The Mic Drop Club

21. #21: Mastering Brazilian jiu-jitsu whilst battling life challenges with Leigh Joyce

Welcome the 1st interview of 2020 and what a glorious awe-inspiring show we have for you to get you pumped up for not only the week ahead, but to serve a sustenance for the entire decade ahead.
Stories of not being born with a silver spoon in the mouth come a dime and dozen – however subjective the story, few resonate and touch the soul. When I heard Leigh’s story, I was compelled to share it with you all in order to inspire, motivate and cultivate a fighter’s spirit that I believe we all have. Tapping into this source of strength can literally transport you out from a desperate situation, be that poverty, drug addiction, severe injuries, overcoming loss and even violence. Leigh has navigated these obstacles and bares all in this NO HOLDS BARRED interview.
Leigh is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete which is a martial art and combat sport system that focuses on grappling with particular emphasis on ground fighting. Before we get into the details, here is his injury list to help set the scene regarding what you must potentially go through and overcome to reach the zenith in this sport. By the way Leigh recently won 3 gold and 1 bronze medal at the Brazilian jiu-jitsu event held on Poland.
 
 
Injury list (major)
Removed left deltoid/ part of bicep 15/6/19
3 (complete) broken ribs left side March ‘18
Snapped sternum
Popped right knee (meniscus tear)
2 broken ribs right side
Broken fingers/toes
Weaknesses - NONE.
 
Leigh is hard as nails so the rest is his own words, I was Admitted to hospital after the 4th visit to A&E on June 15th ‘19
I was meant to compete in the Spanish Nationals that weekend and then the British Nationals the weekend after. Obviously, that didn’t happen, I spent 5days in hospital. 1.5hrs in surgery the 1st time and 2hrs the 2nd. I had part of my triceps and deltoid removed due to a serious (arm/life threatening) infection. My white blood cell count for inflammation was 155, normal levels are between 0 - 5. 
Things like this motivate me, it’s like throwing a bucket of petrol over my fire to compete. They told me two months for a full recovery, I was back in the gym on the Monday. That’s 5 days after I was discharged, and I aimed to be back competing by October.
 
I started my fight camp for that (the London fall) on the 26th Sep, that’s 5 weeks after my operation to save my arm and ultimately my life. go figure.
 
Halfway through the camp my body unfortunately shut down. The telling day was the morning that we did 2hrs of kickboxing, boxing and Jiu Jitsu (all sparring rounds) I popped my knee in the first half hour with a sweep kick and I knew that was my sign.
 
The following week I lost my appetite, I had inflammation throughout my whole body. I couldn’t extend either of my arms or the leg I had just injured. My neck hurt, my back hurt, my forearms and legs felt tight. It was time to stop.
 
When I reflect back on how much I actually did after my operation it is totally crazy, I mean I went from being practically dead to a super intense fight camp training twice a day 6days a week five weeks later. Heavy compound exercises, cardiac output, heart rate power intervals, combat training. No Quit. Obviously, I worked up to this, I was in the gym five days after I was discharged from hospital. Ffs.
 
Look it’s like this, call me crazy or call me stupid but, you know, you only find your limits by pushing them. I don’t like sitting still, time waits for no-one and I would rather die trying than to live on a what if. I have a vision and I am working my arse off to achieve that vision, the world, the universe, it knows what I want but it’s been slowing me down for a reason. I was pushing too hard in the wrong direction. It was time to take a (subtle) step back.
 
Since then I started my next fight camp at the beginning of Dec for the European championship which will be my next competition in 3 weeks.
 
Adversities are part of life how you handle them is living.
 
 ‘THE MIC DROP CLUB’ would like to Thank Leigh for taking the time out from his busy schedule to share loads of Mic Drop moments – We wish him Joy, Love and Success for 2020 & beyond.
 
Don’t just live life – make life BOOM!
 
Follow Leigh
leighjoyce@live.com
 
Instagram
Leighjoyce 
  

20. #20: The Power Behind Goal Setting – Are You Ready & Resolute for 2020 with co-host Jingo

This is it folks we are minutes away from saying goodbye to 2019 - This is the time to reflect on own progress over the last decade  and make the necessary adjustments to propel yourself onwards, upwards and outwards into 2020. In this podcast We go back and forth in our usual robust mode to tease out the things we can do to give us the greatest chance of success.
We explore and break down SMART Goals - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Based. How this applied is so crucial to your chances of success.
 
 
We expose how your values, principles and beliefs should be aligned with your vision and goals, and the problems that can occur when this is not the case. Weaving in the usual personal real life stories to bring the subject of goal setting to life. Behind your fear and anxieties is your victories
Let your actions be smart in terms of how you reach your goals. Do not simply work rapidly without a plan or put your energy in unfruitful situations
Be available (Ready and willing)
Be realistic on where you are at, what things you have to leave behind in order take steps to go on the journey of achieving the goals you have set for yourself - Remembering to not let your presenting situation define your destination. 
Be selective on who you tell your goals and plans to that are still in embryonic stages in your mind.  You must guard and protect your goal from negative influences until its birthed in reality and has become solid.  
This will also enable you to build it and establish some ground towards your goals without feeling pressurised - however be careful here as a little pressure never hurt anyone, we all need a sense of urgency to act. 
Positives on telling people about your dreams:
It enables those people with capabilities to help you to do so. 
 
If your dreams don't scare you you are wasting your time as you will not be pushed beyond your perceived limits.
 
Happy New Year to you all and THANK YOU for the support throughout the year.
 
Don't just live life make life BOOM!!!
 
If you would like more information on any of the topics discussed then drop us a email:- info@themicdropclub.com
Links
www.the140rule.com
www.themicdropclub.com
https://www.instagram.com/the_140_rule/
 
https://youtu.be/tBtyfnEZBsE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

19. #19: Leadership - The most common leadership styles & How they impact on your chances for success – with co-host Jingo

As we fast forward to concluding 2019, many people will be focusing on their New Year’s Resolutions. Indeed, this has a greater sense of priority as it is the start of a new decade. Before we get into that, it is important to reflect without bias on your achievements throughout the year. Have you managed to Lead yourself and others effectively in the pursuit of your goals?  As a backdrop to answer this question we have debated the various leadership styles exhibited by Jeremy Corbyn and Boris Johnson in the 2019 UK general elections. Both exhibited contrasting styles with the result evidenced by a massive win for Boris Johnson.
We unpack the common leadership styles so you can also see which style or combination will best match your personality, views and vision for the future. The good thing about leadership is that it can be taught, so long as one remains opened minded and open to be challenged though constructive feedback and can reflect without bias.
 
Key Themes
Before you lead others, you must be able to lead yourself
Why do Leaders read?
The qualities of effective leadership
Leadership styles
 
Plus, so much more.
 
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas – DON’T JUST LIVE LIFE MAKE LIFE BOOM!
 
For More Information on Leadership
 
https://youtu.be/QwKUKnzSBww
 
www.the140rule.com
 
www.themicdropclub.com

18. #18: "Answering Your Call" - Interview with Sherelle founder of Faith, Hope and Love Natural Products

I had the fortunate pleasure in meeting Sherelle at a fantastic event Networth & Chill Networking Event in London a few weeks back. Big up! to Mykal Lancaster and his Team for putting on an excellent event that showcases talented individuals that have taken the brave step in starting/running their own businesses. Sherelle is certainly one of those entrepreneurs, she is on a mission fuelled and sustained by her belief in GOD to create handmade skincare products using natural ingredients. Sherelle is the founder of Faith, Hope and Love Natural Products and creates handmade skincare products using natural ingredients. She plans to solidify her existing customer base and expand her operations to creating Haircare and natural living too.
During the event, Sherelle took some time out from pitching her wares to talk to me about her business. What followed was a brief account of her amazing journey over the last couple of years, and she kindly agreed to share with THE MIC DROP CLUB with the view to inspire and motivate others.This podcast is a telephone recording of our conversation – we had to make it happen regardless of her tight schedule.
Sherelle’s secret source is indeed no secret at all – she is openly revealing that she is acting in accordance with a mission set forth by GOD to be an entrepreneur. She is merely answering her call with unweathering faith that GOD is rocket fuel propelling her towards success. It is this faith that has enabled Sherelle to triumph over all the challenges in her path. Being a single mother, loss of employment – yet Sherelle still is rising.
Sherelle discusses her passion for making natural skin products that are individually crafted along, how and why she chose the words Faith, Hope & Love for business, the challenges in starting a business plus so much more. The jewels of wisdom in this interview can be applied by all no matter your background.
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview Sherelle is a beautiful sincere human being with a quality product – there are not many products out there that have this combination between owner/producer and product. Less just say this, I bought a Gift package from her website as a Christmas present for a family member. It arrived promptly, perfectly wrapped, so I was compelled to open it, I sampled the products, now it’s mine – all mine – my precious!
Lookout in the new year for part 2 of this conversation.
Don’t just live life – Make life Boom!
Check out her Links below – Hurray to get your order before Christmas!
Website: FaithHopeAndlovenaturalProducts.comFacebook: FHL Natural Products Insta: fhlnaturalproducts
Networth and Chill Events @myke_networth @networthandvibe @lancaster_media_group @1vipme

17. #17: Let's Talk Mental Health Part 3 of 3 - Breaking Down the Multifaceted Role of A Mental Health Nurse ft Jenny Pink Mental Health Consultant

Welcome to Part 3 of the final part of the miniseries Let’s Talk Mental Health – where we have explored mental health, trauma from a parents view, we have discussed with Geert Bettinger author of MOVING ON BY STANDING STILL - how to make sense of behaviour that can be deemed as challenging from both his journey and working with educators, families.  
Available on Amazon so go check it out!
Today, I am blessed once again and extremely grateful to welcome Jenny Pink to the conversation to help seal by triangulating this very important subject by providing a view from the clinical perspective.
It is through the sharing of different views of mental health we can raise our awareness and hopefully build the confidence to support anyone that has or is going through a mental health crisis, regardless of the root cause:
Biological, Childhood abuse,
trauma, or neglect, social isolation or loneliness.
Experiencing discrimination and stigma.
Social disadvantage, poverty or debt.
Bereavement (losing someone close to you)
Severe or long-term stress.
long-term physical health condition.
unemployment or losing your job.
Jenny is a freelance Mental Health Consultant that specialises in working with children’s and families and was central to setting up a Children’s psychiatry liaison Service in Surrey. For those of you in the know setting up any services in the NHS is a tall order – the pressures are many and the expectations to succeed through improving patient outcomes very high.
We discuss your journey into CAMHS (Child Adolescent Mental Health Nursing), teasing out the career challenges and highlights. Trust me when I say this, Jenny is honest about her experiences which is refreshing, to say the least. Jenny’s expertise will help anyone that is caring for a young person that is grappling to make sense of their mental illness how to spot the signs and symptoms that they need.  These can and are not limited to:
Mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder),
Anxiety disorders.
Personality disorders.
Psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia)
Eating disorders.
Trauma-related disorders (such as post-traumatic stress disorder)
Substance abuse disorders
 
From her professional perspective, we also discuss the use of technology to support the early detection of mental illness, maintaining health and wellbeing and most importantly prevention. Jenny has become a strong advocate for the use of gathering data effectively and efficiently to make the case for better provision for care. Jenny is bold and courageous and passionate about her work, her vision for the future of healthcare will blow you away and quite frankly any manifesto. 
Jenny reveals the core attributes needed to be an effective mental health nurse, and this interview is a clarion call for anyone that had the thought of entering this rewarding profession – there is no better time as the nursing bursary has been reinstated. The negatively impacted mature people chances to train as a nurse. Jenny has sounded the clarion call the nursing profession needs you, so rise to the calling!
This interview will surely resonate with anyone going through mental health challenges directly or indirectly pls share, like and comment to be part of the conversation.
Jenny’s useful links that she uses in her work
https://youngminds.org.uk/contact-us/parents-helpline-enquiries/ https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/get-urgent-help/youngminds-crisis-messenger/ https://mindfulpinkelephant.co.uk/ https://youngminds.org.uk/ https://www.livesinthebalance.org/ https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/category/mental-health/
 
If you would like to know more about mental health and how to support anyone going through this challenge – reach out on our email address info@themicdropclub.com
Thanks once again to Jenny Pink for the time and sharing her experience and expertise on the interview. On the behalf of all the listeners and THE MIC DROP CLUB, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Prosperous NEW YEAR!
JENNY PINK YOU ROCK & MAKE YOUNG PEOPLES LIFE BOOM!
THANK YOU!

16. #16: Let's Talk Mental Health Part 2 of 3 - How to Find Meaning in ‘Problem Behaviour’ ft Geert Bettinger author of Moving on by Standing Still

Part 2 of 3 – Let’s Talk Mental Health – How to Find Meaning in ‘Problem Behaviour’ ft Geert Bettinger author of Moving on by Standing Still
As we steadily build our #mentalhealthawareness it is important to not overlook the behavioural traits of people that are going through or have gone through traumatic life events, developmental disabilities and mental illness including dementia. To help us better understand how to separate the behaviour from the person, we welcome via Skype Geert Bettinger author of Moving on by Standing Still to The Mic Drop Club. This groundbreaking book was written to challenge our perceptions on ‘Problem Behaviour’ by questioning our values, beliefs and attitudes. His book has taken him around the world and is fast becoming the de-facto book to changing the culture of care to one that champions the patients experience, needs, wishes and feelings. 
“Is the behaviour a problem for you or the individual?”
I had the pleasure of co-delivering a care planning module with Geert to pre-registered Nurses at Kingston University. Our approach was described as electric, the students were able to explore his methods through role-play, addressing key issues such as patient empowerment, embracing silence, remaining open and non-judgemental whilst acknowledging that the patient is the expert based on their lived experience with the illness. The care professional is there to support them on the journey to recovery.
“The time has come to re-educate the educators”
This interview was facilitated by Skype as Geert is based in the Netherlands,
#TheMicdropClub would like to extend an extra special Thank you to Geert Bettinger for this insightful interview and wish him every success in changing care practices around the world.
For more information and to purchase his book click on the links below:
http://www.geertbettinger.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Standing-Still-Different-Behavior/dp/1525514016
If this interview resonance with you or you would like more information on how to support someone with mental health illness, feel free to drop us a line and we will gladly signpost you in the right direction.
info@themicdropclub.com
For videos to help Motivate and Inspire you to achieve goals, check out the links below.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi3r4DFTpaRoan1zRjZCZqg
www.the140.rule.com
https://www.facebook.com/douglas.hamandishe
https://www.instagram.com/the_140_rule/

15. #15: Lets Talk Mental Health Part 1 of 3 - A Parents Journey Supporting A Child With Mental Health Challenges ft Tracy Page

Part 1 of 3 – Series focusing on raising Mental Health Awareness
As we fast approach Christmas, I would like to shift the focus to #mentalhealth with the view to raising awareness by interviewing people that have had direct experience living with a mental illness including the often forgotten family members, friends and carers - as you will hear play a crucial role in an individual's journey to recovery. Lastly, the Health and Social Care professionals that deliver the care. It is my hope that this triangulation of the different views and experiences will give you a better holistic view of mental health. Managing your mental health is central to achieving your goals and The central wealth of our people is mental health - Master Ace Letter to the Better.
I was fortunate enough to discuss with a close friend and colleague Tracy Page on her journey supporting her daughter with her mental health challenges. Tracy speaks candidly how she navigated the mental health system with all its complexities, the thoughts and feeling she had at the time, her copying strategies and ultimately coming to terms the new reality as defined by her daughter. This podcast packs a real punch and shall resonate with anyone that is going a similar challenge. I ask you kindly forward this podcast to them.
It is now commonly accepted that 1 in 4 of us shall develop some sort of mental health illness in our lifetime – common diagnoses being depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar. Although much of the stigma has gone, there is still plenty of work that needs to be done in supporting people experiencing mental health challenges. Service provisions in many areas in the UK are lacking in resources, Inpatient wards are not adequately staffed, staff need better training in the Recovery Module, Community Teams spend far too little time with service users the list is endless. Yet, despite this Tracy has demonstrated great resilience, her daughter even greater courage and that combination should instil hope for everyone going through this challenge.
If this interview resonance with you or you would like more information on how to support someone with mental health illness, feel free to drop us a line and we will gladly signpost you in the right direction.
info@themicdropclub.com
Thanks Tracy for the Recovery Focussed Mannequin
 
#TheMicdropClub would like to extend an extra special Thank you for Tracy for this interview and wish her and her family success for the future.
Useful Links
The 5 stages of Grief - Kübler-Ross model
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%BCbler-Ross_model
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/parenting-with-a-mental-health-problem/#.XepR_5L7RBw
https://childmind.org/article/support-friend-with-mental-health-challenges/
https://www.nami.org/find-support/family-members-and-caregivers/learning-to-help-your-child-and-your-family
For videos to help Motivate and Inspire you to achieve goals, check out the links below.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi3r4DFTpaRoan1zRjZCZqg
www.the140.rule.com
https://www.facebook.com/douglas.hamandishe
https://www.instagram.com/the_140_rule/
 
 

14. #14: Emergency Mic Drop Session - The Rise of Terrorism - The Prying On The Weak, Discussing The Root Causes & What Urgent Action Is Needed!

On a sombre note, the UK was hit with yet another terrorism-related incident on #BlackFriday - the 2nd incident in less than 3 years. This Podcast welcomes back Everton Barton alongside cohost Jing (The Best Kept Secret) to discuss the root causes of Terrorism, the common threads and what needs to be done to stop this rise in mindless violence.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and we salute the brave individuals including the London Metropolitan Police that assisted in containing the incident, preventing more loss of life.
The Mic Drop Club stands up for Love, Unity and Respect for all people of this Beautiful we stand square with all efforts to stop the rise of Terrorism.

13. #13: Gaming Addiction - Discussion with Everton Barton Expert Gamer - What are the warning signs? What are the causes and effects? What treatment options are available?

The number 13 is considered an unlucky number in some countries, but certainly not in this case. Welcome to the 13th Mic Drop Club Podcast, in this session I had the pleasure of discussing with Everton Barton Gaming Expert and Champion for better Mental Health Awareness for Gaming Addictions. The timing could not have been any better with #blackfriday, #cybermonday and #christmas fast approaching many people are searching for the next video game console or games for their loved ones or themselves. However, there has been conflicting press coverage on the effects of gaming on the young and impressionable – some making connections to poor educational attainment, violent outbursts and even terrorism. There has been a noticeable lack of objective reporting and certainly no root cause debate between the gaming industry, schools and law enforcement/government. The lack of triangulation has resulted in many people feeling powerless and helpless when it comes to video games. 
 
Everton has more than 30 years’ experience as a video gamer, developer and conceptual games designer. His exposure to mental health has sparked his keen interest in exposing the myths around Gaming to support people in their understanding of gaming, its benefits to children development, gaming cost considerations (Total Cost of owning and becoming an expert gamer), spotting early signs of addictions or unhealthy gaming habits. 
Stay tuned in this conversation it will open your eyes to many aspects of gaming that are not commonly understood, enabling you to enjoy video games as they were intended.
The stereotypical gamer is not limited to a spotty faced teenager/middle-aged male, isolated in his or her bedroom possessing poor social skills. Gaming has evolved, and it continues to evolve into an international multibillion-dollar industry. It is through exposing these myths – debunking and getting to the root cause of Video game addiction also known as gaming disorder or internet gaming disorder is generally defined as problematic, compulsive use of video and/or internet games, that results in significant impairment to an individual's ability to function in various life domains over a prolonged period of time. 
The UK gaming market is now worth a record £5.7bn (2019). In 2017, 32.4 million people play games in the UK, and is the sixth-largest video game market worldwide as of 2016, with a revenue of 3.94 billion U.S. dollars. There are now more than 2.5 billion gamers across the world. Combined, they will spend $152.1 billion on games in 2019, representing an increase of +9.6% year on year.
 
There is hope for anyone that is suffering from a Gaming Addiction, although signposting to services to support this condition is extremely poor in the UK.
Treatment for Gaming addiction is available privately within the UK whilst the NHS has been rather slower in recognising this condition and offering appropriate treatment - particularly regarding children’s Mental Health services where the threshold to receive treatment is very high due to a lack of resources caused by years of underfunding. 
Everton Barton can be contacted directly on Linkedin and is happy to offer any advice as required.
Thank you, Everton, for sharing your deep knowledge on this subject – you are not just living life but making life BOOM!
  
Useful Links
Video game addiction
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_addiction
 Don't forget to like, subscribe and engage with the Show. If you would like to contribute to the discussions feel free to drop us a line.   Enjoy your Gaming!
info@themicdropclub.com
 
www.themicdropclub.com
 
 

12. #12: After Dinner Conversation with Sebastian Brouwer - Exploring the techniques used to achieve high results and how to expose the hidden drivers that fuel our desires

This podcast was recorded after celebrating my God Son Leo's 2nd Birthday with his uncle Sebastian. We go back and forth in what was a continuation of a conversation around the dinner table, exploring the techniques used to achieve high results and how to expose the hidden drivers that fuel our desires. Sebastian provides his unique outlook on Life with a frank and honest self-reflective approach that is refreshing to hear. Based in the Netherlands, Sebastian is an accomplished basketball player that knows only too well just how difficult it is to keep one's motivation levels high, remain focused on your goals whilst trying to enjoy the sport. The conversation was delivered in high spirits to motivate you and to help you ask the important questions relating to the pursuit of your own goals.
Sebastian is definitely NOT one of those people plodding away through life, he is constantly asking, reflecting and actioning the feedback he receives to maximise his wins and minimise his loses.Don't just live life, make life BOOM!