PODCASTS
M.A.D. FOR LIFE
HOSTED BY (DR) GILL HICKS AM MBE
“MAKING A DIFFERENCE
FOR A LIFETIME”
About the Series
As we launch Episode 1, I am both reflecting and planning forward; There were a few BIG questions that I had to probe and ponder to get to where we are - the obvious one, 'Does the world need another Podcast?' YES. YES. YES!
I appreciate there is a LOT of choice within this medium, so many voices who offer advice and information, however, I believe M.A.D. for Life offers something powerful and somewhat unique.
It is born from the real and extraordinary experience of knowing the fine thread of existence, the moments between Life and Death. What I was privileged to know was the amazing calm and clarity of what facing my imminent ending meant; it was like seeing a film about the meaning of life itself, all the moments knitted together to create a coherent story of what had been - the good and the not so good - what was highlighted was how my life mattered, the impact I made, the traces of me that would be present in the world long after I'd gone.
This surreal peek into the space between Life and Death not only took the fear of dying away - it increased the intensity for wanting to be alive - now I knew, now I knew what being fully alive could mean. I wanted MORE moments!
I was both the observer and participant in my Body repairing, adjusting, adapting and Continuing. Despite losing both legs and suffering severe internal organ damage, I was awestruck by what my body was able and capable of doing. I entered into a new relationship with myself - I was listening intently to what it needed and how best I could serve and help the process of 'Being'.
This feeling of absolute Awe has stayed with me and was the influence and starting point for creating platforms of communications designed to share the insights and go on the Quest of learning and understanding;
Who we are and How we can do more than merely Exist?
I'm dedicated to inspiring us to become greater Conscious Caretakers of ourselves and to explore what it means to Live like our Lives Depend On It.
I believe that our Health is our greatest asset - and this Podcast series not only celebrates BUT helps place our focus on the areas that promote a whole -life approach.
I've created 7 Pillars for us to consider when thinking about our Health and the Podcast is built around these fields; talking to the Experts, the Doctors, the practitioners, the Thought Leaders.
Pillar 1 - Mind
Cultivate awareness and intentional thinking to shape actions, regulate stress, and support overall wellbeing.
Guiding question: How will I direct my thoughts daily to strengthen my mental clarity and resilience?
Pillar 2 - Body
Treat the body as your primary asset—nurture it through movement, recovery, nutrition, and practices that align with our biology for longevity.
Guiding question: What consistent habits will I adopt to maintain and enhance physical vitality?
Pillar 3 - Soul
Nourish meaning through the arts, creativity, ritual, and spiritual or philosophical practices that foster inner coherence and wellbeing.
Guiding question: Which practices feed my sense of meaning?
Pillar 4 - Wealth
Build a healthy relationship with money so it becomes a tool for freedom and choice rather than a source of fear.
Guiding question: What steps will I take to move from financial anxiety to confidence.
Pillar 5 - Contribution
Give time, energy, and care to others and the environment—contribution boosts purpose and supports the systems that sustain life.
Guiding question: How can my contributions improve both human and planetary health?
Pillar 6 - Community
Create or join supportive networks that provide belonging, connection and mind stimulation —key drivers of long-term health.
Guiding question: Where and how will I build authentic connections that sustain me?
Pillar 7 - Legacy
Clarify the lasting impact you want to leave—purposeful action and values-driven choices create a metaphorical immortality through influence.
Guiding question: What legacy do I want my life to reflect, and what steps will I take to realise it?
Join me through this podcast series, being M.A.D. for Life, in Making a Difference for a thriving Lifetime!
RICHARD’S MOST MEMORABLE GUESTS: GILL HICKS
Conversations is bringing you a summer treat — a collection of Richard's most memorable guests through out the years.
Gill Hicks lost both her legs in the London bombings in 2005. But from the start of her recovery, she was determined not to dwell on hate or revenge, instead focus on the love that surrounded her, from family, police, doctors and nurses and complete strangers. She formed a charity called MAD for Peace, which invites us all to look for peace in our lives.
Gill Hicks was living in London in 2005. One morning she boarded a train on the Picadilly Line, and in the crowded carriage she was standing next to Jermaine Lindsay who was carrying a bomb.
When the bomb was detonated, she felt as though she was being enveloped in inky blackness. When the emergency lights came on she saw her legs and feet were shattered.
Gill heard two insistent voices in her head: one was female, inviting her to surrender into the peace of death. The other voice was male, and it was demanding that she choose to live.
As Gill waited for help to come, she made a contract with herself to survive. But she says, she wasn't fully aware of the 'fine print'.
Gill became close friends with the many police officers and medical staff who saved her life. She says the love she received from complete strangers is much more important to her than the hateful attack on herself and her fellow passengers.
Gill founded a charity called MAD for Peace, which invites people all over the world to look for peace in their own lives.
This episode of Conversations contains discussion about terrorism, bombs, bombings, Jihad, terrorists, London, underground, the Tube, relationships, disasters, religion, London Bombings, rescue operations, rescuers, ambulance, first responders, Jermaine Linday, Mad for Peace, Piccadilly Line, Adelaide, expats, mad nests, charities, walking, prosthetics, prosthetic legs, disability, fundraising.
GILL HICKS AM MBE
MOTICATIONAL SPEAKER FOR PEACE, ARTIST, PERFORMER aND SURVIVOR
Today it's an honour to bring you a conversation with the brave and inspirational Gill Hicks.
Gill was a hugely successful young woman working in publishing and music, when, in a split second, her world was dramatically changed. On the morning of 7th July 2005, she was sat on a bus, on her way to work, two seats away from a suicide bomber. Gill was the last survivor dragged from the carnage of that horrific day, so badly injured that in hospital her name tag read, “One Unknown, probably female.”
In this life-affirming and deeply moving episode, Gill discusses her life before and after the attack and the extraordinary life she lives now, dedicated to peace, reconciliation and combating radicalisation. She talks about young people, resilience and how together, we can change the world for the better.
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About the host
Richard Gerver is a sought-after speaker, world-renowned thinker, and bestselling author of books including Change and Simple Thinking. His career began in education, first as a teacher and then as a school principal, when he turned the fortunes of a failing school and its pupils around in just two years.
Now regarded as one of the world's leading thinkers on human leadership and organisational transformation, Richard has worked with an extraordinary range of people, from elite athletes to former US President Barack Obama. Named UK Business Speaker of the Year three times, Richard has been invited to speak on the world’s most recognised stages, including TED, the RSA and the BBC.
Follow Richard on Twitter @richardgerver and on LinkedIn.
STANDING TALL WITH (DR) GILL HICKS AM MBE
In my view, the very embodiment of courage and resilience is my friend Gill Hicks. As a young woman Gill travelled to London to find adventure and a new life. She found success and everything she had hoped for in that wonderful city. But that all changed in "a breath", when she was just meters away from a detonating suicide bomber on the London Underground in July 2005. The ghastly physical impact was just the beginning of a journey that would lead her on a quest to literally promote world peace. Gill is articulate, kind and outspoken about her vision of what humanity could look like. I need to sit down with her for a few more hours to hear more of her philosophies!
Gill's book "One Unknown"