What Your Friends Know

Leightanna is a holistic health coach specialising in emotional wellness, inner-child and mindset work. She studied at the University of Roehampton where she gained a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood, and then went on to study at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Topics discussed: How does our mother’s food consumption during pregnancy, followed by our food behaviours during early childhood impact the way we eat?  What is bio-integrative eating?  What does the universe look like to you and how would you describe its power?  How do you integrate spiritual practices into everyday life?  Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @lauracpinnell Find Leightanna at @leightannawellness

This is a new era for the podcast, we've taken it outdoors. In amongst the pigeons and locals, Gabby and I discussed the benefits of following the threads which lead you to unexpected and unintended life journeys. It's great to NOT have it all figured out, you're allowed to enjoy life regardless. If you enjoyed this, check out our instagram, tik tok and youtube all at @whatyourfriendsknow our host @lauracpinnell our guest @gabbyhayton2

20th EPISODE!!!! FIRST GROUP SESSION!!! Existential question are defined as deep, philosophical questions concerning the nature of someone or something's existence. I'll summarise this episode in one sentence but you have to promise to still listen to it..........OK. Nothing matters and everything matters, but it's your job to decide where and when to apply each reasoning. The figuring out of that dilemma is life. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the ep! <3 Topics discussed Do we have genuine control over our lives, or are our actions predetermined by factors beyond our control? Is it better to live a life of passion and risk-taking, or a life of stability and predictability? Is consciousness a product of the brain, or is it something more mysterious and inexplicable? What makes humans the most dominant species?  What are you fearful of? Is the pursuit of fun experiences and pleasure a worthwhile endeavour, or does it distract us from deeper, more meaningful aspects of life? Can we ever escape our past, or do our experiences define us forever? Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @lauracpinnell Find them at: @ben.donkers @rosa_marks @annalogaan

Within 18 months, Damo went from downing $9 bottles of wine at his rural NZ university, to pondering the chocolatey notes in a £300 bottle of Bordeux's finest at a London Michelin Star restaurant. This episode is a comprehensive breakdown of everything you could ever possibly want to know about growing grapes and winemaking, told from the perspective of a well-travelled, hardworking man from rural New Zealand. Damon has a Bachelors Degree in Viticulture and Onology (a quick google will resolve any confusion about those terms) as well as years of experience working in some of New Zealand and England's top vineyards. He now works as a junior sommelier at Kitchen W8, a London based Michelin Star Restaurant. I learnt so much from todays episode, i know you will too. ENJOY! Topics discussed: - What experience caused Damo to change his mind about pursuing a career as a farmer. - What inspired his viticulture and onology degree - His experience at a rural NZ university - Everything you could ever want to know about grape growing - How many different ways you can make wine - The champagne monopoly - The wealth and prestige behind the world's largest wine brands - Top wines for each price range/ How to pick a great wine - What does a sommelier do? Find us at @whatyourfriendsknow @lauracpinnell

Today's guest is Great Britain featherweight boxer JP O'Meara. Born and raised in West London, he began boxing at the young age of 10, following in the footsteps of his father and namesake, John-Patrick. His impressive performances as a southpaw earned him a spot on the Great Britain Boxing Team in February 2021. JP has competed internationally, with fights in Macedonia, Finland and Spain. Having recently completed a 10-day training camp in Colorado Springs, USA, he joins us briefly before heading to Kazakhstan for another training camp with the GB team. Hope you enjoy!  Topics discussed:  > amateur boxing vs professional boxing  > growing up with 6 siblings  > corruption in boxing > trialing for the GB Boxing team  > corruption in boxing  > the impact of the Grenfell Tower Fire  > injuries sustained through boxing  > making weight  > a future in professional boxing  Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @lauracpinnell Find JP at: @jp99omeara

Today's guest is Great Britain featherweight boxer JP O'Meara. Born and raised in West London, he began boxing at the young age of 10, following in the footsteps of his father and namesake, John-Patrick. His impressive performances as a southpaw earned him a spot on the Great Britain Boxing Team in February 2021. JP has competed internationally, with fights in Macedonia, Finland and Spain. Having recently completed a 10-day training camp in Colorado Springs, USA, he joins us briefly before heading to Kazakhstan for another training camp with the GB team. Hope you enjoy!  Topics discussed:  > amateur boxing vs professional boxing  > growing up with 6 siblings  > corruption in boxing > trialing for the GB Boxing team  > corruption in boxing  > the impact of the Grenfell Tower Fire  > injuries sustained through boxing  > making weight  > a future in professional boxing  Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @lauracpinnell Find JP at: @jp99omeara

If you think you may be triggered by talk of calories, restricting and bingeing please do not listen.  In this episode Rosa and I discuss the developments we have made regarding our relationship with food, body image,  and confidence. This is a more casual episode, we aren't doctors or therapists or nutritionists, but we do have a lot of lived experience with this issue. If you are serious struggling, please seek professional help. Go to your doctor and talk to them about problems you are experiencing, even if it is purely mental, that is the first step. There are also a lot of online resources available which may help you. I have listed some helpful sites below. Sending my love xx  Topics discussed: Developing disordered eating patterns Neuroplasticity Putting effort into your appearance vs being natural 21st and ball season Restricting and bingeing Comparing food intake Understanding your own personal needs Demonising “bad” foods Fighting back against critical thoughts Shifting your focus outwards, what does the world look like… https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/eating-problems/treatment-support/  https://www.ed.org.nz/getting-help/  Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @lauracpinnell Find Rosa at: @rosa_marks

When I reflect of pivotal moments of my childhood, they all feature a failure of some kind, varying in intensity from earth shattering to a mere humbling. Failure is embarrassing as hell. It can be one of the toughest things to experience. And it happens a lot in life. If you're not putting yourself at risk of failure then you're also not allowing any opportunity to succeed. Double edged sword. Today I'm going to talk about all the times I have failed and how it effected my life. Arguably all my most embarrassing moments. Hope you enjoy! I wont! Topics discussed: Putting yourself in the position to fail Defining failure for yourself Failure in sport The “I’m not good enough” narrative becomes a self fulfilling prophecy Finding peace through doing your best Feeling entitled to success Giving up because you have failed too many times Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @lauracpinnell

Lucy and I met during my short stint in the law world. She was a calm and reassuring presence during a time which was anything but. Navigating the corporate world after living in the cozy womb of childhood and adolescence is a shock to everybody.  Beautiful things like imposter syndrome begin to kick in and existential doubt threatens to suck any last drop of enjoyment out of the workday. But it's really not that serious. If you live to work, then you fall in love with the journey toward achieving a career that is fulfilling and exciting. If you work to live, then your career is simply a means to fund your beautifully fulfilling lifestyle. Neither is wrong. Neither is right. You're more than welcome to sit somewhere in the middle. Or switch halfway through life. Let's discuss, hope you enjoy!  Topics discussed Law lecturer mother, All Blacks physio father Older sister responsibility Lessons learnt in team sports Gymnastics trauma Most difficult part of childhood High school friendship groups Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations Imposter syndrome in the workplace Studying psychology Criminalising street harassment Who do you seek validation from? Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @lauracpinnell Find Lucy at: @llucygallagher

Part 2 of 2  Two years ago Anna found herself entangled in the corporate world. Graduating from university and thrust into the world of full time work, play time was officially over. In order to counter the hours of stationary desk time, Anna began experimenting with various forms of cold therapy, breath work and mindfulness practices. Nowadays, mention one of the aforementioned practices and you’ll trigger Anna into a 2 hour monologue about the benefits she experienced. Todays episode is just that. Hope you enjoy! Topics discussed: > lessons that space can teach you  > cosmic perspective explained  > cosmic calendar / evolutionary timeline  > is our existence significant  > stay learning  > human connection in all its form <love3  > rejection in dating  Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @lauracpinnell laurra@whatyourfriendsknow.com Find Anna at: @annalogaan

Part 1 of 2 because this baby was a long one. I wanted to name it "supplementing your life with healthy habits which help you sustain a demanding work schedule" but it was too long.  Two years ago Anna found herself entangled in the corporate world. Graduating from university and thrust into the world of full time work, play time was officially over. In order to counter the hours of stationary desk time, Anna began experimenting with various forms of cold therapy, breath work and mindfulness practices. Nowadays, mention one of the aforementioned practices and you’ll trigger Anna into a 2 hour monologue about the benefits she experienced. Todays episode is just that. Hope you enjoy! Topics discussed: > busy parents = more freedom > career driven vs family oriented > strong female presence in childhood > self doubt and imposter syndrome > moving back to your hometown  > bank of life > advocating for the 5am-er  > meditating and ADHD  > yoga and improved body image > cold therapy  Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @lauracpinnell laurra@whatyourfriendsknoww.com Find Anna at:  @annalogaan

Todays guest has spent most of this adult life studying rocket science. He has a Masters degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical engineering and has interned at the European Space Agency. Naturally, I gathered all my non-scientific backed theories about spirituality and would like to test them out on him today.  Topics discussed:  Being a science kid Friendships at school vs adult life How an interest in space can change your perspective on life. Human insignificance Laws at work How do planes fly Religion is cultural, spirituality is individual The west has lost its spirituality A connection with nature is central to spirituality Pseudoscience like astrology Using earth elements to channel spiritual connection Energy manipulation Confrontation Do aliens exist? Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @lauracpinnell laura@whatyourfriendsknow.com  Find Louis at: @louis.grivel 

SOLO EPISODE!!!!  Since the beginning of human existence, social gatherings and alcohol have been inseparable. I don't think alcohol is the devil, in-fact I think it generates interactions which wouldn't have occurred otherwise. But I think most people would benefit from having an open conversation about their consumption and how alcohol could have a less damaging place in their life.  Christmas Eve 2021 I embarked on a year without consuming alcohol. I won’t bore you with the obvious benefits I experienced, e.g., healthier liver and less shame induced anxiety. My greatest discovery was the overall improvement in my general mental health and absence of my, once crippling, social anxiety. Eliminating the social crutch (alcohol), which I had grown so accustomed to, had profound effects on how I behaved socially as I was forced to learn how to navigate parties and events, sober. This episode is not for everyone, but if it is, I hope it finds you well. My dm's are always open for anyone who has any questions or would like to chat about anything further. Topics discussed: · Parties and alcohol as a teen · Sober curious · Manson’s law of avoidance · Hobbies when you’re an adult · Free fall period and loneliness · Parties without alcohol · Human connection · Productivity · Self esteem · Will I drink again? Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @laurapiinnell 

Imagine you have been a dancer since a very young age, you are in your last year of performing arts college and undergoing final assessments. You have been training for months in preparation for this exam. Now imagine, instead of this exam being held in a great hall on a stage with lights, it is instead held in your parents living room, over zoom, while dad is in the back vacuuming.  That anti-climactic end to college was the reality for Georgia and her peers.  Thrust into post-college life with the news that the performing arts industry she was destined for may never return after covid, Georgia was forced to reflect on the parts of herself which exist outside of dance. No easy task for a woman who has spent years molding herself into the "perfect dancer". Naturally, Georgia discovered parts of herself which hadn't ever seen the light.  This episode is about reinventing yourself, accountability and a lot of self-love. Hope you enjoy.  Topics discussed: • Growing up in the North of England  • Performing arts college  • Being a performer during lockdown  • Coming out as bi-sexual  • Ending a long term relationship  • London’s allure of being anyone you wanted to be  • Self-reflection and self-accountability • Overhauling your mental state  Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @laurapiinnell  Find Georgia at: @geo_leooo

Its pretty difficult to forge your own path. In fact, it's so difficult, that most people deny this new path is even possible. And thats understandable. Not everyone has the energy or opportunities to find and pursue this new path. But how incredible would it be if you did just that. I listen to this episode whenever i need to be reminded that i am in the drivers seat of my own life as it fills me with motivation. I hope it has the same effect on you.  Cátia was born in a small village just outside of Porto, Portugal.  She spent her early years playing piano and dancing ballet which inspired her love for Musical Theater. Determined to make a life for herself outside of Portugal, Cátia signed herself up for the most international degree she could find which took her on overseas exchanges Lithuania and Estonia. After saving up for 3 years working various customer service and hospitality jobs she was finally able to fufill her dream of moving to london, then covid hit. Forced to reconsider her original plan, Cátia worked as an au pair during the day, and studied for her masters at night. Today she works for one of the UK’s leading marketing and advertising agencies specialising in Musical Theater in the West End.  Topics discussed - Small town in Portugal  - Trying to afford a decent quality of life  - Saving for 3 years to move to London - Lessons learnt in ballet class  - The loneliness of travel - Values instilled by immigrant parents and grandparents  - The notorious "entry level job" - Breaking into the Musical Theater business  - Proving people wrong  - Speaking English as a second language  Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @laurapiinnell laura@whatyourfriendsknow.com Find Cátia at: @catia.catarina9

Unmistakably Texan, Kendall brings her southern charm to London's illustrious fashion scene. Kendall attended university at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she studied Fashion Design with a minor in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising. Since June 2022, she has worked as an Atelier design assistant for AADNEVIK. In this episode we discuss the benefits of diving headfirst into new opportunities and learning as you go. The ultimate 'fake it 'til you make it' masterclass. I hope you enjoy!  Topics discussed:  - Navigating School and University with diagnosed ADD - Breaking away from the crowd after high school  - Working hard regardless of the role  - Launching and running a successful own online jewellery business - Learning through experience vs. learning in the classroom - Designing her first collection - There is space for everyone to succeed  - Getting out of your own way  - Navigating post grad life  Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @laurapiinnell  Find Kendall at: @kendallegarrett

Lenny Jenkins joins us in the new What Your Friends Know podcast studio for todays very special episode. Lenny details his rowing journey from first representing New Zealand at the Junior World Championships in 2015, to now training with the Great Britain Olympic team in London. We discuss the realities of life as an athlete competing in one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. Lenny opens up about being confronted with his own mental health during the COVID pandemic, and how he believes vulnerability is not always rewarded in a high performance environment. Nearing the possible end of his rowing career, Lenny reflects on his time at Yale University and the importance of building an identity outside of the boat. This episode in an ode to proving people wrong, I hope you enjoy.  - Growing up with twin younger brothers - Finding your sport - Preparing for a 2k erg test  - Diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome - Finding success at the largest school sporting event in the southern hemisphere - Lenny's experience in the Junior New Zealand team - Managing egos - Staying in New Zealand or going to an American University - A humbling first few months at Yale - Feeling special in a room full of special people - Being a high performance athlete during COVID Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @laurapiinnell  laura@whatyourfriendsknow.com Find Lenny at: @lenny.jenkins98

For most University Students, your first year flatting is the time to make horrific meals, break some windows and enjoy the pleasures of freedom. Zara was no different, making the most of this exciting new chapter all while balancing the demands of law school. In todays episode, Zara details her experience being the victim of a stalking incident which unfolded over the second half of 2019 in Dunedin, New Zealand. She details the short term impacts of experiencing trauma, as well as long term effects she carries with her today. Zara emphasises the importance of sharing the burden of difficult emotions with friends or family, and credits gratitude journalling as a way to draw yourself out of dark places. I can appreciate this is a really difficult topic for Zara to discuss and I hope it serves as a message of hope for anyone who has experienced any kind of trauma.  Topics discussed: - Growing up in Auckland  - Being a confident kid - Instagram in the early days - Building an online presence - Being the victim of a serial stalker  - Carrying the trauma in her body vs her mind - Regaining parts of herself  - Gratitude journalling  Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @laurapiinnell laura@whatyourfriendsknow.com

For most University Students, your first year flatting is the time to make horrific meals, break some windows and enjoy the pleasures of freedom. Zara was no different, making the most of this exciting new chapter all while balancing the demands of law school. In todays episode, Zara details her experience being the victim of a stalking incident which unfolded over the second half of 2019 in Dunedin, New Zealand. She details the short term impacts of experiencing trauma, as well as long term effects she carries with her today. Zara emphasises the importance of sharing the burden of difficult emotions with friends or family, and credits gratitude journalling as a way to draw yourself out of dark places. I can appreciate this is a really difficult topic for Zara to discuss and I hope it serves as a message of hope for anyone who has experienced any kind of trauma.  Topics discussed: - Growing up in Auckland  - Being a confident kid - Instagram in the early days - Building an online presence - Being the victim of a serial stalker  - Carrying the trauma in her body vs her mind - Regaining parts of herself  - Gratitude journalling  Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @laurapiinnell laura@whatyourfriendsknow.com

Growing up in an entirely male household before moving to an all boys-boarding school has shaped Ben into the man he is today. Wholly unprepared for a gender diverse world, Ben found his feet in rugby, cricket and drinking with his mates. Having followed a path walked by many young men in New Zealand, it is clear to him what is contributing to the men’s mental health crisis. “I'm here if you need” is not enough. The solution to this problem is being proactive, being there for your mates, having difficult conversations. This is an episode which everyone will benefit from listening to, I hope you enjoy. Topics discussed: Growing up in rural New Zealand Youngest of two brothers All-Boys Boarding School The post-High School sport drop off Accepting the end of your professional sporting dreams Specific goal setting Private vs Public school Coaching cricket in London Is alcohol getting in my way? Seeking professional help for mental health issues Curating your friendship style to suit your friends love language The Golf Course is the perfect place for a deep conversation with your mate Ben is not Ghandi. Find us at: @whatyourfriendsknow @laurapiinnell laura@whatyourfriendsknow.com Find Ben: @ben.donkers bendonkers@yahoo.com