Best Ruari Podcasts (2025)

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Natalie Gilray: Laughter Yoga 17:08

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2y ago17:08

17:08

Laughter therapist, Natalie Gilray tells Jeff Zycinski how she turned to laughter therapy as her career in social work hit the burn-out point.By jeff25y

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Shona MacLean: These Books are Made for Walking 24:59

2y ago24:59

24:59

Author S.G. MacLean is interviewed by Jeff Zycinski in front of a live and lively audience at the new Inverness Festival of Walking & Wheeling. She speaks about the importance of walking and cycling in her creative process, describes the creepiest place in Inverness and makes a bold prediction about the Scottish Cup Final.…

1
John Beattie: Walking, Wheeling and a Wonky Bridge 22:32

2+ y ago22:32

22:32

Jeff Zycinski speaks to John Beattie, the former rugby internationalist turned BBC radio presenter. In a wide- ranging conversation they talk about the benefits of walking and cycling and John's fears about dementia after too many head knocks in his sporting careers.By jeff25y

1
Ruari Gordon: Fun Palaces 11:28

2+ y ago11:28

11:28

Ruari Gordon is the Fun Palaces ambassador in Inverness. He tells Jeff Zycinski how the project encourages people to recognise their own creativity and use the public spaces and venues normally reserved for so-called highbrow arts.By jeff25y

1
Ways to Wellbeing: Christmas Special 2022 25:02

2+ y ago25:02

25:02

Jeff Zycinski talks to Jo De Sylva and Bruce MacGregor who describe their roller-coaster of a year. Radio producer Richard Melvin tells all about the background to his hit song 'Santa's a Scotsman' with a surprise appearance from BBC Radio 2's Ken Bruce.By jeff25y

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Tom Morton: Books, Bikes, Buckfast and Beyond 26:09

2+ y ago26:09

26:09

Jeff Zycinski talks to Shetland-based author, musician and broadcaster Tom Morton. He talks about surviving two heart attacks and about his various 'life adventures'.By jeff25y

1
Books for a Better Life 33:02

2+ y ago33:02

33:02

A special edition for Book Week Scotland recorded at Waterstones bookshop in Inverness. Grace Nicoll invites author Barbara Henderson to square up against actor Karen Bartke as they each recommend their favourite life-enhancing books from five different categories. The live audience decides who wins.…

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Bob MacLennan: What became of ’Wee Fat Bob’? 32:02

2+ y ago32:02

32:02

"Scammed out of a fortune, I begged for food in the Philippines, now I'm homeless in the Highlands'.By jeff25y

1
Elsie Normington: The Silent Doorbell 17:48

2+ y ago17:48

17:48

Community campaigner Elsie Normington makes good things happen for families in the Highlands, especially parents of children with special needs. In this edition of Ways to Wellbeing she talks to Jeff Zycinski about the new Haven respite centre taking shape in Inverness and shares her strong views on the policy of inclusion in Scottish schools.…

1
Good news from P4W 10:31

3y ago10:31

10:31

Kate, Nicola and Jeff with a short update on all that's happening at Partnerships for Wellbeing, including good news about our award winner Dave Greer and plans for a festival of walking and wheeling next year.By jeff25y

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Lach: A New Yorker finds happiness in Scotland 31:35

3y ago31:35

31:35

New York musician Lach moved to Edinburgh ten years ago and says he's found happiness with a philosophy of life that doesn't let anyone else define his success. He talks to Jeff Zycinski about his new novel Langdimania and why it's always important to "get outta the house" and have "kind adventures".…

1
Kaye Adams: Dancing on Strictly and Turning Sixty 29:35

3y ago29:35

29:35

Loose Women regular Kaye Adams shares her worries about turning sixty and reveals why she agreed to take part in the forthcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. Along the way she talks about life, death, hearing loss and why the criticism she gets from radio listeners sometimes hurts,By jeff25y

1
David and Geraldine: We fish to relax and to appreciate life. 12:44

3y ago12:44

12:44

Jeff Zycinski goes to the banks of the River Ness to find out why some NHS authorities are prescribing fishing as a way to ease anxiety and depression. Retired fireman David McDiarmid says he does it to relax while former breast cancer patient Geraldine Connah says she goes out into the river to enjoy the beauty of her surroundings and appreciate l…

1
Paul Roebuck: My mouth cancer journey 35:16

3y ago35:16

35:16

Jeff talks to fellow mouth cancer survivor Paul Roebuck. In an emotional conversation they compare memories of their diagnosis, the experience of major surgery... and the important support of family and friends.By jeff25y

1
John Dempster: choosing joy, surviving indoctrination. 33:41

3y ago33:41

33:41

Author John Dempster talks about his strict Brethren religion and how its influence and that of his parents impacted on his childhood, early adulthood and his mental health.By jeff25y

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Paul Curran: My parents threw me out of the house because I wanted to be a dancer. 35:45

3y ago35:45

35:45

Jeff Zycinski talks to fellow Easterhouse school-friend Paul Curran who is now one of the most sought-after opera directors in the world. Paul tells how his parents disowned him when he was 16 because he wanted to be a dancer. That dream ended after an on stage injury but led to new beginnings and a lifetime of happiness and success. .…

1
Helen Black: My mum was a refugee, that’s why I help the homeless. 23:50

3y ago23:50

23:50

Jeff talks to Helen Black, the Service Manager at the Salvation Army's Resettlement centre in Inverness. Helen and her team work with vulnerable adults - some as young as 16 - helping them cope with independent living and providing everything from advice about benefits to pots and pans.By jeff25y

1
John D. Burns: My next book is about hot tents. 24:59

3y ago24:59

24:59

Nicola and Jeff talk to Inverness-based author John Burns. He talks about his love of the hills, his days in a mountain rescue team and the new book he's writing about hot tenting. Can you really put a wood-burning stove in a tent and do you need to be naked if you do that?By jeff25y

1
Mike Youatt: Gambling addiction can start as young as four years old. 20:31

3y ago20:31

20:31

Nicola and Jeff talk about the fun and fear around gambling and hear from gambling support worker, Mike Youatt who describes how children as young as 4 year old got started on the road to problem betting.By jeff25y

1
Janice Clyne: Now I feed the ’good guys’ in my gut. 23:53

3+ y ago23:53

23:53

Nicola and Jeff talk to Janice Clyne who admits to being obsessed with fermentation and the importance of feeding the good bacteria in our gut. Janice believes smart food choices involving plenty of fibre and lots of diversity can actually repair some of the damage done by years of bad diets. And don't get her started on artificial sweeteners!…

1
Paula McGuire: I was a recluse for thirty years now I’m the anxious adventurer. 31:53

3+ y ago31:53

31:53

Nicola and Jeff are joined by author and inspirational speaker Paula McGuire. Paula tells how social anxiety blighted her teenage years but by the time she turned thirty she decided to embrace life by tackling one amazing adventure after another.By jeff25y

1
Partnerships for Wellbeing: April Update 16:19

3+ y ago16:19

16:19

Jeff, Kate and Nicola with the latest news from Partnerships for Wellbeing. Nicola gives us the gossip from the launch night of the Cheery Book Club, Kate recites a special limerick and Jeff tells how his weight loss efforts were hindered by a delicious dessert.By jeff25y

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Grace Nicoll: I love Inverness, who doesn’t? 15:59

3+ y ago15:59

15:59

Jeff and Nicola with this week's update from Partnerships for Wellbeing, news about the Cheery Book Club and the special guest is the multi-media star Grace Nicoll who describes how her new BBC video went viral and tells all about her forthcoming sky-dive for Cash for Kids.By jeff25y

1
Five inspirational guests 19:09

3+ y ago19:09

19:09

Nicola and Jeff with a catch-up programme for new listeners featuring five inspirational guests. Plus... Jeff confesses he got high with a model and dropped his trousers at an airport. Featuring Nanette Mutrie, Nicola Creen, Julia Sutherland, Lesley Robertson and Helga Mellor MacFarlane.By jeff25y

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Raymond Mearns: I parked comedy and worked in a pandemic hospital. 27:32

3+ y ago27:32

27:32

Nicola, Kate and Jeff tell us what's happening at Partnerships for Wellbeing and comedian Raymond Means talks about the pursuit of progress, not perfection, as he returns to the stage for his latest tour.By jeff25y

1
'Life Happens' ... with Sgt. Aaron Quinonez 1:03:08

4y ago1:03:08

1:03:08

Sgt Aaron Quinonez didn’t have your average upbringing. Growing up in a remote part of America, where the growing of marijuana was prolific, he was regularly on the run from the law and was forced to live homeless as a teenager due to his father’s addiction issues. Joining the Marines straight out of High School, he found the discipline that he had…

1
'Life Happens' ... with Ruari Fairbairns 1:01:45

4y ago1:01:45

1:01:45

As a hyperactive kid growing up on the Isle of Mull, Ruari Fairbairns was misunderstood and branded mischievous and troublesome. Put through counselling from as young as six years old, he then attempted suicide twice in his early teens before finding drugs and alcohol. Fortunately, a sharp entrepreneurial brain saved him from further harm – as he s…

1
'Life Happens' ... with Nicky Marshall 58:20

4y ago58:20

58:20

In the early 2000s, Nicky Marshall was a successful businesswoman, a mother of four and a lover of adventure. From indoor skydiving to qualifying as a scuba diving instructor, adventure was a huge part of her life. Transitioning from finance to wellness, in 2010 she embarked on another adventure; one of entrepreneurship. She started a wellness cent…

1
'Life Happens' ... with Andrew Brush 1:04:08

4y ago1:04:08

1:04:08

Andrew Brush has experienced more than his fair share of life's ups and downs. A highly successful businessman, with a track record of developing organisations, he went about his professional career with an enthusiasm for enterprise and for investing in the people that worked with him and for him. But his life changed when his wife was diagnosed wi…

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'Life Happens' ... with Ben Bidwell 50:50

4y ago50:50

50:50

A very special guest on this episode of ‘Life Happens’ because of his standing in the world of mental health, Ben Bidwell has been on a journey of self-discovery and is on a mission to help others understand who they truly are. From a life in which he ‘once lived uninspired’, struggling with creativity and a sense of purpose, Ben has reinvented him…

1
'Life Happens' ... with Rachel Williams 52:40

4y ago52:40

52:40

In April 2021, NHS worker Rachel Williams delivered a powerful and moving TEDx Talk, courageously sharing her experience of mental health in the context of being a black woman. In this episode of 'Life Happens' 87% marketing director James Gwinnett speaks to Rachel about her experiences and her belief that we all need to ... pause. We can’t operate…

1
'Life Happens' ... with Dan Lowes 52:58

4y ago52:58

52:58

When you’re performing aerobatics with the Red Arrows, there’s no room for error. Yet our latest guest on ‘Life Happens’ admits to failing over and over in his pursuit of a childhood dream to become a fighter pilot. Dan Lowes knew from an early age that he wanted to fly with the RAF. A failed application at the age of 17 set him up to understand th…

1
'Life Happens' ... with Team ExtraOARdinary 46:08

4y ago46:08

46:08

Abby Johnston, Kat Cordiner and Charlotte Irving make up Team ExtraOARdinary, an extraordinary rowing crew that will embark on the huge challenge of rowing an ocean later this year. Taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, they will depart from La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, and attempt to row 3,000 miles to English Harbour, Antigu…

1
'Life Happens' ... with Ollie Phillips 51:29

4y ago51:29

51:29

Ollie Phillips’ CV makes for pretty impressive reading. After graduating from Durham University, he made the leap to professional rugby, playing for the Newcastle Falcons and making a name for himself on the international Rugby Sevens circuit, as a prolific try-scorer in this fast-paced version of the game. Over a remarkable career that spanned mor…

1
'Life Happens' ... with Dan Keeley 56:00

4y ago56:00

56:00

Dan Keeley is one of the UK’s most powerful motivational speakers and mental health activists, encouraging us ‘to have courageous conversations together about the things that really matter’. In 2012 he suffered from a bad episode of poor mental health and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In this interview, we chat to Dan about stripping his lif…

1
'Life Happens' ... with Stella Smith 51:26

4+ y ago51:26

51:26

Stella Smith has made a name for herself in innovation across the business world, from a series of high-profile positions in trading and investment to founding the wellbeing benefits disruptor pirkx. With so much energy and positivity, it is no wonder she is as successful as she is and her insights into prioritisation to go after the things you wan…

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'Life Happens' ... with Rupal Patel 43:42

4+ y ago43:42

43:42

Imagine the pressure of having to brief US Presidents and NATO Generals on war zone strategy. That was exactly the role of our latest guest on the ‘Life Happens’ podcast. As a CIA Intelligence Officer, Rupal Patel faced some highly pressurised situations and had to be absolute and resolute in believing in her ability. In the latest episode of 'Life…

1
'Life Happens' ... with Michael Maisey 40:48

4+ y ago40:48

40:48

CONTENT WARNING – contains references to sexual abuse, violence, drugs and crime – if you are affected by any of the topics in this video, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or by emailing [email protected] and you can contact the mental health charity Mind by calling 0300 123 3393 or visiting mind.org.uk. In this remarkable episode, we cha…

1
'Life Happens' … with Esmee Gummer 53:36

4+ y ago53:36

53:36

In this incredible episode, we hear the story of Esmee Gummer, who, despite being paralysed at the age of 18, has become a renowned personal trainer. From being told she would never walk again to taking on a series of extreme fitness challenges, including being a recruit on the brutal Channel 4 show SAS: Who Dares Wins, she is now the Head of Exerc…

1
Life Happens: James Gwinnett 37:57

5y ago37:57

37:57

In this episode of Life Happens, we speak with James Gwinnett. James tells us about his life as a semi-professional rugby player and the chaotic and at times toxic lifestyle that he adopted during this period. His world was totally turned upside down when he broke his neck, stopping him from playing rugby or doing any exercise at all. This spiraled…

1
Life Happens: Kate Swindlehurst 23:10

5y ago23:10

23:10

In our latest episode of Life Happens, we speak with author Kate Swindlehurst. After being diagnosed with Parkinson's, Kate decided that she wasn't going to let that affect the things she loved doing, including her passion for Argentine Tango. Kate speaks candidly about how much her life has changed since her diagnosis and what it has taught her ab…

1
Life Happens: Simon Blake OBE 33:27

5y ago33:27

33:27

In this episode of Life Happens, we are joined by the wonderful Simon Blake OBE. Simon is the current CEO of Mental Health First Aid England and has held numerous positions in leadership throughout his career. Leading through change and uncertainty is no easy feat - today we are talking to Simon about the ever-changing nature of now and how we can …

1
Life Happens: Thomas Palmer 42:03

5+ y ago42:03

42:03

In this episode of Life Happens, we are joined by video producer and adventurer, Thomas Palmer who has been doing all sorts and all in the name of mental health. He’s been hiking active volcanos, plummeting into freezing temperature and had his fair share of altitude sickness, and him and his team even found themselves on the verge of a kidnapping …

1
Escapees Mark Channon [Memory Coach] 19:16

5+ y ago19:16

19:16

Welcome to another of our #escapees episodes of Escape The Rat Race Radio, a shorter, punchier insight into some of our members stories since they took the leap of faith and sacked their boss!By Christian Rodwell

1
Ash Ali & Hasan Kubba - How You Already Have What It Takes to Succeed 41:37

5+ y ago41:37

41:37

Hey welcome to another episode of Escape The Rat Race Radio, my name is Christian Rodwell and this week my guests are Ash Ali & Hasan Kubba. Now for those of you who have been long-standing listeners to Escape the Rat Race Radio, you will remember Ash from Episode 29 where he shared some stellar lessons that all budding entrepreneurs can learn from…

1
Life Happens: Dee Jas 30:02

5+ y ago30:02

30:02

In our latest episode of Life Happens, we speak with Dee Jas, founder of colourfull (a D&I consultancy/media platform that focuses on the inclusion of LGBTQ and people of colour). He talks candidly about his experiences of coming out as an Indian man and going against the preconceived ideas his family and community had mapped out for him. Beyond th…

1
Grant Leboff - Why Marketing Matters 47:43

5+ y ago47:43

47:43

Grant has been in business now for over 18 years. Since quitting his job his focus has been on addressing the massive changes that are taking place in a world that is constantly being introduced to new technologies and an ever-evolving World Wide Web. He continually challenges Sales & Marketing conventions that become accepted wisdom but don’t nece…