🎤 How To Fail LIVE: Craig David on racism, bullying and having the courage to open his heart again
Dec 9, 2022
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Craig David, a singer-songwriter and musician, is the guest in this live podcast. They discuss topics such as racism, bullying, vulnerability, and the power of opening one's heart. They also touch on the importance of authentic connections, validation, menopause, identity, politics, and mental health awareness.
The significance of speaking up against bullying and seeking support in all its forms.
The importance of recognizing and addressing societal pressures on body image and prioritizing self-care.
Unpacking emotional baggage for personal growth and cultivating healthier, more meaningful connections in romantic relationships.
Embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and self-reflection as pathways to personal growth, connection, and creating a more empathic society.
Deep dives
Failure to Speak Up
Craig David reflects on his experience of bullying in school and how he failed to speak up for himself and others. He describes the challenges of navigating the dynamics of bullying and the different defense mechanisms one can adopt, such as laughing it off or becoming introverted. Craig emphasizes the importance of speaking up and seeking support and highlights the significance of recognizing and addressing bullying in all its forms.
Failure to Listen to His Body
Craig David shares his journey with body image and the pressures he felt to conform to societal standards. He discusses his experiences of wanting to be seen and validated based on his physical appearance and the impact that had on his mental health. Craig reflects on his relationship with his body, including health issues he faced and the importance of listening to his body's needs and prioritizing self-care.
Failure to Open His Heart
Craig David opens up about his struggles with opening his heart in romantic relationships. He reflects on childhood experiences and the desire for validation and connection. Craig discusses the importance of recognizing and unpacking emotional baggage to facilitate personal growth and cultivate healthier, more meaningful connections.
Lessons Learned and Personal Growth
Throughout the podcast episode, Craig David shares personal stories and insights about failure, resilience, and growth. He highlights the importance of speaking up against bullying, listening to one's body, and being open to emotional connections. Craig's journey showcases the significance of self-reflection, self-acceptance, and the ongoing process of personal development.
Reflecting on Past Failures and Growth
Craig David shares how he reflects on past failures and uses them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. He discusses moments of vulnerability, including a painful breakup and how it impacted his ability to trust and open up in future relationships. He also talks about the importance of listening and empathizing with others, particularly women, and the self-reflection he has done to understand and address his own biases. Craig emphasizes the power of leaning into fear and embracing vulnerability as a pathway to personal growth and connection.
Finding Authenticity and Connection
Craig David discusses the importance of authenticity in his journey and how he aims to connect with others on a deeper level. He shares insights into his mixed-race background, highlighting the value of representing different cultures and finding a middle ground that brings people together. He also touches on the challenges of fame and the struggle to maintain genuine friendships. Craig expresses his inspiration for connecting with people through his music and creating a sense of community and togetherness.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Resilience
Craig David embraces the lessons he has learned from past challenges, such as navigating the music industry and dealing with personal hardships. He encourages resilience and self-reflection as important tools for personal growth. Craig acknowledges the importance of connection and empathy in addressing mental health struggles, emphasizing the need for a matriarchal energy in society that promotes sensitivity and emotional expression. He expresses hope for a more empathic and connected society, where people speak their truth and support one another in their individual journeys.
All this week, I'll be dropping the recordings of our How To Fail live shows, held at Shoredtich Town Hall earlier this year.
On our final night, we welcomed Craig David to the stage and we were treated to a beautiful, vulnerable conversation (with added singing!) Craig brought such generosity and open-heartedness to this event, both with me and with the audience. Listen to be uplifted, inspired and also to hear Craig's note-perfect rendition of Fill Me In during the Q&A.
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This episode was recorded live at Shoreditch Town Hall on 8th October 2022 and sponsored by Stripe & Stare https://stripeandstare.com/
