I can't believe it was 10 weeks ago that we started Season 2 and here we are at the final episode! This episode is just me (again!) answering some questions that were submitted via our Instagram. Thank you so much for listening along in Season 2...hope you stick around for when Season 3 launches.

Spoke

CLOSING OUT SEASON 2 | Jonny McCormick | Season 2 Episode 10

In this episode, I'm joined by Kenneth McElroy one of the founders of the Caithness Broch Project. In our discussion, Kenneth explains what a broch is, why they're important, why heritage tourism is important for more remote areas of Scotland and gives his musings on archeology in general. It's a great conversation. If you don't know what a broch is I've included a picture here...but Kenneth goes into some detail during the conversation. The Caithness Broch Project website Caithness Broch Instagram Caithness Broch Facebook 

ARCHEOLOGY, BROCHS AND THE NORTH COAST OF SCOTLAND | Kenneth McElroy | Season 2 Episode 9

This episode was originally released as part of Season 1. Due to some technical issues with our upload this week I thought it would be agood idea to give this "oldie but goodie" some additional love...it's in the name afterall! ? ? ? Things are a little different this week. I'm joined by a few guests instead of just one and the podcast is in two parts. In part one I'm joined by Ryan, Leo and Richard. They are from Loveworks Cooperative. Loveworks is a workers cooperative meaning that all the workers are part owners of the business - they all take equal pay, have equal voting rights and the business is based on trust and mutuality. In part one Ryan talks about how Loveworks gave him a second chance after a few stints in jail and falling into the wrong crowd - it's allowed him to gain new skills, increase confidence and give him a new perspective on life. For Leo he's been able to develop skills as a baker and move away from the hospitality industry to being a member and chairperson of the cooperative. Loveworks is changing the lives of all those who are a part of it. In part two I sit down with Richard one on one. Richard is the visionary behind Loveworks and he shares a bit about the journey that brought him to where he is today...and it's perhaps not where he thought he would be. A doctor by training Richard worked in Psychiatry and quickly discovered that a life of medicine wasn't for him. So he retrained and is now full-time and all in at Loveworks. LINKS: The Loveworks Cooperative Loveworks Instagram 

{Encore} A NORTH BELFAST WORKERS' COOPERATIVE | Ryan, Leo & Richard from Loveworks | Season 2 Episode 8

This week on the show I'm joined by Nico van der Horst. Nico started Pride and Pinion - Ireland's only dedicated luxury watch boutique - with modest loan from the bank and a plan to buy and sell watches. Since then he's gone on to open the Vault, Pride and Pinion's first shop inside the Merchant Hotel in Belfast. In our show Nico talks about his views on entrepreneurship, why he loves luxury watches and timekeeping devices in general and his favourite watches. Aside from being able to geek out about watches for a nearly an hour we also chat about Nico's approach to entrepreneurship which stems from his Grandfather, and why he's not just in business for the money. In a way watches rescued Nico from a job that he barely tolerated and a long commute which he hated. He used watches to escape the hum-drum of a predictable life and built the life he wanted. An inspiring story. You can follow along with the Pride and Pinion journey over on their Instagram (@PrideandPinion), and you can check out their website if you want to browse their collection. Even better though, you can call into the Vault in the Merchant Hotel and meet Nico yourself, try on some watches and learn a thing or two about the stories behind them.

INSIDE THE VAULT - THE PERSON BEHIND IRELAND'S ONLY DEDICATED LUXURY WATCH BOUTIQUE | Nico van der Horst | Season 2 Episode 7

This week we have Dr Simon Clark on the show. Simon is a Youtuber with a PhD from the University of Exeter. He spends his time on Youtube sharing about science, maths, and helping students get into elite universities like the University of Oxford where he completed his undergraduate and master's degrees. Simon's Youtube channel Simon's Twitter account Simon's Twitch channel

HELPING OTHERS GET INTO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD USING YOUTUBE | Dr Simon Clark | Season 2 Episode 6

Michael Howe, a co-founder of Campus Capital, shares in this episode his journey from being an overstocked teapot salesperson to founding one of the most innovative venture funds around today. Michael along with his co-founder Samantha started a venture fund that operates traditionally in many ways, raising money from institutional and high-net-worth investors, running due diligence and deploying capital into high risk, high reward, high growth, high potential start-ups. One this is different though...their VCs are students.

A TEAPOT SALESPERSON TURNED VENTURE CAPITALIST | Michael Howe | Season 2 Episode 5

This episode is a bit different. For a start, it wasn't necessarily planned! I sat down and recorded a brief conversation with my youngest brother and we chatted through funny nicknames (Stinky Poo McGrick), his thoughts on Brexit and what he believes are some of the 'big issues' in the world today.

THOUGHTS FROM A 10 YEAR OLD | Noah McCormick | Season 2 Episode 4

In this episode, I am joined by Krystyn Harrison, CEO of Prosper. Prosper is an app based coaching service helping people navigate their careers. They can provide coaching on things like landing your dream job, scoring a promotion or even just leveling up your leadership ability. Krystyn is a multi-business founder and in this episode, she shares about her journey - the successes, failures, challenges, and victories. It's an honest conversation packed with lots of goodness! Hello Prosper Krystyn Harrison Twitter

BUILDING A START-UP | Krystyn Harrison | Season 2 Episode 3

In this conversation Daniel Giacopelli, Editor of Courier Magazine shares what goes into making magazines work as a business. He also talks about the state of media today and gives some hints at where Courier might go in the future.

WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE A MAGAZINE | Daniel Giacopelli | Season 2 Episode 2

It's an absolute delight this week to be joined by the one and only, Sara Tasker. You might know her as @meandorla on Instagram or elsewhere. You might also know her as the author of #Authentic the book or the host of the podcast by the same name. Or, maybe as one of the co-hosts of Letter from a Hopeful Creative. Sara is a busy bee online and it's clear she works hard yet it's still surprising to many people that she's managed to build a multiple 6-figure business out of what was once a hobby...posting on Instagram. Since those early days where she started gaining popularity Sara has expanded her empire to writing, podcast, speaking, consulting and coaching others how to do the same. In this conversation Sara shares about her journey to building a business and life she loves. Originally starting her career as a speech therapist Sara is now one of the authoritative voices on influencing online, digital marketing and being how to keep your soul and remain authentic whilst doing it. It was a delight to talk with Sara and I think you'll love this episode. If you do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - it helps spread the word! Hashtag Authentic the book Me & Orla Instagram 

LIVING LIFE ON YOUR OWN TERMS & BUILDING A BUSINESS THROUGH INSTAGRAM | Sara Tasker @meandorla | Season 2 Episode 1

Lyra McKee - GoFundMe legacy fundraiser Wow…it’s been a while. I’m finally ready to start launching season 2 episodes and I’m really excited to share them with you. We’ll launch season 2 on 27th June which is exactly one year after our first official episode aired, with Mel Wiggins in the guest seat. And, in fact we’re going to launch with two episodes - double the goodness - the first two episodes feature Sara Tasker who started the incredibly popular instagram account meandorla and the podcast hashtag authentic and Daniel Giacopelli the Editor of Courier Magazine which explores the world of modern business and startups. They’re such great conversations and I can’t wait for you to listen to them. I had originally intended to release season 2 much earlier but life just kind of got in the way. As some of you will know I’ve had some quite big personal news…Cassie, my wife, and I have had our first child and we’re totally in love with her. She’s turned our lives upside down and inside out in the most special way. Alongside that I’ve been balancing work, starting a small property company, study and just life in general and the podcast sort of collected dust. But, no more! It’s time to get these conversations out into the world. Alongside all the goodness of the past year, it would be remiss of me not to reflect on the fact that one of season 1 guests, Lyra McKee, is no longer with us. For those who don’t know Lyra was brutally murdered as she was reporting rioting in Derry. Just 2 days before she was shot I was messaging Lyra and we were reflecting on the all too quick passage of time, something that feels even more poignant now. A fundraising page has been set up on gofundme to contribute towards Lyra’s legacy. I’ve already made a donation and would love it if you could consider contributing anything, even a very small amount, to help ensure that Lyra’s message and hope live on. The link is in the bio but you can also just search for ‘GoFundMe Lyra McKee’ and you’ll find it. Thanks for listening and following along - here’s to season 2.

Intro to season 2 | Season 2 Episode 0 | Jonny McCormick

??✌?? A bit of a different one this week to close out Season 1 as I'm joined by...no-one! It's just me. I thought a nice way to close out season 1 would be to answer some of the questions from you, the audience. So I hope you enjoy this brief episode. I'm currently busy in the throes of planning Season 2 and already have 4 interviews booked for the coming weeks. Season 2 will most likely launch later in the year but I'll announce on Instagram closer to the time. Thanks for listening! Enjoy the final show of Season 1! Please ensure you're subscribed to the show that way you'll never miss an episode. Additionally if you're enjoying the podcast it would mean the world to me if you could leave us a rating ⭐️ and review ✍️ on Apple Podcasts or wherever you happen to be listening!

Q&A CLOSING OUT SEASON 1 | Jonny McCormick | Season 1 Episode 10

? ? ? Things are a little different this week. I'm joined by a few guests instead of just one and the podcast is in two parts. In part one I'm joined by Ryan, Leo and Richard. They are from Loveworks Cooperative. Loveworks is a workers cooperative meaning that all the workers are part owners of the business - they all take equal pay, have equal voting rights and the business is based on trust and mutuality. In part one Ryan talks about how Loveworks gave him a second chance after a few stints in jail and falling into the wrong crowd - it's allowed him to gain new skills, increase confidence and give him a new perspective on life. For Leo he's been able to develop skills as a baker and move away from the hospitality industry to being a member and chairperson of the cooperative. Loveworks is changing the lives of all those who are a part of it. In part two I sit down with Richard one on one. Richard is the visionary behind Loveworks and he shares a bit about the journey that brought him to where he is today...and it's perhaps not where he thought he would be. A doctor by training Richard worked in Psychiatry and quickly discovered that a life of medicine wasn't for him. So he retrained and is now full-time and all in at Loveworks.

EQUAL PAY & GETTING A SECOND CHANCE | Ryan, Leo & Richard from Loveworks | Season 1 Episode 9

⚡️?⚡️ Ben Mudge is in the hot seat as my guest this week. Ben is a Personal Trainer, Cystic Fibrosis advocate and Instagram legend (www.instagram.com/BenMudge_) from Northern Ireland. You might know Ben as the NI version of Thor because of his uncanny resemblance to the Avengers character. In this show we talk about how Ben sort of unintentionally because an CF advocate and how he's now an inspiration to tens of thousands of people. Ben also shares about some of his self-confessed nerdy obsessions including warhammer and his detailed knowledge of the swords from Lord of the Rings. If you're interested in connecting with Ben to find out more the best places to do that are on his instagram (@BenMudge_) or his website www.benmudge.com ? During the show Ben mentions the importance of becoming an organ donor. Please, please take the time to research how to register for this in your country. A simple search for something like "register to be an organ donor in " should get you started. You could be saving lives! ? Thanks for listening! Enjoy the show! Please ensure you're subscribed to the show that way you'll never miss an episode. Additionally if you're enjoying the podcast it would mean the world to me if you could leave us a rating ⭐️ and review ✍️ on Apple Podcasts or wherever you happen to be listening!

BECOMING A SUPER HERO & FIGHTING CYSTIC FIBROSIS | Ben Mudge | Season 1 Episode 8

??⚡️ Kyle Gawley is my guest on the podcast this week. Kyle is the founder of Get Invited (ticketing and events company) and Get Started (business launchpad). Kyle currently lives and works as a digital nomad which means he travels the world while running his business from wherever the place has just touched down. When I catch up with Kyle he's been in Thailand for a few months and runs his businesses remotely from there. In the episode we talk about what it's like being a digital nomad, how Kyle launched his business while still at University and some of the challenges he experienced along the way. Kyle shares some of the trials, tribulations and successes of what it means to be an entrepreneur. Kyle also has an incredibly rich blog with tonnes of great articles available at www.kylegawley.com. You can also connect with him on Twitter. Thanks for listening! Enjoy the show! Please ensure you're subscribed to the show that way you'll never miss an episode. Additionally if you're enjoying the podcast it would mean the world to me if you could leave us a rating ⭐️ and review ✍️ on Apple Podcasts or wherever you happen to be listening!

GETTING STARTED & WORKING FROM WHEREVER | Kyle Gawley | Season 1 Episode 7

Welcome to Spoke. Deep conversations with interesting people about subjects that matter. Join Jonny McCormick and a new guest each week during the season and be a 'fly-on-the-wall' during interesting conversations on a whole host topics like online community building and the fight against modern slavery. You'll get a unique insight into a subject that's close to our guests' heart and hear a little bit about what makes these incredible people tick. You can connect with Spoke on instagram and twitter @spokepodcast or check out our website for full shownotes at www.spokepodcast.org

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