The School of Wellbeing with Meg Durham Meg Durham with David Bott: The Year That Was & The Mantra That Keeps Meg Going | Episode 159
"Our default way of being is so strong, and the more depleted we are, the more likely we are to fall back to these default patterns." - Meg Durham
In this final episode of The School of Wellbeing, Meg is interviewed by friend and colleague, David Bott, in a warm, honest and often hilarious reflection on the year that was.
Together they explore the messy moments, the quiet wins and the stories behind the work. From people-pleasing when depleted, to balcony moments and co-reflection, to advocating as a parent and recognising the crumbs of impact that keep us going.
Along the way, Meg shares the phrases that have saved her, and why doing less, but doing it better, matters more than ever.
This conversation is a reminder that wellbeing is not about perfection, but about being deliberate, human and connected in the work we do.
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Chapter Markers:
- 00:00 Turning the tables and setting the scene
- 02:18 What changes when Meg becomes the guest
- 05:40 The wetsuit story and default modes under pressure
- 10:51 A massage misadventure and people-pleasing when tired
- 16:02 The omelette incident and learning to pivot
- 19:27 What these moments teach us about depletion
- 20:59 Balcony moments, co-reflection and sentence starters
- 24:50 A real reflection on the year that was
- 25:42 Parenting, advocacy and uncomfortable conversations
- 29:38 The phrases that have saved Meg this year
- 30:59 What “kicking ten” looks like now
- 32:18 The crumb theory and invisible impact
- 37:47 Shifting seasons and reclaiming energy
- 40:25 Ocean swims, perspective and joy
- 46:48 Moments of pride from 2025
- 49:28 Looking ahead to 2026
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Deliberate Actions:
- Notice your default patterns of thinking and behaving when you are depleted.
- Create regular balcony moments through reflection or co-reflection.
- Have a few go-to mantras when life feels hard.
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Episode 159 Shownotes - Click here.
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David Bott Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
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Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
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