How To Be An Icon
Life throws challenges our way—but what if those challenges are the key to our greatest strengths? How to be an icon is a podcast dedicated to transforming adversity into power. Each episode dives into real stories of resilience, expert insights on mental toughness, and practical strategies to help you rise above setbacks. Whether you’re facing personal struggles, professional roadblocks, or simply looking for inspiration, this podcast will equip you with the mindset and tools to not just survive, but thrive. Tune in, embrace the struggle, and turn your pain into power. 💪🎙️
Episodes
Sunday May 25, 2025
Sunday May 25, 2025
What would you do if you found out your health would only get worse with time? Matt Addis was in his early twenties, working a regular job in a call centre, when he received a life-changing diagnosis—a brain tumour that would gradually take his hearing. Having struggled with ear issues since childhood, he knew something was wrong, but nothing could have prepared him for what came next.
In this candid and brutally honest conversation, Matt shares how his diagnosis flipped his perspective on life. Instead of giving in to fear or self-pity, he adopted a "fuck it, just do it" attitude, refusing to let the future steal his present. We talk about:
How he first realized something was wrong and the shocking diagnosis that followed.
Coming to terms with gradual hearing loss and how he navigates the uncertainty of the future.
The mindset shift that helped him embrace life with zero fear and zero regrets.
Why so many of us hold back from truly living—and how to stop waiting for the "right time."
Matt’s story isn’t about tragedy—it’s about freedom. His laid-back, no-nonsense approach to life will leave you questioning your own fears and inspiring you to stop hesitating and start living. Because, as Matt knows all too well, you never know what’s around the corner.
If you would like to connect with Matt, you can find him on Instagram @mattaddispt or on Facebook: Matt Addis
Useful Links:
West Norfolk Deaf Association: http://www.wnda.org.uk
Sunday May 11, 2025
Sunday May 11, 2025
What does it really take to build a fulfilling life? How do we navigate setbacks, find happiness, and push through life’s toughest moments? In this episode, we sit down with Austen Moore, a renowned life and business coach, to get real, actionable insights on personal growth, resilience, and success.
Austen shares powerful mindset shifts, practical strategies for overcoming challenges, and how to align your life with what truly matters. We discuss topics such as:
Overcoming anxiety and why so many of us feel stuck in cycles of worry.
Why we don’t know ourselves enough and how self-awareness leads to lasting happiness.
Dealing with stress, overwhelm, anger, and other negative emotions in a healthy, productive way.
How to accept the things we can’t change and find peace in uncertainty.
Austen also opens up about a debilitating injury he suffered during a Thai kickboxing fight—a sport in which he holds a black belt. He shares how this life-altering moment forced him to redefine success, let go of what he couldn’t control, and rebuild his life with a new purpose.
This episode is packed with wisdom, real-life experience, and the tools you need to navigate life's toughest challenges. Tune in for an inspiring, thought-provoking conversation with the fearless and pragmatic Austen Moore.
If you would like to connect with Austen, you can find him through his website: austenmoore.com
Sunday Apr 27, 2025
Sunday Apr 27, 2025
Losing a loved one is never easy, but what happens when grief is tangled with anger, betrayal, and financial hardship? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Michelle O’Toole, who faced the heartbreaking loss of her father—only to discover the crushing debt he left behind. As she navigated the emotional weight of grief, Michelle also had to confront the unexpected financial burden, forcing her to balance mourning with survival.
She opens up about the complex emotions of loving someone while resenting the choices they made, how she found strength in the chaos, and the ways she learned to heal and move forward. This raw and honest conversation explores the messy realities of loss, the impact of financial stress on grief, and the resilience it takes to rebuild.
If you’ve ever struggled with complicated feelings after losing a loved one, this episode is for you.
If you want to connect with Michelle, you can find her on Instagram: @shell_otoole_photography or @otooles.on.tour
Useful links:
https://www.cruse.org.uk/understanding-grief/
https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/debt-help-plan/
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
In this episode, we sit down with ultra-endurance cyclist and world record holder Robbie Ferri, who has conquered more countries on two wheels than anyone before him, having broken two world records. Robbie takes us inside the thrilling, gruelling, and sometimes terrifying world of ultra-distance cycling, sharing stories from the road—moments of pure exhilaration, near disasters, and the mental battles that come with pushing the human body to its limits and the lows experienced after the 'high' of an ultra endurance event.
Beyond the physical challenges, Robbie opens up about his personal struggles with anxiety and depression, revealing how the solitude of the road can be both a place of healing and hardship. We explore the mindset required to keep going when everything tells you to stop, the importance of mental resilience, and how cycling became both an escape and a salvation. He offers ways in how to deal with challenges when everything feels out of control.
Join us for an inspiring and raw conversation about endurance, mental health, and the pursuit of something bigger than ourselves.
If you want to connect with Robbie you can find him on Instagram: @ridingwithrobbie
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
In this pilot episode, I sit down with Ellora to discuss how she found herself struggling financially while studying at university. She thought she had found the perfect side gig - easy money for minimal work. But what seemed like a lucky break quickly turned into a nightmare as she realised she was caught in the web of a money laundering scheme.
In this gripping episode Ellora opens up about how she unknowingly fell for the deception, the moment she realised she was in too deep and the consequences that followed.
She shares the lessons learned, the impact it had on her life and what others should look out for to avoid falling into the same trap.
If you'd like to connect with Ellora you can find her on Instagram @elloraadventures or TikTok: @ellorahoward
Thanks to our sponsors How Not To Summon A Podcast. You can find them on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or any good podcatcher app.