Uncomfortable Is Ok Podcast

This is the Uncomfortable is OK podcast and I’m your host Chris Desmond. Today is episode 28 and I’m chatting with Hannah Rutherford. Hannah is a physio in Sydney who I’ve known for a few years. Earlier this year she left Sydney to go and work with Mercy ships. Hannah goes into more depth but basically living in a massive floating hospital off Madagascar, along with a whole lot of other staff helping out the locals with healthcare services. This is a cool conversation about getting uncomfortable and wondering if you have the expertise to do what is required. We talk about how your expectations aren’t always met, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. And probably most importantly Hannah lets us know that when we help others we get just as much satisfaction ourselves. Thanks for taking the time to spend some time with me and Hannah today. If you’re new to the podcast then welcome, if you’ve been listening for a bit then welcome back. If you like hat you hear then a comment or a review is always the best appre

In the 2012/2013 New Zealand health Survey 1 in 6 Kiwi adults had been diagnosed with a common mental disorder at some times in their life. Chances are if it isn’t you then someone that you know well has suffered from or is currently struggling with their mental health. This isn’t a topic that we tend to talk about as a society, it’s something that makes the vast majority of us uncomfortable to speak about. This desperately needs to change. We need to build a movement where people feel confident to have courageous conversations about what’s going on for them, and for their loved ones to listen without judging and to help them find the support they need This is the Uncomfortable is OK podcast today is episode 27 and I’m speaking with my mate Mike Ravenwood. Mike reached out to me after learning someone close to him had been suffering from anxiety and depression which had led to substance abuse issues. Mike is embarking on a challenge to raise awareness for this issue and also raise funds to support his friend

I was introduced to Olivia by Hollie Woodhouse who I talked to back in episode 23. Olivia is a recent world champion. She and the rest of the New Zealand Senior women’s canoe polo team – the Paddleferns took out the world champs in Italy. It’s an awesome achievement that as a kiwi I’m pretty proud of. Liv talks us through the challenges of the tournament, and what changed from the last few world champs where the girls had finished up fourth repeatedly. Not only is Liv a world champion athlete but she also runs her own business. We talk about photography, in particular how she is helping to tell the story of the Christchurch rebuild. Liv offers up some wicked insights. She talks about the struggle of trying to continue to believe in yourself, she chats about getting into the zone in all areas of her life, and about being kind to yourself and giving yourself a pat on the back when you need it. Thanks everyone for taking the time to listen to Liv and I have a chat today. The podcast has just had its best month y

Today's episode is something a bit different. Some of you may know I've been working on my Masters degree. The project is due this Friday and over the last 6 and a half weeks I've been doing a bit of an audio diary about how I am holding up mental, emotionally, and physically as the process progresses. Have a listen to see a bit of the evolution of the last 6 weeks for me and let me know what you think. Chris Desmond Facebook Instagram Twitter

Today is Episode 24 and I’m chatting with Lynn Paterson A.K.A Red. I’m deep in my Masters project at the moment, two weeks to go, which is its own kind of uncomfortable. It was nice to take to take a bit of time to live some adventures vicariously through Lynn. Lynn had a spark of an idea sitting in her head for years which slowly built to setting off on an epic journey on my birthday last year. Lynn’s idea and the journey she is coming up on finishing is to kayak around New Zealand. The challenge hasn’t just been since she set of on the journey. We chat about the challenges that Lynn had to go through to even get to the point where she could wave see you later to Takapuna Beach. This journey isn’t just about Lynn. It’s main purpose is to create a massive wave of support and increase awareness for depression, with a focus on the Mothers, the Fathers, the lovers, the Brothers and Sisters who are all affected by this dark oppressive cloud that so many have to carry on their shoulders. Lynn wants to inspire and

Today I'm chatting with Hollie Woodhouse @theadventurouskiwi. We talk massive running adventures through the desert and through the jungle. We chat about raising money to support the rangers in Africa helping protect the animals from poachers. We chat about creating an amazing adventure magazine (with a little help from Mum). Mostly we talk about searching out adventures and challenges. Enjoy getting uncomfortable with us today. Guest: Hollie Woodhouse holliewoodhouse.com For Rangers Say Yes To Adventure Magazine Host: Chris Desmond Music: Jeremy Desmond

Today I’m chatting with Matt Scorringe. I first came across Matt as I was killing time while standing in a bookshop. I saw a coffee table book of New Zealand surfers on the shelf so I picked it up and flicked it open, it fell to the page with Matt on it. I was enthralled as I read his story and thought that this guy would be wicked to have a conversation with on the podcast. I did a bit of a google stalk of him and reached out to him. Matt was kind enough to get back to me after and the following conversation was the result. Matt chats today about growing up in Whangamata and being on a surfboard almost before he could walk. He tells me about competitive surfing on the international circuit, and free surfing all over the world. Matt also kindly shared with me about how he was surfing with his idols, then three weeks later he was in hospital with leukaemia. He lets us know the lessons that he learnt from surfing and from cancer, especially about focussing on what he can control rather than what he can’t. We ta

Hey everyone welcome to episode 21 of the Uncomfortable is OK podcast. I’m your host Chris Desmond. Today I’m talking with Elizabeth Connor about connecting the potential of science with the real needs of the world. Elizabeth shares with us some interesting stories, about being mentored by Sir Paul Callaghan, postgraduate study in England, winning the Prime Ministers prize for science communication, doing a TEDx talk, starting a business, starting a band, and being in a maths circus. Elizabeth has done some pretty impressive stuff, but like all of us still has those self-doubts. Today’s conversation is about evolving perspectives and asking the question “Why?” it’s about looking deeper at things, it’s about developing empathy and sharing stories. Thank you all for tuning in today, I hope you enjoy getting uncomfortable with me and Elizabeth. www.thekinship.co.nz TEDx talk: Exploring the boundaries of science

Welcome to the uncomfortable is OK podcast, I’m your host Chris Desmond and today is episode 20. This has come around so quickly! I’m pretty proud of getting this far, and it would never have happened if I hadn’t got a bit uncomfortable and just jumped into this. I want to quickly thank a few people that have made it possible; my lovely wife Julia for being supportive, all the awesome people who have given me feedback and who I’ve bounced ideas off, my gifted brother Jeremy Desmond for the awesome theme music, all the amazing people who have given up their time to share part of their stories with me and you listeners. I want to thank everyone for listening as well from all parts of the world, whether this is your first episode, or you’ve listened to all of them, thanks Mum, it’s cool you’ve chosen to spend a bit of your day with me. I’ve got a pretty sweet episode lined up for you today. I’m talking with Courtney Durr from Body Love NZ. Health and beauty are so much more than what you see physically, and thro

Hey everyone, welcome to the uncomfortable is OK podcast. I’m your host Chris Desmond. Today we’re at episode 19. Today I’m talking with Nick Morrison. Nick and I first met at University down in Dunedin a little while ago now. Today Nick shares with us a bit of his journey. From working as a personal trainer, getting to train Claudia Schiffer, starting up his own business, and turning 30 on a rooftop in Rio De Janeiro. We talk a bit today about human potential, both as individuals and as societies, and about how we are holding ourselves back at the moment in both instances. Then we jump into what Nick is doing at the moment. He is helping to change how we think about waste, especially about plastic waste. This is pretty important now as we continue to use more and more single serve items, where does this plastic end up, how long does it take to break down, is there a better way? Of course there is and today Nick gives us a bit of insight into it. We talk about the challenges of getting this information across

Today I’m speaking with Lucy O’Connor, or as some of you probably know her, the Monday Hustler. Lucy was generous enough to give me some time in amidst her hustle so I’m grateful for that. Lucy is a pretty dynamic person with a variety of experiences, including working as a stunt performer on the Hobbit. Today’s conversation is really about breaking the mould and following your own path rather than the one society sets for you. Lucy turned down a promotion to explore what she really wanted to do. We chat about learning, adapting and surviving as you get out of your comfort zone. Why New Zealanders aren’t vulnerable, but that if you put yourself out there people are way more supportive than you give them credit for. Lucy shows us that being passionate and excited about things isn’t something that you should be embarrassed about. Thanks to you all for giving up your time and listening. If you like the episode make sure to share it out. And thanks to Jeremy Desmond for your musical talents. I really enjoyed chat

This is episode 17 and I’m your host Chris Desmond. Today I’m having a chat with Richard McChesney. If you guys have had a listen to episode 4 of the podcast where I chat with Quentin Rew, you’ve be familiar with the sport of racewalking. On a side note, congratulations to Quentin for your fantastic effort in the 50km racewalk at the Rio Olympics. Richard is also a racewalker, but he is a long distance racewalker. You might be saying to yourself that 50k is plenty long enough for a walk but Richard walks 100km races. He has walked around the M25 motorway around London, and competed in a 3 day racewalk in France breaking the New Zealand record for the furthest distance walked in 48 hours in the process. He is going back to France this year to compete in the 6 day event. Today we chat through some of Richard’s walking adventures and the challenges he has faced walking such distance. We also talk about what he has learned about himself and about life as a result of walking. As well as being pushing the boundarie

I’m your host Chris Desmond and this is episode 16. I’m having a chat today with Paul Petch for Good People Run among other things. This is how I first came across Paul and wanted to have a chat to him about it.  Good People Run is A social enterprise, articles, stories, people, events, photography, creativity & running centric news - GPR is your personal & positive stoke for modern running life & culture. GPR is not-for-profit & inspires people to live healthier lifestyles through running. Now you might not believe it but this chat is the first conversation that Paul and I have ever had. The reason you might not believe it is because Paul is very open about some of the challenges he has faced along his journey. After I got finished chatting with Paul I was buzzing because so much of what he talked about resonated with why I started the podcast. We chat about a lot of the things that I know I am often so uncomfortable sharing. I took a lot out of this conversation. I think Paul got a bit out o

Today is episode 15 and I’m speaking with Angela McCamish about egg donation. Egg donation is an important topic to raise awareness of as it gives people who might otherwise not have had the chance to start a family. I was stoked to speak with Angela about it, and frankly a little bit uncomfortable myself. But that just shows I had kind of bought into the stigma around the topic. Today we speak about Angela’s story as a donor, why egg donation is important, the actual process of donating in New Zealand, and of course all the challenges she faced when she decided to become an egg donor. Thanks very much for educating me on this topic Ange! To find out more please visit the Egg Donation New Zealand Facebook page Egg Donation New Zealand Or the Egg Donation Australia website Egg Donation Australia Host: Chris Desmond Guest: Angela McCamish Music: Jeremy Desmond Jeremy Desmond Music

Today I chat with Dean Watson, comedy writer.  Dean Watson was born in Mitcham, Victoria, the same year Margaret Thatcher resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Up until he was 19, Dean wanted to be a professional golfer. But there comes a point in every aspiring comedy writer golfer’s life where they need to trade the fades for the fade ins. Today we chat through some pretty interesting topics, including; Figuring out his balance between two different passions Very important to know what you want in the tough situations That it is OK to sit with some discomfort for a while before acting on a decision Setting goals at the start of the year and checking in regularly to see how they are going Setting goals helps to set the course, stops us thinking and lets us follow our instincts Opportunities come up all the time Being a scientist and learning everything he could about television comedy Honing your craft It never feels like a smooth process Make all the mistakes you need to make Working hard doesn’

Today is lucky episode 13. We’ve got another 3 person conversation for you guys again today. I’m sitting down with Tim and Zoe to talk about their project 31 days in, where it has taken them and some of the adventures they have had along the way. You might have seen these guys in the New Zealand media over the last couple of months. They love to travel and have come up with a really unique way to immerse themselves in the places they visit. Spending 31 days in a city and creating a picture of the place each day. Today we talk about; searching out hidden gems, fusing things that you enjoy together, putting yourself out there helps build your confidence and lets you meet some amazing people. We talk about finding something really special and unique in any situation, and that public commitment is a great way to get things done. We have a chat through some light-hearted topics as well, like how Vegemite doesn’t go down very well in Chile. I had a great time chatting with these two and want to thank Tim’s cousin T

I’m having a chat today to Sarah Lancaster from Sew Love. Sarah and I actually lived next door to each other when we were growing up but probably haven’t seen each other for about 15 or so years, so it was great to reconnect through the podcast. Sarah is a passionate person doing inspiring things but like all of us gets uncomfortable and goes through challenges. Sew Love is a social enterprise providing pop-up fun spaces and resources for people to be creative, learn new skills, and get to know their neighbours. We focus on reducing landfill and strengthening communities in a fun positive way. Sarah rode her bike out to our place which was fine until she had to ride up the Ngaio gorge. I wouldn’t let her use that as the answer to the question what was the last thing you did that was uncomfortable. We did have a pretty awesome conversation though. Today we talk about courage, about stepping out and going for it in life and business and the uncomfortable feeling associated with that. We also talk through how yo

Hey team welcome to Episode 11 of the Uncomfortable is OK podcast. I’m your host Chris Desmond and today I’m having a conversation with Erin Todd from WorkerBe. Erin is another awesome individual that I met at Connect Wellington’s shameless soapbox. She’s bubbly, she’s vibrant and she has an infectious and powerful laugh so be prepared for a few of them today. WorkerBe is passionate about feeding people incredibly health food that makes them feel good, while encouraging nutrient dense gardening practices in our community. We chat about how Erin got involved in WorkerBe. Really quite an organic process (pun intended). Erin just started doing things she was interested in and one thing led to another and business ideas developed. We chat about how if Erin couldn’t find the way she would ask, because there is always a way, and there is always someone who knows the way. We chat about how mistakes can always be turned into lessons, but sometimes how we feel guilty about setting ourselves expectations then not achie

I don’t know about you but when I was at highschool there were definitely a few concepts that I didn’t get the hang of and no matter how many times I read the text book it just didn’t seem to stick. The teachers weren’t always readily available to talk to about problems. It turns out I wasn’t the only person to have these issues, but these guys did something about them. In 2012, Dave Cameron (not Britain’s Prime Minister), had a vision: to make NCEA clear and simple for everyone. Together with co-founder and overqualified doctor Deborah Lambie, Dave used his powers of communication and, for the first time, his Maths degree to create an online oasis of free tutorials to help NCEA students succeed in their exams. It has quickly become the most widely utilised site of its kind in New Zealand. Deb and Dave blame the wild success of LearnCOACH on the thousands of New Zealand students who watch the video tutorials. They’ve helped literally thousands of New Zealand students pass their exams and LearnCOACH is going f

This is episode 9 and today I’m talking with Nick Laurence who is working on a project called mindfulness for change. Mindfulness is a bit of a buzzword at the moment and I’m interested in figuring out just how much I’m capable of because I’m pretty sure that I hold myself back quite often. This might be consciously or unconsciously. Mindfulness is a tool that I’m trying to use to be more aware of the times that I am holding myself back and to allow me figure out how to address that. Nick and I talk through some of its other benefits of mindfulness as well and why Nick believes that we should all build our mindfulness muscles. We talk through; Building mindfulness and meditation as a skill like kicking a soccer ball Getting busy with stuff that isn’t really that important to us. We’re actually in control of our minds and we don’t always have to respond the way we have always responded. Delving into the why I am doing this. Becoming domesticated humans The more you stay in your comfort zone the further away yo