Twins Dave and Steve Flynn, founders of The Happy Pear, discuss their play-based fitness routines, the importance of community and connection, the impact of social media on loneliness, their journey to veganism and building a food revolution, and strategies for managing stress and finding stillness in their lives.
Loneliness is about the sense of belonging and being accepted by a community.
Travel promotes personal growth, self-discovery, and challenges societal expectations.
True health encompasses more than just food, including laughter, joy, love, and community.
Deep dives
The Power of Community and Connection
Loneliness isn't about the absence of people, it's about the sense of belonging. Creating an environment where we're seen and accepted for who we are with our problems and faults allows us to connect on a deeper level. The Happy Pair's morning swims and the community it has built exemplify this sense of belonging and camaraderie. Connection and community are essential for our mental and emotional well-being, especially in a world that can feel increasingly divided and isolated.
Embracing Change and Personal Growth Through Travel
Travel is a transformative and educational experience that forces us out of our comfort zones. It provides an opportunity to redefine ourselves and explore our individuality. By immersing ourselves in unfamiliar environments, whether geographically or culturally, we challenge our own habits and behaviors and open ourselves up to new perspectives. Travel allows us to question and break free from societal expectations and norms, fostering personal growth and self-discovery.
Prioritizing Health and Wellness in an Unhealthy Environment
In a world where processed and unhealthy foods dominate, it is essential to prioritize our health and make conscious choices. The rise of wellness trends and plant-based diets reflects a growing awareness of the importance of healthy eating. However, it is crucial to remember that true health goes beyond just food. Laughter, joy, love, and community all contribute to our overall well-being. Overcoming stress and finding stillness in our fast-paced lives is a constant challenge, but setting intentions, connecting with others, and prioritizing self-care can help us navigate and thrive in a stressful world.
Promoting plant-based eating and building a food revolution
Dave and Steve, the founders of a veg shop and cafe, wanted to inspire others to eat more fruits and vegetables and use their business as a vehicle for social change. They started by conducting a four-week experiment where participants followed a plant-based diet. The results showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight loss. This success led to the development of online courses, partnering with experts, and supporting thousands of individuals to improve their health through eating more whole plant foods. The focus is on inspiring and supporting others, building a community, and debunking the misconception that being healthy means following strict vegan or vegetarian diets.
Discovering self-acceptance and the joy of small pleasures
Dave and Steve emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and finding happiness in the present moment. They discuss the value of connecting with nature, experiencing the softer rhythms it offers, and appreciating the simple joys of life. They highlight the significance of listening to one's heart and intuition rather than solely relying on logical thoughts, and they encourage being present and mindful in everyday activities. They acknowledge that self-love and acceptance are ongoing journeys, and that it is essential to be kind to oneself and focus on supporting others as well. The key to a fulfilled life lies in finding happiness within, rather than chasing external validation or material success.
Do you find fitness and keeping your body healthy fun? Twins Dave and Steve Flynn – perhaps better known as The Happy Pear – love keeping fit in a way that feels like play. They listen to their bodies; they move intuitively. Sometimes that means handstands, sometimes it means yoga, and a lot of the time it means a cold morning swim in the Irish Sea.
In this chat with Fearne, Dave and Steve explain why they feel community is the antithesis of loneliness, as all human beings ultimately have the same needs: to be accepted, seen, and loved. Plus, as fellow vegans, the three discuss getting more vegetables into your diet when you’re time poor.
The Happy Pear’s latest book, The Veg Box, is available to pre-order now.