Courageous

My 'controversial' pregnant people video

Should you post controversial content as a social media manager (the YouTube/podcast I talk about in this episode)

Buy Me a Coffee (Support the podcast)

When One Cancer Isn’t Enough: My Second Urgent Referral

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:15:00 +0100

In June, I shared the news of my breast cancer diagnosis.

Since then, it’s been scans, appointments, waiting - and more waiting.

And just when I thought I’d adjusted to life with one diagnosis… I was referred for another urgent cancer investigation.

In this episode of the Courageous podcast, I talk about:

What it feels like to face another suspected cancer referral
How endless medical admin can tip you over the edge
The surreal overlap of business, cancellation fallout and cancer
Why I’m choosing not to disappear, even in the middle of uncertainty
The good news I’m holding onto

It’s raw and real. And if you’ve ever felt like life just kept piling on - I hope it resonates

Key Links

Janet Murray’s website

Janet Murray's Substack

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

My 'controversial' pregnant people video

Should you post controversial content as a social media manager (the YouTube/podcast I talk about in this podcast season)

Buy Me a Coffee (Support the podcast)

Going Viral on TikTok (Sort Of) … Then Freezing on My Podcast

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:30:00 +0100

One of my TikTok videos got a lot of traction (for a brand new account anyway).

It should’ve felt like momentum.

Instead, I froze.

And perfectionism - mixed with the emotional chaos of a cancer diagnosis - nearly stopped me from publishing this episode at all.

In this honest update, I share why it's taken me so long to publish this podcast episode. Plus:

What really happened when I (kind of) went viral on TikTok
The perfectionism spiral that almost derailed this podcast
A personal update on my cancer treatment timeline - and the limbo it’s creating
The emotional impact of audience support (and what £100 really meant)
How I’m simplifying my offers - and why “good enough” is my new business plan (it has to be) The advice I give clients (that I’m finally taking myself)

If you’re navigating public vulnerability, visibility, or just trying to keep your work moving during tough times … I hope you'll resonate.

Key Links

Janet Murray’s Website

Janet Murray on Substack

My ‘controversial’ pregnant people TikTok

Podcast I referenced: Should You Post Controversial Content as a Social Media Manager?

Buy Me a Coffee (Support the podcast)

Breast Cancer, cancellation and the courage to keep going

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:45:00 +0100

Over the past few months, I’ve faced an ongoing cancellation campaign, a public takedown, and now - a breast cancer diagnosis.

It’s not the ‘comeback’ I had in mind. But it’s the reality I’m living.

In this episode of the Courageous podcast, I share how I found out I have breast cancer and how I’m navigating this unexpected chapter of my life, health, and business - in real time. I cover:

How I found out I had breast cancer
The surreal timing (GB News one day, biopsy results the next)
Why I’m choosing to stay visible during my treatment - rather than hiding away
The practical steps I’ve taken to protect my income and create breathing space
How I’m continuing to rebuild a business - even in the middle of all this

It’s honest, it’s raw - and if you’re rebuilding your voice, business and confidence - I hope it will resonate.

Key Links

Janet Murray’s website

Janet Murray's Substack

My 'controversial' pregnant people video

Should you post controversial content as a social media manager (the YouTube/podcast I talk about in this episode)

I know what I need to do - I’m just afraid I can’t do it

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:55:00 +0100

This is my first solo podcast episode in over a year.

For a long time, I wasn’t sure I’d come back. Not because I didn’t care - or didn’t know what to say - but because I found myself on the receiving end of a series of cancellation campaigns that left me questioning everything.

In this honest return, I talk about what’s happened over the past six months.

And the slow crawl back trusting my own voice again.

If you’ve ever felt frozen by self-doubt - even when you know what to do - this episode may resonate.

What I cover in this episode:

Why I stepped away from podcasting - and what’s changed
What it feels like to second-guess your voice after cancellation
The emotional toll of creative disconnection and burnout
Building a business that can hold you, even when you're not okay

I’ll also share why I’ve decided to share the ‘rebuild’ of my business - in real time.

Key Links

Janet Murray’s website

Janet Murray's Substack

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

My 'controversial' pregnant people video

Should you post controversial content as a social media manager (the YouTube/podcast I talk about in this episode)

Kerry Jordan: ‘There were times I didn’t want to get out of bed or speak to anyone’ Lessons from leaving a long-term relationship and starting again

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0100

When Kerry Jordan ended her 22 year relationship - there wasn’t just the emotional fallout to deal with. There were also practical issues - like how she could afford to live in the south of England as a self-employed photographer.

She decided to move 330 miles away to Cumbria. Where she could just about afford to buy a house - as long as she was prepared to do the renovations herself. A decision that meant starting her business - and her life - from scratch in a completely new part of the country.

In this episode of the Courageous podcast, Kerry shares how this drastic change of lifestyle has changed her - and her business. Including how she’s navigated the highs, lows and challenges along the way.

Key Moments

00:01:31 Why Kerry ended a 22-year relationship - and relocated from West Sussex to Cumbria

00:05:59 Kerry’s pet photography business in the early days

00:06:38 The real reason behind Kerry’s 330+ mile move

00:09:09 Dealing with loneliness in rural life

00:12:16 How Kerry’s business helped while going through a breakup

00:17:42 Kerry on facing dark times, healing and regrets

00:19:43 The challenges Kerry had while remodelling her new home on her own

00:23:00 Starting a new relationship after divorce

00:31:27 Fear, courage and life decisions: Kerry’s honest experience

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Kerry Jordan’s website

Kerry Jordan’s socials: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and X

Dipti Tait: ‘I was surrounded by grief and loss’ Lessons from dealing with a grief - and discovering a new career (S1, Ep 9)

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Dipti Tait thought she had her dream job at the BBC, working on well-known TV shows. But when her father fell ill and passed away, her world was turned upside down.

As family responsibilities grew—including becoming a mum—her career in television became harder to sustain. A move from London to the countryside brought further change, ultimately leading to the breakdown of her relationship.

But from loss came transformation. Dipti discovered a new path as a psychotherapist, specializing in grief therapy.

In this episode of The Courageous Podcast, she shares how personal loss led her to a career she never expected—one that now helps others navigate grief and healing

Key Moments

00:02:18 How her father’s diagnosis of leukemia changed Dipti’s life forever

00:08:14 Pregnancy - and how it changed Dipti’s dream TV career

00:10:54 BBC journalist Jill Dando and Princess Diana: how Dipti was impacted by their deaths

00:19:19 Dipti’s move from London to the Cotswolds - and adapting to a slower pace of life

00:23:25 The moment Dipti knew her marriage was over

00:30:27 How hypnotherapy transformed Dipti’s life and led to a new career as a psychotherapist

2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.

Dipti Tait’s website

Dipti Tait’s socials: Facebook, LinkedIn and X

Dipti Tait’s books: Good Grief and Planet Grief

Stefan Thomas: ‘Some days I couldn’t even leave the house’ Lessons from managing a chronic illness whilst running a business (S1, Ep 8)

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Running your own business has many perks, but what happens when a chronic illness forces you to rethink everything?

Author and speaker Stefan Thomas has ulcerative colitis—an autoimmune condition that affects the bowel, causing pain, fatigue, and frequent (often urgent) trips to the bathroom during flare-ups.

In this episode, he shares how he’s adapted his business to better manage his condition—including creating online versions of his in-person offerings. Plus, how opening up about his experiences online unexpectedly turned him into a social media influencer, raising awareness of life with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

You’ll also hear about his journey from estate agent to speaker and get valuable tips on landing speaking gigs and other opportunities to help grow your business.

Key Moments

00:03:35 How Stefan accidentally fell into public speaking (via networking)

00:09:01 Why it’s important to market to clients who can actually afford you

00:19:20 How Stefan’s previous career as an estate agent helped him in business

00:28:15 Nurturing existing business connections - and why it’s a smart marketing strategy

00:34:36 Tips for getting hired by event organisers (and what to avoid)

00:44:06 A clever marketing strategy Stefan uses to stay top of mind with clients

00:46:23 How Stefan repurposes his speaking content to attract new business

00:49:19 Living and working with ulcerative colitis: the adjustments Stefan has made to manage his health whilst running a business

2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.

Stefan Thomas’s website

Stefan Thomas’s socials: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

Rachel Spencer: ‘I’d have gone insane if I’d kept going’ Lessons from navigating a personal crisis as a small business owner (S1, Ep 7)

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0100

When Rachel Spencer found herself struggling to breathe - as if something was crushing down on her chest - she knew something had to change..

She’d just received the news that a friend had passed away suddenly - which was devastating enough. But the news followed a serious of personal challenges, that included bereavement, ill health and the breakdown of a 10 year relationship

In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, Rachel shares how she navigated this challenging period in her life. And how being brave enough to step away from everything but the necessary tasks in her business, for a time, was essential for her recovery.

Key Moments

00:02:39 The Bridget Jones quote that summs up what Rachel was going through

00:05:40 What Rachel decided to stop doing in her business when crisis hit

00:11:59 How self-care helped Rachel to push through hard times

00:19:33 The need for contingency funds and other streams of income

00:25:40 How to manage client communication while protecting your personal time

00:35:56 Rachel’s business mistakes and what she’s learned from them

2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.

Rachel Spencer’s website

Rachel Spencer’s socials: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

Tim Lewis: ‘Nobody wants to talk about death. Everybody wants a happy ending’ (S1, Ep 6) Lessons from losing a spouse and finding a new career as an author

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Tim Lewis had been married to his wife Rachel for just a few years when she suffered a life-changing stroke. And as her health deteriorated, Tim began to lead a double life - an IT guy in financial services by day and caring for his wife by night.

When his wife sadly passed away, Tim found solace in his work at first - but soon found himself compelled to find a more fulfilling career. But it still took more than a year to find the courage to leave.

In this episode of the Courageous podcast, Tim shares his experience of losing his wife, early in their marriage. And how he found the courage to find a new and more fulfilling career as an author and podcaster.

Key Moments

00:02:13 The moment when Tim’s life changed forever

00:09:50 Grief, trauma, and their influence on men’s mental health

00:20:59 Tim on his bold move to change his career path

00:29:59 The book that made Tim consider a writing career

00:36:30 Being cornered - and how it sharpens entreprenurial skills

00:44:10 Networking advice: What Tim learnt from his experiences

2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.

Timeshock: I Want My Life Back

Tim Lewis’s website

Tim Lewis’s LinkedIn

Book Chat Live

Tim Lewis’s books:

Social Media Networking: How to Use Social Media to Get the Job You Want, Find Love, Get Business Success and Boost Your Travel

Connie Shaw: ‘I’ve been penalised for expressing my freedom of speech’ (S1, Ep 5) Lessons from being ‘cancelled’ for holding gender critical views

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Universities are the home of free speech, critical thinking & robust debate, right?

Not for student Connie Shaw who was recently suspended from Leeds University Student Radio because of her personal views.

While the reasons for her suspension have not yet been made clear, she believes it’s because of her gender critical views i.e. she believes there are two sexes - male and female - and that the notion of ‘gender identity’ does not exist. And she’s passionate about protecting women’s sex-based rights to safe spaces, fairness in sport (and all aspects of life) … along with sex-based language.

While twenty-year-old Connie does not have a business (yet) she is a courageous leader. Because she’s willing to stand up for what she believes in - even if it makes her unpopular. Which means there is much to learn from this conversation - both for business and life.

And here’s the thing.

It shouldn’t feel courageous for me to share this conversation between two women - twenty years apart - who share a passion for protecting women’s sex-based rights - and the language used to describe them.

And yet it does.

And regardless of whether you agree/disagree with what you hear in this discussion - the right to freedom of expression is the most valuable thing we have. And something I believe we must protect - at all costs.

Key Moments

00:03:04 Why Connie was suspended from the position of daytime editor on Leeds Student Radio

00:13:19 The erosion of women’s sex-based rights - and why not enough people are taking about it

00:25:44 A gender-critical stance: Connie’s unfiltered beliefs

00:34:34 Erasing ‘woman’ - the controversy around women’s sex-based language

00:41:22 Why Connie believes biological men should not compete in women’s sporting categories and awards

00:51:41 Why being called bigoted doesn’t hurt Connie

2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.