This week on the Full Circle Podcast I am joined by Tom Cowdale whose life experiences – from living with a hearing impairment to conquering Ironman Triathlons – have shaped his profound understanding of overcoming barriers and embracing challenges.
Tom joins me to share his personal journey of transformation, from feeling sidelined to becoming a champion of mind-body resilience.
Discover how one small gesture of support ignited a lifelong pursuit of health and wellbeing, leading Tom from the rugby sidelines to the global stage of athletic achievement.
Tom's story reminds us that offering a helping hand can truly change lives, and his dedication to empowering others is evident in his coaching practice.
Through a holistic approach that nurtures the mind-body connection, Tom guides individuals on their path to realising their true potential and achieving their dreams.
Don't miss this uplifting conversation that will inspire you to embrace challenges, support others, and pursue a life of wellbeing.
Quotes
“Your movement is a reflection of what's going on inside you. How you have shown up for that day, your behaviour, your emotional state, your belief system.” -
18:18
“I have always had a bit of self-doubt around myself. About where I am and what I can do. And I kind of thought, well, what if I can do an Ironman? That's going to make me feel a certain way. I'll feel good enough after it. I’ll feel like I've really accomplished something.” -
27:02
“I try and see the actual Ironman itself as a celebration of the year of the training.” -
28:53
“If you're doing things that appear like self-compassion, you know, ‘I’m not going to train today. I'm going to be kind to myself’, and you do it every day - in the end, you're not actually being that compassionate to yourself.” -
39:18
Time stamps
00:00 – An introduction to Tom
00:51 – Tom’s professional journey
05:00 – Growing up with a hearing impairment
06:42 – Tom’s turning point with his rugby coach
10:53 – Playing for England Deaf Rugby
13:35 – Chronic Pain and JEMS
24:00 – Tom’s journey to Ironman
27:09 – Self-doubt and motivation for Ironman
29:35 – The importance of having a good support structure
30:57 – The significance of sport in Tom’s life now
31:53 – Exercise and emotional wellbeing
32:49 – Tom’s coaching and the physical/psychological connection
38:30 – Tom’s lessons about self-compassion
39:18 – Tom’s tips for starting your movement journey
43:11 – How to contact Tom
43:38 – Gillian’s closing thoughts
Tom’s Socials
Gillian's Socials
Order my book, “Coming Home: A Guide To Being Your True Self”
What is Soul to Soul with Gillian McMichael?
Conversations from the heart of the healer’s path.
Hosted by Soul Healer, ICF Master Coach and best-selling author Gillian McMichael, Soul to Soul is a space for the soul-led and the called. For those who feel drawn to heal, to guide others, and to live a life shaped from the inside out.
In each new episode, Gillian sits down, soul to soul, with healers, practitioners and seekers to explore the real journey of stepping into this work. The doubt and the calling. The grief and the awakening. The healing that changes us, and what it truly means to come home to yourself before helping others do the same.
Alongside these conversations, you’ll find Gillian’s earlier episodes exploring healing, self-trust, forgiveness, alignment and the journey back to self - the inner work that forms such an important part of the healer’s path.
Whether you’re already walking this path or simply feeling the first pull towards it, pull up a chair.
These are conversations about healing, becoming, and answering the call.
*Previously Full Circle: Finding Your Way Home.