The Lonely Chapter

In this grounded and challenging conversation, I’m joined by Dakota Meyer, U.S. Marine veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, to explore a simple but confronting truth: nobody is coming to save you.
Dakota explains why personal responsibility sits at the centre of a meaningful life, and how leadership, identity, and fulfilment are built through action rather than intention. We unpack his core principle – risk plus responsibility equals reward – and what it reveals about why so many people feel stuck, lost, or quietly dissatisfied despite doing “all the right things”.
This conversation moves through identity, mental health, resilience, and the role of community, while continually returning to one essential question: are you living in alignment with who you say you are? Dakota speaks candidly about truth, accountability, and the danger of outsourcing responsibility for your life – whether to institutions, labels, or other people.
At its heart, this episode is an invitation to look honestly in the mirror, examine the evidence of your actions, and decide what kind of person you are becoming.
In this episode, we discuss:
→ Why “nobody’s coming to save you” is not cynical, but empowering
→ Dakota’s equation for life: risk + responsibility = reward
→ How identity is shaped by behaviour, not labels or intentions
→ The difference between resilience and avoidance
→ Mental health, accountability, and telling the truth without cruelty
→ What it means to be a “peopleist” – valuing people over titles
→ Why real change always begins with internal decisions and action
Links mentioned in the episode:
Dakota Meyer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakotameyer0317/
Dakota’s Substack: https://dakotameyerthebluf.substack.com/

I’m joined in this episode by Myles Usher-Doyle, a speech coach and the founder of Speak-Well Coaching who has coached top tier communicators such as Chris Williamson (Host of Modern Wisdom).
We talk about what sits underneath confident communication - why so many of us struggle to be seen when we speak, how fear shows up in the body, and why confidence is often less about learning techniques and more about feeling safe enough to show up as yourself.
Myles shares insights from his work helping people find their voice, from eye contact and body language to the deeper emotional patterns that shape how we speak and how we listen.
This is a conversation about presence, vulnerability, and learning to communicate in a way that reflects who you really are.
If you’ve ever felt like you know what you want to say but struggle to say it out loud, this one will resonate.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Gladys Sanda, a tinnitus specialist who has spent over a decade supporting people living with tinnitus - and who also lives with it herself.
We talk about the emotional and psychological impact tinnitus can have, including the fear, isolation, and heightened awareness that often accompany it. Gladys shares her personal experience of living with tinnitus, offering rare insight into what it’s like to both experience the condition and support others through it.
Together, we explore how understanding what’s happening in the nervous system, alongside self-compassion, can change the way tinnitus is experienced. This conversation is about shifting the relationship with tinnitus - and about the possibility of living well, even when the sound doesn’t disappear.
Key Takeaways
Tinnitus affects far more than hearing, often impacting emotional safety, stress levels, and sense of connection
Understanding how the brain and nervous system respond to tinnitus can reduce fear and reactivity
Self-compassion plays a crucial role in learning to live well with tinnitus
A holistic approach that considers both emotional and auditory factors can support long-term wellbeing

Links & Resources
📘 Beyond the Noise by Dr Gladys Sanda
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyond-Noise-Practical-Tinnitus-Relief/dp/1036964973/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0
🌐 Dr Gladys Sanda
https://drgladys.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/tinnituswithgladys/
📸 The Lonely Chapter on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/lonelychapterpodcast/

This episode is a reflective close to the year - a curated collection of moments from conversations across 2025 that stayed with us.
It’s not a ranking of guests or episodes, and it’s not about what was “best”. Instead, these are moments where something honest was said, something meaningful clicked, or something human was revealed in a way that lingered long after the conversation ended.
Across the year, The Lonely Chapter explored life, loss, identity, mental health, purpose, resilience, and what it means to live well when the answers aren’t obvious. This highlights episode brings together those ideas through powerful excerpts from full conversations, offering space to reflect rather than conclusions to follow.
Episodes by order:
Episode 79 - Inside the Mind of a World Record Endurance Athlete | Sean Conway

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5jWpNXWM9cmBQG00Tz1vr6?si=_7nVvU5yTRqoRDezZ61trQ
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-lonely-chapter/id1744173358?i=1000737058489
Episode 52 - Exploring Origin Stories with David McIntosh: Motivation, Struggles & Triumphs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4IHHWeIxIvXuH235ujp30Q?si=OQeC6MCIT_-et63ImZSgtw
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-lonely-chapter/id1744173358?i=1000705215827
Episode 63 - Mastering the Art of Communication with Davina Hehn: Avoiding Conflict in Parenting

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1s7LFtCOAlXHv9r0TN8UZI?si=IIP3Yw8bRrW7qyP8QaC9mw
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-lonely-chapter/id1744173358?i=1000713060803
Episode 44 - Why Men Struggle in Silence | Martin Seager on Men’s Mental Health

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Lw4H6aPImgdqgWL05Q5jW?si=PHlCPPmCRI-vkDhI87qPSw
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-lonely-chapter/id1744173358?i=1000695470477
Episode 37 - Edward Troise: From Steroids to Strength — Rope Flow & Kettlebell Fitness Transformation

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1plkiMHLo0bJzKLr40nLgc?si=w9akoJxhQ9ix-QE0jrocCg
Apple:

In this episode of the Lonely Chapter Podcast, I embark on an exploration of the questions that have punctuated our discussions over the past year, with the aim of igniting thoughtful dialogue among listeners.
Each question, derived from a diverse array of guests, serves as an invitation to delve into profound themes surrounding identity, vulnerability, and the essence of living authentically.
The inquiries I revisit range from the existential to the practical, prompting listeners to reflect on their own lives. For example, I contemplate the question posed by Stephanie Nicoletti, 'Who are you at your core?', and share my insights on the difference between identity and self-identification. This exploration reveals the intricacies of how we perceive ourselves and the potential impact of external factors on our sense of identity. The episode also addresses the importance of vulnerability in communication, inspired by Lisa Sugarman's question about nurturing deeper connections with those closest to us.
Ultimately, this episode is not merely a retrospective; rather, it is a call to action for listeners to engage with these questions in their own lives and to foster meaningful conversations with others.
As we navigate the holiday season, I encourage everyone to take the time to reflect on these inquiries, enhancing both personal growth and the bonds we share with those around us.
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonelychapterpodcast/