Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and bereavement.

In this episode of The Brilliant Humans Podcast, Jonathan sits down with teacher, choreographer, and lifelong musical theatre lover Jo Burston, as she shares the deeply personal story of the brilliant human who changed the course of her life.

Jo opens up about the lifelong anxiety she carried from childhood, the trauma of a serious car crash, and the profound heartbreak of losing her brother to suicide. Feeling lost in her early twenties - unsure of her path, disconnected from the joy of dance, and struggling to find her place in the world - a chance conversation in a nightclub led her to Andrew Tilling, who helped her on a transformative journey of coaching, clarity, and finally feeling seen.

With honesty, warmth, and humour, Jo reflects on:

• How Andrew guided her through overwhelming self-doubt and helped her reclaim confidence
• The strange and beautiful coincidences that connect their lives, including the name of her son
• Why the right person, at the right time, can shift your entire direction
• The power of being encouraged by someone who truly believes in you

This is a story about the unexpected moments that alter who we become, the people who walk beside us when life is too heavy to carry alone, and the brilliance of giving someone the courage to be themselves.

The Brilliant Humans Podcast celebrates the people who remind us what makes us human.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Brilliant Humans Podcast, Jonathan Griffiths speaks with Paul Naisbitt - a survivor of domestic abuse, advocate, volunteer, and campaigner raising funds to create the first male refuge in the North of England.

Paul shares his remarkable journey from feeling trapped and voiceless to rebuilding his life with purpose and compassion. He opens up about the moment that changed everything - discovering coach and speaker Paul Mort, whose honesty, accountability, and belief in personal responsibility helped him regain his confidence and sense of self. Paul tells Jonathan how 'The Cliff Video' started it all, which you can watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7OJjSiKw7I&t=475s

Together, Jonathan and Paul explore what it means to take back control, to rebuild after trauma, and to find freedom through focus and kindness.

The Brilliant Humans Podcast celebrates the people who remind us what makes us human.

Content warning: this episode includes references to domestic abuse and suicide, which some listeners may find difficult. Please take care while listening, or feel free to skip this one if it feels too much right now.

In this episode of The Brilliant Humans Podcast, Jonathan Griffiths talks with Chip Means about the power of laughter, vulnerability, and what we can learn from Conan O’Brien’s unique blend of humour and humanity.

From late-night comedy to quiet moments of self-doubt, Chip reflects on how Conan’s openness about mental health and imperfection makes him not just funny - but profoundly relatable. Together, they explore why the best humour often comes from honesty, how comedy can connect and heal, and why being human will always be funnier - and braver - than pretending to have it all figured out.

🎧 The Brilliant Humans Podcast celebrates the people who remind us what makes us human.