The Wisepreneurs Podcast

Ask Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In our hyperconnected world, we respond to time scarcity by optimising, accelerating, and implementing more productivity systems. But what if the solution isn't doing more—it's doing less?Mayumi Kataoka, a certified forest therapy guide based in Sydney, takes professionals on three-hour walks that cover barely 1.2 kilometers. Participants consistently report losing track of time and finding clarity they didn't know they were missing.In this conversation, Mayumi shares her journey from IT professional and martial arts instructor to nature photographer to forest therapy guide, revealing how each phase built the observational capacity she now brings to her practice. She explains the science behind Shinrin-yoku (Japanese forest bathing), why our genes expect natural environments, and how systematic sensory engagement creates measurable cognitive benefits.Connect with Mayumi KataokaWebsite (Individual Practice): forestminds.comWebsite (Collective): foresttherapycollectivensw.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/forestmindsResources"Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkerman Challenges conventional productivity by exploring life's brevity (4,000 weeks if you live to 80) and advocating for acceptance of limits."The Extended Mind" by Annie Murphy Paul Examines how thinking extends beyond the brain through tools, environments, and bodies."The Distracted Mind" by Adam Gazzaley and Larry D. Rosen Explores how modern technology fragments attention and reduces cognitive performance.OrganizationsJapanese Forest Therapy Society Original institution developing Shinrin-yoku practices, maintaining certified sites throughout Japan, and supporting global research into forest bathing benefits.International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance Provides forest therapy guide certification and research. Based in Melbourne.Key ConceptsShinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing): Japanese therapeutic nature immersion practice backed by 40 years of research.Biophilia Hypothesis: E.O. Wilson's theory that humans have innate tendencies to connect with nature, evolved over 2 million years.4E Cognition: Understanding cognition as Embodied, E Support the showConnect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/newStay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletterAs a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

Ask Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.When Anna Burgess Yang was diagnosed with a brain tumor just weeks before surgery, her three years of systematic business building became the difference between collapse and continuity. In this conversation, Anna shares how strategic financial planning, smart automation systems, and operational frameworks allowed her FinTech writing business to run for two months without her active involvement. She reveals the specific tools, workflows, and thinking that transformed her solo practice from vulnerable to resilient—from Zapier automations that generated social media content to the financial buffers that eliminated money stress during recovery. This episode offers practical guidance on building sustainable solo businesses through emergency planning, automation architecture, and strategic tool selection. Essential listening for any professional concerned about the precariousness of independent work.Resources MentionedAutomation and Productivity Tools:Zapier - Automation platform connecting apps and workflows (most expensive tool Anna uses but saves significant time) https://zapier.comMake.com - Alternative automation platform mentioned by Nigel as more affordable for non-US users https://www.make.comAirtable - Database platform for tracking client work and content library https://airtable.comTrello - Project management and content planning tool https://trello.comBuffer - Social media scheduling platform https://buffer.comChatGPT Pro - AI tool for content generation and categorization https://openai.com/chatgptCanva - Graphics creation tool https://canva.comLoom - Video recording and sharing platform https://loom.comNote-Taking and Knowledge Management:Reflect - Note-taking app Anna uses (Obsidian competitor with bidirectional linking) https://reflect.appObsidian - Free note-taking app mentioned by Nigel https://obsidian.mdBusiness and Accounting:Google Workspace - Email and productivity suite with Gemini Support the showConnect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/newStay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletterAs a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

Ask Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.At 74, a routine phone call during COVID changed everything for Dr. Michael Best. After 50 years practicing medicine, he discovered the endocannabinoid system—a biological network in every human body that he'd never learned about in medical school. Now 80, he's writing a scientific book on the topic while mastering AI tools, Obsidian, and Zotero, proving that intellectual challenge sustains cognitive vitality rather than diminishing it. In this conversation, Michael reveals why mainstream medicine ignores what patients experience, how accumulated expertise transforms technology from threat to strategic advantage, and why serendipity combined with professional curiosity creates meaningful work beyond traditional retirement. This is essential listening for anyone questioning whether it's too late to learn something complex, pivot careers, or take on ambitious intellectual projects in later life.Resources MentionedDr. Michael Best's upcoming book: The Science Beneath Medicinal CannabisObsidian note-taking app: https://obsidian.mdZotero reference manager: https://www.zotero.orgClaude AI: https://claude.ai (AI research assistant Michael uses)ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com (Initial AI tool Michael explored)Dr. Michael Best on LinkedIn: [would add link if provided]Names Mentioned on This PodcastHazel Edwards (author, publisher, and Michael's mentor—Michael describes himself as one of her "Hazelnuts"), Luc P. Beaudoin (Canadian cognitive scientist on LinkedIn who discusses "cognitively potent tools")Key Concepts DiscussedEndocannabinoid system, homeostasis, medicinal cannabis vs recreational cannabis, CBD and THC, pharmaceutical-grade cannabis, TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration - Australia), FDA (Food and Drug Administration - USA), telehealth, PTSD treatment, chronic pain management, anxiety and sleep disorders, ketamine therapy, epilepsy and seizure management, cancer treatment and chemotherapy-related nausea, ADHD, crystallized intelligence, extended mind theory, embodied cognitionConnect With Dr Michael Best on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-best-2b588133b/ Support the showConnect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/newStay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletterAs a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

Ask Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.Most career advice tells experienced professionals to modernize, rebrand, and compete with younger workers on their terms. Robert Vlach, who leads Europe's largest freelance community, says that's backwards.In this three-hour deep dive—our longest episode ever—Robert explains why your "good name" built through decades of professional relationships is more valuable than any personal brand. This conversation fundamentally changed how I think about professional positioning for experienced professionals.Key Topics CoveredThe "Good Name" vs Personal Branding: Why ancient reputation-building trumps modern marketing tacticsThe Independent Professional Identity: How to position yourself beyond freelancer labelsPattern Recognition Advantage: Why 20+ years of experience creates unbeatable market advantagesBuilding Professional Reputation: From career capital to client magnetPricing Your Expertise: Why experience commands premium ratesThe AI Advantage: How critical thinking separates you from younger competitorsEssential Business Skills: What every independent professional must masterAbout Robert VlachRobert Vlach is the author of "The Freelance Way" and leader of Europe's largest freelance community, supporting over 250,000 Czech and Slovak professionals. He's built his expertise over 20+ years working with freelance communities and has become a leading voice on independent professional success in Europe.Connect with Robert:Book: The Freelance Way (available via Harper Collins worldwide) https://freelanceway.eu/ or available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/9354893228/Community: Freelancing.eu - Europe's most comprehensive freelance resource directoryWebsite: https://freelancing.eu/robertvlach/We also have a YouTube version of this podcast found here: https://youtu.be/rvJfsV3nMBU?si=vA0uM2mG_7hHkLtb Support the showConnect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/newStay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletterAs a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

Ask Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.For many accomplished women, the sudden arrival of brain fog, fatigue, or memory loss can feel like a professional crisis, sparking fears of losing one's edge. But what if these challenges aren't a sign of burnout, but a solvable physiological issue? In this vital episode, Nigel Rawlins sits down with award-winning investigative science writer Amy Alkon, author of Going Menopostal. Amy pulls back the curtain on the shocking gap between medical science and practice in menopausal care. This is an essential guide to self-advocacy and a masterclass in managing menopause for cognitive vitality, empowering you to protect your most valuable asset—your mind—for a thriving career reinvention.Resources MentionedAmy Alkon's Book: Going Menopostal: What You and Your Doctor Need to Know About the Real Science of Menopause and PerimenopauseAmy's website: https://www.amyalkon.net/Amy Alkon's subscriber list: Get updates from Amy at subscribers@amyalkon.netAmy Alkon on LinkedIin: https://www.linedin.com/in/amy-alkon-286691/Names Mentioned on this podcast Scott Alexander, Zoe Harcombe, Mike Eades, Mary Dan Eades, Albert Ellis, Catherine Eban, Richard Dawkins, Maryanne Demasi, Amy Dresner, Epictetus, Freud, Dr. Helen (Helen Smith), Stephen King, Jack London, Carrington McDuffy, Jerilynn Prior, David Buss, Gary Taubs, Nina Teicholz, Rudy Voldman  Support the showConnect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/newStay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletterAs a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

Ask Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.If you’ve ever underlined a passage, bookmarked an idea, or highlighted something brilliant—only to forget it—this episode is for you.In this thought-provoking conversation, Sönke Ahrens joins host Nigel Rawlins to show how to turn a lifetime of learning into real, shareable value. Sönke, best known for his book How to Take Smart Notes, shares how digital tools like Obsidian and Readwise can help professionals externalise their thinking, clarify their voice, and build a foundation for thought leadership.This episode speaks directly to Wisepreneurs navigating career reinvention, writing, and solo work later in life—without getting overwhelmed by technology.Resources MentionedHow to Take Smart Notes by Sönke AhrensObsidian – Free note-taking tool used by SönkeReadwise – Imports highlights from Kindle, web, and moreZotero – Citation tool for researchers and writersConnnect With Sönke Ahrens LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/soenkeahrens/Website https://www.soenkeahrens.de/How to Take Smart Notes with Obsidian 20% discount for Wisepreneurs listeners, which you can redeem with WISEPRENEURS (valid from now until the end of August, 2025)  https://smartnotes.teachable.com/p/how-to-take-smart-notes-in-obsidian Support the showConnect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/newStay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletterAs a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

Ask Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.This episode is a masterclass in career reinvention after 60. For professional women considering entrepreneurship, the path can seem filled with challenges, from overcoming age discrimination to navigating financial uncertainty. Nigel talks with LinkedIn expert and veteran solopreneur Sue Ellson to create a practical roadmap for success. Sue defines her "Geekster" identity—using technology to build a flexible career and reveals why your relationships are the most powerful asset you have to combat ageism and thrive. She offers actionable strategies for a resilient transition, including her "job for now" concept for financial security and how to launch your business with minimal cost using LinkedIn.About Sue EllsonSue Ellson is a highly regarded Australian LinkedIn specialist, author, and career development practitioner known for her expertise in helping individuals and businesses leverage digital tools for growth. An independent consultant since 1994, she joined LinkedIn in 2003 and is recognised internationally as a leading expert on the platform. Sue is the author of five non-fiction books, including "Gigsters" and "LinkedIn for me and my career or business", and is passionate about empowering people of any age to build meaningful, independent careers.Resources MentionedSue Ellson's Website: sueellson.comSue Ellson's LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/sueellson For Sue's books, see her website or researchgate.net Support the showConnect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/newStay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletterAs a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

Ask Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.Episode OverviewWhat if your 60s could be the launchpad for a thriving solo venture? In episode #71, feminist and work-revolution thinker Laetitia Vitaud returns for her third appearance to share how women over 60 can reinvent their careers using their relationships and wisdom. From leveraging your 150 trusted connections to embracing seasonal work rhythms, Laetitia offers practical ideas for career reinvention for women over 60. Her insights, like “The most important asset to start a business today isn’t cash—it’s the 150 relationships you’ve been nurturing your whole life,” inspire action and resilience.Key TakeawaysNetworked Entrepreneurship: Your relationships are your greatest asset for starting a business. Laetitia emphasizes, “How varied is the network that you have so that it can help you find ideas or new clients?”Cognitive Vitality: Older professionals have a cognitive edge with AI. Laetitia notes, “Older workers will have the upper hand because they have been trained cognitively to think critically.”Resilient Transitions: Align work with life’s seasons for sustainability. Laetitia’s seasonal approach echoes her own insight: “There are seasons in our lives and sometimes we feel tired.”AI-Augmented Work: Use AI as a conversational tool. Laetitia advises, “As a 60-year-old woman, you have more skills to do this conversation [with AI] properly than someone younger.”Resources MentionedLaetitia’s Substack newsletter: laetitiaatwork.substack.comLaetitia's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/laetitia-vitaud-1058ba82/Website: https://laetitiavitaud.com/Book mentioned: The 100-Year Life by Andrew Scott and Lynda Gratton Support the showConnect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/newStay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletterAs a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

Ask Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In this quietly remarkable episode, Laurie Smale—former dropout, junkyard worker, communication mentor, and now digital storyteller at 79—joins host Nigel Rawlins for a conversation that redefines what it means to start over late in life.Laurie shares how he walked away from school at 13 after brutal treatment by a maths teacher and began working in a junkyard under the guidance of Old Bill, his first mentor. Decades later, he returned to education, graduating with honours at 37, and most recently, launching his Magic Minutes YouTube series at 78 with the support of digital mentor Sue Ellson.From sleeping beside a furnace to building a personal brand online, Laurie’s journey illustrates how fear, when faced with humility and support, can be transmuted into wisdom and legacy. This episode is both a tribute to lived experience and a roadmap for anyone looking to pivot, adapt, and thrive. Key ThemesConfronting lifelong fear and self-doubt with small, intentional stepsReinvention in later life using digital tools and social mediaThe enduring value of mentorship and human connectionLifelong learning as a mindset—not a timelineLegacy, storytelling, and the quiet power of older voices in business MentionsPeople & Mentors:Sue Ellson (LinkedIn expert) https://sueellson.com/Old Bill Menzies (junkyard mentor)Dave Stokes (audio producer) https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-stokes/Systems & References:Magic Minutes video series https://www.youtube.com/@lauriesmaleNational Speakers Association https://www.professionalspeakers.org.au/Grandma Moses (artist & reinvention symbol) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandma_MosesContactExplore Laurie’s books, Magic Minutes videos, and speaking work at lauriesmale.comLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriesmale/ Support the showConnect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/newStay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletterAs a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

Ask Nigel Rawlins a question or send feedback, click the link to text me.In this Wisepreneurs Podcast episode, host Nigel Rawlins speaks with Czech publisher and technologist Tomáš Baránek about the enduring value of curated publishing in a world saturated by fast content and generative AI. Tomáš shares how his team at Melvil Publishing selects nonfiction titles with long-term value, from authors like Yuval Noah Harari and David Grann, and why translating a book well is just as much a craft as writing it.They unpack the risks of over-relying on AI for writing, thinking, and decision-making, and how misinformation and loss of cognitive depth are very real challenges. Tomáš, now studying machine learning in his 50s, gives honest reflections on critical thinking, resisting digital overwhelm, and why slow, intentional reading still matters.The conversation aligns with three Wisepreneurs categories:• AI-Augmented Work – The limits of automation in creative publishing• Cognitive Vitality & Longevity – The role of learning, deep reading, and continuing education• Resilient Transitions & Support – Navigating knowledge work and reinvention in midlife and beyondTopics Covered:•Curated nonfiction publishing in Czechia•Why Melvil limits its annual titles to focus on quality•The dangers of AI hallucinations and misinformation•The challenge of maintaining cognitive engagement in an automated world•Going back to university at 53 to study machine learning•Why book translation is about cultural resonance, not just languageBooks Mentioned:•Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari•Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari•The Wager by David Grann•End of Procrastination by Petr Ludwig•The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David WengrowTools & Topics:•Readwise, Roam Research, Logseq•GPT models and AI assistants•Translation workflows, agents, and AI hallucinationsWhere to Find Tomáš:•LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomasbaranek/•BlueSky Profile ‪https://bsky.app/profile/tombarys.bsky.social•Melvil Publishing: https://www.melvil.cz Support the showConnect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/newStay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletterAs a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter