5 Podcasts to Commute to

Working in the South East of England typically means one thing; commuting. Those of us that do it, we know the early starts, the crowds, the frustrations and the loss of control when things go wrong with the train or motorway. I drive most of the time and I remember reading a sign that said “You are not stuck in traffic. You are traffic.” Yeah I thought. I am. 

Ok so once we accept that we’re going to be armpit to armpit on the train or stuck in some jam for no reason, we might as well make the most of our time and either entertain or better still maybe, improve ourselves…or ideally, both. For the most part, because I drive,  I choose to do this with podcasts - for me they’re like a customisable radio station. I choose the content. 

My preferred format at the moment, which I think really favours podcasting and commuting, is the long-form conversation interview type. They're usually an hour long and can really take the time to get into depth about  a subject, rather than the 'I only have 3minutes for a YouTube video' type. 

Here’s my suggestions to get you started:

1. The Rich Roll Podcast
Rich is an ultra runner and bestselling author. The guy in his 40s quit the drink and couch-potato lifestyle and became sober and 100% ’Plant-Powered’ and took on some amazing long distance Ultra Marathons. He then got named as one of the fittest men on the planet. Not bad going! His podcasts are typically long form conversational interviews with Drs, athletes, authors, artists, nutritional experts, even Hollywood script writers and more, anyone he feels can open your mind to new ideas and different paths your life could take to both be and feel better.

2. Barbell Shrugged
OK so I’m an amateur CrossFitter. It’s what I do to keep active and my strength up with a sedentary office job and commuting life. The team behind this podcast are group of US-based Crossfit Box-owners (gym owners), trainers and pretty well connected guys in the world of weightlifting, training and general fitness. The show is funny, useful and the gang-style banter keeps it fresh. Typically they interview an athlete or expert and apply their know-how to CrossFit. The interviews with Drs about sleep or Navy Seal training are well worth a listen to.

3. Off Camera
I don’t know much about Sam Jones, but he’s a successful LA photographer who’s started a website, magazine, television show and podcast; all built around the long form conversational interview. His show features interviews with actors like Robert Downey Jnr, Jeff Bridges or Matt Damon to skateboarding legend Tony Hawk,  musicians Jackson Browne and Dave Growl - all are well worth listening to on the next train to work.

4. Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo’s Film Review
This one is a show broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live then topped and tailed to become arguably the best (and maybe longest running) film podcast out there. Mark’s a very well known Critic, who also writes for The Guardian and Simon the popular BBC DJ currently on BBC Radio 2’s drive time show. What more do you need! OK so it’s not a long form interview format, but if you like movies, this is essential listening each week.

5. The Tim Ferris Show
Another long form conversational podcast. Tim is a bestselling author, best known for The 4-Hour Workweek book etc. I came across him as the guys on Barbell Shrugged interviewed him and he mentioned a big interview he just finished with Arnold Schwarzenegger.  That hour long interview with The Running Man himself, is definitely worth checking Tim out for!

CrossFit - I really don't need a steam room.

If you're like me, someone that's been gyming for ages but really starting to get bored. Then it's definitely a time for change. I’ve been feeling that for at least a year!

I've been a member of a quite posh qym for years. You know the type. Cafe, sauna, steam room, about what seems like 50 treadmills and loads of machines etc. Now that sounds quite nice right? Problem is, no one talks. Everyone wears earphones and for the most part, the trainers don't talk to you either unless you're paying more money for a 1-on-1 personal training session. So what happens? You get bored. You cheat on workouts and you don't re-fresh your programme enough; not to mention the poor technique.

On top of all that, I moved to a new area not long ago so I was also looking for a social scene. It's hard to make new friends when you're in your mid-30s. Could a gym also help me? I had heard about outdoor fitness clubs and CrossFit clubs through a friend and also via some health Podcasts I listen to from LA. It seems to be massive there. Maybe that could be worth a try I thought.

I searched online and found Sunbury Performance CrossFit. A small, new business ran by two guys who live this stuff. Their gym is a 'Box' (all CrossFit gyms are called that), and as per the description, it's a simple square-ish room with various racks and things around the outside of it. No steam room. No Jacuzzi, no cafe. Imagine!

Within about 10mins of entering, I was introduced to more members than in 5yrs of the previous gym, all of who were of mixed abilities, ages and experience. The gym sessions run like classes did back in the old days. You meet at a set time. You then warm up together (run, skip, air squats or any number of different exercises). Then it's strength sessions. This takes elements of Olympic Weight Lifting and gymnastics. What does that literally mean? Some squats with a barbell, or cleans etc (check out online). It's all about progression so everyone usually has their own weight levels and never do you feel like your ego gets bruised as the other members are supportive and typically not meat-heads from weights rooms.

Lastly on the session is the WOD (work out of the day). This is normally a 10min intense work out that will kick your ass in a fun way. It could be skipping again, box jumps, burpees, throwing a heavy ball in the air, running, sit ups, press ups or some combination of countless other exercises. Every day is different. That's the key. The coaches support you, correct your technique and your body experiences different, constantly varied exercise routines.

The members are really a small community. In fact the sport is a bit like that. You'll find yourself getting addicted to the t-shirts, trainers and even diet changes they promote. Eating clean is a big topic for members. Sometimes they even run nutrition seminars.

So, I don't get bored anymore. I'm improving quickly in many aspects physically (mobility, strength, aerobic - i even did a handstand; the first time since the 80s!) and you make friends. Why do you need the steam room?

L.

What to give up for January...

It’s 2014!

At the start of every New Year, many good intentioned people set targets for changing or improving themselves. This usually starts with something to help restore us from the indulgences of Christmas. Maybe giving up alcohol, smoking or even starting a new exercise plan...all good stuff right?

For me, my challenge is about giving up or significantly reducing two things that may help me long term...if it becomes a lifestyle. They are meat and sugar.

In December I watched the documentary "Forks over Knives" on Netflix which further reinforced my opinion that perhaps eating too much meat is not good for our hearts. I've also read part of 'The China Study' which supports and helps form some of the arguments raised in the film. Aside from the animal welfare and climate reasons which are powerful enough in themselves, it's amazing to think that we may be able to reduce and even correct cardiovascular disease by just eating more vegetables and less meat. Seems simple right? So here's my plan. I'll be 100% plant powered in January. I'm intrigued to see how I'll get on. Admittedly I already eat quite a lot of veggies everyday now so I'm not sure how much of an dramatic impact it'll have. I think I'm more curious about habit and how easy I'll find it when out and about on the go, to avoid meat, which is too relied upon as a staple food source. That's the big challenge I think.

Sugar on the other hand, I hope will be under a lot of scrutiny in 2014. Press coverage, blogs, podcasts and general public awareness about it are on the rise and I hope it helps everyone start to realise the negative health implications of sugar and maybe think twice about consuming so much of it. It's crazy how many people are at risk of diabetes, which for the most part can be avoided by better diets!

Two issues I see. Firstly, I know they say 'read the label' to check the ingredients list. For example; if you look carefully, 'Low Fat' food products typically contain more sugar than 'normal' versions and thus whilst low in fat, they will actually make you fat. That is shocking. More importantly to consider is why are we buying food with a label in the first place. We don't need to look on the reverse of an apple or carrot to check what’s in it, so if we were buying and eating more whole foods and less processed, factory-made foods, we wouldn't have to worry about the ingredients list in the first place. Again, it seems simple right?

So I know there's arguments for and against most of these topics and they're actually complex. I'm certainly no Dr or Scientist, but these are my choices for January and perhaps hopefully wellinto the New Year too if I feel better in doing it.

Watch this space!

Adding value

Adding value.

 

I've just spent the last few days in Munich attending a conference with many of my communications colleagues from around the world.  A nice time to visit a Christmassy Munich.

Aside from plucking up the courage to ask a question to our global CEO, a few general points come to mind.
What is important for a company's long term success? OK, that's not easy. Ask Leadership, and they'll say...People. Sure. It's the answer first to mind and one which all good leaders will reference. So what about them? Highly motivated? Yes. Committed? Yes. Proud and delivering high performance? Of course. Now, how do we do that?

It’s not my main area of expertise but according to one MD of a large logistics firm, what is absolutely vital is having a sense of purpose. That, I understand. This is more powerful for some than mere monetary targets. We all to some degree need an understanding that whatever our task or role, that it is a) connected to the performance of the company and b) moreover, that the company has a clearly defined role in improving the quality of life for the world at large. So you're not just doing X you're in fact helping to do Y.

So what does this mean for communications folk like me? Well for starters we should be asking ourselves, are those 2 points clear? You may well communicate what your company does; it's the default marcomms setting, but do you ever spend resource on telling the story of why? Is your vision clearly mapped out in order that it can be used in brand messaging about the more altruistic factors. I mean if you're a skilled young engineer, would you choose a high tech company that in reality digs, burns and pollutes no matter what they preach, or one which adds social value and improves the life of your own family or home town perhaps?

More thoughts needed for sure, but for me, knowing the big picture of value is key for motivation...

So it begins...

Everything you want is on the other side of fear.

So it beings with my first steps into blogging... perhaps it'll be read by some, mostly I think it's a good way for me to write down what I'm thinking. I should have done this a while ago seeing as my profession is currently Communications...but more on that later.

OK, a Geordie in the South East of England, sure I'm not the only one, but it's kinda cool sometimes to have at least one stand out point in a meeting...if the accent is what works on one day, I'll take it.

I guess I'm a complicated guy, corporate teachings and various assessments have me as an Introvert so not surprising that people take a while to get to know me fully, if ever. I mean surely it's best to not always be an open book...keeps things interesting. That said, it can lead to over thinking and less action, hence the quote above. Sometimes a little more doing and less consideration works a treat.

I'll probably post on topics like work related marketing / communications trends, particularly from my experience working within a large global German organisation. I'm also keen on nutrition (I think vegan as someone once said), although the trick is not to preach too much...you don't want to be that guy...although I'm probably guilty of hammering a point too much when I think it's important...tact needed. I'm also a bit of a runner and gym bunny so there's loads out there to mention about that.

Love movies too so maybe I'll give my thoughts on the latest releases, but there's better critics out there...professional types!

That's it for now...

L.