I Am... James O'Connor on Embracing Vulnerability as a Guide and Fuel

I Am... Rangan Chatterjee: In this week's episode Jonny chats to Rangan Chatterjee, a man who's approach to life is based on integrity, compassion and curiosity. These values can be seen across all of Rangan's work, as a podcaster, best selling author and practicing doctor. This conversation centres around compassion and regaining the ability in our lives to simply 'be'. Jonny and Rangan go into depth on a range of topics including re-defining the metrics of contemporary health, training in healthcare, and investigating our reliance upon labels for understanding who we are. Jonny and Rangan also discuss the benefits of becoming more interested in our ‘being’ than in our ‘doing’ - and how being more consciously aware of how we are feeling has the potential unlock so much pleasure and joy. To find out more about why Rangan Chatterjee resonated with Jonny when he was exploring this topic, please check out the previous episode “What Am I … when I am Healthy?” Rangan's new book 'Happy by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

80 min listen

What Am I... When I Am 'Healthy'?: Health and wellbeing is just such a big topic, it holds so much opportunity. It is absolutely key to our potential and decides how much of it we get to encounter in our lives. But what is health and wellbeing? What does it mean to you? For Jonny, health is comprised of 4 elements; breathing, nutrition, movement and our restfulness. These are all fundamental to the optimal functioning of our bodies and our senses but also the clarity and creativity we experience in our minds. They are also what Jonny looks into in this week’s Tuesday feature. Jonny also introduces Thursday’s episode where he had the chance to investigate this very question with someone who has been exploring this concept for quite a while now; Dr Rangan Chatterjee. Rangan has been practising medicine for nearly 20 years and his experience is leading him to see it as more art than science. His message is one that encourages us to become the architect of our own health and happiness; h by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

19 min listen

What Am I... Doing Here?: Introducing 'I Am' Jonny’s journey from pitch to podcast, and an introduction to Jonny's upcoming interview with our first guest of the series - Rupert Spira. In this debut episode of I Am, host Jonny Wilkinson explains how, in his mid to late twenties, a physical and mental health crises halted him right in his tracks. Jonny goes on to describe how an change in perspective, inspired by this challenge, revealed a new dimension of possibility to him that he had never before explored or contemplated when looking at potential. Drawing energy and guidance from quantum physics, yoga and enlightened beings like the Buddha as well as his experiences on the sporting field Jonny has devoted himself to offering and sharing his findings with others. Jonny also explains where Thursday's guest: spiritual teacher, author (many times over) and fellow podcast host, Rupert Spira, falls into the picture, and condenses down and explains (as best as he can) what Non-Dualism is by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

15 min listen

I Am... Sadhguru: This week Jonny meets with Sadhguru, a yogi mystic from Southern India. What many would refer to as an enlightened being, Sadhguru has been serving people and the planet in numerous forms since an awakening at the age of 26. Sadhguru was in London to share the message of his latest and arguable most pressing campaign “The Conscious Planet save soil movement.” With this movement he is highlighting the degradation of the planet’s soil and rapidly declining organic content and also bringing awareness to the required shift in perspective and activity required to ensure human and ecological survival. Jonny sees this opportunity as an urgent one and a phenomenally important one to commit to and get behind. It is also one that leads into an obvious exploration of self and human potential. Sadhguru and Jonny delve into what is going on in our physical, mental, emotional worlds, exploring how the more consciously aware we become, the more of life we get to touch. Sadhguru also by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

45 min listen

Who Am I... When I Am Fully Engaged?: Today's solo episode is a precursor to a fascinating interview to come on Thursday with Sadhguru. For anyone whom hasn’t come across Sadhguru already, he is an enlightened yogi mystic from Southern India who has been busy serving people and the planet in lots of different forms. To give you an idea of his impact, Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation has over 11 million volunteers supporting it in some way or another worldwide. Sadhguru has lead many campaigns to date and today Jonny digs into his most urgent one; The Conscious Planet save soil movement. A truly necessary cause, Jonny explains what the save soil movement is and why it is so pressing. He also takes a look at how this all connected to potential and how becoming more conscious ourselves can unlock more and more opportunity and performance. Using his examples from sport and Sadhguru’s from spirituality shown him that seeking what life really has to offer means committing to the unknown and stepp by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

19 min listen

I Am… Henry Fraser: In today's episode Jonny speaks with an inspiring man whose journey he’s been following for nearly a decade now, Henry Fraser; Author, Artist and inspirational speaker. Henry addresses the devastating paralysis he suffered when he was 17 with a calm acceptance underpinned by defiance and, if there were to theme today’s episode it would be in the power of allowing. Reminiscing over first meeting at Henry’s debut art exhibition held at his school with a painted portrait of Jonny as one of the starring pieces, the conversation unfolds into the joy of discovering how shucking the worries of perception of others and finding that all of you is left. The freedom and joy that comes in releasing control of what you cannot, and taking control of what you can. How far you can go once you’ve hit rock bottom, once you’ve hit your limit it’s amazing how much further you can go, and seizing control of that which you can control, and letting be that which you cannot, a lesson Henry by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

53 min listen

I Am... Rupert Spira: In his first interview of the series, Jonny travels to Oxford and the home of writer and spiritual teacher, Rupert Spira. Having discovered and resonated with Rupert’s work and teachings a while ago, Jonny is keen to discuss his perception of human potential and transformation. Throughout this enlightening conversation, Rupert draws on a lifetime of investigating the nature of the mind and reality through philosophy as well as his teachings in the ‘direct path’ and non-duality to give insightful and eloquent examples. Together Jonny and Rupert cover a lot of ground, from the fact that so much of our lives are seemingly spent in the quest of happiness, what it means to truly be in the zone as a sportsman, the close correlation between physical body and emotional state and what Rupert calls the Illusory sense of self. To find out more about why Rupert Spira resonated with Jonny when he was exploring this topic, please check out the previous episode “What Am I… Doi by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

89 min listen

I Am… A Creator: The High Performance Podcast x Jonny Wilkinson Special Episode: Welcome to season 2! Jonny kicks off this brand new series by inviting a very special collaboration with Damian Hughes and Jake Humphrey - hosts of The High Performance Podcast. The first conversation between this group took place back in 2020 and the quest to uncover lasting fulfilment impacted listeners from around the globe (and continues to do so). In this special episode, Jonny, Damian and Jake reflect upon what's happened since then and how their approach to life, themselves and others has evolved. The trio also take a look at some of the moving and thought-provoking moments from their own podcasts. This is a powerful listen full of personal learnings and vulnerability - and one not to miss. Special mention to the following for their contributions to the show: Rupert Spira - @RupertSpira Mithu Storoni MD PhD- @MithuStoroni Dr Dave Alred MBE - @dave_alred Bernardo Kastrup - @BernardoKastrup To keep u by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

125 min listen

What Am I… Beyond my Physical Self?: In today’s solo episode with Jonny, Jonny explores the way we seem to identify who we are so closely with our physical bodies and how this limits our search for what we are truly capable of being and creating. When we associate ourselves with the way we look and what we can do, what happens to who we are when our physical self is changed irreversibly and our activity restricted? Do we become less? Or can this actually be a doorway to revealing so much more? These fascinating questions lead Jonny to introduce Thursday's guest Henry Fraser - author, artist and inspirational speaker. Henry was a promising rugby player at The Saracens Academy before a dive into the sea on holiday in 2009 left him paralysed from the shoulders down. His story and insights are enormously powerful. Twitter: @JonnyWilkinson Instagram: @jonnywilkinsonofficial by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

10 min listen

I Am... Dave Alred: Our guest this week is Dr Dave Alred MBE who has been a guiding force throughout Jonny’s career, and is, in his eyes, a guru! Dave’s uncanny ability to read a situation and know exactly what was needed to liberate new spaces of enjoyment, confidence, self-trust and performance and all in such an effortless, engaging way. On this podcast both Dave and Jonny get a chance to explain what the experience was like from their own individual perspectives. Connecting to potential is Dave’s genius and Jonny digs into some of the secrets behind Dave’s methods, how he helps unlock new space for people and works to hand over the keys to them too. He wowed Jonny when he first met him back in 1996 and, as Jonny says, he continues to wow him now. But that’s growth for you. We hope you enjoy the podcast conversation and can take something from it. Please do let us know what is hitting home for you most powerfully and also where you would like to see the podcast go in the future. I by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

66 min listen

I Am... Bernardo Kastrup: For anyone who missed the intro episode, this week’s guest is Bernardo Kastrup - a doctor of computer programming and also a doctor of the philosophy of mind - who specialises in exploring the nature of reality.In today’s episode, we hear the full depth of the conversation with the first half offering an academic and digestible introduction to idealism and metaphysics, laying the foundation and exposing clear flaws in our logic (and in reasoning logic!). The second half falls far more into the realm of personal experience, and how Bernardo connects with life in a liberatingly honest fashion.Trigger warning: there is mention of suicide in this episode at 1 hour and 28 minutes, so if you are sensitive to matters as such, please navigate with care and seek help if necessary.Is there a more powerful way of interacting with life? All these questions and so much more to come. We hope that you enjoy it. To find out more about Bernardo you can see all of his books, a by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

112 min listen

Who Am I… To Coach Others?: There are coaches everywhere and for everything nowadays. So many are doing a wonderful job helping others get towards where they really want to be. In Jonny’s experience there are those coaches whom, however, seem to have access to a deeper dimension of perception and understanding. From such a vantage point they are able to connect dots that we don’t see in ways that we can’t imagine and bring out something in us that we didn’t know existed. They help us to come back to who we really are. It makes them gurus! Our guest this week is Dr Dave Alred MBE who has been a guiding force throughout Jonny’s career, and is, in his eyes, a guru! Dave’s uncanny ability to read a situation and know exactly what was needed to liberate new spaces of enjoyment, confidence, self-trust and performance and all in such an effortless, engaging way. On this podcast both Dave and Jonny get a chance to explain what the experience was like from their own individual perspectives and by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

14 min listen

What Am I… Really Asking For?: In today’s episode, Jonny introduces us to the power of thought and the role it plays according to the laws of the Universe. Drawing from his own history of mental struggles, Jonny tackles how we can transform our relationship with our mind to align our energies and ourselves with the lives we wish to live. Jonny also introduces this week’s Thursday guest, Rhonda Byrne, director of the hugely powerful documentary; The Secret and author of the Secret book series, the first of which has been translated into 50 languages and one of the longest-running best sellers of this century. The concept of thoughts creating our worlds has become an experiential truth for Rhonda and she has found a brilliant way to articulate her understandings. Do you subscribe to the law of attraction? How has it played a part in your life? Let us know in the reviews or via Jonny’s social media @JonnyWilkinson on twitter and @JonnyWilkinsonOfficial on instagram. To keep up to date by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

13 min listen

Introducing I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson: The podcast explores the remarkable transformations taking place within individuals and their understandings of them. Speaking with pioneers and thought leaders around the globe, Jonny wishes to redefine concepts of health and well-being, performance, purpose, leadership, relationships and human potential. From fear to freedom, surviving to thriving, this series will see Jonny celebrating the exponential possibilities that arise when we are willing to challenge old conclusions and become interested in deeper dimensions of experience. All of this will be done through a lens of sport, spirituality, science and ultimately facing adversity and transcending limits. by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

1 min listen

Finding your path with joy and awareness: In today’s solo episode, Jonny elaborates on the conversation to come with Justin Langer. Justin Langer had a long and brilliant stint in professional cricket as a key member of a legendary Australian national team and has since gone on to very successfully coach them too. Justin’s recent resignation from his coaching post leaves him in a great space for reflecting upon big learnings and personal transformations during his career and life. What isn’t missing though is his brilliant intensity and passion. Jonny uses this introductory, personal episode to give his own thoughts on this powerful and impactful type of energy that seems to be behind creative genius and also off the field struggles of isolation. The blessing and the curse as it is known. But does it have to be that way? This is the big question. Can this obsessive type of single minded dedication also be a privileged doorway into a deeper dimension of experience? As Jonny venture by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

24 min listen

I Am... Dr Mithu Storoni: Today Jonny sits down with Dr Mithu Storoni - eye surgeon, neuroscience and researcher-turned-author of "Stress Proof". Stress, it would seem, is a hallmark of what it means to be human. By digging into the social and physical mechanics behind stress, Mithu shares how the brain performs under pressure, perceives reality, and reacts to stress. As our exposure to stress evolves, Jonny and Mithu discuss how a great deal of stress is in our imagination, and there's power in knowing that this tug of war between uncertainty and a curiosity of the unknown (known as the Curiosity gap) is an integral part of being human. The good news, as we'll come to learn, is that not all stress is bad stress, so listen in to understand how we can channel this knowledge to fulfil our true potential. Please do let us know what is hitting home for you most powerfully and also where you would like to see the podcast go in the future. If there are areas that you want Jonny to expand up by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

79 min listen

Finding the Now: In advance of Jonny reuniting with friends Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes at the High Performance Podcast on Thursday, Jonny sets up the episode theme by taking on one of our most popular listener topics: finding the now and how to remain in it for longer. A personal note from Jonny: My aim is that every episode goes some way towards opening up opportunities for us all to experience more of what life has to offer. If you have questions or ideas that you'd like to be explored in a future episode, please email hello@Iampodcast.co.uk or leave a comment under the reviews. Twitter: @JonnyWilkinson Instagram: @jonnywilkinsonofficial by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

20 min listen

I Am... Rhonda Byrne: In this interview with The Secret’s Rhonda Byrne, Jonny and Rhonda delve into the power of thought and how it changes lives. Expect a fascinating conversation that explores the importance of stepping out of reactivity into responsibility and how a mindset shift can open the door to an ever-expanding space of joyful opportunity and creativity. Do you subscribe to the law of attraction? How has it played a part in your life? Let us know in the reviews or on Jonny’s social media @JonnyWilkinson on twitter and @JonnyWilkinsonOfficial on instagram. To keep up to date with Rhonda and her work, you can follow her on Twitter @thesecret or check out her website here: thesecret.tv. by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

54 min listen

I Am … Justin Langer: Justin Langer has had a brilliant sporting career - both as a key member of a legendary Australian national team and as a coach. During Justin’s tenure in charge of the squad, they went on to take back the ashes, win their first ever T20 World Cup and earn their way back to the coveted number 1 World ranking spot. Having just resigned from his coaching post, Jonny caught up with Justin at a great time for a chat about all things potential, performance and helping ourselves and others. Justin is on a healing path that recognises the importance of challenge, humility and of letting go into just being. He has so much to say about how it has come to be and how it is manifesting in his life. Jonny would love to hear from you! If you have any questions that you’d like answered, please email hello@Iampodcast.co.uk or comment in the reviews section. Twitter: @JonnyWilkinson Instagram: @jonnywilkinsonofficial " by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

74 min listen

Who am I … If I Don’t ‘Belong'?: Speaking candidly about what you are really feeling can definitely be a challenge and isn’t always something that society helps facilitate.In today’s episode, Jonny introduces the warm, open and engaging interview to come with Joe van Niekerk - the jungle-living and organic farming ex-Springbok rugby champion. Jonny mulls over some of the core themes brought up by their shared experience in professional sport, including the realisations brought about when your sense of belonging comes to and end. How do you navigate this change? Who are you when your sense of purpose seems to have gone? And once again, Jonny uncovers the power in the letting go of the ego and unhelpful attachment to our "achievements".The full interview with Joe van Niekerk will, as always, follow suit on Thursday so keep and eye out for it. But for now, if you have had similar experiences on the field, in your work or life in general, then Jonny would love to hear from you via the comm by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

15 min listen

I Am... Manda Scott: This week’s guest on the I Am podcast is Manda Scott, a bestselling author, podcaster, columnist and teacher. This is a conversation that covers a lot of fascinating ground and centres upon the potential of human consciousness as we accelerate headfirst into a time of crises and a need for evolution. Manda sees humanity as a storied species, and together she and Jonny discuss how our stories affect how we move forward into the unknown. Manda’s 4 step process for how to connect to our true power and how to manifest a future beyond our imaginations is a beautiful offering too. It opens up a discussion that ties in everything from the climate crises, to image and reputation, patience and the capacity to focus our energies and attention upon what it is that we desire, it is a fascinating listen. As ever Jonny is always keen to hear from anyone listening - so if you have questions that you’d like explored, please email hello@Iampodcast.co.uk or comment in the reviews s by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

73 min listen

I Am … Joe van Niekerk: Jonny's guest today is a 52 time Springbok international - Joe van Niekerk. Having served as a professional adversary to Jonny for many years, Joe has become an immense team mate and friend to Jonny. And in this interview, their mutual respect and trust really shows. In this podcast Jonny and Joe cover all the "real stuff" post their rugby careers, exploring what did and didn't worked for them in those rugby days, what they now see as important, as well as the more conscious understanding they now both possess for the roles they played in it all. Expect some fascinating locker room chat in here as Joe happily gives away the secret to his legendary captain team talks and offers his take on why they end up feeling isolated at points. Jonny's solo episode this week digs a little further into some of the core themes of the episode, so give it a listen if you're interested in taking things a littles deeper. You can find out more about Joe and his new life and wor by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

62 min listen

Realising Your Potential: Welcome back to a new series of I am. Today’s Tuesday episode is a precursor to Thursday’s interview with Peter Crone, The Mind Architect who specialises in revealing and transcending limiting beliefs and subconscious narratives that drive behaviour. Jonny focuses today’s Tuesday recording on something specific that came up during the conversation with Peter and it’s about challenging the concept of realising potential. It's a shift in the way we perceive life that may carry the power to shake a few things loose and lead to new possibilities. As ever Jonny is always keen to hear from anyone listening - so if you have questions that you’d like answered, please email hello@Iampodcast.co.uk or comment in the reviews section. Twitter: @JonnyWilkinson Instagram: @jonnywilkinsonofficial by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

20 min listen

Who Am I... When I “Just Am?”: This week’s guest is Bernardo Kastrup - a doctor of computer programming and also a doctor of the philosophy of mind - who specialises in exploring the nature of reality and what life is all about. Today’s intro episode is a chance for Jonny to set up this extraordinary chat. Consider it like a warm up, a way of loosening off on a few topics and getting ready for when Bernardo attacks it head on in a few days time. How do our social narratives form themselves? Why do they take us over? How do we end up with such inner conflict? How do we end up with such effortless joy at times? Is there a more powerful way of interacting with life? All these questions and so much more to come. We hope that you enjoy it. To find out more about Bernardo you can see all of his books, articles and recent goings on centralised on his website: https://www.bernardokastrup.com Or follow him on Twitter: @BernardoKastrup If you’re a fan of Jonny’s you can also follow him on soc by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

15 min listen

I Am… Dr Ruairi Robertson: Dr Ruairi Robertson a scientist studying the human gut microbiome. He, like Jonny, is fascinated by how microbes influence the human body and today Ruairi and Jonny explore how his research in examining the amazing interactions between microbes and human health can impact our potential. Jonny would love to hear from you! If you have any questions that you’d like answered, please email hello@Iampodcast.co.uk or comment in the reviews section. Twitter: @JonnyWilkinson Instagram: @jonnywilkinsonofficial by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

63 min listen

I Am... Charles Eisenstein: This week’s guest Charles Eisenstein is a beloved author and public speaker, his work is rooted in spirituality, ecology, economics and studying human civilization. Charles has become so successful because he sees the world differently: In how it’s developed, the layers it operates on now and how it could look in the future. Jonny’s chat with Charles is broad, examining and profoundly enlightening. The pair discuss how sport mirrors life, the volatile perspectives of ‘selfish’ and ‘selfless’ and how humiliation could be key to unlocking human potential. As ever Jonny is always keen to hear from anyone listening - so if you have questions that you’d like answered, please email hello@Iampodcast.co.uk or comment in the reviews section. Twitter: @JonnyWilkinson Instagram: @jonnywilkinsonofficial by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

64 min listen

What I Am... Is What I Eat: Food. At it’s most basic, we need food to remain alive. But today we’ll investigate how food can function as the perfect mechanism for thinking, and re-integrating yourself into the lifecycle and life itself. Seems pretty wild, but these week’s episodes will hopefully go a long way to break things down. In this fascinating solo episode, Jonny explores how the food choices we make everyday have a phenomenally important say in the quality of our life experience - from our sensory perception, to our thinking, to how we move, our restfulness and calm, our bodily functions and to how we feel on the inside. Human health depends upon food health that depends upon plant health which depends upon soil health. Interesting stuff! Jonny also takes the time to introduce Thursday’s guest, architect and leading thinker of food and cities, Carolyn Steel, with the hope that in establishing a connection with who we are beyond our ideas could well help us to find a deeper re by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

14 min listen

Nothing changes until we change……Looking at our body and our diet.: How we grow and how we continue to explore the possibilities of who we are, is becoming a major focus of each episode of I AM. It is not really about becoming or arriving at the ideal version of ourselves, it is more about surrendering to something far greater, tuning into the authentic, original voice of our calling, uncovering our purpose and following our highest passion and excitement along the way. In today’s solo episode, Jonny elaborates on the conversation to come with Dr Ruairi Robertson - a scientist studying the human gut microbiome - looking into how we can transform ourselves from the inside out. As gut health and the knowledge of this diverse ‘ecosystem’ of microbes inside us becomes ever prevalent in health discussion debate, Jonny contemplates how our relationship with our body and the food we consume holds the power to connect us more deeply to opportunities and potential on many levels. As ever Jonn by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

26 min listen

I Am… Carolyn Steel: This week's podcast interview is about exploring the connection between who we are and food. Our guest this week is Carolyn Steel, an incredibly interesting woman and who’s passion involves looking at life through the lens of food. Together Jonny and Carolyn take a look at how food shapes us and our worlds, and our bodies, and mull over how our food choices have a phenomenally important say in the quality of our life experience from our sensory perception, to our thinking, to how we move, our restfulness and calm, our bodily functions and to how we feel on the inside. Carolyn also talks about the need for us to eat to remain alive and this very simple activity can hold so much joy if we are willing to engage in it. As Carolyn says, Human health depends upon food health that depends upon plant health which depends upon soil health.In every meal there is a chance to connect to everything and reminds us of our need to get out of our own way too, letting our ideas of by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

65 min listen

The Power of Intention: In today’s solo episode Jonny considers the ideas presented by this week's guest, Lynne McTaggart. Lynne is an author and journalist whose work centers upon research into spiritual healing and the power of intention. She reveals the phenomenal effects this can have on ourselves and others and how it can change lives.. For Jonny, Lynne McTaggart’s findings came at a very important time in his own journey. Her first of four books “The Field” was a catalyst for opening up a new relationship with himself and the world around him. This personal episode provides a perfect opportunity to explore the importance our visions and dreams hold and why we might want to consider investing more energy in them. As ever Jonny is always keen to hear from anyone listening - so if you have questions that you’d like answered, please email hello@Iampodcast.co.uk or comment in the reviews section. Twitter: @JonnyWilkinson Instagram: @jonnywilkinsonofficial by I Am... With Jonny Wilkinson

15 min listen

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I Am... James O'Connor on Embracing Vulnerability as a Guide and Fuel

I Am... James O'Connor on Embracing Vulnerability as a Guide and Fuel

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