The Human Mix

Welcome back to The Human Mix.This week, Nick & Lydia are joined by Rob Oakley, co-founder of Kuppso, a coffee subscription app on a mission to help people discover and support independent coffee shops rather than defaulting to the big chains.Rob shares the story behind Kuppso, the research that shaped the idea, and why listening to both coffee shop owners and customers has been crucial to building something people actually want. From discounted coffees and changing consumer habits to the growing role of independent cafés as community spaces, this conversation explores how a simple idea could make a real difference to local businesses.But building a business isn't all coffee and good vibes! Rob opens up about juggling his startup alongside a marketing consultancy, balancing ambition with family life, and the reality of taking a risk when you've got a mortgage and young children to think about.It's an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, taking calculated risks, and finding the courage to build something you're proud of, while reminding us why supporting independent businesses matters.If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:Nick McKieLydia J HallInstagramTo find out more about Rob or Kuppso, head to the below links:Rob Oakleyhttps://uk.linkedin.com/in/rob-oakley-marketingKuppsohttps://www.kuppso.com/

Welcome back to The Human Mix.This week, Nick and Lydia are joined by Gemma Grao, The Travelling Artist, for an inspiring conversation about taking a leap of faith, finding your creativity, and having the courage to build a life that feels right for you.Gemma shares her journey from corporate life to becoming a full time artist, explaining how lockdown reignited her love of painting and made her question whether she was really doing what made her happy. From starting with small paintings to creating murals, building her own brand, and embracing life on the road in a campervan, Gemma proves that sometimes the biggest risks can lead to the most rewarding adventures.Together, they explore the difference between bravery and recklessness, the realities of running a creative business, and why reconnecting with the things we loved as children might just be the key to finding our purpose as adults.It's an honest, uplifting conversation about creativity, motherhood, freedom, and choosing a life on your own terms, with a reminder that you don't need to have everything figured out to take that first step.If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:Nick McKieLydia J HallInstagramTo find out more about Gemma, head to the below links:Gemma Graohttps://www.instagram.com/gemmagraoart/

Welcome back to The Human Mix.This week, Nick & Lydia are joined by James Merrix, Tech Entrepreneur, AI & Software Development Leader, and expert in building scalable, intelligent digital platforms.From the fear that AI will kill us all to the very real impact it's already having on jobs, creativity and business, James cuts through the hype and asks a bigger question: are we using AI to make us smarter, or are we simply outsourcing our thinking?James shares how his team used AI to turn a process that once took 200 person-days into just six and a half minutes, while exploring AI agents, critical thinking, loneliness, creativity and the future of work.They also discuss which careers could be more resistant to AI, whether technology can replace genuine human connection, and why the biggest risk might not be AI itself, but how much we choose to rely on it.A fast-moving, thought-provoking conversation about AI, anxiety, work, creativity and the human edge.If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:Nick McKieLydia J HallInstagramTo find out more about James, head to the below links:James Merrixhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmerrix/

Welcome back to The Human Mix.This week, Nick & Lydia are joined by Dan Kenary, co-founder of Harpoon Brewery, for an inspiring conversation about building a business that stands the test of time without losing sight of the people who make it possible.Dan shares how a passion for European beer culture inspired the creation of Harpoon Brewery and reflects on the highs, lows, and lessons learned from growing one of America's pioneering craft breweries. From overcoming industry challenges and fierce competition to navigating economic uncertainty, he offers an honest look at what it really takes to build a lasting business.The conversation explores the importance of company culture, community, and leading with strong values. Dan explains why treating people well, investing in your team, and staying true to your purpose are just as important as commercial success. He also opens up about succession planning, balancing work and family life, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.Packed with practical business insights, inspiring stories, and timeless leadership lessons, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone passionate about building something that truly matters.If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:Nick McKieLydia J HallInstagramTo find out more about Dan, head to the below links:Dan Kenaryhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kenary-018824245/Harpoon Breweryhttps://harpoonbrewery.com/

Welcome back to The Human Mix.This week, Nick & Lydia are joined by Meeta Darji, an award-winning speaker and mindset expert, for an honest and fascinating conversation about money mindset, emotional resilience, and the power of EFT tapping.Together, they explore how the beliefs we pick up in childhood can shape the way we spend, save, earn, and think about money as adults. Lydia also shares her own experiences of the emotional pressure that can come with bank balances, invoicing, and being self-employed.Meeta explains how EFT, also known as tapping, can help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and uncover the beliefs sitting underneath fear and self-doubt. She shares the personal story that led her to discover tapping after a serious car accident, panic attacks, and PTSD, and how just one session changed the way she responded to driving.The conversation also looks at women and money, workplace wellbeing, emotional intelligence, and why resilience isn't something we're simply born with. It's a skill that can be developed and strengthened every day.There's even a chance to try a simple money-focused tapping exercise during the episode, exploring how our bodies can respond differently to financial situations when we learn to regulate our emotions.If you've ever felt anxious about money, struggled with self-doubt, or found yourself carrying stress in your body, this episode offers a fresh perspective on understanding yourself, calming your nervous system, and building greater confidence.If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:Nick McKieLydia J HallInstagramTo find out more about Jon, head to the below links:Meeta Darji Instagram

Welcome back to The Human Mix.Joining Nick & Lydia in the studio is Dayle Adams, a psychic medium with over 25 years of experience helping people connect with loved ones in spirit while opening minds to the possibility of a world beyond the physical.Together, they explore the fascinating space where science meets spirituality, discussing energy, psychic abilities, spirit communication, and whether we all have an innate intuitive gift waiting to be unlocked.Dayle shares how she developed her abilities, why she now teaches others to strengthen their intuition, and the signs many believe loved ones leave behind, from robins and butterflies to feathers appearing at just the right moment. The conversation also touches on reincarnation, near-death experiences, energy protection, and separating genuine psychic insight from coincidence.Whether you're a believer, a sceptic, or simply curious about life beyond the physical, this episode is packed with thought-provoking stories and fresh perspectives that might just change the way you see the world.If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:Nick McKieLydia J HallInstagramTo find out more about Dayle, head to the below links:Dayle AdamsInstagramWebsite

Welcome back to The Human Mix.Helping Nick & Lydia kick off a brand-new season is the brilliant Holly Matthews for a conversation that's equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and incredibly empowering. Holly Matthews is a former TV actress (Byker Grove, Waterloo Road, Casualty) and singer (Signed to Sony at 18, appeared on TOTP’S, MTV, Disney) who learnt how to use her ‘weird’ to stand out from the crowd. After the death of her husband to brain cancer in 2017 , when she was just 32, the Mum of 2 began her mission to help others to embrace their ‘weird’ build their confidence. Together, they dive into what it really means to embrace your weird, stop worrying about what everyone else thinks, and start showing up as your authentic self. From navigating neurodiversity and ADHD to rediscovering your inner child, Holly shares why the things that make us different are often our greatest strengths. The conversation explores the pressures of trying to fit in, the freedom that comes with letting go of perfection, and why creativity, play, and a healthy dose of fun deserve a place in adult life. They also chat openly about menopause, midlife, and how this stage of life can become an opportunity to reconnect with who you truly are, rather than who you think you should be. Packed with laughter, honest moments, practical takeaways, and plenty of "that's so me!" moments, this episode is a celebration of being unapologetically yourself. If you've ever felt a little different or wondered if everyone else has life figured out, this one's for you.If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:Nick McKieLydia J HallInstagramTo find out more about Holly, head to the below links:Holly MatthewsInstagramWebsite

Welcome back to The Human Mix.In this episode, Nick & Lydia are talking to Commodore Eric Thompson who shares his experiences as a submariner, detailing a critical incident involving a steam leak on HMS Revenge, the dynamics of life underwater, nuclear weapon training and the protocols followed during emergencies.He reflects on the camaraderie among crew members, the challenges of operating during the Cold War, and the importance of communication and relationships in high-pressure environments. The group touches on the psychological challenges of being away from family for extended periods of time, having limited communication and being given the choice of whether you'd like to receive bad news whilst below the surface.Since retiring, Eric speaks on becoming an author, his first book On Her Majesty's Nuclear Service and his decision to get involved with political party, Liberal Democrats, in Scotland.The episode has themes of bravery, true human connection and pride throughout and it's not one you'll want to skip.---If you'd like to get in contact or be involved with The Human Mix, please see below:Nick McKieLydia J HallInstagram----If you'd like to reach Eric, please find his website here.If you'd like to read On Her Majesty's Nuclear Service, click here.