAjose

#71 - Dr. Benjamin Ritter Becoming Fearless: A Journey of Self-Discovery

In this conversation, Ben Ritter discusses the concept of fearlessness, exploring how fear can be a barrier to personal and professional growth. He shares his journey of self-discovery after losing his dream of becoming a professional soccer player and how that led him to develop strategies for overcoming fear and achieving success. The discussion covers the importance of mindset, taking responsibility for one's career, and the role of purpose in life. Ben emphasizes the need for proactive career management and building positive relationships with managers to foster job satisfaction and growth.
 
Key takeaways
Fear is information, not a dictator of actions.
People often fear loss and judgment, which holds them back.
Belief in oneself is essential for success.
Knowing your values and beliefs is crucial for direction.
Proactive strategies can combat fear and promote growth.
Job satisfaction is tied to personal accountability.
Building positive relationships with managers is key.
A positive mindset can lead to career advancement.
Purpose should be multifaceted and evolve over time.
Living for oneself is essential for fulfillment.
 
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Fearlessness
02:54 The Impact of Fear on Professional Life
06:05 Ben's Journey to Self-Discovery
08:57 The Transition from Soccer to Personal Development
11:50 Navigating Career Decisions and Sacrifices
14:59 Finding Balance in Passion and Profession
18:10 Strategies for Workplace Empowerment
28:54 Navigating Career Progression
34:09 Strategies for Promotions
37:20 The Importance of Mindset
45:39 Understanding Purpose in Work
49:05 Redefining Purpose
54:30 Living Fearlessly fearlessness
 
personal development, career growth, mindset, professional success, overcoming fear, self-discovery, job satisfaction, leadership, purpose

#70 - Richard Tierney - The Alarming Reality of Global Mental Health Crisis Today

In this enlightening conversation, Richard shares his insights on mental health, trauma, and the journey to healing. He discusses the distinction between mental illness and mental disorders, emphasizing the importance of addressing past traumas to heal the present. Richard introduces the concept of living in the moment, the power of self-reflection, and the significance of hope in overcoming depression. He also outlines a 12-step program for recovery and explores the connection between energy, manifestation, and spirituality. The discussion culminates in understanding our natural responses to danger and the importance of trusting our instincts.
 
Key takeaways
There are two forms of mental illness: one requiring professional help and one stemming from past trauma. Depression can be seen as a 'hole in our soul' that needs healing.
Living in the present moment is crucial for mental well-being.
Self-reflection and prayer can be powerful tools for healing.
Healing the hole in the soul involves addressing past traumas and finding hope.
The 12-step program can help undo learned dysfunctional behaviors.
Energy and manifestation are interconnected; our energy affects our reality.
Understanding fight, flight, or freeze responses can help us navigate anxiety.
It's important to ask for help and not to feel alone in our struggles.
Embracing our normal, boring humanity can lead to a fulfilling life.
 
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Mental Health and Trauma
05:07 The Hole in Our Soul: Depression and Hope
09:52 Living in the Present: Overcoming Past and Future Anxiety
14:59 Healing the Soul: A Spiritual Approach to Mental Health
20:00 Empowerment Through Self-Reflection and Action
30:16 Embracing the Present Moment
31:00 The Role of Faith in Anxiety Management
33:28 Healing the Soul: Practices for Anxiety Relief
38:03 Energy and Manifestation: The Connection
45:18 Understanding Fight, Flight, and Freeze Responses
55:04 The Journey to Normalcy: Overcoming Mental Health Challenges

#69 - Aayush Jain - What Software Architecture Teaches Us About Our Minds

In this conversation, Aayush Jain explores the parallels between software architecture and the architecture of the human mind. He discusses how our beliefs and identities are formed through early experiences and how these can impact our thoughts and actions throughout life. The conversation delves into the importance of self-awareness and introspection in uncovering deep-seated beliefs that may hinder personal growth.
Aayush emphasizes the significance of the formative years in shaping our identity and the need for balance in parenting to prepare children for the complexities of the world. In this conversation, Simon and Aayush Jain explore the transformative journey of self-inquiry and the importance of introspection in personal growth. They discuss the mechanisms behind habit formation, the significance of identity in shaping behavior, and the role of intuition in guiding decisions. Aayush emphasizes the need for a safe space for growth and the power of self-talk in changing one's identity. The dialogue culminates in understanding how to tap into one's instincts to navigate life's challenges effectively.
 
Key Takeaways
The human mind functions similarly to a computer with hardware and software.
Early experiences significantly shape our beliefs and identities.
The first seven years of life are crucial for brain development.
Identity influences our mindset, beliefs, thoughts, and actions.
Awareness is essential for personal transformation and growth.
Negative experiences can create limiting beliefs that persist into adulthood.
Self-awareness allows individuals to inspect their thoughts and beliefs.
Introspection is necessary to uncover deep-seated beliefs.
The journey of self-discovery often requires discomfort and openness.
Finding balance in parenting can help children navigate the complexities of life.
Self-inquiry is crucial for personal growth. Accepting the need for change is a significant shift.
Awareness creates space between thoughts and actions.
Humans have the unique ability to observe their thoughts.
Breaking old patterns requires conscious effort. Identity transformation is key to lasting change.
Small actions can lead to significant habit changes. Creating a safe environment fosters introspection.
Understanding the mind's mechanisms aids in change. Intuition guides us towards our true desires.
 
Chapters
00:00 Architecting Software and the Mind
03:04 The Role of Early Experiences
10:45 Formative Years and Identity
16:33 Adolescence and Independence
21:52 Uncovering Deep-Seated Beliefs
30:02 The Journey of Self-Awareness
32:43 The Journey of Self-Inquiry
39:19 Breaking Old Patterns and Creating New Habits
46:09 Transforming Identity for Lasting Change
48:15 Understanding the Mechanisms of Change
55:04 Creating Safe Spaces for Growth
57:23 Tapping into Intuition and Instinct

#68 Unlocking the Power of Self-Love with Iryna Wood

In this enlightening conversation, Simon and Iryna Wood delve into the significance of self-love and self-acceptance, exploring how these concepts are influenced by childhood experiences and parenting. Iryna shares her insights on the impact of societal expectations on personal identity and the importance of understanding one's emotions. They discuss the launch of Iryna's Self-Love and Relationship Intelligence app, designed to help individuals navigate their emotional landscapes and foster self-awareness. The conversation emphasizes the need for men to embrace vulnerability and the transformative power of journaling and dream interpretation in the journey of self-discovery.
Key Takeaways
Self-love is essential for personal growth and relationships.
Understanding oneself is crucial for self-acceptance.
Parenting plays a significant role in shaping self-worth.
Childhood experiences influence adult relationships and behaviors.
The subconscious mind holds many of our emotional triggers.
Identifying emotional blocks is key to personal development.
The Self-Love app aims to support individuals in their self-discovery journey.
Men are encouraged to embrace vulnerability and express their feelings.
Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth. Dream interpretation can provide insights into our subconscious desires.
 
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Self-Love
02:58 Understanding Self-Acceptance
05:59 The Impact of Parenting on Self-Worth
09:09 Childhood Influences on Adult Relationships
12:00 Exploring the Subconscious Mind
15:02 Identifying and Overcoming Emotional Blocks
17:59 Innovations in Self-Help: The App for Self-Love
20:51 Encouraging Men to Embrace Vulnerability
24:13 The Power of Journaling for Emotional Clarity
30:30 The Power of Writing for Self-Discovery
32:46 Tools for Self-Discovery and Acceptance
34:42 Finding Answers Within
36:52 The Journey of Self-Discovery
37:40 Features of the App: Enhancing Self-Understanding
41:05 Dream Interpretation: Understanding Our Subconscious
49:33 Building a Community for Self-Love
52:51 The Importance of Self-Care and Mindfulness
#SelfLove #YouAreEnough #LoveYourselfFirst #InnerPeace #SelfWorth

#67 Discover the Healing Power of Hands, Sound & Spirit with Michelle's Davies

In this captivating episode, Michelle Davies shares her transformative journey from traditional osteopathy to pioneering energy-based healing methods. With over 27 years of experience, Michelle explains how she uses her hands, intention, and intuition to help patients heal physically and emotionally. From craniosacral therapy to advanced AO Scan technology powered by quantum physics, Michelle is revolutionising how we understand pain, illness, and recovery. One of the most powerful moments in this conversation is the story of a woman given 72 hours to live following a stroke—who later walked again, spoke, and even attended Michelle’s clinic, thanks to sound healing and prayer.
 
Michelle also reveals how our thoughts, energy, and words directly affect our bodies, supported by both science and spirituality. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in natural healing, bioenergetics, osteopathy, and the mind-body-spirit connection.
 
🎧 Watch now to discover:
How sound can be used to heal the body
What the AO Scan is and how it works
Michelle’s spiritual approach to healing
How prayer and energy impact physical health
 
Subscribe for more stories that inspire healing, empowerment, and transformation.
 
0:00:00 – Welcome to the Show: Meet Michelle
0:01:42 – What Is Osteopathy Really About?
0:04:10 – From Bones to Energy: Michelle’s Journey
0:06:15 – Craniosacral Therapy: A Gentle Game-Changer
0:08:35 – Trusting Intuition in Healing Work
0:11:00 – Healing Hands: Michelle’s Approach to Touch
0:13:25 – How Emotions Live in the Body
0:15:40 – Energy vs. Traditional Medicine
0:18:10 – The AO Scan: Frequency-Based Healing
0:21:05 – Quantum Physics in Everyday Health
0:23:15 – Can Sound Actually Heal You?
0:25:30 – Real-Life Case: From Terminal to Thriving
0:28:40 – Thoughts, Water & Vibration: The Masaru Emoto Link
0:30:55 – How Belief Shapes the Healing Journey
0:33:00 – Working with Children & Sensitive Energies
0:35:15 – Miracles or Just Good Science?
0:37:20 – Skeptics, Science, and Spirituality
0:39:10 – Listening to Your Body’s Signals
0:42:20 – Why Michelle Believes Healing Is Possible for All
0:45:00 – Final Thoughts: Trust, Energy & Empowerment
 
#Osteopathy #QuantumHealing #SoundHealing #EnergyMedicine #NaturalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #AOScan #CraniosacralTherapy #SpiritualHealing #MichelleHealingJourney

#66 Two-Time World Champion at 59: The Powerlifting Grandma Returns! with Louise Clark

In this heartwarming and inspiring podcast episode, Louise Clark — now a two-time world champion powerlifting grandmother — returns to share her incredible journey over the past two years.
At 59, Louise reflects on how powerlifting has not only transformed her physically but brought confidence, happiness, and a deep sense of belonging to her life. She opens up about switching coaches to elevate her training, setting world records (including a bench press at 67.5kg), and how competing globally — including this year’s upcoming Pro Show and World Championships in the USA — has reignited her self-belief. Louise also discusses the emotional impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and the power of community in helping her through tough winter months. Her message is one of resilience, discipline, and joy — reminding us all that it’s never too late to start something new, lift heavy, or rewrite your story.
Whether you're a lifter, fitness enthusiast, or simply someone seeking purpose and passion later in life, Louise’s story is a powerful reminder: find your tribe, do what you love, and keep showing up.
📍Follow Louise on Instagram: @louiseclark935
 
0:00:00 – Welcome Back, Champion
0:02:30 – New Coach, New Level
0:06:45 – A Record-Breaking Year
0:11:10 – Breaking World Records
0:16:20 – SAD, Setbacks & Self-Kindness
0:22:40 – The Power of a Good Coach
0:27:15 – Finding Strength in Community
0:33:00 – From Mediocre to Motivated
0:39:10 – Competing with Confidence
0:45:00 – Strong at Any Age
#PowerliftingJourney #StrongAtAnyAge #WomenWhoLift #MastersPowerlifting #FindYourTribe

#65 The Power of Stoic Empathy with Shermin Kruse

In this engaging conversation, Shermin Kruse introduces the concept of stoic empathy, blending the principles of empathy and stoicism to enhance personal influence and leadership. The discussion explores the spectrum of empathy, the impact of childhood experiences on resilience, and the importance of authenticity in various life situations. Kruse emphasizes the significance of emotional regulation, mindfulness practices, and the ability to embrace discomfort as essential skills for personal growth and effective leadership. The conversation also touches on practical techniques for managing emotional triggers and the transformative power of meditation.
 
Key takeaways
Stoic empathy combines understanding others with self-control
Empathy consists of cognitive and emotional components
Authenticity is a privilege that comes with personal growth
Emotional regulation is a skill that can be developed
Meditation helps in managing emotional responses
Pain can serve as a motivator for personal growth
Daily practices can enhance emotional intelligence
Cognitive distraction can help manage cravings and anxiety
Understanding one's emotions is key to self-mastery.
Embracing discomfort is essential for resilience.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Stoic Empathy
03:05 Understanding Empathy: Cognitive vs Emotional
06:07 Personal Experiences and Childhood Influences
08:57 The Role of Authenticity in Leadership
12:08 Stoicism: A Misunderstood Philosophy
14:58 Emotional Control and Self-Authenticity
18:03 The Power of Empathy in Daily Life
21:09 Frameworks for Implementing Empathy
24:09 Tools for Emotional Control and Stoic Practices
33:57 Embracing Life's Uncertainties
36:23 The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness
39:39 Tools for Emotional Regulation
43:46 The Importance of Self-Reflection
48:28 Shifting Focus in High-Pressure Situations
53:01 Understanding and Managing Emotional Pain
 
keywords #personalgrowth #stoicempathy #emotionalintelligence #mindfulness #authenticity

#64 Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity with Michael J Dorfman -

In this enlightening conversation, Michael J Dorfman shares his insights on longevity, health, and the importance of nutrition. He discusses the concept of Blue Zones, where the healthiest and longest-living people reside, and emphasizes the significance of lifestyle practices, stress management, and having a purpose in life.
Michael recounts his personal journey to a plant-based diet and highlights the chronic disease pandemic affecting society today. He also addresses the impact of processed foods, the addictive nature of certain foods, and the role of money in health choices. The discussion culminates in a call to prioritize whole foods and fiber for optimal health and longevity.
 
Key Takeaways
Nutrition is crucial for longevity and health.
Blue Zones are areas with the longest-living populations.
Lifestyle practices include natural movement and stress reduction.
Having a purpose in life contributes to longevity.
Chronic diseases are often preventable through lifestyle changes.
Processed foods can be detrimental to health.
The food industry is driven by profit, not health.
The microbiome plays a significant role in overall health.
Whole foods are essential for proper nutrition.
Fiber intake is more important than protein for health.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Longevity and Health
02:52 Exploring the Blue Zones
06:03 Lifestyle Practices for Longevity
08:56 The Importance of Nutrition
11:52 Personal Journey to Plant-Based Living
15:11 The Impact of Chronic Diseases
18:00 Understanding Processed Foods
21:00 The Role of Addictive Substances in Diet
23:53 Chronic Disease Pandemic vs. Viral Pandemics
30:37 The Hidden Crisis of Lifestyle Diseases
36:27 Censorship and Control in Health Information
37:13 Understanding the Microbiome and Its Importance
41:28 The Body's Self-Healing Power
48:47 The Role of Diet in Longevity
52:28 Purpose and Longevity: A Deeper Connection
 
#longevity #health #nutrition #blue zones #plantbaseddiet

#63 The War on Talent: How to Stand Out in Hiring & Recruitment with expert Ben Watkins

The War on Talent: How to Stand Out in Hiring & Recruitment In this episode, Simon Cockram talks with talent acquisition expert Ben about the competitive hiring landscape, how companies can attract top talent, and what candidates need to do to land their dream job. 🔹
 
Key Takeaways:
✔️ The hiring market shift – Tech companies over-hired post-COVID, leading to mass layoffs and a tighter job market.
✔️ Why traditional job applications don’t work – 75% of jobs are filled outside of online adverts.
✔️ How to stand out as a job seeker – Treat job hunting like a sales process: network, reach out directly, and avoid getting lost in the CV pile.
✔️ The best candidates don’t write cover letters – They get referred or headhunted.
✔️ Businesses need to rethink hiring – Less vague job specs, streamlined processes, and a focus on urgency. 🔥 
📢 Don't just apply—create opportunities.
 
📌 Video Chapters:
00:00 Introduction & The War on Talent
02:30 The Changing Hiring Market Post-COVID
06:45 Why Traditional Job Applications Don’t Work
11:20 The Sales Process of Job Hunting
15:50 How to Stand Out from 300+ Applicants
20:15 Why 75% of Jobs Are Never Advertised
24:40 Cover Letters: Are They Worth It?
29:10 The Hidden Job Market & Networking
33:45 How Companies Can Improve Hiring Processes
38:20 The Interview Process: What Candidates & Employers Need to Know
43:10 Negotiating Salary & Offers the Right Way
48:05 Final Thoughts: Observe the Masses & Do the Opposite
 
#Recruitment #TalentWar #JobSearch #CareerTips #Hiring