The Lonely Chapter

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/

Zack Sikora was born with Spina Bifida, but his story is not defined by limitation - it’s defined by independence, discipline and doing hard things. From wheelchair tennis to MMA to building his own podcast studio, Zack shares the mindset and moments that shaped him.This episode explores the reality of growing up with Spina Bifida, the misconceptions surrounding disability, the confidence he built through adaptive sport, and how he rewrote his story through discipline, creativity and self-belief.In this episode:→ Spina Bifida, identity & independence→ Wheelchair tennis, coaching & adaptive sport→ Discipline, systems & losing 60lbs→ MMA, pressure & becoming formidable→ Building a podcast studio alone→ What the "Lonely Chapter" meant in his life→ Why "this will be the story I'll one day tell" became his anchorFollow Zack:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheelz3.14/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Wheelz3.14Follow Sam:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonelychapterpodcast/

In this episode, football coach Mark Robinson - former Chelsea U21 Head Coach and the man who built AFC Wimbledon’s academy from scratch - joins me to explore leadership, mindset, player development and the role of failure in growth.We dive into:→ How to build non-fear learning environments→ Coaching mindset and reflection processes→ Why failure, mistakes and “hiccups” are essential to development→ High-challenge / high-support coaching→ Player ownership and accountability→ Emotional resilience, confidence and anti-fragility→ What great coaches do differently→ The psychology behind growth, pressure and performanceMark has coached and developed players who’ve gone on to the Premier League, led Chelsea’s U21s to a record unbeaten run, and transformed AFC Wimbledon during one of the toughest periods in the club’s history. His insights into leadership, culture and human development go far beyond football.If you’re interested in growth, mindset, coaching or resilience, this conversation will hit home.

November may be Men’s Health Month - but men’s health is a year-round issue.In this solo episode of The Lonely Chapter, Sam reflects on co-hosting an International Men’s Day event at London Fire Brigade HQ and the eye-opening conversations around:→ Men’s mental health & suicide→ Loneliness and identity→ Low testosterone and physical health→ Gambling addiction→ Prostate cancer→ The strain of emergency service careers→ The impact of shift work & sleep lossDrawing on first-hand experience in the fire service and previous work with Samaritans, this episode highlights why men struggle in silence - and what can actually be done to change that.You’ll also get simple, practical steps that can help improve your health, your connections, and your outlook - starting today.If you found value in this episode, please follow the show and leave a rating. It helps more people find these conversations.📍 Instagram: @lonelychapterpodcast

Most people aren’t calm — they’re emotionally numb.In this episode of The Lonely Chapter, I sit down with sacred artist and creative guide Polina Davi to explore how creativity can become a powerful tool for emotional healing, self-discovery and transformation.We talk about why so many people feel disconnected from themselves in a hyper-stimulated world, how suppressed emotions manifest as anxiety, anger and burnout, and why stillness, self-expression and connection to nature are essential parts of the healing process.Polina shares her practices around sacred geometry, intuitive art, silence, body-based healing, emotional release and deep reconnection — offering a new perspective on how art can help you remember who you truly are.If you’ve felt numb, overwhelmed, lost or disconnected, this conversation will meet you where you are.🔗 Connect with Polina📲Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/polinadavi_sacred_art/Website:https://polinadavi.art/ Follow the podcast:Instagram: @lonelychapterpodcast