Coffee & Chismis

EPISODE 13: Ava, my niece, and I share a bit of time in a local Starbucks catching up during her half term break where I find out what she's been up to. We dive into topics such as the the things that brings her joy, how she feels when she is doing the thing she is passionate about. She educates me on things a 11 year old gets up to and what this Tick Tock thing is all about!!! Ava opens up about her thoughts about starting a new school and what she thinks of her Dad having his 'Headspace' time and going vegetarian. I'm amazed at the level of maturity and confidence this young lady has!!!

EPISODE 12: First podcast of 2020 and something a bit different. A group conversation with my 3 Brothers where we literally pick out questions out of a bag and answer them as honestly and truthfully as we could. The questions include the humerous such as "Who would win in a Royal Rumble?" to the philosophical, "If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, then what would you today?" This conversation took place shortly after a Sunday Roast and a couple of pints so the wit, humour and ego was in full flow. We were all speaking over one another at times but this was thoroughly enjoyable and memorable. In case your wondering, yes, we really are like this when we get together. Enjoy.

A short, entertaining conversation connecting with our eldest son, Dee. Named after the Californian city, San Diego and recorded soon after our memorable summer holiday to our favourite place. This interview was captured around 3 in the morning whilst we were both jet lagged. Dee randomly and freely chats about what he enjoyed during the break, what he wants to be and other facinating topics whilst stuffing his face with his favourite breakfast, nutella and banana on toast!

My big Bro, Josh, and I sit down in a local Starbucks for about 40 minutes and we talk about what's it like being the eldest, how he is "the glue", what has been his biggest challenge (he shares a deeply personal story), what gets him pumped at 45, how family is everything and how he has zero regrets. With the authentic sounds of the toilet dryer and coffee machine in the background, this is a genuine and a real conversation and captures the essence of what Coffee & Chismiss is all about. This is a family member I deeply respect for his values and principles and is the epitome of a Big Brother. I will always look up to him.

In this solo round, macchiatto sized episode I reflect and assess my original interview with my wife, Gigi, in episode 6. A couple of months have gone by since that interview and so I provide a bit of an update but also add my personal thoughts on the three main themes: excitement, pride and family. Let me know what you thought of this deconstruction and post analysis.

My 15 year old Neice, Alyssa, joins me for a coffee and Chismis. She educates me about her process in achieving A*s and the mindest she has for studying and tackling exams. She talks about what her goals are, what brings her joy and yes...the attributes she likes in potential partners!!! It amazes me to hear her talk. Like she says, she is positive, upbeat and funny. I had a blast connecting with her for about 40 minutes as we reminisced, laughed lots and discussed the future. This is truly an ambitious focused young woman. The world better be ready!!!

Something a bit different in this episode. I thought a solo round would be a bit more refreshing where I discuss my 12 week goals. Includes: Why 12 weeks??? 1. Completing a 10K run 2. Clearing my credit card bill 3. Publishing 4 podcast episodes

Tea (no coffee on this occasion) and a bit of chismis between my Wife, Gigi, and I. Our children are having their afternoon naps upstairs as we snack on biscuits and have a friendly chat. I ask her what she is most excited about right now, her goals for 2019 and a memorable story about me. In addition, we cover areas about what she is most proud of, any regrets and what success means to her. This unedited episode shows the relationship we have... openess, honesty and laughter.

Solo round. Analysis of my chat with my Dad, Danny, where I focus and explore further the 3 universal themes of Challenges, Fate and Goals

In this episode I interview and have a conversation with my hero, my Dad, Danny. We casually talk about his struggles and challenges with growing up in the Phillipines and his ambition in gaining his education. I learn for the first time how fate plays a hand more than once to help him on his journey into the U.K. where he meets my Mum and raises a family of 4 boys!!! He talks about what he is most proud of, his challenges and what pieces of advice he would give to his grandkids through his principles, values and experiences. Personally, an amazing experience for me in learning new things about my Dad and an understanding of what traits I have inherited from him. Simply wonderful. The conversation takes place in the house he and my Mum still live in and where I grew up. There is no coffee in the house so I make do with an English tea which you can hear me slurping in between questions!!!

In this Espresso shot, solo round, I deconstruct and go deep into the interview with my Bro Louie. I dive into interesting topics such as education, goal setting and fulfilment. I also open up and assess how I'm finding the whole process of podcasting.

EPISODE 2: The FIRST interview. Fast talking and very open conversation with one of my bros. We cover topics such as education, passions, ambitions, goal setting and personal challenges. It's done in a completely unstructured way but seems to naturally flow as a result. We also touched on numerous childhood stories and even talk illegal substances!!!! We sat for an hour and a half in a Costa and all the various noises could be picked up which gives this episode authenticity reflecting the real talk. The clicking is from me fidgeting with my pen!!! Towards the end cleaners can be heard in the background ready to close up for the night!!! Personally, a great conversation.

EPISODE 1: Why the f*** would I do a podcast!!! Why call it Coffee & Chimis? How it came about and what my hopes are for it. I open up about the challenges I've recently faced and how I hope to capture advice and wisdom from my family to change and improve myself so I can be the best version of myself. Furthermore, I hope it will encourage anyone listening to engage and connect with someone they love. Special guest appearance from my 4yr old, Dee!!!