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Writing with Purpose – Inspiring Readers, Writers, and Nature Lovers

Writing with Purpose – Inspiring Readers, Writers, and Nature Lovers

Written by: Anna Woolliscroft
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About this listen

 Do you dream of a life filled with creativity, calm, and connection? Join me, Anna Woolliscroft, writer, journalling guide, and outdoor enthusiast, as I share my love for putting pen to paper and exploring the great outdoors. Through heartfelt conversations and practical tips, discover how writing and nature connection can help you find clarity, spark creativity, and live a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, a curious beginner, or simply someone seeking a deeper connection to life, this podcast is for you. Please tune in and let's explore together.Anna Woolliscroft Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • #67 From Soldier to Civilian: The Journey of Transition with John Stephenson

    #67 From Soldier to Civilian: The Journey of Transition with John Stephenson
    Oct 25 2025
    #67 From Soldier to Civilian: The Journey of Transition with John StephensonIn this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I talk with John Stephenson, author of The Making of a Hunter: A Service User's Guide to Transition from the Armed Forces and Managing Director of Forces Transition Group. John reached the rank of Sergeant Major in the Army before founding an award-winning organisation that helps thousands of military and blue light personnel transition smoothly from service life to civilian careers.Our conversation explores the powerful transformation from service to civilian life and the identity shift that comes with leaving the military. John shares the story behind his compelling slogan 'Serve Well, Leave Well & Flourish', unpacks his framework of three types of people facing transition, the Sleepwalker, the Hoper, and the Hunter, and reveals why mindset is the foundation of everything. "You've got to take ownership. Nobody's going to do it for you. You can sit there and wait, but actually, if you want something, go and get it. Be proactive." In this episode:The three types of people in transition and how to become a HunterWhy mindset is the foundation of positive change – and how everyone can benefitThe five fundamentals framework for successful transitionReal struggles and practical solutions for service leaversHow Forces Transition Group grew from one to thousands"Everything starts with mindset. If you haven't got the rightmindset, you're not going to move forward. Positivity, self-awareness, and compassion - they're the three things that underpin everything." The conversation delves into the five fundamentals to success, the importance of community support through partnerships like Scotty's Little Soldiers and the Shine a Light Initiative, and practical advice for anyone navigating major life changes. Whether you're leaving the armed forces or facing a significant transition, this conversation offers wisdom to help you move forward with purpose and confidence.Connect with JohnTo learn more about the training, coaching and services provided to military service leaders, or to enquire about business or charitable collaborations, please get in touch with John.WebsiteEmail JohnLive Transition DayThe Making of a Hunter BookGood ReadsMaddison House PressFacebookInstagram"The skills that you've got from the military are transferable. You've just got to understand what they are and how to articulate them. Don't undervalue yourself."Also mentioned in this podcast:Another Door Opens by Eleanor TweddellCareer Transition PartnershipScotty's Little Soldiers charityShine a Light InitiativeForces Transition Group events and Hot Seat interview practicePodcast Chapters00:00 Introduction to John Stevenson and His Work08:52 The Importance of Transitioning Well14:31 Understanding the Sleepwalker, Hoper, and Hunter25:36 The Five Fundamentals of Transitioning30:35 Empowering Military Candidates33:14 Mastering Interview Skills36:22 Financial Literacy for Veterans37:13 Community Support and Partnerships43:31 The Journey to Authorship48:49 Engaging the Next Generation51:28 Future Plans and Collaborations_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Register for a free ‘Pen to Empowerment’webinarConnect with me on your preferred platformJoin my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • #66 Solo Chatting: ‘Output Mode’ When Productivity Becomes Numbness

    #66 Solo Chatting: ‘Output Mode’ When Productivity Becomes Numbness
    Sep 20 2025

    What happens when being productive starts making you feel hollow inside?

    In this solo chatting episode, I share my recent experience of getting stuck in what cognitive scientist Yousaf Aslam calls "output mode" - when your brain becomes trapped in constant productivity gear, shutting down the networks that support self-awareness, introspection, and creativity.

    After receiving an email that ‘hit me straight between the eyes, I recognised that despite being busy and productive, I felt numb, disoriented, and ironically, had stopped doing the very practice I teach: journalling.


    Episode Highlights


    • What is output mode?
    • The irony of stopping the very practice that keeps you grounded
    • Looking out for the recognition signs
    • Simple micro-practices to restore self-awareness and creativity
    • How personal transformation shifts awareness


    "The goal isn't to stop being productive - it's to create space for the integration and processing that makes productivity meaningful rather than numbing."


    I share prompts around how to spot if you’re in output modeand ways to shift your mindset and behaviour to rekindle self-awareness, creativity and reflection.


    Also, news about my next upcoming conversation with John Stephenson discussing his debut book, "The Making of a Hunter: A Service User's Guide to Transition from the Armed Forces", out on 25 October 2025.


    Free Resources

    • FreeJournal Planner
    • Free ‘Pen to Empowerment’ webinar – multiple dates available


    Podcast Chapters


    00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection

    01:24 Understanding Output Mode

    05:30 Recognising the Signs of Output Mode

    07:20 Reflective Practices to Combat Output Mode

    08:16 The Importance of Journalling

    09:03 Creating New Patterns Through Awareness

    _ _ _


    A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.

    Loved this episode?


    Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.


    • Download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.
    • Register for my free Pen to Empowerment webinar
    • Connect with me on your preferred platform
    • Join my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • #65 Finding Your Authentic Voice: From Mental Health Recovery to Publishing Stories That Matter with Gemma Holgate

    #65 Finding Your Authentic Voice: From Mental Health Recovery to Publishing Stories That Matter with Gemma Holgate
    Sep 6 2025
    #65 Finding Your Authentic Voice: From Mental Health Recovery to Publishing Stories That Matter with Gemma HolgateIn this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I'm joined by Gemma Holgate, author, ghostwriter, and founder of Maddison House Press. Gemma's journey from post traumatic stress recovery to building a publishing house dedicated to meaningful stories demonstrates how finding our authentic voice can become a force for positive change in the world.After struggling to readjust to life in the UK following three years in New Zealand, Gemma faced a diagnosis of mild PTSD that became an unexpected catalyst for transformation. Learning to distinguish between her own voice and others' expectations led her to create a business model that helps thought leaders, change makers, and positive impact pioneers share their stories as "beautiful books" that inspire action and connection.From her grandfather's lost stories to her passionate stance that books must have "soul" in an AI-driven world, Gemma reveals how authentic storytelling becomes medicine for both writer and reader."The more I dug into who I am and what do I want that to be,the more me I was able to be. And you know, five years later in 2020, I left employed work and went self-employed."In this episode:How post-traumatic stress recovery revealed the difference between her voice and others' expectationsWhy Gemma's grandfather's untold stories sparked her mission to help othersThe "wraparound publishing" model that supports authors from idea to finished bookHer unique four-stage reader journey frameworkWhy she believes books should have "soul" and herconcerns about AI in publishingThe "Heather Small Journal" technique: asking "What have you done today to make you feel proud?""When you read something or you look at anything that's been created, it's about having that connection with the art itself, but then a connection with the artist as well."Gemma shares practical wisdom for aspiring authors, including:How to distinguish your authentic voice from conditioning and others' expectationsWhy having a clear plan prevents "waffling" and keeps your message on trackThe importance of identifying what you want readers to do after finishing your bookHow to structure non-fiction for maximum transformational impactConnect with GemmaTo learn more about Gemma’s books, publishing and talks, please connect with her by visiting the Maddison House Press website.WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn"At the end of a great book, you should put it down and say, 'now I'm going to...' And as an author, if you want to write a book, what do you want that dot dot dot to be in your reader?"Also mentioned in this podcast:Andrew Michael Hurley ‘Barrowbeck’Gwen Hayes ‘Romancing the Beat’William Nicholson ‘Wind on the Fire’ TrilogyJessica Brody ‘Save the Cat’R.L. Stine Point Horror Podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gemma Holgate10:37 The Power of Journalling15:25 Early Influences and the Love for Storytelling23:20 Navigating Mental Health and Finding Your Voice29:11 Transformative Experiences and the Healing Power of Stories29:31 Navigating Personal Boundaries in Storytelling32:17 Breaking Down Misconceptions Through Storytelling34:16 The Healing Power of Sharing Your Story35:28 The Multifaceted World of Publishing37:28 Authenticity in Writing40:03 Finding Inspiration in Nature43:59 Positive Impact in Storytelling51:02 Structuring Your Story for Maximum Impact55:13 Advice for Aspiring Authors_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Please download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Please connect with me on your preferred platform Join my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter
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    59 mins
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