On the 26th episode of the "What is a Good Life?" podcast, I am joined by Angela Kirwin, who is a Writer, Speaker, Campaigner, former Social Care Worker, and author of the acclaimed book "Criminal: How Our Prisons Are Failing Us All"

In this episode, Angela shares with us her journey towards experiencing greater comfort in her own skin. From mainly focussing on hitting big goals to observing what actually makes her feel content (community and a common purpose), and from realising it was less about changing herself but returning to who she was. 

We discuss her process of observing, understanding, and accepting her experience with ADHD through therapy, as well as the life lessons around vulnerability and authenticity she witnessed from men’s groups she facilitated in prison. While she also highlights the importance of appreciating the nuance and complexity of others in order to afford ourselves more compassion.

If you are presently being hard on yourself, experiencing negative self-talk, or you feel like you are on a constant treadmill to earn your own self-acceptance, this episode will give you plenty to contemplate, as well as providing a number of paths and perspectives to cultivate greater empathy for yourself. 

Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for daily clips and reflections.

Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.

Running Order:

01:38 Podcast begins

02:13 How does change happen, societally, culturally, and individually?

05:10 Comfort in my own skin

08:08 Community and Purpose

13:18 How much are we in control of change?

17:23 Change or returning to who you were?

22:06 Inspiration from vulnerability of men in prison

29:52 Lack of honesty with ourselves and others

34:00 Journey with ADHD

39:38 Inspiration for writing books

45:56 Appreciating the nuance of other people’s lives

51:37 The power of openness, honesty, and a willingness to listen

59:38 What is a good life for Angela?

For further content and information check out the following: 

- For the podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos

- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/

- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/

- Angela's newsletter and podcast: https://hyperactiveliving.substack.com/

- Angela's book: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Angela-Kirwin/dp/1398705837