Tools For Tough Times

• How Grief Sharpened my Sense of Purpose - Season 2 Will Amplify Unheard Voices

  In this Season 1 finale of Tools for Tough Times, I reflect on what this first season has taught me - about resilience, connection, and what really matters.I share where I’m at personally, how grief has shaped my direction, and why I’m no longer waiting to make the impact I came here to make. The time is now!Season 2 will bring new voices and deep conversations - from people navigating global crises like homelessness, racism, and war, to guests whose personal journeys through music, food, and healing will be impactful, powerful and important.This podcast is becoming a platform for social change and human stories of strength. I can't wait to share it with you.Bye for now and see you on Season 2! Like and follow to be the first to know when it drops.D xLet's connect on Instagram:@daniellecooperofficial@toolsfortoughtimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• From Britain's Most Wanted Armed Robber to Record Breaking Endurance Athlete & Role Model: John McAvoy’s Story

  In this compelling episode, we hear the extraordinary story of John McAvoy, a man who went from a life of high-stakes crime to breaking world records and becoming a professional Ironman athlete. Once one of Britain’s most wanted armed robbers, John was sentenced to life in a high-security prison. It was there, in a cell built for punishment, that he discovered purpose. After the tragic death of a close friend, John began to reassess his choices. Turning to fitness, he started training on a prison rowing machine, where he uncovered an astonishing natural ability, going on to break multiple British and world records in indoor rowing, all while still behind bars.Since his release, John has become a leading voice in the world of endurance sport and criminal justice reform. Now a Nike-sponsored athlete and Ironman triathlete, he shares his story to inspire change and prove that transformation is always possible.He is the founder of the Alpine Run Project, a powerful initiative that takes young people from the streets to the peaks, using mountain running to build resilience, purpose and community. John's work now spans schools, prisons and global platforms, advocating for sport as a force for personal and social change.This was a mind-blowing and SUPER inspiring conversation. Hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording the ep!📚 Resources:Redemption: From Iron Bars to Ironman – Buy the book (Available on Amazon and book stores)BBC Documentary – John McAvoy: The Power of Sport Watch on BBC iPlayerSky Documentaries – The John McAvoy Story (available via Sky and NOW TV)📨 Connect with John:Website: therealmcavoy.comInstagram: @jonnymac83Twitter/X: @johnmcavoy2📨 Connect with Danielle:Instagram@daniellecooperofficial@toolsfortoughtimesEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Breaking The Mental Health Stigma - Shocka's Story

  In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, I’m joined by rapper, TEDx speaker, and mental health advocate Shocka. Shocka opens up about his journey through the mental health system, including being sectioned three times, and the deep transformation that’s unfolded in his life since.We talk about the challenges he faced while balancing a music career with his mental health struggles, including the turning point that came after a trip to Ibiza when things began to spiral. Shocka shares openly about his experiences with medication, the loss of his mum, and the central role his faith has played in his healing.Now thriving in his music, advocacy, and life in general, Shocka is using his platform to dismantle stigma around mental health.His book A Section of My Life and his Instagram video series A Section of Your Life are shining a light on the realities of being sectioned, while offering hope and solidarity to others walking this path.Also….don’t miss his series “Shocka Sunday”, where he shares his journey through powerful and articulate verses with music.This is an important listen for anyone interested in mental health, resilience, and the power of turning pain into purpose. I was deeply inspired by Shocka, and I know you will be too.Resources & Links:•Follow Shocka on Instagram: @shocka_artist•Get his book A Section of My Life: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Section-My-Life-Shocka/dp/1915680085/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UITs3Nvqle3Jx08Qya_4fK3lx8UUGRLCiBdi0VTBu-s.Cki7Pn20BlNe7Cmc3RGiedf0RtWuNeMqP6SPRbSV3RU&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+section+of+my+life&qid=1746356917&sr=8-1 •Watch his TEDx Talk: https://tedxlondon.com/speaker/shocka/ Connect with Danielle:Instagram@daniellecooperofficial@toolsfortoughtimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Healing in Full Frequency, with Jasmine Knight

  In this episode, I chat with singer / songwriter, motivational speaker and life coach Jasmine Knight who takes us through her incredible journey of overcoming trauma, discovering self-love, and ultimately transforming her life in ways she never thought possible. She opens up about the difficult times in her life, where she found herself surrounded by unsavoury people and situations, all stemming from not having fully healed yet. Jasmine explains how unhealed wounds can attract more negativity, but through deep self-love and healing, she was able to catapult herself into a future that exceeded her wildest dreams.Jasmine’s journey of self-discovery has also involved a lifelong connection to creativity. She talks about how, from a young age, writing poetry helped her express the deep emotions she carried. This love of writing eventually evolved into songwriting, and she now collaborates with music producers to bring her music to life. Music became a key part of her healing process, and she speaks passionately about how it’s shaped her personal growth and empowerment.A significant part of her journey has also included plant medicine, which she credits with helping her find clarity and further her healing process. Jasmine describes how these experiences have guided her in her mission to help others, positioning herself as an "expert by experience" – someone who has walked the difficult path from trauma to thriving, and now helps others do the same.By embracing her own healing, Jasmine has not only transformed her life but is also committed to supporting others on their own journeys of self-love and empowerment. As a life coach, she brings this passion and understanding into her work, helping people discover their true potential.We end with some giggles :) Chuckling about me randomly ending up in one of Jasmine’s DnB videos as a background raver!This episode has it all! Depth, profound insights, creativity, and laughter. Hope you LOVE it as much as we enjoyed recording it xConnect with Jasmine: Instagram@jasmineknightukConnect with DanielleInstagram:@daniellecooperofficial @toolsfortoughtimesLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-cooper-6a14018/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Navigating Sobriety – Scott’s Story & the Power of Community

  In this episode of Tools for Tough Times, I’m joined by Scott – a thoughtful, creative soul who’s been alcohol-free for 10 years and is the founder of Arclett, a community space for people who are sober or just curious about living without alcohol. We talk through Scott’s personal journey – from early influences and social drinking habits to the moment he decided to make a change. He shares how joining a gym, picking up photography, and finding meaning outside of drinking helped him completely shift his lifestyle and mindset.We also dive into the mental health impact of alcohol (even if you don’t feel “dependent”), how hard it can be to deal with the stigma around sobriety, and how the narrative around not drinking is finally starting to change. Social media and spaces like Arclett are helping people feel less alone and more empowered to question their relationship with alcohol – whatever that looks like.This conversation is honest, inspiring and full of gentle encouragement – whether you’re exploring sober curiosity for the first time or you’ve been on this path a while. Scott brings a really grounded perspective on how to build a fulfilling, connected life without alcohol – and how community plays a massive role in that journey.A few things we get into:The subtle (and not-so-subtle) toll alcohol can take on mental healthHow photography became a crucial part of Scott’s wellbeingThe one-year no-alcohol challenge that changed everythingGetting through awkward social moments and peer pressureWhy sobriety isn’t boring – and how passions can take the place of pintsThe creation of Arclett and the importance of inclusive, non-judgemental community spacesSome practical tips for anyone starting or deepening their sober journeyIf you’ve ever felt curious about changing your relationship with alcohol or just want to hear a real, relatable story about personal growth and community, this one’s for you.Connect with ScottLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arclett/Website:https://www.arclett.com/Instagram@arclett@scottwoolley_Connect with DanielleInstagram:@daniellecooperofficial @toolsfortoughtimesLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-cooper-6a14018/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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