He thought he was indestructible, but when illness brought him to his knees it also served him with lessons of personal growth he never expected.

Mike Forbes is former fly-fishing champion, in his own words a ‘hairy-assed farmer’ from Angus, and a man who looked a 10% survival rate in the eye and told it to sod off.

This episode of the Unmuted podcast shares the bare faced resilience but also the unswerving humility of Mike’s spirit.

Mike started life as a second generation farmer who sees opportunities in challenges. When the pig farming business was in decline, he transformed a run down boathouse into a coveted luxury country resort.

His real transformation occurred during his recovery from a rare leukemia. Faced with a 10% survival rate, Mike found faith through a series of events that have shaped him into a man who now expresses empathy, humility and transparency.

For those of you who have visited Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort, the history of the location and man who made this place will likely astound you. For anyone who has faced a dark journey of their own, this podcast might serve as a beacon of light.

An incredible story of an incredible man whose outlook on life is from a life well lived.

#forbespfkingennie #mikeforbes #faithlikepotatoes #inspiringstories #scottishheroes

Music: 'Spirit of Fire' - fiftysounds.com

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Victoria’s job is so much more than photographing boudoir shots. It’s been a space of reclamation, driving her to advocate on body positivity to youth groups, and her salvation when her life crumbled in 2024.

From quitting the office job she hated and never even handling a camera, Victoria Baptiste found herself as a career photographer and discovered the creative and meaningful work that came from boudoir photography.

I met with Victoria to discuss the importance of high emotional intelligence in a job where your customers are at their most vulnerable. I learned that this safety in vulnerability offers Victoria's customers an emotional outlet that they often aren’t anticipating.

She explains that her work is less about the photos themselves and more about reclaiming self-worth for women who have survived cancer, domestic violence, or body dysmorphia.

A central theme of the episode is resilience. Victoria shares her experience of losing her father, her dog, her home, and her relationship while navigating a pregnancy loss—all within eight months. She credits her survival to her business and the "anchor" of small daily routines. The episode also explores the dangers of social media "perfection" culture, the rise of AI, and Victoria’s work with youth charities to promote healthy body image in schools.

Take a listen to learn how Flux Photography’s Victoria Baptiste handles life with half dressed customers with the greatest care.

Music: 'Spirit of Fire' - fiftysounds.com

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Carl Cashman may be described as the UK’s hottest politician, but that should be representative of his keen ambition and remarkable commitment to the betterment of the community of Liverpool, not just his appearance.

In an age where we often find political leaders who are out of touch and without empathy, In Carl, I met a leader who knows that empathy and emotional intelligence help him.

He is quick to share the stories of people in his community who have inspired him, who provide mentorship and inspiration. This isn’t a solo rise to success, but a collective effort and one that Carl celebrates openly.

At just 34, Carl is the leader for the Liberal Democrats in Liverpool. If you’ve seen him on TV, heard him on the radio, or met with him in person, you’ll likely agree that he does not fit the stereotype of the typical politician.

Personable, authentic and passionate; Carl is first and foremost a member of the Liverpool community. He leads with heart as much as strategy and not once did he offer a ‘politician’s’ answer to any of my questions.

An inspiring, humbling and empowering podcast guest - take a listen to Carl as he shares his thoughts on how we can think, inspire and communicate with each other for a better quality of life in our communities.

Music: 'Spirit of Fire' - fiftysounds.com

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