Following some glamorous and colourful experiences working in the aviation industry Viv Bird and her fellow crew members experienced an air crash and 22 hours in freezing temperatures surrounded by icy tundra before they were rescued by the military. Viv's attitude to life surely helped her to cope with such a dramatic turn of events and perhaps there may be some useful aspects of this enjoyable conversation for us all!

With significant experience working in some of the worlds most challenging war zones Paul Conroy has documented important stories with skill and bravery. His book 'Under the Wire' is a compelling read and the 2018 film 'A Private War' shines a light on his incredible work with the esteemed journalist Marie Colvin. In this conversation he recounts his dramatic escape from the besieged Syrian city of Homs after being wounded in the attack which took the lives of Marie and fellow photojournalist Remi Ochlik.

I found Jason Ardays story particularly inspiring. Unable to speak til he was 11,

unable to read or write til 18 years of age, Jason was not a prime

candidate for the extraordinary life which he has lived. Jason has enjoyed an

amazing career in academia , currently holding the role of Professor of

Sociology of Education at Cambridge University .As if that wasn’t enough he

also tells us how he raised over a million pounds for charity way ahead of

schedule. This conversation was recorded back in 2021 whilst Jason was an Associate

Professor at Durham University.

For some years Gian Power has been doing great work with his TLC Lions initiative who are on a mission to transform workplaces globally through the power of storytelling. His work around the areas of mental health is impressive and in 2019 he was the winner of the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Before that however he experienced the anguish of his father going missing in India before being told that he had been murdered. The experience prompted him to become an ambassador for missingpeople.org.uk , a charity that offers a lifeline for the 170000+ people who run away and go missing each year in the UK. They also provide support for family and friends.

Recorded back in 2021 this conversation forms part of a podcast series where pioneering record label founder and music industry manager Nick Halkes talks with people who have faced significant challenges but moved through them providing some inspirational teachings in the process. More episodes have been recorded and will follow-if you're interested in getting involved you can contact Nick at nick@incentivemusic.co.uk

Produced by Mike Swaine and Nick Halkes. Edited by Mike Swaine.

You can learn more about the work of and donate to the missing people charity at www.missingpeople.org.uk If you need help you can call or text them on 116000

You can learn more about the work of TLC Lions at www.tlclions.com

Follow Gian Power on Instagram at @gianpower

Follow Nick Halkes on Instagram @nickhalkes