Noise of Life Podcast

Cold Plunges and the Power of Resilience with Dr Rob Williams

I am with Dr Rob Williams for one of the most expansive conversations I have had on breath, resilience and what it means to be human in a world that moves faster than we can process. Rob shared his journey from near-death experiences to long distance running to teaching breath mastery and the cold as a teacher, and each moment revealed something powerful about how we reconnect to our bodies. He walked me through the ways breath shapes our nervous system, the role of cold exposure in building resilience and why slowing down is the doorway back to ourselves. What struck me most was how he frames breathing as both a biological superpower and a spiritual practice that brings us into harmony with life. This episode left me inspired to breathe with more intention, move with more awareness and stay curious about the flow that is always available when we tune in. Inside this podcast: - How breath connects the body and nervous system - Why the cold can build resilience and mental clarity - How voluntary stress strengthens mind and spirit - The science behind nasal breathing and heart coherence - How flow states emerge from conscious presence Connect with Dr. Rob: Instagram → /drrobwilliams [www.instagram.com/drrobwilliams] Website → https://nordicflow.io [https://nordicflow.io] & https://thenordicwave.com/ [https://thenordicwave.com/] Email → contact@doctorrobwilliams.com [contact@doctorrobwilliams.com]Connect with Steve: Instagram → /thestevehodgson [www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson] LinkedIn  → /stevehodgson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestevehodgson/] Episode Highlights 00:00 - Introducing Dr Rob Williams 01:46 - How breath shapes human experience 07:41 - Breath as a human superpower 10:46 - The deeper meaning of inspiration 14:23 - Heart coherence and emotional flow 19:53 - The biology of stress and fear 23:09 - Voluntary stress and resilience 25:12 - Cold plunging as a resilience tool 33:39 - Trauma held in the body and cold release 52:23 - Foundational breath practices for daily life ABOUT THE PODCAST SHOW The Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths, and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.

Jade Miller on Creativity, Comparison & Turning Life’s Lemons into Art

Jade Miller on Creativity, Comparison & Turning Life’s Lemons into Art Episode Introduction What if the thing you’ve struggled with your whole life is actually the source of your creativity? In this warm Noise of Life episode, Steve sits down with Jade Miller — artist, author and creative guide — to explore neurodivergence, comparison, overwhelm and how creativity helps us regulate and reconnect. From a late autism diagnosis to chronic illness to raising teens while rebuilding her identity, Jade shares how she turned breakdowns into breakthroughs. She shows how simple acts — journaling, scribbling, painting, gardening, cooking — can calm the nervous system, rebuild confidence and help us feel more like ourselves. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overstimulated or unsure where to begin, this conversation is a gentle reminder that you are more creative than you think. About Our Guest Jade Miller is a New Zealand–born artist, writer and creative mentor. Her upcoming book blends memoir with practical tools that help people use creativity for clarity, resilience and emotional healing. She shares daily art and reflection at Lemonade with Jade. Follow Our Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemonade_with_jade/ [https://www.instagram.com/lemonade_with_jade/] Follow Us OnHost: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson [https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson]Show: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve [https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve] Episode Highlights 00:00 – Late autism diagnosis; understanding her “spicy brain.”00:28 – Introducing Jade: artist, author, creative thinker.00:50 – Creativity as emotional processing.01:13 – Why “good” in art is subjective.01:23 – What “noise” means to Jade.02:12 – Overstimulation, data overload, neurodivergence.03:14 – Rural NZ childhood and early imagination.04:12 – Art as comfort and escape.05:18 – Journaling as emotional release.06:04 – Colour, movement and visual journaling.06:36 – How school teaches comparison.08:05 – The clay elephant story.09:35 – Self-doubt and rebuilding worth.10:38 – “We’re all valuable in different ways.”11:04 – Creativity that dies because we don’t try.12:02 – Writing her book: answering the call.12:53 – Chronic pain and Chiari malformation.13:52 – Pouring thousands of raw words onto the page.14:20 – Working with editor Liane Hughes.15:12 – Shaping emotion into meaning.15:53 – Her lemon → lemonade framework: self, relationships, context.16:48 – Awareness as the first step.17:14 – Boundaries, relationships and forgiveness.18:19 – Understanding systems and conditioning.19:03 – Returning to what you can control.20:34 – Daily choices that reduce noise.20:56 – Thinking like an artist in life and work.21:29 – Five artist traits: awareness, social fluency, communication, creative intelligence, resilience.23:42 – Why artists are resilient.24:01 – “Everyone is an artist.”25:17 – Cooking, gardening, sketching as creative expression.26:04 – The myth of “I’m not creative.”26:50 – Five-minute rule for starting.27:56 – Choosing creativity over screen time.29:21 – Half-finished Cézanne sketch and the beauty of imperfection.30:38 – A day in the life: teens, wellness, art.31:30 – Showing up even when it’s messy.32:56 – Daily practice dissolves comparison.33:21 – Art as meditation.34:40 – Flow through movement and gardening.36:11 – Ideas arriving when we step out of our heads.36:28 – Tools for overwhelm.37:52 – What recovery after dysregulation really looks like.38:42 – Listening to what you actually need.39:40 – Lemons as growth.41:05 – Feel emotions; don’t stay stuck.41:20 – Creativity as processing.41:28 – Life-as-art metaphor: chaos + calm.42:47 – The role of contrast.43:04 – Noise she’s living with: autism.44:18 – Noise she’s letting go: past judgement.45:04 – Lemon she’s grateful for: clarity from diagnosis.46:17 – Thinking like an artist: curiosity + openness.46:31 – How to connect with Jade.

World Record At Nazaré: Surfing A 5-Story Wave While 97% Blind! - Matt Formston

Matt Formston on Facing Fear, Redefining Limits, & Riding Giants Episode Introduction What does it feel like to stare down a five-story wave you cannot see? How do you quiet the noise of global doubt telling you "the blind guy is going to die"? In this powerful and condensed episode, Steve delves into the mindset of Matt Formston—world champion adaptive surfer, Paralympian, and Guinness World Record holder. Matt opens up about the two distinct fights of his life: first, the desperate struggle to prove he wasn't disabled, and second, the purposeful fight to become the best version of himself. He shares profound insights on overcoming self-doubt, the practical process for tackling any fear, and why becoming a father changed his relationship with risk forever. This is a masterclass in resilience, presence, and turning perceived limitations into unparalleled strength. -- About Our Guest Matt Formston is an Order of Australia member, a multiple-time world champion in surfing and cycling, and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wave surfed by a vision-impaired athlete. His incredible journey is documented in the film The Blind Side. -- Follow Our Guest Website: https://www.mattformston.com/ [https://www.mattformston.com/]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattformston/ [https://www.instagram.com/mattformston/] Follow Us On Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/ [https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/]Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/ [https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/] -- Episode Highlights 00:00 - The daunting global noise: "They're going to kill the blind guy."00:16 - The two types of fear: physical recklessness vs. the fear of being seen as "different."01:01 - The two fights of Matt's life: Proving he wasn't disabled vs. fighting for his best self.01:20 - Refusing to learn Braille and tackling the biggest kid to prove he was "normal."02:34 - The shift: Accepting his disability and starting the internal fight for self-mastery.03:59 - Steve's reflection: If a blind man can surf giants, what's stopping me?04:13 - The household rule: You were not allowed to use the word "can't."05:36 - Learning to surf blind, starting on a bodyboard to "feel" the wave at age five.07:41 - The documentary The Blind Side and surfing a record 51ft wave at Nazaré.08:15 - How you train for the "non-surfing" part of a giant wave: strength and breath capacity.09:48 - The crucial role of his support team and family.11:18 - The moment after a brutal wipeout when the safety team said, "No more."12:29 - Matt's 3-column framework for anyone scared to attempt something big.13:32 - How becoming a father introduced a new kind of fear and responsibility.15:02 - Battling the global media narrative and the doubt it creates.

The Price of Fame, the Power of Failure and the Path to Peace! | Nick Bracks

Nick Bracks on Identity, Recovery & Taking Responsibility for Your Life Episode Introduction What do you do when you’ve spent your life living in someone else’s shadow — and finally realise it’s time to step into your own? In this raw and powerful episode, Steve sits down with Nick Bracks, mental health advocate, speaker, and founder of Move Your Mind, to explore identity, addiction, and the lifelong process of rebuilding from rock bottom. From being known as the son of a Premier to becoming one of Australia’s most recognised voices in mental health, Nick shares the painful truths behind his public fall — the car crash that changed everything — and the long climb back to self-worth, purpose, and personal accountability. Through brutal honesty and hard-won wisdom, Nick reveals how true change starts with one small step, radical ownership, and the courage to forgive yourself and begin again. About Our Guest Nick Bracks is an Australian mental health advocate, speaker, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping people implement practical change through Move Your Mind — a global mental health and wellbeing platform. After overcoming addiction and depression, Nick has shared his story with thousands across schools, companies and media platforms worldwide. A former actor and model, he now uses his experiences to promote proactive wellbeing, behavioural change, and self-leadership. He is also the host of the Move Your Mind podcast and author of Move Your Mind: How to Build a Healthy Mindset for Life. Follow Our Guest Website: https://www.nickbracks.com [https://www.nickbracks.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbracks [https://www.instagram.com/nickbracks] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickbracks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickbracks] Follow Us On Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson [https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson] Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve [https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve] Episode Highlights 00:00 – “The Noise of Life” — acceptance, self-awareness, and learning to live with the chaos. 02:10 – Why we waste so much energy on what we can’t control. 03:30 – The danger of division and cancel culture: rediscovering empathy and dialogue. 08:10 – Growing up as the son of a Premier and the battle to find his own identity. 09:30 – The pressure to prove himself: obsession, insecurity, and burnout. 11:20 – Depression, addiction, and the double life of validation and self-hate. 12:30 – Dancing with the Stars, fame, and the illusion of confidence. 13:50 – The moment he hit rock bottom — and the car crash that changed his life. 19:00 – Surviving the media storm and facing himself for the first time. 22:10 – The turning point: asking for help, starting therapy, and rebuilding step by step. 23:30 – The power of small wins and the courage to fail forward. 25:40 – How behaviour change really happens — and why simplicity wins. 28:00 – Forgiveness as a form of discipline and growth. 29:40 – Building sustainable change with Move Your Mind: accountability, awareness, and consistency. 33:40 – The environments and habits that shaped his recovery: exercise, meditation, and relationships. 37:20 – Redefining your relationship with alcohol — and why discipline is freedom. 40:20 – For anyone at rock bottom: start with one small step. 43:00 – What his mental health journey has taught him most: you are enough. 44:00 – The next decade of Move Your Mind: advocacy, prevention, and systemic change.

How Changing Your Childhood Narrative Transforms Your Future! - Sheila Vijeyarasa

Join us for a deeply empowering conversation with Sheila Vijeyarasa, spiritual teacher, intuitive coach, and author of Brave: Courageously Live Your Truth. Sheila shares how she broke through self-doubt, emotional trauma, and societal expectations to create a life led by purpose, inner power, and spiritual alignment. In this episode, Sheila opens up about healing the wounds of the past, building unshakable self-worth, and how visioning and self-responsibility became her path to transformation. Her message is clear: you can reclaim your truth, but it starts with one brave step today. Watch the full episode to discover how healing your story, trusting your intuition, and choosing growth over fear can radically change your life. About our guest: Sheila Vijeyarasa is a spiritual teacher, author, and transformational mentor known for blending intuitive wisdom with grounded leadership. After building a high-powered corporate career in finance, Sheila experienced a profound awakening that led her to study mediumship, shadow work, and trauma-informed coaching. Through her book Brave and her deeply healing programs, she guides women to awaken their spiritual gifts, own their worth, and step into their highest calling. Her work has been featured on SBS, The Australian, and Body+Soul, and she is a leading voice in spiritual empowerment and conscious living. Follow Our Guest: Website – https://www.sheilav.co/ [https://www.sheilav.co/] Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sheila_v__/ [https://www.instagram.com/sheila_v__/] Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/sheila.vijeyarasa/ [https://www.facebook.com/sheila.vijeyarasa/] Follow Us On: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/ [https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/] https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/ [https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/] Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Episode Trailer 00:45 - Why Sheila resets her life vision every month 01:24 - Vision boards, clarity, and calling in your future 02:14 - Creating from healing: short-term visions for growth 03:00 - Deserving your dreams and overcoming self-hate 03:49 - Childhood wounds and the origin of self-worth beliefs 04:30 - The power of journaling and emotional reflection 05:08 - Intergenerational trauma and inner child healing 05:58 - Psychedelics, shamans, and a deeper healing path 06:30 - Self-responsibility as the root of all healing 06:48 - Releasing the victim mindset and owning your future 07:03 - What brave action can you take today? 07:44 - Small steps that shift your life’s direction 08:19 - You don’t need a shaman — find what works for you 08:48 - The myth of “I can’t meditate” and what’s really blocking you 09:05 - When life hits the wall: pain or empowerment as your fuel