Self-Worth in Times of Chaos
How do people keep going in times of rupture, when life stops following the rules?
Through honest, unhurried conversations with people who have faced redundancy, burnout, health challenges, loss, financial strain, career disruption, and major life transitions, the podcast explores what sustains us when confidence, success and certainty fall away.
This is not about positive thinking or quick fixes. It is about the deeper fuel of self-worth — the inner source of dignity, energy, and resilience that allows people to live, work, and relate with clarity and humanity in chaotic times.
Each episode invites reflection on how living from self-worth cultivates both hope and strength — the kind that endures when outcomes, roles, and approval can no longer carry us.
Episodes
24 episodes
From war to motherhood, with Viktoriya Kravchenko
SummaryIn this episode, Viktoriya Kravchenko shares her experiences of navigating life amidst the chaos of war, immigration, and motherhood. She reflects on the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on her life, the challenges...
Working through a dilemma of identity, with Jacopo Lazzaretti
SummaryIn this conversation, John Niland and Jacopo Lazzaratti explore the complexities of professional identity, the challenges of integrating multiple passions, and the impact of self-worth on performance. Jacopo shares his jour...
A life worth fighting for, with Caroline Sullivan
SummaryLong COVID transformed Caroline Sullivan’s life—and her perspective on resilience. Despite five years of suffering from a condition once misunderstood, she discovered an inner fighter that not only helped her survive, but p...
Swimming through life’s challenges, with Noel Donnellan
SummaryIn this inspiring interview, Noel Donnellan shares his journey from mechanical engineering to a successful decorative artist, navigating chaos and health crises, including COVID-19, with resilience and kindness. Discover ho...
Finding new purpose, with Kate Andrews
SummaryKate Andrews shares her personal journey through chaos, including her battle with lupus, career transition, and the importance of slowing down, understanding oneself, and prioritizing well-being.Takeaways<...
Sudden bereavement, with Amy Moser
Summary Amy Moser shares her profound journey through grief after losing her partner unexpectedly, exploring how she managed the chaos, supported by community and self-regulation frameworks, and how this experience impacted ...
Financial setbacks, with Anne Randerson
Summary In this insightful interview, Anne Randerson shares her experiences navigating the chaos caused by the US dollar's drop in value, the importance of self-worth in chaotic times and strategies to prevent burnout. She d...
Digital overwhelm, with Kerry Lynch
Summary In this episode, John Niland and Kerry Lynch explore the chaos and disruption caused by digital overwhelm, particularly in the context of social media and its impact on self-worth and creativity. Kerry shares her per...
Life after layoff, with Maria Goranova
Summary In this conversation, Maria Goranova shares her journey through unexpected career turbulence after experiencing her first layoff. She discusses the emotional impact of this event, the importance of self-worth, a...
Navigating chaos to a new professional identity, with Richard Ayling
SummaryIn this conversation, John Niland and Richard Ayling explore the themes of chaos, disruption, and the importance of human connection when navigating life's challenges. Rich shares his personal experiences of upheaval during...
Letting go of parts of me, with Karis McCabe
SummaryIn this conversation, Karis McCabe shares her journey through significant life changes, including career shifts, personal loss, and the challenges of redefining her identity. She discusses the chaos that comes with multiple...
Self-Worth in Times of Rupture and Chaos
As Mark Carney said in Davos: “We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition.” Life feels that way now—chaotic, unpredictable, and messy. In this transition episode to Self-Worth in Times of Chaos, I set the scene for the...
24 Things that Do Not Define Your Self-Worth
Life has a habit of creating conditions for our relationship with ourselves. In this short episode John Niland recaps 24 things that do not define our self-worth—even when some of them sound very "worthy" indeed!
Building a Professional Identity at University with Dr. Clare Forder from Brighton University
In this episode John Niland speaks with Dr Clare Forder on the challenges faced by students and how Professional Identity is relevant.
Building a Professional Identity in Intentional Culture
My guest today is Tracy Phillips, who has built her professional identity by partnering with leaders and their teams to intentionally create their culture. By magnifying each person’s strengths, this results in an increase in trust, collaborati...
Building a Professional Identity in the Automotive Sector
In this series on “Inspiring Identities” we look at the practical experience of professionals who have built a clear professional identity.A professional identity is not static. It evolves as the market evolves… and as we grow, too...
Building a Professional Identity in Scientific and Engineering Worlds
In this series on “Inspiring Identities” we look at how some real people have established themselves in the marketplace. You can build a Professional Identity in many ways. My guest today is James McNally, who has build a very speci...
Self-Worth in Career-Reinvention
In this episode of “The Self-Worth Safari” podcast, we look at self-worth in the context of career-reinvention. John’s guest is Amy Moser, who worked in corporate communications for more than 20 years. Today, Amy works with divorcing mothers an...
What is Your Next Chapter?
In this episode of “The Self-Worth Safari” Angela Raspass (www.angelaraspass.com) discusses her latest book “Your Next Chapter”. Angela is a speaker, author and coach, based in Sydney. In this c...
A Journey to Self-Love
In this session, John talks with Dr Andrea Pennington, an internationally renowned self-love and resilience expert. Her books include “Real Self Love”, “Life after Trauma” and “The Top Ten Traits of Highly Resilient People”. In this episode, An...
What issues women are facing in pandemic times?
In this episode of The Self Worth Safari, John interviews Kristin Engvig, the CEO and Founder of WIN and WINConference. Since 1998, Kristin has been a leading international figure in women’s networking and diversity. In this episode, she explor...
Self-worth for over 50's
In this episode John interviews Bess Stonehouse, a very creative and pragmatic consultant with a background in arts and business. People who are over 50, and especially those over 60, are being ignored while all the attention is going ...
Badass Women: self-worth from the female perspective
Anita Sheehan is a Self-Worth coach and comes very much from the Appreciative Inquiry school and has recently started running an online bootcamp called Badass Women.In this episode she talks to John about the self-worth issues that part...
Self-Worth in student life
John Niland from Self-Worth Academy interviews John Perry who is a principal teaching fellow in healthcare communication in Southampton University. He is also a freelance coach, counselor and therapist with particular interest in psychological ...