24 episodes

A podcast about the adventure of career change, inviting guests to share their unique experiences of starting something completely new. We talk about what led them to making the decision, how things are going, what challenges they have come across, and what they really love about what they do.

This podcast aims to share the ups and downs of change, the not knowing, to show the human side of career change and how different people handle it. Guests are encouraged to talk about their worries and challenges along the way so that listeners can relate to their experiences.

Some of my guests are at the beginning or early stages of change and share their experiences of taking the first steps. We explore why people want change, why it can feel really difficult sometimes, how experiences differ, and how people are choosing creative and adventurous approaches.

At the end of each episode my guests ask you, the listener, a question for you to take away and think about.

This show is hosted by Sarah Lister, a career coach and mentor living in the Peak District, who works with people from an approach that is focused on freedom, creativity and a sense of adventure. Visit abouttheadventure.com to find out more about her work.

To support this podcast, Sarah has opened a patreon community where people can connect to explore career change and to support each other. Please take a look at what's on offer: www.patreon.com/abouttheadventure

About The Adventure About The Adventure

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.5 • 4 Ratings

A podcast about the adventure of career change, inviting guests to share their unique experiences of starting something completely new. We talk about what led them to making the decision, how things are going, what challenges they have come across, and what they really love about what they do.

This podcast aims to share the ups and downs of change, the not knowing, to show the human side of career change and how different people handle it. Guests are encouraged to talk about their worries and challenges along the way so that listeners can relate to their experiences.

Some of my guests are at the beginning or early stages of change and share their experiences of taking the first steps. We explore why people want change, why it can feel really difficult sometimes, how experiences differ, and how people are choosing creative and adventurous approaches.

At the end of each episode my guests ask you, the listener, a question for you to take away and think about.

This show is hosted by Sarah Lister, a career coach and mentor living in the Peak District, who works with people from an approach that is focused on freedom, creativity and a sense of adventure. Visit abouttheadventure.com to find out more about her work.

To support this podcast, Sarah has opened a patreon community where people can connect to explore career change and to support each other. Please take a look at what's on offer: www.patreon.com/abouttheadventure

    Peter Morton - I don’t think I’ve ever really had a map of what I’m going to do

    Peter Morton - I don’t think I’ve ever really had a map of what I’m going to do

    Does it take a lot of courage to change your career path? Peter Morton thinks it does, and it was his own boss who gave him the nudge to do so! In 2006 he left his job in IT to pursue a career in outdoor education as a freelance instructor. This led on to the creation of RedOakBushcrafts, a family run business in the Peak District.
    RedOakBushcrafts offers bushcraft, wilderness and survival skills courses in the Peak District and canoe expeditions in Scotland.
    Here are the questions I ask Peter during this interview:
    Do you find it challenging to do people-facing work?What do you see is the impact on the people that come on your courses?What was it that reignited your passion for the outdoors?Did you feel impatient about your career progression when you left your IT job?Did something trigger your decision to leave?How did it feel for you to be making such a big change?Do you think you would’ve stayed longer if your boss hadn’t given you the nudge?Are you pleased you’ve taken these steps towards what you’re doing now?Do you feel like it takes a lot of courage to leave things behind?Which parts of your work do you absolutely love?Do people really bond on your canoe trips?What aspects of your work do you really not like?What have you learnt along the way?Has your work/lifestyle turned out as you expected?How do people react to the type of work that you do?Do you feel that your work is meaningful when comparing it to your previous job?What were the first steps that you took with setting up RedOak?What do you think your friends and family think of what you do?Do you think you need an outdoorsy background to pursue an outdoors career?Do you train people to do what you do?Do you feel like you have a good standard of living?Do you create as much free time as you can?What question would you ask somebody who is thinking about a career change?
    RedOakBushcrafts Links
    Website 
    Instagram
    Facebook
    Recording information
    This episode was recorded on the slopes of the Great Ridge in Edale, underneath a tarp, on 9th February 2024.
    Support My Podcast
    About The Adventure has a patreon community where you can contribute £5 monthly to the show. This supports the cost of making the podcast and in return offers you a 10% discount on coaching sessions with Sarah and events by About The Adventure.

    Final notes
    Visi About The Adventure website to email Sarah, the podcast host, with your comments, questions or suggestions for future guests. Subscribe to Sarah's newsletter to receive episodes in your inbox, along with career change interviews and career coaching questions.
    Podcast music is by Tsarzi and artwork by Tiffany-Francis...

    • 44 min
    Jessica Snape-Burns - I love my job so much

    Jessica Snape-Burns - I love my job so much

    **Please note that during this episode Jess talks about chronic health issues and grief.**
    How important is support throughout a career change? This is the thread that runs through this interview with Jessica Snape-Burns, who shares her 10-year journey with Amerron Acres - a Community Interest Company (CIC) in Edale that provides a tranquil, safe and nurturing environment for therapeutic healing to take place. Jess offers Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL), family visits, retreats and wellbeing workshops.
    Jess had a strong draw to animal welfare from a young age, choosing to volunteer with injured and sick animals at a sanctuary as a way to spend time with equines. She  has always found comfort in the company of horses and set up Amerron Acres so she could share her special herd to help others on their healing journey.  
    Experiencing her own health struggles, with debilitating and disabling neurological symptoms causing years of wrong diagnoses and deteriorating mental health, she was eventually diagnosed with a chronic spinal CSF leak. Although mostly better now, she knows the value of self-care, resting and taking care of our mental health as a priority.
    You can read more about Jess, Director & Practitioner at Amerron Acres, on her website from which these notes have been adapted.
    At the end of the interview, Jess asks you a question and offers really helpful advice too.
    Here’s the list of questions that I asked Jess:
    How did horses first come into your life?How do you get to know a horse?Do the horses look to you for guidance?How can you describe each of their personalities?Was this building already here for you to use?Have the other horses had a more challenging past?Where were the seeds of this idea to set up Amerron Acres?What work were you doing before?What’s helped you through all of the challenges?Did you come to Edale with this idea to set up Amerron Acres?What’s involved in the logistics of getting the horses here?Can you tell us about your illness?What are your foundations for self-care?Who can you best help through your facilitation here?How do you facilitate a session with somebody who fears horses?Do you still get surprised by the results of your work?What role do the goats play?How can people work with you? What do you offer?How do you look after yourself in between sessions?Do you have a vision for what you move towards in the future?What’s the training you’ve done?What question would you ask somebody thinking about a new career direction?What’s the significance of 'Amerron'?
    Amerron Acres links
    Website
    Instagram
    Facebook
    References
    Horse Boy Method
    PoTS
    Eagala
    Leap
    Andrew Critchlow - a href="https://www.wildaboutkinder.co.uk/home/episode/cd422b1b/interview-with-resident-edale-farmer-andrew-critchlow" rel="noopener...

    • 1 hr 10 min
    Stephen Reid - You can make a video and literally change someone’s life

    Stephen Reid - You can make a video and literally change someone’s life

    In what ways can making videos feel meaningful? This is what Stephen explains at the beginning of his interview while sharing the reasons why he started a YouTube channel. In addition to making YouTube videos, Stephen also uses creative filmmaking to grow brands. He specialises in outdoors/tourism and also covers promos, events, online advertising for a range of industries. His business, Grafters Media has helped clients gain customers, win awards and gain multi-million investments. He talks about the aspects of commercial work that he finds most challenging and how he is trying to establish more balance in his life so that he doesn’t feel so stressed and get sick.
    Themes during Stephen’s interview include the pressure he puts on himself to do a good job, his thoughts on nerves being a part of life, what it’s like to combine personal hobbies with work, the importance of keeping active, how he got into making commercial videos, and why he started trailrunning. 
    At the end of the interview, Stephen asks you a question that might help you to open up your thinking about taking a different career path that will give you more creative freedom and time outside.
    Here’s the list of questions that I asked Stephen:
    Why did you start a YouTube channel?Did you feel nervous about speaking to the camera and sharing your videos when you started?Why is it that you still show up and do it?Do you want to spend time outdoors without being on camera?What’s it like doing what you do?Where do you think your stress is coming from?How has it been to get yourself to this place?Did you already know how to use cameras before you started the YouTube channel?Do you think this is what you’ll continue to do as your line of work?Do you believe that you could still find the thing you will stick with?How long have you been doing this type of commercial work?How proactive are you with finding client work?Have you accepted nerves as part of the experience?What question would you like to ask your listeners?
    Links
    Stephen’s YouTube channel
    Stephen's video of us running on Kinder Scout
    Stephen’s instagram
    Stephen’s twitter
    Stephen’s LinkedIn
    References
    Jacob Tonkin on Instagram
    Fell Running with Jacob Tonkin video on Stephen’s YouTube channel
    Runkeeper
    Recording information
    This episode was recorded at my house in Edale on 2nd November 2023.

    Support My Podcast
    About The Adventure has a patreon community where you can contribute £5 monthly to the show. This supports the cost of making the podcast and in return offers you a 10% discount on coaching sessions with Sarah and events by About The Adventure
    Final notes
    Visit About The Adventure website to email...

    • 1 hr 17 min
    Louise Earnshaw - I feel like I’ve become more of me again

    Louise Earnshaw - I feel like I’ve become more of me again

    What if there’s life outside of a classroom? This is one of the things that Louise Earnshaw kept considering before she made the decision to leave her job as a teacher after 20 years. Dismayed by the pressure and toxic environment, she left teaching in April 2023 to be a freelance outdoor instructor and artist. She says she feels so much happier managing her own time and pursuing the things she loves.
    Themes during Louise’s interview include her concerns about finances, imposter syndrome, feelings of inadequacy during her early education years, the positive impact of outdoor pursuits, and managing her time now that she has more freedom and flexibility. 
    At the end of the interview, Louise gives you a simple creative task that might help you to take a step towards making a change in your life.
    Here’s the list of questions that I asked Louise:
    What does it feel like being sat here on a Wednesday morning when just a few months ago you would’ve been doing your job as a teacher?Is the outdoors instructing something that you did alongside teaching?How do you balance all of the different elements of your work?What was it about Ali Foxon’s training that made you fly with it?How long had you been thinking about leaving teaching?Did you feel powerless to be able to do anything about it in the educational system?Have you taken a big hit financially?What would you say are the unmet needs that you experienced as a teacher that you’re discovering about yourself now?Is there anything that unsettles you now that you have more freedom?Why do you think you doubt yourself?Did you go into teaching because you had a challenging experience at school?What question would you like to leave us with?
    Links to Louise’s work
    Louise Earnshaw Artist website
    Instagram
    Facebook page

    References

    Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
    The Adventure Element website
    Dr Ali Foxon website
    Dr Ali Foxon on About the Adventure Podcast
    Sam Marshall - Artist and Printmaker website

    Recording information
    This episode was recorded in a Peak District woodland on 5th July 2023.

    Support My Podcast
    About The Adventure has a patreon community where you can contribute £5 monthly to the show. This supports the cost of making the podcast and in return offers you a 10% discount on coaching sessions with Sarah and events by About The Adventure
    Final notes
    Visit About The Adventure website to email Sarah, the podcast host, with your comments, questions or suggestions for

    • 1 hr 7 min
    Jen Scotney - I’ve spent way too long paralysed by fear

    Jen Scotney - I’ve spent way too long paralysed by fear

    What makes you feel energised and alive? Jen Scotney says that she is still finding her way since she stopped working as a human rights lawyer. She feels like she is forging a unique path which is scary, but she has faith that if she does what she enjoys she can’t go wrong.  
    Themes during Jen’s interview include running, burnout, chronic fatigue, bereavement, the shame of not being able to cope with work, self-employment and career change. She also talks about the importance of flexibility to allow for time in nature, deep rest, and authentic connection.
    At the end of the interview, Jen asks you a really powerful question that might help you to take a step towards making a change in your life.
    The first 20 minutes of the episode is focused on running, Jen’s work as a coach, and how osteoarthritis has affected her. In the second part of the interview Jen talks about her career as a lawyer, the effects of burnout and chronic fatigue, and the steps she has taken since she decided to stop working as a lawyer.
    Here’s the list of the questions I asked Jen: 
    How do you work with people as a running coach?How has not running anymore had an impact on your work as a running coach?How do you handle stressful times without running?Do you give yourself permission to give yourself time off?How difficult was it to make the decision to not enter the winter spine race?Does choosing yourself and your health apply to your career decisions as well?Did the profession disappoint you?How did it feel making the decision to step away from your career as a lawyer?When you were initially considering a career change, how do you think you got to where you are now and how is that going to guide you?Do you ever feel like it can be lonely if most other people are in office jobs?Question sent in from Angie: What do you do to stop yourself from spiralling when you’re having a bad day?How do these things apply now with your podcast and writing a book?Is your relationship with your husband better since you became happier with the work that you’re doing?Are there some areas in your life now that you feel resistance towards?What’s the motivation to share your story?What are you working towards?
    Links to Jen’s work:
    Read Jen’s substack and subscribe for a small monthly fee
    Listen to Resilience Rising Podcast
    See her upcoming events
    Follow Jen on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
    Follow Resilience Rising Podcast on Instagram
    References:
    Montane Winter Spine
    Marcus Scotney
    James Reeves
    ...

    • 1 hr 25 min
    Anna Danby - Whatever path you take in life there will be what ifs and maybes

    Anna Danby - Whatever path you take in life there will be what ifs and maybes

    Why is it important for humans to reconnect with nature? Anna Danby says it is essential if we ever want to move towards a more sustainable way of being on planet earth and when thinking about our impact on this place that we call home. 
    This ethos has shaped her career from doing a Post Grad course at the University of Edinburgh in ‘Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education’, to taking up a position within the Learning Team at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, and what she does now as the Founder of Wild Roots Highland Guiding.
    Themes during Anna’s interview include moving to live in the Scottish mountains, training as a Mountain Leader during her pregnancy, starting a company during the covid pandemic, resilience, collaboration, outdoor leadership and wild roots.
    At the end of the interview, Anna asks you a question that might help you to break out of thinking that it’s too late or too challenging for a career change.
    Here’s the list of the questions I asked Anna:
    How would you describe the mountains in Scotland?What’s your preferred time of year in the mountains?How did you get to where you are now?What was it like doing your Mountain Leader training when you were pregnant?Has it taken a lot of courage to take the steps in your career?Have you had times in the mountains when you’ve felt really vulnerable or fearful?How do you facilitate connection with the landscape through your offerings?Is it tricky to do because people want to chat?What transitions do you witness in people?What’s it like collaborating in your work?What’s the most effective way that attracts people to your offerings?Do you worry about the weather when you’re leading an experience?Has your outdoor work affected your personal adventures and family life?Where do your wild roots lie?What’s the impact that you want to make through your work and in your life?Do you think that most things can be resolved and worked through?
    Wild Roots Highland Guiding
    Take a look at Anna’s website to find out more about her work, and follow Wild Roots Guiding on Instagram and Facebook. You can also connect with Anna on LinkedIn.
    Recording information
    This episode was recorded online on 15th June 2023.
    Support My Podcast
    About The Adventure has a patreon community where you can contribute £5 monthly to the show. This supports the cost of making the podcast and in return offers you a 10% discount on coaching sessions with Sarah and events by About The Adventure.
    References
    Shona Macpherson - Counselling and life coaching websiteShona Macpherson on InstagramLindsay Warrack - massage, yoga and wellbeing websiteJon Fearne - endurance and adventure sports coaching a href="https://www.e3coach.com/" rel="noopener...

    • 50 min

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4 Ratings

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