The Kaur Aura Podcast
A podcast created to share uplifting content and positive narratives that motivate and empower people to improve their well-being and self-development and wholeheartedly embrace their true, authentic selves.
The Kaur Aura Podcast
Pushing past comfort, and stepping out to try new experiences!
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Satveer Kaur is joined again by Reiss Loftus from The Brotherhood Legion for part 2! Exploring the transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone through experiences and community building, emphasising how embracing unfamiliar situations leads to personal growth and connection.
• Satveer describes her first solo hiking adventure in the Peak District with the group
• The physical challenges of hiking pushed Satveer beyond her comfort zone, with strangers offering crucial support
• Brotherhood Legion and Sisterhood Midlands have won multiple awards for their community mental health work
• Reiss's background as a professional dancer taught him discipline and passion that now fuel his community initiatives
• Dance creates powerful connections between people through shared rhythm and movement without words
• Advice for parents of adolescent boys includes surrounding them with positive role models and engaging them through activities rather than formal conversations
• Parenting insights include recognising that teenage rebellion is part of growth and not taking it personally
• The upcoming hike and camping trip on September 27th offers another opportunity for growth and community building. Stay tuned!
Connect with the Brotherhood Legion through Instagram and Facebook (@thebrotherhoodlegioncic or @thesisterhood_Midlands), visit brotherhoodlegion.com, or email brotherhoodlegion@hotmail.com.
If you need support, please reach out to us at thekauraurapodcast@gmail.com - we're here to listen, support, and connect.
Or would you like to learn more about our upcoming women's group? Get in touch:
info@kauraura.co.uk
Kaur Aura website:
www.kauraura.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram @kauraura_
Welcome to Core Aura Podcast
Speaker 1Hi guys, welcome, welcome to another episode of the Core Aura Podcast. My name is Satbir Kaur and I've created this podcast to just share uplifting, positive narratives, just to encourage, elevate others, like really kind of empower them to make changes for themselves. So, whether that's working on their own wellbeing, working on their self-development, just working on being kind of feeling in a happier state, right, and just coming out there and being and embracing your true, authentic self, right, who would not want that? I like it. So, guys, this is what I want to do for this episode as much as, yeah, we have our stuff that we want to kind of let people know, raise the awareness of, um. I just wanted to be a bit as well relaxed vibes and just speak on real life experiences as well. We have a part two um to a previous guest that we've had on before, so I thought I would welcome my buddy um and just speak on the hike guys. So, guys, please welcome. Welcome back. Reese from brotherhood leisure welcome, reese.
Speaker 2Thank you for having me back sat and, um, yeah, I'm honored to come back on and I'm looking forward to chop it into the height that we went on and then anything else that you know that comes up that we can share with your audience yeah, no, thank you.
Speaker 1Just like we spoke of before, I wanted it to be just a bit of like a cozy chat, run just a bit of a relaxed vibe and speak on my hike and just the experience of it, and also, as well, want to speak on the whole experience of it, but want to encourage people as well to just go out there and try these new experiences Because, like I spoke about in my first series of my podcast, it was all about experiencing like new experiences. I spoke one including the hike, and it was something that was just presented to me back in. Bloody hell, what year are we in now? You got lost in it, but 2022, and I had a hike planned back then and it included camping. When I listened to Rhys, I listened to my podcast the other day and the initial hike that I had planned was scheduled to be in Snowdon. That's Wales, right yep, yep including camping.
Speaker 1And now, after my experience with you guys, um, I know now, looking back, I would never have been able to do that at that point. So it's just crazy how it worked out in the end. Because it didn't manage, we didn't manage to work it out in the end, uh, we had to cancel it. But when I how it worked out in the end, because it didn't manage, we didn't manage to work it out in the end, uh, we had to cancel it. But when I then met you, I got the opportunity to do the hike two guys, um, but what helped? I think not that it was low level at all, because it's quite an experience.
Speaker 1I do struggle. It was quite a challenge, but I think it was a really good way to ease me into it, man, because I think if I started off in Snowdon, I would have been. You want to see me again, guys, um, but I just want to speak on it like one. Where we went do you remember the place? Because I thought I want to let people know as well, just to raise the awareness of such a beautiful place, that we went to.
Speaker 2So we went to the Peak District and the first place that we was walking around was the Lutz Church, yes, and then I think it's Cribs Rock or Cribs Crock. It's basically on the same path. You go up to Lutz Church and then you go a little bit further and it's just a longer route from the roadside. But it was the Peak District as well, and the Lodge Church was an old. It was an old like it's an old hiding space for paganism, so people that used to worship different gods go there and hide and then find shelter from, you know, the higher powers, the armies and stuff like that. And yeah, it's a beautiful place, isn't it? It's lovely, it's deep in the rocks. It has this condensation that comes off the walls as well, so it cools you up. It's like being in, like Jurassic Park or something. Yeah, there's a really, really nice and cool energy about it.
Speaker 1Oh, and you could proper feel it Like it was such a one. Beautiful scenes, do you know what I mean? But just like the history of it, and you really felt that energy to know that it was safe haven back in the day, honestly, you could really feel it. It was just the best place to visit. That's what I wanted to talk about. Guys, we speak of it being so beautiful, amazing. The bloody trek to get there was was quite something. Well for me, because I'm not a seasoned hiker man, do you know?
Speaker 1what I mean, but are you a seasoned hiker? I don't think. I've never asked you like do you do this on the regular?
Speaker 2well within the group dynamics. Um, we do, we do like one or two a year. So, um, but then, depending, you know, on our first couple years, you might have done three. But call me a seasoned hiker, not really. But, um, you know, when we've taken most of our hikes at the peak district, um, last hike you went on actually was down at Brecon Beacon, which was the worst, and then that was pretty steep, the elevation was pretty high on that one.
Speaker 2Um, so well, I really enjoy hiking, I love getting out there in the open spaces. It's great when you do it with a group of people as well. And you know I have, you know, I went, I travelled to Greece and we did Mount Olympus, me and a couple of friends as well. So that was a really nice experience. You know, climbing the mountain, the guards doing a little bit of scrambling, so you know to say you're, I love hiking. I don't know if I'm a seasonal hike, but I do go out front, look, going for nice walks and then just getting out there into, yeah, into the wild yeah, oh my gosh, honestly, so many positives came from it.
Speaker 1We spoke about the last episode. Honestly, it was an amazing group where you put together such a positive experience. But but let's be real, guys, it was quite the bloody challenge, man, like, seriously, I honestly was quite naive to the situation, but that's what made it fun, though. It was all about challenging myself, like do you know what I mean? And overcoming that because, like I said, it was quite the experience, but also gaining that support from others was just massive and that's what kept me going.
Speaker 1So it was crazy and, guys, because which I wanted to raise as well the whole point of talking about this hike reese is that I ended up going to it on my own, and normally I have to be with someone to go somewhere. Do you know what I mean? So it was the first time I was doing something on my own, solo, and normally I rely on a friend or. And then also I was scheduled to go with someone, but they canceled. So normally my go-to would have been like cancel and just not go. Do you know what I mean?
Speaker 1But for some reason it was something I wanted to experience. The opportunity had came around again and I just thought do you know what? Just do it, trust in it. And when I did, I had the best experience. So I want to use this as a form of encouragement to like imagine how many experiences we have kind of blocked by me doing that. Not going because someone else hasn't gone, that I'm so used to, but it's about stepping out, isn't it that I'm so used to? But it's about stepping out, isn't it? Going into those spaces because with the groups that you do what you've created, you must have so many that are coming there for the first time, because that's what I found on the hike there were others that were coming there on their own as well.
Speaker 2Definitely do so. Obviously, for people that might have not watched the first episode, I run two multi-award winning mental health movements for men and for women called the brotherhood legion and this is the hood underscore, midlands and we do numerous different activities. Free services try and get people out moving, talking and then building themselves up within a community. Every day, um, you meet people that are fighting them little battles in your mind. They are saying you know, do it, don't do it, do it, don't do it. You know. And then obviously try trying to find them ways.
Speaker 2We've other tools, like other people to fight, you know, to push themselves, you know, into that experience, but it's difficult.
Speaker 2And then to overcome that and then push that, push back at that feeling, what makes you uncomfortable and then put yourself in a space where you know it's unusual to you, is a massive win.
Speaker 2So you've always got to try and reflect on when you face another challenge or someone asks you to go to a new place and do a new experience, and then your initial feeling is, oh, I'd love to do that. But then that second wave of doubt comes in and then that judgment that you face you need to go, okay. Then well, you know, I'm worried that you know I'm not going to be great or people are going to judge me and I'm going to fail and then go. Actually I've had these feelings before that last time that I pushed myself forward and then the result was actually, when I got through it I really enjoyed it and then I was empowered and then I gave some confidence. So we have to kind of remind ourselves all the time of that kind of you know of life, because what you do get in feelings but it's life's about where we grow is when we push back it, that comfortable feeling and that, that, that fear, and then, you know, we find a little bit more out about ourselves yeah, definitely you do.
Speaker 1So.
The Peak District Hike Experience
Speaker 2You mentioned award winning, so let me know about your accomplishments so, from starting this three years ago, we've won multiple awards, some of them starting out local base. So we won the High Sheriff Award, which is pretty much a recognition, local recognition, awarded down from the King, so you don't have to go to Buckingham Palace or anything like that. It's, you know, hit one of the King's Awards. It is represented throughout different communities and initiated by the High Sheriff, which is like one of the main people that's connected with the police and they just kind of give you a praise for the work that you do in the community. So we have that. We have the dialogue society award, which is for new volunteers. That was the first year that we got um an award and that was just for, yeah, once again the stuff.
Speaker 2You know what we've done since growing this community. It's it front, it meant it front, but it was initially created in its title the men's mental health movement and the mental health movement. But we we do multiple, multiple um community events where we feed, we clothe, and then we elevate the community. We get out there and we help the homeless as well and and then we do these big educational workshops. I've, you know, I'm got I put out a bleed kit on knob road, I'm putting another bleed kit out in a community coming up. So we are so, um, you know we're so vast in the different sorts of things that we do that we we do really take the cic, which is the community interest part, company part, really serious. We're here about building a network and then a connection within the city to help as many people as possible.
Speaker 2So we've got them two awards there. And then we have the BBC Make a Difference Award. So we got in the finals of BBC Make a Difference in our second year and then I won the 40 Under 40 Award award, which is the top 40 entrepreneurs within the uk under the age of 40, and I won that for community development. So once again we're going back to that community essence. And then, um, yeah, so in, we've been nominated for other things but I've just not invested the time to go and apply to them awards. But the, the real award, is the connection and the elevation. And then now the, the amount of people that use the services we. We we've offered um and we've secured. You know about around about 12 people that have got counseling through us. You know many women so far. And then, um, yeah, we feed into. So there's so many different conversations that we have now um and we're with big networks, with charities and stuff there on a day-to-day basis. There's this cranes.
Speaker 1There's change being created through an impression that the group has achieved yeah, a massive well done and, like I said, those accomplishments are amazing and, like I said, the whole bigger picture as well, and amazing stuff. You're doing Such an impact within your community and beyond, and so much more to come for you like. Do you know what I mean?
Speaker 2We're such a baby as well, so yeah. It's exciting.
Speaker 1This is just the start, exactly. So, like I said, so with the hike, it was quite a challenge, and do you know what a swelter is I'm? Obviously. You know that I'm working on my fitness and it's all part of my kind of journey going forward. Part of it is to kind of become my strongest. It's an ongoing thing, do you know what I mean? But it's all about physical and trying to get fit. And I thought, up until that hike, my fitness levels were kind of good. I was on track, bloody hell, that hike. And on that day I was like, yeah, yeah, I've got work to do, like I really struggled and it was just such a challenge. And imagine being on your own, um, and normally you'd have someone to lean on. Do you know what I mean?
Speaker 2and but you did lean on me a bit.
Speaker 1I think at one point my feet were off the ground. You may have had my full weight. Oh my gosh, and you know what? I was going to mention that as well because there were so many episodes of that hike. But it was crazy because these were strangers, but they were so open to helping me and supporting me and reassuring me. Do you know what I mean? Because I struggled but everybody was just so forthcoming and supportive, literally leaning on people.
Speaker 2So it was just such an amazing set of people you'd brought together, but the importance of that supporting one another, right yeah, one million percent, and that's why the group's there, that's why we do the, that's why I love doing it with big groups of people. It's because a lot of people are facing that challenge. A lot of people are pushing themselves out of a comfort zone or trying to challenge and, um, it's not easy, it's difficult. You know, there was a lot of. There was a lot of elevation, a lot of stairs, um, and on either ground that we went on that day and then obviously we had the rain as well.
Speaker 2That was also, you know that, and a whole different situation itself. So people were cold and they're wet, but them around, their spirits were still high because they're endorphins from just, you know, pushing through. And then you know all that exercise and just to see people put themselves out there and lend a hand to somebody or carry somebody else's bag and it acts as a team. Um, you know it's, it's, it's nice. It's nice when they live in a world where a lot of people feel lonely, a lot of people feel like not people, nobody like is supportive or appreciative, or they see them. And then when you get around a bunch of people, when you're in a difficult place and you know they're talking a bit of life into you and then they're being a bit generous and they're being kind. It does bring back your your sense of like, humanity and, like you know, faith in in people yes, it really did, like honestly, and then it was from that support.
Speaker 1It made me even more determined to finish it, because there was the option halfway to leave. And then there's a version of me where I would have gone, but it was almost like the support around me I wanted to finish it, plus that self sense of achievement as well, like, do you know what I mean? I was very determined to finish it and think I've got here. Now I want to do it to the end, like, but it was a lot of it was that support and people encouraging you and elevating you. And sometimes, when you ain't got it in you, because I was struggling to breathe at some points, um, having that support and guidance around you really helps uplift you, doesn't it?
Speaker 2it does, taking it back to being a child. A lot of people have limited beliefs in themselves because they're not surrounded by people that have encouraged them to believe in better. So a lot of the time we have this relationship with ourselves. People do where they don't believe that they can achieve a lot of things in life and they put themselves down. And the body and the mind is a lot more capable if you unlock it. And then sometimes you need someone beside you to say go and get it. You know, attack it. I believe in you, I think you can do this. Look what you're doing right now. This is just a reflection of your strength and then you tap into it. It gives you that second wind, it gives you that motivation, but it's hard to find that if you're doing it on your own.
Speaker 1So, yeah, oh, it was just the best experience, like, honestly, and honestly, the conversations I had with some people and I do apologize, I was people were trying to have conversation with me, but because I was trying to roll, stay just breathing out here, I had to literally tell people I'm so sorry, can I get back to you, because I was just trying to make it through that hike, but it was so worth it. Do you know what I mean? So, and to those people out there, that seasoned pros that I spoke to recently walk for like 11, 12 hours and I was like how that's amazing, what it's like really, I give them credit, like kudos to them, because I just I I must admit, though, and it's not a bad thing, but after my experiences, it was amazing, like getting to those views, kind of thing. But, yeah, I don't think I'd class myself as a hiker okay, I think deep down, I think we don't.
Speaker 2We don't think I'd class myself as a hiker. I think, deep down, I think we don't say we are, but I kind of think that we're all ancient hikers. There's a walker in all of us. You might not walk up outside on the green, but you do. A lot of us have grown up walking everywhere, so it's in our DNA. You know, we didn't always have cars or anything like that, so we, you know we travelled, we explored and like that. So we, you know we, we traveled, we explored and um, you know we walk if it's, if it's doing our 10 000 steps around the bloody park or to 10 000 steps up and down stairs at work. We're all professional walkers.
Speaker 1So yeah, when you look at it like that, 100, I'm with you on that. But I just meant, like the conditions. Do you know what I mean? Because, speaking even about the well, the whales, one one, I think a lot of it was I was unprepared like do you know what I mean? And that's my own doing, so I struggled with that and plus, I'm just not really good like I'm trying, I like outdoor activities but I'm just not really good with the cold. So that a lot of a lot of it. In that sense, do you know what I mean?
Speaker 1yeah, we just need to get you a better jacket then yeah, probably, and that, but it was just the whole conditions, like I must admit the second one, I'll be honest, like the second in Wales it was. Again, I feel so proud that I'd done that do you know what I mean? And challenged myself to do it and again met some amazing people, had some amazing conversations, so that outweighed that whole. I didn't like the conditions, do you know what I mean? I was cold. I'm very. It was that muddy, it was. That was just me. I'm do you know what I mean, but it was such an experience. I challenged myself, I met some amazing people, had some great conversations, um, overall, but I can't see myself doing it on the regular in that sense. But this is what it's all about Finding what fits your vibe and it's all about that, finding things that you love to do, because I'm all about hobbies, having fun experiences. Did you get it?
Speaker 2I want to ask you, obviously because we spoke about you having the idea and the dream and the goal when you first wanted to hike, to go and camp as well have you ever been camping?
Speaker 1no, and that's what I mentioned on my pod. The first is that happened. I know how I am. I probably won't like the experience, but I want to try it, to say that I've tried it well bringing that up.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Support
Speaker 2We do have a hike and a camp on the 27th of september. So now I'm just going to put you on the spot. Yeah, if you're free, on the 27th of september we are going to the peak district again. No way, the actual name of the place is on my one of my conversations, but I don't know. But there's some beautiful um waterfalls around there. It's not going to be high elevation and then we're going to be picking. We've got a campsite that's quite close and then we'll be having barbecue in a, you know, in a little camp and the rest of the whole shebang there. So if you fancy it and you want, really want, to do it, then we can put you down oh shoot, oh my gosh.
Speaker 1Do you know what, though, that does sound so fun, like seriously?
Speaker 2it will be, it will be lovely, they will be lovely yeah, oh, shoot man.
Speaker 1Yeah, and you know what, like I'll be honest guys, anyone listening um, with camping, with stuff like that, I have experiences that I've had, like beside the hike I mentioned in the hype breeze because I spoke about it on my um first series. Do you know what I mean? So I thought I'd try trying to tie a few loose ends here with my first series because I kind of went off on many tangents so I thought I've just wanted to cover that. But I have tried other kind of experiences and that's what it's all about, isn't it? You're not going to know if you like it unless you try it. And this is what I'm trying to do, going forward with just my life and in general like and so yeah, I'm going to try it because I know well, I don't know if I'm up for those conditions, like I like toilet facilities and all that, but this is, this is the campsite has toilets and showers okay do you know what they do?
Speaker 2unless you're going to go wild camping, then yeah, then that will have the extra challenge there if you'll have to use the outdoors okay, that's good.
Speaker 1Only because when I was on the hike this how naive I was. I was assuming there's going to be toilets halfway up there. And I remember saying to people guys, are there going to be toilets up there? And I was just like whoa. So yeah, I've heard all about the wild stuff. So I thought, oh okay, let's see, that would be quite an experience, but I don't want to experience it just yet. Okay, that's good to know then.
Speaker 1So yeah, I should be done that's gonna be so good and that's what it's all about. So it's to encourage people. Do you know what I mean? I've been speaking to a lot of people on the podcast about hobbies. Do you know what I mean? And it is all about that, and it's for people listening, like guys. It just to give you ideas, because sometimes we do lose ourselves. Reese, do you know what I mean? With so much going on life, be freaking life in, out here, man, and you do you lose yourself and just spending time on yourself, and just you need to do that find out what ignites your soul. Do you know what I mean? So, which brings me on, because I know we spoke a bit then about the hike. Honestly, reese, it was amazing experience. So it's not over yet. Then, guys, we've got another experience and I bloody can't wait to be there.
Speaker 2Episode two yes, the second hike in camp.
Speaker 1Yeah, oh my gosh. So a combo, the combo deal.
Speaker 2Yeah.
Speaker 1Honestly so those details.
Speaker 2So give me the rundown again, just to let people know as well, of that camping trip this one we're going to be doing under 27 in September, at the end of September, but, um, it will do, it'll be. Last time, obviously, we were at Breckenbeacons and there was a lot. You know, there was, um, a good amount of people from. We had 30 plus people that went on that hike there.
Speaker 2But this one similar situation just closer to home, because you know how much drama we had on that as well, in a good way, just for the traveling aspect, getting lost in all sorts in the mountains, um, and one of in them, valley streets. But we're going to keep it closer to home and then we're going to give the added option of being able to camp, because I know a lot of people do want to do that. And then you know, this place is going to be full of waterfalls, beautiful places for people to get in the water as well. Oh, wow, yeah. So this does go out before then and you want to follow thebrotherhoodlegioncrc or the sisterhood underscore Midlands on Instagram, you'll be able to see and then contact us to be able to get involved.
Speaker 1Oh, that's so exciting. Like, honestly, I can't wait. It's going to be such an experience of bloody our waterfalls. How wicked is that yeah I can't wait. Oh my gosh, it's going to be so exciting. Like, how crazy is that? And look at that, guys. Do you know what I mean? Like I've literally we spoke on this and now I'm going to get to experience that. And are you a regular camper? So we're going to be well looked after, right well, once again, I'm not.
Speaker 2I'm not a regular camper, so we're going to be well looked after, right? Well, once again, I'm not a regular camper, but you will be looked after.
Speaker 1Yeah, oh my gosh, it's going to be such a good experience. Honestly, I can't believe it. I'll be honest, I don't know if I'm going to like it, but I want to just experience it and try it. Do you know what I mean? Because it's all about that trying stuff, and if you don't like it, then you know not to do it again. Like it's one of those like, but just experience it, see what comes from it. But that's gonna sound so fun. Are you a camper?
Speaker 2I'm not a camper. I've camped, as in you know. I've I've definitely camped before in my life, in more than a few times, but I am not a regular camper, so I don't right now. I own a really good tent, but I will get. I'll get one more than one of the lads.
Speaker 2Uh, the last time I did go camping I actually hated it, but, um, you know, I just it's because I just got my tent wasn't that great. It was cold and I didn't have a floor mat, because I didn't understand it that I needed floor mat and I had a sleeping bag that was only meant for warm weather. So I don't know if anyone's ever gone camping. But the last thing you want to be doing is with a thin sleeping bag sleeping on the floor, because all the temperature, the coldness off the floor, I couldn't sleep. It was freezing, it was raining. I was wearing all my clothes.
Speaker 2But it's a lesson learned. I will definitely have a floor mat this time. I will have a better sleeping bag and I will have a better tent. So these are why we learn off these experiences and we can prepare to not be in the same situation next time. But I'm definitely excited about getting back out there and doing some camping. We'll get some big lights, we'll have some music, we'll have some food and then we'll forget about um. You know life for a bit oh man, that sounds so good.
Speaker 1Like honestly, I can't wait, guys. So I can't wait then to speak on it. So, yeah, this is to what do you say? To be continued, whatever, whatever you say. So this is what I wanted to say as well, reese, because my history, like I'm learning now to become like fit, becoming more active do you know what I mean and just increasing like my fitness levels just for my own self and my own health kind of thing, um, but I've not always been like this, like seriously, it's only since making changes that I'm becoming active and really, um, wanting to pursue like activities and do an out, like outdoor stuff, like hike years ago would not have been my go-to to even experience and want to try. Do you know what I mean? Have you always been a sporty spice?
Speaker 2I have always been sporty. I've always been, I've always been Sporty Spice Never called myself that, but I know what we do.
Speaker 1It's your new name now.
Award-Winning Mental Health Movements
Speaker 2Yeah, but I've constantly, since I was a kid, I've been into boxing, running football. I wasn't that great at football, but I was all right at boxing and running. So I was in the cross country county team for Leicester, me and my brother and you know I was always here, there and everywhere. So you know I was always really active. I was, um, yeah, very outdoors kid. You know I wasn't really at home that much, so I've always been um, moving and grooving. And then obviously I started dancing at like 15, 14, so massively into that as well, so I'd spend all my free moments like on YouTube or going to classes or stuff. So, yeah, I've definitely movement sports. All that's been throughout my life for a long time.
Speaker 1Yeah, see, rhys. This brings me on to the next thing I wanted to speak to you about, because we only really touched on it on the last episode about your dance history. You spoke about it, but I wanted to just ask about your whole passion, because it's just amazing, and what you do with it now, like Do you know what I mean?
Speaker 2Yeah, well, my dancing, well, it's a massive part of my life, isn't it? You know, a lot of people know me now as a personal trainer. A lot of people know me as the creator of the Brotherhood and the Sisterhood that does a lot of charity work. So, but realistically, I've only been doing this for three years. Um, the the back end of my life, the past 10 professional years, was as a performer, as a professional dancer, you know, and there's there's something that has come from all that. That is that is created the person I am today.
Speaker 2Dance is an incredible, you know, it's a massive part of my life. It's something that I will always be able to lean on as I grow older and enjoy and then use to heal me as well as to, you know, yeah, just enjoy myself, recharge my battery, so, but in in I always, because I always kind of parallel at the minute. You know, people ask me now, like, do I miss dancing right now? I do. You know I do one-to-one sessions with people. I do. You know, dance fitness at the gym as well. So I teach that, apart from fitness, and you know, try and um, try and mix them both together there, and I do, you know well, recently I was in an Elliot James Ray's video the upcoming artist and then I did the Lucasair advert last year. But I do little bits now, little moments, little jobs. But you know, say, four years before lockdown, I'd travel the world, I'd work in, you know, if it was renowned resorts, meet, you know, be surrounded by football players, actors, and I'd be working four hours a day in a beautiful place being looked after by a chef, and my life would be totally different. Now I wake up and I work every minute of every hour, apart from the hour I give myself a break in the morning and then, you know, I'm back to like, educating, grinding and finding myself a new path and a new career.
Speaker 2So, but I wouldn't go backwards. I'm, you know, as a dancer. You kind of learn that you have to burn the boats and devote yourself to it. So I'm thinking that life's not easy. If you asked me when I was a professional dancer, did I have an option number two? Then I've I have an option number two. Then I never had an option number two, you know. So now I build this, you know, found these foundations for a new career and a new path. I kind of have to lean on that as well and say, you know, that was incredible, but that now would be the easy way out for me. So this is what we do with the charity work. What we do with the events and the rest of my life is, you know, is my new ventures, my the events and the rest of my life is, you know, is my new ventures, my new challenges, my new discovery for who I want to be. But dancing will always be, you know, deep down in my core, my life source.
Speaker 1Yeah, 100 percent, and it's probably your go to as well. Like you said, it's very healing. Do you know what I mean? You get so much from it. So even just it's in you. So I'm sure as well, when you're just chilling, vibing, that's your go-to to feel better because of the benefits of it. So it's always going to stay with you like that.
Speaker 1And do you know what I find as well, rhys, because obviously with my history, my work history, I've kind of left like a career to pursue this, what I'm doing. Do you know what I mean? But it's always going to be a part of us, but it is in the past, almost because of what we're creating, what we're becoming kind of thing, um, but we have to have gone through that and everything that we've learned from that. I find I've got so many transferable skills that I've I had to have almost been a midwife, gone through all that to be able to do what I'm doing and to have this whole experience you gain, which you don't realize, do you know what I mean at the time. But how much you're transferring over to what you're creating, um, I found anyway on my journey, is just massive, do you?
Speaker 2find, like you're, we're always learning from life. Sometimes we don't see it right in front of us and we realize that years down the line that, oh my god it was. You know it was that person, it was that experience. It kind of taught me a lot about myself, even in, you know, our troubles, our challenges and our pain and the things that you know happen to us that knock us back, take us a few steps back or, you know, causes trauma. There's, you know, there's moments in them that teach us massively about ourselves. So, yeah, dancing, dancing Well, everything I do now is aligned with dancing.
Speaker 2You know, coming my story of being a dancer, coming from an area struck with poverty, as a council kid, it was constantly in trouble with the law, you know, using substances at a young age, didn't get any grades in school, went to college, left college after a month, went to some like kind of um, well, it was a it's a court, a city and guilds course where it was just full of kids that were just, you know, doing nothing. Realistically, we're all smoking weed and just painting doors. You know, a woman approached me in the street from the council, gave me an opportunity to go to a new scheme and then a new like college for performers, which didn't happen because they didn't get the funding, but then put me forward to a private performing arts college. It was like the billy elliott story of. You know billy elliott comment. You know that young kid that got his life-changing um opportunity and that's what it was like, that, that you know that also, that what do they call it? Um step up street Channing Tatum. You know that movie where he comes out of the streets. That is the representation of my life and my limits to what I was capable of. I didn't fully understand.
Speaker 2And then becoming a dancer, being able to travel the world, getting into a private performance college, it totally blew up the top off of all them expectations and it made me realize that life can be incredible if you know, you apply yourself differently and then you open your mind and expand yourself to dream, you know, and then um, and everything that I do now is called in that aspects of like. I believe I can do it, I and I'll work hard to do it. And dancing teaches you all that. It teaches you hard work, it teaches you discipline, it teaches you grit, but it also ignites you with passion and power and presence and, um, yeah, it changed my life. And then it's changed. You know, multiple people's lives after mine because of you know, because of the way how I move now and how you know I hold myself and the love that people have gave me, that how I give it back and look after my community yeah, it's amazing.
Speaker 1I love that honestly, and also so with dance. Obviously there's different types, right? What's your favorite?
Speaker 2my favorite dance style is probably probably something to do with lyrical hip-hop lyrical, commercial lyrical. Lyrical is kind of contemporary but expressive, emotional. You know, when I first started it was locking and popping. I used to go to break dancing and then I was in the. I was in the carnival. So I do the broadston carnival as a young dance troupe called er crew and then, um, we do local western pubs and it was africa, caribbean dancing, afro beats. Um, yeah, a lot nice high energy, high energy music as caught coming up in the game.
Dance as a Life-Changing Force
Speaker 2But you know, anything that allows you to express yourself and has you know that you can apply some emotion to and it's not too rigid, um, I really enjoy. But all music has that. All music, all music has different levels of different energy. But you know, there's times that I've done some latin in ballroom and I remember there's just. There was this one, one routine that we did on a, on a ship, on a cruise ship, and it was with this, this girl called elena, who's my dance partner. She was like my opposite across the stage and she was just as mad as me. We, we were both very energetic, very full of fire, very full of passion and you can get possessed. It's probably not the right word, but you can dive into something, into a routine, and you can embody the message and the feeling. And we did a Pashi Tango.
Speaker 2A Pashi Tango is a rough kind of tango Latin dance. Apache tango apache tango is a rough kind of tango latin dance. Um, there's, there's kind of a. There's a lot of sensual, um, kind of tough, um, soft aggression, but also love in there. Yeah and um, so I'm throwing around, I'm picking up, I'm rolling her down and then you just it's, it's like, it's like you forget where you are. Um, and then it's only when you walk back off the stage and then you catch your breath and you're like, oh, okay, then yeah, but when you're in the room, yeah, you know it, it takes over you, it takes over your mind, takes over your um, your soul, and then you know so there's there's them sort of routines.
Speaker 2And then there is like the moments where you know you, yeah, I've done like I've done some, some routines, and it's urban, it's street, and you're all just giant but um, just having a great time. And then that, that just yeah, it's, there's different, there's different styles, there's different styles, but all of them are, all of them are really rewarded If you give yourself to them, if you, if you give yourself, if you're, if you're confident, then and yeah, you, you, you can.
Speaker 1It's like flying, it's like it's like that's it and it, like I know that I'm a bloody dancer, by the way, I have no rhythm. I'm sitting, I'm saying, as in how you said, it's so expressive, like when you see it, you watch it that emotion you get an energy.
Speaker 1Yes, it's all about that, isn't it? And oh my gosh, and you can really see that. So I know. Do you know what it's all about that, isn't it? And oh my gosh, and you can really see that. So I know. Do you know what? It's funny that you say tango? Yeah, because well, when you kind of watch Strictly and all that, I don't watch it now, but when I did, it was amazing. Watching it, like you could feel that type of energy, the emotion. They really told a story, doesn't it? Like each dance, it's just a lot. They really told a story, doesn't it? Like each dance, it's just a lot.
Speaker 2My favourite used to be. Is it the Argentine Tango? I think we really like that one because of the fieriness of it, because of how strong it is, but also you can be very precise. So there's a lot of sharp movements in it, but there's also a lot of emotion in it, which is really good yeah, oh man, I love that.
Speaker 1So I thought you know what I wanted to ask you as well. Just all about, like your dance history, what do you enjoy, kind of thing, what you get from it. Um, because, again, guys, anyone listening, watching that is a form of um enjoyment that people could try. It's so uplifting, do you know what I mean? And, like you said as well, dance music. There's so much truth to it where you can just, naturally it's all about vibrations, guys, do you know what I mean? And it uplifts you and it makes you feel so just within yourself, and that's what it's all about. What is it that ignites your soul? And just for people to feel good and find that feel good thing for them. So that's why I always like to know about people's passions, their hobbies, things they like to do in their own time, their self-care, because it's all about that, isn't it? Sharing knowledge.
Speaker 2I think everybody should get out and dance. It is, it's an, it's a very powerful piece of movement. Like movement in itself is going to help you off with, like, endorphin, serotonin, dopamine. But there is something special about dancing, something special about music. We've done it from the beginning of time. People have danced around fires.
Speaker 2There's all traditions of different cultures that place different types of music and they have different ways of movement, but they'll do things in a collective and it is, it sounds, it is ancestral and there is a soul, essence of it all, like you know the biology of our body that activates to it. You know that there's a book I've got um, and there's a woman that you can, there's a woman that you can follow as well, and she's, she's gone to college and here it is. One second. It's called the the dances, dance cure, the dance cure, yeah, and then it tells you all about um, like ancient tribes and then, but also like resonance, and about how, our frequencies in our minds, like you know, um, and and how, when we're in a large group of people, moving to a resonance or a rhythm that we connect, you know and you synchronize. You synchronize with people and people feel it.
Speaker 2If you ever? If you ever within a crowd, um, and you're moving the same way and you're like if you're a rave or you're moving the same way, there's a connectability that you feel with everybody else around you. But it's unspoken, it doesn't need to be. You know it doesn't need to be, and that's what kind of connects you on. That's why people fall in love with strangers at raves, or they put you know, um, yeah, so there's a lot of, there's a lot of connection that comes through dance as well, um, and then, if you can let yourself go the the confidence side and the lack of judgment and letting all that kind of, let that kind of go as well, it's really empowering.
Speaker 1Yeah yeah, amazing, like, honestly and like you said, the evidence shows like there's a lot of history behind it. Um, yes, amazing. What was the book name?
Speaker 2again, sorry, just for anybody watching, and it's by peter lovatt. Yeah, there's a lot of the science in it about stress resilient and you should go and check it out if you're a finger and then um, great yeah, amazing, yeah and I'm all about that.
Speaker 1You know what I mean sharing the yeah great, yeah, amazing, yeah, and I'm all about that. You know what I mean. It's sharing the knowledge. I'm all about, as well, reading books that are going to kind of elevate and just learning more. It's all about that sharing that knowledge. For you, rhys, you're quite like, you're a male role model out here. Do you know what I mean? To like the younger generation, younger guys, I like to see it as and I'm sure as well you see that and many people see you as that. So I've spoke on my previous episodes just about I'm going through like my son. He's kind of doing that transition from, like, primary school to secondary school. So naturally I'm going to see this bit of shift in him, right, and I just like to get people's experiences and you, being an older male, like role model. What would you advise to guys, kids sorry, young boys that are going through that transition? So any type of advice going forward to this new experience that they're going to kind of enter.
Speaker 2I would say, and I would say, get them around healthy male role models. I would say, you know, if there's any members of your family or friends that they can kind of be an apprentice or just like, get them around and get them experience and show them examples of people that and get people that are doing well for themselves, that might be able to, that look similar to them or from similar backgrounds, and then let them have conversations about them and their youth and stuff like this. But apart from that, as a kid you're going to make mistakes. So, just being there to support your son and let him know that it's okay to make mistakes, but let's communicate all the time and reminding him that failing is a part of life and that failing is never failing. Um, it's just always learning. And they, you know, the more that we can, we can embody that. Um, the only, you know, the only time we ever lose is when we don't try. So I would say, definitely, getting around them, get them into some sort of groups as well. So you know if it's college groups or university groups, whenever they go and they keep evolving and you know that might have discipline embodied in them and then safer environments. And, yeah, check in on him, check in on him on a monthly basis and stuff, but don't make it an essence of like okay, then sit down, now we're going to have a conversation about how life is. Take him out to get ice cream or to the bowling and then talk to him whilst you're doing stuff. Men like to do stuff, so we don't like to sit down face-to-face and have a conversation. It's the same with kids. He doesn't want you to sit down and give him the pep talk. He wants you to be his mom, have fun with him, and then he'll open up to you anyway. So, um, you know, I think that's the best way to kind of connect with younger children.
Speaker 2And, um, you know, I'm reading a book right now, uh, called how to raise a boy. Yeah, um, I'm only halfway through it, but it's, um, it's about interesting. It it's about how to raise kids or how to raise a son, and one of the points in there is about the placement of the father and the placement of, when they get older, of people within the community that aren't the dad taking over and looking after the kids for a bit, to show them responsibility from an outside source, so then they can learn better communication skills and they can learn, because you know, same with the mom and the dad. As we get older kids they will become slightly rebellious and they do want to break away out of the foundations a little bit. So you know it goes in the ear and out the other in some senses. With parents, you know you can in the ear and out the other in some senses with parents.
Speaker 2You know you can be competitive, but yeah, so I think that would be like something there.
Speaker 1Yeah, no, thank you Like great advice, like seriously. I'm taking on as much advice because I feel like I'm going through something as a parent Do you know what I mean? That whole transition, so I just want to be there for them as much as I can. So, guys, guys, anyone listening, anyone watching if you're experiencing the same parents going through the same, then just stay strong out there, guys. Um, and just great advice.
Parenting Advice and Teenage Transitions
Speaker 2I think it's just normal feelings, right, and it's very common, um, but it'll be all right can I, can I add on to that as well, because you know I want to add on to that as well, being being a mother. And then me, I do run, obviously I run a women's group as well, and there's certain conversations that pop up every now and then, and there's, you know, the conversation of am I being a good parent, am I doing a good job? And I think a lot of women are very um, they, you know, they like to beat themselves up a lot of time. I grew up, you know, my mom raised me and my two brothers and she only had me at like 17. She was a young child and she had me. Well, no, she was a teenager, but she was young to have a kid. And then she went through some, you know, she went through domestic violence and she went through a lot of other adversity, growing up and moving around a lot. And you know she had me in a hostel and different places and and one with me in a hostel and different places and she sat down with me many times and she's gone. You know I've, you know she, she's reflected, she's gone.
Speaker 2Was I, am I a good mom? I've, you know, I feel like I'm a really bad mom, but my mom's raised three incredible kids and I think at the time when you're trying to be a parent and you've got the rest in the moment, what you're teaching them in the future, so your resilience. And then they see you going through a hard time. They see you trying and then you putting them first and being a guidance for them and other people. They might not tell you at the time, but there will be reflections in their future when they grow up and they go. You know my mum endured a lot. She was resilient, she pushed through. She's always, even though when I was a little bastard, she's always tried to, you know, show me the light and put herself out for that, even when we didn't have much or even blah blah. So I think be nicer to yourself and understand. Nobody has a blueprint really for growing up, for kids and nobody lives your life. So you just got to do the best that you can. And then you know it's not perfect, it might be messy, but you know if there's food on the table and a roof over their head, and you know, and yeah, it's difficult, it's difficult, but I think mothers don't give themselves enough praise for certain places and yeah, so that's what I'd be saying and that's the conversation I've had with my mum before and that's just how I talk on experience, on that essence.
Speaker 2And there's mums that I've spoke to before, once again, that are also in that place and they don't know. You know their kids are growing up, they're being argumentative and they're battling with them all the time and it's hard for you, it's difficult, but then kids are going through a lot of emotions, they're going through puberty, that you know. Then they're confused themselves. They're growing up into their, into their adult selves. Um, it's not personal to you. Don't think that they, when they're mad at you and they're saying, oh, you know they're throwing and slinging arrows at your verbally, it's not about you, it's about them trying to figure out what they're doing and they're trying to. You know it hurts themselves out sometimes. So detaching away from that sometimes is probably really powerful and understanding it's a part of the process of growing up.
Speaker 2There's something in the book. It talks about teenagers. When they're going through puberty as men, they actually come partially deaf and this is a clinical thing. Well, we never really think about it. So I always remember my mum was shouting at me and you know, obviously now I'm using it as an example, but you know, you don't understand the biology of life when we go through certain things and then when you do, it kind of gives you a different perspective on certain things. But yeah, yeah, you know.
Speaker 1I know great words, like seriously, anyone listening and watching, that's really useful to know. I know that's really helpful that I've gained something from there. Do you know what I mean? Uh, one reassurance is really kind words as well to people, anyone listening. It's good to hear.
Speaker 1I really needed to hear that, um, but also just your insight, your experience as well. So it's great to get that as mothers like okay, and this is what to expect and knowing it is a transition for them as well. So it is going to be a whole new experience, challenging at times, but it's just about embracing it and just trusting it. You know what I mean. So, thank you, those really great words. I really appreciate that, um, but yeah, so what I want to say is so honestly, so just just to let you know like I wanted to bring you on just to speak about the hike, like honestly, I could go on about it, like, yeah, just I've gained so much from it, and then from then on, like coming to your group events, other further events, like honestly, but just the experience itself, like I can honestly say the hype, like it's been one of my best experiences. So I just want to thank you and just thank you again for coming on um and just speaking on it a bit well, I'm glad, I'm glad you asked man.
Speaker 2It's been a lovely conversation, so you know.
Speaker 1Um, yeah, thank you please remind people um how they can get in contact with you.
Community Events and Future Adventures
Speaker 2So you can get in contact with me via the social media pages if they want to, which we have Instagram for thebrotherhoodlegioncic and the sisterhood underscore Midlands. We have a Facebook group for the Brotherhood called the Brotherhood Legion, and then I'm sure when you post this, she'll have our link in there as well. So, and then just tap straight on that and then, yeah, drop me a message if you're local or you want to get involved in some of the hikes or anything like that, and let's, yeah, create a connection, create a tribe. Thank you.
Speaker 1We've had some amazing stuff happen recently. New events, tell us all about it.
Speaker 2So this year has been absolutely rampant with new things and new events. We've just and we're making new partnerships. Realistically, we just did a big partnership with high cross, which is our big shopping center within leicester, and for their sports month we had a big expo in one of their shops. So it's a huge shopping center and one of the shops used to be um allocated for top man and it was a free store shop and it's really nice and big and wide. And then we we took over that for two days and then we basically put on a big long list of activities and as well as a space of engagement. We ran things like tai chi, breath work, sound baths, boxercise, a bit of dance, fitness, but the aim of the game is to lean on them, foundations of what we do with the brotherhood and the sisterhood, which is conversation, movement and inclusion. So at the back of the shop we had the classes and then we had a great company called rise coffee. They come in and did a collaboration with us and they were in. They they were doing an incredible beautiful tasting coffee and we had this big open space with tables. They had interactive games on there if they were card games for conversation, icebreakers or, like you know, giant Jenga, giant Kinect 4, or little party games, and we had people coming in. They'd sit down and they'd ask each other the card games and then they'd come and do the classes. We did this incredible big social run with some of the local run groups. I'm going to shout out to the you know the Space to Run Girls um, let's run then by lars and then also, you know, running with tom. Some of his guys came down there as well, so we just got a lot of people out moving, talking and then raising the conversation about the groups and which was beautiful, you know. And um, we had, you know, just recently, our two. We just had the public health england fund, one of our mental treats. So we, you know, just recently, we just had the Public Health England fund, one of our men's retreats. So, you know, we secured them two men's retreats there and we've already done like, multiple different events you know behind us already.
Speaker 2But let's just look forward. You know we've got the hike coming up. We've got we're doing another event for the hashtag LookGoodFeelGood, where we give out free clothes for free food, and then we'll have a comedy night for, for mental health, and then we'll do our christmas dinner. So you know there's always something going. You know there's always something in the pipe. Every month there's a big event alongside the, the back-to-back workshops that we do. You know, the ladies have been going crazy this year. We've had so many fun workshops for them and they're built around educational or menopause, or they're built around, um, you know, self-defense and domestic violence. If they're built around art and still life, art drawing or life coaching and vision boards, and you know aromatherapy and meditation. There's just amazing for this year and it's yeah, it's amazing, it is amazing and the community loves it well, yeah, and rightly so.
Speaker 1That's a massive impact, like seriously well done. You should feel so proud, like honestly and well done, on all those events that you've had and all that's coming up. It's just amazing. But yeah, so just thank you guys. Anyone watching listening I just wanted to bring my buddy just to speak on about just my experience and a few other stuff and just have a bit of a cozy chat because that's what it's all about and just get through to people listening, watching, and hopefully you've gained something from this. And just remind you, guys, if you do want to get in touch with us for anything, any kind of support um, you wanted some guidance, wanted to get through to somebody that spoke on or heard from um, heard from then please do get in touch, guys. So just to remind you, the email address is added here, so the call or podcast at gmailcom, please feel free get in touch. So, reese, just finish off any final words, any words of encouragement that you want to kind of speak on?
Speaker 2well says.
Speaker 2I once again appreciate you bringing me back on to catch up and then talk about some of the fun things that we do with the group and to just, you know, look back at what we're speaking about today about the hike, and then you know about dancing and all these other things, about pushing yourself forward, to things that might scare you a little bit.
Speaker 2And then you know, going after new ventures and, yeah, facing that fear of judgment or of anything, new experiences that you know that you might feel that you want to go out and try. If it's a new business or if it's a new hobby, go and do it. Go and do it because, at the end of the day, this is our life, you know, and when it boils down to it, and then we're 60, 78, and then everyone we know is probably either in a different place in the world or we're just not connected to one, um, that's all that's going to matter is when we can look back in our mind and our memories and experience them great moments of who's the you know, defying our fear and then creating happiness within our own lives. So go and do it.
Speaker 1What a great end to an episode amazing words like seriously and anyone listening watching. I really hope that resonates with you and encourages you to do just that. Woo, what a great end to an episode. Amazing words like seriously and anyone listening watching. I really hope that resonates with you and encourages you to do just that, because that's what it's all about right.
Speaker 2That's it, that's it.
Speaker 1Thank you, rhys, and I just can't wait as well, guys, to keep you updated about the upcoming trip that we have planned. So, yeah, just keep an eye out, guys. I hope you have seriously enjoyed this episode, I hope you've gained something from it and I hope it does encourage you to go out there and experience these experiences. But, yeah, so thank you, rhys. Thank you once again for coming on. I appreciate you so much.
Speaker 2No problem, sweet, thank you very much. And peace, love, and light.
Speaker 1Until the next time, guys take care you beautiful beans Woo.