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Words that Change Lives

Helen Packham

Would you like to improve your ability to connect with others in a world where mutual understanding appears to be declining?

Join Helen Packham, Verbal communications strategist and speaker coach, to explore how we can speak more honestly, talk more authentically, and communicate more effectively to motivate, educate and inspire.

This podcast is for leaders, coaches, consultants and small business owners who want to increase the impact of their communication from 1-2-1 conversations to thousands online and in person. No matter how big or small the audience, tune in to learn how the words you use can make a massive impact.

Whether you want to stand on the TEDx stage, pitch an idea, influence a group of people, resolve conflict or inspire action in others, there’s something for you in this podcast.

In weekly episodes, Helen will be sharing her wisdom, insight and approaches, as well as speaking to top experts in the field of verbal communication to help you express to impress.

Helen has built her career on helping leaders, coaches, and consultants 10x the impact of their communication to engage, educate and inspire their audiences. She has 15 years of experience in leadership development and communication and 8 years in entrepreneurship. A TEDx curator and speaker, Helen passes on the powerful tool of storytelling to her clients so that they can confidently present and speak with impact. Living on the sunny south coast with her two kids, she loves beach time, downs walks and Djing house and drum and bass music.

Helen truly believes that we can all harness the power of our words to change lives, for the better.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 34 min
  • English
  • S2 · E11
    June 29 · 11 min

    Stories in Our DNA – Ep 11: The Story That Finds You

    What remains when the stories have all been told? In the final episode of Stories in Our DNA, Helen Packham invites listeners into a twilight garden — a place of memory, reflection, grief, transformation, and hope. Through a deeply personal and atmospheric story, she explores the stories we inherit, the stories we outgrow, and the stories we consciously choose to carry forward. Drawing together the themes woven throughout the season, this episode reflects on storytelling as a human survival tool, a source of meaning, a vehicle for healing, and a responsibility we pass from one generation to the next. From personal reinvention and resilience to the modern attention economy and the future of human storytelling, this closing chapter asks what stories deserve our attention and what legacy they leave behind. This is not an ending. It is an invitation to notice the stories that find you. In this episode: • Why stories become most important when life stops making sense • The role storytelling plays in grief, identity, and transformation • How we rewrite the narratives that no longer serve us • The influence of digital stories on attention, meaning, and wellbeing • Why boundaries around our attention matter more than ever • The responsibility that comes with influencing others through story • Storytelling as legacy and an act of human continuity • What connects us to people who lived before us — and those yet to come • Why stories remain one of humanity’s oldest and most essential technologies • A closing reflection on the journey of Stories in Our DNA If this season has resonated with you, please follow, share, and leave a review. Get in touch with Helen hello@helenpackham.com Insta: @helenpackham Download Your Stories In Our DNA Season 2 Companion Kit Here: https://helenpackham.com/podcast-season-2/ #StoriesInOurDNA #Storytelling #NarrativePsychology #PersonalGrowth #HumanConnection #Legacy #MeaningMaking

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  • S2 · E10
    June 22 · 28 min

    Stories in Our DNA – Ep 10: The Story We Are Still Writing

    What if the stories shaping your future aren't the ones you're consuming... but the ones you're carrying? In this powerful episode, Helen explores what it means to become a responsible carrier of story in a world where narratives multiply, spread, distort, and shape reality faster than ever before. Drawing together the themes woven throughout the Stories in Our DNA season, Helen introduces her Story Responsibility Framework - a practical guide for understanding the stories we tell ourselves, the stories we tell others, the stories we reward, and the stories we ultimately leave behind. Through deeply personal reflections on people-pleasing, visibility, and what Helen calls the "niceness tether," this episode offers an honest exploration of what it means to speak with greater clarity, lead with integrity, and choose the stories we want to carry forward. Because stories don't just entertain us. They train our nervous systems. They shape our relationships. They influence culture. And they become legacy. This is a conversation about voice, responsibility, and the everyday choices that shape the future. You'll discover: ✓ Why stories survive when people repeat them, reward them, and embody them ✓ How to use the Story Responsibility Framework to navigate everyday life with greater intention ✓ Why the stories you tell yourself influence the stories you tell others ✓ How uncertainty causes our nervous systems to fill gaps with old survival narratives ✓ Why "a gap is not a verdict" and how to become the author of a truer story ✓ The hidden ways people diminish their own influence through language ✓ Why your attention is shaping culture in an age of amplification ✓ How the stories you reward become the stories that survive ✓ Why legacy is built through small, everyday behaviours rather than grand gestures ✓ How to carry your voice, values, and truth forward with greater courage and clarity Resources & Links Helen Packham Website https://helenpackham.com/ Unlock Your Origin Story https://helenpackham.com/unlock-your-origin-story/ Land a TEDx Talk https://helenpackham.com/tedx-checklist/ Listen to the Podcast https://helenpackham.com/podcast/ Enjoyed the episode? If this conversation encouraged you to rethink the stories you're carrying, rewarding, or passing on: ⭐ Follow Words That Change Lives ⭐ Share this episode with someone whose voice deserves to be heard ⭐ Leave a rating and review on your favourite podcast platform Every review helps these conversations travel further. The future isn't only shaped by the loudest stories. It's shaped by the stories we choose to carry forward.

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  • S2 · E9
    June 15 · 52 min

    Stories in Our DNA – Ep 9: A Story For 10,000 Years

    What if the greatest threat to our stories isn’t forgetting, but losing the ability to read them? In this fascinating conversation, Helen speaks with Andrew Warner, Special Projects Director at the Long Now Foundation, an organisation dedicated to fostering long-term thinking over the next 10,000 years. They explore the Rosetta Project, endangered languages, the Digital Dark Age, the 10,000-Year Clock, and why preserving language may be one of humanity’s most important acts of stewardship. Along the way you’ll hear about the Rosetta Disc currently resting on a comet, another archive on the Moon, endangered languages, the Antikythera Mechanism, Voyager’s Golden Record, and the remarkable human desire to leave something meaningful behind. This is a conversation about legacy, stewardship and the stories that connect past, present and future. You’ll discover: ✓ Why future generations may struggle to read our digital records ✓ How the Rosetta Stone inspired a modern attempt to preserve the world’s languages ✓ Why linguists estimate that most of today’s languages may disappear within the next century ✓ How language carries ecological, medicinal and cultural knowledge ✓ Why stories are some of the longest-lasting technologies humanity has ever created ✓ What the Long Now Foundation means by “long-term thinking” ✓ How ordinary people can help preserve cultural memory in their own communities Resources & Links The Long Now Foundation Long Now Foundation The Rosetta Project Rosetta Project The 10,000-Year Clock Clock of the Long Now Long Now Seminars & Talks Long Now Talks Archive Internet Archive Internet Archive PanLex PanLex Language Project Enjoyed the episode? If this conversation sparked your curiosity about language, story, legacy or humanity’s future: ⭐ Follow Words That Change Lives ⭐ Share this episode with a friend ⭐ Leave a rating and review on your favourite podcast platform Every review helps more people discover the show and helps these important conversations travel further. Because the stories we preserve today may be the stories that help someone understand who we were tomorrow.

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  • S2 · E8
    June 8 · 36 min

    Stories in Our DNA – Ep 8: Story in the Age of Intelligence

    What happens when storytelling, consciousness, and artificial intelligence begin to merge? In this thought-provoking episode, Helen Packham speaks with David Lindberg, creator of Nakaya — an AI-generated parallel universe designed to explore human consciousness, inner awakening, creativity, and our relationship with technology. Together, they explore the power of metaphor, mythology, visual storytelling, and AI as a new creative medium for human expression. Through the lens of Nakaya’s creatures, worlds, and symbolism, this conversation asks profound questions about identity, truth, belonging, flow, and what it means to “come home” to ourselves in the age of intelligence. From ancient storytelling traditions to immersive digital worlds, Helen and David discuss the tension between enchantment and escapism, the future of creativity, and why the stories we create through AI still reveal deeply human truths. This episode is both philosophical and deeply practical — exploring not only where storytelling may be heading, but how we stay connected to truth, humanity, and meaning as technology evolves around us. In this episode: • What Nakaya is and why it resonates so deeply with people • How AI can become a creative and philosophical storytelling tool • The role of metaphor and symbolism in human transformation • Why visual worlds can act as mirrors for human consciousness • The psychology of consumption, disconnection, and “the maw” • Storytelling, spirituality, flow states, and belonging • The balance between enchantment and escapism in digital worlds • Why creativity and inner work matter more than ever in the age of AI • The fears and resistance surrounding AI-generated art • How honesty and truth reconnect us to ourselves If this episode speaks to you, please follow, share, and leave a review. Download Your Stories In Our DNA Season 2 Companion Kit Here: https://helenpackham.com/podcast-season-2/ Find David Lindberg & Nakaya: https://www.instagram.com/nakaya.world/ https://nakaya.world/ #StoriesInOurDNA #ArtificialIntelligence #StorytellingPodcast #NarrativePsychology #Consciousness #Creativity #AIArt

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  • S2 · E7
    June 1 · 34 min

    Stories in Our DNA – Ep 7: The Stories We Can Tell Instead

    What if the stories that change us most don’t follow the hero’s journey at all? In this episode, Helen Packham explores three powerful storytelling structures that offer an alternative to conflict-driven narratives: Kishōtenketsu, Ring Composition, and the Braided Narrative. Together, they reveal how stories can create meaning through contrast, reflection, connection, and recognition, not just struggle and triumph. From the quiet symbolism of an umbrella carried “just in case” to the invisible emotional habits we use to feel safe, Helen explores how story structures shape identity, leadership, communication, and the way we understand ourselves. Drawing from cultural storytelling traditions, narrative psychology, coaching insights, and personal reflection, this episode invites you to rethink what makes a story meaningful and why quieter transformations still deserve to be heard. In this episode: • Why conflict isn’t the only path to meaningful storytelling • How Kishōtenketsu creates transformation through contrast and reframe • The hidden emotional power of Ring Composition • Why the meaning of a story is sometimes found in the middle • How braided narratives reflect the complexity of modern life • The connection between storytelling, nervous systems, and belonging • Why many people over-explain, over-prepare, or make themselves smaller to stay safe • How alternative story structures can create deeper trust and connection • Practical storytelling experiments you can immediately apply to leadership, speaking, business, and personal growth If this episode speaks to you, please follow, share, and leave a review. Download Your Stories In Our DNA Season 2 Companion Kit Here: https://helenpackham.com/podcast-season-2/ #StoriesInOurDNA #StorytellingPodcast #NarrativePsychology #LeadershipCommunication #Storytelling #PersonalGrowth #ThoughtLeadership

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  • S2 · E6
    May 25 · 23 min

    Stories in Our DNA – Ep 6: The Story We Inherited

    What if your story doesn’t need trauma, struggle, or a dramatic breakthrough to matter? In this deeply reflective episode, Helen Packham explores how the hero’s journey became the dominant narrative shaping modern culture, business, leadership, and identity. From Hollywood films to personal branding, we’ve inherited the belief that transformation only counts if it’s dramatic, cinematic, and hard-won. Helen unpacks the hidden cost of the “lone hero” narrative and introduces a more connected way of understanding growth: the relational arc. Through personal stories, coaching insights, and cultural reflection, this episode invites you to stop forcing your life into a battle story and begin embracing narratives rooted in honesty, support, belonging, and connection. In this episode: Why so many people feel their story “isn’t enough” How the hero’s journey became the default story structure in modern culture The hidden pressure to earn meaning through struggle and trauma Why nervous systems heal through connection, not isolation The three distortions of the hero narrative What mirrors, bridges, and containers reveal about personal growth How to reframe your story without battle language Why quieter turning points are still powerful and worthy If this episode speaks to you, please follow, share, and leave a review. Download Your Stories In Our DNA Season 2 Companion Kit Here: Podcast season 2 - Helen Packham #StoriesInOurDNA #StorytellingPodcast #HeroJourney #LeadershipThroughStory #PersonalGrowth #NarrativePsychology #Connection #SelfDevelopment

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  • S2 · E5
    May 18 · 30 min

    Stories in Our DNA – Ep 5: The Story I Tell Myself

    In this episode of Stories in Our DNA, Helen explores one of the most powerful narratives we ever create — the story we tell ourselves about who we are. While storytelling connects us to culture, history and community, it also shapes our identity, beliefs and behaviour. The internal narratives we carry can influence our confidence, our decisions and the way we interpret the world around us. In this episode, Helen examines how personal stories are formed, why they become so powerful, and how becoming aware of the stories we tell ourselves can help us reshape our lives. This conversation brings the series inward — from the collective stories of humanity to the personal narratives that define our individual lives. In This Episode • Why humans create personal narratives about their lives • How identity is shaped by the stories we tell ourselves • The influence of belief systems on behaviour and decision-making • Why some internal stories empower us while others limit us • How awareness of our internal narrative can create transformation Key Insight The stories we tell ourselves shape how we see the world and how we see ourselves. By becoming aware of these narratives, we gain the ability to challenge limiting beliefs and consciously choose a new story. About the Series Stories in Our DNA explores the biological, psychological and cultural roots of storytelling. From the fireside origins of human narrative to the myths embedded in landscapes and the stories shaping our identities today, the series uncovers why storytelling remains one of the most powerful forces in human life. About the Host Helen is a storytelling coach and communication specialist who helps leaders harness the power of story to influence, connect and inspire. Through her podcast Words That Change Lives, she explores how language and narrative shape our relationships, leadership and sense of self.

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  • S2 · E4
    May 11 · 35 min

    Stories in Our DNA – Ep 4: Stories Of Folklore Myth & Landscape

    Helen and Jon The Storyteller explore the fundamental role of storytelling in human evolution, its connection to social bonding, and how stories help us navigate uncertainty. They discuss the significance of local legends and folklore, the purpose of stories in conveying moral lessons and entertainment, and the living nature of stories that adapt over time. The conversation emphasises the importance of storytelling in modern contexts and its potential to enrich our understanding of the world. About Jon Norman Mason Jon is a Brighton-based storyteller, folklorist and historian with a love for tales linking present, past and place. He is near completion of a PhD exploring storytelling as sensemaking and selfhood, and the role modern myths can play to inspire environmentalism in built environments. Instagram: jonthestoryteller Bluesky: @jonthestoryteller.bsky.social Facebook: Jon Mason stories and music Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/u6629371 / Jon the Storyteller Twitter: @jonmase https://jonthestoryteller.com/ Please like, follow, subscribe and share, it means the world and helps more people use their words to change lives, for the better.

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  • S2 · E3
    May 4 · 57 min

    Stories in Our DNA – Ep 3: Wired for Story

    Why do stories captivate us while facts often fall flat? In this episode, Helen sits down with Lisa Cron, bestselling author of Wired for Story, to explore the science behind storytelling and why humans are biologically wired to think in narrative. Lisa explains how stories function as a simulation system for the brain, helping us navigate uncertainty, rehearse decisions and understand the world around us. The conversation explores how storytelling influences behaviour, why emotions drive decision-making, and why leaders, speakers and businesses who understand story can create far deeper connection and impact. Together they unpack the neuroscience of storytelling, the emotional mechanisms that make stories powerful, and the storytelling principles that help messages truly land. What You’ll Learn Why humans are wired for story from infancy How storytelling functions as a mental simulation for life The brain chemistry behind compelling stories Why facts alone rarely persuade people The role of misbelief in powerful storytelling Why vulnerability creates deeper connection How leaders can use storytelling to build trust and influence Lisa Cron is a story coach and author specialising in the neuroscience of storytelling. Her books include: Wired for Story Story Genius Story or Die She works with writers, leaders and organisations to help them harness the power of story to create deeper impact. Website: wiredforstory.com Subscribe to Words That Change Lives If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you follow the podcast and share it with someone who cares about powerful communication and storytelling.

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  • S2 · E2
    April 27 · 41 min

    Stories in Our DNA – Ep 2: Stories From the Ancient Past

    Helen and Marek Kohn explore the deep connections between the earliest forms of human creativity, ancient cave art and the foundational elements of narrative. They dive into how this prehistoric art offers a window into our ancestors' minds, the crucial role of stone tool use in human adaptation, and the importance of cooperation and trust in the structure of early societies. They also consider the parallel emergence of language and imagination, and how these factors have been essential in shaping both human evolution and the future direction of storytelling. If you enjoyed this episode please like, subscribe, follow and review, it really helps me reach more people and help them harness the power of words and stories to change lives for the better! About Marek Kohn Marek Kohn lives in Brighton and is a writer. The subjects of his books range from evolutionary theory to climate change, language, trust and moral panics around drug use; diversity, identity and how to live together better are themes running through them all. His most recent book, The Stories Old Towns Tell, has been shortlisted in the US for the 2026 Laura Shannon Prize in Contemporary European Studies, awarded to books that stimulate new ways of thinking about contemporary Europe. Marek co-runs Kupala Brighton, a project exploring what culture and tradition mean to Ukrainians in the UK today. https://marekkohn.info/ https://kupalabrighton.org/ Download Your Series 2 Story Companion Kit here: Podcast season 2 - Helen Packham

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  • S2 · E1
    April 20 · 24 min

    Stories in Our DNA – Ep 1: The Firelight Beginning

    Why are we addicted to stories? Why do they move us, connect us, and sometimes even save us? In this powerful season opener, Helen takes you back to where storytelling began - the firelight. From ancient myths to neuroscience, from Darwin and Harari to boardrooms and dreams, this episode reveals why storytelling is hardwired into our biology, leadership, and healing. Helen also shares her own story, of losing her voice and finding it again through the power of narrative. In this episode: The evolutionary reason behind fear of public speaking Why Homo sapiens survived — and storytelling’s role in it What your dreams teach you about narrative How story builds trust, empathy, and connection Real-world coaching stories that show the power of story in action If this episode speaks to you, please follow, share, and leave a review. Download Your Stories In Our DNA Season 2 Companion Kite Here: Podcast season 2 - Helen Packham #StoriesInOurDNA #StorytellingPodcast #LeadershipThroughStory

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  • April 1 · 1 min

    Season 2 is coming.

    Season 2 is coming. Stories in Our DNA is a journey into the deep past, the stories we live inside now, and the ones we are still writing for the future. Listen to the trailer, and if you want to go deeper, join the listener circle for episode drops, reflection prompts, and my free guide: The Story You Tell Yourself. https://helenpackham.com/podcast-season-2/ Are you ready? Then let’s begin.

  • #70
    Jun 2, 2025 · 17 min

    Ep 70: Growth, Burnout and The Next Chapter: Reflections After 70 Episodes

    In the final episode of this season of the Words That Change Lives podcast, Helen reflects on the highlights, lessons learned, and heartfelt gratitude that have defined a remarkable season. As she presses pause and looks ahead to new opportunities and fresh directions, this last instalment offers listeners an honest and inspiring look back and a glimpse of what's next. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Looking back on the podcast, so grateful for the support 04:48 Podcasting has led to increased opportunities, reach, and credibility in this field 07:42 The podcast has expanded discussions beyond traditional communication topics 10:46 Learned podcast SEO, improved titles and tags, branching into video, recalibrating business strategy 13:05 Reverse engineering priorities, documenting on YouTube until podcast season two 16:10 connect on social media for updates on season two. Connect with Helen: Website: helenpackham.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@helenpackhamspeakercoach Instagram: www.instagram.com/helenpackham Facebook: www.facebook.com/helenpackhamcoach LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/helenpackham The podcast will be pausing after this episode but you can continue to get weekly videos and BTS insights from Helen via her YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@helenpackhamspeakercoach Or by signing up to her speak up newsletter https://helenpackham.com/ (bottom of the home page) Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

  • #69
    May 26, 2025 · 47 min

    Ep 69: Robotics COO Eleanor Tang-Smith Reveals Why Doing Nothing Could Be The Smartest Move In The Age Of AI

    Helen talks to Eleanor Tang-Smith, COO of a fast-growing robotics software company, to unravel the surprising power of pause and “wild creativity” in a tech-driven world. Drawing from her unique vantage point at the crossroads of robotics and artificial intelligence, Eleanor shares why embracing creativity, critical thinking, and even regular breaks from technology aren’t just nice-to-haves but essential habits for the future of work. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Helen helped Ellie, COO of a robotics software company, create talks and develop a legacy phrase 03:57 Joy from non-work passions provides challenge and reward similar to work 09:20 AI's impact on hiring has grown significantly 09:58 AI integration in hiring and growth 14:20 Art's value comes from the artist's contribution and story 19:31 To stand out amid AI-generated content, think creatively 23:07 AI-created marketing for a Glasgow Willy Wonka experience led to disappointment and accusations of false advertising 30:04 Overloading tasks hinders joy 33:23 Productivity and automation’s future 37:37 Balancing life in a tech world 41:38 Embrace freedom and mindfulness outdoors Listen to Helen’s episode about Legacy Phrases on spotify or apple. About Ellie Tang-Smith Eleanor Tang-Smith is the COO of BOW, where she draws on 15 years of experience in the software industry to build and scale a robotics software business. Eleanor is a passionate advocate for women in STEM, co-host of Women in Tech Nottingham, and a champion of creativity and compassion in the workplace. Outside of work, she finds balance in nature through wild swimming, mountain climbing, and exploring the outdoors. Connect with Ellie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tang-smith-488738a0/ Connect with Helen: Website: helenpackham.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@helenpackhamspeakercoach Instagram: www.instagram.com/helenpackham Facebook: www.facebook.com/helenpackhamcoach LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/helenpackham The podcast will be pausing at episode 70 but you can continue to get updates from Helen via her YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@helenpackhamspeakercoach Or by signing up to her speak up newsletter https://helenpackham.com/ (bottom of the home page) Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

  • #68
    May 19, 2025 · 55 min

    Ep 68: This ONE Conversation Made Me Rethink My Whole Business with Helen Tudor

    Helen and guest Helen Tudor explore the transformative power of pausing, realignment, and truly connecting with your ideal clients. Get ready for refreshing honesty, hands-on advice, and inspiring stories about what happens when you put alignment and joy at the centre of everything you do. Here are the highlights: 00:00 My guest, Helen Tudor, combines strategy and spirituality to help entrepreneurs attract ideal clients 04:46 Pausing podcast to free up time for strategic thinking 12:42 Success doesn't always feel fulfilling; finding joy outside of business is crucial for a balanced life. 22:29 Challenge traditional methods; simplify and customise delivery 25:37 Self-awareness is key 27:40 Strategy alone is insufficient; understanding energetics is essential 38:24 People buy transformation based on feelings, connection, and confidence, not just expertise or services. 40:18 Be direct and confident; this attracts your ideal audience quickly 45:22 Note ideas immediately; creativity often strikes during everyday activities. 45:59 Act on inspiration immediately 50:48 Set boundaries confidently in business About Helen Tudor: Helen Tudor is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and a leading expert in ideal client attraction. She blends strategy with spirituality to help mission-driven entrepreneurs call in their perfect-fit clients with ease. With a no-nonsense approach, Helen teaches business owners how to magnetise clients without cold DMs, complicated funnels, or endless faffing around. Her proven methods have helped thousands of entrepreneurs build aligned, profitable businesses while staying true to their values. Connect with Helen: https://www.helentudor.uk/icaalignmentquiz Connect with Helen: Website: helenpackham.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@helenpackhamspeakercoach Instagram: www.instagram.com/helenpackham Facebook: www.facebook.com/helenpackhamcoach LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/helenpackham The podcast will be pausing at episode 70 but you can continue to get updates from Helen via her YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@helenpackhamspeakercoach Or by signing up to her speak up newsletter https://helenpackham.com/ (bottom of the home page) Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

  • #67
    May 12, 2025 · 48 min

    Ep 67: Is Alcohol Stealing Your Potential Without You Noticing? With Anna Donaghey

    How does the way you speak to yourself about alcohol shape your habits, identity and potential? Helen welcomes alcohol mindset coach Anna Donaghey to share eye-opening insights into the stories we tell ourselves about drinking. This episode offers practical, compassionate wisdom on breaking cycles of shame and unlocking a way to rethink the way you drink alcohol. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Exploring the importance of the language we use around alcohol. 09:13 Lost confidence and sparkle due to years of drinking 11:35 Loss of long-term goals and motivation due to alcohol 15:27 Words shape mindset; self-talk matters 26:35 Is life good enough or could reducing alcohol enhance it? 32:55 Everyone can be prone to addiction. 36:35 Moving beyond the limiting labels of "normal" and "alcoholic." 38:43 Admitting to a drinking problem was a daunting step for me 43:51 Acknowledge past mistakes but emphasise openness to change with ‘yet’. About Anna Donaghey: Anna Donaghey is an alcohol mindset coach, speaker and host of The BigDrink Rethink, a podcast aimed at encouraging people to talk openly and honestly about alcohol. With a career spanning 25 years as a strategist in the advertising industry, she combines her own lived experience of alcohol addiction with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Through The Big Drink Rethink, Anna is on a mission to get the nation drinking more mindfully. Connect with Anna: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey Listen To The Podcast: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/big-drink-rethink Connect with Helen: Website: helenpackham.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@helenpackhamspeakercoach Instagram: www.instagram.com/helenpackham Facebook: www.facebook.com/helenpackhamcoach LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/helenpackham The podcast will be pausing at episode 70 but you can continue to get updates from Helen via her YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@helenpackhamspeakercoach Or by signing up to her speak up newsletter https://helenpackham.com/ (bottom of the home page) Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

  • #66
    May 5, 2025 · 12 min

    Ep 66: Why I'm pressing Pause: The Business Rebuild That Will Change Everything

    Helen pulls back the curtain to give listeners a candid, behind-the-scenes look into her business and share some important news about the future of the podcast. In this honest and reflective solo episode, she discusses her journey towards recalibrating her business, from recognising burnout and the pitfalls of busy-ness to embracing the power of alignment, clarity, and intentional growth. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Revealing behind the scenes of what’s happening with the business and the podcast 03:52 Embracing the mantra, less is More and slow down to speed up 06:17 Recalibrating and realigning the business 10:17 Podcast Transformation: Aligned Future Focus Want 1 on 1 support with your visibility? Although the podcast is pausing (a few more to go!), Helen will be documenting her business changes over on her YouTube channel. Follow and connect here: https://www.youtube.com/@helenpackhamspeakercoach Connect with Helen: Website: helenpackham.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/helenpackham Facebook: www.facebook.com/helenpackhamcoach LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/helenpackham Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

  • #65
    Apr 28, 2025 · 44 min

    Ep 65: The ONE Question That Silences Shame and Builds Self-Trust

    Helen speaks with coach Adam Smith about the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape everything. From negative self-talk to the pressure to prove ourselves, Adam shares how he broke free from old patterns and now helps others do the same. Together, they explore how changing your inner dialogue can shift your whole life. Starting with just a few simple words. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Introduction 02:32 Reframing anxiety: the language we use shapes our reality 09:48 Formative voices become our inner critic 13:55 Why high achievers often struggle with low self-esteem 18:08 Social media validation and the craving to be seen 23:27 Shame vs guilt: the danger of attaching identity to actions 27:09 Interrupting the spiral: the power of a more helpful thought 32:13 Emotional regulation starts with letting yourself feel 36:18 The healthiest choice might not be what you think it is 42:26 “Have you had enough pain yet?” The question that sparks change About Adam Smith: From depressed and suicidal to the happiest and fittest he’s ever been, Adam’s self-development journey hasn’t been easy but it has been worth it. Today, he is a qualified in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and a certified Time Line Therapist®. He has coached hundreds of high performers, CEOs, celebrities, and athletes including Team GB, using NLP to rewire their thoughts and behaviours so they can destroy limiting beliefs and engineer the change needed to excel. He was working in hospitality, drinking in excess, and hoping to find happiness at the bottom of a bottle - of course, he did not. After a failed relationship, losing a job, and drinking too much, he hit rock bottom and wanted to end his life. After only what I can call a blessing, he was interrupted by a call from my Mum, and everything changed. He transformed his mental and physical health by starting small and gaining momentum. Connect with Adam: Podcast- https://agameunfiltered.podbean.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-smith-high-performance-coach/ Connect with Helen: Website: helenpackham.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/helenpackham Facebook: www.facebook.com/helenpackhamcoach LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/helenpackham Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

  • #64
    Apr 21, 2025 · 15 min

    Ep 64: Brilliant But Hidden: Why Your Expertise Isn't Getting The Attention It Deserves (And How To Change That)

    Helen explores why talented coaches, consultants, and leaders might feel invisible, even with a wealth of expertise at their fingertips. Through her unique ‘AIR’ process, she unveils strategies to increase your visibility and ensure that your voice is not only heard but resonates powerfully. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Why experts, coaches and consultants have visibility challenges. 05:02 Reach involves a strategy to get messages seen by the right audience. 09:01 The key to showing up consistently on platforms. 10:45 Share your work by choosing one platform or event to leverage without overwhelming yourself. 14:20 How to get in touch for an "Air Strategy Session." Want 1 on 1 support with your visibility? Inside the AIR Strategy Session, we: Identify the gaps in your Authority, Impact & Reach Build a content + visibility strategy that feels aligned 2 weeks of WhatsApp support to implement it Plus a bonus follow-up call to check your momentum. This is the best first step if you’re serious about getting known this year. Book via hello@helenpackham.com or send me a DM on Instagram @helenpackham Connect with Helen: Website: helenpackham.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/helenpackham Facebook: www.facebook.com/helenpackhamcoach LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/helenpackham Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

  • #63
    Apr 14, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min

    Ep 63: Yin From Traitors Reveals Communication Strategies In High Stakes Environments That You Can Use Every Day To Win People Over

    Helen Packham talks to Dr Yin Lu, a distinguished communication scientist and self-styled rhetoric doctor. Despite her early exit in the game show 'Traitors,' Yin shares her expansive knowledge, explaining how emotion and strategic communication play crucial roles in achieving resonance and influence. Yin and Helen share strategies applicable in our daily lives to win people over and reduce the distortion between intention and impact. Tune in for a conversation that's sure to transform how you connect and communicate with the world. Here are the highlights: 00:00 The science of communication with Yin from the Traitors 09:16 Communication involves reducing distortion between intent and impact. 15:42 Analysed rhetorical techniques in social media to predict tweet engagement. 25:02 Online influence holds significant power. Creators need to take care. 31:45 Traitors plan was non-threatening behaviour and appearance. 37:03 Trust, emotional connection, and logic form credibility. 44:49 Focus on personal emotions and vulnerabilities instead of judging others. 56:41 Listening is crucial in communication, yet often overlooked. 01:07:06 We perceive the world based on our own biases and experiences, as emphasised by Anais Nin's quote. About Dr. Yin Lu: Yin is a communication scientist, a self-styled Rhetoric Doctor, and an AI product leader. She is currently the Global Head of Product for Artificial Intelligence at CUBE, a market-leading regtech that has been machine reading the regulatory internet since 2011. She is intoxicated by language, particularly in the context of digital media. Yin completed her doctorate at the Oxford Internet Institute (OII) on the rhetoric and resonance of Brexit tweets. Through her research, she established a rhetorical framework that can be used to improve the resonance of any message. She applies it every single day to every single form of communication that she produces or consumes (including this one). Yin has an interdisciplinary and international outlook. She firmly believes that categories are meant to be transcended. She is a strong advocate for computational approaches to the social sciences and humanities, and for qualitative approaches to big data analyses. She belongs to three cultures across three continents, and derives energy from travel and meeting new people. The greater the diversity, the better. On a higher, more whimsical level: Yin is caught betwixt academia and industry, fact and fiction, life and art. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Connect with Yin: Medium: https://medium.com/@periwynkle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/periwynkle TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therhetoricdoctor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therhetoricdoctor X: https://x.com/yinneth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Periwynkle LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/therhetoricdoctor Connect with Helen: Website: helenpackham.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/helenpackham Facebook: www.facebook.com/helenpackhamcoach LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/helenpackham Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

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