This episode contains strong language and discussions of sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. These conversations may be distressing. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to seek support. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org. Please listen mindfully and prioritise your well-being.

In this powerful episode, Simon and Rusty are joined by Polly Brooks (Miller) MBE, founder of Dan’s Fund for Burns, to share her extraordinary journey of survival and resilience following the 2002 Bali bombings. Losing her husband and close friends, and sustaining life-changing burns herself, Polly transformed tragedy into purpose by creating a charity that has supported thousands of burn survivors across the UK. They explore the role of community, family, and personal rituals in healing, and the strength found in taking action despite immense adversity.

Polly founded and continues to lead the charity, providing practical, emotional, and financial support to adult burn survivors. Since its creation, the charity has raised millions, funded specialist NHS roles and equipment, and built national peer-support networks - all driven by Polly’s dedication to improving the lives of those affected by burns.

Visit https://dansfundforburns.org/ for more information

In this episode:

• Polly’s Story: Surviving the Bali bombings and the immediate aftermath of the attack.
• The Long Road to Recovery: Physical rehabilitation, emotional healing, and rebuilding life after trauma.
• From Tragedy to Purpose: The inspiration behind founding Dan’s Fund for Burns.
• Building a Charity from the Ground Up: Early challenges and milestones in creating nationwide support.
• Community and Family in Healing: The vital role of relationships in recovery and resilience.
• Supporting Burn Survivors Today: Grants, peer-support networks, and practical assistance provided by the charity.
• Rituals, Reflection, and Living with Loss: How Polly honours loved ones while continuing forward.
• The Ripple Effect of Compassion: How one act of purpose can transform thousands of lives.
• Lessons in Resilience: Insights on facing adversity and maintaining hope.
• Looking Ahead: Polly’s ongoing mission and the future vision for burn survivor support in the UK.

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/

In this episode, Rusty and Simon dive into getting back to work after the holidays, adjusting routines, and the joy of reconnecting with family and friends. They explore the restorative power of nature, why intentions beat resolutions, and how small, meaningful actions create a ripple effect.

Simon also shares his experience with the Letters to Our Sons project, and how mindfulness, emotional awareness, and the power of community are more important than ever this year.

Key Moments:

• New Year Reflections: transitioning back to work and post-holiday energy levels.
• The Value of Connection: Highlighting meaningful reconnections with family and friends over the holidays.
• Nature as Therapy: the restorative effects of cold water swims, hiking in Portugal, and the role of nature in wellbeing.
• Anti-Resolution: why setting intentions can be more sustainable and fulfilling than rigid New Year’s resolutions.
• Letters to Sons & the Ripple Effects: Rusty shares a heartfelt project and reflects on how small, meaningful actions extend far beyond their origin.
• Community in Sport: Lessons from inclusive French rugby communities and their contrast with professional sports in the UK.
• Intention vs. Resolution: Focusing on self-compassion, family time, and adventure rather than strict goal-setting.
• Mindfulness & Emotional Awareness: The importance of pausing, reflection, and building healthy relationships with emotions.

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/

In the final episode of 2025, Simon and Rusty are joined by Suzanne Brown and Luke Doherty for a lively conversation on resilience, connection, and the power of pause. They discuss moving beyond basic resilience to a more integrated approach, incorporating mindfulness, presence, and how the support of a strong community can build true resilience.

If you’re interested in deepening team connection and its relationship to communities, this episode is for you.

Episode 12 with Luke Doherty

Episode 04 with Suzanne Brown

And for more on Polarity – as touched on by Simon at the end of the pod – listen to episode 32 here.

About our guests:

Suzanne is a Clinical Psychologist, Emotional Fitness Consultant, and the brilliant mind behind Emotionally Connected, a specialised psychology consultancy merging clinical psychology with elite performance. Her innovative approach empowers us to actively address our mental health through immersive and captivating methods.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannebrown/

Luke is Managing Director of Mindful Peak Performance, and combines elite rugby experience with advanced mindfulness training from Breathworks and Oxford University. He delivers bespoke mindfulness programs for leading athletes and executives and created a unique boxing-and-mindfulness network supporting disadvantaged young people with powerful results.

linkedin.com/in/luke-doherty-mindful-peak-performance

Key Moments:

[00:03:36] Welcoming Suzanne Brown and Luke Doherty – what’s new.

[00:06:26] Suzanne on Personal Growth and Following Mystery - personal evolution & embracing life’s unfolding mysteries.

[00:11:01] Receiving and Embracing Compliments – can we reframe it as a gratitude practice.

[00:12:14] Resilience to Reverence – Changing Workshop Themes and wordplay

[00:16:16] Community and Connection as Core to Resilience - creating intentional spaces for resilience.

[00:21:11] Pause, What a Pleasure – Practical Tools for Adversity during challenging times.

[00:29:19] Empowering Communities Through Mindfulness Training - empowering local leaders.

[00:37:57] Exploring Us vs. Them Mentalities in Sport and Life - negative effects if left unchecked.

[00:47:15] End-of-Show Reflection - Gratitude and Bouncebackability Tips

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/