The Longest Day Podcast

Hosted by Leah Talks

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Jul 2025

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About the show

In this podcast, you will be eavesdropping on Leah Brown FRSA's conversations with leaders about things barely shared on social media: their toughest, longest days and seasons of their journey. We feel privileged listening to their honest and vulnerable stories and find inspiration to overcome our own long days in life. We hope you will too.

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July 7, 2025Episode 1830 min

S6E18 - Sophia Smith Galer (Author, Journalist, Founder)

🎙️Breaking the Mould: Innovation, Risk, and Resilience with Sophia Smith GalerIn this compelling episode, award-winning journalist and digital innovator Sophia Smith Galer recounts the professional turning point that led her to leave the BBC for VICE, and eventually, into freelancing and founding her own tech venture. Sophia reflects on navigating institutional resistance, pioneering vertical video journalism, and building resilience in a traditional industry. Her story is one of bold risks, quiet determination, and unwavering belief in the power of innovation to reshape journalism for the digital age.Key pointsSophia’s “longest day” was making the decision to leave the BBC for a more creative, growth-driven role at VICE.She faced resistance at the BBC to her pioneering work in social video formats—despite demonstrable success. Ultimately she was validated by winning a British Journalism Award for Innovation of the Year for her TikTok reporting.After leaving VICE, Sophia went independent and created an AI-powered app called Sophiana (https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/sophiana-script-video-maker/id6742998989) to support journalists in producing vertical video content.She learned to trust her own data, instincts, and community of supporters while working under scrutiny and navigating systemic inequality.Best quote: “Find the champions and the people near at the top of the hierarchy who can lift you up.”Find Sophia on:Website: https://sophiasmithgaler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiasgaler TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sophiasmithgaler X/Twitter: https://x.com/sophiasgalerLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophiasmithgaler Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky and X.If Sophia’s story chimed with you, why not subscribe to The Longest Day Podcast for more raw, real conversations with pioneers. And don’t forget to follow Sophia to stay updated on her forthcoming book on language, download new at Sophiana, and everything else in between!Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1xX: @longestdaypodTikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

June 30, 2025Episode 1725 min

S6E17 - Sophie Storm Roberts (Challenge Sophie)

In this powerful episode, adventurer and mindset coach Sophie Storm Roberts joins The Longest Day Podcast to share the story of her most grueling day on the Alpine Coast to Coast Challenge—cycling 240km across two countries and summiting the highest mountains in each. Sophie reflects on her transformation from startup executive to endurance athlete and author, and how fear, self-belief, and courage shaped her journey. Listeners will walk away inspired to take bold steps in their own lives—one pedal stroke, one mantra, one act of courage at a time.Key Points:Sophie cycled through the 8 Alpine countries, summiting their highest peaks. Her longest day included 240km across Austria and Liechtenstein.Inspired by previous endurance challenges, Sophie left a tech startup role to pursue adventure full-time.She embarked alone to test and strengthen her own inner resources, building what she calls an “inner champion.”Sophie uses tools like mantras, playlists, snacks, and internal reframing to push through pain and fatigue.Inspired by nature, Sophie embraces adaptability and flow, likening her mindset to the resilience and persistence of water.Her upcoming book tackles how we can transform fear into fuel, encouraging everyday acts of courage over perfection.Sophie emphasises the importance of noticing joy and celebrating small wins along the way—not just focusing on big milestones.“Instead of phoning a friend, phone your courage. Phone your determination. Phone your heart. Phone your drive.”Resources:TEDx Talk by Sophie Storm Roberts“The Man in the Arena” quote by Theodore RooseveltYou can find Sophie at:Website: https://www.challengesophie.com LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophiestormroberts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challengesophie/ X: https://x.com/ChallengeSophie Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.If Sophie’s story lit a spark in you, share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that courage is a muscle. Subscribe to The Longest Day Podcast for more raw, real conversations with everyday heroes. And don’t forget to follow Sophie to stay updated on her book release and future adventures!Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1xX: @longestdaypodTikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

June 22, 2025Episode 1626 min

S6E16 - Leah Brown FRSA (Founder, The WayFinders Group)

Exile, Return and the Work of Repair: Leah Brown’s Longest DayEpisode Summary In this special episode of The Longest Day Podcast, host Leah Brown FRSA takes the guest seat, interviewed by Dr Farrah Jarrell. Leah shares the story of being suddenly forced to leave the UK due to a Home Office error—an administrative decision that marooned her in Barbados for months and destabilised her early career plans. What began as a single long day unfolded into a multi-year season of exile, legal battles, and soul-searching. Leah reflects on how that experience sharpened her purpose and shaped her leadership philosophy, ultimately inspiring her work at The WayFinders Group and the creation of a coalition for institutional accountability.Interview overview:Forced into exile despite legal eligibility, Leah spent months stranded in Barbados, navigating repeated visa refusals, family breakdown, and personal grief.Discovered a legal mishandling of her case, which affirmed the importance of trusting her instincts and advocating for herself.Gained insight into systemic failure, institutional injustice, and the emotional cost of being failed by trusted structures — lessons she now channels into reform work.Founded The WayFinders Group, using mediation, law, philosophy, and behavioural science to support leaders and rebuild trust within fractured organisations.Now spearheading a national coalition and publishing a white paper, From Harm to Healing, to drive institutional accountability and embed restorative frameworks across public services.Best Quote: “Even in my longest day, I wasn’t without grace... I had everything I needed to step into the future I was desperate to create.”ResourcesThe WayFinders Group – www.thewayfindersgroup.com From Harm to Healing – White Paper launching 30 June 2025Dr Farrah Jarrell – GP, writer and broadcaster, author of the upcoming book Anima, and represented by Tracy Bohan at The Wylie AgencyContact InformationFind Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ Leah is represented by Hannah Weatherill at Watson, LittleWebsites: www.thewayfindersgroup.com, https://www.leahtalks.com and www.thelongestdaypodcast.com Instagram: @leahtalks_TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@leahtalks_ X: @leahtalks_Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1xX: @longestdaypodTikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

June 15, 2025Episode 1524 min

S6E15 - Dr Barbara Banda (Educator, Speaker, Author of The Model Black®️)

The Stories We Never Tell: Writing Black Leadership into ExistenceDr Barbara Banda shares her marathon writing session during lockdown, where she spent from 3am through the night crafting the first chapter of her groundbreaking book "The Model Black." This deeply personal chapter forced her to confront experiences she'd never spoken about openly, exploring what it means to "come out as Black" in professional environments. Barbara discusses her interviews with 30 Black British leaders, including David Lammy and Trevor Phillips, revealing the strategies they use to navigate predominantly white workplaces. The conversation explores the healing power of sharing untold stories, the unique challenges faced by Black leaders in Britain, and how authentic storytelling can bridge understanding across communities.Barbara’s Longest Day started writing at 3am and continued through the night, as she was determined to complete her first chapter of "The Model Black". The book is based on interviews with 30 Black British leaders, from well-known figures to those quietly leading major organisations. It focuses specifically on the British context, resisting publisher pressure to make it international. The book explores strategies for navigating predominantly white workplaces rather than being a "how-to" success guide.Best Quote: "I can't find them anywhere. I don't find that those experiences are not written down. My experience is not captured anywhere... There was nothing that I could put my hand on to say actually, if you're coaching a Black leader, or if you're leading a team, and you've got Black people within it, here's something that just might be helpful to you."Resources "The Model Black: How Black British Leaders Succeed in Organisations and Why it Matters" by Dr Barbara Banda (published by Routledge) includes interviews with leaders including David Lammy (current Foreign Secretary) and Trevor Phillips: https://www.routledge.com/The-Model-Black-How-Black-British-Leaders-Succeed-in-Organisations-and-Why-It-Matters/Banda/p/book/9781032060545?srsltid=AfmBOoptMFvTOl8eHyVb2TX_u7R0OiUgpaAGmDFeVOph05bS5E5yARn9 Contact InformationFind Dr Barbara Banda here: Website: https://www.barbarabandaconsulting.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-banda-consulting/ Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1xX: @longestdaypodTikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

June 9, 2025Episode 1431 min

S6E14 - Rabbi Rami Goldberg (Israel 365)

Turning Challenges into Strengths: Rabbi Rami's Journey from Dyslexia to Business LeadershipRabbi Rami Goldberg shares his inspiring journey of overcoming dyslexia to become a successful CEO and community leader. From struggling with reading in third grade to co-founding patent broker Optimal IP and working with Israel 365, Rami discusses how learning differences can become business advantages. He explores the power of community support, the importance of structured learning, and how faith intersects with entrepreneurship. Based in Israel, Rami also reflects on resilience during challenging times and the role of shared values in building stronger communities.Early Challenges & DiagnosisDiagnosed with dyslexia around third grade when reading difficulties became apparentExperienced the social challenges of being pulled out of class and called upon to readParents advocated for accommodations and support throughout his educationAcademic Perseverance and Business Success Through Different ThinkingCompleted extensive religious studies including rabbinical degree despite reading challengesLearned Hebrew and Aramaic alongside English, adding complexity to his studiesDeveloped rigid scheduling and time management systems to succeed academicallyNotes that dyslexia statistics show 50% of CEOs and 50% of prisoners have the conditionTransitioned from academic world to business, finding his strengths in sales and entrepreneurshipCo-founded Optimal IP (international patent attorney broker) and currently works with Israel 365Community & Support SystemsEmphasises the crucial role of community support throughout his journeyAdvocates for in-person connections and volunteer work to combat isolationMentors others through business and religious organisationsBest Quote“The only reason why I can read today is really because of that study partner who really forced me to go through the exercises over and over and over again to the point where I was, you know, to, I'm still not fluent today... But I do have my fourth grader, well, correct me as I'm reading."Contact InformationFind Rabbi Rami Goldberg here: https://www.youtube.com/@RamiGoldberg and his Israel 365 Biblical Money podcast here: www.theisraelbible.com/biblical-money Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1xX: @longestdaypodTikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

June 2, 2025Episode 1329 min

S6E13 - Dr Lina AbiRafeh (Better4Women)

Protecting Dignity in Crisis: A Humanitarian's Moral Stand in HaitiEpisode SummaryDr Lina AbiRafeh shares her harrowing experience from the 2010 Haiti earthquake response, where she led sexual violence prevention efforts. During one particularly challenging day, she made a split-second decision to protect a young rape survivor giving birth from exploitative journalists, ultimately prioritising human dignity over professional expectations. This powerful conversation explores the moral courage required in humanitarian work, the personal costs of standing up for one's values, and how to create meaningful change from wherever you stand.Key PointsThe immediate aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake and its impact on vulnerable populationsThe ethical dilemmas faced by humanitarian workers dealing with media pressureHow journalists sometimes exploit trauma survivors for sensational storiesThe personal and professional consequences of taking moral standsThe evolution from frontline emergency work to systemic change-makingThe importance of exercising judgement and acting on principles in crisis situationsUnderstanding that effective change doesn't always require going to the frontlinesThe complex funding dynamics in humanitarian emergenciesBest Quote"Start where you stand. You don't have to go far to do good. You don't have to go big to do good." Look around your own community and identify where you can make a difference right where you are. What small but meaningful action can you take today to protect someone's dignity or stand up for what's right?ResourcesLina’s TEDx 2025: How to build a better world for women https://youtu.be/p-v71cYvkSg?si=UqvRXX-aQEeGRAQl Lina’s TEDx 2015: Women’s Safety in a Violent World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krSG-RtiWUA Contact InformationFind Dr Lina AbiRafeh here: Website: www.Better4Women.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lina-abirafeh-28774867/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linaabirafeh/ Medium: linaabirafeh.medium.com/ Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1xX: @longestdaypodTikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

May 26, 2025Episode 1233 min

S6E12 - Liam Black

Leading with Purpose and CompassionEpisode Summary: In this episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Leah sits down with Liam Black, a renowned social entrepreneur, mentor, and author. Liam shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in social enterprises and offers powerful insights on leadership, purpose, and resilience. His candid stories about successes, failures, and the importance of compassion in leadership make this episode a must-listen for aspiring changemakers.Key Points:Liam's early life and the experiences that shaped his values.Transitioning from business to social entrepreneurship.The power of storytelling in leadership.Balancing purpose and profit in social enterprises.How to stay resilient in challenging times.Practical advice for aspiring social entrepreneurs.Best Quote: "Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating spaces where people can bring their best selves and collectively find the answers."Resources Mentioned:Book: How to Lead with Purpose and Compassion by Liam Black (2023)Social Enterprise UK (https://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/)Guest and host informationFind Liam Black here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-black-03763a8/ Subscribe to Liam's Substack "Peace, Love and Profit" here: https://liamblack.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=webFind Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1xX: @longestdaypodTikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

May 19, 2025Episode 1122 min

S6E11 - Mike Roe (Tensense AI)

Episode SummaryIn this gripping episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Leah is joined by Mike Roe, a former police commander turned tech CEO. Mike recounts the story of his longest day, a day when he found himself at the center of a crisis that shook Bristol. His experience offers a profound exploration of leadership, resilience, and the ethical dilemmas faced in high-pressure roles.Key PointsThe Crack Cocaine Crisis in Bristol: Mike describes how a surge of crack cocaine flooded the streets of Bristol in the early 2000s, leading to a dramatic rise in crime and placing immense pressure on local law enforcement.Clash with the Home Office: Mike shares his struggles with government authorities, including a conflict with Home Secretary David Blunkett, who initially sought his dismissal.Media Exposure with The Guardian: Mike reveals how he and his chief constable collaborated with The Guardian to expose the negative impact of crime targets on policing.Leading Through Crisis: Mike reflects on how he maintained his values, supported his team, and navigated a challenging political landscape during his longest day.Transitioning to Tech Leadership: Drawing on his police experience, Mike discusses how his understanding of leadership, data, and resilience helped him build a successful career as a tech CEO.Best Quote“Leadership is about values, resilience, and sometimes compromise. You don’t get to pick your crisis — but you do get to choose how you lead through it.”Guest and host informationFind Mike Roe here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-j-roewww.tensense.ai Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1xX: @longestdaypodTikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

May 12, 2025Episode 1023 min

S6E10 - Bobby Seagull (Teacher, Broadcaster, Author)

Episode SummaryIn this compelling episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Leah is joined by the dynamic and insightful Bobby Seagull — a mathematician, educator, and broadcaster. Bobby shares the story of experiencing the shocking collapse of Lehman Brothers as a young trader, and finally confronting personal grief amidst professional responsibilities. Bobby offers profound reflections on resilience, leadership, and finding one’s path.Key PointsInside Lehman Brothers on Collapse Day: Bobby gives a first-hand account of being on the trading floor of Lehman Brothers during its historic 2008 bankruptcy, sharing his memories of chaos, loss, and valuable life lessons.Lessons in Resilience and Adaptability: Bobby reflects on how these three experiences taught him to embrace change, balance ambition with flexibility, and find personal fulfillment beyond professional titles.Leadership Reflections: Through the lens of his experience at Lehman Brothers, Bobby explores how leadership and organizational culture can impact decision-making and risk management.Best Quote"I genuinely believed I would be at that bank forever... but when Lehman Brothers collapsed, I learned that life isn’t a straight line — and that’s okay."Guest and host informationFind Bobby Seagull here:https://www.instagram.com/bobby_seagull https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-seagull-77880157/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-lNF95OSxTtfnUfTNJdEzg https://bobbyseagull.com/ Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1xX: @longestdaypodTikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

May 5, 2025Episode 936 min

S6E9 - Dina and Jeremy Green (UK Creative Festival & Careers Fair / UK Creative Foundation)

In this candid episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Leah Brown FRSA speaks with Dina and Jeremy Green (co-founders of the UK Creative Festival and Careers Fair, and run the UK Creative Foundation) about the personal and professional sacrifices behind creating a platform that champions accessibility, inclusion, and opportunity in the creative industries. They open up about the realities of running a major festival and careers fair, the financial and emotional toll it has taken, and why they keep pushing forward. It’s an honest, heartfelt look at the “longest day” behind the scenes of a movement built for the next generation of creatives.Key points:The true cost of running a purpose-driven festival: Financial risk, emotional labour, and the weight of responsibility.Why they started the UK Creative Festival: Addressing inequality, offering real opportunities, and creating a space that reflects the future of the industry.The role of the UK Creative Foundation: How it supports young people and why funding its work remains a constant challenge.Balancing family, career, and commitment to a cause: Dina and Jeremy reflect on how their personal lives have been impacted by the mission.What keeps them going: Purpose, belief in change, and the stories of young people whose lives have been changed through the festival.Best quote: “We’ve put everything into this—financially, emotionally, even physically—but we believe in it because it’s not about us. It’s about building something that lasts for the next generation.” – Jeremy GreenResources:UK Creative Festival and Careers Fair – visit https://ukcreativefestival.co.uk to book tickets and learn moreUK Creative Foundation – visit https://creativefoundation.co.uk to download the report referenced in the episodeGuest and host information:Find Jeremy Green here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-green-b1b36aaFind Dina Green here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-green-54275611 Find the Creative Festival on Instagram: @ukcreativefestival Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.If you believe in opening doors to the creative industries, support the UK Creative Foundation. Donate, partner, or volunteer to help make next year’s festival even more impactful. Visit ukcreativefoundation.co.uk to get involved and be part of the change.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1xX: @longestdaypodTikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939