Welcome back to The Human Mix.

In this episode, Nick & Lydia talk with Crista Cullen MBE, Rio 2016 Olympic Gold Medallist and founder of TOFAUTI, an African Wildlife & Communities Charity.

She discusses her upbringing in Kenya, the importance of resilience and grit in sports, and how these qualities translate into her work in conservation.

Crista emphasizes the need for community engagement, innovative solutions to human-wildlife conflict, and the significance of empowering local communities to take ownership of their challenges. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of sports, personal responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

This episode shows how the athlete mindset can drive ambition and change in areas that are in need of support and / or change.

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If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:

Nick McKie

Lydia J Hall

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If you'd like to find out more about Crista Cullen, please find her website here.

For more information on TOFAUTI, click here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Human Mix.

In this episode, Nick and Lydia sit down with author, speaker, and “Mental Wealth” advocate Mike Pagan for a deep, uplifting, and often eye-opening conversation about isolation, support networks, and the power of saying no.

Mike brings his signature blend of honesty, humour, and straight-talking clarity to explore why so many of us—especially business owners, parents, and high-achievers—end up feeling emotionally drained and alone, even when surrounded by people.

He unpacks the hidden costs of hybrid working, the myths around self-sufficiency, and why we’re terrible at asking for help until we’re on the brink.

Together, they dig into building your “Mental Wealth Team,” the crucial difference between solitude and isolation, and the uncomfortable truth that personal responsibility is both the problem and the solution.

From the yappy “dog” on Mike’s shoulder to the horror-movie highlight reel we all replay in our heads, this episode is filled with relatable moments and practical strategies for getting unstuck.

Mike also shares powerful stories—from laughter yoga in Mumbai to a life-changing phone call in the middle of the night—illustrating how connection, community, and simple human outreach can make an extraordinary difference. The conversation flows between psychology, personal growth, family fears, public speaking confidence, and the small acts of self-care that keep us grounded.

Whether you're a leader, a parent, a business owner, or someone quietly carrying too much, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to do life alone—and that reaching out can change someone’s world.

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If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:

Nick McKie

Lydia J Hall

Instagram

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Welcome back to The Human Mix.

In this episode, Nick and Lydia sit down with Matt Case (Design MC) and Luke Evans (YouNeek Productions) for an honest, energetic, and often hilarious conversation about the realities of running your own business—and the messy, human stories that come with it.

From crippling self-doubt to brand evolution, from borrowing money to battling insomnia, the group unpack the emotional rollercoaster behind entrepreneurship. They explore why so many people feel pulled to do it their own way, how personal identity bleeds into the work you create, and why vulnerability is becoming a non-negotiable part of modern branding.

Luke opens up about building his business from scratch, outgrowing old partnerships, and learning to sit with uncertainty. Matt reflects on the peaks and troughs of creative work, the personal sting of rejection, and the quiet relief of not having to pretend you know everything. Together, they challenge the old rules of professionalism—asking what it really means to show up authentically in industries that have long rewarded polish over honesty.

They also delve into mentorship, money mindset, the loneliness of self-employment, and how collaboration can reignite passion when you’re on the brink of burnout. The conversation moves between laughter, raw truths, and genuine insight—revealing the shared human experiences behind branding, creativity, and running something that feels like “your baby.”

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner, newly self-employed, or just curious about what life looks like behind the scenes, this episode is a reminder that the hardest days often shape the most meaningful work.

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If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:

Nick McKie

Lydia J Hall

Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Human Mix.

In this episode, Nick & Lydia sit down with Gary Lambert to unpack the striking parallels between two high-pressure worlds: surgery and sports coaching.

From the operating theatre to the Goalball court, they explore what it means to navigate emotional intensity, build trust, and lead teams when the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Gary shares his unique experiences coaching visually impaired athletes, offering a rare look into the communication, preparation, and empathy required to create a safe and successful sporting environment. Together, they reflect on vulnerability, grief, personal growth, and the unseen emotional toll behind both professions.

This conversation moves fluidly between humour, honesty, and heartfelt insight—showing that whether you're holding a scalpel or coaching a team, the fundamentals of humanity always remain the same.

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If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:

Nick McKie

Lydia J Hall

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Human Mix.

In this episode, Nick & Lydia are joined by World Record Holder, Environmental Champion & Social Entrepreneur Kiko Matthews.

Kiko discusses the societal perceptions of aging, the importance of authenticity, and her journey from illness to adventure. She talks about her diagnosis of Cushings Disease in 2009, a rare and life-threatening condition which causes tumours on the pituitary gland, and how after narrowly avoiding death she had a fire lit underneath her to experience adventure!

She emphasizes the significance of resilience, mental fitness, and community support in overcoming challenges.

Kiko shares her experiences of rowing across the Atlantic, highlighting how purpose and connection with others can drive motivation and resilience. In March 2018 she became the fastest woman to cross the Atlantic ocean as a solo rower, beating the previously held French record by a week.

The discussion also touches on the concept of 'Kiko-nomics,' which focuses on balancing resources and energy for personal growth and resilience.

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If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:

Nick McKie

Lydia J Hall

Instagram

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If you'd like to find out more about Kiko Matthews or read her book, please find her website here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Human Mix.

In this episode, Nick & Lydia talk with Taylor James about how a personal health crisis reshaped his life, his sense of responsibility, and his understanding of family.

Taylor opens up about the day his mother’s surgery went wrong — a moment that changed everything. Overnight, he found himself making urgent medical decisions, stepping into the role of caregiver for his younger sister, and managing the household on his own.

What followed was a period of immense growth, challenge, and resilience. Taylor shares how he learned essential life skills under pressure, adapted to new family dynamics, and found gratitude despite the hardship. His story is one of maturity forged through adversity and love strengthened through responsibility.

Off the back of this life-changing experience, Taylor launched The Waffle Shop Podcast in 2020. A space where he could process everything through honest conversations and laughter. Over the past five years, the show has grown from a personal outlet into an award-winning platform, earning him an Independent Podcast Award, a British Podcast Award nomination, and inspiring the creation of his own production company, Twentytwo Productions.

This conversation is raw, deeply human, and a powerful reminder of how life’s toughest moments can lead to purpose and personal transformation.

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If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:

Nick McKie

Lydia J Hall

Instagram

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If you'd like to find out more about Taylor James, please find his LinkedIn here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Human Mix.

In this episode, Nick and Lydia are joined by science journalist and author Caroline Williams to explore the surprising ways our bodies shape our minds.

Drawing on her books Move and In a Sense, Caroline shares how movement, strength, and our internal signals are fundamental to mental health, decision-making, and our sense of self.

The conversation ranges from the evolutionary roots of movement to modern neuroscience showing how our brains constantly predict and respond to what’s happening in the body.

Caroline explains how practices like yoga, breathing, and even flotation tanks can heighten awareness of internal signals, supporting people with anxiety, addiction, and body image struggles. She also offers practical ways to tune into your body’s cues, whether that’s noticing when you’re hangry, stretching after tension builds, or simply walking forward to shift your mindset.

Together, they explore the balance between listening to your gut and not being ruled by it, how interoception is becoming the “new microbiome” in science, and why strength training can transform self-esteem long before muscles visibly change.

With humour, honesty, and science made accessible, Caroline makes the case that movement and body awareness are far too important to be left to the fitness industry—they’re essential tools for resilience, wellbeing, and everyday life.

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If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:

Nick McKie

Lydia J Hall

Instagram

Website

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If you'd like to find out more about Caroline Williams or read her books, please find her website here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Human Mix.

In this episode, Nick & Lydia talk with former MI6 Agent Matthew Dunn.

Matthew explains how he was recruited into Britain's Secret Intelligence Service MI6 from university and then went on to spend years travelling the world solo and under numerous aliases, targeting the highest echelons of rogue states. He expresses the importance of judgement in high-stake situation, trust between agents for successful operations and how personal those relationships can get.

After leaving the service he became a bestselling author and to date has written 14 published novels. Matthew discusses how his time in MI6 has influenced his writing and creativity.

This episode digs in to the psychology of a former intelligence officer and it's truly one you cannot miss!

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If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:

Nick McKie

Lydia J Hall

Instagram

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If you'd like to find out more about Matthew Dunn or read his novels, please find his website here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.