EducationSelf-Improvement

Your Time With James Sweetman

jamessweetman

Join me for an injection of positivity and inspiration as I share insights and practical strategies on a range of Personal Development and Well-Being topics. In today’s busy world it is all too easy to lose track of what’s truly important, so my intention with each weekly episode is to inspire you to live the fullest, truest expression of yourself.

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21 episodes
weekly
Avg 30 min
English

Episodes 21

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S7 · E213
Wednesday · 43 min
Episode 213 In conversation with Carole Kelly
To launch a new series of episodes, I’m joined by Carole Kelly, Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) practitioner and coach, for a conversation about change and the beliefs that shape how we live our lives. Carole shares her own journey from a highly stressful work environment to starting her own business. We chat about what that transition taught her and what it takes to step away from what’s no longer working. We also discuss RTT, why it resonated with her, and how moving beyond old stories allows us to create a more authentic relationship with ourselves.
S8 · E212
July 15 · 15 min
Episode 212 The pressure to catch up
Have you ever felt like you’re behind? Behind where you thought you’d be, behind your peers, behind the version of yourself you imagined you would become. This week, I explore a pressure many of us carry, the pressure to ‘catch up,’ something that sits at the intersection of comparison, expectations and our relationship with time. I share a simple ritual to help us shift from ‘catch-up’ mode, which is all about correction, to what I call ‘re-entry’ mode, which is about connection - with others, and most importantly, with ourselves. As ever, this is a thought-provoking episode that invites you to consider your relationship with time, the stories you tell yourself and the freedom that can be found when we realise that we don’t catch up with life, we meet it.
S8 · E211
July 8 · 18 min
Episode 211 When does self-improvement stop improving us?
When does self-improvement actually stop improving us? This week, I reflect on the shift that can happen when ‘living our best lives’ begins to feel like an obligation rather than an invitation. I explore how self-improvement begins with the assumption that something needs fixing and contrast it with self-understanding and self-acceptance. I also introduce the idea of horizontal and vertical learning and how as we mature, we can learn to reveal the person who has been there all along beneath all our striving.
S8 · E210
July 1 · 19 min
Episode 210 Am I pushing or being pulled?
We live in a world obsessed with discipline, optimisation and productivity. But what's driving our effort? This week, I explore the difference between pushing and being pulled, and why the most sustainable discipline is actually rooted in devotion. I also look at the hidden role of shame and the pressure of all our ‘shoulds.’ If you've ever felt tired of striving, constantly chasing the next goal, or wondering why achievement doesn't always bring fulfilment, this conversation will offer a fresh perspective.
S8 · E209
June 24 · 14 min
Episode 209 Feeling stuck or feeling lost?
We often use the phrases ‘I feel stuck’ and ‘I feel lost’ interchangeably, but as I explore this week, there are important differences between these two experiences. I look at how labels we place on situations can become identities and how we can intellectualise our emotions rather than feel them. I also share tips for getting ‘unstuck’ and for navigating those times in life when we feel lost. If you've been feeling unmotivated, disconnected, or unsure of your next step, this conversation will help you see your experience in a whole new light.
S8 · E208
June 3 · 12 min
Episode 208 The art of receiving
This week’s episode is for those of us who are natural givers and doers but who can struggle with receiving. I explore why receiving is a skill, how self-worth and control influence our ability to receive, as well as the connection between endless giving and burnout. If you’re someone who brushes aside compliments and feels guilty when resting, you’ll find this week’s episode helpful.
S8 · E207
May 27 · 12 min
Episode 207 What if your desires are trying to teach you something?
What are our desires really trying to teach us? In this reflective episode I look at the deeper emotional needs hidden beneath our goals, ambitions and dreams. In other words, why do we want what we want? I share my thoughts about striving and self-worth, and why the life lesson hidden inside your desire may be every bit as valuable as the desire itself.
S8 · E206
May 20 · 14 min
Episode 206 The cost of convenience
This week I explore the hidden cost of convenience and how it masks what economists call opportunity cost neglect, the unseen trade-offs when it comes to how we spend our time, energy and attention. From self-service checkouts to AI tools, tasks once outsourced now land in our ‘to do’ lists, stealthily sapping our mental bandwidth. I reflect on why a little inconvenience isn’t always a bad thing and how we equate convenience with freedom, when in reality, it’s awareness that is liberating.
S8 · E205
May 13 · 9 min
Episode 205 Seeking Permission
After a break from recording, I’m delighted to return with a simpler and more reflective format of my podcast. In this new episode, I explore the concept of psychological permission, those moments in life when we already know what feels true for us, but struggle to give ourselves permission to act. At a time when we are bombarded by information, it’s important to recognise that wisdom is not always something we need to acquire externally. It’s something we need to stop talking ourselves out of internally.
S7 · E204
January 6 · 45 min
Episode 204 Behind the Pendulum Summit: Frankie Sheahan on Leadership and Focus
In this special episode, I sit down with Frankie Sheahan, co-founder and CEO of Pendulum Summit, for a wide-ranging and refreshingly honest conversation. As well as chatting about this year’s Pendulum Summit, taking place on Friday 23rd January at the Convention Centre Dublin, Frankie shares insights into the thinking behind the event, the evolution of Pendulum over the years and what makes this year’s gathering particularly special. We touch on the stellar line-up of speakers including Brené Brown, Marc Randolph, Rory Sutherland, and Richard Susskind. Beyond the event itself, our conversation goes behind the scenes, reflecting on past Pendulum moments, the realities and pressures of running a world-class summit, and Frankie’s personal approach to leadership, work life balance, and staying grounded when the pressure is on. It's a conversation not to be missed.
S7 · E203
Nov 19, 2025 · 49 min
Episode 203 Book Review 2025
This week’s episode, the last in the current series, is one of my favourites, my annual book review. I speak about 10 books that have inspired, entertained and stretched me over the past 12 months, five non-fiction books and five novels. From books about creativity, awareness and purpose, to stories that explore connection, courage, and the human condition each one reminded me why reading is high on my list of passions. If like me, you’re a book lover, avid reader, on the lookout for a new read, or are curious about the themes and insights that shaped my reading year, then I think you’ll enjoy this episode.
S7 · E202
Nov 12, 2025 · 43 min
Episode 202 Lessons for Leaders with Gerry Duffy
In this week’s episode, I’m joined once again by international keynote speaker and high performance coach Gerry Duffy (www.gerryduffyacademy.com) We chat about his latest book Lessons for Leaders, a collection of 28 practical and thought-provoking insights designed to help leaders reflect, grow and inspire. Our conversation explores what leaders are hungry for today and how common sense is not always common practice. Gerry also shares what his ideal week looks like and the leadership lesson that continues to re-teach itself to him. Whether you’re leading a team, managing projects, or simply seeking inspiration to show up as your best self, this is a conversation packed with ideas and insights.
S7 · E201
Nov 5, 2025 · 26 min
Episode 201 The hidden cost of visibility
We all run the gamut between waiting to be found and waiting to be found out. On one hand we long to be seen and appreciated, on the other, we fear criticism and rejection. In this week’s episode, I explore the hidden cost of visibility, how it takes courage to show up, speak up and share our work with the world, but it’s the courage to rest and refill the well that keeps us whole. If you’ve ever felt that post-sharing wobble, or the emotional fatigue that follows exposure, this episode is for you.
S7 · E200
Oct 29, 2025 · 1 hr 33 min
Episode 200 Celebrating 200 episodes: Turning the microphone around
To celebrate 200 episodes of my podcast, I’m handing the microphone over! My friend and fellow podcaster Sharon Fitzmaurice interviews me in an open, heartfelt and often humorous conversation about life, purpose and my the journey so far. I share stories I’ve never spoken about before, from childhood challenges to coming out, from leaving the corporate world to finding my true calling. It’s the most personal conversation I’ve had behind a microphone, and I can’t think of a better way to mark 200 episodes.
S7 · E199
Oct 22, 2025 · 11 min
Episode 199 'The things I no longer chase' - A meditative journey
This week’s episode is a reflective piece titled - “The things I no longer chase.” It’s a meditative journey that includes a meeting with my future self. It's also an opportunity to pause and consider what we can finally set down. If you’re in a season of reassessing what really matters, join me for this week’s reflection. It’s a reminder that sometimes the things we let go of allow peace to catch up with us.
S7 · E198
Oct 15, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 198 In conversation with Samantha Kelly
This week, I’m joined by social media expert and entrepreneur Samantha Kelly. We chat about everything from practical social media strategies to the deeper power of connection and authenticity. With her trademark warmth and generosity, Samantha shares insights on courage, community and creativity, reminding us that, as she says, ‘If you can’t find what you’re looking for, create it yourself.’
S7 · E197
Oct 8, 2025 · 29 min
Episode 197 Return on Attention
We’re all familiar with the idea of return on investment, but in today’s 'always on' world, I believe the real metric is return on attention. This week, I explore why multitasking is a myth and why busyness has become a hollow badge of honour. I share practical ways to reclaim focus, from creating white space for quality thinking, to practising the discipline of exclusion. When you manage your attention, you don’t just boost proactivity and productivity, you make better decisions and you create more space for what really matters. So if you’ve ever felt pulled in a hundred directions, join me as I explore how to increase your return on attention.
S7 · E196
Oct 1, 2025 · 19 min
Episode 196 Productivity Anxiety
Do you feel guilty when you’re not being busy? Do you struggle to relax because your head starts listing all the things you should be doing? Do you fear that if you stopped, you’d fall behind? This is productivity anxiety and it’s the theme for this week. I explore where it comes from and why so many of us believe we have to earn the right to rest. I’ll share how productivity anxiety has shown up in my own life, as well as some practical strategies for counter-balancing it. So if you have a relentless chorus of ‘shoulds’ running in your mind, this episode is for you.
S7 · E195
Sep 24, 2025 · 30 min
Episode 195 Trusting your intuition - recognising when life is guiding you
Have you ever felt nudged in a certain direction, or sensed something before it happened? This week I’m exploring the gentle power of intuition and guidance. Whether you call it gut instinct, soul wisdom, or divine guidance, I believe there’s an inner compass available to all of us. I share practical ways to recognise these signs and explore how guidance differs from the noisy demands of the ego. You’ll also hear personal stories, reflection questions, and gentle invitations to help you ‘tune’ in more deeply.
S7 · E194
Sep 17, 2025 · 7 min
Episode 194 'I just thought I wouldn’t have to still be trying so hard.' - A reflection
'I just thought I wouldn’t have to still be trying so hard.' This weary confession from a friend was the inspiration for this week’s episode. It’s a reflection piece for those tired of proving, efforting and chasing. I hope my words provide solace and encouragement for those of us who care deeply and still show up consistently.

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